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Category: Politics

  • PDP Reps caucus adopts party’s resolution

    PDP Reps caucus adopts party’s resolution

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House of Representatives has resolved to adopt all the decisions of the various committees and organs of the party, including the Zamfara and Lagos decisions, to stabilise the party.

    The caucus made its position after an emergency meeting in Abuja on Monday.

    Addressing journalists after the meeting, the caucus leader, Hon. Fred Agbedi, said the PDP Caucus of the 10th House of Representatives is in support of all efforts to forge a formidable front ahead of the 2027 general election.

    He said, “As representatives, to ensure that we support the position of the party, to create more stability, peace, and strengthen this party to ensure that we take victory in the presidential and other elections by 2027.

    “There are no lingering crises. We have no issue with lingering crises. What we have told you is that the caucus adopts all the decisions of the committees and organs of the party, and we are ready to work with them.”

    Hon. Agbedi says the lawmakers are determined to support efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace in the party

    He insisted that the caucus has resolved to synergise with the party’s leadership to ensure progress.

  • Road to 2027 won’t be easy – BoT warns PDP

    Road to 2027 won’t be easy – BoT warns PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) has called on party members to unite and make sacrifices as it begins preparations for the 2027 general elections.

    At a meeting held on Monday at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, BoT Secretary Senator Ahmed Makarfi, standing in for BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and PDP Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Ilyas Damagum, emphasised the need to rally the party’s base and strengthen internal cohesion ahead of key decisions.

    “The road to 2027 will not be easy, but if we unite, embrace sacrifice and open our doors to reconciliation, the PDP will once again rise as the hope of Nigerians,” Makarfi said, urging leaders to prioritise collective interest over personal ambitions.

    Damagum echoed the call for solidarity, stressing the importance of inclusion, particularly for women and youth, as the party heads towards its national convention in Ibadan this November.

    He noted that the PDP constitution already provides 35% affirmative action for women and urged its full implementation in leadership positions.

    Read Also: ADC defectors now realising they’ve joined ‘one-chance vehicle’ – PDP governors

    Discussions also touched on the party’s zoning arrangements. Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri, chairman of the PDP zoning committee, said their report would guide the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) in sharing party offices between the North and South, though micro-zoning would be handled separately.

    The BoT meeting was attended by key party leaders, including Chief Jim Nwobodo, Prof Jerry Gana, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, Chief Olabode George, Senator Babangida Aliyu, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, Philip Salawu, and Hajia Zainab Maina.

    Party leaders agreed that unity, fairness, and inclusivity will be central to rebuilding public confidence and reclaiming power in 2027.

  • Onjeh congratulates new Benue Speaker Emberger

    Onjeh congratulates new Benue Speaker Emberger

    Former All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Benue South Senatorial district, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has heartily congratulated Alfred Emberger on his emergence as new Benue Speaker. 

    Emberger’s election followed the resignation of his predecessor, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh, who stepped down in a letter dated August 24, 2025, stating that his decision was taken in good faith and in the best interest of the state.

    In his congratulatory message, Onjeh commended the House for the maturity and speed with which it resolved its recent internal wrangling. He noted that the prompt lifting of the suspension earlier imposed on four members, including Emberger, and their subsequent reinstatement and participation in the election, reflected a commendable spirit of reconciliation and political accommodation. According to him, this bold step has paved the way for stability in the legislature, which is indispensable to the state’s progress.

    Onjeh, a former Chairman of the Governing Board of PRODA, Enugu, advised the new Speaker that his task should, first and foremost, be to unite the House so it can focus squarely on its legislative responsibilities, free from distractions, and deliver effectively on its mandate to the people of Benue State.

    He said, “The House must now concentrate on its core functions: making sound laws, strengthening institutions of governance, and giving Governor Hyacinth Alia the required legislative support to actualise his vision for the state.”

    He further called on all members of the Assembly to close ranks, rally behind the new leadership, and provide robust backing to the Governor. “The House must ensure that the turbulence which trailed the Alia administration from inception is brought to an end. The government needs breathing space to fulfil its promises to the people,” Onjeh urged, alluding to recent tensions such as the Assembly’s earlier refusal to screen commissioner-nominees.

    Reiterating the need for harmony, Onjeh said, “It is time to move forward. There should be no victor and no vanquished. The new Speaker must carry every member along.”

    While affirming that the doctrine of separation of powers is sacrosanct, Onjeh maintained that constructive synergy between the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary remains the bedrock of sustainable development in the state.

    Read Also: We’ve lost a patriot, Onjeh mourns Buhari

    He therefore advised the Assembly under Speaker Emberger to adopt dialogue and discreet engagement as its guiding approach, rather than resorting hastily to public confrontations.

    He added, “On sensitive matters, the House should prioritise internal deliberations and liaise privately with relevant arms of government to iron out differences amicably. This will prevent unnecessary tension and strained relationships, as witnessed in past controversies over commissioner nominations and official suspensions.”

    The APC stalwart expressed confidence in Speaker Emberger’s assurance to lead with inclusiveness, fairness, and respect for diverse opinions, while ensuring a harmonious working relationship with the other arms of government without compromising the Assembly’s independence.

    Onjeh concluded by wishing the new Speaker a fruitful and impactful tenure, urging him to transform the Assembly into a formidable pillar of democracy and good governance in Benue State.

  • ADC defectors now realising they’ve joined ‘one-chance vehicle’ – PDP governors

    ADC defectors now realising they’ve joined ‘one-chance vehicle’ – PDP governors

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has taken a swipe at the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing defectors of engaging in “irresponsible verbal attacks” after realising they had joined a “one-chance vehicle.”

