Author: Gabby

The Accord Party’s national leadership has declared it will not put forward a governorship candidate in Abia State for the 2027 election. Instead, the party is throwing its weight behind Governor Alex Otti’s re-election bid.

Professor Christopher Imumolen, the party’s National Chairman, and National Secretary Mukhtar Abdullah Djungo made the announcement during a visit to Governor Otti at his residence in Nvosi, Isialangwa South LGA on Wednesday. They instructed all party members and executives in the state to rally behind the Labour Party candidate.

Professor Imumolen highlighted that Governor Otti’s impressive performance in office motivated the party to endorse him. He stressed that opposition parties should go beyond just criticizing and should recognize and support good governance when they see it.

National Secretary Djungo reiterated the decision, saying, “Our party will not field any governorship candidate in Abia. The National Working Committee has directed the state executive to collaborate with the Labour Party and work for the welfare of Abia residents. Let the positive work continue.”

In his response, Governor Otti expressed gratitude to the Accord Party leaders for their support. He emphasized that politics should focus on the well-being and security of the people. “The entire purpose of politics is the welfare and safety of our citizens,” Otti remarked, pledging to work with the party going forward.

Jolly Nyame, a former governor of Taraba State and long-time member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has officially stepped down from the party. He cited persistent marginalisation and injustice towards his people as the primary reasons for his departure.

Nyame made the announcement while addressing his support group after a Federal High Court ruling in Jalingo, as seen in a widely circulated social media video. According to him, the decision followed extensive consultations with supporters and key stakeholders from Zing Local Government Area. He stated that his move is aimed at finding a new political platform where he can effectively serve his constituents.

In his statement, the former governor expressed frustration that his years of loyalty and contributions to the APC have not resulted in fair treatment for himself or the Yorro community. He posed a rhetorical question, asking if the party would not honour him, the Dabon Yarro and leader of the Yorro community worldwide, then who else from his people would they honour?

Nyame further alleged that individuals from his zone have faced prolonged political exclusion and lack of adequate representation in state affairs. He noted that the mounting pressure from his people, who feel their voices have been suppressed for too long, is pushing him towards contesting an elective office in the 2027 general elections, despite his advanced age.

He warned that remaining silent over the perceived injustice would only worsen the situation. Nyame called on his supporters to stand united with him in the struggle to improve the fortunes of the community, as he aligns with like-minded individuals committed to the area’s development.

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Kebbi State has called on all political parties to rigorously follow the guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as they prepare for primaries. This appeal applies to parties that have already held congresses and those yet to conduct theirs.

Faruku Garba, NATO, the chairman of IPAC in Kebbi, issued a statement on Wednesday emphasizing the importance of transparent and credible congresses for strengthening internal democracy. He argued that well-conducted congresses are a critical test for fair primaries and essential for producing capable leaders.

Garba noted that fair congresses are fundamental to electing good leaders and that credible processes are vital tools for parties to achieve electoral success. He cautioned that poorly managed congresses often lead to legal disputes, which can harm parties’ electoral prospects and create unnecessary tensions within the democratic system.

The IPAC chairman urged all political parties in Kebbi and across Nigeria to ensure their internal activities comply strictly with INEC laws and regulations. He warned that parties failing to adhere to constitutional and INEC rules risk being delisted. Garba concluded by stating that IPAC is closely monitoring congress proceedings and advising parties to avoid political rancor by ensuring seamless processes.

Honorable Anthony Adepoju, who represents the Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central federal constituency in the House of Representatives, has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The lawmaker, currently serving his second term, made this announcement through a resignation letter sent to the PDP chairman at his ward level.

According to the letter, which was made available to our correspondent on Thursday, Adepoju attributed his departure to the persistent internal conflicts plaguing the party. He emphasized that these ongoing disputes have significantly hampered his ability to perform effectively as a representative.

Adepoju further noted that the internal strife has caused deep divisions within the party structure. In his statement, he expressed regret over how his resignation might be perceived by his numerous supporters both locally and abroad. He assured them that his future political plans would be disclosed at the appropriate time.

In a significant political development, the former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Isah Idris, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC). Idris, who currently serves as a lawmaker representing the Gwaram constituency, made his decision known through a resignation letter addressed to the chairman of the Gwaram ward.

The letter, which Idris personally signed, reads: “I am writing to formally notify you of my decision to step down from the All Progressives Congress. As a founding member and former Speaker, I had hoped that the APC would remain true to the principles on which it was established. However, I now believe it is time for me to move on.”

