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  • Obi, Kwankwaso Supporters Plan Abuja Unity Summit Amid Defection Talks

    Supporters of former Anambra and Kano governors, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, are set to hold a unity summit in Abuja as political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections gather pace.

    Summit to push unity agenda

    The event, themed ‘One Voice, One Vision: In Unity We Win’, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in the Federal Capital Territory.

    Organisers say the summit is aimed at aligning political interests and strengthening collaboration among supporters of both leaders.

    Key figures billed to speak

    A flyer shared by the OK Movement shows that several political figures and activists are expected to speak at the event.

    Among them are Buba Galadima of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), activist Aisha Yesufu, Isaac Fayose, Moses Paul of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Adebayo Adefolaseye, the group’s south-west coordinator.

    As of the time of filing this report, about 428 participants had registered for the summit.

    Defection rumours gain momentum

    The planned gathering comes amid growing speculation that Obi and Kwankwaso may defect from the ADC to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Habibu Mohammed, spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya movement, said discussions with the NDC have reached an advanced stage.

    According to him, the move has received the backing of stakeholders and could be finalised within days.

    “I believe him, Peter Obi, and some others will be joining the NDC,” Mohammed said.

    ADC crisis fuels uncertainty

    The ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC is believed to be a major factor behind the potential defection.

    The Supreme Court recently set aside a status quo order in the dispute and returned the case to the Federal High Court, leaving the leadership issue unresolved.

    Observers say the uncertainty may affect the party’s readiness ahead of key electoral timelines.

    OK Movement backs joint ticket push

    Supporters of both politicians had earlier launched the OK Movement in April to mobilise support for a possible joint presidential ticket in 2027.

    The Abuja summit is expected to further consolidate that effort as political alignments continue to take shape.

     

  • Obi, Kwankwaso Set to Dump ADC for NDC Amid Fresh Coalition Crisis

    Fresh cracks have emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition as indications show that Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso may be set to defect to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Defection plans reach final stage

    Habibu Mohammed, spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya movement, said discussions with the NDC are nearly complete.

    According to him, negotiations are “about 90 percent” concluded, with the planned defection expected within days.

    “I believe him, Peter Obi, and some others will be joining the NDC,” Mohammed said.

    Stakeholders back move unanimously

    Mohammed disclosed that stakeholders across the 44 local government areas in Kano met and endorsed the decision.

    He said the meeting, held at Kwankwaso’s residence, produced a unanimous agreement to leave the ADC.

    “The stakeholders have unanimously given him the go-ahead to move to the NDC,” he added.

    ADC crisis fuels exit talks

    The decision is linked to ongoing leadership disputes within the ADC.

    The Supreme Court had recently referred the party’s leadership case back to the Federal High Court, prolonging uncertainty.

    Mohammed said the development raised concerns about stability within the coalition.

    “It does not look feasible to stay there,” he said, citing possible prolonged litigation.

    Internal disagreements deepen divide

    He also pointed to unresolved internal issues, including disagreements over zoning and consensus candidacy.

    Peter Obi has reportedly stayed away from recent ADC meetings following concerns that zoning was not addressed.

    2027 calculations shape decisions

    The Kwankwasiyya movement said it considered other platforms, including the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), before settling on the NDC.

    Mohammed noted that looming deadlines for submission of party registers to INEC also influenced the decision.

    The development signals growing uncertainty within opposition ranks as political alignments continue to shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • Tinubu Heads to France, Kenya, Rwanda for Key Economic Summits

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Saturday for a three-nation visit to France, Kenya and Rwanda to attend high-level economic and diplomatic engagements.

    Trip begins with France stop

    The development was disclosed in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

    According to the statement, Tinubu will first visit France before proceeding to Nairobi, Kenya, for the Africa-France Summit.

    Focus on Africa-France partnerships

    The summit, scheduled for May 11 to May 12, will be co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto.

    It is expected to focus on energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation, global financing reforms, and climate action.

    The event will also provide a platform for discussions on economic growth, infrastructure, youth development, and regional cooperation.

    Next stop: Africa CEO Forum in Rwanda

    Following the Kenya engagement, Tinubu will travel to Kigali, Rwanda, for the Africa CEO Forum scheduled for May 14 to May 15.

    The forum will bring together over 2,000 business leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss strategies for economic transformation and cross-border investment.

    Held in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the event will centre on scaling African businesses and strengthening regional integration.

    Tinubu to engage global leaders

    During the trip, the president is expected to deliver key statements on Nigeria’s economic reforms and investment prospects.

    He will also hold meetings with global and African business leaders to strengthen partnerships.

    Tinubu will be accompanied by senior government officials and is expected to return to Nigeria after the Rwanda summit.

  • Sowore Slams Nigeria’s Pay Structure, Says Leaders Earn More Than Workers

    Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has criticised Nigeria’s income structure, saying those in power earn far more than ordinary workers despite contributing less.

    Sowore raises concern over income inequality

    Speaking on inequality under the current administration, Sowore said the country’s compensation system is skewed against workers.

    “In this country, the people that are working are the least paid, and the people who don’t work are the well paid,” he said.

    Claims on lawmakers’ earnings spark debate

    Sowore alleged that an average Nigerian senator earns over ₦30 million monthly, despite limited legislative sittings.

    He argued that such earnings are disproportionate when compared to the financial struggles faced by everyday Nigerians.

    Workers struggle despite daily efforts

    According to him, many workers are unable to afford basic needs such as food, healthcare, and education, despite working consistently.

    He said the situation reflects a system that prioritises political office holders over the labour force.

    Call for shift in leadership priorities

    Sowore called for urgent reforms, insisting that leadership must prioritise the welfare of workers.

    “The greatest work on our hands now is to drive away the enemies of workers who are occupying positions of power in this country,” he added.

    He maintained that addressing inequality in governance and public sector pay is critical to improving living conditions.

  • Sanwo-Olu Approves ₦50,000 Relief for Lagos Workers Amid Economic Pressure

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved a ₦50,000 relief package for workers in the state, to be paid alongside their May salaries as part of measures to ease economic pressure.

    Relief announced at Workers’ Day event

    The governor made the announcement on Friday during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

    Represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu said the payment would cut across all categories of workers and may be reviewed in the coming months.

    “For this May, there will be an additional ₦50,000 for every worker in Lagos State, across board, irrespective of grade,” he said.

    Move aimed at easing economic hardship

    Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the impact of rising inflation and global economic challenges, noting that the government must continue to provide practical support for workers.

    He said the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to supporting its workforce, including teachers, healthcare workers, artisans, and civil servants.

    “Lagos is great because of you—the teacher who stays after hours, the nurse who takes a third shift, the artisan who passes on their trade,” he added.

    Government pledges continued engagement with labour

    The governor reaffirmed his administration’s willingness to maintain dialogue with organised labour, stressing that cooperation is key to sustaining industrial harmony.

    He noted that the state government remains committed to improving workers’ welfare and strengthening public service delivery.

    Security and infrastructure remain priorities

    Sanwo-Olu also highlighted ongoing investments in security infrastructure, including community policing and surveillance systems, describing safety as critical to productivity.

    He added that his administration would focus on completing key projects in transport, housing, and pensions before the end of its tenure.

  • Okpebholo Says Obi Can’t Win Edo in 2027, Links 2023 Victory to Past Govt

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said Labour Party’s Peter Obi will not win the state in the 2027 presidential election, attributing his 2023 victory to the performance of the previous administration.

    Governor questions basis of Obi’s past win

    Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Thursday, Okpebholo claimed Obi’s success in Edo during the last election was influenced by dissatisfaction with the then state government.

    “Peter Obi defeated Tinubu last time because the governor was not working,” he said.

    Confidence in APC support ahead of 2027

    The governor also expressed confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that growing support across the state would translate into electoral victory.

    He reaffirmed his earlier position that he would deliver 2.5 million votes to President Bola Tinubu in the next general election.

    ‘Support will reflect at the polls’

    Okpebholo dismissed doubts about his projection, stating that public enthusiasm already reflects the party’s strength on the ground.

    “We were on the street. Nobody told them we were coming. People were leaving their houses. And that is the vote,” he added.

    APC eyes stronger performance in Edo

    The governor maintained that with improved governance and mobilisation, the APC is positioned to secure a more decisive outcome in Edo State in 2027.

  • Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Hardship, Says Workers’ Day Not for Celebration

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying worsening economic conditions have made this year’s Workers’ Day a moment of concern rather than celebration.

    Atiku describes May Day as ‘painful reminder’

    In a message shared on Friday via his X handle, Atiku said the 2026 Workers’ Day reflects the growing burden on Nigerian workers.

    “This year’s Workers’ Day is not a moment of joy for millions of Nigerians. It is a painful reminder of broken promises,” he said.

    Criticism of subsidy removal policy

    The former vice president faulted the removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as necessary but poorly executed.

    “Let me be clear: the removal of fuel subsidy was inevitable and long overdue. However, its implementation was hasty and without safeguards,” he stated.

    Rising cost of living hits workers

    Atiku said the policy has triggered a sharp rise in the cost of living, affecting transport fares, food prices, and basic goods.

    He added that wages have remained largely unchanged despite increasing economic pressure on citizens.

