The Northern Conscience Movement (NCM) has voiced alarm over former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai’s unexpected shift from critic to admirer of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Lawal Nuhu Ahmed, the NCM challenged the sincerity of El‑Rufai’s new stance and warned Nigerians to scrutinise the timing and motives behind it.

“The Northern Conscience Movement (NCM) finds it necessary to address the recent and perplexing admiration displayed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai towards former Vice President Atiku Abubakar,” the statement begins.

It highlights that only months ago, El‑Rufai “labelled him a ‘liar’ and accused him of harbouring an ‘obsession with power’ and being ‘haunted by his corruption demon.’

“Such harsh condemnations, the NCM notes, “were rooted in serious allegations that have followed Abubakar throughout his political career.”

According to the NCM, the abrupt about‑face comes on the heels of El‑Rufai’s own political setbacks—most notably his “fallout with President Bola Tinubu” and the Senate’s refusal to confirm his ministerial nomination.

“Such circumstances suggest that El‑Rufai may be adjusting his political alliances out of necessity rather than a change in perspective,” the group argues.

The statement further expresses concern over recent engagements between El‑Rufai and key PDP figures, including Atiku and Aminu Tambuwal, as they reportedly sought President Muhammadu Buhari’s support for a unified opposition against Tinubu in 2027.

“This manoeuvre is viewed as potentially undermining the integrity of political discourse in the region,” the NCM warns.

It also questions “Buhari’s receptiveness to this coalition, given the current political tensions.”

Highlighting the risks of opportunistic alliances, the NCM cautions: “We caution against interpreting El‑Rufai’s recent admiration as a genuine reconciliation, and urge that this be viewed within the context of the shifting political landscape.”

The group concludes by calling for higher standards of leadership: “We advocate for a political culture that values integrity, accountability, and genuine dedication to the welfare of the Nigerian people. We call upon all political actors, including El‑Rufai, to prioritise the interests of the nation over personal ambitions. The people of Nigeria deserve leaders who are consistent in their values and committed to the greater good.”

Governors elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are converging in Ibadan, Oyo State, this Sunday and Monday to address growing concerns within the party and strategize for a possible opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The meeting comes amid mounting pressure from various quarters to forge a united opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, internal disagreements among major stakeholders continue to stall progress on coalition efforts, sources told DAILY GAZETTE. 

One major point of discussion will be the party’s legal challenge at the Supreme Court over the federal government’s declaration of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who serves as vice chairman of the PDP Governors Forum.

The party’s national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed the dates for the Ibadan meeting, noting it will hold on Sunday, April 13 and Monday, April 14, 2025.

Party insiders revealed that members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) have also been invited to join the discussion, with emphasis on how best to engage other opposition parties in the proposed alliance.

A recent Supreme Court judgement regarding the tussle over the position of PDP National Secretary—between Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye—is also on the table.

The governors are reportedly in possession of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, which will shape their final position on the matter.

“The governors are already in possession of the CTC and it will inform their decision on who legitimately holds the position of national secretary,” a source close to the party’s leadership stated.

Another insider emphasized the high stakes surrounding the meeting, warning that the PDP risks slipping into political irrelevance if it fails to act boldly.

“The outcome of the meeting will determine the future of the PDP. If they don’t act decisively, the party risks becoming irrelevant in the opposition coalition. Over 75 per cent of PDP members are already tired and disappointed in the way the party is being run and are preparing to leave,” the source warned.

According to him, “The governors may chart a new path for the party – either leading it into a strong coalition or rebuild it internally and invite others to join. But whatever they choose to do, they must convince majority of party members of their sincerity.”

He continued, “The way this coalition is going, it might end up as an individual affair. Nigerians want change, that is clear, but the opposition leaders are not really determined to make it work.

“I can tell you categorically that unless something drastic is done, 75 per cent of PDP members have mentally checked out of the party. Whether one governor says one thing or another leader says something else doesn’t matter to the grassroots anymore.

“The governors have a lot of work to do. They need to allow the PDP constitution to prevail. Right now, members are scattered and disillusioned. People are simply trying to survive outside the party after enduring years of internal crisis.”

Asked to predict the top item on the Ibadan meeting agenda, the source responded: “The state of the party. That’s my honest opinion. It can’t be anything other than that. The PDP is in bad shape.”

