Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general election following the party’s presidential primary election.

The party announced Atiku’s victory in a statement issued on Wednesday, declaring him the ADC flag bearer for the 2027 presidential contest.

According to the party, Atiku polled 1,855,787 votes to defeat former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who secured 509,397 votes, while businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen garnered 180,903 votes.

The ADC disclosed that a total of 2,546,457 votes were cast during the exercise out of the party’s 3,113,599 registered members nationwide.

The party adopted a direct primary system conducted across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, allowing members to participate directly in the selection process.

In its declaration, the ADC congratulated Atiku on his victory and described him as the party’s presidential ticket holder ahead of the 2027 election.

Atiku’s emergence now sets the stage for what is expected to be another major political contest with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who recently secured the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, the outcome of the ADC primary has already generated controversy within the party, with Amaechi rejecting the results and alleging widespread irregularities during the exercise.

“Following reports of widespread voter disenfranchisement in most parts of the country during the African Democratic Congress Presidential Primaries yesterday, I unequivocally reject the concocted results being announced,” Amaechi said in a statement.

The former Rivers State governor maintained that he would only accept the outcome of a process that was free, fair, and transparent.

“I will not accept results from a process that does not reflect the values that the ADC had pledged to uphold,” he stated.

Amaechi further accused the party leadership of undermining the democratic ideals it claimed to represent in its bid to challenge the ruling party.

Similarly, Hayatu-Deen distanced himself from the outcome of the election and disclosed that he would not attend the official announcement of the results.

“I will not be attending the announcement of the ADC Presidential Election Results today,” Hayatu-Deen stated.

“I am concerned by reports from across the country of widespread vote rigging, some of which I myself observed, and will therefore be taking advice on my next steps,” he added.

The controversy surrounding the exercise comes amid recent political realignments within the opposition camp ahead of the 2027 elections.

Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had earlier exited the ADC, reportedly citing concerns over the party’s internal processes and disagreements surrounding the conduct of the presidential primaries.

ASABA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following recent political developments within the party in Delta State.

Omo-Agege’s resignation is believed to be connected to the outcome of the Delta Central Senatorial District primary election in which incumbent senator, Ede Dafinone, emerged victorious.

In a resignation letter dated May 22, 2026, and addressed to the APC Ward Chairman of Orogun Ward 2 in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, the former deputy senate president announced his immediate exit from the ruling party.

“I hereby resign my membership of the All Progressives Congress, effective immediately,” the letter stated.

According to Omo-Agege, the decision followed consultations with his political associates and supporters after reviewing recent developments within the APC in Delta State.

“After reviewing recent developments in the party in Delta State and consulting with my associates and supporters, it is clear my political objectives and those of my constituents are better served outside the APC,” he wrote.

“I will not remain a sitting duck in a party where I cannot advance the interests of Delta Central, Delta State and Nigeria,” he added.

The former senator, who also holds the traditional title of Obarisi of Urhoboland, expressed appreciation to the APC for the opportunity to serve as Deputy President of the 9th Senate.

He also requested that his name be removed from all party membership records, registers, and communication platforms.

“I wish the APC well and request that my name be removed from all membership records, registers, and communication lists,” the letter read.

Omo-Agege stated that his focus remained on delivering development and effective representation for the people of Delta Central, Delta State, and Nigeria, adding that he would continue pursuing those objectives outside the APC.

A handwritten endorsement on the document indicated that the resignation letter was officially received by Stephen Emmanuel, Chairman of APC Orogun Ward 2.

The development is expected to send shockwaves through the APC structure in Delta State, where Omo-Agege remains one of the party’s most influential political figures.

Political observers say his exit could significantly affect the party’s strength and electoral calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in the Delta Central Senatorial District and other parts of the state.

As of the time of filing this report, Omo-Agege had not publicly disclosed the political platform he intends to join ahead of the 2027 elections.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has paid a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his emergence as the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election ahead of his second-term bid.

The meeting comes shortly after Tinubu was also declared the winner of the APC presidential primaries, in what the Ebonyi State Government described as a demonstration of unity, strategic cooperation, and shared political vision within the ruling party.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Leo Ekene Oketa, Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, the visit underscored Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to sustaining a productive relationship with the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope administration.

The statement noted that the governor’s engagement with the Presidency reflects his broader strategy of positioning Ebonyi State for increased federal presence, accelerated infrastructure development, and expanded economic opportunities.

“In contemporary governance, development naturally follows collaboration, strategic engagement, and political stability. Governor Nwifuru understands this reality and continues to position Ebonyi State for greater federal presence and opportunities,” the statement read.

