Author: Gabby

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal forecasts a decisive victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Lawal shared his views during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program shortly after announcing his departure from the African Democratic Congress via Facebook.

Lawal revealed he is stepping back from active political involvement because he feels disillusioned with Nigeria’s political landscape. He expressed a desire to concentrate on other endeavors like agriculture and church work. “I’ve concluded that Nigerian politics is something I no longer understand or wish to be part of,” he said.

According to Lawal, Tinubu appears invincible in the coming election. He stated that if election rigging is considered a factor, no opponent can match Tinubu’s perceived prowess. “If Atiku relies on manipulating results, he will face a master in this arena next year. It will be worse for them,” Lawal asserted.

Lawal also clarified that he will not back Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress. He reiterated his decision to stay away from all political activities.

Hon. Muhammad Ahmad Tomas, a member of the Kano State House of Assembly representing Makoda Constituency, has officially returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after departing from the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). The announcement was made on Monday during a meeting with the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, at his residence in Abuja.

Tomas was accompanied by the chairmen of Makoda and Dambatta local government areas, Alhaji Isa Currency and Alhaji Jamilu Abubakar Dambatta. Senator Barau welcomed the lawmaker back to the APC, describing the move as a positive step that strengthens governance and political stability. “This is a timely and commendable decision. It shows commitment to development and good governance,” Barau stated.

The Deputy Senate President assured Tomas of equitable treatment within the party, emphasizing that the APC remains open to returning members and is dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all. He expressed confidence that Tomas’s return will enhance the party’s influence in Kano North and across the entire state.

In a Facebook post, Barau noted his optimism that this development would further solidify the APC’s presence in the region. Tomas’s defection comes after he lost the NDC ticket for a second term in the state assembly, a decision reportedly reached through consensus within the party. The lawmaker had initially left the APC for the NDC, where he was welcomed by party leaders including Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, before choosing to rejoin the ruling party.

Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has explained why he called former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ‘Kachalla’, stating that the term is widely used by bandits like Bello Turji to address their local leaders. He made this known during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, shortly after resigning from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Lawal argued that Atiku, being a Fulani man, should not find the label offensive because it is a common title in the bush. He further alleged that certain Fulani groups are celebrating Atiku’s emergence as a presidential candidate, believing it would increase their chances of producing Nigeria’s next leader.

The former SGF accused Atiku of failing to publicly condemn killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks across the country, especially in the North and his home state of Adamawa. He pointed to recent incidents where 18 people were killed and questioned why Atiku has not spoken out or visited the affected communities.

Lawal also referenced the murder of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto in 2022, claiming that Atiku initially issued a condemnation but later retracted it, saying his aide had acted without authorization. He emphasized that a presidential aspirant must clearly denounce violence and ongoing massacres.

‘I called him Kachalla because that is what people like Bello Turji call their local leaders. Is he not a Fulani? Fulanis are celebrating now that their brother has a ticket… Have you ever heard Atiku condemn any of these kidnappings? Not even talking about going there,’ Lawal stated.

The Labour Party (LP) has officially selected Hon. Juliana Obetta, a former chairperson of Okpokwu Local Government Council, as its running mate for the 2027 Benue State governorship election.

Obetta was introduced to party faithful and supporters on Monday in Makurdi by the LP governorship flagbearer, Dr. Matthias Byuan, at a ceremony that drew a large crowd.

Her nomination makes history as she becomes the first woman in Benue State to be chosen as a deputy governorship candidate by any political party.

Byuan, who previously served as Executive Director (Finance and Accounts) at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), emerged as the Labour Party’s consensus governorship candidate last Saturday after a statewide affirmation exercise where he garnered 231,124 votes from delegates across all 23 local government areas of the state.

During the unveiling, Byuan stated that Obetta’s selection reflects the party’s commitment to gender equality and expanding women’s involvement in governance.

“This is the first instance a woman has been picked as a deputy governorship candidate in Benue State. Our party believes that women must have a meaningful role in government,” he remarked.

The governorship candidate voiced optimism that the Labour Party would triumph in the 2027 election and laid out a vision for transforming the state through industrialization, tuition-free education, enhanced security, and comprehensive reforms across key sectors.

“Once we assume leadership of Benue State in 2027, we will generate employment by shifting the economy from a civil service base to an industrial hub. We will implement free education at every level, address insecurity decisively, and overhaul all sectors to ensure Benue takes its rightful place among Nigeria’s leading states,” he explained.

Byuan noted that Obetta’s nomination followed extensive consultations with party leaders and stakeholders throughout the state, adding that she was the most qualified candidate for the role.

Earlier, Hon. Philip Agbese, the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency and Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, praised the party’s primaries as peaceful and transparent.

“Our primaries were conducted without conflict, making them the finest among all political parties in the state. The Labour Party is prepared to assume leadership in Benue, and we urge the people to support us,” Agbese said.

