Author: Gabby

In a notable political development in Ekiti State, Hon. Ademola Alade, a former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, has officially crossed over to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with a large number of his followers. The event took place on Sunday at his Awo Ekiti ward, marking a significant boost for the ruling party as the June 20 gubernatorial election approaches.

Explaining his move, Alade cited the exceptional leadership and achievements of Governor Biodun Oyebanji. He praised the governor’s inclusive governance, developmental projects, and people-centered policies, which he said inspired his decision to align with the APC. Alade highlighted key initiatives such as infrastructure upgrades, agricultural programs for youth, and the six-point agenda that has transformed Ekiti into a model of peace and prosperity.

The defection ceremony drew several prominent APC figures and government officials, including Ekiti State Commissioner for Information Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, local APC chairman Ope Ogundele, and retired Chief Judge Justice Ayodeji Daramola. Alade emphasized that he and his supporters were not seeking to take over the party but to contribute to its growth and secure more democratic benefits for the people.

Alade noted that Awo Ekiti had gained unprecedented political inclusion under Oyebanji, with more appointments and recognition than ever before. He expressed confidence that the APC would win overwhelmingly in all 177 wards of the state. He also pledged full support for Oyebanji in the upcoming election and for President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Commissioner Olatunbosun, receiving the defectors, assured them of equal opportunities within the party. He described Alade as a seasoned grassroots politician whose experience will strengthen the APC locally. Ogundele, speaking on behalf of State Chairman Sola Elesin, welcomed the new members and urged them to uphold the party’s values of unity and progress.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned that opposition parties in Nigeria are making a strategic error by zoning their 2027 presidential ticket exclusively to the South. In a statement released by his media aide, Olusola Sanni, Atiku argued that such a move is not only politically naive but also ignores historical electoral realities.

Atiku pointed out that no sitting president has ever been defeated by a challenger from the same geopolitical zone. With President Bola Tinubu—a Southerner—seeking re-election, fielding another Southern candidate would be futile. He stressed that the opposition must base its decisions on hard arithmetic and coalition-building, not emotional appeals or moral posturing.

The former vice president also challenged the equity arguments behind the zoning demand. He noted that by 2027, the South would have held the presidency for about 18 years in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, compared to the North’s 10 years. Allowing the South to retain power for another term would further widen this imbalance, making calls for fairness ring hollow.

Atiku criticized political actors who now champion zoning but abandoned the principle in 2011 when the North’s turn was interrupted by President Yar’Adua’s death. He described their sudden embrace of rotational justice as selective and opportunistic, driven by personal ambition rather than genuine commitment to fairness.

While acknowledging the legitimate aspirations of the Southeast to produce a president, Atiku cautioned against reducing this to transactional bargaining. He called for a sustainable and credible pathway to national leadership for the region, free from tokenism or individual interests.

In conclusion, Atiku urged the opposition to focus on building a formidable national coalition capable of defeating an incumbent. He emphasized that winning power requires realism, strategy, and honesty—not romanticism or selective memory. The choice, he said, is between making an emotional statement and actually winning the election.

A prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Faizu Alfindiki, has expressed that the political collaboration between former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and ex-presidential candidate Peter Obi has caught many in the northern region off guard. He shared these observations during a press interaction in Kano, questioning the direction and focus of Kwankwaso’s political maneuvers.

Alfindiki noted that numerous northern citizens are puzzled by Kwankwaso’s apparent inclination to link up with Obi’s political faction rather than fostering stronger bonds among northern leaders. The APC stalwart emphasized that the region requires its political figures to cooperate in order to safeguard its interests and amplify its influence nationally. According to him, the North necessitates leaders who prioritize unity and collaborative efforts for regional progress.

The former chairman of Kano Municipal Council also leveled criticism at Obi, asserting that Obi has not adequately addressed critical issues impacting the North. He remarked that Obi rarely speaks out on major challenges such as insecurity, agriculture, and economic development in a manner that many anticipate. Alfindiki further contended that Kwankwaso’s political choices could imply that personal ambition is being prioritized over collective regional welfare.

He stated that in politics, individuals are evaluated based on their positions and the alliances they form. The people of the North require leaders capable of uniting to preserve the region’s political integrity. Nevertheless, he urged politicians across Nigeria to pursue alliances that encourage national cohesion instead of exacerbating divisions. The APC chieftain also commended the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting ongoing projects in infrastructure, road construction, and agriculture as evidence of a commitment to national advancement. He argued that such initiatives warrant continued support for the President in the lead-up to future elections.

In a strategic move aimed at fostering unity within the party, six contenders for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket in Kano Central Senatorial District have stepped aside and thrown their weight behind former governor Senator Ibrahim Shekarau. The decision, announced on Sunday, May 10, 2026, following a meeting in Abuja, is seen as a step towards strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The aspirants who endorsed Shekarau include Usman Bala, Sha’aban Sharada, Muhammad Zango, Danyaro Yakasai, Abbas Sani Abbas, and Shehu Isa Driver. Speaking to journalists after the deliberation, they emphasized that their withdrawal was motivated by the need for unity, peace, and progress within the APC in Kano State.

According to the group, backing Shekarau is part of broader efforts to consolidate the party’s position and ensure stability in the Kano Central senatorial zone. They noted that the move would help the APC present a formidable front in the upcoming elections.

It is worth recalling that Senator Ibrahim Shekarau recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, setting the stage for his senatorial bid. The endorsement by these six aspirants signals a consolidation of support for the former governor within the party.

In a significant political shift, Sani Lawal, who represents the Zango/Baure Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has reportedly left the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made through a statement from Abubakar Yahaya Kusada, a former chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character. Kusada shared the news on his official social media page on May 10, 2026, revealing that Lawal is a close ally and longtime political partner. They first worked together in the Katsina State House of Assembly after being elected in 2015. Kusada described Lawal as more than a colleague, likening him to a blood brother. He praised Lawal as a dedicated and focused parliamentarian, noting that his absence will be felt within the APC. While extending best wishes for Lawal’s future political endeavors, Kusada did not specify which party the lawmaker might join. Sources suggest that the departure stems from disagreements over the party’s consensus process and issues related to Lawal’s reelection ticket. The development highlights ongoing tensions within the APC as the 2027 elections approach, with other party members also voicing concerns over internal conflicts.

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress, Farouk Aliyu, has stated that the party has a strategy to address the frustration of aspirants who fail to secure tickets for the 2027 general elections. During an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Aliyu admitted that not all contenders will be satisfied with the outcome of primaries and consensus arrangements. He appealed to aggrieved members to stay committed to the party, explaining that leadership will use dialogue, pledges, and even appointments to placate those left disappointed.

Aliyu emphasized that political decisions in the APC are shaped by broad consultations among key stakeholders, and governors do not always have the ultimate authority over candidate selection. He noted that the party will prioritize consensus but will hold direct primaries in instances where agreement cannot be reached. He remarked, “There will definitely be broken hearts. If you have an ambition and you don’t achieve it, you may feel heartbroken. But if you are a true party loyalist and the leaders agree on a particular candidate, you should either support that decision or contest in the election.”

He also highlighted the dynamic nature of politics, saying, “Today’s promise may not hold tomorrow. Even if a governor promises a ticket, there are limitations because other stakeholders may wield more influence.” Aliyu concluded that the APC has mechanisms in place to mend strained relationships, and will continue to engage with disgruntled members through soothing words, future opportunities, and possible appointments. The party is prepared and ready for the challenges ahead.