Politics

Buhari to APC Governors: Back my preferred aspirant for presidency

Published

4 years ago

June 1, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari

In order to ensure that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) produce a formidable candidate and become victorious in the incoming presidential election, President Muhammadu Buhari has solicited for the support of the progressive Governors and other stakeholders in the APC to allow him pick his successor.

Buhari made the appeal on Tuesday in his speech at the consultative meeting with the Progressive Governors’ Forum at the Presidential villa, Abuja, before leaving the FCT for Spain.

The President said: “In keeping with the established internal policies of the Party and as we approach the Convention in a few days, therefore, I wish to solicit the reciprocity and support of the Governors and other stakeholders in picking my successor, who would fly the flag of our party for election into the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023”.

He assured the APC chieftains at the session that the consultation process shall continue to ensure that all aspirants and stakeholders would be brought on board right through to the convention, noting that the approach would ensure that any anxiety occasioned by different factors are effectively brought under control and that APC “emerges stronger”.

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Buhari recalled that he began the final year of his second term as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and leader of the Party, with consciousness of the compelling need for him to provide stronger leadership to the Party under this transition process and to ensure that it happens in an orderly manner.

He specified that such leadership is required so that the Party remains strong and united. It is also needed to improve our electoral fortunes by ensuring that it retains power at the center, holds the great majority in various legislative chambers and also gains an additional number of states at state levels.

Buhari’s address read in part: “In pursuit of the foregoing objectives, the Party has successfully established internal policies that promote continuity and smooth succession plans even at the state and local government levels. For example, first term Governors who have served credibly well have been encouraged to stand for re-election. Similarly, second term Governors have been accorded the privilege of promoting successors that are capable of driving their visions as well as the ideals of the party.

“In a few days, the Party will be holding its Convention during which primaries would take place to pick the Presidential Flag Bearer for the 2023 General Elections. This is a very significant process and its outcome should prove to the world the positive quality of the APC regarding democratic principles, culture as well as leadership.

“As we approach the Convention, I appeal to all of you to allow our interests to converge, our focus to remain on the changing dynamics of our environment, the expectations of our citizens and the global community. Our objective must be the victory of our party and our choice of the candidate must be someone who would give the Nigerian masses a sense of victory and confidence even before the elections.

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ADC, Three Political Parties Face Deregistration as Abuja Court Adjourns Case

Published

1 hour ago

February 24, 2026

Trends Admin

ADC, Three Political Parties Face Deregistration as Abuja Court Adjourns Case

The Federal High Court Abuja has adjourned ruling in a high-stakes suit seeking the deregistration of political parties including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Action Alliance (AA) over alleged non-compliance with constitutional provisions.

Justice Peter Lifu fixed March 24, 2026, to rule on a pending joinder application and other motions in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25.

The case was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), and the affected political parties.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to interpret provisions of Section 225(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act 2022, arguing that INEC is constitutionally obligated to deregister parties that fail to meet minimum electoral performance thresholds.

According to court documents, a political party risks deregistration if it fails to secure at least 25% of votes in one state in a presidential election or win at least one elective seat at any level of government. The plaintiffs contend that the continued recognition of the affected parties allegedly breaches constitutional requirements and could undermine electoral integrity, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections. They are therefore seeking declaratory orders compelling the enforcement of INEC deregistration powers, as well as mandatory and perpetual injunctions restraining INEC from recognising the parties pending compliance.

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Originally, the suit targeted only the African Democratic Congress (ADC). However, it was later amended to include the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance, prompting the need for a joinder application currently before the court.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, a representation dispute emerged within Action Alliance, as two separate lawyers — Ibrahim Yakubu and Bello Lukman — claimed valid letters of instruction to represent the party. Justice Lifu directed both counsel to reconcile their positions, warning that the court would “do the needful” if the issue remained unresolved.

Counsel to the Accord Party, Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), also applied for leave to file a further counter-affidavit, arguing that critical facts were omitted in earlier filings and needed to be addressed in response to the amended originating summons. However, counsel to the plaintiff, Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba (SAN), opposed the move, describing the application as incompetent and unnecessary since no new facts were introduced.

