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  • Makinde Emerges PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman After Bala Mohammed’s Exit

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has been appointed chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF), days after Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed exited the party.

    The development comes amid a shifting political landscape that has significantly reduced the PDP’s control at the state level.

    Leadership change follows defection

    Makinde’s emergence follows the defection of Bala Mohammed, who previously chaired the forum, to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

    The change leaves Makinde as the only governor currently elected on the platform of the PDP.

    PDP influence declines nationwide

    The party’s position has weakened sharply since the 2023 general elections, where it produced 12 governors.

    As of May 2026, the All Progressives Congress (APC) controls 31 of Nigeria’s 36 states, while the remaining five are shared among smaller parties including the PDP, Labour Party, APGA, Accord Party and APM.

    Forum hails Makinde’s emergence

    In a statement, the PDP Governors’ Forum described Makinde’s appointment as significant for both the party and Nigeria’s democratic system.

    The forum commended his role in sustaining multi-party democracy despite the current political climate.

    “Your resilience and steadfastness in sustaining multi-party democracy in Nigeria at a time when others have faltered is truly commendable,” the statement read.

    Calls for stronger opposition role

    The forum also framed Makinde’s leadership as a counterbalance to what it described as growing one-party dominance.

    It said his emergence offers renewed hope for democratic values, including accountability and good governance.

    Expectation of party revival

    Members expressed optimism that his tenure would strengthen the PDP’s internal structure and national relevance.

    They added that his leadership could help reposition the party ahead of future electoral contests.

  • Datti Baba-Ahmed Criticises Tinubu Government, Says Islam Facing ‘Reputational Damage’

    Former vice-presidential candidate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, claiming that Islam is facing reputational damage under the current leadership.

    He made the remarks on Monday at a political event organised by the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Abuja.

    Datti raises concerns over leadership

    Baba-Ahmed said his comments were not aimed at religion but at leadership and representation.

    “It’s not easy for me to say this… but it must be said,” he stated while addressing attendees.

    He argued that leadership under the current administration has negatively shaped global perceptions.

    References global examples

    The former vice-presidential candidate compared Nigeria’s situation with countries previously led by Muslim leaders.

    He cited figures such as Muammar Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein, noting that despite human rights concerns, they recorded measurable development outcomes.

    “All over the world, where Muslims have ruled or are ruling, there is peace and tranquillity, and there is justice,” he said.

    Clarifies stance on religion

    Baba-Ahmed stressed that his position was not about promoting religion but about accountability in governance.

    He said leadership should reflect genuine values, whether Christian or Muslim.

    “If you are bringing a Christian, we want a genuine Christian. If you are bringing a Muslim, we want a genuine Muslim,” he added.

    Remarks stir debate

    The comments have begun generating reactions, with observers interpreting them within the broader political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections.

    His remarks add to ongoing conversations around governance, leadership credibility, and public perception in Nigeria’s political space.

  • Akpabio Declares ADC ‘Dead’ as Defections Rock Party, Lawmakers Move to NDC, Labour

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is effectively “dead” following a wave of defections by lawmakers to other political parties.

    He made the remark during plenary on Tuesday while reading letters announcing the latest movements in the National Assembly.

    Akpabio reacts to rising defections

    Akpabio’s comment came after several lawmakers formally announced their exit from the ADC.

    Among them were Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who defected to the Labour Party, and Senator Victor Umeh, who joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

    “Because I think ADC is dead,” Akpabio said, drawing reactions from lawmakers in the chamber.

    Lawmakers cite internal crisis

    In their letters, defecting lawmakers pointed to internal divisions and ongoing legal disputes within the ADC.

    Umeh described the situation as “unending litigation,” noting that it had made continued membership in the party difficult.

    “I remain committed to making my contributions towards the development of our dear nation, but this time through the NDC,” he wrote.

    Senate President jokes over frequency

    Akpabio also questioned the increasing rate of defections, suggesting lawmakers should streamline how such announcements are made.

    “How many times can you defect in a month? Once. But some have done three times,” he said.

    He proposed that lawmakers moving to the same party should submit joint notifications instead of individual letters.

    House of Representatives records similar trend

    The development extends beyond the Senate, as no fewer than 17 members of the House of Representatives have also defected from the ADC to the NDC.

    Those affected include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu and others.

    Political realignment deepens

    The latest wave of defections signals ongoing realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Observers say the movement of lawmakers across parties reflects shifting alliances and internal struggles within opposition blocs.

  • Obi-Kwankwaso Camp Claims 10 Million Nigerians Joined NDC Within 24 Hours

    The South-West coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, Dr Adefolaseye Adebayo, has claimed that about 10 million Nigerians registered with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) within 24 hours of Peter Obi joining the party.

    She made the statement during an interview while reacting to concerns over Obi’s political chances ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Claim follows Obi’s defection

    The development comes after Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the NDC.

    Their move has triggered widespread reactions, with debates over its impact on the opposition’s strength.

    Adebayo dismisses concerns

    Adebayo rejected claims that Obi’s chances had weakened following his defection.

    She insisted that his political strength goes beyond party platforms, pointing to his national appeal.

    “Mr Peter Obi has a lot of followership across Nigeria. You can’t say his chances have drastically reduced,” she said.

    ‘10 million registered in 24 hours’

    Highlighting what she described as growing momentum, Adebayo claimed millions joined the NDC shortly after Obi’s move.

    “Twenty-four hours after Peter Obi left ADC, 10 million Nigerians registered with NDC and that says a lot,” she added.

    The claim has not been independently verified.

    Supporters cite growing momentum

    Supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso have argued that their alliance could form a strong opposition bloc ahead of 2027.

    They say the increasing interest in the NDC reflects continued public support for their political agenda.

    Ongoing political realignments

    The latest development adds to ongoing shifts within Nigeria’s political space as parties and key figures reposition ahead of the next general elections.

    Observers say the coming months will be critical in determining how these alignments shape the 2027 race.

  • Datti Baba-Ahmed Questions Obi’s Readiness for 2027, Criticises Exit from Labour Party

    Former vice-presidential candidate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has raised concerns about Peter Obi’s political direction ahead of the 2027 presidential election, questioning his readiness for the challenges ahead.

    The comments come amid recent political realignments involving key opposition figures.

    Datti faults Obi’s party exit

    Speaking in an interview shared online, Baba-Ahmed criticised Obi’s decision to leave the Labour Party.

    He said Obi should have remained to address internal challenges rather than walk away.

    “As much as I dislike what the APC has done against Nigerians, someone who got the Labour Party’s ticket so easily should have stayed to fix the problem,” he said.

    Questions over leadership approach

    Baba-Ahmed also questioned Obi’s approach to political disputes, suggesting it may not reflect the resilience required for national leadership.

    “My former leader saying that wherever there is a quarrel, he will walk away? If there is a quarrel in Nigeria, will he walk away?” he asked.

    “If you are not ready to fight, stay in your house,” he added.

    Doubts over alliance strength

    The former lawmaker further expressed reservations about a potential alliance involving Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

    He suggested that such a ticket could struggle to gain traction in northern Nigeria.

    The remarks follow reports of both politicians moving from the African Democratic Congress to the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

    Growing political tension

    The development highlights ongoing shifts within the opposition as parties reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Analysts say such internal criticisms could shape discussions around coalition building and candidate selection in the coming months.

  • Makinde Slams INEC Over ‘Hasty’ ADC Leadership Update Without Supreme Court CTC

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission for updating the African Democratic Congress leadership on its website without a Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment.

    He said the move raises concerns about due process and institutional credibility.

    Governor questions INEC’s action

    Speaking with journalists on Monday, Makinde said the commission acted prematurely by reflecting changes without sighting the official court document.

    “Nobody has seen the CTC… we were surprised that INEC went ahead to update the ADC leadership,” he said.

