Politics
2027 PDP ticket: I defeated you in 2019, 2023, Atiku mocks Wike
2027 PDP ticket: I defeated you in 2019, 2023, Atiku mocks Wike
There’s no let-off in war of words between former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over who controls the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike, although a minister in the government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to influence happenings in the PDP which some party hawks loyal to Atiku have tried to expel without fruition.
Both squared up in 2019 when Atiku won the ticket in Wike’s backyard. Wike was governor in the oil-rich Rivers at the time and withheld his support during the party primaries in his state, instead supported his counterpart, Aminu Tambuwal, who was also governor of Sokoto State.
The hope was that Tambuwal, as agreed, would nominate him (Wike) as his vice. Unfortunately to him, Atiku won.
In 2023, both top PDP men squared up again. It took a last minutes maneuvering for Atiku to defeat Wike after Tambuwal, rather than returning the 2019 favour, gave his delegates to Atiku.
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Not done yet, Atiku refused to give the vice presidential ticket to Wike and instead gave it to Ifeanyi Okowa, the governor of Delta State.
A sore Wike was miffed and mobilised loyal governors to support the candidate of the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, who went on to be announced the winner of the 2023 election.
Despite being over two years away, Wike has thrown the first stone telling Atiku that he should forget the 2027 presidential ticket of the PDP.
It’s worth noting that Atiku has not declared interest in the ticket and had said he would support whoever the PDP agrees to give the ticket to, including its erstwhile vice presidential candidate, now Labour Party topman, Peter Obi.
That’s in the belief that Obi will agree to a coalition to unseat the APC, alongside the New Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
Wike, who called a press conference to tell Atiku of what awaits him politically said, “He (Atiku) is lobbying for another chance, but the chance will not be there,” the former Minister of State for Education said.
He questioned, “In which party? How can we rely on one man for so many years?” implying that Atiku’s prospects of securing the PDP ticket are slim.
However, responding to the statement, Atiku in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku reminded Wike of his unsuccessful attempts to install his preferred candidate within the party since 2019.
Shaibu said, “If he had the power to distribute presidential tickets like party favours, he’d certainly have kept one for himself.
“Atiku schooled him and his chosen protégé in his own backyard in 2019 and then handed him a resounding defeat in the 2023 primaries in Abuja.”
Shaibu also questioned Wike’s focus on 2027, especially given his public support for Tinubu’s potential re-election, suggesting that Wike should prioritize the immediate challenges facing Nigerians.
“People are struggling with rising costs and hunger; these are the issues we should be addressing, not political maneuvers for 2027,” Shaibu noted
2027 PDP ticket: I defeated you in 2019, 2023, Atiku mocks Wike
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Politics
BREAKING: Iyabo Obasanjo Quits APC, Alleges Persistent Disrespect, Maltreatment
BREAKING: Iyabo Obasanjo Quits APC, Alleges Persistent Disrespect, Maltreatment
Abeokuta, Nigeria – Former Senator and daughter of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) , citing what she described as persistent disrespect, rejection, and unfair treatment by the party leadership in Ogun State.
The former governorship aspirant announced her decision in a resignation letter dated May 31, 2026, addressed to the Ogun State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi. The resignation comes barely six months after she joined the party and just two months after she lost the APC’s governorship ticket for the 2027 election.
In her resignation letter, Obasanjo quoted a famous saying to drive home her point: “A famous person once said that when disrespect is the only dish served, then one should leave the table. I am therefore leaving the APC table where I am not welcomed. This is my resignation from the party.”
The United States-based Associate Professor of Epidemiology expressed strong dissatisfaction with the consensus arrangement that produced Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Ogun State. According to her, while she had agreed to support any candidate that emerged through a consensus process, she was neither consulted nor involved before Adeola was announced as the party’s preferred candidate.
“When I started the journey to get the party’s nomination for Governor, I came to see you and I said to you and everyone both privately and publicly that I will honor the party’s consensus decision once it has been made,” she stated in her letter.
