Author: Gabby

In a bid to foster unity after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary, the party’s flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar, paid a visit to one of his former rivals, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, at his Lagos home on Sunday. The meeting underscores ongoing reconciliation efforts within the ADC, as tensions remain high following the primary election.

Atiku emerged as the ADC’s candidate for the 2027 general election after a keenly contested primary that also featured Hayatu-Deen and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi. However, Hayatu-Deen withdrew from the process before the official results were announced, citing widespread vote rigging allegations. The visit is seen as a strategic move to heal wounds and present a united front ahead of the 2027 polls.

Details of the discussion between the two political figures have not been disclosed, but sources within the party suggest that the talks focused on party cohesion and strategies for the upcoming electoral battle. The ADC hopes to leverage such meetings to consolidate support and position itself as a formidable alternative to the ruling party.

The Labour Party has officially endorsed former Senator Ishaku Abbo as its flagbearer for the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa State. The confirmation came during a primary election and candidate affirmation session held on Sunday in Yola.

During the event, the party also presented candidates for all three senatorial districts, eight House of Representatives seats, and 25 seats in the Adamawa State House of Assembly.

Mr. Sam Ochiama, who chaired the Labour Party Primary Election Committee, noted that the entire process adhered to both the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution. He explained that candidates who ran unopposed were affirmed through voice votes cast by delegates and other party stakeholders.

For the senatorial positions, Mr. Emmanuel Musa was declared the candidate for Adamawa Central, having been the sole aspirant. He received overwhelming backing during the affirmation exercise. Mr. Peter Fwa was confirmed for Adamawa South, while Mr. Dawuda Mohammed secured the nod for Adamawa North.

Ochiama further unveiled the party’s nominees for the eight federal House of Representatives seats and the 25 state assembly positions. He expressed confidence that the Labour Party would pose a significant challenge in the 2027 elections. He called on all members to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilization efforts ahead of the polls, stressing the importance of cooperation among party faithful to achieve success at all levels.

Renowned activist Aisha Yesufu has issued a sharp retort to Nyesom Wike, the Minister overseeing the Federal Capital Territory, following his recent disparaging remarks aimed at her.

According to sources, Wike, during a Saturday event in Rivers State, allegedly mocked Yesufu for failing to secure the senatorial ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). He suggested that true political engagement extends beyond media appearances, noting that the activist-turned-politician could not even succeed in what he termed an ‘ordinary NDC’.

In a fiery response via her official X account, Yesufu challenged Wike, stating, ‘If dem born Wike well, make e call my name with his full chest! What Tambuwal did him in 2022 will be child’s play.’ She further accused the minister of being unable to win his own primaries in 2022, alleging that he desperately sought a running mate position without success. Yesufu also claimed that Wike later abandoned his principles to align with others, contributing to the downfall of a once-dominant party that recently suffered embarrassment at the hands of a young military officer. She questioned his audacity to mock a woman involved with the NDC.

Adding a regional dimension, Yesufu warned, ‘Let me wait make the man get liver mention name! Then the man doing boi boi because he has to be in power to have authority will know those of us from Kukuruku empire of Edo State in South South no dey grovel.’

A splinter group within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), under the leadership of Nafiu Bala, has put forward businessman Prof Chris Uba as its standard-bearer for the 2027 presidential election. This move comes just days after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar secured the party’s ticket through a primary election that saw him defeat Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

During a ceremony in Abuja on Sunday, the faction also handed party flags to 29 governorship candidates representing the six geopolitical zones. Bala, who serves as the factional national chairman, explained that the decision to zone the presidential ticket to the southern part of Nigeria was rooted in principles of equity, fairness, inclusiveness, and adherence to federal character.

According to Bala, three aspirants initially purchased nomination forms for the presidential contest: Dr Bashir Sani, Prince Williams Charles, and Prof Chris Uba. However, citing the consensus option permitted under the Electoral Act, the party narrowed the field. After the voluntary withdrawal of the other two candidates, Uba emerged as the sole consensus candidate and was consequently declared the party’s flagbearer.

