Tag: Nigeria Politics

  • Atiku Camp Rejects Babachir Lawal’s Rigging Allegation

    The camp of African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has rejected allegations by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, that the party’s presidential primary was manipulated.

    Lawal had announced his exit from the party on Monday, claiming the primary election was rigged in favour of Atiku.

    Atiku’s Aide Demands Evidence

    Responding to the allegation, Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phark Shaibu, said Lawal failed to provide any evidence to support his claims.

    “Having chosen to malign a democratic process, insult thousands of ADC members nationwide, and make grave allegations without presenting a shred of evidence, it has become necessary to set the record straight,” Shaibu said.

    According to him, the primary election was conducted across thousands of wards and produced a clear outcome that reflected the wishes of party members.

    “The truth is straightforward. The ADC presidential primaries were conducted across thousands of wards and produced a clear and decisive outcome. What Mr Lawal has offered Nigerians is not evidence,” he added.

    Questions Over Adamawa Outcome

    Shaibu also questioned Lawal’s criticism of the process, noting that the same primary election produced a result favourable to his family in Adamawa State.

    He referenced the emergence of Omar Suleiman, described as Lawal’s cousin, as the ADC governorship candidate in the state.

    “Nigerians are entitled to ask whether the process was only credible when it favoured his family and only rigged when it produced a presidential candidate he did not support,” Shaibu said.

    Religious Allegation Dismissed

    The Atiku camp also rejected Lawal’s allegation that the former vice president was pursuing a religious agenda.

    Shaibu argued that Lawal had turned to identity politics after failing to convince party members to support his preferred candidate.

    “Having failed to persuade ADC members to embrace his preferred candidate, he now seeks refuge in the divisive politics of identity,” he said.

    He added that such arguments do not address the economic and security challenges facing Nigerians.

    2027 Election Will Be Decided by Voters

    Shaibu maintained that Atiku’s public record and business achievements remain well known to Nigerians, describing him as committed to national unity and economic reforms.

    He stressed that the outcome of the 2027 election would ultimately be determined by voters rather than post-primary disputes.

    “The 2027 election will not be decided by tantrums, ethnic dog whistles, recycled grievances, or revisionist history. It will be decided by the Nigerian people,” he said.

  • Wike Mocks Aisha Yesufu Over Failed FCT Senate Bid in NDC Primary

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at activist Aisha Yesufu following her inability to emerge as the senatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the FCT ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Wike made the remarks on Saturday during a luncheon for candidates of the Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    He mocked the outspoken activist, describing her as someone who speaks “grammar” but could not secure victory in what he called a simple party primary.

    Wike’s Remarks

    According to Wike, Yesufu had previously criticised him as a government appointee, insisting she had no business engaging with political office holders.

    He said:

    “There’s one woman who said Wike is an appointee of government and that she has no business with appointees. You speak grammar, speak grammar.

    “Ordinary primary of NDC, not APC or PDP, just ordinary NDC, what happened? She didn’t make it.

    “It’s easy for people to talk. When they enter into those media houses, they begin to churn out data from nowhere.

    “Now, the time for data has come. What happened? Fa fa fa foul. It didn’t work. If e didn’t dey? E didn’t dey.”

    Background to the Dispute

    Aisha Yesufu had earlier accused the NDC of undermining its internal democratic process in the selection of its FCT senatorial candidate, alleging that the exercise was manipulated to favour a predetermined outcome.

    Her comments and political involvement have continued to generate reactions across political and civic spaces, especially as the build-up to the 2027 elections intensifies.

  • Atiku Slams Tinubu’s Three Years in Office, Says Nigerians Face Hunger, Insecurity

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying the government’s three years in office have brought hardship, insecurity, poverty and hopelessness to Nigerians.

    Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks in a statement issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

    Atiku Says Nigerians Have Seen “Enough”

    The former vice president accused the Tinubu administration of relying on propaganda and political deception instead of addressing the realities facing ordinary Nigerians.

