Author: Gabby

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ebonyi State is facing an escalating leadership crisis after rival factions conducted separate presidential primaries on Monday, producing conflicting winners. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi were both declared winners by different party structures, deepening internal divisions within the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

One faction, loyal to suspended state chairman Barrister Silas Joseph Onu, announced Atiku as the winner of a primary held across the state’s 171 wards. The faction’s electoral committee reported 18,891 registered voters, with 17,700 accredited, and declared Atiku secured 15,300 votes against Amaechi’s 2,200 and Muhammad Hayatudeen’s 200. The collation took place at Preston Hotel in Abakaliki.

Earlier, the faction recognized by the party’s official state leadership, chaired by Dr. Mrs. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, conducted a separate primary at the party secretariat. Returning Officer Bassey Edogi Imoke announced Amaechi as winner with 6,050 votes, while Atiku garnered 1,210 and Hayatudeen received 4,840. This faction reported 12,641 registered delegates with 12,100 accredited.

The contradictory outcomes have plunged the Ebonyi ADC into a legitimacy crisis, with both camps claiming constitutional backing. The crisis stems from an April 29 Federal High Court ruling that nullified previous party congresses nationwide, order new ones. Adibe-Nwafor had publicly stated the party would comply with the ruling, but the Onu-led faction proceeded with its own primary despite Onu’s suspension over alleged anti-party activities.

Analysts view the split as a reflection of broader power struggles within the ADC, with Atiku’s support coming from northern political interests and Amaechi’s from southern blocs pushing for power rotation. The conflicting delegate numbers—12,100 versus 17,700—raise questions about credibility and may require national leadership or judicial intervention to resolve the impasse.

The Court of Appeal in Yola has confirmed Ibrahim Sadiq Dasin as the legitimate chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State. In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, the appellate court overturned a previous decision by a lower court that had invalidated the party’s state congress held in April 2026.

According to the appellate judges, the trial court lacked the legal authority to hear the case because the matter involved internal party disputes related to congresses and leadership selection, which are outside the jurisdiction of the courts. The appeal was filed by the committee that organized the congress, challenging the earlier nullification by the Adamawa State High Court.

Justice Ahmed Isa of the High Court had earlier ruled that the congresses violated due process and should be annulled. The suit was brought by Shehu Yohanna, who claimed to be the state chairman before the congress that produced Dasin. Yohanna argued that the congress proceeded despite a court order to halt it pending a substantive judgment. However, the Appeal Court’s decision now reinstates Dasin and his executive committee as the rightful leaders of the ADC in the state.

Prominent activist and social campaigner Aisha Yesufu has failed to secure the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial ticket for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The primary election saw her defeated by Amanda Pam, a well-known figure within the party.

Yesufu, who has recently pivoted from activism to electoral politics, had expressed her ambition to represent Abuja in the Senate as a means to tackle pressing issues facing residents and amplify their voices in governance. However, her bid was cut short by Pam, who garnered more delegate support.

Following her loss, social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions. Critics have pointed to the outcome as evidence that online popularity does not necessarily translate to real-world electoral success. One user, Comrade Idris Omuya, questioned the effectiveness of her digital support base after her defeat.

Another commenter, Evangelist Divine Vessel, highlighted the contrast between Yesufu’s social media presence and Pam’s grassroots appeal. He noted that Pam, who has no significant online footprint or television appearances, managed to outperform the so-called ‘social media rabble-rouser’. Vessel emphasized that politics is fundamentally local, not driven by online rants or TV interviews.

Yesufu, a vocal backer of Peter Obi’s presidential campaign, now faces a period of reflection as her senatorial ambitions are put on hold. The primary results have sparked discussions about the role of digital activism versus traditional political structures in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has addressed allegations of rigging made by one of its presidential aspirants, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. In an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that the party lacks concrete evidence either to confirm or refute the claims.

Hayatu-Deen had earlier announced his boycott of the party’s presidential primary results announcement, citing alleged widespread irregularities. In response, Abdullahi explained that the party has not yet collated the results and cannot identify any pattern indicative of manipulation.

According to Abdullahi, results from eleven states have been received so far, but the party is still awaiting returns from other states. He emphasized that collation has not commenced, making it premature to draw conclusions about the integrity of the process.