Obasanjo further alleged that some of her supporters were denied access to the venue where the consensus candidate was unveiled and were subjected to intimidation during the exercise.
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“When that day came, even as violence was perpetrated against my supporters to stop them from entering the venue, I maintained my calmness,” she said.
She also lamented that her presence and contributions were not acknowledged despite her extensive grassroots mobilisation efforts across Ogun State.
“No one acknowledged my presence at the meeting given that I was the most prominent opposition to the candidate chosen and I had traversed the state mobilizing and encouraging grassroots APC support,” she added.
Despite her reservations, Obasanjo said she accepted the outcome in the interest of party unity and immediately issued a statement congratulating the consensus candidate that same night.
The former Ogun State Commissioner for Health disclosed that Senator Adeola subsequently contacted her and requested a meeting with her supporters. During that meeting, her supporters made three requests, which she described as non-compulsory. Adeola reportedly promised to respond within one week.
However, more than two months later, Obasanjo expressed disappointment that she had received no feedback.
“Unless he gets back to me after I send this letter, he has not reached out to me after two months. This is just part of the general treatment I have received from APC of disrespect and rejection as if I was not there making contributions that increased support for the party in Ogun Central and across the state,” she said.
Despite her decision to leave the ruling party, Obasanjo expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some party leaders for the cordial relationship she enjoyed during her brief stay in the APC.
“Through you, I want to thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for receiving me warmly as usual, and I thank you and our Ogun Central Senatorial Chairman, Chief Soremi, as both of you treated me well and I will always remember that,” she wrote.
Obasanjo’s political comeback was brief but eventful. She formally joined the APC in January 2026, registering as a member in Ward 11, Ibogun, in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, signaling her return to active politics after years away from the political scene. Her return had sparked political discussions across the state after campaign billboards bearing her image surfaced in Abeokuta in late 2025, signalling her intention to contest the 2027 governorship election.
Obasanjo had previously served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health from 2003 to 2007 and represented Ogun Central Senatorial District in the Senate from 2007 to 2011. After losing her re-election bid in 2011, she relocated to the United States and largely stayed away from partisan politics until her recent return.
The APC had adopted Senator Adeola as its consensus governorship candidate on April 13, 2026, at a party congress held in Abeokuta. Governor Dapo Abiodun, who announced the decision, revealed that the consensus was reached to break the long-standing 50-year barrier affecting Ogun West, while ensuring fairness and equity across all senatorial districts. Senator Adeola, who represents Ogun West at the National Assembly, was formally presented as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 election.
Obasanjo’s departure marks a significant political development in Ogun State and has sparked fresh conversations about internal democracy and inclusiveness within party structures. Her resignation comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, and political analysts suggest that the former senator’s exit could have implications for the APC’s efforts to consolidate support in Ogun Central Senatorial District, where she maintains considerable political influence.
As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership and Senator Solomon Adeola had not issued any official response to Obasanjo’s allegations. The party has also not commented on the claims of violence, intimidation, and unfulfilled promises made by the former governorship aspirant.
BREAKING: Iyabo Obasanjo Quits APC, Alleges Persistent Disrespect, Maltreatment
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Politics
2027 Election: Babachir Lawal Tells ADC to Dump Atiku, Questions Ex-VP’s Silence on Insecurity
2027 Election: Babachir Lawal Tells ADC to Dump Atiku, Questions Ex-VP’s Silence on Insecurity
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has released an explosive new statement titled “Kachalla 2,” in which he defends his record over the controversial grass-cutting scandal, names those he claims orchestrated his removal from office, and renews his call for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to drop former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate. In the lengthy statement released on Saturday, June 6, 2026, Lawal said he has faced a barrage of insults and threats following an earlier post in which he criticised Atiku. According to him, many of his critics focused on what has popularly been referred to as the “grass-cutting scandal,” while ignoring what he described as the substantive issues he raised about the former vice president’s suitability for the presidency.