The state government further stated that the presence of Ebonyi federal lawmakers during the visit reflected growing unity and coordination within the state’s political leadership.

According to the statement, while some states continue to grapple with internal political disputes and divisions, Ebonyi’s leadership has remained focused on collective progress and people-oriented governance.

The government also described Nwifuru as an emerging bridge-builder and consensus leader within the APC, noting that his ability to maintain cordial relations with the Presidency while sustaining political stability in Ebonyi has continued to attract national attention.

The statement added that Ebonyi State was already witnessing increased federal attention and infrastructural expansion as a result of constructive engagement with the centre.

It noted that the governor’s latest visit to President Tinubu represented another strategic step toward securing stronger partnerships, greater federal opportunities, and sustainable development for the people of Ebonyi State.

According to the government, Ebonyi is gradually assuming a more prominent position in Nigeria’s national development landscape under Nwifuru’s leadership, which it described as pragmatic, stable, and people-focused.

ADO‑EKITI (NPA) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for stronger collaboration with media professionals to combat fake news, misinformation, and hate speech ahead of the June 20, 2026, Ekiti State Governorship Election.

The appeal was made during the INEC Forum for Media Executives, Producers, Reporters, and on‑Air Personalities held in Ado‑Ekiti as part of preparations for the off‑cycle poll.

In his address, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, described the media as a strategic partner in safeguarding democracy. He emphasised that the success of any election depends on accurate, balanced, and professional reportage, noting that INEC has intensified preparations through voter education, deployment planning, training of personnel, and coordination with security agencies, political parties, civil society groups, and transport unions to ensure a peaceful and transparent process.

Omoseyindemi warned against the spread of fake news, manipulated videos, and misleading headlines, stressing that such content could undermine public trust and threaten electoral peace. He urged journalists to verify election‑related information with INEC, amplify official voter education messages, and avoid sensational or inflammatory reporting.

Speaking at the forum, Mallam Mohammed Kudu, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), described the Ekiti election as a major political test ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said voting will take place across 16 local government areas, 177 wards, and 2,445 polling units, with 13 political parties participating.

Kudu highlighted concerns over voter apathy, vote buying, political violence, and declining public confidence, urging media houses to intensify voter education in English, Yoruba, and local dialects—especially on the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). He reminded journalists of the Electoral Act 2026 provisions on balanced coverage, election‑day broadcast restrictions, and penalties for electoral offences.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and professionalism, calling on the media to play its part in ensuring credible elections in Ekiti State.

KANO, Nigeria (NPA) — Chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has announced what he described as tremendous successes in the emergence of candidates for various elective positions through consensus arrangements in Kano State.

Kwankwaso disclosed this while addressing party developments ahead of the NDC primaries, following his absence at the dinner meeting held for governorship and National Assembly aspirants in Abuja.

The former governor had missed the event due to ongoing party engagements in Kano linked to the consensus process and preparations ahead of the primaries.

“Over the past few days, we have been in Kano working diligently to present candidates for various positions under the NDC through consensus,” Kwankwaso said.

“I am pleased to report that the process has been smooth, peaceful, and highly successful, with candidates emerging for most seats,” he added.

The NDC leader urged aspirants who were unsuccessful in securing tickets through the consensus arrangements to remain patient and committed to the broader goals of the party.

He described the process as part of a collective political journey aimed at strengthening the party and positioning it for electoral success.

“It has been a truly fulfilling exercise during this blessed period,” Kwankwaso stated.

His remarks align with the position earlier expressed by the National Leader of the NDC, Henry Seriake Dickson, during the Abuja dinner meeting with party aspirants.

Dickson had encouraged aspirants across the country to embrace consensus arrangements wherever possible in order to minimise internal disputes and promote unity within the party ahead of the elections.

According to the former Bayelsa governor, the NDC remains committed to building strong democratic institutions and internal mechanisms capable of sustaining long-term political development.

He had also reminded aspirants that only one candidate could eventually emerge for each elective position but assured party members that the NDC would continue to recognise and accommodate individuals who contributed to the growth and expansion of the party.

Dickson further stated that the NDC was being developed as a long-term ideological political movement rather than a platform driven by temporary political interests or opportunistic alliances.

ADO-EKITI, Nigeria (NPA) — Yiaga Africa in partnership with Centre for Media and Society, ElectHER, Int. Press Centre, TAF AFRICA, and the Kukah Centre have launched a new pre-election assessment report by the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), which has projected that the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election is likely to be peaceful, but warned that voter apathy, vote buying, political tensions, misinformation, and internal party crises could still threaten the credibility of the process.

