Category: News

Sam Amadi, who leads the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, has pointed out that Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has yet to formally declare Rotimi Amaechi as his vice-presidential pick. According to Amadi, Nigerians are still waiting for an official announcement from Atiku regarding Amaechi’s role on the ticket.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Amadi stated: “@atiku is yet to publicly name @ChibuikeAmaechi as his VP. May be he will do so soonest. We wait to hear him say so soonest.”

The ADC had earlier this week named Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor and ex-Transportation Minister, as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 elections. The announcement came through a statement from the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, who cited extensive consultations with stakeholders as the basis for the decision.

Despite the party’s announcement, Amadi observes that the former Vice President has not personally confirmed the choice in a public setting, leaving many observers eager for a formal declaration.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Electoral Committee, Monday Ubani, has asserted that the judiciary lacks the authority to dictate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in matters of party deregistration. Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘Day Break’ program, Ubani emphasized that INEC is constitutionally independent and empowered to make such decisions.

His comments follow a ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, which ordered INEC to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties. However, the Court of Appeal in Abuja subsequently issued a stay of execution on that judgment, halting the enforcement of the deregistration order.

Ubani noted that INEC had already taken administrative action as permitted by the constitution and found no breach by the parties involved. He criticized the court for attempting to substitute its own judgment for that of the constitutionally mandated body. According to Ubani, INEC filed a counter affidavit after exercising its powers, only for the court to override the commission’s findings.

Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, has described internal party disagreements as a common occurrence that should not be interpreted as a crisis. Speaking in an interview with Nevon Media on Tuesday, Obi addressed concerns about recent tensions within his party and public reactions to opposition criticisms.

According to Obi, every political group experiences occasional differences and minor issues, and the key is how they are managed. He stated that such matters are often resolved internally without escalating into broader problems. “In every organisation, disagreements or minor issues are inevitable. What truly matters is the manner in which they are handled. Typically, they are resolved, and the party continues forward,” Obi explained.

He also responded to criticisms from party members like Aisha Yusuf, asserting that differing opinions and expressions of dissatisfaction are part of political engagement and do not necessarily signal a breakdown of party structure. Obi stressed that internal debate is healthy and indicative of a vibrant democratic process.

On the legal dispute involving chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo, Obi noted that the matter arose from public statements that required legal clarification. He emphasized that accountability and evidence are crucial in political communication, and leaders must be willing to be scrutinized. “Leaders should be open to examination so the public can understand our principles and what we advocate,” he said.

Obi further highlighted that future leaders must be chosen based on integrity, competence, and character rather than mere political loyalty. “It is essential that those entrusted with leadership are people of strong character, integrity, competence, and proper qualifications,” he insisted. He added that accountability in politics also means allowing past and present actions of leaders to be examined in the public interest.

Last week, Obi filed a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit against Kenneth Okonkwo over comments made during a televised interview, where Okonkwo allegedly accused Obi of corruption and questionable political dealings, including bribery and manipulation of party primaries. Obi reiterated that such allegations must be addressed through legal channels to uphold integrity in political discourse.

Top leaders and prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yagba Federal Constituency have thrown their weight behind Hon. Leke Abejide’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election. Speaking through the Leke Abejide Support Group (LASG), they insisted that Abejide’s victory at the primary election was the true expression of APC members’ will across the constituency.

The group dismissed recent criticisms of Abejide’s candidacy, labeling them as the result of political disappointment and a deliberate effort to discredit the democratic decision made by party members. They stated unequivocally that there was no attempt to extend the lawmaker’s tenure, as alleged by critics, and that Abejide submitted himself to a transparent primary election where he secured an overwhelming mandate.

The statement was signed by several notable figures, including Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo; Chairmen of Yagba West, Yagba East, and Mopamuro Local Governments – Hon. Tosin Olokun, Hon. Dare Joshua, and Hon. Ademola Bello; as well as APC chieftains Chief Babatunde Samuel, Chief Omotosho Oluseyi, Hon. Ayo Mayegun, Hon. Bode Kayode, Pastor Kehinde Asalu, Hon. Oluwaseyi Giwa, Hon. Nike Akolade, Chief Richard Asaje, Engr. Toba Adebayo, Mr. Babatunde Moses, Hon. Temitope Omotosho, Mr. Olarewaju Emmanuel, Mr. Emmanuel Adeniyi, Mr. Ajengbe Samuel, Hon. Loveth Samuel, Mrs. Stella Adegoke, and Mrs. Funmilayo Odi, among others.

