‘We’ll Meet at The Field’ – Amaechi Replies Tinubu, Vows to Match Ruling Party’s Campaign Tactics

The Vice Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election, Rotimi Amaechi, has responded to President Bola Tinubu’s recent remarks that anyone seeking to remove him from office must be ready to “wrestle” him until the end, declaring that the opposition is prepared to meet the President “at the field” and match whatever the ruling party brings to the electoral contest. Amaechi made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today while reacting to the controversy surrounding comments by the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan. The former Minister of Transportation, who contested against Tinubu for the APC presidential ticket in 2022 before defecting to the ADC, dismissed the President’s confidence, stating that the real test will be at the ballot box. “Let the president continue to tell the public that he would win the election at all cost until we get to the field. Whatever the president wants us to do at the field, we will do it. I’m not worried about what he wants to do. We will meet at the field,” Amaechi declared.

Members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria had on Tuesday last week met President Tinubu at the State House. During the meeting, Tinubu reaffirmed his determination to seek re-election in 2027, insisting that politics was a contest in which everyone had equal opportunities. “I asked for this job. I’m in it. Those who will take it from me will try. They will try. All is fair in politics, and it’s equal opportunity,” Tinubu said. He also defended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as neutral, and added: “I’m ready, but I won’t give them a red carpet. I won’t offer them the leash to tie me and rope me. No, we wrestle each other to the finishing point.”

Amaechi took issue with Tinubu’s assertion that “all is fair in politics,” questioning whether the President’s remark undermines the credibility of the electoral process. The ADC chieftain argued that Tinubu should have used the opportunity of the meeting with the Catholic bishops to reassure Nigerians of a free and fair election rather than making ambiguous statements. “Look at the president’s statement that all is fair in politics. If a thug takes a gun and shoots me where I’m voting, is it fair?” Amaechi asked. “When the president has said to you all is fair in politics, when the Catholic Church is crying about the possibility of having an election that may not be fair, all the president needs to do is to reassure the country that APC, PDP, and ADC will slug it out on an even field, that it will be a free and fair election, let the best team wins.”

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In a further show of political combativeness, Amaechi warned that his camp would be prepared to match any attacks from the Tinubu administration during the campaign season. “By the time we start the campaign, we will abuse anybody who is ready to abuse anybody. We will descend as low as they want. The president said all is fair in politics; we will descend to that level if that is what they want,” the former Rivers State governor declared. However, Amaechi added that he is currently focused on mourning his late mother and suspended his period of mourning to address what he considered disrespectful comments directed at the Catholic Church by officials of the Presidency. “I came here simply to say, please ask the President to stop insulting the Catholic Church, to stop insulting Christians. They should respect God and respect the Christian faith. They should stop insulting Christians,” Amaechi said.

The ADC vice presidential candidate also came to the defence of Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, who recently came under fire from presidential aides after revealing details of the bishops’ closed-door meeting with Tinubu. Amaechi accused the Presidency of showing disrespect for the Catholic Church and the Christian faith by deploying what he called “attack dogs” to intimidate Cardinal Onaiyekan. “What the president and his men are doing is insulting my faith. They are insulting the Catholic Church,” Amaechi said. He further argued that the Tinubu administration would never have reacted the same way if the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, had made similar remarks. “If the Sultan had confronted the President, would they have insulted him? We’ve been insulted because we are Christians,” Amaechi asserted. Amaechi maintained that Cardinal Onaiyekan was not aligned with any political party but was genuinely concerned about poverty, corruption, and the welfare of Nigerians. “Cardinal Onaiyekan himself supports nobody. The only thing that pains him is the level of indiscretion and poverty in the country and corruption. He worries about that,” Amaechi said.

