Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised alarm over what he believes are early signs that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is preparing to rig the 2027 general elections.

Atiku pointed specifically to the recent appointment of a former official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who once led the commission’s Information Technology (IT) department, as a red flag.

He said the development indicates a disturbing pattern.

The APC, just last week, named Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, as its new National Chairman.

Reacting to the appointment, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) voiced his concerns over what he described as a calculated move.

“This isn’t just any ordinary REC; this is someone who held a strategic position, such as heading the Information Technology (IT) Department of INEC,” Atiku said.

“This move clearly indicates that the ruling party is not interested in winning elections through due process or on the strength of their performance during their first mandate. Instead, they are laying the groundwork to rig the upcoming election.”

Atiku stressed the importance of cohesion among opposition forces, warning that infighting or disunity would only serve the interests of those determined to maintain power by questionable means.

Bolaji Abdullahi, the interim National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has dismissed recent speculations about Peter Obi’s possible return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), affirming that the former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate remains firmly committed to the emerging opposition coalition.

Speaking on Prime Time, an Arise Television programme aired on Monday, Abdullahi emphasized that Obi is fully aware of the political implications of rejoining the PDP.

“Peter is in the coalition regardless of what anybody is saying,” Abdullahi stated.

He explained that the rise of the ADC has caused noticeable shifts within the PDP, but also warned that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) still exerts significant control over the party.

“Everyone knows that the jugular of PDP is still in the hands of the ruling party. Peter Obi, more than anyone else, knows that he cannot take the risk of going to the PDP,” he said.

On the matter of the ADC’s 2027 presidential ticket, Abdullahi clarified that the party is currently not discussing who will emerge as its flagbearer. According to him, the focus remains on building party structures and upholding democratic values.

“Our party is one month old. We are not having any conversation about who will be the flagbearer at the moment. We are focused on developing the party, building structures, and establishing systems that demonstrate our commitment to democracy,” he said.

He assured that when the time comes, the ADC’s presidential candidate would be selected through a fair and open process.

“We are preoccupied with developing our party. We are building the structure and putting in place the necessary system that would show Nigerians that we are indeed a democratic party,” Abdullahi emphasized.

“The question of who becomes the flagbearer of the party is a question we are going to answer down the line, and we are going to do so in a very democratic and transparent way.”

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has taken disciplinary action against 87 top government officials who failed to show up at a key state event.

Among those suspended are 25 commissioners, 14 senior special assistants, 24 special assistants, and 22 permanent secretaries.

The action was confirmed in a statement released late Monday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor.

According to the statement, the absentees are to observe a one-month working suspension without pay.

“The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has directed that the underlisted government functionaries proceed on a one-month working suspension without salary for failure to attend an important government function,” the statement read.

The measure takes effect immediately, and the affected officials are prohibited from signing any official documents for the duration of their suspension.

Commissioners are also expected to hand over duties to their respective permanent secretaries.

Uzor emphasized the governor’s stance on accountability and public service ethics:

“The Governor remains firm in ensuring all government officials uphold the highest standards of conduct and dedication in serving the people of Ebonyi State.”

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State, has named its newly constructed Convocation Arena in honour of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike.

Built in 2023 during Wike’s tenure as Governor of Rivers State, the arena was officially commissioned on Saturday by the state’s acting Governor, Ibok Ibas.

The event formed part of the university’s 35th Combined Convocation ceremony and its golden jubilee celebration.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIPORT, Professor Owunari Georgewill, traced the university’s convocation history back to its first in 1982.

“We are proud today, to celebrate the 35th convocation in our 50th year of existence in this fantastic edifice, built two years ago by Rivers Government during Wike’s administration,” he said.

Acting Governor Ibas praised Wike’s significant role in advancing the university’s infrastructure, calling the convocation arena a symbol of vision and dedication.

“The ultra-modern convocation arena, now proudly inaugurated, is a testament to what is possible when vision is aligned with commitment. Your Excellency, we honour your foresight,” he stated.

“This arena, both in design and purpose, is not only a venue for convocation, it is also a sanctuary where dreams are validated; where academic journeys culminate in triumphs; and where future leaders will be publicly honoured.”

He added that the facility is expected to host policy dialogues, innovation showcases, and ceremonial events that will shape generations of students.

“It will involve policy dialogues, innovation exhibitions and ceremonies that shaped the character and capacities of generations to come.”

Highlighting the symbolic nature of the structure, Ibas noted: “The infatuation of the edifice was symbolic, stressing that it represents continuity and a bridge between legacy of excellence and the promise of tomorrow.”

In his remarks, Wike who also received an Honorary Doctor of Political Science (D.Sc Honoris Causa) from the university expressed deep appreciation for the recognition.

“I must place on record that my wife and entire family hold this honour as pre-eminent and totally gratifying. Our gratitude knows no bounds,” he said.

The minister credited the university for shaping the foundation of his personal and professional growth.

“UNIPORT availed me the rich and concrete intellectual foundation upon which my socio-economic and political ascendancy have been fittingly predicated. I was educated both in character and learning.”

He added that his enduring support for the university stems from a sense of gratitude:

“It is in the light of the foregoing that I have always strongly believed that every alumnus should give back to the university as a mark of pure gratitude. This also explains why I freely give to this institution whenever I have had the opportunity to do so.”

Other dignitaries honoured with doctorate degrees included Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State; and Aminu Masari, Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees.