Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has publicly distanced himself from mounting calls for him to be named as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 general election.

These calls, made most notably by the Northern Nigeria Progressive Youth Assembly (NNPYA), were described by Barau as “misplaced” and untimely.

In a statement released through his spokesman, Ismail Mudashir, the senator appealed to his supporters to stop the campaign and instead back the president’s current administration.

>“My attention has been drawn to various posts on social media and in some national dailies by some groups, including the Northern Nigeria Progressive Youth Assembly (NNPYA), urging our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to pick me as his running mate come 2027. This is out of place at this moment and not in our best interest,” he stated.

Barau emphasized that political focus should remain on helping President Tinubu deliver on his promises rather than premature speculations about 2027.

“I want to appeal to the NNPYA and all other groups and individuals engaged in this clamour to refrain forthwith and channel their energies and resources towards supporting President Tinubu in his quest to address the numerous challenges facing our country,” he said.

He added that this is not the appropriate time for such political debates, stressing unity and commitment to the president’s agenda.

“This is not the time to engage in this kind of clamour. What should be paramount to all of us at this moment is the success of the President. He is genuinely committed to turning around our country’s fortunes positively,” he noted.

“Therefore, I appeal to all to support him in continuing with his programs and policies that have started to bear positive fruits. Be part of the team to restore the glorious days of our country,” Barau added.

This statement comes amid a tense political atmosphere in the APC, particularly after a recent summit in Gombe State on June 15, where APC stakeholders from the North-East gathered.

The event turned chaotic when Mustapha Salihu, the APC North-East Vice Chairman, endorsed Tinubu for re-election but failed to mention Vice President Kashim Shettima, causing protests among some attendees.

Speculation has been rife about the possibility of Barau or other influential northern politicians being considered as running mates to President Tinubu in 2027.

However, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru has clarified that no discussions on the vice-presidential ticket have officially started.

Two members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives have officially left their political parties to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), according to an announcement made during Tuesday’s plenary session by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

Peter Akpanke, who represents the Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwara Federal Constituency in Cross River State, left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC. Similarly, Paul Nnamchi, the representative for Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency in Enugu State, resigned from the Labour Party (LP) to align with the APC.

Speaker Abbas formally declared the lawmakers’ decisions before the chamber during the session.

In other legislative developments, the House has moved forward with a bill seeking to amend the 2024 Appropriation Act.

The proposed amendment, which has passed second reading, aims to extend the timeline for executing the capital component of the budget to December 31, 2025.

According to the Speaker, the proposed extension is necessary due to inadequate funding that has hindered implementation of the original budget provisions.

In a related matter, President Bola Tinubu has sent a letter to the House explaining his decision to withhold assent from the National Assembly Library Trust Fund Establishment Bill.

The president expressed concerns over its financial implications and highlighted conflicts between the bill and existing laws, stating that it “goes against public interest.”

The Adamawa State Government has revoked the title of Waziri Adamawa from Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

The decision, officially attributed to his non-indigeneship of the Adamawa Emirate, is widely interpreted as an attempt to undermine his political stature in his native state.

The position of Waziri Adamawa ranks just below the Lamido, the paramount ruler of the Adamawa Emirate.

Atiku’s removal, which also affects the title of Walin Adamawa, was confirmed in a circular dated June 20, 2025.

The document was signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, operating under the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

According to the circular:

“Following the creation of new Chiefdoms in the state by the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, I am directed to inform you that all Kingmakers and Council members in the state must be indigene (sic) of their Chiefdoms.

“E.g, all Kingmakers and Council members from Adamawa Emirate Council must be indigene of Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song and Zumo Districts; while those of Mubi Emirate Council, must be indigene of Mubi North, Mubi South vis-à-vis all Emirates/Traditional councils in the state.”

This policy renders Atiku, who originates from Jada Local Government Area under the Ganye Chiefdom, ineligible for any title associated with the Adamawa Emirate Council.

The decision has triggered widespread speculation and backlash. Many observers view the timing and execution as a direct affront to Atiku by Governor Fintiri, once his ally in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Both leaders were prominent candidates during the 2023 elections, Atiku for President and Fintiri for Governor, under the same party banner.

Tensions between them have reportedly intensified, especially following Atiku’s engagement in opposition coalition talks.