In her acceptance address, Obetta dedicated her nomination to the women of Benue State, calling it a significant milestone for gender inclusion in governance.

“I wholeheartedly accept this nomination, and I want to tell the women of Benue that this is for you,” she declared.

She decried the underrepresentation of women in governance despite their substantial voting power.

“Women make up over 80 percent of the voting population in the state, yet after elections they are often pushed aside. This is the first time a political party in Benue has given women such recognition. I will be a voice for women and ensure their issues are addressed,” she affirmed.

Obetta, who made history as the first female chairperson of Okpokwu Local Government from 2012 to 2014, vowed to collaborate closely with Mrs. Matthias Byuan to advance women’s interests and foster greater inclusion in government.

“We will work together to ensure women have a stronger voice in governance and that the 35 percent affirmative action women have long demanded becomes a reality,” she added.

Also speaking, the Labour Party’s Benue South senatorial candidate, Hon. Samuel Onuh, and the state party chairman, Mr. William Okefe Ochonu, commended the national leadership of the party, particularly National Chairman Senator Nenadi Usman, for facilitating the successful primaries and candidate selection process.

They expressed confidence that the Byuan-Obetta ticket positions the Labour Party as a formidable contender in the 2027 governorship race and affirmed that Obetta’s nomination enjoyed broad support during statewide consultations.

The upcoming 2027 governorship election in Kano State promises to be a fiercely contested battle, with analysts forecasting a tight race between incumbent Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and challenger Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Political observers note that Kano’s electorate has a history of unseating incumbents, making predictions uncertain.

Political analyst Hassan Ibrahim emphasized that incumbency does not automatically secure victory in Kano. He pointed to the state’s tradition of voting out sitting governors when voters perceive a better alternative. This pattern could influence the 2027 election, where Gwarzo, a former deputy governor, is positioning himself as a credible challenger.

Ibrahim praised the NDC’s use of consensus to select candidates, which he said prevented internal strife. The party, still consolidating after defections from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other parties, managed to unite behind Gwarzo. Key figures like Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya stepped down for the sake of unity, a move Ibrahim described as a significant achievement for party leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

However, another analyst, Kabiru Ojo, expressed skepticism about the NDC’s chances. He argued that internal divisions, including a split within the Kwankwasiyya movement, weaken the party’s prospects. Some supporters of Gawuna, who was expected to be the gubernatorial candidate but settled for a Senate ticket, are reportedly discontented. Additionally, the departure of some Kwankwasiyya members to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has fragmented the political bloc.

Ojo noted that the 2023 victory was a collective effort involving multiple stakeholders, many of whom are now aligned with Governor Yusuf in the APC. This shift, combined with Gwarzo’s perceived lack of influence compared to other figures, could narrow the NDC’s path to victory. Yet, he acknowledged that Gwarzo was chosen through consensus, not imposition, and retains strong backing in some quarters.

Ibrahim countered that Gwarzo’s experience as local government chairman, commissioner, and deputy governor makes him a formidable candidate. His familiarity to voters, stemming from his previous joint ticket with Yusuf in 2019 and his tenure as deputy governor under the NNPP, could work in his favor. Ibrahim described the race as a 50-50 contest, where voter sentiment, including perceptions of betrayal by Yusuf, might tilt the scales.

Both analysts agreed that the election will be highly competitive. Undecided voters, estimated to be a significant bloc, could determine the outcome. Ibrahim stressed that the Kwankwasiyya movement’s loyalty to Kwankwaso remains a powerful force, capable of swinging votes. Ojo, however, warned that internal cracks in the NDC could undermine its campaign, leaving the party with an uphill battle.

In summary, the 2027 Kano governorship election is expected to be a closely watched contest, with no clear favorite. The interplay of incumbency, voter history, party unity, and individual candidate appeal will shape the final result.

Renowned scholar and former presidential candidate, Professor Pat Utomi, has commended Peter Obi for making what he describes as a strategic political shift. According to Utomi, Obi’s decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) was a wise move that prevented him from falling into a carefully laid trap.

Utomi pointed to the turmoil within the ADC, where notable presidential aspirants like Chibuike Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-deen publicly rejected the primary results, claiming irregularities. The academic argued that Obi, by switching parties, avoided similar chaos and positioned himself advantageously for the upcoming elections.

It was reported that Peter Obi has formally emerged as the presidential candidate of the NDC. During a weekend ceremony, he received the party’s flag and announced Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, as his running mate.

Speaking on Arise News, Utomi stated, “Even though polling suggested that Obi would defeat other candidates within the ADC, that would only hold if the main players allowed a fair process. Let’s be honest, the way these processes have been managed generally makes a complete mockery of democracy. They are mere charades, with candidates being imposed rather than democratically elected.”

