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.

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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.