The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: Atiku Abubakar

  • Atiku Challenges Tinubu To Account For First Term Before Seeking Re-election

    Atiku Challenges Tinubu To Account For First Term Before Seeking Re-election

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu to explain his administration’s performance and address Nigerians’ economic concerns before seeking another term in office in 2027.

    Atiku accused the President of relying on political allies, ministers, governors and defectors to defend his record instead of personally answering questions about the hardship facing citizens.

    The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate made his position known in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu.

    His comments followed reports that Tinubu might miss some campaign rallies because of the demands of governing the country.

    Atiku questioned the President’s explanation, arguing that the same urgency should have guided his response to Nigerians struggling with the cost of living.

    “Tinubu says he may miss campaign rallies because Nigeria needs his attention. Where was that urgency when Nigerians pleaded for relief?” he asked.

    The former vice president said the President should explain what his administration had done to make food more affordable, improve access to medicines for pensioners and create decent employment opportunities for young people.

    He also argued that Tinubu must account for his first term before asking voters to renew his mandate.

    Atiku faulted what he described as the administration’s attention to foreign creditors and investors, insisting that the financial and social pressures facing Nigerian households deserved equal priority.

    “Tinubu says American creditors cannot wait. Nigerians cannot wait either. They have bills to pay, children to feed and lives to rebuild,” he said.

    He further criticised the President’s reliance on political supporters to defend his performance, maintaining that responsibility for government decisions rested with Tinubu himself.

    “The people on his campaign council did not receive the mandate in 2023. Tinubu did. He made the promises. He took the decisions. He must face the questions,” Atiku said.

    He added that voters would assess the President based on their personal experiences rather than the arguments presented by members of his campaign team.

    The criticism comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, with the economy, rising living costs, employment and the effects of government policies expected to feature prominently in campaigns.

    The Federal Government has defended its economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidies and changes to the foreign exchange regime, describing them as necessary measures to stabilise the economy and strengthen public finances.

    However, the policies have continued to attract criticism over their effects on transport fares, food prices and household purchasing power.

    Atiku contested the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party before joining the opposition coalition associated with the ADC ahead of the 2027 polls.

  • Shettima Mocks Atiku, Says Ex-VP Is No Abraham Lincoln

    Shettima Mocks Atiku, Says Ex-VP Is No Abraham Lincoln

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his comments about President Bola Tinubu, declaring that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential hopeful is “no Abraham Lincoln”.

    Shettima made the remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He argued that anyone aspiring to become Nigeria’s president must demonstrate maturity, discipline and respect for public institutions, insisting that political ambition should not justify what he considered disrespectful remarks about the incumbent president.

    The Vice-President said Tinubu remained the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, regardless of political differences.

    “Those who want equity must come with clean hands. You can call him Bola. If you like, you can call him Adekunle. But the truth is that he is the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Shettima said.

    He added that he would continue to address Atiku respectfully by his name and former title, despite their political rivalry.

    “I will still respect him and call him his former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar. I will not follow suit with the maverick Babachir Lawal and call him Kachalla, no,” he said.

    However, Shettima questioned Atiku’s suitability for the presidency, comparing him to Kenyan independence-era politician Oginga Odinga rather than former United States President Abraham Lincoln.

    “But believe me, Atiku Abubakar, who has contested for the presidency of this country for the eighth time, is no Abraham Lincoln. He is more of Oginga Odinga,” the Vice-President stated.

    Shettima maintained that the presidency was not merely a political prize but a position requiring exceptional character, intellectual capacity and responsibility because of the number of citizens a president is expected to lead.

    He said the higher the office sought by a politician, the greater the expectations regarding the person’s words, conduct and relationship with public institutions.

    The Vice-President also questioned Atiku’s proposal for production subsidies, asking how the policy would be financed and which other government programmes might lose funding to accommodate it.

    Describing the political season as a “masterclass in cinematic comedy”, Shettima asked who would pay for the proposed subsidies and who would benefit from them.

    “A change in ideological wardrobe cannot balance a national budget,” he said.

    The comments came as the APC intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections with the inauguration of its expanded presidential campaign council.

  • Keyamo Accuses Atiku Of Hypocrisy Over Nigeria Airways Collapse

    Keyamo Accuses Atiku Of Hypocrisy Over Nigeria Airways Collapse

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his comments on Nigeria’s economic challenges, accusing him of failing to take responsibility for the collapse of Nigeria Airways.

