Just in: ADC Formally Unveils Atiku-Amaechi Presidential Ticket 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally unveiled former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, setting the stage for a high-profile Atiku Abubakar-Amaechi ticket aimed at challenging for power at the national level.

The announcement, made on Monday in a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, followed what the ADC described as extensive consultations with party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women groups, and representatives from across the country.

According to the party, Amaechi’s nomination came after he emerged runner-up in the ADC presidential primaries, a performance it said reflected his strong support base and standing within the party.

The ADC described the Atiku-Amaechi partnership as a union of two experienced political figures whose combined records in governance, public administration and nation-building would provide Nigerians with a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 election.

The party highlighted Amaechi’s political career, noting that he served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor of Rivers State for two terms, and later as Minister of Transportation, where he spearheaded major rail and transportation projects.

It also argued that the former governor’s political influence across the South-South and the wider Southern region would strengthen the ticket and help broaden the party’s appeal nationwide.

“Together, Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi embody a truly national ticket—one that bridges regions, generations and political traditions,” the statement said.

The ADC added that the ticket represents its commitment to addressing key national concerns, including economic recovery, job creation, security and national unity.

Expressing confidence in the new partnership, the party said the Atiku-Amaechi ticket would energise its coalition and offer the leadership required to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

It subsequently called on party members, coalition partners, civil society groups, youth organisations, women leaders and Nigerians to support its campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election

Ogun APC Unveils Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun as Yayi’s Running Mate for 2027 Governorship Election

ABEOKUTA – The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has formally unveiled Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun as the deputy governorship candidate to run alongside Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, in the 2027 governorship election.

The announcement was made during a high-level party caucus meeting attended by key stakeholders, party leaders and political office holders in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, as the ruling party intensified preparations ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun

Adegunwa-Balogun’s emergence completes the APC governorship ticket and is widely regarded as a strategic move aimed at consolidating the party’s support across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Political observers believe the selection reflects the party’s commitment to balancing regional interests, considering that Senator Adeola hails from Ogun West Senatorial District while the deputy governorship slot has been ceded to Ogun East, a move expected to strengthen APC’s appeal in the Ijebu axis and surrounding communities.

The newly unveiled deputy governorship candidate is a respected administrator and business executive. She is also the daughter of Chief Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, the Asiwaju of Ijebuland and renowned industrialist whose contributions to business and economic development have earned him national recognition.

Party leaders at the meeting described Adegunwa-Balogun as a competent and experienced individual whose background in leadership, management and community service would complement the governorship aspirations of Senator Adeola.

According to APC stakeholders, the choice of Adegunwa-Balogun followed extensive consultations among party leaders, elders and critical interest groups across the state. They expressed confidence that the Yayi/Adegunwa-Balogun ticket possesses the political strength and grassroots support required to secure victory for the party in 2027.

The unveiling comes shortly after Senator Adeola was adopted and affirmed as the party’s governorship candidate by influential APC leaders and stakeholders in the state. His emergence had received significant backing from prominent figures within the party, including Governor Dapo Abiodun and other political leaders.

Speaking after the announcement, party officials emphasized the need for unity among members and urged supporters across the state to rally behind the newly constituted ticket in order to sustain the APC’s dominance in Ogun State.

Supporters of the party have welcomed the development, describing Adegunwa-Balogun’s nomination as a decision capable of boosting female participation in governance while also strengthening the party’s electoral prospects.

With the unveiling of the deputy governorship candidate, attention is expected to shift toward the party’s campaign strategy, grassroots mobilization and engagement with voters as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Analysts say the APC’s decision to pair Senator Adeola with Adegunwa-Balogun could play a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Ogun State, especially as opposition parties continue consultations aimed at presenting formidable candidates for the contest.

