Author: Gabby

Constitutional lawyer Fred Nzeako has dismissed concerns that the Supreme Court’s decision to send the African Democratic Congress (ADC) back to the Federal High Court represents a failure for the party. In a television interview, he clarified that the ruling does not undermine the party’s current leadership structure.

The Supreme Court recently nullified a Court of Appeal order that had prevented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing Senator David Mark as ADC’s National Chairman. The apex court criticized the appellate court for issuing what it called an improper and unnecessary preservative order, noting that no party had requested such a measure.

Despite speculation that the judgment could stall ADC’s preparations for the 2027 elections, Nzeako argued the opposite. He emphasized that the party’s leadership, headed by David Mark, remains intact since no court has invalidated their election by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

Nzeako also addressed concerns about INEC’s role, stating that the commission must engage with the Mark-led executive. He reminded INEC that the law requires a 21-day notice for conventions, which the party has provided, and that non-observance by INEC does not nullify the convention’s validity.

The lawyer further dismissed the notion that the party register is essential for general elections, explaining that the register is only relevant for direct primaries. He criticized the National Assembly for mandating direct primaries or consensus, labeling this provision as a deliberate attempt to hinder opposition parties. He argued that indirect primaries should remain a valid option.

In a strategic move that solidifies his control over Gombe State’s political landscape, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has officially thrown his weight behind Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship race. The decision effectively shuts out Senator Danjuma Goje from securing a return ticket to the Senate, extending the bitter rivalry between the two political heavyweights that has simmered since the 2023 elections.

The announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting where the party also unveiled a full slate of consensus candidates for other key positions. Goje, a veteran four-term senator who had sought re-election, recently joined a Senate delegation that petitioned President Bola Tinubu for automatic tickets for lawmakers—a request that was ultimately rejected.

Beyond the governorship, the APC has selected Mohammed Ahmadu Deba for Gombe Central Senate, Jerry Damara for Gombe South, while Governor Yahaya himself is set to contest for Gombe North Senate. For the House of Representatives, the party endorsed Usman Bello Kumo (Akko), Inuwa Garba (Yamaltu/Deba), Ali Isa (Balanga/Billiri), Fatima Binta Bello (Kaltungo/Shongom), Saddam Bello (Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye), and Jamilu Shabewa (Dukku/Nafada).

The consensus has already sparked controversy, with former Minister Sheikh Isa Pantami—who was also a governorship aspirant—publicly rejecting the arrangement. As the APC gears up to rally support for its chosen candidates, further reactions are anticipated from other aggrieved party members across the state.

The lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Olushola Elliot, has officially taken a step toward securing another term by obtaining his nomination form. He announced this through his Facebook page on Sunday, revealing his intention to contest in the upcoming legislative elections.

Elliot emphasized that his decision is rooted in a deep commitment to public service and a vision to expand upon the developmental progress already made in his constituency. He highlighted that returning to the Assembly would elevate him to the status of a ranking member, which, he noted, would bring substantial benefits to Surulere Constituency I. “My going back makes me automatically a ranking member, and loads of benefits come to our constituency,” he stated.

The legislator also extended his appreciation to party leaders, ward executives, community leaders, and various groups, including youth and women organizations, acknowledging their unwavering support as crucial to his political journey. He called on his supporters to maintain peace and focus during the electoral process, underscoring the importance of unity and mutual respect. “Our strength has always been in our togetherness, and I am confident that same spirit will guide us again,” he added.

Elliot reaffirmed his dedication to the continuous development of Surulere and to contributing to the broader growth of Lagos State, assuring his constituents that their interests remain his top priority.

The already fragile peace within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State appears to be unraveling once more, following Governor Hyacinth Alia’s firm rejection of a proposal for automatic tickets, put forward by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Despite a high-level reconciliation meeting convened on Sunday, the underlying cracks in the relationship between the two leaders have widened. The proposal, which would have granted governor and other elected APC officials automatic tickets for the next elections, was dismissed outright by Alia, who insists on transparent party primaries.

The feud between Alia and Akume traces back to the period following the 2023 general elections, when disagreements over control of party structures and political appointments sparked a bitter internal conflict. Initially a quiet rift, it quickly escalated into a full-scale factional war, splitting the Benue APC into two camps: one loyal to Akume under Austin Agada, and another supporting Alia, led by then-state chairman Ben Omakolo.

