Author: Gabby

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State has formally declared Governor Ahmed Aliyu as its candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial race. This decision was reached during a primary election held in the state capital on Thursday, where party faithful from all 244 wards and 23 local government areas gave their unanimous backing through a consensus agreement.

Alhaji Mukhtar Birniwa, who chaired the APC electoral committee, highlighted the smooth and peaceful nature of the exercise, attributing it to the unity and harmony among party members. He noted that the committee’s work was significantly simplified because consensus had already been established at the grassroots level, with delegates from every ward supporting the governor’s candidacy.

“Our party members across all wards have spoken with one voice in favor of Governor Ahmed Aliyu. Today’s event is merely a formal ratification of that collective decision,” Birniwa stated before officially announcing Aliyu as the APC standard-bearer for the upcoming election.

In his acceptance speech, Governor Aliyu expressed deep gratitude to party members and supporters for their continued trust in his leadership. He assured them that if re-elected, he would persist in executing initiatives and projects designed to enhance the quality of life for Sokoto residents. The governor also reiterated his commitment to fostering development and delivering democratic dividends across the state.

Vice President Kashim Shettima took part in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Borno State on Thursday, where Engr. Mustapha Gubio was selected as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 gubernatorial race.

The primary event was hosted in Maiduguri and drew participants including Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, party officials, delegates, and various stakeholders from across the state.

Gubio ran unopposed and secured the APC nomination during the exercise.

Addressing the gathering, Shettima appealed to party members to stay united and strive for the APC’s victory in the 2027 elections. He urged all faithful to put aside their disagreements and back the party’s candidates in the upcoming polls.

Governor Zulum expressed gratitude to party members and stakeholders for their involvement in the primary process.

After being declared the winner, Gubio vowed to continue advancing developmental initiatives throughout the state if he wins the governorship in 2027. He also committed to prioritizing governance and progress in key sectors.

Notable attendees at the primary included APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori; Senators M.T. Monguno and Kaka Shehu Lawan; members of the National Assembly and Borno State House of Assembly; commissioners; and other APC key figures.

In a significant political development, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket for the 2027 general elections, garnering 459,393 affirmation votes during the party’s primary election held on Thursday.

Running unopposed as the sole aspirant, Governor Sani achieved a sweeping affirmation victory, backed by delegates and key stakeholders across the state.

The primary election, conducted under the supervision of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, drew top APC leaders, elected officials, delegates, and supporters from across Kaduna State.

While announcing the results, the Chairman of the Kaduna APC Governorship and House of Assembly Primary Election Committee, Hon. Hafiz Kawu, lauded the exercise for its peaceful and transparent nature, highlighting it as a clear demonstration of unity and trust in Governor Sani’s leadership ahead of the 2027 polls.

The motion for affirmation votes was proposed by the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Liman, and received unanimous approval from delegates at the venue.

After his affirmation, Governor Uba Sani expressed gratitude to APC members, stakeholders, and the people of Kaduna for their belief in his leadership, framing the endorsement as a renewed commitment to service and inclusive development.

The governor noted that his administration has achieved substantial progress in enhancing security, fostering peace, and promoting unity through continuous dialogue and community engagement, resulting in increased stability and social harmony statewide.

“We have strengthened peace, promoted unity and expanded development across both urban and rural communities. From education and infrastructure to road rehabilitation and people-centered projects, our focus has remained on improving the lives of citizens,” he stated.

Governor Sani assured residents that his administration would build on existing achievements and continue efforts to create a more secure, prosperous, and united Kaduna State leading up to 2027.

This affirmation further cements Governor Uba Sani’s rising influence within the APC and signals growing unity within the ruling party as the general election approaches.

The All Progressives Congress in Benue State is set to hold its governorship primary election on Thursday, May 21, with Governor Hyacinth Alia as a leading contender. Other aspirants vying for the party’s ticket include Jeffrey Kuraun and Terwase Orbunde.

Governor Alia has urged the APC leadership at all levels to ensure a process that is transparent, credible, and reflects the genuine will of party members. He stressed that internal democracy is crucial for the party’s unity and electoral success.

In a statement released by Chief Solomon Iorpev, the governor’s Technical Adviser on Media and Strategic Communication, Alia called on delegates and stakeholders to participate actively and maintain peace throughout the exercise. He emphasized the need for candidates to see the primary as a brotherly contest that will strengthen the party.

Alia also wished all aspirants well and prayed for a primary that is free of rancor and disruptions.

The All Progressives Congress in Delta State has officially endorsed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as its flagbearer for the 2027 gubernatorial election. The affirmation came through a direct primary election held across all 270 wards in the state, where 345,375 party members cast their votes in favor of Oborevwori.

Returning Officer Victor Abba, who chaired the governorship primary election committee, made the announcement at the party’s secretariat in Asaba. He declared that Oborevwori, being the sole contestant, met all constitutional requirements and secured the highest number of valid votes. Abba noted that the exercise was conducted peacefully and commended party members for their unity and maturity. He also lauded Oborevwori’s developmental strides, stating that his governance approach has boosted the APC’s popularity in Delta.

Speaking after casting his ballot in Okpe Local Government Area, Oborevwori praised the party leadership for organizing a transparent and orderly primary. He emphasized that the large voter turnout demonstrated grassroots confidence in his administration. ‘Our party adopted a model that other political parties should emulate,’ he said, adding that the process was free from violence and imposition.

Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa attributed the high turnout to widespread support for Oborevwori’s policies. Commissioner Charles Aniagwu echoed this sentiment, noting that the governor’s emergence reflects trust in his leadership. Other party stalwarts, including Hilary Ibegbulem, Ndudi Elumelu, and Jonathan Ukodhiko, also commended the peaceful process and expressed optimism for the 2027 polls.

