Politics

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has spoken out over the controversy surrounding what has been described as “underwear empowerment” during a recent rally in the state. He firmly denied any involvement or prior knowledge of the incident, stating that he did not authorise or approve such activities. The controversy began after videos circulated online showing young women displaying red underwear during a rally held in honour of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The footage quickly sparked public debate, with some reports suggesting the act was linked to a government-backed empowerment programme. However, Governor Yusuf clarified during a special prayer gathering at the Government House in Kano that the event was carried out without his consent. He explained that he only...

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday announced the endorsement of his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election in the state, PUNCH Online reports. The announcement followed a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat formally declared his intention to contest the governorship seat before members of the State Executive Council and key party leaders. Also present at the meeting were members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, including former Minister of State of Defense, Musiliu Obanikoro, and Ganiyu Solomon, among others. Addressing journalists after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu described the endorsement as a unanimous decision reached by stakeholders present. He described Hamzat as prepared and capable of leadin...

Former Ondo State First Lady, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has declared her intention to contest for the Imo East senatorial seat, brushing aside concerns about her eligibility and reaffirming her ties to the state. Speaking with journalists in Owerri, she dismissed criticisms surrounding her origin and marital status, insisting that marriage does not erase one’s heritage. “My name is Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu. I cannot drop the Anyanwu; it shaped who I was before marriage,” she stated. Akeredolu, who is seeking the ticket of the Labour Party, said her ambition is driven by the need to provide effective representation for the district. She emphasised that her goal is to deliver meaningful democratic dividends rather than personal gain, adding that the people of Owerri deserve quality...

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to defect to its platform and run in the 2027 presidential election. In a post shared on its official X account, the party suggested there is a limited timeframe for both leaders to decide, stating that only two weeks remain before its deadline. The message was accompanied by an image of Obi and Kwankwaso shaking hands, with the caption expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future. The move comes shortly after supporters of both politicians launched the “OK Movement,” aimed at rallying support for a possible joint presidential ticket ahead of 2027. The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Justin Ijeh, recently announced the formation of its national executive council along with zonal and state stru...

The Lagos governorship race ahead of the 2027 general election took a new turn on Saturday as businessman and politician Lanre Jim-Kamal formally declared his intention to contest the All Progressives Congress governorship ticket. Jim-Kamal made his declaration in Ikeja before party leaders, supporters and political stakeholders, just days ahead of the APC primary nomination deadline slated for May 21, a development already generating fresh political realignments within the party’s Lagos structure. He introduced a five-point agenda and a claimed $50 billion partners’ investment proposal for the state. The aspirant anchored his campaign on what he described as a transformational development blueprint covering education, healthcare, infrastructure, urban restructuring and human capi...

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining democratic institutions in Nigeria. Speaking at the National Opposition Summit held in Ibadan, Mark alleged that the current administration is deliberately weakening opposition parties and limiting Nigerians’ ability to freely choose their leaders. According to him, recent actions by the government point to an attempt to push Nigeria toward a one-party system. He said, “In the last three years, this government has launched major attacks on opposition parties, all in a bid to deny the people the right to choose. They want to foist a one-party state on Nigeria.” The former Senate President further claimed that key democratic institutions a...

= A factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu-Turaki, has declared that opposition political parties in the country have agreed to field a single presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections. Turaki stated this at the National Opposition Summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State on Saturday. At the meeting, leaders from multiple political parties gathered to discuss strategy ahead of the next election cycle. He said the move was aimed at strengthening the opposition’s chances at the polls, despite what he described as alleged attempts to ensure President Bola Tinubu emerges unopposed within the ruling party. He said the opposition was determined to work together despite what he described as “onslaughts and machinations” allegedly...

The Abia State chapter of the Labour Party has elected Mr Peter Azubuike as its new state chairman. Azubuike was elected on Saturday during the party’s State Congress held in Umuahia, the state capital. The new state chairman and other members of the State Working Committee, including Mr Chucks Akamadu as state secretary, Ben Otti as organising secretary and Mr Emenike Iroegbu as publicity secretary, emerged through consensus, a method earlier adopted by delegates at the congress. Speaking shortly after the election of the new executives, Governor Alex Otti applauded the smooth conduct of the congress and promised to support the incoming leadership. He said, “I want to congratulate all the newly elected exco members and members of our party for conducting themselves in a de...

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has called on opposition parties in Nigeria to remain united, warning that weakening political opposition could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s democracy. Makinde made the remarks on Saturday at an opposition leaders’ summit held in Ibadan. The summit aimed at strengthening coordination among political parties, the organisers say. The event, hosted at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, brought together leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and other political groups. Speaking at the gathering, Makinde stressed that the meeting was not about division or confrontation but about responsible political engagement. “If we...

Opposition political leaders are converging in Ibadan, Oyo State, for a national summit aimed at strengthening unity and coordination among political parties, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo listed as chair of the meeting. Multiple reports on Saturday, as monitored by our correspondents, showed that leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, New Nigeria Peoples Party and other political parties were gathered in the Pacesetter State. The summit, to be held at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, is themed “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy,” with organisers describing it as a response to Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges. In a statement shared via the Peoples Democratic Party...