Lawal maintained that his removal from office as SGF was politically motivated and not based on any genuine wrongdoing. “I find this amusing because it was clearly a setup to get me out of office on account of my very close relationship with Gen Muhammadu Buhari,” he said. He claimed that his relationship with the former president, dating back to 1971 when Buhari became his mentor, made him a target of political opponents who were uncomfortable with his influence. According to Lawal, some political actors feared that Buhari was grooming him for a higher position, while others objected to his appointment as SGF simply because he is a Christian from the small Kilba tribe in Adamawa State.
In a dramatic revelation, the former SGF alleged that a high-powered delegation was sent to Buhari to complain about his appointment, but the former president refused to listen. Consequently, he said, “they had to get me out of the seat of the very powerful SGF at all costs.” Lawal claimed that the contract to remove him was awarded to some Northern Senators who subcontracted the assignment to legislative hatchet men, recruiting sympathizers and collaborators in the executive branch and the press. He notably stated that the main contractor later apologized to him in the presence of three mutual friends, and that as a Christian, he forgave him.
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Lawal further alleged that despite an initial Senate report recommending his dismissal, then-President Muhammadu Buhari rejected the recommendation on the advice of the Attorney General, who found the report lacking in substance and fair hearing. However, he claimed that the matter would not die because the then Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, for reasons best known to him, decided to pursue the matter with the president, incessantly pestering him until the president gave in and permitted Osinbajo and two others to investigate the matter. “It was this report that without a shred of evidence recommended my removal,” Lawal stated.
Lawal insisted that the matter was eventually investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and that he was later discharged and acquitted by the court. According to court documents, a Federal High Court in Abuja discharged and acquitted Lawal and five others from the N544 million contract fraud charges brought against them by the EFCC. “During the trial, EFCC called 14 witnesses. Interestingly all of them testified to my innocence as if they were my own witnesses. Not one of them implicated me either in the contract award process or its execution,” he said. The court held that the anti-graft agency failed to establish a prima facie case against the ex-SGF and the co-defendants, ruling that no ingredient of any offence was made out by the 11 witnesses who testified for the EFCC.
Providing his most detailed account yet of the controversial contract at the centre of the case, Lawal said the consultancy contract awarded to a company he once owned, Rholavision Engineering Limited, was worth N7.2 million and emerged through a competitive bidding process of which he was not even aware. He explained that the main contract, worth approximately N540 million, was won by Josmon Technologies Limited, a company whose owners he had never met until they met in court. He argued that both the main contract and the consultancy services were fully executed, and payments were effected only after the Auditor-General’s Office and the Internal Auditors certified that the contracts were fully executed according to specifications. “What the Kachalla Goebelian propagandists and liars are calling ‘grass cutting scandal’ was actually clearing of over 320 kilometres of Komadugu Yobe River,” Lawal stated. He detailed that the river, which sustains the livelihoods of millions through fishing, agriculture, and pastoralism, was facing significant environmental and water scarcity concerns through blockage by Typha grass. He said the contract involved the reconstruction of 500 hectares of irrigated farmlands along the river bank, each provided with irrigation canals, a wash borehole, and a petrol pump. The project also included the purchase and distribution of 25 dugout canoes, fishing nets, and 25 speed boats for transportation. Lawal noted that the project employed over 1,000 displaced villagers and refugees from the camps daily for the four-month duration of the programme.
