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Tag: atiku

  • 2027: Atiku meets ex-Sokoto governor Bafarawa in Abuja

    2027: Atiku meets ex-Sokoto governor Bafarawa in Abuja

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has met with former Sokoto State governor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, as part of consultations to boost support in the northwest ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    Atiku, in a post on X, confirmed the meeting, describing it as a “courtesy visit” and sharing photos of their discussion in Abuja.

    Read Also: Wike knocks Atiku, Obi for criticising Rivers LG polls

    “I’m happy to have met him in such a hospitable condition and to have had quality discussions with him,” he wrote.

    Though details of their conversation were not disclosed, the meeting comes amid heightened political permutations as politicians across parties strategize for the 2027 polls.

    Bafarawa, a former PDP stalwart who resigned from the party in January 2025, has a long history of northern political mobilization, notably challenging the Obasanjo administration’s policies during his tenure as Sokoto governor.

  • You goofed again, our victory in Rivers council poll well deserved, APC fires Atiku

    You goofed again, our victory in Rivers council poll well deserved, APC fires Atiku

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has told the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that he has goofed again over his incendiary allegations of foul play in the just concluded Rivers State local government elections.

    The party, while appreciating the people of Rivers State for its overwhelming victory at the grassroots election, rejected Atiku’s comment, describing his baseless allegations as highly irresponsible.

    The APC won 20 out the 23 local government areas in the weekend local government elections that saw the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) struggling to win in three councils while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) lost out.

    APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka in a statement in Abuja on Monday expressed the party’s profound appreciation to the people of the state for their overwhelming support in Saturday’s Local Government Elections.

    According to Morka, the victory was “another unmistakable indication of strong confidence of the people in the APC-led President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and its flagship Renewed Hope Agenda to continue to deliver transformative and people-oriented governance at all levels in our country.

    Read Also: Adedeji calls for global action against cross-border tax crimes

    “We commend our party leaders, members and supporters for working assiduously for this important victory.

    “Our appreciation also goes to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), and security agencies for ensuring a peaceful, transparent and hitch-free election.”

    The party urged the newly elected local government officials to work even harder to deliver meaningful governance outcomes for the common good of all.

    Taking a swipe on Atiku, the governing party said it “categorically rejects the incendiary and highly irresponsible allegations of foul play hurled by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the Rivers State local government elections.

    “Atiku’s tirade is no more than a smokescreen meant to distract the public from another miserable no-show record of his African Democratic Congress (ADC), and an attempt to stoke tension and strife over the Rivers local government election.

    “We trust Rivers people to reject Atiku’s incitement to strife and instability as an unwise counsel of a forlorn serial presidential contender.

    “Again, our profuse gratitude remains with the Rivers state electorate for their highly valued support. Together, we will build a stronger, more united Rivers state that works for the good of all.”

  • Wike’s aide knocks Atiku over comments on River council poll

    Wike’s aide knocks Atiku over comments on River council poll

    Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has faulted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his comments on the just-concluded local government elections in Rivers State.

    The elections, held across 23 local government areas (LGAs), saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) win in 20 LGAs while the remaining three were won by other parties.

    Many opposition voices, including Atiku, described the polls as flawed and undemocratic.

    Reacting on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Olayinka mocked Atiku, calling him a “Permanent Presidential Runner.”

    He argued that Atiku had no moral right to condemn the rivers election, pointing to Atiku’s past actions.

    Olayinka reminded Nigerians of when Atiku tweeted about the killing of Deborah Samuel, a student murdered in Sokoto in 2022.

    Read Also: Atiku, ADC differ on CVR online registration figures

    Atiku had condemned the killing but later deleted his tweet after facing backlash from some supporters in the North.

    According to Olayinka, a man who could not “boldly and honestly” stand by his words in the face of such a serious issue as murder has no grounds to attack the conduct of an election.

    He dismissed Atiku’s statement as “nonsensical nonsense.”

    Olayinka urged Nigerians to ignore Atiku.  

