Author: Gabby

Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, has expressed dissatisfaction with the presidential primary election of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that resulted in Atiku Abubakar becoming the party’s candidate. Speaking on a podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, Dalung, who previously served under President Muhammadu Buhari, stated that he is not proud of the primary process.

Dalung noted that the coalition formed for the 2027 general elections is not as strong as it was initially. He lamented that the primary fell short of his expectations, describing the conduct of the election as disappointing. Dalung, who served as an electoral officer, claimed to have witnessed irregularities during the process, including rigging and falsification of results.

He criticized the state of democracy in Nigeria, arguing that after 26 to 27 years of democratic rule, such malpractices should be a thing of the past. Dalung’s comments come in the wake of the ADC’s primary election, which officially nominated Atiku as its flag bearer for the upcoming presidential race.

A prominent figure within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kano, Musa Ibrahim Nabanki, has urged Nigerians to reject the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming 2027 general elections. He asserted that citizens have already seen through the shortcomings of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and are ready for change.

Nabanki made these remarks during an ADC stakeholders’ assembly held in Kano on Saturday. He expressed confidence that the event demonstrated widespread support for both the ADC and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

“The gathering we had today in Kano clearly shows that the people embrace the ADC and have faith in Atiku Abubakar,” Nabanki said.

He emphasized that the party has been working tirelessly to awaken Nigerians to the severe insecurity plaguing the country and to take immediate action. Nabanki stated, “We are convinced that Atiku will transform the situation if he assumes the presidency. In Nigeria, there are only two major political players: the ADC and the APC.”

Nabanki accused other political parties of secretly collaborating with the APC and President Tinubu ahead of the elections. He urged citizens to channel their anger at the ballot box by voting out the APC-led government, pointing to the alarming rates of kidnappings and killings as compelling reasons for change.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured another electoral victory as its candidate, Monsuru Osho, clinched the councillorship seat in Iperu III Ward 5, located in the Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State. The bye-election was held across 18 polling units to fill the vacancy created by the demise of the former councillor, Nurudeen Bakare.

Olusogo Otelaja, the Returning Officer for the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), announced the results, revealing that Osho garnered 1,730 votes out of a total of 1,741 votes cast. In comparison, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managed only five votes, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secured four votes. The voting process commenced at 8:00 am and was marked by the deployment of security personnel across the ward to ensure a smooth and incident-free exercise. Otelaja confirmed that the election proceeded in an orderly manner with no major disruptions.

Babatunde Osibodu, Chairman of OGSIEC, represented by Commissioner Gbemi Onasanya, commended the peaceful, free, and credible nature of the poll. He expressed gratitude to residents for their calm participation and lauded electoral officials and security agencies for their professionalism during the voting and collation phases. Jamiu Asimi, Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, also praised OGSIEC for what he described as a seamless and transparent electoral process.

In his victory speech, Osho expressed profound gratitude to the electorate for their overwhelming support and trust in his candidacy. He extended his appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun for granting him the opportunity to serve, pledging to collaborate with the local government administration to foster development and enhance the welfare of residents in the ward. Voters, including Kehinde Fasola and Moses Adewuyi, characterized the election as peaceful, transparent, and well-organized, reflecting a positive democratic experience.

The Accord Party’s Lagos chapter officially introduced its slate of candidates for the 2027 general elections during a ceremony held in Lagos. The event saw 27 aspirants receive Certificates of Return, marking them as the party’s official contenders for various positions including governor, senator, House of Representatives member, and state legislator.

Party Chairman Dele Oladeji, who is also vying for the Lagos West Senate seat, described the occasion as a critical step in the party’s electoral preparations and the launch of its campaign efforts. He emphasized that the Accord Party is offering Lagos residents a viable alternative to the dominant political groups, focusing on social justice, public welfare, security, and inclusive governance.

Solomon Oladimeji Wahab, the senatorial candidate for Lagos Central, called on citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in the electoral process, underscoring the need for transparent elections. Joseph Taiwo Jehoshaphat, contesting for Badagry Federal Constituency, pledged to prioritize youth initiatives and bring development projects to the area. Blessing Maduka-Sunday, the Lagos East senatorial candidate, advocated for greater female representation and stronger policies to support women’s economic empowerment.

The party also reaffirmed its endorsement of Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as its presidential candidate for 2027. Supporters praised him as a unifying figure capable of driving national growth and implementing reforms. Party leaders expressed confidence in their ability to make a strong showing across Lagos State as they intensify their mobilization drive.

A member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, representing Oyi Constituency under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has taken legal action to contest the outcome of the party’s primary election. Hon. Innocent Ojike, the aspirant, alleges irregularities in the process that produced Kosisochukwu Ibemesi as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election.

The lawsuit, designated as FHC/AWK/CS/173/2026, was submitted at the Federal High Court in Awka. Ojike’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Reuben Atabo, named APGA, Ibemesi, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as respondents.

Court documents dated June 4 reveal that Ojike claims to have garnered 3,524 lawful votes, the highest count during the primary held on May 23, 2026. He asserts that the returning officer, Dr. Nnewaluem James, officially declared him the winner. Citing Section 84(1) of the Electoral Act of 2026, he argues that he remains the legitimate APGA candidate for Oyi Constituency.

