Author: Gabby

The Labour Party in Akwa Ibom State is facing a fresh internal conflict following the emergence of two governorship candidates from parallel primary elections held on May 30, 2026. The dispute has thrown the party into uncertainty as the 2027 general elections approach.

One faction, led by state chairman Comrade Lincoln Charles, conducted its primary at Port Harcourt Street, off Abak Road, where Emmanuel Ben was elected as the party’s flagbearer. Charles insisted that Ben was the only legitimate candidate, having purchased the nomination form and secured clearance from the national body. He dismissed other claimants as imposters unknown to INEC.

However, a rival faction loyal to Senator Nenadi Usman’s national leadership held its own primary at the party secretariat, producing Micheal Bush as the candidate. Dr. Kingsley Okundaye, chairman of the electoral committee for this faction, rejected Ben’s candidacy, arguing that Ben was never cleared by the national screening committee and therefore cannot appear on the ballot. Okundaye cited the Supreme Court judgment that recognized Usman as the legitimate national chairman, which he says validates only Bush’s primary.

There are allegations that Ben was sponsored by the ruling party in Akwa Ibom to destabilize the opposition, a claim that has further fueled tensions. The crisis mirrors wider challenges facing opposition parties in the state, with several others also experiencing post-primary disputes.

In the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), governorship aspirant Barrister Mfon Peter alleged foul play after losing the primary to Senator John Akpanudoedehe. Peter accused the state government of sponsoring rival candidates and disenfranchising his supporters. He has petitioned the party’s appeal committee, demanding a fresh primary.

Similarly, Dr. Tom Fredfish, a House of Representatives candidate under the APM, raised concerns about government infiltration of opposition parties, urging the judiciary to uphold justice and encouraging genuine candidates to remain steadfast. He emphasized that the electorate will ultimately decide the fate of all candidates.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has refuted allegations that it imposed candidates during its recent primary elections across various constituencies.

In a statement released on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, clarified that all aspirants were received by the party, given attention, and directed to engage with appropriate leaders and grassroots stakeholders in their respective states.

Director emphasized that the NDC operates under an established stakeholder leadership structure that includes caucus heads in every state of the federation. He reiterated the party’s commitment to principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness, and consensus-building.

He further stressed the party’s dedication to encouraging women’s participation in elective offices, noting that this has been implemented in several instances. “At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” Director stated.

The party acknowledged reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves as candidates and complaints raised concerning certain aspects of the process. According to Director, these issues have been brought to the attention of the appeal panel and party leadership, and have already been addressed.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has disclosed that more than half of its aspirants for the 2027 general elections were chosen through consensus agreements. This statement was made by the party’s national spokesman, Osa Director, during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday.

Director emphasized that the NDC is committed to fostering a transparent and inclusive democratic process, distinguishing itself from traditional political practices. He noted that some individuals are attempting to undermine the party’s progress by claiming the NDC is no different from other political entities.

“Over 50% of NDC candidates emerged through consensus,” Director stated. “The NDC will conduct itself in a manner that breaks away from business as usual. That is our promise to Nigerians.” He further explained that the party is attracting numerous supporters, but only some will ultimately be chosen, which may lead to disappointment among those not selected. However, he assured that no one is rejected in the NDC.

Drawing an analogy, Director described the NDC as a “political Noah’s Ark,” serving as a vehicle to transform Nigeria into a place of salvation, progress, and inclusive development. The party aims to embrace a new era of growth and opportunity for all citizens.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially rejected a document claiming to list its senatorial candidates for upcoming elections, labeling it as entirely fraudulent. The party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, released a statement clarifying that the so-called “Concluded List of APC Senatorial Candidates So Far” was never issued by the party.

Morka emphasized that no such list has been released and warned the public against spreading unverified information that could mislead party members and the general populace. The statement explicitly declared the list as fake and unauthorised.

The APC urged all stakeholders, including party loyalists, media houses, and the public at large, to completely disregard the publication. It highlighted that only the National Working Committee (NWC) holds the authority to announce candidates, which must be done through official channels after primary elections and other constitutional procedures.

The ruling party expressed deep concern that false information of this nature could sow confusion and erode trust in its internal democratic processes. The statement appealed to all members and stakeholders to abstain from circulating unverified content that might damage the party’s integrity.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially launched appeal panels to address complaints arising from its recently held presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and state legislative primaries. This move aims to enhance transparency, fairness, and internal democracy within the party’s candidate selection process.

