Author: Gabby

As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 presidential election, the opposition landscape has become increasingly fragmented. The recent departure of prominent figures Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised questions about the viability of a united front against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to former Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung, the exit of Obi and Kwankwaso from the ADC was surprising and ill-advised. He argued that their move to the newly formed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) weakens their chances, as they abandoned a coalition that had the potential to unseat Tinubu. Dalung believes the ADC emerges stronger from this split, retaining key support bases from former President Muhammadu Buhari and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

However, political analyst Jide Ojo offers a different perspective. He maintains that the defection is a strategic move for Obi and Kwankwaso to pursue their presidential ambitions without being overshadowed by Atiku in the ADC. Ojo notes that both politicians see 2027 as their best opportunity, given age and regional rotation considerations.

Atiku’s supporters, like Dele Momodu, criticize the focus on zoning, arguing it distracts from critical issues like insecurity and economic challenges. Momodu accuses the Tinubu administration of using zoning to divide the opposition.

Meanwhile, APC chieftain Osita Okechukwu dismissed Atiku’s opposition to zoning, calling it hypocritical given Atiku’s past benefits from the arrangement. As the election approaches, the fragmented opposition faces an uphill battle against a well-entrenched ruling party.

Dele Momodu, a high-ranking member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has criticized Nigerian politicians for relying on zoning as their primary tactic to secure the presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections. Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ program on Tuesday, the Ovation Magazine publisher argued that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu are aware that without emphasizing zoning, their electoral success would be uncertain.

Momodu described the zoning debate as a diversion that prevents Nigerians from focusing on the country’s pressing challenges. He stated, “Politicians treat zoning as the sole qualification to become president. It is a distraction, and I confidently assert that this is not what we need right now.” He emphasized that winning elections requires strategy, not just zoning, but acknowledged the right of those who support zoning to their opinion.

Political science professor Jibrin Ibrahim has expressed disappointment over the divergence between Nigerian political realities and the principles taught in academic institutions.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Tuesday, Ibrahim noted that political parties have transformed into mere instruments for individuals to seize power.

He remarked, ‘As a political science scholar, it is disheartening to witness politics operating on an entirely different framework from what we learned in textbooks. We were raised to believe that democracy adhered to specific rules and norms, only to realize that actual practices bear little resemblance to the theories we studied.’

Ibrahim added, ‘My personal misfortune is that I studied classic political science, assuming that democratic politics would follow those established guidelines.’

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially presented its Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to Dr. Mohammed Kpautagi, a prominent party stalwart and governorship hopeful in Niger State. This event unfolded at the party’s national office in Abuja, where Kpautagi expressed his firm commitment to tackling the region’s challenges and restoring effective governance.

A massive crowd of supporters, party members, youth groups, women, and political allies gathered at the ADC secretariat to demonstrate their backing for the aspirant. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as they cheered his arrival and the formal acquisition of the forms.

In a brief address to the press after the form collection, Kpautagi thanked his followers for their unwavering faith in his leadership. He promised that his administration, if elected, would prioritize policies that directly improve the daily lives of ordinary citizens. He pointed out that insecurity and water scarcity are among the most pressing issues affecting the state, and he intends to implement immediate, pragmatic solutions.

“It is heartbreaking to witness our brothers and sisters being abducted and murdered, while women and children spend their mornings searching for water. These problems call for strong leadership and swift action,” Kpautagi stated. He was accompanied by his spouses and key political figures during the exercise.

Kpautagi also pledged to revive the former glory of Niger State through transparent administration and efficient resource management. Notably, he previously contested the 2023 governorship primary election under the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside Governor Mohammed Umar Bago. Dignitaries at the event included former legislators, ex-Deputy Speakers, party chairmen, and other aspirants running for various positions under the ADC banner.

In a move underscoring his commitment to political equity, seasoned journalist and founding figure of Nasarawa State, Ayuba Umar, has pulled out of the 2027 governorship contest. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain made the announcement via Facebook on Tuesday, citing extensive consultations and personal introspection.

Umar explained that continuing his bid would be untenable given that he originates from the same senatorial district, local government area, and constituency as the current governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule. He emphasized that genuine leadership demands consistency and justice, particularly when advocating for fair representation and zoning in the state.

“If I speak out against political imbalance when it benefits others, I must also reject it when I stand to gain. That is the true measure of principled leadership and the responsibility that accompanies integrity and accountability,” Umar stated.

Recalling a similar decision in 2018, when he stepped aside for political stability, Umar framed his latest withdrawal as another sacrifice for democratic integrity. “In 2018, I stepped aside for peace and stability. In 2026, I am stepping aside again to uphold the principles that sustain democracy. This is not surrender; it is an act of conviction, character, and integrity,” he added.

Umar recently joined the ADC after resigning from the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), where he was a prominent member.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially put behind it the departure of two of its prominent former presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabi’u Kwankwaso, according to the party’s leadership.

Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, made this clear during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’ on Wednesday. He characterized the exit of the two politicians as a minor setback, emphasizing that the party has since stabilized and refocused on its core objectives.

Abdullahi stated, “The movement of Peter Obi and Kwankwaso from ADC was just a glitch. We have moved past it. The party has stabilized and is pressing forward because our ultimate goal remains unchanged: to halt the continuous decline in governance across the country and to strengthen the multi-party system.”

Recall that Obi and Kwankwaso recently left the ADC to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), citing internal political disputes and legal battles as their reasons for defecting. However, the ADC spokesman stressed that despite some members moving to other parties, the larger vision of building a robust opposition coalition remains alive within the current political landscape.

