Welcome

Category: Politics

  • Gbajabiamila Reveals How Desmond Elliot Nearly Cost Him Chief of Staff Position Amid Obasa Crisis

    Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has revealed that he almost lost his position during the political crisis that rocked the Lagos State House of Assembly over the speakership tussle involving Mudashiru Obasa.

    Gbajabiamila made the disclosure on Thursday during a constituency stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos while addressing the controversy surrounding actor-turned-lawmaker Desmond Elliot.

    Tinubu Confronted Me Over Desmond Elliot

    According to Gbajabiamila, President Tinubu personally summoned him to Abuja during the peak of the Assembly crisis over allegations linking Desmond Elliot to moves aimed at destabilising the Lagos Assembly leadership.

    “I almost lost my job because of Desmond Elliot last year. You can go and verify,” he said.

    He explained that the President questioned him directly because of his close political relationship with the Surulere lawmaker.

    “Mr President called me to his study in Abuja and said, ‘I hear this Desmond is your boy.’ I said, ‘Yes, sir.’ He then said Desmond was among those causing problems in the Lagos State House of Assembly,” Gbajabiamila stated.

    I Defended Him Before Tinubu

    The Chief of Staff said he immediately defended Elliot before the President, insisting that the lawmaker was not among those allegedly involved in attempts to destabilise the Assembly leadership.

    “I told the President that Desmond was not part of them, but the President insisted and told me to call him to order,” he added.

    Gbajabiamila disclosed that after the meeting, he reached out to Elliot and warned him to avoid being linked to the crisis in any way.

    “Three days later, the Director-General called me and said there was a serious issue, that my name was everywhere as the person supporting Desmond to push for impeachment,” he said.

    Gbajabiamila Says Elliot Ignored Advice

    The former Speaker of the House of Representatives further claimed he instructed Elliot to publicly deny involvement in the alleged impeachment plot, but the lawmaker failed to do so.

    “I told Desmond to go and make a public statement that he was not part of them, but till today he has not done that,” he stated.

    Gbajabiamila added that his long-standing relationship with President Tinubu eventually helped him survive the controversy.

    “If not for the kind of relationship I have with the President today, I probably would not still be here as Chief of Staff,” he said.

    Fresh Political Battle Looms

    The revelation comes amid reports that Gbajabiamila is backing Barakat Odunuga-Bakare against Desmond Elliot ahead of the next political contest for the Surulere constituency seat under the ruling APC.

    The Lagos Assembly crisis surrounding Mudashiru Obasa generated widespread political tension within the APC and sparked debates over power struggles within the party structure in the state.

     

  • Makinde Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition as PDP, APM Seal Alliance in Ibadan

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially declared his intention to contest for the presidency in the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for what could become a major battle within the opposition ahead of the next political cycle.

    Makinde made the declaration on Thursday during a large political rally organised by the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in Ibadan.

    PDP, APM Formalise Political Alliance

    The event also witnessed the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between both parties, further fueling talks about emerging political coalitions ahead of 2027.

    Makinde and APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, jointly witnessed the signing ceremony.

    Seyi Bamidele signed on behalf of the PDP, while Oladele Oyadeji represented the APM.

    The rally attracted party loyalists, stakeholders, and political figures from different parts of the South-West and beyond.

    Top Political Figures Attend Rally

    Among dignitaries present were Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; alongside Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, Chief Saka Balogun, Open Salawu, and Abass Adigun.

    The gathering is already being viewed by political observers as an early show of strength ahead of consultations expected to intensify within opposition circles.

    ‘This Movement Goes Beyond Individuals’

    Speaking during the rally, former PDP National Vice Chairman, Eddy Olafeso, described the alliance as the beginning of a new political direction aimed at rebuilding public trust in governance.

    According to Olafeso, the coalition was not driven by personal ambition but by the need for a broader collaboration among political actors concerned about Nigeria’s future.

    “This movement goes beyond individuals. It is not about personal ambition or unhealthy political competition. It is about this generation, the next generation and generations yet unborn,” he said.

    He added that the current economic and political realities in the country had made opposition unity increasingly necessary.

    Pressure Builds Ahead of 2027

    Makinde’s declaration is expected to trigger fresh conversations within the PDP and allied political blocs as discussions around zoning, coalition-building, and party primaries begin to gather momentum.

    The Oyo governor now joins the growing list of political figures expected to shape early calculations for the 2027 presidential election.

  • Wike-Backed PDP Begins Screening Of Presidential, Governorship Aspirants Ahead Of 2027

    The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by Nyesom Wike has commenced the screening of presidential, governorship and national assembly aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the party’s National Working Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.