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Turning to contemporary politics, Lawal accused supporters of Atiku of attacking him for expressing concerns about the former vice president’s presidential ambition. “No, it is my right to interrogate the character and competence of someone who seeks to be my President,” he said. The former SGF questioned Atiku’s response to insecurity and banditry across the country, asking why the former vice president had allegedly not spoken strongly enough against attacks carried out by armed groups in several communities. “Why has Atiku Abubakar never publicly sympathized or empathized with the victims of these mostly Fulani bandits? Why has he never lent a voice to those condemning Kachalla Bello Turji and his colleagues after burning, kidnapping and killing thousands of Hausa victims, sometimes happening in Mosques and markets?” he queried. Lawal also raised concerns about some businesses associated with Atiku, including Gotel Communications, Adama Beverages, Rico Gado Nutrition Company, and his university, arguing that Nigerians should scrutinise the competence and character of anyone seeking the nation’s highest office. “Should we feign nonchalance to someone who once said he will ‘enrich his friends’?” he asked.
The former SGF urged opposition politicians to consider presenting an alternative candidate ahead of the next presidential election, arguing that doing so would improve their chances at the polls. “Indeed I would urge ADC to replace this man with a more qualified candidate if they want to have any hope of winning the presidential election before INEC time table runs out on them,” he said. Lawal also disclosed that he has effectively withdrawn from active partisan politics and is undecided on whom to support in the next presidential election. “I have now retired from politics. I’m not canvassing for votes for anybody. I have one vote to myself that I keep to myself. I might even vote for Omoyele Sowore,” he said. Lawal added that he had ruled out supporting both the APC and ADC and was waiting to see other candidates that may emerge ahead of the 2027 election. He also reiterated his support for Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, whom he described as the most qualified among the presidential aspirants.
The former SGF defended earlier comments that attracted criticism for their ethnic and religious undertones. “If pointing out the danger an Atiku presidency will pose to the country amounts to insulting the whole Fulani race, and if that is how the Fulani race chooses to see it, so be it,” he said. He linked his views to experiences of discrimination he claimed to have faced as a Christian from the Kilba ethnic group in Adamawa State. He concluded by insisting that his interventions were motivated by concern for Nigeria’s future and vowed not to be intimidated by critics. “I mean well for my country,” he said. “I will not lie low and allow his goons to lynch me be it physically or on the social media.”
Atiku Abubakar’s camp has strongly dismissed Lawal’s allegations. In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President’s camp described Lawal’s accusations as unsubstantiated and politically motivated. Shaibu said Lawal “maligned a democratic process” and failed to present any verifiable proof, including documents, witnesses, or facts, to back his claims of irregularities in the ADC primary. The statement questioned Lawal’s consistency, alleging that he accepted similar processes in other party contests but only raised objections in the presidential primary after the outcome did not favour his preferred candidate. “If the ADC primaries were truly the sham Mr. Lawal now portrays them to be, intellectual honesty would require him to reject every outcome arising from that exercise, including the emergence of his cousin,” the statement said, referring to Omar Suleiman, who emerged as the ADC governorship candidate in Adamawa State. The Atiku camp further accused Lawal of resorting to ethnic and religious prejudice after failing to persuade ADC members to embrace his preferred candidate. The statement described such rhetoric as divisive and warned against it, adding that Atiku remains focused on national issues ahead of the 2027 elections. The statement concluded that the 2027 election would not be decided by tantrums, ethnic dog whistles, recycled grievances, or revisionist history, but by the Nigerian people.
2027 Election: Babachir Lawal Tells ADC to Dump Atiku, Questions Ex-VP’s Silence on Insecurity
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Entertainment
Nollywood Actress and Abia Gov Candidate Doris Ogala Collapses in Umuahia, Hospitalized at FMC
Nollywood Actress and Abia Gov Candidate Doris Ogala Collapses in Umuahia, Hospitalized at FMC
UMUAHIA, Abia State – Nollywood actress and African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for Abia State ahead of the 2027 election, Doris Ogala, was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, on Friday after she lost consciousness and collapsed during a consultation earlier in the day. The incident, which quickly spread across social media, has drawn a flood of reactions — from concern and prayers to skepticism and accusations of a publicity stunt. Within hours of her hospitalization, Ogala took to Instagram to confirm the episode, reassure her followers, and even share videos of herself praying with other patients at the facility. Reports also later emerged that she paid medical bills for several indigent patients while receiving treatment. This health scare comes at a pivotal moment in her life, just weeks after she secured the AAC governorship ticket, positioning herself to challenge incumbent Governor Alex Otti in the fiercely competitive Abia 2027 gubernatorial race.
