2027: Tinubu Aide Mocks NDC Over Missing Manifesto

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has criticised the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alleging that the party lacks a clear governance blueprint and coherent agenda for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections. He described the NDC as “a camp for the politically displaced and desperate,” while questioning its preparedness to govern the country.

Onanuga also directed criticism at the party’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, insisting that the party has not demonstrated any distinct ideological direction or policy framework capable of guiding national governance.

He said his assessment was based on a review of the party’s public materials, including its official website, which he claimed did not contain any substantive policy document outlining its vision for Nigeria. According to him, repeated attempts to access the party’s manifesto online were unsuccessful.

Onanuga stated that when he tried to download the party’s manifesto, the website returned a “No document found” message, despite indications that such documents were available for public access. He said this raised concerns about the party’s readiness for serious political engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.

He further noted that although the NDC has spoken about building an ideological alternative ahead of 2027, it has yet to publish a detailed manifesto since its reported registration earlier in the year. According to him, what is visible on the party’s platform are only broad policy statements presented as “pillars,” which he argued lack depth and substance.

The presidential aide also dismissed comparisons between the NDC and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying both parties appear to lack clearly defined policy identities that differentiate them from one another in the political space.

Onanuga’s comments come amid rising political activity and early alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as opposition figures continue to explore new platforms and coalition arrangements.

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He linked the development to ongoing discussions involving prominent opposition politicians such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who have been associated with wider realignment talks following their movement away from previous political platforms.

However, these political associations remain part of broader speculation within Nigeria’s evolving opposition landscape as parties restructure ahead of the next election cycle.

Onanuga maintained that any party seeking to challenge the ruling government must present a detailed and credible manifesto that addresses key national challenges such as insecurity, inflation, unemployment and economic development.

He stressed that governance requires structured planning rather than political slogans, insisting that opposition parties must clearly articulate how they intend to improve the country if elected.

Despite his criticism, Onanuga said he expects the NDC to eventually release a comprehensive policy document that Nigerians can assess ahead of the 2027 elections.

As of the time of filing this report, the NDC has not issued an official response to the allegations or clarified the status of its manifesto.

2027: Tinubu Aide Mocks NDC Over Missing Manifesto

Atiku, Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen Obtain ADC Presidential Forms

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen have officially secured presidential nomination and expression of interest forms of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed on Friday that the three aspirants had already obtained the forms as preparations intensify for the party’s presidential primary.

“Yes, the three of them — Atiku, Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen — have obtained the forms,” Abdullahi disclosed.

The ADC fixed the cost of its presidential expression of interest and nomination forms at N90 million, making it one of the most expensive presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 elections.

Hayatu-Deen officially signed and collected his forms on Friday from the party’s National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, while outlining his vision for the country if elected president.

In a statement issued shortly after obtaining the forms, Hayatu-Deen said the 2027 election must focus on restoring national security, reviving the economy, creating jobs and reducing the rising cost of living confronting millions of Nigerians.

“Nigerians are tired of living in fear. They are tired of watching businesses struggle, jobs disappear, and the cost of basic necessities rise beyond what ordinary people can afford,” he said.

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“This election cannot be about politics as usual. It must be about how to secure our communities, rebuild confidence in the economy, create jobs at scale and make life more affordable for millions of Nigerians.”

He further stressed that insecurity remains one of the biggest obstacles to economic growth in Nigeria.

“We cannot build prosperity in an atmosphere of fear and instability. Security is the foundation upon which every strong economy is built,” he added.

The emergence of Atiku and Amaechi in the ADC presidential race has generated fresh political attention due to their longstanding influence in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Atiku, who served as vice president between 1999 and 2007, was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in both the 2019 and 2023 general elections. He has remained active in opposition politics and has recently intensified consultations with political stakeholders amid coalition talks aimed at challenging the ruling APC in 2027.

Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and ex-chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, was one of the leading presidential aspirants of the APC during the party’s 2022 primary election won by President Bola Tinubu. Since leaving office as transportation minister, Amaechi has continued political consultations across several regions.

Political observers believe the entry of both politicians into the ADC presidential process could significantly reshape opposition politics ahead of the next election cycle, particularly if broader coalition discussions materialise.

The ADC recently gained increased visibility following reports that several opposition figures were considering the platform as a possible alliance vehicle ahead of 2027.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission has already unveiled the timetable for the 2027 general elections.

According to INEC, presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

The electoral commission also stated that party primaries and resolution of internal disputes are expected to take place between April 23 and May 30, 2026.

The ADC said the sale of presidential expression of interest and nomination forms would run from May 6 to May 13 as aspirants continue consultations nationwide.

Atiku, Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen Obtain ADC Presidential Forms

Court Adjourns Suit Seeking To Bar Goodluck Jonathan From 2027 Election

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned proceedings in a suit challenging the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election, shifting the case to May 11, 2026 for further hearing. The matter was adjourned by Justice Peter Lifu after procedural issues arose during Friday’s proceedings.

During the hearing, counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, informed the court that he had only just been served with a preliminary objection filed by the defence and therefore required additional time to respond. The judge agreed with the request, stressing the importance of ensuring that all parties are properly heard before the case proceeds on its merits.

Counsel to Jonathan, Chris Uche (SAN), told the court that he became aware of the suit through media reports before taking steps to formally file processes for his client. He also noted that the issue of Jonathan’s eligibility had previously been addressed by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, raising concerns about why the matter was being re-litigated.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), who are listed as second and third respondents, were absent from the proceedings. Following this, Justice Lifu ordered that hearing notices be served on all parties to ensure proper participation at the next adjourned date.

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The suit was filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who is asking the court to declare that Jonathan is not constitutionally eligible to contest for the presidency again. The plaintiff is also seeking an order restraining him from presenting himself as a candidate for any political party ahead of the 2027 general election, as well as preventing INEC from accepting or publishing his name as a presidential candidate.

At the centre of the legal dispute is the interpretation of Sections 1(1), 1(2), 1(3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which deal with constitutional authority, presidential tenure, and eligibility. The plaintiff argues that Jonathan’s previous assumption of office in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, followed by his election and full term in 2011, disqualifies him from running again.

In an affidavit supporting the suit, Emmanuel Agida stated that the action was prompted by reports suggesting Jonathan may be considering a return to presidential politics in 2027. He further argued that allowing Jonathan to contest and potentially win would amount to taking the presidential oath of office for a third time, which he claims is unconstitutional.

Justice Lifu had earlier, on April 28, directed that hearing notices be issued to all defendants after noting that some respondents had yet to file their responses. With Friday’s adjournment, the court is expected to continue hearing the matter on May 11, 2026, as arguments over Jonathan’s eligibility intensify.

The case has continued to attract national attention, particularly amid political speculation about a possible comeback by the former president, even though he has not formally declared any intention to contest the 2027 election.

Court Adjourns Suit Seeking To Bar Goodluck Jonathan From 2027 Election