Author: Gabby

Six governorship hopefuls from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State have collectively dismissed the alleged endorsement of former Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Baba Mallam Wali, as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election. They insist that only a transparent and competitive primary election will be acceptable.

In a statement released after a meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the aspirants outlined their unified stance. They argued that the reported adoption of Wali contravenes both the Electoral Act and the APC Constitution, calling the process fundamentally flawed.

The group comprises notable figures: Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai representing Yobe South, Bashir Sheriff Machina, former Chairman of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Governing Council, and Kashim Musa Tumsah, former NNPCL board member. Others include Engr. Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja, ex-Director General of NEMA; Lawan Kolo Geidam, former Mandate Secretary for Youths and Sports in the FCT; and IGP Mohammed Alkali Baba, former Inspector-General of Police.

The statement emphasized that the alleged endorsement fails to meet the legal standards outlined in the Electoral Act 2026 and the APC Constitution, making it null and void. They stressed the need for strict compliance with consensus provisions to guarantee a credible candidate emerges.

Furthermore, the aspirants called for a fair and transparent direct primary election if consensus cannot be achieved, adhering to APC guidelines. They maintained that the rules were disregarded in selecting Wali, and any consensus must follow due process as defined by relevant laws.

The Islamic Coordination Council (ICC) has declared that a Muslim should emerge as the next governor of Oyo State in the 2027 election, challenging recent statements attributed to Governor Seyi Makinde. In a statement signed by its chairman, Sulaiman Abanise, and secretary, Mas’ud Akintola, the council argued that an unofficial but long-standing tradition of religious balancing in the state’s leadership makes it imperative for a Muslim to succeed the current governor.

The ICC pointed to a historical precedent during the 2019 transition, when a former chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo publicly stated that it was the turn of Christians to govern after former Governor Abiola Ajimobi. The council also noted that only six of the 18 individuals who have occupied the Agodi Government House since 1976 were Muslims, reinforcing their demand for a Muslim governor.

The group was responding to remarks Makinde reportedly made at a farewell event for 2026 Hajj pilgrims. The ICC criticized the governor for comparing executive and legislative roles, especially his reference to past Muslim senators, arguing such comparisons ignore the unique power of the governor’s office.

“We are aware that the governor is sufficiently educated to understand the difference between executive and legislative roles,” the statement read. The council described the remarks as “misleading” and an “insult to the intelligence of the citizenry.”

The ICC also questioned the governor’s consistency, highlighting his 2021 decision to appoint a Muslim deputy governor after the impeachment of his former deputy. According to the council, this suggests religious considerations have previously influenced political appointments in the state. The statement further alleged that CAN was involved in consultations with Muslim leaders during Makinde’s re-election campaign.

The group warned that ignoring religious balancing in the 2027 succession could have political consequences, potentially strengthening opposition parties during the election.

Former Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Austin Tam-George, has described Governor Sim Fubara’s leadership as the best opportunity for the state to break free from what he termed the excessive self-aggrandizement of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Thursday, Tam-George asserted that while political godfathers are not unusual in Nigeria, Rivers State has experienced a unique situation where a former governor has taken prebendal politics to unprecedented levels.

The former commissioner said, “Fubara’s administration is our best chance to escape Wike’s self-aggrandizement. We have a godfather who has elevated personal enrichment and self-serving politics to a point where the people can no longer accept it.”

Tam-George pointed out that during Wike’s eight-year tenure as governor, no civil servant was promoted in Rivers State. He praised Fubara for being wise enough to shift focus toward meeting the needs of the people. “Governor Fubara has shown wisdom in gravitating toward addressing the welfare of the citizens,” he added.

He reiterated that those supporting Fubara’s administration do so because they believe it represents a departure from the prebendal, self-aggrandizing politics that characterized Wike’s era. “We back Fubara because it is our best shot at a government that prioritizes public good over personal aggrandizement,” Tam-George concluded.

Prominent human rights campaigner Aisha Yesufu has declared that she will not tolerate any attempt to manipulate the electoral process as she gears up for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat in the 2027 general elections.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Yesufu stated that she will match any underhanded tactics with fierce opposition. “If they go low, I will go underground,” she warned, emphasizing her readiness to counter rigging.

She expressed strong faith in the electorate of the FCT, asserting that residents are determined and will not allow anyone to force a candidate upon them. “I will not engage in any illegality. I am not going to steal anybody’s vote,” she affirmed.

“When it comes to the general election, Abuja residents are resolute in their choice. Nobody has the right to impose anyone on the people of Abuja,” Yesufu added.

The activist, who recently switched from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), reiterated that she is not someone to be easily overpowered. “Nobody has a monopoly on anyhowness. I don’t think I look like someone who can be walked over,” she said confidently.

