Category: News

In a swift political turnaround, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of a former Nigerian leader, has officially returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) just a week after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC). The decision marks a dramatic shift in her political trajectory, coming on the heels of a failed bid for the APC gubernatorial ticket in Ogun State.

Earlier this year, Obasanjo had abandoned the PDP for the APC, citing betrayal and neglect by her former party. She expressed frustration that PDP leaders only sought her support during election campaigns, calling their approach foolish. Her move to the APC was intended to reignite her political career after a 15-year hiatus from active politics. She had even announced her intention to contest for the Ogun State governorship under the APC banner.

However, her plans were thwarted when she lost the APC primary election. In a statement on Monday, she accused the party’s leadership in Ogun State of disrespect and mistreatment, leading to her resignation. Barely a week later, she made a surprise appearance at the PDP secretariat in Abeokuta during the unveiling of the party’s deputy gubernatorial candidate, Lateefah Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo. The event was marked by enthusiastic cheers and solidarity songs from party members who welcomed her back with open arms.

Addressing the crowd, Obasanjo declared that the era of electoral manipulation against the PDP candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, was over. She pledged to formally announce her defection in the coming days. Meanwhile, the PDP has already named her as its candidate for the Ogun Central Senatorial District in the upcoming elections, signaling a renewed alliance.

The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that all its candidates have been successfully screened by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) in preparation for the upcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for September 26. Dr. Johnpaul Anih, the state chairman, made this known during a press briefing in Enugu on Monday.

Dr. Anih revealed that the party is fielding over 14 chairmanship candidates and more than 210 councillorship candidates across the state. He emphasized that the party’s campaign strategies are already in full swing, describing the local government polls as a crucial indicator of the political climate in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Commending ENSIEC for its dedication to fairness, transparency, and inclusivity during the screening process, Dr. Anih warned that any attempts to undermine the electoral process would be met with lawful and democratic resistance. He stated, “We are encouraged by the professionalism and transparency shown by ENSIEC. The commission has provided a level playing field for all parties, and we urge it to maintain this approach until the elections conclude.”

He further stressed that the credibility of the September 26 election will serve as a major benchmark for the state’s readiness for the 2027 general elections. The NDC chairman also noted that the party conducted one of the most credible and transparent primary elections in the state, which was monitored by ENSIEC and security agencies, resulting in the emergence of competent candidates capable of providing effective leadership at the grassroots level.

“Our candidates emerged through a transparent and credible process that reflected the will of party members. We are confident they possess the competence, integrity, and grassroots support needed to deliver quality leadership across local government areas. Given a free, fair, and credible election, our candidates will perform exceptionally well and earn the people’s mandate,” Dr. Anih added.

The party’s state secretary, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, also expressed confidence that the NDC would achieve a strong performance in the September elections if the process remains free from manipulation and electoral malpractice. He highlighted that the party’s candidates are individuals with proven records of service and community engagement in their respective areas.

“All our candidates have demonstrated commitment to grassroots development and community service. Their emergence has generated excitement among the electorate and reinforced the belief that credible alternatives exist,” Dr. Okafor stated. He maintained that many Enugu residents are eager for a new political direction based on accountability, effective representation, and people-centered governance.

Dr. Okafor also praised ENSIEC for creating a fair environment for all political parties, noting that such conduct strengthens public confidence in the state’s electoral system. He called on the people of Enugu to support the NDC’s vision for grassroots transformation. “The NDC is committed to ending poor representation and unfulfilled promises. We offer a platform built on accountability, development, and people-oriented leadership. We urge Ndi Enugu to support our candidates and join us in building local governments that truly serve the people’s interests,” he concluded.

The Accord Party has firmly rejected a Federal High Court order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister it. In a statement, the party insisted on its readiness to participate in upcoming elections, including the Osun governorship race, and assured candidates and supporters of its presence on the ballot.

