Top opposition figures across Nigeria’s major political parties gathered on Wednesday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja for a major coalition meeting under the umbrella of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The coalition, aiming to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, is holding a media conference at the venue to announce its united political front.

Among the prominent attendees are 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi. Also spotted at the venue were former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalong.

Other influential political figures present include Senator Dino Melaye, media personality Dele Momodu, Senator Gabriel Suswam, and Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Labour Party.

The gathering has also drawn attendees from various political backgrounds, with figures from the PDP, Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the LP present for the high-level meeting.

Additionally, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, and former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (retd.), are participating in the event.

A key highlight of the coalition’s formation is the formal adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform for 2027.

As part of the restructuring, former Senate President David Mark, who recently resigned from the PDP, has been appointed as the interim national chairman of the ADC.

Alongside him, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has been named as the interim national secretary of the party.

The Plateau State House of Assembly has elected Hon. Nanloong Daniel as its new Speaker, following the sudden resignation of Hon. Gabriel Dewan.

The leadership transition occurred on Wednesday during an emergency plenary session held at the temporary Assembly Complex, situated at the Old Government House in Jos.

Daniel, who represents Mikang State Constituency and previously served as Majority Leader in the 9th Assembly, emerged as the unanimous choice of the 24-member legislature.

The change in leadership came in the wake of a high-level, closed-door meeting involving Governor Caleb Mutfwang, former Speaker Dewan, and other lawmakers.

The meeting was convened to resolve simmering tensions within the Assembly, which has been grappling with internal instability in recent months.

Deputy Speaker Hon. Gwotta Ajang presided over the emergency session and officially oversaw the election of the new speaker.

Dewan, the only lawmaker from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the Assembly, represented the Plateau Central zone.

His resignation is widely seen as part of broader efforts to restore order following the ouster of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers, a development that plunged the House into political disarray.

During a recent interactive session with the Abia State Global Economic Council, Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party (LP) and clarified that he has not joined any opposition coalition.

“I’m not in any coalition,”
he stated unequivocally, adding, “I haven’t attended any meetings organised by the group or been invited to any.”

Governor Otti emphasized that his focus remains firmly on delivering on his mandate to the people of Abia State.

“I am busy doing the work given to me by Abia people and not looking for where to decamp to,”
he explained.

Addressing recent speculations about internal turmoil within the LP, Otti acknowledged the party has had its challenges—but noted the resiliency of its members.

“Yes, the party had a problem, and [we] fought through the Supreme Court to retrieve the party,”
he said.

The unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the flagship platform for Nigeria’s opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections was abruptly halted on Wednesday following a last-minute cancellation by the event venue.

The event, slated to take place at the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja, was intended to officially announce the ADC’s adoption as the main opposition platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, just hours before commencement, organisers were informed by the hotel that the reservation would no longer be honoured due to what was described as an “internal compliance matter.”

A message shared on Instagram by media mogul and politician Dele Momodu included the hotel’s notice:

“Dear Esteemed Patron… due to an internal compliance matter that has just come to our attention, we are unable to proceed with hosting your scheduled event… We are fully aware that the event is less than 24 hours away, and we deeply apologise for the timing and inconvenience this may cause.”

The abrupt cancellation has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Momodu accused the ruling APC of exerting pressure behind the scenes, suggesting the government was afraid of the growing coalition momentum.

“This is intimidation of opposition by a jittery government,”
he alleged, while insisting that such tactics would not derail the coalition’s efforts to mount a formidable challenge in 2027.

Salihu Lukman, representing People and Passion Consult Ltd, the event’s organiser, condemned the hotel’s decision and demanded that the terms of the agreement be honoured.

“This is unacceptable. Your management has no right to unilaterally sabotage a contract validly and legally agreed to and fully paid for,”
Lukman said.

“You must meet the terms of the contract fully by allowing the event to be held with full compliments of all the services agreed to. This is not negotiable.”

The high-profile unveiling was expected to feature major political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former governors Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Liyel Imoke, and Sam Egwu.

Other political heavyweights reportedly involved in the coalition include Peter Obi of the Labour Party, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi.

Similarly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition has shifted the venue of its much-anticipated unveiling after the Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja abruptly cancelled the event less than 24 hours before it was scheduled to begin.

In a statement signed by the ADC’s Deputy National Secretary, Nkem Ukandu, the coalition confirmed that the unveiling will now hold at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, and is scheduled to commence at 2:00 pm.

Ukandu also noted that the event will be attended by members of the National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, and other influential stakeholders, all on a self-sponsored basis.

The sudden cancellation by Wells Carlton Hotel sparked criticism from opposition figures.

The hotel had claimed an “internal compliance matter” as the reason for the withdrawal. A notice shared publicly by media personality and politician Dele Momodu quoted the hotel’s message:

“We sincerely regret to inform you that due to an internal compliance matter that has just come to our attention, we are unable to proceed with hosting your scheduled event. We are fully aware that the event is less than 24 hours away, and we deeply apologise for the timing and inconvenience this may cause.”

Momodu, reacting to the situation, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating interference to frustrate the coalition’s momentum.

“The intimidation of opposition by a jittery government continues as the booking of a venue for the unveiling of the adopted party, ADC, by the coalition has been unilaterally and suddenly cancelled by the Management of the hotel due to what insiders described as fear of reprisals from APC operatives. But this will not dampen the daredevil determination of opposition forces who are poised to hotly challenge the ruling party.”

Also reacting, Salihu Lukman, speaking on behalf of People and Passion Consult Ltd, the event organiser, denounced the hotel’s action as a clear violation of a legally binding agreement.

“This is unacceptable. Your management has no right to unilaterally sabotage a contract validly and legally agreed to and fully paid for,”
he said.

“You must meet the terms of the contract fully by allowing the event to hold with full compliments of all the services agreed to. This is not negotiable.”

The unveiling is expected to bring together heavyweight political figures across party lines, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former governors Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Liyel Imoke, and Sam Egwu.

Others said to be involved include Peter Obi of the Labour Party, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-Minister Rotimi Amaechi.

Professor Fatima Alkali, a nominee for commissioner at the Nigerian Law Reform Commission (NLRC), has turned down her appointment.

The disclosure was made by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, during the presentation of the committee’s report at plenary on Tuesday.

Adegbonmire informed the Senate that Alkali, who was nominated to represent the North-East region, had communicated her rejection of the offer directly to the Presidency.

“The committee requested for, and received the curriculum vitae and other supporting documents of the nominees and invited them to appear before it for a screening exercise,” Adegbonmire said.

“On Wednesday, 25th June 2025, two of the nominees appeared before the committee. The third one, Professor Fatima Alkali, turned down the appointment.”

In light of her decision, the committee recommended that she be replaced by another female nominee from the North-East, citing the need for gender fairness.

The other two nominees; Dakas C.J. Dakas, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from the North-Central, and Okolocha from the South-South — were screened and cleared by the committee.

“The nominees possess the requisite qualifications, leadership qualities and comportment to discharge the statutory duties and functions of the offices of chairman and commissioner of the commission,” Adegbonmire said.

“The committee is satisfied about their qualifications, experience, suitability, competence and integrity to assume the position of the chairman and full-time commissioner of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission.”

He also confirmed that no petitions or adverse reports were received against any of the nominees.

Following the report, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the confirmation to a voice vote, and the two nominees were unanimously confirmed by the Senate.

Professor Alkali is a seasoned academic in the field of International Humanitarian Law, currently lecturing at Nile University, Abuja.

With over 19 years of teaching experience across three Nigerian universities, she has built a strong reputation in legal academia.

The Nigerian Law Reform Commission (NLRC) was established in July 1979 under the Nigerian Law Reform Commission Act, Cap N118, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

It works closely with the Attorney General of the Federation, advising on reforms, reviewing existing laws, and securing necessary funding to carry out its mandate.

A major crisis is brewing in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the emergence of a new faction within the party that has publicly rejected a coalition arrangement involving top opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark.

In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, Musa Isa Matara, the national publicity secretary of the faction, condemned the move by some politicians to adopt the ADC as the official platform for an opposition coalition.

Matara accused those behind the arrangement of attempting to hijack the party without consulting its critical stakeholders.

“The ADC is not a ‘private coalition platform’ to be hijacked by political elites,” the statement declared.

He stated that the reported decision to merge with an opposition alliance was made unilaterally and without input from state executives, ward coordinators, youth leaders, or the women’s wing of the party.

“We warn those coming into the ADC as part of this imposed arrangement to tread carefully. Be mindful that some few individuals are attempting to sell out the soul of our party for personal gain,” Matara warned.

“The ADC is not for sale. It belongs to its members, not political merchants or elite dealmakers.”

The protest comes in response to a meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja, where several high-profile opposition politicians and some ADC members reportedly agreed to transform the party into a coalition vehicle for the 2027 general elections.

Among those said to be in attendance were Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, former governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), and ex-PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus.

At the end of the meeting, the coalition reportedly adopted ADC as its platform and named David Mark as interim national chairman, with former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim secretary.

Also appointed was former sports minister Bolaji Abdullahi, who was introduced as the coalition’s spokesperson.

However, Matara swiftly dismissed the legitimacy of those appointments and insisted the party was unaware of such plans.

“The party leadership had no prior knowledge of these developments and we reject what we call an imposed arrangement,” he said.

While affirming the ADC’s openness to alliances and partnerships, he emphasized that it must not come at the expense of internal democracy and party sovereignty.

“The appointments announced at the meeting carry no weight, as they were not ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee or a national convention,” Matara stated.

“The claim that the ADC has become the ‘platform of the National Opposition Coalition Group’ is misleading,” the statement continued.

“Our millions of members have not been informed or carried along in this so-called coalition.”

He also raised concerns about ongoing legal disputes stemming from the 2023 general elections, warning that these unresolved matters pose a serious risk to any coalition agreement.

“If anyone is attempting to force an opposition merger without grassroots consent, they are trampling on democratic ethics and party sovereignty,” Matara added.

“Let it be known to those who are trooping into our party under this chaotic coalition arrangement that the ADC has been battling unresolved legal crises since the 2023 general elections. These matters remain in court and unresolved. Any coalition attempt built on such shaky legal ground is irresponsible and potentially self-destructive.”

In a stark warning about Nigeria’s growing electoral costs, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) has revealed that obtaining a House of Representatives ticket may now cost up to ₦500 million, while defending or challenging a result in court could set a candidate back by ₦1 billion.

The revelation came during the official launch of a new WFD report in Abuja, titled “How Money is Undermining Nigeria’s Democracy.”

The report was supported by the European Union under the WYDE Civic Engagement project.

It paints a grim picture of Nigeria’s democratic future, warning that women, youth, and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) are increasingly priced out of the political arena.

“Justice itself is now only affordable to the highest bidders,” the report stated, adding that “some senior lawyers now charge between ₦500 million and ₦1 billion per client to handle election disputes from the tribunal level to the Supreme Court.”

According to the WFD, the country’s political economy now allows only the wealthiest to compete.

In the 2024 off-cycle elections, it estimated that major governorship contenders in Edo and Ondo states spent between ₦2.3 billion and ₦3.8 billion, respectively.

The report also criticized the Electoral Act’s campaign spending limits, arguing that while they exist on paper, “enforcement remains weak or non-existent.”

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled its official timetable for the 2025–2026 election cycle.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the announcement during the second quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja.

“The five major elections highlighted in the new timetable include by-elections in 12 states, slated for August 16, 2025, followed by the Anambra State Governorship election on November 8, 2025.”

“Looking into 2026, the schedule includes Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on February 21, 2026, the Ekiti State Governorship election on June 20, 2026, and the Osun State Governorship election on August 8, 2026,” he said.

Yakubu also announced that Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will resume nationwide, beginning with online pre-registration on August 18, 2025, followed by in-person registration from August 25.

For Anambra State, ahead of its off-cycle election, the CVR will begin next week and take place across all 326 wards, in line with the Electoral Act’s 90-day voter registration requirement.

INEC also used the occasion to welcome two new National Commissioners, Prof. Sunday Aja and Abdulrazak Yusuf, along with six recently appointed RECs attending the meeting for the first time.

Yakubu reminded the RECs of their frontline role in electoral management:

“The critical role of RECs in election management cannot be overemphasized. I urge you to proactively implement policy and procedural issues without constant prompting from the Headquarters.”

In response to lingering legal ambiguities, INEC disclosed plans to issue supplementary regulations on the review of election results, specifically to clarify Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022, which deals with reviewing declarations and returns.

“As we approach the by-elections, the off-cycle governorship elections and ultimately the 2027 general election, the commission is concerned with the various interpretations given to the provision of Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 on the review of election results,” Yakubu said.

“Pursuant to our powers to issue regulations, guidelines and manuals to give effect to the provisions of the Electoral Act and for its administration, the Commission is working on a supplement to the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2022 to provide clarity on the review of declaration and return at elections.”

He added that the new supplementary guidelines could be released this week and will be made available on INEC’s official website and platforms.

Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, revealed on Tuesday that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has formally presented a single-term proposal to the newly formed opposition coalition for review.

Tanko made the disclosure during a ceremony in Gombe, where Obi was honored with the traditional title of ‘Sarki Maskan’ (War Hero) and another title, ‘Dan Maje Babba Pantanmi,’ in recognition of his contributions to the Pantami community.

A commendation letter was also issued by the District Head of Pantami Palace, Mai Martaba Abdullahi.

Speaking to DAILY GAZETTE on the sidelines of the event, Tanko confirmed that Obi’s four-year term proposal is now being considered by the coalition spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Senate President David Mark.

“We have presented it to the coalition. It is there for them to make a decision. But we are confident it can work. This is a pronouncement rooted in integrity, and Peter Obi embodies that. What Nigeria needs now are leaders with integrity,” Tanko said.

He added that Obi is convinced he doesn’t need more than four years to stabilize Nigeria’s economy and push through key reforms.

“Obi has said clearly—even though the single term is not in the constitution—that he is committing himself to serve only one tenure. He believes four years is more than enough to accomplish his mission. That shows you how prepared and focused he is.”

The Obidient leader emphasized that Obi’s vision includes major infrastructure and economic overhauls—starting with the power sector.

“Even stabilising electricity alone will solve a multitude of problems. He is promising that under his leadership, Nigeria will become an exporting country again. Planes will no longer leave our airports empty,”
he stated.

Tanko, who once contested for the presidency himself, also explained why Obi, typically known for shunning titles, accepted this one from a northern community.

“Obi is not a man who chases titles. But this one is special. It comes from a northern community recognising an Igbo man for his generosity and impact. It speaks volumes about Obi’s growing national acceptance, especially in the North, where he was less favoured during the 2023 elections.”

He pointed out that Obi’s humanitarian efforts in underserved northern communities, particularly through borehole installations and support for local entrepreneurs, have begun to transform his public perception across the region.

“His Excellency has visited places without potable water and funded borehole projects. In Pantami today, there is clean water not just for people but even for animals. Locals now say, ‘Go fetch me water from Peter Obi’s borehole.’ That tells you something has changed.”

“He also supports entrepreneurship among northern youths and visits Almajiri schools, even helping to build toilets where there were none. These gestures have earned him deep grassroots support,” Tanko added.

He concluded by describing the recognition from Pantami as a powerful symbol of Obi’s efforts to foster unity across Nigeria’s regions.

“It is a testament to the bridge-building legacy of Peter Obi and an indicator that the political tide may be shifting ahead of 2027.”

As the race for the 2027 presidential election intensifies, a close associate of Rabiu Kwankwaso, Yusuf Sharada, has revealed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is actively reaching out to the former Kano State governor in a bid to secure his support and reclaim Kano State.

Sharada, who serves as the National Coordinator of Project Save Nigeria, made this disclosure during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday.

“They have been wooing Senator Kwankwaso to join them in the APC knowing his antecedents and his mass followership. Of course, it is their political permutations,”
Sharada said.

He explained that the APC, having lost significant ground in Kano, a state known for its substantial voting strength, has recognized Kwankwaso’s political clout and influence across the North-West and is eager to draw him into the party.

“Senator Kwankwaso stayed away from the APC because he is not in tandem with what they are doing as a government. They have been insisting that they want him to join them. Politics is about numbers and they know that he has the numbers, especially from Kano and the core North-Western part of the country.”

Sharada also suggested that the recent resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje as APC National Chairman may not be coincidental. According to him, it could be part of a broader political strategy to make way for Kwankwaso’s entry into the APC.

“Maybe the APC has perfected their plans. They are looking for the numbers because of their anti-masses policies; the masses of Nigeria are no longer with them.
So, they now want someone that the masses of this country have hope in to join them so that they have those numbers, especially from that part of the country,”
he added.

The Kwankwasiyya movement, a grassroots political base with deep loyalty to Kwankwaso, plays a central role in this equation. Sharada noted that these supporters will ultimately follow Kwankwaso’s lead, regardless of the political platform he aligns with.

“One thing that people should understand about the followers of Senator Kwankwaso is that they value him more than any platform or party that he is in because of his antecedent and the way he impacted so many lives in that part of the country. So, people listen to his opinion; they are waiting for him to give directives for them to follow,”
he explained.

Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the North, particularly Kano State, has remained a strategic political stronghold due to its consistently high voter turnout. In the 2023 presidential election, Kano recorded approximately 1.7 million votes, making it a key battleground state.

In that election:

Kwankwaso (NNPP) won 997,279 votes, taking 38 out of 44 LGAs,

Tinubu (APC) followed with 517,341 votes,

Atiku Abubakar (PDP) secured 131,716 votes, and

Peter Obi (Labour Party) got 28,513 votes.

Nationwide, Kwankwaso came fourth with 1,496,687 votes, behind Tinubu (8,794,726), Atiku (6,984,520), and Obi (6,101,533).

Currently, Kwankwaso’s political influence remains intact in Kano, where his protégé, Abba Kabir Yusuf, governs under the NNPP.