Author: Gabby

In a significant political move, Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former senator representing Ogun Central, has announced her departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC). She attributed her resignation to what she described as a continuing pattern of marginalization, rejection, and unfair treatment by the party’s leadership in Ogun State.

The decision was conveyed in a letter dated May 31, addressed to the Ogun APC chairman, Yemi Sanusi. Obasanjo, a US-based epidemiologist, had recently sought the party’s governorship ticket for Ogun State but was unsuccessful. She criticized the process that led to the emergence of Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the APC’s gubernatorial candidate, claiming the consensus method used did not follow the party’s established guidelines.

She stated that although she had agreed to support any candidate selected through a consensus process, she was neither consulted nor informed before Adeola’s announcement. Furthermore, some of her supporters were allegedly barred from the venue where the candidate was unveiled and faced intimidation during the event. Despite these concerns, Obasanjo said she accepted the outcome in the interest of party unity and promptly congratulated Adeola.

She also revealed that Adeola later agreed to meet with her supporters, who presented three demands. However, despite a promise to respond within a week, no feedback was given even after two months. This, she said, reinforced a recurring lack of appreciation for her contributions within the party.

Obasanjo expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Ogun APC leadership, and party stakeholders for their support during her time in the APC. She had rejoined partisan politics earlier this year, registering as an APC member in Ward 11, Ibogun, Ifo Local Government Area. Her political career includes serving as Ogun State Commissioner for Health from 2003 to 2007 and as a senator representing Ogun Central from 2007 to 2011. After losing her re-election bid in 2011, she moved to the United States and stayed away from active politics until late 2025, when campaign billboards appeared across Ogun State signaling her potential return for the 2027 governorship race.

A prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), John Odigie-Oyegun, has voiced strong concerns about the escalating wave of defections, resignations, and party changes among Nigerian politicians. He believes this trend highlights serious weaknesses in the nation’s political framework.

During a speech in Benin, Edo State, on Sunday, the former governor noted that the constant movement of politicians between parties, often sparked by internal disagreements, raises doubts about their dedication to national progress and the well-being of the populace.

Odigie-Oyegun pointed out that the high frequency of party abandonment indicates that key issues within Nigeria’s democratic system have yet to be addressed. He observed that the behavior of many politicians does not reflect a sincere effort to tackle the difficulties faced by Nigerians, such as economic struggles and security threats.

In his view, if political leaders were genuinely committed to rescuing the country and enhancing citizens’ lives, the massive political realignments occurring ahead of the 2027 general elections would not be necessary. The ADC stalwart argued that the political class seems disconnected from the harsh realities ordinary Nigerians endure, and their actions often lack a true commitment to national advancement.

“If those in power were truly driven by a desire to save the nation, we would not be seeing the developments now unfolding as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify,” he remarked. He stressed that efforts should concentrate on resolving urgent national challenges instead of engaging in political maneuvers that do little to improve people’s lives.

Odigie-Oyegun also called on opposition figures across the country to examine their motivations and determine whether their actions truly aim to reduce the suffering of Nigerians. He emphasized the need for opposition leaders to focus on providing solutions to the nation’s problems rather than pursuing narrow personal ambitions.

Despite his worries, the former governor expressed optimism about the opposition’s potential, stating that a fair electoral environment and strong institutions could pave the way for a change in political leadership. He added that the opposition can successfully challenge the ruling party if the electoral process and state institutions operate with fairness and transparency.

Dele Momodu, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar stands as President Bola Tinubu’s most formidable opponent ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Speaking on Monday, Momodu emphasized that the upcoming contest will be a clash of political heavyweights, with Atiku emerging as the primary challenger to Tinubu’s leadership.

In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Momodu urged the ADC to overhaul its political approach and embrace modern strategies to remain relevant. He argued that the party must bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary politics, blending conservative values with innovative governance.

According to Momodu, the 2027 election is primarily a duel between Tinubu and Atiku, though a third force might emerge, similar to the 2023 election cycle. However, he cautioned that such a force would likely lack the strength and tenacity to displace the two seasoned politicians. The ADC chieftain stressed the urgency for national reconciliation, reorientation, and reconstruction, noting that the current political climate is fraught with tension and chaos.

Momodu called for a reunification of the North and South, moving beyond ethnic and religious divisions. He lamented the rise of political gangsterism and the erosion of legacies left by Nigeria’s founding fathers, such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, and Obafemi Awolowo. He warned that without immediate action, the nation risks descending further into turmoil, making it imperative for the ADC to act as a bridge between the old and new guard.

In a bold move signaling his political ambitions, media mogul Dele Momodu has unveiled a campaign-style image on social media that positions him as the prospective running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 presidential race. The Ovation magazine publisher took to his Facebook page on Monday to share the poster, which he accompanied with a call for national healing and renewal.

Momodu characterized the upcoming election as a showdown between two political heavyweights: President Bola Tinubu and Atiku, whom he described as the primary contenders. He argued that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) must reinvent itself by fostering collaboration between seasoned politicians and emerging technocrats, as well as bridging generational divides.

Reflecting on the current landscape, Momodu stated, “It promises to be the battle of the Tians. A third force, hopefully, may show up, like it did in 2023, but not with enough fire power and tenacity to upstage, and obliterate, the two elder statesmen.” He emphasized that such a strategy would be crucial for strengthening national unity and alleviating the country’s political and social tensions.

The publisher also highlighted the importance of enhanced cooperation between Northern and Southern Nigeria, cautioning that if political leaders fail to act, the nation’s challenges could worsen. He advocated for a return to issue-based politics and leadership inspired by the ideals of Nigeria’s founding fathers, including Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The move has sparked discussions about potential alliances and the evolving dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections.

Dr. Yusuf Bello Danbatta, who was the deputy governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, has officially switched allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement he personally signed and released to the press, Danbatta explained that his decision came after thorough deliberations and extensive discussions with political figures, allies, backers, and other key players.

He believes the APC provides a more effective avenue to champion the interests of the populace and back programs aimed at enhancing governance and progress. The former PDP candidate pointed to the leadership approach and development initiatives of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration as a major factor in his move. He praised the Kano First Agenda as a visionary plan that shows a strong dedication to sound governance, human capital growth, infrastructure renewal, and the state’s overall advancement.

Reaffirming his steadfast commitment to public service, Danbatta vowed to keep working for the unity and advancement of the people, irrespective of party lines. He urged his followers and colleagues to back efforts focused on the continued growth, stability, and development of Kano State.

According to Arise News Director of Politics, Sumner Sambo, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has declined the opportunity to serve as running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Speaking on The Morning Show, Sambo explained that Okonjo-Iweala is unwilling to abandon her lucrative position at the World Trade Organisation, where she is serving a second term ending in 2029.

He noted that while speculations about her potential candidacy have circulated, she has made it clear she intends to stay in her current role. Sambo argued that it would be illogical for her to leave a secure international appointment for a political contest in Nigeria, particularly one involving a party still entangled in legal disputes.

Emphasizing her recent resumption in September and extended tenure, Sambo stated that Okonjo-Iweala would not consider the vice-presidential offer. He described the WTO role as both lucrative and stable, contrasting it with what he called the uncertainties of Nigerian politics.