Author: Gabby

In a strongly worded address at the NDC aspirants’ summit held in Abuja on Saturday, chieftain Buba Galadima accused the ruling APC of deliberately crafting the 2026 Electoral Act to hobble opposition parties. He asserted that the legislation was conceived to make it nearly impossible for rival political groups to field candidates fairly.

Galadima, a prominent figure in the Nigerian Democratic Congress, claimed that the APC formed a committee well before the bill reached the National Assembly, ensuring the final law would overwhelmingly favor the ruling party. He criticized the speed at which President Bola Tinubu signed the bill, suggesting the president had a prearranged version ready for endorsement.

“The moment the National Assembly concluded its work on the draft, the president assented within an hour,” Galadima stated. “Did he truly examine that bill? It’s evident a prewritten document was waiting for him.”

He focused his criticism on clauses regulating candidate emergence, which limit methods to either consensus or direct primaries. According to Galadima, the APC wagered that opposition parties would fail to achieve consensus and would be forced into direct primaries—a process he believes is inherently flawed for them.

“No opposition party can conduct direct primaries without major irregularities,” he warned. “Therefore, I urge all party members and aspirants to avoid direct primaries for the 2027 elections and instead pursue consensus arrangements.”

Galadima’s remarks underscore deepening concerns about Nigeria’s democratic processes and the perceived manipulation of electoral laws to entrench one-party dominance.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State has finalized its House of Representatives primaries for the 2027 general elections. The exercise, conducted across all federal constituencies, saw a mix of former lawmakers, ex-public officials, and current legislators emerge as candidates, largely through consensus agreements.

In Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza constituency, former legislator Bello Yakubu Rilisco, who previously chaired the Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency, clinched the party’s ticket after incumbent Ibrahim Bello and ex-Rector Usman Sani Tunga stepped aside. A party source described the process as smooth, with stakeholders opting for consensus to promote party harmony.

For Jega/Gwandu/Aliero, the sitting representative, Mansur Musa Jega, was unable to retain his seat. Instead, former Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Jafar Ahmed Jega, received the endorsement of party leaders as the consensus candidate following extensive consultations.

Meanwhile, Salisu Garba Koko, the current member for Koko/Besse/Maiyama, successfully secured the APC ticket for another term. In Argungu/Augie, Umar Hassan Augie, widely known as Turakin Augie, was chosen as the party’s standard-bearer.

Bello Kaoje, who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture, was reaffirmed as the APC candidate for Suru/Bagudo through a consensus affirmation. Former Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Tanko Sununu, also earned the ticket for Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski after switching from the Kebbi South senatorial contest.

In Arewa/Dandi, incumbent Rabi’u Garba Kamba retained the party’s nomination after several aspirants withdrew following a consensus deal.

However, the primary in Zuru/Fakai/Sakaba/Danko-Wasagu was not without controversy. Although the current lawmaker, Kabir Ibrahim Tukura, was declared the winner, supporters of rival candidate Bashar Suleman Bajida protested, alleging unfairness. One protester claimed that some aspirants were not given adequate notice or opportunity to participate. Despite these allegations, party officials insisted that the primaries adhered to APC guidelines and represented the collective will of stakeholders.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has praised the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries for their peaceful and orderly nature, which took place across the state on Saturday.

After casting his vote at Jekadafari Ward, the governor expressed his satisfaction with the high voter turnout and the seamless execution of the exercise throughout the region.

Yahaya commended the election officials and party leaders for upholding transparency and fairness, ensuring a credible process for all candidates.

He emphasized that the party remains a cohesive family, stating, ‘There are no winners or losers; all are APC members. I call on everyone to work together and stay united for the party’s triumph in the upcoming general elections.’

The governor also highlighted the importance of party unity to continue the developmental agenda of the APC administration in Gombe.

He noted that the orderly nature of the primaries underscores the growing democratic maturity within the party and the state.

Alhaji Labiru Musa Kafur, chairman of the Primary Election Committee, also lauded the Gombe APC for its adherence to democratic norms, saying, ‘We are very pleased with the peaceful conduct and transparent election process.’

The direct primary election saw contests in key constituencies, including Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency between Hon. Sadam Bello Saleh and Alhaji Zakariyya Jidda, as well as Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency between incumbent lawmaker Ali Isa JC and Alfred John Attajiri.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has successfully clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket to represent Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State during the 2027 general elections. The election took place on Saturday, with Kalu running unopposed and securing victory through delegates from all 13 political wards in the constituency.

Kalu, who was first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, emerged as the APC candidate after a peaceful primary election monitored by the party’s electoral panel chairman for Abia, Erasmus Cishak. The process commenced late in the afternoon and was largely peaceful, according to reports from DAILY POST correspondents who were present in various parts of the state.

Following his victory, Kalu addressed journalists at the APC office on Saturday evening. He pledged to build on his achievements in Bende if re-elected, emphasizing that he would not underestimate his opponents. However, he expressed confidence that the constituents would recognize the value of returning a ranking officer to the National Assembly.

Kalu further noted that the National Assembly would continue to collaborate with President Bola Tinubu’s administration to advance the nation’s progress. Meanwhile, Erasmus Cishak commended the aspirants and their supporters for maintaining peace and discipline throughout the primary election, highlighting that their conduct reflected positively on the APC.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) successfully concluded its House of Representatives primary elections across Delta State, with candidates emerging through a mix of direct voting, Option A4, and consensus arrangements. The exercise was widely praised for its peaceful and transparent nature, reflecting the party’s unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In the Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency, Onoyake secured victory, as announced by returning officer Mr. Charles Aniagwu. Chief Bernard Jagboro and Hon. Madis Emerorota, representing candidates Onoyake and Odiate Obaro Emmanuel, commended the party leadership for ensuring a free and fair process. They specifically lauded Governor Oborevwori for creating a level playing field and thanked party members for their peaceful conduct.

Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi emerged victorious in Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, while the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency primaries proceeded without incident. Chairman of the National Assembly Primaries Committee for Delta State, Rt. Hon. Eugene Odo, expressed satisfaction with the orderly and transparent proceedings across the state. He noted that the adoption of direct primaries ensured a bottom-up democratic process, starting at the ward level and culminating at the federal constituency collation centers.

Odo stated: “This is an actual public meeting, and we have visited several locations to monitor the House of Representatives primaries in Delta State. So far, we have observed that the primaries are progressing peacefully, and the collation process is equally calm.” He praised party members for their discipline, noting no reports of violence or irregularities.

In Aniocha/Oshimili, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu was declared winner by returning officer Mr. Val Arenyeka after results were collated at the Oshimili South Local Government Secretariat. Elumelu described his win as a collective victory for the constituency, promising impactful representation in the House of Representatives.

Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu won in Ethiope Federal Constituency, where voting was orderly across all wards. Similarly, the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency primaries were conducted peacefully, with early voter turnout and satisfaction expressed by party members. Council Chairman Hon. Dagidi Andaye, who voted in Kpakiama Ward Two, attributed the calm atmosphere to Governor Oborevwori’s leadership and infrastructure development across the state.

In Ughelli North/Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, voting began at Afiesere Primary School around 11:00 a.m. Party stakeholders, including Ughelli North Local Government party Chairman Comrade Lucky Ofomukoro, commended the transparency of the process. Hon. Ejiro Waive was declared the winner.

Incumbent lawmaker Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko defeated challenger Hon. Dickson Ebegbare in Isoko Federal Constituency. The Warri Federal Constituency primaries saw large turnout, with stakeholders praising President Bola Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for ensuring fairness. Mr. Emmanuel Osazuwa emerged winner in Ika Federal Constituency, where leaders highlighted massive turnout as a show of support for the party.

Hon. Julius Pondi was declared winner in Burutu Federal Constituency, where the exercise was also peaceful.

Governor Oborevwori, after voting in Okpe Local Government Area, described the primaries as a reflection of the party’s unity and strength. He expressed confidence that the peaceful spirit would continue into the general elections. Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme lauded the Option A4 system, calling it the most transparent form of election, and praised the overall peaceful conduct across the state.