The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Category: Politics

  • 2027: Wike Declares Support For Candidates Who Stand With Tinubu

    2027: Wike Declares Support For Candidates Who Stand With Tinubu

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will only support political candidates who back President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    He disclosed this during a media parley in Abuja.

    Wike said his loyalty in the next election cycle would be directed toward individuals, regardless of their political party, who openly support the president and his administration.

    “As it is today, my party seems to have not learned, and I am also going to support the President for a second term in office,” he said.

    The former Rivers State governor explained that his decision was not hidden from anyone, stressing that he had made his position clear from the outset.

    “I didn’t beat around the bush when I said that as a minister, my party never asked me about the candidates they were planning to put forward, and I made it clear that I would only support candidates who backed the President,” Wike stated.

    He clarified that his stance should not be interpreted as blanket support for any particular political party, but rather for individuals aligned with President Tinubu’s vision.

    “I never said I would support that particular party, but I did say I would support candidates who are in favour of the President, regardless of which party they are from,” he added.

    Wike further dismissed suggestions that his position could amount to anti-party activities, insisting that his focus remains consistent.

    “That’s where I’m going to focus my support. So the problem of me being part of a group that’s working for another group doesn’t come up,” he said.

  • BREAKING NEWS: APC Holds 30 States as Adamawa Governor dumps PDP for APC

    BREAKING NEWS: APC Holds 30 States as Adamawa Governor dumps PDP for APC

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has again received a major boost in its dominance over Nigeria’s political landscape with the defection of Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday.

    Fintiri revealed the lastest development in a  statewide broadcast from Yola. The Adamawa helmsman announced his resignation from the PDP even as he said he was doing so along with his entire cabinet and key PDP officials in the state.

    He claimed this decision was was made in the best interest of Adamawa’s development and people.

    “This decision is driven by the need to align with progressive forces that can deliver sustainable progress for our state,” he said.

    Fintiri’s  defection marks the latest in a series of high-profile shifts that have seen opposition governors cross over to the APC since mid-2025.

    Fintiri’s exit leaves the PDP with only three remaining governors: Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).

    Fintiri’s defection pushes the APC’s direct control to 30 out of Nigeria’s 36 states.

    The APC now holds an overwhelming majority, with the remaining states controlled by smaller parties such as Accord (Osun, following Governor Ademola Adeleke’s earlier shift), APGA (Anambra), and Labour Party (Abia).

  • Atiku Bewails Role in Formation of APC

    Atiku Bewails Role in Formation of APC

    Former Vice President and presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep regret over his role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014, saying the country’s current situation has deteriorated further under the party’s administration.

    Atiku made the remarks on Thursday during a press briefing in Abuja, where opposition figures gathered to address the state of the nation and ongoing political realignments ahead of 2027.

    Reflecting on events that led to the coalition of opposition parties in 2014, the former presidential candidate recalled that key political actors united under the APC platform to challenge the administration of then President Goodluck Jonathan, citing concerns over insecurity and economic instability.

    According to him, the coalition at the time was driven by fears that democratic governance was weakening and that urgent steps were needed to redirect the country’s trajectory.

    “I regret being among those who helped form the APC in 2014 to remove Goodluck Jonathan from office. Today, the situation has become even worse under the present administration,” Atiku said.

    He reflected on the political exercise of 2014 with a note of caution.

    “But with a note of caution, you see, we did this exercise in 2014. Not so, we came together and formed APC because we felt democracy was faulty in 2014,” he added.

    Atiku further highlighted the lack of progress since then, saying, “Only for us to end up at the same position we found ourselves in 2014. It was, because 2014 the major challenges was insecurity here and there, economy and so on and so forth. Now it is even worse than what we fought in 2014.”

    He concluded with a call for renewed commitment to democratic ideals: “So we must have that in mind, that in the event, and we must succeed to make sure that we restore true democracy to our country.”

  • In Adamawa, Speaker, 14 Lawmakers Dump PDP

    In Adamawa, Speaker, 14 Lawmakers Dump PDP

    The Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley and 14 others have resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    Their resignations were announced during Wednesday’s plenary session, when the Speaker read the letters from the lawmakers on the floor of the house.