    “Three years ago, President Tinubu promised renewed hope. What Nigerians have received instead is renewed hardship, renewed insecurity, renewed poverty, and renewed hopelessness,” Atiku stated.

    According to him, rising inflation, unemployment, naira depreciation and the collapse of businesses have worsened living conditions across the country.

    He added that food prices had become unaffordable for many households, deepening economic hardship nationwide.

    Questions Over Government Borrowing

    Atiku also criticised the Federal Government’s borrowing under Tinubu’s administration, questioning the impact of the loans on citizens’ lives.

    He alleged that public records showed the government borrowed about ₦11.9 trillion within nine months but spent only ₦3.1 trillion on capital projects.

    “Nigerians are therefore entitled to ask a simple question: where did the rest of the money go?” he asked.

    The ADC flagbearer further raised concerns over infrastructure spending, alleging that projects appeared to favour politically connected interests.

    Insecurity Remains Major Concern

    Atiku said the continued cases of kidnappings and attacks across the country reflected the administration’s failure in addressing insecurity.

    He referenced the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Borno State and the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

    “What greater evidence of failure can there be than parents sending their children to school only to receive news that they have been abducted?” he said.

    According to him, the incidents showed that many communities across Nigeria remain unsafe despite repeated government assurances.

    “No Amount Of Propaganda Can Hide Reality”

    The former vice president argued that governance should be judged by the experiences of citizens and not official statements from government officials.

    “No amount of propaganda can fill an empty stomach. No amount of spin can erase insecurity,” he stated.

    He urged Nigerians to use the ballot box to demand change in future elections, insisting that citizens have the constitutional power to decide the country’s direction.

    “The ballot box remains the most powerful weapon in the hands of the people,” Atiku added.

    ADC Promises Alternative Policy Blueprint

    Atiku disclosed that the ADC would soon unveil a comprehensive policy document focused on tackling insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and institutional failure.

    According to him, the proposed blueprint would cover economic recovery, job creation, education, healthcare, fiscal discipline and security reforms.

    He also pledged that his campaign would focus on competence, ideas and practical solutions rather than propaganda and political insults.

    The statement comes as President Tinubu marks his third anniversary in office amid continued debate over the state of Nigeria’s economy and security situation.

  • Ibiyeomie Warns Nigerians Against “Wrong Vote” in 2027, Predicts Dollar Could Hit ₦2,000

    Founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has urged Nigerians to prioritise visionary leadership ahead of future elections, warning that poor political choices could worsen the country’s economic situation.

    The cleric made the remarks during a recent message to members, where he referenced the depreciation of the naira and growing economic hardship across the country.

    Ibiyeomie Speaks On Nigeria’s Economy

    According to him, Nigeria’s economic challenges have deepened over the years, with the value of the naira falling sharply compared to previous years.

    He warned that if Nigerians repeat what he described as wrong leadership choices in future elections, the exchange rate could deteriorate further.

    “Naira was 100 and something 7 years ago. Now it’s 610. If you make mistake it will be 2000,” he said.

    The pastor urged citizens to focus less on political parties and more on individuals with practical plans and clear visions for national development.

    Criticism Of Politicians

    Ibiyeomie also criticised politicians who frequently switch political parties, alleging that many are motivated by personal interests rather than service to the people.

    According to him, some politicians only defect when they fail to secure appointments or political advantages within their parties.

    “Once this party doesn’t favour them, they jump to another party,” he said.

    The cleric argued that such political behaviour weakens public trust and contributes to instability within the political system.

    Warning Against Vote Buying

    The pastor further condemned vote buying and financial inducement during elections, urging Nigerians not to trade their future for temporary benefits.

    Referencing the biblical story of Esau, he warned against sacrificing long-term national progress for short-term financial gains.

    “If you collect money you are Esau. Esau sold his birthright for a morsel of meal,” he stated.

