APC Presidential Ticket: Senators Divided Over Moves To Pick Lawan As Consensus Candidate - Newstrends
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APC Presidential Ticket: Senators Divided Over Moves To Pick Lawan As Consensus Candidate

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Senate President, Ahmad Lawan

A sharp crack has been created in the Senate caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the quest to endorse the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan as the consensus presidential candidate of the parliament.

 Lawan, who has been at the National Assembly since 1999, is set to formally declare for the presidency this week, multiple sources around him confirmed. 

But the Senate president told journalists that only God will determine his next step when asked about plans by some powerful forces in the North to support him for the presidency.

First elected into the House of Representatives in 1999, Lawan crossed over to the Senate in 2007 and since then he has remained in the Red Chamber.

Daily Trust gathered that ahead of the Yobe-born-lawmaker’s declaration, there were plans to declare him as the consensus candidate of the Senate.

It was gathered that the endorsement was being promoted by some of his allies in the parliament including Senator Yusuf Yusuf (APC, Taraba), Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (APC, Niger) and a former lawmaker, Senator Abdullahi Gumel. 

The push for the endorsement, which started before the Senators’ Sallah recess has polarised the parliament, which is made of 71 APC, 37 PDP and one YPP member. 

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The Senators had last week embarked on a recess to enable them to celebrate this Eid-el-Fitr. They are to resume on Tuesday, May 10.

If he declares, Lawan will join the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, former House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole (Ogun), Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (Lagos) and the chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) to slug it out for the APC presidential primaries.

Other aspirants eyeing the APC ticket include Dave Umahi (Ebonyi ), Dr Chris Ngige (Anambra), Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba (Imo), Senator Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Ihechukwu Dallas Chima (Abia), Usman Iwu (Imo), Ben Ayade (Cross River), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim (Kwara), Mr Tein Jack-Rich (Rivers), Yahaya Bello (Kogi) and Adamu Garba II (Adamawa)

 The ruling party had fixed its primaries for May 30 and June 1, where its flag bearer for the presidency would be elected.

Crack in APC caucus  

It was gathered that moves to endorse Lawan have created a crack in the APC caucus in the Upper Chamber.

Daily Trust reports that many lawmakers have since pitched tents with other aspirants. For instance, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno), is leading the campaign for Amaechi,  Senator Kashim Shettima (APC, Borno) is playing a leading role in Tinubu’s campaign, while Senator Kabiru Gaya (APC, Kano) is in charge of the campaigns of the vice president. 

Aside from these three, there are other lawmakers who are involved in the campaigns of other aspirants, thus the moves to present Lawan as the consensus candidate has been hanging in the balance.

In a phone interview, Senator Ali Ndume said he has not been contacted by those promoting Lawan’s candidature, saying “They have not come because they know my position. 

 “I have nothing against Ahmad Lawan; he is my colleague but I have everything against injustice. I won’t support even my biological brother. Fielding a northerner is tantamount to injustice and tantamount to a third term. The so-called northern elders that are pushing it are doing so to perpetuate injustice.

 “It’s the turn of the South and we have to support them to actualise this. I’m disappointed with those that are pushing this.  I had since taken position even before my alignment with Amaechi,” he said. 

Another lawmaker, while puncturing the claims that Lawan is under intense pressure to join the race for the presidency, said the project was “The brainchild of Lawan and his few allies.

“It is untrue that he is being pushed by northern elders. He is pushing himself; otherwise, tell them to mention the northern elders. Who are they? 

“It is purely his aspiration and nobody is pushing him, rather he is pushing people to key into the project. They are planning to present him as the Senate consensus candidate and we are going to outrightly and publicly resist being railroaded into this failed project,” the lawmaker said.

But a lawmaker in Lawan’s camp insisted that the Senate president was being pressured to join the race by northern elders.

 Asked to mention some of the northern elders pushing the Senate President, he said, “It is not for public consumption. I’m one of them. Am I not an elder at over 70 and I have been in politics for over four decades?”

 Another lawmaker in the Senate president’s camp said “Lawan is one of us and we will do all possible within our reach to support him. He is one of us.” 

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Lawan to pick forms tomorrow – Aide 

Contacted, one of the aides of the Senate president told our correspondent that arrangements have been concluded for the declaration of his boss.

“All things being equal, he would pick the expression of interest and nomination forms tomorrow. There is nothing wrong with a northerner to be aspiring to succeed President Buhari. The president would be happy to have a head of one of the arms of government succeed him.

“Let all the aspirants come out to test their popularity. What we all know is that Lawan is capable, experienced and can turn around the fortunes of the country positively.  He is the candidate to beat,” he said.

God will determine my next step, says Lawan

While responding to his reported entry into the presidential race, Senator Lawan told State House reporters after joining other residents of the FCT on Sallah homage to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, that God will determine his next step.

Asked to speak on the plans, he said: “I thought you were going to ask me about what we want to do in 2022. We passed the budget for 2022, a budget for consolidation of what we have been able to achieve in 2020, when we had an implementation of 100%.