    In a statement signed by its director-general, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, the forum likened the ADC’s plight to that of the prodigal son, stressing that the PDP remains open to welcoming back repentant members who show genuine remorse.

    The reaction followed criticisms from the ADC and some Zamfara residents, who described the PDP governors’ dinner and colourful gathering in Gusau as insensitive, given the state’s ongoing security crisis.

    ADC’s national publicity secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, had condemned the Gusau meeting as “an insensitive jamboree,” accusing the governors of disregarding the grief of citizens recently affected by bandit attacks.

    But the PDP governors dismissed the outcry, insisting that the ADC’s comments were unjustifiable and borne out of frustration.

    “Ordinarily, we would not grant them the rare privilege of joining issues, but it is our sense of responsibility to correct the erroneous impression being forced down the sensibilities of the innocent Nigerian public that necessitates this response.

    “Playing politics and trying to gain political capital with human lives isn’t our stock in trade, as is characteristic of the ADC; the Zamfara Meeting was scheduled and not a spur-of-the-moment thing. ADC should have done better by empathising through a visit to the affected states than playing to the gallery.

    “The Meeting extensively deliberated on the state of the nation, the security situation, amongst other critical issues of national interest and at the end of the day issued a communique that created time and space to comment on the state of insecurity and security reforms as follows;

    “The Forum, particularly commends initiatives by the government of Zamfara State in significantly curbing insecurity within the state; but condemns the continued monstrous killings in Katsina, Plateau, Niger and Benue States and other parts of the country and calls on the federal government to be more responsive to the lives and properties of the citizenry”, Agbo stated.

    Continuing further, the PDP Governors’ Forum described the ADC as prodigal children whose exit has brought peace for the PDP.

    Read Also: ADC slams PDP governors over Zamfara meeting

    “Since their exit, the PDP has become much more formidable and focused, with clear determination to have our eyes on the ball.

    “The ADC before now, with their inordinate sense of entitlement, constituted a huge clog to the wheel of national unity and harmony.

    “The security situation in the country was of grave concern to the PDP governors, which took centre stage in our deliberation and resolution as contained in the communique.

    “That the ADC couldn’t see that much isn’t surprising, as the prodigal son wasn’t known to have any pity on his father’s fortune,” the PDP Governors’ Forum stated.

  • I will run for presidency in 2027-Atiku

    I will run for presidency in 2027-Atiku

    Contrary to recent reports that he may opt out of the 2027 presidential contest, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said he remains in the race. 

    Atiku was quoted to have said at the weekend his commitment to the evolution of a better Nigeria outweighs his quest to be President.

    Prof Ola Olateju of the Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, who represented Atiku at the defection of some political figures to the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), in Lagos at the weekend, suggested that Atiku was not keen about occupying Aso Rock at all costs.

    According to Olateju: “Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria, it’s not about being President; it’s about establishing a government that works for Nigerians – that’s why some of us are with him, not because Atiku must be President at all costs.”

    However, in a telephone conversation with Professor Tunde Olusunle, a Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 presidential election, Atiku reaffirmed he is determined on his political course towards the Presidency.

    Olusunle, a media scholar, said after reading the report at his holiday home in the United Arab Emirates, (UAE), the former Vice President said the statement to the effect that he may pull out of the race didn’t emanate from him.

    Read Also: The realism of a new Nigerian constitution

    He was quoted as saying: “I did not issue that statement; when people stand in for me at events, we preview my thoughts on the instant subject and what my contribution or intervention will be, so we are on the same page.

    “ In this particular instance, there was no engagement with me to distill my thoughts;  Prof Olateju was not speaking for me.

     “I will run in 2027, Nigeria needs to be decisively rescued from the intensive care unit it has been consigned; the degeneration in our country, the level of poverty and pain, the anguish, is unacceptable.

    “The accompanying deceit, the loss of values, the mega-scale, unimpeded thievery, the absolute lack of accountability, must disturb every concerned patriot; I will be offering myself to lead the reclamation and reconstruction of our traumatised homeland.”

    Atiku declared the the ADC coalition he is working on will galvanise popular support for the liberation of Nigeria and victory in 2027.

    Dismissing insinuations that ADC’s weak performance in recent bye-elections is a true reflection of its capacity, he said a platform which was adopted just a few months ago cannot be expected to engender upsets in by-elections.

     “ADC is leading a potent mass movement which will shock the world; we will upstage the status quo in a way which will leave doubters dumbstruck,” Olusunle quoted Atiku as saying.

  • 2027: PDP moves to reposition ahead of elections, sets focus on convention

    2027: PDP moves to reposition ahead of elections, sets focus on convention

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections, scheduling a series of strategic meetings this week to strengthen its position against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Over the weekend, PDP governors under the party’s Governors’ Forum met in Gusau to deliberate on plans for the November 15–16 national convention in Ibadan and other strategies to build a stronger opposition front.

    On Sunday evening, the National Working Committee (NWC) held a closed-door meeting at the party’s Wadata Plaza headquarters to outline agenda items for the National Executive Committee (NEC), which will convene for its 102nd meeting on Monday.

    Key topics include reports from committees led by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri on the convention and Governor Douye Diri on zoning national offices, as well as discussions on possible disciplinary actions against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his open support of President Bola Tinubu.

    Read Also: No one can derail our national convention, PDP govs vow

    The party’s national caucus, including the Board of Trustees, governors, and other organs, is also meeting at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja to decide which zones will produce the next set of party leaders and address lingering disputes.

    On Monday, the Board of Trustees, chaired by Senator Adolphus Wabara, will meet before the NEC session, where adoption of the Zoning Committee’s recommendations is expected to top the agenda.