Political analyst, Chudi Chukwuani noted that no single party can defeat the APC in 2027 without a united front.

“The only way to defeat the ruling party is through a coalition. If any individual is canvassing for a coalition, it means they are coming from a political party. Coalitions can begin with individuals, but eventually, the process must go through the political parties themselves,” he explained.

Drawing from history, Chukwuani added: “If you recall, when the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) came together, it started with individuals. Eventually, they formed the APC.

“The PDP is not the only political party in Nigeria. I believe that when the coalition builders get serious, other parties would have to choose between joining the APC or aligning with the opposition coalition. Standing alone will not work.”

“They tried it in 2023 and failed. The only way to win power from the APC is through a coalition.

“If you add up the votes of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar in the last election, they would have defeated the APC. That’s the path forward.”

Timothy Osadolor, a PDP chieftain, echoed similar sentiments, stressing that unity among the opposition is not optional.

“This coalition has to work for the interest and survival of Nigeria. Nigerians have come to the realisation that the APC cannot be dislodged without unity among all opposition leaders and parties,” he said.

He added, “The APC has entrenched itself so deeply that no single political party can claim to take it head-on without collaboration. So, it is a matter of necessity, not convenience for political leaders to join hands to give Nigeria a new lease of life in 2027.

“I don’t see why the APC should not be defeated in 2027. I believe that Nigerians of goodwill are resolute in their belief that the APC must be chased out. It is a duty to the nation.”

Although the PDP may not be taking the front seat in the coalition effort now, Osadolor believes the party will assume a major role.

“The PDP is saying that any coalition must be based on agreed terms, and all stakeholders must sit together to plan.”

“No one can sideline the PDP in coalition talks because, like it or not, it is the biggest political party in Nigeria, and arguably in West Africa.

“The PDP is going to take part and take the lead role in any meaningful coalition. That is our position,” he affirmed.

In a different tone, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has withdrawn from merger discussions, stating it would not enter into any “clean slate” arrangement.

In a statement signed by its national publicity secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP declared its commitment to offering a viable alternative for Nigerians but ruled out any merger.

“The party renewed its drive to champion the crusade and national quest for social justice, better life for citizens, national progress and sustainable development.

“It also reiterated its commitment to opening its gates to accommodate all patriotic politicians and young Nigerians across the country, but emphasised its stand on ‘no merger’ and ‘no clean slate’ collaboration,” the statement read.

Aiyenigba further disclosed that the party is focused on building robust structures across Nigeria and in the diaspora ahead of the 2027 elections.

“For optimal efficiency and effectiveness, the NWC has devised strategies to fine-tune the management of the party’s affairs and interests at various levels and to facilitate seamless harmonisation and integration of old and new members across the country,” he stated.

He urged Nigerians to continue to support the SDP, describing it as a “bastion of refreshing hope” committed to addressing the country’s pressing socioeconomic problems.

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Youths in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Friday, took to the streets to protest what they described as “crazy electricity bills” issued by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).

The protest, which began as early as 8:00 am, saw scores of young people converge at Bareke roundabout, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with messages such as: “Omu-Aran Say No to Band A,” “Mr. Badmus Must Go,” “Bring us Back to Band C,” “Revert Omu-Aran to Band C,” and “Omu-Aran Youths Have Spoken Loudly.”

The aggrieved protesters accused Mr. A.O. Badmus, IBEDC’s Business Manager in the district, of being responsible for the abrupt shift in the community’s billing classification from Band C to Band A, which triggered a significant increase in charges for March.

They argued that this change was unjustified given the community’s ongoing electricity supply issues.

“The community is presently facing challenges of electricity supply which needed to be resolved before the sudden movement to Band A,” the protesters noted.

Bills sighted during the protest ranged between N41,000 and N47,000, a stark contrast to the previous monthly bills of N10,000 to N15,000.

The peaceful demonstration extended across various parts of the town, including Olomu market, Latinwo market area, the Olomu palace, and the IBEDC district office at Omu-Aran City Complex.

The protest caused significant traffic congestion along major roads in the town.

In a formal statement, signed by Mr. Niyi Adeyeye, President of the Omu-Aran Development Association, and Elder Ranti Adebayo, Secretary, the youth demanded the immediate reversion to Band C, repair and replacement of faulty transformers, improved power supply, and the suspension of Band A charges.