    This follows the defection of a former Speaker, Abubakar Abdullahi, representing (Girei Constituency) from PDP a few days ago.

    Also resigning from PDP are Deputy Speaker Mohammed Buba Jidjiwa (Jada/Mbulo), Kefas Kalvin (Toungo), Haruna Jilantikiri (Madagali), Bulus Geoffrey (Leko/Koma), Kefas Emmanuel (Song), Ahmed Jingi Bele (Maiha), and several others, who have submitted their letters.

    The Speaker, reading the resignation letters on the floor of the House, said, “All the letters contained the same message. The PDP members cited the crisis at the national level of the party as the main reason for their decision to quit.”

    He added, “They commended the PDP for giving them the opportunity to contest and win elections on the platform of the party.”

    Sources indicate that the resignations stem from internal crises within the PDP and are widely seen as a prelude to a major realignment, including possible defection by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to the APC, at any time from now.

    The moves come ahead of future electoral battles and have sparked intense discussions about the stability of the PDP in Adamawa State.

    The Assembly’s composition now leaves the PDP with a reduced presence, a house once dominated by the PDP.

  • Edo Attack on ADC Chieftains: Party Blames Political Intimidation, Atiku Speaks

    Edo Attack on ADC Chieftains: Party Blames Political Intimidation, Atiku Speaks

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned what it described as a gun attack and assassination attempt in Edo State targeting former governor John Oyegun, party leader Peter Obi, and Olumide Akpata.

    In a statement by its national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the incident reflects a troubling pattern of political intimidation against the opposition.

    The party accused Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo of making inflammatory claims and threats that have heightened tensions and could lead to a breakdown of law and order.

    “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemns, in the strongest possible terms, yesterday’s disturbing gun attack and assassination attempt in Edo State targeting Chief John Oyegun, former Governor of Edo State and Chairman of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee; Mr Peter Obi, a national leader of our party; and Mr Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party candidate for Edo State who recently joined the ADC.”

    “This was not an isolated incident. It bears the unmistakable marks of a dangerous and escalating pattern of political intimidation and terror against our party across the country. The resort to gunfire against lawful political actors represents an act of terrorism against the opposition, which has no place in a constitutional democracy.”

    The party also alleged that the governor had earlier threatened not to guarantee Obi’s safety should he visit Edo State and accused him of making further claims that the ADC was sponsoring cultism in the state.

    Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the attack, describing it as “utterly condemnable and unacceptable in any democracy.”

    The incident reportedly occurred in Benin City when ADC leaders gathered for the formal declaration of Akpata into the party ahead of political activities in the state.

    Dr Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the Obedient Movement, said the delegation noticed suspicious vehicles trailing their convoy before gunmen allegedly opened fire near Oyegun’s residence.

    “What started as mild concern rapidly evolved into a dangerous situation,” Tanko was quoted as saying, adding that no casualties were recorded.

    In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Atiku said the attack did not happen in isolation and warned that inflammatory rhetoric could fuel violence.

    “The violent attack on Peter Obi, Chief John Oyegun, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, Olumide Akpata, and other Coalition ADC leaders in Benin, Edo State, is utterly condemnable and unacceptable in any democracy,” he said.

    He called on President Bola Tinubu and security chiefs to ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.

    “Nigeria must not descend into a theatre where politics is settled by violence,” Atiku warned.

  • Bayelsa Deputy Governor Sworn in

    Dr. Peter Akpe has been sworn in as the sixth Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, stepping into office to complete the remaining two years of the current administration.

    Akpe, who is the Pastor in Charge of Bayelsa Province 1 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the immediate past Chief of Staff to Governor Douye Diri, was screened and cleared by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly prior to his inauguration.

    The Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, administered the oath of office on Wednesday at the State Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Yenagoa.

    At the ceremony, one commissioner and 18 permanent secretaries were also sworn in.

    Speaking at the event, Governor Douye Diri paid tribute to the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died on December 11, 2025, and was accorded a full state burial.

    “The former occupant of this office, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday, 11 December 2025, was given a full state burial and has been laid to rest. Let me thank the state and all stakeholders for working together in unity of purpose during that period of mourning,” the governor said.

