The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected recent overtures from the All Progressives Congress (APC) suggesting that “key ADC figures” will defect to the ruling party, stating emphatically that defections alone will not save the APC in the 2027 general election.

Responding to comments from APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, the ADC said the influx of new members reflects the ruling party’s deepening unpopularity among ordinary Nigerians.

The party also called for urgent amendments to the 1999 Constitution and the 2022 Electoral Act, pointing to concerns over the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the process for appointing justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

In Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani declared at a weekend rally that APC now controls roughly 95 percent of the state after the defection of four state assembly lawmakers and five members of the House of Representatives.

This figure was raised as part of efforts to portray the APC as the dominant force in the state.

But the ADC said in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, that the wave of defections only underscores how much the APC fears defeat.

“The truth remains that the APC realizes that it has become the most hated party in Nigeria, and no amount of defections can save the party from Nigerians whose lives and livelihoods the ruling party has destroyed since it came to power,” the statement read.

At a briefing in Lagos, led by Lagos State ADC Chairman Ugochukwu Anaere, the party further alleged that its members have faced threats and attacks, particularly during the 2023 elections, and expressed fear these could be repeated ahead of 2027.

They specifically condemned comments by Mustapha Adekunle (Sego), Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Lagos Chapter, describing his threats as “careless, barbaric, uncivilised, provocative and dreadful.”

They called on relevant authorities to ensure the safety of their members and the security of ballots in upcoming elections.

Amid rising concerns over national stability, fresh details have emerged about a suspected coup plot allegedly targeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Investigations have revealed that a former governor from a southern state is under scrutiny for allegedly funding the plot, scheduled for October 25, sources told Daily Trust.

According to insiders, the ex-governor, said to have past ties to the oil and gas sector, is suspected of collaborating with a group of detained military officers, including a Brigadier-General, a Colonel, and several others.

While the extent of his involvement is still being probed, authorities are reportedly reviewing his recent interactions with the officers and may summon him for questioning if credible links are found.

The 16 officers currently in custody, some of whom were attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), are being investigated by a panel under the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

The panel, composed of senior officers led by a Major General, is said to be operating under strict confidentiality.

Sources revealed that the Brigadier-General involved hails from Niger State.

That the Colonel under investigation is from Nasarawa State, and is a member of the influential Al-Makura family, connected to the former governor of the state.

That the arrest has deeply unsettled the Al-Makura family, with one relative saying: “The entire family is in distress… We pray they are found innocent.”

Additional reports indicate that more military officers and politicians from both northern and southern Nigeria are being monitored in relation to the alleged plot.

Reacting to online reports, notably by Sahara Reporters and Premium Times, linking the arrests to a coup attempt, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) denied the allegations outright.

In a statement released Saturday, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, said the reports were misleading and dangerous, emphasizing that:

“The cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary activities was for logistical reasons, not due to any attempted coup.”

He stated that the detained officers were undergoing a routine disciplinary process, and the probe panel’s findings would be made public in due time.

The military reiterated its loyalty to the Constitution and urged the public to ignore “rumours being peddled by enemies of the state.”

On October 4, the military had issued a press release announcing that 16 officers were arrested during a “routine exercise” for indiscipline and breach of service regulations.

The officers reportedly faced career stagnation and had failed multiple promotion exams, according to the statement.

However, sources within military circles suggest that the public statement was deliberately softened, following advice from the Attorney General and other stakeholders, to avoid causing panic among citizens, investors, and the international community.

One insider said the Chief of Army Staff met with President Tinubu in Lagos, reviewed the preliminary report with him, and received presidential approval before releasing the toned-down statement.

Meanwhile, Nigerians on social media are calling for more transparency. Many are asking the military to disclose the identities of the detained officers and specify the exact offences they committed.

One Facebook user, Adelabi Gbenga, wrote:

“Dear military, kindly avail Nigerians specific offences these people committed before you kpai them. There is no smoke without fire.”

Another user on X (formerly Twitter), Edidiong Jackson, added:

“Don’t put us in darkness. After all, na our taxes they are using to pay you guys.”

The family of Senate Minority Leader, Senator Patrick Abba Moro, has been plunged into deep grief following the heartbreaking loss of his son and grandson in the space of just two days.

According to reports, Senator Moro’s son, Victor, recently returned to Nigeria after completing his studies in Turkey.

He had come back to fulfill his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) obligation.

Tragically, his life was cut short in a fatal car crash along the Mararaba axis in Nasarawa State, barely a day after the burial of his nephew, Senator Moro’s grandson.

Victor was reportedly on a personal trip away from the family residence when the accident occurred.

The devastating events have left the Moro family and their close circle reeling from the shock.

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has dismissed concerns over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s alleged interest in clinching the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking to newsmen during a visit to LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja, Obi said he had no fears about Atiku’s political ambitions, describing him as a “respected elder brother.”

Obi’s response comes amid growing speculation that Atiku may seek to run under the ADC umbrella, especially as some of his loyalists from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reportedly defected to join the emerging ADC coalition, a development that has unsettled some members of Obi’s support base.

Tensions escalated after Atiku recently told BBC Hausa that he would not step aside for any aspirant unless defeated at the ADC primaries, a statement widely interpreted as a declaration of intent for 2027.

Former senator, Shehu Sani, also weighed in via a post on X (formerly Twitter), warning that any candidate would face a tough challenge beating Atiku in a primary race.

But Obi played down the perceived rivalry, insisting the coalition forming around the ADC is focused on rescuing Nigeria, not political turf wars.

“Let me tell you, Atiku is a very dear elder brother and leader that I have a lot of respect for. I’m a member of the Labour Party and part of the coalition forming the ADC for the 2027 presidential election,” Obi said.

“Other parties and people are going to be part of it. All of us are coming together for a common purpose. That’s my belief.”

He emphasized that for the country to move forward, credible individuals across party lines must unite.

“For us to do the right thing for the country, all well-meaning people will have to come together to rescue the country.”

On whether he would contest in 2027, Obi was direct:

“I’m contesting, and I’m sure I will be. People will have to look at who is competent, who has the capacity. And I think I’m qualified. I have the capacity to do the job. I’m saying it over and over again in four years, I can change the trajectory of Nigeria in a positive way.”

He also urged a shift in national discourse from politics to real issues affecting Nigerians.

“We’ve talked too much politics in this country. I was in some villages in Anambra State and could see poverty everywhere. We’re talking about party chairmen, primaries, and things like that.

I want the new Nigeria to be focused on what will benefit the people.” he added.