The All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai pose a threat to the peace, unity, and progress of Nigeria.

This accusation comes amid growing political tension, with the APC claiming that both men are conspiring to hijack the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a bid to undermine the country’s established power rotation principle.

In a statement issued on Monday, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said their alleged actions are part of a broader plan to install Atiku as the next presidential candidate despite it being the South’s turn to lead.

“It is now clear to all Nigerians that el-Rufai and his cohorts in ADC are on a mission to upend the presidential rotational principle designed to promote national unity and cohesion in the country through the imposition of Atiku as presidential candidate of ADC in the middle of a southern presidency turn,” Morka stated.

He blamed Atiku’s actions during the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries for the party’s collapse in that election cycle.

“It was Atiku’s selfish and obdurate refusal to respect the rotation principle during the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary election that directly resulted in PDP’s ‘virtual cremation’,” Morka said.

The statement was in response to el-Rufai’s recent remarks at a meeting in Sokoto, where he criticized the Tinubu administration as being “incompetent, clannish, and undeserving of a second term.” APC dismissed el-Rufai’s comments, describing him as a disgruntled figure lashing out.

The ruling party defended Tinubu’s government as visionary and committed to national transformation.

It emphasized that the Renewed Hope Agenda had begun repositioning the country for long-term growth and development and expressed confidence that Nigerians would renew their support for Tinubu in 2027.

Meanwhile, the Presidency also took issue with Peter Obi’s recent one-term pledge.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, criticised the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate for what he called historical inaccuracies in justifying his vow.

“Peter Obi, the aspiring presidential candidate of the fledgling opposition party, must have flunked history in school,” Onanuga said in a statement titled ‘Peter Obi and His Wrong Examples’.

Obi had earlier promised to serve only four years if elected, referencing the leadership of Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela to support his claim.

But Onanuga pushed back “In justifying his so-called ‘sacrosanct’ pledge to serve only one term of four years, he cited Abraham Lincoln, JFK and Nelson Mandela as leaders he wanted to emulate.

A simple fact-check by a politician, who always challenges his gullible and unthinking mob to verify his statements, would have revealed that he quoted the wrong examples.”

Onanuga elaborated further “Lincoln had already won re-election and was in his second term when he was assassinated in 1865, while JFK was killed before completing his first term.”

As for Mandela: “Mandela served as the first President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He declined a run for a second term on account of his age… Mandela’s example might be more appropriately recommended to Obi’s rival for the opposition ticket, who will turn 81 by 2027.”

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has stated that while the South-East region of Nigeria will eventually produce the country’s president, it will not happen in the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Monday, Mr Umahi emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has treated all regions, including the South-East, fairly.

He pointed to the revival of 90% of previously abandoned road projects, some of which date back to 2013, as proof of inclusive governance.

Among the major infrastructure developments highlighted by the minister is a multi-state highway project stretching from Cross River through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa to Abuja.

This route includes a 231.64km stretch within the South-East, awarded at a cost of ₦445.8 billion.

Umahi noted that despite a recent review of the corridor length to 231.64km, the contract cost remains unchanged.

Other significant federal road projects underway in the South-East include:

Second Niger Bridge Access Roads:

Section 2A in Delta (₦146 billion)

Section 2B in Anambra (₦176 billion)

Enugu-Onitsha Road (208km):

Funded by MTN Tax Credit (₦202 billion)

Remaining work awarded to CBC (₦150 billion)

Enugu–Port Harcourt Road, divided into sections covering:

Enugu-Abakaliki

Afikpo-Abia-Imo

Onitsha-Owerri-Aba

Aba-Ikot Ekpene

Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene

Mr Umahi praised South-East governors for backing federal initiatives and encouraged the region’s citizens to continue supporting the Tinubu-led government.

He reassured them that the current administration’s policies reflect equity and national unity.

While acknowledging the region’s aspirations, Umahi made it clear:

“One day, the South-East will produce the president of Nigeria, but not in 2027.”

He reaffirmed his dedication to countering misinformation and ensuring the South-East population is well-informed about federal efforts.

Senator Uche Ekwunife

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has raised strong objections over the eligibility of Senator Uche Ekwunife, the Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, calling for her disqualification over an allegedly unrecognized academic qualification.

APGA claims that Ekwunife submitted a PhD certificate from Atlantic International University (AIU), located in the State of Hawaii, USA, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, the party argues that the institution is not accredited and should be considered a “degree mill” that awards certificates without academic merit.

In a statement shared by APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, Ejimofor Opara, the party said that Ekwunife’s submission of the PhD raises broader concerns about the authenticity of her other academic qualifications.

“Some of us believe, and wrongly so, that once a university is ‘abroad’ then it is legal and accredited. This erroneous thinking can be permissible amongst certain class of persons in society, not a person in the mould of Uche Ekwunife,” Opara stated.

He further accused the APC candidate of attempting to fraudulently bolster her credentials without undergoing the academic rigour typically required for a doctoral degree.

“Hers is willful and deliberate. She wants a PhD but is incapable of the intellectual rigour to earn it.”

APGA has now called on INEC to take a clear position on whether certificates from institutions that are not officially recognized should be accepted in Nigeria’s electoral process.

“Now, the question before INEC Nigeria as a body set up by law is – should certificates from unapproved and unaccredited schools be accepted for official purposes?” Opara asked.

The party also raised the issue of whether Ekwunife met the minimum qualifications required to run for office, and why she failed to submit more basic credentials such as a first degree.