    Diri explained that after what he described as prayerful reflection, he forwarded Akpe’s name to the House of Assembly for consideration.

    “After prayerfully seeking the face of God, I forwarded the name of Dr. Peter Akpe as Deputy Governor to the House of Assembly. If you look at our dressing today, it is divinely instructive. We never planned to wear similar outfits. After nominating him for this high assignment, the Assembly considered his nomination with the speed of light, and today we are witnessing his swearing-in as required by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended,” he said.

    The governor said his choice was guided by competence, character and faith.

    “I prayed and looked for competency, character and someone with a God-fearing background, and I found that in one person — Peter Akpe, PhD. Let me thank the Assembly for its speedy consideration and clearance,” he added.

    Diri assured the new deputy governor of his full support and urged him to be guided by the oath of office.

    “As Deputy Governor, be assured of my full support. I believe you will be a reliable confidant in fulfilling the promises we made to the people of this state. Let us remain united and prayerful as we work together for the good and betterment of Bayelsa State.

    “I charge you to be mindful of the solemn oath of office and discharge your duties for the betterment of the state. Let your words and actions repose the confidence placed in you by the people, lead with honour and empathy, and prioritise the wellbeing of our state,” the governor said. Daily Trust

  • FCTDecides2026: APC Retains AMAC, PDP Wins Gwagwalada

    FCTDecides2026: APC Retains AMAC, PDP Wins Gwagwalada

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have shared victories in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections.

    Christopher Maikalangu of the APC was declared winner of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship poll after securing 40,295 votes out of 62,861 valid ballots cast.
    Andrew Abue, AMAC collation officer, announced that Maikalangu, the incumbent chairman, met all legal requirements to be returned elected. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) came second with 12,109 votes, while the PDP polled 3,398 votes.

    Speaking in an interview with journalists immediately after the announcement of results, the APC Collation Agent, Gambo Babale, described the election and collation process as credible.

    “INEC have done so well. We’ve seen the processes across all the polling units, the ward coalition centres and here at AMAC area council coalition centre. Everything was done perfectly well.

    “They’ve tried. They’ve done everything humanly possible. I believe this high level of transparency occurred in all the coalition exercises that took place in AMAC.

    “PDP won about two ward councillors, Karu and Karishi. That is to tell you the level of transparency that happens in this election,” he said.

    While congratulating the winner, he said the victory was for Mr Maikalangu to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of AMAC.

    Mr Babale said that the results were an indication that the APC was ready for victory in 2025.

    The YPP Ward Collation Agent, Abdullahi Ibrahim, also described the collation process as transparent, while congratulating the winner.

    The result sheets were signed by the ADC, APC, APGA, YPP and NNPP party agents present at the collation centre.

    In Gwagwalada Area Council, INEC declared PDP candidate Kasim Mohammed chairman-elect after he scored 22,165 votes to defeat APC’s Yahaya Shehu, who garnered 17,788 votes.

    Philip Akpen, returning officer, described the election as “peaceful and smooth,” despite reports of voter intimidation and allegations of vote-buying in some polling units.

    The results reflect a split outcome in the FCT council polls, with both major parties claiming strategic victories.

    The PDP’s victory was built on strong performances across key wards, reflecting the party’s sustained grassroots mobilisation in the area.

    Although reports of voter intimidation and allegations of vote-buying emerged in some polling units, INEC maintained that the final outcome reflected the will of the electorate.

    Following the declaration, jubilant supporters of PDP took to the streets of Gwagwalada in celebration, as political attention shifts to the opposition’s next move after the FCT polls.

  • FCT Polls: ADC Candidate Fires at Wike, Says, ‘AMAC Is Not Obio-Akpor, Our Votes Will Count’

    FCT Polls: ADC Candidate Fires at Wike, Says, ‘AMAC Is Not Obio-Akpor, Our Votes Will Count’

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Dr Paul Moses, has declared that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, cannot influence or “write” election results in AMAC, insisting that residents would defend their votes in Saturday’s poll.

