Kwankwaso Set for ADC Defection as Mark, Aregbesola Prepare Grand Reception

Former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is set to formally defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a move that signals a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources within the party disclosed that the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, will officially receive Kwankwaso during his declaration ceremony scheduled to hold in Kano.

Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in 2023, is expected to join the ADC alongside key political allies, including former Kano Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo.

The defection follows months of negotiations between Kwankwaso and the ADC leadership, as the party intensifies efforts to build a formidable opposition coalition.

Initially, talks nearly collapsed after Kwankwaso reportedly demanded the party’s vice-presidential slot as a condition for joining ahead of the 2027 elections. However, the ADC leadership declined to guarantee such a position, insisting that no prior commitments could be made.

The deadlock was eventually resolved after a private meeting between Kwankwaso and Aregbesola in Abuja, with insiders confirming that the former governor has now agreed to join the party without any preconditions.

Kwankwaso’s move is widely seen as part of a broader opposition strategy involving key political figures such as Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, aimed at strengthening alliances ahead of the next general election.

His formal entry into the ADC is expected to reshape political dynamics, particularly in northern Nigeria, where he maintains significant influence.

Kwankwaso Set for ADC Defection as Mark, Aregbesola Prepare Grand Reception

Naira Strengthens for Third Day Against US Dollar as Forex Reforms Take Effect

The Nigerian naira recorded its third consecutive gain against the US dollar at the official foreign exchange market, closing Friday at ₦1,380.57 per dollar, up ₦3.30 or 0.23% from Thursday’s ₦1,383.88. This follows a gradual rebound earlier in the week, after the currency weakened to ₦1,386.70 on Wednesday.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) show that the steady appreciation reflects renewed confidence in the official FX window, driven by better liquidity, policy consistency, and ongoing foreign exchange reforms. Analysts attribute the gains to sustained forex inflows and tighter monetary measures that are gradually stabilising the exchange rate and reducing market volatility.

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Experts say the PASGA reforms and government measures allowing full repatriation of export proceeds for oil companies are also contributing to the positive trend. Increased transparency and structural adjustments in foreign exchange management have begun to produce measurable results, boosting investor and market confidence.

Despite the gains, market observers caution that external pressures, including global dollar strength, could challenge the naira’s resilience in the coming weeks. They note that discrepancies between the official and parallel market rates remain, which may affect importers, exporters, and individuals seeking foreign currency outside the official window.

The naira’s rebound is part of a broader effort by the CBN and the federal government to strengthen the currency, enhance foreign exchange liquidity, and stabilize the Nigerian economy amid global economic uncertainties. Analysts believe that sustained reforms and careful macroeconomic management are crucial to maintaining this upward momentum and supporting long-term financial stability.

Naira Strengthens for Third Day Against US Dollar as Forex Reforms Take Effect

APC Zonal Congresses Unite Six Geopolitical Zones Behind Tinubu for 2027 Elections

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strengthened its position ahead of the 2027 Nigerian general elections, as party congresses across all six geopolitical zones reaffirmed support for President Bola Tinubu and re-elected key zonal leaders. The largely peaceful congresses demonstrated unity, strategic planning, and readiness to deliver strong electoral outcomes for the party.

In a significant development, the North-Central zone formally endorsed Tinubu as the APC’s sole presidential candidate during its congress in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Led by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and seconded by Governor Abdullahi Sule, the motion was unanimously adopted by governors, ministers, and party stalwarts. Akume described the zone as the “glue of Nigeria” and expressed confidence in its vote-delivering capacity.

Meanwhile, the South-West zonal congress in Lagos re-elected Dr. Isaacs Kekemeke as chairman through consensus, with thousands of delegates in attendance. Kekemeke pledged to ensure overwhelming support for Tinubu, projecting electoral victories in Ekiti and Osun States as a springboard for the 2027 polls. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised the congress as peaceful and credible, stressing the importance of unity, strategic planning, and grassroots mobilisation.

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In the South-East, Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu was re-elected National Vice Chairman at the Enugu congress, a process hailed by Governor Peter Mbah as a testament to APC’s growing influence in the region. The governor commended party officials at all levels for strengthening structures and fostering internal cohesion ahead of the national convention.

The South-South zonal congress in Asaba, Delta State, re-elected Chief Victor Giadom as National Vice Chairman. Senate President Godswill Akpabio called on the region to become the highest vote-delivering bloc for Tinubu in 2027. Governors from Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Cross River states reiterated the need for sustained grassroots engagement and party unity.

In the North-East, delegates in Gombe State elected zonal leaders through a consensus arrangement. Governor Mai Mala Buni, APC North-East Coordinator, emphasised adherence to party guidelines and democratic principles, underscoring the zone’s strategic importance in national politics.

Observers note that APC’s display of unity across all six zones positions President Tinubu as a formidable candidate for 2027, while sending a clear signal of strength to opposition parties. Analysts also highlight that the party’s consensus-driven process fosters cohesion but raises questions about internal party democracy.

With grassroots mobilisation, strategic leadership, and regional endorsements, the APC aims to maintain its dominance in Nigeria’s political landscape and secure victory in the 2027 general elections.

APC Zonal Congresses Unite Six Geopolitical Zones Behind Tinubu for 2027 Elections

Vanguard