Welcome

Tag: 2027 Election

  • Court Voids INEC’s 2027 Election Timetable Over “Illegal” Primary Deadlines

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the 2027 election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ruling that parts of the schedule violated provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

    Justice Mohammed Umar delivered the judgment in a suit filed by the Youth Party against INEC.

    The court held that INEC lacked the legal authority to impose timelines for political parties to conduct primaries and other pre-election activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Court Faults INEC’s Powers

    In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, the Youth Party challenged the legality of several deadlines contained in INEC’s revised timetable.

    Justice Umar ruled that the commission cannot lawfully shorten statutory timelines already provided under the Electoral Act.

    According to the court, INEC’s powers to monitor and receive notices of party primaries do not include fixing the period within which political parties must hold primaries.

    “A declaration is hereby made that the powers of the defendant to receive notice of party primaries… does not extend to fixing or prescribing the timetable within which political parties may conduct their primary elections,” the court ruled.

    Sections Of Timetable Nullified

    The court also set aside portions of the timetable relating to submission of candidates’ particulars, withdrawal and substitution of candidates, and campaign deadlines.

    Justice Umar held that:

    • INEC cannot reduce the 120-day constitutional window for submission of candidates’ particulars.
    • The commission cannot shorten the 90-day period allowed for withdrawal or substitution of candidates.
    • INEC cannot publish the final list of candidates earlier than the minimum 60 days provided by law.
    • The commission also lacks power to compel campaigns to end exactly two days before elections.

    The judge subsequently nullified all sections of the revised timetable inconsistent with the Electoral Act, 2026.

    Parties Already Conducting Primaries

    Before the ruling, political parties had already begun complying with INEC’s timetable.

    The revised schedule required parties to submit membership registers by May 10 and conclude primaries and candidate replacements before the end of May.

    However, the process has generated controversy in several states, especially within the ruling All Progressives Congress, where protests, withdrawals and allegations of candidate imposition have trailed ongoing primaries.

    The judgment is expected to trigger fresh legal and political debates over the conduct of the 2027 elections and INEC’s regulatory powers.

  • APC Halts Kwara Governorship Primary Amid Tension Over AbdulRazaq’s Preferred Successor

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has abruptly postponed its governorship primary election after the exercise had already commenced across parts of the state.

    The postponement was announced on Thursday by the state publicity secretary of the party, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Babatunde.

    Party members and supporters had earlier trooped out in large numbers for the exercise before the sudden suspension was announced.

    APC Announces Fresh Date

    In a statement issued by the party, the APC said the governorship primary earlier scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, would now hold on Friday, May 22, 2026.

    “The APC Governorship Primary earlier scheduled to hold today, Thursday, 21st May 2026, has been postponed,” the statement read.

    “The new date for the Governorship Primary is now Friday, 22nd May 2026.”

    The party advised aspirants and members to take note of the development.

    Tension Over AbdulRazaq’s Endorsement

    The postponement comes days after Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, publicly endorsed Ambassador Yahaya Seriki from Kwara Central as his preferred successor.

    Although the governor stated that other aspirants were free to contest the primary, the endorsement reportedly created tension within the party.

    Sources quoted by LEADERSHIP alleged that some aggrieved aspirants influenced the decision to halt the exercise after voting had already started.

    Seriki Allegedly Leading Before Suspension

    According to findings, Yahaya Seriki was reportedly leading in several voting centres before the primary was disrupted.

    There were also indications that some aspirants from Kwara South were considering forming alliances to challenge Seriki’s emergence.

    The development has since triggered political reactions within the state as party stakeholders await further directives ahead of the rescheduled exercise.

  • Amaechi Says He Will End Identity-Based Politics if Elected President

    Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said he would end identity-based politics in Nigeria if elected President, insisting that governance must be based on citizenship rather than ethnicity or religion.

    The former Rivers State governor made the remarks in a video, where he criticised what he described as deepening divisions in Nigeria’s political system, saying they continue to shape elections and weaken national unity.

