Category: News

The Alliance for Democratic Action (ADA) promoter, Umar Ardo, has opened up on his objections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) registering the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). During an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Ardo accused the NDC of bypassing the constitutional and electoral procedures mandated for political party registration.

According to him, the first step to register a party is forming an association, followed by sending a formal letter of intent to INEC that includes the proposed party name, acronym, and logo. Ardo stated that the NDC wrote to INEC seeking registration, but the commission rejected the request, citing that the party’s logo resembled those of existing political parties and associations.

He explained that the law requires the association to challenge INEC’s decision in court within 14 days, but the NDC instead penned another letter asking the commission to reconsider its stance. Ardo claimed that after receiving no reply, the group eventually went to court with only the letter of intent, which he argued was insufficient to demonstrate compliance with the Electoral Act and constitutional provisions.

Ardo noted that a political association seeking registration must fill out Form EC15 and upload several documents to INEC’s portal, including the party constitution, manifesto, details of national executive members, and proof of payment of the prescribed fee. He alleged that the NDC failed to complete the form or upload the necessary documents before approaching the court.

Ardo maintained that INEC was aware that the association had not fulfilled the registration requirements and therefore should have opposed and appealed the court judgment in favor of the NDC. He said, ‘Why I oppose NDC? I need to explain that so that the castigation against me and then the misunderstanding by a lot of Nigerians, maybe assuaged.’

He elaborated on the steps: ‘You see, before you register a political party, the steps are one, you form an association. So they formed an association of Nigerian Democratic Congress NDC. Then you will write a letter of intent to INEC and say to INEC that we have formed this association and is serious to be registered as a political party. This is the name of the association. This is the acronym of the association, and this is the logo of the association, can you open the portal for us so that we apply in the portal by filling from EC15. This is the form that you must fill in if you want to register.’

Ardo continued, ‘NDC wrote to INEC this letter of intent. INEC then wrote back to NDC, said that, look, NDC, this your registration, we cannot continue with it, because your logo is different. It is similar to other political parties and political associations, therefore we cannot continue with you. Then the law says that if INEC writes to such a letter within 14 days, you should go to court. But NDC now wrote back to INEC and said, INEC, reconsider your position. INEC did not answer. After about a month or so, NDC wrote again. It said, we are giving you one month, you know, one week to reconsider. INEC did not answer. And then NDC picked this letter and went to court. And with that letter, the court said NDC had fulfilled all the requirements of the Constitution, all the requirements of the Electoral Act and all the guidelines, which is not true.’

He added, ‘This is because until you fill the form EC 15, where you upload the name of your party. Two, you upload this acronym. Three, you upload the logo. Four, you upload the Constitution. Five, you upload the manifesto. Six, you upload the executive members, national executive members. Seven, you upload the fee. You have to even pay a fee and get the receipt for INEC to give you the access the portal. You have to upload it. You have to upload 29 documents for you to be that you have applied. NDC did not do that. NDC did not pay. NDC did not fill that form. NDC did not do anything. NDC just took one letter to court, and the court said, You have fulfilled everything. If NDC can mislead the court, if NDC can beguile the gullible Nigerians, NDC could not do that to INEC because INEC knows the truth. INEC knows that NDC did not apply. So once they come with that judgment, INEC ought to have resisted and appealed.’

In a scathing interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Umar Ardo, a prominent figure of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), publicly criticized former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for aligning with the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). Ardo asserted that he had forewarned both politicians about the party’s unresolved legal issues, but they chose to ignore his advice.

Ardo clarified that his opposition to the NDC’s registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) dates back to February 6, before Obi and Kwankwaso showed any interest in the party. He emphasized that his stance was never about them personally, but about what he perceives as irregularities in the party’s formation.

According to Ardo, after uncovering these irregularities, he reached out to associates close to Obi, urging them to advise the former presidential candidate to avoid the NDC and consider other political platforms instead. He also disclosed that he had a personal meeting with Kwankwaso and later called him shortly before their alleged move to the NDC, detailing the problems the party was facing.

Despite these warnings, both politicians proceeded with their involvement. Ardo stated that their entry has not improved the situation, which he described as “as bad as it has always been.” He expressed concern that the NDC’s unresolved legal troubles could be a “national fraud” on the country. “You cannot come through this way and expect people to vote for you,” he added.

Ardo made it clear that his actions were motivated solely by a desire to prevent a fraudulent situation from undermining Nigeria’s political process, not by any personal rivalry with Obi or Kwankwaso.

The Chairman of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area in Kebbi State, Hussaini Aliyu Bena, who is also a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress, has firmly rejected rumors making rounds on social media about a political crisis within the state government. He specifically countered claims that the government has already picked a preferred candidate for the Zuru/Sakaba/Fakai/Danko-Wasagu Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking at an event in Birnin Kebbi, Bena stated that the reports are entirely false and are being propagated by individuals who are not part of the APC and those who oppose the developmental achievements of the current administration. He reiterated that Governor Nasir Idris has not imposed any candidate on the party and that all interested aspirants are free to compete for party tickets without any interference.