He has been linked to strategic meetings with Aishatu Binani, Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, figures aligned in efforts to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Further fueling concerns is an executive bill currently before the Adamawa State House of Assembly. The proposal would authorize the governor to:

“Depose any ailing emir or king”
and install a
“Chosen prince”
of his own selection.

Critics warn that such a measure could lead to unchecked political interference in traditional institutions, masking power grabs as administrative reforms.

Despite official claims that the revocation is in line with legal restructuring, the broader implications of removing one of Nigeria’s most influential political personalities from a royal title are being viewed by many as a seismic political statement.

Mallam Salihu Isa Nataro, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former gubernatorial aspirant in Kebbi State, has called on Vice President Kashim Shettima to voluntarily resign from the Tinubu administration.

He argued that such a move would demonstrate goodwill and commitment to national unity and the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Nataro’s call comes amid ongoing debates over the 2027 elections and speculations about Tinubu’s potential choice of a new running mate.

He claimed that even before the recent controversy in Gombe State, where tensions flared over Vice President Shettima’s omission during an APC summit endorsement of Tinubu, it was clear that Shettima no longer enjoys the President’s full confidence.

He urged Shettima to step aside honorably.

“I have seen APC party officials fighting to strengthen the party before the next elections, especially in Gombe, where the discussion was about the best running mate to President Tinubu.”

“My attitude to that is that the ball is now on Senator Shettima’s court. If he is grateful for what Tinubu did to him by picking him up as running mate in 2022 and leaving out those who worked for the party, I can boldly say that if I were in Shettima’s shoes, I would resign from office.”

Nataro further elaborated on how such a resignation could be a symbolic act of unity and sacrifice:

“I will come out with a very inspiring letter to the APC National Chairman stating that I will not run with Tinubu in 2027, but that I am prepared with my good people in North-East to campaign massively for Tinubu to win in 2027.”

He acknowledged the contributions Shettima has made to the administration, but said a graceful exit could open up a new chapter in Nigeria’s political narrative.

“On the other hand, the resignation could afford the President the opportunity to change Nigeria’s political landscape by looking for a running mate from Southern Nigeria to give the international community the impression that Nigeria is one entity.”

Nataro also said that such a move could improve the President’s image among Nigerian youths and restore faith in performance-based leadership:

“At the same time, Nigerian youths will automatically change their perception about Tinubu and start seeing the President as a hero of democracy who is always looking out for performance rather than the political interests of some unscrupulous politicians.”

He emphasized that his suggestion is not rooted in antagonism but in political strategy, national cohesion, and legacy-building.

“I admire Senator Shettima for the able way he helped President Tinubu to move the administration forward, adding that if Shettima can have the courage to toe that path, President Tinubu will have no option but to reject the resignation.”

If the Vice President chooses to act as Tinubu’s campaign coordinator for 2027 instead, Nataro believes his loyalty and leadership would be richly rewarded.

“Even God will honour Shettima beyond measure.”

Reflecting on the President’s political instincts, Nataro said Tinubu’s initial decision to choose Shettima without widespread party consultation exemplified his boldness and commitment to national interest.

He also used the opportunity to restate his support for the administration’s reform agenda, noting that he has been actively engaging with key agencies to propose cost-saving and efficiency measures.

“That is why I have been reaching out to critical agencies of the administration with proposals on how to make things work, including a reduction in the cost of governance, cost-effective project execution and appropriate personnel management.”

He highlighted specific agencies that are pivotal to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, led by Nyesom Wike.

“These agencies constitute the frontline drivers of the Renewed Hope Agenda. I hope they will reason with those submissions and recommendations,” Nataro stated.

Prof. Paul Nnamchi, the lawmaker representing Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency, has officially left the Labour Party (LP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Nnamchi announced his defection during Tuesday’s plenary session at the House of Representatives, attributing his move to unresolved leadership issues within the Labour Party.

According to the lawmaker, internal conflicts have continued to destabilize the party’s structure and hinder its operations.

“The leadership crisis has crippled the party’s ability to function effectively,” he told fellow lawmakers.

This marks the second high-profile defection from Labour Party ranks in Enugu State within a short span.