The declaration ceremony was attended by Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, and numerous other party leaders, signaling a unified front ahead of the general election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed serious concern over the rising tension between the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) ahead of the Ekiti governorship election. INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan warned that any discord between these transport unions could severely compromise the electoral process.

During a meeting in Ado-Ekiti, Amupitan stressed that reliable transportation is fundamental to a successful election. He noted that the commission relies heavily on the unions to move election materials across the state, as INEC does not possess its own fleet of vehicles. He urged both groups to work together harmoniously to ensure the smooth conduct of the poll.

The INEC boss specifically cautioned the unions against accepting payments for vehicles they cannot deliver. He recalled challenges during the Anambra election where the union failed to provide enough vehicles, forcing last-minute adjustments. Amupitan emphasized that honesty is critical: “Tell us what you can do and what you cannot. Do not deceive us.”

He also warned that both local and international observers focus on a small number of polling units, and any negative incidents could damage the credibility of the election. “We must give them nothing to report,” he said. “They should search for faults but find none.”

The National Union of Road Transport Workers has been tasked with transporting sensitive electoral materials to various locations on the June 20 election date. Earlier, INEC National Commissioners, led by Prof. Sani Adams, had similarly cautioned the union against undermining the commission’s efforts to deliver a free and fair election.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced a shift in the timetable for its governorship primary elections in Bauchi and Kwara states, now set to take place on Friday, May 22, 2026. This change was disclosed in an official statement released by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Thursday.

Additionally, the primaries for the State House of Assembly seats in Maradun I and Maradun II constituencies, located in Zamfara State, have been moved to Sunday, May 24, 2026. The NWC stated that these modifications were made after extensive discussions with key stakeholders, emphasizing the party’s dedication to ensuring a transparent, orderly, peaceful, and credible primary election process.

The statement clarified that only the governorship primaries in Bauchi and Kwara, along with the two assembly constituencies in Zamfara, are affected by the rescheduling. No other primary elections have been altered. The party reaffirmed its commitment to conducting fair and credible internal elections across all states.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has issued a strong appeal to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to come out in large numbers and cast their votes for President Bola Tinubu as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election. He made this statement on Thursday shortly after completing his accreditation at the gubernatorial direct primaries held at RCM Primary School in Ihugh, the administrative center of Mbadede Council Ward.

Alia emphasized that President Tinubu deserves another term in office to build upon his achievements, which include major infrastructure projects, economic reforms that have attracted investments, initiatives aimed at creating jobs and enhancing security, and a strengthened governance framework.

Furthermore, the governor assured that he would reach out to all disgruntled APC members and those who lost in the primaries for Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly, urging them to remain within the party fold and collaborate to ensure victory for the APC in every election.

He expressed his satisfaction with the large turnout for the gubernatorial primary, interpreting it as a clear endorsement of his leadership by the people. Alia confidently stated, “I guarantee that after my eight years in office, Benue will become a state that everyone will desire to visit.” He added, “What you have witnessed here is merely a fraction of my plans for the state. I started from scratch and have been laying a solid foundation.”

A Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a landmark judgment that overturns the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) revised timeline for the 2027 general elections, granting political parties until September 2026 to submit their membership registers. The ruling provides a significant reprieve for candidates who lost in recent primary elections, as it invalidates the earlier deadlines that many deemed overly restrictive.

Justice Mohammed Garba Umar presided over the case, which was brought by the Youth Party against INEC. In his verdict, Justice Umar declared that INEC’s imposed timeframe for party primaries, candidate submissions, withdrawals, and replacements was inconsistent with the Electoral Act of 2026. He emphasized that the commission lacks the authority to shorten the statutory periods outlined in the law.

The suit, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2016, sought to nullify INEC’s timetable that required all 18 political parties to submit their registers by May 10 and conduct primaries by the end of May. The court agreed with the plaintiff’s argument that such deadlines contravened Sections 29, 82, and 84(1) of the Electoral Act, which set specific timeframes for candidate nominations and submissions.

Specifically, the court noted that Section 29(1) mandates parties to submit candidate particulars no later than 120 days before an election, and INEC cannot reduce this period. Similarly, Section 31 allows for candidate withdrawal and substitution up to 90 days before elections, while Section 32 requires the final candidate list to be published at least 60 days prior. The judge ruled that INEC’s timetable improperly shortened all these periods.

Additionally, the court addressed Section 98, which governs campaign timelines, stating that INEC cannot end campaigns two days before elections as it had proposed. The ruling also clarified that Section 33’s requirement for membership register submissions does not apply to primaries conducted for replacing withdrawn candidates. Justice Umar ordered the nullification of all inconsistent deadlines, setting aside the entire revised schedule.

This decision comes amid widespread protests against primary results, particularly within the ruling All Progressives Congress, where allegations of candidate imposition have led to withdrawals and tensions. With the new extension, parties now have until September 2026 to finalize their registers and primaries, offering a chance for disgruntled politicians to seek alternative platforms or recontest.

In a targeted security operation on May 20, soldiers from the 196 Amphibious Battalion apprehended a woman suspected of aiding ISWAP militants in Baga, Borno State. The arrest took place around 8 am during a routine checkpoint at the C Company post in Lawanti, a locality within Baga town.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama, citing military sources, confirmed the incident on his X handle on Thursday. The suspect was found in possession of four packs of ready-to-use therapeutic food, two hijabs, and a wristwatch.

Preliminary inquiries suggest that the woman was transporting these supplies to her son, allegedly an active member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operating in the Dumba region. Following her detention, she has been taken into custody for additional questioning and legal proceedings.