Author: Gabby

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, has criticized Governor Bassey Otu for his reported statement that opposition figures in the state would be “crushed” before the 2027 elections.

Reacting in a statement on Sunday night, Archibong labeled the remark as irresponsible, disappointing, and unfit for a democratic leader, asserting that it reveals an inability to tolerate dissent and an effort to scare political rivals.

The PDP standard-bearer voiced particular worry that such words came from Governor Otu, who is widely regarded as a Christian and often referred to as an apostle. He accused the governor of resorting to political coercion instead of demonstrating the ethical principles expected from a person of faith.

Citing Proverbs 22:22-23, Archibong advised the governor to avoid actions or statements that could silence dissenting voices, reminding him that democracy depends on accountability and constructive feedback.

He vowed that the opposition would not be frightened by threats and committed to a peaceful, issue-driven campaign centered on the welfare of Cross River residents. The period leading up to the 2027 elections, he said, would allow for a thorough review of the current administration’s performance, arguing that a government with real achievements would welcome public scrutiny.

Archibong further argued that the administration’s own policies and actions had opened it to criticism, adding that a truly successful government should be measured by its accomplishments, not by efforts to muzzle opponents. He urged the governor to focus on “crushing” poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment through effective governance and strategic investments instead of targeting opposition members.

The PDP candidate also called on the administration to address issues raised in the recent SBM Intelligence report, which he claimed had harmed the state’s reputation. Reaffirming his dedication to a peaceful campaign, Archibong insisted that no amount of intimidation would prevent the opposition from holding the government accountable. He stressed that the people of Cross River deserve real wealth creation and measurable progress, not just the signing of memoranda of understanding.

The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, has described the 2026 primary elections conducted by Nigeria’s political parties as the most poorly executed on record. He made this assertion during an interview on Arise Television, which was monitored by DAILY POST on Sunday night.

Amadi argued that the situation has regressed compared to the 2022 primaries, attributing the decline to a lack of accountability. According to him, when political actors face no serious repercussions for flouting procedures, there is no incentive to improve. He noted that rules are often ignored because violators rarely face consequences.

He further explained that if parties and candidates consistently lost elections due to unfair or opaque processes, they would be compelled to adopt better practices. However, the current climate encourages what he termed “political banditry,” where individuals believe they can circumvent due process without penalty. When such conduct goes unpunished, it undermines democratic institutions and emboldens further violations.

Dr. Abayomi Arabambi, the South-West factional National Vice Chairman of the Labour Party, has expressed that Peter Obi’s decision to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is merely a transitional phase, not his ultimate political home. In an interview on Arise Television, Arabambi commented on Obi’s emergence as the NDC’s presidential flag bearer for the upcoming 2027 elections.

Arabambi stated, “Peter Obi’s shift to the NDC does not mark the end of his political journey. If he believes he has secured a safe haven after causing instability within the Labour Party, he may soon encounter significant political challenges from those still loyal to the party’s structure.” He added that weakening a political platform and moving on without facing repercussions is not feasible, as internal political dynamics will eventually confront him.

The LP chieftain further emphasized that the political arena is fiercely competitive, and no candidate can force their way to the top without broad acceptance. He concluded, “Ultimately, the decision lies with Nigerians. No one can become president without addressing critical issues like governance, accountability, and combating corruption.”

The tragic death of Mrs. Taliat Simbiat during the Accord Party primaries in Iwo has ignited a fresh political storm in Osun State. The incident has drawn reactions from Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Accord Party, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), who have all condemned the violence but traded accusations over its cause and the prevalence of thuggery.

Governor Adeleke expressed his condolences to the bereaved family, calling the incident deeply painful. In a statement from his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor praised the generally peaceful conduct of the primaries across the state and urged politicians to embrace non-violent engagement. He described the deceased as a key supporter of his administration in Iwo and environs.

Adeleke rejected APC allegations that his government shields thugs, insisting that his political career has been defined by a commitment to peace and stability. He accused his opponents of twisting well-known facts to score political points.

The Osun chapter of Accord also condemned the violence and extended sympathy to the Simbiat family. Party chairman Pastor Victor Akande noted that over 99% of the primaries were conducted peacefully, calling the Iwo incident an isolated event that does not reflect the party’s nature. He added that investigations are ongoing and expressed confidence that the truth will emerge. Accord dismissed claims that it harbors thugs, emphasizing its dedication to lawful political activities.

On the other hand, the APC Governorship Campaign Council presented a starkly different narrative. In a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, the APC alleged that the primaries were marred by widespread violence, injuries, and property destruction. The party claimed that Simbiat died amidst the chaos in Iwo Local Government Area. It called for a thorough investigation and urged Governor Adeleke to cooperate with law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice.

While Adeleke and Accord maintain their stance against violence and thuggery, the APC insists on accountability and transparency in the probe of the incident.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has strongly criticized Peter Obi’s pledge to serve only a single term if elected president in 2027, labeling the promise as undemocratic and unconstitutional. The forum, which represents Northern interests, also delivered a damning assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as ‘shambolic’ after three years in power.

In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, ACF National Secretary Tukur Baba argued that Obi’s proposal undermines Nigeria’s democratic principles. According to Baba, such a term limit is not enshrined in the constitution and could lead to dangerous precedents, including religious or ethnic rotations that divide the nation. He warned that a president performing well should not be forced out by a premature pledge.