This development adds to the ongoing tensions within the ADC as it navigates its internal electoral processes.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a strong warning to journalists and media outlets about the dangers of spreading false information and announcing results prematurely during the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election. The election is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.

Speaking at a media stakeholders’ forum in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, emphasized that inaccurate reporting, manipulated videos, misleading headlines, and unverified polling unit figures could seriously disrupt the peace of the election and undermine public trust in the democratic process. He spoke on behalf of the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

Dr. Omoseyindemi highlighted that the commission is particularly worried about the rapid spread of electoral falsehoods on social media and unverified online platforms. He urged media executives to establish and activate fact-checking protocols and called on reporters to verify all information through official INEC channels before publishing or broadcasting.

The REC warned on-air personalities against amplifying unsubstantiated claims in their rush to break news. He stressed that sensational coverage could trigger panic, reduce voter turnout, and threaten peace. “The media is not just an observer in the electoral process; the media is a strategic partner in safeguarding democracy,” he said.

Dr. Omoseyindemi revealed that 64 media organizations have applied for accreditation to deploy about 560 journalists for the election. The accreditation portal will close automatically at midnight on June 7, 2026. He encouraged remaining media houses to submit their applications before the deadline.

He also detailed that the governorship election will cover all 16 local government areas, 117 registration areas or wards, and 2,445 polling units across Ekiti State. A total of 13 political parties are participating.

Furthermore, Dr. Omoseyindemi stated that INEC has substantially completed key preparatory activities, including publishing the final candidate list and handing over the final voter register to political parties. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal will be deployed to ensure transparency in voter accreditation and result management.

Non-sensitive election materials have been largely procured, while sensitive materials are in the final production stage. Recruitment and screening of ad hoc staff are done, and training will start shortly.

The commission also announced that Permanent Voter Card collection will begin at registration areas from June 4 to June 8 and continue at local government offices from June 9 to June 11, 2026.

Victoria Eta-Messi, the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, noted that the forum aims to strengthen collaboration between INEC and the media, providing accurate information on electoral procedures, technology, and the Electoral Act 2026.

In a goodwill message, Mr. Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, described fake news and information manipulation as major threats to peaceful elections. “The greatest threat to a peaceful election today is often not physical violence, but information pollution,” he said. He warned journalists against sacrificing accuracy for speed, insisting that speed must never compromise accuracy.

Oketola disclosed that seven of the nine activities on the commission’s election timetable have been completed, and INEC is working toward the simultaneous opening of all 2,445 polling units by 8:30 a.m. on election day.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, confirmed that the union has introduced measures to combat fake news and improve accountability among online journalists in the state. He assured the commission of the union’s dedication to ethical journalism and responsible election coverage.

Additionally, the forum included technical briefings from INEC’s ICT, Electoral Operations, and Legal Services departments on the deployment of BVAS, IReV, operational logistics, and the Electoral Act 2026.

The Accord Party in Ogun State has officially named Okewole Olaniyi as its standard bearer for the 2027 governorship election. The announcement was made during the party’s primary election for governorship and State House of Assembly contests on Tuesday at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta.

Oke Rotimi Michael, the state party chairman who also heads the electoral committee, disclosed the outcome. The electoral committee included secretary Mr. Ajetunmobi Lateef, Mrs. Feyisetan Babatunde, Mrs. Rasheedat Shittu, and Mr. Caleb Adetoro.

Michael explained that the party opted for a consensus method in selecting candidates. He declared, “We have voted and presented our candidates. As chairman of the 2026 primary election for the governorship and House of Assembly elections of Accord in Ogun State, I announce the following winners.”

For the State Assembly, Mr. Salami Monsuru won the Ado-Odo/Ota 2 constituency, Mr. Jinadu Oyeniyi secured Sagamu 1, and Mrs. Abulraheem Lateefat emerged winner in Abeokuta North. All results have been signed and authenticated.

Michael urged the elected candidates to remain focused and ensure the party’s impact is felt by residents. “This is just the beginning. We must make the people feel the party’s presence. Accord is committed to bringing the development our state needs. Let’s go out and preach unity and progress, not selfishness,” he said.

Olaniyi, represented by his campaign Director-General Waheed Azeez, accepted the nomination, vowing to work strategically for positive change. “We aim for a total overhaul of the political status quo. The current situation in the state is not ideal, and the Accord Party is determined to bring about meaningful transformation,” Azeez stated.