According to reports accompanied by a video circulating online, Ogala lost consciousness while attending a consultation in Umuahia on Friday. She was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, where medical personnel attended to her and successfully stabilised her condition. Details of the specific medical emergency have not been officially released, but unconfirmed online reports suggested the collapse may have been linked to a recent surgery relapse. Neither Ogala nor her campaign team has issued a formal medical statement addressing the cause.
Shortly after being stabilized, Ogala took to her Instagram page to update her followers. She posted a video showing her seated in a wheelchair at the hospital, interacting warmly with patients and healthcare workers. “I was rushed to FMC Umuahia. I lost consciousness. Glory to God I am stabilised now,” she wrote in the caption. In the footage, the actress was also seen praying alongside some patients at the facility, a gesture that drew praise from many of her supporters.
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Beyond her own recovery, reports emerged that the AAC governorship candidate extended financial support to other patients at the hospital. According to multiple social media posts and unconfirmed reports, Ogala paid medical bills for a number of indigent patients who were unable to settle their hospital expenses. Some posts claimed she acted after receiving “direct instructions from God” to assist them. While the reports have not been independently verified, the gesture generated significant positive commentary, with supporters describing it as compassionate, thoughtful, and encouraging.
Ogala’s hospitalization comes just weeks after she emerged as the African Action Congress (AAC) flagbearer for the 2027 Abia State governorship election. She secured the party’s ticket following a primary election and has since positioned herself as a challenger to Governor Alex Otti, who is widely expected to seek another term under the Labour Party. Her political message has centered on people-focused governance, economic development, and employment opportunities. She has also been vocal in criticizing the current administration, promising a fresh direction for the state. Political observers note that her sudden health scare could affect campaign momentum if not properly addressed, though her rapid return to social media and hospital interactions suggest an effort to remain visible.
The incident generated widespread reactions across social media platforms, with opinions sharply divided. Many fans and political supporters expressed genuine concern for her health, urging her to prioritize recovery over political activities. Those who praised her for praying with patients and paying medical bills described the gestures as thoughtful and encouraging. “Despite her own condition, she still thought of others. That is leadership,” one commenter wrote. However, a significant number of social media users questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident. Some described the episode as a possible publicity move linked to her political aspirations, citing her background in the Nollywood movie industry. Several commentators labeled the situation as “acting” or “drama,” suggesting the collapse was staged to generate sympathy and media attention ahead of the 2027 election cycle. “She is an actress. This is just a script,” another user posted. Others simply expressed worry about her physical fitness for the rigors of political office, arguing that she should focus on her health before proceeding with her governorship ambition.
As of the time of this report, no official medical statement has been released by Doris Ogala, her campaign team, or the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, regarding the exact cause of her collapse. Indications suggest she remains under observation while continuing her recovery.
For readers seeking a quick summary of the key details, the following information has been confirmed. Doris Ogala is a Nollywood actress and the African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for Abia State in the 2027 election. She collapsed and lost consciousness during a consultation in Umuahia on Friday and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, where she was stabilized. She confirmed the incident on Instagram, writing, “I was rushed to FMC Umuahia. I lost consciousness. Glory to God I am stabilised now.” Unconfirmed reports suggested the collapse may be linked to a recent surgery relapse. She was also seen praying with patients and reportedly paid medical bills for several indigent patients at the hospital. Social media reactions have been mixed, ranging from genuine concern and praise to accusations of a publicity stunt, with some commentators citing her Nollywood background. No official medical statement has been released as of this report.
Nollywood Actress and Abia Gov Candidate Doris Ogala Collapses in Umuahia, Hospitalized at FMC
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