“While some have chosen other parties and others have stayed with ADC, the broader mission of creating a strong opposition coalition is still very much active in today’s political environment,” Abdullahi added.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the escalating security crisis in Nigeria, following the death of former lawmaker Abba Adamu while in kidnappers’ custody. Adamu, who served in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011, was abducted on May 3 while traveling from Kano to Abuja along the Kaduna-Abuja highway for a political meeting. Reports indicate that he died nine days later despite efforts by his family to secure his release.

In a statement released in Abuja by his media aide Phrank Shaibu, Atiku asserted that Adamu’s tragic end underscores the administration’s failure to curb widespread insecurity. He described the situation as a clear sign that Nigeria is under siege, alleging that the government appears overwhelmed, indifferent, or dangerously incompetent in addressing the national emergency.

Atiku questioned how a former member of the National Assembly could be abducted on such a strategic route and still die in captivity, asking what hope ordinary Nigerians have when they lack visibility, influence, or protection. He noted that kidnappings and attacks have become routine, with citizens no longer safe on roads, in their homes, or even on their farms.

He emphasized that this is no longer an isolated incident but a horrifying pattern. Atiku also criticized the persistent insecurity along the Abuja-Kaduna road despite repeated government assurances and substantial spending on security. He argued that a government that cannot secure its highways has no right to govern and has failed the most fundamental test of leadership.

The former vice president demanded accountability and questioned the federal government’s security strategy. He stressed that Nigerians are tired of condolence messages and expect concrete action to tackle insecurity.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has voiced strong opposition to the Federal Government’s proposal to exempt candidates applying for the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The union warns that this move could further erode the quality of teacher education in the country.

Audu Amba, the National President of the NUT, expressed these concerns during a teacher sensitization workshop held in Abuja. The event was organized by 21st Century in collaboration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). Amba lamented what he described as a worsening trend where colleges of education attract weaker candidates, as most high-performing students opt for universities, leaving teacher training institutions as a last resort.

He emphasized that the teaching profession should attract top academic talent, not those who couldn’t secure university admission. “Why can’t we ensure that those entering colleges of education to become teachers are among the highest scorers in UTME?” he questioned, highlighting the paradox of lowering entry standards for a field that forms the bedrock of national education.

Dr. Ronke Soyombo, Registrar of the TRCN, delivered a keynote address stressing the urgent need to reposition teachers for the digital economy. She noted that Nigeria’s educational future hinges on educators who are technologically adept, innovative, and professionally skilled to impart modern competencies.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, represented by Dr. Iyabo Ali, echoed this call for continuous capacity building, urging teachers to upgrade their digital and innovative skills to meet global standards. Other stakeholders, including House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas (represented by Dr. Mary Aba) and Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, called for stronger collaboration and professional commitment in the education sector.

Senator Moro raised alarms about the dilapidated state of Nigeria’s education system, noting that over 70% of schools lack adequate learning and teaching facilities. He warned that the widening gap between teachers and their working environment poses a serious threat to the country’s educational foundation and future development.

Olisa Agbakoba, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, has sounded the alarm over what he views as a serious financial crisis facing Nigeria’s Federation Account. He asserts that substantial revenue deductions and under-remittances are undermining the nation’s economic health.

In a statement on X, Agbakoba highlighted that many citizens do not fully grasp the role of the Federation Account, which was established under Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution to pool and redistribute revenues across federal, state, and local governments. He described the account as the country’s financial core, now threatened by revenue leaks and escalating debt.

According to Agbakoba, key indicators reveal the depth of the problem. In 2025, a massive N14.94 trillion—nearly 40% of total federation revenues—was diverted before reaching the account. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) withheld N500 billion out of the N1.1 trillion due in 2024. A current FAAC investigation is probing allegations of $42.37 billion in under-remittances from 2011 to 2017. Last year, debt service consumed 69% of federal revenue, far exceeding the IMF’s recommended 30-40% threshold. Nigeria’s total public debt now stands at N159.27 trillion.

Agbakoba characterized this as borrowing against funds already generated but not reaching the Federation Account. To address the crisis, he has proposed a policy reform aimed at strengthening Executive Order 9, which he intends to submit to President Bola Tinubu. He called for a national conversation on restoring the financial heartbeat of the federation.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed satisfaction with the conclusion of the 10th session of the France-Nigeria Business Council, which took place at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. He noted that both nations are now shifting their focus toward executing signed business deals and investment initiatives.

According to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, on May 12, 2026, bilateral trade between Nigeria and France reached $4.7 billion in 2025. Nigeria continues to be the top destination for French investments in sub-Saharan Africa.

The meeting featured Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, alongside France’s Minister Delegate Nicolas Forissier, as well as prominent business leaders from both countries.

Tinubu praised Aigboje Aig Imoukhuede, Chairman of the France-Nigeria Business Council, for organizing the event, which attracted major private sector representatives from both nations. The statement further acknowledged the presence of business magnates like Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu, and Wale Tinubu, along with executives from TotalEnergies, CMA CGM, Danone, and Accor.

The President specifically welcomed the partnership between Accor and Shoreline Group to establish Nigeria’s first national hotel platform. He emphasized that this is the type of collaboration Nigeria seeks, highlighting that the country is open to investments that foster development, generate capital, and create job opportunities.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing the business climate, supporting investors, and continuing economic reforms to attract more foreign capital.