    Keyamo, in a post on his X account on Wednesday, said the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in which Atiku served as vice-president, liquidated the national carrier in September 2004, leaving thousands of workers without jobs and unpaid pensions and gratuities.

    “Your Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, this is hypocrisy at its peak! Let me just talk only about the sector that I head, Aviation,” the minister wrote.

    He alleged that former employees of the airline had struggled for years to receive their entitlements, with many dying before the outstanding payments were settled.

    Keyamo said President Bola Tinubu had approved and released ₦36bn to clear the liabilities owed to the former workers, adding that some beneficiaries had started receiving payment alerts.

    “Over a month ago, Mr President approved and released the total sum of ₦36bn to bring succour to these families. They have started receiving alerts and praying for Mr President,” he said.

    The minister added that the workers’ union had presented an award to Tinubu in recognition of the intervention.

    Keyamo also accused Atiku of attempting to mislead younger Nigerians unfamiliar with the history of the defunct airline.

    He argued that the former vice-president took credit for achievements of the Obasanjo administration when politically convenient but distanced himself from its decisions at other times.

    “When it is convenient for you, you claim some credit for the Obasanjo-Atiku government, and when not convenient, you say Obasanjo was in charge and not you as Vice-President,” Keyamo stated.

    Atiku had earlier criticised the rising cost of living and insecurity in the country, pledging to make life more affordable and improve security if elected president.

    In a post on his official X account on Wednesday, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate also urged registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 general election.

  • Atiku, ADC Demand INEC Clarification On Ballot Printing Contracts, Staff Transfers

    Atiku, ADC Demand INEC Clarification On Ballot Printing Contracts, Staff Transfers

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to explain its arrangements for printing sensitive election materials and recent personnel changes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Atiku urged the commission to disclose the companies contracted to produce ballot papers and other sensitive materials, while the ADC expressed concern over alleged ethnic bias in the redeployment of staff serving in key departments.

    INEC has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.

    In a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku asked INEC to confirm or deny reports that Hitech or an affiliated company had secured a contract to print sensitive materials for the elections.

    The former vice-president said information available to him suggested that more than half of the commission’s sensitive election materials, including presidential ballot papers, might have been assigned to a company reportedly based in France.

    He expressed concern that the identity and credentials of the alleged contractor had not been made public.

    Atiku also questioned reports that the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc would print election materials for only 15 to 17 states, leaving private companies to handle the remaining assignments.

    He urged INEC to publish the names of all contractors, the materials and states allocated to each company, the procurement procedures followed and the security measures governing production, storage and delivery.

    “These reports demand urgent and unequivocal answers. INEC must confirm or deny them and publish the names of every company engaged, the materials and states assigned to each, the procurement method, the security clearances obtained and the safeguards governing production, storage and delivery,” he said.

    Atiku argued that transparency in the production and handling of sensitive election materials was necessary to protect the credibility of the electoral process and prevent public suspicion.

    He also questioned the potential involvement of Hitech or an associated company, citing publicly reported business connections between the Chagoury family, which owns Hitech, and the family of President Bola Tinubu.

    According to Atiku, awarding such a contract to a company with those reported connections could raise concerns about the independence of the electoral commission.

    He maintained that INEC should prioritise qualified domestic security-printing capacity and ensure that every ballot paper, result sheet and other sensitive document could be tracked throughout the production and distribution process.

    The former vice-president extended his call for transparency to the printing of higher-denomination banknotes, urging the Central Bank of Nigeria to disclose its current arrangements and clarify the respective roles of NSPMC and any foreign contractors.

    **Atiku Questions INEC Personnel Changes**

    Atiku also called on INEC to explain recent postings and redeployments involving officials responsible for election administration and technology.

    The statement cited reports that Isa Magaji Gum had been transferred from Electoral Operations to the Voter Registry Department, while Oluyemi Titilayo Adeyemi-Showunmi had been appointed to head Electoral Operations. Dr Lawrence Bayode was identified as the head of Information and Communication Technology.

    Atiku asked the commission to disclose the criteria used in making the appointments and demonstrate that the decisions followed established procedures and were free from political interference.

    “These departments are at the heart of election administration. INEC must explain these decisions, publish the criteria applied and show that every appointment and redeployment followed due process, was based on merit and was free from political interference,” he said.