Following the meeting with the President, Cardinal Onaiyekan had said Tinubu appeared determined to win the 2027 presidential election “by all means” and that the President disagreed with the bishops’ assessment of the country’s economic situation, insisting that conditions were improving despite the hardship being experienced by many Nigerians. According to the Cardinal, Tinubu’s response suggested that those around him were not giving him an accurate picture of the situation in the country. The Cardinal also said the bishops had no intention of engaging in a public exchange with government spokespersons, stating: “We have no response for them. We have spoken, and the only response we are waiting for is whether it is affecting the way they are governing.” He explained that the audience with President Tinubu was initiated after months of waiting for approval and was not intended as an evangelistic mission, but rather an opportunity to present the bishops’ concerns about governance and welfare of Nigerians. “We didn’t go there just as Catholic bishops pushing the Catholic agenda. No. We went there as people who are with the spiritual mandate to speak to anybody in the name of God,” Onaiyekan said.

Amaechi, who served as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was one of the aspirants who contested the APC presidential primary election in 2022, losing the ticket to Tinubu. He later defected to the ADC and was selected as the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who will fly the ADC’s presidential ticket in the 2027 election. The ADC described the Atiku-Amaechi partnership as a “unity and rescue ticket” aimed at offering Nigerians an alternative platform ahead of the next general election. According to the ADC, Amaechi’s emergence followed broad consultations within the party and reflected his strong performance as runner-up in the party’s presidential primaries, as well as his extensive track record of service as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term Governor of Rivers State, and Minister of Transportation. The ADC ticket, which brings together two political heavyweights who were once rivals, is positioning itself as a formidable challenger to President Tinubu and the ruling APC in the upcoming election. Amaechi’s latest comments signal that the opposition is gearing up for a fiercely contested political battle.

‘We’ll Meet at The Field’ – Amaechi Replies Tinubu, Vows to Match Ruling Party’s Campaign Tactics

Osun 2026: Only Rigging Can Stop My Re-Election — Adeleke Warns Tinubu

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared that only electoral manipulation can prevent his re-election in the August 15 governorship poll, while issuing a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu to intervene against alleged political violence, police intimidation, and threats to the integrity of the electoral process.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party expressed confidence in securing victory if the election is conducted in a free and fair manner, stating during his re-election campaign in Osogbo on Monday, “With God on my side, I am confident of victory. If this election is free and fair, I will win.” The governor’s confidence comes as Osun State prepares for the crucial governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026, with 14 political parties fielding candidates according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Adeleke specifically appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies to act professionally and impartially during the election, warning that any attempt to rig the poll could trigger political violence reminiscent of the 1983 crisis. “Mr President, something is happening in Osun that you need to know. Our people are being killed and, as our father, we are appealing to you. We will not accept any attempt to rig this election. Do not allow innocent people to be killed,” Adeleke said. The governor, who serves as the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, also referenced the 1993 political crisis, urging the President not to allow history to repeat itself. “Mr President, I want you to take note of my words. I am the Chief Security officer of Osun, you are a Yoruba man and Osun is Yorubaland, yet, your party chieftains are perpetrating political violence while you look the other way,” Adeleke stated at a rally in Orita-Sabo, Olorunda local government. He further warned: “Mr President, all we demand for is a free and fair election. If anybody tries to do otherwise, the political crisis of 1983, when some people tried to rig Michael Ajasin in Ondo State out of power, may repeat itself again.”

Adeleke claimed that seven Accord Party members had been killed in the last three months, while more than 20 others sustained gunshot injuries and over 60 remained in what he described as illegal police detention. He accused some APC members of invoking President Tinubu’s name while carrying out acts of violence against residents. “The shedding of blood of the innocents should stop. Osun APC members are dropping Mr President’s name to kill and maim Osun people. The name of Mr President is being dragged in the mud,” he said. The governor also accused the police of being compromised, alleging that officers were escorting political thugs to attack and kill innocent citizens. “The police have been compromised, let them go and confront kidnappers,” the governor said.

