Author: Gabby

Comrade Bishop Amakiri, National Chairman of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), has firmly denied that his party plans to merge with the All Progressives Congress (APC). He made this known while addressing the media in Abuja at the ratification event for the party’s candidates.

Amakiri dismissed widespread speculation that the YPP is considering collapsing its structure into the ruling party. He described such reports as mere media conjecture, stressing that no discussions have taken place on the matter. ‘To my knowledge, no APC member has ever approached us with such a proposal. Why would we abandon our identity for a party that hasn’t shown any unique appeal?’ he asked.

Regarding the impact of the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the YPP chairman acknowledged the loss but argued that it hasn’t weakened the party. ‘His death affected us, no doubt, but it would be wrong to say it ended our rise. The party hasn’t contested any general election since then, so judging our strength is premature. Ubah gave us visibility, and we’ve built on that foundation,’ he said.

Amakiri assured Nigerians that the YPP remains a force to watch in the 2027 elections. ‘We have fresh ideas and credible candidates. Soon, we will unveil a presidential candidate who offers a real alternative to the status quo,’ he added.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has declared that Rivers State has no alternative but to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. He made this known at a luncheon organized by the Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt.

Wike highlighted the federal appointments and development projects that Rivers has received under Tinubu’s administration, urging residents to compare these benefits with what previous governments offered. He argued that the current administration has shown significant appreciation to the state.

The minister dismissed ethnic or sectional considerations as determinants of political support, emphasizing that good governance should guide voters. He advised his supporters to focus on grassroots mobilization rather than media appearances, saying elections are won at polling units.

Wike expressed confidence in the Rainbow Coalition’s political strength, inviting all aspirants for governorship, legislative, and council positions to join the group. He warned against attempts to destabilize Rivers, stating that the state’s peaceful nature should not be mistaken for weakness.

He also extended an olive branch to aggrieved politicians, urging them to return with sincere hearts for reconciliation. Wike reiterated that leadership should be judged by competence and public service commitment, not ethnicity or religion.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has clarified that the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State has not yet selected a candidate for the 2027 governorship election. He dismissed media reports suggesting otherwise, emphasizing that the coalition’s only decision so far is to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking at a Port Harcourt luncheon for coalition candidates, Wike stated, ‘We have not chosen a gubernatorial candidate for Rivers State. However, party candidates exist under the Rainbow Coalition.’ He warned aspirants and their backers against premature celebrations, noting that such claims could mislead the public about the coalition’s stance and his role as a member of the People’s Democratic Party.

The Rainbow Coalition is a broad alliance comprising the All Progressives Congress, People’s Democratic Party, Labour Party, and Action Alliance. Wike explained that candidates from these parties remain eligible, and the coalition’s leadership will decide collectively. He urged grassroots mobilization until a formal decision is reached.

Wike also criticized years of negative portrayal of Rivers politics, accusing activists and media of profiting from instability. He stressed that the coalition aims for unity and development, regardless of political affiliations. ‘God said we must come together for our state’s development and unity,’ he said.

Additionally, Wike downplayed smaller parties like the African Democratic Congress, asserting that only the APC, PDP, and Labour Party have the experience and capacity to contest national elections effectively.

The Labour Party in Akwa Ibom State has officially selected Emmanuel Friday Ben as its standard-bearer for the 2027 governorship election. This decision was reached during the party’s primary election held in Uyo on Saturday.

Announcing the outcome, the chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Daniel Umobong, revealed that Ben was the sole aspirant who acquired the party’s nomination and expression of interest forms. Alongside him, ten House of Assembly hopefuls and five House of Representatives candidates also obtained forms.

Umobong confirmed that all aspirants underwent proper screening in line with party regulations and met the necessary criteria before being affirmed as candidates for their respective positions.

State party chairman, Comrade Lincoln Charles, extended his congratulations to all successful candidates, with special emphasis on Ben. Charles expressed strong confidence in Ben’s ability to secure the hilltop mansion come 2027.

During his address, Charles refuted claims of a factional divide within the Labour Party in Akwa Ibom, asserting that he remains the sole recognized chairman. He emphasized that officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present to observe the primary election.

Charles stated unequivocally, “The governorship candidate of this Party is Emmanuel Friday Ben, who has just emerged from the just-concluded primaries. Therefore, anyone who is not here is not acknowledged by INEC or the Labour Party in Akwa Ibom State.”

In his acceptance speech, Ben, speaking on behalf of all candidates, expressed gratitude to the party for the trust placed in him to contest the election.

The Obidient Movement has hailed Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), as a leader who matches his words with action. National Coordinator Yunusa Tanko shared this view during a Sunday interview on Arise Television, pointing to Obi’s tenure as Anambra State governor as proof of his commitment.

