The camps of Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, have both dismissed rumors that the two are considering a joint ticket for the 2027 presidential election.

The speculation was fueled after photos of Atiku hosting Obi for a breakfast at his residence in Adamawa State went viral on social media.

Atiku shared a video of the meeting on his official X account, captioned, “It is breakfast time with my friend, #PeterObi, in the ‘land of beauty.’”

In the video, Atiku and Obi were seen sitting together at a dining table with others, preparing for their meal.

The meeting sparked renewed interest after Ibrahim Abdullahi, Deputy National Spokesman of the PDP, had earlier mentioned in a live television interview that the country’s major opposition figures, including Atiku, Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), were considering a merger ahead of the 2027 elections.

Abdullahi had expressed that they were working on a united front to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, both Atiku’s and Obi’s representatives have dismissed the idea of political negotiations surrounding the meeting.

Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, clarified that the breakfast was simply a reunion between two longtime friends.

Ibe emphasized that Obi’s attendance was part of his role as a keynote speaker at the 20th anniversary and 16th Founder’s Day celebration at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), which was founded by Atiku.

He explained that the event had no political intentions, as their friendship had always transcended politics.

Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, echoed this sentiment, describing the speculation as unfounded.

He stated that the meeting had no political agenda, asserting that Obi was invited solely to deliver a speech at the university’s celebration and that any assumptions of a political alliance were baseless.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State on Saturday elected Chief Tony Okocha as its new chairman, marking a significant moment for the party as it prepares for future electoral success.

Chief Okocha was elected alongside other key party officials during the state delegate congress, which was conducted via voice vote. The congress was overseen by Dr. Adoye Omale, a representative from the APC national secretariat.

In his remarks, Chief Victor Giadom, the APC National Vice Chairman for the South-South, praised the peaceful conduct of the congress and emphasized that the unity of the party in Rivers State was evident.

He urged all members to support the newly elected executive to propel the party forward.

Upon accepting his new role, Okocha expressed gratitude and reassured party members that the election process proved critics wrong about APC’s unity and ability to organize peaceful elections.

He declared that the party’s focus would now be on securing victory in the 2027 governorship elections in Rivers State.

Okocha highlighted the accomplishments of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the recent resumption of production at the Port Harcourt refinery, as evidence that the party’s leadership could deliver significant results.

He expressed confidence that APC would continue to build on these successes to secure a win in the upcoming elections.

“I am deeply moved by the support our members have shown today. They came out of their own free will to demonstrate their love for the APC. With your support, we will work to ensure that APC takes control of Rivers State in 2027,” Okocha stated.

In addition to Okocha, other key positions were filled during the congress, including the Deputy Chairman, State Secretary, Publicity Secretary, State Auditor, Women Leader, Youth Leader, Legal Advisor, and zonal leaders representing the state’s four senatorial districts.

The congress was supervised by Dr. Joseph Alalibo, the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has raised concerns over the proposed tax reform bills, criticizing the rapid pace at which they are advancing in the legislature.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Governor Zulum expressed fears that the bills could have severe repercussions for the northern region and other parts of the country.

He expressed unease over the swift legislative process, asking, “Why the rush?”

He compared the speed of the tax reform bills’ passage to the prolonged 20-year journey of the Petroleum Industry Bill, noting that such important legislation should be treated with more caution and careful consideration to avoid negative long-term effects.

“The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years to pass, but these tax bills are being pushed through within a week. They must be handled thoughtfully so that future generations, including our children, will benefit,” Zulum said.

The governor opposed the bills, warning that they would set back the northern region and negatively impact other areas, including the South East, South West, and some southwestern states such as Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo.

Governor Zulum called on President Tinubu to reconsider the bills, asserting that his opposition does not equate to opposition to the government itself.

He said, “These bills, as they are currently framed, would devastate the North. We urge President Tinubu to review them. He won 60% of his votes from the North, and we ask him to listen to our concerns. What we want is the withdrawal of these bills.”

He further warned that if the bills are passed, the financial stability of northern states could be jeopardized, stating, “We may not even be able to pay salaries, and if we do, it won’t be sustainable in the following years.”

Zulum reaffirmed his opposition to the bills, pointing out that even Lagos State is against them.

“If this bill is harming regional progress, why shouldn’t it be reconsidered?” he said.

He also noted that several National Assembly members, including some from the South, are not in favor of the bills.

The governor concluded by emphasizing that his stance is not against President Tinubu or the government but rather an effort to protect the interests of the northern region and other affected states.

“We supported and voted for President Tinubu, but these tax bills, in their current form, will not benefit us,” he said.

The House of Representatives has postponed its Special Session on Tax Reform Bills, which was originally set for Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

An internal memo issued on Saturday, signed by the House Clerk, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, informed members of the rescheduling.

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The memo stated, “I have been directed by the House Leadership to inform all Honourable Members that the Special Session, originally planned for Tuesday, December 3, 2024, to deliberate on the Tax Reform Bills, has been postponed to a later date. This change is due to the necessity for further consultations with relevant stakeholders.”

The statement further assured members that a new date and venue for the session would be communicated soon.

The House expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and thanked members for their understanding.