    Between August 26 and September 1, PDP zonal executives will hold meetings across the country to begin mobilisation and align with the zoning arrangements ahead of the November convention.

    The party leadership has stated that media briefings will not be held until after Monday’s meetings.

  • Saheed Oladele hosts 33 Oyo APC LG chairmen, pushes for party unity

    Saheed Oladele hosts 33 Oyo APC LG chairmen, pushes for party unity

    In a major move to restore cohesion within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, governorship aspirant, Oloye Saheed Oladele, on Saturday hosted all 33 local government chairmen of the party in Bodija, Ibadan.

    The unprecedented gathering, attended by chairmen from areas including Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Oorelope, and Olorunsogo, marked the first time all APC chairmen across the state met in full. 

    Ibadan North APC chairman, Alhaji Taofeek Olayiwola, described the turnout as a sign that Oladele’s ambition has divine backing.

    Read Also: I’m not desperate to be president –Atiku

    Addressing the party leaders, Oladele, who is the Baameko of Ibadanland, stressed the need to mend internal divisions, citing the party’s loss in the recent Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election as a result of disunity. 

    He noted that the APC has the capacity to defeat the PDP in future elections but must first heal internal cracks.

    Oladele revealed that despite his large support base, he deliberately avoided setting up a personal political structure, saying, “Party unity is more important than any aspirant’s ambition. No political aspiration can succeed without a united front.” 

    He urged the APC to field a young, neutral, and widely acceptable candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

    Speaking on behalf of the chairmen, Architect J.O. Omoniyi of Ibadan Southwest LGA affirmed their commitment to strengthening the party, stressing that the APC must not enter the 2027 polls divided. 

    The chairmen commended Oladele’s unifying efforts and offered prayers for his success in the coming race.

  • How outcome of by-elections will shape 2027 race

    How outcome of by-elections will shape 2027 race

    The recent by-elections across the country offered more than just a contest for a handful of legislative seats: they provided a preview of the political storms gathering ahead of the 2027 general election. The All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged dominant, winning 12 of the 16 seats at stake. The ruling party’s incumbency muscle, a fractured opposition, and fragile voter trust set the stage for a high-stakes showdown in the next general election. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI reports.

    The dust has settled on the recent series of by-elections across the country to fill vacant legislative seats in the National and state Houses of Assembly. During the elections, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) tightened its grip, opposition parties stumbled badly, regional players defended their turf, and the integrity of the process came under fire.

    Altogether, these outcomes tell a story that Nigerians already sense: incumbency remains a towering advantage, opposition disunity is a liability, regional strongholds could shape national outcomes, and the credibility of elections themselves may become the greatest battle of all. As the dust clears, one thing is clear: the by-elections were less about who won a handful of seats, and more about how power will be contested—and possibly consolidated—less than two years from now.

    Unlike past by-elections under former presidents Jonathan and Buhari, which were often treated as isolated local skirmishes, this round was widely regarded as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 election. The stakes and attention were visibly higher, reflecting a restless electorate and a fragile political balance. The elections were also a stress test for the electoral body, and perhaps most importantly, a crucial preview of the epic battle looming on the horizon in 2027. The results were a mixed bag, a patchwork of victories and losses that the ruling party has been quick to spin as a definitive triumph. Yet beneath the spin, the lessons are sobering and profound.

    The by-elections revealed four hard truths about the country’s political landscape heading into the 2027 general election.

    APC’s enduring grip

    The elections demonstrated the APC’s enduring grip, as the party emerged as the clear winner, securing 12 out of 16 seats up for grabs. Victories came in Edo, Kaduna, Adamawa, and other key battlegrounds. Access to state resources, established grassroots networks, and the ability to mobilise security and logistics tilted the playing field. Political analyst Dr. Aminu Yakassai put it bluntly: “Elections in Nigeria are not won on Twitter. They’re won in the wards, where the APC has permanent foot soldiers.”

    For party leaders, the outcome was proof that the ruling party has not only weathered the current economic and security challenges, but has also extended its grassroots reach. For APC strategists, the by-elections underscored what they already believed: that the ruling party remains the best-oiled machine in Nigeria’s politics, one with unmatched capacity to mobilise voters, secure logistics, and dominate at the ward level where elections are truly won.

    The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, was quick to claim momentum: “These results confirm what Nigerians already know: the APC is not only in government, it is in their hearts. We are ready to defend our mandate in 2027.”

    President Bola Tinubu echoed that triumphalism, arguing that the by-elections “signaled grassroots support and unity” behind his government. His allies framed the outcome as validation of his first two years in office, despite economic headwinds and public frustration over subsidy removals and inflation.

    The APC’s dominance, however, cannot be understood in isolation. It sets the stage for examining why its rivals continue to falter—a contrast that reveals the scale of the opposition’s troubles.

    Opposition in disarray

    While the APC’s strength was on display, the election also exposed the opposition’s weakness in equal measure. Instead of rallying behind a single platform, opposition forces went into the by-elections splintered. The major opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), once touted as a possible coalition platform to unify disaffected voters, often fielded separate candidates in the same constituencies, splitting anti-APC votes. In Adamawa North, for example, the PDP candidate lost narrowly while the ADC scraped just 42 votes—numbers that, combined, might have changed the outcome.

    The PDP managed to win some symbolic victories in Ibadan North and Onitsha North. Yet these scattered wins did little to mask the party’s internal divisions and its failure to project a unified alternative. The ADC leaders decried the process as deeply flawed. “This was not a contest of ideas; it was a rehearsal of fraud. If Nigeria cannot fix its electoral process now, 2027 will be a disaster for democracy,” said Bolaji Abdullahi, the Interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC.