  • Atiku’s shock and awe

    Atiku’s shock and awe

    Shortly after one of his spokesmen, Ola Olateju, a professor, reported former vice president Atiku Abubakar as placing his desire to help rebuild Nigeria above his ambition to be president, another spokesman, Tunde Olusunle, quickly corrected what he described as the wrong impression given of the former vice president’s political ambition. Dr Olusunle then went on to quote Alhaji Atiku as considering his ambition indistinguishable from the goals of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the party the coalition of opposition parties hope to use to win the presidency. Of course both Alhaji Atiku and Dr Olusunle sadly misjudged the altruism Prof Olateju tried to insinuate into the former vice president’s ambition. Instead, the second spokesman colourfully suggested that the “ADC is leading a potent mass movement which will shock the world (in 2027)”, and would “upstage the status quo in a way which will leave doubters dumbstruck.” Phew!!!

    Read Also: Nigeria’s gas production rises to 7.59BSC daily

    Instead of admitting ADC’s clumsiness and hesitations in organising itself, and instead of accepting blame for taking over the party and nearly running it aground, Alhaji Atiku has reportedly blamed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for ridiculing the coalition party and promoting discord in the opposition. The former vice president has not disclosed how he would enact the shock and awe, but the world remembers with sardonic amusement how some two to three years ago Iran had threatened and promised to dismantle Israel should it attack its proxy forces in Lebanon, Gaza and Yemen. Israel took only 12 days last June to dismantle Iran. What Alhaji Atiku and the ADC need to do is boast less and organise more. But, like Peter Obi of the LP/ADC/PDP, having never had to set up a party nor run it for any length of time, the former vice president has proved that his forte is talking the talk. Talking the talk, he has determined, is more agreeable and far gentler on his ageing frame and less demanding on his desperate mind.

  • Atiku hands over Yola property, former Adamawa PDP secretariat to ADC

    Atiku hands over Yola property, former Adamawa PDP secretariat to ADC

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has handed over one of his many houses in Yola to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its Adamawa State Secretariat.

    The house in view, which is located at a choice area of Jimeta near famous Mubi Roundabout, once served as Adamawa State Secretariat of the PDP and remained in PDP colours up to the time of concluding this report Thursday evening.

    The allocation of the personal property for the use of ADC has come as part of the latest significant moves of Atiku towards making the ADC a major party in Adamawa State.

    Read Also: Akpabio lauds Tinubu over approval, release of funds for constituency projects

    He made one of his boldest statements about his inclination towards the ADC last month when he resigned from the PDP and was quickly followed by the defection of high profile associates of his into the ADC.

    The associates who have swelled the ranks and fame of the ADC include the Adamawa governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023, Senator Aishatu Ahmed (Binani) and APC Governor between 2025 and 2019, Senator Jibrilla Bindow.

    A national official of the ADC and ardent Atiku supporter, Umar Jada, who also happens to be of the same Jada descent as Atiku, has described Atiku’s property gift for Adamawa’s ADC use as a leap towards strengthening ADC’s presence in Adamawa.

    Jada, who is the Assistant National Organising Secretary/Zonal Organising Secretary of the ADC, said the facility will provide the party with a befitting work environment.

    The Chairman of the ADC in Adamawa State, Hon Shehu Yohanna could not be reached for comment on the new ADC State Secretariat but another state official of the party who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Atiku had indeed handed the Mubi Roundabout property for use of the ADC.

    The official said the house had not been painted in ADC colours only because PDD is yet to remove its assets from inside the house.

  • PDP regrets fielding Atiku in 2023, says Moro

    PDP regrets fielding Atiku in 2023, says Moro

    Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro yesterday lamented  the decision by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to field former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.

     He described it as an error that led to the defeat at the poll.

     Moro, who spoke on the television, said the National Executive Committee (NEC) made a bold decision to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South to foster fairness, equity, and justice.

    He said: “Zoning the ticket to the South was a strategic correction of past mistakes. To people who have been somewhat pessimistic about the resilience of the PDP, it could be shocking.

    “You will recall that I have told you here that a lot of activities have been put in place by the PDP towards resolving some of the conflicts within the party. And that out of the ashes of the storm, we are going to bounce back.”

    READ ALSO; What does Remi Tinubu want?

    Reflecting on the 2023 election, Moro admitted that fielding a northern candidate like Atiku was a miscalculation.

    He said: “Majority of us, virtually all of us, agreed that a mistake was made in 2023, fielding a northern candidate. And this time around, in the spirit of unity, in the spirit of fairness and justice, PDP leaders decided to swallow their saliva and say, look, let’s take this thing to the South, where majority of the people expected that it would have been.”

    The Senate Minority Leader lamented the 2023 outcome, saying: “To lose a very monumental election in that disastrous manner, as it were, certainly, is something for regrets.”

    He explained that the decision to open the ticket in 2023 so that a northern candidate could succeed a northern president, “backfired” as Nigerians resisted the move.

    On the possibility of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi returning to the PDP, Moro confirmed on-going efforts to woo him back.

    He said: “In the run-up to 2027, I’m aware that certain individuals have been talking to Peter Obi, saying, hey, come back home. This is what we are likely going to do. And if you come, you stand a chance of being a candidate.”

    Moro said Obi’s return could bolster the PDP’s chances, adding: “If Peter Obi comes back and is the most favoured candidate, the most supported candidate, and becomes a candidate, the PDP will make an impact in the 2027 election.”

    Moro also addressed speculations about former President Goodluck Jonathan intention to join the race, dismossing concerns about constitutional barriers.

    Citing judicial precedence, he said: “In 2015, when President Jonathan wanted to run, there were hues and cries all over the place about the constitutionality of his candidature. But eventually, it was settled, even by the court, that he was qualified to run, and that is why he ran.”

    Moro argued that Jonathan’s prior tenure, including the period he completed the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s term, does not disqualify him from contesting again.

  • PDP regrets fielding Atiku in 2023 – Sen. Abba Moro

    PDP regrets fielding Atiku in 2023 – Sen. Abba Moro

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regrets fielding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro has said. 

    He described the move as an error that cost the party dearly. 

    Moro, who spoke in a televised interview, revealed that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) made a bold decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region, a move he insists is rooted in fairness, equity, and justice.

     “Zoning the ticket to the south was a strategic correction of past mistakes. To people who have been somewhat pessimistic about the resilience of the PDP, it could be shocking,” he stated, addressing the surprise that greeted the NEC’s announcement. 

    READ ALSO: FULL STEPS: How to be a LAGRIDE driver, earn N250,000, above

    “You will recall that I have told you here that a lot of activities have been put in place by the PDP towards resolving some of the conflicts within the party. And that out of the ashes of the storm, we’re going to bounce back.”

    Reflecting on the 2023 elections, Moro admitted that fielding a northern candidate like Atiku was a miscalculation. 

    “Majority of us, virtually all of us, agreed that a mistake was made in 2023, fielding a northern candidate,” he said.

     “And this time around, in the spirit of unity, in the spirit of fairness and justice, PDP leaders decided to swallow their saliva and say, look, let’s take this thing to the south, where majority of the people expected that it would have been.”

    The Senate Minority Leader acknowledged the party’s regret over the 2023 outcome, stating, “To lose a very monumental election in that disastrous manner, as it were, certainly is something for regrets.” 

    He explained the decision to open the ticket in 2023, allowing a northern candidate to succeed a northern president, “backfired” as Nigerians resisted the move, contributing to the PDP’s electoral loss.

    On the possibility of former Anambra Governor Peter Obi returning to the PDP, Moro revealed ongoing efforts to woo him back. 

    “In the run-up to 2027, I’m aware that certain individuals have been talking to Peter Obi, saying, hey, come back home.

     “This is what we are likely going to do. And if you come, you stand a chance of being a candidate,” he said. 

    He added that Obi’s potential return could bolster the PDP’s chances, noting, “If Peter Obi comes back and is the most favoured candidate, the most supported candidate, and becomes a candidate, the PDP will make an impact in the 2027 election.”

    Moro also addressed speculations about former President Goodluck Jonathan as a potential candidate. 

    He dismissed concerns about constitutional barriers, citing judicial precedents. 

    “In 2015, when President Jonathan and GCFR wanted to run, there were hews and cries all over the place about the constitutionality of his candidature,” he said. 

    “But eventually, it was settled, even by the court, that he was qualified to run, and that is why he ran.” 

    He argued that Jonathan’s prior tenure, including the period he completed late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s term, does not disqualify him from contesting again.

  • I’m not desperate to be president –Atiku

    I’m not desperate to be president –Atiku

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says he is more interested in a better Nigeria than being  president.

    Abubakar said this while speaking at an affirmation ceremony for  new defectors in African Democratic Congress(ADC), yesterday  in Lagos.

    A report by the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) said some PDP, LP party bigwigs proclaimed their membership of ADC at the ceremony.

    Abubabar, who was the guest speaker at the programme,was  represented by Prof. Ola Olateju of  the Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State.

    The former PDP candidate, along with some like-minded opposition politicians, recently resigned his  membership of the party  to join  ADC.

    Abubakar said  he was not desperate to lead the country, but  was very eager  for a better, secure and  prosperous country.

    “Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria. So, it’s not about him being the president. It’s about having a better government, a good government  that will be able to deliver for Nigerians.

    Read Also: EFCC declares Atiku’s son-in-law wanted for alleged money laundering

    “It’s not a personal thing for him and that’s why some of us are with him. It’s not about Atiku must be president at all costs.

    “ADC, to us, is not a political party. It is a movement, a movement of  Nigerians for a better Nigeria,” Olateju spoke on behalf of Abubakar.

    He said that the movement in ADC was for repositioning  of the country and taking  it to great heights.

    “It’s no longer politics as usual. It’s a new beginning. It is a new journey, a new beginning.

    “We need a new beginning in Nigeria and that’s what Atiku is championing.

    “It’s not about a personal thing that he must be president, No, it is not a matter of must.

    “The must there is for him to see Nigeria deliver as wished by all. We are expecting a better Nigeria.

    “We want Nigeria to be able to deliver. We want Nigeria to be able to take care of Nigerians,” he added.

    Claiming that Nigerians were facing challenges  with the removal of fuel subsidy and  attendant inflation, Abubakar said that a better Nigeria was possible with good leadership.

    He said that God was ready to use the coalition  members to bring about a change in the country.

    On who would likely emerge the ADC presidential flagbearer in 2027, Abubakar said that this would be determined by the  people in the party.

    “It is not a thing we can pre- determine. Whoever emerges through free and fair contests, we are all going to support.

    “Everybody has a right to contest, we are going to rally round anyone that emerges. We are not imposing anyone on the people.

    “The point is better Nigeria, not Atiku for President at all costs, not Obi for president at all costs.

    “Whoever picks the ticket shall be the representative of Nigeria people and will represent the collective voice and aspiration of Nigeria,” he added.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the defectors include PDP Board of Trustee member, Dr Abimbola Ogunkelu,  former chairmen of Lagos PDP, Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Retired Capt. Tunji Shelle; PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), and a former PDP Youth Leader ,Mr Tai Benedict, among others.

    They were  received by ADC national chieftains ,including the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Sen. Kolawole Ogunwale, and Mr George Ashiru, the State ADC Chairman.

  • Atiku, Obi, el-Rufai bewildered

    Atiku, Obi, el-Rufai bewildered

    The results of the last by-elections in 12 states have probably put coalition leaders in a quandary, their ambitions seemingly more jeopardised than ever. After the elections, the political parties the coalition leaders hoped to deploy as their weapons for seizing power in the next two years or so have spectacularly underperformed. Close to the elections, and having seen that their projections were too optimistically hinged on the packed crowds that attended their rallies, they publicly announced that the polls would after all not be a litmus test on their popularity. However, they cautiously hoped their declarations were misplaced.

