Vice-President Khashim Shettima has asked Nigerians not to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as an empty bone.

He said this at Gusau Trade Fair Complex, while addressing the mammoth crowd of his party supporters.

Shettima said the ADC has nothing to offer to Nigerians, describing it as an empty political party.

“Do you know that ADC? It has nothing to offer for you, therefore you shall not go there.

“Do you know bone? ADC is just like an empty bone neither has bone marrow nor flesh on it,” Shettima said.

The Vice president further criticised ADC for ‘”lacking the qualities needed to deliver Nigerians”.

Vice-President Khashim Shettima has asked Nigerians not to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as an empty bone.

He said this at Gusau Trade Fair Complex, while addressing the mammoth crowd of his party supporters.

Shettima said the ADC has nothing to offer to Nigerians, describing it as an empty political party.

“Do you know that ADC? It has nothing to offer for you, therefore you shall not go there.

“Do you know bone? ADC is just like an empty bone neither has bone marrow nor flesh on it,” Shettima said.

The Vice president further criticised ADC for ‘”lacking the qualities needed to deliver Nigerians”.

Former Bayelsa State governor and senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has cautioned political parties against complacency, warning that recent adjustments to the electoral timetable have intensified pressure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dickson, who serves as national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), gave the warning during the party’s maiden National Executive Committee meeting at its national secretariat in Abuja.

He stressed that the revised timetable leaves little room for delay, urging party members to ramp up mobilisation and maximise the limited time before the polls.

“There is no time to waste,” he declared, noting that elections often present rapid growth opportunities for political parties willing to engage effectively with the electorate.

The senator dismissed concerns about the shortened timeline, insisting that victory would depend more on grassroots connection than financial muscle.

According to him, parties must focus on real voter engagement rather than relying on money or inflated support figures.

Dickson charged members to intensify voter registration efforts, particularly through the party’s e-registration process, and to build a credible support base across polling units, wards, and communities nationwide.

He also alleged that some parties were leveraging state resources to manipulate voter data, urging his party to counter such tactics by focusing on genuine, registered voters.

“Go to the people and ask if their lives are better. That is where the real campaign lies,” he said, emphasising people-driven politics over financial influence.

Earlier, the NDC National Chairman, Cleopas Moses, reaffirmed his commitment to the party’s ideals, calling on members to remain united, disciplined, and passionate in advancing its vision.

Dickson’s remarks come weeks after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) revised the 2027 election timetable following the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Under the new schedule, presidential and National Assembly elections have been moved to January 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls are set for February—effectively shortening the political calendar and raising the stakes for early preparation among parties.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected a new South-East zonal executive through a consensus arrangement at a well-attended congress held in Enugu.

The congress, which took place at the Hotel Presidential, drew top party figures including Hope Uzodimma, Francis Nwifuru, and Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, alongside other key stakeholders.

At the end of the exercise, delegates adopted a consensus list, producing Ijeoma Arodiogbu as the new zonal chairman to lead the party in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Uzodimma, who chairs the South-East Governors’ Forum, emphasized unity and national interest, conveying the goodwill of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and expressing optimism about the country’s economic direction.

Explaining the adoption of consensus, he noted that the approach aligns with the party’s constitution and was designed to foster cohesion while ensuring a smooth and timely process.

The congress progressed with a motion by Nwifuru to dissolve the outgoing zonal executive, which was seconded by Patrick Ndubueze.

Subsequently, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, presented the list of consensus candidates for ratification.

He also moved motions to formally adopt consensus as the mode of election in line with the Electoral Act, as well as to affirm the outcomes of prior ward, local government, and state congresses.

The motions received overwhelming support from delegates, with Eugene Uchenna Ugwu seconding the proposals.

Other members of the newly constituted zonal executive include Innocent Itakpa Azuoba as Secretary; Rex Mayor Ogbonna as Legal Adviser; Henry Onwughalaonye as Publicity Secretary; Chima Kenneth Ogbonnaya as Youth Leader; Nwachukwu; Oby Aji; and Arinze Ikedife.

In his remarks, Mbah described the congress as a clear demonstration of unity and strength within the party in the South-East, noting that the outcome has dispelled predictions of internal division.

The event also attracted prominent party stalwarts, including Ken Nnamani, Emma Eneukwu, and several federal lawmakers such as Osita Izunaso, Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Uche Ekwunife, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Kelvin Chukwu, and Osita Ngwu.

Also in attendance were Nkeiru Onyejeocha, Chris Ngige, and Kingsley Udeh, among others.

Justice Salami Blasts Judiciary, Says Peter Obi Shouldn’t Have Contested 2023

A former President of the Court of Appeal, Isa Salami, has stirred fresh controversy by declaring that former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, was not qualified to contest the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party Nigeria.

Speaking in Ilorin during an award presentation by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, the retired jurist blamed judicial inconsistencies on what he described as incompetence among some judges.

According to Salami, Obi’s emergence as the Labour Party candidate violated constitutional provisions, arguing that the party had already submitted its membership list to the Independent National Electoral Commission before Obi defected from the Peoples Democratic Party.

“In strict terms, he ought not to have been allowed to contest because the Constitution does not recognise independent candidacy,” Salami said.

He drew a parallel with the case of Abba Yusuf, questioning the legitimacy of his earlier political status, and criticised the Supreme Court for upholding decisions he believes were flawed.

The former Appeal Court President lamented that judicial appointments are increasingly influenced by regional considerations rather than merit, leading to what he called a decline in competence on the bench.

“At times, when you read some judgments, even from the Supreme Court, you are left wondering what is going on,” he remarked.

Despite his criticisms, Salami expressed optimism that reforms would eventually correct the anomalies within the judiciary.

He also acknowledged the honour bestowed on him by the WSCIJ, praising the organisation for recognising excellence and integrity.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Salami credited Obafemi Awolowo for inspiring his decision to study law, while also noting that the boldness of Wole Soyinka shaped his outlook on national issues.