Category: News

The Federal High Court in Sokoto has postponed proceedings in the case concerning the leadership tussle within the Sokoto State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Justice Ahmad Gama Mahmud announced the adjournment, moving the hearing to June 4, 2026.

The decision was made during Tuesday’s session to allow all involved parties sufficient time to address outstanding court documents and ensure legal papers are properly served. Justice Mahmud noted that the upcoming Sallah festivities also influenced the timeline, emphasizing that the delay aligns with the principles of fairness and justice.

Professor Abdullahi Ibrahim, SAN, representing the second and third defendants, requested the adjournment, highlighting that some parties had not received the required documents. He also revealed that a motion challenging an earlier ex-parte order from May 8, 2026, had been submitted.

Lead counsel for the plaintiffs, Barr. Matthew Burkaa, SAN, initially resisted the request but eventually consented, recognizing the need for all applications to be addressed. Other defense lawyers supported the call for more time.

Following arguments from both sides, the court scheduled the next hearing for June 4, 2026. This case is part of a broader legal battle over the leadership structure of the ADC in Sokoto State. The matter had previously been adjourned from May 8 to May 19, 2026, before the latest postponement.

On Wednesday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar participated in the screening process organized by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for its presidential aspirants. The event took place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, drawing significant attention from political observers.

Atiku arrived at the venue accompanied by a group of prominent political figures, including former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, ex-Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, and former Minister of Police Affairs Maina Waziri, along with several other allies.

Observers widely expect Atiku to emerge as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, further intensifying the political landscape.

Rotimi Amaechi, the former Minister of Transportation, has officially shown up at the screening exercise organized by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for presidential aspirants. The event took place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, where the politician was seen wearing traditional Niger Delta attire, accompanied by his trusted associates.

Amaechi, who previously governed Rivers State, made his presidential ambitions clear last week when he formally announced his intention to contest in the 2027 elections. He had earlier picked up the party’s nomination forms from the ADC national secretariat in Abuja, signaling his readiness to vie for the nation’s top job.

Upon submitting the required documents, the former minister emphasized that his goal is to become president, not vice president. He stated unequivocally that he did not purchase the nomination forms with any intention of being a running mate to another candidate. This declaration came amid speculation that he might settle for a lesser role in the political race.

Amaechi’s arrival at the screening venue marks a significant step in his quest for the presidency, as the ADC begins the process of selecting its flagbearer for the upcoming general election.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has made it clear that defeating former President Goodluck Jonathan is not their primary objective. Instead, the party has set its sights on removing President Bola Tinubu from office in the 2027 elections.

This statement was made by the SDP’s presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, during an interview on Trust TV on Wednesday. He was responding to reports that Jonathan has entered the presidential race for the upcoming election.

“Our aim is not to defeat Goodluck Jonathan; our goal is to defeat Tinubu,” Adebayo stated. He expressed that if Jonathan is genuinely running and not just being used by others, he would welcome his participation. Adebayo noted that Jonathan, having previously held the office, should be able to provide valuable insights into his past tenure, including why he was voted out, the challenges he faced with insecurity, and the financial losses during his administration.

Adebayo further remarked that Jonathan has gained international experience and a deeper understanding of democracy, which could make him a wiser candidate this time around. He emphasized that Jonathan’s entry could bring a fresh perspective to the race.

The Kano State Government has disclosed that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf previously held discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding a possible switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This revelation came from Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who serves as the Director-General of Media and Publicity at the Government House in Kano, during his appearance on the Arise TV Morning Show.

According to Bature, the conversation was not a solo endeavor but was undertaken with the full knowledge and approval of key political figures, including former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo. He emphasized that these talks are part of broader political realignments and strategic consultations that are shaping the landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The media aide noted that while many rumors are circulating about political alliances, the governor’s approach to President Tinubu was a genuine step in exploring new political directions. He further stated that such movements are common in the build-up to major elections, as politicians seek to position themselves effectively.

Bature also hinted that similar conversations are ongoing across the country, involving various political actors, though he cautioned that not all speculations reflect finalized agreements. The assertion by the Kano State Government aims to clarify the governor’s political intentions and the collective decision-making process behind them.

