Obi, Makinde, Dickson Visit Kwankwaso, Fuel Coalition Rumours

The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Sunday hosted a high-profile delegation of political figures at his Kano residence, fueling renewed speculation about possible alliances and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Among those received were former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party Nigeria, Peter Obi; Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde; and former Bayelsa State governor, Senator Seriake Dickson.

The meeting, which took place during the Sallah celebrations, has drawn significant political attention due to the calibre of attendees and the timing, as discussions around opposition unity and potential coalitions intensify across the country.

Although described as a social visit, political observers

say the gathering could carry broader implications, especially as Nigeria’s political landscape begins early positioning ahead of the next electoral cycle. The presence of key opposition figures from different geopolitical zones has further strengthened speculation about ongoing consultations toward a possible opposition coalition.

Kwankwaso, who leads the Kwankwasiyya movement and remains a dominant political figure in northern Nigeria, has been at the center of recent discussions about a potential shift in alliances. Reports suggest he may be considering alignment with a broader opposition bloc reportedly being discussed among political stakeholders, with some linking the emerging conversations to the African Democratic Congress.

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Governor Makinde’s participation is also viewed as politically significant given his influence within the opposition and his role in ongoing internal dynamics within the Peoples Democratic Party. The PDP has continued to grapple with internal disagreements and factional tensions, which have shaped political alignments and strategic decisions ahead of future elections.

Similarly, Seriake Dickson’s presence has attracted attention following his recent involvement in the unveiling of the National Democratic Coalition, a new political platform that has further contributed to conversations around restructuring opposition forces.

While no official agenda was disclosed, Kwankwaso, in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, described the meeting as part of Sallah celebrations and a moment of goodwill among political leaders.

“Delighted to host Their Excellencies, Peter Obi, Seyi Makinde, and Seriake Dickson at my Kano residence for this joyful Sallah celebration. Wishing everyone peace, blessings, and prosperity,” he wrote.

Despite the social framing, analysts say such gatherings often serve as informal spaces for political dialogue, networking, and early-stage negotiations in Nigeria’s evolving political environment.

Political commentators note that discussions around coalition building, defections, and opposition unity have gained momentum as parties and key figures begin to strategise ahead of 2027. Any potential alignment involving figures like Kwankwaso, Obi, and Makinde could significantly influence voter dynamics and reshape the balance of power in future elections.

However, as of now, no official confirmation has been made regarding any defection, merger, or formal political alliance emerging from the meeting.

The gathering nonetheless underscores the growing pace of political consultations across party lines, as Nigeria’s leading opposition figures continue to explore possible pathways toward collaboration in a bid to strengthen their position ahead of the next general elections.

Obi, Makinde, Dickson Visit Kwankwaso, Fuel Coalition Rumours

Kwara Christians Demand Christian Governor in 2027

Christian leaders and stakeholders in Kwara State, under the banner of the Coalition of Concerned Christian Stakeholders, have intensified calls for major political parties to field a Christian candidate for the 2027 governorship election, emphasizing fairness, inclusivity, and equitable representation.

At a press briefing in Ilorin, coalition spokesperson Rev. Dr. Jonathan Adeboye stressed that the push for a Christian governor is not a religious campaign but a call to ensure that the state’s leadership reflects its diverse demographic and religious composition. “The advocacy for a Christian governor in 2027 is about promoting inclusivity and preventing exclusionary tendencies,” he said.

Rev. Adeboye highlighted that since the return of democratic rule in Kwara State, only one Christian — Chief Cornelius Adebayo, who served briefly in 1983 — has held the governorship. He listed the sequence of past civilian governors to underscore the disparity:

• Alhaji Adamu Attah (1979–1983) – Muslim
• Chief C.O. Adebayo (1983) – Christian
• Sen. Shaaba Lafiagi (1992–1993) – Muslim
• Alhaji Mohammed Lawal (1999–2003) – Muslim
• Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (2003–2011) – Muslim
• Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed (2011–2019) – Muslim
• Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq (2019–present) – Muslim

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“A Christian last served as governor in 1983, over 40 years ago,” Adeboye noted, stressing the importance of balanced political representation in a state comprising Yoruba, Nupe, Baruba, Fulani, Igbo, and Hausa communities, and adherents of Christianity, Islam, and Traditional religions.

The coalition argued that while the preferred candidate may emerge from any senatorial district, priority should be given to Kwara South, which has a significant Christian population. “The Government House belongs to all Kwarans, irrespective of tribe, religion, or minority status. It is our collective responsibility to ensure fairness and inclusivity,” Adeboye said.

The group also clarified that the demand is not intended to fuel sectarian politics, but to ensure that all communities feel represented in the state’s highest office. Other civil society groups, including the Kwara Inclusion Advocates, have echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing equitable leadership, political stability, and social cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Analysts note that the coalition’s call reflects broader discussions around merit, competence, and diversity in candidate selection, underlining the need for political parties to consider religious and regional representation when nominating governorship candidates.

As Kwara State prepares for the 2027 elections, the call for a Christian governorship candidate is expected to shape political discourse and influence party strategies in the coming months.

Kwara Christians Demand Christian Governor in 2027

PDP Crisis Deepens as Party Suspends Wike-Aligned Chairman

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended Peter Tongshep, a factional chairman in Plateau State aligned with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, further intensifying the party’s internal leadership crisis.

Tongshep, who was elected last Tuesday alongside 38 other executives during a parallel congress, had previously served as PDP chairman in Mikang Local Government Area and as the party’s Southern Zone Vice Chairman. His emergence was backed by prominent Wike loyalists, including Damishi Sango, Musa I. Azi, as well as Board of Trustees members Timothy Golu and Johnbul Shekarau.

The Plateau State chapter of the PDP announced Tongshep’s one-month suspension on Thursday, citing alleged anti-party activities and violations of the party’s constitution.

In a statement issued by the State Publicity Secretary, Choji Felix Dalyop, the party said the suspension was approved by the State Working Committee under Section 57(1) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).

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According to the statement, Tongshep’s actions contravened Sections 58(1)(i) and (j), which deal with misconduct and actions capable of bringing the party into disrepute.

“During the suspension period, Tongshep is barred from functioning in his role as Southern Zone Vice Chairman of the PDP in Plateau State,” the statement noted.

The PDP further disclosed that the case has been referred to its Disciplinary Committee in Jos for investigation and recommendations, in line with Section 57(3) of the constitution.

The suspension comes days after a controversial parallel congress produced a rival leadership structure in the state, a move defended by Damishi Sango, who argued that it was necessary to safeguard the party’s survival in Plateau.

However, the mainstream PDP leadership in the state, headed by Raymond Dabo, has rejected the faction, insisting it remains the only legitimate structure recognised by the party.

The PDP crisis in Plateau State reflects broader divisions within the opposition party, particularly between factions loyal to Wike and other national leaders, raising concerns about unity ahead of future elections.

The party reiterated its commitment to discipline, internal democracy, and rule of law, warning members against participating in unauthorised structures or activities that could undermine its stability.

PDP Crisis Deepens as Party Suspends Wike-Aligned Chairman