APC, PDP attack Jega over rejection advice to electorate - Newstrends
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APC, PDP attack Jega over rejection advice to electorate

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The All Progressives Congress and opposition Peoples Democratic Party have come hard on erstwhile Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, for advising the electorate to reject both parties in the next general elections in 2023.
While the APC warned Jega to desist from attacking the party as part of his schemes to polish his political career, the PDP said comparing the party with the APC was a big disservice to the nation.
Jega, in an interview with BBC Hausa, warned Nigerians against reelecting the PDP and APC into office in subsequent elections, citing their alleged failure to bring development to the country in the past 20 years.
While the PDP ruled the country from 1999 till 2015, the ruling APC took over power in 2015.
In a statement on Monday, Kola Ologbondiyan, national publicity secretary of the PDP, described the comparison by the former INEC boss as unpardonable disservice to Nigeria.
“Trying to compare the incompetent and decadent APC to the highly productive and development-oriented PDP is an unpardonable disservice to our nation and calls to question the sense of judgment of Professor Jega,” Ologbondiyan said.
“It is indeed unfortunate that Prof. Jega, as a professor of political science, could portray an ignorance of the manifest contrasts between the robust fortunes of our nation under the PDP and the wasteland she has become under the APC.
“Perhaps the Professor needs to be reminded of how the PDP worked hard to revamp our nation’s economy, paid off our huge foreign debts and went ahead to grow the economy to become the largest investment hub in Africa as well as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with Fitch B+ rating; only for the APC to wreck the economy and turned our nation into the world poverty capital and a debtor country in a space of six years.
“Prof. Jega must also be reminded how the PDP reinvigorated the private sector with new businesses and employments springing up in critical sectors of telecoms, aviation, agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, education, retailing, hospitality, healthcare and banking among others.
“Today, under the APC and Buhari, these gains have been wrecked with massive closure of businesses, which saw over 60 million Nigerians losing their means of livelihood, with alarming 33.3 percent unemployment rate and over 82.9 million more and about 25 million families not being able to afford their daily meals as our country ranks 98th out of 107 in Global Hunger Index, due to the obnoxious policies of the APC and President Buhari.”
The PDP national publicity secretary added that the PDP stabilised the economy, but the APC wrecked it.
“We invite Professor Jega to note how the PDP ran an all-inclusive and transparent administration that guaranteed freedom of speech, equity, fairness as well as free and fair elections, which he attested to; and how the APC, had been running a massively corrupt, insensitive, divisive and exclusionist administration that has destroyed our national cohesion and turned our nation into a battle field,” he said.
“As professor of political science, Prof. Jega ought to know that while the PDP is an ideologically based political party, the APC is just a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) operated on the basis of deception and that is why it has failed in all ramification and now fizzled in the eyes of the law.”
Ologbondiyan added that Nigerians are already coming to terms with the “failure” of the APC and would hesitate to vote the ruling party in 2023.
The APC in its statement signed by the National Secretary of its Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, said, “Our attention has been drawn to an uncontrolled, wrong and untenable political outburst by a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega in which he lumped the All Progressives Congress (APC), together with the failed People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“While the PDP failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians as a government and opposition party, the APC is thriving, healthy and assiduously cleaning the massive mess left behind by the PDP which failed to deliver democratic dividends to the people of Nigeria after being in charge of the country for 16 years.
“While Professor Jega is right about the PDP, a party under which he served as the Chairman of the nation’s election management body, we reject his comparison of the APC with the PDP.
“Professor Jega got his facts wrong and mixed up in his baseless comparison of the PDP with the APC.

“While we do not intend to join issues with Professor Jega, we encourage him to engage in genuine scholarly research and come up with evidence-based conclusions on the progressive orientation of the APC.
“It is however instructive to note that having recently abandoned his academic pursuit and blindly plunged into the arena of PDP’s brand of politics, the erstwhile electoral umpire as a politician can make such political statements occasionally while trying to launch his political career in a mushroom political party.
“The APC is a strong, united, popular and focused political unit. Hence, the Professor should note the political lesson that maligning the APC would not provide him with a springboard to achieve his desires. Nigerians are wiser and remain the ultimate judges.”