“2022 has just finished, another 100% implementation of budget and we’re looking forward to ensure that the 2022 budget is also implemented by 100%.

“If we stabilize our economy, we stabilize our country, then people can contest, but for now everything is speculative and I believe that God, in His infinite mercy, will show us the way.”

But some political pundits said as a politician, Lawan simply dribbled his way and dodged the question which did not meant that he was not interested.

The Yobe born politician, who said people would have a place to contest elections when the economy and country were stabilised, called on citizens to shun partisanship and work towards making the country better organised.

Lawan, who said the country would have been in a better condition by now but for two recessions and the Covid-19 pandemic, stated that: “Today, we are happy to say that we’re still making progress, but would have done far better if we hadn’t had the COVID interruption.

“So, I believe that as a nation, we are moving in the right direction and President Muhammadu Buhari is giving us the leadership that we need and all that we need to do is to continue to support our leaders, continue to support our government and it’s in the best interest of everyone.

“Let no politics, let no partisanship, let no sentiments derail any of our programmes and projects because you need to have a Nigeria first if you are running to take over government at whatever level. You need to have a country, you need to have a stable country, you need to have a peaceful country in first place and if you do that, you can contest, for example. But as individuals, we have a date with a history.

“How much do we give to our nation? How much do we sacrifice for the sake of others in our communities and in our country? That determines a lot how far we can go because if we decide to be selfish, then I’m sorry, we may not make that kind of progress that we believe can take us to the Eldorado,” he said.

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Aisha Buhari Visits Atiku Amid Opposition Coalition Activities

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Aisha Buhari Visits Atiku Amid Opposition Coalition Activities

Aisha Buhari Visits Atiku Amid Opposition Coalition Activities

Former First Lady Aisha Buhari has visited former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in Abuja amid increasing political activities and opposition realignment ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Atiku disclosed the visit in a post on his official social media account, describing the meeting with Aisha Buhari as warm and appreciated.

The former Vice-President did not disclose the specific purpose of the visit or the details of the discussions between them.

However, Atiku said the meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the economic challenges confronting Nigerian families, including the rising cost of food, transportation, education, healthcare and other basic necessities.

He said the situation had placed a significant burden on households and stressed the need for political leaders to prioritise the welfare, dignity and future of Nigerians.

Atiku said Nigerians deserved an economy that rewards hard work, creates opportunities and enables families to live with dignity and hope. He ended his message with the phrase, “Make Nigeria Affordable Again.”

Aisha Buhari’s visit comes as political parties and opposition groups intensify consultations ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The former Vice-President is seeking the presidency on the platform of the ADC, which has become the political platform associated with an opposition coalition involving several political figures and groups.

The coalition has been holding discussions on how opposition parties could work together ahead of the election, including the possibility of presenting a common candidate.

The issue has remained subject to negotiations among the parties and political actors involved, with different opposition figures publicly expressing views on the structure and leadership of any eventual arrangement.

At an opposition summit held in Abuja earlier this month, representatives of several opposition parties discussed cooperation and preparations for the 2027 elections.

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Atiku and Peter Obi, who is associated with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), were not present at the meeting. Their absence generated public discussion, although representatives of the parties involved subsequently said the coalition process was broader than the attendance of individual presidential aspirants.

The question of a single opposition candidate has remained particularly prominent in the discussions.

Recent public statements have reflected differing positions among opposition figures. While some have called for candidates to make way for a common candidate, Obi has maintained that any decision on stepping down or supporting another candidate would have to be determined through the relevant political parties and coalition arrangements.

Atiku has continued his political mobilisation as the ADC presidential candidate, while the coalition continues to address questions surrounding its structure, leadership and electoral strategy.

The latest meeting between Atiku and Aisha Buhari has therefore attracted attention because of its timing and the wider political realignment taking place ahead of 2027. However, neither Atiku nor Aisha Buhari has publicly stated that the Abuja meeting was related to an electoral alliance, endorsement or coalition negotiation.

The encounter also follows an earlier meeting between the two in Saudi Arabia.

In February 2026, Atiku hosted Aisha Buhari, her daughter Hanan and other members of the Buhari family while they were in Saudi Arabia for Umrah.

Atiku described that meeting as a family and religious gathering, saying the Buhari family was in the Kingdom to perform the lesser Hajj.

Aisha Buhari has continued to maintain a public presence since the death of her husband, former President Muhammadu Buhari, in July 2025.

She has participated in engagements involving education, social development and initiatives associated with the late president’s legacy.

Atiku, meanwhile, has remained active in opposition politics and has continued consultations and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 election.

The ADC adopted Atiku as its presidential candidate after the opposition coalition settled on the party as its platform for the 2027 contest.

The party’s interim leadership has included former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who have been involved in the coalition’s organisational activities.

