Politics

Breaking: ADC Southern Leaders Announce Preferred 2027 Presidential Candidate

Published

4 hours ago

February 28, 2026

ADC South-South leaders endorsed former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket Former APC National Chairman and ADC chieftain, John Odigie-Oyegun, disclosed that the endorsement followed a unanimous decision at the party’s South-South consultative meeting in Benin City Former Rivers state Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, formally informed regional leaders of his presidential ambition and secured their collective backing.

Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from the South-South zone have formally endorsed Rotimi Amaechi for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.

The endorsement was disclosed on Friday, February 27, by John Odigie-Oyegun, a chieftain of the ADC, at the party’s South-South leaders’ consultative meeting held in Benin City, Edo state.

Odigie-Oyegun said Amaechi used the forum to officially inform leaders of the zone of his intention to seek the presidency, noting that the response from stakeholders was unanimous. “We are glad that our son, Rotimi Amaechi, took advantage of this meeting to brief us formally of his intention to run for the presidency of our great nation,” he said.

According to Odigie-Oyegun, the former Rivers state governor was commended for engaging regional leaders before building personal political structures, a gesture he described as respectful and inclusive.

“We were very pleased. We thanked him for the respect he has for the leaders of the zone for not letting loose in this zone, for setting up his own personal structures, for ensuring like every good son that he tells his people what he has in mind before he embarks on it. “We are pleased and I cannot report that a unanimous decision was taken to give him all the support that he needs in pursuit of his ambition.

“Lastly, we are going to meet regularly. This group of leaders are going to meet regularly to learn from each other’s experience. So that as usual, the South-South zone will become an example to be emulated by other zone in the nation.”

Amaechi had earlier indicated his willingness to serve a single term if he secures the ADC presidential ticket and wins the 2027 election. He has also maintained that the party should field a Southern candidate in keeping with the principle of power rotation. He has argued that the South should be allowed to complete an eight-year tenure before power shifts back to the North, warning that presenting a northern candidate could weaken the ADC’s appeal in southern regions.

The South-South endorsement is seen as a boost to Amaechi’s ambition and a move that could complicate calculations for other southern aspirants within the opposition space, including figures such as Peter Obi. Amaechi previously contested the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2022, where he lost to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after finishing second in the primary election.

As preparations for 2027 intensify, the ADC has also raised concerns over the timetable released by Independent National Electoral Commission, which directs political parties to hold primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026.

The party, through its leadership, has rejected the schedule, arguing that it places opposition parties at a disadvantage. ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi said the timeline creates an “almost impossible hurdle” that could hinder smaller parties from fielding candidates, citing provisions of the Electoral Act which require strict compliance with membership register submissions.

With regional endorsements now emerging, negotiations and realignments within the ADC are expected to intensify as the party edges closer to its presidential primaries.

Politics

JUST IN: Another PDP Governor Meets Tinubu Amid Defection Rumours

Published

4 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

'Acknowledge The Work,' Tinubu Challenges Critics

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting came amid growing rumours of possible political realignment by some opposition governors.

However, the discussion centered on security challenges in Bauchi State, especially the worsening situation in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

Governor Mohammed briefed the President on renewed bandit attacks that have forced several communities to flee their homes.

He raised concern over the activities of armed groups operating from forest areas in Gwana, Kafin Duguri, Mansur, Yalau, Futuk, and Digare.

According to the governor, thousands of armed bandits are believed to have taken control of ungoverned forest zones.

He said the attackers now launch regular raids, recruit local youths and former illegal miners, and push families to seek safety in nearby states, including Gombe.

The security situation worsened on February 22, when bandits attacked a Joint Task Force base in Gwana.

Two soldiers and a vigilante member were killed during the assault.

Several residents were abducted.
Security forces later neutralised some of the attackers during counter operations.

Governor Mohammed disclosed that he has visited the affected communities repeatedly to assess the damage and encourage local vigilantes.