    Screening Holds In Abuja

    The statement, signed by Chinwe Nnorom on behalf of Jungudo Mohammed, the party’s national publicity secretary, stated that the screening exercise was taking place at the PDP national secretariat annex, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.

    According to the party, governorship aspirants were scheduled for screening at noon, while presidential aspirants were fixed for 2pm.

    The PDP also announced that former Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, is chairing the presidential screening committee, with Hassan Sokodobo serving as secretary.

    Other members of the committee include former senators George Sekibo and Zainab Kure alongside other party stakeholders.

    Makarfi Heads Governorship Screening Panel

    The governorship screening committee is being chaired by former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi.

    George Ariolu was named secretary of the panel, while Ibrahim Umar, Aisha Madawaki and Tajudeen Yusuf were listed among committee members.

    Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Completes Screening

    Meanwhile, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that she had successfully completed the PDP screening exercise ahead of the Kogi Central senatorial primary election.

    Speaking after the exercise in Lokoja, the senator said she arrived with all required credentials and supporting documents.

    “I am pleased to have successfully completed the screening exercise as part of the process ahead of the party primaries for the 2027 Kogi Central Senatorial Election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party,” she said.

    She described the process as part of her continued commitment to representation and service.

    More Aspirants Cleared

    Muhammed Abdullahi, popularly known as “Elephant,” also announced that he had been screened and cleared to contest the PDP primary for Kogi East Senatorial District.

    In Cross River State, the PDP disclosed that 45 aspirants seeking national assembly and state assembly tickets had also been screened ahead of the party’s May 21 primaries.

    The exercise was conducted by a five-man panel headed by Fred Osim.

    One of the aspirants screened was Alex Egbona, who recently defected from the APC to the PDP.

  • Former Ondo Governor Olusegun Mimiko Dumps PDP, Joins APC

    Former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Mimiko formally defected to the ruling party on Thursday at the APC secretariat in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    APC Leaders Receive Mimiko

    The former governor was received by the Ondo State APC chairman, Babatunde Kolawole, alongside the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji.

    The event witnessed a large turnout of party supporters and loyalists who welcomed Mimiko into the party amid cheers and celebrations.

    Mimiko Left PDP In April

    Mimiko, who served as Ondo governor between 2009 and 2017, had resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in April, fueling speculations about his next political destination.

    Before joining the PDP, the former governor was one of the most prominent figures in the Labour Party (LP), where he built a strong political structure in Ondo State.

    He later moved to the PDP and remained influential within the party at both state and national levels.

    Strategic Political Move

    Sources close to the development described Mimiko’s move to the APC as a major political realignment ahead of future elections in the state.

    According to party insiders, the former governor still commands strong grassroots support and maintains loyal political structures across Ondo State, especially in Ondo Central Senatorial District.

    They added that his experience and political network are expected to strengthen the APC’s influence in the state.

  • Presidency Attacks Peter Obi Over One-Term Presidency Promise

    The Presidency has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his reported promise to serve only one term if elected president in 2027.

    Obi made the statement in a clip from an interview scheduled to air on News Central TV on Thursday, where he insisted he would leave office after four years.

    “I’ll Leave After Four Years”

    In the viral interview clip, Obi said Nigeria needed stability and vowed not to remain in office beyond a single term.

    “I want to be a one-term president because of stability. I would not stay a day, with a gun to my head, longer than four years,” he said.

    The former Anambra governor also criticised the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly rising living costs and continued borrowing.

    According to Obi, Nigeria is currently facing one of its toughest economic periods in recent history.

    Presidency Fires Back

    Reacting to the comments, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Obi’s promise as unreliable.

    In a post shared on X early Thursday, Onanuga said Nigerians should not trust Obi’s pledge to serve only one term.

    “If you believe Peter Obi’s promise to serve only one term as president, you’ll believe anything,” he wrote.

    The presidential aide accused Obi of repeatedly abandoning political platforms despite previous loyalty vows.

    Onanuga Questions Obi’s Political Loyalty

    According to Onanuga, Obi had previously sworn loyalty to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) before eventually leaving the party.

    “Consider his record: while in APGA, he famously placed himself under a self-curse, vowing never to leave the party that made him governor,” he said.

    “He gave his word to the Ikemba, even on his deathbed, swearing loyalty and fidelity to APGA.”

    Onanuga added that Obi later dumped APGA for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and subsequently moved to other political platforms.