While receiving the protesters, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, urged the youth to remain calm and assured them that the community leaders were already engaging IBEDC officials to resolve the matter.

Responding to the development, Mr. Gbenga Ajiboye, IBEDC’s Communication Officer in Kwara State, said that tariff classification was under the jurisdiction of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

He explained that, “Electricity consumers enjoying 20 hours of supply are regulated by NERC to be on Band A in which the Omu-Aran community is presently categorised.”

Ajiboye further noted that the billing issue was essentially “a business issue between buyers and sellers,” and assured that discussions were ongoing to find a peaceful resolution.

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has announced July 12 as the date for the upcoming local government elections across the state.

Mr. Tope Ojo, Head of Public Affairs at LASIEC, disclosed the development on Friday in Lagos, stating that the polls will cover all 57 council chairmanship seats and 376 councillorship positions.

He added that a re-run, if necessary, would be held on July 19.

Lagos State is made up of 20 constitutionally recognized local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

The selection of July 12 for the polls, according to LASIEC, is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition and preventing any leadership vacuum at the local government level.

In its official notice, the commission confirmed that the election will involve 20 Local Governments, 37 LCDAs, and 376 wards across the state.

“With the current local government administration nearing its end, LASIEC has ramped up efforts for a smooth election process,” the statement read, noting that the commission has commenced the electoral process with the release of the Notice of Election.

Political parties have been instructed to visit LASIEC’s headquarters to obtain nomination forms for their respective candidates.

Ojo added, “A meeting with all registered political parties is set for Tuesday.”

He further noted that “The Election Guidelines will be published on April 17,” while campaigns and rallies will begin on April 18 and conclude on July 9.

Parties are required to submit nomination forms for both “substituted” and “only candidate” cases between June 18 and June 25.

LASIEC Chairman, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (rtd), gave assurances of transparency and impartiality in the conduct of the election.

“We are committed to holding a free, fair, inclusive, and credible election,” she said.

She also urged all political parties and aspirants to comply strictly with the electoral timetable and guidelines issued by the commission.

Hon. John Ogbodo, 

The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Ogbodo, has declared that there will be no vacancy in the Lion Building, the seat of power in Enugu State, come 2027.

Speaking during the PDP local government monthly meeting held in Agbani on Saturday, Hon. Ogbodo expressed unwavering support for the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, noting that the governor’s performance in less than two years has silenced critics and rekindled public confidence in governance.

“There is no vacancy in the Lion Building come 2027. Governor Mbah is not just performing; he is transforming. From infrastructure to innovation, his vision is redefining the Enugu dream, and our people can feel it,” he said.

The council boss highlighted landmark projects initiated by the Mbah administration, particularly in Nkanu West, including the ongoing Smart School Revolution, the rapid development of infrastructure across the state, aggressive urban renewal in Enugu city, and the prioritization of water and digital access.

According to Chief Ogbodo, the people of Nkanu West and indeed the entire Enugu State have resolved to stand by a performing leader rather than gamble with the unknown.

“Politics should be about results, not empty promises. Governor Mbah came prepared, and he is leading with uncommon courage and clarity. This is not the time for distractions. It is the time to consolidate. He deserves our full support beyond 2027.”

The chairman also used the opportunity to call on political actors in the state to jettison divisive rhetoric and rally behind the governor for the collective interest of Ndi Enugu.

Other notable political leaders who spoke during the meeting include the Member representing Nkanu East/West federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Nnoli Nnaji; Member representing Nkanu West Constituency in the State Assembly, Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu; Deputy Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, Hon. Friday Nnam; State PDP Women Leader; Zonal Secretary of the party in Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Barr. Duke Nwafor; and the Local Government Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Emmanuel Onovo, among others.

A major highlight of the meeting was the official return of the Labour Party House of Assembly candidate for Nkanu West in the 2023 general election, Dr. Johnpaul Anih, and his supporters to the PDP.

Their return was met with excitement as they were warmly received and assured of full integration into the party structure.

In a show of unity and commitment, party stakeholders and leaders made significant financial contributions to support grassroots mobilization and ongoing party activities across the 14 wards of Nkanu West.