Author: Gabby

In a scathing critique, presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala has called out prominent opposition figures Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Omoyele Sowore, accusing them of relentlessly attacking President Bola Tinubu’s character, political strategies, and governance agenda. Bwala, who serves as Special Adviser on Policy Communication, made these remarks in a series of posts on his X (formerly Twitter) account, stating that the trio’s motives stem from their ambition to unseat Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Bwala argued that a closer examination of the three politicians reveals deep flaws in their political conduct and philosophical consistency. He questioned Sowore’s democratic credentials, pointing out that Sowore established a political party only to appoint himself as national chairman, securing an automatic presidential ticket through adoption. When elections approach, Bwala claimed, Sowore steps down from the chairmanship, only to reclaim it after losing the election. Bwala posed the rhetorical question: Is this how a genuine democrat behaves?

Turning his attention to Obi, Bwala criticized the former Anambra State governor for his habit of switching parties to secure an uncontested presidential ticket, while his loyal supporters face the rigors of primary elections. Bwala noted that many of Obi’s dedicated followers have lost their primaries, suggesting that political activism does not translate into electoral success.

Regarding Atiku, Bwala took aim at the former vice president’s tendency to change parties in pursuit of his presidential ambition, while condemning others who exercise the same right to pursue their own goals. Bwala described this as a classic master-servant mentality, alleging that Atiku believes no one should aspire to the presidency until he has stepped aside. He referenced Atiku’s relationship with Obi, stating that when Obi left Atiku’s camp to pursue his own ambition, Atiku branded Obi as disloyal.

Bwala contrasted these figures with Tinubu, asserting that the sitting president is more committed to democratic principles. He cited an example where Tinubu allowed primary elections within his party, despite having the option of first refusal as the incumbent, to ensure fairness. Who is the true democrat here? Bwala asked.

The presidential aide concluded by accusing the opposition of merely complaining about the current administration without presenting viable alternatives. He dismissed their criticisms as cheap talk, labeling them as taking advantage of national misfortunes to score political points.

Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, has outlined an unconventional approach to national security if he wins the 2027 elections. In a bold statement, he declared that his Minister of Defence would be a drone, emphasizing his deep trust in technological solutions to tackle insecurity.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Sowore proposed a centralized control system to monitor and eliminate terrorist threats in real time. He stressed the need for immediate action against bandits through coordinated efforts backed by advanced equipment and intelligence.

According to Sowore, the current security leadership lacks accountability and focus. He vowed to replace them with honest, technology-driven leaders who prioritize protection over politics. His vision includes a military and police force capable of strategic operations, avoiding misuse of power.

“If I become president tomorrow, my Minister of Defence will be a drone,” Sowore asserted. “That drone will fly everywhere, and we’ll have a control centre where terrorists are tracked and liquidated.” He added that long-term solutions require creating a society where citizens have jobs, education, and no incentive to become tools of violence.

Paul Ibe, the spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has leveled serious allegations against the All Progressives Congress (APC). He claims that the APC deliberately fabricated vote counts during its presidential primary as a rehearsal for manipulating the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time program, Ibe drew a sharp contrast between the two parties’ primary processes. He emphasized that the ADC conducted its primaries with transparency and integrity, unlike the APC, which he accused of generating inflated numbers. During the APC primary, Bola Tinubu secured over 10 million votes, while Atiku garnered 1,855,787 votes to become the ADC’s flag bearer.

“We are not like the APC, which manufactures figures as a dress rehearsal for potential rigging in 2027. That is why they talk about 11 million votes—how is that possible? Those are manufactured numbers. In the ADC, we do things differently,” Ibe stated.

He highlighted that the ADC’s primaries were monitored by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), which was present throughout the process. “Our process was open and transparent. If we are to be taken seriously by Nigerians, our internal democracy must be free, fair, and credible. That is exactly what we achieved,” he added.

Ibe also addressed allegations made against the ADC, stressing that until such claims are backed by evidence, they remain unsubstantiated. “Allegations have been made, but without proof, they are just mere allegations,” he concluded.

Prominent human rights advocate Aisha Yesufu has called for composure following her political party’s decision to skip primary elections for the Federal Capital Territory senatorial seat in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.

The announcement was made public through a post on Yesufu’s official social media handle. According to the statement, the party intends to hold primaries for House of Representatives positions within the FCT, but not for the senate slot.