    However, Atiku cautioned against assuming that any official was compromised because of ethnicity, background or personal associations. He said the commission should address concerns through verifiable information rather than general assurances.

    **ADC Alleges Ethnic Bias In Staff Redeployment**

    Separately, the ADC raised concerns over what it described as a pattern of transfers involving officers from northern states serving in sensitive INEC departments.

    In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that some officers working in Electoral Operations and Information and Communication Technology had been moved to other departments and replaced by officials from Lagos and other South-West states.

    The party said it had received complaints and information about the changes, warning that the pattern required an explanation from the commission.

    “We have specific names of officers moved from Electoral Operations and ICT in a number of northern states and replaced with officers from Lagos and other South-West states. INEC may dismiss this as routine. But we have noticed a pattern, especially along ethnic lines, and we are concerned,” the statement read.

    The ADC did not provide the names of the affected officers or documentary evidence to substantiate the allegations in the statement.

    The party said it was not accusing INEC of having a predetermined motive but argued that personnel changes in departments central to election administration should be explained to avoid undermining public confidence.

    It warned that any perception of ethnic or regional preference in appointments to strategic positions could fuel suspicions about the neutrality of the electoral process and allegations of favouritism towards Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress.

    The party urged INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to publish details of the recent postings, the criteria used to select officers for the positions and the reasons for the changes.

    According to the ADC, disclosure of the information would reassure Nigerians that electoral officials would carry out their responsibilities impartially, regardless of their ethnic, linguistic or regional backgrounds.

    The party warned that failure to address the allegations with evidence-based explanations could damage confidence in the 2027 elections.

    The concerns come as political parties prepare for the next general elections, with INEC facing expectations to demonstrate transparency in its procurement decisions, personnel management and handling of sensitive electoral materials.

  • 2027: ADC To Inaugurate Presidential Campaign Council Friday

    2027: ADC To Inaugurate Presidential Campaign Council Friday

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The African Democratic Congress will inaugurate its Presidential Campaign Council on Friday as the party steps up preparations for the 2027 general elections.

    The ceremony, scheduled for 4pm at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, will be presided over by the party’s National Chairman, David Mark.

    In a statement on Thursday, the Special Adviser to the National Chairman on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the inauguration would formally activate the party’s presidential campaign structure.

    He said ADC leaders, governorship candidates, National Assembly candidates and state House of Assembly candidates were expected to attend the event.

    According to Ologbondiyan, the gathering would strengthen coordination among party leaders and candidates as the ADC prepares to take its campaign message to voters nationwide.

    The inauguration comes as political parties intensify activities ahead of the 2027 polls, with the ADC seeking to establish itself as a major opposition platform against the ruling All Progressives Congress.

    The party has recently stepped up efforts to strengthen its structures across the country and coordinate its political activities ahead of the elections.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar holds the ADC presidential ticket, placing the party among the opposition groups seeking to consolidate support ahead of the presidential election.

    The party had earlier appointed Abia lawmaker Austin Akobundu as Director-General of its presidential campaign council, which Atiku described as a lean campaign structure.

    Ologbondiyan urged party leaders and candidates to attend the inauguration, saying their participation would demonstrate unity and commitment to the party’s preparations for the elections.

  • Atiku Demands Urgent Rescue Of Abducted Prospective Corps Members

    Atiku Demands Urgent Rescue Of Abducted Prospective Corps Members

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government, Imo State Government and security agencies to urgently secure the release of prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in the state.

    Atiku made the call on Monday in a post on X, describing the abduction as “heartbreaking” and urging authorities to ensure that all those still in captivity return home safely.

    The incident occurred on Thursday, October 1, when gunmen attacked two commercial buses carrying prospective corps members along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in the Umunoha area of Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

    The victims were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when the attackers struck at about 6:30am.

    According to Atiku, some of the abducted travellers had been rescued, while others remained in captivity.

    “The abduction of 20 travellers, including prospective corps members, in Imo State is heartbreaking. Some have been rescued, but others remain in captivity,” he said.

    “I urge the Federal and Imo State governments, and all security agencies, to act with urgency and bring everyone still being held home safely.”

    The Imo State Police Command initially reported that 10 passengers had been rescued and the two buses recovered, while other passengers were still missing. However, accounts from families later indicated that 20 prospective corps members were among those being held by the abductors.

