Atiku Signals Willingness to Step Down for Obi in ADC Coalition Talks

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared his willingness to step aside for Peter Obi if the latter emerges as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in what signals a growing push for opposition unity ahead of the 2027 election.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Atiku said his decision would be guided by democratic principles or consensus among stakeholders, stressing that personal ambition should not override national interest.

“I will step aside for any winner,” he said, noting that “politics is either you go through democracy or consensus.”

The former presidential candidate emphasized that the process that produces a flag bearer—whether through primaries or consensus—must be credible and widely accepted. According to him, such an approach is critical to building a formidable opposition capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.

Atiku also reaffirmed that 2027 will be his final presidential bid, putting to rest speculations about his long-term political ambitions. Addressing concerns over his age, he argued that Nigeria’s problems are rooted in leadership failures rather than generational issues, insisting he possesses the experience and vision needed to govern effectively.

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His comments came shortly after Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the ADC, endorsed the idea of a joint Atiku-Obi ticket as a strategic move to strengthen the opposition.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Momodu highlighted the duo’s previous working relationship during the 2019 election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where Obi served as Atiku’s running mate.

According to him, Obi’s strong grassroots appeal and third-place finish in the 2023 election make him a valuable political asset capable of consolidating voter support.

The ADC coalition talks have continued to gain momentum, with several opposition figures reportedly exploring the party as a platform for a united front. Analysts believe Atiku’s openness to stepping aside could reduce internal friction and pave the way for a more cohesive strategy.

However, key issues such as zoning, power-sharing arrangements, and party structure remain unresolved, and are expected to shape the final configuration of any alliance ahead of the polls.

As political alignments intensify, the evolving relationship between Atiku and Obi could prove decisive in determining the strength and direction of Nigeria’s opposition in 2027.

Atiku Signals Willingness to Step Down for Obi in ADC Coalition Talks

US Lawmaker Accuses Nigerian Security of Complicity in Attacks on Christian Communities

A United States lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, has accused elements within Nigeria’s security system of alleged complicity in attacks on Christian communities, raising fresh global concerns over the country’s worsening insecurity in Nigeria.

Daniels, a member of the Florida House of Representatives and chair of the United World Congress of Diplomats, made the allegation in a report released on April 14, 2026, highlighting recent violence in Plateau State, Kaduna State, and Nasarawa State.

The report focused on attacks that reportedly occurred during Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, describing them as part of a sustained pattern targeting religious gatherings and vulnerable communities.

According to Daniels, there is a significant gap between official statements from Nigerian authorities and the lived experiences of affected communities. She noted that while the government often condemns such attacks, many residents continue to face insecurity, raising questions about the effectiveness of current security responses.

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The report included testimonies from survivors and local residents who expressed frustration over recurring violence and what they described as inadequate protection from security agencies. Some of the accounts highlighted continued loss of lives and displacement, despite repeated assurances from government officials.

Daniels also referenced past allegations involving former Zamfara State governor Bello Matawalle, raising concerns about claims of links between political actors and armed groups. While such allegations remain disputed, she warned that unresolved claims could weaken public trust in Nigeria’s security institutions.

The development adds to growing international concern over Nigeria insecurity, as the country continues to battle a complex mix of banditry, insurgency, and communal violence, particularly in northern regions.

Security analysts have repeatedly pointed to challenges such as limited intelligence coordination, inadequate manpower, and logistical constraints as factors contributing to the persistence of attacks in rural and semi-urban communities.

Daniels called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture, including improved intelligence gathering, stronger accountability mechanisms, and better protection for vulnerable populations.

She warned that failure to address the situation decisively could embolden perpetrators and deepen the humanitarian crisis in affected regions.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Nigerian authorities regarding the allegations. However, government officials have consistently denied claims of complicity in past incidents, maintaining that security agencies remain committed to tackling criminal activities nationwide.

The latest development underscores increasing global scrutiny of Nigeria’s security challenges as political, humanitarian, and governance concerns continue to intersect.

US Lawmaker Accuses Nigerian Security of Complicity in Attacks on Christian Communities

Hajia Sofuratu Seghosime Emerges ICAN President-Elect

The emergence of Hajia Sofuratu Seghosime as the 62nd President-Elect of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has continued to draw widespread commendation across Nigeria’s financial and regulatory institutions, with stakeholders describing her elevation as a reflection of decades of professional excellence in taxation, governance, and public service.

Her election has been particularly celebrated within the Nigerian Revenue Service (formerly Federal Inland Revenue Service), where she spent a significant part of her career, rising through the ranks over 26 years to become Coordinating Director for Compliance and Enforcement.

With over 40 years of experience spanning public service and private consultancy, Seghosime’s emergence is widely seen as a natural progression for a seasoned tax administrator and financial expert whose contributions have shaped Nigeria’s fiscal and regulatory landscape.

She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Quebaan Professional Services, where she leads advisory work across taxation, auditing, corporate governance, financial management, strategy, and dispute resolution, supporting both public and private sector organisations in meeting regulatory and compliance obligations.

Seghosime’s professional journey within ICAN has also been marked by steady progression. Since joining the Council of the institute in 2014, she has held several strategic roles, contributing to policy formulation, professional development, and institutional governance within Nigeria’s accounting profession.

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Beyond ICAN, she is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, underscoring her multidisciplinary expertise in taxation, dispute resolution, and national policy.

Her influence also extends to key national and international platforms. She currently serves as a Commissioner on the Tax Appeal Tribunal and previously contributed to standard-setting as a member of the Nigerian Accounting Standards Board, now the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria. She has also represented Nigeria in global tax discussions at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators.

Industry stakeholders say her experience in both domestic tax administration and international fiscal engagement positions her to strengthen ICAN’s role in shaping financial accountability and governance standards in Nigeria.

Reacting to her emergence, Otunba Tobi Abiola, a senior official of the Nigerian Revenue Service overseeing Ogun, Oyo, and Osun States, described her election as a victory for integrity, professionalism, and ethical leadership.

He praised Seghosime as a leader of “high wisdom” whose career reflects competence, transparency, and a deep commitment to public service, adding that her leadership is expected to drive reforms and strengthen institutional credibility within ICAN.

Abiola noted that her ability to balance tradition with innovation, coupled with her dedication to mentorship and inclusive leadership, would play a crucial role in advancing the accounting profession and fostering collaboration across sectors.

Observers within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem believe her presidency could come at a critical time when issues of tax compliance, public finance transparency, and corporate governance remain central to economic reforms and investor confidence.

Her election is also being viewed as a milestone for gender representation in leadership within Nigeria’s professional bodies, with many noting that her rise could inspire more women to pursue leadership roles in finance, accounting, and public administration.

As she prepares to assume office, expectations are high that Seghosime will leverage her extensive experience to strengthen ICAN’s regulatory influence, promote ethical standards, and support Nigeria’s broader economic and fiscal reforms.

Hajia Sofuratu Seghosime Emerges ICAN President-Elect