Author: Gabby

The former presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabi’u Kwankwaso, has made a significant political concession, according to public affairs analyst Mahmud Jega. Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ program, Jega described Kwankwaso’s agreement to support the zoning of the presidential ticket to the South within his new party, the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), as a landmark decision.

Jega noted that for a politician with substantial backing in a key and volatile state like Kano, this move was particularly noteworthy. He remarked that Kwankwaso must be cautious about his base’s reaction, as the public often perceives him as an aggressive and tough figure. However, in the interview, Kwankwaso appeared calm and considerate, Jega observed.

The analyst highlighted that Kwankwaso’s decision likely involved extensive consultations, and indications suggest that most of his supporters are on board. This could pave the way for a potential Obi-Kwankwaso ticket in the upcoming elections. Jega also pondered whether Kwankwaso’s youthful and social media followers would follow his lead, emphasizing the importance of a leader’s ability to bring their supporters along.

The All Progressives Congress in Benue State has taken a decisive step by disqualifying more than two dozen aspirants from contesting in the upcoming primaries for the 2027 House of Assembly elections. This move, announced by the party’s State Assembly Screening Committee, stems from violations of established party rules and constitutional provisions.

According to the committee’s report, the disqualifications were necessitated by the aspirants’ failure to adhere to the party’s guidelines. The APC leadership has called on those affected to accept the screening outcome gracefully and urged all party members to maintain unity as the 2027 general elections approach.

The report, signed by Committee Chairman Dr. Auwalu Ishiye and Secretary Barr. Tijani Abdullahi, provided the full list of disqualified individuals. Among them are Shio Keghnen Ephraim (Katsina-Ala East), Smith Enyi (Oju II), Uhimbir T.T. (Makurdi South), Isaac Aondohemba Kyan, Dugha Mark (Gboko East), Adikpe Ojoi (Oju I), Victor Johnson (Okpokwu), Iyua Samuel (Makurdi South), Varvar Titus (Ukum), Ubii Abraham (Gboko West), Mannaseh Kwaghlu, Elias Odoba (Apa), Iorshase Barnabas (Gboko West), Nyitse James (Ukum), Willaum Terhide (Buruku), Adakole Sale (Agatu), Obor Onor (Oju II), Odeh Aaron (Oju II), Tamenor Emmanuel (Makurdi South), Kundan David (Buruku), Iko Benjamin (Buruku), Anyor Justice (Kwande West), Richard Saidu (Ukum), Andrew Tyonongo Mbagwa, Timothy Cherem Tiev, Akumbur Peter (Gboko West), Nyiongu Innocent (Makurdi North), Terkula David (Katsina-Ala West), and Sebastian Ugba (Gwer West).

The party’s call for calm and respect for the screening process underscores its commitment to internal democracy and discipline. As preparations for the 2027 elections intensify, the APC Benue chapter aims to ensure that only candidates who fully comply with its standards proceed to the primaries.

Rabi’u Kwankwaso, a former presidential aspirant for the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), has hinted at the possibility of a collaborative effort between the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 elections. During an appearance on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Monday, the seasoned politician discussed his exit from the ADC and the formation of an alliance with Peter Obi, the ex-presidential candidate of the Labour Party.

Kwankwaso remarked that the NDC and ADC might yet join forces before the election. He added that there are significant developments across the country that many older individuals fail to grasp. According to him, while older generations often dwell on religion and ethnicity, younger Nigerians are more focused on securing competent governance. He expressed support for this youthful perspective, stating that they are absolutely correct in their quest for strong leadership.

Lauretta Onochie, who previously served as a media aide to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has demanded the unconditional release of Nasir El-Rufai, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC). She argued that holding him under dubious circumstances fuels concerns that state mechanisms are being used to target political adversaries.

On social media platform X, Onochie emphasized that dissenting voices must be allowed to speak freely, not suppressed through incarceration. She stated: “In any democratic system, opposition viewpoints should be countered with arguments, not jail terms. Turning political involvement into a reason for persecution puts democracy itself on trial.”

She noted that El-Rufai has been detained for several months on allegations widely viewed by Nigerians as politically driven and fabricated. “What is even more alarming are claims that his release hinges on political concessions: either rejoin the APC or quit politics entirely. That is not justice. That is coercion and political intimidation disguised as legal procedure,” she added.

Onochie stressed that Nigeria cannot present itself as a democracy while punishing those who refuse to conform. She asserted that the rights to political affiliation, opposition, and participation are enshrined in every constitutional democracy. No citizen should have to barter their freedom for political submission, she insisted.

“If there is a legitimate case against him, let it be tried openly, fairly, and without delay before a competent court. However, continued detention under questionable circumstances only reinforces the belief that state power is being misused to silence opponents. This goes beyond Nasir El-Rufai. It touches the very foundation of Nigerian democracy—whether citizens can still disagree, compete for power, and speak without fear,” she said.

She concluded by calling for his immediate release, even if on bail, pending a just resolution of his case. “A democracy that incarcerates opposition voices today may find itself with no opposition tomorrow. A nation without opposition is a nation under dictatorship,” Onochie warned.

The African Democratic Congress has officially unveiled the candidacy of Osinachi Usuwa, who is set to vie for the Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency seat in Abia State. This announcement was made through a post on the party’s official social media platform.

According to the party, Usuwa’s entry into the race is driven by mounting demands for leadership that prioritizes the needs of the people and offers genuine grassroots engagement. The ADC emphasized that Usuwa’s ambition aligns with the growing call for representatives who are deeply connected to their communities.