The report, titled Ekiti State Off-Cycle Governorship Election Pre-Assessment Report, examined the political environment, electoral preparations, media landscape, participation of women, youths and persons with disabilities, as well as security risks ahead of the June 20, 2026, governorship poll in the state.

According to the report, the overall security situation in Ekiti remains relatively calm, with most pre-election activities conducted without serious violence or major disruptions. However, the report noted that worsening economic conditions and public dissatisfaction could encourage vote trading and reduce voter turnout.

The assessment also stated that many residents perceive the election as lacking competitiveness due to what it described as the “residual advantage of incumbency” enjoyed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

The report said internal crises, leadership disputes, and limited resources among opposition parties have weakened electoral competition in the state.

“The general perception in the state is that the election will not be competitive due to the residual advantage of incumbency and elite consensus among major actors in favour of the sitting governor,” the report stated.

The document identified the APC as the dominant political force in Ekiti State, noting that Governor Oyebanji’s re-election campaign is anchored on his “Shared Prosperity Agenda,” which focuses on continuity, economic growth, infrastructure development, and human capital investment.

The report further disclosed that the APC campaign structure is being coordinated by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, with support from former governors Niyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani was also named as chairman of the APC National Campaign Committee for the election.

Despite the APC’s dominance, the report noted signs of internal disagreements within the ruling party, especially over allegations surrounding consensus arrangements and the governorship ambitions of Engineer Kayode Olubunmi Ojo.

On the opposition front, the report said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr Oluwole Oluyede, remained entangled in internal party disputes and leadership divisions linked to rival factions within the party.

According to the assessment, Oluyede’s candidacy was initially rejected before a Court of Appeal judgment restored his nomination in March 2026. The report added that the lingering crisis within the PDP could hinder effective campaigns and voter mobilisation.

The report also revealed that some opposition figures were exploring the formation of a coalition aimed at challenging the APC in the election. The coalition reportedly seeks to address claims of marginalisation by the Ekiti South Senatorial District, which has never produced a governor since 1999.

However, the report observed that coalition talks had progressed slowly and lacked a unifying political figure capable of galvanising opposition forces across the state.

The EU-backed assessment further identified several security flashpoints ahead of the election, particularly in Ado-Ekiti, Ikole, Moba, and Ilejemeje Local Government Areas.

It warned that urban violence, kidnapping, cross-border criminal activities, vote buying, political thuggery, misinformation, and excessive use of force by security personnel could trigger tension during campaigns, voting, and result collation.

According to the report, the Nigeria Police Force has already developed Operational Order 08/2026, which proposes the deployment of 9,780 conventional police officers, 25 units of mobile policemen, 200 patrol vehicles, 12 Armoured Personnel Carriers, and three helicopters for election security.

The report said the Ekiti State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Michael Falade, was expected to coordinate security operations alongside other agencies, including the DSS, NSCDC, FRSC, NDLEA, Immigration Service, and Correctional Service.

The report also raised concerns over the growing spread of fake news and political disinformation through WhatsApp groups and local radio platforms.

It noted that 78 per cent of respondents surveyed identified WhatsApp as the primary source of election-related misinformation in the state.

On media coverage, the report accused federal and state-owned media outlets of favouring the ruling APC while opposition parties struggled with limited visibility due to financial and institutional constraints.

The assessment also highlighted risks facing journalists, including harassment, arrests, intimidation, confiscation of equipment, and legal threats under the Cybercrimes Act and Electoral Act provisions.

In terms of voter demographics, the report disclosed that Ekiti State had 987,647 registered voters during the 2023 general election, with women slightly outnumbering men on the voter register.

It further noted that women, youths, and persons with disabilities remain underrepresented in party leadership and elective positions despite increasing political participation.

The report observed that no political party fielded a female governorship candidate for the 2026 election, while structural barriers, high nomination fees, and entrenched patronage systems continue to limit inclusion.

The EU-SDGN report concluded by urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, and the media to intensify efforts toward ensuring a transparent, peaceful, inclusive, and credible election ahead of the 2027 general elections.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Action Congress (AAC) has officially elected Omoyele Sowore as its Presidential Candidate for the 2027 General Election, declaring the move a victory for ordinary Nigerians determined to reclaim their country.

In a statement dated May 26, 2026, the party said the election was not a gathering of political elites or godfathers but a demonstration of people organizing themselves — workers, students, women, youth, activists, and organisers united by a shared vision of justice and accountability.

