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  • Our positions on Atiku-led coalition takeover of ADC, by APC, PDP, others

    Our positions on Atiku-led coalition takeover of ADC, by APC, PDP, others

    The  All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would not fly in the 2027 polls.

    Prominent PDP chieftains, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a few APC members, defected to the party on Wednesday in Abuja and took over the leadership.

    Dismissing ADC as a party invaded by selfish, egocentric defectors, APC said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, that it is now “a roll call of Nigeria’s me-or-nothing politicians.”

    Also, the PDP said in a statement by the Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, that it is not bothered about the coalition.

    It is preoccupied with preparations for the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the National Convention.

    Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 poll, Peter Obi, explained his participation in the coalition talks and his presence at the unveiling.

    He said only a collaborative effort can tackle the ruling party in the next general election.

    However, the former Anambra State governor remained non-committal to the call on coalition members to join ADC.

    Taking a swipe at the party, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike said the new ADC leaders were selfish politicians.

    PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) member Chief Olabode George chided the defectors, saying that ADC is a rolling stone driven by selfish ambition.

    ADC can’t defend public interest, says APC

    Faulting the adoption of ADC by the pro-Atiku coalition members, Morka said: “It was an unveiling of a coalition of hoaxers and self-obsessed merchants of vendetta, a roll call of Nigeria’s me-or-nothing politicians, who equate their selfish interest with the interest of Nigerians, who cannot bear to be out of the corridors of power and patronage, who are desperate to grab power for themselves by guile and subterfuge, who lay claim to an immoral birthright to power, even while draped in odious record of betrayal of public trust, and rapacious public service.”

    Picking holes in the acceptance speech of the ADC interim national chairman, Senator David Mark, he said it lacked substance and depth.

    Morka stressed: “The speech delivered by Senator David Mark, the alleged National Chairman of ADC, was disgracefully vacant, without substance or purpose, nothing but stitches of untruths, diatribe, and regurgitated and baseless allegations against the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “From beginning to end, Senator Mark said nothing about the purpose of the so-called coalition other than a loud declaration of desperation for power. 

    “What value does the coalition bring to Nigerians? Why should any Nigerian be concerned about a coalition of a bunch of egotistical maniacs for whom power and patronage are the oxygen on which their lives depend?

    “One would have expected that, after months of vacillating between the devil and the deep blue sea, in search of a host platform, Senator Mark and his co-travellers would take Nigerians seriously enough by telling them what their coalition would do differently regarding the administration’s bold economic and sectoral policy reforms.

    “What key alternative policy approaches would the coalition implement, and with what prospects of success compared to the high value and transformative impact of the administration’s reform policies?

    “What exactly is the philosophical or ideological leaning of the coalition or its new party, aside from desperation for power at all costs, by all means necessary and unnecessary?

    “Senator Mark’s speech was loud in its silence to these questions because he and his coalition partners are disgracefully clueless, without a care or concern about Nigeria and Nigerians, only filled with a wolfish quest for power for their own mendacious end.”

    Morka said the Tinubu Administration is “delivering improved living conditions and benefits to Nigerians.”

    He said President Tinubu, who is not disturbed by the activities of the coalition, is focused on using all available bricks to build a stronger, enduring and more prosperous nation.

    Ologunagba: PDP has no official position yet

    Ologunagba clarified that PDP has not directed any of its members to join ADC.

    He said: “For the avoidance of doubt, the NWC states in clear terms that the PDP has not taken any official position on the issue of coalition.

    “The PDP is for now focused on building and consolidating on attained unity, stability and strengthening of its structures and capacity to play its roles as the leading opposition Party determined to return to power in 2027.

    “Our party is currently working conscientiously towards a successful National Convention, which will further revamp and reposition the PDP for the task ahead.”

    The publicity secretary reiterated the view of the Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, that the party can only work with willing opposition groups without surrendering its independence or strength.

    Ologunagba said the PDP will only work with others without surrendering its brand, adding that the party can win the 2027 elections on its own.

    Why I support coalition, by Obi

    Obi explained that the decision to join the coalition was not made lightly.

    He tweeted: “Yesterday, the coalition members formally adopted the ADC for the 2027 Nigeria General Elections with Distinguished Senator David Mark serving as the National Chairman and H.E. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola serving as the National Secretary.

    “Our commitment is to sacrifice and work together towards the 2027 General Elections, ensuring that Nigeria gets a competent, capable, and compassionate leadership that will prioritise the nation’s future by putting the welfare of Nigerians first.

    “This decision was not made lightly. It comes from deep reflection on where we are as a country and what must be done to move forward.

    “No one group can change Nigeria alone. To dismantle the structures that keep our people in poverty and insecurity, we must build bridges, not walls, even when those bridges are uneasy.”

    Read Also: APC Rep membership rises to 220 as party consolidates hold

    Abure’s LP faction to Obi: resign

    The Julius Abure-led faction of the LP  issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Obi to resign from the party over his involvement in the coalition.

    Factional LP National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh reiterated the party’s rejection of the coalition, describing it as a gathering of “recycled, desperate and frustrated politicians”.

    He said in a statement: “Former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Gregory Obi, has received a 48-hour ultimatum to formally resign his membership of the Labour Party, having formally joined the coalition party.

    “We are aware of several nocturnal meetings between Peter Obi and some of our members, lobbying them to join him in his new party. We’re also aware that a number of them have refused to defect with him.

    “Labour Party has consistently said it is not part of the coalition, and therefore, any of our members who are part of the coalition are given 48 hours to formally resign their membership of the party.

