The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified that despite widespread endorsements of President Bola Tinubu for a second term, its 2027 presidential ticket remains open to all interested aspirants.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the APC’s National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Argungu, dismissed rumours that the party plans to automatically hand its 2027 ticket to Tinubu without a contest.

“It is the wish of the party and indeed the National Working Committee (NWC) that President Tinubu continues in office. Our endorsement reflects appreciation for his performance. But that does not mean we are shutting out others,” Argungu said.

He confirmed that the president had been endorsed not just by the NWC, but by state chapters and zonal structures across the country.

Nonetheless, he emphasised that the internal democratic process would not be compromised.

“When the time comes, we will release our timetable, and any party member interested in contesting will be free to purchase nomination and expression of interest forms,” he added. “Democracy does not accommodate dictatorship.”

Argungu also reaffirmed that the APC would adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the provisions of the Electoral Act during its primaries.

He described recent APC victories in bye-elections across traditionally opposition-dominated states as proof of growing public confidence in the party and in President Tinubu’s leadership.

“That we are winning elections in PDP strongholds is a testament to the faith Nigerians have in our progressive agenda,” Argungu said.

Addressing concerns over the upcoming Ekiti governorship primaries, Argungu assured that the process would be open and transparent.

“So far, four aspirants have obtained forms, two men and two women. The women are benefitting from our policy that grants free nomination forms to female aspirants. No one has been denied access,” he said.

He also pushed back on allegations that the party’s Organising Department was being sidelined in primary election planning, stating that since assuming office in 2022, his team has driven reforms to promote fairness and teamwork within the APC.

The Kano State Government has strongly denied allegations that its Director-General of Protocol, Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, diverted N6.5 billion in state funds, describing the claims as politically motivated and aimed at discrediting Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration ahead of the 2027 elections.

This comes amid ongoing investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Both agencies are probing alleged misuse of public funds through a network of front companies, bureau de change operators, and personal accounts allegedly linked to Rogo.

In a statement issued Monday by Sanusi Bature, the state’s Director-General of Media and Publicity, the government described the allegations as a smear campaign orchestrated by opposition forces, warning that such tactics would not derail its commitment to good governance.

“Without prejudice to the ongoing court proceedings, we owe the public a duty to clarify the operations of the Directorate of Protocol. It functions similarly to protocol offices in other states and the federal government,” the statement said.

The government emphasized that all financial dealings within Kano State’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are guided by clearly defined budget lines and expenditure codes.

No official, it said, has discretionary access to funds outside approved allocations.

It further explained that the Protocol Directorate primarily handles logistics, accommodation, and welfare for the governor and visiting dignitaries, noting that over 95% of its responsibilities involve financial transactions often settled on behalf of the state.

“We remain confident in the integrity of Abdullahi Rogo and reject these politically charged allegations,” the statement added.

In a sharp counterattack, the Yusuf administration accused the previous government, led by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, of massive financial impropriety.

It claimed over N20 billion was withdrawn through the Protocol Directorate between February and May 2023 alone.

The government also referenced the controversial “dollar-bribe” video involving Ganduje and alleged illegal land acquisitions and asset takeovers by his associates.

“Kano State has nothing to hide. All officials, including the DG of Protocol, are open to cooperating with anti-graft agencies,” Bature said.

“However, the state will not hesitate to take legal action against individuals or groups spreading falsehoods.”

While affirming its commitment to transparency, the government stated that it would refrain from further public commentary as the case is already before a court.

Despite the state’s position, ICPC officials have reportedly recovered N1.3 billion linked to Rogo, allegedly funneled through front companies and personal accounts.

Two of his Zenith Bank accounts have reportedly been frozen under a Post No Debit order.

ICPC also criticized a recent court ruling that restrained further investigations and awarded Rogo N2 million in damages, saying the judgment threatens efforts to hold public officials accountable.

Senator Abba Moro, a leading figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Senate Minority Leader, has described the party’s decision to field Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections as a strategic error.

Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Moro admitted the party miscalculated by backing Atiku, who ultimately lost to Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Given how the election turned out and the clear message from the Nigerian people, it’s evident that fielding Atiku was a mistake,” Moro said.

“To lose such a crucial election in that manner is certainly something to regret.”

Atiku came second in the 2023 race, after which he left the PDP. Nearly two years on, he has not declared affiliation with any political party.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Moro revealed that the PDP is exploring the possibility of a political comeback for former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Moro confirmed that internal discussions are ongoing to convince both leaders to return to the party and possibly join the presidential race.

“I’m aware that some individuals are already engaging Peter Obi, telling him, ‘Come back home, there’s a good chance you’ll be our candidate,’” he said.

On Jonathan, who has remained largely absent from PDP political activities since his 2015 defeat to Muhammadu Buhari, Moro noted:

“Some people are reaching out to former President Jonathan, encouraging him to consider running. It’s not off the table—it’s a possibility.”

A growing number of stakeholders within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are calling on the party to micro-zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South-East, citing the principles of justice, fairness, and political inclusion.

The call is being led by Ralph Uwazurike, a chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who argued that the South-East remains the only southern region yet to produce a president since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

“If the PDP truly understands the national mood, the presidential ticket should be left for the South-East,” Uwazurike said.

However, he expressed concern that influential figures like FCT Minister Nyesom Wike might block such a move due to political interests.

Uwazurike also suggested that the PDP should consider reaching out to former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to return and strengthen the party ahead of 2027.

In contrast, Chief Bode George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman, dismissed the idea, stating that micro-zoning has no constitutional backing within the party.

“PDP must focus on fielding its strongest candidate from the South, not based on sentiment, but strategy. Micro-zoning doesn’t exist in our constitution,” George said.

He also rejected the idea of the PDP lobbying Peter Obi, noting, “Obi left the PDP on his own accord. If he wants to return, fine  but the party won’t beg anyone.”

Kosolowoe Ajisafe, PDP National Vice Chairman (South-West), urged for patience and unity, especially from South-East members, as the party works through its rebuilding process.

The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM), however, criticised the NEC’s decision to zone the ticket to the South, calling it a “strategic and constitutional blunder” and pledged continued support for Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as a potential candidate.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved a new minimum wage of ₦104,000 for civil servants, marking a significant increase from the previous ₦76,000.

The governor announced the new wage structure during a meeting with leaders of various labour unions on Tuesday night at the Government House in Owerri.

The decision also includes substantial salary increases for key professionals in the state’s public sector.

Under the new adjustments, doctors’ minimum wage rises from ₦215,000 to ₦503,000 while lecturers and tertiary institution teachers will now earn at least ₦222,000, up from ₦119,000.

Governor Uzodimma described the wage review as a strategic investment in the people of Imo, aimed at boosting productivity, economic growth, and workers’ welfare.

“When workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows. This is our way of investing in Imo people,” he said.

The governor noted that despite the challenges his administration faced since 2020 including insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic reforms, and subsidy removal, his government had stayed committed to supporting workers.

He credited the state’s improved financial position for enabling the wage increases.

According to Uzodimma, internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has grown from ₦400 million to over ₦3 billion monthly.

Federal allocations have doubled from around ₦6 billion in 2020 to ₦14 billion, while debt profile has dropped from over ₦280 billion to less than ₦100 billion.

Uzodimma emphasized that the administration had spent heavily on rebuilding collapsed infrastructure, especially roads and tackling insecurity, which he said had previously crippled development across all sectors.

“It is a thing of joy that we have started seeing the dividends of that bold decision by President Bola Tinubu to remove fuel subsidy,” he said.

He acknowledged that subsidy removal had raised the cost of living but maintained that the government was committed to ensuring the benefits reach ordinary citizens.

The governor also announced that the state would begin payment of the final batch of ₦16 billion in gratuities owed to pensioners, starting August 27.