Category: News

The political landscape in Nigeria continues to heat up as a prominent figure within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has strongly rebuffed actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo. Okonkwo had publicly voiced his disapproval regarding the selection of former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as the running mate for Atiku Abubakar, the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Eze, who serves as the ADC chieftain, expressed that he was not taken aback by what he termed the “misguided and unfortunate trash” emanating from Okonkwo. Okonkwo had earlier declared his withdrawal of support for Atiku, citing the choice of Amaechi as his vice-presidential candidate. This decision reportedly followed an official announcement by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, confirming the ticket.

Okonkwo had argued that any political arrangement for 2027 that excludes the South-East from the top two executive positions perpetuates an unpardonable injustice against the Igbo people. However, Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) and a close associate of both Atiku and Amaechi, dismissed Okonkwo’s stance as the rantings of someone confused and overzealous, suggesting he treats politics like a Nollywood script.

Eze asserted that Okonkwo’s criticism is not genuinely about Amaechi but stems from his own political troubles. “He is an emerging betrayer, a man who speaks from both sides of his mouth,” Eze said, pointing to Okonkwo’s earlier attacks on Peter Obi, whom he once revered. Okonkwo now faces a N5 billion defamation lawsuit from Obi, which Eze believes has driven his recent actions.

The ADC chieftain launched a series of verbal jabs, describing Okonkwo as an “aimless, toothless, rabies-infested dog on the loose” and a “greenhorn, erratic and myopic about Nigeria’s politics.” He insisted that Atiku does not need Okonkwo’s support to win the presidency and that Amaechi’s selection is strategically sound.

Eze emphasized that Amaechi, being married to Dame Judith Amaechi from the South-East, is considered a son of the Igbo region according to local customs. He also noted that Atiku’s previous vice-presidential picks—Senator Ben Obi, Peter Obi, and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa—were all Igbo, countering claims of marginalization. Eze concluded that Amaechi’s credentials make him the best choice for the ADC and Nigeria, and he praised the Atiku-Amaechi ticket as a winning combination.

Human rights attorney Maduabuchi Idam has launched a scathing critique of ADC chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo, accusing him of sacrificing logical thinking for verbal eloquence. Idam’s remarks follow Okonkwo’s rejection of the Atiku-Amaechi presidential ticket, which he opposed due to the selection of a running mate from the South-South rather than the Southeast.

In a pointed statement, Idam suggested that Okonkwo’s vocal opposition might stem from personal ambition rather than genuine regional advocacy. He hinted that Okonkwo may have envisioned himself as Atiku’s running mate, a notion Idam dismissed as unrealistic given Okonkwo’s limited electoral appeal. Idam argued that a politician who cannot attract votes beyond his immediate circle is hardly a valuable asset for a major presidential bid.

The lawyer also speculated that Okonkwo’s next political move could be toward the APC, alleging that his recent stance aligns more closely with that party’s interests. Furthermore, Idam referenced a rumor that Okonkwo’s fallout with Peter Obi occurred because the NDC candidate failed to provide a duplex he desired. Idam used this to question the depth of Okonkwo’s political convictions, suggesting that loyalty can be bought with material incentives.

Concluding his critique, Idam warned the public to watch for a potential party switch by Okonkwo, asserting that his sharp tongue could easily be used to deny past statements. Idam emphasized that true political principles are tested when comfort is not guaranteed.

In a striking revelation, the head of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has declared that Peter Obi stands alone among presidential contenders for openly detailing his campaign expenditures. During a Tuesday interview on Arise Television’s ‘Day Break’, Tanko highlighted Obi’s unique commitment to financial transparency.

Tanko recalled witnessing Aisha Yesufu and Peter Obi hire an independent auditor to scrutinize their campaign funds. He emphasized that Obi and his team provided a comprehensive breakdown of all campaign costs, challenging other major political parties like the APC and PDP to match this level of openness.