In a statement released on Thursday by National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Mohammed, the party confirmed that these panels will review grievances from aspirants and stakeholders who are dissatisfied with the primary outcomes. The committees are tasked with examining appeals and providing recommendations aligned with the PDP’s constitution, electoral guidelines, and relevant legal provisions.

“The appeal panels will hear and review appeals from contestants and stakeholders who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the primaries. They will also make recommendations in line with the party’s Constitution, Electoral Guidelines and relevant provisions of the law,” Mohammed stated.

He emphasized that this initiative underscores the PDP’s commitment to a credible and transparent candidate selection process ahead of upcoming elections. Mohammed disclosed that the party’s National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, will head the panel overseeing governorship and presidential primary disputes, with former National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu serving as a member.

Additionally, the spokesman revealed that Suleiman Afolagbe will chair the panel responsible for appeals related to state assembly and National Assembly primaries. The nine-member legislative panel is scheduled to convene on June 8 and June 9 at the National Working Committee (NWC) Hall in the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. Meanwhile, the 24-member governorship and presidential panel will begin its sittings on June 10 at the same venue.

A faction within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State has appealed to the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Abubakar Malami, to pick his deputy from Kebbi South Senatorial District. The group, called the Kebbi ADC Unity Forum, specifically proposed Paul Gambo Tase for the number two position, emphasizing that this would ensure fairness, inclusivity, and regional equilibrium within the party.

Garba Abdulkareem, the forum’s coordinator, issued a statement on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi, explaining that Tase, a former Labour Party gubernatorial candidate and native of Kebbi South, brings substantial experience and competence to the role. Abdulkareem noted that since Malami hails from Kebbi Central, the deputy slot should logically be zoned to Kebbi South to maintain balance.

The forum described itself as a coalition of party members, professionals, community leaders, youth, and women united in strengthening ADC’s chances in the state. According to the group, Tase has expressed readiness to serve if selected by the party leadership. Tase, a retired economist who worked with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), previously contested the 2023 governorship election under the Labour Party in Kebbi State.

Malami, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, recently secured the ADC governorship ticket for the 2027 elections. The forum’s call aligns with ongoing consultations aimed at boosting the party’s electoral prospects through strategic ticket balancing.

A recently surfaced video appears to contradict the denial made by House Deputy Spokesperson Philip Agbese regarding his endorsement of Ikenga Ugochinyere for the position of Minority Leader in the House of Representatives. The footage, made public by Ugochinyere, shows Agbese putting pen to paper on two separate forms on May 21, 2026.

During Thursday’s plenary session, Agbese had raised a point of privilege, claiming his signature had been forged on a document that nominated Ugochinyere—a lawmaker from the Action People’s Party (APP)—for the Minority Leader post. He argued that the publication of the document with his purported endorsement violated his privileges as a member of the Minority Caucus.

The controversy erupted after 61 members of the Minority Caucus reportedly signed to back Ugochinyere’s candidacy. Agbese, however, maintained that he never authorized the use of his name. In response, Ugochinyere released the video evidence, which he says proves Agbese willingly signed the endorsement forms, directly challenging the forgery allegation.

The video has since sparked reactions within political circles, with many calling for a transparent resolution to the dispute. The incident underscores the ongoing jostling for leadership positions within the House’s minority bloc.

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has made it clear that he feels no shame in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term. Speaking at a gathering organized by the Tinubu Support Organisation in Birnin Kebbi, the governor addressed critics who questioned his vocal backing of the president. He argued that such criticisms come from people unfamiliar with the realities on the ground in Kebbi.

Idris pointed to ongoing federal projects in the state as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to the region. “The president truly cares for Kebbi and its people,” he said. According to the governor, these developmental efforts are the reason he remains steadfast in his support. “Democracy is about delivering tangible benefits to the people,” he added.

The governor also recalled that Kebbi was the first state in the country to formally endorse Tinubu for a second term, with thousands of residents gathering at the Haliru Abdu Stadium last year to show their support. He described Tinubu as his leader and mentor, emphasizing that his administration will continue to back initiatives that foster growth in Kebbi and Nigeria at large.

Idris dismissed a viral clip questioning why he is at the forefront of the re-election campaign, noting that the person behind it is not from Kebbi. “We support the president 100 percent,” he declared, reaffirming his unwavering loyalty.