    Security agencies have since intensified efforts to locate and rescue the victims.

    The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, alongside two commissioners of police, to coordinate the operation.

    The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, also disclosed that security operatives had traced the suspected kidnappers to a bush hideout through intelligence gathering and drone surveillance.

    The planned assault on the hideout was reportedly delayed after intelligence indicated that the area had been fitted with improvised explosive devices. Security agencies are expected to deploy specialised equipment to safely access the location.

    Atiku also raised concerns over the continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted from Mussa and Lassa communities in Borno State.

    He said more than 70 pupils and students abducted from the two communities remained in captivity, adding that their families deserved regular updates on efforts to secure their release.

    The Mussa incident occurred on May 15 when suspected insurgents attacked schools in the Askira/Uba Local Government Area and abducted dozens of children. The number of missing pupils has varied, with the Borno State Government previously putting the figure at about 44.

    On June 29, suspected insurgents attacked Government Day Secondary School in Lassa while students were taking their National Examinations Council examinations. Ten students were rescued during an immediate military operation, while subsequent reports indicated that 36 students and a teacher remained in captivity.

    By late September, the Borno State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria was calling for the rescue of 78 schoolchildren from Mussa and Lassa who had spent more than 100 days in captivity.

    Families and community leaders have repeatedly called for stronger government action to secure the release of the children.

    Atiku also criticised the security record of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that Nigerians remained vulnerable to attacks on roads, in communities and around schools despite previous assurances that funds saved from the removal of the fuel subsidy would strengthen national security.

    He said the insecurity affecting young Nigerians extended from attacks on students to the abduction of prospective corps members travelling to orientation camps.

    The ADC presidential candidate also questioned the award of pipeline security contracts to companies he described as politically connected, arguing that the government’s primary responsibility should be the protection of lives and property.

  • Atiku Accuses Tinubu Administration of Worsening Poverty, Insecurity

    Atiku Accuses Tinubu Administration of Worsening Poverty, Insecurity

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of worsening poverty and the cost of living in Nigeria.

    Atiku made the allegations in a state-of-the-nation address delivered at the ADC secretariat in Abuja on Thursday as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.

    He criticised the Federal Government’s economic policies, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that the reforms had increased the financial burden on households.

    According to him, rising prices of food, transportation and other essential goods have left many Nigerians struggling to meet their basic needs.

    Atiku also faulted Tinubu’s claim that the country was entering an era of prosperity, arguing that economic growth and lower inflation would have limited meaning if Nigerians could not afford food, healthcare, transportation and education.

    He said, “At 66, Nigeria has come a long way. Independence has offered us liberty and self-determination. We are also making considerable progress in nation building.”

    The former vice president also criticised the government’s handling of insecurity, saying attacks by armed groups had displaced communities, affected farming activities and created fear among families.

    He further questioned the government’s management of public funds, debt and development projects, calling for greater transparency in contracts, loans and social intervention programmes.

    On the economy, Atiku proposed what he described as a capped and budgeted production subsidy for petrol refined in Nigeria, including fuel produced by modular refineries.

    He said the proposed scheme should be independently audited and designed to ensure that any benefit reached consumers through lower pump prices.

    Atiku also raised concerns about the government’s borrowing plans, citing Nigeria’s public debt and the proposed $1.5bn World Bank loan. He called for greater disclosure on how existing borrowed funds had been spent and the projects they had financed.

    The ADC candidate also criticised the government’s handling of student loans, budgets, contractors’ payments and cash-transfer programmes, demanding greater accountability.

    On security and civil liberties, Atiku called for the release of individuals he described as being unlawfully detained and urged the government to uphold due process.

    He also appealed to Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 general election, urging voters to protect their ballots and reject intimidation.

    Atiku said the election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to determine the country’s direction, while promising that, if elected, he would prioritise affordability, security, healthcare, education and accountability in public spending.

    He said Nigerians should scrutinise the programmes and promises of all candidates, including himself, and demand measurable commitments from those seeking public office.

    The former vice president concluded by urging Nigerians not to lose hope despite the economic and security challenges facing the country.

  • Atiku Demands Full Disclosure Of Nigeria-US Health MoU

    Atiku Demands Full Disclosure Of Nigeria-US Health MoU

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to publish the full text of Nigeria’s five-year health agreement with the United States.