He praised residents for standing their ground but stressed that the scale of the crisis requires stronger federal intervention.

He requested more military deployment, improved equipment for security agencies, and firm directives from national security chiefs.

The governor warned that without urgent action, displacement and loss of lives could increase.

President Tinubu, in response, assured him of federal support to complement Bauchi State’s efforts.

He directed security agencies to strengthen operations in the troubled areas and prevent further attacks.

The President also pledged that the federal government would not allow criminal groups to dominate any part of the country.

Addressing political speculation surrounding the visit, Mohammed said the meeting was strictly about security and governance.

He dismissed claims of a possible defection to the ruling party.

The Bauchi governor reaffirmed his loyalty to the People’s Democratic Party.
He added that while individual politicians may choose their paths, his focus remains on protecting lives and restoring peace in his state.

Politics

Wike Faction kicks As Oyo Court Upholds PDP Convention

Published

5 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

Abuja Muslim Forum Appeals To Wike On Sallah Water

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party on Friday rejected the judgment of an Oyo State High Court which upheld the party’s 2025 National Convention held in Ibadan, the state capital.

The faction described the ruling as inconsequential and a mere academic exercise, insisting that the November convention remained invalid.

However, the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee, a product of the convention, hailed the judgment as a triumph for internal democracy and party cohesion, praising the court for its “bravery and commitment to upholding justice.”

Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, in a ruling delivered on Friday in Suit No I/1336/2025, affirmed the validity of the November 15 and 16, 2025 convention, which produced Turaki as substantive National Chairman.

The court upheld the amended originating summons filed by Musibau Adetunmbi, SAN, on behalf of the claimant, Folahan Malomo Adelabi, and granted all 13 reliefs sought.

It ruled that the convention complied with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), and other relevant laws.

Justice Akintola also dismissed motions seeking a stay of proceedings and suspension of the ruling filed by Sunday Ibrahim, SAN, on behalf of Austin Nwachukwu and two others.

The court had earlier rejected their application for joinder, describing it as lacking merit.

Among the issues formulated for determination before the court was whether, having regard to the express provisions of Articles 33(7), 47(1) and (2) of the party’s constitution (as amended in 2017) and Section 223(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the 1st to 3rd defendants were entitled, in any manner whatsoever, to truncate, frustrate, disrupt, prevent or stop the convention.

The court also considered whether it was not evident that the first defendant (PDP) had complied with all necessary requirements, including the issuance of the requisite statutory notice, for the conduct of the National Convention.

In granting the reliefs, the court declared that, by virtue of Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the defendants were under an obligation to ensure that the claimant’s right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association was not infringed.

It further declared that any failure to conduct and hold the convention would amount to an infringement of that constitutional right.

The court held that, pursuant to Sections 223(1)(a) and 223(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution, Section 82(1) and (2)(a) of the Electoral Act 2022, and the notice issued to the Independent National Electoral Commission on August 29, 2025, all necessary modalities and conditions for the holding the convention had been duly satisfied, irrespective of whether INEC monitored the exercise or not.

In a consequential declaration, the court held that the convention convened on 15 and 16 November 2025 pursuant to its orders of November 3, 2025, and renewed on November 14, 2025, was legal and valid.

It ruled that, as INEC was a party at the time the interim orders were made and renewed, the outcome of the convention was binding on the commission and that it was obliged to give effect to all decisions reached thereat.

The court consequently directed INEC to continue to give perpetual effect to the outcome of the convention, pending any contrary pronouncement by a higher court.

Justice Akintola held that the convention, organised by the recognised leadership of the party, satisfied all laid-down legal requirements as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act.

The court said it found no breach of due process or statutory non-compliance in the conduct of the exercise.

But in a swift reaction, the Wike-backed National Caretaker Working Committee said the verdict lacked binding effect on the Independent National Electoral Commission.

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the faction insisted that the judgment could not stand.