    He added that such a step by a national institution could undermine confidence in its operations.

    Warning over dangerous precedent

    Makinde cautioned that acting on unverified information could set a troubling standard.

    “What it means is somebody can whisper a court judgment and then they will go ahead and update that,” he said.

    He insisted that a professionally run organisation should rely strictly on verified documents before taking decisions.

    PDP defends interim committee

    The governor also addressed concerns surrounding the newly formed Interim National Management Committee within the Peoples Democratic Party.

    He maintained that the committee was properly constituted in line with the party’s constitution.

    “If you go to the constitution of the PDP… two-thirds of that membership came here. So it is legally constituted,” he stated.

    Party to engage INEC

    Makinde said the PDP would formally communicate its position to INEC and expects the commission to uphold democratic principles.

    “We will write to INEC… and allow the democratic space to accommodate opposition,” he said.

    He reaffirmed the party’s resolve to push for a stronger opposition, describing the situation as part of a broader struggle for democratic balance.

    “We will not give up… this is a battle for democracy,” he added.

    The remarks followed the PDP’s 103rd National Executive Committee meeting, where an interim committee was inaugurated to manage the party’s affairs amid ongoing leadership disputes.

  • PDP Interim NEC Unveils 2026 Primary Timetable, Sets Nomination Fees Ahead of Party Primaries

    The interim National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has approved its 2026 pre-election timetable and nomination guidelines ahead of the party’s primaries.

    The decision was announced in a statement issued on Monday by the party’s interim leadership, outlining key dates and fees for aspirants.

    Timetable for primaries released

    According to the statement, the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms will run from May 5 to May 13, 2026.

    Submission of completed forms is scheduled for May 14, followed by screening of aspirants from May 15 to May 18.

    The party fixed May 21 for screening appeals, while the final list of cleared aspirants will be published on May 22.

    Ward primaries are expected to hold on May 27, with appeals on the exercise slated for May 28.

    A National Executive Committee meeting to approve candidates will take place on May 29, while a special convention for ratification is set for May 30.

    Breakdown of nomination fees

    The PDP also released the cost of forms for various elective positions.

    For State House of Assembly, the expression of interest form is pegged at ₦500,000, while the nomination form costs ₦1.5 million.

    House of Representatives aspirants are to pay ₦2 million for expression of interest and ₦5 million for nomination.

    Senate forms are priced at ₦3 million and ₦7 million respectively.

    Governorship aspirants will pay ₦5 million for expression of interest and ₦35 million for nomination, while the presidential forms are pegged at ₦10 million and ₦90 million.

    Concessions for women, youths

    The party announced that women will only pay for expression of interest forms, as nomination forms are free for them.

    Youths and persons living with disabilities are to enjoy a 50 percent discount on nomination forms across all positions.

    The move, according to the party, is aimed at encouraging broader participation in the political process.

    Fresh division emerges within PDP

    Meanwhile, a faction loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has announced a separate date for the party’s presidential primaries.

    The group fixed May 23, 2026, for its exercise, indicating ongoing divisions within the party structure.

    The parallel moves highlight the deepening leadership crisis within the PDP as preparations intensify for the next election cycle.

  • Wike Backs George Kelly for 2027 Rivers Governorship, Moves to Reassert Control

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has endorsed Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly as his preferred candidate for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election, signaling a new phase in the state’s political battle.

    The decision was reportedly reached after a closed-door meeting in Port Harcourt involving key political and grassroots figures.

    Closed-door meeting shapes decision

    Sources said the endorsement followed intense consultations held on Monday, with influential stakeholders in attendance.

    The meeting reportedly included former militant leaders, pointing to wider efforts to build strong political and grassroots backing ahead of the election cycle.

    The move is seen as part of Wike’s strategy to maintain influence in Rivers politics while serving at the federal level.

    George Kelly positioned for comeback

    George Kelly, a former Commissioner for Works in Rivers State, is believed to be preparing to contest under the All Progressives Congress.

