Category: Politics

  • “Stay There, Fight Them, Scatter ADC” — Gbajabiamila Tells Abejide Amid Party Crisis

    Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has urged ADC lawmaker Leke Abejide to remain in the African Democratic Congress and intensify internal battles within the party amid its ongoing leadership crisis.

    He made the remarks at a birthday event in Abuja, where a video of his comments later surfaced online.

    What happened

    In the viral clip, Gbajabiamila openly encouraged Abejide to stay in the ADC and resist rival factions.

    “I know you to be a committed party man… Stay in that same ADC. Fight them. Scatter them. Hold on to your party,” he said.

    He added that Abejide should ignore opposing voices and continue his political efforts within the party.

    “We like what you are doing. Continue… Nobody can come and take your party away from you,” Gbajabiamila stated.

    ADC crisis deepens

    The ADC has been engulfed in a leadership tussle, with multiple factions battling for control, including a group linked to former Senate President David Mark.

    Abejide is aligned with the Nafiu Bala faction, which is contesting the legitimacy of the rival leadership bloc.

    Abejide’s stance

    The Kogi lawmaker has maintained support for President Tinubu despite remaining in the ADC.

    Speaking on Channels Television, he said his political loyalty cuts across both APC and ADC.

    “My heart is in the APC, and in the ADC… Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and it’s not about party,” he said when asked about his 2027 presidential choice.

    Protest at INEC

    Last week, Abejide and other supporters staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, rejecting the Mark-led faction.

    They accused the group of attempting to hijack the party’s leadership in violation of its constitution.

    “We are here to urge INEC to do the right thing… These people are hijackers,” Abejide said.

    What this means

    The development highlights growing tensions within the ADC as political alignments begin to shift ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The party’s internal crisis is expected to shape its strength as a potential opposition platform.

     

  • Supreme Court Pushes Kano Emirate Battle to 2027, Case to Resume After Elections

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria has adjourned proceedings in the long-running Kano Emirate dispute to April 19, 2027, effectively pushing further hearing until after the next general elections.

    The decision was announced after parties adopted their preliminary arguments at the resumed sitting.

    What the case is about

    The suit centres on the legality of actions taken by successive Kano State governments over the restructuring of the emirate system and the occupancy of the Kano throne.

    At the heart of the dispute are rival claims linked to the 2020 deposition of the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the subsequent appointment of Aminu Ado Bayero.

    The controversy deepened after later developments saw Sanusi reinstated following policy reversals by a new administration.

    How the crisis started

    The dispute dates back to 2019 when the Kano State Government under former governor Abdullahi Ganduje created additional emirates, splitting the system into Kano, Bichi, Rano, Karaye and Gaya.

    The move sparked widespread reactions and legal challenges.

    In 2024, the administration of Governor Abba Yusuf repealed the law establishing the new emirates, dissolved them and reinstated Sanusi, triggering fresh litigation from opposing parties.

    Latest court position

    At the Supreme Court, the case was filed by a claimant challenging the legality of the repeal law and subsequent actions by the state government and the House of Assembly.

    With the new adjournment date, the apex court has left the issues unresolved for now, prolonging one of the most closely watched traditional and political disputes in the country.

  • Shekarau Dumps PDP After Consultations, Moves Toward APC

    Former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending his latest stint with the opposition party.

    Resignation confirmed

    Shekarau announced his exit on Sunday at his residence along Mundubawa Avenue in Kano, following days of consultations with his political allies, including members of his Shura group.

    In a resignation letter dated April 19 and addressed to the PDP Chairman of Giginyu Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area, he stated that his decision takes immediate effect.

    “Accept this letter please as notice of my resignation from my position as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with effect from today,” he wrote.

    Reason for exit

    The former governor said his decision came after extensive deliberations with his political group on the need to pursue their ambitions on a different platform.

    “This decision follows wide and extensive deliberations within my political group to pursue our political career in a different political party,” Shekarau added.

    Fresh political direction

    Copies of the letter were also sent to the Kano State PDP Chairman and the PDP Chairman in Nassarawa Local Government Area, signalling formal communication across party structures.

    Although he did not officially name his next destination, APC posters were reportedly seen around his residence, suggesting a likely move to the ruling party.

    Background moves

    Shekarau, who governed Kano State between 2003 and 2011 under the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), had previously defected to the PDP in 2014 after the ANPP merged with other parties to form the APC.

    His latest move comes days after reports that the APC leadership reached out to him as part of ongoing political realignments.

  • “I Won the 2023 Election” — Peter Obi Insists, Questions Official Results

    Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has again declared that he won the 2023 presidential election, maintaining that the officially announced results did not reflect what he believes was the true outcome.

    Fresh remarks on election outcome

    Speaking during an appearance on the Naija Unfiltered podcast, the former Anambra State governor said he remains convinced that his campaign secured victory, despite the final figures released by electoral authorities.