    Moses made the remarks in a video shared on X by Seleman (@Eromosele6) while addressing supporters in Abuja. He warned that AMAC was not Obio-Akpor, Wike’s political base in Rivers State, where he alleged votes could be manipulated.

    “Tell Wike AMAC is not Obio-Akpor, he cannot write votes in here. We own this city,” Moses said.

    The ADC candidate maintained that the will of the people would prevail, stressing that residents were determined to protect their mandates at the ballot box.

    He expressed confidence that key political figures, including Senator Ireti Kingibe and other stakeholders, would ensure that votes cast by residents count.

    “In terms of protecting the votes, Senator Kingibe is there… our vote does count. We came out in 2023. I led protests here for 23 days. I was in DSS custody; I was covering all kinds of things. Of course our vote does count,” he said.

    Moses insisted that AMAC belongs to its residents and not to any individual, vowing that Saturday’s election would usher in a new leadership defined by boldness, objectivity, decisiveness and fearlessness.

    “On Saturday, there’s going to be a new AMAC. Enough of people dying, enough of poverty, enough of precariousness. We own this city,” he added.

    The AMAC chairmanship election is scheduled to hold on Saturday as part of the FCT Area Council polls. Leadership

  • APC Hails Enugu’s Peaceful, Transparent Ward Congresses, Assures on Credible LG Congresses

    APC Hails Enugu’s Peaceful, Transparent Ward Congresses, Assures on Credible LG Congresses

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the Enugu State chapter of the party for the successful congresses in the 260 political wards of the state, describing the exercise as peaceful, free, fair, and credible.

    The commendation was given by the Chairman of the APC Ward and Local Government Congresses Committee in Enugu State, Hon. Solomon Funkekeme, in the state capital on Thursday.

    The party, which commended party chieftains and faithful for their peaceful and honourable conduct during the exercise, noted with satisfaction that the party had become one big family a few months after the emergence of Governor Peter Mbah as the leader of the party in the state since October 2025.

    “We have come to Enugu State to supervise and monitor the ward and local government congresses under the instructions of our National Chairman and the National Working Committee.

    “As a Committee, on arrival, we engaged the stakeholders, the State Caretaker Committee, and we also monitored the congresses in various wards of the state.

    “We are satisfied with the conduct and with the outcome of the ward congresses across the 260 wards, both in terms of behaviour and observance of the Constitution and Guidelines of the party.

    “We also want to note that Enugu APC is united as a state. There are no issues at all. What we can say is that we have come to a united house to move forward under the able leadership of our governor, Dr. Peter Mbah.

    “The Congress Coordinating Committee can tell you that the party is in good hands and we congratulate them on the way that they have conducted themselves since we arrived in Enugu,” he stated.

    He equally commended the Enugu APC for inclusivity and gender mainstreaming.

    “All the positions that were reserved for women to ensure gender mainstreaming were well respected. The same applies to persons living with disabilities. So, the party is very inclusive,” Hon. Funkekeme added.

    He expressed optimism that the local government congresses coming up across the 17 local government areas of the state on Saturday would equally be peaceful and credible.

    “On Saturday, this party will conduct local government congresses. The Committee expects the same peace and credibility that prevailed in the ward congresses to also prevail in the local government congresses,” the Committee Chairman asserted.

    Secretary of the Enugu APC Caretaker Committee, Hon. Eugene Odoh, thanked the national panel for their commitment to the peaceful and transparent conduct of the congresses, having toured many wards across the three senatorial zones of the state.

  • FCT Elections: PDP’s Dantani Quits AMAC Race, Cites Wike’s Intervention, Tinubu’s Good Works

    FCT Elections: PDP’s Dantani Quits AMAC Race, Cites Wike’s Intervention, Tinubu’s Good Works

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suffered another major blow in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of Saturday’s Area Council elections, with its chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) stepping down to support his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart.

    Hon. Zadna Dantani announced his withdrawal from the race on Thursday, throwing his weight behind the APC candidate, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu. The move comes barely 48 hours to the poll and follows a similar decision in Bwari Area Council, where PDP’s Julius Adamu stepped down for APC’s Joshua Ishaku Musa on Wednesday.

