Category: News

The National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Professor Tukur Mohammed-Baba, has expressed strong doubts that Peter Obi, the presidential flagbearer of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), will match his 2023 election showing in the 2027 polls.

In an interview on Arise News, Mohammed-Baba noted that the political landscape has shifted dramatically since the last election, with Obi switching parties multiple times—a factor that undermines his credibility. He argued that while Obi performed impressively in 2023, subsequent events have eroded his support base.

The Arewa Forum official also questioned the viability of Obi’s running mate, Engr Rabiu Kwankwaso, who delivered Kano State in 2023 under the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP). Mohammed-Baba expressed scepticism about Kwankwaso’s ability to replicate that feat in 2027, pointing to some of his recent controversial statements.

Mohammed-Baba criticised the prevailing trend of personality-driven politics, saying that personal ambition often overshadows service to the electorate. He stressed that in a nation of over 220 million people, individual desires for power must translate into tangible benefits for citizens. He recounted conversations with ordinary Nigerians who feel abandoned and rely solely on divine intervention, noting that prayer must be complemented by concrete action.

He remarked, “Peter Obi made significant inroads in 2023, but I think his support has been weakened by his actions since then. Given his party hopping—at least two or three times—voters are left wondering about his true intentions. I will be very surprised if he achieves the same level of performance in 2027.”

Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has reaffirmed his stance that despite the challenges under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, it remains a superior alternative to what an Atiku Abubakar-led government would entail. Speaking on Monday during Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ program, Lawal argued that Tinubu’s performance, while imperfect, is preferable to the potential consequences of an Atiku presidency.

Drawing a sharp analogy, Lawal stated, “When you are between the devil and the devil and you must go somewhere, what you do is look for a lesser devil, because even in the satanic world, devils have categories.” This remark underscores his belief that both options are flawed, but Tinubu’s leadership is the comparatively better choice.

Lawal’s criticism of Atiku is not new. He recently exited the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleging that the party’s primary that produced Atiku was massively rigged. This move signals his deepening rift with the former vice president and his preference for Tinubu’s leadership despite current hardships.

According to reports, Babachir Lawal has previously claimed he can directly solicit funds from Tinubu when needed, further highlighting his alignment with the president. His latest comments add to the ongoing political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections, where Tinubu and Atiku are expected to be key contenders.

Bashir Ahmad, who previously served as a media assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari, has expressed that Rabi’u Kwankwaso, the Vice-Presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), cannot remain in any political party where he lacks full authority, especially over the Kano State chapter.

In a statement shared on his verified X account on Monday, Ahmad commented on the recent turmoil within the NDC in the North West region, particularly in Kano State, where some candidates were substituted. The changes were reportedly intended to enforce a power-sharing arrangement among factions of the Kwankwasiyya Movement ahead of the 2027 elections.

Ahmad noted that he has often stated that Kwankwaso finds it difficult to stay in a party where he does not have absolute control. He pointed out that this was a key reason why Kwankwaso left the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2018, even though the APC offered a strong platform for his political ambitions. According to Ahmad, Kwankwaso has always prioritized maintaining unchallenged dominance over the party machinery in Kano, considering it a non-negotiable requirement.

The Kwankwasiyya movement has firmly denied widespread online speculation that its leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is preparing to leave the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, the movement’s spokesperson, Habeeb Saleh Mohammed, categorically labeled the rumors as baseless and misleading.

Mohammed emphasized that the group adhered strictly to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines during its recent primaries. “We conducted our primaries on the 29th of last month nationwide, following all legal requirements. Before that, we held consensus-building processes, and candidates were chosen for every position without any grievances from any party members or contestants,” he explained.

He confirmed that the exercise was completed successfully and the results have already been submitted to the party hierarchy for ratification. According to Mohammed, the party will now proceed with the next steps as per protocol.

The spokesperson further stressed that the notion of Kwankwaso abandoning the party was never discussed within the movement. “At no point did we talk about our leader leaving the NDC. That is our firm position,” Mohammed stated.

He urged the public to ignore the unfounded reports, insisting that the movement remains cohesive and dedicated to its objectives. The denial comes amid social media chatter that Kwankwaso was threatening to withdraw his support base from the NDC over an alleged breach of a power-sharing agreement.

Reports had claimed that the party’s national leadership replaced several candidates nominated by the Kwankwasiyya faction in Kano State, violating a 60/40 power-sharing deal that was supposed to benefit Kwankwaso’s bloc. Earlier, a viral story suggested that the NDC vice-presidential candidate was on the verge of quitting the party in protest against the rejection of his consensus list from Kano.

The Labour Party’s factional National Chairman, Julius Abure, has issued a warning to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding the level of influence granted to former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and his supporters within the party. In a statement released on June 8, 2026, Abure responded to reports of internal disagreements over the distribution of elective positions in the NDC.

Abure praised the NDC leadership under Senator Seriake Dickson for not yielding to all demands made by Obi’s supporters for political slots. He argued that this decision was informed by the Labour Party’s unfortunate experience during and after the 2023 general elections. According to Abure, many candidates who won elections on the Labour Party’s platform later turned against the party’s leadership instead of working to strengthen it.

Reflecting on the past, Abure noted that history has a way of repeating itself, and he commended Dickson for learning from the Labour Party’s mistakes. He alleged that numerous politicians who obtained tickets from the Labour Party eventually aligned with Obi and engaged in disputes over the party’s governance structure.

Abure recounted that the Labour Party made significant sacrifices ahead of the 2023 elections, including accommodating Obi and his supporters. He claimed that most tickets were issued free of charge because the party believed it was investing in those individuals. However, after winning elections, many of these individuals supported efforts to challenge the party’s leadership. Abure stated, “All those elected under the party, Obi took them to fight the leadership.”