Baba emphasized that the North prioritizes good governance, security, and economic stability over any particular candidate. The ACF, he noted, does not endorse or oppose any political party, but rather analyzes issues and lets voters decide. However, he expressed deep disappointment in Tinubu’s handling of security and the economy.

‘The level of killings and kidnappings has only worsened under Tinubu,’ Baba said. ‘He reshuffled security chiefs, yet bandits like Bello Tunji still operate freely. The government has isolated Aso Villa from the national grid while ordinary Nigerians pay for electricity they don’t receive. Prices soar, taxes multiply, and major infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar highway remain stalled. The middle class has been wiped out, and this administration has taken more loans than all previous governments combined.’

Baba concluded that while Tinubu’s policies have impacted citizens, the effects have been overwhelmingly negative. He called for accountable leadership that prioritizes welfare, security, and anti-corruption efforts.

Lere Olayinka, who serves as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has responded to activist and politician Aisha Yesufu after her verbal exchange with his boss.

Olayinka asserted that Wike has surpassed the point where he would utter Yesufu’s name on live television, implying she is beneath his notice.

The conflict began when Wike mocked Yesufu in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for failing to secure the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial ticket for the FCT.

In response, Yesufu dared the Minister to never mention her name again.

Olayinka countered on Facebook, telling Yesufu she should focus on cleaning up her own image before challenging the Minister. He wrote: “Those who know Aisha Yesufu should inform her that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has moved beyond mentioning the names of dirty and smelly people on live television. She needs to clean herself up first. DAZZOL!”

The All Progressives Congress has pushed back against criticism that President Bola Tinubu is solely responsible for Nigeria’s poverty crisis. According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, many of the components driving multidimensional poverty fall under the purview of state and local governments, not the federal government.

Speaking on a television program, Morka argued that the national conversation tends to unfairly target the president because of a centralized mindset inherited from military rule. He emphasized that factors such as access to clean water, basic healthcare, sanitation, and other livelihood essentials are primarily managed by subnational administrations.

Morka pointed out that since the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023, a significant portion of the resulting savings has been distributed to states and local councils. This, he noted, has provided them with greater financial resources to address these issues. He called for a more balanced assessment of responsibilities, urging Nigerians to hold state and local leaders accountable rather than centering all blame on the federal government.

The Labour Party (LP) in Sokoto State has finalized its candidate list for the 2027 general elections after concluding primaries via a consensus method. The process, overseen by the party’s electoral committee, took place on Saturday and produced nominees for key positions including governor, National Assembly slots, and state legislature seats.

Aminu Umar Ahmad was chosen as the party’s gubernatorial flagbearer. Additionally, candidates were selected for all three senatorial districts, 11 House of Representatives constituencies, and 30 state assembly seats.

Julius Inedu, who chaired the electoral committee, noted that the primaries were conducted peacefully and adhered to the party’s constitution, electoral guidelines, and the Electoral Act. He emphasized that the consensus approach reflected the collective will of members and ensured a smooth and conflict-free exercise.

Inedu stated, “The process was peaceful and demonstrated the commitment of members to unity and internal democracy.” He added that extensive consultations involving aspirants, delegates, and party leaders preceded the final candidate selections.

Abdullahi Bello, secretary of the electoral committee, described the successful primaries as evidence of the party’s growing influence in the state. He commended members for their maturity and discipline and pledged to strengthen party structures ahead of the 2027 polls.

Party officials confirmed that stakeholders unanimously backed the consensus arrangement and expressed confidence in the candidates’ ability to effectively represent the party in the upcoming elections. They reiterated the party’s dedication to expanding its support base and mobilizing voters statewide.

In response to the kidnapping of 46 pupils and teachers from two schools in Oyo State, a high-level presidential team has been dispatched to the affected communities. The delegation is en route to Esiele and Yawota villages, located in Orire and Ogbomosho local government areas, where armed men simultaneously attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary Schools.

The team is led by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President; Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser; and Tunde Disu, Inspector General of Police. Other members include Defence Minister General Christopher Musa, Power Minister Joseph Tegbe, and Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Public Communications.

Sunday Dare announced the development in a post on X on Sunday, stating that the delegation had just arrived in Ogbomoso and was heading to the villages. He noted that President Bola Tinubu has initiated a series of coordinated efforts to secure the release of the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.

Prominent human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has issued a stern warning, threatening to lead a massive protest to Aso Rock if the kidnapped schoolchildren in Oyo State are not promptly rescued. In a statement shared on his X account on Sunday, Sowore, who ran under the African Action Congress (AAC) banner, expressed outrage over the abduction and called on President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs to take immediate action.

According to Sowore, the government must act swiftly to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of all those held captive. He declared, “If Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his service chiefs fail to locate and free the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and other victims of kidnapping, we will have no alternative but to occupy Aso Rock Villa this week!”

The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked a school in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Reports indicate that at least 45 schoolchildren and teachers were taken away, while an assistant head teacher and a commercial motorcyclist lost their lives during the incident.

Sowore’s threat comes amidst growing public anger over the security situation in the country, with many citizens demanding more effective measures to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes. The activist has been a vocal critic of the current administration, frequently calling for accountability and improved security.