    In a formal declaration, Dantani said his decision followed high-level interventions by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as the leader of the party and the FCT.

    “My name is Hon. Zadna Dantani, the Chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Abuja Municipal Area Council for Saturday’s Area Council elections. I want to sincerely appreciate everyone who supported us, and by the grace of God, we are doing it not because of our personal interests,” Dantani stated.

    He said the minister’s counsel emphasised the spirit of brotherhood required for the local elections.

    “I am here to tell my people that as a candidate who is standing for this election, I have today agreed, based on the intervention of the Honourable Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, who is our leader in the party and the leader in FCT, who has called my attention to let us know that this is a brotherhood election. I am also doing this in support of the good works of the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Dantani added.

    The former candidate confirmed that he had fulfilled all legal requirements for his exit from the race, including submitting a formal withdrawal letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “I have consulted widely, and by the grace of God, we have agreed that we are no longer going to contest against my brother, Hon Christopher Zakka Maikalangu. By doing so, I also submitted a letter of withdrawal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today,” he said.

    He urged his supporters across AMAC’s 12 wards to vote en masse for the APC candidate.

    In his official correspondence to INEC, Dantani insisted the move was entirely voluntary.

    The letter read: “I write to respectfully inform you that I, Hon. Zadna Dantani of Gosa Village along Airport Road, FCT Abuja, a member and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have decided to voluntarily withdraw from contesting for the Chairmanship position of Abuja Municipal Area Council in the forthcoming Area Council Elections, which is scheduled to hold on 21st February, 2026, after due consideration and thorough consultation with my family and relevant stakeholders.

    “I wish to state unequivocally that this decision to withdraw my candidature is borne out of my own free will and volition.”

    The back-to-back withdrawals represent a significant boost for the APC in the FCT elections, with both area councils now appearing to favour the ruling party ahead of Saturday’s contest.

  • Wike: I’ll Back Only Pro-Tinubu Candidates in FCT Area Council Elections

    Wike: I’ll Back Only Pro-Tinubu Candidates in FCT Area Council Elections

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that he will only support any candidate who supports President Bola Tinubu, irrespective of political party in the forthcoming FCT Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21.

    Wike stated this in Abuja on Saturday during Senator Sandy Onor’s 60th birthday, a celebration of six decades of scholarship, leadership, service and meaningful impact.

    The Minister, who said he owed no one an apology for supporting Tinubu, promised to support any candidate that supports the President irrespective of party affiliation.

    “We have the FCT Area Council elections coming up on February 21 and I have a duty to support any candidate that supports President Tinubu to win.

    “It is also my duty to ensure that any candidate that is not supporting Tinubu does not win in the election, and I owe no apology on my stand,” Wike said.

    Speaking on the celebrant, the FCT Minister described him as a credible ally, a trustworthy friend and good brother.

    According to him, Onor was not just a friend but a reliable friend, even in times of trouble, saying that is when one would know who is a friend.

    “I will continue to be with you and work with you, because I know even if I am not alive today, you will not abandon my family,” Wike said.

  • BREAKING: Rivers Governor Fubara Dissolves Cabinet

    BREAKING: Rivers Governor Fubara Dissolves Cabinet

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved his cabinet with immediate effect, issuing directives for outgoing political appointees to hand over responsibilities to senior civil service officials.

    The decision was announced in a statement signed by his new Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, Thursday evening.

    According to the statement, the governor instructed all outgoing Commissioners and Special Advisers to formally hand over their duties to Permanent Secretaries or the most senior officers in their various ministries.

    Governor Fubara thanked the departing officials for their service, acknowledging their “immense contributions” to both the state and his administration.

    He also extended his best wishes for their future endeavours, emphasising gratitude for their roles in governance.

    This dissolution is coming few days after the governor had a closed door meeting with the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, over the State political crisis.

    The statement reads;

    “His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, has dissolved the State Executive Council.

    “His Excellency, the Governor, has therefore directed all Commissioners and Special Advisers to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most Senior officers in their Ministries with immediate effect.

    “His Excellency further expresses his deepest appreciation to the outgoing members of the Executive Council, wishing them the best in their future endeavours.”