    Read Also: EFCC declares Atiku’s son-in-law wanted for alleged money laundering

    In the end, their lowered expectations turned out to be an egregious overstatement. They have of course resorted to the time-worn excuses of accusing winners of the polls of rigging the election, probably to save face with their supporters, but in their private reflections, they must have begun to contend with the fear of having leapt into the void when they defected from their big parties to much smaller and lesser known parties. Unfortunately for them, regardless of where their reflections lead them, they can’t return to their former parties, and it may be too late to begin finding a new, more structured and ideologically sounder party. Trapped in the middle of nowhere, they may become more desperate and dangerous, flailing as well as lashing out viciously at the ruling party using fair and foul means. The country must beware.

  • Alleged multi-million dollar fraud: How Atiku’s in-law feigned medical emergency, jumped bail

    Alleged multi-million dollar fraud: How Atiku’s in-law feigned medical emergency, jumped bail

    • Suspect accused of acting as drain pipe for top NNPC officials
    • Risks seizure of private jets

    Fresh facts confirmed, yesterday, that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is probing an in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

    Abdullahi Basir Haske is wanted for alleged illicit movement of millions of dollars for some past and present officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    Haske, who was admitted to an administrative bail after feigning medical emergency on July 24, 2025, is suspected to have fled the country.

    He was alleged to have remained incommunicado in defiance of his bail conditions.

    The sudden twist in his behaviour was said to have prompted the EFCC to declare him wanted.

    According to findings by EFCC investigators, Haske has allegedly been getting juicy contracts from the NNPC over the years.

    Although the contracts were said to be aviation related through NNPC EnServ, he was alleged to have used the window to haul illicit funds for the staff of the oil firm.

    A source privy to the ongoing investigation, said: “The suspect has been entrenched in the system.

    “Abdullahi Bashir Haske is the beneficial owner of Mars Aviation Limited.

    “For several years, he has been leveraging on his relationship with past and current GMDs of NNPCL to secure contracts for his aviation company through which he has been moving large sums of money.

    “He has several private jets through which he has been executing bulk cash transfers and illicit movement of funds for top officials of NNPC Ltd.

    “Analysis of Mars Aviation Limited’s domiciliary account with a major bank showed large inflow of dollars in millions from NNPC EnServ.

    “Several questionable withdrawals have been made from the account

    Read Also: No room for Obi, Atiku, Amaechi’s coalition in Ondo, says Aiyedatiwa

    “Investigators are probing several questionable contracts he lifted so far from NNPC Ltd and the operations of Mars Aviation Limited, especially the use of a Gulfstream IV Jet with tail number, 17- ABH for fraudulent movement of funds.”

    It was learnt that when the suspect discovered that the game was up, he devised a trick to escape.

    Another source said: “In the course of interviews by EFCC investigators on July 24, 2025,  he feigned a medical emergency and was rushed to the National Hospital and admitted to an administrative bail the following day. 

    “Since then, he has remained incommunicado in flagrant disregard of the bail conditions.

    “He took advantage of EFCC’s liberal approach to bail to escape.

    “But the law will catch up with him wherever he goes.”

    Responding to a question, the highly-placed source said: “It is the investigation of past and current managements of NNPC Ltd that uncovered his dealings

    “The seizure of the jets can only happen after their forfeiture procedures are concluded in court.”

    Asked of the total amount involved, the source added: “Not yet. More accounts may be discovered along the line.”

    The Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale, who signed the release which declared the suspect wanted, was unavailable for further comments.

    The EFCC had declared Haske wanted on Friday, seeking information from the public that could lead to his arrest.

    Oyewale had given his age as 38 and his last known address as No. 6, Mosley Road, Ikoyi, Lagos and 952/953, Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos,

    Oyewale said: “Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja office or through 08093322644; its e-mail address: edcc.gov.ng or the nearest police station and other security agencies.”