Former Governor of Sokoto State and current Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has vowed to lead a political movement that will unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

Tambuwal, who is now aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the declaration during a massive homecoming rally in Sokoto on Friday.

He was received by thousands of enthusiastic supporters from Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states, in what political analysts are calling a strategic show of strength ahead of the 2027 race.

Addressing the cheering crowd, Tambuwal launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing the APC-led government of plunging Nigeria into deep economic hardship, rising insecurity, and worsening political instability.

“My message is simple: we must join forces to send APC packing in 2027,” Tambuwal declared.

“The ADC and our allies will galvanise every corner of this country to make that happen. We will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced, and we will not allow the suffering of Nigerians to continue unchecked.”

The senator’s passionate speech and the massive turnout were seen as early signs of his presidential ambition and his intention to mount a serious challenge against the ruling party.

Supporters, including party loyalists, women’s groups and youth organisations flooded the streets with banners and chants, rallying around Tambuwal as a symbol of hope and change.

In response to questions about his recent appearance before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Tambuwal dismissed corruption allegations as politically motivated.

“My visit to the EFCC was voluntary, of my own volition. I was quizzed and released on self-recognition as a man honoured with the national honour of the Commander of the Federal Republic,” he explained.

“Their so-called allegations that I withdrew over ₦2 billion monthly from the Sokoto State Government account are nothing but blatant lies. How much is even the state’s monthly allocation from the Federal Government?” he asked rhetorically.

A North-East-based advocacy group, Bring Back Our Goodluck (BBOG), has formally apologised to former President Goodluck Jonathan, retracting earlier accusations that he financially supported terrorism in the region.

The group admitted during a press conference in Maiduguri that past claims were rooted in deceit by a former U.S. president and manipulative Nigerian politicians.

Grema Kyari, National President of BBOG, confessed that he, along with many others, had been “misled.”

“I come before you not only as the National Chairman of Bring Back Our Goodluck but as a witness to history and as a Nigerian who, like millions of others, was once misled. I am from Borno State, one of the epicentres of the Boko Haram insurgency.”

“During the presidency of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, a damaging narrative was that he sponsored Boko Haram and used the military to suppress us. These lies thrived in an environment of limited and restricted access to truth.”

He extended a heartfelt apology to Jonathan and recognised the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.

“We now recognise that he was a leader of integrity, compassion, and national vision. We now believe that President Jonathan was removed from office in 2015 as a result of regime change orchestrated by foreign powers in connivance with some desperate politicians in Nigeria.”

Kyari highlighted some of Jonathan’s achievements, including his early concession in 2015, which he described as:

“A courageous and selfless act that prevented post-election violence and safeguarded our democracy.”

He also praised the ex-president’s stance on cultural values:

“He signed the Same‑Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act into law in January 2014 despite international pressure. According to him, the move safeguarded the country’s moral values, in contrast to the recently signed Samoa Agreement, which he claimed undermines them.”

The group further lauded Jonathan’s prudent governance, referencing his handling of fuel subsidy policy:

“Jonathan’s administration showed humility when it partially reversed the 2012 fuel subsidy removal following nationwide protests, unlike the current government’s abrupt removal, which has caused widespread hardship.”

Kyari reaffirmed Jonathan’s credibility, noting:

“His appointments were based on merit and competence, not tribal or political favouritism. He sought to unite rather than divide, a quality Nigeria desperately needs today.”

Concluding the conference, BBOG called on Jonathan to re-enter the political arena in 2027:

“On behalf of Bring Back Our Goodluck, I call on all well-meaning Nigerians… to join hands in urging Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, to once again answer the call of history. And in this moment of economic crisis, he deserves another chance to lead.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of distorting recent comments made by World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Nigeria’s economic situation, warning that her central message is being lost in political spin.

In a strongly worded statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the government was amplifying only a single line from Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s remarksremarks, where she commended efforts to “stabilise the economy”, while deliberately ignoring her call for urgent action to alleviate widespread hardship through job creation and social safety nets.

