Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for greater unity among progressive political leaders and urging the South-East to adopt a more strategic approach to national politics.

Soludo made the remarks on Monday during a political rally in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, where political stakeholders gathered to endorse President Tinubu’s leadership and vision for the country.

Speaking before a large crowd of supporters, the governor described his presence at the event as a solidarity visit and a demonstration of the growing cooperation among progressive political forces across Nigeria.

The position was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime.

Standing alongside Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, Soludo praised his host and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening partnerships aimed at promoting development, stability and national unity.

He noted that progressive leaders must work together to address the country’s challenges and accelerate economic growth, insisting that collaboration remains the most effective path to national progress.

According to him, the endorsement rally symbolised a broader effort by progressive-minded leaders to build consensus around policies capable of improving the welfare of Nigerians.

While acknowledging existing economic and social difficulties facing the nation, Soludo expressed confidence that ongoing reforms by the Federal Government would ultimately yield positive outcomes.

The governor also hinted that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) would soon articulate its position on deeper collaboration with other progressive political interests in the country.

Addressing the Igbo people directly, Soludo called for a shift from what he described as politics driven by grievances to a politics centred on engagement, partnership and opportunity.

He urged Ndigbo to embrace strategic alliances capable of advancing the region’s economic and political interests, stressing that political relevance is achieved through active participation and constructive engagement.

According to him, the South-East must position itself to take advantage of emerging opportunities by fostering unity and aligning with broader national development objectives.

…Urges ENSIEC To Sustain Level Playing Field Ahead Of September Elections

The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), led by Dr. Johnpaul Anih, has announced the successful screening of all its candidates by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) ahead of the September 26 Local Government Elections.

Speaking with journalists in Enugu on Monday, Dr. Anih disclosed that the party has fielded over 14 chairmanship candidates and more than 210 councillorship candidates across the state.

He stated that the party’s electioneering strategies are already in full swing, describing the forthcoming local government elections as a significant test of the political mood in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dr. Anih commended ENSIEC for its commitment to fairness, transparency and inclusiveness throughout the screening exercise, while warning that any attempt to compromise the integrity of the electoral process would be resisted through legitimate and democratic means.

“We are encouraged by the professionalism and transparency demonstrated by ENSIEC throughout the screening process. The commission has so far provided a level playing field for all participating political parties, and we urge it to sustain this approach until the conclusion of the elections.

“However, we wish to make it clear that any attempt by individuals or groups to manipulate the process will be strongly resisted through lawful means. The credibility of the September 26 election will serve as a major indicator of the state’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections,” he said.

The NDC Chairman further noted that the party conducted one of the most credible and transparent primary elections in the state, duly monitored by ENSIEC and relevant security agencies, resulting in the emergence of competent candidates with the capacity to provide effective leadership at the grassroots.

“Our candidates emerged through a transparent and credible process that reflected the wishes of party members. We are confident that they possess the competence, integrity, and grassroots support needed to provide quality leadership across the local government areas.

“Given a free, fair and credible election, we are confident that our candidates will perform exceptionally well and earn the mandate of the people,” he added.

Also speaking, the State Secretary of the party, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, expressed confidence that the NDC would record a strong performance in the September elections if the process remains free from manipulation and electoral malpractice.

According to him, the party’s candidates are individuals with proven records of service and community engagement in their respective local government areas and wards.

“All the candidates presented by our party have demonstrated commitment to grassroots development and community service. Their emergence has already generated excitement among the electorate and reinforced the belief that credible alternatives exist,” he stated.

Dr. Okafor maintained that many residents of Enugu State are eager for a new political direction anchored on accountability, effective representation, and people-centred governance.

He also commended ENSIEC for providing a fair environment for all political parties to participate in the electoral process, noting that such conduct, if sustained, would strengthen public confidence in the state’s electoral system.

The NDC Secretary further called on the people of Enugu State to continue supporting the party’s vision for grassroots transformation.

“The NDC remains committed to ending poor representation, unfulfilled promises, and ineffective grassroots governance. We are offering a platform built on accountability, development, and people-oriented leadership.

“We urge Ndi Enugu to support our candidates and join us in building local governments that truly serve the interests of the people,” he concluded.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party and four others, describing the decision as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic order.

Justice Peter Lifu, in a ruling delivered on Monday, ordered the deregistration of the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) for allegedly failing to satisfy constitutional electoral performance requirements as stipulated under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

The suit was instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that political parties that fail to meet prescribed electoral benchmarks should not remain on the register of political parties maintained by INEC.

Reacting to the judgment, the ADC, in a statement titled “You Are Playing With Fire,” described the verdict as unconstitutional and inconsistent with both established legal principles and the position previously taken by the electoral commission before the court.

The party maintained that INEC had clearly informed the court that the ADC remained compliant with all registration requirements and had not breached any constitutional provision that could warrant deregistration.

According to the party, the commission had affirmed that no legal basis existed for its removal from the register of political parties and that deregistration must be guided strictly by constitutional provisions rather than political considerations.

The ADC further questioned the validity of the proceedings, alleging that the trial court continued with the matter despite a subsisting Court of Appeal order issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings.

Describing the development as politically motivated, the party alleged that the judgment was part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

The ADC noted that the ruling came shortly after it concluded its party primaries and commenced preparations for the next electoral cycle, including the presidential election.

Warning against the consequences of shrinking the democratic space, the party argued that the matter extends beyond its own political survival and touches on the broader issue of electoral choice and democratic participation for millions of Nigerians.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing all available legal remedies, stating that it would challenge the judgment at the appellate courts while mobilising democratic stakeholders in defence of constitutional governance.

The ADC also disclosed plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over what it described as judicial misconduct in the handling of the matter.

While urging its members, supporters and coalition partners to remain calm and law-abiding, the party expressed confidence that the ruling would be overturned and insisted that it would remain an active participant in the 2027 electoral process.

The party maintained that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected from actions capable of limiting political competition, insisting that it would continue to defend the rights of its members and supporters through lawful means.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties for failing to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration.

Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Peter Lifu held that the affected parties failed to secure the minimum electoral performance threshold prescribed by law, particularly the requirement to obtain at least 25 per cent of votes in relevant elections.

The parties affected by the ruling are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The court further directed INEC not to allow the parties to participate in future elections, including the 2027 General Elections, having failed to satisfy the constitutional conditions necessary for their continued existence as political parties.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, which challenged the legal status of the parties based on their electoral performance.

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and INEC were also joined as defendants in the matter.

The plaintiff argued that the affected parties had failed to meet constitutional requirements relating to electoral spread and performance and therefore no longer qualified to remain registered political parties under Nigerian law.

Justice Lifu dismissed the preliminary objections raised by the defendants before granting the reliefs sought by the plaintiff, effectively paving the way for their deregistration.

Proceedings in the alleged corruption case involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, were on Monday stalled following the absence of two co-defendants before a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna.

El-Rufai, who is facing charges bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud, and financial misconduct instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), was present in court for the scheduled hearing.

The former governor arrived at the court premises alongside officials of the ICPC, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and police personnel.

However, the matter could not proceed as planned after two co-defendants failed to appear before the court, prompting the presiding judge to adjourn the case.

The court subsequently fixed June 28, 2026, for the commencement of hearing in the matter.
El-Rufai has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, maintaining his innocence against the allegations.

Prosecutors, on their part, contend that public funds were unlawfully disbursed for projects allegedly either abandoned, unexecuted, or improperly managed during his administration as governor of Kaduna State.

The case is expected to resume later this month as the court moves to begin substantive hearing on the charges.

The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has chosen Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

The announcement was made on Monday by Gwarzo’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Shuaibu, who disclosed that the decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across the state.

According to Shuaibu, the choice of Mustapha reflects the party’s commitment to unity, inclusiveness, and broad-based representation, while positioning the NDC for a stronger outing in the 2027 general elections.

“His selection is aimed at consolidating the party’s growing support base and strengthening our chances in the forthcoming governorship election,” he said.

Mustapha is the son of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a prominent political figure whose influence remains significant in Kano politics.

Political analysts believe the development could further deepen the presence of the Kwankwasiyya movement within the NDC and reshape political calculations ahead of 2027.

Gwarzo, a former Deputy Governor of Kano State, emerged as the NDC governorship candidate after a series of consultations among party stakeholders.

Detail shortly..

Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who ran as vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has announced his exit from the party and his move to the People’s Redemption Party.

He disclosed this on Tuesday during an appearance on the “Politics Today” on Channels Television, where he confirmed his decision to adopt a new political platform.

Details shortly ….

The Labour Party has elected Nenadi Usman as its substantive National Chairman, marking a new phase in the party’s leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.

Usman, who previously served in an interim capacity, emerged alongside other members of the National Working Committee during the party’s national elective convention held in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

Also elected were Iheanacho Obioma as National Secretary and Hilda Dokubo as National Women Leader.

The convention adopted a consensus-based approach complemented by an affirmative voting process to produce the new leadership, reflecting what party officials described as a unified front.

In his remarks, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, praised the convention committee led by Ginger Onwusibe and its secretary, Salisu Muhammad, for overseeing what he termed a credible and inclusive process.

Otti congratulated the newly elected executives and urged them to prioritise reconciliation within the party, stressing the need to bring all members on board as political activities intensify nationwide.

He emphasised that unity and effective mobilisation would be critical, particularly with party primaries and campaigns on the horizon, adding that the leadership must ensure a smooth and dispute-free process.

In her acceptance speech, Usman expressed gratitude to party delegates for entrusting her with the responsibility, pledging to strengthen the party and justify the confidence placed in her leadership.

She also acknowledged the support of party stakeholders, noting the significance of her emergence in a political space often dominated by men, and called for collective effort in building a stronger and more competitive party.

Former Ogun State governor and current senator, Gbenga Daniel, has formally declared his intention to return to the National Assembly, picking up his nomination and expression of interest forms under the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.

Announcing the move via his X handle on Tuesday, Daniel said his decision was anchored on the need to sustain what he described as impactful and people-oriented representation for constituents of Ogun East Senatorial District.

The development comes despite an ongoing push within the party to adopt Dapo Abiodun as a consensus candidate for the senatorial ticket, a move that has triggered internal friction among stakeholders in the district.

The endorsement reportedly followed a stakeholders’ meeting held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, where party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, elected officials, and various interest groups converged and backed the governor’s candidacy as a unified choice.

However, the process was marred by controversy after Daniel was allegedly denied entry into the venue, a situation his supporters have strongly condemned as a calculated attempt to sideline him from the race.

In a widely circulated video, the former governor lamented that he and his supporters were blocked from participating in the meeting despite arriving early.

Further strengthening the consensus arrangement, party figures including Lekan Mustapha were said to have endorsed Abiodun, describing the decision as a collective resolution reached in the interest of unity.

But Daniel’s loyalists, operating under the BATOGD Movement, have rejected the outcome, branding the exercise as exclusionary and inconsistent with established party procedures.

Speaking in Sagamu, the group’s spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Okunowo, argued that the process undermined internal democracy and disenfranchised legitimate party members.