    According to him, the system produced a different result from what he insists actually happened during the election.

    “I can show you today, as far as I’m concerned, I have run election for the office of the President of Nigeria and won. But the system decided otherwise and they know it,” Obi said.

    Context of the 2023 race

    Obi contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and polled about six million votes nationwide, emerging as one of the leading candidates in the race.

    His latest comments add to ongoing debates around the credibility of the election and the broader conversation on electoral reforms in Nigeria.

    Public reaction builds

    The statement has since stirred reactions online, with supporters and critics weighing in on his claims and the state of Nigeria’s electoral process.

    Obi has consistently maintained his stance on the election outcome, reinforcing calls from his camp for greater transparency and accountability in future polls.

  • “Tinubu Should Resign Now” — Fayose Laments Empty Lagos Roads, Blames Hardship

    Social commentator Isaac Fayose has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, claiming the impact is now visible on major roads in Lagos as residents cut down movement due to rising costs.

    What he said

    Fayose, in a viral video, described a noticeable drop in traffic across usually busy parts of Lagos, linking the situation to the high cost of fuel and general economic pressure on citizens.

    He called for urgent intervention from national leaders, insisting that the current hardship has made daily life increasingly difficult for many Nigerians.

    “Even Lagos State roads wey dey always dey busy, poverty don carry am. Poverty has made everyone park their cars. President Tinubu should resign now, Nigerians are suffering,” he said.

    Concerns over cost of living

    The social commentator questioned the sustainability of current fuel prices, arguing that many Nigerians can no longer afford regular transportation.

    “How much is 10 litres of fuel? ₦14,000. Who can afford that every day?” he asked, pointing to what he described as a growing economic burden on households.

    Call for action

    Fayose further urged political leaders to take decisive steps, calling on the Senate leadership to act in what he described as the interest of Nigerians.

    He also expressed doubts about key national institutions, claiming that public confidence in governance structures is weakening.

    His remarks have since added to ongoing conversations about the cost of living crisis and economic reforms in the country.

  • “Obi Is a Poor Politician” — Man Sparks Debate Over ADC Ticket, Praises Tinubu’s Strategy

    A Nigerian man has stirred reactions online after criticising calls for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside for Peter Obi in the race for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket.

    What sparked the comment

    The man reacted to a viral opinion suggesting that Atiku should allow Obi emerge as the party’s candidate, dismissing the idea as unrealistic in Nigerian politics.

    He argued that political positions are not handed over but fought for through strategy and alliances.

    His take on Obi

    In the video, he described Obi’s approach as weak, questioning why the former Labour Party candidate would expect an automatic ticket without prior alignment.

    “So you’re telling me Obi left LP without any alignment to secure ADC ticket? This guy is a poor politician,” he said.

    Reference to Tinubu’s strategy

    He went further to praise President Bola Tinubu’s political experience, noting that his rise to power was built on calculated moves and negotiations.

    “It’s not given; it’s collected. I may not like Tinubu, but that guy is a good politician,” he added.

    He also recalled how alliances and withdrawals played key roles in past primaries, suggesting such outcomes are rarely voluntary.

    Wike comparison and reactions

    The speaker referenced FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, claiming the political space would have been more aggressive if he were in Obi’s position.

    “Imagine it was Wike… by now Tinubu would have been hospitalised,” he said.

    The remarks have fueled ongoing debates online, as Nigerians continue to analyse political strategies and alliances ahead of future elections.

  • “You’re a Coward” — Yul Edochie Blasts Igbos Criticising Tinubu Supporters

    Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has lashed out at critics within the Igbo community who attack fellow Igbos for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

    What triggered his reaction

    In a strongly worded post on social media, the actor accused critics of selective outrage, saying they only target their own people while ignoring supporters of the president from other regions.

    He challenged them to show similar criticism directed at Yoruba or Northern supporters of Tinubu.

    What Yul Edochie said

    “Any Igbo man who is dragging his fellow Igbo man for supporting President Tinubu is a monkey and a coward,” he wrote.

    “Show me a video of you dragging Yorubas… or Northerners who are supporting Tinubu. You don’t have the liver to do it.”

    He added that such individuals are quick to criticise their own but avoid confronting others.

    Political backing for Tinubu

    The outburst comes weeks after Edochie openly declared his support for President Tinubu.

    He had earlier announced his appointment as Deputy Southeast Coordinator for the “Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria” (RTIFN) group, stating his commitment to the president’s agenda.

    Reactions and implications

    His comments have sparked mixed reactions online, with some supporting his stance on political freedom, while others criticised his tone and choice of words.

    The development highlights growing political tensions and regional debates as conversations around the 2027 elections begin to take shape.

  • Bala Mohammed’s Planned Defection to APC Collapses Over ‘60–40’ Power Deal

    The planned defection of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has collapsed after both sides failed to agree on a power-sharing arrangement.

