Senator Dino Melaye, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has warned that the recent spate of governors defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not strengthen the party or enhance President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 election.

In a Facebook post, Melaye argued that the so‑called “governor factor” has lost its power to determine electoral outcomes, pointing to the 2023 presidential election as proof that Nigerians are voting beyond the influence of state governors and party machines.

He noted that despite the APC controlling 22 states, it faltered in key regions in 2023, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) performed strongly in states governed by the APC.

“The ruling APC, despite controlling 22 state governments, struggled to maintain coherence and voter confidence,” Melaye said.

He stressed that Nigerians have become more politically aware and independent‑minded, and that 2023 was only a “warning shot”,  the real reckoning is coming in 2027.

“The governors can all decamp to the ruling party and hold hands on the way down; the electorate will ensure it is a spectacular collective defeat,” he warned.

Melaye also described both the APC and PDP as parties “sitting on powder‑kegs” due to internal contradictions, corruption and loss of public trust, while portraying the ADC as a fresh, people‑driven alternative.

“The age of imposed loyalty is giving way to one of independent conviction,” he declared, adding that 2027 will be an “election of the governed, not of governors”.

A Federal High Court in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has invalidated the July 2024 local government and councillorship elections, declaring that the polls failed to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Justice H.I.O. Oshomah, who delivered the judgment, ordered the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) and the state government to refrain from organising further council elections until the process fully aligns with the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act.

The ruling stems from a suit brought by Mr. Samuel Udeogu and Mr. Isu Amaechi, with representation by Hamilton Ogbodo and Chief Mudi Erhenede respectively.

After the judgment, lawyer Hamilton Ogbodo stated:

“The local government election conducted in July 2024 in Ebonyi State is no more; it has been cancelled by this court.”

He urged the state government to comply with the court order or face contempt proceedings once the appeal window closes.

Chief Mudi Erhenede pointed out that the judgement reaffirmed a previous ruling by the late Justice Riman, which had nullified the 2022 local government polls in the state, a judgment the state government allegedly ignored by swearing‑in council officials.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has accused the Presidency of misrepresenting its position on the ongoing killings of Christians across the country, asserting that what is happening in parts of northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt amounts to a “Christian genocide.”

The controversy erupted after the office of Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media & Policy Communication, reportedly described CAN’s remarks as referring to a “so‑called Christian genocide.” CAN said that attribution was false and unfair.

According to a statement signed by Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, “Across many parts of northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, Christian communities have suffered repeated, organised and brutal attacks which have left thousands dead, villages destroyed and families displaced.”

“These are not isolated crimes but a continuing pattern of violence that has persisted for years without justice or closure.”

Meanwhile, Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, appealed to the global community not to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged religious persecution.

He warned that such a designation could harm ongoing inter‑faith dialogue and peace efforts.

CAN also urged the Federal Government and security agencies to act with urgency, fairness and transparency, between faiths and regions, to halt the violence and bring perpetrators to justice.

The association further called on media professionals and government officials to speak responsibly, emphasizing that “careless words can deepen wounds and undermine peace.”