    Atiku’s demand followed concerns raised by Ghana over a proposed health compact with the US, particularly issues relating to medical records, pathogen information, funding commitments and the regulation of imported medical products.

    In a statement issued by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Nigerians should be able to examine the commitments made by the Federal Government under the agreement.

    Nigeria and the United States signed the health Memorandum of Understanding on December 19, 2025. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, the five-year agreement, running from April 2026 to December 2030, covers disease surveillance, outbreak response, laboratory systems, biosafety procedures for pathogen samples, health data systems and access to essential health commodities.

    Under the agreement, the US is expected to provide nearly $2bn in grant funding, while Nigeria has committed to increasing domestic health financing, projected by the government to mobilise nearly $3bn over the five-year period.

    Atiku questioned whether provisions that Ghana reportedly rejected were contained in Nigeria’s agreement with Washington.

    “At this point, Nigerians do not know whether the provisions Ghana rejected are in the agreement Tinubu signed. That is precisely why the government must publish the full text. Nigerians should not have to guess what has been agreed in their name,” he said.

    Ghanaian President John Mahama recently said his government rejected a proposed US health compact after concerns were raised over medical records, pathogen information, counterpart funding and the inspection of imported medicines.

    Atiku also raised concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, particularly maternal mortality.

    He cited internationally reported estimates that Nigeria recorded about 75,000 maternal deaths in 2023, representing a significant share of global maternal deaths.

    The former vice president argued that the government’s international health commitments should be considered alongside its ability to finance healthcare programmes domestically.

    He specifically questioned the level of funding released for capital projects at the Federal Ministry of Health.

    Atiku cited remarks attributed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, during the ministry’s 2026 budget defence, that only N36m had been released from the N218bn appropriated for capital projects and programmes at the ministry’s headquarters in 2025.

    “A government that cannot release funds for approved health projects must explain how it intends to honour a multibillion-dollar commitment,” Atiku said.

    He argued that the impact of the agreement should ultimately be measured by improvements in healthcare delivery, including the ability of hospitals to provide services and women to receive safe maternity care.

    Atiku further called for the publication of all documents connected to the agreement, including protocols, annexes, data-sharing arrangements, specimen-sharing agreements and financial commitments.

    He questioned what would happen to Nigerians’ medical information and pathogen samples under the agreement, who would have access to such information and what safeguards would protect patients.

    He also asked whether the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control would retain its full authority to inspect medicines and medical products imported under the arrangement.

    The ADC candidate said Nigeria should continue to participate in international health partnerships but maintained that the government should disclose the terms of agreements entered into on behalf of Nigerians.

    “Nigeria welcomes international cooperation that saves lives, but the government must be accountable for the terms it accepts and the results it delivers,” he said.

    Atiku also called for greater disclosure of the administration’s other international commitments, including its growing partnership with France.

    “Nigeria’s sovereignty is not classified information,” he said.

  • Atiku Backs Higher Minimum Wage, Blames Tinubu Policies For Rising Cost Of Living

    Atiku Backs Higher Minimum Wage, Blames Tinubu Policies For Rising Cost Of Living

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has backed organised labour’s demand for a substantial increase in the national minimum wage, arguing that rising costs have eroded the purchasing power of Nigerian workers.

    Atiku, in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of imposing what he described as a severe economic squeeze on workers.

    He argued that the increase in the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 had not translated into improved living conditions because of rising prices of petrol, food, transportation and housing.

    Atiku particularly criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy, saying the policy pushed up living costs without adequate measures to protect working families.

    He said the current N70,000 minimum wage could buy only about 50 litres of petrol at N1,400 per litre, compared with about 118 litres that the previous N30,000 wage could purchase when petrol sold at the April 2023 national average of N254.06 per litre.

    According to him, the comparison showed that the increase in workers’ pay had not kept pace with the rise in living costs.

    “The payslip has grown, but the fuel it can buy has more than halved. Tinubu has given workers a larger number and left them with a smaller life. That is hardship dressed up as a wage increase,” Atiku said.

    He called on the Federal Government to agree to a substantial increase in the minimum wage that reflects the current cost of food, transportation, rent and other essential needs.

    Atiku also promised that, if elected in 2027, his administration would begin work on raising the wage floor from its first day in office and introduce measures aimed at reducing the cost of living.

    He proposed support for domestic production, targeted assistance for vulnerable Nigerians and a production subsidy for petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold to Nigerians.

    His comments came amid renewed calls from organised labour for a review of the N70,000 minimum wage, which labour leaders have argued no longer adequately reflects prevailing economic conditions.

    ### Akume Calls For Peace Ahead Of 2027 Elections

    Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has urged Nigerians to maintain peace and unity as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

    Akume made the call on Sunday during a national church service held at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

    In his vote of thanks, the SGF said Nigeria’s democratic development depended on citizens maintaining peace and unity, urging voters to approach the 2027 elections with hope rather than division.

    “As we look toward the 2027 elections ahead, let us remember that democracy is sustained by peace and unity. Our votes must be cast not in division, but in hope,” Akume said.

    He urged Nigerians to embrace dialogue and reject actions that could deepen divisions, saying the electoral process should reflect the aspirations of a united population.

    Akume also reflected on Nigeria’s 66 years as an independent nation, noting that the country had experienced sacrifices, challenges and achievements over the decades.

    He further highlighted the country’s uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999 as one of the milestones recorded in Nigeria’s post-independence history.

  • Momodu Explains El-Rufai’s Role In Atiku’s 2027 Campaign Council

    Momodu Explains El-Rufai’s Role In Atiku’s 2027 Campaign Council

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s decision to appoint former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to his 2027 Presidential Campaign Council was partly aimed at recognising what he described as El-Rufai’s political sacrifices.

    Momodu, who serves as Deputy Director-General of the campaign’s Media and Communications Directorate, spoke during an interview on Channels Television’s *The Morning Brief* on Friday.

    Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, unveiled his campaign council on Thursday, appointing Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as chairman and El-Rufai as deputy chairman. Senator Austin Akobundu was named Director-General and Campaign Manager.

    Explaining El-Rufai’s inclusion, Momodu said the appointment was a way of acknowledging the former Kaduna governor’s political experience and what he described as the difficulties he had faced.

    Momodu also pointed to El-Rufai’s return to Nigeria despite the legal proceedings involving him, arguing that the former governor could have remained outside the country but chose to return.

    El-Rufai is currently facing legal proceedings and has denied wrongdoing in relation to the allegations against him. Reports on the case have also noted that he remains involved in proceedings concerning allegations linked to his time in public office.

    Commenting on the bail conditions attached to El-Rufai’s case, Momodu described them as excessive and questioned what he considered the former governor’s treatment by the authorities.

    Momodu further credited El-Rufai with playing an important role in the political developments that preceded the 2023 presidential election, claiming that his contribution was significant to President Bola Tinubu’s emergence.

    That claim represents Momodu’s political assessment and was not independently established by the campaign council announcement.

    El-Rufai’s appointment places him among several prominent political figures assembled by Atiku as the ADC builds its campaign structure ahead of the 2027 general election.

    The council includes former All Progressives Congress National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, who was named chairman of the Campaign Advisory Board, while Momodu will oversee Media and Communications and former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye will lead Contact and Mobilisation.

    The campaign structure comprises six operational directorates, with 30 directors assigned specific responsibilities. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen will coordinate the Policy Team, while former governors and other political figures are also included in the wider campaign structure.

    The unveiling of the council comes as political parties and their candidates begin preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with the ADC campaign saying its structure would focus on issues including the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power.

  • 2027: Atiku, El-Rufai, others pick new All Democratic Alliance party for coalition, writes INEC for registration

    2027: Atiku, El-Rufai, others pick new All Democratic Alliance party for coalition, writes INEC for registration

    Opposition leaders under the banner of the Nigeria National Coalition Group (NNCG) have adopted the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as the platform to use in tackling the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

    NNCG has also formally applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register as a party ahead of the next general elections. The coalition’s application letter addressed to INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and dated June 19, was co-signed by the National Chairman of ADA, Chief Akin Ricketts and Protem National Secretary, Abdullahi Musa Elayo.

    The letter which was stamped received by the office of the INEC chairman on June 20, 2025, was titled: “Application for registration as a political party” with ADA name and flag.

    “We respectfully write to the Independent National Electoral Commission requesting the registration of our association, the All Democratic Alliance as a political party.

    “This is sequel to the decision taken by the Nigerian National Coalition Group to sponsor our association for full registration.

    “The name of the party shall be All Democratic Alliance with ADA as our acronym and ‘Justice for All’ as our slogan.

    “The National Secretariat of the party is as stated at the bottom of the association’s letterhead used in this application.

    “We have also herewith attached our logo describing in details the symbolism of our party colours and the their configuration and the corn (Maize).

    “We have further attached our manifesto encompassing details of our party ideology, and our constitution providing the legal framework that defines our identity, structures and organization, regulates our affairs and guides our actions in alignment with Section 40 and 222 of the Constitution, Section 75 of the Electoral Act (2022) and global democratic principles and objectives.

    “Please find attached the following documents: our party flag depicting our name, acronym and slogan, manifesto, constitution and minutes of meeting.

    “While we eagerly await further action from the commission on the next step forward towards attaining our desired goal, please accept the consideration of our highest respect. Thank you yours most sincerely; Chief Akin A. Rickets, Protem National Chairman,” the letter read.

    Members of the coalition include: Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; ex-Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi; his Kaduna State counterpart, Nasir El-Rufai; the convener of the League of Northern Democrats, Dr. Umar Ardo, and former Senate President David Mark, among others.

    The group had considered joining an existing political party which saw the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) being earlier considered.

    The coalition later set up a committee to consider the option of registering a new platform where all members will start on equal footing in terms of membership.
    This was after several members of the coalition expressed concerns over the internal wrangling within existing parties, which in some cases led to litigation. Daily Trust

  • Atiku signifies interest for 2023 elections in leaked memo to PDP.

    Atiku signifies interest for 2023 elections in leaked memo to PDP.

    Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has appeared to have signified interest to run for the 2023 Presidential elections according to a leaked memo seen by NewsWireNGR.

    In the memo dated June 29, 2021, the Presidential aspirant expressed gratitude to the Peoples Democratic Party for their role in the 2023 elections and urged the party to gear up for the upcoming 2023 elections.

    “It is with utmost respect that I convey to you, my deep appreciation and profound gratitude for the overwhelming support and massive electoral votes cast to support our Party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and my candidature for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during the 2019 general elections,” he said.

    “Now, we are better equipped, and all our compatriots must team-up today towards a new political and economic order that should radically reinvent our beloved country.

    “We are fully prepared to work in synergy to restore hope, pull Nigeria back from the brinks and relive the patriotic spirit of our founding fathers! I believe that together we would rebuild our broken fences, mend our cracked walls, restore hope, and return Nigeria to the path of greatness again. Surely, we can, and we must.”

    He further claimed that the party lost the 2019 Presidential election to President Muhammadu Buhari because of the “massive fraud perpetrated by the ruling Party (APC) using its strangulating hold on the National electoral system, your efforts would have produced one of the loudest expressions of political rejection of the ravages and abysmal decadence to which our beloved nation has descended, since 2015.”

    And since he lost the election, he has reflected on the country’s electoral processes and his Presidential ambition.

    This reflection showed that the very issues that urged him to vie for President like, “insecurity, poverty, educational decay with an alarming rate of out-of-school children, economic backwardness, socio-economic and environmental dislocation, marked by sweltering hubs of internally displaced persons, decadent infrastructures, absence of national cohesion, leadership failures arising from lack of capacity to galvanize our peoples’ energies and restore hope,” still exists in the country.

    Atiku further laid to rest speculations that he was planning to dump the party that gave him platform to contest the 2019 presidential election as a candidate. He said he had been in Dubai, UAE learning and equipping himself with skills needed to better fix the challenges the country is facing.

    “Several persons, particularly associates and compatriots may have felt frustrated, some have even privately expressed so, while others have publicly complained that we have left them without leadership guidance democratic forces who have visited severe stress on our political economy. I concede that individuals are justified to hold such opinions and even more. But they are not entirely correct,” he added.

     

    “I assuage these feelings. Yes, I may have been apparently out of regular physical presence in Nigeria. My absence was not completely deliberate. Rather, it was strategic, as I have kept close contact and monitored events in our polity, reviewing and studying the changing dynamics. In addition, I also tried to undertake personal educational improvement, equipping myself with new knowledge, capacity and skills that would methodically review the appalling situation. Our nation is indeed in the intensive care unit and would require delicate surgical procedures. We are all members of that surgical team.”

    (newswirengr.com)