    PDP leaders in Edo were even more scathing, rejecting the results entirely: “This outcome is an embarrassment to democracy. What happened was not an election but a carefully orchestrated manipulation in APC’s favour.”

    The Labour Party (LP), which rode a wave of youth-driven ‘Obidient’ movement in 2023, faced a reality check. While it put up a strong fight in some areas, it failed to replicate its stunning 2023 performance, particularly in the Southeast. This suggests that its influence may have been a presidential-level phenomenon, and that building the requisite grassroots structures for legislative contests remains a monumental task.

    Read Also: By-elections results: PDP, others in panic review ahead of 2027

    “We are a movement transitioning into a full-fledged political party,” says Dr. Promise Nwosu, an LP chieftain. “That takes time. The by-elections showed our weaknesses in local organisation, but also confirmed our strong connection with the youth and the frustrated masses. Our focus for 2027 is bottom-up: building structures from the ward level up. The spirit of 2023 is still there; it just needs to be organised.”

    The implication is that, until the opposition finds a way to close ranks, its prospects in 2027 look bleak. And while the big parties tussle, smaller regional forces continue to quietly entrench themselves.

    APGA, NNPP maintain strongholds

    Nevertheless, amid the clash of the big parties, fringe parties demonstrated resilience in their various regional enclaves. In Anambra, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) defended its stronghold, winning both Senate and House constituencies. The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), rooted in Kano, also secured a state assembly seat, reaffirming its relevance.

    The two parties proved that regional parties still matter. Their hold on local legislative positions them as potential kingmakers in 2027. Analysts warn that any opposition strategy that ignores these regional anchors will collapse. As election researcher Chinyere Okonkwo noted: “The battle for 2027 will not be won in Abuja, but in Awka and Kano.”

    This persistence of regional players dovetails into another theme: if smaller parties can hold ground despite limited resources, then the integrity of the process itself—how votes are counted, transmitted, and secured—becomes the critical battlefield.

    Electoral integrity on trial

    For the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the by-elections were a dress rehearsal for the next general election. Despite introducing revolutionary technology like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the 2023 elections, the outcome of the contest was marred by significant operational failures, logistical setbacks, and accusations of result manipulation. Thus, the by-elections were a critical test: could INEC rebuild its battered credibility?

    The reviews are mixed. In some constituencies, the process was notably smoother. BVAS functioned effectively, and results were transmitted in a more timely manner. However, familiar ghosts of Nigeria’s electoral past reappeared. There were reports of voter intimidation, brazen vote-buying, and violence that disrupted the process in certain hotspots.

    Civil society groups warned that the by-elections exposed systemic weaknesses that could undermine the 2027 contest. The Election Situation Room, a coalition of independent monitors, noted: “The by-elections exposed systemic weaknesses—poor logistics, insecurity, and inadequate voter education. Without urgent reform, confidence in the ballot will erode further.”

    For Ibrahim Abdullahi, a coordinator for Yiaga Africa, “It was a case of one step forward, two steps back.” He added, “We saw improved technical efficiency in accreditation, but the systemic issues of violence and financial inducement of voters remain deeply entrenched. It shows that technology alone cannot cure the cancer of electoral malpractices. The political will to punish offenders is absent. For 2027, we need a holistic approach that addresses not just the machinery of voting, but the culture of impunity.”

    An INEC official, speaking anonymously, defended the commission’s performance. “Given the limited resources and the security challenges specific to by-elections, we believe we conducted a credible exercise. The failures of 2023 were a learning process. The BVAS performed at over 98 per cent efficiency across the board. Our focus now is on strengthening our collaboration with security agencies to curb violence and vote-trading.”

    Still, BVAS failures, reports of vote-buying, and allegations of collusion cast doubt on the fairness of the by-elections. Turnout figures underscored the malaise: in many constituencies, less than one in 10 registered voters showed up. INEC’s data revealed that participation was as low as 8 to 15 per cent—worse even than the 2023 general election, which already had a record-low national turnout of 27 per cent. If INEC cannot address these systemic issues, the 2027 election could spark a legitimacy crisis even if the APC sweeps it again. Civil society groups have been lobbying for stronger legal safeguards, real-time transmission of results, and prosecution of electoral offenders. As one Lagos-based activist put it: “The question is not whether the APC can win. The question is whether Nigerians will believe the result.”

    For the electoral body, the path to 2027 is its final chance to restore credibility. It must move beyond technical fixes and aggressively collaborate with civil society and security agencies to combat vote-buying and violence. The judiciary’s role in punishing electoral offenders will also be under intense scrutiny.

    And this brings the focus back to the ruling party itself: how it interprets these mixed signals may determine whether 2027 becomes a consolidation or crisis.

    Conclusion: warning signals for APC

    Within the corridors of power at the Aso Rock Villa and the APC national secretariat, the by-election results are being framed as a resounding endorsement of President Tinubu’s policies. Winning seats from the opposition, particularly in Ebonyi, is touted as proof that the party is expanding its support base and that the public accepts the painful economic reforms as necessary medicine.

    “The victory of the APC in these elections, despite the temporary hardships, is a clear sign that Nigerians are wise and can see the larger picture,” declares Ismaeel Ahmed, a lawyer and prominent APC national official. “They understand that President Tinubu is laying a foundation for a sustainable economic future. It is a vote of confidence in our Renewed Hope Agenda. It energises us for 2027 and shows that our message is resonating.”

