Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (Babachir Lawal) has outlined a new northern political strategy ahead of the 2027 presidential election, advocating for unity and shared regional interests over traditional political allegiances.

Speaking on Channels Television, Lawal made clear that his previous support for Peter Obi in 2023 might not carry over, noting that political realities have shifted.

“They say a day in politics is long. Things have changed. The parameters we used to evaluate our candidate in 2023 are going to be different this time… Things have moved on, so we’ll see when we get there. We’ll see how it goes.”

Lawal reaffirmed his belief that Obi was the rightful winner of the 2023 election.

“Obi was the ‘true winner’ of the 2023 presidential election,” he said.

He revealed that a coalition of northern politicians, operating outside government, has formed the Nigerian People’s Consultative Political Forum (North). Their aim is to address regional disunity by voting as one.

“We had a group of people who started meeting with like minds… almost every significant northern politician who is not in government attends our meetings… So, we agreed that we must vote as a bloc. If we don’t vote as a bloc, we will not be able to achieve our goals.”

Lawal emphasized that the North will cast its support for any candidate, regardless of origin who comprehends and will confront their challenges.

“Whoever eventually emerges will only support somebody who understands the problems facing the North and will present them to him, whether the person is a northerner or a southerner, even if he’s from heaven.”

He announced that the bloc has chosen the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform of choice.

“Eventually, we just decided that we can only pursue this if we are in one solid political party. And we all agree this solid political party can only be the ADC.”

Lawal also named prominent figures aligned with the coalition’s strategy, including Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi, and Atiku Abubakar, while emphasizing that the 2027 contest should rise “beyond partisan loyalty or ethnic sentiment.”

Five indigenes of Rivers State have filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to halt the proposed local government elections scheduled for August 30, 2025, on the grounds that the state remains under a state of emergency.

The suit, filed on Monday and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1144/2025, lists President Bola Tinubu, Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.), the Rivers State Government and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) as defendants.

The plaintiffs; Fredrick Ededeh, Benita Samuel, Jane Madubuike, Boma Aggo and Comfort Agbom argue that the prevailing security situation in the state renders it unsafe and unconstitutional to hold elections.

Represented by their counsel, Sunday Ezema, the group contends that the State of Emergency Proclamation issued by the President on March 18, 2025, remains in effect and has not been revoked, as the conditions cited in the declaration, including threats to public order, safety and governance, persist.

“The atmosphere in Rivers State is still hostile, and peace has not been restored,” their motion reads.

“Conducting elections under such conditions would endanger citizens and violate their democratic rights.”

They are asking the court to determine whether any local government election can legally be conducted while a state of emergency is still in force.

The plaintiffs seek the following reliefs:

• A declaration that conditions of insecurity that led to the state of emergency have not ceased;
• A declaration that the President’s failure to revoke or suspend the proclamation means the emergency is still valid;
• A declaration that the Rivers State Government, Ibas, and RSIEC lack the legal authority to conduct elections during this period;
• An order to halt any planned elections, particularly the one scheduled for August 30, 2025;
• And a nullification of any such election if conducted during the emergency period, labelling it as illegal, unconstitutional, and void.

The plaintiffs also reference the previous local government elections, which were nullified by a court under suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing procedural irregularities.

As at the time of this report, no date has been fixed for the hearing.

Former Sokoto State Governor and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, is currently being interrogated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged financial scandal involving ₦189 billion.

Sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed that Tambuwal arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja at about 11:30 am on Monday, August 11, where he has since been undergoing intense questioning.

The alleged scandal revolves around massive cash withdrawals reportedly made during his tenure as governor of Sokoto State from 2015 to 2023.

Investigators say the transactions are in direct violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“The withdrawals are in clear violation of the law,” a top EFCC official disclosed, adding that the probe had been quietly ongoing for several months before the former governor was summoned.

Tambuwal, a key figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and one of its top strategists, has now joined the growing list of high-profile political figures facing EFCC scrutiny.

When contacted for confirmation, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, declined to comment on the development, stating:

“No official statement will be released until the ongoing questioning is concluded.”

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ms. Rinsola Abiola, daughter of the late Chief MKO Abiola, as the new Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC).

The announcement was made on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

Described by the statement as “an expert in strategic communication and government relations,” Ms. Abiola previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President.

She now heads the Abuja-based institution tasked with nurturing leadership, civic responsibility, and patriotism among citizens.

In his announcement, Onanuga also revealed the appointment of Nasir Bala Aminu Ja’oji as Senior Special Assistant on Citizenship and Leadership.

Noted for his advocacy of women and youth empowerment, Mr. Ja’oji previously served as Special Adviser on Mobilisation to the Kano State Governor and held a position on the Governing Council of the Coordinated Arewa Youth Groups.

Despite mounting criticism accusing the administration of favoritism, favoring political allies, prominent families, and loyalists, the Presidency maintains its appointments are merit-based.

In the official statement, Onanuga declared:

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ms. Rinsola Abiola as Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC). Ms. Abiola, an expert in strategic communication and government relations, previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President. In addition, President Tinubu appointed Nasir Bala Aminu Ja’oji as Senior Special Assistant on Citizenship and Leadership. Mr. Ja’oji… is an advocate of women and youth empowerment and development.”