Fresh efforts are underway to draft former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race, despite his continued silence on the issue.

A political group, the Goodluck Nigeria Movement, has unveiled plans to mobilise widespread support across the country, aiming to persuade the former leader to return to active politics.

Speaking after the inauguration of the group’s leadership, its National Chairman, Diekivie Ikiogha, said the movement intends to rally millions of Nigerians behind Jonathan’s potential candidacy.

He described the former president as a leader with enduring relevance, stating that Jonathan “has nothing to prove but everything to offer” in addressing Nigeria’s current challenges.

Ikiogha characterised the group as a platform for ordinary Nigerians, calling it “the voice of the hungry, the hope of the unemployed, and the defender of democracy.”

At the event, Robert Azibato was named National Secretary, while Derek Omoleh was appointed Director of Strategic Communications.

The group also called on Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora to join what it described as a “national rescue mission,” aimed at restoring what it sees as a period of stability and progress associated with Jonathan’s administration.

In a statement issued in Uyo, Omoleh said the movement would soon expand its outreach through media campaigns, grassroots engagement, and international advocacy to build momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.

Amid ongoing internal disputes, state chairmen of the African Democratic Congress have announced the formation of a new interim leadership to manage the party’s affairs ahead of its national convention.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Don Norman Obinna, Chairman of the party’s Abia State chapter, said the move was necessary to prevent a leadership vacuum and stabilise the party.

The newly constituted interim National Working Committee (NWC) includes Ogga Temitope Kingsley as National Chairman, Muhammad Khala Jidda as Deputy Chairman, and Odion Kennedy as Secretary.

Other members are Kabiru Hussaini (Assistant Secretary), Charles Idowu (National Organising Secretary), Johnny Derek (Deputy Organising Secretary), Stella Chukwuma (Treasurer), and Obinna himself as National Publicity Secretary.

Obinna explained that the interim leadership would engage with the Independent National Electoral Commission to organise a national convention that would produce a substantive leadership for the party.

He stressed that the intervention was aimed at preserving the ADC, insisting that the state chairmen acted in the party’s best interest.

According to him, the National Executive Committee had not approved certain congresses reportedly taking place, prompting many state leaders to distance themselves from such activities.

Dismissing allegations of external interference, Obinna rejected claims that the group was being backed by the All Progressives Congress, describing the accusations as unfounded.

He maintained that the effort was solely focused on strengthening the party and ensuring its readiness for future elections.

The Bauchi State caucus of the All Progressives Congress has rejected moves to admit Governor Bala Mohammed into the party, citing concerns over unity and internal cohesion.

The position was announced after a caucus meeting held in Abuja, where members unanimously opposed the governor’s possible entry into the APC.

The development follows earlier reports that Mohammed was considering a political shift, including a possible move to the African Democratic Congress.

His recent meeting with APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and Abba Kabir Yusuf, governor of Kano State, had fueled speculation about efforts to persuade him to join the ruling party.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, caucus chairman and senator representing Bauchi North, Sama’ila Dahuwa, said members firmly rejected the idea, stressing that Mohammed’s past criticisms of President Bola Tinubu and the APC remained a major concern.

He noted that the governor had neither withdrawn his earlier remarks nor made any reconciliation efforts with party leaders, warning that admitting him under such circumstances could harm the party’s credibility and electoral prospects in the state.

The caucus also faulted what it described as a lack of consultation with key stakeholders on the issue, insisting that due process and internal democracy must be respected.

It added that its position would be formally communicated to the party’s national leadership.

Meanwhile, indications suggest that Mohammed may be reconsidering his planned defection, as he continues consultations with members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Bauchi State.

Reports indicate that the PDP has set up a committee, led by Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau, to review the party’s future direction amid ongoing political realignments.

The committee is expected to engage stakeholders and present its recommendations at a later meeting.

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has criticised Nafiu Bala, a factional chairman of the African Democratic Congress, accusing him of actions that undermine both the party and Nigeria’s democratic process.

Kwankwaso’s remarks come amid ongoing internal disputes within the ADC, which recently prompted the Independent National Electoral Commission to delist a faction of the party’s leadership led by David Mark following legal challenges.

Speaking during an interview, Kwankwaso revealed that he had made efforts to resolve the crisis by inviting Bala for a meeting, but the latter failed to honour the invitation.

He expressed disappointment over Bala’s absence, noting that he had hoped to offer guidance and find a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

Kwankwaso warned that Bala’s actions could have far-reaching consequences, not only for his political future but also for the stability and growth of the ADC.

He stressed that the party, which has recently attracted significant support and membership, should not be derailed by internal conflicts.

The former Kano governor further appealed to respected figures, including traditional rulers and religious leaders such as the Emir of Gombe, to intervene and help mediate the situation.

He described the matter as serious and urged Bala to reconsider his approach for the sake of unity within the party and the broader interest of Nigeria’s democracy.

Muhammad Daha Umar Faruk, the eldest son of the Emir of Daura, Faruk Umar Faruk, has declared his intention to contest for the Baure/Zango Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general elections.

Faruk, who holds the traditional title of Danburam Daura, said his decision followed repeated appeals from constituents urging him to represent them at the National Assembly.

Announcing his ambition, he stated that he had accepted the call to serve and would be seeking election to represent the constituency in 2027.

He also urged his supporters to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the political process, warning against engaging in abusive or disrespectful campaign practices.

Faruk emphasized the importance of maintaining civility, noting that political engagement should not be used as a platform to attack or ridicule others.

Although he did not disclose the political party under which he intends to run, political observers believe the decision may be strategic.

Sources close to him suggest he could eventually align with either the All Progressives Congress or the African Democratic Congress as the election approaches.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he threatened a television presenter, insisting that his earlier remark was figurative and taken out of context.

Wike made the clarification in Abuja while hosting management and staff of Daar Communications, explaining that his statement had been misinterpreted by the public.

The controversy followed comments he made during a media briefing, where he reacted to analysis by Seun Okinbaloye, a presenter on Channels Television.

In expressing his frustration, Wike had said that if it were possible to “break the screen,” he would have “shot him,” a remark that sparked widespread criticism.

Addressing the backlash, the minister said the comment was not meant as a literal threat but rather as an expression of anger over what he considered unfair commentary.

He accused some individuals of deliberately misrepresenting his words.

Meanwhile, Okinbaloye responded during a subsequent broadcast, maintaining that he would not be intimidated and reaffirming his commitment to professional journalism.

The incident has drawn reactions from several organisations, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Amnesty International, both of which criticised the remark and called for an apology.

Similarly, the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria warned that it could consider a boycott of the minister’s media engagements if the issue is not properly addressed.