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Tag: 2027 Election

  • PDP Faction Screens Jonathan As Sole Presidential Aspirant For 2027

    A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki is set to screen former President Goodluck Jonathan as its only presidential aspirant ahead of the party’s 2027 primaries.

    The party disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the screening exercise for all aspirants would take place on Tuesday by 10am as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

    Jonathan Emerges Lone Presidential Hopeful

    Although the party did not officially mention the name of the presidential aspirant in the statement, sources within the PDP confirmed that Jonathan is the sole contender expected to appear before the screening panel.

    The development comes amid renewed calls by some Nigerians and political stakeholders urging the former president to return to power following growing economic hardship linked to the removal of fuel subsidy.

    Attempts to reach Ini Ememobong, spokesperson of the faction, for clarification were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

    Over 3,000 Aspirants To Be Screened

    According to the statement, the party will also screen 2,122 state house of assembly aspirants, 748 house of representatives hopefuls, 198 senatorial aspirants and 112 governorship contenders.

    The PDP explained that the exercise is part of preparations for its forthcoming primary elections.

    “This publication is in accordance with the party’s guidelines and timetable for the conduct of the 2027 general election,” the statement read.

    Heavyweights Named On Screening Committee

    The 14-member screening committee includes former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, former Plateau governor Jonah Jang and former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi.

    Other members are Bode George, Babangida Aliyu, Maryam Ciroma, Zainab Maina, Josephine Anenih, Abdul Bulama, Esther Uduehi, Tony Aziegbemi, Sunday Solari and Anicho Okoro, who will serve as administrative secretary.

    The party said the committee was approved during the PDP National Executive Committee’s 104th meeting.

  • APC Drops Ben Murray-Bruce, Banigo, 45 Others From 2027 Senate Primaries

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released the list of senatorial aspirants disqualified from participating in the party’s Senate primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The party confirmed that a total of 47 aspirants failed to scale through the screening process conducted by its screening committees in line with party guidelines and procedures.

    Big Names Missing From APC Clearance List

    Among the prominent names not cleared by the party are former Bayelsa East senator, Ben Murray-Bruce; former Rivers deputy governor, Senator Banigo Ipalibo; former Kebbi senator, Garba Musa Mai Doki; and Bello Abdullahi Bodejo from Taraba State.

    The APC explained that the screening exercise covered aspirants from different senatorial districts across the country ahead of the party’s primaries.

    Oyo, Rivers, Zamfara Record Highest Numbers

    Several aspirants from Oyo, Rivers and Zamfara states were also excluded from the list of cleared candidates.

    Those affected from Oyo include Kolapoboye Kola Daisi, Ajimobi Wasiu Adegboyega, Hameed Afeez Repete and others contesting across the state’s senatorial districts.

    In Rivers State, notable aspirants not cleared include Jack-Rich Tein, Tamunobaabo Danagogo, Barry Balera Mwara and Banigo Ipalibo.

    Zamfara State also recorded multiple disqualifications, with aspirants such as Muhammad Bashir Maru, Hassan Muhammad Gusau and Bilyaminu Yusuf among those affected.

    APC Insists Screening Followed Due Process

    The party maintained that the screening process was conducted according to established procedures and internal regulations guiding the conduct of its primaries.

    Although APC did not publicly state specific reasons for the disqualification of each aspirant, the development has already generated reactions within political circles across several states.

    The Senate primaries are expected to hold ahead of the 2027 general elections as political parties continue internal consultations and candidate selection processes nationwide.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Makinde Expected to Declare 2027 Presidential Ambition at Massive Ibadan Rally

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to formally declare his presidential ambition on Thursday, May 14, at a major political rally scheduled to hold at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan.

    The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026,” is expected to serve as the official platform for Makinde’s anticipated entry into the 2027 presidential race, alongside broader political alignments involving key stakeholders.

    Rally Set To Signal Political Realignment

    Sources familiar with preparations said the rally will also feature discussions around a growing alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), alongside other coalition-aligned political actors.

    According to reports, grassroots mobilisers, political associates and loyalists have intensified preparations as consultations continue over a possible national political structure being built around the governor.

    Behind-the-Scenes Consultations Intensify

    It was gathered that the move is part of a wider strategy aimed at strengthening grassroots networks across Oyo State and the South-West, while expanding Makinde’s influence within Nigeria’s national political space.

    Political sources also revealed that internal tensions within the PDP at the national level have pushed some stakeholders to explore alternative arrangements ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Strong Turnout Expected In Ibadan

    The May 14 rally is expected to attract political leaders, youth groups, traditional rulers, community stakeholders and supporters from different parts of the country.

    As of the time of filing this report, Makinde has not officially confirmed his presidential ambition, although pressure from supporters and political allies continues to grow.

  • “I’ll gladly work with him” — Kwankwaso opens up on becoming Peter Obi’s running mate in 2027

    Former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has declared that he would willingly serve as Peter Obi’s running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election if chosen by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Kwankwaso made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme while speaking on ongoing political realignments ahead of the next general election.

    Kwankwaso speaks on Obi alliance

    According to the former governor, he would gladly collaborate with Obi if the party eventually settles for the former Labour Party presidential candidate as its presidential flag bearer.

    He stated that both leaders have already reached a common understanding on the need to tackle insecurity and stabilise the country.

    “We have agreed to tackle the issue of insecurity head-on to ensure there is peace and stability in this country,” Kwankwaso said.

    Ready to accept VP role

    Speaking further, Kwankwaso said he would not hesitate to accept a vice-presidential slot if the party leadership decides on such an arrangement.

    “If the party decides that I should be the running mate of any candidate from the south under the circumstances, I’d be happy to work together with him,” he stated.

    The former Kano governor also described a possible Obi-Kwankwaso alliance as one of the strongest political combinations ahead of the 2027 elections.

    “Personally, I cannot remember any better combination, no matter how much time is given to find those who can beat us in terms of doing the right thing for this country,” he added.

    Political realignments intensify ahead of 2027

    The development comes amid increasing political movements and coalition talks ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Both Kwankwaso and Peter Obi were recently linked with the Nigeria Democratic Congress after previously being associated with the African Democratic Congress.

    The reported alliance has continued to generate conversations within Nigeria’s political space, especially among opposition supporters seeking a stronger coalition ahead of the next presidential election.

     

  • INEC to Deploy Over 1.4 Million Corps Members for 2027 Elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to deploy more than 1.4 million corps members as ad hoc staff for the 2027 general elections across Nigeria.

    The disclosure was made on Monday during a strategic courtesy visit by INEC officials to the headquarters of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Abuja.

    INEC Chairman Reveals 2027 Election Plans

    INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, led a delegation of national commissioners, directors, and senior officials to the NYSC headquarters at Yakubu Gowon House.

    The delegation was received by NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, alongside members of the scheme’s management team.

    According to Amupitan, corps members remain central to Nigeria’s electoral process and have consistently served as the backbone of INEC’s election operations since 1999.

    The INEC corps members deployment plan has already drawn attention in latest Nigerian politics news ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Over 700,000 Corps Members Needed Per Election Phase

    The INEC chairman disclosed that the commission would require 707,384 corps members for the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027.

    Another 707,384 ad hoc personnel would also be needed for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections fixed for February 6, 2027.

    He added that additional personnel would be deployed for off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as bye-elections in several states including Rivers, Kano, Ondo, Enugu, Nasarawa, and Kebbi.

    Corps Members Praised for Election Duties

    Amupitan commended corps members for their discipline, neutrality, patriotism, and digital skills, particularly in operating the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

    “In many states, corps members accounted for nearly 90 per cent of Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers. They protected the sanctity of the ballot across 176,846 polling units nationwide,” he said.

    The 2027 general elections Nigeria preparations have continued trending in breaking news Nigeria today as political activities intensify nationwide.

    INEC Promises Better Welfare, Security

    The INEC chairman also acknowledged the risks faced by corps members during election assignments and assured the NYSC leadership that efforts were ongoing to improve welfare, insurance, and security arrangements.

    The issue of election safety has remained a major concern after some corps members reportedly lost their lives during previous election exercises across the country.

    NYSC Reacts to Election Mobilisation Plans

    Responding, NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu praised the partnership between the NYSC and INEC.

    He described corps members as reliable, trainable, and patriotic manpower capable of supporting credible elections nationwide.

    Nafiu also noted that the scheme is transitioning into a generation dominated by digitally skilled Gen Z corps members whose ICT knowledge would support modern electoral operations.

    He appealed for better welfare packages and compensation for corps members deployed during elections, stressing that proper support would encourage commitment and national service.

  • 2027: Six Kano Aspirants Step Down for Ibrahim Shekarau Ahead of Senate Race

    Six senatorial aspirants from Kano State have reportedly withdrawn their ambitions in support of former governor and senator, Ibrahim Shekarau, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The political development has already generated attention in latest Nigerian politics news as realignments continue ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Governor Abba Yusuf Hosts Key Political Meeting

    The decision was reportedly reached during a high-level political meeting convened by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in Abuja.

    Sources said the meeting lasted for several hours before all parties involved agreed to support Ibrahim Shekarau’s senatorial ambition.

    The aspirants who reportedly stepped down include Usman Bala, Sha’aban Sharada, Muhammad Zango, Danyaro Yakasai, Abbas Sani Abbas, and Shehu Isa Driver.

    Aspirants Back Shekarau for Unity

    Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the aspirants said their withdrawal was aimed at promoting unity, peace, and political stability in Kano State ahead of the 2027 elections.

    According to them, backing Ibrahim Shekarau formed part of broader efforts to strengthen political harmony within the state.

    The endorsement of the former Kano governor has since become one of the major talking points in breaking news Nigeria today, especially within northern political circles.

    Shekarau Speaks on Political Decision

    Addressing supporters after the meeting, Ibrahim Shekarau reportedly said the decision was reached after careful consideration of the political situation and available options.

    He also sought the opinion of those present regarding the move and received unanimous support from attendees, signalling collective endorsement of the arrangement.

    The former governor remains one of the most influential political figures in Kano State due to his long-standing grassroots support and political structure.

    Former Kano Governor Still Influential

    Ibrahim Shekarau rose to national prominence after serving as governor of Kano State between 2003 and 2011 under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

    His administration was widely linked to education reforms, infrastructure expansion, and policies centred on social welfare and Islamic principles.

    After leaving office as governor, Shekarau represented Kano Central in the Senate and later served as Minister of Education under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Despite several political realignments over the years, the former governor has remained a major force in Kano politics, with strong influence across party lines ahead of the 2027 general elections.