    “What we have witnessed is a dramatic surge in the cost of living without any commensurate increase in wages,” he said.

    Concerns over use of savings

    He also questioned how funds saved from subsidy removal are being managed, noting that Nigerians have yet to see tangible benefits.

    “Trillions of naira have reportedly been saved, yet the average Nigerian cannot point to any improvement,” he added.

    Calls for urgent government action

    Atiku urged the Federal Government to implement measures such as wage adjustments, social support programmes, and investments in key sectors.

    “Economic reforms must be people-centred,” he said, calling for policies that directly improve workers’ welfare.

  • Man Storms APC Secretariat in Abuja, Demands Reward for 2023 Campaign Work

    A Nigerian man on Thursday stormed the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, demanding what he described as compensation for his role in the party’s 2023 election campaigns.

    Protester carries emotional placard

    The man, dressed in an APC-branded blue shirt, was seen holding a placard with the message: “Reward me or kill me,” as he expressed frustration over alleged abandonment by the party.

    He claimed he had suffered severe personal and financial losses after actively working for the APC during the last general elections.

    Claims of hardship and family struggles

    In a viral video circulating on social media, the man said he sold his house while supporting the party’s campaign activities and now has no means of survival.

    “I sold my house because of the debt I seemed to owe APC… because of the work I worked for APC,” he said.

    He also alleged that he could no longer afford his children’s school fees, claiming he had left them at the party secretariat out of desperation.

    “I dropped my children with the CSO and APC because I cannot take care of them again,” he added.

    Tension at APC headquarters

    The video showed the man pacing the entrance of the secretariat while raising his placard and shouting, as security personnel stood by and onlookers recorded the incident.

    He further alleged threats from a Chief Security Officer at the facility, though this claim was not independently verified.

    No official response from APC

    As of the time the footage circulated online, no APC official had publicly addressed the protest or responded to the allegations raised by the man.

  • Otti Says Labour Party Opted Out of Opposition Coalition Talks in Ibadan

    Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said the Labour Party (LP) did not participate in the opposition political summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where talks were held on presenting a joint presidential candidate for 2027.

    LP distances itself from Ibadan coalition meeting

    Speaking in Umuahia on Wednesday, Otti clarified that the Labour Party was not part of the gathering attended by factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

    He said the party remains focused on strengthening its internal structure nationwide rather than joining any external political arrangement.

    Party insists on independent presidential ticket

    Otti stressed that the Labour Party will not collapse its structure into any coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    He added that the party is preparing to field its own presidential candidate and will continue to build its grassroots base across the country.

    “We were not part of it” — Otti

    Addressing journalists, the governor said the party had no involvement in the Ibadan summit.

    “Unfortunately, we were not part of the summit. We will hold a convention. So, we are not bound by what happened there. We did not attend,” he said.

    He added that any eligible party member interested in contesting would be given the opportunity to run under the party’s platform.

    Reconciliation within Labour Party

    Otti also spoke on ongoing reconciliation efforts within the party, noting that steps are being taken to rebuild unity among members.

    He said the party is working to reintegrate aggrieved members, including former national chairman Julius Abure, as part of broader efforts to strengthen internal cohesion.

    Focus on party structure ahead of 2027

    The governor reaffirmed confidence in the current National Working Committee, led by the Usman faction, to steer the party forward in the coming years.

    He also dismissed suggestions of any merger or alignment with other political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC).

  • “Struggle Not Over” — Atiku Reacts to Supreme Court ADC Leadership Ruling

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said the opposition’s fight is far from over despite the Supreme Court ruling affirming the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Atiku warns against complacency

    Reacting in a statement shared on social media, Atiku described the judgment as a major step but cautioned supporters not to see it as final victory.

    “Even as we welcome the Supreme Court’s firm affirmation of David Mark and the leadership of our great party, the African Democratic Congress, let no one be lulled into complacency,” he said.

    Calls for continued political struggle

    The former vice-president stressed that more effort is required in what he described as a broader mission to “rescue” the country.

    “The road ahead remains long in our cause to take back and rescue our country,” he added.

    Dedicates outcome to Nigerians

    Atiku dedicated the outcome of the legal battle to Nigerians, whom he described as resilient in the face of ongoing political and economic challenges.

    “This victory belongs to Nigerians, the courageous millions who refuse to surrender their future,” he said.

    Urges vigilance and unity

    He further called for sustained public engagement, noting that democratic progress must be protected.

    “As we press on, let this truth guide us: eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” Atiku stated.

    His remarks come amid ongoing political developments following the Supreme Court ruling, which resolved the ADC leadership dispute and restored clarity within the party ahead of future elections.