The APC leadership has expressed optimism that the combination of experience, political reach and regional inclusiveness represented by the Yayi/Adegunwa-Balogun ticket will position the party strongly for the electoral battle ahead.Alternative Headlines

Ogun APC Unveils Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun as Yayi’s Running Mate for 2027 Governorship Election

Defamation: Ex-Imo Governor Gives Kenneth Okonkwo 7-Day Ultimatum to Apologise

Former Imo Governor Achike Udenwa has officially demanded a public apology and N5 billion in damages from NDC chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo over comments made during a live television interview, which Udenwa’s legal team says were defamatory and portrayed him as “a common criminal.” The demand comes just days after Peter Obi, former Anambra Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, issued a similar N5 billion defamation notice against Okonkwo over related remarks on the same programme. Udenwa’s legal team has given Okonkwo seven days to comply or face legal action at an Imo State High Court.

The dispute stems from an appearance by Kenneth Okonkwo on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on June 8, 2026. During the live broadcast, Okonkwo alleged that South-East leaders of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) extorted money from party aspirants. He specifically named Achike Udenwa (former Imo Governor), Peter Obi (former Anambra Governor), and Onyema Ugochukwu (NDC chieftain). Okonkwo was quoted as saying, “They were busy extorting the South East aspirants,” adding that an aspirant named Obunike Ohaegbu provided him with a receipt as evidence. The remarks were aired nationally and internationally, then widely republished by online platforms, blogs, and national newspapers.

In a three-page letter dated June 11, 2026, signed by his counsel Chief Soronnadi Njoku (SAN) , Udenwa rejected the allegations as entirely false. The letter emphasized that Udenwa served two terms as Imo Governor (1999–2007) and later as a federal minister, has no corruption case pending against him anywhere in Nigeria or abroad, and has never been accused of extortion, violence, or illegal collection of funds. The letter stated, “Most regrettably, your defamatory statement has greatly injured our client in his credit and reputation and portrayed him as a common criminal who abuses his position for personal monetary gains.”

Udenwa’s lawyers issued a seven-day ultimatum requiring Okonkwo to issue a strongly worded public apology retracting the statements, publish the apology in five national newspapers, air the apology during prime time on Channels Television, provide a written undertaking never to repeat the allegations, and pay N5 billion in compensatory damages for reputational harm. The letter warned, “Take notice that if the above demands are not strictly met within the stipulated time frame, we have his instructions to commence legal proceedings against you in the appropriate High Court in Imo State.”

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This is the second major defamation action Okonkwo faces from the same television appearance. Earlier, Peter Obi also demanded N5 billion and a public apology, alleging that Okonkwo falsely claimed Obi demanded N10 million bribes from House of Representatives aspirants and operated from a hotel room. Obi’s legal team threatened additional damages if Okonkwo fails to comply.

Kenneth Okonkwo, who previously served as Peter Obi’s campaign spokesperson before their political fallout, has publicly rejected both demands. On his X (formerly Twitter) account, Okonkwo mocked the N5 billion claims, dared both Udenwa and Obi to proceed to court, and released alleged WhatsApp exchanges with Obunike Ohaegbu to support his original claims. However, Ohaegbu himself appeared on Channels Television on June 9 to deny Okonkwo’s version of events, stating that he paid N10 million directly into the NDC’s bank account based on instructions from the party’s national secretary, not to any leader personally.

Legal analysts say Udenwa’s demand follows a standard pre-action protocol for defamation in Nigeria. If Okonkwo fails to comply within seven days, Udenwa may file a High Court claim in Imo State, the court could award substantial damages if defamation is proven, and Okonkwo may also face injunctive relief restraining further publication. However, Okonkwo’s public defiance and his release of alleged evidence suggest a protracted legal battle is likely.

In summary, Achike Udenwa demands N5 billion and a public apology from Kenneth Okonkwo over comments made on Channels TV (June 8, 2026) , after Udenwa says he was portrayed as “a common criminal” using violence to extort money. A seven-day ultimatum has been issued by lawyer Chief Soronnadi Njoku (SAN) . Peter Obi made a similar N5 billion demand days earlier. Okonkwo rejects both, dares them to court, and releases WhatsApp “evidence,” although Obunike Ohaegbu has denied Okonkwo’s claim. The next step is likely Imo State High Court if the ultimatum expires.

Defamation: Ex-Imo Governor Gives Kenneth Okonkwo 7-Day Ultimatum to Apologise