Politics
2027: Confusion in 5 states over consensus choice
There is palpable tension in five states of the federation over quest by many parties to adopt consensus candidates.
Oyo, Adamawa,Kwara, Benue, and Rivers top the list of affected states.
Incumbent Governor of Oyo State Seyi Makinde who had promised,last year to name his successor in January , is yet to do so following the crisis in his party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
But he confirmed that PDP candidates for all positions would be chosen by consensus because ,as he said, it seems the best way to present a formidable house ahead of the elections.
Close to ten PDP members are currently showing interest in the Oyo governorship race.
Recently, the Governor’s Advisory Council invited the PDP aspirants for an “interaction” for them to present and discuss their plans and programmes for Oyo State and the Agodi Government House job.
Chairman of the council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) said the interaction was to create a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the primaries. It was also meant to assess their credentials, experience, and acceptability, while helping the party build internal consensus before choosing a strong governorship candidate.
Ayorinde, however, insisted the process was not a screening exercise. According to him, it was simply an “interaction” between the council and the aspirants, designed to ensure that no one was imposed on the party from any quarter.
In the case of the APC,observers are of the view that Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu and Chairman of the Governing Council of Dave Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences in Ebonyi State,Alhaji Adebayo Shittu are unlikely to seek the governorship ticket having nor resigned their appointment on or before March 31,2026 as required by the Electoral Act.
Other APC governorship aspirants in the state ,notably Dr Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK) and Hakeem Alao fondly called Allow Alao are displeased by reports that Senator Alli may have been penned down as the party’s consensus candidate.
The duo are demanding free, fair and transparent primaries or be consulted duly, if consensus arrangement would be adopted.
Party elders in the state are said to be intensifying efforts in getting candidates for all elective offices chosen by consensus.
The ADC in the state is factionalized .As at yesterday,it was not clear how it intends to pick its candidates in the state.
Popular broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat has no rival for the governorship ticket of Accord Party in the state,at least for now.
In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his camp are keeping mum on his aspiration for reelection.
For much of his first term ,the governor was locked in a stand off with his immediate predecessor and estranged godfather,Nyesom Wike.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister himself is keeping his card close to his chest on his choice for the governorship seat in 2027.
While observers have been discussing who he could be supporting for the governorship,the minister has repeatedly said the only person he has endorsed so far is President Tinubu.
He also said that he would consult the elders in his camp on his choice and that even if they object to it he would convince them to accept him.
Wike said: “Those of you sending people to preach ethnicity, it will not work. I will work with those who are sincere, not minding where the person comes from. I will sit here some people are parading themselves; putting themselves in groups saying Ijaw groups continuity, Ogoni group, Ikwere groups, continue to group yourself. It is me you are using to group.
“I have not promised anybody anything as it concerns 2027 . I have not endorsed anybody for any position, from senate, reps , governorship or state assembly. The only person I have declared support for in 2027 is President Bola Tinubu. Don’t allow anybody to deceive you to lose the little you already have”
A source close to the governor said only Fubara would decide his fate insisting that the governors in the APC and the national leadership of the APC are willing to give him the ticket.
He said: “It is only the governor that will decide his fate. He has the support of his colleagues and residents of the state. His support in the state can always be rekindled. But we are waiting for his decision”.
Benue State is another hot spot as the governor risks not being picked as a consensus candidate.
The state chapter of APC is not foreclosing direct primaries especially in picking its governorship candidate.
The party’s Organizing Secretary James Ornguga said that Governor Hyacinth Alia has performed well in his first term and is ready for any challenge to get a return ticket.
He was optimistic that the governor would get a return ticket irrespective of the mode of selection for choosing the party’s governorship candidate.
The Abdurahman Mohammed faction of the PDP in the state said its major task is to return to power in the state in 2023 and to achieve that it will adopt “a comprehensive and sincere consensus” to pic its candidates.
Secretary of the Benue State chapter of the party, Dan Nyikwgh said: “after we lost elections in 2023, the party has faced multiple challenges arising from Congresses across all levels including the national leadership, but now that the court of appeal has confirmed the authentic national chairman in person of Ahaji Abdurahman Mohammed, the party is rebuilding.
” We’re gradually becoming yet another beautiful bride.Those who left the party due to the crises are coming back, we need to sit down and talk to accommodate every interest.
“The umbrella is big enough to accommodate every interest;above all ex-Governor Samuel Ortom has been providing leadership, and our sole interest now is to take over power from the government of Chief Hyacinth Alia.
” And this much, every other contestant knows that , this is a must-do task, and we can only achieve this through a comprehensive and sincere consensus.Therefore, any mode of selection our leaders in PDP agree upon , including consensus, would be done .
A key member of ADC in the state, Barr. Alex Adum said the party might go for direct primaries.
The Kwara State chapter of APC may also opt for consensus. But the biggest challenge for the party now is determining the zone to produce its governorship candidate.
Its chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi said recently that the party would try as much as possible to avoid acrimonious primaries.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has repeatedly denied having a preferred candidate and asked for a level playing field for all aspirants .
Aspirants from Kwara North senatorial district have clamoured assiduously for the shift of governorship seat to the region.
They claim that their region has not had a shot at the exalted position since 2027.
The aspirants are being backed by the Kwara state APC Elders Caucus. The caucus is being les by an octogenarian Chief James Ayeni. The elders hinged their support for the region of fairness, equity and justice.
So far, four aspirants from Kwara North had signified their governorship ambition. They are current Speaker of the state House of Assembly Salihu Yakubu Danladi, Senator representing Kwara North Sadiq Suleiman Umar, former Transportation Mminister Bio Ibrahim and a chartered accountant Tajudeen Audu.
From Kwara South and Central senatorial districts are former chairman, Senate Committee on Health Dr Yahaya Oloriegbe, Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, ex-APC chairman Hon Bashir Bolarinwa, Oluwatoyin Tajudeen Alabi all from Kwara Central and South respectively.
Bolarinwa, former House of Representatives member, on Thursday presented his letter of intent to the APC leadership in the state.
The only known governorship aspirant from PDP is Omar Bolaji Gambari, son of former of Foreign Affairs Minister, Prof Ibrahim Gambari
Findings revealed that Mr Gambari has the backing of former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
However, neither the PDP nor ADC has disclosed the process that will lead to the emergence of their candidates.
Adamawa State
The ADC in Adamawa ,home state of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ,seems to have disintegrated even before the commencement of primaries for the coming elections.
Critical stakeholders including popular governorship aspirant Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani yesterday passed a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the party and decided to pull out.
They cited collapse of internal democracy for their action.
They are now in search of a viable political platform for effective participation in the 2027 general elections, particularly the Governorship race in Adamawa State.
Rising from a meeting in Yola yesterday where they reviewed the recently conducted party congresses in the state,,the ADC members declared that the actions of the party leadership at both state and national levels “have destroyed internal democracy, undermined the rule of law, and rendered the party structure in Adamawa State illegitimate and unacceptable.”
They faulted the congresses conducted under the leadership of Ishaya Bauka,describing them as fundamentally flawed, manipulated, and imposed against the will of the majority of party members.
“Valid court judgments and subsisting injunctions were deliberately ignored, setting a dangerous precedent of lawlessness within the party,” they said in a communiqué.
Continuing, they said: “The party leadership engaged in systematic exclusion, imposition, and intimidation of genuine stakeholders and aspirants.
“The party has consequently lost moral legitimacy and can no longer serve as a credible platform for democratic participation in Adamawa State.
“In view of the above, and in the overriding interest of justice, political survival, and the people of Adamawa State, we unanimously resolve as follows:
“We pass a vote of no confidence on the ADC leadership at both the State and National levels for their complicity in the collapse of internal democracy.
“We hereby announce our immediate and irreversible resignation en masse from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State.
“We categorically reject the outcomes of the recently conducted congresses and declare them null, void, and of no consequence.
“We resolve to immediately align with a more credible and democratic political platform that guarantees fairness, justice, and respect for the rule of law.
“We unanimously mandate Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani to lead stakeholders in determining and transitioning into a viable political platform for effective participation in the 2027 general elections, particularly the Governorship race in Adamawa State.
“A structured and coordinated movement of stakeholders and supporters across Polling Units, Wards, LGAs, and the State will commence immediately to ensure a seamless transition.
“We shall embark on aggressive grassroots mobilization, political education, and structural rebuilding under the new political platform to ensure electoral victory.
“The ADC, by its actions, has abdicated its responsibility as a democratic institution in Adamawa State. We refuse to be part of a system that thrives on injustice, impunity, and illegality.
“This decision marks the beginning of a new political direction anchored on credibility, inclusiveness, and true democratic ideals.”
Delta State
The contest for the APC senatorial ticket in Delta North promises to be a tough one as former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa indicated his plan to challenge the incumbent Senator Ned Munir Nwoko.
Some political leaders in the senatorial district are said to have prevailed on the former governor to stage a return to the Senate for a better representation of Delta North.
He was in the senate between 2011 and 2015 before becoming governor in 2015
Nwoko,declaring his intention to seek re-election on Friday said his performance in the Senate has been driven by a commitment to amplifying the voices of his constituents and addressing their socio-economic challenges.
“The people know me, and I know them. I understand their needs and I am committed to solving their problems,” he said.
The lawmaker also pledged to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, expressing confidence in the President’s leadership and ongoing reforms at the national level.
On infrastructure in the education sector, Nwoko disclosed plans to upgrade the Federal College of Education, Asaba, into a federal university.
He described the move as strategic to expanding access to higher education and fostering development in the region.
He further urged constituents to remain steadfast in their support for progressive governance, cautioning against a return to what he termed “old politics.”
Addressing the issue of Anioma State creation, Nwoko aligned himself with the position of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, noting that Akpabio’s stance represents the official position on the matter.
By Philippine Duru
philippineobetoduru@gmail.com
08034905774
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to transform Northern Nigeria if elected president, declaring that he possesses a deep understanding of the region’s challenges and is best positioned to lead efforts aimed at restoring security, fostering national unity and unlocking its economic potential.
Obi made the remarks while speaking during an interview, where he outlined his vision for the North as part of his broader agenda for national development ahead of the 2027 general election.
“I will change the North. I have an idea of what is happening in the North, and nobody can drive that process in Nigeria better than me. I will work with them and ensure the unity, security and prosperity they desire are achieved,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that Northern Nigeria remains central to the country’s political and economic stability, noting that lasting national progress cannot be achieved without addressing the region’s numerous challenges.
According to him, his administration would work closely with traditional rulers, community leaders, state governments, security agencies and the private sector to tackle insecurity, improve agricultural productivity, expand educational opportunities and create jobs for millions of young people across the region.
Obi said insecurity in many parts of the North has disrupted farming activities, displaced communities and weakened economic growth, insisting that restoring peace would be one of the first priorities of his administration.
He also emphasized the need for inclusive governance, arguing that every part of Nigeria deserves equal attention and development regardless of political or ethnic differences.
The presidential hopeful said his government would pursue policies aimed at rebuilding trust among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups while strengthening institutions responsible for maintaining peace and national cohesion.
Obi maintained that Northern Nigeria possesses enormous untapped potential in agriculture, livestock, solid minerals and renewable energy, adding that targeted investments in these sectors could significantly boost economic growth, increase exports and reduce unemployment.
He further pledged to improve infrastructure across the region through investments in roads, rail networks, electricity, irrigation systems and healthcare facilities to stimulate business activities and improve living standards.
The former governor reiterated his commitment to investing heavily in education, describing it as the most effective tool for reducing poverty, combating extremism and preparing young Nigerians for opportunities in a modern economy.
He said expanding access to quality education and vocational training would help equip youths with skills needed for employment and entrepreneurship while reducing social unrest.
Obi also promised to strengthen collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments to ensure development projects are tailored to the specific needs of communities across Northern Nigeria.
Political analysts say Obi’s comments are part of broader efforts by presidential hopefuls to strengthen their support in the North, which remains Nigeria’s largest voting bloc and is expected to play a decisive role in the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.
With campaigns gradually gathering momentum, issues such as insecurity, poverty, youth unemployment, agriculture and infrastructure are expected to dominate political discourse, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where many communities continue to face significant socio-economic challenges.
Obi’s latest remarks reinforce his campaign message of building a more united, secure and productive Nigeria through economic reforms, institutional strengthening and inclusive governance, while assuring Northern leaders and residents that their aspirations would remain a priority under his proposed administration.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has, in a split two-to-one judgment, upheld the decision of the Federal High Court restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any state congresses organised by committees appointed by the caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark.
In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Okon Abang, the three-member panel held that there was no basis to overturn the April 29 judgment of the Federal High Court, which barred the Mark-led caretaker committee from conducting state congresses through committees it constituted.
The appellate court also affirmed the decision of Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, which restrained the caretaker leadership from interfering with the tenure and functions of the party’s duly elected state executive committees.
The court ruled that, under the ADC Constitution, the responsibility for conducting state congresses lies with elected state executive committees and not the national leadership or any caretaker committee.
Justices Okon Abang and Donatus Okorowo formed the majority, while Justice Abba Mohammed dissented.
In his minority judgment, Justice Mohammed held that the dispute concerned the internal affairs of a political party and was therefore not justiciable. He maintained that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit.
The Federal High Court had earlier ruled that the four-year tenure of the ADC’s State Working Committees and State Executive Committees remained valid until properly constituted congresses and a national convention were conducted.
The suit was instituted by aggrieved ADC members, including Don Norman Obinna, Johnny Tovie Derek, Obah C. Ehigiator, Olona Yinka, Charles Idowu Omideji, Samuel Pam Gyang and Obianyo Patrick, who said they sued on behalf of all ADC state chairmen and state executive committees.
Named as defendants were the ADC, David Mark, Patricia Akwashiki, Bolaji Abdullahi, Rauf Aregbesola and Oserheimen Osunbor, sued on behalf of the Caretaker/Interim National Working Committee, as well as INEC.
The plaintiffs challenged the caretaker committee’s decision to appoint committees to conduct state congresses, arguing that the planned exercises violated the party’s constitution because only duly elected party organs possess the authority to organise such congresses.
Agreeing with the plaintiffs, Justice Abdulmalik held that neither the 1999 Constitution nor the ADC Constitution empowered the Mark-led caretaker committee to appoint committees for state congresses.
The trial court further held that Section 223 of the Constitution requires political parties to conduct periodic elections in accordance with democratic principles, while Article 23 of the ADC Constitution provides for the tenure of party officers.
Although courts generally avoid interfering in the internal affairs of political parties, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that judicial intervention becomes necessary where constitutional or statutory violations are alleged.
She consequently nullified all processes initiated by the Mark-led caretaker committee relating to the conduct of state congresses.
The Federal High Court also dismissed the defendants’ preliminary objection challenging its jurisdiction, holding that the dispute involved INEC and therefore fell within its constitutional jurisdiction. It further ruled that the plaintiffs had the legal standing to institute the action and were not required to exhaust internal dispute resolution mechanisms before approaching the court.
Affirming the lower court’s decision, the Court of Appeal said judicial intervention was necessary to “prevent anarchy and ensure the survival of democracy in Nigeria.”
Justice Abang, in the majority judgment, relied on a recent Supreme Court decision involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), holding that once allegations of constitutional violations are raised, such disputes cease to be mere internal party affairs.
“Once a complaint before the court is anchored on a constitutional infraction, the shield of internal affairs drops and the veil is lifted for judicial intervention,” the court held.
The appellate court subsequently dismissed the appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/608/2026 filed by the ADC and held that the congresses and national convention conducted by the Mark-led caretaker leadership were null and void because they were carried out in defiance of an existing court order issued on April 14.
The court also awarded costs of N10 million against the ADC.
Nigeria to understudy Benin industrialisation model
O’tega Ogra ADVAN elected president
NPA begins $1bn port modernisation to boost trade
-
News9 years agoThese ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2017
-
Business9 years ago
The 9 worst mistakes you can ever make at work
-
Entertainment9 years ago
The final 6 ‘Game of Thrones’ episodes might feel like a full season
-
News4 months agoSERAP to Akpabio: Disclose officials involved in misappropriation of ₦200t from NNPC
-
News9 years ago
According to Dior Couture, this taboo fashion accessory is back
-
News4 months agoDisquiet over whereabouts of ₦2.9 billion in key federal agencies
-
Sports9 years ago
Phillies’ Aaron Altherr makes mind-boggling barehanded play
-
Entertainment9 years ago
The old and New Edition cast comes together to perform