Author: Gabby

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has indefinitely paused the collation of results from its primaries for various positions in Jigawa State, citing widespread violence and irregularities. The decision affects the results for State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential tickets.

Chief Returning Officer Zaki Ahmed made the announcement at the Tashir Guests Palace in Dutse, where the collation was taking place. He stated that unresolved complaints and numerous irregularities made it impossible to continue the process.

According to Ahmed, results had been gathered from 19 out of 27 local government areas, while officials were still expecting submissions from Auyo, Roni, and Kazaure councils. The exercise was plagued by serious infractions in several regions, with Gwaram area particularly affected by threats of violence that could have completely derailed the process.

Ayekooto Akindele, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has leveled serious allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, claiming that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) serves as a strategic tool to undermine the southern presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections.

Responding to comments from the Obidient Movement praising Peter Obi for departing the ADC, Akindele argued that Obi’s move was not as shrewd as suggested. He insisted that the ADC was originally conceived as a vehicle for Atiku to shift political power away from the South.

In a Facebook post, Akindele stated that Obi’s failure to recognize Atiku’s hidden agenda from the start showed poor political judgment. He noted that Atiku had previously attempted to use the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to achieve his goals but was unsuccessful.

Akindele further criticized Obi’s decision to leave the Labour Party and join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), contrasting it with what he described as the wiser path chosen by Alex Otti. He strongly condemned Obi’s actions, labeling them as unwise and detrimental to his political career.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Nigerians to maintain their optimism even as the nation grapples with severe economic difficulties and pervasive insecurity during the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

Speaking through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party acknowledged that the current Sallah season arrives at an especially challenging moment for many citizens who are contending with surging food costs, high joblessness, and a bleak outlook. However, ADC insists that Nigerians must hold on to the conviction that a brighter future is attainable.

“We hold a firm belief that beyond the present suffering and disappointment lies the promise of a stronger, safer, and more prosperous country,” the statement declared.

The party emphasized that Eid-el-Kabir embodies sacrifice, faith, obedience, and compassion—values that are particularly relevant for Nigeria today. “Faith carries its greatest meaning during tough times,” the statement noted, urging citizens not to yield to hopelessness amid the country’s struggles.

ADC expressed confidence that Nigeria can rebound and make progress through responsible governance and national unity. “We envision a Nigeria where genuine leadership serves the people, where young people can dream once more, where farmers can cultivate their land without fear, where businesses flourish, and where ordinary citizens can resume a life of dignity and hope,” the party added.

The opposition also called on leaders at every tier to contemplate the true essence of responsibility during this festive period, while praying for peace, healing, and national cohesion. “History teaches that nations recover when their people refuse to abandon their belief in a better tomorrow,” ADC concluded.

Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who once served as Deputy President of the Senate, has ended his association with the All Progressives Congress (APC). This decision comes just days after he failed to secure the party’s ticket for the Delta Central senatorial district in the recently concluded primaries.

In a resignation letter submitted on May 22, 2026, to the APC chairman of Orogun Ward 2 in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, the lawmaker stated his immediate withdrawal from the party. He explained that after careful consideration of the party’s situation in Delta State and discussions with supporters, he concluded that his political goals align better outside the APC framework.

Omo-Agege emphasized that he would not remain in a political platform where he cannot effectively champion the interests of his constituents, Delta State, and the nation. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Deputy President of the 9th Senate and wished the APC success in its future endeavors. The former deputy Senate president requested his removal from all party registers and communication channels, affirming his commitment to continue working for the development of Delta Central and Nigeria through alternative political avenues.

Chille Igbawua, a close adviser to former Senate President David Mark who now chairs the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has openly criticized Peter Obi’s recent defection from the party. Igbawua, who serves on the ADC’s electoral panel, argued that Obi missed a valuable chance to test his political mettle in a competitive primary.

Speaking during a television interview, Igbawua suggested that Obi would have gained crucial political insights even if he ultimately lost the nomination to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He stressed that the ADC primary offered a level playing field for all contenders, emphasizing the coalition’s original mission to rescue Nigeria—not to serve individual ambitions.

Igbawua highlighted vote tallies from Benue State as evidence of the primary’s fairness: Atiku secured approximately 55,000 votes, followed by Rotimi Amaechi with around 30,000, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen with about 22,000. He noted that he had been involved in building the coalition from its inception and selecting ADC as the platform.

When asked whether Obi might feel relieved to leave, Igbawua responded firmly: “I don’t think he can be grateful, and I don’t believe he made the right decision, in my opinion.” He urged political leaders to prioritize national interest over personal gain and to remain within coalitions rather than abandon them when personal needs are not met.

Obi recently exited ADC and has now declared his presidential ambition under the banner of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Igbawua’s comments underscore ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s opposition landscape as parties realign ahead of the next general election.

Victorious candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries have voiced their discontent over the prolonged wait for their Certificates of Return, sparking concerns of a possible scheme by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to tamper with the candidate list for the 2027 elections.

Unhappy contenders, who requested anonymity to avoid reprisals, said the hold-up is fueling suspicion, especially after some NWC members hinted that the leadership could override primary results. They fear the party secretariat might use administrative maneuvers to replace winners with preferred individuals.

One aspirant noted that while President Bola Tinubu received his certificate just hours after winning the presidential primary, other winners remain empty-handed weeks later. This disparity has led many to believe the party is applying double standards.

Another candidate alleged that influential party figures are already working behind the scenes to substitute certain winners with their own allies. The aggrieved aspirants called on the NWC to issue all certificates promptly to prevent further anxiety and potential internal crisis.

When approached for comment, APC spokesperson Felix Morka dismissed the allegations, stating the party had done nothing to warrant such concerns. However, internal sources revealed that the NWC is still reviewing primary reports and will make decisions based on the party’s constitution and guidelines.

Meanwhile, APC stakeholders across the country have warned the leadership against nullifying any primary outcomes based on what they term “premature announcements.” In a memorandum to the National Chairman and NWC members, the group, represented by Barrister Abdullazeez Mamman, argued that the primaries were conducted by committees acting under delegated authority, and the results reflect the will of party members. They insisted that the ballot is not a proposal subject to administrative nullification.

The controversy comes days after President Tinubu was handed his Certificate of Return for the presidential ticket, which he won with 10.9 million votes. This quick issuance for the president has only deepened the frustration among other winners, who now demand equal treatment.