Tag: Nigeria Politics

  • APC Rift Deepens in Ogun as Daniel, Abiodun Clash Over Ogun East Senate Ticket

    Moves to maintain unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State have come under pressure after Senator Gbenga Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun made parallel moves for the Ogun East senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 elections. The development has exposed fresh cracks within the party’s structure in the state.

    Daniel, who currently represents Ogun East, picked up his expression of interest and nomination forms on Tuesday, signalling his intention to seek re-election.

    Daniel Declares Re-Election Bid Despite Consensus Push

    Confirming his move, the former governor said he remains committed to representing the district in the Senate. He described his decision as part of ongoing efforts to deliver effective and responsive representation under the APC platform.

    “Today, I picked up my nomination and expression of interest forms as I seek to return to the Nigerian Senate,” he said.

    Abiodun Emerges as Consensus Candidate in Ijebu-Ode

    Hours earlier, Governor Dapo Abiodun had declared interest in the same seat after being adopted as the consensus candidate by APC stakeholders. The endorsement took place at a meeting held in Ijebu-Ode.

    Abiodun welcomed the decision, describing it as a vote of confidence. He assured supporters that he would offer strong representation if elected.

    Controversy Trails Stakeholders’ Meeting

    The consensus process has, however, been trailed by controversy following claims that Daniel was denied access to the meeting venue. In a video that circulated online, the senator expressed frustration over being blocked from entering the gathering.

    “We have been here since 10am, but we have been barred. We are told that we can’t enter,” he said.

    Supporters Reject Consensus, Allege Exclusion

    Supporters of Daniel under the BATOGD Movement have rejected the consensus arrangement, describing it as an attempt to sideline their candidate. The group argued that the process did not follow established party guidelines.

    Spokesperson Olumuyiwa Okunowo said the move amounted to a deliberate exclusion, raising concerns over fairness within the party’s internal process.

    Pro-Abiodun Camp Defends Decision

    Stakeholders backing Abiodun insist the endorsement reflects a collective agreement by party members across the district. They maintain that the decision was aimed at strengthening the APC’s chances in the next election cycle.

    The meeting was said to include grassroots leaders, lawmakers, councillors, and representatives of youth and women groups.

  • APC Releases 2027 Election Timetable, Fixes Presidential Primary for May 23

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released its revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, outlining key dates for primaries and internal processes.

    The schedule was issued on Monday and signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu.

    Dates Fixed for Primaries Across Positions

    According to the timetable, the APC presidential primary will hold on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

    Other primaries are scheduled as follows: House of Representatives on May 15, Senate on May 18, State Houses of Assembly on May 20, and governorship on May 21.

    Guidelines on Screening, Appeals, Payments

    The revised schedule also includes timelines for screening, appeals, and directives on the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.

    The party listed designated bank accounts for all payments related to the purchase of forms.

    Fees Retained for Aspirants

    The APC maintained its nomination fees, with the presidential form pegged at ₦100 million and governorship at ₦50 million.

    Senate aspirants are to pay ₦20 million, House of Representatives ₦10 million, and State House of Assembly ₦6 million.

    Discount for Women, Youths, Others

    Female aspirants, youths, and persons living with disabilities are required to pay only for the expression of interest form and 50 percent of the nomination fee for each position.

    Political Alignments Ahead of 2027

    The release of the timetable comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition figures already indicating plans to field a joint candidate against the ruling party.

  • Apostle Suleman Slams Leaders Over Re-election Push, Says “Performance, Not Promises” Should Decide Votes

    Senior pastor of Omega Fire Ministries, Johnson Suleman, has criticised Nigeria’s political leadership, questioning the push for re-election amid ongoing hardship across the country.

    He said performance, not promises, should determine who Nigerians support.

    Questions Re-election Ambitions

    Suleman argued that leaders who failed to deliver in their first term should not expect another mandate.

    “During your first four years in office, you did nothing, and now you want Nigerians to vote for you again? Don’t vote for them. Performance is the best form of campaign,” he said.

    He also accused some politicians of weakening opposition parties instead of focusing on governance.

    Highlights Hardship, Insecurity

    The cleric pointed to rising economic challenges and insecurity, saying many Nigerians are struggling to meet basic needs.

    “We are not asking for too much… all we need are basic amenities, affordable food items, security, and steady electricity,” he stated.

    Raises Concern Over Mass Migration

    Suleman further highlighted the growing number of Nigerians leaving the country, linking it to safety concerns.

    “Thousands of people are leaving… not because they want too much wealth, but because they want safety,” he said.

    He added that even professionals now take lower-paying jobs abroad in search of stability.

