Author: Gabby

As the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) grapples with rising internal tensions, the party has moved to fill key communication roles. In a statement released by National Publicity Secretary Osa Director, the party announced that Agada Abuh Theophilus has been named Director of New Media and Strategic Communications, with Brian Dennis serving as his deputy.

The party expressed enthusiasm over the new appointments, highlighting the fresh perspectives and expertise the duo bring. According to the statement, the NDC expects these leaders to amplify the party’s message and foster deeper connections with Nigerians across all media channels.

Theophilus is described as a seasoned strategist with a background in political campaigns, corporate branding, public relations, and digital media. He holds a Master’s degree in Development Communications and is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD focusing on election administration and management.

Dennis brings seven years of experience in strategic and political communications. He holds a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution, complementing his analytical skills.

The appointments are part of the NDC’s efforts to revamp its communications framework and improve engagement with the electorate, especially amid ongoing disputes over primary elections that have shaken the party’s unity.

Veteran Nollywood actor and lawyer Kenneth Okonkwo has stepped up his accusations against Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting that security and anti-corruption agencies must probe bribery allegations involving party aspirants.

Okonkwo’s latest remarks follow Obi’s legal action against his former ally, who alleged that NDC leaders demanded N10 million from House of Representatives aspirants. In a statement on Wednesday, Okonkwo said he had a civic and professional duty to expose wrongdoing.

The actor-turned-politician claimed that multiple aspirants in the South-East were victims of fraud and should receive refunds. He pointed to Obunike Ohaegbu, an aspirant who accused NDC leaders of collecting money in violation of party guidelines.

Okonkwo cited Senator Seriake Dickson, who reportedly stated that aspirants should only pay for expression of interest forms, with nomination fees required solely from primary winners. Any extra payment, Okonkwo argued, constitutes corruption.

Obi’s legal team, led by Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN), sent a letter on June 9, 2026, demanding a retraction, apology, and compensation, calling the allegations false and defamatory. They denied claims that Obi compiled the candidate list or engaged in fraud.

Despite the legal threat, Okonkwo remains firm, urging authorities to investigate. He said, “The South-East people have suffered enough. No human being can take them for granted or perpetrate fraud against them without challenge. Obunike is just one of many who have been scammed by NDC leaders.”

Okonkwo added, “Senator Seriake Dickson made it clear that aspirants should only pay for expression of interest forms. Any payment beyond that is corrupt. If Obunike Ohaegbu and others were not primary winners, then Peter Obi and the NDC must refund them immediately.”

The dispute marks a deepening rift between Obi and Okonkwo, who was once a staunch supporter but has since aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 election.

The Director of Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, has emphasized that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), must broaden his political footprint in Northern Nigeria for success. During an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday, Amadi discussed the upcoming general elections. He noted that the Obi-Kwankwaso joint ticket would pose a significant challenge to Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). According to Amadi, selecting Rabi’u Kwankwaso as a running mate shows that Obi’s priority is to extend his electoral reach in the north. He acknowledged that this would be tough given Atiku’s presence and associated controversies, but that is the nature of politics. For now, we will see strategies shaped by political narratives rather than deep resistance. The coming period will feature crafted messages to influence election outcomes, and as campaigns begin, we may witness an escalation of hate speech, Amadi added.

Public affairs analyst Sumner Sambo has argued that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) must entrust Rabi’u Kwankwaso with leadership of party structures in Kano State. Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Tuesday, Sambo emphasized that Kwankwaso, rather than the candidates, has been the driving force behind electoral victories for parties he has been part of.

Sambo urged NDC’s 2027 presidential candidate Peter Obi to collaborate with party national leader Seriake Dickson to reorganize the party ahead of next year’s general elections. He noted that the ongoing challenges in Kano should not have arisen, as Kwankwaso’s influence should have been leveraged to maintain stability.

According to Sambo, Kwankwaso’s political leverage is crucial, and Obi needs to engage directly with party affairs rather than remaining on the sidelines with Dickson. He stressed that Kwankwaso’s role has been instrumental in past electoral successes, and his leadership is essential for the party’s progress in Kano.

In a recent statement that has stirred political discourse, Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has openly criticized the administration led by President Bola Tinubu. He argues that the widespread hardship experienced by Nigerians is not an inescapable destiny but a direct outcome of ineffective governance and misguided policies.

Taking to his official X handle on Tuesday, Adebayo emphasized that poverty should not be viewed as Nigeria’s predetermined condition. Instead, he pointed out that it stems from policy missteps and poor leadership. According to him, the nation can turn its economic situation around by adopting a government that prioritizes the right strategies and deliberate planning.

The SDP chieftain highlighted that despite three years of economic reforms under the current administration, millions of citizens continue to grapple with escalating difficulties and diminished purchasing power. He stated, “Poverty is not Nigeria’s destiny. It is the result of failed leadership and it can be defeated with the right government, the right priorities and the right plan.” His remarks underscore a growing frustration among political figures and the populace regarding the pace and direction of economic recovery efforts.

The Federal High Court in Gusau has commenced proceedings in a pre-election case brought by Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, an APC aspirant for the Zamfara North Senatorial district, who contests his omission from the party’s primary election. Presiding Judge Hassan Dikko is handling the matter.

The suit lists the APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura as defendants. Shinkafi seeks a court order to nullify the senatorial primary, arguing that his exclusion was unlawful and unjust.

During the Tuesday mention, the case encountered delays due to unresolved questions regarding INEC’s involvement. The judge adjourned proceedings to June 25 and instructed INEC to appear while directing all parties to exchange legal documents before the next hearing.

Bello Galadi, the plaintiff’s attorney, expressed optimism about the case’s merits, emphasizing that the court would deliver fair judgment. Meanwhile, Jaysey Sharka, representing Senator Kaura, acknowledged that the matter remains in the hearing phase.