Author: Gabby

Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate, has stated that she was never shown the report that resulted in the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Kogi Central.

In an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ program on Wednesday, Kingibe explained that she was away at a retreat when the report was being considered.

She noted that she had been at a retreat alongside Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North when news of the report broke.

“I never saw the report that led to Natasha’s suspension. I was attending a retreat. I had earlier mentioned that I was there with three or four other senators who are members of the committee,” she said.

“We attended the Committee on Petitions and Public Complaints, signed the attendance register, and later I left for the tax reform retreat, which I deemed more important at the time.”

Kingibe emphasized that the tax reform matters directly impact her constituents more than disciplining a fellow senator, so she chose to focus on that.

“It affects my constituents much more than disciplining a senator, and I assumed the other individuals not on that committee would handle it,” she added.

She revealed that she expressed her frustration to other senators, particularly Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. “I complained to him bitterly that I had not laid eyes on that report. I didn’t see it then, and I haven’t seen it until now,” Kingibe stated.

Sam Amadi, the Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, has voiced his skepticism regarding the newly introduced anti-defection policy by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). He argues that it is impossible to legally prevent politicians from switching parties if they believe their actions are in line with the constitution.

During an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Wednesday, Amadi challenged the NDC’s attempt to address political defection through constitutional means. He described the party’s strategy as misguided, emphasizing that the constitution permits defections under certain exceptions.

Amadi stated: “The NDC cannot solve a political problem through constitutional interpretation. Their approach is flawed. It is not feasible to lawfully bar individuals from decamping if they consider their actions constitutional.” He further explained that anyone wishing to change political affiliation is free to do so, provided their reasons fall within the exceptions outlined in the constitution. In such cases, the law applies as stipulated.

The anti-defection policy requires candidates running on the NDC platform to sign legal documents agreeing to vacate their positions if they leave the party after winning elections. However, Amadi believes this tactic will not be effective, as the constitution offers avenues for lawful defection.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released fresh details on voter registration and Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection for the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election. According to a statement from Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the total number of registered voters in the state has climbed to 1,059,360 as of 2026, up from 987,647 recorded in 2023. This increase followed the conclusion of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on May 15, 2026, and subsequent cleaning of the voter register.

INEC further reported that PVC collection has also risen significantly. In 2023, 958,052 PVCs were collected, representing a 97.0% rate. As of 2026, the number of collected cards has grown to 1,028,929, which translates to 97.1% of all registered voters. The commission initially set the PVC collection deadline for June 11, 2026, but after consultations with stakeholders in Ado-Ekiti, it extended the period to June 14, 2026, to ensure more eligible voters could obtain their cards.

Regarding replacement PVCs, INEC noted that Section 18(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 mandates the commission to provide new cards to voters whose original PVCs are lost, damaged, or defaced. A total of 14,406 replacement applications were received within the stipulated timeframe, and all corresponding PVCs were printed. The majority of these replacement cards have already been collected. However, the commission stated that a digital downloadable copy of voter cards could not be implemented for this election due to incomplete technology infrastructure. This option is expected to be available for future elections, starting with the Osun governorship election in August 2026 and the 2027 general election.

INEC emphasized that all PVCs—including those for transfers and replacements—were printed and made accessible to eligible applicants. A detailed breakdown of PVC collection by Local Government Area (LGA) has been published on the commission’s official website and social media channels. The commission urged all registered voters who have collected their PVCs to turn out peacefully and exercise their right to vote on election day.

The Kwankwasiyya movement has officially debunked allegations of favoritism surrounding the selection of Mustapha Kwankwaso as the deputy governorship candidate in Kano State. According to the movement’s spokesperson, Habeeb Saleh Mohammed, the process was transparent and adhered strictly to democratic principles.

In an exclusive conversation with DAILY POST on Wednesday, Mohammed emphasized that the choice was entirely made by the party’s governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, and not imposed by any external figure. He described criticisms from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as expected in politics and based on individual perspectives.

“I would have preferred not to respond to the APC’s remarks,” Mohammed stated. “No matter who we select, they will always have objections. That’s the nature of politics.”

