Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general elections, has expressed openness to becoming the vice-presidential candidate to Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, in the 2027 elections—under certain conditions.

In a video circulating on the X platform, the former Kano State governor made his remarks in Hausa, acknowledging that while he believes he is more politically influential than Obi, he would be open to discussions.

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Kwankwaso emphasized that he holds significant political clout, particularly due to his performance in the last election and his tenure as a governor.

“I am politically bigger than Peter Obi; I am his elder brother. I have a PhD and outperformed him when I was governor,” Kwankwaso said.

He further noted, “I have no issue deputising him, but only if specific conditions are met. We are willing to engage in meaningful dialogue, provided that trust is established between us.”

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Peter Obi, who finished third in the 2023 presidential race with 6,101,533 votes, garnered significant support, while Kwankwaso had a strong showing in Kano State, winning 38 out of 44 local government areas and securing 1,496,687 votes.

Kwankwaso has also been a vocal critic of the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu.

Recently, he accused the federal government of politicizing the distribution of rice palliatives in Kano State, claiming that the state’s share was given to members of the ruling APC instead of the Kano State government.

He called this a “gross insult to our democracy” and urged President Tinubu to address the situation immediately, warning against the partisan handling of relief efforts.

The rice distribution controversy arose from the federal government’s initiative to distribute food as a means to alleviate economic hardship across the country amidst growing inflation.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clinched the chairmanship seat in Essien Udim Local Government Area during the local government elections conducted on Saturday, October 5, in Akwa Ibom State.

Essien Udim LGA is notable as the home of Nigeria’s Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

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The results were confirmed to journalists on Sunday in Uyo by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC).

So far, the commission has announced results from 10 LGAs.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced victories in Uyo, Oron, Ukananfun, Oruk Anam, Ikot Ekpene, Urue Offong/Oruko, Okobo, Nsit Ubium, and Eket LGAs, while the APC emerged victorious in Essien Udim.

Governor Fubara

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially sworn in the newly elected chairmen for the 23 local government areas following their success in the recent Local Government Council elections.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Sunday at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt, where 22 chairmen from the Action Peoples Party (APP) and one from the Action Alliance were inaugurated into office.

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The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) announced that the APP won in 22 local government areas, while the Action Alliance captured one chairmanship seat.

In his address to the newly inaugurated chairmen, Governor Fubara extended his congratulations on their electoral achievements and encouraged them to immediately begin their duties.

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The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who is also the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, demonstrating solidarity with the newly elected officials.

As mandated by the state government, each chairman was allowed to bring a guest, and they are now tasked with focusing on delivering on their campaign promises and enhancing the welfare of their communities.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has praised the people of Rivers State for their strong stand against godfatherism during the recently concluded local government elections on Saturday.

In a post shared on his X handle, Atiku highlighted the election’s successful conduct, noting that it reflects the people’s determination and their firm rejection of political oppression and the manipulations of self-serving political elites.

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The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his dedication to maintaining the integrity of the local government elections despite facing numerous provocations and challenges.

“Now that the local government election in Rivers State has concluded, the shadows of political intimidation and judicial maneuvering have lifted, allowing for a sincere pursuit of governance to begin in the state,” Atiku stated.

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He emphasized that from the vibrant streets of Port Harcourt to the serene shores of Onne, the people have spoken with one voice, underscoring that democracy is paramount.

“As prophesied, it has become evident that the citizens of Rivers are discerning and steadfast, unyielding in their rejection of any form of political oppression or the schemes of self-serving godfathers,” he added.

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Atiku extended his heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected local government officials, urging them to prioritize the welfare of the citizens and to resist tyranny and misguided ambition in their political journeys.

He also commended the resilient citizens of Rivers State for their courage in ensuring that the election was conducted peacefully and with integrity.

“I must also applaud Governor Fubara for his steadfast commitment to the people’s interests, upholding the sanctity of the local government elections amid challenging provocations,” Atiku noted.

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He noted that in the overarching narrative of this election, the true winners are the people, whose sacred right to choose their leaders has been upheld within the framework of democracy.

The National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has pledged to handle all complaints and petitions with fairness and transparency, reassuring members and stakeholders of its commitment to integrity in its operations.

Inaugurated on August 21, 2024, the NDC has held preliminary meetings to prepare for the tasks ahead as it gears up to begin hearings.

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High Chief Tom Ikimi, Chairman of the NDC, stated in a release on Saturday that the committee is ready to receive grievances from aggrieved party members through the National Working Committee (NWC) or other appropriate channels.

Ikimi emphasized that the decisions made by the committee will adhere strictly to the PDP constitution, which outlines specific party offenses and their corresponding sanctions.

“We are hopeful that our fairness, firmness, and decisiveness will restore the hope and confidence of our great party,” he said

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The committee’s approach will prioritize transparency and justice as it addresses the internal disputes and challenges facing the PDP.

Ikimi reiterated the NDC’s commitment to keeping the party united and focused on providing the national leadership that the Nigerian populace urgently seeks.

As the NDC embarks on this sensitive task, Ikimi called for the full cooperation and support of all members and party leadership to ensure the successful execution of its mandate.

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The committee’s work is seen as vital for resolving internal disputes and maintaining the integrity of the PDP as it prepares for upcoming elections.

With heightened expectations surrounding the committee’s efforts, many party members are optimistic that its transparent handling of complaints will strengthen party cohesion and help restore public trust in its leadership.

The hearings are anticipated to commence soon.

Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education, has called for the establishment of laws and initiatives aimed at strengthening democracy across Africa.

Her remarks were made during a three-day African Conference organized by the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG) in Abuja.

Ezekwesili highlighted the need for a transparent political framework supported by capable leaders who can effectively tackle the continent’s pressing social and economic challenges for democracy to thrive.

At the conference, themed “Good Governance In Africa: Leaders and Citizens Driving Systemic Change,” she explained that the gathering was designed to cultivate young leaders from 20 African nations, equipping them with the mindset needed to enhance governance standards.

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“What we are doing is correcting not just the supply side by having a school that raises a new generation of politicians who will govern for the public good, but we are also concentrating on political literacy for the demand side, empowering citizens to recognize their influence in shaping the quality of governance,” Ezekwesili stated.

She urged African leaders to prioritize the continent’s overall development in their decision-making processes, emphasizing that governance should extend beyond immediate communities.

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“When governing, whether at local, state, or national levels, you do not just serve the people you see; you govern for Africa. It is crucial to adopt a mindset that seeks African solutions that are both impactful and interconnected,” she asserted.

Ezekwesili pointed out that academic research has consistently demonstrated that Africa’s development issues stem largely from a lack of good governance.

“If research identifies poor governance as the root of our challenges, sensible action must be taken to address it. The primary step involves fostering a completely new political culture and mindset,” she concluded.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged victorious in the Benue State local government elections, sweeping all 23 chairmanship and 276 councillorship positions.

The announcement was made on Sunday by the Chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), Richard Tombowua.

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Speaking at the commission’s headquarters on Naka Road, Tombowua confirmed that the election, held on Saturday, was conducted smoothly across the state.

He noted that five out of the eight political parties that submitted candidates participated in the election, including the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

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“The election was free and fair, with no major disruptions. The results from all local government areas have been submitted by the returning officers, showing that the All Progressives Congress won all chairmanship and councillorship seats,” Tombowua stated.

Ibrahim Idoko, the state chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council and a representative of the Labour Party, praised the commission for organizing a peaceful election.

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He also acknowledged the efforts of Governor Hyacinth Alia in ensuring a level playing field for all parties.

However, Idoko added that the Labour Party would review the election results and announce its stance in the coming days.

Tinok Andrew Nok, a former senatorial aspirant under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has led over 8,000 party supporters to join the Labour Party in Kaduna State.

The defection, which took place on Saturday, is seen as a strategic move ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Tinok, the younger sister of the late Kaduna State Commissioner of Education, Prof. Andrew Nok, explained that her decision to leave the NNPP was driven by her belief that the Labour Party embodies her principles of honesty and dedication to public service.

“My choice to join the Labour Party is inspired by Senator Nnadi Usman, the National Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party,” Tinok said.

She also pledged to use her experience to strengthen the Labour Party and contribute to its growth and success in Kaduna State.

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The Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Jonathan Asake, who represented Senator Nnadi Usman at the event, welcomed Tinok and her supporters to the party.

He noted that the Labour Party is undergoing a period of transformation and would benefit greatly from Tinok’s expertise as it seeks to become a dominant force in Kaduna politics.

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Asake urged Tinok to help reposition the Labour Party in the state, especially as the party prepares for the upcoming October 19 local government elections.

Labour Party flags were presented at the event to symbolize the party’s readiness for the contest.

Tinok’s defection is seen as a significant boost for the Labour Party in Kaduna, with political observers noting the growing momentum of the party.

The Action Peoples Party (APP) has expressed its appreciation to the people of Rivers State for their overwhelming support in the recently concluded local government chairmanship election.

In a landslide victory, the APP secured 22 out of the 23 available chairmanship seats in the polls held on Saturday.

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The Chief Election Officer of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, confirmed the results in Port Harcourt, sparking celebrations across the state.

Supporters of the APP took to the streets in jubilation, along with members of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which had earlier withdrawn from the election due to internal conflicts between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

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Following the victory, APP National Chairman, Barr. Uchenna Nnadi, expressed gratitude to Rivers residents for standing by the party despite attempts to derail the process through court actions.

He assured the people of Rivers State that the newly elected chairmen would work tirelessly to address issues of oppression and improve the overall well-being of the local government areas.

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“I am deeply grateful for this resounding victory. Rivers people have shown their commitment to change by supporting the APP despite efforts by some individuals to cling to power through unjust court injunctions,” Nnadi said. “This victory marks the beginning of the end of political oppression in Rivers State, and we are ready to bring the positive transformation that the people deserve.”

Nnadi reiterated the party’s commitment to ensuring that the elected chairmen prioritize the needs of the people and bring about the much-needed development across the state’s local government areas.

The Court of Appeal in Benin has reaffirmed Barr. Julius Abure as the rightful National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP).

This ruling comes after a protracted leadership dispute within the party, which had led to multiple legal battles over the position.

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In its decision, the appellate court dismissed any challenges to Abure’s leadership, confirming him as the legitimate head of the party at the national level.

The judgment is expected to bring an end to the internal wranglings that have plagued the Labour Party in recent months.

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Detail soon….