Other defence lawyers, including S.E. Aruwa (SAN), sought an extension of time to regularise their court processes and filed motions challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the suit. After hearing arguments, Justice Lifu granted the applications for extension of time and deemed the plaintiff’s reply on points of law as properly filed.

The upcoming ruling is expected to significantly shape Nigeria’s political landscape. If the court compels INEC to enforce deregistration, it may reduce the number of parties eligible to contest in 2027. Legal observers say the decision could clarify the scope of constitutional provisions on political party registration, the extent of INEC’s enforcement powers, and the judiciary’s role in electoral oversight under the Electoral Act 2022.

ADC, Three Political Parties Face Deregistration as Abuja Court Adjourns Case

Politics

ADC Leadership Clash: Oyegun Bars Owie from Caucus Meeting in Edo

Published

1 day ago

February 23, 2026

Trends Admin

John Odigie Oyegun

ADC Leadership Clash: Oyegun Bars Owie from Caucus Meeting in Edo

A power struggle has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as two top leaders – John Odigie Oyegun and Roland Owie – clashed over who holds the legitimate authority to convene a party caucus meeting in Edo State.

The confrontation occurred on Monday at Oyegun’s Government Reserved Area (GRA) residence, where he barred Owie and his supporters from attending the meeting. Eyewitnesses reported that suspected thugs blocked Owie’s camp at the gate, preventing entry and escalating tensions.

In response to the standoff, police officers were deployed to maintain order and prevent violence, though efforts to obtain official comments from either faction were unsuccessful as of press time.

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Political analysts say the incident underscores internal friction within the ADC, which is seeking to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 general elections. The caucus meeting was intended to discuss strategic plans and organisational matters for the party’s Edo State chapter, but the leadership dispute threatened to disrupt proceedings.

Observers warn that factionalism and leadership tussles could undermine the party’s unity and strategy as it positions itself as a strong opposition force following the defection of several high-profile politicians, including supporters of Peter Obi, into the ADC last year.

The clash highlights the challenges faced by emerging opposition parties in managing internal governance, authority disputes, and cohesion, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the next round of elections.

ADC Leadership Clash: Oyegun Bars Owie from Caucus Meeting in Edo

Politics

2027: Bashir Ahmad Rules Out Kwankwaso as Peter Obi’s Running Mate

Published

1 day ago

February 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi

2027: Bashir Ahmad Rules Out Kwankwaso as Peter Obi’s Running Mate

Former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has dismissed speculation that ex-Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso could serve as vice presidential candidate to ex-Anambra Governor Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election.

Ahmad made the remark in a post on X on Monday, emphasizing that expectations of a Kwankwaso-Obi joint ticket are politically unrealistic.

Some supporters of the 2023 presidential candidates have been advocating for a joint ticket in 2027, claiming it could present a strong opposition alliance. In February, pro-Kwankwaso groups led by Abba Sadauki Gwale argued that a collaboration between Obi and Kwankwaso could be a “chance to rescue the nation from its current challenges.”

Earlier, on February 12, Dr. Alex Chukwuemeka Obiechina, a former governorship candidate in Enugu State, said that a Kwankwaso-Obi alliance would pose a significant threat to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

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Reacting to these calls, Ahmad stressed that Kwankwaso is unlikely to accept a deputy role, noting that the senator:

Commands a long-standing political structure
Possesses a well-defined political base
Leads a consistent and active political movement

He added that if such a partnership were ever to occur, the only politically viable arrangement would be for Obi to serve as deputy to Kwankwaso, not the other way around.

Ahmad’s statement underscores the complex dynamics of coalition-building in Nigerian politics, where party structures, regional influence, and historical political networks play decisive roles in determining electoral alliances. Analysts note that the discussion reflects early positioning and strategic calculations ahead of the 2027 elections, as parties and politicians seek broad national appeal while balancing zoning and regional considerations.