The AAC described the development as proof that the revolutionary spirit of Nigerians is alive, asserting that while the old political order continues to “loot, suppress, divide, and impoverish the people,” a new movement is rising from the ground up.

“This is a movement built on resistance, justice, accountability, and people power,” the statement read. “The ruling class has failed Nigeria; now the people are reclaiming it.”

The party commended Nigerians at home and abroad who have mobilised, donated, and amplified the cause online and offline, saying the victory belongs to them. It urged supporters to intensify efforts as the next phase of the struggle begins, promising to expand its message into every ward, campus, community, and workplace across the country.

“The struggle continues. The people arise. Another Nigeria is possible,” the AAC declared, reaffirming its commitment to grassroots mobilisation and transformative leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Henry Seriake Dickson, has described the party as the fastest-growing political platform in Nigeria, saying the NDC has rapidly emerged as a cohesive opposition force within a few months of its formation.

Dickson made the remarks during a dinner meeting held for governorship and National Assembly aspirants of the party in Abuja.

The event was attended by former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, while former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was said to be absent due to party engagements in Kano ahead of the primaries.

Speaking at the gathering, Dickson thanked aspirants and party stakeholders for believing in the ideals and vision of the NDC despite initial doubts surrounding the party’s chances at inception.

“When the party was founded, many people did not give us any chance, but by the grace of God, within a few months, the NDC has emerged as the fastest-growing political party and the most cohesive opposition platform in the country,” he said.

The former Bayelsa governor also commended party officials and members for their sacrifices and dedication toward building the party since its establishment.

He particularly praised the Screening Committee chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor and ex-Minister, Sam Egwu, for what he described as professionalism and commitment during the screening of aspirants.

Dickson said the party remained committed to building strong democratic institutions and transparent internal processes capable of sustaining long-term political development in the country.

According to him, the inauguration of the party’s Selection Committee was part of efforts to strengthen consultation, credibility, and strategic planning within the nomination process.

He disclosed that the committee, chaired by the National Chairman alongside other party leaders, would review reports from the Screening Committee and consult widely with stakeholders before making recommendations on candidates.

The NDC leader said the committee would consider competence, local political realities, and the overall interests of the party in its decisions. He encouraged aspirants to embrace consensus arrangements wherever possible to reduce internal conflicts and strengthen unity within the party ahead of the elections.

However, he assured members that democratic primaries would be conducted in line with the party’s constitution and guidelines where consensus could not be achieved.

He reminded aspirants that only one candidate would eventually emerge for each position but assured them that the party would continue to recognise and accommodate members who had contributed to the growth of the NDC. According to him, the NDC was being developed as a long-term ideological political movement rather than a platform for temporary political interests and opportunistic alliances.

Dickson further disclosed that the party was compiling a comprehensive database of aspirants and supporters who had contributed to its development.

He said such individuals would continue to play active roles in the affairs of the party, including participation in the presidential campaign structure and strategic committees expected to be constituted soon.

The former governor also revealed plans by the party to introduce electronic systems for future primary elections to improve transparency, efficiency, and credibility in the nomination process. He explained that the current largely manual process being used for the primaries was due to the limited time ahead of the elections.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of fueling internal crises in opposition political parties across the country.

Adebayo made the allegation while speaking during an appearance on the ARISE News Morning Show on Tuesday, monitored by our correspondent.

According to him, several opposition parties, including the SDP, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Labour Party, are currently battling internal disputes allegedly caused by political interference from the ruling government.

Speaking on a factional figure he identified as Attahiru Musa, who he said was parading himself as a presidential candidate of the SDP, Adebayo dismissed the claim and insisted the party did not recognise him.

“We don’t know him, and we are not worried about that. The SDP is a party that is well known,” Adebayo said, adding that becoming a presidential candidate of a political party requires due process and legitimacy.

The former SDP presidential candidate alleged that President Tinubu was afraid of genuine political competition and was working to weaken opposition platforms ahead of future elections. “President Tinubu is afraid,” he said.

Adebayo also criticised recent party primary elections in the country, including those conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing them as fraudulent. “You can see the Option A4 fraud. The Option A4 we knew was where people queue behind candidates openly. What we have now is people counting wrongly and fraudulently,” he alleged.

According to him, the ruling party was allegedly sponsoring pseudo-candidates in opposition parties in order to weaken internal structures and eliminate political competition.

Speaking on the leadership crisis within the SDP, Adebayo referred to former National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, saying he was elected in June 2022 but later faced disciplinary action over alleged criminal matters.