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) had earlier announced Mustapha Kwankwaso, the eldest son of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as Gwarzo’s running mate. Before this, Mustapha had served as Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Mohammed revealed that the NDC initially approached Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to join the party when they were establishing their presence in Kano. However, Kwankwaso declined as he had already decided to join the ADC. The party then proposed that his son join instead, even offering to make him governor, but Kwankwaso rejected the idea.

“He told them clearly that he wouldn’t be in one party while his child was in another,” Mohammed explained. “He thanked them and moved on to the ADC.”

Subsequent political developments, including internal issues within the ADC, led to fresh negotiations and eventual collaboration with the NDC and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Mohammed stressed that Mustapha’s emergence was the result of a grassroots-driven process.

“The selection began at the local level,” he said. “All aspirants were directed to return to their local governments, meet stakeholders, and undergo screening. Those stakeholders nominated the candidates.”

He cited examples from Ajingi and Dawakin Kudu, where aspirants who followed the process secured nominations, while those who lobbied at the headquarters failed. “Our national leader made it clear that tickets are not given at the centre,” Mohammed added.

After Gwarzo emerged as the governorship candidate, he exercised his constitutional right to choose a running mate. Mohammed disclosed that when Mustapha was first presented, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso vehemently opposed it. But Gwarzo took responsibility for convincing him, emphasizing that it was his personal choice.

“It was Gwarzo who did the convincing,” Mohammed said. “He insisted on Mustapha after consultations and eventually unveiled him to stakeholders.”

Mohammed highlighted that Mustapha’s youth engagement and track record influenced the decision. “Gwarzo believes that while he brings experience and wisdom, working with someone younger will introduce fresh ideas and foster inclusivity,” he noted.

He concluded that the entire process reflected internal democracy, not nepotism. “This is the true story of how Mustapha emerged—nominated through the party process and chosen by the candidate, not imposed by anyone.”

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, will not be required to sign the party’s newly introduced anti-defection oath. The party’s national spokesman, Ikenna Enekweizu, made this known during an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ program on Wednesday.

Enekweizu justified the measure, stating that political parties are voluntary associations and must adhere to their own internal rules and constitutional provisions. He dismissed criticisms that the oath violates the constitution, emphasizing that it is fully backed by the NDC constitution. The party leadership exercised administrative discretion to exempt its top two standard-bearers from the requirement.

According to Enekweizu, the policy is primarily aimed at lawmakers who win elections under the party’s banner but later defect to other parties. He stated, ‘Our main focus is not the governor; it’s not the president, it’s the national and state assembly members elected on the platform of our party.’ The NDC is committed to building a stable political institution and preventing politicians from using the party as a stepping stone.

The anti-defection oath was introduced to curb the trend of elected officials abandoning their parties, which weakens political organizations and erodes voter trust. The policy requires candidates to pledge loyalty to the party or risk losing their seats if they defect.

Chris Imumolen, the factional presidential flagbearer of the Accord Party for the 2027 general elections, has firmly rejected claims that he has sworn loyalty to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke. During an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Day Break’ program on Thursday, Imumolen clarified his stance.

He emphasized that he harbors no objections against anyone pursuing political ambitions. His primary focus, he stated, is to ensure that the party’s legitimate membership and organizational structure are reinstated through appropriate legal channels.

Imumolen explained, ‘I have not personally vowed allegiance to Governor Adeleke. I have no problem with anyone contesting for political office. My sole interest is that the correct procedures are followed within Accord. We cannot afford to have a governor elected from our party who might later lose the position due to procedural flaws. I am simply working to reclaim the chairmanship position of Accord, which I legitimately won, through the court.’

In a recent call to action, activist Aisha Yesufu has directed her followers to channel all their energy exclusively toward securing the presidential win for Peter Obi in the upcoming 2027 elections. A member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Yesufu made this appeal via a post on X on Thursday.

She emphasized that any discussion not centered on the 2027 presidential election and the strategies to get Obi elected and inaugurated should be overlooked. Yesufu stated, “My dear supporters, remember, we have moved on and focused on the bigger picture. Any conversation that is not about the 2027 presidential election and how to get Peter Obi elected and sworn into office, please ignore.”

She further noted that after the general elections, there will be ample time to address other matters if they prove worthwhile. For now, she insists on maintaining a tunnel vision regarding the presidential race. This directive comes shortly after Yesufu lost in the NDC primary for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial seat.