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The governor questioned why, despite his party’s public endorsement of Tinubu’s re-election bid, his supporters were allegedly facing intimidation and violence. “Mr President, I am passing this message directly to you. We have publicly endorsed you for the 2027 presidential election. What more do you want from us? Why then are our people being killed?” Adeleke asked. He further alleged that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, was responsible for what he described as the crisis within the APC in Osun State and should be called to order. “Mr President, you fought for democracy; do not allow your brother to undermine it,” Adeleke said, adding that Oyetola “is no longer the governor of this state.”

Adeleke reminded the President that the international community is watching the Osun election, describing it as a test ahead of the 2027 general elections. “The international community is watching, and this election will be seen as a test ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said. The Accord Party has also called on the African Union, United Nations, European Union, United States, and British governments to intervene in the security situation in the state ahead of the election. The party alleged a pattern of political violence, arrests, and intimidation capable of undermining the poll, claiming that as of midnight of July 29, 2026, there were still 61 Accord members in police captivity without any warrant of arrest.

Adeleke urged his supporters to come out in large numbers on election day and protect their votes until results are declared. “I urge all our supporters to come out on Aug. 15 and vote for me. Stand by your votes until the results are declared. I am ready for this election, and on election day, our revolution will be through the ballot box,” he said. Addressing supporters at a church service in Osogbo, the governor urged residents not to be intimidated. “Because the people have rejected them, because voters have endorsed me, because defeat stared them in the face, they resorted to violence. We are not scared. Osun people are not afraid,” Adeleke said. “August 15, Osun people will show agents of violence that we are not cowards. Our people’s safety is guaranteed. Come out and vote. Punish those killing and maiming our people by voting against them on August 15th,” he added.

The Adeleke Campaign Organisation has also petitioned the National Human Rights Commission, accusing the Nigeria Police Force of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and human rights violations ahead of the governorship election. The campaign’s spokesman, Pelumi Olajengbesi, called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to publicly reassure Nigerians that the Force would remain neutral throughout the electoral process. “We want the Inspector-General of Police to assure Nigerians and the people of Osun State that the election will be credible and that the police still have the capacity to provide security for the safety of lives and property before, during, and after the election,” Olajengbesi said.

Beyond his warnings against electoral fraud, Adeleke has also been campaigning on his record of infrastructural development, promising to deliver more if re-elected. During campaign tours in Erin-Osun and Ilobu, the governor said his administration had fulfilled promises made during the 2022 election campaign and that greater achievements lay ahead. “I appreciate your support. When we came here in 2022, I promised you good governance, and I have fulfilled what I promised. But the people have not seen anything yet. We will do much more for Osun State,” Adeleke said. The governor has received endorsements from traditional rulers across the state, with the Elerin of Erin-Osun and the Olobu of Ilobu both assuring Adeleke of their support and prayers for his re-election.

Osun 2026: Only Rigging Can Stop My Re-Election — Adeleke Warns Tinubu

PDP Crisis: Wike Faction Demands Arrest of Turaki Group Over Forgery Allegations

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has demanded the immediate arrest of members of the rival Kabiru Turaki-led faction for what it describes as “criminal deception,” impersonation, and forgery of court judgments.

The call was made on Monday by PDP State Chairmen loyal to the Wike camp, addressing a media conference at the PDP Abuja national secretariat. The factional state chairmen, led by Austin Nwachukwu, cited the rival camp’s submission of the name of former President Goodluck Jonathan to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election as a key act of deception. Nwachukwu insisted that the Turaki group had been expelled from the PDP and therefore has no legitimate claim to party membership, calling their actions a “threat to public order.” “We stand before you today not out of bitterness, but out of duty as commanders of our various states, to defend the integrity of the PDP, to protect the rule of law, and to preserve the peace and stability of our party and our democracy,” Nwachukwu said.