    “Citizens first, not tribe or religion”

    Amaechi said Nigerians should be treated equally regardless of background, adding that leadership should not be defined by ethnic or religious identity.

    “If I become President, there will not be this issue. There will be citizenship first and foremost, citizens of Nigeria,” he said.

    He argued that politicians often rely on ethnic and religious sentiments to mobilise voters, a trend he said must change.

    “All these, I’m from the West, North or East, and they are calling people to vote for you based on religion,” he added.

    Federal character under scrutiny

    The former governor also questioned the effectiveness of the federal character principle, saying it was designed to promote fairness but has in some cases contributed to inefficiency in governance.

    He suggested that Nigeria must rethink structural arrangements that encourage division instead of unity.

    “If it is because the system is unfair, one way to manage the system is to say give shares to areas,” he said.

    Linking insecurity to unemployment

    Amaechi also linked insecurity in the country to unemployment and weak governance systems, arguing that crime reduces when people are meaningfully engaged.

    “If everybody is employed… you won’t have time to rob,” he said.

    “You are at work by 6am and close by 6pm; you are too tired to carry a gun,” he added.

    Call for merit-based leadership

    He urged Nigerians to focus on competence and track record when choosing leaders, rather than identity-based considerations.

    Amaechi said Nigeria must move towards a system where performance, not ethnicity or religion, determines leadership selection.

  • Peter Obi Clears NDC Presidential Screening, Emerges Sole Flagbearer for 2027 Election

    Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has been screened and cleared by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The screening exercise held on May 19, 2026, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, where officials reviewed his academic certificates, NYSC documents, age declarations, and his broader vision for national leadership.

    Screening Process in Abuja

    The exercise was chaired by former governor Sam Egwu, who led the committee responsible for evaluating all aspirants and engaging them on their policy direction for the country.

    Party officials said Obi was taken through a detailed review process before being cleared after meeting all requirements set by the party.

    Sole Aspirant for Presidential Ticket

    Following the exercise, Obi was cleared and issued the presidential nomination form, becoming the only aspirant who purchased and completed the screening process.

    Party officials subsequently confirmed him as the NDC presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, positioning him as the party’s flagbearer ahead of the primaries.

    Political Realignment Ahead of 2027

    Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, is now aligned with the NDC following reported opposition realignments ahead of the next election cycle.

    His clearance has already triggered political reactions, with supporters describing it as a major step in his presidential ambition.

    He ended his post with his signature slogan: “A New Nigeria is POssible. – PO”

    The development adds to early political momentum as parties begin formal preparations for the 2027 general elections.

  • “N1,000 Election Cannot Work” — Angry APC Women Protest Alleged Poor Payment After Primary

    Some women supporters of the All Progressives Congress have voiced anger over alleged poor treatment during a recent primary election, claiming they were given only ₦1,000 after participating in the exercise.

    The women expressed their frustrations in a viral video circulating online, where they complained about worsening economic hardship and warned that such actions could damage the party’s chances in future elections.

    “₦1,000 election is not an election”

    Speaking in Hausa in the video, the women repeatedly rejected the amount allegedly given to them, insisting it was unfair considering the rising cost of living and transportation.

    One of the women said:

    “We will not accept ₦1,000 election.”

    She further argued that many women and youths spent almost the same amount on transport just to attend the exercise.

    “Honestly, truth be told, even if they call us right now to come out from our houses and give us ₦1,000, it is not an election,” she said.

    Women lament economic hardship

    The supporters also accused party leaders of being disconnected from the realities facing ordinary Nigerians.

    According to them, hardship has worsened significantly, making the alleged payment insulting to many grassroots members who sacrificed time and resources to participate.

    “Women are suffering a lot, yet some people are saying they will conduct ₦1,000 election,” the woman added.

    She also claimed that some participants eventually received even less than the initial amount allegedly promised.

    “Surprisingly, they have now returned to giving only ₦600 each,” she alleged.

    Warning to party leaders

    The women urged APC leaders to reconsider how grassroots supporters are treated, warning that dissatisfaction among loyal party members could affect future electoral outcomes.

