Author: Gabby

The Independent National Electoral Commission has formally acknowledged Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as the new National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party. This move follows the party’s national convention held in Abuja on March 28, as confirmed by the commission’s updated official portal.

According to a statement issued in Abuja by the PRP National Publicity Secretary, Ishaq Muhammed, the commission’s revised leadership list also includes Kanu Uchenna as National Secretary, Dr Bayawo Abdullahi as National Treasurer, Chuka Patrick as National Financial Secretary, and Vincent Okudu as National Legal Adviser.

The PRP spokesman emphasized that this development signals the commission’s formal endorsement of the party’s freshly elected leadership after a properly conducted convention.

However, the recognition comes at a time of growing internal strife within the PRP. A dissident faction called the PRP Vanguard has repudiated the convention that produced Baba-Ahmed. The faction claims the exercise was illegitimate and accuses the new leadership of straying from the party’s foundational socialist ideals.

Abdulmajid Yakubu-Daudus, who chairs the faction, alleged that the leadership resulting from the Abuja convention intends to convert the PRP into a convenient platform for “discredited politicians” from rival opposition parties.

“The PRP remains a socialist-oriented party committed to the emancipation of the masses, not a vehicle for capitalist interests. It was founded by the working class, progressive intellectuals, and the toiling masses, and it will remain so. The party is not for sale to the highest bidder,” Yakubu-Daudus stated.

On Thursday, Nigeria’s Supreme Court delivered a significant judgment in the ongoing leadership dispute within the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a unanimous decision by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, the court nullified a prior Court of Appeal directive that had ordered parties to maintain the status quo. The apex court ruled that the appellate court overstepped its jurisdiction after dismissing the appeal before it.

However, the Supreme Court did not definitively name the legitimate leader of the ADC. Instead, it instructed all parties to return to the trial court for the case to continue. This has left room for differing interpretations among party stakeholders.

Mixed Reactions from Party Figures

Mansur Umar Kurugu, spokesperson II of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, expressed optimism about the ruling, stating it reaffirms faith in Nigeria’s judiciary. He remarked, “This ruling boosts our confidence in the judicial system. It shows that some institutions still uphold their integrity and values.” Kurugu also criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging bias against opposition parties.

In contrast, Dumebi Kachikwu argued that no faction can claim victory from the verdict. He stated, “The Supreme Court displayed wisdom by refusing to be used as a tool for destabilization by the David Mark-led group. It directed both sides back to the trial court, leaving the leadership question unresolved.”

Implications for Coalition Talks and 2027 Elections

Adnan Mukhtar, a former Kano State House of Assembly aspirant and ADC member, viewed the ruling as a positive development for the party and the nation. He said, “The ADC is the only opposition party serious about challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This judgment is a wake-up call for the party to field competent candidates in the 2027 general elections.” Mukhtar added that the decision clears the way for party activities like primaries and nomination form sales.

Nevertheless, analysts caution that coalition partners may remain hesitant to fully engage with the ADC until the leadership issue is finally settled in court. The party still faces a trial at the Federal High Court.

Claims and Counterclaims

Nafi’u Bala, another figure in the fray, dismissed the notion that the ruling is a victory for any faction. He insisted, “How does dismissing a case mean victory? I am the authentic ADC leader in Nigeria. I will continue to fight until we reclaim our party from those who ruined theirs.” He labeled the David Mark faction as outsiders seeking to hijack the party.

Several prominent leaders, including Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Atiku Abubakar, have responded with cautious optimism, reminding members that while the ruling is encouraging, the legal battle is far from over.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 Ogun State governorship election, Oladipupo Adebutu, has officially announced his decision to seek the party’s ticket for the 2027 gubernatorial race. In a letter addressed to the PDP leadership at state and local government levels, dated April 30, 2026, and released to the press on Friday by his media aide Afolabi Orekoya, Adebutu expressed his intention to run again under the PDP banner.

The letter, directed to the Ogun State PDP Chairman through the party’s leadership in Odogbolu Local Government Area, thanked party members for their steadfast support and loyalty. Adebutu underscored the importance of unity and a shared vision as the party prepares for the next electoral cycle.

Reaffirming his dedication to PDP ideals, Adebutu promised to deliver purposeful governance to Ogun State. He highlighted his long history with the party, noting his efforts to strengthen its structure and influence across the state. Describing himself as a loyal and law-abiding member, he said his decision to run again stems from a desire to build on past experiences and ensure impactful leadership.

His agenda emphasizes continuity, people-centered policies, and inclusive development. He called on party stakeholders to remain united and focused, stressing that internal cohesion is key to success in the 2027 polls. Adebutu also pledged to collaborate with all interests within the party to achieve a common goal.

Former Edo State Governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government of systematically working to weaken opposition political parties in Nigeria. He made these remarks during an appearance on the Channels Television program ‘Politics Today’ on Friday.

Osunbor, a Professor of Law, specifically criticized Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, over a recent statement. Gbajabiamila was alleged to have advised House of Representatives member Leke Ajebade to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and work to dismantle it from within.

Expressing his views, Osunbor stated, “This administration is doing everything within its power, and even exceeding its authority, to destroy opposition political parties.” He further claimed that the independence of the legislature and the judiciary no longer exists in Nigeria. He cited a viral video in which the Chief of Staff was heard telling a Reps member to stay in the ADC and disrupt the party.

In a decisive move to strengthen party unity, the All Progressives Congress in Ebonyi State has settled on a consensus model for all elective offices ahead of the 2027 elections. Governor Francis Nwifuru made the announcement after a high-level stakeholders’ gathering in Abakaliki, emphasizing that the approach emerged from extensive discussions.