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Politics

2027: ADC Unveils Primary Timetable, Pegs Presidential Form at ₦100 Million

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African Democratic Congress (ADC)

2027: ADC Unveils Primary Timetable, Pegs Presidential Form at ₦100 Million

The African Democratic Congress has officially unveiled its timetable for the 2026 primary elections ahead of the 2027 general polls, fixing May 25, 2026, for its presidential primary while setting the cost of the presidential nomination form at ₦100 million.

The timetable, released in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, outlines the procedures, deadlines, and requirements for aspirants seeking elective positions under the ADC platform.

According to the party, the schedule is designed to ensure internal democracy, transparency, orderliness, and strict compliance with the Electoral Act as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

The ADC disclosed that the process has already commenced, with the collection of application forms scheduled to run from April 1 to May 4, 2026.

The sale of nomination forms will hold between May 5 and May 10, while completed forms are expected to be submitted between May 11 and May 13.

Screening of aspirants is slated for May 14 and May 15, with the results expected to be released on May 17.

The party added that appeals arising from the screening process would be heard between May 18 and May 19, while the final list of cleared aspirants is expected on May 20.

Under the timetable, primary elections for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate positions will be conducted simultaneously at the ward level on May 21, 2026.

Governorship primaries are scheduled for May 22, while the presidential primary election will hold on May 25.

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The party also announced that its National Executive Committee meeting will take place on May 26, followed by a Special National Convention on May 27 to ratify candidates that emerge from the various primaries.

On the cost of participation, the ADC approved a structured nomination fee regime across all elective offices.

The breakdown shows:

  • Presidential form — ₦100 million
  • Governorship form — ₦50 million
  • Senate form — ₦20 million
  • House of Representatives form — ₦10 million
  • State House of Assembly form — ₦3 million

The party, however, announced concessions aimed at encouraging inclusion and youth participation.

According to the guidelines, youths will receive a 50 percent discount on nomination forms, while women and persons with disabilities will enjoy a 25 percent reduction.

Political observers say the ₦100 million presidential nomination fee places the ADC among parties with some of the highest ticket costs ahead of the 2027 elections, a development likely to spark debate over the growing financial barriers in Nigeria’s political system.

The announcement comes amid heightened opposition coalition talks and ongoing political realignments involving prominent political figures seeking platforms ahead of the next presidential race.

Analysts believe the ADC is attempting to position itself as a formidable opposition force capable of attracting major aspirants and strengthening its national visibility ahead of the elections.

The party urged aspirants, members, and stakeholders to comply strictly with the approved timetable and guidelines, insisting that it remains committed to providing a credible platform for competent, transparent, and accountable leadership.

 

2027: ADC Unveils Primary Timetable, Pegs Presidential Form at ₦100 Million

 

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BREAKING: Peter Obi Resigns from ADC, Gives Reasons

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Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi

BREAKING: Peter Obi Resigns from ADC, Gives Reasons

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has officially announced his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing what he described as a toxic political environment, persistent internal crises, and external interference undermining the party’s stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi disclosed his decision in a personally signed statement released on Sunday, stressing that his departure was not motivated by personal grievances against key party figures, including former Senate President David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, both of whom he said he still respects.

“Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because our highly respected Chairman, Senator David Mark, treated me badly, nor because my leader and elder brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me,” Obi stated.

The former Anambra State governor, however, alleged that the same political forces he accused of destabilising the Labour Party had begun infiltrating the ADC through internal disputes, legal battles, and growing distrust among party stakeholders.

“However, the same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC, with endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division,” he said.

Obi’s resignation comes amid mounting tension within opposition circles over coalition arrangements and presidential calculations ahead of the 2027 election. Political observers say disagreements over zoning, candidate selection, and leadership control have intensified pressure within the ADC coalition project in recent months.

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The former presidential candidate described Nigeria’s wider political climate as increasingly hostile to reform-minded leadership, lamenting what he called the normalisation of intimidation, insecurity, and political suppression.