Among the twelve reliefs sought, Ojike requests the court to nullify APGA’s announcement of Ibemesi as the winner, made on May 25, 2026. He also seeks an order compelling APGA to forward his name to INEC as the party’s candidate. Additionally, he demands that INEC accept, publish, and recognize his candidacy. The suit further requests exemplary damages of N100 million against APGA and Ibemesi.

Hearing dates for the matter have yet to be set by the court.

Sam Amadi, a prominent member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former chairman of the Nigerian Electric Regulatory Commission, has raised serious concerns over the conduct of the party’s primaries in Imo State. He claims the process was tainted by ticket racketeering and deceptive practices against aspirants.

According to Amadi, several party officials engaged in collecting money from candidates under the pretense of securing tickets, but failed to deliver on their promises. He made these allegations while discussing the primary outcomes, noting that multiple aspirants have come forward with complaints.

In his statement, Amadi revealed that aggrieved aspirants have been approaching him, sharing their experiences of how they paid sums to officials but did not receive the anticipated tickets. He urged those who made payments beyond the official party fees to contact him, promising to help recover their funds.

Amadi emphasized the need for accountability, describing the alleged actions as fraudulent. He warned that such behavior undermines the credibility of the political process and insisted that internal party mechanisms must ensure transparency. He added, “There must be accountability for fraud. This is beyond politics. If you collected money for a transaction, then perform or refund. Political processes must not be commercialized.”

He reiterated his call for responsibility and transparency within the NDC’s nomination procedures, stressing that accountability is non-negotiable.

Datti Baba-Ahmed, the former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has dismissed claims of a rift between him and his former principal, Peter Obi. He emphasized that no individual or situation will damage their relationship.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Inside Source’ program with Laolu Akande, Baba-Ahmed addressed the speculation about a fallout. He stated unequivocally that nothing can create problems between them.

“Let me make it clear: nobody will cause any trouble between my boss, Peter Obi, and me,” Baba-Ahmed said. “Regardless of which party he belongs to, I continue to hold him in high regard. He governed Anambra State well and doesn’t engage in frivolities. We share mutual respect, and no one will drive a wedge between us.”

Recall that Baba-Ahmed was Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party. However, their political paths diverged ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi moved to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and secured its presidential ticket, while Baba-Ahmed joined the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

Despite these changes, Baba-Ahmed insists their bond remains unbroken. He reiterated his respect for Obi’s leadership and integrity, stressing that external forces cannot disrupt their connection.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued new directives aimed at strengthening party discipline and institutional framework ahead of the 2027 elections. In a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NEC outlined a series of resolutions designed to ensure that all elected officials under the NDC banner prioritize party consultation before making significant decisions.

According to the NEC, the party must remain the supreme authority, and all members are expected to subordinate their personal ambitions to broader party interests. The resolutions emphasize that programs, policies, and appointments—except for personal staff—by any government formed on the NDC platform must be cleared with party structures at appropriate levels.

The NDC also declared that all affiliated groups and non-governmental organizations operating under its umbrella will act solely under party guidance. These groups must not operate parallel to or independent of the official party hierarchy, ensuring unity of purpose and preventing fragmentation.

The statement further revealed plans to establish a comprehensive Code of Conduct for all party officials and candidates. A committee led by the National Legal Adviser has been tasked with developing a detailed framework and guidelines to enforce ethical standards and accountability.

In a move to heal internal rifts, the NEC inaugurated a National Reconciliation Committee to address grievances and bring together aggrieved members. The party stressed that the NDC is being built as an enduring institution, not a personality cult, political movement, or temporary vehicle for individual gain.

On financial matters, the NEC insisted on strict accountability for all party resources. Candidates at all levels must disclose all funds raised and contributions made, routing them through dedicated party campaign accounts—including presidential and governorship accounts. This transparency measure aims to ensure that party funds are used solely for legitimate party business.

The NDC called on members to remain committed and contribute to the party’s growth, emphasizing that total allegiance must always be to the party and the national interest. These resolutions mark a significant push toward institutionalizing the party ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.

Senator Ali Ndume has revealed that his victory in securing the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the 2027 elections stems from divine intervention, the unwavering support of his constituents, and encouragement from select political figures. He acknowledged that he does not enjoy popularity within President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ndume highlighted his consistent electoral achievements, attributing them to the trust his people place in both him and the APC. He is gearing up for his seventh electoral contest, having served two terms in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate.

According to Ndume, voters in his constituency are well-informed and capable of making independent choices. Their backing for him and the APC reflects a belief that these options serve their best interests. He emphasized that the ticket came from God, his people, and some leaders, adding that he is not among the influential figures in Tinubu’s government.

Ndume, who has occasionally criticized the administration, stressed that public officials deserve praise when they take actions beneficial to the populace. He said, ‘By God’s grace, this is the seventh election I’m going into… I’ve always been winning. Our people are not fools. They are mostly aware and educated. If they elect APC and Ndume, it’s because they feel it’s better for them.’ He added, ‘I got the ticket from God and my people and the support of some of our leaders. You know I’m not one of the popular guys on the corridor of power so far.’