Author: Gabby

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged delegates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to focus on governance capability and national experience when selecting their presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, rather than being swayed by fleeting online popularity. In a statement released through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku cautioned that social media buzz alone does not qualify anyone for the presidency.

He emphasized that the party must put forward its most qualified candidate capable of defeating President Bola Tinubu, given the dire state of the nation. Atiku pointed to Nigeria’s mounting economic struggles, soaring debt, pervasive insecurity, and crumbling institutions as reasons why the ADC cannot afford to gamble on an unproven contender. He declared that this is no time for political trial-and-error, stating: “Nigeria cannot afford a learning-on-the-job presidency.”

Taking aim at the excitement surrounding certain hopefuls, Atiku argued that presidential elections hinge on solid structures, strategic planning, and proven governance skills, not on digital hype. He asserted: “Elections are not won on social media enthusiasm alone. Governance is not performance art. The presidency is not a platform for improvisation. The ADC must present to Nigerians its strongest, most credible, most prepared candidate; not merely its loudest.”

He described the decision before ADC delegates as a historic duty, given the scale of the nation’s crisis. Atiku said the party must ask itself: who has the ability not just to campaign but to govern effectively from day one? He stressed that Nigeria needs a leader with experience negotiating on the global stage, creating jobs through enterprise, managing national emergencies, building coalitions, and consistently offering a practical plan for economic revival and national renewal.

The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is currently witnessing an influx of prominent figures from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as they gather for a significant event. The party leadership, including governors, members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), the National Working Committee (NWC), and several lawmakers, have assembled at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre. This gathering marks the final stage of the party’s presidential primary election collation, where President Tinubu is set to be officially announced as the APC flagbearer for the 2027 general elections.

The occasion, scheduled for Sunday, follows the nationwide collation of results from the presidential primary held on Saturday. According to a statement released by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu will receive both the Certificate of Return and the party’s flag, solidifying his position as the APC’s standard bearer for the upcoming presidential race.

This high-profile ceremony is being attended by a wide array of party stalwarts, including APC governors, NEC and NWC members, and National Assembly legislators, all of whom have gathered to witness the formal recognition of Tinubu’s candidacy. The event underscores the party’s unity as it gears up for the 2027 elections.

In a significant political development, Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has clinched the governorship nomination of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State for the 2027 general elections. The announcement came through a statement released on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka.

The statement outlined that Malami’s emergence followed extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters across the state as preparations for the upcoming elections intensify. Expressing his gratitude, Malami thanked the party faithful for the trust they have placed in him, emphasizing his commitment to the party’s principles.

Additionally, the party endorsed candidates for other key positions, including retired Major General Aminu Bande for Kebbi Central Senatorial District, retired Deputy Comptroller General Ibrahim Muhammad Mera for Kebbi North, and Garba Danjuma Limi for Kebbi South. Doka reaffirmed the ADC’s dedication to promoting good governance, justice, security, and sustainable development in Kebbi State and Nigeria at large.

Malami, who previously served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is now set to challenge incumbent Governor Nasir Idris of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 gubernatorial race.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially endorsed Chief Maurice Vunobolki as its flagbearer for the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa State. The announcement came during a party gathering held in Yola on Sunday, where delegates from all 21 local government areas unanimously affirmed his candidacy.

Vunobolki emerged as the sole contender after the only other aspirant, Caleb Andrew Myebangara, failed to attend the affirmation event at Mahmud Ribadu Square. Reports indicate that Myebangara is aligned with a faction of the PDP not recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The motion to confirm Vunobolki was put forward by Ja’afaru Ribadu, a former member of the House of Representatives, and seconded by Ibrahim Jimeta, chairman of Yola North Local Government. Delegates then cast their votes via a voice vote, with the ‘Yes’ votes decisively carrying the day.

Following the process, Debo Ologunagba, who chaired the PDP governorship primary in Adamawa, formally declared Maurice Vunobolki as the party’s nominated candidate for the 2027 general election.

In his acceptance speech, Vunobolki called on all PDP members in Adamawa to rally behind him, emphasizing the need for unity to secure victory. He highlighted his extensive experience in development consulting, noting that his work has taken him across every part of the state and equipped him with insights into local challenges. He expressed confidence in his ability to deliver solutions if elected.

Vunobolki also threw down the gauntlet to candidates from other political parties, challenging them to engage in debates where they can demonstrate their understanding of the electorate and present their developmental agendas.

Professor Mohammed Sani Haruna, widely recognized as Sarkin Sharifai and an aspirant for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, has denounced the party’s recently conducted primary election, calling it a travesty of democratic processes and a rigged affair.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Peter Ewu, the former NASENI Executive Vice Chairman expressed strong disapproval of how the primaries were handled. The election committee, led by Professor Theodore Maiyaki (SAN), declared Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as the winner.

Rejecting the announced outcome, Haruna alleged that the exercise was marred by widespread fraud, disenfranchisement of voters, and deliberate manipulation of vote counts to benefit a predetermined candidate. He claimed that individuals loyal to the government-backed aspirant were deployed as electoral officials across multiple local government areas, undermining the integrity of the vote.

“In my own ward, no electoral officials or voting materials were provided, which prevented me and many other party members from casting our ballots,” Haruna disclosed. He added that in several locations, supporters waited from dawn until late evening for officials who never arrived, leading to frustration and the denial of their right to vote.

Reports of intimidation, harassment, and disruptions by certain individuals during the primaries were also highlighted by the aspirant, who noted that these actions created an atmosphere of fear and confusion at many polling stations.

Haruna asserted that his allegations are substantiated by video evidence, photographs, reports, and testimonies from party stakeholders and independent observers across Nasarawa State. “Anyone with a conscience and a sense of accountability before God must reject these results. In most wards, what occurred was merely the allocation of figures. This is an insult to democracy and a betrayal of the electoral process,” he stated.

He accused party leaders of denying members their constitutional right to freely choose their candidate, describing the entire process as a charade conducted with impunity. The APC chieftain urged the party’s National Secretariat to annul the primaries and organize fresh, transparent, and credible elections in line with democratic principles.

Despite his grievances, Haruna affirmed that he and his supporters remain committed to peace, political maturity, and democratic engagement as the 2027 general elections approach. He called on his followers to stay calm, law-abiding, and avoid violence while seeking redress for the alleged injustice. “Politics should never become a source of hatred, division, or violence among our people,” he added.

The governorship aspirant also revealed that he has initiated extensive consultations with supporters, political associates, elders, youth and women groups, community leaders, and other stakeholders both within and outside Nasarawa State. These consultations, he said, are aimed at evaluating the current political situation and determining the most appropriate course of action for the benefit of his supporters and the people of Nasarawa. “At the conclusion of these consultations, we will formally announce our next political direction and position to the public,” he concluded.