Utomi further criticized the state of primary elections across political parties, labeling them as exercises in make-believe rather than genuine democratic contests. He emphasized that Obi’s timely exit from the ADC demonstrated sharp political instincts.

Amaechi, one of the prominent figures who joined the ADC coalition, had declared his presidential ambition for 2027 but lost the primary to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is now the party’s flagbearer. Following the loss, Amaechi rejected the outcome, alleging widespread electoral malpractice. He threatened to challenge the results but has since remained quiet after a visit from Atiku at his Abuja residence.

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has declared that President Bola Tinubu will face no serious opposition in the 2027 presidential election. Speaking in an interview, Fayose argued that the fragmented opposition has effectively handed the victory to Tinubu on a platter.

Despite widespread insecurity, hunger, and economic hardship under Tinubu’s administration, Fayose insisted that the president remains unchallenged. He pointed to the recent kidnappings in Oyo State and violence in Kwara and other northern regions as evidence of the government’s failure, yet he claimed these issues won’t affect the election outcome.

Several candidates have emerged, including Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Seyi Makinde of the Allied People Movement (APM), Kachikwu Dumebi of the ADC, Esther Okereke of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), and Omoyele Sowore. Many observers expected a fierce contest, particularly in the Southwest. However, Fayose dismissed the significance of these candidacies.

Fayose contrasted the current situation with 2023, when Atiku and Obi mounted a strong challenge, creating a three-horse race. He noted that Tinubu still emerged victorious then, and with the opposition now splintered across multiple parties, Tinubu will win even more easily in 2027. He said, “The moment they have NDC and ADC, and they were saying Tinubu was pushing for a one-party state, now there are so many parties—they have destroyed their journey by themselves.”

He urged critics to distinguish between social media noise and political reality. “Nobody is contesting against Tinubu. You may not like to hear this,” he added. Fayose emphasized that if the opposition had united under a single party, Tinubu would have faced a serious challenge, but their fragmentation has ensured his smooth path to reelection.

The Nigerian presidency has identified the followers of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi as the dominant force on social media, referring to them as ‘tigers’ in the digital space. This characterization was made by Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, during an appearance on News Central Television on Monday.

Bwala highlighted how social media has transformed the way citizens interact with public figures, enabling direct and often critical feedback online. He elaborated that the most aggressive and influential social media users are Obi’s supporters, known widely as ‘Obidients.’ According to him, many of these supporters reside abroad where internet access is free, while others in Nigeria are tech-savvy and have carried out significant manipulation of online narratives.

In his remarks, Bwala acknowledged that other political parties also have similar supporters but insisted that the Obidients stand out as the most formidable. He was responding to a question about whether he compensates individuals to defend the government online. Bwala firmly denied paying anyone, stating that if he were inclined to do so, he would have sold his family land to counter the negative agenda against him following the Medi Hassan interview.

The former Minister of Power and a key contender in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has reiterated that the party has not officially named its flagbearer for the 2027 election. Speaking in a statement released on Monday, Adelabu appealed to party supporters to stay patient and await the national leadership’s formal announcement regarding the primary results.

He cautioned against unverified reports of a consensus candidate, emphasizing that no individual or group at the state level has the authority to declare the final outcome. Adelabu specifically warned about lists circulating on social media, urging members to treat such information with skepticism until the national headquarters makes an official statement.

According to DAILY POST, Adelabu resigned as Minister of Power on April 30, 2026, to contest the primary alongside eight others. Widely circulated reports had indicated that Senator Sarafadeen Alli emerged victorious and was the party’s consensus choice. Furthermore, the state APC chairman, Moses Adeyemo, after meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos over the weekend, also proclaimed Alli as the candidate.

However, Adelabu insisted that these claims are premature. He stressed that only the national party leadership can confirm the candidate, describing any contrary assertions as efforts to mislead the public and disrupt internal party deliberations. He called for adherence to principles of fairness and internal democracy.

“At this crucial stage, no one should allow himself or herself to be misled by rumours, propaganda or premature victory claims designed to manipulate public perception, create confusion among party faithful and influence ongoing consultations within the party. Such actions are neither helpful to the party nor consistent with the principles of fairness, discipline and internal democracy that should guide our conduct as loyal APC members,” Adelabu stated.

He further advised that any purported list of candidates being circulated through unofficial channels should be treated with caution until the national leadership makes its official pronouncement.

Actor and House of Representatives aspirant Emeka Ike staged a protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja on Monday, expressing strong displeasure over the outcome of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) seat.

Ike, who recently declared his intention to contest under the NDC platform, alleged that the primary election was marred by irregularities. According to sources, the actor lost the party’s primaries.

Addressing officials at the INEC office, an irate Ike vowed to seek justice, stating that the electoral process was flawed. “We don’t have an address when the election is going on. I am an aspirant, I’m a Nigerian. You won’t go away with this. I don’t do social media activism. INEC will not escape this,” he declared.