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Founder and pioneer Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has announced that former Senate President David Mark has been selected to lead the newly formed opposition coalition in its quest to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Nwosu made the declaration on Tuesday during the official unveiling of the coalition at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. He confirmed that both he and other top ADC officials had voluntarily stepped down to allow new leadership steer the party’s presidential campaign.

“We all decided to resign so that Mark can paddle this canoe and get us to the Villa,” Nwosu said.

He also revealed that former Osun State Governor and former Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, has been appointed as Secretary of the coalition. Aregbesola, a former ally of President Tinubu, was praised by Nwosu as a public servant with a remarkable record of dedication and impact.

“Nigerians are yearning for change. They are yearning for the coalition,” Nwosu said. “I congratulate you both and assure you that working with the NWC and NEC members you will meet, you have no problem.”

Describing Nigeria’s current state as critical, Nwosu added, “Nigeria has been in ICU. Lives are being lost every day. My appeal to the emerging political leaders is to take Nigeria from the ICU to global reckoning, because we can.”

He urged members of the coalition to remain focused and resist distractions, warning that anyone opposing the day’s developments could no longer be considered a true member of the ADC.

Among the high-profile figures in attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai; former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi; and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha.

The coalition is expected to serve as a unified political front ahead of the 2027 elections, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its adopted platform.

Police authorities in Abuja have arrested a civil servant, Mairiga Hassan Shaharu, in connection with an ongoing investigation into leaked documents published by Peoples Gazette alleging large-scale land allocations by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to his children.

Shaharu, who is attached to the Fresh Applications Unit of the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), was reportedly picked up by police detectives on Tuesday afternoon. As of Wednesday morning, his whereabouts remained unknown, raising concerns among family members over possible mistreatment or incommunicado detention.

A police spokesperson confirmed the arrest but said details would be provided later.

Shaharu’s unit is responsible for processing new land applications in the FCT. His colleagues, however, told Peoples Gazette that he had no direct role in document handling and expressed concern that the authorities were targeting lower-level staff in a bid to trace the leak, rather than focusing on the source of the alleged misconduct.

Sources within the AGIS said Minister Wike has intensified internal crackdowns in response to the exposé, which detailed the alleged allocation of approximately 3,822 hectares of Abuja land—valued at over $6.45 billion—to his sons, Jordan and Joaquin, aged 25 and 23 respectively.

The Gazette published its findings in two reports released on June 26 and July 1, based on official land administration documents from the minister’s office. The revelations have sparked widespread public outcry, with some civic groups defending the minister and accusing the publication of political bias.

Minister Wike has denied any wrongdoing, attributing the leaks to political adversaries. His spokesperson has yet to respond to inquiries regarding Shaharu’s arrest.

The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, has revealed that the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has formally submitted a proposal to serve a single term if elected president in 2027.

Tanko made this known while speaking on developments within the newly formed opposition coalition, which includes prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai.

According to him, Obi’s proposal is currently under review by the coalition, which on Tuesday officially adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We have presented it to the coalition. It is there for them to make a decision. But we are confident it can work,” Tanko said. “This is a pronouncement rooted in integrity, and Peter Obi embodies that. What Nigeria needs now are leaders with integrity.”

Obi had earlier on Monday publicly declared his willingness to serve only one term if elected president, citing the unwritten power-sharing and zoning arrangement in the country. He maintained that any southern candidate who wins the presidency in 2027 should be prepared to leave office by May 29, 2031.

Although the Nigerian Constitution allows a president to serve two four-year terms, Obi reportedly believes that one term is sufficient to implement his vision for national transformation.

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has condemned the killing of at least 13 Ebonyi indigenes in Ogboji community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, describing the attack as barbaric and unacceptable.

The victims were reportedly shot dead on Monday night by unidentified gunmen who stormed the community in two Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and opened fire on a gathering of Ebonyi residents during their monthly general meeting.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, Governor Nwifuru expressed outrage over the incident, calling it a senseless act of violence against innocent and law-abiding citizens.

“This senseless act of violence against law-abiding citizens is not only barbaric but a direct assault on peace, unity, and the sanctity of human life,” the governor said.

He added, “It defies reason and logic that a group of Ebonyi people holding a peaceful meeting would be attacked at close range. It is unacceptable, and I frown strongly at such heinous act in its entirety.”

Governor Nwifuru disclosed that he has contacted the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and urged him to ensure a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation into the killings.

Authorities are yet to confirm the identities of the attackers or the motive behind the assault.

Former Senate President David Mark has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending his long-standing affiliation with the party he helped to establish.

Mark announced his resignation in a letter dated June 27, addressed to the PDP leadership in Otukpo Ward 1, Benue State. His decision comes shortly after his appointment as one of the interim leaders of the emerging opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In the letter, the former Senate President cited deep-rooted leadership crises and irreconcilable differences within the PDP as reasons for his departure.

“The irreconcilable differences in the PDP have subjected the party to public ridicule and reduced it to a shadow of its former self,” he stated.

Reflecting on his contributions to the PDP, Mark noted his unwavering commitment to the party’s ideals over the years, particularly following the party’s loss in the 2015 presidential election.