In a significant political shift, approximately 20 governors affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) have elected Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, as the new chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF). This development follows the reported removal of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, from the position.

According to sources, the decision was reached during an emergency meeting convened by the APC governors on Thursday night in Abuja. Among those present were Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, and 17 other governors, as reported by Arise TV.

However, a statement from the PGF Director General, Folorunso Aluko, refuted the claim, labeling it as entirely false and deceptive. He insisted that no such meeting occurred and that Governor Uzodinma remains the rightful chairman of the forum.

Despite the denial, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to DAILY POST that the gathering indeed took place at the Ogun Government Lodge on Thursday evening. The source added that the move to replace Uzodinma with Mbah was part of broader realignments within the APC ahead of future political contests.

Presidential hopeful Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has officially collected the African Democratic Congress (ADC) nomination form for the 2027 elections, promising to address insecurity, boost employment, and curb the rising cost of living.

The economist arrived at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja late Thursday to a warm welcome from party members, youth groups, and supporters. He became the first aspirant to secure the ADC presidential form, which was handed over by National Organising Secretary Prince Chinedu Idigo.

Supporters at the event chanted songs of solidarity, urging for leadership that prioritizes security, economic revival, job creation, and relief from the nation’s economic struggles. After receiving the form, Hayatu-Deen emphasized that the 2027 election must center on revitalizing Nigeria’s economy and fortifying national security.

“Nigerians are weary of fear, of watching businesses falter, jobs vanish, and the price of essentials climb beyond reach,” he said. “This election cannot be about politics as usual. It must focus on securing our communities, restoring economic confidence, creating jobs at scale, and making life affordable for millions.”

The aspirant identified insecurity as a major national threat, warning that economic progress is impossible amid fear and instability. “We cannot achieve prosperity in an environment of fear. Security is the bedrock of any strong economy,” he stated.

Hayatu-Deen also pledged to implement policies that lower business costs, support small and medium enterprises, and expand opportunities for young Nigerians. “I have decades of experience helping businesses grow and generate jobs. I know how to build institutions, unlock investments, and create opportunities. Nigeria has immense talent and potential, but it requires disciplined leadership and serious execution,” he added.

A coalition of six governorship aspirants from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State has issued a vote of no confidence against the state party chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka. The aspirants allege that Gadaka has exhibited bias and partiality, undermining the integrity of the party’s primary election process.

During a meeting held in Abuja, the aspirants released a statement calling for Gadaka’s immediate removal from all responsibilities related to the conduct and oversight of the Yobe State APC primaries. They argued that his conduct has made it impossible to trust that he can oversee a free, fair, and transparent direct primary election.

The statement emphasized that the aspirants no longer have confidence in Gadaka’s ability to manage the primary election impartially. They demanded that the national leadership of the APC intervene and reassign Gadaka to ensure a credible electoral process.

Despite their criticism of the state chairman, the aspirants reaffirmed their support for the APC national leadership and expressed their continued backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid. They reiterated their commitment to the party’s ideals and their desire for a democratic and credible primary election in Yobe State.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has strongly criticized the police for their recent involvement in the party’s internal leadership dispute, describing it as a threat to democratic principles in Nigeria. In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, expressed outrage over what he termed an unwarranted and politically biased act by security forces.

Aiyenigba highlighted that the police intervened in a matter involving former National Chairman Shehu Gabam, who the party claims has been officially expelled. He accused law enforcement of acting without a court order and labeled their conduct as reckless and partisan. According to the party, officers allegedly forced their way into the situation without legal justification.

The SDP called on authorities to uphold professionalism and impartiality, stressing that democracy can only flourish when the rule of law and justice prevail. The party also urged Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding while demanding accountability from institutions responsible for maintaining peace and order.

Reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, the SDP stated that these values must be safeguarded at all times, irrespective of political affiliations. The party’s condemnation comes amid an escalating leadership crisis that has drawn attention to the neutrality of security agencies in the country.

Human rights advocate Aisha Yesufu has strongly rebuffed the remarks made by Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ program on Thursday, Yesufu asserted that no sensible Nigerian would bother to engage with Bwala’s commentary. She was reacting to Bwala’s criticism of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, whom he accused of avoiding party primaries to test his political strength. Yesufu stated, ‘First of all, there’s no right-thinking Nigerian who will spend their energy discussing Daniel Bwala.’ She further emphasized that she would not concentrate on his statements, adding, ‘I heard him mention my name. I think I will leave him to Medi Hassan, someone who knows how to handle people like Daniel.’ Yesufu redirected the focus to the core issues, saying, ‘One of the things I would say is that in the case of Nigeria, definitely what we want is good governance, accountability, and transparency, and a place where the lives of Nigerians would matter.’