According to Tanko, Peter Obi’s dedication to accountability and transparency set him apart, as he practiced the very principles he preached throughout his campaign. Tanko further noted that these financial records are now public documents, accessible to all who wish to examine them.

Former presidential media aide Bashir Ahmad has strongly criticized the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for selecting Mustapha Kwankwaso, son of the party’s vice presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso, as its deputy governorship candidate in Kano State. Ahmad described the decision as a serious political misstep.

In a post on X, Ahmad argued that it is strategically flawed for a party to have a father as its vice presidential candidate while his son simultaneously serves as the deputy governorship candidate in the same election. He called the move politically unwise and miscalculated.

Mustapha is the son of Rabiu Kwankwaso, who was recently named the NDC’s presidential running mate for the 2027 elections. The party’s gubernatorial candidate in Kano is former deputy governor Aminu Gwarzo, who secured the position through a consensus process led by Rabiu Kwankwaso in May.

Gwarzo had previously resigned from the administration of Governor Abba Yusuf due to disagreements, which led to his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the NDC.

Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a former presidential aspirant, has voiced strong criticism against a Federal High Court decision that ordered the deregistration of five political entities, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Accord Party. He views this move as a calculated effort to undermine opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Kwara-born politician expressed that the ruling poses a significant challenge to Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system. He noted that the judgment aligns with concerns he has raised since 2024 regarding a systematic drive to curb opposition influence before the upcoming elections.

Olawepo-Hashim pointed to various political maneuvers that seem designed to minimize electoral competition, such as pressuring opposition governors to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and fueling internal conflicts within opposition parties. He also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of operating an electoral schedule that contradicts the 2026 Electoral Act, failing to implement necessary changes despite pending litigation.

The former candidate emphasized that this court ruling represents a severe blow to opposition politics and democratic engagement. He stressed that Nigeria’s democracy relies on multiple parties and called on all stakeholders—including citizens, civil society, and pro-democracy groups—to actively defend democratic institutions and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

Prominent legal practitioners on Tuesday confronted Justice Peter Lifu of the Abuja Federal High Court regarding his decision to proceed with a case against the David Mark-led African Democratic Congress (ADC) after having issued an order on Monday that effectively dissolved the party. The lawyers argued that by deregistering the ADC the previous day, the party ceased to exist legally, making it impossible for the court to adjudicate on any matter involving it.

During the tense proceedings, Dr. Suleiman Usman, SAN, representing David Mark; Realwan Okpanachi, counsel for Rauf Aregbesola; and Kalu Agu, attorney for Nkemakolam Ukandu, insisted on a clarification of the party’s status before continuing. They maintained that a party already declared dead cannot be brought back to life by the same judicial officer. Their stance was based on the Monday ruling that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strike five political parties, including the ADC, from its register.

The lawyers emphasized that without a clear statement on whether the ADC was still a viable entity, they would either leave the courtroom or remain to represent their clients. However, Justice Lifu inquired whether the lawyers had obtained and reviewed the certified copy of his earlier judgment. Upon learning they had not, he instructed them to study the verdict, noting that the deregistration matter was distinct from the leadership dispute.

In a related development, Justice Lifu rejected a request by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola for him to step down from the case. In his ruling, he described the recusal application as baseless and lacking merit, stating that the allegations of bias and prejudice were unsupported by credible evidence. He accused the defendants of attempting to delay the proceedings, which the Supreme Court had directed to be expedited, and vowed not to yield to intimidation or blackmail. The judge imposed a fine of N500,000 each on Mark and Aregbesola, payable to the plaintiff, Nafiu Bala Gombe. The next hearing is scheduled for June 23, 2026.

The Action Alliance (AA) has raised alarms over the recent Federal High Court ruling that struck off the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties from registration. National Chairman Kenneth Udeze stated that this judicial action poses a significant risk to the orderly conduct of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Udeze noted that political entities are actively mobilizing support and finalizing preparations for the upcoming electoral cycle. He warned that stripping parties of their legal status at this juncture could derail those efforts and undermine democratic participation.

“Democracy depends on a range of viewpoints and avenues for political expression. Nigerians must have expanded opportunities to pursue their political ambitions, not a reduced democratic space,” Udeze asserted.

While reaffirming the party’s respect for the judiciary and the rule of law, the AA chairman emphasized that the decision raises fundamental questions about the inclusivity of the electoral process and the fairness of upcoming elections.

Udeze pointed out that the development is especially troubling given that the Court of Appeal had reportedly stayed proceedings in the matter. “Citizens should have more avenues to voice their political preferences, not fewer options in a democratic setting,” he added.

The party further cautioned that deregistering political parties ahead of a general election could disenfranchise members, disrupt years of grassroots organizing, and create unnecessary friction within the political system. Instead of outright deregistration, Udeze argued that compliance issues and electoral infractions should be addressed through dialogue, reforms, and established legal channels.

“A healthy democracy cannot be built on exclusion,” the statement concluded.

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential flagbearer for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has strongly criticized a recent court decision that mandates the deregistration of several political parties. He described the ruling as unconstitutional and a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

In a statement shared on his X handle, Adebayo argued that there exists no legal, constitutional, or ethical justification for suppressing alternative political platforms through government-backed judicial actions. He expressed deep concern that this order comes just days after the nation celebrated Democracy Day, a time when democratic values were reaffirmed.

Although his own party is not among those affected, Adebayo emphasized that staying silent on such injustice would amount to abandoning democratic principles. He called on all Nigerians and democracy advocates to stand in solidarity with the impacted parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Action People’s Party (APP), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

Adebayo highlighted that Nigeria’s rich social, cultural, religious, economic, and ideological diversity necessitates a wide array of political platforms for citizens to pursue their aspirations freely. He pledged support for the affected parties in their lawful pursuit of justice and reinstatement, asserting that democratic participation must never be restricted.

He further advocated for constitutional reforms to strip the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its power to register or deregister political parties, limiting its role solely to conducting free, fair, and credible elections. Instead, he proposed a system where political associations can field candidates freely, subject to statutory deposits that would be forfeited if they fail to secure a minimum vote percentage.

Adebayo warned against policies that could escalate political tension, urging leaders to focus on strengthening democratic institutions and promoting national development. The court ruling, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Abuja Federal High Court on Monday, orders INEC to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, and others, barring them from participating in the 2027 general elections.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has made a startling claim regarding the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. During an interview on AIT, he alleged that the signatures of some senators were falsified to push through the disciplinary action.

Oshiomhole stated that several lawmakers whose names appeared on the committee report later denied signing it. He specifically mentioned Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Federal Capital Territory, who reportedly expressed shock upon learning her name was included among endorsers of the document.

The former Edo State governor explained that committee reports typically require signatures from members who agree with the findings. Those who disagree can choose not to sign or abstain entirely. However, he noted that in this case, some senators claimed their names were listed without their consent.

This revelation comes after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described Natasha’s suspension as one of the most regrettable actions taken by the current Senate. Oshiomhole’s remarks have added a new layer of controversy to the ongoing political drama.

A member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu, claiming that a recent federal court judgment is pushing the nation toward chaos. Representing the Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency in Imo State, Ugochinyere made these remarks on Monday, reacting to the court’s order to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Action Peoples Party (APP), and three other political parties.

He argued that this ruling could trigger a period of severe political instability, likening it to dark chapters in Nigeria’s history and other parts of Africa. The lawmaker called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to thoroughly investigate the circumstances behind the judgment, alleging that key legal arguments and past judicial decisions were overlooked.

Ugochinyere also urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to step in and protect the integrity of the judicial system, warning that public trust in the courts could be severely damaged if such concerns are not addressed. “This is a pure invitation to anarchy,” he stated. “The judiciary is the last hope of the common man. If superior court judgments can be ignored, we are jeopardizing one of democracy’s most vital institutions.”