    He maintained that leadership decisions should be guided by integrity, vision, and what he described as divine direction rather than monetary influence.

    “I’m Not Campaigning”

    Ibiyeomie clarified that he was not campaigning for any political party or candidate, insisting that his comments were based on concern for the country’s future.

    According to him, his responsibility as a preacher includes speaking honestly about national issues affecting citizens.

    “I’m not campaigning, I don’t have any party. I’m a preacher, but I must tell you the truth,” he said.

    His comments have since generated reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the role of religious leaders in political discussions and national development.

  • NDC Confirms May 29 Primaries Nationwide Amid Eid Holiday Disruptions

    The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has confirmed that its presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly primaries will hold nationwide on Friday, May 29, 2026, despite logistical disruptions caused by the Eid-el-Kabir holidays.

    The party disclosed this in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, and National Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Enekweizu, following concerns over movement challenges affecting aspirants and party officials across the country.

    NDC Explains Eid Holiday Adjustments

    According to the statement, the party’s original timetable for May 28 and 29 remains valid, but transportation difficulties and limited flight availability disrupted the movement of aspirants and screening committee members after the screening exercise in Abuja.

    The party said May 28 would now be used for arrivals, consultations, INEC documentation, meetings with security agencies and stakeholder engagements across various states ahead of the primaries.

    “Consequently, the party has decided that May 28 should be used for arrivals, documentation with INEC and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparations, while the actual primaries will now hold on May 29,” the statement read.

    Party Warns Against Unauthorized Activities

    The NDC stressed that no agency of government, including the police, INEC, Department of State Services (DSS) or any other institution, is expected to participate in activities scheduled for May 28 outside official consultations.

    The party warned that any engagement outside the approved guidelines would be regarded as illegal and unauthorized.

    “No agencies of the state, viz., police, INEC, DSS, etc., are to play any role in the programs and meetings of May 28. Any activities carried out outside these guidelines would be unauthorized and deemed illegal,” the statement added.

    Order Of Primaries Announced

    The party also released the sequence for the nationwide exercise scheduled for May 29.

    According to the NDC, the process will begin with the presidential affirmation, followed by National Assembly primaries and affirmations, State Assembly primaries and affirmations, before concluding with governorship primaries and affirmations.

    It added that all results from across the states would be forwarded to the National Headquarters, where the National Working Committee (NWC) would officially announce the final outcomes.

    The party insisted that no state executive or electoral committee has the authority to independently declare results.

    “We call for understanding and urge all participants to conduct themselves responsibly, as the party has zero tolerance for violence, disorderly conduct, and hooliganism,” the statement noted.

    Electoral Committees Released

    The NDC also unveiled members of its electoral committees assigned to oversee the nationwide primaries across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    Among those appointed are Professor Osita Ogbu for Anambra State, Dr. Osusu Osusu for Rivers State, Chief Barnabas Ejisi for the FCT, Dr. Peter Onigah for Ebonyi State, and Alhaji Sidi Abdul Bomi for Lagos State.

    Others include Dr. Kebiru Umoru for Delta State, Barr. Fredrick Owotorufa for Edo State, Comrade Babatunde Ali for Imo State, Dr. Clement Agiangie for Akwa Ibom State, and Mainasara Sani Abubakar for Kano State.

    The party said the constitution of the committees reflects its commitment to credible and transparent primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The latest development comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections amid growing political realignments and internal consultations across the country.

  • Court Clears Goodluck Jonathan To Contest 2027 Presidential Election

    A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that former President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election.

    The judgment followed a suit filed by Johnmary Jideobi, who sought an order restraining Jonathan from presenting himself as a presidential candidate in the next general election.

    Court Rejects Suit Against Jonathan

    The plaintiff had asked the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting, processing or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate for 2027.

    Jideobi also requested the court to determine whether Jonathan remained eligible to seek the office of president again under Sections 1(1), (2), (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution.