    Calls for Accountability

    The pastor maintained that governance should be judged by visible results, insisting that Nigerians deserve better living conditions.

    His comments have since sparked conversations as concerns over the economy and security continue to dominate discussions in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.

  • OAU Explains Obi Lecture Cancellation, Cites Late Notice from Organisers

    The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has explained why a planned lecture by former presidential candidate Peter Obi did not hold on Saturday, citing late notification from organisers.

    The institution said the development was due to logistical and security concerns.

    Obi Raises Concern Over Repeated Cancellations

    Obi had earlier disclosed in a post that he was scheduled to deliver a keynote lecture at 9am before heading to Ibadan for an opposition summit, but was informed the event had been called off.

    He noted that similar incidents had happened multiple times.

    “This is no longer incidental; it points to a troubling pattern,” he said.

    OAU Points to Short Notice

    In a statement issued on Sunday, the university said it was only informed of the event less than 24 hours before it was scheduled to take place.

    According to the institution, a student group invited Obi and requested the use of Oduduwa Hall without adequate prior notice.

    Security, Logistics Behind Decision

    OAU explained that events involving high-profile personalities require proper planning to ensure safety and order.

    “It is important… to make necessary logistical and security arrangements,” the statement said.

    The university added that it could not approve the venue due to the limited time available to complete those arrangements.

    No Disrespect Intended — Management

    The institution stressed that the decision was not a slight against Obi but was taken in line with established procedures.

    Vice-Chancellor Adebayo Bamire reaffirmed the university’s openness to hosting such engagements, provided due process is followed.

    OAU also urged organisers to comply with its guidelines when planning events involving prominent figures.

     

  • PDP Faction Disowns Ibadan Summit Outcome, Rejects 2027 Coalition Move

    A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has distanced itself from the declaration issued after the Ibadan opposition summit.

    The group said it neither participated in nor endorsed the outcome of the meeting held in the state capital.

    Claims No Knowledge of Gathering

    In a statement signed by State Chairman, Prof. Abdulrahman Akinoso, and Secretary, Dr Abiola Olaonipekun, the faction said it had no prior knowledge of the summit.

    Operating under the leadership of former Deputy Governor Hazeem Gbolarumi, the group described the meeting as lacking constitutional backing.

    “The so-called Ibadan summit is a ruse. It was merely an assemblage of individuals, not a legitimate convergence of political parties,” the statement read.

    Rejects Single Candidate Plan

    The faction also dismissed reports of an agreement to adopt a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

    It insisted that no recognised organ of the PDP approved participation in the summit or any coalition arrangement.

    “For any coalition or alliance to be binding, it must be anchored on institutional authorisation, not informal gatherings lacking due process,” it added.

    No Alliance With Opposition Parties

    The group further rejected claims linking it to any alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or other opposition parties.

    It maintained that decisions of such magnitude must follow due consultation within the party’s constitutional framework.

    Focus on Internal Strengthening

    While acknowledging ongoing political realignments, the faction said its priority remains strengthening internal party structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

    It also cautioned against misinformation suggesting PDP endorsement of the Ibadan declaration, reaffirming its readiness to fully participate in the upcoming polls.

     

  • APC Trolls Atiku Over “Sleeping” Photo at Opposition Summit

    The National Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, mocked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over a photo that appeared to show him asleep during the opposition summit in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Basiru shared the image on Facebook on Sunday, captioning it: “And the opposition leader slept at the all-important opposition summit…..” The photo, from a live Arise News broadcast, showed Atiku seated beside PDP factional chairman Kabiru Turaki.

    Opposition Summit Aims for Unity

    The Ibadan gathering on Saturday brought together opposition leaders working to field a single presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. Attendees included Atiku, Labour Party 2023 candidate Peter Obi, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Kwara Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.

    The summit also saw opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), demand amendments to the Electoral Act 2026 and raised concerns over alleged bias by INEC leadership.

    Social Media Reacts

    The post drew swift online responses. Some users criticized Atiku, while others made light of the moment. Ojewande Taiwo wrote, “This is the man that wants to rescue Nigeria! It’s better he rescues himself.” Tunde Obasemola added, “So shall the election be lost and won while in slumber.”

    Others defended or joked about him. Deji Omo Akinsola-Fakanlu said he was “just communing with the gods — he was not sleeping,” while Johnson Erayanmen added, “Please have some sleep, sleepless nights na water.”

    Atiku Strikes a Unifying Tone

    Despite the image, Atiku used the summit to emphasize unity among opposition parties. In a Facebook post, he said leaders had “spoken with one voice” and urged the formation of a united opposition to defend Nigeria’s democracy, thanking Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting the event.