The Labour Party chairman emphasized that political parties must maintain a balance in distributing positions and influence to ensure internal stability. He asserted that Dickson’s refusal to grant all of Obi’s demands was prudent, as it allows Dickson to retain loyalists who will defend him when necessary.

Abure also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of exacerbating the Labour Party’s leadership crisis by acknowledging claims about the expiration of the party executives’ tenure. He further alleged that Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti attempted to take over the party’s leadership.

Abure clarified that his remarks were prompted by public inquiries about how the Labour Party managed its relationship with Obi and his supporters during the 2022/2023 election cycle.

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has warned that escalating insecurity and economic difficulties may obstruct President Bola Tinubu’s path to reelection unless these issues are promptly tackled. In a recent interview with Seun Okibaloye, Dalung highlighted the growing frustration among Nigerians due to rising crime, joblessness, and financial struggles.

He identified these problems as the primary concerns for voters in upcoming elections. According to Dalung, the biggest political misstep by Tinubu’s administration has been its failure to curb insecurity. He also pointed to economic mismanagement, corruption, and unemployment as critical factors fueling public discontent.

“The only people who have prospered since 2023 are Tinubu and his inner circle,” Dalung asserted, claiming that ordinary citizens have not felt the benefits of government reforms. He further noted that the situation mirrors a broader sense of hopelessness among the populace.

Dalung expressed alarm over civil unrest in parts of the Southwest, particularly in Ibadan, where women have taken to the streets shouting “ole, ole” (thief). He urged the government to take these incidents seriously, warning that they could lead to predictable political turmoil if ignored.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has officially debunked claims that its leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is contemplating leaving the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). In a press release issued by its spokesperson, Habibu Mohammed, the group dismissed the rumors as baseless and unfounded.

According to Mohammed, Senator Kwankwaso has never expressed any intention to quit the party over the replacement of candidates. The movement described the reports as mere speculation that lacks any factual backing.

“Senator Kwankwaso has not threatened to exit the NDC, and neither the Kwankwasiyya Movement nor its leader has any grievances about the party’s candidate selection process,” the statement clarified.

The rumors had suggested that the movement might withdraw from the NDC if candidates earlier nominated by the group were substituted. However, Mohammed stressed that such claims are entirely false.

He further explained that the party primaries, held on May 29, followed the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, with winners confirmed on the same day. Stakeholders and members had earlier agreed on a consensus where necessary, and the candidate list was submitted without any internal disputes.

“Kwankwaso has not communicated any dissatisfaction to the movement. The entire narrative is a product of misinformation,” Mohammed added.

The clarification comes amid heightened political tension ahead of the upcoming elections, with various parties working to solidify their internal structures.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has confirmed that 38 ships transporting petroleum products, food items, and other goods are scheduled to arrive at key Lagos ports during the current week. According to the authority’s Daily Shipping Position report, the vessels will dock at Apapa Port, Tincan Island Port, and Lekki Deep Sea Port between June 8 and June 13.

Of the incoming vessels, ten are carrying containerized cargo, while the remaining 28 ships are loaded with a diverse range of commodities, including frozen fish, bulk urea, premium motor spirit (petrol), condensate, gas oil, aviation fuel, bulk wheat, diesel, crude oil, and general cargo.

The NPA also noted that nine ships and tankers have already arrived and are waiting for berth allocation. These vessels are transporting containers, gasoline, petrol, bulk fertilizer, diesel, and crude oil. Furthermore, cargo operations are currently underway at all three ports, with 21 vessels actively discharging their loads.

Products being offloaded at Lekki Deep Sea Port, Apapa Port, and Tincan Island Port include bulk urea, containers, petrol, fertilizer, frozen fish, gypsum, sugar, wheat, and bulk gas.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a company and two persons before a Lagos High Court for allegedly stealing N560 million. The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the anti-graft agency brought Olivia Dike, Azeez Muniru Siyanbola, and Eniafelamo Global Seven Nigeria Limited before Justice R.O. Oshodi on Monday, June 8, 2026.

According to the EFCC, the defendants fraudulently converted funds totaling N560 million belonging to Peachland West Africa Limited and Lyke Stephen Okpaji. The three-count charge includes stealing, contrary to Sections 278(1)(b) and 285(9) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. One count details that between July 2024 and February 2025, the defendants, along with a fugitive named Taoheed Lekan Abdrahman, dishonestly took the money.

All defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read. Prosecution counsel Nnaemeka Omewa requested a trial date and asked for the defendants to be remanded in custody. Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to July 10, 2026, for hearing of bail applications and trial commencement. The first defendant, Olivia Dike, was ordered to be held at a female custodial center, while Siyanbola was remanded in a maximum security correctional facility.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally sworn in Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the Minister of Power and Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The ceremony took place on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with family members, cabinet colleagues, and other senior government officials in attendance.

These appointments come after the departure of former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu and former Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, who both stepped down to pursue gubernatorial ambitions in their home states. Following President Tinubu’s nomination, both Tegbe and Enikanolaiye underwent screening and were confirmed by the Senate on May 6, 2026.

Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, originally from Ibadan, Oyo State, is recognized for his expertise in economic, fiscal, and institutional reforms. With over thirty years of experience spanning the public and private sectors, he brings a robust background in policy implementation and stakeholder engagement to his new role.

Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye hails from Igbagun in Kogi State. He earned a First Class degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he was the best graduating student in his faculty and received the Dean’s Prize. He also holds a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos, which he completed with distinction. Enikanolaiye is a seasoned diplomat who has represented Nigeria in various countries, including Ethiopia, Serbia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. His most recent posting was as Nigeria’s Head of Mission in New Delhi, India. Prior to joining the cabinet, he served as Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and International Relations in the Office of the Chief of Staff.