    However, delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu held that the former president could lawfully participate in the election.

    The ruling effectively clears the way for Jonathan to seek the presidency again if he decides to contest.

    PDP Faction Offers Jonathan Waiver

    The development comes days after a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki reportedly offered Jonathan a waiver as the party’s sole presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election.

    The move had intensified political discussions over a possible return of the former president to active electoral politics.

    Jonathan’s Political History

    Goodluck Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president between 2010 and 2015 after completing the tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua before winning the 2011 presidential election.

    He later lost the 2015 presidential election to former President Muhammadu Buhari, becoming the first sitting Nigerian president to lose a re-election bid.

    Since leaving office, Jonathan has remained active in diplomatic and peacebuilding efforts across Africa, while repeatedly facing calls from political supporters to return to the presidential race.

     

  • Ex-IGP Mohammed Adamu Dumps APC After Losing Nasarawa Governorship Primary

    Former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his defeat in the party’s Nasarawa State governorship primary election.

    Adamu announced his resignation on Monday in a letter submitted to APC executives in Makama Ward, Lafia.

    Adamu Blames APC Primary Process

    The former police boss said recent developments within the ruling party, especially the conduct of the governorship primary election in Nasarawa State, forced him to leave the APC.

    Adamu lost the APC governorship ticket to Senator Aliyu Wadada.

    According to him, the events surrounding the primary election weakened his confidence in the party’s leadership and internal processes.

    “This decision was not taken lightly however, recent developments within the party especially the conduct of the governorship primary election processes in Nasarawa State have made it difficult for me to continue with my political activities under the platform of the party,” he stated.

    Claims Lack of Internal Democracy

    Adamu accused the APC of failing to uphold fairness, transparency, justice, and equal opportunity for aspirants and party members.

    He maintained that democratic principles should guide political parties, especially parties seeking to govern.

    “I strongly think that internal democracy, fairness, openness, and equal chance for aspirants and members should govern the business of any democratic political organization,” he said.

    “Unfortunately the events surrounding the primary election did not reflect this principle and have led to a loss of confidence in the party’s leadership and the processes in the state.”

    Hints At Next Political Move

    The former IGP disclosed that his decision followed consultations with supporters, political associates, and family members.

    He also hinted at pursuing his political ambition on another platform.

    Despite his exit, Adamu appreciated APC members at ward, local government, and state levels for the support and relationships built during his time in the party.

    His resignation adds to the growing political tension and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • APC Names Fubara, Other Governors as Coordinators for Presidential Primary Election

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has named Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, alongside other serving and former governors, as coordinators and collation officers for its upcoming presidential primary election.

    The party also confirmed that it has adopted the direct primary mode, allowing all registered members across the country to participate in the exercise.

    Primary to Hold Across 8,809 Wards

    According to a document released by the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, the direct primary election is scheduled to hold across all 8,809 wards nationwide on May 24, 2026.

    The APC explained that appointed state coordinators and collation officers will oversee the conduct of the exercise in their respective states and collate results from local government areas before presenting them to the presidential primary election committee in Abuja.

    “The organisation and conduct of the direct primary in each of the 36 states and the FCT shall be the responsibility of the State Coordinator and Collation Officer, who shall also collate the results of all the local governments in the state and present the same to the Presidential Primary Election Committee in Abuja, FCT on 24 May, 2026,” the document stated.

    The circular was signed by the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru.

    Fubara’s Role Draws Attention

    Fubara’s inclusion comes amid his long-standing political tensions in Rivers State involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

    The rift between both men had earlier escalated into a major political crisis in the state, leading to intervention by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a subsequent peace arrangement that helped stabilise the situation.

    Party Pushes Ahead With 2027 Preparations

    The APC said its guidelines for the conduct of the primaries, earlier submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, will guide the exercise across all states.

    The move signals intensified preparations by the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections, with key political figures taking strategic roles in the process.

  • Obi Cubana Quietly Removes City Boys Movement Links After Backlash From Igbo Critics

    Popular businessman and socialite, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, has reportedly distanced himself from the City Boys Movement following weeks of criticism from sections of the South-East and supporters of the Labour Party.

    The development comes months after the nightlife entrepreneur was announced as the South-East Coordinator of the pro-Tinubu political group ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Profile Changes Spark Reactions

    Social media users on Thursday noticed that references linked to the City Boys Movement had allegedly disappeared from Obi Cubana’s Instagram profile.

    Screenshots circulating online showed that his page now focuses mainly on business activities linked to the Cubana Group, with no visible political content tied to the movement.

    His Instagram bio was also reportedly updated with the phrase “positive vibes ONLY,” a move many online users interpreted as a subtle attempt to distance himself from political controversies.

    The development immediately triggered reactions across X and other social media platforms, where some users claimed the businessman was trying to avoid further backlash.

    Backlash Over Political Alignment

    Obi Cubana had faced criticism after openly associating with the City Boys Movement, a youth-based political structure supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC’s Renewed Hope agenda.

    Critics, particularly supporters of Peter Obi, accused him of aligning with a government many Nigerians blame for worsening economic hardship.

    Some online commentators described his involvement as a betrayal of Igbo political interests, while others argued that businessmen should remain neutral in partisan politics.

    The controversy intensified after photos and videos surfaced earlier this year showing Obi Cubana hosting and interacting with members of the movement, including Seyi Tinubu.

    Silence From Obi Cubana

    Despite the growing conversations online, Obi Cubana has not issued any official statement regarding the alleged removal of the political references from his page.

    His recent public posts have instead focused on real estate projects, nightlife business expansion and activities linked to Cubana Millennium City.

    The City Boys Movement has also faced similar controversies involving other entertainers and celebrities associated with the group.

    Online Reactions Continue

    The development has continued to generate mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians mocking the businessman and claiming “eyes don clear,” while others argued that public pressure may have influenced the move.

    Others, however, insisted that celebrities and businessmen should not be attacked over their political choices.

  • “APC Will Suffer” — ‘Radical Brother’ Explodes After Losing Oyo Primary, Fires at Senator Alli

    Former Oyo State lawmaker, Olusegun Olaleye, popularly known as “Radical Brother,” has stirred reactions online after launching into an emotional outburst following his defeat in the All Progressives Congress House of Assembly primary election.

    Olaleye, a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ibadan North II Constituency, was seen in a viral video openly attacking the APC and Senator Sharafadeen Alli after losing the party’s ticket.

    The video, which surfaced online on Wednesday, showed the politician angrily addressing people around him while making several gestures and expressing frustration over the outcome of the primary election.

    Tension After APC Primary Defeat

    Reports claimed Olaleye was first spotted at the APC secretariat in Oke Ado, Ibadan, before he was later seen around the residence of former Oyo State governor, Rashidi Ladoja.

    During the outburst, he reportedly declared that Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s political future had ended while also warning that the APC would face consequences over the primary process.

    The former lawmaker was heard making several remarks believed to be directed at party leaders and individuals involved in the exercise.

    Video Sparks Reactions Online

    The development quickly triggered reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians debating the level of tension and internal crisis within the Oyo APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Some users mocked the former lawmaker over the public display, while others alleged that frustrations from party primaries often expose deeper disagreements within political camps.

    The viral clip also reignited conversations around alleged irregularities, imposition, and power struggles during party primaries across different states.

    Political Battle Ahead of 2027

    Olaleye, who previously served two terms in the Oyo State House of Assembly, has remained active in Oyo politics and was seeking another return to the Assembly under the APC platform.

    The incident comes as political alignments continue ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Oyo State, where Senator Sharafadeen Alli has emerged as one of the prominent figures within the opposition party.

    As of the time of filing this report, neither the Oyo APC leadership nor Senator Alli had officially reacted to the viral video.