“If Uche Ekwunife has the minimum qualification for the office she seeks, why submit, under oath, a certificate from a fake university? Does Uche Ekwunife actually possess an authentic first degree? If yes, where is it? Not submitting it raises lots of doubts, knowing it may be fake too.”

Calling for strict action, APGA emphasized the need for INEC to set an example to deter future candidates from presenting questionable credentials.

“It is important that Uche Ekwunife be used as an example to others brandishing fake higher certificates, as this trend, if unchecked, would make a mess of an already ailing system,” the statement concluded.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has officially announced his intention to seek a second term in office, citing widespread support from stakeholders across the state.

He made the declaration on Monday during a meeting with the All Progressives Congress (APC) Central Working Committee at the party’s secretariat in Ado-Ekiti.

According to the governor, his decision was driven by what he described as “overwhelming endorsement” from traditional rulers, civil servants, professional bodies, youth groups, market associations, transport unions and political leaders even across party lines.

Oyebanji said he was motivated to consolidate on the achievements of his first term and deliver more impactful governance.

“Let me start by appreciating you, thank you for your support, endurance and for holding the party, on behalf of myself, the Deputy Governor and other political office holders,” he said.

“We are extremely grateful for your prayers and understanding and I also thank you on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the endorsement.”

He emphasized the unity within the APC in Ekiti, dismissing reports of internal rifts. “Let me also assure you that there is no crisis in the leadership of APC,” he said.

“Our topmost leader is former Governor Niyi Adebayo, followed by former Governor Kayode Fayemi. There is no crisis in the leadership.”

Formally notifying the party of his re-election bid, the governor said:

“I have listened to you, and I am formally informing the party that I will run for second term. So, I plead for your support and prayers, and by His grace, I will continue to respect you.”

Oyebanji pledged continued respect and loyalty to his predecessors in office, acknowledging them as pillars of the APC in Ekiti.

He also urged citizens to collect their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the June 2026 governorship election.

He commended President Tinubu for policies that, he said, had aided Ekiti’s development.

He also affirmed his commitment to internal democracy, stating that other interested aspirants were free to contest the APC ticket.

The governor’s announcement was met with applause from party leaders present.

APC State Chairman, Sola Elesin, praised Oyebanji for his leadership and performance, describing him as a unifier whose humility and accessibility had won him admiration within the party and beyond.

Other top officials in attendance included Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; and Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe.

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, says Labour Party’s Peter Obi lacks the political reach in northern Nigeria to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, Keyamo argued that Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) already have strong political structures firmly in place across the region.

Keyamo also dismissed the viability of the emerging opposition coalition using the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform, describing their chances as slim.

“They are going nowhere in terms of demography,” Keyamo said. “Yes, they’re putting us on our toes, but the numbers don’t favor them.”

The coalition, reportedly led by Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and other political heavyweights, aims to unify their support bases ahead of 2027 in a bid to unseat Tinubu.

However, Keyamo believes that combining forces won’t be enough to overturn APC’s grip on the presidency.

He argued that Obi’s 2023 performance was largely driven by three unique factors, which, according to him, are unlikely to repeat in 2027:

1. Religious Sentiment: Obi was the only major Christian candidate, attracting widespread support from Christian voters.

2. Regional Loyalty: The South-East felt politically marginalized and rallied behind him as an Igbo candidate.

3. Youth Movement: Many young Nigerians, disillusioned with older politicians, viewed Obi as a refreshing alternative.

“Those three demographics gave him a boost in 2023. But if Obi is made Atiku’s deputy in 2027, those same factors won’t apply and they’ll collapse,” Keyamo asserted.

He added that the APC’s entrenched presence in the North, with sitting governors and party machinery in place, gives Tinubu a distinct advantage.

The ADC coalition includes influential figures like Atiku Abubakar, Obi, former Senate President David Mark, ex-ministers Rauf Aregbesola and Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The coalition hopes to capitalize on the over 12 million combined votes Atiku and Obi earned in 2023, a figure that surpasses the 8 million officially recorded for Tinubu.

Tinubu, who succeeded Muhammadu Buhari in 2023, is seeking re-election to complete what many regard as an unwritten regional rotation of power between North and South.

Yet, his government continues to face mounting criticism over economic hardship, record-high inflation, and cost of living concerns.

Tensions flared in Nri, a community in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Monday, after individuals suspected to be affiliated with a rival political group were caught vandalising campaign posters belonging to All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates.

The materials targeted included those of the party’s governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife.

The incident, which unfolded in various parts of the community, drew sharp condemnation from residents, many of whom described it as politically motivated and intolerant.

Eyewitnesses reported that the individuals were seen pulling down banners and defacing billboards with images of the APC candidates.

Some of the suspects were confronted and detained by youths in the area, who later handed them over to local authorities.

One of the apprehended individuals, who identified himself as Timothy from Aguata, allegedly confessed that he and others had been paid the previous night to destroy APC campaign materials.

In response, youths from different quarters of the Nri Kingdom quickly mobilised and rallied at the residence of Senator Ekwunife.

The gathering evolved into a public demonstration of support for the APC ticket, as participants voiced their opposition to political intimidation.

A local youth leader stated, “We will not tolerate any form of political intimidation, especially not against Senator Ekwunife. She’s not just our daughter-in-law, but a figure of development in this community.”

He praised the senator’s contributions in infrastructure and human capital development, and suggested that the attack may have been rooted in gender bias.

“Why target Ekwunife instead of Prince Ukachukwu? Is it because she is a woman? This kind of harassment is harmful to our democracy,” he added.

The people of Nri reaffirmed their support for the Ukachukwu-Ekwunife ticket ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election, stating their readiness to resist any further acts of political aggression or suppression.