    Talks between the governor’s camp and APC leadership ended in a deadlock, halting what had been weeks of high-level consultations.

    Key details

    Negotiations reportedly broke down after the APC rejected a proposed 60–40 formula that would have given the governor’s structure majority control of the party in Bauchi State.

    The formula, according to the governor’s allies, was consistent with arrangements used in similar political defections across the country.

    Why talks failed

    Chairman of the Turaki-led PDP faction in Bauchi, Sama’ila Burga, said the APC was unwilling to accommodate the existing PDP structure and the state government’s influence.

    “You cannot expect a government bringing its structure from ward level to the state not to have control of the party,” Burga said.

    He confirmed that discussions had been formally discontinued after both sides failed to reach a compromise.

    APC outreach and high-level meetings

    Burga revealed that the APC initiated the talks through the governor, with involvement from its national leadership and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, who visited Bauchi to persuade Mohammed.

    Despite the outreach, the disagreement over control of party structures proved decisive.

    Next move for governor

    Following the collapse of talks, Mohammed and his supporters have declared their readiness to explore other political platforms.

    Burga said consultations are ongoing from the ward level to the state level as they consider fresh options outside the APC.

    “After careful consideration, it became clear that the conditions… were not accepted by the APC leadership,” he said.

    Background to the crisis

    The governor had earlier cited internal divisions within the PDP as a major reason for considering defection.

    Both the APC and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had made moves to woo him, while meetings were also held with key stakeholders, including President Bola Tinubu.

    However, with negotiations now stalled, attention has shifted to where the governor may align ahead of future political contests.

  • ADC Slams Tinubu Over ‘Street Convention’ Remark, Says Nigerians Face Hardship

    The African Democratic Congress has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of focusing on political attacks while Nigerians grapple with worsening economic and security challenges.

    In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the President’s recent comments about opposition groups as inappropriate and disconnected from the realities faced by citizens.

    What triggered the reaction

    The ADC’s response followed remarks attributed to Tinubu, where he reportedly dismissed opposition parties and mocked their convention as being held “on the street.”

    The party rejected the claim, insisting its convention was not conducted in such a manner and suggesting the statement may have been based on misinformation.

    Concerns over economy and insecurity

    ADC said the focus should instead be on urgent national issues, including rising cost of living, food inflation, and declining purchasing power.

    It also raised concerns over insecurity across the country, citing ongoing cases of abductions and attacks, while alleging that the government’s response has not been sufficient.

    Allegations of shrinking political space

    The party further claimed that democratic space is narrowing under the current administration, accusing authorities of restricting opposition access to public venues such as Eagle Square.

    According to the statement, such actions could undermine political participation and weaken democratic processes.

    “At a time when families are battling a historic cost-of-living crisis, the President chose to mock the opposition instead of addressing the suffering of Nigerians,” the party said.

    It also criticised what it described as contradictions in governance, arguing that the President cannot simultaneously act as political leader and interpreter of legal matters.

  • Saraki Fires Back At Kwara Govt Over Offa Robbery Charges, Calls Case “Frivolous”

    Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has strongly denied any link to the 2018 Offa robbery incident, describing fresh charges filed against him by the Kwara State Government as “frivolous” and politically motivated.

    In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Saraki said he initially considered ignoring the case but decided to respond following what he described as widespread concern from Nigerians over the development.

    What Saraki said

    Saraki insisted he had no direct or indirect involvement in the Offa robbery or any criminal activity, alleging that the case was originally orchestrated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari as a tool to weaken his political influence ahead of the 2019 elections.

    He cited legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution under the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, which he said found no evidence linking him to the crime.

    According to him, the DPP stated in separate reports that there was no basis to establish a case of conspiracy, armed robbery, or culpable homicide against him.

    Allegations of political witch-hunt

    The former Senate President accused the current Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, of reviving the case as part of a political agenda.

    He claimed the charges resurfaced shortly after he criticised the state government’s handling of insecurity during a television interview, alleging that the move was aimed at discrediting him.

    Saraki further alleged that key documents clearing him were deliberately withheld from public circulation, while what he described as “skewed narratives” were promoted in the media.

    “This is a clear abuse of the judicial process to embarrass my person,” he said, adding that his legal team is prepared to challenge the case in court.

    Security concerns raised

    Saraki also criticised the state government’s focus, arguing that it should prioritise tackling insecurity rather than pursuing what he described as politically driven cases.

    He claimed that hundreds of lives had been lost to banditry in Kwara State in recent times, insisting that governance should focus on protecting citizens.

    Confidence in judiciary

    Despite his criticism, Saraki expressed confidence in the judiciary, stating that the courts would ultimately determine the truth.

    He maintained that the case would “collapse like a pack of cards,” reiterating his belief that justice would prevail.

    The development comes days after the Kwara State Government filed charges against Saraki and former Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed over alleged links to the Offa robbery case.

    Related search: Bukola Saraki Offa robbery case Kwara State charges