The APC leaders argued that those now challenging the primary outcome had openly backed a different aspirant but failed to win the confidence of party members. They noted that the result was decisive and reflected the preference of APC members across all 34 wards of Yagba Federal Constituency. They called attempts to invalidate the result through media campaigns and public agitation undemocratic, urging party faithful to respect the verdict of the members.

The leaders also rejected arguments based on zoning and rotational arrangements, asserting that such informal understandings cannot override the constitutional rights of eligible citizens to contest elections or the right of voters to choose their preferred representatives. They explained that opponents of Abejide’s emergence had misinterpreted the Constitution, which neither imposes term limits on legislators nor bars any qualified Nigerian from seeking office.

“Democracy is not about excluding a candidate based on his origin. Democracy is about letting the people decide who best represents their interests,” the group declared.

Highlighting Abejide’s achievements, the APC leaders pointed to scholarship programs that have benefited thousands, empowerment initiatives for women and youth, infrastructural projects across communities, and a recent grant program in which over seventy communities received ₦10 million each to execute self-selected projects. They said the lawmaker’s track record of performance, accessibility, and community-focused interventions has earned him widespread support.

“The people are interested in results. They are interested in impact. They are interested in leaders who understand their needs and have demonstrated the capacity to meet them,” the statement added. The APC leaders called on party members and the public to disregard efforts to distort the primary election outcome, insisting that the democratic process produced a clear winner. They emphasized that no amount of political pressure, revisionism, or propaganda can overturn a mandate freely given by APC members.

“The party members have spoken. The people have spoken. Democracy has spoken, and its verdict deserves respect,” they concluded.

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has launched a fresh attack on President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of wielding undue control over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a recent interview on Vanguard’s ‘Politics Hub’ program, Adebayo claimed that Tinubu, by virtue of his influence, could single-handedly generate votes in his favor.

Adebayo was responding to questions about the SDP’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections. He emphasized that since the last electoral contest, his party has continued to engage with citizens across the country. He argued that Tinubu’s alleged grip on INEC makes it imperative for opposition parties to connect directly with the electorate, rather than relying solely on the electoral process.

Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s First Republic leaders, Adebayo stated, “We must go to the people, just as Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, and Nnamdi Azikiwe did. They campaigned tirelessly, often covered in dust. I am covering every corner of Nigeria because I understand the challenges. I know where the people are, and I recognize the need to meet them where they live.”

The SDP chieftain’s comments come amidst growing concerns about the integrity of the electoral body ahead of the 2027 polls. His assertion that the presidency has effectively turned INEC into a partisan tool has reignited debates on the commission’s independence.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, has ordered the deployment of CP Abayomi Yomi Shogunle to oversee security operations in Ekiti State ahead of the governorship election on Saturday, June 20, 2026.

In a statement issued by the Ekiti State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, the deployment is part of the IGP’s strategic security plan to guarantee a tranquil and orderly electoral process.

Upon assuming his new role, CP Shogunle quickly reinforced the IGP’s enforcement directives, focusing on collaboration with other security agencies and election stakeholders. Key measures include intelligence mapping to curb political violence, thuggery, and cult-related activities, as well as campaigns to counter misinformation. The command has also put in place robust plans to ensure the safe movement of electoral materials and personnel from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), a centralized operational framework has been established for rapid response, with joint security deployments covering all polling units, collation centers, and other critical facilities. The Commissioner of Police emphasized that sufficient personnel are being strategically positioned at identified flashpoints to prevent any disturbances and ensure a smooth electoral process.

CP Shogunle assured that all deployed officers have been thoroughly briefed on professional conduct and will operate strictly within the Constitution and the Electoral Act. He called on political stakeholders, community leaders, and residents of Ekiti to support security agencies in maintaining peace before, during, and after the election. The command reiterated its dedication to protecting lives and property and ensuring a free, fair, and credible election.

The statement also highlighted Dr. Shogunle’s experience as a Fellow of the Security Institute and his successful leadership of election security operations during the November 2025 Anambra State governorship election. Members of the public are encouraged to stay law-abiding and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the command’s emergency line: 08062335577.

A Kano-based political commentator, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, widely recognized as Abba Gwale, has voiced serious concerns regarding the caliber of politicians emerging in the state. In a Facebook post on Tuesday evening, he argued that the current political framework prioritizes loyalty over competence, undermining effective governance.

Gwale’s remarks were prompted by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) recent announcement that Mustapha Kwankwaso would serve as running mate to gubernatorial candidate Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo. He warned that selecting leaders based on political convenience rather than integrity and ability could have detrimental effects on Kano’s future.

He stated, ‘Unless significant changes occur soon, the outlook for political leadership in Kano appears bleak.’ The analyst stressed that those currently wielding influence are likely to become the next governors, deputy governors, and senior officials, raising questions about the selection criteria.

‘The choice of a deputy governor should not hinge solely on loyalty, political appeal, or readiness to be a puppet. Competence, integrity, and moral character must also be paramount,’ he emphasized. He added that his evaluation of politicians across various blocs reveals a troubling lack of capable individuals.

‘I see people who excel at delivering election results or sustaining political machinery, but not leaders who can propel the state forward,’ Gwale observed. While acknowledging the possibility of an unexpected candidate emerging to alter the narrative, he maintained that for now, the future remains uncertain.

Earlier this week, Aminu Gwarzo, the NDC governorship candidate for 2027 and a former deputy governor of Kano, named Mustapha Kwankwaso as his running mate. Mustapha, who previously served as Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, is the son of former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

The criminal proceedings initiated by the Social Democratic Party against its former national chairman, Shehu Gabam, have been postponed by a Magistrate Court situated in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja. The adjournment was prompted by the party’s failure to produce crucial documentation essential for the case.

Professor Sodiq Abubakar, the current National Chairman of the SDP, provided insights following the court session on Wednesday. He explained that the delay stemmed from the party’s inability to secure a key piece of evidence—a bank statement that is vital to the prosecution’s argument.

Abubakar detailed that the party had formally requested the statement from a Nigerian bank, but the institution did not comply. Consequently, the party sought intervention through the court registry, issuing a subpoena compelling the bank to produce the document. The bank cited the voluminous nature of the records and the need for approval from its headquarters, requesting a one-week period to fulfill the demand.

In light of these developments, the court granted the adjournment, setting the next hearing for July 20, 2026. Abubakar emphasized that the postponement was solely due to the absence of the bank statement, which is indispensable for the case’s progression.

It is noteworthy that Gabam was initially arraigned in May 2026 under suit number DCC/10/2026, facing allegations of financial misappropriation totaling 35 million naira during his tenure as the party’s national chairman. The adjournment ensures that the bank statement will be available for the next hearing, allowing the case to move forward.

The Anambra State Government, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has launched a decisive campaign against individuals posing as pastors and engaging in illegal activities. This initiative aims to cleanse the state of criminal elements exploiting religious and traditional platforms for nefarious purposes.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Awka, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, called on residents to volunteer credible information about fake pastors, fraudulent churches, and so-called men of God involved in crimes such as extortion, deception, and any acts that threaten lives and community peace. The government has assured that all tips will be handled with strict confidentiality to protect whistleblowers.

Governor Soludo’s administration has developed comprehensive strategies to directly confront fake pastors and native doctors as part of a larger effort to eradicate criminality and restore order across the state. The commissioner emphasized that this crackdown is part of the Solution Government’s resolve to sanitize both traditional worship and religious practices in Anambra.

“Let us collaborate to reclaim our state from criminals hiding under the cloak of religion, culture, and tradition,” Mefor urged, rallying citizens to support the government’s mission against those who misuse spiritual authority for illicit gains. The call to action underscores the administration’s zero-tolerance policy for any form of criminality disguised as faith or cultural practice.

The University of Uyo, located in Akwa Ibom State, is set to deploy advanced security technologies, including closed-circuit television cameras and biometric registration systems, to enhance campus safety and accurately track its staff and student population.

This announcement was made by Professor Christopher Ekong during his inauguration as the institution’s ninth substantive vice-chancellor. He emphasized that a thorough institutional audit covering infrastructure, finances, human resources, academic programs, and administrative frameworks will be carried out.

Addressing concerns about misconduct, the new VC issued a stern warning against cultism and sexual harassment, stating that anyone found guilty would face expulsion within 72 hours. “We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and cult activities,” he declared.

Ekong further revealed that within his first 100 days, his administration would introduce biometric capturing to ascertain the actual number of staff and students and to regulate access. He also plans to outsource the management of key facilities like hostels and lecture theaters to professional facility managers, ensuring sustainable upkeep and 24/7 internet access for the university community.

Dr. Muiz Banire, the institution’s chairman and pro-chancellor, commended Ekong’s emergence through a competitive process and urged him to disregard detractors. He advised focusing on the task ahead rather than revenge, noting that remedies should only be applied where necessary.

Outgoing acting VC Professor Samuel Odewumi encouraged the new vice-chancellor to avoid dwelling on the past and instead concentrate on transforming the university.