“Even when nearly all stakeholders departed the party, I pledged to remain the last man standing,” he wrote. “I have worked steadfastly to rebuild, reconcile, and reposition the party, efforts which, without sounding immodest, helped restore the PDP to national relevance.”

Mark expressed regret that recent internal conflicts had eroded the gains made and weakened the party’s influence on the national stage.

His resignation is seen as a significant development in Nigeria’s shifting political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and several other prominent political figures are currently in a closed-door meeting as part of consultations ahead of the unveiling of a new opposition coalition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The meeting, reportedly chaired by Mark, is said to centre on deliberations among Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders on whether to remain within the party or fully commit to the emerging opposition alliance.

Also in attendance are former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido; former PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus; and former governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Sam Egwu (Ebonyi).

Sources indicate that the gathering is one of a series of high-level discussions aimed at strengthening opposition unity and strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has described the outcome of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting as a victory for both the party and Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement personally signed and released on Monday, Saraki said the meeting marked a pivotal moment for the opposition party, emphasizing that despite recent tensions, PDP leaders chose unity over division.

“This evening, our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), successfully concluded the 100th edition of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting,” Saraki stated.

“It was a symbolic gathering, as the meeting could have either been the breaking point, going by events of the last 48 hours, or the junction to cross the Rubicon and march forward into greater heights. Our esteemed leaders chose the latter.”

He stressed that no faction emerged victorious over the other, declaring: “Today, there was no victor and no vanquished. The winner today is the PDP. Another winner is Nigeria’s democracy because, without a vibrant opposition, democracy dies.”

The meeting proceeded as scheduled despite a disruption at the PDP National Secretariat on the eve of the gathering, when police operatives reportedly sealed off the premises. Party leaders, however, convened and resolved to work towards internal peace and cohesion.

Six palace chiefs have been dethroned by the Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba AbdulFatai Aromire Oyegbemi.

The chiefs were said to have been dethroned for attending the flag-off campaign organized by the Labour Party in Apapa.

It was gathered that the traditional title holders were accused of violating palace protocol and impersonating the Oba at the political event.

Declaring the action by the chiefs unacceptable, the Oba said it was wrong for the leaders to take such decision on his behalf without due consent.

A statement from the palace said, “The decisive action of dethroning the six Chiefs underscores his commitment to maintaining order and coherence within his leadership structure.

“During this assembly, Kabiyesi also took the opportunity to commend the present Government’s ongoing development initiatives in Ojora Land, expressing his commitment to continue supporting the Administration as it fosters growth and progress for the Kingdom.

“This event has reaffirmed the significance of transparency and collaboration between the traditional authorities and their representation in political matters, reminding all Chiefs of their responsibilities while serving under the esteemed Ojora Kingdom,” the statement said.

Those dethroned:

1 Chief Lateef Ojora (Bale Alaba Oro),

2 Chief Saliu Biliamin (Bale Alafia Dodoro)

3 Chief Taiwo Hassan (Bale Oke Ira)

4 Chief Idris Oladipupo Ojora (Bale Abule Kere)

5 Chief Hakeem Oseni (Bale Mosafejo Amukoko)

6 Chief Sule Raji Balogun (Balogun of Abule Kere)

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been awarded the title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL), one of the highest national honours bestowed by the Caribbean nation.

The Government of Saint Lucia announced the honour in a statement posted on the official X handle of the Office of the Prime Minister, confirming that the Governor General approved the conferment on the advice of the government.

According to the statement, the honour recognises President Tinubu’s “exceptional leadership on the African continent,” his role in strengthening South-South cooperation, and his efforts in rekindling cultural, historical, and diplomatic ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

Tinubu, who is currently on a state visit to Saint Lucia as part of a broader diplomatic tour of the Caribbean and South America, joins a select group of African leaders to receive the prestigious distinction.

The Government of Saint Lucia noted that the Knight Commander rank is typically reserved for individuals who have rendered distinguished service of national or international importance.

The conferment also aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing re-engagement efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to reposition the country as a major player in global diplomacy and cultural exchange.

Established in 1985, the Order of Saint Lucia is the island nation’s highest system of national honours. The Knight Commander is the second-highest rank in the order, surpassed only by the Grand Cross.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, have arrived in Madina, Saudi Arabia, ahead of the burial of elder statesman and business mogul, Alhaji Aminu Dantata.

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, Ismail Mudashir, revealed this in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Barau and Ganduje departed Abuja on Monday evening and touched down at the Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madina, at 5:15 a.m. Saudi Arabian time along with other dignitaries from Kano and across Nigeria.

hairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, Senator Muntari Dandutse; Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Ali Madaki; and Hon. Sani Bala.

Also in the delegation are Ahmad Munzali Dantata, a son of the late elder statesman; Engr. Hamisu Ibrahim Chidari, a federal lawmaker representing Makoda/Dambatta; and Usman Yahaya Kansila, among others.

Recall that the late Dantata, a highly respected philanthropist and industrialist, passed away in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, over the weekend.

He will be laid to rest on Tuesday in Madina, close to his wife, Rabi’a, who died last year.