According to Bena, the governor’s administration is committed to upholding internal democracy and fair political competition within the APC. He urged all party stakeholders in the state to ignore what he termed as misleading content on social media, emphasizing that such narratives will not undermine party unity in the region.

Honourable Mansur Manu Soro, who represents the Darazo-Ganjuwa Federal Constituency in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has officially declared that he will not be participating in the 2027 general elections. The announcement came through a statement released on May 11, 2026, which was signed by his Legislative Aide, Safiyanu Ibrahim Darazo.

In the statement, the lawmaker clarified that he would neither pursue the Bauchi Central Senatorial seat nor seek another term for his current federal constituency. This decision marks a significant shift from earlier speculation that he might contest under a different party platform.

Manu Soro took the opportunity to express gratitude to the people of Darazo-Ganjuwa, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Governor Bala Mohammed for their support during the 2023 elections, which secured his return to the National Assembly. Despite stepping away from electoral politics, he assured his constituents that his commitment to the development of the constituency remains steadfast, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.

He highlighted key projects undertaken during his tenure, including the establishment of gifted primary and secondary schools, a National Open University of Nigeria study centre, and four pediatric hospitals spread across the constituency. These initiatives reflect his ongoing dedication to improving local infrastructure and services.

It is worth noting that Manu Soro resigned from the PDP on May 1, 2026, citing persistent internal crises and unresolved divisions within the party over the past two years. Following his departure from the PDP, he defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), which fueled widespread speculation that he intended to vie for the Bauchi Central Senatorial seat or return to the House of Representatives under the APM banner.

Attempts to obtain a comment from the APM State Chairman, Auwal Isah, were unsuccessful. Calls placed to him went unanswered, and text messages sent to his phone had not been responded to at the time of filing this report.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially commenced the screening process for its aspirants vying for the presidency and various governorship positions in the upcoming 2027 general elections. This development marks a significant step in the party’s internal electoral preparations.

Organized under the leadership of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee, the screening activities are being hosted at the party’s National Secretariat Annex, situated at Legacy House in Maitama, Abuja. The exercise is designed to evaluate the qualifications and readiness of candidates seeking to fly the party’s flag in the national and state-level contests.

According to a statement from the National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, the screening for governorship aspirants will kick off at 12 noon on Thursday, while the presidential aspirants’ session is scheduled for 2 PM on the same day, both taking place at the same venue. The timing underscores the party’s commitment to a structured and timely vetting process.

Notable figures have been appointed to lead the screening committees. The presidential screening committee is chaired by former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, with Hassan Sokodobo acting as Secretary. Other committee members include Alhaji Abba Isawa, Senator George Sekibo, Sodipo Semiu, Mrs. Chinelo Chidebelu, Nasiru Mohammed, Senator Zainab Kure, and Lindsey Sora. Their collective expertise ensures a thorough evaluation of all aspirants.

For the governorship category, the committee is headed by former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, with George Ariolu serving as Secretary. The committee also features Dr. Ibrahim Umar, Prof. Aisha Madawaki, Tajudeen Yusuf, Dr. Abdulganiyu Oloyin, Babangida Modibbo, Alhaji Buba Biri, Olaniyi Ogungbuji, Mike Ahumibe, Gabriel Igboko, Pastor Tony Effiong, and Mrs. Precious Ojelabi. This diverse panel reflects the party’s commitment to inclusive and rigorous candidate assessment.

In a yet-to-be-released interview with News Central TV, Peter Obi, a frontline presidential aspirant of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has made serious allegations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan. The former governor of Anambra State claimed that Amupitan is merely executing a script authored by President Bola Tinubu.

According to excerpts from the interview, Obi disclosed that he recently wrote to the INEC Chairman, cautioning him that his tenure is temporary. The NDC aspirant expressed disbelief that elections could be conducted by academics and still result in such poor outcomes. “If anyone had told me that using professors to run our elections would make things worse, I would have strongly disagreed,” Obi stated.

When asked directly whether INEC acts as an agent of the president, Obi responded affirmatively. “Yes, completely. Everything the INEC Chairman is doing today reflects the directives of the person who appointed him,” he emphasized. Obi reiterated that his letter reminded Amupitan of the impermanence of his position, implying that accountability would eventually catch up with him.

The interview is expected to air in full soon, potentially stirring further debate about the independence of Nigeria’s electoral body ahead of future elections.

In a significant political move, former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has formally aligned himself with the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made on Thursday at the party’s secretariat in Ondo City, where the state APC chairman, Kolawole Babatunde, alongside other party leaders and supporters, officially received him.