    “Labour Party is not available for people with a dual agenda, people with a deceptive persona. The party will not avail itself to individuals who have one leg in one party and another leg elsewhere.

    “People who, in the morning, claim to be in the Labour Party and in the evening are in the coalition.

    “Nearly 70 per cent of the Nigerian population are youths who are tired of the old order, tired of gerontocrats deciding their fate.

    “The new Nigeria that the youths are dreaming of is not what can be realised from what we are seeing in the coalition.

    “These people are opportunistic politicians who are only interested in relaunching themselves into the circle of power — people who are desperate to continue holding on to power.”

    Nenadi LP faction dismisses resignation ultimatum

    The LP faction, led by Caretaker Chairman Senator Nenadi Usman, said no ultimatum was issued to Obi by the party.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to Usman, Ken Asogwa, the party said Obi’s involvement in the coalition efforts has its full backing.

    It said: “For the avoidance of doubt, the leadership of the Labour Party, on May 26, 2025, publicly declared its full support for Mr. Obi’s involvement in the coalition efforts aimed at creating a robust political alternative to rescue Nigeria from the disastrous misrule of the APC. That position has not changed.

    “We wish to reaffirm that Mr. Peter Obi’s participation in the coalition activities, including the ADC unveiling, was done with the full knowledge, approval, and support of the Labour Party leadership.

    “The individuals claiming to have issued an ultimatum to Mr. Obi are political jesters with no legitimate standing in the Labour Party.

    “They are neither recognised by the party nor by the law, having long been sacked by the Supreme Court of Nigeria – the highest court in the land – and suspended from the party for their serial acts of indiscipline and anti-party activities.

    “It is the remnants of the disorder and mess left behind by these impostors that the current leadership under Senator Nenadi Usman continues to clean.

    “Therefore, members of the public, and especially the media, are urged to disregard the distractions and mischief from these discredited elements.

    “For clarity, the only legitimate and authoritative source of information regarding the official position of the Labour Party on any matter remains the office of Senator Nenadi Usman, Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party.”

    Atiku, Mark selfish, says George

    George, who spoke on television, chided Atiku and Mark for a lack of principle, saying that they are driven by personal ambition.

    He said: “I’m very disappointed. I must be frank with you. If your house is leaking and you are strong enough, you remain in that house. You call people to fix it. You don’t run out and become a tenant somewhere else.

    “PDP is very healthy. We have resolved our crisis, and on June 30th, we resurrected. That was the turning point. We are now in a new beginning, a redemption.

    “They benefited immensely from the PDP. Now, because things didn’t go their way, they jumped ship. That’s not how we were brought up in the military or in any principled organisation.

    “You think the Nigerian electorate is stupid? We will meet on the field. Let them go. I’m a general. If I have ten men and eight are loyal, I’ll go to war.”

    George also cast doubt on the opposition coalition’s ability to agree on a single candidate, saying that ego and ambition would get in the way.

    He said: “Who will step down for whom? Atiku for Obi? Obi for Atiku? That’s their business. It’s all about personal ambition, not national interest.

    “There is no part of this country where you won’t find PDP. These others are still forming. How long will it take to build real grassroots support?

    “You can’t dance on the graves of the founding fathers of PDP and expect to succeed.”

    Wike: New ADC leaders are failed politicians

    Wike insisted that the new ADC leaders are failed and expired politicians, adding that they also lack credibility and the capacity to challenge President Tinubu in 2027.

    Taking on the coalition leaders one by one, Wike said they have nothing to offer to Nigerians.

    Wike described the coalition as a “desperate fallback” for political figures who failed to gain control of the PDP

    He said: “There is no coalition. The opposition has decimated itself. The only party that can, if properly organised, challenge this government is the PDP.”

    He accused Mark of trying to hijack the PDP leadership before becoming interim chairman of the ADC.

    Wike said: “I heard David Mark said they want to rescue Nigeria. Nigerians are not happy. But the man was Senate President for eight years, and Nigerians were happy?

    “There was no single project in Otukpo. Not one. He was flying in a helicopter to Otukpo. Nigerians were not angry then, but they are angry now?”

    He said Mark, as leader of the PDP in his area, lost elections as his daughter, who ran under the APC, won the House of Representatives.

    Wike added: “Amaechi was a minister. He took Chinese loans and made Nigeria so much indebted to China. So, Nigerians were happy then?

    “When you were in power, Nigerians were happy, but the moment you were no longer in power, Nigerians are no longer happy.

    “I saw Sirika. What happened to Air Nigeria? Nigerians were happy then?

    “When they went to APC in 2013 and took over power, Nigerians were happy, but no longer happy today?

    “Was it under Tinubu’s government that banditry came? What is he doing? To solve the problems he met.

    “I read what Malami wrote. It was so shameful. He was AGF. What did he do? What was his contribution to resolving the security challenges?

    “Tambuwal was Speaker for four years. What did he do to make Nigerians not angry? He was governor for eight years. What did he do? What kind of politics are we playing?”

    Wike added that the former Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, only moved to the ADC because he had fallen out with his godfather, Senator Bukola Saraki.

    He also criticised Ovation publisher, Dele Momodu, saying that he is politically irrelevant.

    Wike stressed: “Dele Momodu was never my friend. He claimed he ran for president—he didn’t get a single vote, and now he’s in this coalition.”

    The minister accused Atiku of chronic political opportunism.