    Yet beneath the confident narrative lie troubling signs. The low voter turnout, which hovered between eight and 15 per cent in many constituencies, signals apathy and disillusionment. For a government needing legitimacy to push through tough reforms, disengaged citizens are a serious liability. Moreover, APC’s gains were uneven—rejections in several constituencies reflected mounting economic frustrations. In the view of many observers, the victories leaned heavily on incumbency power and state resources, not genuine enthusiasm.

    Professor Aisha Bala of the Department of Political Science, University of Jos, Plateau State, warned that the APC risks misreading the results. She said, “They are interpreting victory through the old Nigerian politics of ‘we captured the seat’. But the subtext is terrifying for them. The turnout was low, and those who did vote were often voting ‘against’ something, not ‘for’ something. If the economy fails to improve by 2027, incumbency may not save them from voter anger.”

    The by-elections offered a preview. Whether 2027 becomes a turning point or a repeat performance will depend on whether these lessons are taken seriously—or ignored. The 2027 election is likely to be a single-issue referendum on the economy and livelihood of Nigerians. The government has less than two years to demonstrate tangible improvements in the cost of living, food security, and job creation. If it fails, the outcome will be a severe backlash.

  • 2027: Sule contemplates Senate bid amidst pressure from constituents

    2027: Sule contemplates Senate bid amidst pressure from constituents

    In less than two years, some governors in their second term will end their tenure, and bid farewell to the seat of power of their various states. In Nasarawa State, the people of Nasarawa North Senatorial District say Governor Sule is not tired, as they still want him to remain relevant in the political limelight, and should represent them at the Senate in 2027. In this piece, our Nasarawa State Correspondent LINUS OOTA, traces the idea behind the clamour for such agitation.

    As Nigeria gradually approaches the defining year of 2027, political permutations are already gathering momentum across the country. In Nasarawa State, the most talked about is the heavy pressure by traditional leaders, stakeholders across party lines , past and present political appointees and elected office holders, religious leaders, youths and women groups, from Nasarawa North Senatorial District are giving Governor Abdullahi Sule sleepless nights that he must  represent them at the Senate.

     Some political analysts have been pointing out what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands to gain in 2027 if Governor Sule is elected into the Senate.

     Sule has been vocal and consistent in defending the Tax Reforms and Subsidy Removal policies of President Tinubu, whom some Nigerians describe as harsh economic policies on Nigerians, but Governor Sule has consistently maintained that the actions of President Tinubu has helped the country in no small measures in revamping the economy.

     The governor had in January 2024 after the Supreme Court Judgement declaring him legitimate winner of the 2023 Governorship election in the state, proclaimed that he was  done with political contest in his life as he was only interested in becoming Governor of Nasarawa State and not any other political office, not even the president of Nigeria.

     He disclosed this in January 2024 while speaking on his victory at the Supreme Court during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said, “I came in only to be a governor; I did not come in to be a Chairman, a senator or a member of the House of Representatives. I don’t have any dreams for those offices.

     “I have no dream of becoming even President; I have no dreams for that. I can tell you categorically that Abdullahi Sule would not go for Senate after leaving office. By the time I finish my eight years, I can do whatever I want to do,” Sule had said in January 2024.

     The video of the Channels interview went viral on social media especially amongst residents of the State, a development that got the people of Nasarawa North Senatorial District worried apparently.

     Barely a year and half of such declaration by the governor, stakeholders both within and outside the Senatorial zone are mounting pressure on Governor Abdullahi Sule to recent that declaration, insisting that he must run for the Senatorial seat, describing that decision as great disservice to humanity, to God that he worship, and above all the good people of Nasarawa North Senatorial District.

     However, by 2027, there is going to be a vacuum in the Senatorial slots for Nasarawa North following the ill health of the current occupant of the seat, Senator Godiya Akwashiki. Senator Akwashiki adjudged to be the most performing Senator the zone ever produced in history had stood by his people in both difficult times and in attracting real democratic dividends.

     Akwashiki was elected into the Senate in 2019 on the platform of the APC after serving as Majority leader of Nasarawa State House of Assembly between 2011-2015 and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly between 2015-2019. He was re-elected  into the Senate in 2023 on the platform of the SDP before he got ill rendering him ineffective.

     Due to ill health, his effectiveness at the Senate is no longer been felt by his people at home, and the entire people of the zone ranging from religious leaders, traditional rulers, party chieftains, former and serving political office holders across party lines, youths and women groups are therefore craving for someone that will continue from where Senator Akwashiki stopped.

     And because of the strategic importance of President Tinubu’s economic policies and the deep understanding of such policies by Governor Abdullahi Sule, many people believe that having him at the Senate to dissect the nitty gritty of such economic policies on the floor of the next Senate in 2027 will not only help the president maintain the momentum of his Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerians but will put the Senatorial zone on the world map.

    Read Also: Senate pushes municipal bonds, Sukuk for local govt

     A prominent religious leader, a Christian to be precise, who was part of a recent delegation to the Governor told our correspondent authoritatively that they recently stormed the government house to register their worry concerning the Governor’s stance on the 2027 political contest.

     He said they were there to persuade him to seek an elective post as a mark of their appreciation for the qualitative leadership he has so far given the state and the party, adding that the party’s spirit would be dampened if the Governor refused to go for the Senatorial seat.

     “We are all worried by what we saw on social media concerning what you said about your ambition in 2027. It won’t be fair on our part to you if after all that you have achieved for the state, you do not move ahead to the Senate. We the entire stakeholders of the zone are here by insisting that you must contest the Nasarawa North Senatorial seat.”

     He said that the call on the governor to seek another election after his eight years term is a unanimous stand of the zone and of course the majority of the constituents of Nasarawa North Senatorial District.

