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

Atiku Has Less Than 1% of Tinubu’s War Chest — Dele Momodu

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar does not possess the financial strength required to compete effectively with Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Momodu, publisher of Ovation International magazine and a former presidential aspirant, made the remarks during a guest appearance on Politics Today, a political programme on Channels Television, where he discussed Nigeria’s political climate ahead of the next general election.

During the interview, Momodu warned that Nigeria risks drifting toward a one-party state, comparing the current political atmosphere to the era of former military ruler Sani Abacha. According to him, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) currently enjoys overwhelming political and financial advantages, which could make it difficult for opposition figures to mount a strong challenge. “I will describe this moment as being worse than that of the Abacha government. Many people are worried that we now have virtually a one-party state,” Momodu said. He further argued that President Tinubu commands enormous financial and political resources that potential challengers may struggle to match. “Atiku does not have one per cent of Tinubu’s war chest. No, he doesn’t have it. You can imagine how much Tinubu can generate from Lagos State alone, not to talk of the nation. And when you have an absolute ruler, everything is available to him,” he added.

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Despite his comments on the financial gap between the two camps, Momodu insisted that his support for Atiku remains genuine and rooted in his belief in strong opposition politics in Nigeria. He dismissed speculation that he might betray the former vice president or secretly align with the ruling party, saying he had never attended any covert meeting without Atiku’s knowledge. “It’s easier for me to move to Tinubu than to move to Atiku. I’m one million times closer to Tinubu than to Atiku. In fact, people were telling Atiku that Dele is Tinubu’s spy till today. Don’t trust him,” Momodu said. “But there is nothing to spy on. I have not attended any secret private meeting without Atiku. If I’m with Atiku, that should show you that we are people who have a genuine interest in the country.”

Momodu also rejected claims that opposition figures are afraid of President Tinubu, arguing instead that the administration may be worried about public dissatisfaction over economic hardship. “You asked who is afraid of Tinubu. I would like to answer that question. It is Tinubu who is afraid of Nigerians. That is why they are cooking all kinds of cocktails, which you call strategy,” he said. He criticised the government’s handling of economic challenges, claiming many Nigerians are facing severe hardship while the administration appears disconnected from the realities on the ground. “Nigerians are suffering. I think the Tinubu government is living on another planet. They are not being realistic and have their own delusion of grandeur,” he added.

Momodu’s comments come as political discussions intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with opposition parties exploring alliances and strategies that could challenge the dominance of the APC. In the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu defeated Atiku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, in a tightly contested race that reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape. Political analysts say the debate over funding, coalition-building, and candidate selection is likely to intensify in the coming years as opposition figures attempt to consolidate support across Nigeria’s diverse political and regional blocs.

Atiku Has Less Than 1% of Tinubu’s War Chest — Dele Momodu