Aregbesola’s Defection to ADC Is Justified – Allies Slam Yoruba Ronu, Critics Cite APC Betrayal

Supporters of former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, have fired back at critics questioning his emergence as National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing such criticism as misguided and fraudulent. In a detailed rebuttal widely circulated on Friday, Aregbesola’s allies dismissed the “Yoruba Ronu” narrative that accuses him of disloyalty to President Bola Tinubu, asserting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had repeatedly betrayed and humiliated the former Minister of Interior long before his defection. “Aregbesola didn’t stab anyone. He was the one betrayed—stabbed politically by those he trusted, worked for, and handed over power to,” the statement said. “Trying to paint him as disloyal is like blaming Julius Caesar for being stabbed.” The group also emphasized that political opposition and contest are legitimate democratic processes, not acts of sabotage. “In a democracy, there is no such thing as working for someone’s downfall. There is political competition, and the people decide who wins,” they added, noting that Tinubu himself defeated an incumbent—Goodluck Jonathan—through such means in 2015. They also outlined a long list of perceived political persecution Aregbesola endured within the APC: “For six years, Aregbesola was dragged through humiliation and political exile. Now he’s in a new party, people suddenly remember his old ties to Tinubu. Where were they when he was being silenced and sidelined?” the statement queried. The former governor’s camp insisted the political alliance between Tinubu and Aregbesola is over, and any expectations of loyalty are misplaced. “It’s like a divorce—once it’s over, your ex’s choices are no longer your business. Aregbesola has moved on. He’s no longer in APC. Let him be.” They further described attempts to guilt-trip Aregbesola over his political choices as illogical, hypocritical, and delusional. “The man has chosen a new path where he is valued. Respect it. If APC didn’t want him, they should stop acting entitled to his political destiny now that he’s left.” The strong-worded response aims to shut down internal criticism and make it clear that Aregbesola is repositioning himself politically, with or without the blessing of his former allies.

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Nigerian Lawmaker Slammed for Mocking 2006 ADC Plane Crash to Attack Opposition Coalition

A Nigerian federal lawmaker, Clement Jimbo, has come under intense criticism for a Facebook post in which he likened the recently formed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the 2006 ADC plane crash that claimed 96 lives Jimbo, who represents Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State in the House of Representatives, wrote on Thursday: “How many of you remembered the ADC flight 53 that crashed in 2006? It’s back again to crash again. Please don’t board!” The post, referencing the ADC Airline Flight 053—a tragic crash that occurred shortly after takeoff from Abuja Airport and killed nearly all on board—was intended to criticize the ADC’s role in the opposition’s plans to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027. However, the analogy has been widely condemned as insensitive and disrespectful to the memory of the victims and their grieving families. “I remember my uncle was on that plane. Till date, we cannot get over the loss. If this is a joke, please stop it,” said Facebook user Eno Ekanem.“Are you mocking the dead?” asked Ofonime Honesty, another user.“It’s insensitive to use events where people lost their lives to draw this narrative,” said Abasiama Udousoro. The post, which has drawn over 230 comments, has sparked particular outrage among residents of Akwa Ibom State, where some of the crash victims hailed from. Despite repeated calls and a text message from reporters seeking clarification, Mr. Jimbo has not responded to the backlash or offered an apology at the time of this report. The 2006 ADC Flight 053 disaster remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest aviation tragedies and a source of deep national sorrow. Using it as political metaphor, critics argue, not only dishonours the victims but also reflects poor judgment by a public official.

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Datti Baba-Ahmed Backs Southern Presidency in 2027, Warns Against Obi Playing Second Fiddle

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 Vice Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has reignited debate over Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race by advocating for a southern presidency and cautioning against political manoeuvres that may sideline key southern leaders. In a video clip now circulating widely on social media, Baba-Ahmed firmly declared that “the default position of thinking is that the presidency should be from the South”, reinforcing long-standing sentiments about zoning and equity in Nigeria’s democratic framework. His comments come amid growing speculation that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could emerge as the presidential candidate under the newly energized African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition. Baba-Ahmed questioned the implications of such a move for Southern leaders like Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi. “So if Atiku takes the ADC ticket, how will Amaechi and Peter Obi react?” he asked pointedly. Baba-Ahmed, who was Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 general election, made it clear that he does not support Obi accepting a vice-presidential role in any proposed opposition alliance. “I think Peter Obi shouldn’t be a VP,” he stated emphatically, suggesting the former Anambra governor remains a viable presidential candidate in his own right. Political analysts view Baba-Ahmed’s statement as a direct signal to opposition coalitions forming ahead of 2027, urging them to respect the principles of rotation and regional justice while reaffirming the Labour Party’s ambition to lead, rather than play a supporting role, in any alliance. As political realignments continue to unfold and the 2027 elections inch closer, Baba-Ahmed’s comments are likely to shape further debate around zoning, leadership equity, and the strategic calculations of Nigeria’s fragmented opposition.

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Coalition: Labour Party Gives Peter Obi 48-Hour Ultimatum to Resign from Party

Former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Gregory Obi has received a 48 hour ultimatum to formally resign his membership of the Labour Party having formally joined the coalition party. Labour Party while reiterating its reiterating its disinterestedness in joining the coalition, claimed members of the coalition are power mongers whose only interest was self and not the people. The party warned Nigerians that the often mouthed ‘new Nigeria is Possible’ is a ruse and cannot be achieved with the assemblage of old, recycled, desperate and frustrated politicians in the coalition. In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, the party says that all those who mismanaged Nigeria over the years are the ones that gathered themselves in the coalition while noting that desperate politicians can’t birth new Nigeria. “We are aware of several nocturnal meetings between Peter Obi and some of our members, lobbying them to join him in his new party. We’re also aware that a number of them has refused to defect with him. “Labour Party has consistently said it is not part of the coalition and therefore, any of our members who is part of the coalition is given within 48 hours to formally resign his membership of the party. “Labour Party is not available for people with dual agenda, people with deceptive persona. The party will not avail itself to individuals who have one leg in one Party and another leg elsewhere. People that in the morning, they will claim to be in the Labour Party and in the evening they are in coalition. “Nearly 70 percent of Nigerian population are youths who are tired of the old order, tired of gerontocrats deciding their fate. The new Nigeria that the youths are dreaming of, is not what can be realized from what we are seeing in the coalition. “These people are opportunistic politicians who are only interested in relaunching themselves into circle of power, people who are desperate to continue holding on to power. “The new Nigeria of our dream can only be realized through Labour Party and the party is willing to lead Nigerians along that trajectory. “I therefore urge all members of the party to remain loyal and keep the party structure intact ahead of future elections,” the statement read

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Opposition Defections to ADC Strengthen APC Ahead of 2027 — Analyst Claims

A political analyst has described the mass movement of members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a few disaffected All Progressives Congress (APC) elements into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a development that ultimately strengthens the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 general elections. Reacting to the widely publicised “coalition” formed earlier today, the commentator argued that, by law, individuals cannot belong to more than one political party, making today’s declaration of support for ADC a formal abandonment of their original parties — particularly the PDP. “Their open declaration for ADC today is a clear abandonment of their previous parties,” the statement read. “In fact, belonging to two political parties is a ground for disqualification in an election.” The defection, according to the analyst, marks the beginning of the end for the PDP, which he says has now been fractured beyond repair, with older party stalwarts sidelined by emerging forces within. He described the new ADC-led coalition as a desperate attempt by Atiku Abubakar’s faction to secure a new platform for the 2027 presidential race. “The so-called coalition is just Atiku’s faction of the PDP looking for another vehicle to the 2027 election. It is a gathering of ‘former this’ and ‘former that’ of the PDP,” he stated. The defection of a few APC members was dismissed as inconsequential, with the commentator arguing that many of them had worked against President Tinubu in the 2023 elections or had lost political relevance. “Their movement takes NOTHING away from the APC. In fact, it’s like removing a disease from within — the APC is better off without them,” he said. He further suggested that Labour Party’s Peter Obi is being lured into the coalition by Atiku’s camp only for his electoral value, with no intention of giving him the presidential ticket. “They want Peter Obi’s votes, but not to hand him the ticket. That’s why David Mark is interim chairman. Politics watchers know what that means,” he added. “And how do you make someone who won two regions in 2023 (South-East and South-South) a running mate to someone who won only one (North-East)?” In conclusion, the statement claimed that APC has emerged stronger since the 2023 elections, with significant defections into its fold from elected officials, while the opposition is “fragmented and weakened.” “For now,” he concluded, “let us focus on governance and allow them to exercise their constitutional right to associate and assemble.” The remarks highlight the deepening rifts within Nigeria’s opposition bloc as the 2027 electoral race begins to take shape.

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Peter Obi: Coalition Adopts ADC for 2027 Elections David Mark Named Chairman Aregbesola Secretary

Abuja — A newly formed political coalition officially adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday as its platform for contesting the 2027 General Elections, unveiling former Senate President, Senator David Mark, as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary. The coalition, which brings together former members of major political parties, declared its intention to offer Nigerians a credible and compassionate alternative in the next election cycle, pledging to prioritise competence, unity, and the welfare of citizens. “This decision was not made lightly,” the group stated in its formal announcement. “It comes from deep reflection on where we are as a country and what must be done to move forward.” In a statement read at the unveiling, coalition leaders emphasised the need for collaborative sacrifice and cross-party unity, noting that “no one group can change Nigeria alone.” They stressed the urgency of building bridges across divides to dismantle systemic issues such as poverty and insecurity. The coalition’s vision aligns with the recurring call for a “New Nigeria,” a phrase frequently echoed by former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who is believed to be aligned with the movement, though his official stance remains unconfirmed. “A new Nigeria is possible,” the statement concluded. The coalition’s emergence signals a potential realignment in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of 2027, with growing efforts among opposition figures to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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PDP Warns Defectors Accuses APC of Intimidation Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong warning to members considering defection, declaring that decisive action will be taken against those attempting to undermine the party’s unity. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday after a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC), Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum stressed the PDP’s preparedness for the 2027 elections. He emphasized that the party remains resilient despite internal challenges and would not tolerate disloyalty. “If you are a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, we are drawing a line for those who go out to demarket the party,” Damagum said. “We are watching, and we will take appropriate action at the right time.” Damagum also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deploying intimidation and inducements to poach PDP members. He assured Nigerians that the next election would be decided by the people, not through manipulation. Blaming the APC-led government for worsening national insecurity and economic hardship, he urged it to “reflect and correct its ways,” adding that the PDP remains the only party with the structure and democratic values capable of rescuing Nigeria. The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is set to meet from July 23 to 25, with major strategic discussions expected ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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2027 Showdown: Tinubu Camp Dismisses Atiku-Led ADC Coalition as Dead on Arrival

The political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general election is heating up as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark spearhead a new coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aiming to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. David Mark was announced earlier this week as the interim national chairman of the ADC, signaling the group’s readiness to rally opposition forces under a common platform. Reacting to the development, loyalists within the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the coalition’s relevance, describing it as “dead on arrival.” According to party insiders, the opposition’s latest move is a recycled attempt lacking cohesion and credible leadership. They argue that the coalition is made up of familiar faces who have failed to present a viable alternative to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Supporters of the opposition, however, maintain that the country is in desperate need of new direction. The ADC-led coalition, they say, represents a fresh opportunity to build a broad-based, inclusive movement capable of addressing insecurity, economic hardship, and what they describe as increasing authoritarianism under the APC government. They also highlight growing discontent among Nigerians as a rallying point for regime change. Despite internal wrangling in the PDP and defections across major parties, the opposition coalition appears determined to capitalize on widespread dissatisfaction. Yet, questions remain about whether the coalition can maintain unity and translate its ambitions into electoral success. With the 2027 race beginning to take shape, the battle lines are being drawn for what could be one of Nigeria’s most fiercely contested elections since 1999.

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