Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has sparked renewed interest in Nigeria’s political landscape after hinting at another bid for the presidency in 2027.

During a brief chat with journalists, Atiku suggested that a formal declaration would be made soon, reinforcing speculation about his future ambitions.

In a post that quickly gained traction on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku responded to direct questions about his plans with a calm assurance.

“We will let you know. We will give you formal announcement,” he said with a confident smile.

When asked what his course of action would be if he did not secure his party’s ticket, the 77-year-old veteran politician replied assertively, “Have I ever failed to get the ticket? I’m confident.”

Atiku, who has been a recurring figure in Nigeria’s presidential contests since 1993, also weighed in on the debate around youth participation in politics.

In a pointed comment, he said, “Let the youths contest now. It’s democracy.”

Backing Atiku’s prospective run, Dr. Emeka Kalu, President of the ECK Foundation, threw his support behind the former Vice President.

He described Atiku as “a detribalised Nigerian” with the needed experience to tackle Nigeria’s ongoing economic and security challenges.

In a statement, Kalu highlighted Atiku’s perseverance and leadership track record as key strengths.

According to him, these traits make Atiku “a strong candidate to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.”

Kalu also framed his support as a strategic decision for the Southeast, stating that endorsing Atiku “could be a strategic move for the Igbo people, potentially paving the way for Mr. Peter Obi in the future and giving the Igbo community a say in Nigeria’s power dynamics.”

He further praised Atiku’s past economic initiatives, saying his time as Vice President demonstrated his ability to drive reforms.

“Atiku’s leadership experience and vision [are] the essential assets for revitalising Nigeria’s economy,” Kalu stated, citing achievements in liberalisation, trade investment, and job creation.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has strongly denied allegations by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that he is plotting to rig the 2026 Osun State governorship election in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued yesterday and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola described the accusation as false, malicious, and politically motivated.

He said it was a desperate attempt by the ruling PDP to divert attention from its waning popularity in the state.

“I believe in democracy and the rule of law,” Oyetola declared, dismissing the rigging claims as part of a “desperate smear campaign by the ruling party, which will face defeat in the 2026 Osun State governorship election.”

Oyetola stressed that he does not have any control over key national institutions, including INEC, the Police, or the Attorney-General of the Federation.

“I have no control over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Police, or the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF),” he said.

The former Osun governor then challenged the PDP to present verifiable evidence to support its claims.

“Without concrete proof, this allegation should be treated as the dying gasp of a political party on the verge of another resounding electoral defeat,” he added.

Meanwhile, INEC has reiterated its commitment to using the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in upcoming elections, emphasizing that the technology remains central to Nigeria’s electoral integrity.

Speaking to journalists in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, clarified the legal status of BVAS following recent court rulings.

“The Supreme Court in its judgment did not overrule the application of the usage of BVAS,” Agboke said.

“It only emphasised the fundamentals of the voters’ register to anything that INEC wants to do. The commission has the power to deploy technology to deepen the process. Therefore, we can come up in 2027 with any kind of technology because we have the basis for it, which is the law.”

Agboke also revealed that a large number of voters in Osun State have yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

“360,794 PVCs are yet to be collected in the state,” he said, while urging the media to play an active role in sensitising citizens on the importance of not just registering, but also ensuring collection of their cards.

Former Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing the party of lacking the capacity to rescue Nigeria from what he termed its “prevailing political cankerworms.”

In a post on his official X handle, Melaye shared a signed resignation letter addressed to the PDP chairman in Ward 1, Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi State.

The letter, dated July 4, 2025, stated the decision was made “imperative due to the lack of potency and capacity by the party to deliver the Nigerian people from the prevailing political cankerworms that have eaten deeply into the fabric of our dear nation.”

He added that after thoughtful reflection, he could no longer: “In good conscience, participate in its activities or support its agenda.”

The letter continued :“In view of the above. Please consider this as my formal withdrawal from the party and all its activities at all levels with immediate effect.”

Melaye also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under the PDP during his tenure as a member.

His resignation follows a rising trend of defections ahead of the 2027 general elections. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar recently made a similar move, resigning from the PDP in a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the party chairman of Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State.

Atiku cited unresolved internal differences and a departure from the PDP’s founding values as reasons for his exit.

Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has shared his perspective on Nigeria’s shifting political dynamics, stating that Atiku Abubakar remains a powerful figure ahead of the 2027 presidential election, but warning that Peter Obi could prove to be an even stronger challenger to President Bola Tinubu.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Bashir described the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as “a force to be reckoned with,” suggesting that the veteran politician believes “the stars have finally aligned in his favour” for another presidential bid.

Despite critics pointing to his strongest opportunity being the 2019 election, Bashir maintained that Atiku’s relevance in the political landscape remains solid.

However, he was quick to note that Labour Party’s Peter Obi, who contested the 2023 election, poses a significant challenge due to his rising popularity and dedicated supporters.

“Obi’s influence is one profound aspect of his leverage,” Bashir wrote, highlighting Obi’s “cult-like followership” and widespread appeal, particularly among Nigerian youth.

He added that Obi’s prospects would rise further if he selects a strategic running mate.

“If Obi were to run again with a strong Northern candidate,” Bashir speculated, “he could decisively defeat President Bola Tinubu even before ‘Aunty Remi finishes his breakfast around noon,’” a pointed dig at First Lady Remi Tinubu.

Bashir’s comments come amid growing realignment efforts ahead of 2027, as conversations continue around possible alliances between Atiku’s PDP, Obi’s Labour Party, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Several key opposition figures have been reported to be gravitating toward the ADC in a bid to form a united front.

Meanwhile, his father, Nasir El-Rufai, has faced political backlash of his own.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) recently imposed a 30-year ban on the former governor, barring him from any form of involvement with the party.

In a statement, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, spokesperson for the SDP, delivered the party’s position in clear terms:

“El-Rufai is hereby banished and banned from applying for membership, identifying with the name, insignia, logo, symbol, mark, or any activities, organs, agencies, and institutions of the SDP or donating to, supporting, contributing to, or participating in any affairs of the SDP for 30 years effective from today.”

Former African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Nafi’u Bala, has proclaimed himself the legitimate national chairman of the party, rejecting the leadership under David Mark.

At a press briefing held on Wednesday night in Abuja, Bala accused the current leadership of unlawfully seizing control of the ADC and aligning the party with outsiders through an opposition coalition arrangement.

He called the actions “political hooliganism” and argued they violated the party’s constitution.

“The plan to hand over our party’s future to powerful outsiders who were never part of us, while ignoring the duties of elected party leaders, is completely wrong and unacceptable,” Bala said.

He further declared that genuine ADC members intend to challenge the leadership takeover in court.

Bala also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately recognize him as the rightful chairman of the ADC.

The Court of Appeal in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, has upheld the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The ruling confirms Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the duly elected governor following the November 16, 2024 governorship polls.

Detail shortly…