Just weeks ago, Barrister Sunday Cyriacus Umeha, who represents Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, also joined the APC.

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai says President Bola Tinubu stands no chance in the 2027 election, and would be “lucky to come third.”

Speaking on Arise News on Monday, El‑Rufai blamed a weak economy, rampant insecurity, and a lack of infrastructure for widespread public frustration with Tinubu’s government.

He said that “new polls show that many Nigerians have lost faith in the president,” adding that “Tinubu has no pathway to win the 2027 election and would be lucky to come third.”

According to El‑Rufai, approval ratings in some regions are staggering:

“In many parts of the country, particularly in the southeast and the North President Tinubu has a 91% disapproval rating.”

“Even in Lagos, he has a 78% disapproval rating.”

He continued: “In some states in the southwest, he’s doing better than a 78% disapproval rating, but there is no way he’s doing better than 50%, even in the southwest; the guy is gone.”

Highlighting the administration’s failings, El‑Rufai said “He has performed miserably. The economy has tanked. The security architecture has failed. There are no clear trade, industrial and investment policies. Everything is going wrong.”

He accused the government of collecting revenue without visible results.

“They are raising lots of revenues, but we don’t know where the revenues are going because there are no results.”

Reflecting on his shift in perspective, El‑Rufai noted that he once backed both Buhari and Tinubu and had expected Tinubu to do better.

“If you asked me in 2022 or 2023… that things will ever be this bad, I would… say that you are mentally ill.”

He cited alarming statistics:

“Over 2.2 million Nigerians were abducted. 615,000 were killed… worse than the eight years of Buhari in one year.”

“This is data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics. … So where has that 1.5 trillion gone? … Why is the security situation just getting worse? Why is the government asking communities to protect themselves?”

El‑Rufai also criticised what he called unconstitutional deductions:

“For that 100 billion that goes out every month from the Federation account… without appropriation by the National Assembly … So the entire deduction and spending expenditure is unconstitutional. It’s an impeachable offence…”

Although he’s still undecided about running for president in 2027, El‑Rufai stressed that “priority number one… is to get a person that will improve the quality of governance in Nigeria.”

“He wants a leader who can “defeat President Tinubu because President Tinubu is determined to make this election look as if it is settled.”

Regarding defections to the ruling party, he said:

“I have looked at the numbers. I’ve looked at the trends of elections. President Tinubu has no pathway to win. He cannot win. In fact, he will be lucky if he was third.”

On the matter of his own future, El‑Rufai stated:

“I have not made any decision about what position to run for. I’m thinking about it. … I don’t need to be in politics. I don’t need to be in public service to thrive. … For me, that person [leader] also should be able to defeat President Tinubu.”

The North-East Coalition of APC Support Groups has officially thrown its weight behind former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, recommending him as the ideal running mate for President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general election.

Dogara, a Christian from Bauchi State and a prominent advocate of a Muslim-Christian ticket, has been positioned by the coalition as a symbol of unity and inclusive governance.

Speaking at the end of a two-day meeting held in Gombe, the coalition’s chairman, Honourable Sha’abdini Bello, presented a communique on Monday outlining the group’s position.

“The coalition strongly recommended Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, as a suitable candidate for Vice President in the 2027 elections,” Bello declared.

He emphasized that the coalition’s endorsement was based on national interest, Dogara’s political experience, and his inclusive leadership style during his time in office.

“Dogara’s tenure in the 8th Assembly was marked by his inclusive leadership as evidenced by his appointments, which represented every state in the North-East and all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.”

“His proven track record as a unifying figure makes him a trusted and tested leader for the region and the nation,” he said.

Reaffirming their commitment to the party, the coalition also expressed strong support for President Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Members were urged to maintain unity, loyalty, and discipline, especially in light of what they described as the party’s current phase of “Renewed Hope and National Rebirth.”

In addition to the endorsement, the group urged the president to prioritize the Akwanga-Gombe Road project, describing it as a critical link between the North-East, Abuja, and other parts of the country.

The move comes amid increasing political speculation, particularly following a recent APC stakeholders meeting in the North-East.

Observers noted the absence of any mention of current Vice President Kassim Shettima in Ganduje’s remarks endorsing Tinubu for a second term, fueling reports that the president may be considering a new running mate.