The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has strongly denied circulating rumours that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is planning to sack Senator George Akume as SGF, calling the claims baseless and deliberately misleading.

In an official statement released by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, the OSGF dismissed the reports as pure fabrication.

“The attention of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has been drawn to rumours circulating online and in some media outlets regarding the alleged removal of the SGF, Senator George Akume, by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement began.

“The office wishes to state emphatically that the information is entirely false, misleading and lacks any basis in fact, as Mr President has no intention of doing so.”

Imohiosen further condemned the originators of the report, accusing them of deliberately attempting to confuse the public.

Describing the claims as “a fabrication and a figment of the imagination of mischief makers,” the statement stressed that the motives behind the rumours were to “disinform and misinform the innocent public.”

He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s confidence in Akume’s ability to carry out his duties as part of the administration’s governance agenda.

“Spreading unverified or intentionally false narratives not only undermines public trust but also poses a threat to the integrity of our institutions,” Imohiosen warned.

He concluded by reiterating that Akume remains a key figure in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, and that there is no truth to suggestions of his impending removal.

Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, has stated he is willing to serve only a single term in office if that is what a future political coalition demands, adding that his focus is not on power but on rebuilding Nigeria.

During a high-profile XSpace session titled #PeterObiOnParallelFacts, which attracted over 10,000 live participants and thousands of comments, Obi addressed a range of national issues, from zoning arrangements to foreign diplomacy and internal security.

“If the agreement is one term, I will leave on May 28, 2031, not even May 29. I am not desperate to be president. I am desperate to see Nigeria work,” Obi said in response to a question from a participant identified as Balactic.

Obi emphasized that honouring zoning arrangements and respecting coalition commitments are marks of political maturity, recalling how he previously upheld such agreements during his time as Governor of Anambra State, even at personal cost.

Turning his attention to President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to St. Lucia, Obi didn’t mince words.

“You can’t build strong international relations when your domestic house is on fire,” he said, describing the trip as “out of touch” and “a misplacement of priorities.”

Obi pointed out that St. Lucia, with a population of about 180,000, is smaller than Ajegunle, a neighborhood in Lagos, and questioned the logic behind frequent foreign trips while the country battles widespread insecurity and economic distress.

“We’re losing lives in Niger, Benue, Zamfara… and we’re gallivanting. You can’t travel around the world when people are being buried at home. Leaders must stay and lead from the front,” he declared.

Responding to speculations about a possible joint presidential ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 election, Obi categorically denied any such discussions, reaffirming that his focus is national healing, not power-sharing.

“If the coalition is about sharing tickets and power for its sake, count me out. I’m not interested. I want a coalition that stops the killings in Borno, puts food on people’s tables, and gets our industries working,” he said.

Obi also addressed claims that his supporters are resisting a potential merger with other parties.

“It’s not about rejection. We’ve never even discussed tickets. It’s about Nigeria first,” he clarified.

Reflecting on his leadership style while serving as governor, Obi shared how he would personally attend funerals and visit affected communities to show solidarity.

“Leadership is not about flying jets. It’s about compassion,” he said.

“If 17 soldiers die in Niger and the president is commissioning parties in Lagos, we’ve lost our humanity.”

Obi concluded with a powerful reaffirmation of his motivation to lead, stating that his ambition is rooted in service, not prestige.

“I don’t want to be president to decorate my CV. I want to show that leadership can be different, and effective.”

Sam Amadi, former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has weighed in on the growing debate around Peter Obi’s political future.

Peter Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2023 elections, remains a central figure in opposition politics.

However, recent conversations among his supporters have revealed a divide, particularly over whether he should team up with Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a vice-presidential candidate.

Addressing the issue on Monday via a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Amadi expressed frustration with the expectations being placed on Obi by some political actors and followers.

“The problem with @PeterObi,” Amadi wrote, “The problem with Peter Obi is that some people just want him to help them win elections. If he does not say ‘I will be vice president to Atiku’ then he is selfish. They abuse him.”

Amadi’s comment highlights a broader tension within Obi’s political base, some of whom continue to question whether aligning with Atiku in 2027 might be a strategic compromise or a betrayal of the movement’s ideals.

While some argue that forming a united front with the PDP could help unseat the ruling party, others firmly believe Obi should pursue the presidency once again as the sole candidate of a unified opposition.

“But real supporters of Obi want him to be President. Which side u de?” Amadi added, drawing a clear line between those seeking political convenience and those invested in Obi’s full presidential ambition.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has addressed the growing speculation surrounding the possible defection of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), to the ruling party.

Amid ongoing rumours that the former Kano State Governor might be considering a return to the APCAPC, particularly following the recent resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje as the party’s National Chairman, the APC says there has been no official conversation or plan to welcome Kwankwaso back into its fold.

In an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary of the APC, clarified the party’s stance.

“The party I speak for has said nothing about Kwankwaso possibly joining,” he stated when asked directly about the defection rumours.

“We have not made that determination and are not able to make it at the moment,” he added.

Morka also dismissed reports suggesting internal cracks within the ruling party.

He emphasized that the APC is functioning effectively despite speculation in the media.

“The party is running as it should. People are entitled to have their moments, but that does not indicate dysfunction,” Morka said.

The clarification comes amid a swirl of political manoeuvring and strategic realignments as political figures across party lines jostle for relevance ahead of upcoming elections.

As political realignments gain momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chapters in Sokoto and Kebbi States have indicated their willingness to join a broader coalition aimed at unseating the All Progressives Congress (APC) at both state and national levels.

In Sokoto, former governor and serving Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, is reportedly leading the charge as PDP stakeholders move toward a merger with the newly formed All Democratic Alliance (ADA), one of the 110 political groups currently seeking registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Sources familiar with the development disclosed that a stakeholders’ meeting was held on Saturday, where the plan to join the coalition was discussed extensively.

“We held a crucial meeting, and the major agenda was the merger into ADA. We’re putting final touches to the arrangement, and an official announcement is expected soon.”

“I can assure you that any moment from now, we will make our decision known to the press for the general public,” a source told DAILY GAZETTE under anonymity.

Among those said to be in attendance were Umar Bature, the party’s National Organising Secretary; Tambuwal; Aliyu Goronyo, state PDP chairman; and other top members.

When contacted for confirmation, the Publicity Secretary of the Sokoto PDP, Hassan Sanyinnawal, admitted that a stakeholders’ meeting was held at Senator Tambuwal’s residence but declined to comment on any proposed alliance.

“Yes, we held a stakeholders meeting yesterday at the house of our leader, Senator Tambuwal.
The meeting was just our normal stakeholders’ meeting which we usually do from time to time, so no cause for alarm,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Kebbi State, PDP leaders have also reaffirmed their readiness to collaborate with political allies to challenge the APC’s dominance.

The decision followed a separate meeting held in Birnin Kebbi on the same day.

Speaking after the gathering, party chieftain and elder statesman Dr. Ibrahim Mera said the party was open to alliances that can end what he described as poor governance by the ruling party.

“We are ready to collaborate with like-minded groups and political platforms committed to rescuing Nigeria from the hardship imposed by the APC-led government.
We also agreed to fast-track preparations for the state congress, subject to the approval of the national leadership,” he stated.

Mera noted that Kebbi PDP is taking steps to strengthen its grassroots machinery and mobilise wider support ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Also addressing the press, Kebbi PDP Chairman, Usman Suru, urged citizens to stay strong despite current economic difficulties, assuring them that better days lie ahead.

“We understand the pain our people are going through. The PDP is working to provide a better alternative that prioritises the welfare and security of all Nigerians,” he said.

Adding to the growing criticism of the APC-led administration in the state, Gen. Aminu Bande (retd), the PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate, accused the ruling government of engaging in political intimidation.

“The current government in Kebbi State has resorted to witch-hunting opposition members through arbitrary arrests and harassment,” he alleged

Ahead of the August 26 by-elections scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill vacant National Assembly seats, aspirants from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have begun to formally declare their intentions.

Barrister Omosede Igbinedion, running under the APC, has announced her bid to represent Ovia Federal Constituency.

She described INEC’s announcement as a crucial step toward ensuring that the constituency receives the quality of representation it rightfully deserves.

In a statement released in Benin City, Igbinedion expressed her readiness to serve and highlighted her legislative experience.

“In the coming days, I look forward to reconnecting with our people at the grassroots, listening to your hopes and concerns, and working together toward a better Ovia,” she said.

According to her, “Let us stand united in this journey. The future of Ovia is bright, and together, we will make it even brighter.”

She further emphasized her commitment to issues such as infrastructure development, youth and women empowerment, education, and security.

“My track record will speak to my capacity, experience and passion for service,” she added.

Meanwhile, John Yakubu, a PDP aspirant vying for the Edo Central Senatorial District seat, has also declared his interest. He noted that the constituency has long awaited the conduct of a by-election and pledged to run a campaign centered on issues.

Yakubu stressed the importance of focusing on the needs and expectations of constituents, saying he is prepared to offer credible, responsive representation.

The internal rift within the Labour Party (LP) has taken another turn as the party’s former National Treasurer, Oluchi Oparah, has praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for excluding former LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, from its recent activities.

In a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, Oparah described INEC’s actions as a “commendable and principled stand,” particularly its decision to leave Abure out of the groundbreaking ceremony for the commission’s new national headquarters and the INEC, Political Parties Consultative Meeting held on June 26, 2025.

“This decision is fully consistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling, which overturned earlier judgments that had erroneously ruled in Abure’s favour,” Oparah stated.

She noted that INEC’s move demonstrated its commitment to upholding the constitutional frameworks that govern political parties in the country.

She went on to commend INEC for its refusal to endorse what she termed “sham congresses and primaries” conducted by Abure’s camp ahead of the June 28, 2025, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections. She criticized the exercises as an “affront to democratic principles.”

Oparah didn’t hold back in her condemnation of Abure, accusing him of clinging to power contrary to the party’s constitution.

“INEC’s clear message is that no individual, regardless of position, is above the law,” she said.

“This should deter party officials who flout their party’s constitution for personal gain.”

She urged the electoral commission to remain vigilant in overseeing internal party activities, emphasizing the importance of discipline and accountability in political leadership.

Oparah said such efforts are crucial in bolstering trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Finally, she encouraged LP members and the general public to resist any behavior that threatens the rule of law, noting that “the strength of our democracy depends on the integrity of its institutions and the accountability of those who lead them.”

The North-Central Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally thrown its weight behind former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, as its preferred candidate for the position of APC National Chairman.

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Forum Chairman Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga said the decision followed “extensive consultations” among party stakeholders in the North-Central geopolitical zone.

Titled “Why Al-Makura Deserves to be APC National Chairman”, the statement emphasized Al-Makura’s strong ties to Nasarawa State, the same state as former National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu, whose resignation in July 2023 left the region without representation at the top of the party’s leadership.

The endorsement comes just a day after the Forum publicly demanded that the chairmanship position be returned to the North-Central, in line with APC’s existing zoning formula.

“After extensive deliberations among stakeholders in the North-Central region, the North-Central APC Forum has decided to endorse Senator Tanko Al-Makura for the position of APC National Chairman,” the statement read.

“This is in furtherance of our demand that the position of National Chairman should return to the North-Central in line with the APC’s zoning arrangement.”

Zazzaga recalled that Adamu had been selected based on this arrangement during the APC’s National Convention in March 2022.

However, his premature exit opened the door for former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, to assume the role in August 2023.

The Forum also stressed that Al-Makura is a key representative of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc, one of the three legacy parties that merged to form the APC, unlike the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), which have both produced national chairmen in the past.

“Senator Tanko Al-Makura was a two-term governor whose clout and experience are undeniable assets. Both former and sitting governors regard him as one of their own. As a former Senator, he is also seen as integral to the legislature,” the Forum stated.

It also noted Al-Makura’s statesmanlike conduct during the 2022 convention, where he stepped aside in favor of a consensus that brought Adamu into leadership.

“Additionally, during the APC National Convention in 2022, he was among the chairmanship aspirants who graciously accepted the consensus decision that brought Abdullahi Adamu to the role of National Chairman,” the statement noted.

Highlighting his strong credentials, the Forum praised Al-Makura’s long-standing loyalty to the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as “a dedicated and unifying figure capable of strengthening the party’s leadership and internal cohesion.”

The statement further emphasized Al-Makura’s wealth of experience in managing party affairs, citing his leadership of several key committees and assignments within the APC.

Among the roles highlighted were his chairmanship of the Ekiti State APC Primary Election Committee in 2018, which led to the emergence of former Governor Kayode Fayemi, and his service as Chairman of the North-East Zone Reconciliation Committee in 2018.

He also participated in the Baba Bisi Akande-led Reconciliation Committee in 2020.

“His rich political experience spans decades. He was Youth Leader in Plateau State for the National Party of Nigeria in 1979, State Secretary in Plateau State for the National Republican Convention in 1989, a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party in 1999, Governor under the Congress for Progressive Change in 2011, a pioneer member and signatory to the merger that formed the APC in 2013, and an APC Senator in 2019,” the statement outlined.

The Forum also recalled Al-Makura’s instrumental role earlier in 2025 in keeping the CPC bloc united within the APC, despite internal tensions and speculations about potential defection to opposition alliances.

Describing him as both a “bridge builder and advocate for inclusivity,” the Forum highlighted his advocacy for Nigeria’s disability community, which is estimated to be over 20 million strong.

“As someone living with a disability himself, he has been a strong ally of the community,” the statement concluded.

As internal divisions deepen within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, has affirmed that the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting will proceed as scheduled on Monday, June 30, 2025.

Addressing journalists at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja on Sunday night, Arapaja dismissed a widely circulated notice about a “Special Expanded National Caucus” meeting, describing it as unconstitutional and not recognized by the party’s framework.

“We have called you to, through you, further update all members of the PDP and the general public on the activities of the Party especially with regard to the 100th meeting of the NEC statutorily scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, 30th June, 2025 and the National Convention scheduled for Thursday 28th to Saturday, 30th August, 2025,” Arapaja said.

Standing alongside other National Working Committee (NWC) membersmembers, including National Vice Chairman (South East) Ali Odefa, Acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, Arapaja insisted the NEC meeting was validly scheduled by the 99th NEC session held on May 27.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the NWC assures all Party members that the 100th NEC meeting will proceed as scheduled tomorrow, Monday, 30th June, 2025 at the NEC Hall of the Wadata Plaza, PDP National Secretariat, Abuja,” he reaffirmed.

He noted that the meeting will feature updates from the Zoning Committee and the National Convention Organising Committee.

“As you are aware, the 100th meeting was unanimously scheduled by NEC at its 99th meeting held on Tuesday, 27th May, 2025,” Arapaja said.

Citing the PDP Constitution, he continued: “By virtue of Section 31(3) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), the Monday, 30th June, 2025 date for the 100th NEC meeting is binding on all Organs and members, and as such no Organ, group or officer of the Party has the power to alter, change, vary, veto or convert the already convened NEC meeting.”

In response to the alternate meeting proposed in some quarters, Arapaja stated: “Contrary to a purported Notice being circulated in the social media suggesting that the 100th NEC meeting has been converted to a Special Expanded National Caucus meeting, the NWC states in clear terms that the said Notice did not emanate from the PDP and should be disregarded.”

He went on to clarify that the PDP Constitution does not make provisions for any such expanded caucus.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 30 of the Constitution of the PDP is unambiguous in providing for a National Caucus for the Party with its composition, functions and meetings clearly spelt out, leaving no room for any form of expansion,” Arapaja said.

He stressed, “The suggestion, proposal or announcement for a ‘Special Expanded National Caucus meeting’ is therefore unconstitutional and cannot take any decision for the PDP, being not a recognised Organ or Body in the PDP.”

“The PDP is a political Party built on the foundation and pedestal of strict adherence to the Rule of Law, guided by the due process of our Party Constitution and the ethos of internal democracy, which values must be protected and preserved at all time,” he added.

Arapaja concluded by reassuring party members that both the NEC meeting and the upcoming National Convention would hold as scheduled.

“The NWC acknowledges the support and solidarity of the members of the PDP and reassures that the 100th NEC meeting and the National Convention will go on as scheduled by NEC.”

The PDP remains embroiled in internal conflict, especially over the status of its National Secretary and the legitimacy of Monday’s NEC session.

A faction aligned with Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, including notable figures like former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike and Governors Bala Mohammed, Caleb Mutfwang, and Adamu Fintiri, supports the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu and the postponement of the NEC.

Last Tuesday, Damagum announced Anyanwu’s return and replaced the NEC meeting with an expanded caucus session, citing consultations with INEC, which currently recognizes Anyanwu as National Secretary.

However, another group, including Governor Seyi Makinde and 11 NWC members rejected the reinstatement, arguing that it lacked NEC approval and was procedurally flawed.

INEC reportedly declined to acknowledge the NEC meeting notification due to the absence of the mandatory joint signature of the National Chairman and Secretary, advising the party to adhere to its constitutional process.

Meanwhile, six deputy national officers have endorsed Anyanwu’s return and expressed support for the proposed expanded caucus meeting.