With the 2027 elections drawing closer, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is betting that opposition unity at the polling unit, rather than at the ballot paper, could make the difference. National Chairman Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe said on Thursday in Abuja that the party will team up with other opposition groups to train polling agents jointly and set up common situation rooms across the country. He spoke at a meeting with nine of its governorship candidates, convened to compare notes and fine-tune strategy. The plan, he explained, is meant to give opposition parties a stronger hand in monitoring polling…
Author: National Update
A Federal High Court judge whose earlier ruling against the African Democratic Congress(ADC) was thrown out on appeal has struck at the party again, this time days after Atiku Abubakar’s campaign flag-off in Sokoto. On Thursday, Justice Peter Lifu removed the David Mark-led leadership and voided its actions. That covers the primary that produced Atiku as the 2027 presidential candidate. The court declared illegal everything the Mark-led ADC has done since July 27, 2026. It is the second time this year the judge has been at the centre of an ADC dispute. In June, he directed INEC to deregister the…
Ex-APC spokesman accuses Presidency of weaponising judiciary against opposition, warns of looming political crisis ahead of 2027 Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on the United States and other international partners to closely monitor Nigeria’s judiciary, alleging that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is using court processes to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. Frank warned that attempts to frustrate opposition leaders through judicial proceedings could erode public confidence in the courts and heighten political tension in the country. In a statement on Thursday, he linked his…
Ex-APC spokesman raises alarm over alleged use of protesters and security agencies to disrupt opposition campaigns Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of allegedly using protests and security agencies to frustrate opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. Frank warned that such actions, if established, could undermine political freedom and weaken Nigeria’s democracy. He spoke following allegations by former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that the Sokoto State Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) were frustrating the party’s…
Senator seeks stronger maritime laws, protection of fishing communities and investment in blue economy Senator representing Edo South, Neda Imasuen, has raised concern over the estimated $2.3 billion West Africa loses annually to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. He warned that the practice is undermining the region’s maritime economy and threatening the livelihoods of coastal communities. Imasuen called for urgent measures to protect marine resources and unlock the economic opportunities of the blue economy. He spoke on Tuesday when a delegation of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER), led by its Founder and Convener, Dr Piriye Kiyaramo, visited him at…
Peter Obi’s visit to Calabar for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential town hall took an unexpected turn as an enthusiastic reception at the airport gave way to violence against his campaign convoy. The former Anambra State governor arrived at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport on Wednesday to a rousing welcome from NDC leaders, party faithful and supporters. The crowd received him with solidarity songs, party flags and banners as he prepared for his engagement with stakeholders and residents ahead of the 2027 general election. From the airport, Obi’s convoy moved through major streets of Calabar amid cheers from supporters…
The attack on Peter Obi’s campaign convoy in Calabar has triggered fresh concerns over the growing use of young people in political violence, with the Obi Media Office accusing desperate politicians of exploiting economic hardship to recruit youths for acts of intimidation. The office, in a statement issued on Thursday, condemned Wednesday’s incident, warning that turning economically vulnerable youths into instruments of political violence poses a threat to democratic participation and peaceful political engagement. It alleged that some politicians exploit the difficult economic conditions in the country by offering money to young people to disrupt political activities, while those financing…
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly to learn from the United States midterm elections by strengthening electoral transparency ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The association said the reported victories by Democratic candidates and the shift in control of both chambers of the US Congress demonstrated the importance of credible elections in determining political leadership. In a statement issued on Wednesday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, said Nigeria must move away from an electoral system characterised by disputed results, allegations of manipulation and prolonged…
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday stormed Sokoto with its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, leading a high-powered delegation of party leaders and supporters. The visit turned the historic seat of the Caliphate into a major opposition political hub as the party prepared to flag off its presidential campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections. Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, arrived first at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, where supporters welcomed him with cheers. At about 1pm, Atiku’s aircraft touched down, drawing further excitement and signalling the arrival of the party’s presidential standard-bearer.…
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of mobilising protesters to disrupt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) rally in Sokoto, prompting the security agency to order an investigation into the allegation. Atiku raised the concern as the ADC prepared for its presidential campaign flag-off, amid tension over the party’s planned activities in the state. The party had kept the rally venue secret, citing concerns about possible disruption. The police, however, assured that adequate security would be provided. The Sokoto State Government had earlier defended the sealing of the ADC office, claiming it followed an alleged…