     The stakeholders further disclose that going by the early political alignments in the country, they are convinced that Governor Abdullahi Sule’s membership of the Senate in 2027 will drive President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the Senate and he will effectively defend his economic policies.

     As the time approaches , all odds favours Governor Sule for Nasarawa North Senatorial Seat as one does not require any guess work, he stands tall , not just for his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but also for his strategic relevance and unbroken connections.

     He never stood aloof or in outright opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s policies. His commitment to the party, the president, and the idea of national integration makes him not just a participant in the Renewed Hope Project but a pillar of its future success when Bola Ahmed Tinubu is re-elected back as President of Nigeria.

     The tax reform bill championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and opposed by some northern leaders is a major factor for Governor Abdullahi Sule who is versed in economic matters, will use to influence the next national assembly members to support the Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed during his second term in 2027.

     As a second term Governor, Engr Abdullahi Sule is vocal in explaining the significant benefit of the task reform bill now an act to northern Nigeria. He revealed recently that the reforms, particularly the revised Value Added Tax (VAT) distribution formula, would ensure greater equity and fiscal balance across the country.

     “These reforms are a game-changer for northern Nigeria. Under the new VAT sharing formula, 50% will be allocated for equity, 30%, based on derivation, and 20% tied to consumption. This adjustment reflects a fairer system that addresses long standing dispute” Sule said

     The Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF) which initially had some reservations of the tax, later announced its support for President Tinubu’s proposal after securing assurances from the President’s Tax Reform  Committee , chaired by Taiwo Oyedele.

     According to Governor Sule, the endorsement came after thorough deliberations and adjustments to the reform framework to accommodate regional and state specific concerns, adding that the discussions surrounding the tax reform bills are intended to uphold President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision rather than criticize or oppose him.

     He explained further that governors like him “have everything to appreciate President Tinubu for making governance easier and more beneficial for them. It is because of the president that today, all the projects we are executing, I’m not borrowing one naira. All the work that you see going on. I did not borrow one naira.

     “I cannot therefore turn around and fight the president who has helped me to look good,” he said.

     Governor Sule has also been vocal about the gains of subsidy removal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that it has increased the allocation of states triple times, therefore enhancing their performance without taking loan especially in Nasarawa State.

     He explained that the subsidy regime under the present administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is different from the Petroleum Task Force (PTF) and SURE-P of previous administrations.

     He explained further that the money realised from the removal of subsidy is being ploughed back to the various tiers of governance for development across the states and local government areas.

     According to the governor, unlike in the previous dispensations where monies from subsidy removals were mostly utilised by the federal government, under President Tinubu the monies being realised are being channeled back to the states and local governments for much needed development.

     He expressed appreciation that as a result of the improvement of revenue coming to the states, his administration was able to settle part of the gratuity of members of the forums, a gesture that necessitated the solidarity visit. Some of the elected council officials left office in the 70s and were yet to receive their benefits until now.

     “We must thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.  I saw all kinds of criticisms  about this withdrawal of subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange and where the money is going. These are the kinds of places the money is going to,” he stated.

     He recalled the precarious economic situation he inherited when he became Governor in 2019, with both the state and local government areas only able to pay salaries of workers in percentages.

     “The truth is that, don’t mistake me for criticising anybody. When we came in and met something, I was not trying to criticise anyone. I am just trying to present the facts as they are. We came in when the local government was having difficulty in even paying full salaries. That was the situation we found on the ground. It’s the same thing with pension. Pension both at the local government and the state were having challenges. 

     “When I said that, then you can imagine there is no way these people can have any savings. Because since they don’t have even enough to pay, where will they save? The entire allocation of the local government, sometimes it would be 1bn, their salary was already N1.1bn. Sometimes, it would be a little bit above N2bn, 2.4, 2.3. That was what we met. Today, the local government is boasting of N5bn. That is the situation just that the salary has also increased significantly to over N2bn,” he said.

     Governor Sule dismissed any attempt to compare the previous subsidy regime to the present regime under President Tinubu, stressing that evidence of the distribution and utilisation of the subsidy windfall is visible for all to see across the states and local government areas.

    “Other people said that during Abacha’s time, after withdrawal of subsidy, there was PTF. During Jonathan after withdrawal of subsidy, there was SURE-P. Somebody was challenging why don’t we have similar things now. Our own is different.  Because the money is going to people.

    During the Abacha regime when there was the withdrawal, we did not have dualization of Shendam Road.  We didn’t have dualization in Akwanga.  We never saw dualization in Keffi. We didn’t see any of those. Antau Bridge was collapsing at any given opportunity.  The market in Keffi was witnessing frequent fire outbreaks and consuming the houses of people, their wealth and everything gone. The same thing here in Lafia, Akwanga and elsewhere. 

    “But today, we are not seeing development only in our senatorial zones headquarters, we are seeing development also in every town and some of the rural areas. That is where the money is going. In addition to that, they still have savings. This money that the local government sat down and agreed to pay is from their savings,” he said.

    These and many more are some of the remarkable policies of the Tinubu administration that Engr Abdullahi Sule will defend with his last drop of blood when he gets to the Senate in 2027 and matters like the Tax Reform and fuel Subsidy Removal issues come up for deliberation.

    Recently in Akwanga LGA, the headquarters of Nasarawa North Senatorial district, the stakeholders of the APC gathered in their large numbers and urged Governor Abdullahi Sule who is completing his second term as Governor of the state in 2027 to seek election into the Senate to represent Nasarawa North Senatorial district.

    The endorsement came during the APC stakeholders meeting of Nasarawa North Senatorial district held in Akwanga local government area of the State.

    The commissioner of water resources Hon Muluku Agah Mohammed moved the motion to adopt President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abdullahi Sule as their sole candidates to be elected as President and Senator in 2027, and the Commissioner of Youths and Sports development, Hon Kwanta Yakubu seconded the motion.

    Speaking at the Stakeholders meeting, the Executive Chairman, Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board, NSUBEB Dr Kassim Muh’d Kassim says the decision to send Governor Abdullahi Sule to represent Nasarawa North Senatorial district in the 11th Senate in 2027 is a collective decision of the entire stakeholders of the Nasarawa North Senatorial district.

    He declared their readiness to deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abdullahi Sule, stating that their leadership has brought economic reforms and inclusive governance deserving of continuity .

    “This is a collective decision by all of us to support President Tinubu for a second term, and our Governor, Engr Abdullahi Sule to go to the Senate in 2027, we will mobilize our people to deliver them in 2027”

    “We have  endorsed Governor Abdullahi Sule today  to proceed to the Senate due to his immeasurable achievements, his experience, exposure and network can lead to more efficient and effective legislative business as far as his personality is concerned.

    “Allowing a polished democrat like Governor Sule to represent us at the Senate will provide stability and continuity in governance. We are begging Governor Sule to be our leading light because he has governed us well, he is a  detribalised Nigerian, he is an easy going and indivisible fellow who enjoys interacting with people. Engr Abdullahi Sule is the only Governor in the history of Nigeria that picks strange calls and returns missed calls.

    “A leader that operates an open door policy and people’s friendly leadership styles,  and we can’t afford to lose such a man in the leadership of the northern zone” he said

    He describe the Governor as a honest man who is truthful and transparent in all his dealings with people”he is a man of integrity who adheres to moral and ethical principles and he is very compassionate by identifying and empathizing with struggles and needs of his people and above all, he is a man with confidence as his abilities and decisions often inspires trust and motivate others”

    Reading the communique after the meeting, Former Secretary to State Government, SSG Mr Timothy Anjide “The Stakeholders of the APC in Nasarawa North Senatorial district met in a critical session to deliberate on pressing issues concerning the party, the government, and the future of the district.

    “The meeting was attended by virtually all the key Stakeholders of the APC in the Senatorial district and after extensive and fruitful deliberations, the meeting resolved to acknowledge and appreciate President Tinubu for appointing son’s and daughters of Nasarawa North Senatorial district in to strategic positions in federal agencies, boards and parastatals.

    “In recognition of his vision, leadership and developmental focus, the stakeholders unanimously endorse Mr President for a second term in office.

    “The stakeholders deeply appreciate His Excellency for his unwavering commitment to inclusive governance, impactful developmental strides and consistent support for the APC family in the district.

    “A unanimous vote of confidence was pass on His Excellency, Engr Abdullahi Sule with strong call and appeal to His Excellency to represent Nasarawa North in the Senate come 2027” the communique read

    The meeting was convened  by the Executive Chairman of Akwanga and chairman of ALGON in the state, Hon Safiyanu Isa Andahar, supported by the Chairman of Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba LGAs, the three LGAs make up Nasarawa North Senatorial district.

    All party officials from council wards, LGAs,  State and Zonal officers from the zone attended the endorsement meeting.

    Other Prominent figures in attendance includes Senator John Danboyi, incumbent House of Representative member for Akwanga, Wamba, Nasarawa Eggon federal Constituency Hon Jeremiah Umaru, current members of Nasarawa State House of Assembly from the Zone, all Council Chairmen from the zone, serving commissioners, special advisers,  SSAs, SAs and PAs from the zone, head of government agencies from the zone and all former elected and political appointees from the zone.

  • APC will tower above PDP in achievements if Tinubu rules for eight years

    APC will tower above PDP in achievements if Tinubu rules for eight years

    Abuja-based legal practitioner, writer and political enthusiast, Muhammed Mustapha Belgore, is probably the hope of tomorrow’s youth. Blunt, upright and focused, Muhammed is well grounded in political analysis. In this interview with Gboyega Alaka, Mohammed opens up on current party politicking in Nigeria and how it affects the youths and the North’s position.

    You are no doubt a politically conscious youth. But do you think today’s youth are generally mindful of politics?

    Yes, I believe today’s youth are generally mindful of politics. As I stated before this interview, my generation is the golden generation that will save this country. While it may seem that not all youths may be fully participating, everyone is watching with keen interest, especially as policies directly affect their survival in the harsh situations we find ourselves in. They have no choice, Nigeria is home, and politics touches every aspect of life here.

    We have to tighten our belts. Our forebears have disappointed us. They preferred to teach us to kneel down to greet our elders rather than secure the institutions that would make our lives easier. Healthcare, electricity, pipe borne water, education, what have you, nothing. they just pocketed the billions. We can’t let our own children look at us in that manner. No.

    Do Nigerian youths care about who their political leader is, and should they really care, after being disappointed for so long?

    Absolutely, Nigerian youths care about who their political leader is, and they should care deeply. After years of disappointment, it’s understandable to feel disillusioned. But disengagement is not the answer. Policies shape our survival, and as I’ve said, we’re all watching keenly because there’s no escaping the impact. Nigeria is home, we must care to change it for the better.

    What is your impression of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the man you commonly refer to as a political phenomenon?

    Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a political phenomenon who I adore. His track record is one of triumph, from building Lagos into an economic powerhouse to navigating national politics with strategic brilliance. He is a leader who understands the ubiquity of politics in Nigeria where everything is politics, and he has mastered it.

    We had the PDP in the political saddle for so long, and we have also had the APC in the saddle for quite a while now. Which can you say has done well or better?