“We now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the very system that should protect and create opportunities for decent living often works against the people,” Obi stated.

He also suggested that some political allies had privately distanced themselves from him despite publicly identifying with his movement.

“More painful is when some of those you associate with, believing you would find understanding and solidarity among them, become part of the pressure you face,” he said. “Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism.”

Obi further criticised what he described as distorted values within Nigeria’s political system, arguing that humility, fairness, and compassion are increasingly treated as weaknesses.

“We live in a society where humility is mistaken for weakness, respect is seen as a lack of courage, and compassion is treated as foolishness,” he noted.

“A system where treating people equally is questioned simply because you refuse to worship status, tribe, class, or power.”

Despite leaving the ADC, Obi insisted he remains committed to national transformation rather than personal political ambition.

“Let me assure all that I am not desperate to be President, Vice President, or Senate President. I am desperate to see a society that can console a mother whose child has been kidnapped or killed,” he said.

“I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people will not live in IDP camps but in their homes. I am desperate for a country where Nigerian citizens do not go to bed hungry.”

The former governor also spoke about the emotional strain of his political journey, revealing that he has endured “silent pains,” “quiet battles,” and personal sacrifices while attempting to pursue reform under difficult political conditions.

“There are moments I ask God in prayer: Why is doing the right thing often misconstrued as wrongdoing in our country?” Obi said. “Why is integrity not valued?”

Obi’s exit is expected to trigger fresh political realignments within the opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential race, especially as coalition talks among major opposition figures continue to evolve.

Although he did not announce his next political platform, analysts believe the move could reshape opposition strategies and reignite debates over a unified challenger against the ruling party in the next election cycle.

 

BREAKING: Peter Obi Resigns from ADC, Gives Reasons

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2027: Adelabu Mobilises APC Support, Rejects Oyo Consensus Candidate Claim

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Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu
Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu

2027: Adelabu Mobilises APC Support, Rejects Oyo Consensus Candidate Claim

Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to support his governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 elections, while also dismissing reports of any consensus candidate endorsed by the party leadership.

Adelabu made the appeal on Saturday during a meeting with party leaders, members and supporters in his constituency, Ibadan South East Local Government Area, where he formally sought backing for his governorship bid.

The former minister said the visit was part of consultations ahead of his formal submission of expression of interest and nomination forms, adding that he had already purchased the forms at a cost of ₦50 million.

He told supporters that he had resigned from his ministerial position to fully pursue his political ambition and presented his nomination form to them for approval before proceeding further in the race.

According to him, the decision to contest was based on earlier encouragement from party members who urged him to step down from his federal appointment and join the governorship race.

Adelabu also dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had endorsed any aspirant as a consensus candidate in Oyo APC, insisting that no such arrangement exists.

He maintained that the president’s position was for aspirants to either reach a consensus or go through a direct primary election, describing any claim of a secretly endorsed candidate as false.

The former minister further stated that the APC operates as a structured democratic party where decisions are not made in secrecy, adding that party members will ultimately determine the flagbearer through established processes.

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Adelabu, who described himself as a loyal member of the ruling party, said political developments within the APC should not be misrepresented or used to mislead members.

He noted that similar internal contestations had occurred in other states such as Lagos and Ogun, stressing that such processes are normal in a democratic party structure.

The governorship hopeful said he would formally notify the Oyo APC leadership of his ambition during a scheduled visit to the party secretariat on Tuesday, May 5.

He also disclosed plans to officially declare his governorship ambition on Tuesday, May 12, at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, where he is expected to address party stakeholders, ward leaders, women groups and youth representatives.

Adelabu urged APC members to remain united and ensure they obtain their party identification and voter cards, which he described as essential tools for electoral success in 2027.

Political activities within the Oyo APC have intensified in recent months as aspirants begin consultations ahead of the party’s primaries, with internal discussions ongoing on zoning and nomination procedures.

2027: Adelabu Mobilises APC Support, Rejects Oyo Consensus Candidate Claim

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