Speaking to reporters at the Government House, the governor noted that the meeting was called to tackle pressing party matters and forge a unified strategy for the upcoming polls. He described the outcome as a reflection of collective will, with all members agreeing to sidestep internal contests.

Former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, who addressed the media after the session, revealed that the consensus arrangement stemmed from consultations initiated by Governor Nwifuru roughly a week prior. The process, he explained, involved joint meetings across the state, ultimately leading to agreement on candidates for every position.

Anyim highlighted that this marks the first time in Ebonyi’s political history that stakeholders, voters, and party faithful have been so deeply involved in selecting flag bearers. He described the meeting as highly productive, with unanimous endorsement of the consensus route as the optimal path for party cohesion and effective governance.

The implication, Anyim stressed, is that no constituency will witness a competitive primary for APC tickets. All contests have been eliminated, as stakeholders achieved harmony on every elective office. He praised the governor’s leadership, attributing the success to his consultative style and ability to unite diverse interests.

Expressing optimism, Anyim predicted that the inclusivity of the process would boost the party’s performance in the 2027 general elections. Because people feel part of the selection, mobilizing support for APC candidates across the state will be more straightforward, he assured. He added that the names of consensus candidates would be officially released in a formal statement.

The stakeholders’ meeting, which commenced around 4 p.m., concluded late in the evening after extensive deliberations on electoral strategy and candidate choice.

The Kwankwasiyya movement has announced that former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso will defect from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) next week. A spokesperson for the movement, Habibu Mohammed, revealed on Friday night that the decision follows a unanimous endorsement by key stakeholders.

Mohammed stated that negotiations with the NDC are nearly complete, with only minor details remaining. He added that both Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, are expected to join the NDC on Monday or Tuesday.

“I believe him, Peter Obi, and some others will be joining the NDC,” Mohammed said. He noted that representatives from all 44 local government areas of Kano State convened at Kwankwaso’s residence on Friday around 3:30 p.m. to review the options. The meeting concluded with a unanimous decision supporting the move.

According to Mohammed, the stakeholders have fully authorized Kwankwaso to proceed with the defection. Kwankwaso is currently in Kano and is expected to return to Abuja by Sunday ahead of the planned event.

DAILY POST learned that Kwankwaso held a strategic meeting with the Kwankwasiyya structure at his home on Miller Road in Kano State earlier.

Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, has publicly challenged Peter Obi’s capacity to unite and lead Nigeria, following unverified reports that Obi may leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the National Democratic Coalition (NDC).

Speaking via his X account, Ahmad suggested that Obi’s alleged party switch is a calculated move to dodge internal competition within the ADC. He noted that Obi’s pattern mirrors his 2022 exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after losing the primary.

“Party primaries are the bedrock of democracy,” Ahmad wrote. “If a politician fears contesting within his own party, how can he convince Nigerians he can handle the complex dynamics of national leadership?”

The speculation gained traction after the Supreme Court resolved the ADC’s leadership crisis, leaving room for possible realignments. However, Obi has not yet commented on the matter.

Ahmad argued that evading party contests raises doubts about Obi’s ability to build the broad consensus needed for Nigeria’s diverse polity. He insisted that successful national leaders first prove themselves in internal party battles.

The Delta State chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have sharply criticized Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for failing to appoint substantive permanent secretaries in the state civil service.

Speaking jointly at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Asaba, NLC chairman Goodluck Ofobruku and TUC chairman Wilson Asekutu described the continued reliance on officers acting in those roles as a violation of established civil service norms.

They argued that appointing individuals merely to function as permanent secretaries is alien to the traditions of the service, creating uncertainty and eroding institutional memory. This practice, they said, undermines the merit-based progression that sustains a robust civil service.

The union leaders also expressed alarm over the plight of retirees under the contributory pension scheme, noting that many are struggling to meet basic needs due to meager monthly pensions. They urged the state government to take compassionate steps to alleviate their suffering, asserting that a society that honors its retirees boosts the morale of its active workforce.

On the theme of the celebration, “Insecurity and poverty are the bane of decent work,” the leaders stressed that no economy can thrive where insecurity persists. They pointed out that insecurity has disrupted farming, trade, education, and business, and placed workers in harm’s way. They called for intelligence-driven security strategies and community collaboration.

Poverty, they added, is a barrier to opportunity that weakens the workforce and fuels social tension. They demanded fair wages, safe working conditions, social protection, and sustainable jobs, especially for young people. Supporting small and medium enterprises and expanding social protection systems were among their other recommendations.

Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, who represented the governor at the event, reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the civil service and improving workers’ welfare.

The Taraba State Government has refuted claims that it terminated the employment of civil servants following a recent staff verification exercise. Addressing the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Jalingo, the Head of Civil Service, Hamidu Ahmed Kara, stated emphatically that no employees have been dismissed under the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas.

Kara explained that the verification exercise conducted in 2025 aimed to confirm the identities of workers, revealing that over 3,100 employees had discrepancies in their documentation. He emphasized that this led to a suspension of salaries for those affected, not termination, pending the resolution of their cases.

The Head of Service assured workers that the government is actively working to address the issues, and once cleared, these employees will have their salaries reinstated. Representing Governor Kefas, Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Kizito Bonzena, reiterated the administration’s dedication to worker welfare, stressing that no civil servant would face unjust victimization.

However, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress in Taraba have called on the government to swiftly resolve the verification outcomes and restore the affected workers to the payroll. In a joint statement, labor leaders demanded improved welfare packages to alleviate economic hardships and expressed concern over delays, which they said have caused significant difficulties for the employees.

The unions also pressed for the implementation of long-overdue promotions for civil servants, especially local government workers and primary school teachers, with some promotions pending since 2012 and 2006 respectively.