    “By his own actions, Peter Obi has shown that his word cannot be trusted. His promises are as fleeting as his political allegiances,” he stated.

    2027 Political Tension Rising

    Obi contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and finished behind President Tinubu of the APC and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the PDP.

    Since the election, the former governor has remained one of the leading opposition voices, frequently criticising the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms and governance policies.

  • APC Denies Changing 2027 Primary Election Timetable

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied reports circulating online alleging that the party altered the timetable for its 2027 primary elections.

    In a statement posted on its official platform, the ruling party insisted that the dates earlier announced for the primaries remain valid and unchanged.

    APC Releases Confirmed Dates

    According to the statement, the House of Representatives primary election is scheduled to hold on Friday, May 15, 2026.

    The Senate primary election will follow on Monday, May 18, 2026, while the State House of Assembly primary is fixed for Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

    The party also confirmed that the governorship primary election would take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

    APC further stated that its presidential primary election remains scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026.

    “This clarification has become necessary following the circulation of false and misleading reports on social media and other communication platforms suggesting otherwise,” the statement read.

    Governors Undergo Screening

    The clarification comes days after the APC began screening incumbent governors and aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Among the governors screened by the party’s committee were Abba Yusuf, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Nasir Idris, Caleb Mutfwang and Hyacinth Alia.

    Others screened include Sheriff Oborevwori, Umar Bago, Dauda Lawal, Bassey Otu and Ahmed Aliyu.

    The party’s preparations for the primaries come amid increasing political activities and alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • Wike Slams Nigerians Over Tax Compliance, Says Citizens Want Infrastructure Without Paying Tax

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised Nigerians over what he described as a widespread reluctance to pay taxes despite demanding quality infrastructure from government.

    Wike made the remarks on Wednesday while inspecting ongoing road projects in the Federal Capital Territory.

    “Nigerians don’t like to pay tax” — Wike

    The former Rivers State governor said many Nigerians often criticise tax-related enforcement but fail to meet their civic responsibilities.

    “I’m not trying to defend AMAC when it comes to the issue of tax, Nigerians don’t like to pay tax but they can call you all sorts of names when it has to do with taxes,” he said.

    Wike added that while tax collection must be done in a “civilised way,” compliance remains a major challenge.

    “But knowing what we experienced too about payment of taxes, it would be difficult for me to say that they are right,” he added.

    Call for balance between rights and responsibilities

    The minister maintained that citizens expect improved infrastructure but are often unwilling to contribute through taxation.

    “Nigerians want good infrastructure but don’t want to pay tax. They want everything free in this country,” Wike said.

    His comments come amid ongoing public debates over tax reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which have faced criticism due to rising economic hardship following the removal of fuel subsidy.

  • Fubara Denies Dumping APC For NDC Amid Fresh Rivers Political Crisis

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has denied reports claiming he dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

    The governor spoke with journalists on Wednesday, insisting that he remains a member of the APC despite growing political tension in Rivers State.

    “Nothing has changed,” Fubara says

    Fubara dismissed social media reports suggesting he had defected from the ruling party.

    According to him, his loyalty to the APC remains intact.

    “I’m a member of the APC, and nothing has changed. Whatever happens, what is important is supporting the overall interest of the party,” he said.

    The clarification followed widespread reports on Tuesday alleging that the governor had moved to the NDC amid the ongoing political crisis in the state.

    Fresh twist in Rivers APC crisis

    The controversy comes amid renewed tension between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

    The political dispute reportedly escalated after the APC House of Assembly Screening Committee disqualified all 32 aspirants allegedly backed by the governor ahead of the party primaries for the 2027 Assembly election.

    However, the committee cleared 29 serving lawmakers loyal to Wike, including lawmakers led by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, to participate in the primaries.

    Reports also indicated that the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, obtained the APC nomination form to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives.

    Committee submits screening report

    According to reports, 98 aspirants appeared before the four-member screening panel set up by the APC National Working Committee.

    The exercise reportedly took place at the party secretariat in Port Harcourt over the weekend.

    A copy of the committee’s report, signed by Muraina Ajibola, Ishaku Tanko Yamawo, Abdullah Hajia Aisha Abdullahi Adamu, and Danjuma Samuel, stated that the process was conducted using a “transparent, orderly and participatory procedure.”

    Defection of Fubara’s ally fuels speculation

    Political tension further intensified after Blessing Fubara Snr, described as a close political ally and elder brother to the governor, reportedly defected from the APC to the NDC.

    Supporters of the move claimed it was driven by alleged humiliation and manipulation within the APC screening process.

