Author: Gabby

Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi, a former governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has announced his withdrawal from the 2027 senatorial contest for Taraba North. The decision was revealed in a statement released on Sunday, where he cited evolving political circumstances in the constituency and a desire to foster party cohesion as primary motivations.

In his statement, Danladi thanked APC members and supporters who had encouraged his candidacy, acknowledging their trust in his leadership. He emphasized that his choice to step aside was made after thorough deliberation and consultations, aiming to serve the party’s best interests.

Moving forward, Danladi intends to concentrate on his responsibilities as the coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Taraba State, a role through which he will continue advancing the APC’s agenda. He also voiced support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, alongside endorsing Agbu Kefas for Taraba’s governorship and other APC candidates in upcoming elections.

The APC stalwart urged party loyalists to remain united and dedicated to the party’s principles, expressing confidence that their collective efforts will yield positive outcomes. He called for collaborative work toward the APC’s sustained success and Nigeria’s broader progress, highlighting his optimism about the party’s future.

The Pantamiyyah Movement has voiced strong opposition to what it describes as an imposed consensus arrangement for selecting candidates in Gombe State’s governorship race, calling the move a breach of electoral laws and internal party rules.

In a statement shared on the verified Facebook page of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, and signed by Professor Suleiman Mohammed for his supporters, the group asserted that any legitimate consensus must involve all cleared aspirants voluntarily signing a written agreement. The movement highlighted that multiple aspirants have already purchased and submitted the required expression of interest and nomination forms, making unilateral decisions invalid.

Citing the Electoral Act 2022, the group reminded that political parties in Nigeria can only choose candidates through consensus or direct primaries. They emphasized that consensus is valid only if all aspirants consent in writing; if even one aspirant refuses, direct primaries must be held.

The Pantamiyyah Movement warned that the reported consensus plan contradicts party guidelines and the stance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, potentially harming internal democracy. Nonetheless, they urged supporters to remain calm and law-abiding. The group stated they are preparing for direct primaries while their legal team reviews the situation, including allegations of irregularities in the party’s membership database in Gombe.

Following a Supreme Court ruling that dissolved its National Working Committee, the Peoples Democratic Party’s Board of Trustees has officially taken charge of the party’s operations. This was announced by BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara during the party’s 84th BoT meeting held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, emphasizing that the step was taken to avert any leadership void created by the court’s decision.

The Supreme Court’s judgment on April 30 invalidated the 2025 national convention, which had elected the NWC led by Kabiru Turaki. Wabara clarified that the BoT acted swiftly to stabilize the party structure, as permitted by the party’s constitution. He stated, “Our prompt action prevented a leadership vacuum after the verdict.”

Wabara also highlighted that the court upheld the suspension of the key organizers of the disputed convention in Abuja, thereby nullifying the entire exercise and its outcomes. Despite this legal blow, Wabara expressed confidence in the party’s ability to overcome internal issues and prepare for the 2027 general elections.

He revealed that the PDP continues to receive backing from members and stakeholders nationwide, interpreting this as ongoing public trust in the party. “These messages reinforce our determination to surmount challenges and spearhead the effort to rescue our country,” Wabara added. He further praised the dissolved NWC members for their dedication and service.

Wabara recalled that the party had earlier set timelines and processes for the convention through NEC meetings, and these plans were communicated to the relevant authorities before legal complications arose. He reiterated that the PDP is now concentrating on rebuilding its internal framework and repositioning itself for future electoral contests.

The Pantamiyya Movement, a group backing former Minister Isa Pantami, has publicly opposed the selection of Jamilu Gwamna as the APC’s consensus candidate for the 2027 Gombe State governorship election. In a statement issued by its coordinator, Suleiman Mohammed, the movement labeled the decision as a clear case of injustice.

Mohammed argued that a genuine consensus cannot be reached without involving all aspirants who have already acquired their expression of interest and nomination forms. He asserted that the process contravenes the electoral act, party directives, and President Bola Tinubu’s instructions.

The coordinator called on supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, emphasizing that such disregard for legal provisions must not be overlooked. He detailed that according to the Nigeria Electoral Act 2026, political parties have only two legitimate methods for candidate selection: consensus, which requires all cleared aspirants to give written consent, or direct primaries, where all party members vote. The so-called coronation, he noted, does not qualify as a valid method.

The Labour Party (LP) has officially announced the schedule for its primary elections leading up to the 2027 general elections. In a statement released on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, detailed the timeline and fee structure for aspirants.

According to the announcement, the combined cost for the presidential expression of interest and nomination forms has been set at N50 million. Specifically, aspirants must pay N10 million for the expression of interest form and N40 million for the nomination form.

The party has made provisions for women, youths aged 25 to 30, and persons with disabilities, who are only required to pay for the expression of interest forms across all categories. Additionally, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who serves as the party’s National Leader, will receive both forms free of charge, a gesture recognizing his performance and contributions.

The sale of nomination forms is scheduled from May 6 to May 16, with submission of completed forms taking place on May 17 and 18. The fees for other positions are as follows: House of Assembly aspirants will pay N3 million, House of Representatives aspirants N5 million, Senate aspirants N10 million, and governorship aspirants N25 million.

Screening for House of Assembly and governorship aspirants is set for May 20, while National Assembly and presidential aspirants will be screened on May 22. Results will be published on May 23. Appeals and petitions for state-level positions will be heard on May 24, and for National Assembly and presidential aspirants on May 25, with the final list of cleared aspirants released on May 26.

Primaries for House of Assembly and governorship positions are scheduled for May 27, while those for National Assembly and presidential aspirants will be held on May 29. The party also urged prospective aspirants to complete their e-registration by midnight on May 4, ahead of the submission of the membership register to INEC.

Olusegun Dada, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Social Media, has weighed in on Peter Obi’s recent departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a bold statement, Dada asserted that the former presidential candidate’s decision to leave the party serves as a divine endorsement for Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Taking to his X account, Dada rejected accusations from opposition figures who had attempted to pin the internal discord within their ranks on the president. He emphasized that the unfolding events have proven the narrative false, describing the situation as a moment of vindication from God. “Their efforts to blame President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their internal strife have backfired, as God has once again justified him and the APC,” Dada wrote.

Peter Obi, in his resignation announcement, had alleged that infiltrators aligned with the Nigerian state were responsible for the turmoil in his previous party, the Labour Party, and suggested similar elements were now targeting the ADC. However, Dada’s remarks frame Obi’s exit as a clear sign of divine support for the ruling party, dismissing any claims of presidential interference.

The All Progressives Congress in Gombe State has selected Dr. Jamilu Shaiyaku Gwamna as its consensus candidate for the governorship race in 2027, effectively sidelining former Communications Minister Isa Pantami.

This decision emerged from a high-level stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who serves as the state’s party leader. The gathering included aspirants for various offices, party officials, elders, and other key figures.

According to a statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the consensus approach was driven by extensive consultations aimed at fostering unity and reducing internal conflicts. The party also adopted candidates for all legislative positions across the state.

For the Senate, the APC chose Mohammed Ahmadu Deba for Gombe Central, Jerry Damara for Gombe South, and Governor Inuwa Yahaya for Gombe North. In the House of Representatives, candidates include Usman Bello Kumo, Inuwa Garba, Ali Isa JC, Fatima Binta Bello, Saddam Bello, and Jamilu Shabewa for their respective constituencies.