He alleged that the government used security agencies to forcefully reintroduce Gabam into the party secretariat despite ongoing disputes within the party. “The government used the police to bring him into the party secretariat,” Adebayo claimed.

He insisted that neither the Federal Government nor the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had the constitutional power to impose leadership on political parties.

“INEC does not tell you who the leadership of the party is,” he said.

Adebayo stated that he was less concerned about the leadership tussle itself and more focused on presenting policies and programmes that the SDP could offer Nigerians.

The former presidential candidate further accused Tinubu of interfering excessively in the affairs of political parties, describing the president as acting like a “part-time Chief Justice of Nigeria.”

“Tinubu cannot be the candidate-general of the federation,” he said.

He also accused the government of hypocrisy, noting that Nigerian law prohibits individuals from belonging to multiple political parties while alleging that the ruling establishment was interfering in opposition platforms.

According to him, all political actors must respect democratic principles and abide by the rules guiding Nigeria’s political system.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) deepened on Tuesday as Don Norman, National Publicity Secretary of the Dumebi Kachikwu-led National Executive Committee (NEC), dismissed claims that the party was divided into factions.

Norman, who also serves as the Abia State Chairman of the ADC, made the remarks while featuring on ARISE News Morning Show, where he insisted that there was only one legally recognised leadership structure within the party.

According to him, contrary to widespread reports, there was no “Dumebi Kachikwu faction” or “David Mark faction” in the ADC.

“We are the highest decision-making body of the ADC,” Norman said during the interview.

He alleged that the group associated with former Senate President, David Mark, was attempting to mislead Nigerians regarding the true state of affairs within the party.

Norman claimed that a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja had rendered the David Mark-led National Working Committee illegal and restrained it from acting on behalf of the ADC.

According to him, the NEC aligned with Kachikwu moved to reclaim what he described as the legitimate structure of the party after challenging the legality of congresses and conventions organised by the David Mark-led group.

“If there was nothing to execute, why did they go to court to execute the judgment?” he asked.

Norman argued that respect for court orders and the rule of law remained fundamental principles of democracy, insisting that the Kachikwu-led NEC was the authentic leadership organ of the ADC.

“We are not the Dumebi Kachikwu-led faction. We are the NEC of ADC,” he said.

He further stated that congresses organised by his group were approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while noting that Kachikwu had been a member of the ADC since 2021.

Norman described Kachikwu as the only legitimate presidential candidate of the party and maintained that the David Mark-led group lacked the legal authority to conduct national congresses or conventions.

“The judgment bars David Mark from conducting a national convention,” he alleged.

He also accused some state chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly sponsoring litigation against the ADC leadership.

According to him, the coalition agreement involving some opposition figures was never formally approved or presented to state chairmen of the party.

“A lot of things have happened which the ADC working committee are hiding. The coalition agreement was never sealed nor sighted by any state ADC chairman,” he claimed.

Norman further alleged that the congresses organised by the David Mark-led group had already been nullified by the court.

He, however, acknowledged that INEC officials were absent at the convention conducted by his faction on Sunday, though he said the commission had been formally notified before the exercise.

Meanwhile, former National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, also reacted to the crisis, dismissing claims that the party was factionalised.

Nwosu alleged that external political forces were behind attempts to destabilise the ADC following the growing popularity of the party ahead of future elections.

“What is happening in the party is the handiwork of the powers of the moment trying to rub mud on what we have built,” he said.

The former chairman rejected Norman’s claims that state chairmen were excluded from decisions taken by the party leadership, insisting that they participated in the process that dissolved the former national leadership structure.

According to him, disagreements began when some state chairmen allegedly insisted on retaining their positions during congresses, contrary to the party’s internal rules.

Nwosu also accused the ruling APC of interfering in the internal affairs of the ADC and attempting to weaken opposition politics in the country.

“There is no faction in ADC. We are progressing, and we are doing it very well. The ADC is being run by citizens dedicated to seeing change,” he stated.

He further defended David Mark’s leadership role in the party, describing the former Senate President as disciplined and focused on repositioning the ADC for national relevance.

“David Mark is now focused on delivering results to Nigeria. He is using his military discipline to run the party,” Nwosu added.

The former chairman also stated that the understanding behind the opposition coalition arrangement was that all parties and stakeholders involved would work collectively toward winning future elections and share responsibilities in government if successful.

Nwosu further alleged that Nafiu Bala‑Gombe was intercepted by individuals linked to political interests intent on infiltrating and destabilising the ADC, and that Bala‑Gombe now works for them.