Tag: Nigeria Politics

  • Bala Mohammed Declares ‘Freelance Politician’ After Meeting Peter Obi in Bauchi

    Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has described himself as a “freelance politician” after hosting former presidential candidate Peter Obi in Bauchi, in a meeting linked to ongoing opposition consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.

    ‘We are all in the opposition’

    Speaking after the closed-door meeting at Ramat House on Thursday, Mohammed said he is no longer tied strictly to any political party.

    “Neither PDP nor ADC is standing alone. I am a freelance politician now, and his party is also in limbo. We are looking up to the judiciary. But certainly, we are all in the opposition,” he said.

    He added that discussions focused on possible alignment and cooperation among opposition figures, though details were not disclosed.

    “It is about realignment, alignment and cooperation so that we can have a platform. We cannot go without a platform,” Mohammed stated.

    Obi leads delegation

    Peter Obi, now associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led a delegation of political stakeholders from the South-East.

    The team included Senator Ben Obi, former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa, Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Victor Umeh, as well as Prof. Udenta Udenta.

    Push for unity ahead of 2027

    Obi said the visit was aimed at strengthening national unity and building cross-regional cooperation.

    “My purpose is to solicit for the support and cooperation of His Excellency and the stakeholders of Bauchi and the Northeast in our quest to unite this country,” he said.

    “The country cannot continue the way it is today… we need to reverse that for everybody.”

    Talks signal opposition moves

    While both sides kept specifics of the discussions private, they confirmed that the talks centred on collaboration among opposition leaders.

    The meeting is the latest in a series of engagements between Mohammed and Obi, following a similar visit in August 2025 when the governor invited Obi to join the Peoples Democratic Party.

    Parties face legal uncertainty

    The development comes amid ongoing legal disputes within both the PDP and ADC, with key cases still pending before the Supreme Court.

    The uncertainty around party structures has further fuelled talks of political realignment ahead of 2027, making the development a major issue in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.

  • Yul Edochie Links Peter Obi’s Political Setbacks to APGA Oath, Sparks Debate

    Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has stirred fresh controversy after claiming that Peter Obi’s recent political struggles are linked to an alleged oath he took while in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    Yul makes fresh claim about Obi

    In a post shared via his X handle, Edochie alleged that Obi’s presidential ambition remains tied to APGA, insisting that leaving the party has affected his political progress.

    “Peter Obi’s Presidential ambition is tied to APGA. The party he swore he would never leave,” he wrote.

    He further claimed that Obi made a vow before party stakeholders that he would not leave the party and would struggle politically if he did.

    “Oaths are powerful” — Edochie insists

    Edochie argued that the alleged oath is responsible for Obi’s inability to secure electoral victory despite strong public support.

    “He said if he leaves APGA, he may never achieve anything politically… That’s why he hasn’t achieved anything politically since then,” he stated.

    He added that the former Anambra governor still has a chance at the presidency in 2031 but only if he returns to APGA.

    Political history and party switches

    Peter Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, secured over six million votes, finishing third in the race.

    He has since moved politically and is now associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he is seeking the presidential ticket alongside other top contenders.

    Reactions trail controversial statement

    Edochie’s comments have triggered mixed reactions online, with supporters and critics debating the role of political decisions, party structures, and personal beliefs in electoral outcomes.

    The statement has further fueled ongoing discussions around Nigeria’s evolving political landscape and future elections.

    The development is trending across latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as conversations around the next election cycle continue.

     

  • Tinubu Hosts Jonathan at Aso Rock as Details of Meeting Remain Unclear

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with details of their discussion yet to be made public.

    Meeting confirmed by presidency

    The development was disclosed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, confirming that the former Nigerian leader visited Tinubu at Aso Rock.

    Despite the confirmation, no official statement has been issued on the purpose or outcome of the meeting, leaving key questions unanswered.

    Jonathan’s legacy revisited

    Goodluck Ebele Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, a period marked by significant political developments in the country.

    He is widely remembered for conceding defeat in the 2015 presidential election to Muhammadu Buhari, becoming the first sitting Nigerian leader to lose a re-election bid and peacefully transfer power.

    Silence fuels speculation

    As of the time of filing this report, neither the presidency nor Jonathan has provided further insight into the meeting, keeping the agenda and discussions away from public view.

    The visit has already sparked interest across political circles and continues to trend in latest Nigerian news, with more updates expected in breaking news Nigeria today as details unfold.

  • Adeleke Announces Free Osogbo Concert Featuring B-Red, Davido Affiliates as Osun Politics Heat Up Ahead of 2026 Election

    Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced a free concert in Osogbo featuring his son, Adebayo Adeleke, popularly known as B-Red, alongside several top and emerging artistes, in what is already drawing attention amid rising political activities in the state ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

    The announcement was made shortly after the governor appointed his nephew, David Adeleke (Davido), as Head of Youth Mobilisation for his re-election campaign.

    Free concert announced for Osogbo

    In a post shared on Wednesday via his X handle, Governor Adeleke described the upcoming event as an inclusive entertainment gathering for residents across Osun State.

    “Osun, this free Concert is for each and every one of you. I am delighted to have my son @B_RedHKN, his friends in the entertainment industry, and exciting upcoming musical acts from across Osun bringing the vibes home!” he wrote.

    A poster shared by the governor also listed performers billed for the event, including Peruzzi, CDQ, Fido, Shina Peters, May D, Sinarambo, Peller, and Kolu Wahala, among others.

    “No political divide” — Adeleke insists

    Adeleke said the concert is strictly non-partisan, stressing that it is open to all residents regardless of political affiliation.

    “This Get Out to Vote Concert is for everyone in Osun State — Accord, ADC, APC, LP, PDP — no political divide, just pure Osun energy!” he added.

    He also encouraged residents to attend in large numbers, noting that entry will be free.

    The event is scheduled to hold at the Technical Field in Osogbo on Friday, April 24.

    “Come out, groove, and let your voice count!” the governor added.

    Political undertone as election season approaches

    The announcement comes as political activities intensify in Osun State ahead of the August 8, 2026 governorship election.

    Parties have begun early mobilisation and campaign positioning, with stakeholders already engaging voters across different local government areas.

    Adeleke’s blend of entertainment and political messaging is expected to draw wide public attention as the election season gathers momentum.

  • Gov Yusuf Nominates Atiku’s Son-in-Law Garo as Kano Deputy Governor

    Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has forwarded the name of Murtala Sule Garo to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as deputy governor, weeks after the position became vacant.

    The nomination, which was formally transmitted to lawmakers, places Garo, who is reportedly the son-in-law of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, in line to take over the role pending legislative approval.

    How the vacancy emerged

    The deputy governorship seat became vacant on March 27, 2026, following the resignation of Aminu Gwarzo, who later defected after falling out with Governor Yusuf in a deepening political rift.

    Before his exit, the Kano State House of Assembly had already initiated impeachment proceedings against Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, breach of public trust and financial mismanagement.

    Governor Yusuf had also accused the former deputy governor of attempting to undermine his administration, escalating tensions that eventually led to his resignation.

    Details of the nomination

    In a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, the nomination was said to be in line with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers a governor to appoint a replacement when the office becomes vacant.

    The statement noted that the decision followed consultations with key political stakeholders across the state, with the governor seeking swift approval from the Assembly to fill the gap in his administration.

    Muhammad described Garo as a “seasoned political administrator” with extensive experience spanning over two decades in both elective and appointed positions.

    Garo’s political profile

    The 48-year-old politician has held several roles, including State Organising Secretary of his party, Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor, and Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area.

    He also served as Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and was the deputy governorship candidate of the APC in the 2023 general elections.

    According to the statement, his nomination is part of efforts by the Yusuf administration to strengthen governance structures and ensure continuity in service delivery across the state.

  • Court Adjourns El-Rufai Bail Hearing to June as ICPC Prosecution Continues

    A Kaduna State High Court has adjourned the bail hearing of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the first week of June 2026, in an ongoing trial over alleged fraud and abuse of office.