As political activities intensify, meetings between prominent political figures are increasingly attracting public attention, particularly where they involve personalities linked to different political groups.

For the moment, however, the publicly confirmed details of the Aisha Buhari-Atiku meeting remain limited to Atiku’s acknowledgment of the visit and his comments on Nigeria’s economic challenges.

There is no publicly confirmed statement from either party establishing that the meeting resulted in an agreement on the 2027 election, an endorsement or any specific political arrangement.

Further developments in the opposition coalition and the activities of the various presidential contenders are expected as political parties continue preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Aisha Buhari Visits Atiku Amid Opposition Coalition Activities

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He Does Not Lose Elections”: Abdulmumin Jibrin Predicts 65% Landslide for Tinubu in 2027

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He Does Not Lose Elections”: Abdulmumin Jibrin Predicts 65% Landslide for Tinubu in 2027

The Kano lawmaker labels Nyesom Wike an indispensable asset and urges APC governors to embrace the FCT minister.

Federal lawmaker Abdulmumin Jibrin believes President Bola Tinubu will earn at least 65 percent of all votes in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. Sharing his thoughts on Wednesday evening, the representative from Kano State explained that the president continues to gain trust from citizens across various parts of the country while maintaining a long history of election victories.

In addition, Jibrin addressed recent tensions among party figures, describing Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike as a vital teammate who contributed greatly to national stability and local support in Rivers State.

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He noted that members from all backgrounds have gained from Wike’s cooperative efforts, which helped bring different political communities together to support common public goals.

Because building broad coalitions helps modern democracies thrive, Jibrin advised state governors to welcome diverse leaders and collaborate closely with them. Moreover, he emphasized that respectful teamwork across different political roots creates a more united country and makes governance far more effective.

In conclusion, Jibrin expressed confidence that keeping doors open to dedicated partners will guarantee a decisive, peaceful win when citizens cast their ballots in 2027.

He Does Not Lose Elections”: Abdulmumin Jibrin Predicts 65% Landslide for Tinubu in 2027

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2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation

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2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation

Student leaders from tertiary institutions across Nigeria’s 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, promising to mobilise students across campuses in support of his candidacy.

The declaration was made in Kaduna at the inauguration of the Students’ Wing of Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A), a support group created to coordinate student mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The organisers said the students’ position was influenced by policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration, particularly in education, student financing, skills development and youth empowerment.

The coordinator of the A4A Students’ Wing and President of the Bayero University Kano Students’ Union Government, Abdulmudallib Sheriff, said the students’ support was intended to translate into an organised mobilisation network rather than remain a symbolic declaration.

Sheriff cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) among the federal government programmes that informed the students’ position, saying the scheme had provided financial support to students facing difficulties funding their tertiary education.

He also pointed to government initiatives in technical and vocational education, skills acquisition and youth development as areas the student leaders considered relevant to young Nigerians.

According to the organisers, the A4A Students’ Wing plans to build a coordinated structure capable of reaching students in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the northern region.

The Kaduna inauguration was attended by student union leaders and representatives of tertiary institutions from different parts of Northern Nigeria.

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Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who addressed the gathering, urged the student leaders to base their political engagement on policies and verifiable records rather than personal attacks against political opponents.

Sani highlighted areas including education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and technical and vocational education, while drawing attention to programmes such as NELFUND and federal TVET initiatives.

The student endorsement comes amid increasing political mobilisation across Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.

Several groups in the region have recently announced support for Tinubu’s second-term bid, including organisations representing Muslim women scholars, preachers and Da’wah leaders. Other groups representing communities and youth interests in the North have also held meetings and launched mobilisation activities ahead of the election.

A separate group representing Igbos living in the 19 northern states and the FCT has also expressed support for Tinubu and pledged to mobilise voters for his re-election.

The growing activity reflects efforts by political support groups to build grassroots structures well ahead of the 2027 poll, with youth and student voters expected to remain an important constituency for political parties and candidates.

The Tinubu administration has made NELFUND one of its prominent education initiatives. The programme provides loans and related financial assistance to eligible Nigerian students in tertiary institutions, with the government presenting it as part of efforts to reduce financial barriers to higher education.

The administration has also promoted technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as part of its broader youth skills-development agenda.

However, the endorsement announced in Kaduna represents the position of the participating student leaders and organisations. It does not necessarily reflect the views of all students, tertiary institutions or young people across Northern Nigeria.

The political development also comes as opposition groups and presidential aspirants intensify their own mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 election.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition political actors are building structures across the country, while presidential contenders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, are also seeking support ahead of the election.

The student leaders backing Tinubu said their immediate focus would be to extend the A4A Students’ Wing to more campuses and strengthen its mobilisation network across the North.

Their declaration adds to the growing series of political endorsements and campaign activities taking place ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as competing political groups seek to attract young voters and build support at the grassroots.

Ultimately, the endorsement remains a declaration by the participating student organisations, while individual voters will make their choices through the electoral process.

2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation

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