Bala emphasized that the consensus method aligns with Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which recognizes this approach as a legitimate means for political parties to select or nominate candidates. He noted that the withdrawals were made in the interest of party unity, paving the way for Uba’s unopposed emergence.

A prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mazi Moses Idika, who also serves as a factional National Ex-Officio member, has refuted growing demands for Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii to relinquish his 2027 governorship ambition in Ebonyi State based on zoning arguments. Idika asserted that Odii, a well-known businessman and philanthropist, remains a viable contender for the position.

Idika pointed out that Ebonyi State has never adhered to strict zoning rules for the governorship seat. Since 1999, candidates from all three senatorial districts—Ebonyi North, Central, and South—have regularly contested elections, making any insistence on zoning both baseless and unconstitutional. He emphasized that no legal statute bars any qualified individual from vying for the office, and that the electorate should have the final say through their votes.

Rather than engaging in what he termed an “imaginary zoning system,” Idika urged supporters of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s potential re-election to highlight tangible achievements under the current administration. He criticized the state government for failing to tackle key developmental issues, while expressing confidence that Odii would present a compelling alternative focused on investment, industrial growth, and economic revitalization.

Idika described Odii as a patriotic leader genuinely committed to enhancing the welfare of Ebonyi citizens and unlocking greater economic prospects for the state. He concluded with a firm declaration: “Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii will contest, he will win, and Ebonyi people will be happy again.” This statement comes amid heightened political maneuvering and alliances in Ebonyi as the 2027 general elections draw closer.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State has kicked off a fresh push for the Nasarawa North Senatorial by-election as former House of Representatives member David Ombugadu officially entered the race. The campaign launch took place in Akwanga on Saturday, drawing party leaders and grassroots supporters eager to back his bid.

Ombugadu, a seasoned politician, framed his candidacy as a collective effort to enhance representation and foster unity across the senatorial district. Speaking to a crowd of party faithful, he vowed to leverage his past legislative experience to deliver impactful governance if elected to the Senate.

The PDP stalwart emphasized that the by-election is more than a personal ambition—it is a chance to amplify the voices of Nasarawa North residents in national discourse. He called on supporters to rally together and work tirelessly in the lead-up to the June 20 poll.

“Our mission is simple: to provide quality leadership, promote harmony, and prioritize the well-being of every constituent,” Ombugadu stated. He expressed confidence in the party’s ability to secure a decisive victory through grassroots mobilization.

With the election date approaching, political parties across the district are ramping up their campaigns. Ombugadu’s team is focusing on building momentum among local communities, stressing the need for voter turnout and solidarity behind the PDP ticket.

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has issued a strong warning to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), asserting that they will struggle to secure even 10% of the votes in Rivers State during the 2027 elections. Speaking at a luncheon honoring candidates from the Rainbow Coalition, Wike emphasized that no party other than the coalition would emerge victorious in the state’s governorship race.

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, criticized the ADC and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), stating that these parties lack electoral experience. ‘ADC and NDC have never contested an election before. They know nothing about elections, only about defecting. Now they will learn what a real election looks like, starting from Rivers State,’ he declared.

He further mocked the opposition’s approach, noting that it is insufficient to appear on television professing love for the president. ‘You must demonstrate commitment through votes that can win elections, not by visiting him in Lagos,’ Wike remarked. He recalled that Atiku failed to secure 10% of the vote in Rivers in 2023 and predicted an even worse outcome for him in 2027. ‘If he manages 10%, it would be an improvement, but we will ensure the ADC does not reach that mark here,’ Wike vowed.

Wike contrasted the opposition’s perceived laziness with his coalition’s work ethic, stating, ‘A man who avoids work but shows up when food is ready has no place in this state. Hard work is essential.’ He concluded by asserting his coalition’s track record of winning under pressure, adding that without intimidation, their success is guaranteed.