ADC Presidential Ticket: Obi, Kwankwaso Rally Northern Leaders Against Atiku

Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and ex-Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso have intensified political consultations aimed at building a strong northern coalition ahead of the 2027 elections under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with a focus on a proposed one-term power rotation agreement that could reshape the party’s presidential contest.

Party sources say the alliance is pushing a strategy designed to secure northern backing for a southern presidency, with Obi positioned as a key contender expected to serve only a single term if the arrangement is agreed upon. The move is widely seen as part of efforts to weaken the influence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar within the party’s emerging power structure.

Obi and Kwankwaso are promoting a “fairness and rotation” narrative, arguing that the South should be allowed to complete its full eight-year presidency cycle, following previous northern leadership periods. The coalition is using this argument to win support among northern stakeholders, traditional rulers, and political blocs who are critical in determining delegate strength ahead of the ADC primaries. A growing network within the party has also been mobilised under the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, formed to coordinate grassroots and elite engagement ahead of the presidential primary election.

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Kwankwaso, who formally joined the ADC on March 30, 2026, has reportedly stepped up consultations across northern Nigeria, meeting influential leaders and political stakeholders in the last few weeks. His camp has been particularly active in engaging northern figures opposed to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, urging them to consider supporting a southern candidate on the basis of political rotation and national balance. His allies are also said to be promoting the idea that backing Obi under a structured agreement could guarantee future political alignment for northern interests in subsequent election cycles.

The political manoeuvring is unfolding amid ongoing internal disputes within the ADC, which is currently facing leadership uncertainty and awaiting judicial clarification from the Supreme Court regarding its structure. Despite the instability, presidential aspirants—including Obi, Kwankwaso, and Atiku—have continued consultations, coalition-building, and delegate outreach ahead of the party’s primaries.

Reports suggest that Atiku Abubakar, who previously served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007, remains one of the strongest figures within the ADC structure but is increasingly facing resistance from rival blocs pushing alternative coalitions. Some northern and southern stakeholders within the party are beginning to align with the Obi-Kwankwaso camp, creating a potential challenge to Atiku’s influence over the party’s delegate base. However, Atiku’s supporters insist he still commands significant political structures across the North and remains well-positioned ahead of the primaries.

Political analysts say the ADC is likely heading toward a highly competitive primary election, as consensus-building efforts appear increasingly difficult due to competing ambitions among top contenders. While some stakeholders are pushing for consensus candidacy, others believe only direct primaries can resolve the growing divisions within the party. With consultations intensifying, the coming weeks are expected to be crucial in determining whether the ADC will unify behind a single candidate or proceed into a divisive but decisive internal contest.

ADC Presidential Ticket: Obi, Kwankwaso Rally Northern Leaders Against Atiku

Ex-Power Minister Denies Snubbing Tinubu, Says Exit Was Approved

Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has clarified that he secured the approval of Bola Tinubu before stepping down from office, putting to rest speculation surrounding his resignation.

In a statement issued on Saturday through his Media Aide, Femi Awogboro, Adelabu dismissed claims that he failed to consult the presidency, describing such reports as misleading and unfounded.

The former minister recently resigned from his position, a move widely linked to his ambition to contest the Oyo State governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to the statement, Adelabu followed due process and obtained the full consent of President Tinubu before making his decision. “Adelabu actually obtained the full approval and blessing of President Tinubu before taking the decision to resign. Those spreading false speculations should desist, as such claims are baseless,” the statement read.

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The clarification comes amid growing controversy over Adelabu resignation, with some reports suggesting a breach of protocol. However, Adelabu’s camp insists the narrative is being pushed by political opponents seeking to undermine his rising influence ahead of the next election cycle.

The statement further noted that critics were unsettled by the massive turnout that welcomed Adelabu back to Ibadan last Thursday, describing it as a sign of his growing grassroots support.

Political observers say Adelabu has intensified consultations across Oyo State as he positions himself for the 2027 governorship race, having previously contested the seat in 2019.

His resignation has fueled discussions around Oyo State governorship race 2027, with analysts viewing his exit from the Federal Executive Council as a strategic move to focus fully on local politics.

Adelabu’s departure also comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s power sector, which continues to grapple with challenges in electricity generation and distribution — making the Nigeria power sector leadership changes a key issue for stakeholders.

Ex-Power Minister Denies Snubbing Tinubu, Says Exit Was Approved

Xenophobic Attacks: FG Advises Nigerians in South Africa to Close Businesses

The Federal Government of Nigeria has advised Nigerian nationals operating businesses in South Africa to temporarily suspend operations following a fresh wave of xenophobic violence, protests, and targeted attacks on foreign-owned shops across several parts of the country.

The advisory was issued through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) after reports confirmed rising tensions, looting, and destruction of properties belonging to foreign nationals in multiple South African cities.

NiDCOM said the directive followed an official security circular from the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, which warned of escalating unrest in areas including East London, Cape Town, Durban, Gauteng Province, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal. According to the circular, recent protests in these regions have degenerated into violent confrontations, resulting in injuries and widespread vandalisation of foreign-owned businesses in South Africa. Intelligence reports also indicated that additional protests were planned between April 27 and 29, 2026, raising concerns over possible escalation of violence during the period.

Speaking on the development, NiDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun said the advisory to shut down businesses is a precautionary step aimed at safeguarding Nigerians amid rising insecurity. He urged Nigerian nationals to remain law-abiding, avoid confrontation, and comply with local laws while the situation is being monitored. Balogun stressed that the directive is temporary and designed strictly to protect lives and property during the period of unrest.

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NiDCOM clarified that there is currently no evacuation plan for Nigerians living in South Africa, noting that such action would only be considered if the situation worsens significantly. The commission added that Nigerian diplomatic missions remain active and are working closely with South African authorities and police to ensure the safety of citizens. Officials also confirmed that diplomatic engagement is ongoing between Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and South African counterparts over the rising tensions.

The President-General of Nigerians in South Africa, Smart Nwobi, expressed concern over what he described as increasing hostility toward migrants, especially during protests linked to unemployment and economic hardship. He urged the Nigerian government to intensify diplomatic intervention and ensure stronger protection for citizens abroad. Community leaders have also advised Nigerians to avoid protest hotspots, remain indoors where necessary, and prioritise personal safety until tensions subside.

South Africa has experienced repeated incidents of xenophobic attacks, often triggered by socio-economic grievances such as unemployment and competition for informal trade. Foreign nationals, including Nigerians, have frequently been targeted in incidents involving shop looting, property destruction, harassment, and physical assaults.

Videos circulating on social media show confrontations between local residents and foreign nationals, with some individuals demanding that migrants leave South Africa. In several cases, people were reportedly questioned over their immigration status, while others were harassed or attacked during chaotic protest scenes. Authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive nationwide response, although increased police deployment has been reported in affected areas.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is reportedly engaging South African authorities to address the situation and ensure the protection of Nigerian citizens. The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg continues to coordinate with local security agencies to monitor developments and provide updates to affected nationals.

Xenophobic Attacks: FG Advises Nigerians in South Africa to Close Businesses