According to Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem, the party’s National Chairman, the court’s ruling was delivered in disregard of a subsisting stay of proceedings by the Court of Appeal. He described the action as a violation of the rule of law, emphasizing that the judiciary must operate with due process, not arbitrary orders. The party considers the judgment an attack on democracy and has directed its legal team to challenge it immediately.

The Accord Party argued that it was not a party to the suit filed by the so-called National Forum of Former Legislators, which sought the deregistration. It pointed out that it won two councilorship elections in Jigawa State, thereby meeting constitutional and electoral requirements. The party stressed that the attempt to derail its progress by antidemocratic forces has failed once again.

Looking ahead, the Accord Party announced plans to proceed with its Imole campaign flag-off scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Osun State. It also vowed to contest the Ekiti governorship election and the 2027 general elections. The party urged its members to remain steadfast, assuring them that it will overcome this legal hurdle.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has identified the individuals it believes orchestrated the court ruling that led to its deregistration, according to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.

Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ program on Monday, Abdullahi revealed that the person spearheading this effort works in the office of the President’s Chief of Staff. He described the individual as a former House of Representatives member from the South-East, stating that they have made no effort to conceal their identity.

Abdullahi also raised questions about the role of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who initially appeared as a defendant in the case but later emerged as a plaintiff. He called this development absurd and demanded an explanation.

The party spokesman further questioned the motive behind the deregistration, asking what injury the self-styled former legislative forum would suffer if ADC and other parties participated in the 2027 elections. He suggested that the move might be driven by a desire to protect certain privileges, implying that the so-called breakfast they enjoy could be at risk.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate apprehension of Justice Peter Lifu, the judge who delivered the controversial verdict that led to the deregistration of the ADC and four other political entities. Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, made this demand during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program.

Justice Lifu, presiding over the Federal High Court in Abuja, issued an order on Monday compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the ADC, Accord Party, and others from the ballot for the 2027 general elections. This ruling has sparked outrage within the affected parties.

Abdullahi argued that the judge’s actions constitute contempt of court, as the Court of Appeal had previously instructed that no further steps should be taken until a scheduled hearing on October 27. He described the ruling as baseless and without legal foundation. “Justice Lifu should be arrested. The Appeal Court said he should not act until the case is heard on October 27. The judge is acting in contempt of court, which is a criminal act. What basis did they deliver the judgment?” Abdullahi stated.

He further asserted that the ADC is confident the decision will not hold, emphasizing that the party believes the ruling has no leg to stand on.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has voiced strong opposition to the Federal High Court in Abuja’s directive to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and several other opposition political parties. In a statement issued on Monday, the party urged all Nigerians to unite in denouncing the court’s decision, emphasizing that an attack on one party is an attack on the entire democratic system.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to proceed with the deregistration of the ADC, the Accord Party, and other political entities, effectively barring them from contesting in the 2027 general elections. The NDC swiftly reacted, asserting that this judicial action must be met with widespread condemnation.

“This ruling poses a serious threat to democratic pluralism in Nigeria,” the NDC stated. “We stand shoulder to shoulder with the affected parties and call on every citizen to reject this move by the rudderless APC to steer our nation toward a one-party dictatorship.” The party further warned that such legal maneuvers could erode political diversity and undermine the will of the people.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has achieved a sweeping victory in the Adamawa State local government elections, winning all 21 local government areas and 226 wards. The Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC) confirmed the results on Monday evening, declaring PDP candidates victorious across the board.

The electoral officer for Numan Local Government Area, Sani Ahmed, announced that PDP candidate Zidon Nzanyopwa secured 19,174 votes, defeating his closest rival, Bio Alexander of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 5,676 votes, and Nancy Nelson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who received 4,178 votes.

The Numan election, which was originally postponed from Saturday, June 13, was conducted on Monday morning and afternoon. By Monday afternoon, it was widely known that the PDP had already won the other 20 LGAs. ADSIEC Chairman Mohammed Umar confirmed the overall results late Monday evening in Yola.

