Politics
Wike attacks Dogara for backing Atiku
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Ex-Speaker fires back
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Ex-VP can’t see Buhari’s achievements, says govt
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike yesterday clashed with former House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu over the latter’s backing of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.
The governor asked Atiku to restrain his men from insulting the group of five governors (G-5), known as the Integrity Group.
“Thank God, there was a witness!” Dogara stated.
The G-5 governors – Wike, Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) – are locked in a protracted feud with the party leadership over the refusal of the National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, to resign, contrary to his promise to quit if the presidential candidate was picked from the North.
They have insisted that Ayu’s resignation is a condition for supporting Atiku in next year’s election.
Yesterday, Makinde said the governors were yet to decide on which presidential candidate to support.
The G-5 governors were also absent at the PDP’s presidential rally in Lagos yesterday.
Wike said the G-5 would fight back if Atiku’s men continued to insult the Integrity Group.
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He spoke at the kick-off of Indorama-Agbonchia-Ogale-Ebubu-East/West Link Road in Eleme Local Government Area.
The governor said: “We need peace in this state and we would continue to keep the peace but nobody can take us for a ride. Rivers State cannot be a slave to anybody.
“What I want to tell the presidential candidate of the PDP is we need peace.
“We want all of us to be together for the party to win the general elections, but let me say clearly: if your boys continue to fight the leaders of our party, we would fight back.
“If anybody in the PDP presidential campaign council continues to insult the governors of the integrity group, we would fight back. Enough is enough.
“We want peace and we want equity, fairness and justice. Nobody should take us for granted.
“I cannot understand people who just left APC recently and are talking about PDP that we stayed and suffered to build. Even if anybody should talk about us, it is not these miscreants.”
The governor lambasted Dogara for allegedly backing Atiku against his earlier stance on Southern Presidency in 2023.
Wike said soon, he would reveal details of his discussion with Dogara and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.
He said: “At the appropriate time I will talk about how Dogara and Babachir visited me and what we agreed.
“What I don’t like in life is people that don’t have character. I can’t stand it. At the appropriate time, I will challenge them for a debate.”
He recalled how Dogara had evaded an appointment they were to have and left the PDP to join the APC.
He said: “What I don’t like in life is people that don’t have character. I can’t stand it. At the appropriate time, I would challenge them to a debate. Ask Dogara, what made you leave PDP?
“Dogara was to see me; unknown to me, he gave me an excuse and I was watching Dogara on TV being received by President Muhammadu Buhari that he had gone to APC. I say ‘Okay, no problem’.
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“The same Dogara said the Presidency should be zoned to southern Nigeria for there to be peace.
“Now, I hear about the same Dogara (is endorsing Atiku from the north for the presidency). Is that how you do things? Can’t you say something and stand by it?”
Dogara faults Wike
In a tweet via his handle @YakubDogara, the former Speaker faulted Wike’s claims.
He stated: “To my brother, Governor Nyesom Wike; if there is anything you are suffering from, I never thought amnesia would be one of them.
“Why would you think no one, except you, is entitled to a certain set of principles he/she cannot compromise?
“It’s such a pity if you cannot remember what our discussion and agreement were all about.
“Why should only your own position be respected and followed? I would never betray a friend and a brother that is why I won’t respond to your tirade on live TV.
“The details of our conversation are sealed up with me but if you feel it’s okay to throw it to the public, kindly give me written consent to divulge it so that the public can judge who is saying the truth. Thank God there was a witness!”
Executive order stands, says Wike
Wike reiterated that Executive Order 21 was still in force in Rivers.
He said the order’s intent was misrepresented before the Inspector-General of Police.
According to him, political parties intending to hold their events within government facilities and schools should apply.
Wike said: “Nobody can stop anybody from rallying. There are people misinterpreting and misconstruing what we are saying.
“What we are saying is that if they want to use primary and secondary schools, apply, pay money for security so that when you destroy or mess up the place, the government can now come and clean up the place.
“We are not saying that you are not entitled to use the place for a rally. These people, I don’t know the type of school they went to, are telling lies. I am sure they misquoted the IG (Inspector General of Police).
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“Some of them say they would disobey executive order numbers 21 and 22, I wish them good luck. Dare us and we would tell you we are in charge of Rivers state.”
Mimiko hails Wike
Former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, said Wike was speaking the minds of people desiring justice, fairness and ethnic inclusivity.
He believes the governor’s voice was gaining traction because he had worked assiduously to deliver dividends of democracy to his people.
Mimiko said: “I personally cannot over-emphasise how proud I am of Governor Wike’s accomplishments.
“Today, Wike may be the indisputable poster boy of the campaign for social justice in the politics of this country…
“People who choose not to be the charitable talk of what they imagine is Wike’s stubbornness, Wike’s combative approach to issues, etc.
“For me, I can surely live with Wike’s fabled stubbornness and theatrics in so far as that is steeped in Wike’s impressive, albeit unusual dedication to good governance, quality project execution, and equity in the polity…
“Keep it on, Governor Nyesom Wike, for, you speak the minds of so many Nigerians that desire equity, just so, that our country may remain to fulfil its God-ordained destiny in the comity of nations.”
Makinde: G5 governors yet to decide on who to back
On which presidential candidate the G-5 governors would support, Makinde expressed hope that some form of alignment will be reached before the election.
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He spoke with reporters shortly after signing the Bill on Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo Law 2022.