    He previously contested in the Peoples Democratic Party governorship primaries in 2022, where he emerged second behind incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    His emergence now signals a possible return to frontline politics with the backing of a powerful political structure.

    Battle lines begin to form

    Political observers say the endorsement could reshape alignments in Rivers State ahead of 2027.

    Wike’s choice of a loyal ally is being interpreted as a move to regain political control in the state amid shifting alliances.

    The development also suggests that early positioning for the 2027 elections is already underway, with major actors consolidating influence.

    Growing tension ahead of 2027

    The Rivers political landscape has remained volatile in recent months, with internal divisions and competing interests shaping the direction of major parties.

    With this endorsement, attention is expected to shift to how other political blocs respond in the coming months.

  • Isaac Fayose Backs Peter Obi Amid Party Switch Debate, Defends Political Movement

    Nigerian businessman Isaac Fayose has publicly defended Peter Obi amid growing criticism over his movement across political parties, insisting that loyalty should be to individuals rather than platforms.

    His comments come as debates intensify following Obi’s recent political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Fayose Defends Obi’s Party Movement

    Reacting to the backlash, Fayose dismissed claims that Obi’s party switches should be a cause for concern.

    He argued that political movement is not unusual in Nigeria’s landscape, pointing to President Bola Tinubu’s history of transitioning across multiple parties over the years.

    “Some people are saying Peter Obi is moving from one party to another. Let me remind them that the current president moved from SDP to AD, then ACN, and now APC,” he said.

    ‘I Will Follow Him Anywhere’

    Fayose went further to reaffirm his personal support for the former Anambra State governor, stressing that his loyalty is tied to Obi as an individual.

    “If Peter Obi decides to move to NAFDAC or LASTMA, I will still follow him because we believe in him,” he added.

    His remarks highlight a growing sentiment among some supporters who prioritise candidates over party structures.

    Questions Over APC’s Concerns

    The businessman also questioned why the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which currently controls several states, would feel threatened by Obi’s movements.

    “I thought APC has almost all the governors, so why are they still afraid?” he asked.

    Debate Reflects Wider Political Realignments

    Fayose’s comments add to the ongoing conversation around shifting alliances and early positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.

    With opposition figures exploring new platforms and coalitions, party loyalty and political strategy remain key talking points across Nigeria’s political space.

     

  • ADC, Atiku Camp Dismiss NDC Defection Talks Amid Coalition Speculation

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and allies of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have denied reports suggesting ongoing defection talks with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), pushing back against claims of a possible midweek announcement.

    The denial comes at a time of growing uncertainty within opposition ranks as political alignments begin to shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Atiku Camp Rejects Claims

    Reacting to the reports, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, dismissed any suggestion of talks involving the former vice president or former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

    “If that is the case, I will be the first to know. I don’t think that there’s anything like that,” Ibe said.

    His response directly contradicts claims that key figures within the opposition were already in advanced discussions with the NDC.

    ADC Labels Report ‘Rubbish’

    Within the ADC, party officials also distanced themselves from the speculation, insisting there were no such engagements.

    National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi described the reports in blunt terms.

    “100% rubbish,” he said, rejecting claims linking the party’s leadership to any defection arrangement.

    Speculation Grows After Recent Defections

    The rumours gained traction following the recent defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the NDC, a development that has triggered wider conversations about a possible opposition realignment.

    Since then, the NDC has increasingly been mentioned as a potential rallying platform for political figures seeking a new coalition structure.

    Coalition Talks Still Unclear

    Sources familiar with ongoing discussions suggest that while contacts may exist among political actors, they are more likely part of broader coalition conversations rather than direct plans to switch parties.

    With internal disputes still unresolved within the ADC and other opposition platforms, political stakeholders appear to be weighing multiple options ahead of the next election cycle.

    The situation remains fluid, with parties expected to clarify their positions in the coming weeks as preparations for 2027 intensify.