The conflict is underpinned by a series of court rulings, the most recent being a Federal High Court judgment delivered on March 29, 2026. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik barred the Turaki-led faction from accessing the PDP’s national secretariat at Wadata Plaza in Abuja. The judge declared the November 2025 Ibadan convention that produced the Turaki leadership a nullity, as it was conducted in defiance of subsisting court orders. “The purported convention, including the election of officers and suspension of members, is unconstitutional, null and void,” Justice Abdulmalik held. The court also directed the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services to provide protection for the Wike-backed faction to access and operate from the party’s national headquarters. Additionally, the court restrained INEC from accepting any address for the party other than the one already recognized in its records.

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Nwachukwu accused the Turaki group of “criminal and malicious forgery and distortion of court judgments,” alleging they are misrepresenting judicial pronouncements to deceive the public. He called on security agencies to investigate the group’s activities, describing their actions as a “clear and present danger to public order.” According to Nwachukwu, “Their utter disrespect for the rule of law, their breach of peace, and reckless utterances pose a clear and present danger to public order. Nigeria is a nation of laws, not of propaganda.” He insisted that there is only one legally recognized PDP leadership, headed by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary. The faction also appealed to former President Jonathan to publicly distance himself from the Turaki group, alleging that his name was being invoked to lend legitimacy to “unlawful” actions. “We call on you, in view of the global image and moral authority you command, to address Nigerians directly and disassociate yourself from the continuous use of your name in this spectacle,” Nwachukwu said. In a separate appeal, Nwachukwu called on FCT Minister Wike to investigate a building in Abuja being used by the Turaki group, claiming their activities could undermine peace and security in the capital.

The Turaki-led faction has dismissed the allegations and insisted on its legitimacy, arguing that its actions are based on legal interpretations of existing court judgments. The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, stated that the issue is not a security matter but a legal one, and they are exhausting all constitutional and legal avenues. “Our reaction is simple: it shows the level of ignorance of the law upon which they operate. This issue is not a matter for security; it is a legal matter where the judgment of court is involved, and we acted in accordance with the judgments, PDP Constitution, and Nigerian laws,” Ememobong said. The faction maintained that it manually submitted its candidates’ list, including former President Jonathan, to INEC after the commission refused to provide access codes for electronic submission. The group filed an appeal against the Federal High Court judgment, expressing confidence that the Court of Appeal would reaffirm earlier decisions of the higher courts.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has rejected the presidential nomination of former President Goodluck Jonathan submitted by the Turaki faction, insisting that nominations can only be processed through its designated online portal in line with electoral regulations. INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, stated that the commission does not recognise manual submission of candidates. “Submission is only done on a dedicated portal as stipulated by our regulations and guidelines please,” she said. Despite INEC’s stance, the faction insisted it acted within the provisions of the Electoral Act and accused the commission of creating obstacles for its leadership. Ememobong claimed that the documents were received and acknowledged by officials of the commission despite the disagreement over the recognition of the faction.

In his monthly media chat, Wike reiterated that the Turaki group is deceiving aspirants by collecting money from them despite lacking authority to field candidates for elections. He revealed that INEC had granted the recognized PDP leadership the access code required to upload candidates to its portal. “When this thing started and I told the press that this thing that Turaki is doing, he has collected money from people, but it will backfire. Why will it backfire? Now, INEC has given access codes to political parties as recognised. Have they given him an access code? So which candidates will he sell forms to? They have given us an access code, and we are uploading our candidates but you are not uploading your own candidates,” Wike said. Wike also dismissed claims that the PDP was divided into factions, arguing that disagreement within a political party does not amount to a parallel leadership. He challenged the Turaki group to open an official PDP account and secretariat, vowing to seal any such illegal office. “If they are sure they are the authentic leadership of the PDP, let them open an official PDP account and tell party members to pay nomination fees into it. Let Turaki open an account for the PDP. Let them announce it publicly. That day, you will see what will happen. He will lose his silk (SAN title),” Wike said.

PDP Crisis: Wike Faction Demands Arrest of Turaki Group Over Forgery Allegations