“Our party has opted out of holding primaries for the Senatorial seat in FCT Abuja. Yet, it plans to conduct primaries for the House of Representatives. Please make your preferences known. I urge everyone to stay calm and keep their eyes on the larger objective: the presidential election. Nigeria will be fine,” the post read in part.

Yesufu expressed gratitude for the support received for her #AishaForSenate campaign. She also revealed plans to visit all six area councils in the coming week to thank residents for their warm reception and to continue advocating for a better FCT.

The development has sparked discussions among political observers, especially as the 2027 elections draw nearer. Yesufu’s call for calm suggests a strategic focus on the presidency rather than internal party disputes.

In a significant political development ahead of the 2027 elections, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State, has officially presented Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo as the governorship candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano. The announcement, which also saw Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna selected to vie for the Kano Central Senatorial seat under the same party banner, was made public through a statement on Kwankwaso’s official social media page.

The statement emphasized that these choices were driven by principles of equity, fairness, loyalty, and competence, which are foundational to the party and the Kwankwasiyya movement’s ethos of progress and unity. Kwankwaso expressed his hopes for a smooth and peaceful affirmation process and conveyed his confidence in the party’s prospects for the upcoming electoral contests.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State is embroiled in a leadership crisis following the conduct of parallel governorship primaries that produced two separate winners. Within a span of 24 hours, Jimi Lawal and Biodun Ogundipe were each declared the party’s candidate in rival exercises held on Monday.

At the party secretariat, National Organizing Secretary Adebimpe Adelowo announced that Lawal secured 19,428 votes, defeating Ogundipe who got 5,775 votes, while Dr. Marie Bolaji Odusina polled 4,825 votes. However, at a different venue – Basic Trust International, Oke Ilewo – a separate electoral committee chaired by Adeniyi Adams declared Ogundipe the winner with 9,370 votes against Lawal’s 6,812 and Odusina’s 2,349.

The conflicting results have thrown the party into confusion, with the state publicity secretary, Olumide Onabajo, dismissing the result from the secretariat as null and void. According to Onabajo, the recognized electoral committee was led by Adeniyi Adams and Babatunde Moshood, not Adelowo, and their exercise declared Ogundipe the authentic candidate.

Meanwhile, aspirant Marie Odusina has petitioned the national chairman, Senator David Mark, demanding a fresh primary over alleged irregularities. She cited violations including multiple voting locations within the same ward, lack of official communication about modalities, and staggered voting times, especially in Ogun West. Odusina warned of legal action if her concerns are not addressed.

The controversy deepened as the Ogun State ADC chairman, Femi Soluade, distanced himself from the process, stating he was not involved in conducting the primary and would await clarification from the party leadership.

This dispute comes amid earlier calls by some party members for Lawal’s disqualification over an ongoing ICPC corruption case. The situation highlights deep internal divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Kabiru Turaki-led wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set to convene a special convention this Saturday, aiming to formally endorse former President Goodluck Jonathan as its nominee for the 2027 presidential race.

An invitation released late Thursday, jointly signed by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Emebong, and National Organising Secretary, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, shared details of the event. According to the notice circulated on the party’s social media channels, the ratification ceremony for Jonathan’s candidacy will be held at the A Class Event Centre in Wuse 2, Abuja, starting at 10 a.m.

This move follows a recent court ruling that confirmed Jonathan’s eligibility to stand in the 2027 elections. The Turaki faction has been actively courting Jonathan in recent months, seeking to bring him into the race. On May 19, the faction had already declared the former president as its sole candidate for the 2027 poll, after he reportedly failed to appear before the party’s presidential screening committee for two consecutive days.

During a press briefing following the second day of screening, Babangida Aliyu, a member of the Presidential Screening Committee, announced that Jonathan had been cleared as the only presidential aspirant, adding that the party leadership had granted him a waiver to bypass the screening process. “As you know, the party had already given a presidential aspirant the waiver. Like I said in the beginning, he was a deputy governor, became governor, became vice-president and became president. So, we didn’t see anything that needed screening. Therefore, the party had given him a waiver. In other words, he had been declared as the candidate of PDP for the presidential election,” Aliyu stated.

Despite these assertions from the Turaki faction, former President Goodluck Jonathan has not publicly declared any intention to re-enter active presidential politics or contest the 2027 election. Consequently, his attendance at Saturday’s planned ratification convention remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, a rival PDP faction recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and reportedly backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, earlier this week selected former national lawmaker Sandy Onor as its presidential candidate for the 2027 contest.