Author: Gabby

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Zamfara State has successfully conducted its state delegates’ congress, electing a new Executive Committee to steer the party toward the 2027 general elections. The event took place in Gusau, the state capital, drawing hundreds of delegates, party elders, and stakeholders.

The congress was marked by orderliness and peaceful conduct, with participants maintaining decorum throughout. Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security operatives were present to oversee the process and ensure a smooth exercise.

At the conclusion of the congress, Alhaji Surajo Garba Mai Katako, a close associate of former Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa, emerged as the party’s new state chairman. Sources within the party attribute the recent surge in NDC membership across Zamfara’s 14 local government areas to Senator Marafa’s defection to the party.

Senator Marafa, who previously represented Zamfara Central in the Senate, is recognized as a pivotal figure in the NDC’s expanding influence in the state as the next election cycle approaches.

According to political analyst Hassan Ibrahim, the former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stands to benefit significantly from his decision to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, Ibrahim characterized the move as a strategic calculation that enhances Kwankwaso’s political standing regardless of the outcome of upcoming elections.

Ibrahim noted that during negotiations with the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kwankwaso had insisted on being either the presidential candidate or the running mate if he were to leave his former party, the NNPP. This demand, according to Ibrahim, contributed to the collapse of those talks. Now, within the NDC, Kwankwaso finds himself among heavyweight contenders such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi, making the race for the presidential ticket highly competitive.

The analyst explained that Kwankwaso’s chances of securing the presidential ticket are slim given the presence of these established figures. Furthermore, because both Atiku and Kwankwaso hail from the north, they are unlikely to be paired on the same ticket. Consequently, Kwankwaso could only realistically aim for the vice-presidential slot if a southerner like Obi or Amaechi emerges as the presidential candidate.

Ibrahim also raised concerns about the legal challenges facing the ADC, noting that both Kwankwaso and Obi are uneasy about ongoing court cases questioning the party’s structure. This uncertainty pushes them to consider alternative platforms. By joining the NDC, Kwankwaso gains access to a more stable political vehicle that offers greater control over candidate selection for various offices, from governorship to local legislatures.

Unlike Atiku, who is primarily seeking a platform for his personal ambition, Kwankwaso leads a well-organized political movement with loyal supporters who depend on him for direction. His influence in Kano, however, has waned following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s departure from his camp, making the need for a broader base more urgent. Ibrahim stressed that in the previous arrangement, Kwankwaso’s odds of becoming the presidential candidate were virtually nil, and even the vice-presidential slot was uncertain. Now, with the NDC, he has a genuine opportunity to secure either the top spot or the number two position.

Should the alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso succeed, Ibrahim envisions Kwankwaso serving as vice president for eight years and then positioning himself for the presidency. Even if the alliance fails, the move still offers tangible benefits: it elevates Kwankwaso’s profile beyond his northern stronghold, helping to shed his image as a regional politician. By aligning with a prominent southerner like Obi, Kwankwaso can appeal to voters in the South and counter perceptions of ethnic bias. “He will be able to tell voters in the South that he has worked with a southerner and is not a tribal politician,” Ibrahim concluded.

In a significant political shift, Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, representing Kano Central, has officially left the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). This move was made public on Tuesday when Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Hanga’s resignation letter during the plenary session.

In his letter, Senator Hanga cited persistent internal conflicts within the NNPP as the primary reason for his departure. He pointed out that factional disagreements and unclear leadership directions had created an unstable political atmosphere, making it difficult for him to carry out his legislative duties effectively. According to Hanga, the internal wrangling within the party had become a major distraction from his responsibilities.

After extensive consultations with his constituents and key political stakeholders, Hanga concluded that the NDC aligns more closely with his political ideals and vision for governance. He expressed confidence that the NDC provides a more conducive environment for him to serve the people effectively.

The defection now leaves the NNPP without any representation in the Senate. The current composition of the Senate reflects this change: APC holds 89 seats, ADC has 7, PDP retains 4, NDC increases to 3, APGA has 1, NNPP is now at 0, Accord has 1, and the Labour Party has 1 seat. This development marks a significant blow to the NNPP’s legislative presence.

In a sharp response to reports of a renewed effort to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the move as a blatant attempt to stifle opposition voices. His reaction comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) publicly disavowed the plan, stating it lacked legal grounds.

Phrank Shaibu, Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, issued a statement lambasting the initiative. “This is a desperate and failed plot conceived in the shadows of fear,” he said. Shaibu emphasized that INEC’s intervention, which exposed the application’s legal deficiencies, confirms what many Nigerians already suspect—that the aim was intimidation, not justice.

According to court documents, INEC argued that the bid to deregister ADC failed to meet constitutional requirements. The commission stressed that its authority to deregister parties is strictly bound by law and cannot be swayed by political pressure.

Shaibu warned that allowing such a move would set a dangerous precedent. “No democracy survives where the ruling party seeks to eliminate competition through the backdoor,” he stated. “Today, it is ADC. Tomorrow, it could be any platform that refuses to bow. But Nigeria is bigger than any administration, and its democratic space cannot be shrunk to accommodate political insecurity.”

The controversy follows a Supreme Court ruling last week that vacated a Court of Appeal order barring the recognition of David Mark as ADC’s National Chairman. The court’s decision effectively affirmed Mark’s position and invalidated earlier moves to sideline him.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has been chosen as the new head of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum. This decision was announced in an official statement issued by the forum.

The statement praised Makinde for his consistent leadership and unwavering dedication to democratic principles, especially during a period when democratic institutions face increasing pressures. It highlighted that his leadership qualities have become increasingly evident as Nigeria deals with economic difficulties, security threats, and wider governance challenges.

According to the statement, Makinde’s vision for a better Nigeria has inspired hope among many citizens. His public advocacy for accountability, justice, and the safeguarding of democratic values was also commended.

The forum described the Oyo governor as a leader whose performance in office and commitment to national progress have made him a unifying figure both within the PDP and across the political landscape.

It expressed confidence that under Makinde’s chairmanship, the PDP Governors Forum will benefit from renewed vigor and improved coordination in its operations.

Rufai Oseni, a prominent host on Arise Television’s Morning Show, has issued a firm warning to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and its likely presidential contender, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 elections. He declared that he will rigorously press them for detailed policy proposals.

During his broadcast on Wednesday, Oseni emphasized that the NDC must swiftly clarify its vision and policy direction for the country. He argued that the wave of defections alone is insufficient; the party needs a concrete plan and a clear manifesto in the coming days.

Oseni stated that his scrutiny will focus on the party’s substance. He intends to interview Peter Obi and demand comprehensive frameworks on critical national issues such as foreign exchange management, subsidy reforms, social capital development, and welfare schemes for citizens.

He remarked, ‘The key challenge for the NDC is to articulate what they will deliver for Nigerians. That will be the basis of my evaluation. They need to present their ethos and manifesto soon. As they choose a presidential candidate, they must show Nigerians their roadmap.’

Oseni added that while he acknowledges the momentum from recent defections, he has not verified claims of 10 million new registrations. He stressed that hype alone won’t suffice. ‘We need to see a rigorous plan. I want to interview Mr. Peter Obi soon. He must come forward with detailed proposals because we will press his neck on this platform. We have to be tougher on him. If you promise to transform the nation, you must demonstrate how.’

He listed the pressing questions: ‘What are their strategies for forex, subsidies, foreign exchange, social capital, and welfare programs? If the NDC fails to provide these answers in the next few days, I will become their biggest critic. Now is the time for action, not jokes. We will press your neck, NDC. Show us your direction. We will press your neck, Mr. Peter Obi. We demand accountability.’