The political space ahead of the 2027 general elections is beginning to take shape as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s visit to the Abuja residence of Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani has sparked fresh intrigue and speculation.

Atiku, a key figure in the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), met with Binani, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday.

The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts to form a broad coalition aimed at challenging the APC’s grip on power.

Binani, who was the APC’s governorship candidate in Adamawa during the 2023 elections, has been politically sidelined, especially with her former rival, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, currently serving as National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu.

Her recent re-emergence in political discussions has led to speculation that she may be positioning herself for another gubernatorial bid in 2027.

During the fiercely contested 2023 election, Binani polled 398,788 votes but ultimately lost to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the PDP, who secured 430,861 votes.

The election was marred by controversy after the Resident Electoral Commissioner prematurely declared Binani the winner before INEC’s final tally.

Although neither Atiku nor Binani addressed the media after their meeting, photos from the visit quickly circulated on social media, fueling widespread speculation.

A source close to Atiku downplayed the visit, calling it “just a courtesy call” but acknowledged its deeper political implications.

“Atiku’s relationship with Fintiri has become strained beyond repair, so it wouldn’t be surprising if new alliances emerge,” the source added.

Political observers and social media users were quick to analyze the potential significance of the visit.

On X (formerly Twitter), Abdul-Aziz Na’ibi Abubakar questioned whether Atiku could be the bridge for Binani’s 2027 ambitions, writing, “Politics is not for the weak! Do you think HE Atiku Abubakar will help Aisha Binani fulfill her dream in 2027?”

Facebook user C.I. Gago described the meeting as more than a political maneuver, calling it “a courtesy visit from a father to his daughter, a family reunion, and a realignment for a better Nigeria.”

He added, “Game over for ungrateful politicians who fail to acknowledge the support that brought them to power.”

Another political analyst, Abubakar H. Kapo, pointed out the potential strength of a new alliance, stating, “If Waziri Adamawa (Atiku), Senator Binani, Senator Aziz Nyako, Senator Abbo, and Dr. Modibbo Baba join forces, they will be a formidable challenge to the APC in Adamawa. This group has the potential to produce the next governor in 2027.”

Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections in Enugu State, Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga, has met with the state executive members of the party as part of his ongoing consultations on his political future.

The meeting, held at the Labour Party state Secretariate, comes in the wake of the recent visit by top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Edeoga’s residence, urging him to return to the party.

In response, Edeoga had promised to consult widely before making any decision.

Party leaders at the meeting reiterated their support for his leadership and past contributions, acknowledging his role in the party’s strong performance in the 2023 general election.

While Edeoga has yet to make a public declaration on his next move, his series of consultations indicate a careful approach to the political dynamics at play.

Suspended Chairman of Oredo Local Government, Dr. Tom Obaseki, has rejected the appointment of Igbinigie Osaheni as Acting Chairman, vowing to challenge the decision in court.

This comes despite a court ruling that nullified his suspension.

Describing the appointment as “unlawful and an affront to democracy,” Obaseki has instructed his legal team, Olayiwola Afolabi (SAN) & Co., to take legal action against Edo State Commissioner for Local Government, Dr. Lucky Eseigbe, who authorized the appointment.

The Edo State House of Assembly had earlier suspended all 18 local government chairmen over allegations of financial mismanagement and insubordination.

However, Obaseki’s lawyers insist that court orders issued by Justice Ikponwonba on December 16 and 20, 2024, affirm him as the rightful chairman.

His legal representatives have demanded an immediate reversal of Osaheni’s appointment within 24 hours, warning that failure to comply could result in contempt of court proceedings against those responsible.

The legal team also criticized Dr. Eseigbe, who is a lawyer, for allegedly disregarding the rule of law and failing to respect judicial decisions.

They urged him to uphold the integrity of the legal process and abide by the court’s ruling.

The House of Representatives has clarified that none of the 30 proposals submitted for new state creation has met the constitutional requirements, emphasizing that the legislature has not taken a definitive stance on the matter.

The House also refuted media reports suggesting it was pushing for the creation of 31 states, describing such claims as inaccurate and misleading.

Instead, lawmakers stressed that the process of state creation is ultimately driven by the people, who must follow the necessary legal and procedural steps.

Speaking in an interview on Friday in Abuja, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, explained that the proposals read during Thursday’s plenary session were merely to inform Nigerians about the number of applications received.

Kalu detailed the regional distribution of the requests: six proposals from the North Central, four from the North East, five from the North West, five from the South-South, and seven from the South West.

Some of the proposed states include Okun, Okura, and Confluence (from Kogi), Benue Ala and Apa (from Benue), Amana (from Adamawa), Katagum (from Bauchi), Savannah (from Borno), and Muri (from Taraba).

Others include New Kaduna, Gujarat, Tiga, Ari, Kainji, Etiti, Orashi, Adada, Orlu, Aba, Ogoja, Warri, Ori, Obolo, Torumbe, Ibadan, Lagoon, Ijebu, and Oke Ogun/Ijesha.

Providing further clarification, Kalu corrected the record, stating that the actual number of proposals was 30, not 31, as was erroneously reported.

However, he stressed that none of the submissions had satisfied the constitutional criteria outlined in Section 8, subsections 1 to 3 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

To address this, the House has given applicants until March 5 to rectify deficiencies in their proposals.

Kalu reminded stakeholders that state creation requires a two-thirds majority approval in the Senate, House of Representatives, State Houses of Assembly, and local government councils before proceeding.

“We are the people’s parliament, and we are not taking a position on the creation of new states. The Ninth Assembly received even more requests for new states, but many people did not understand why their proposals failed.

In this Tenth Assembly, we have received 30 applications.

However, none have met the constitutional requirements,” Kalu stated.

He reiterated that the notification was to ensure transparency so that applicants understand why their proposals may not progress.

“The notice to the public is that you have until March 5 to address the gaps in your applications. If they do not meet the constitutional requirements, they cannot be considered,” he concluded.

The House of Representatives has backed President Bola Tinubu’s request to increase the proposed 2025 national budget from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion, citing anticipated additional revenue from key government agencies.

During plenary sessions this week, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu referred the proposal to the Committees on Finance and Appropriations for further review.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, the House Deputy Spokesman, Philip Agbese, affirmed the National Assembly’s willingness to approve the adjustment, describing it as a strategic move to strengthen the economy and improve the well-being of Nigerians.

Agbese highlighted the administration’s focus on key sectors such as agriculture, emphasizing the planned funding boost for the Bank of Agriculture.

He noted that this initiative would empower farmers, drive rural development, and enhance food security.

Additionally, he pointed to the budget’s provisions for national security, particularly the construction of military barracks, as a testament to the government’s commitment to safeguarding the country and improving the welfare of security personnel.

“As lawmakers, we are committed to ensuring that every naira is allocated effectively and in the best interest of Nigerians,” Agbese stated, assuring that the 10th House, under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, would ensure transparency and accountability in the budget’s implementation.