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.

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Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has delivered a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing widespread economic hardship, dilapidated infrastructure, and a growing sense of disillusionment among Nigerians.

Speaking in Yoruba at a public event captured on video and obtained by DAILY GAZETTE Fayemi did not mince words as he highlighted the suffering of ordinary Nigerians and the lack of visible progress from the federal government.

“Except we are deceiving ourselves, Nigerians are not happy with the Federal Government because of hunger and lack of money,” Fayemi stated.

He referenced deteriorating federal infrastructure in Ekiti, specifically naming key routes such as Efon Alaaye through Erio and Omuo Ekiti through Ilasa to Ayedun Ekiti, which he said had become near-impassable, causing immense hardship for commuters.

Fayemi also revealed a long-standing grievance over unreimbursed funds his administration spent on a major road project during his tenure.

“The Federal Government said they didn’t send us to do the road, so no refund was made,” he said, referring to the Ado-Iyin road, a project his government undertook at a cost of N18–20 billion.”

“If they had refunded the money, wouldn’t the governor have used it to do phase two of the road?”

The former governor made the comments in the presence of top Ekiti officials including Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye and lawmaker Tope Longe.

While Fayemi acknowledged the intent behind President Tinubu’s economic reforms especially the controversial removal of fuel subsidies, he sharply criticized the government’s approach, saying it lacked preparation and failed to protect vulnerable Nigerians.

He described the reforms as “precipitate,” noting that they were implemented “without adequate cushioning measures”, which has worsened living conditions for many.

Fayemi also flagged delays in the disbursement of funds to federal ministries and agencies, which he warned could further hamper development and governance.

“Good intentions alone are not enough,” he cautioned.

Chief Nwosu

The Presidency has rejected claims by former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, that he was offered three ministerial appointments to abandon plans of aligning the ADC with an opposition coalition.

Reacting on Wednesday via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, dismissed the allegations as “false” and “implausible,” stating that the claims lacked any credibility.

“From his words as reported, you know that he lied,” Bwala said, referring to Nwosu’s assertion that senior officials in the Tinubu administration approached him with ministerial incentives.

Bwala countered the claim by listing three major points:

First, he stressed that the power to appoint ministers is solely vested in the President and cannot be exercised by any other official, regardless of their rank or proximity to power.

“If such an offer were ever made, it would have come directly from Mr President,” Bwala said.

Second, he questioned Nwosu’s failure to provide the identities of the officials allegedly involved in the purported offer.

“The same courage he mustered to allege he was promised slots could have been used to name names and positions,” he noted.

Third, Bwala ridiculed the credibility of the opposition coalition, suggesting that it lacks cohesion or seriousness.

“They are painfully graduating to an association of jesters, or Association of Disorganised Characters,” he remarked mockingly.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over the lack of clear and functional ideology among most political parties in Nigeria.

According to the Commission, this ideological vacuum undermines internal democracy, worsens electoral conflicts, and continues to erode public confidence in Nigeria’s political and governance systems.

INEC’s National Commissioner, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, voiced these concerns on Wednesday in Abuja during the public unveiling of the Political Party Performance Index (PPPI), developed by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), and the newly adopted Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Constitution.

Ajayi noted that while many political parties submit ideological frameworks as part of their registration documents, they often fail to uphold or implement those ideologies after being approved.

“There are so many requirements organisations have to meet before we can register them as political parties. Number one, you have to submit an application.”

“And within the application, you have to tell us where is your office, who are the protem chairman and secretary. Then you have to tell us your symbol. You have to tell us your acronym, and so on. All those things must be there before we can approve,” he explained.

“But as you have rightly said, many of the political parties are lacking in ideology. Not that they won’t include it as part of their supportive requirements in the application, but following through and implementing their ideology is a problem. But anybody can submit an ideology, but do they follow it up after registration? That is what we are going to follow up.”

Ajayi also revealed that INEC is working on developing new mechanisms to ensure political parties comply with their constitutions especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Professor Paul Nnamchi Tech-Hub and Youth Innovation (PPNTAYI) annual computer training programme for youths in Enugu East and Isi Uzo Federal Constituency is set to commence on August 1, 2025.

DAILY GAZETTE gathered that this year’s edition will take place simultaneously at two venues; Community Primary School, Mbu (Isi Uzo LGA) and St. Joseph Hall, Emene (Enugu East LGA).

The training will run daily from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm until August 31, 2025.

Originally initiated during Professor Paul Nnamchi’s time at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the programme began as a way to expose secondary school students to basic information and communication technology.

Following his election to the House of Representatives in 2023, the programme was expanded to include youths from across Isi Uzo and Enugu East, with over 500 participants benefiting since its expansion.

The programme coordinator, Daniel Nwachukwu told DAILY GAZETTET that the training would cover essential ICT topics, including:

• Basic Computer Knowledge
• Microsoft Office Packages
• Internet and Web Browsing
• Email and Communication Skills
• Desktop Set-up
• Basic Graphic Design
• Computer Configuration and System Maintenance
• Introduction to ICT

According to Mr. Nwachukwu, interest in the programme has grown significantly, with an overwhelming number of applications already received, making the sorting and selection process quite challenging.

Professor Nnamchi has consistently emphasized that the programme is designed to equip young people with relevant digital skills to prepare them for both academic pursuits and the evolving job market.

The training will conclude on August 31, 2025, with a certificate award ceremony for all successful participants.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday met behind closed doors with Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, a key ally of NNPP leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The high-level meeting comes amid growing rumours of a potential defection of Kwankwaso and his political allies from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

This development also follows recent criticism of President Tinubu’s administration by Kwankwaso, who was the NNPP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.

Jibrin, who represents Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and maintains long-standing relationships with both Tinubu and Kwankwaso, spoke briefly with journalists after the meeting.

He described the discussion as one centered on national interest.

While he declined to confirm whether a defection is on the horizon, he left the door open to future political realignments.

“I do not think it is time for that conversation. But everything is open, and everything is a possibility. The most important thing is stability of the country, is unity of the country, and I believe that when we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it,” Jibrin stated when asked if he planned to return to the APC.

His presence at the Villa has only intensified ongoing speculation about shifts within Nigeria’s political terrain, especially considering Kwankwaso’s recent public disapproval of Tinubu’s policies, particularly regarding the North’s development and inclusion in governance.

When asked whether his visit was intended to ease tensions between Tinubu and Kwankwaso, Jibrin played down that narrative, instead emphasizing the shared national focus of both leaders.

“The President is a first-class politician. Of course, the national leader of the NNPP is also a thoroughbred politician, and I believe that both of them are committed to the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.”

“So irrespective of the comments that were made, I do not think that it should be a source of concern that I’m seen in the Villa during this period,” he explained.

Responding to a question about whether Tinubu has lived up to expectations in northern Nigeria especially in light of Kwankwaso’s recent criticism , Jibrin offered a nuanced response.

“Well, every leader does his best, and it depends on how you want to rate him. You can decide to see the cup half full, or you look at the cup half empty. But I also believe that everyone is entitled to his opinion, and it can always just contribute to deepening the discourse, sometimes it might turn out to be a blessing in disguise,” he said.