Tag:

2027

Headlines

Rivers crisis: What I told Fubara when he came begging – Wike

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has revealed details of the conversation when his estranged political godson, Siminalayi Fubara, came to beg for reconciliation.

Wike had confirmed that the suspended governor visited him to plead for peace alongside two governors from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

At a media briefing on Monday, Wike said he told the embattled governor that he (Fubara) does not have the capacity to make peace.

According to the minister, the governor cannot be making moves for peace while his supporters are doing otherwise.

“I told him (Fubara) I don’t think you have the capacity to really make this peace. It’s not easy; if you’re making peace, your people are demonstrating every day.

“If you are making peace, your people are busy on television insulting people,” Wike said.

LEADING REPORTERS gathered that Fubara had on Sunday cautioned his supporters to deviate from actions that could hinder the peace he is pursuing.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

BREAKING: Three Katsina PDP Reps defect to APC

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Three members of the House of Representatives from Katsina State elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have officially dumped the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Speaker of the House, Rajudeen Abbas, announced this on the floor of the House during plenary on Thursday.

A letter from the defectors was read by the Speaker.

The defectors cited the lingering internal crisis and unresolved issues within the PDP as the major reasons behind their decision to leave the party.

They further stated that the instability within the PDP has made it difficult to effectively serve their constituents and align with progressive governance.

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, in a show of solidarity and support, was present in the chamber to witness the lawmakers’ formal defection to the APC.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Farotimi and Obi
Headlines

Dele Farotimi Reaffirms Support for Peter Obi Ahead of 2027 Presidential Election

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Human rights lawyer and former spokesperson of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Dele Farotimi, has restated his support for Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Farotimi, who was a vocal supporter of the former Anambra State governor during the 2023 polls, said he remains committed to backing Obi if he decides to contest again.

“If elections where our votes will count were held today, I would vote for Peter Gregory Obi, unless someone else comes into the race that I believe can do better,” he said.

He added that if the candidate lineup remains unchanged from the last election, Obi would remain his preferred choice.

“I hope he will be a little bolder with his policy platforms, but frankly speaking, in terms of capacity and integrity, there’s nobody else I will be supporting,” Farotimi stated.

He, however, noted that his support could change if Obi aligns with individuals he finds objectionable.

“Something drastic has to happen for me to decide I’m not supporting Peter Obi. He might team up with some objectionable persons that I cannot stomach, and that’s a real possibility. However, outside of that, there’s nobody else.”

Farotimi also expressed concern about the current state of Nigeria’s electoral process, saying discussions about future elections might be premature.

“I actually think our discussions of elections today are a disservice to ourselves because we really cannot speak in terms of an election in our current circumstances,” he said.

Farotimi attributed his continued support for Obi to a desire to see meaningful change in Nigeria’s leadership and governance.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

2027: Edo Governor, Okpebholo begins Tinubu re-election campaign

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo said this yesterday while kick-starting President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign in the state.

Another member of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 24-member House of Assembly, Kaycee Osamwonyi, the representative of Uhunmwonde Constituency, who is a member of House Committee on Budget and Appropriation, yesterday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

With Osamwonyi’s defection, APC now has 14 members, while PDP is left with 10 members in the House of Assembly.

Okpebholo spoke at the Government House, Benin, when he received the defecting lawmaker (Osamwonyi), who was earlier received into the APC by the state Chairman of the party, Jarrett Tenebe, who later presented him to the governor.

Okpebholo hailed Osamwonyi and his colleagues, who decided to join APC. He assured them that his administration would create a conducive atmosphere for all of them to operate and collaborate to develop Edo.

The governor said his administration had embarked on developmental strides to transform all sectors of Edo economy, thereby making life better for residents.

He said: “We congratulate you (Osamwonyi) on your returning home. Your coming is a plus for the party (APC), as we have five of you who have joined. You have made our party stronger.

“A lot of people from other parties are ready to join our party, and soon there will be a carnival. I seek your help to drive development, and together, we will develop Edo State, and make life better for our people.

“Uhunmwonde Local Government is very special to me, and together we can develop the area and open it for growth and development.

Edo chairman of APC, presenting Osamwonyi to Okpebholo, said: ‘’APC is now in full control of the House of Assembly, in view of having the majority of the lawmakers.’’

Tenebe said: “Osamwonyi joined the party (APC), following the developmental strides your (Okpebholo’s) administration has achieved in the few months you have led Edo State.”

Osamwonyi said his decision to join APC was as a result of the disunity in the PDP from the national to unit level, as well as the achievements of Okpebholo in a very short time in office.

