Atiku’s Exit Won’t Affect PDP Says Governor Makinde

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed concerns that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would negatively impact the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking to journalists in Akure on Wednesday after delivering a keynote address at the colloquium marking the 10th Coronation Anniversary of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, Makinde described the PDP as an institution where “people have the freedom to come in and go out.” “Atiku’s resignation will not make any dent on the PDP as a party,” he stated. The governor also dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a threat, calling it just another political platform among many others. Makinde highlighted the importance of traditional institutions in governance, describing them as “enduring pillars of identity and cohesion.” He urged governments to accord them due recognition, noting that Oyo State has integrated traditional leaders into its governance framework to positive effect. The Deji of Akure commended Makinde for his support of traditional institutions and reiterated their role in fostering unity and development.

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ADC Coalition: Obidients Free to Support Obi, I Have Right to Back Atiku — Dele Momodu

ABUJA — Media mogul and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Dele Momodu, has reaffirmed his support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as his preferred presidential candidate under the emerging opposition coalition. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Momodu emphasized that his support for Atiku does not invalidate the loyalty of Obidients — supporters of Peter Obi — or any other aspirants within the ADC framework. “My best choice is Atiku, and that’s what I expect Obidients to say about Obi, and Amaechi’s supporters to say about Amaechi,” Momodu said. “This is a game of numbers, and the north remains the most aggrieved region today.” He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of pushing for a southern candidate to emerge within the opposition, claiming it stems from fear of Atiku’s political strength. “They are afraid of Atiku. That’s why they keep promoting campaigns of calumny against him,” he alleged. Momodu stressed the importance of democracy within the coalition, calling on all aspirants to submit themselves to the party’s primary process. “I have never told anyone not to support Obi. He is a very good friend of mine,” he said. “But let everyone go to the field. Let Obidients campaign for Obi, Atikulates for Atiku, and Amaechi’s supporters for him. Let the people decide.” Reiterating his admiration for Atiku, Momodu said the former vice president remains, in his view, a strong example of the leadership Nigeria needs, especially as the ADC prepares to challenge the APC in the 2027 elections.

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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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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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Wike Blasts ADC-Led Coalition Labels Members Desperate Power Seekers and Defectors

Abuja — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a fierce attack on members of the newly formed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing the group as lacking credibility, cohesion, and the capacity to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking during a media chat with journalists on Thursday, Wike described the coalition as a “desperate alliance of failed political actors” who, according to him, are merely regrouping after being edged out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “There is no coalition,” Wike said bluntly. “The opposition has decimated themselves. The only party that can, if they put themselves well, challenge this government is the PDP.” Wike specifically took aim at former Senate President David Mark, now interim chairman of the ADC coalition, accusing him of previously attempting to hijack PDP’s leadership. “David Mark wanted to be chairman of the PDP, and we resisted it,” Wike said. “Now he has gone to chair the coalition. Let’s see who Nigerians will listen to.” Also in his line of fire was Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine and a former presidential aspirant, whom Wike described as “politically irrelevant.” “Dele Momodu ran for president and didn’t get one vote. That one is in the coalition too,” Wike mocked. The minister, known for his hard-hitting political commentary, accused many in the coalition — including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar — of serial defections driven by personal ambition. “Atiku left PDP for AC, came back, joined APC, returned to PDP, and now he’s in ADC again. They just want to control wherever they go,” Wike alleged. He also questioned the sincerity of coalition members who frequently invoke national discontent as a rallying point. “They keep saying Nigerians are angry. Just say you’ve been defeated and stop projecting your failure onto Nigerians.” Wike challenged any member of the coalition to match his record in public office, particularly in his current role as FCT minister. “If I leave office today, I can list my achievements. Let any of them do the same.” He also hinted that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s involvement in the coalition may be due to political frustration. “If the President hadn’t dumped El-Rufai, would he be in a coalition today?” With the 2027 general elections looming, Wike stressed that despite internal wranglings, the PDP remains the only viable opposition party — if it maintains its unity and structure. “Politics is about interest. They did everything to hijack the PDP chairmanship and we resisted. If the PDP stays united, it alone can challenge the APC,” he concluded.

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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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