In a statement, the party reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing visionary leaders who are committed to integrity, competence, and service. “As more credible voices emerge nationwide, the ADC remains a platform for those ready to lead with dedication and transparency,” the statement noted.

The announcement marks the formal commencement of Usuwa’s political journey for the constituency, signaling a new chapter in the region’s political landscape.

Public affairs analyst Mahmud Jega has pinpointed a critical challenge that could undermine the opposition’s performance in the 2027 general elections. During an appearance on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ program on Monday, he argued that the opposition’s internal fragmentation poses a significant obstacle to its electoral ambitions.

Jega explained that if the splintered opposition groups each field their own presidential candidates, the struggle to unseat the ruling party would become considerably harder. He recalled that a few months ago, opposition leaders vowed a united front against the All Progressives Congress, particularly after a meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, where they agreed to present a single candidate. However, that unity appears to be crumbling.

According to Jega, aside from the ADC faction which remains cohesive, the two PDP governors from Bauchi and Oyo states have aligned with a smaller party and are reportedly working to draft former President Goodluck Jonathan back into the race. He warned that if the opposition ends up fielding three separate candidates—for instance, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso under the NDC, Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi in the ADC, and Goodluck Jonathan possibly alongside Bala Mohammed—their collective effort would be severely diluted, making victory elusive.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to engage a total of 1,414,768 corps members for the 2027 general elections. The INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, made this known during a meeting with the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), OO Nafiu, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Amupitan lauded NYSC members as the most dedicated, educated, and patriotic personnel for electoral duties, emphasizing that their involvement at polling units has significantly enhanced public confidence and neutrality. He noted that corps members account for nearly 90% of Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers in many states, overseeing voting and ballot integrity across 176,846 polling units nationwide.

For the 2027 elections, 707,384 corps members will be required for the Presidential and National Assembly polls on January 16, with the same number needed for the Governorship and Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, totaling over 1.4 million. The INEC chairman highlighted the successful performance of corps members in previous elections, including the Anambra governorship and FCT Area Council polls, where their digital skills ensured the efficient operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to collaborating with the NYSC and security agencies to implement rigorous safety protocols for corps members. He also disclosed ongoing improvements to insurance and welfare programs to reflect the value placed on their contributions. The commission aims to ensure a well-structured, peaceful, and transparent electoral process through shared responsibility and cooperation with the NYSC.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has declared that it will not bow to outside pressure as the internal dispute within its leadership enters its second week. This firm stance was taken during a meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC).

Earlier, the suspended Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, claimed that the terms of four officials, including Secretary-General Murtala Aliyu, ended on March 10, 2026, and called for their resignations. However, the NEC, through spokesperson Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, dismissed the BoT’s move as unlawful.

The crisis escalated when police sealed the ACF’s national secretariat in Kaduna ahead of a scheduled NEC meeting, citing the need to prevent disorder between the warring factions. In response, the NEC convened at an undisclosed location and suspended Dalhatu over alleged financial impropriety and constitutional violations, a decision the BoT rejected.

Over the weekend, BoT members accused Aliyu of fueling the rift and demanded he stop acting as Secretary-General, insisting his tenure had expired. Countering these claims on Monday, Prof. Muhammad-Baba issued a statement outlining the NEC’s resolutions from its March 6 meeting. The NEC warned that any person appointed to a committee or task by the BoT would be acting without legal backing, rendering such actions invalid.

The NEC condemned the police siege on the secretariat as an assault on the constitutional rights of groups in Northern Nigeria and beyond. It called for the immediate removal of police officers from the premises and disciplinary measures against those responsible. The committee also praised its members for remaining calm and law-abiding despite provocation.

In its statement, the NEC said, “The Chairman commended NEC members for their steadfastness and refusal to be manipulated or taken for granted. He urged continued unity to strengthen the collective voice of Northerners in national affairs.” The NEC approved the formation of a new Leadership Selection Committee and instructed the Chairman to implement it. It also passed a vote of confidence in the National Working Committee, urging them to adhere strictly to the ACF constitution.

The body affirmed that the ACF remains united and undeterred, calling on all Nigerians and Northerners to uphold the rule of law and reject impunity and tyranny.

In a sharp rebuttal, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figure, Osita Okechukwu, has countered former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s dismissal of zoning as a political principle. Okechukwu, a founding member of the ruling party, declared that labeling zoning as counterproductive is nothing short of a refusal to accept reality.

The former Director General of Voice of Nigeria expressed dismay over Atiku’s comments, pointing out that the former VP himself has been a key beneficiary of the zoning arrangement in Nigerian politics. Okechukwu posed a pointed question: was it not the zoning convention that paved the way for Atiku’s vice presidency? He also reminded Atiku of his hasty departure from the PDP presidential primary in 2014 after Goodluck Jonathan clinched the ticket—a move that eventually led him to the APC.

Okechukwu lambasted Atiku’s argument that a southern opposition candidate would struggle to unseat a sitting southern president, calling it a regression to identity politics—the exact ailment zoning aims to cure. He noted that such rhetoric is unbecoming of a statesman.

Furthermore, Okechukwu took issue with Atiku’s calculation that by 2027, the South would have held the presidency for 18 years compared to the North’s 10. He accused Atiku of selective amnesia, citing the over 40 years of northern dominance since independence in 1960. Okechukwu stressed that equity cannot be dissected using convenient numbers; it demands a holistic view.