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Politics

JUST IN: Datti Baba-Ahmed Joins 2027 Presidential Race

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, on Wednesday formally announced his intention to run for president in 2027, amid ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s opposition.

Baba-Ahmed, who was the running mate of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, made the announcement at a rally at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

His declaration comes just a week after Obi left the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress, a move that has sparked debate over the party’s future and the broader direction of the opposition ahead of the next general election.

Speaking to party members and supporters, Baba-Ahmed emphasised that his ambition is independent and predates the 2023 election.

“I have made myself to contest for the office in 2027. I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes,” he said. “Before Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I aspired to the office. The records are there for you to see.”

He recalled his earlier attempt to secure the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential ticket, noting that he had contested in the PDP primaries in 2018 before joining Obi in the Labour Party.

“In October 2018, I participated in the PDP primaries in Port Harcourt and even walked to Obi for his vote. He smiled at me—a true gentleman. I saw a rare opportunity for national unity to elect Peter Obi in 2023, and that is why I went along with it,” Baba-Ahmed said.

Addressing concerns about religion and ethnicity, he highlighted that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees every qualified citizen the right to seek elective office.

“Yes, I am a practising Muslim and a Hausa man, but I am first a Nigerian. The constitution allows me to contest. I’m doing this because Nigeria needs help,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed also stressed that he would respect party and electoral rules.

“As a law-abiding citizen and loyal party member, I will wait for INEC’s timetable and the Labour Party leadership’s call for aspirants before taking further steps. But Nigerians know the truth,” he added.

His declaration adds a new dimension to the emerging 2027 presidential race, as parties begin early positioning amid shifting alliances within the opposition.

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Wike
Politics

Wike vows to handpick Gov Fubara’s replacement in 2027

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Barr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has declared that he is done with Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state, and will not repeat what he described as a mistake ahead of the 2027 election.

Wike, a former governor of Rivers state, spoke to his supporters over the weekend in Ahoada local government area of the state.

His words: “We will not make the mistake we made in 2023. I want to tell you now, are we going there? No, we are not going there. Are you hearing me? We are not going there.”

The minister said he would handpick a more pliant successor to replace Fubara in 2027, even as he accused Fubara of reneging on multiple agreements reached between them.

“As far as Rivers state is concerned, nobody will call me because you had a first agreement, somebody reneged; the second agreement, he reneged. Which one will he accept again? We would not make that mistake again,” he added.

Wike mocked supporters of the governor over the popular “on your mandate” slogan.

“Now, because opposition has collapsed, everybody is now shouting ‘on your mandate’. Why don’t you shout ‘on your mandate’ since? We have been shouting ‘on your mandate’ since,” he stated.

The former governor said Fubara’s reported defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not guarantee his support for re-election.

Wike said his loyalty to Bola Tinubu does not extend automatically to Fubara.

“I never hide it as far as Bola Ahmed Tinubu is concerned. There is nothing to think about. He has to complete his eight years because he has shown Rivers state love,” he said.

“Who would ever believe it in this world that a Rivers man would be a minister of FCT?” Wike added.

He said chanting “on your mandate” would not translate into an automatic ticket.

“So, if you like, shout ‘on your mandate’ 50 times a day, it will not give you an automatic ticket,” he said.

“If you like, bring everybody, shout ‘on your mandate’; that is not an automatic ticket,” he added.

Wike said he is not opposed to Tinubu but will insist on installing someone he can trust in Rivers state.

“We are not opposing Mr President, but in Rivers state, you go no say ‘kaki no be leather’,” he said.

“We will get somebody we can trust, go home, and sleep with our eyes closed,” Wike added.

The minister said politics is driven by interests and gratitude.

“Politics is about interest. If you don’t appreciate what people have done in your life, then you have a problem,” he said.

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Rotimi Amaechi
Politics

2027: Amaechi’s poster floods Kaduna

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Posters of Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, former minister of transportation, appeared across major streets in Kaduna over the weekend, fuelling speculation about early political activity ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The posters, which featured Amaechi’s portrait, described him as “the only person to be trusted” and “the only man for the job”, with messages centred on unity, equality, stability and development.

Amaechi, who holds the traditional title of Dan Amanan Kasar Hausa of Daura, has previously served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation.

Residents said the posters were sighted at strategic locations across the Kaduna metropolis, including Ahmadu Bello Way, Ali Akilu Way, the environs of the Kaduna state government house and the Kawo Bridge corridor leading towards Zaria.

Motorists and pedestrians were seen slowing down to observe the displays, particularly around Kawo Bridge, where early-morning traffic was briefly disrupted.

Although Amaechi has not made any formal declaration, the posters have intensified speculation about a renewed presidential ambition.

Amaechi contested the All Progressives Congress presidential primary in 2022, where he finished second behind President Bola Tinubu.

 

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Tinubu
Politics

Five cabals operating within Tinubu’s administration – Lawyer reveals

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Charles Omole, lawyer and author of From Soldier to Statesman – The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, says there are at least five groups of cabals within the Bola Tinubu administration.

Omole spoke on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

He said: “The president will always have people around him. But you need to put systems in place to avoid state capture or presidential capture because, for example, the current government has, from what I can see, at least five cabals within the presidency.

“And the interesting thing about one of the cabals actually is headed by the president himself, based on my own analysis.”

He said the first group revolves around Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to the president.

His words: “So, in this current administration, at least there are five groups. There is the Chief of Staff group headed by Femi Gbajabiamila.

“And by that I mean not just him, but there are people in that circle like the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, and the national security adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

“Secondly, you have the Seyi Tinubu’s group, consisting of those he helped get some government appointments and all that. And of course, you have the First Lady’s group, Remi Tinubu.”

The author spoke days after the unveiling of his book in Abuja, alleging that cabals influenced governance under Muhammadu Buhari, the former president.

Omole said Buhari enjoyed reading newspapers but claimed some cabals curated special versions of newspapers for him.

“While Buhari loved reading newspapers, there were reports that the cabal created a version of newspapers that planted stories they wanted him to read,” he said.

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Politics

FCT: Igbo community endorses SDP’s Obinna Simon for AMAC chairmanship

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has formally endorsed the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Obinna Simon, for the position of Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) ahead of the February 2026 council election.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Monday, the association’s President General, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, said the decision followed a careful assessment of the campaign manifestos and policy proposals of candidates contesting the AMAC chairmanship.

The group said Simon’s vision and competence stood out as being well aligned with the needs of residents across the council area.

“Following a thorough review of campaign manifestos and policies, we found Obinna Simon’s vision and expertise align with the needs of the diverse communities in the FCT,” he said.

“His understanding of complex issues and mastery of tackling them is impressive.”

The Igbo Community Association said it was confident that the SDP candidate would represent the interests of all residents if elected.

“We are confident that he will be a champion for the rights and interests of all residents in AMAC,” Ellis-Ezenekwe stated.

The association further highlighted Simon’s commitment to grassroots development, social inclusion and economic growth as key factors that informed its endorsement.

“We are particularly impressed by his commitment to community development, social welfare, and economic empowerment,” he said.

“His integrity and trustworthiness are unquestionable, making him the ideal candidate for the position.”

Reaffirming its political stance ahead of the election, the Igbo Community in Abuja said it had resolved to mobilise support for the SDP candidate within the council area.

“The Igbo Community in Abuja resolves to support and vote for Obinna Simon,” the president general said while calling on “all residents of AMAC to join us in this endorsement.”

The February 2026 AMAC election is expected to be keenly contested, with several political parties fielding candidates for the chairmanship of one of the most prominent area councils in the Federal Capital Territory.

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HeadlinesPolitics

PDP NWC suspends Wike’s ally Sam Anyanwu over ‘anti-party activities’

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The national working committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended Samuel Anyanwu, the national secretary; and Kamaldeen Ajibade; the national legal adviser.

The party also suspended Okechukwu Osuoha, deputy legal adviser; and Umaru Bature, national organising secretary.

Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, announced the suspension during a press conference on Saturday, adding that the decision followed an emergency meeting of the NWC in Abuja.

He said the suspension will last for an initial period of one month, and that the officials have been referred to a disciplinary committee.

“During this period of the suspension, they cease to function in their respective capacities,” Ologunagba said.

He said Setonji Koshoedo, the deputy national secretary, would serve as acting national secretary, while the deputy legal adviser would act in Ajibade’s stead.

As the PDP prepares for its national convention slated for November 15 and 16, its internal wrangling has taken a new turn.

On Friday, a federal high court in Abuja stopped the opposition party’s planned national convention.

James Omotosho, the presiding judge, said evidence before the court showed that the party failed to hold valid state congresses before the planned national convention as stipulated in the 1999 constitution, the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and its own constitution.

The judge declared that the PDP’s non-compliance with the legal provisions had jeopardised its planned convention, advising the party to rectify the infractions before proceeding with the event.

Consequently, the court barred INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognising any outcome from the proposed convention until the PDP meets all statutory requirements.

During the court case on October 14, Ajibade clashed with Umar Damagum, PDP national chairman, over who holds the authority to appoint lawyers for the party.

The drama unfolded when Chris Uche, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), announced his appearance for the PDP, citing a letter signed by Damagum authorising him to represent the party.

However, moments later, Ajibade also announced his appearance for the PDP, arguing that only his office has the constitutional power to engage legal representation on behalf of the party.

The conflicting claims created confusion in the courtroom, with both senior lawyers standing their ground before James.

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Politics

PDP postpones NEC meeting as gale of defection looms

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The national working committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed the 103rd national executive committee (NEC) meeting.

The event was scheduled for October 15 at the party’s headquarters in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Monday, Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, attributed the postponement to “recent developments” in the party.

Ologunagba said a new date for the NEC would be communicated to members.

“All NEC members should please note the postponement and be guided accordingly,” the statement reads.

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Politics

2027: APC members fight dirty at North – East Meeting over Tinubu’s Endorsement

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A consultative meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North-East ended in chaos on Sunday after a heavy fight broke out among party stakeholders over the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the 2027 presidential election.

The meeting, held in Gombe, the capital of Gombe State, was attended by key political figures from the region, including Governors Babagana Zulum of Borno, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, and Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe. Also in attendance were the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy National Chairman Dr. Ali Bukar Dalori, and thousands of party loyalists.

LEADING REPORTERS learned that all hell broke loose after Comrade Mustapha Salihu, National Vice Chairman of the ruling party in the North-East, failed to mention the name of Vice-President, Kashim Shettima while endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

When it was the turn of Salihu to speak, he endorsed Tinubu to emerge as an unopposed candidate of the APC but was silent about Shettima. The moment he finished his speech, delegates at the forum started to hurl insults at him, with some threatening to attack him physically, but he had to be escorted out of the meeting by security operatives.

A section of attendees reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction with the decision, leading to a scuffle that quickly escalated into physical confrontation. Security personnel had to intervene to restore order.

Despite the incident, party leaders moved forward with the endorsement. In his address, Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum hailed the achievements of the current administration, highlighting progress in sectors such as health, education, youth and women empowerment, and economic development.

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Politics

JUST IN: All Kebbi PDP senators defect to APC

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The three Peoples Democratic Party senators from Kebbi, on Tuesday, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that their letters of defection were read separately on the floor of the chamber by Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary.

The senators are: Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central); Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South).

Details later…..

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Politics

2027:Tinubu, Delta gov meets behind closed doors in Aso Rock

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu is meeting the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

The governor arrived the premises at about 03:45 pm Tuesday, alone, our correspondent observed.

Tuesday’s meeting is the Governor’s first encounter with the President since he defected to the governing party, the All Progressives Congress.

On April 23, 2025, Oborevwori became the first incumbent governor of Delta State to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party since 1999.

His predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, commissioners, local government chairmen, and the grassroots machinery moved en bloc to the APC after a closed-door meeting in Asaba.

Okowa was the PDP’s vice presidential candidate in the 2023 election.

Delta’s wave of defection follows similar realignments in Rivers and Cross River, trimming the PDP’s governorship map to ten states and shaking a region once regarded as a fortress for the opposition.

Feelers from the APC identified Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Aba Yusuf of Kano and suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, as four new converts expected to join the party in the coming weeks.

The PDP, Labour Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party are currently grappling with internal crises compounded by defections to the APC, which has left their parties in disarray.

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