He said: “The division in my party, the PDP, made me to join the APC. For me, it is a homecoming, as I was once in the APC. Your (Okpebholo’s) developmental strides attracted me back home, as I want the best for my people.

“The many projects captured in the budget for Uhunmwonde people are impressive. I have no choice but to join the party (APC), for the development of my people.”

Edo Chairman of PDP, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, however, declared that Okpebholo was overwhelmed by insecurity across the state’s 18 local governments.

He hoped the party’s governorship candidate during the September 21, 2024 election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, would emerge victorious at the Court of Appeal, having lost at the Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja, to ensure good governance.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

2027: Road Transport Union Workers, others plan initiative for Tinubu’s re-election

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The National Union of Road Transport Workers, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, and other influential youth leaders are set to launch a new socio-political group called Team Nigeria Project to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 general election.

The group aims to increase citizens’ involvement in governance across the country.

The Director General of the group, Olamilekan Pedro, disclosed this to newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday.

Pedro, the organisation will focus on mobilizing support for Tinubu’s continued leadership.

Pedro said, “Under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, since 2023, Nigeria has seen an economic turnaround.

“Tough but necessary decisions, like removing the fuel subsidy, have brought about positive changes. Today, our IGR is growing, and states are receiving more funds from the federal government for development.

“The Naira is stabilizing, local refineries are operating, and small businesses are thriving thanks to better infrastructure like roads and power. Investments in agriculture have boosted food security, and we no longer rely on food imports. Nigeria’s highways are in great shape, and insecurity has significantly reduced, allowing citizens to live in peace.”

Pedro emphasised that the Team Nigeria Project believes a government that has achieved so much deserves to be rewarded with another term.

He also mentioned that several directorates have been set up to mobilize Nigerians, especially women and youth, to support President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.

The formal launch of TNP will take place next month in Abuja, with top officials from the ruling All Progressives Congress expected to attend.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Apc
Headlines

APC Speaks on Replacing Shettima As Tinubu’s Running Mate in 2027

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu is planning to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party denied rumours of a rift between Tinubu and Shettima, describing the speculation as baseless.

This clarification comes as some of the President’s supporters and party figures begin to mobilise for his possible re-election campaign, even though he has not yet officially declared his interest in seeking a second term.

Within opposition circles, there have also been concerns that Shettima may not have enough political strength in the North to help secure a second-term victory.

Speaking to Daily Trust, APC National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, described the rumours as “baseless” and dismissed them as “pure speculation.” He further said, “Even if, for any reason, the president were to consider replacing the vice president, he cannot do so singlehandedly. Such a decision would require extensive consultation with critical stakeholders.” He added that the conversation was nothing more than “beer-parlour talks.”

Meanwhile, political stakeholders from the North Central region have renewed their demand for either the presidency or vice presidency in 2027.

Leaders from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states met in Abuja, led by Professor Nghargbu K’tso, to advocate for the region’s inclusion at the highest level of government.

The leaders called on major political parties to zone the presidency or vice-presidency to the region. They argued that if the APC gives President Tinubu the “right of first refusal,” then the vice-presidency should be given to the North Central.

Professor Nghargbu pointed out that the North Central and South East are the only regions that have not produced a democratically elected president or vice president since the return to democracy in 1999.

He said, “This is about fairness. We want to be recognized not as mere political adjuncts but as full stakeholders in the ‘One North’ project.”

In response to these calls, Bala Ibrahim dismissed the demand as “unrealistic” and “dead on arrival.”

He argued that the North Central region has made similar demands in the past, which he described as “irrational” and politically divisive. He noted that the region’s electoral contribution does not justify such a claim, especially compared to the North West. Ibrahim said, “They have made similar demands in the past, but these are often irrational and only serve to create unnecessary political tension.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

2027: I will ensure you lose again – Wike taunts Atiku

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday declared that he would ensure that former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, fails in his push for the presidency.

Speaking through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike said he has no regret that Atiku refused to pick him as his running mate during the build-up to the 2023 presidential election.

In an interview with Adesina Giwa-Osagie, Atiku said he had “no regrets” for ignoring Wike as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.

DAILY POST recalls that the rift between Atiku and Wike dates back to the controversial PDP primaries of 2022.

Wike had expected to be compensated with the vice-presidential slot, but Atiku picked former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Addressing why he chose Okowa over Wike, Atiku stated that he deliberately left the decision to the PDP.

They said I did not consult widely in 2019 when I picked Peter Obi as my running mate, so in 2023, I told the party to set up a committee to recommend three names,” Atiku said.