    “People should think carefully, especially the leaders. Is this being done for progress or for backwardness?” the woman asked.

    The video has since generated reactions online, with many Nigerians debating issues surrounding political mobilisation, economic hardship and treatment of party supporters during election activities.

  • Makinde-Backed PDP Faction Declares Jonathan Sole Presidential Candidate for 2027

    A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared former President Goodluck Jonathan as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

    The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja during the party’s presidential screening exercise, where senior member Babangida Aliyu confirmed that Jonathan had been granted a waiver from appearing before the committee.

    Jonathan Cleared Without Screening

    Aliyu explained that the decision was based on Jonathan’s extensive political experience, noting that his previous roles made additional screening unnecessary.

    According to him, Jonathan had served as deputy governor, governor, vice president and later president, making him automatically qualified for the party’s consideration.

    “In other words, he had been declared and cleared as the candidate of the PDP for the presidential election and that is President Jonathan,” Aliyu said.

    The development effectively positions Jonathan as the faction’s consensus flagbearer ahead of the 2027 polls.

    Screening Waivers Extended to Other Aspirants

    The committee also granted a waiver to Taofeek Arapaja, a member of the Interim National Working Committee, who is contesting the Oyo State governorship seat.

    Other governorship aspirants screened and cleared include Myebangara Andrew (Adamawa), Ikenya Danlami (Taraba), Etanabene Benedict (Delta), and Abdullahi Sheriff (Yobe).

    Faction Moves Signal Internal Realignment

    The announcement highlights ongoing internal realignments within the PDP as different blocs position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    While the faction insists its process follows party guidelines, the declaration is expected to further intensify political debates within the opposition party.

  • 2027: Delta Governor’s Aide Dismisses Peter Obi’s Presidential Chances, Says “I Don’t See You Winning”

    A senior aide to the Delta State Governor, Ossai Ovie Success, has downplayed the chances of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general election, saying he does not see him winning the presidency.

    The aide made the remarks in a post shared on his official Facebook page, where he directly addressed Obi’s political future and the evolving electoral landscape.

    “2023 Conditions Won’t Repeat In 2027”

    According to Ossai, the dynamics that shaped the 2023 presidential election will not be the same in 2027, insisting that voter behaviour and political momentum have already begun to shift.

    He argued that Peter Obi may not benefit from the same protest-driven support or regional and religious sentiments that influenced the last election cycle.

    “I don’t see you winning,” he stated, adding that the Labour Party candidate’s future political path may face stronger resistance in the next election.

    Obi’s 2023 Performance Still Shapes Debate

    Peter Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, emerged as one of the leading contenders in a tightly contested race that reshaped Nigeria’s political conversation.

    His strong support base, especially among young voters and urban populations, positioned him as a key third-force candidate and significantly disrupted the traditional dominance of Nigeria’s major political parties.

    The aide’s latest comments have now added fresh political tension ahead of the 2027 election cycle, as discussions around possible realignments continue to grow.

    2027 Political Landscape Still Uncertain

    While political actors continue to speculate about 2027 outcomes, analysts say the race remains open, with shifting alliances and voter sentiments expected to play a major role in determining who emerges victorious.

  • APC Lawmaker Abdulkadir Rahis Shares ₦26m To Party Executives After Winning Primary

    The member representing Maiduguri Metropolitan Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abdulkadir Rahis, has distributed cash gifts to 442 executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his constituency.

    The development comes days after Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan reportedly shared ₦135,650,000 among APC executives within the same constituency ahead of the Sallah celebration.

    Rahis Distributes ₦26 Million To APC Executives

    According to reports, Rahis shared about ₦26 million among party officials across Maiduguri Metropolitan.

    The lawmaker reportedly described the gesture as part of his tradition of supporting party loyalists, stakeholders and grassroots executives during festive periods.

    The event was attended by ward executives, supporters and APC stakeholders from different parts of the constituency.

    The cash distribution also came shortly after Rahis emerged winner of the APC primary election for the constituency.