This resignation appears to stem from the recent screening process for APC aspirants, where Idris was disqualified and replaced by Ado Yakubu Zandam. Although Idris has not yet announced his next political move, sources indicate that he is considering joining either the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Meanwhile, a statement from the PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Umar Kyari Jitau, suggests that the party is welcoming Idris with open arms. The statement did not explicitly confirm his defection but hinted at a warm reception for the former Speaker.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has not yet designated a preferred aspirant for the 2027 governorship race, putting to rest circulating rumors. This clarification was provided by Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, during an interaction with DAILY POST on Thursday morning.

Recent speculation, which gained traction on various online platforms, suggested that Makinde had chosen Bimbo Adekanmbi, a former Commissioner for Finance under the previous administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, as his favored candidate. However, Olanrewaju refuted these claims unequivocally.

In a telephone conversation with DAILY POST, Olanrewaju emphasized that the governor continues to engage in wide consultations. “No, they are still consulting. They are still consulting on who the candidate would be. They are yet to announce,” he stated. He further added that as of the time of the report on Thursday, no official announcement regarding a preferred candidate has been made.

The media aide reiterated that the selection process remains open and that no individual has been publicly endorsed. “I said that they are still making consultations. No announcement has been made. No candidate has been announced,” Olanrewaju affirmed.

Former Plateau State Governor and current Senator representing Plateau South, Simon Lalong, has opened up on his decision to step down as the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state in favour of Governor Caleb Mutfwang. Speaking with journalists in Jos on Wednesday, Lalong said the move was driven by his commitment to fostering peace, unity, and stability within the party.

Lalong, who previously served as the Director-General of the Tinubu Campaign Council during the 2023 general elections, was the undisputed APC leader in Plateau until Mutfwang defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in December 2025. With the governor’s arrival, Lalong felt it was necessary to adjust the party hierarchy, allowing Mutfwang to assume the leadership role.

“The governor indicated his intention to return to the APC, and we welcomed him without any resistance, unlike what has happened in many states,” Lalong said. “The PDP collapsed, and governance returned to my party because I was instrumental in bringing the APC to Plateau. I was the leader and sole commander of the party, alongside the late General Shagaya and others. The APC gave me a platform, and I became governor. So, with the party firmly established, I feel honoured to be regarded as its father in the state, and I am proud that people have left their parties to join me in my house.”

He added, “It is natural that when a guest, especially a governor, comes with good intentions, you welcome him. Today, we have a very cordial relationship with the state governor. I feel honoured and dignified that Plateau State is now APC. When Governor Mutfwang joined the APC, one of the first things I did to make him comfortable was to say, ‘I surrender the leadership to you,’ so he would know that the house he is entering has been fully handed over to him.”

Lalong recounted Mutfwang’s response: “The governor replied, ‘Your Excellency, I am surprised you have surrendered this leadership to me. Do not think you are running away from me. You cannot run away from me. Both of us will run this party together.’”

The Senator also used the occasion to announce his intention to seek re-election for a second term in the Senate after collecting his nomination form. He emphasized that in any state, the governor naturally assumes party leadership, and his acceptance of Mutfwang’s return without resistance was in the best interest of the party, the state, and the nation.

In a scathing response to Nyesom Wike’s recent media appearance, PDP chieftain Umar Sani dismissed the FCT Minister’s explanations as weak and unconvincing. Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Sani argued that Wike only decided to address the public after his loyalists failed to make a compelling case for his faction’s legitimacy.

Sani accused Wike of delivering a confusing narrative, jumping between rulings from the Ibadan Federal High Court, the Abuja Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court without offering a clear picture of the party’s internal strife. According to Sani, Wike’s outburst was a desperate move to salvage his group’s credibility amid the ongoing PDP leadership crisis.

“His lieutenants tried but couldn’t make sense to Nigerians, so the big masquerade came out himself,” Sani stated. He emphasized that Wike’s attempts to prove his faction’s authenticity were inadequate and failed to address key legal and political questions. The PDP stalwart noted that Wike oscillated between court judgments, leaving many confused about the actual state of affairs within the party.

The comments come after Wike’s fiery media chat in Abuja, where he launched attacks on prominent party figures including Seyi Makinde, Adolphus Wabara, Jerry Gana, and Aminu Turaki. Wike accused them of engaging in fraudulent activities and questioned their integrity in managing party affairs. He also expressed disappointment in Makinde, alleging the Oyo governor was involved in what he termed “419 activities.”