“The judgment reportedly delivered by the Oyo State High Court is an inconsequential development and is best described as a mere academic exercise.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the said judgment does not bind the Independent National Electoral Commission as INEC was neither joined nor represented as a party in the suit,” the statement read.

The faction argued that INEC had already complied with earlier judgments of the Federal High Court in Abuja and Ibadan restraining the commission from attending, monitoring or recognising the outcome of the convention.

“A judgment that does not bind INEC is of no consequence whatsoever as far as the issues at stake are concerned,” it added, noting that arrangements for a fresh National Convention were at an advanced stage.

Meanwhile, the Turaki-led NWC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, welcomed the ruling, saying it affirmed and gave final effect to earlier orders.

“The party welcomes this judgment as a vindication of both fact and law. It reaffirms the obvious fact that the Ibadan convention was conducted properly, transparently, and in full compliance with the party’s constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We commend the Honourable Court for its courage and fidelity to justice. We reaffirm our faith in the Nigerian judiciary as an independent arbiter and the last hope of the ordinary citizen.

“The party remains committed to pursuing all legitimate legal avenues to ensure that justice is fully served, and we are confident that the appellate courts will, in like manner, uphold the law without fear or favour, affection, or ill will,” the statement read in part.

On January 30, a Federal High Court in Ibadan annulled the PDP National Convention held on November 15, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, and directed Turaki and others to stop parading themselves as national officers of the party.

Prior to that ruling, PDP governors had endorsed the Ibadan convention, which elected Turaki and members of the National Working Committee for a four-year term. The governors had also overseen the transition from former Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure ended on December 9.

However, a faction loyal to Wike formed a 13-member caretaker committee on December 8, appointing Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as Acting Secretary, with a 60-day mandate.

Efforts by both the Wike-aligned faction and the governors’ camp to meet at Wadata Plaza on November 18, 2025, degenerated into chaos and physical confrontations, after which the police sealed the PDP National Secretariat.

Both factions subsequently approached INEC for recognition, but the commission declined to acknowledge either side, triggering prolonged legal battles ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amid the dispute, the Wike-backed caretaker committee announced on February 3 that a fresh National Convention to elect new PDP leaders would take place in Abuja from March 29 to 30.

On February 12, the Court of Appeal heard all consolidated cases regarding the PDP leadership crisis and reserved judgment, with the date to be communicated to the parties.

Politics

BREAKING: “Serial Disrespect” Sparks Drama As Senate Order Arrest Of Tinubu’s Appointee

Published

2 days ago

February 26, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

The Senate has asked President Bola Tinubu to immediately remove the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Ishaq Magaji (SAN), from his office.

As reported by Nigerian Tribune, the Senate committee on finance, while passing a resolution in Abuja on Thursday, February 26, accused Magaji of failing to honour the upper legislative chamber’s invitations to account for the finances of his agency.

Senator Sani Musa, the chairman of the committee, said:

“He (Magaji) refused on so many occasions to honour our invitation to appear before this committee.

“We have issues with the reconciliation of the revenue of CAC.

“Each time we invite him, he gives us excuses.

” Magaji was appointed to this position by President Tinubu on October 13, 2023.

As the registrar-general of the CAC, Magaji is expected to work for the development and regulation of corporate affairs in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu on Wednesday night, February 25, formally urged the Senate to begin the process of amending the 1999 constitution to provide for the establishment of state police, declaring that Nigeria must urgently restructure its security architecture to confront terrorism, banditry and insurgency.

Speaking at an interfaith breaking of fast with the leadership and members of the Senate at the State House, Abuja, the president stated that the time had come for lawmakers to “start thinking” about embedding state policing in the constitution to enable governments at subnational levels better secure their territories.

The Nation quoted President Tinubu as saying:

“Nigeria is extremely challenged, we are facing terrorism, banditry, insurgency, but you never failed to make a right response to these calls.

“What I will ask for tonight is for you to start thinking how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate the state police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, free our children from fear.”