    The development has continued to fuel speculation over possible political realignments in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • NDC Unveils Timetable, Nomination Fees For 2027 Primaries Ahead Of General Elections

    The Nigeria Democratic Congress has officially released its timetable for the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms ahead of the 2027 general elections, outlining screening dates, primary election schedules and nomination fees for aspirants across the country.

    The party disclosed the details in a press release issued on May 12, 2026, as part of early preparations for the next election cycle.

    Sale Of Forms Begins May 13

    According to the timetable released by the party, the sale of Expression of Interest Forms will commence on Wednesday, May 13, and end on Monday, May 18, 2026.

    The party also scheduled screening and interviews for aspirants between Tuesday, May 19, and Saturday, May 21, while the sale of Nomination Forms will take place from Thursday, May 21, to Saturday, May 23.

    Completed nomination forms are expected to be submitted on or before Monday, May 26, while appeals arising from the screening exercise will be handled between May 25 and May 26.

    Presidential Primary Fixed For May 29

    The NDC further announced that primary elections for different elective positions would hold between Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, in Abuja.

    The party fixed its presidential primary election for Friday, May 29, 2026, also in Abuja.

    According to the party, the screening process will come before the purchase of full nomination forms to reduce financial losses for aspirants who may later be disqualified.

    Breakdown Of Nomination Fees

    The party released different fees for aspirants seeking elective positions at both state and national levels.

    For State House of Assembly aspirants, the Expression of Interest Form costs ₦1 million, while the Nomination Form costs ₦1.5 million.

    House of Representatives aspirants are expected to pay ₦2 million for the Expression of Interest Form and ₦4 million for the Nomination Form.

    Senate aspirants will pay ₦3 million and ₦5 million respectively, while governorship aspirants are expected to pay ₦10 million and ₦20 million.

    For the presidency, the Expression of Interest Form was pegged at ₦20 million, while the Nomination Form costs ₦40 million.

    Women, PWDs Get Discounts

    One of the major highlights of the announcement is the party’s discount structure for women and persons with disabilities.

    The NDC disclosed that female aspirants would enjoy a 50 per cent discount across all categories, while persons with disabilities would receive a 25 per cent reduction.

    The party said the move reflects its commitment to inclusivity and broader political participation.

    Party Promises Transparency

    According to the statement signed by National Chairman Sen. Moses Cleopas Zuwohge and Secretary Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekwu, aspirants will be required to submit credentials and supporting documents during the screening process.

    The party also stated that its primaries would follow internal democratic procedures, including an “open secret ballot” system guided by party rules and code of conduct.

    Mixed Reactions Trail Announcement

    The announcement has generated reactions on social media, with many users praising the relatively lower fees compared to what major political parties charged in previous election cycles.

    Some supporters described the structure as progressive, especially the discounts for women and persons with disabilities.

    However, concerns were also raised over issues including logo discrepancies allegedly linked to INEC records, fears of infiltration by defectors from other political parties, and demands for transparent membership verification.

    Others questioned whether the party would maintain internal democracy and avoid alleged backdoor political arrangements ahead of 2027.

  • Bamidele Blasts ADC, Calls Party “Anti-Yoruba” During Ekiti Campaign Rally

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a political party allegedly formed to undermine Yoruba political interests and destabilise Nigeria.

    Bamidele made the remarks in Igede-Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State during a campaign tour for the re-election bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

    APC Rallies Support In Ekiti

    The Senate Leader urged residents and party supporters to remain united behind the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning against voting for opposition parties he claimed could threaten peace in the state.

    “We are grateful for your support over the years. We in the APC are here to appreciate what you have done before and the constitution of the country allows a deserving governor to run for a second term,” he said.

    He added that ongoing development projects in the state were based on public input gathered during consultations across local governments.

    ‘ADC Is Anti-Yoruba Party’ Claim Sparks Reaction

    Bamidele also made a strong political statement against the ADC, describing it in controversial terms.

    “ADC is an anti-Yoruba party formed to destroy the nation. They said they have a candidate in Ekiti, and they want to claim government in Nigeria to disrupt the country. Don’t lose your votes,” he said.

    He urged supporters to consolidate their votes for the APC ahead of the election.

    Oyebanji Promises More Development

    Speaking at the same event, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji pledged continued development if re-elected, saying his administration still had several infrastructure projects in the pipeline.

    He also described the upcoming governorship election as a key political test, linking it to broader national political dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Oyebanji said the APC was targeting a large vote margin in the state as part of efforts to demonstrate continued political strength in the South-West.