The event was held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.
Makinde said his colleagues in the G5 were still in talks with the party leadership, adding that some demands have also been placed before them.
According to him, it was too early to determine the presidential candidate to support since talks were still ongoing with the party’s national leadership and stakeholders.
Makinde said: “It is not time. We are still talking. We have made some demands on the party. One day is a long time in politics.
“So, we are still talking and we are hopeful that some form of alignment will be reached at the end of the day.”
The governor urged those who have left in pursuit of their political ambition on other political platforms to return.
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Politics
2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation
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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Politics
2027: Court Gives Atiku Seven Days to Serve Tinubu Through APC in Eligibility Suit
2027: Court Gives Atiku Seven Days to Serve Tinubu Through APC in Eligibility Suit
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar seven days to serve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with a suit challenging his eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the order after granting an application for substituted service, allowing Atiku and the ADC to serve the President through his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, was instituted by Atiku and the ADC against Tinubu, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Atiku is asking the court to determine whether Tinubu is qualified to participate in the 2027 presidential election based on allegations concerning an NYSC discharge certificate allegedly submitted to INEC.
According to the plaintiffs, the disputed certificate bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle”, which they contend raises questions about its authenticity and its connection with the President. Atiku’s case also alleges that the document was presented to INEC as genuine and raises questions about information contained in the electoral documents submitted by Tinubu.
The allegations remain claims before the court and have not been established by a final judgment.
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The plaintiffs are relying on provisions of the 1999 Constitution relating to the presentation of forged certificates to INEC. They are seeking, among other reliefs, orders that would prevent Tinubu and the APC from participating in the 2027 presidential election on the basis of the allegations contained in the suit.
The latest ruling followed a procedural dispute over how the President should be served with the court processes.
When the matter came up earlier in September, Atiku’s lawyers told the court that they had been unable to personally serve Tinubu. Although counsel representing Tinubu indicated that he was prepared to accept service on behalf of his client, the plaintiffs declined, saying they wanted to avoid possible technical objections concerning the validity of service at a later stage.
The court subsequently allowed the issue to be addressed through substituted service.
Justice Ekwo had earlier adjourned proceedings to September 28 following the service dispute. The judge also warned lawyers involved in the case against discussing the matter in the traditional or social media, directing that arguments concerning the case should be presented in court.
Meanwhile, Tinubu and the APC have rejected the allegations and asked the Federal High Court to dismiss the suit.
In their response, the President and the APC denied that Tinubu submitted a forged certificate to INEC for either the 2023 or 2027 presidential elections. They also questioned the legal foundation of Atiku and the ADC’s action and raised preliminary objections to the case.
The defendants have argued that the disputed certificate has not been established as forged and that the NYSC has not disowned the document at the centre of the controversy.
They have therefore urged the court to dismiss the suit rather than proceed to the substantive claims.
INEC has also challenged Atiku’s case and opposed aspects of the plaintiffs’ application to amend their suit. The electoral commission has raised procedural and legal objections, including arguments concerning the competence of the action and the plaintiffs’ standing.
The case has consequently developed into a series of preliminary procedural and legal disputes even before the court determines the central allegations surrounding the disputed NYSC certificate.
Atiku and the ADC maintain that the alleged certificate and information submitted to INEC raise constitutional questions concerning Tinubu’s eligibility for the 2027 presidential election.
Tinubu and the APC, however, deny the allegations and are seeking the dismissal of the case, while INEC has also opposed the action.
The Federal High Court’s latest decision is limited to the method and timeframe for serving Tinubu with the court processes.
It does not constitute a ruling that Tinubu is ineligible to contest the 2027 election, nor does it establish that the disputed NYSC certificate is forged.
The substantive claims, alongside the objections raised by Tinubu, the APC and INEC, remain before the court for determination.
2027: Court Gives Atiku Seven Days to Serve Tinubu Through APC in Eligibility Suit
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Politics
“Clash of Egos”: Ayo Fayose Downplays Public Feud Between Wike and APC Governors
“Clash of Egos”: Ayo Fayose Downplays Public Feud Between Wike and APC Governors
On Channels Television, the former Ekiti governor says tensions over the ‘Rainbow Coalition’ will not hurt President Tinubu’s 2027 prospects.
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has weighed in on the sharp exchange between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum, characterizing the disagreement as a battle of individual egos rather than a genuine threat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
Speaking Tuesday night during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Fayose noted that public friction often surfaces when assertive leaders navigate complex multi-party arrangements.
The spat erupted after Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, speaking for the APC Governors’ Forum, announced that party executives would reject any outside alliance or coalition capable of diluting the party’s strength or challenging its candidates in upcoming elections.
Wike responded swiftly during a televised broadcast, describing the governors as politically lazy and clarifying that his “Rainbow Coalition” was created specifically to mobilize cross-party votes for the president rather than fight local battles on behalf of state governors.
Addressing the controversy, Fayose remarked that everyday Nigerians understand Wike’s outspoken personality just as they understand the institutional posture of the Governors’ Forum.
He insisted that the rhetorical crossfire has no direct bearing on the president’s electoral fortunes, observing that political leaders across the spectrum possess strong personal pride that occasionally spills into public view. Fayose maintained that practical grassroots voter mobilization will ultimately outweigh public posturing as the 2027 race draws nearer.
“Clash of Egos”: Ayo Fayose Downplays Public Feud Between Wike and APC Governors
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