    What happened

    Justice Darius Khobo fixed the new date after El-Rufai appeared before the court last Tuesday for hearing of his bail application on an amended nine-count charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    The judge had earlier scheduled ruling for April 21, 2026, but later adjourned proceedings.

    Details of the case

    El-Rufai was arraigned last week on charges bordering on fraud and abuse of office.

    His counsel, Ukpon Akpan, confirmed the adjournment after Tuesday’s proceedings, describing the delay as politically motivated.

    Earlier bail in separate case

    The former governor had earlier secured bail in a separate corruption case before a Federal High Court in Kaduna.

    Justice Rilwanu Aikawa granted him bail in the sum of ₦200 million and ordered that he remain in ICPC custody pending the fulfilment of the conditions.

    As part of the bail terms, El-Rufai was barred from making public comments on the case and must attend all court sittings.

    What it means

    The adjournment means the court will only decide on his latest bail request in June, prolonging legal proceedings in one of the high-profile corruption cases involving a former state governor.

  • Nasarawa Deputy Speaker Escapes Death in Keffi-Akwanga Highway Crash

    The Deputy Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Muhammad Adamu Oyanki, was involved in a car crash on Monday along the Keffi-Akwanga highway, with authorities confirming he survived the incident.

    What happened

    The accident occurred on Monday, leaving the Deputy Speaker’s vehicle badly damaged.

    The wrecked car was later evacuated to the Assembly complex in Lafia.

    Assembly reacts

    The Speaker of the House, Danladi Jatau, alongside other lawmakers, visited the complex to inspect the damaged vehicle.

    He described the incident as unfortunate but expressed relief that no life was lost.

    “We thank Almighty God for saving the life of the Deputy Speaker from the auto crash. We are grateful that he is alive and safe,” Jatau said.

    Current condition

    According to reports, Oyanki is in stable condition following the crash.

    Background

    The incident adds to growing concerns over road accidents across Nigeria.

    Stakeholders have repeatedly linked the rising cases to poor driver training and weak enforcement of road safety regulations.

  • APC Unveils Full Timetable for 2027 Elections, Fixes Dates for Primaries, Forms

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released its detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, outlining dates for sale of forms, screening, primaries, and appeals.

    The schedule, signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, shows that the process will begin on April 20, 2026, with the notice of election to state chapters.

    Key dates announced

    According to the timetable, the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026.

    Submission of completed forms is fixed for May 4, while screening of aspirants for all positions will take place between May 6 and May 8.

    The publication of screening results is scheduled for May 11, with appeals set for May 12 and 13.

    Primary elections schedule

    The party fixed its presidential primary for May 15 and 16.

    House of Representatives primaries will hold on May 18, followed by the Senate on May 20.

    State House of Assembly primaries are slated for May 21, while governorship primaries will take place on May 23.

    Appeals timetable

    Appeals for the presidential primary will be held on May 18.

    House of Representatives appeals are scheduled for May 20, Senate on May 21, State Assembly on May 23, and governorship on May 25.

    Cost of forms

    The APC also released the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms.

    Presidential aspirants will pay ₦100 million, made up of ₦30 million for expression of interest and ₦70 million for nomination.

    Governorship forms cost ₦50 million, Senate ₦20 million, House of Representatives ₦10 million, and State Assembly ₦6 million.

    The party added that female, youth, and physically challenged aspirants will pay for expression of interest forms and 50 percent of nomination fees.

    What it means

    The release of the timetable signals the formal start of APC’s internal process ahead of the 2027 elections, with political activities expected to intensify in the coming weeks.

     

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

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

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

    What the case is about

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

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

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

    How the crisis started

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

    The move sparked widespread reactions and legal challenges.

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

    Latest court position

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

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

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

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

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

    Key details

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

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

    Why talks failed

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

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

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

    APC outreach and high-level meetings

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

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

    Next move for governor

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

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

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

    Background to the crisis

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

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

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