“What she really said is that the economy is not growing in real terms, jobs are not being created, and too many people are suffering,” the ADC stated.

The party described the government’s selective narrative as a “dangerous distraction” from the harsh economic realities facing millions of Nigerians as a result of recent reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, naira devaluation, and hikes in electricity and transport tariffs.

GDP growth for Q1 2025 stood at 3.13%, with Q2 barely surpassing that mark, a performance analysts say is insufficient to drive meaningful recovery.

Headline inflation remained high at 22.22% in June, with food inflation at 21.97%, straining household incomes.

Fuel prices now average ₦1,037.66 per litre, while the naira trades at ₦1,530/$1, significantly weaker than the ₦460 it was before Tinubu’s reforms.

“These figures reflect economic stagnation, not prosperity. It’s disingenuous to claim stability when Nigerians can’t afford basic necessities,” Abdullahi added.

The ADC pointed out that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, known globally for her economic expertise, had in fact urged the government to implement immediate measures to support vulnerable Nigerians affected by the policy changes.

She later reiterated this in a clarifying tweet, emphasizing the need for safety nets and inclusive economic growth to “put money in people’s pockets.”

The ADC concluded by urging the Federal Government to shift from media optics to substantive action, stressing that social support schemes are not optional but urgently necessary.

“The time for rhetoric is over. What Nigerians need now is relief, not propaganda.”

For the fourth time since the Court of Appeal nullified the original election held in March 2023 and ordered a rerun, the Enugu South Urban State Constituency in the State House of Assembly has once again ended in disappointment, as no voting took place on Saturday despite earlier assurances by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Voters and party agents who arrived early at the designated polling units were left frustrated as critical sensitive election materials failed to arrive.

Although INEC’s ad-hoc staff, mostly comprised of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members were present at the venue alongside ballot boxes and voting cubicles, key sensitive materials such as ballot papers and result sheets were conspicuously missing.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) assigned to oversee the election reportedly visited the polling centre briefly in the morning but left without addressing any stakeholders or explaining the situation.

By 4pm, the NYSC ad-hoc staff had packed up and exited the premises, confirming that the exercise would not proceed.

No official statement had been issued by INEC as at the time of filing this report.

A party agent who spoke to DAILY GAZETTE on the condition of anonymity described the situation as a “deliberate sabotage” and an attempt to disenfranchise the people of Enugu South.

“How do you explain that ballot boxes and cubicles were brought, INEC staff were present, but the ballot papers never arrived? “This looks more like a script.” he said.

Results before the rerun showed Labour Party candidate, Barr. Bright Ngene, leading PDP’s Hon. Sam Ngene by over 3,000 votes.

It remains unclear when or if a new date will be announced for the rerun election.

The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused security operatives acting under Governor Uba Sani’s directives of abducting its House of Representatives candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru bye-election, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, along with 25 other party members.

In a damning statement issued at a press conference in Kaduna, State PDP Chairman Sir Edward Percy Masha said the operation, conducted by a government-backed joint task force known as Operation Fushin Kada, invaded the City Den Hotel in Malali, intending to arrest PDP Campaign Council Chairman Hon. Hussein Ahmed-Kero.

When Ahmed-Kero was not found, the operatives allegedly dragged Dawaki and others from their rooms instead.

Masha condemned the incident as a “brazen act of harassment, intimidation, and insanity by the APC,” and demanded their immediate and unconditional release.

“We call upon President Bola Tinubu, the IGP, the DSS Director-General, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Chief of Defence Staff to intervene,” Masha appealed.

“We urge civil society organizations and defenders of democracy to stand against this blatant attack on our constitutional freedoms.”

He went on to accuse the ruling party of resorting to state power out of electoral desperation:

“The APC’s actions signal that the party is heading towards defeat, hence its resort to this show of force, akin to the last kick of a dying horse. No amount of intimidation can save them from being rejected by the people.”

The PDP cautioned citizens to remain vigilant against attempts to disrupt or manipulate the voting process across all polling units.