The crisis intensified in March 2026 when both factions held parallel congresses, each producing separate executives. The Alia-led faction argued that its congress was properly conducted and reflected the members’ will, while the Akume-aligned group dismissed it and organized its own, deepening the leadership void. Eventually, the national APC leadership recognized the Alia faction’s congress, which produced Ben Omale as chairman, sidelining Agada and weakening Akume’s influence.

Concerned about the potential damage to the party’s electoral fortunes, President Bola Tinubu intervened, urging both leaders to reconcile. Sunday’s meeting was intended to achieve that, but instead exposed new fault lines. According to sources, Akume proposed automatic tickets for Governor Alia and other elected APC officials, arguing it would ensure continuity and reward loyalty. However, Alia categorically turned down the idea, insisting on primaries to avoid another crisis.

An insider revealed: “While he agreed on other matters, the automatic ticket proposal was flatly rejected. He is unwilling to risk the party’s structure and does not want Akume loyalists in the National Assembly to return unchallenged.”

During a press briefing after the meeting, Alia stated: “The APC has made it clear—Mr. President and the National Chairman have repeatedly stated there is no automatic ticket. I believe this is merely a request, not a resolution. It is a prayer directed to the people, asking them to consider supporting current officeholders. But this is not an official party or government position. The meeting was for reconciliation. He has the right to make such appeals, but I consider that approach misguided.”

With unresolved grievances and a battle for control simmering beneath the surface, the Benue APC appears headed for another round of internal strife just as preparations for the 2027 elections commence.

Former PRP governorship candidate for Kano State, Salisu Tanko Yakasai, has warned that ongoing fragmentation among Nigeria’s opposition parties may inadvertently benefit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next general election. He drew parallels to the 2023 polls, where a divided opposition paved the way for Tinubu’s win.

Reacting to the merger of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso into the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Yakasai noted that the emergence of two rival opposition blocs—the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the NDC—could split the anti-government vote. He described this as a potential boon for the ruling party in 2027.

In a social media post, Yakasai characterized the split as a mixed blessing. While many Nigerians had hoped for a unified opposition, he contended that a single coalition might face legal hurdles and even be barred from contesting. Having two platforms, he argued, could make it harder for the government to suppress them without damaging Nigeria’s democratic image.

He predicted that President Tinubu would likely allow both parties to compete, leading to a fragmented opposition at the presidential level. This scenario, he said, would mirror 2023 and favor the incumbent. However, he also forecast strong performances by the ADC and NDC in legislative races, especially in northern and eastern constituencies.

Yakasai reaffirmed his allegiance to the ADC and called on both camps to lower tensions and stay open to future collaboration. He noted that political dynamics often bring former rivals back together, hinting that unity might still be possible before the 2027 elections.

The Kano State chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced a postponement of its scheduled state congress, which was meant to elect new party executives. The decision was made public through a statement issued by Adam Said Adam, who serves as the Director-General of Social Media for the party in the state.

According to the statement, the party’s State Chairman, Hon. Husaini Isah Mai Riga, explained that the delay became essential because of a recent wave of notable political figures joining the NDC. He emphasized that the surge in new members requires extra time to ensure they are properly integrated and that all arrangements are in place for a seamless and inclusive electoral process.

Mai Riga further noted that the party is committed to conducting a congress that accommodates everyone fairly. A new date for the event will be announced once all necessary preparations are finalized, he added.

Reuben Abati, a well-known journalist and former presidential spokesperson, has commended Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso for their recent decision to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing it as a move driven by caution and foresight. Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, Abati explained that the pair likely recognized significant risks within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which they had previously aligned with.

Abati pointed out that the ADC is currently facing legal uncertainties, with its core issues referred to the Federal High Court. This legal cloud, he argued, made it unwise for Obi and Kwankwaso to remain, prompting their swift relocation to what he considers a more dependable political platform. He emphasized that their action was not impulsive but a calculated step to avoid potential complications.

The commentator further noted that the political future of both leaders remains an open question. He speculated on whether they might form a joint ticket or forge a broader alliance, urging observers to watch how their partnership evolves. According to Abati, the key issue now is the nature of the alliance they are building and the message it sends to voters.

As reported by DAILY POST, Obi and Kwankwaso officially became members of the NDC on Sunday. They were warmly received by party leader Seriake Dickson, alongside top officials and a large crowd of supporters, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja during an evening ceremony.