In a significant political development, Shehu Umar, a prominent aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial ticket in Bauchi State, has announced his withdrawal from the contest. Umar made his decision public through a personally signed statement released on Wednesday.

The move comes after a coalition of support groups that had been backing his campaign urged him to step down and avoid participating in the party’s primaries. These groups alleged that the current political climate is not favorable for his continued participation.

According to the coalition, the primary election process is riddled with irregularities, lacks clarity, and is highly ambiguous. They argued that what is unfolding is not a democratic election but rather a process of imposition and selection.

With Umar’s exit, the race for the APC governorship nomination in Bauchi has narrowed to two main contenders: former Governor Mohammed Abubakar and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar. Both are now seen as the leading candidates vying for the party’s ticket ahead of the general election.

Desmond Elliot, the representative for Surulere I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has made a significant decision to withdraw his candidacy from the upcoming primaries. The announcement was shared through a video that circulated on social media channels on Wednesday.

In the video, Elliot expressed his concerns, stating, “My name is Desmond Elliot. Across all zones, there has been intimidation and obstacles preventing us from proceeding. I am hereby officially withdrawing from this race. This is my ward; outside, you can see my people, and they have not been allowed to participate. So, I am officially stepping down. Good luck, and thank you.”

Elliot, who currently serves the Surulere I constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), was seeking re-election. His withdrawal marks a notable development in the party’s internal selection process.

In a decisive victory, Ayodeji Sunday Adarabierin has emerged as the winner of the House of Assembly election for Ado Ekiti Constituency 1. The official results, compiled from all seven wards in the constituency, were announced by electoral officials on Wednesday.

Adarabierin secured a total of 4,577 votes, far outpacing his main opponent, Adegbite Ayo, who garnered only 676 votes. This commanding lead of 3,901 votes underscores Adarabierin’s strong appeal among voters in the region.

A breakdown of the ward-by-ward results reveals Adarabierin’s dominance across most areas. In Ward 1, he achieved 934 votes against Adegbite’s zero. Ward 2 saw him collect 580 votes while Adegbite managed just 7. However, Ward 3 proved to be an exception, where Adarabierin received no votes and Adegbite took 557. Ward 4 was Adarabierin’s strongest, with 1,766 votes compared to Adegbite’s 47. In Ward 5, Adarabierin polled 481 votes versus Adegbite’s 20. Ward 6 added 364 votes for Adarabierin and only 4 for Adegbite, while Ward 7 contributed 452 votes to Adarabierin’s tally against 41 for Adegbite.

The total number of valid votes cast across the constituency was 5,253. Adarabierin’s victory margin of 3,901 votes highlights a clear mandate from the electorate.

The Obidient Movement has thrown its weight behind a potential Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso presidency, asserting that the duo possesses the expertise needed to tackle Nigeria’s education crisis. National Coordinator Yunusa Tanko underscored that leadership with integrity and a proven track record in education can turn the tide for the nation.

Tanko argued that no country can thrive when millions of its youth are denied learning opportunities. He stressed that mere budget allocations are insufficient; what matters is the effective deployment of resources to ensure every child receives quality instruction, teachers are empowered, and funds reach actual classrooms.

Drawing from Obi’s tenure in Anambra and Kwankwaso’s achievements in Kano, Tanko highlighted how their focus on human capital development, school infrastructure, and youth empowerment transformed lives. He concluded that Nigeria needs leaders who prioritize education as the bedrock of future prosperity, and that an Obi-Kwankwaso administration represents the best hope for change.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has issued a strong warning to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to refrain from acting as arbiters in matters between him and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

In a video address, the former Abia State governor stressed that only he and Benjamin Kalu truly understand the origins and future of their relationship. He asserted that no third party should intervene or pass judgment on their affairs.

Kalu also emphasized the need for unity within the party, calling for a collective effort to strengthen cohesion. He stated, “Let today be a turning point for all of us; unity must prevail in the party. I do not want anyone to act as a judge between the Deputy Speaker and myself. We alone know how we started, and only the two of us know how we will end.”

Referencing a conversation with the president, Kalu revealed that he had spoken favorably about Benjamin Kalu when asked. He added that if Benjamin Kalu decides to run for governor, he will do so under his own name as a brother. “Let there be a transparent election; whoever wins, we will support. If you do not want our support, we will go to our houses and sit down,” he said.