The controversial by-election organized by INEC to fill the vacant Chikun/Kajuru seat in the House of Representatives, is now overshadowed by the allegations of state-sponsored abductions.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo joined the electorate today in casting his ballot at Polling Unit 002, Ofuiyi Square, Isuofia and took a moment to laud the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for delivering a smooth and well-managed by-election.

“I have just fulfilled my civic duty by casting my vote at my polling unit in Ofuiyi 002, Isuofia, for today’s Anambra South Senatorial by-election”.

“I commend INEC, and all stakeholders, for their ongoing efforts to ensure a smooth and peaceful process as the election unfolds.” he posted on his verified facebook page.

The by-election is being held to fill the Senate seat left vacant after the passing of Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024 .

The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for the Anambra South by-election, Hon. Sir Azuka Okwuosa, cast his vote on Saturday at Polling Unit 5, Ward 3 in Orifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area.

After voting, Okwuosa spoke to journalists and expressed satisfaction at having taken part in the democratic process.

“I have fulfilled my civic responsibility by voting myself,” he stated.

The APC flagbearer also commended the electoral process so far and called on residents across Anambra South to come out peacefully and exercise their right to vote.

Photos taken at Ofiyi Square, 002, Umueze in Isuofia and Isekke Ward in Ihiala.

Security agents working in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other agencies have arrested the Ogun State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Abayomi Tella, along with other party officials and two INEC staff members.

The group was apprehended at a hotel in the Iperu-Remo area of Ikenne LGA, reportedly in possession of a substantial amount of cash suspected to be intended for vote-buying.

A video circulating on social media shows the detained INEC staff, a man and woman, and PDP officials being interrogated by security personnel.

An unidentified interrogator explained that intelligence suggested the INEC officers had been contacted by party members to collect money from them.

In response, the detained male INEC official claimed the money was handed to him by his supervisor.

The PDP chairman introducing himself only as “PDP official in Ogun State”, denied any wrongdoing.

“You are just showing money; I don’t know anything about it.” he said.

The PDP swiftly dismissed the arrests as politically motivated.

Asiwaju Akinloye Bankole, the party’s Director of Media and Communications, labeled the operation a “ploy to intimidate and disenfranchise” PDP supporters ahead of the by-election.

He claimed Tella was peacefully resting in his hotel with his driver and an aide when security operatives launched a “commando-style operation” around 3:30 am.

He insisted that “Tella had only ₦100,000 in his room, no electoral materials were discovered in his room or vehicle.”

Bankole also underscored that Tella does not know the arrested INEC staff and could not have been sharing the same hotel space with them.

He called for the chairman’s immediate release and condemned the arrests as an attempt to suppress the opposition.

When contacted, Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo confirmed that the matter was under investigation. He offered no additional details, saying, “We are investigating the matter. That’s how much I can say for now.”

The police have pledged to release more information later in the day.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has vowed to resist any attempt to compromise the integrity of the Enugu South Urban Constituency House of Assembly rerun election.

Speaking to journalists at Uwani on Saturday, the Minister expressed deep concern over the delayed commencement of voting, warning that the setback could undermine public confidence in the process.

“Eligible voters have been here for hours waiting to cast their votes. INEC must act with urgency and responsibility. Any attempt to compromise this process must be resisted in its entirety,” Nnaji said.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rise to its constitutional duty of conducting a free, fair and transparent election, stressing that the people of Enugu South deserve nothing less.

Chief Nnaji reaffirmed the party’s commitment to a peaceful and transparent process, but warned that any manipulation or attempt to disenfranchise voters would be firmly resisted.

The rerun, which is the third attempt to conclude elections in eight polling units, follows previous cancellations due to irregularities.

At 1:04 pm, voting is yet to commence.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that about 4,000 registered voters are expected to participate in the process.

Results before the rerun showed Labour Party candidate, Hon. Bright Ngene, leading PDP’s Hon. Sam Ngene by over 3,000 votes.