Mimiko’s defection marks a notable development in the state’s political landscape, as he holds the distinction of being the first governor in Ondo’s history to complete two terms in office. This transition comes after a wave of his loyalists had earlier moved to the APC in 2025, which many observers interpreted as a precursor to his eventual switch to the ruling party.

The former governor’s decision is largely seen as part of broader realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, reinforcing the APC’s influence in the region. Political analysts suggest that this move could significantly reshape the dynamics of Ondo politics and the party’s strategies for upcoming polls.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State has successfully completed the screening of three senatorial candidates and 131 contenders for the state House of Assembly positions, marking a significant step towards the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists in Jos after the exercise, the chairman of the screening committee, Tyem Gideon Nanden, confirmed that the cleared aspirants will now proceed to the party’s primary elections scheduled for next Wednesday.

Nanden revealed that many of the candidates emerged through consensus arrangements, including those vying for the three senatorial seats in the state. He named the senatorial aspirants as Johnbuil Shekarau (Plateau South), Timothy Golu (Plateau Central), and Formson Godson Dalyop (Plateau North), all of whom were selected via consensus.

Additionally, all House of Representatives hopefuls were chosen through consensus, except for the Langtang North/South federal constituency, which remains contested. Meanwhile, 131 individuals are seeking tickets for the 24-member Plateau State House of Assembly.

Nanden also disclosed that five governorship aspirants from the state are undergoing screening in Abuja. They include Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik, Sarpya Danielo, Sunday Biggs, Alfred Dapal, and Alex Ladam.

Addressing speculation about internal divisions, Nanden dismissed reports of factionalism within the PDP, asserting that the party remains unified under the leadership of National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu. He ruled out the possibility of any breakaway group fielding candidates, emphasizing that the PDP continues to be recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress and former National Agricultural Land Development Authority executive secretary, Prince Paul Ikonne, has articulated reasons why Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who represents Abia South Senatorial District, will not retain his position in the upper legislative chamber come 2027.

In a statement released on Thursday, Ikonne asserted that the senator’s constituents across Abia State have collectively decided against his re-election after nearly two decades in the Senate, citing a lack of visible developmental achievements in the district during his tenure.

Ikonne remarked, ‘Senator Abaribe is effectively heading home. After 20 years in the Senate, there simply aren’t any tangible results. You can search the entire Abia South and you won’t find a single constituency project attributed to him. Interestingly, Abia South serves as the economic engine of Abia State and the entire Southeast region, given that Aba is the commercial hub. Moreover, it is the oil-producing zone of the state. Yet, there is nothing to show for it. So, he’s already on his way back, and some groups are even advocating for him to receive a traditional title to take over a community in his local government area.’

Ikonne, who recently announced his own intention to contest the senatorial election in Abia State, also predicted that following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anticipated re-election in 2027, the Southeast would be entitled to a full eight-year presidential term.

In a series of coordinated missions under Operation DESERT SANITY, forces from the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully liberated six women and children and taken into custody several individuals believed to be cooperating with terrorist networks. The operations occurred across multiple locations within the North East region.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the media information officer for OPHK, the rescue took place on May 12 following a targeted air interdiction mission near the Mandara Mountains. Acting on credible intelligence, troops moved on a suspected terrorist crossing point close to Amuda, where they found the abductees. The victims were identified as Aisha Musa, 18; Aisha Mohammed, 17; Fatima Yahaya, 20; Saudatu Musa, 4; Garba Mohammed, 5; and three-month-old Mohammed Yahaya. They had been seized from Ngoshe community during an attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on March 3, 2026.

After their rescue, the group was taken to a military medical facility for medical attention. They were later reunited with their families through the Bulama of Ngoshe, Mallam Adamu Gunda. In a separate development on the same day, troops stationed at Tango 7 in Konduga Local Government Area apprehended a 40-year-old woman, Hauwa Bulama, on suspicion of having links with terrorist elements. Items recovered from her included detergent, washing soap, a torchlight, and seasoning cubes. Initial investigations suggest she was en route to Gezuwa to meet four of her children who are allegedly members of a terrorist group. She has been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further inquiry and possible prosecution.

Furthermore, personnel from Sector 2 OPHK, with assistance from military intelligence, arrested two more suspects—Bakura, 18, and Adiza, 17—during a follow-up operation in Damaturu. These arrests were connected to an earlier operation that intercepted a suspected ammunition courier named Ba’akaka Abubakar, also known as Modogol, who was allegedly trying to supply ammunition to terrorist groups. Preliminary findings indicate that Adiza had been assigned to collect the ammunition from the courier and deliver it to a terrorist commander. The suspects remain in custody as efforts continue to track down the commander and recover the ammunition.

The Joint Task Force has reiterated its dedication to ongoing campaigns aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, freeing kidnapped civilians, and restoring peace in the North East. The military high command praised the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and sustained operational tempo in the fight against insurgency.