    Rahis Eyes Fifth Consecutive Term

    The APC lawmaker secured 20,509 votes during the just-concluded primary election to retain the party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.

    If re-elected, Rahis will be returning to the House of Representatives for a fifth consecutive term.

    Before becoming a federal lawmaker, he had also served five terms as chairman of the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.

    Mixed Reactions Trail Cash Distribution

    The development has triggered mixed reactions online, with some APC supporters praising the lawmakers for supporting party executives during the Sallah period.

    Others, however, criticised the public display and transportation of large sums of cash, questioning the growing trend of politicians openly distributing money to party loyalists.

    The latest development has further sparked conversations around political spending and party mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • Peter Obi Emerges Sole Presidential Aspirant As NDC Closes 2027 Nomination Forms

    Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has emerged as the sole presidential aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following the closure of the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the 2027 presidential election.

    Sources within the party disclosed that Obi was the only aspirant who purchased the presidential nomination forms before the deadline expired.

    NDC Extends Deadline For Other Positions

    The NDC, however, announced a one-week extension for aspirants seeking governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly tickets.

    In a statement issued by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the deadline earlier fixed for May 17 was extended to midnight of May 24, 2026.

    According to the statement, the extension applies only to legislative and governorship aspirants, while the presidential nomination process has officially closed.

    “The collection of Expression of Interest Forms for the office of the President has officially closed,” the statement noted.

    Screening To Begin May 19

    The party disclosed that screening and pre-qualification interviews for aspirants who purchased and completed the forms would commence on Tuesday, May 19, and end on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

    It added that the collection and return of Nomination Forms for screened and cleared aspirants would begin on May 20 and close on May 26.

    The NDC warned that no further extension would be granted beyond the new deadline.

    Party Lists Requirements For Aspirants

    The party directed all aspirants to appear before the screening committee with relevant documents, including educational certificates, birth certificate or declaration of age, passport photographs, voter’s card, NDC membership card and curriculum vitae.

    According to the statement, all submitted documents must be provided in six copies.

    The NDC also stated that aspirants would be assessed based on competence, character, capacity, local realities and the wishes of the electorate.

    The party further instructed the screening committee to consider its affirmative action policy for women, youths and persons living with disabilities during the exercise.

    Consensus Encouraged Ahead Of Primaries

    The party encouraged aspirants contesting for other elective offices to embrace consensus-building ahead of the primaries.

    It also stressed that only aspirants cleared through the screening process would be eligible to proceed with nomination forms.

  • Yahaya Bello Floors Rivals, Clinches APC Kogi Central Senate Ticket

    Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for Kogi Central after recording a landslide victory in the exercise held on Monday.

    The direct primary election was conducted across the five local government areas in the Kogi Central Senatorial District, with party members voting to determine the APC candidate for the 2027 general elections.

    Bello Defeats Rivals by Huge Margin

    Announcing the results in Okene, the Returning Officer, Dr. Sadiq Mohammed, described the primary as peaceful, orderly, and credible.

    According to the results announced, Yahaya Bello secured a total of 72,399 votes to defeat Ibrahim Adoke, who polled 319 votes, while Momoh Yusuf Obaro received 188 votes.

    The former governor reportedly swept all five local government areas in the district.

    Breakdown of Votes Across LGAs

    Bello polled 18,341 votes in Adavi Local Government Area, 10,298 votes in Ajaokuta, 5,146 votes in Ogori/Magongo, 8,943 votes in Okehi, and recorded his highest tally of 29,621 votes in Okene Local Government Area.

    The returning officer said the outcome reflected the confidence party members had in Bello’s leadership and political structure across the district.

    “The exercise was peaceful and the outcome demonstrated the commitment of the APC to internal democracy,” he stated.

    APC Candidate for 2027 Senate Race

    With the victory, Yahaya Bello has now secured the APC ticket for the Kogi Central senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The former governor is expected to face candidates from other political parties in what is already shaping into one of the closely watched senatorial contests in Kogi State.