    He said: “Atiku was in the PDP, left for the AC, returned to the PDP, then joined the APC, came back to the PDP, and now he’s with the ADC

    “Every time, he jumps ship. They’re just looking for where they can be in charge.”

    He questioned their credibility, arguing that their criticisms of the government were simply bitterness over personal losses.

    He said: “They keep saying Nigerians are angry. Say the truth: you were defeated here. Don’t project your frustration onto the public.”

    Wike challenged the coalition figures to measure their records against his achievements in public office.

    He said: “If I leave as minister today, I can confidently say, ‘This is what I accomplished.’ Let any of them show what they’ve done.”

    He said former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s involvement in the coalition was driven by disappointment over being sidelined.

    Wike queried: “ If the president hadn’t dumped him, would he be part of any coalition?”

  • BREAKING : Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai dies at 61

    BREAKING : Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai dies at 61

    Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai is dead.

    The 61-year-old died in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025 following a prolonged illness that had kept him away from the public in recent years.

    Widely celebrated as one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers, Rufai enjoyed a distinguished career with clubs such as Stationery Stores and Go Ahead Eagles. 

    Read Also: 2025 WAFCON: Music-mad Babajide targets first silverware with Super Eagles

    He made 65 appearances for the Super Eagles, featuring in two FIFA World Cups and playing a key role in Nigeria’s historic 1994 Africa Cup of Nations victory.

    Though the family is yet to release an official statement, his former teammate Waidi Akanni confirmed the incident. 

    Details shortly…

  • BREAKING: Liverpool star Diogo Jota dies at 28

    BREAKING: Liverpool star Diogo Jota dies at 28

    Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died at 28 in a tragic road accident in Spain.

    The car crash occurred on the A-52 motorway, at kilometre 65, near the municipality of Palacios de Sanabria in the province of Zamora.

    Spanish sports outlet MARCA reported the incident on Thursday, confirming that Jota died at the scene of the accident.

    Read Also: Liverpool’s Jota out until after international break

    “Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota dies in a traffic accident in the province of Zamora,” the newspaper wrote in a brief statement this morning.

    It was also reported that he died with his 26-year-old brother Andre in a tragic car accident, after their vehicle caught fire.

    Jota, born in December 1996 joined the premier league after a loan spell with Wolves in 2017, and later got a move to League Winners Liverpool in 2020.

    Details shortly…

  • A hostile takeover of ADC

    A hostile takeover of ADC

    After one year of bravado, the coalition gang has finally borrowed a platform for the 2027 polls.

    But, according to observers, there is nothing novel, electrifying, captivating or inspiring in the show.

    Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his co-travellers simply defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) without fanfare.

    Former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who dramatically became the ADC protem national secretary, has been on suspension from the All Progressives Congress (APC) since last year.

    His present position marked the final parting of ways with his leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who in the past invested so much trust and confidence in him as a loyal and dependable ally.

    No doubt, there is an implosion in the PDP. But ADC is also a PDP in another garment, made up of malcontents from the crisis-ridden, bastardised and polarised party that once nursed the ambition to rule for 60 years.

    ADC has existed without much notice, except for the periodic noisemaking by its somehow radical presidential candidates, who have not made any significant impression.

    Electoral success has often eluded it, except in two federal constituencies where the party was hired by aggrieved politicians from other political parties as a special-purpose vehicle.

    The previously incurably weak party is now being dressed up by the associates and followers of the veteran presidential contender for the next battle.

    These allies left their time-tested brand, the PDP, in frustration, to take refuge in a strange land.

    Perhaps, the only new thing about it all is the manifestation of a pre-determined plot to hijack the platform, following the failure of the coalition arrowheads to go through the hurdles of fresh party registration.

    ADC is not a fusion of like-minded legacy parties like the APC. It is not a product of an alliance, accord or alliance of parties. It is an organisation of PDP dropouts and a few disgruntled elements who lost out in the ruling party.

    What actually happened yesterday was like an invasion by these desperate actors. It was a classic form of hostile takeover by the chief bidder. But the anticipated displacement of old ADC members is being resisted by the original landlords. It means that the spade work by Atiku’s men was not tidy.

    The newcomers, who definitely have bigger status, and the old, paper-weight members who are now being relegated to the background, have started locking horns. The interim leadership is being disputed. It is taking off in a crisis. Both camps are enveloped in controversy and anxiety over the clash of interests and egos.

    Since 2006 when it was registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ADC has been largely perceived as a backup to the PDP. But, it has been left floating until some political developments obliterated the role.

    What the camp of Atiku is bringing to the table is unclear, except that a party has now been found for the former Vice President to contest the next election. The joiners are not ideologues. Thus, there is no benefit of fresh breath, but the consolidation of hostility against their common and politically successful foe, Asiwaju Tinubu.

    The current adventure is consistent with the antecedents of Atiku, a serial defector, who in the space of 26 years, has traversed three parties -the PDP, APC and ADC – in a bid to actualise his dream of ruling Nigeria.

    In 2006, the vice president left in PDP for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). After the 2007 poll, which he contested up to the Supreme Court, he retraced his steps to the PDP. Much later, he pitched a tent with the APC. When he failed to get its ticket, he ran back to PDP, where he got the ticket in 2019 and 2023, but was defeated by Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu.

    In mustering strength again to try his luck on the platform of ADC, the political warhorse has exhibited something akin to a Lincolnian courage amid repeated political adversities.

    But herein lies the limitation of Atiku’s ADC. It only revolves around his personality, and in this brand of emerging internal democracy, the spirit of competition is dead in the party.

