Author: Gabby

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has warned the public against accepting speculative results from its recent primaries. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director Esq., issued a statement Sunday urging citizens to ignore unverified claims on social media.

According to Director, the official outcomes remain under the authority of the National Executive Council (NEC), which is the only body empowered to release them. He emphasized that any other sources are not credible.

This clarification follows the primaries held on May 28 and 29, 2026. The NEC is set to convene in Abuja this week after a directive from the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson. Members are expected to arrive Tuesday for a pre-meeting session, with the main NEC meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

The NDC assured stakeholders that the authenticated list of candidates for the 2027 elections will be made public once internal procedures are completed and submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In the meantime, some social media users have pushed narratives about who should be declared winner. For instance, a user named Dylan claimed Hon. Utomi Nwanne is the preferred candidate in the Delta North Senatorial primary. However, the party insists that only NEC’s announcement carries legitimacy.

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has strongly responded to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s recent assertion that the former Vice President would fail to secure even 10% of votes in Rivers State during the 2027 general elections.

Phrank Shaibu, Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, issued a statement declaring that the people of Rivers State are fully capable of determining their own electoral destiny. He emphasized that no politician, no matter how powerful or well-connected, can claim ownership over an entire state’s electorate.

Shaibu accused Wike’s comments of revealing growing anxiety within the Tinubu administration following the emergence of a strong opposition coalition under the ADC banner. He argued that everyday Nigerians are far more preoccupied with skyrocketing living costs, deteriorating security, and economic struggles than with the predictions of a minister who seems obsessed with campaigning instead of governing.

Calling the minister’s remarks both amusing and troubling, Atiku’s camp insisted that Rivers voters are not political assets to be distributed at will. “The votes of Rivers are not yours to command. Rivers citizens are not enslaved politically. They are intelligent and independent individuals who will decide based on their own experiences and hopes for their children’s future,” Shaibu stated. He reinforced that no single individual, regardless of federal influence, can impose a voting pattern on an entire state.

Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso recently convened with candidates from the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) in Benue State to discuss the path forward for the upcoming elections. The interaction was highlighted in a statement released through his media aide, Hon. Saifullahi Hassan, on social media platforms.

The delegation included the NDC’s governorship candidate for Benue, along with senatorial, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly aspirants. They gathered at Kwankwaso’s residence in Maitama, Abuja, where the dialogue focused on reinforcing party cohesion, enhancing grassroots engagement, and fine-tuning electoral preparations.

According to the official communication, the meeting facilitated meaningful exchanges on fostering unity within the party, mobilizing support at the local level, and devising effective approaches to achieve favorable outcomes in the forthcoming polls.

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, has criticized Governor Bassey Otu for his reported statement that opposition figures in the state would be “crushed” before the 2027 elections.

Reacting in a statement on Sunday night, Archibong labeled the remark as irresponsible, disappointing, and unfit for a democratic leader, asserting that it reveals an inability to tolerate dissent and an effort to scare political rivals.

The PDP standard-bearer voiced particular worry that such words came from Governor Otu, who is widely regarded as a Christian and often referred to as an apostle. He accused the governor of resorting to political coercion instead of demonstrating the ethical principles expected from a person of faith.

Citing Proverbs 22:22-23, Archibong advised the governor to avoid actions or statements that could silence dissenting voices, reminding him that democracy depends on accountability and constructive feedback.

He vowed that the opposition would not be frightened by threats and committed to a peaceful, issue-driven campaign centered on the welfare of Cross River residents. The period leading up to the 2027 elections, he said, would allow for a thorough review of the current administration’s performance, arguing that a government with real achievements would welcome public scrutiny.

Archibong further argued that the administration’s own policies and actions had opened it to criticism, adding that a truly successful government should be measured by its accomplishments, not by efforts to muzzle opponents. He urged the governor to focus on “crushing” poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment through effective governance and strategic investments instead of targeting opposition members.

The PDP candidate also called on the administration to address issues raised in the recent SBM Intelligence report, which he claimed had harmed the state’s reputation. Reaffirming his dedication to a peaceful campaign, Archibong insisted that no amount of intimidation would prevent the opposition from holding the government accountable. He stressed that the people of Cross River deserve real wealth creation and measurable progress, not just the signing of memoranda of understanding.

The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, has described the 2026 primary elections conducted by Nigeria’s political parties as the most poorly executed on record. He made this assertion during an interview on Arise Television, which was monitored by DAILY POST on Sunday night.

Amadi argued that the situation has regressed compared to the 2022 primaries, attributing the decline to a lack of accountability. According to him, when political actors face no serious repercussions for flouting procedures, there is no incentive to improve. He noted that rules are often ignored because violators rarely face consequences.

He further explained that if parties and candidates consistently lost elections due to unfair or opaque processes, they would be compelled to adopt better practices. However, the current climate encourages what he termed “political banditry,” where individuals believe they can circumvent due process without penalty. When such conduct goes unpunished, it undermines democratic institutions and emboldens further violations.

Dr. Abayomi Arabambi, the South-West factional National Vice Chairman of the Labour Party, has expressed that Peter Obi’s decision to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is merely a transitional phase, not his ultimate political home. In an interview on Arise Television, Arabambi commented on Obi’s emergence as the NDC’s presidential flag bearer for the upcoming 2027 elections.

Arabambi stated, “Peter Obi’s shift to the NDC does not mark the end of his political journey. If he believes he has secured a safe haven after causing instability within the Labour Party, he may soon encounter significant political challenges from those still loyal to the party’s structure.” He added that weakening a political platform and moving on without facing repercussions is not feasible, as internal political dynamics will eventually confront him.

The LP chieftain further emphasized that the political arena is fiercely competitive, and no candidate can force their way to the top without broad acceptance. He concluded, “Ultimately, the decision lies with Nigerians. No one can become president without addressing critical issues like governance, accountability, and combating corruption.”

The tragic death of Mrs. Taliat Simbiat during the Accord Party primaries in Iwo has ignited a fresh political storm in Osun State. The incident has drawn reactions from Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Accord Party, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), who have all condemned the violence but traded accusations over its cause and the prevalence of thuggery.

Governor Adeleke expressed his condolences to the bereaved family, calling the incident deeply painful. In a statement from his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor praised the generally peaceful conduct of the primaries across the state and urged politicians to embrace non-violent engagement. He described the deceased as a key supporter of his administration in Iwo and environs.

Adeleke rejected APC allegations that his government shields thugs, insisting that his political career has been defined by a commitment to peace and stability. He accused his opponents of twisting well-known facts to score political points.

The Osun chapter of Accord also condemned the violence and extended sympathy to the Simbiat family. Party chairman Pastor Victor Akande noted that over 99% of the primaries were conducted peacefully, calling the Iwo incident an isolated event that does not reflect the party’s nature. He added that investigations are ongoing and expressed confidence that the truth will emerge. Accord dismissed claims that it harbors thugs, emphasizing its dedication to lawful political activities.

On the other hand, the APC Governorship Campaign Council presented a starkly different narrative. In a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, the APC alleged that the primaries were marred by widespread violence, injuries, and property destruction. The party claimed that Simbiat died amidst the chaos in Iwo Local Government Area. It called for a thorough investigation and urged Governor Adeleke to cooperate with law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice.

While Adeleke and Accord maintain their stance against violence and thuggery, the APC insists on accountability and transparency in the probe of the incident.