“Peter Obi distinguishes himself by not just making pledges but fulfilling them, and he encourages Nigerians to hold him responsible,” Tanko stated. He was responding to Obi’s selection as the NDC flagbearer for the upcoming general elections.

According to Daily Post, the NDC officially named Obi its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections on Saturday. Tanko highlighted that Obi’s promise to serve only a single term was openly stated at the party level and recorded during the party’s affirmation process, which also included a zoning resolution after his term ends.

“For his supporters, this demonstrates that Obi’s promises align with his intentions, reinforcing his message of accountability and trustworthy leadership,” Tanko added. Following his confirmation, Obi announced former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate.

The leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi, has strongly criticized the Nigeria Police Force for blocking roads leading to the party’s convention. He described the action as a direct assault on the country’s democratic process.

During an interview on Arise Television on Sunday, Agbedi expressed his displeasure, stating that the police blockade was an attempt to stifle political activities and shrink the democratic space. He emphasized that such actions undermine the principles of free and fair political participation.

On Saturday, police operatives reportedly barricaded routes to the venue where the Taminu Turaki-led faction of the PDP was set to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate. The convention, which had been lawfully secured by the party, faced significant disruptions due to the police presence.

Reacting to the incident, Agbedi said, “The police blocked all access roads, denying citizens their right of movement and preventing the PDP from using a venue it had legally obtained. This is a troubling sign for democracy.” He noted that despite the blockade, the PDP leadership, supporters, and members remained resolute to ensure the convention proceeded without being aborted.

Agbedi called on Nigerians to stay vigilant and defend the democratic space and constitutional freedoms. He warned that any attempt to restrict legitimate political activities poses a threat to democratic values and raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to open political participation.

The Osun State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has decided to allocate 50% of its National and State Assembly tickets to women for the 2027 general elections. This move aims to boost female involvement in governance.

During the party’s primaries held at its Osogbo secretariat on Saturday, candidates for legislative positions were unveiled and ratified by delegates.

Osun NNPP Chairman Tosin Odeyemi emphasized that women should be encouraged to take on more significant roles in public service, describing them as brave, capable, and resilient when given leadership opportunities. He noted that the party acknowledges women’s crucial role in mobilizing political support and driving national progress, which led to the decision to reserve half of the legislative tickets for them.

“Osun NNPP is ready for the elections. Nigerians are weary of parties that make empty promises. We recognize the strength of our women,” Odeyemi stated. He added, “That is why we are giving them 50% of our National Assembly and State Assembly tickets for 2027.”

The chairman also mentioned that the party is ramping up preparations for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State and promised greater inclusion of women in governance if the NNPP wins. “We are working hard to improve our chances in the 2026 governorship poll. If voters support us, women will hold key positions in our administration,” he said.

Odeyemi pledged support for women in private businesses, stating they would receive attention from an NNPP-led government. “We firmly believe in the capacity of our women,” he added.

He urged candidates to run issue-based campaigns, avoid personal attacks, and focus on matters affecting voters. Aspirants should only make promises they can deliver if elected.

Speaking on behalf of the candidates, Folasayo Makinde, the NNPP candidate for Osun West Senatorial District, called on women across the state to actively participate in politics and pursue leadership roles with determination. She noted that women often play significant roles during election campaigns but are frequently sidelined after victories. “Men use us more during campaigns; they believe in our ability to gather votes, but once in power, they neglect us,” she said.

Makinde commended the party for creating opportunities for women to contest elective offices and expressed confidence in women’s ability to contribute meaningfully to governance. She appealed to voters, especially women in Osun West, to support her candidacy, promising not to disappoint if elected.

Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present at the primaries, where the party’s candidates were formally affirmed as flag bearers for the upcoming polls.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially selected Princess Damilola Sonayon-James as its running mate for the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State. She will be vying alongside Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the party’s governorship flagbearer.

A native of Badagry, Sonayon-James is a well-known figure in politics, sustainability, and business. She has built a reputation for grassroots mobilization and championing women’s involvement in governance and leadership roles.

Currently serving as the Deputy State Chairman of the APC in Lagos, she previously held the position of State Assistant Woman Leader within the party. Her political journey also includes a stint as Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West Local Council Development Area.

On the academic front, she holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and a degree in Business and Human Resources Management from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom.

Beyond politics, Sonayon-James is the Chief Executive Officer of DGS Chauffeurs and Logistics, a company she runs alongside her political engagements. Her diverse background in human resources, logistics, and sustainability management adds depth to her candidacy.

Her nomination as the deputy governorship candidate positions the APC strongly as it gears up for the 2027 election in Lagos State.