    The platform is exclusively for Atiku despite his lack of presidential right of first refusal. Such a platform driven by a personal or particularistic approach can hardly grow.

    The implication for Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), a reluctant coalition partner, is that he may be left in the cold. If the former Anambra State governor defects to ADC, the prospects of picking the presidential ticket are slim.

    If he is picked as Atiku’s running mate, the aspiration of his fanatical ‘Obidient’ followers may not be met.

    What Atiku and his supporters failed to achieve in the PDP in 2019 and 2023, can they achieve in two years? What was defective was not PDP, but their strategy right from the 2022 presidential convention, particularly their winners-take-all tactics, the feeling that the North can exclusively install a president and their disrespect for rotation or zoning as embedded in the PDP constitution.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria oil rigs increase to 44, says NUPRC

    In 2017, will zoning not be an issue?

    The individuals who defected to the ADC joined the party, not at the wards, but at the top. Not all their followers will embrace political gambling in furtherance of the interest of an individual.

    Besides, the ADC would need to confront the challenge of harmonisation of leadership.

    The ADC poses a challenge to the APC. But it is not more than the combined threats of PDP, LP and NNPP. Only the coalition of formidable opposition parties, and not the assemblage of “former this and former that” from PDP, can really challenge the APC to a duel.

    It now means that ADC has to brace up for missiles from its main target, APC, and other inter-party competitors. The journey, definitely, will not be smooth.

    As a party that had fought hard battles and won, the APC would not sleep on guard. It would be fighting from a position of strength. But, underestimating a rival in any political game is dangerous.

    But is ADC actually a threat? It is the half of PDP, and former APC members teaming up with them do not electorally add up. For example, Rotimi Amaechi, former transportation minister, never pulled any weight in the 2023 poll, having abandoned the party after losing the ticket in 2022. Although he has tried to de-market the Tinubu administration, the audience is not held captive. People do not believe his tales.

     Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General, lost his governorship bid in Kebbu State. His weight or clout in the chapter is doubtful.

    Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika is facing trial for contract splitting and other allegations. Aregbesola is under punishment in the Osun chapter.

    Since his vice presidential bid collapsed, Kashim Imam has not really been keen about APC. Chief John Odigie-Oyegun’s complaints are not known.  But he parted ways with Asiwaju Tinubu when he was party chairman. He is former Edo governor.  But how many people can he now mobilise there?

    It is the second time the ADC would be drafted to tackle the APC. In 2019, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, according to reports, wanted to use it to get former President Muhammadu Buhari out. The report was never denied. But the move floundered. Buhari triumphed.

    Since it came on board, ADC has been more or less on the sidelines until 2023 when Dumebi Kachikwu ran on its platform for president.

    The party has also not been insulated from crisis. Chieftains spend more time in court than the party secretariat. Ralph Nwosu who welcomed Atiku and others to the party had ceased to be chairman since 2022. Aggrieved members claim that the court had ruled that any action taken by Nwosu since that time is null and void. Thus, a disputed leadership handed over those those who acquired it with all the liabilities.

    INEC recognition of party leadership is key. Some chieftains are complaining that the transfer of leadership was never ratified by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

    There are now five effective political parties – APC, PDP, LP, ADC and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNDP). Judging by Nigeria’s political antecedents, there may be collaboration in the future that may underscore national predisposition to a two-party system.

  • Mark, Aregbesola takeover of ADC sparks chairmen’s anger

    Mark, Aregbesola takeover of ADC sparks chairmen’s anger

    • ‘Nwosu can’t surrender party’

    • Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, others at event

    Yesterday’s takeover of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership by the pro-Atiku Abubakar coalition has drawn the ire of some state chairmen of the party.

    Presidential Candidate of the ADC in the 2023 election, Dumebi Kachikwu, and National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Musa Isa Matara, also toed the same line.

    Kachikwu and four state chairmen – Dr. Etimbuk Umoh (Akwa Ibom), Alaku William (Nasarawa), Adikwu Elias (Benue) and Mohammed Kalla (Borno), representing the others, spoke to reporters in Abuja after the Abuja event.

    Chief Ralph Nwosu, at an event attended by ex-governors, ex-ministers and some opposition politicians, surrendered the leadership of the party to former Senate President David Mark as chairman, and Rauf Aregbesola, a former Osun State governor, as national secretary.

    Also in is Bolaji Abdullahi, a journalist and former Minister of Sports, as publicity secretary.

    The three resumed as interim national officers to prepare the party for the Atiku coalition members.

    But the state chairmen disowned Mark, Aregbesola and Abdullahi, saying they had no right to take over the party in that manner.

    According to them, Atiku and his men entered into an alliance with Nwosu, who they described as a former chairman whose tenure expired in 2022.

    They also said the action is against the position of ADC’s constitution, which precludes anybody whose membership is less than two years, from holding party office.

    READ ALSO; ROLL CALL: Atiku, El-Rufai, Malami, Tambuwal, others attend ADC coalition unveiling

    They said there are many unresolved court cases on the leadership tussle in the ADC.

    Atiku and other defectors, they insisted, could not build something on nothing because the alleged takeover of ADC was sub-judice.

    They accused Atiku and others of buying a “bad market”  because ADC is in court with its past leadership, which sold a dummy to them.

    Kachikwu, who made the position of the party known, said it was laughable that ambitious defectors could hijack a party without recourse to the party’s constitution.

    Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved party leaders, Kachikwu said: “Dear ADC family and fellow Nigerians, it is with the greatest amusement that I watched the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar-led group announce their takeover of the national leadership of the African Democratic Congress.