This outcome means that all chairpersons, vice chairpersons, and councillors across the 226 wards are now PDP members. Chairman Umar expressed gratitude to the people of Adamawa for turning out peacefully to exercise their voting rights.

Notably, Adamawa State is currently governed by an APC administration under Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who defected from the PDP earlier this year. However, the PDP candidates had been endorsed before his defection, leading to the unusual situation of a state with an APC governor having PDP-controlled local governments.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is brimming with confidence that its presidential ticket, featuring Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi, will emerge victorious against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election. This assertion was made by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program.

Abdullahi underscored the strength of the Atiku-Amaechi alliance, describing it as a powerful coalition capable of delivering superior governance and securing electoral success. He argued that every aspirant who vied for the ADC presidential nomination, including Atiku, Amaechi, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, possessed the competence to outperform the current administration. ‘We hold the firm belief that any candidate from the ADC, whether it be Atiku, Rotimi Amaechi, or Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, would far exceed the performance of President Bola Tinubu,’ Abdullahi stated.

The selection of Atiku as the presidential candidate and Amaechi as his running mate, according to Abdullahi, has significantly bolstered the party’s prospects for the 2027 polls. He confirmed that the ADC will definitely appear on the ballot and announced plans for a formal public presentation of the ticket in the near future.

Abdullahi also defended the integrity of the party’s primary election, asserting that it was conducted credibly. Rotimi Amaechi, who initially contested the presidential primary, lost to Atiku before being chosen as the vice-presidential candidate.

As political parties consolidate their strategies for 2027, the landscape is taking shape: President Bola Tinubu will run under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku will represent the ADC, and Peter Obi will be the candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). In the 2023 election, Tinubu secured over eight million votes, while Obi and Atiku each garnered more than six million votes.

In a dramatic operation, troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA successfully freed Mrs. Abubakar, the spouse of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, after a fierce confrontation with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area, Katsina State. The rescue was part of the broader Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, which targeted criminal hideouts in the region.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama broke the news on his X account late Monday, citing military sources. He revealed that intelligence-driven missions were launched in Matazu and surrounding areas following the abduction of the general’s wife.

During the search-and-rescue effort at Tunga village, troops engaged the kidnappers. The bandits opened fire, wounding the victim before fleeing under heavy military pressure. A military source stated, “The bandits shot her and fled when we made contact at Tunga village. We have rescued Mrs. Abubakar. She is bleeding. We have given her first aid and are moving her for urgent medical attention.”

The operation underscores the army’s commitment to combating banditry in the region. Further details on her condition are awaited as authorities continue to pursue the fleeing criminals.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter at Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil, has taken a firm stance against what it describes as an unlawful revision of the institution’s governing document. The union has directed its members to completely disregard and avoid using the newly introduced document.

In a communiqué released after a recent congress meeting, union leaders Dr. Aliyu Yusuf Ahmad (Chairman) and Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Tukur (Secretary) highlighted that the university administration failed to follow the proper procedures outlined in Section 21 of the KUST Amendment Law 2017 for amending such documents. As a result, the union rejected the documents in their entirety.

The congress expressed deep dismay over the administration’s decision to impose what they termed harmful and injurious documents on staff, which they believe undermine the university’s development. The union also alleged that the new governing document was approved without engaging relevant stakeholders and without due process, contravening Section 21 of the law and other local and international labour laws.

Furthermore, the union pointed out that the university’s Governing Council that approved the document was not properly constituted. According to Statute 5, Section 1 of the KUST Amendment Law 2017, a senate meeting should have been convened to elect a senate representative to the council, which was not done. Additional allegations include failure to release audited accounts for over three years and failure to hold statutory meetings such as the University Senate and Budget Monitoring Committee.

The union has called on the National Executive Council of ASUU to back their active non-compliance until the administration addresses these issues and other demands. Despite the conflict, the union reiterated its commitment to industrial harmony and academic stability, noting that its stance is strengthened by the Kano State government’s efforts to improve staff welfare and promote higher education.