    Between PDP and APC, I’d say APC has done better, especially under leaders like Tinubu. PDP held power for 16 years from 1999 to 2015, but corruption and inefficiency plagued their tenure. APC, since 2015, has focused on reforms, anti-corruption drives, and infrastructure, though challenges remain. But if Tinubu is the leg that APC stands on, at the end of his eight years tenure, I expect that APC will stand tall when compared with PDP.

    Is the formation of ADC really necessary, considering the fact that the political figures remain the same?

    The creation or rather the recent revival of ADC as a coalition is not necessary, given that the same political figures are involved. ADC was founded in 2005, but now in 2025, it has become a platform for opposition leaders like Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, Amaechi, and others to unite against APC. It’s the same recycled politicians shifting for power, not ideology. It won’t bring fresh change.

     In time past, when Nigerian politics seemed to have been about serving the masses, politicians defected from parties based on ideologies and desire to better the lot of the electorate. But today’s defections seem to be pocket-motivated. What do you think?

    Maybe I’m too young to know, but I can’t remember when it was ever based on ideologies and a desire to serve the masses. I think the egregiousness of the greed woven into the fabric of their sinister intentions is only more pronounced now. It’s always been about personal gain. Politics is ubiquitous in Nigeria. Everything is politics here, and that ubiquity often leads to self-interest over public good.

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    Let’s be factual here, can ADC really take power from APC?

    Factually, no. ADC cannot take power from APC. Maybe  2031. But 2027? There’s no magic they want to perform. Let’s be practical, even with the coalition of big names, the opposition is fragmented, and the APC’s hold, especially under Tinubu, is strong. The recent defections to the APC weakened the opposition further.

    Who would you say is the face of the ADC?

    ADC doesn’t have a single “face” right now. It’s a coalition. David Mark has been named interim national chairman, but key figures include Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, and others who joined in 2025 to challenge Tinubu.

    Tinubu’s past, according to you, is a tale of triumph, but every man has a losing point! Do you think that applies to Tinubu whose track record you already know?

    Every man has a losing point. But for Tinubu, whose past is a tale of triumph that I know well, I don’t see it applying anytime soon. He’s not God; he’s failed in certain respects as well in the past, but he is resilient, strategic, and adored for good reasons. His track record in Lagos and nationally shows he’s built to win, even against all odds.

    Months before the 2015 general elections in which General Buhari locked horns with former president Jonathan, one already knew the position of the North. From your perception, what is the permutation of the North about 2027?

    From my perception as a youth, the North’s permutation for 2027 is not mainly about reclaiming power in 2027. Yes, there’s growing unity in the North against Tinubu’s administration, feeling marginalised and all that. But Tinubu will fix this grievance before 2027. The North will not be cheated, this is biblical. No, the North will not be cheated. As Brazil is to football, that is how the North is to politics, and Tinubu knows this. He will dot the Is and cross the Ts where necessary.

    There have been underground moves to recall a reluctant Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race. Do you see him jumping into the ring?

    I don’t see Jonathan jumping into the ring for 2027. If he wants to erase that fragile legacy he has as Nigeria’s democratic hero, then he can jump in. But he will drown; because the category of politicians we have now, he’s not their caliber. He should just sit down and enjoy his hero status. Unless he wants them to use him for their own selfish reasons. The truth is he will only be an expendable tool to them.

    If you were to advise ADC, who would you suggest they give the baton to; Atiku, Obi or El-Rufai?

    What I will advise ADC to do will sound very absurd, but I’m telling you that it is how they will win. When I saw that they made Bolaji Abdullah their interim spokesperson, I felt okay, perhaps these guys may get it right. But I don’t know, I guess we’ll see. None of those bigwigs can win. But if they support a technocrat like Bolaji Abdullahi; Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, El-Rufai, David Mark, let them just decide that the goal is to win and sacrifice their own ambitions, and then support a candidate. That gives Nigerians the impression of a fresh start, then they will have a chance. Let them just unite behind a candidate Nigerians are not expecting, and then give it everything. But I know they won’t do that. Atiku will contest till thy kingdom comes.

    With a weakened G5 which APC had in 2015, don’t you think that APC has lost its legs?

    Yes, with a weakened G5, APC has lost some legs. The G5—Wike, Makinde, Ortom, Ugwuanyi, and Ikpeazu, supported Tinubu in 2023, but now the group is fractured. Some like Wike are in Tinubu’s government; others have lost influence post-2023. APC relied on them for southern support, but their weakness exposes vulnerabilities.

    Can one party system work in Nigeria?

    A one-party state is where only one political party is legally allowed to govern, controlling all aspects of power without opposition. It can work in stable, ideologically unified nations like China. But in diverse Nigeria, it would stifle democracy, breed corruption, and lead to authoritarianism. We need multi-party competition for accountability.

    Looking at it critically, Tinubu has 2027 in his pocket. But what does that say about the economy, and the future of the youths of Nigeria?

    If Tinubu has 2027 in his pocket, I even prefer it like that. See, democracy has a lot of challenges. Continuity is a problem. There are policies that take time to bear fruit. If someone else comes in and starts running the country de novo, we will go back to square one. Let him finish his eight (8) years. Let’s see the result of another uninterrupted eight (8) years of democratic rule. As for the future of Nigerian youths, is he not the first to initiate the student loan policy? Was their future looking better under his predecessors? Come on… let him put 2027 in his pocket and zip it up.

     You write and speak politics. When are you going into politics proper? Or are you already one of them?

     I write and speak about politics, and I feel like a politician already, even though I’m not particularly active with any party at the moment. Politics is ubiquitous, especially in Nigeria where everything is politics. I’ll step in when the time feels right to contribute more actively.