    “As is expected, I have been inundated with a lot of calls and messages seeking my reaction to the unfolding drama.

    “The facts of the matter are as follows: The Atiku-led group is in some form of alliance with the former leadership of the party led by Ralph Nwosu.

    “The tenure of the Nwosu-led executive lapsed on August 21, 2022, and his continued parade of himself as the chairman of the party was the subject of various litigations in different courts across the country.”

    He asked Atiku, Mark and others to answer some fundamental questions.

    He said: “From the foregoing, I want to then pose the following questions: Can you build something on nothing? Can you shave a man’s hair in his absence? Can you enter a man’s house through the back door and declare yourself the landlord? 

    “These yesterday’s men who represent a bad chapter in Nigeria’s past have bought a bad market from a man who represents a bad chapter in ADC’s past.

    “Nigerians have watched in amazement as this group of mostly geriatrics shopped around for a party to prosecute their ‘chopping must continue’ ambition.”

    Kachikwu condemned the desperation of opposition leaders for a platform for the 2027 poll.

    He said: “This further cements the opinion most people hold that political parties in Nigeria stand for nothing and will fall for anything.

    “They have told us that they are fighting for the rights of ordinary Nigerians and that they are on a rescue mission but what is confusing to the Nigerians they want to rescue is that these men made up of a former vice president, former governors, ministers and political office holders are the same people who have presided over the affairs of this nation for the past four decades. 

    “We have nothing to show for their decades of leadership other than being seen as a nation divided by tribe and religion and thriving in mediocrity.

    “We are a nation lacking in the basics, whose majority are poor, but here we are watching those who set our nation on fire saying they are the fire brigade.

    “No, you are not; you are a bunch of greedy and selfish old men who believe that political power is your birthright.

    “You stand for nothing other than your interests and will pay any price to hold political office.”

    He said ADC and Nigerians have no room for geriatrics again.

    “Nigerians are tired of your generation and reject everything you have to offer, which is nothing.

    “Nigerians yearn for new names, new faces, fresh ideas and progressive ideals.

    “We yearn for a new Nigeria that thrives on meritocracy and deemphasises tribe and religion.

    “We dream of a nation that works for all Nigerians irrespective of region or religion.

    “We want a nation whose laws and opportunities are equal to all men. We desire inclusiveness for all and social protection for the weak among us.

    “Nigerians have never asked for much other than a leadership that truly cares. You have failed us and stand rejected by us,” he said.

    Kachikwu asked potential defectors to ADC to follow the due process.

    He said: “If you seek to be a part of the ADC, do the proper thing and come through the front door.

    “We are a party of decent and well-behaved people. Our brand of opposition is one that not only opposes but also proposes, something that your group is not conversant with.

    “I strongly suspect that you will be shopping for another party very soon, and as you do that, we, the members of the African Democratic Congress, wish you Bon Voyage.”

    On whether he plans to sue members of the coalition to stop them from taking over the party, he said: “All options are on the table and in the next few days you will see our reactions to the issue.”

    Asked why Ralph Nwosu was still ‘parading’ himself as the National Chairman of the ADC when his tenure ended in 2022, Kachikwu said: “Well, those people who preside over the affairs of small parties have played the same game for years, which is trade with the mandate of aspirants and candidates in those parties.

    “So the political party for them represents a product that they can sell, and this is what they continue to do.

    “So, it’s difficult for people like these to leave the only thing that they know.“

    On whether the controversy will work for the coalition, he said: “I believe that people, who for the last couple of months have been shopping for political parties to use to prosecute their ambition, are looking for a place where it’s rosy and they will get it very easily and cheaply.

    “Once they see that the ADC is not the kind of party that they can use to prosecute their ambition, I suspect that very soon they will leave the party and look for another.

    “We saw that they tried the SDP. We saw they tried a couple of other parties, and it didn’t work for them. So that’s why we believe that they are also trying ADC.

    “But now they should realise that they have been dealing with the wrong parties (leaders) in ADC.

    “Most members of ADC are not aware, they are not part of this and don’t support this in any way.

    “You will see that I have some chairmen of some of the state chapters of ADC who are here with us who are totally opposed to whatever they have done or whatever they are trying to do.

    “What the former National Chairman has done is to trade off people’s mandate, and that is what he is trying to do with these people. Like I said, it’s dead on arrival.

    “This party is not for sale, and anybody who is buying this is buying a bad product because you are not going to have any transfer.”

    Concerning the recognition of Ralph Nwosu as the National Chairman of ADC by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Kachikwu quipped: “I don’t believe that INEC recognises Ralph Nwosu as chairman.

    “INEC has made it very clear that his tenure lapsed on the 21st of August 2022. There has been a lacuna in the party.

    “Justice Binta Nyako in 2022 also declared that the seat was vacant and asked that the party should go for a special convention immediately to bring in a new National Working Committee. 

    “Unfortunately, INEC  frustrated all attempts we made to take over the national leadership of the party and have this special convention.  But I believe that now, seeing that all eyes  are on this party, INEC will do what is right.”

    He explained how ADC ran into the present crisis.

    He said:  “When Justice Nyako gave the judgment, we wrote several letters to INEC asking for a special convention.

    “INEC did not give us the courtesy of replying to one letter. It was very clear to us that INEC at that point was playing the script of some people. You will understand that Nwosu has been the chairman of the party for 18 years.

    “So 18 years is 18 years of relationship with people who have been in INEC for a very, very long time.

    “INEC did not respond to us, but at every material point, they let us know that they did not recognise Nwosu as the chairman of the party.

    “But what you say to us verbally, put it in writing, let us have our special convention.

    “At some point late last year, the party embarked on alternative dispute resolution and at this point, INEC started engaging and writing letters back and forth, advising them to go through this process of ADR.

    “The party chairmen entered this process innocently believing that it was a process that would essentially let INEC recognise them because INEC stopped recognising the party chairmen across the board who were opposed to Nwosu, even though they were validly elected as party chairman across different states.

    “Once they started this process of ADR, Nwosu wrote a letter recognising these state chairmen as authentic state chairmen of different state chapters.

    “Unknown to them, they had a prepared script that they needed those signatures for them to sell the party to these gentlemen who have come in now.

    “So it was a carefully orchestrated script because they wanted them to pull out their court case because of INEC’s ADR so that they could say that they didn’t have any case in court and then enter into the party.

    “The moment these gentlemen realised what was going on, they said no, our party is not for sale.

    “They asked INEC to do the right thing, recognise us, that we are the state chairmen of the party.

    “These gentlemen have headed back to court to demand that Nwosu’s tenure lapsed and anything that Nwosu has done, like Justice Nyako said, since August 21st of 2022, is null and void. “So any agreement, anything he does, is not binding on the party. It’s a case of buyer beware.

    “If your tenure has lapsed, how can you enter into any alignment or any agreement with anybody?

    “Again, our party’s constitution is very clear. For you to hold any office in the party, you must have been a member of that party for at least two years.

    “These are gentlemen who just took membership in the last couple of weeks. Who appointed them? Can you be a party official without a convention?”

    “So what they have done is a case of someone buying a bad product, but what they never expected was that these gentlemen, whom they see as common peasants, common Nigerians, will have what it takes to stand up and stand against them, and that’s what you’re seeing.

    “I assure you that tomorrow you will see the state secretaries, the state women leaders, the state youth leaders, all converging in Abuja, just hearing that their party has been sold in the media

    “So at this point, the state chairmen are seeking to have a special convention so they can bring a new leadership into the party, and that is what we are in the process of working with INEC now to get a date for that convention. “Unfortunately, like I said, our party constitution does not allow new members to hold party offices. So these people are excluded or precluded from participating in that  convention.”

    ‘Imposition of leaders not in order’

    National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Dr. Musa Isa Matara,  condemned the “unauthorised attempt” to impose Mark, Aregbesola and Abdullahi and hijack the leadership structure.

    Matara clarified that while the ADC was not against alliances and reforms, the imposition and power grab disguised as progress are condemnable.

    He cautioned against what he called “revolutionary rhetoric masking elite interests,” insisting that no legitimate party process had ratified Aregbesola’s appointment.

    Matara said Aregbesola’s selection was not approved by the NWC, state chairmen, and other duly elected national officers.

    He complained that due process was ignored and internal party democracy was undermined.

    Rejecting the claim that ADC is now the platform for the new opposition coalition, Matara said such a declaration was premature and lacked the consent of the majority of party members.

    He said: “The ADC is not anyone’s bargaining chip. Any merger or coalition built on shaky legal and constitutional ground will only lead to further instability.”

    Matara warned that the litigations arising from the 2023 general elections are yet to be resolved in court, making the current attempt to force a political merger legally questionable and politically reckless.

    He alleged that some individuals within the party were working to hand over control to outsiders for personal gain, warning prospective members of the risks involved in joining under the current circumstances.

    Matara added: “ADC is owned by its grassroots members, not political dealmakers.

    “The integrity and sovereignty of the party cannot be traded for convenience or expediency.”

  • BREAKING: ADC unveils David Mark, Aregbesola as new leaders

    BREAKING: ADC unveils David Mark, Aregbesola as new leaders

    The national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has stepped down and announced that former Senate President, David Mark, will be the new interim national chairman.

    He also announced that former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, will be the national secretary of the party.

    Read Also: ADC stakeholders reject Aregbesola, attempted takeover of party

    Nwosu stated that the journey toward adopting the [text] spanned over 18 months and involved 12 meetings of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Working Committee (NWC) convened by the coalition’s leadership.

    In attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, and other leaders.

    Details shortly…

  • JUST IN: Supreme Court reserves judgment in Ighodalo’s challenge of Okpebholo’s election in Edo

    JUST IN: Supreme Court reserves judgment in Ighodalo’s challenge of Okpebholo’s election in Edo

    The Supreme Court has reserved judgment till a later date in the appeal filed in relation to the dispute over the last governorship election held in Edo State.

    After taking arguments from lawyers to parties on Wednesday, a five-member panel of the apex court, presided over by Justice Mohammed Garba, said the date for judgment would be communicated to them.

    The appeal was filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the election held on September 21, 2024, Asue Ighodalo (SAN).

    Respondents in the appeal are the  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Okpebholo and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

    Read Also: Okpebholo not waiting for Supreme Court to appoint full cabinet, says legal adviser

    While arguing the appeal, appellants’ lawyer, Ken Mozia (SAN) prayed the court to allow the appeal, set aside the earlier decision of the Court of Appeal and return Ighodalo as the winner of the election with the majority of lawful votes cast.

    Lawyers to the respondents prayed the court otherwise and sought a dismissal of the appeal.

    Details shortly…

  • JUST IN: Rauf Aregbesola agrees to serve as ADC interim secretary

    JUST IN: Rauf Aregbesola agrees to serve as ADC interim secretary

    Ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola has agreed to serve as the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Aregbesola explained that he agreed to serve because Nigeria’s political scene is dominated by parties lacking clear ideological direction.

    On his verified Facebook page, Aregbesola stated that most existing political parties are mere hollow structures that merge and split not based on policy or principle, but on the pursuit of power and personal interests.

    He said: “ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY OGBENI RAUF  AREGBESOLA ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS THE INTERIM NATIONAL SECRETARY, ADC – The party platform adopted by the National Opposition Coalition Group – Tuesday, 1st July, 2025

    “Dear Party Leaders, Distinguished Members, Friends, and Fellow Citizens,

    “It is with deep humility, a profound sense of duty, and unwavering hope for our people, nation, race and party and that I accept the appointment as  The National Secretary of our great party.

    “I thank the leadership for the trust reposed in me. But more than that, I thank every committed member of this party and those who still believe that politics can be a force for good;  people who believe that parties form government and must control it; those who believe in the supremacy of the party in a democracy and all products of democratic contests; those who recognise that parties must stand for and with the people in the promotion of their interests and aspirations; that parties therefore are not merely machines for winning elections but institutions for mobilizing, organizing, energizing, educating, empowering and encouraging the people towards their emancipation and development.

    “Let me begin by saying this: a political  party is not a platform for opportunism. It is not a mere vehicle to power for the few, nor a tool for personal ambition. A political party, in its truest form, is a living institution built on values, guided by ideals and accountable to the people it seeks to serve.

    “Throughout Africa’s history and particularly in the legacy of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, a 113-year behemoth of party organization that is impeccable in its credibility as a model of supremacy of party over its creation (government and popularly elected officials) have seen what a party grounded in ideology, principle, and people-centered struggle can achieve. 

    The ANC  is not perfect, but it stands  for something. It was forged in resistance, sharpened by vision, and led by men and women who believe in justice, dignity, equality, inclusivity of all interests and true freedom. It has character. It has soul. It is therefore a true platform for the expression of their aspirations.

    “Sadly, in Nigeria today, we cannot say the same about many of our political parties. Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth. They are empty shells merging and splitting, not over policy or principle, but over power and personality. There is little regard for the people, and even less for the country.

    “That is not the kind of party we must be. That is not the kind of party I will serve. As The National Secretary, I will work to build a party that has a clear ideological compass, a party that is absolutely committed to the people,  rooted in democratic values, rule of law, social justice, accountability, transparency and national development. A party that listens and works for to the people, not only during elections, but every single day.

    “We must become an institution where:

     (1) Internal democracy is not just preached but practiced.

     (2) Intra-party competition is transparent, fair, and just.

     (3) All party structures from the ward to the national level and function effectively and efficiently.

     (4) Young people, women, and the marginalized have a real voice, not symbolic inclusion.

            (5) All special and critical interests (security, educators, farmers, workers, women, youth, professionals, people with special needs, etc. must be recognised and allowed to have autonomous structures within the party.

    Read Also: Rauf Aregbesola Discourse: From Governance to Big Development

    “We will model international best practices in party organization, administration, and ethics. We will study what works, from South Africa to Sweden, from Chile to Kenya and adapt to them into what fits our local reality. Discipline, order, clarity of purpose, and service to the people must define us.

    “We must be the party that talks about public education and actually builds schools. That speaks of security and supports real policies to keep our communities safe. That believes in jobs and works to create them. That stands for Nigeria not just during elections, but in everyday governance.

    “This is not an easy task. It will take time. It will demand sacrifice. But it can be done.

    “I ask for your support not just in words, but in action. Hold me accountable. Challenge me when I stray. And stand with me as we begin this journey to rebuild our party, restore its soul, and return politics to its rightful place – as a service to the people. Thank you, and may our work ahead be worthy of the hopes our people place in us.”

  • Our vision for FCT, by Tinubu

    Our vision for FCT, by Tinubu

    President Tinubu said yesterday that the ongoing infrastructure development across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is a testament to his administration’s commitment to building  a ‘’city  that works for everyone.’’

    This, he explained, is the reason his administration would continue to fund life-impacting projects in the FCT.

    “Our goal is to build a capital that works for everyone. Our vision for Abuja is not limited to its glittering centre. We are equally committed to its outskirts, to its margins and to its hidden corners where dreams often struggle to breathe,’’ the President added.

    Tinubu spoke at the inauguration of the Collector Road CN8 (Asuquo Okon Way) from Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) to Arterial Road N1 and other connecting Roads in the Dakibiyu District of Jabi, Abuja.

    The President, who was represented at the event by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said that working capital cities show the presence of purposeful governments.

    His words: “The roads are a bold signature of our administration’s commitment to urban renewal and economic revitalisation.

      “Every road we build, every bridge we complete, every community we connect is a firm step towards a more inclusive, more equitable Nigeria.’’

    The President  added  that a modern and functional city “inspires confidence, attracts investment  and most importantly, restores the dignity of those who call it home.” He stressed that a nation’s functional capital serves as the foundation upon which a functioning country is built.

    “That is why today’s occasion is not just about commissioning a road. It is a grand reassurance that cities must work for their people and that a functioning capital is the foundation upon which a functioning nation is built.

    “The capital of this great nation must reflect the strength and dignity of all who call it home. We are determined to ensure that development knows no postcode, that governance does not discriminate, and that the dignity of our citizens is not defined by their geography.  

     “When a city works, when its roads are paved, when its lights stay on and when its arteries flow without congestion, it tells the world that its government is not just present but purposeful.  

      “ With the roads being built and inaugurated, commuting will be shortened and congestion will ease. Most crucially, livelihoods will flourish, Shops will open and markets will thrive. Children will reach school faster. Emergency services will arrive quicker.

    “This is what we mean when we speak of Renewed Hope. Not lofty rhetoric but practical impact. Not policy for the sake of politics, but policy translated into progress. This is Renewed Hope poured into concrete and paved across kilometres.”

    Tinubu pointed out that while inadequate infrastructure had choked the aspirations of many areas, the inauguration of the roads would breathe life into communities in Dakibuyi that had been waiting to be seen and served.

    The President praised  FCT Minister  Nyesom Wike and his team at the FCTA over what he described as their outstanding work.

    Read Also: Santuraki praises Tinubu for honouring military officers in June 12 struggle

    He said that Wike’s  “sense of urgency in the execution of these projects is well known to Nigerians.

    “ This administration remains steadfast in its support for the FCTA. We will continue to provide the resources, policy backing, and institutional cooperation needed to ensure that projects like these are delivered on time and to the highest standards. Our goal is to build a capital that works for everyone,” Tinubu added.

    Earlier, the FCT minister thanked the Tinubu-led Federal Executive Council for approving the project, which began in October 2024.

    Wike explained that the project became necessary due to the terrible state of the road leading to several government institutions in the area.

    “Your Excellency, I thank you for your continued support, and we will continue to solicit more,” he said.

    Also, FCT Minister of State   Mariya Mahmud lauded President Tinubu for his continued support to the FCTA  and the nation at large.

    Secretary of the  Police Service Commission (PSC) Onyemuche Nnamani also extolled President   Tinubu for his bold steps in infrastructural development.

  • Atiku, Mark, Tambuwal, Secondus, Egbu, others head for ADC

    Atiku, Mark, Tambuwal, Secondus, Egbu, others head for ADC

    • ‘PDP now shadow of old self ‘

    A major step towards the battle for power in 2027 is likely to be taken today in Abuja.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and some senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figures are expected to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which they have embraced as the vehicle for their coalition.

    Sources said the plan was perfected at a meeting yesterday under the aegis of Concerned PDP Elders.

    The meeting took place at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

    The ADC will be adopted with like-minded politicians in the National Opposition Coalition Group (NOCG), it was gathered.

    A source at the meeting said: “We have lost hope of rescuing PDP.

    “We have decided to move to ADC for a national coalition for the 2027 general election.

    “PDP has been hijacked. We have come to realise that a committee, headed by a former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, set up to serve as an arbiter, is compromised.

    “Attempts to register a new party appear to be a long shot.”

    The source explained that the plan to register the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) was thwarted by the “sudden emergence” of the Advanced Democratic Alliance (ADA).

    With the two associations sharing the same acronym, the prospect of registration becomes complex.

    It was gathered that the initial move to consider the Social Democratic Party (SDP) by all coalition partners was unsuccessful, despite the defection to the party by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

    “The party was infiltrated and our plans were frustrated.”

    The source explained that the coalition members had no choice but to opt for ADC.

    Read Also: Atiku, Mark hold closed-door meeting with PDP leaders

    The source added: “The ADC is now the coalition party, which should be unveiled on Wednesday (today).”

    Apart from Atiku, PDP leaders who attended yesterday’s meeting were a former President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark; Sen. Aminu Tambuwal; former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido; a former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi; Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Senator Abdul Ningi.

    Others were a former Benue Governor, Gabriel Suswam; a former Cross River Governor, Liyel Imoke; ex-PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus; a former  National Women leader of PDP, Mrs. Josephine Anenih and Hajia Inna Ciroma.

    Also present were a former Rivers State Governor, Celestine Omehia; a former presidential adviser Sen. Ben Obi; ex-Minister of Education Dr. Sam Egwu; a former Niger Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu and a former PDP spokesman Kola Ologbondiyan.

    Yesterday’s move came 24 hours after the PDP organs, which hitherto were at each other’s throats, met at the secretariat and took a common decision to adopt Sen. Samuel Anyawu as National Secretary.

    But what appeared to be a united front for the party was shattered by yesterday’s meeting of the “Concerned Leaders”.

    These leaders did not attend the Monday meeting at the secretariat.

    The PDP had strongly declared that it would not be part of any coalition, of which Atiku is the proponent.

    Since he announced the move towards coalition, Atiku had not been seen at any PDP gathering.

    ‘PDP now shadow of old self’

    Rising from the meeting, the chieftains repudiated the PDP, lamenting that it is now “a shadow of its old self.”

    Mark, who read the communique, explained that the meeting was organised to discuss the disturbing condition of the party.

    He noted that since its defeat at the 2023 polls and the exit of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as national chairman, the PDP has never been the same again.

    Mark lamented that the inability of PDP leadership to lead the party in accordance with its constitution, rules and regulations has led to chaos and indiscipline. 

    He said: “The vision of the founding fathers for which the party was established and the role it played in restoring Nigeria as a stable and united country and a key player on the regional, continental, and global stage has been washed away just as our roles as the leader of the black race is now overtaken by smaller and less endowed countries.”

    Mark added: “The meeting encourages all well-meaning PDP members and other patriotic Nigerians to join the coalition.

    “All coalition partners must be united on the issues of national unity, democracy, national security, national economy, and the political will to stamp out corruption embedded in our institutions.

    “The coalition partners are to work out the modalities of winning all elections, taking into consideration local and national peculiarities.”