     

  • Kwankwaso Arrives Ibadan for Opposition Leaders’ Summit Hosted by Makinde

    Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the National Summit of Opposition Political Party Leaders.

    The former presidential candidate disclosed this in a post on his X account on Saturday, expressing readiness for high-level engagements.

    Summit brings opposition figures together

    The summit is being hosted by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, with several political figures expected to participate.

    Kwankwaso described the meeting as an opportunity for meaningful discussions among national leaders.

    “Excited to arrive in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the National Summit of Opposition Political Party Leaders, hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde,” he wrote.

    “Ready for meaningful engagements with fellow national leaders.”

    Focus on political consultations

    Although details of the agenda were not disclosed, the gathering is seen as part of ongoing consultations among opposition figures ahead of future political alignments.

    The meeting comes amid increasing talks around coalition-building and strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • Kano Underwear Distribution Sparks Outrage, Raises Questions Over Welfare Approach

    The distribution of branded undergarments to women in Kano State has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians questioning the intent and appropriateness of the initiative.

    Backlash trails viral images

    Images circulating on social media show packs of female underwear reportedly branded with names and faces of political figures.

    The items are said to have been shared as part of an empowerment or outreach effort, though details remain unclear.

    The development has drawn sharp reactions, with critics describing it as inappropriate and culturally insensitive, particularly in a conservative state like Kano.

    Critics question priorities

    Activists and observers argue that such gestures fail to address deeper issues affecting women, including poverty, limited access to education, and economic opportunities.

    Some described the move as a superficial attempt at welfare, saying it does little to improve long-term livelihoods.

    The incident has since sparked broader conversations about the quality and direction of political outreach in the region.

    Government yet to clarify role

    As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Government has not issued an official statement confirming whether the distribution was state-backed or carried out by political supporters.

    Supporters of the administration have suggested the items may have been part of a wider package of household materials, though attention remains focused on the nature of the branding.

    Debate shifts to campaign ethics

    Opposition voices have seized on the development, calling for more meaningful policies that prioritise healthcare, education, and economic empowerment for women.

    The controversy continues to generate reactions, with many insisting that welfare initiatives should reflect dignity and long-term impact.

  • Adelabu Directs Traffic in Ibadan After Exit as Power Minister, Sparks 2027 Buzz

    Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, was spotted directing traffic on a busy road in Ibadan on Thursday, hours after returning to the city amid growing political signals ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Viral moment on Ibadan road

    In a video circulating online, Adelabu was seen stepping out of his vehicle and controlling traffic flow like a road marshal.

    “He just came down and started directing cars. People were surprised, but some even hailed him,” an eyewitness said.

    The unusual scene quickly drew attention, with many linking it to his renewed political visibility in Oyo State.

    Warm reception fuels speculation

    Earlier in the day, Adelabu received a large welcome at the Ibadan airport, where supporters gathered to escort him in a lively procession to his residence.

    The reception is widely seen as a signal of his preparations for another run at the Oyo State governorship.

    Resignation clears path

    In his resignation letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu confirmed that he would leave office effective April 30, 2026.

    “This decision is in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, as I intend to contest in the forthcoming election,” he said.

    His exit brings an end to his tenure as power minister, during which he said he focused on reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector.

    Eyes on 2027 comeback

    Adelabu previously contested the Oyo governorship election in 2019 under the All Progressives Congress but lost to Governor Seyi Makinde.

    He ran again in 2023 under the Accord Party but was defeated.

    Despite those outcomes, his latest moves suggest a fresh push for the 2027 race, with supporters already expressing confidence.

    “This is just the beginning… we are ready for 2027,” one supporter said.

    The development is gaining traction in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as political activities begin to build ahead of the next election cycle.

  • Tinubu Meets APC Governors in Aso Villa Amid Party Consensus Concerns

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently meeting with governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, in a move that comes amid growing concerns over the party’s internal arrangements.

    Governors arrive for closed-door talks

    The meeting, holding inside the President’s office, has in attendance several APC governors, including Babagana Zulum (Borno), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara).

    Some governors are also represented by their deputies.

    As of the time of filing this report, details of the meeting agenda have not been disclosed.

    Meeting follows Senate engagement

    The development comes less than 24 hours after Tinubu held a separate meeting with the leadership of the Senate.

    That earlier engagement was reportedly centred on concerns raised by lawmakers over the party’s ongoing consensus arrangement.

    Focus shifts to party direction

    While the outcome of the meeting remains unclear, the gathering is seen as part of ongoing consultations within the ruling party as it navigates internal dynamics.

    The development is already drawing attention in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today, as stakeholders watch for signals from the APC leadership.