Atiku said the committee ranked Okowa as the top choice, with Wike in second place and former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel in third.

“So I picked number one,” he said.

Responding, Olayinka said Wike has no regret over losing the slot to Okowa.

Posting on X, Olayinka wrote: “Two years after making the @OfficialPDPNig lose a presidential election it could have won, @atiku is giving reasons he did not pick @GovWike as his running mate and that he has no regrets.

“Someone should tell our serial presidential election contester that Wike also has no regret for ensuring that he failed in the election and will make sure that he fails again and again.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

Atiku, El-Rufai, Tanko, Ihedioha Form Coalition To Challenge Tinubu In 2027

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has announced the formation of a new coalition of opposition political parties aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

Atiku made the declaration on Thursday at a press conference held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, where he addressed journalists on behalf of the opposition leaders. The coalition, comprising key political figures, seeks to present a united front against what they describe as the president’s unconstitutional actions and governance failures.

As part of its agenda, the coalition strongly criticised President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of elected officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.

Atiku, flanked by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Labour Party spokesperson, Yunusa Tanko, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, called on the National Assembly to reject the move.

He also urged the judiciary to swiftly overturn the president’s pronouncement, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent for arbitrary removal of governors in the future.

“Section 305 of the Constitution allows the President to declare a state of emergency only in extreme cases where public safety, national security, or Nigeria’s sovereignty is at serious risk. However, it does not grant him the power to suspend elected officials or to demolish democratic structures as he has brazenly done,” Atiku stated.

He described Tinubu’s decision as “a clear subversion of democracy and an imposition of autocratic federal control over a duly elected state government.”

The coalition urged civil society organisations, political groups, and all Nigerians to reject what they termed an assault on the Constitution and democratic institutions.

The coalition leaders pledged to engage stakeholders across party lines in preparation for 2027, signalling the beginning of an intensified political battle against Tinubu’s administration.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

Fubara’s whereabouts unknown as Military moves trucks into Rivers Govt House

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The movement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara was unknown on Tuesday night when the military moved trucks into Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt.

The trucks were placed within and outside the Government House on the first night of the State of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu declared emergency rule amid the attacks on oil installations in Rivers State.

Some militants groups had threatened to blow up pipelines if the Rivers House of Assembly impeach Fubara.

However, hours after the lawmakers served the governor with notice of alleged misconduct, the militants carried out their threat.

Responding, the president suspended Fubara and the lawmakers for sic months, appointing an administrator for the state.

After the declaration, about 10 military trucks patrolled the road leading to the Government House main gate while armoured vehicles were seen at strategic positions within the road leading to the Government House gate.

The road leading to Government House from the popular UTC junction was deserted as residents made efforts to get back to their respective houses.

A resident of Port Harcourt who pleaded anonymity told our reporter that military trucks were found all over the area.

“The road leading to Government House from the Issac Boro park to the popular UTC is deserted. Residents are making efforts to get back to their respective homes as nobody wants to be caught in a cross fire. I saw about 10 military trucks parading the road leading to Government House. There are other armoured tanks that have been stationed at both entrance road leading to Government House,” the sources said.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

2027: SDP States Position on Coalition as Top Politicians Eye Membership

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Musa Gabam, has clarified the party’s stance on forming a coalition, as more politicians are expected to follow former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in joining the party.

El-Rufai officially left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the SDP on Monday, a move that has intensified discussions about opposition alliances ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Political leaders have been exploring ways to unite opposition candidates from the 2023 election, but no formal agreement has been reached.

Amid growing speculations about a merger, Gabam dismissed the idea, saying, “The SDP is not in alignment with the proponents of a merger of political parties. It is a recipe for chaos.”

He also downplayed claims that El-Rufai’s move was linked to presidential ambitions, stressing that the party prioritizes grassroots participation.

“The party’s philosophy is entrenched in grassroots democratic participation and aligns with the politics of endorsement. Every potential aspirant must go through the process from the grassroots level to prevent imposition,” he said.

Gabam revealed that El-Rufai’s defection had sparked a wave of interest from politicians in Kaduna State and beyond, with more notable figures from the APC and other parties expected to join.

While he did not confirm specific names, party insiders suggest that former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola are among those being linked to the SDP.

However, Fayemi, in a statement yesterday, denied reports of his planned defection.

El-Rufai’s recent meetings with key political figures, including Aregbesola, Pastor Tunde Bakare, former President Muhammadu Buhari, and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have fueled speculations of a broader political realignment.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts