Council Of State Confirms Professor Joash Amupitan As New INEC Chairman

INEC Chairman Vows Arrest Of Vote Buyers Ahead Of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over the rising threat of vote buying ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that those involved will be arrested and prosecuted. During a press conference, the INEC Chairman said the commission has already engaged security and anti-graft agencies following intelligence reports pointing to the likelihood of vote trading and election-related violence. “We had a meeting with the security. We specifically charged the Nigerian police, the EFCC, and also the ICPC to be on guard so that we can erase the imminence of vote buying, what some people call vote trading.” He explained that the concerns were flagged through evidence-based findings and would not be ignored by the commission. “So we have noted that this is also flagged by the committee, and then the high number of security violence that is likely to occur. They are presented to us as evidence-based information. So we are not going to take it for granted.” According to him, INEC has begun sharing intelligence with its security partners to enable them take proactive steps ahead of the elections. “We are going to be sharing this with our security partners so that they can use the information to take necessary steps that we are supposed to take.” The INEC Chairman stressed that collaboration and information sharing are critical in addressing security challenges in the current political climate. “As we navigate the complexity of security in today’s political climate, it is imperative that we share information, learn from one another, and implement best practices that have proven effective.” He also acknowledged the role of the National Peace Committee, describing its input as vital to maintaining peace and strengthening democracy. “We appreciate the insight and guidance that the National Peace Committee brings to this partnership, and we are eager to work together in promoting peace, educating our communities, and strengthening the foundation of our democracy.” INEC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the 2027 elections reflect the will of the people, free from violence, vote buying, and destruction, adding that unity and collaboration among stakeholders remain key to achieving peaceful and credible polls.

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Iyabo Obasanjo Joins APC

Iyabo, the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has joined the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State. This was revealed by a former chairman of Abeokuta South Local government, Biodun Ajayi, on Wednesday. Ajayi is also a close ally to Iyabo. He confirmed that her registration has been successfully concluded. Iyabo completed her e-registration on Tuesday at Ibogun, Ward 11, Ifo Local Government Area of the state. “I can confirm to you that Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo completed her online registration as a member of our great party, the APC, on Tuesday at Ibogun Ward 11 in Ifo Local Government,” Ajayi said.

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PDP Is Well and Alive, Says Makinde Ahead of 2027 Elections

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reiterated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains united, vibrant, and politically relevant ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Friday at the PDP South-West Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Makinde told party leaders and supporters that the party is “well and alive” and ready to confront its critics. The meeting brought together key PDP figures from across the South-West, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti states. Notable attendees included Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, PDP House of Representatives members from Oyo, former Osun Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja representing National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, South-West PDP Chairman Kamorudeen Ajisafe, and former Ogun governorship candidate Hon. Ladi Adebutu. Makinde said the strong turnout and the recent surge of new members demonstrate that claims of the PDP’s decline are unfounded. “I can assure you that the PDP is well and alive. Whoever thinks otherwise will be surprised beyond their imagination,” he said. The governor urged party leaders to strengthen grassroots structures, stressing the need to consolidate support at the community level. “My charge to you is to hold your communities, hold your wards, and hold your local governments. If we do this, it will be well with us,” he added, calling for loyalty and unity among members to ensure the party’s continued growth. Adebutu also highlighted the PDP’s resilience and cohesion nationwide despite political challenges. “Let us remain firm in the PDP. We now have structures from the ward level to the national level, so we have nothing to fear,” he said. He further encouraged party members in Ogun State to remain committed, optimistic, and to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing them as crucial tools for achieving political change in the coming elections.

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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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Akpabio Chairs New Pro-Tinubu Movement Ahead of 2027 Elections

Akpabio Chairs New Pro-Tinubu Movement Ahead of 2027 Elections

A new political platform, the National Council for Presidential Support (NCPS), has been launched in Abuja to rally nationwide backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and support his expected bid for re-election in 2027. The Council, which seeks to consolidate and coordinate the efforts of various pro-Tinubu groups, aims to boost grassroots mobilization, stakeholder engagement, and strategic alignment with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The President of the Senate, Senator Dr. Godswill Obot Akpabio, chairs the NCPS and serves as its Grand Patron, while Maj. Gen. (Barr.) Garba Audu (rtd) also holds a prominent leadership position within the Council. Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Hon. Muttaka Ibrahim, the National Coordinator, described the NCPS as a unifying movement dedicated to continuity, stability, and democratic progress in Nigeria. “Our mission is to mobilize national support, coordinate strategic policy implementation, and provide visionary guidance to ensure President Tinubu’s re-election and Nigeria’s continued progress,” Ibrahim stated. He concluded with a call for broad national participation: “Together, let’s build a brighter future for Nigeria.”

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PDP Governors Rule Out Coalition Ahead of 2027 Elections

PDP Governors Rule Out Coalition Ahead of 2027 Elections

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have dismissed the possibility of a merger or coalition with any other political party ahead of the 2027 general elections. This decision was outlined in a communiqué released on Monday following the PDP Governors’ Forum meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State. Speculation around potential mergers or alliances among opposition parties has been growing, with key political figures—most notably former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—pushing for a united front to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. Despite this, the PDP governors stood firm, stating:“Noting the nationwide speculations about possible merger of political parties, groups and/or associations, the Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger.” However, the governors left the door open for others to join the PDP, saying the party welcomes any individuals, parties, or groups willing to align with its mission to unseat the APC. The Forum also reaffirmed its support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, amid ongoing political tensions, and condemned the rising insecurity across the country. They called for a strategic overhaul, including empowering state and local structures to effectively tackle security challenges. Governors present at the meeting included Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Peter Mbah (Enugu).Deputy governors Akon Eyakenyi (Akwa Ibom) and Monday Onyeme (Delta) represented their states.

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Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Revitalizing Road Infrastructure Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Revitalizing Road Infrastructure

2027: South West, Tinubu’s supporters playing with fire – Part 2

By Mallam Nasir El-Rufai Driven by ego and the arrogance of power, these South South and PDP elements increasingly and I dare add naively went against the North, where the PDP still had considerable influence and support then, in the most condescending manner and in so doing gradually lost the support of the North to the advantage of Buhari and the APC coalition. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, as I Iook at the rambunctiousness of some APC members and fellow supporters of President Bola Tinubu, especially from the south west geopolitical zone, I wonder if people have any sense of history and if they truly understand Nigerian politics. I read some people say that President Tinubu is not former President Jonathan, Jagaban is a political juggernaut and master strategist, etc. All that I totally agree with. No question whatsoever. However, politics is not a one champion show. While fPGEJ lacked equivalent political gravitas and sophistication (with all due respect to him) as PBAT, he had the then formidable PDP behemoth which could have actually seen him through but for the grievous ‘political mistake’ of messing with the North. Love or loathe that fact, the North remains the kingmaker in Nigerian politics, at least, as of today. Any politician or political party that plays with that reality might pay a steep political price for it. People who ignore history are bound to fall victim and to repeat mistakes of the past. I just want to prod our political senses, in case some of us are forgetting, in the euphoria of tribal and geopolitical politics. I hope better sense will prevail and soon too. It is whom you love that you chastise. In all, I continue to wish PBAT and my party, the APC well. With almost exactly two years to the month to the 2027 general elections, let’s focus and continue to deliver the promised dividends of democracy to Nigerians. GodBlessNigeria

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