The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has waived the screening requirement for President Bola Tinubu, declaring him cleared to participate in the party’s primary elections without appearing before a screening committee.
The decision was taken at the NWC’s 188th meeting on Wednesday and announced by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.
“This decision was made pursuant to the powers conferred on the NWC under Article 13.4 (xiii) and (xiv) of the Constitution of APC to organise and supervise the party’s primaries and, in special circumstances, grant waivers, in the best interest of the party,” Morka said.
The NWC said the decision followed endorsements from key stakeholders, including the Progressive Governors Forum, National Assembly members and other party organs at the APC National Summit of May 22, 2025.
It added that as an incumbent who had already been screened ahead of the 2022 primaries, requiring another appearance would be unnecessary.
APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, told journalists at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja that the influx of aspirants reflected the party’s strength ahead of 2027.
“As you can see, this place is a beehive of activities… people are here in their numbers, trying to submit their forms,” he said.
He noted that interest cuts across all geopolitical zones, with aspirants contesting various offices, including the presidency.
“We have a sitting President, yet people are buying forms to contest. We allowed it. We opened our party for competition,” he said.
On whether the sale of forms would be extended, he said the timeline remains fixed due to provisions of the Electoral Act.
“We would have loved to extend, but we are time-bound,” he added.
Addressing concerns over tensions surrounding primary modes in some states, Yilwatda acknowledged the issue but said measures were in place to ensure a smooth process.
On the emergence of the New Democrats Coalition (NDC) and recent defections, he downplayed their impact on the party.
“Seventeen out of 459 lawmakers is less than five per cent. Should I be worried? I am not,” he said.
He argued that challenges within opposition ranks were internal, not driven by APC.
“Nigerians are seeing that the contest is not APC versus opposition; it is opposition versus opposition,” he said.
Yilwatda maintained that APC remains united and expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in 2027.
“When you aggregate these numbers, you can be sure that APC will win most of the seats,” he said. (Vanguard)
The 2027 political race in the ruling All Progressives Congress gained some momentum on Tuesday as President Bola Tinubu and other aspirants obtained their nomination forms.
Also, Osifo Stanley from Edo State purchased N100m presidential nomination forms to challenge Tinubu for the APC ticket at the primaries.
This comes as Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, secured the backing of the Governance Advisory Council as the APC consensus candidate in the state.
The Founder of Tinubu Support Groups, lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke, who picked the N100 million expression of interest and nomination for the President, dismissed concerns over the emerging coalition against Tinubu, insisting they posed no threat to the APC.
According to the party’s 2027 schedule of activities, the sale of forms was scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 25, and end on Saturday, May 2, 2026. However, the process commenced three days later than planned. Party officials clarified that despite this brief delay, the overall deadline for form submission and aspirant eligibility remains unchanged, and all scheduled activities will still proceed as planned. This assurance is intended to help aspirants and stakeholders plan accordingly and reduce any uncertainty caused by the shift in timing.
Our reporter, who visited the designated venue, Abuja Continental Hotel, observed that the Ladi Kwali Hall, ballroom 2, was filled with APC aspirants.
Inside the hall, Senate and House of Representatives aspirants were seen collecting their forms from the zonal desk. The desk for governorship aspirants was positioned separately from the others.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had fixed the Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The commission also disclosed that party primaries, including the resolution of related disputes, will take place from April 23, 2026, to May 30, 2026.
INEC further announced that campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while those for Governorship and State Assembly elections will begin on September 9, 2026.
With the commencement of nomination form sales, political realignments across the six geopolitical zones and fresh succession calculations have been set in motion as the lawmaker representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, picked up the APC governorship nomination form for the 2027 Ogun State election.
Similarly, Senator Shehu Buba of Bauchi State and Senator Isah Jibrin (Wadada) of Nasarawa State picked up their governorship expression of interest and nomination forms as they seek to succeed Governors Bala Mohammed and Abdullahi Sule, respectively.
Speaking to journalists after obtaining President Tinubu’s re-election bid forms, Faleke maintained that the APC remains “strategically positioned and unaffected by opposition alignments,” stressing that the party’s internal cohesion and electoral machinery remain strong. He cited examples such as APC’s ongoing grassroots mobilisation campaigns, targeted voter outreach, and the strengthening of local party offices as concrete ways the party is securing its advantage heading into 2027. According to Faleke, these preparations are backed by intensive member training and the deployment of sophisticated data tools to enhance campaign effectiveness at both state and national levels.
“So, for all support groups who have made efforts, who have contributed money to purchase the form, I have done so on their behalf, on behalf of Nigerians. There is no one particular person who has done this. It is on behalf of all Nigerians.
“Just as we did before the 2023 election, I was also privileged, with some leaders, to buy the form. Here again, I am privileged to buy the form on behalf of all Nigerians, for our President, for our performing President.”
He added, “And by the grace of God, 2027 will be a reality. By the grace of God, he will contest, and he will win the election. At the same time, I am also privileged, with my friend here, Honourable Ajala, to pick the form for the incoming governor of Lagos, Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat.
“And let me also say that those of us who contributed money to buy this form are more than 1,000 in Lagos. It is not just one person. None of us can come here and pick the form. Only representatives are sent. And I am also lucky to be one of those who have been sent to pick the form. At the same time, I picked my own form to return to the House of Reps. You can see the form with me.”
He added, “I am also waiting to get the receipt for our incumbent Senator Idiat Adebule from my West Senatorial District. This is just to let you know that everything is intact and God is in charge.”
He noted that the recent political movements and coalition talks are part of normal democratic competition and would not disrupt the ruling party’s preparation for 2027. (Punch)
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yes-terday, endorsed his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Lagos, even as no other indi-vidual has openly indicated any desire to compete for coveted position ahead of the party primary.
Interestingly, it was the first time since the return to civil rule in 1999, that a sitting governor of Lagos State would endorse his deputy to succeed him.
The development also signalled continuity in the re-al sense, but more than anything else, it appeared the result of the work chemistry between the two, which had seen them cooperate seamlessly in the last seven and half years.
Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement followed series of consultations by Hamzat, who recently met with the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; former Minister of Finance, Olawale Edun; and the Senator for Lagos East, Tokunbo Abiru.
Before meeting with the trio separately two days ago, Hamzat had also met with the leaders of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), including its chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi; Alhaji Busura Alebiosu as well as traditional rulers in the state.
But the meeting with Sanwo-Olu, seemed like a grand finale of sort, an event expected to be capped soon by President Bola Tinubu before the official affirmation at the proposed APC primary elections in the coming days.
Sanwo-Olu, who received Hamzat and members of the GAC in consultation visit, openly threw his weight behind his deputy’s aspiration to run for governor.
The consultation meeting came immediately after the State’s Executive Council meeting at the State House, Marina, where members of the cabinet and APC leaders in Lagos Central joined the governor to receive Hamzat’s entourage.
The governor and his deputy shared an emotional moment, reflecting on their political journey over the past seven years and how their paths had crossed during their public service experience under the tutelage of President Tinubu.
Sanwo-Olu recalled that he and Hamzat used to sit next to each other in ex-governor Babatunde Fashola’s cabinet, recollecting that no cabinet memo would scale through without their input and two others sitting in their row.
“Mr. Deputy Governor has created a personal relationship with me since way back before we’re joined together on a ticket. His family and my family have been close; our relationship was built on mutual respect, trust and dignity,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said when he picked his governorship eight years ago, he never severed his relationship with Hamzat, who picked his own governorship form two days earlier.
The governor recalled how both of them forged a merger and ran on a joint ticket. After their 2019 electoral victory, Sanwo-Olu famously said Lagosians were getting price of two for one, referring to his deputy as a potential Governor.
“After the merger meeting, our father and leader, who today is ordained by God to be President of Nigeria, told both of us that he saw 16 years journey for Lagos.
“A lot of governors always look for weak deputies, but that was not for me. From day one in my governorship journey, I wanted the best partner to join the journey to build Greater Lagos.
“There was no meeting I could have attended that Mr. Deputy Governor is not fit and proper to attend. He possesses the skills, temperament and temerity to attend.
“Some of my governor colleagues privately confided in me, saying ‘your Deputy is highly intelligent’ after noticing the intellectual skills Dr. Hamzat brought to discussions at NGF level.
“For this, we will continue to be indebted to our leader and father, Mr. President, the man who God continues to use to shape the political trajectory and destiny of Lagos. People said we have turned Lagos to irreversible construction site since Asiwaju’s era.
“If a competent man like Dr. Hamzat comes in, he will hit the ground running immediately. We are not going to hand over Lagos to charlatans, who are coming to test their luck. Dr. Hamzat is tried and tested; he knows every nook and cranny of Lagos. Mr Deputy is the best man for the job.”
Reflecting on their relationship, Hamzat said: “By some stroke of coincidence, it was (Governor) Sanwo-Olu who took me round the Ministries when I was first appointed as Commissioner in 2005 by our father and leader, President Tinubu, who was then the Governor of Lagos State.
“I had never met Governor Sanwo-Olu before my appointment into the government. I never knew our relationship would grow to this extent.
“Most people refer to deputy governors as spare tyres. Deputising Governor Sanwo-Olu in the last seven years, I have never felt or been treated as a spare tyre.
“The Governor did well in carrying me along as a partner on this journey to build Greater Lagos. The governor passionately loves Lagos and always fights for the state at every level, to the extent that other governors are jealous of Lagos.
“Lagos is very important to the well-being of our country. God forbid, if anything happens to Lagos, this country will collapse. We must not allow Lagos to be drawn back from the progressive path it has been taken.
“Mr. Governor has worked assiduously to ensure that Lagos continues to progress. Therefore, the progress needs to be sustained.
“One of the things that has fundamentally stabilised the growth of Lagos is the rancour-free succession process adopted by our progressive party.
“As Lagosians, we must be ready to fight any battle and endure any hardship to protect this state from people who don’t mean well. This is my pledge to our leaders and party faithful.”
He said the experience and knowledge he had garnered deputising Sanwo-Olu in the last seven years could not be quantified, thanking the governor for allowing him to function in the position as a partner.
After the meeting, Sanwo-Olu and others present, presented Hamzat to the State House correspondents in a unanimous pledge to support his aspiration. (ThisDay)
The family of late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO) Abiola has congratulated Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, on his emergence as the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State for the 2027 governorship election.
The family also commended the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and other leaders of the party for their roles in ensuring a peaceful and united consensus process that led to the emergence of the candidate.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the Head of the MKO Abiola family and first son of the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Olamilekan Abiola, described Yayi’s emergence as well-deserved, noting that it reflects his leadership capacity, political experience, and commitment to public service.
According to him “We sincerely congratulate Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi on his emergence as the APC flagbearer in Ogun State. This milestone is well-deserved and a clear reflection of his dedication, experience, and service to the people.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Abiola Family Youth Wing, Saheed Abiola, described the development as a positive step for the state, saying that Yayi’s emergence reflects the trust reposed in him by party stakeholders.
“We congratulate Senator Yayi on this important milestone. His emergence shows the confidence the party and its leaders have in his ability to lead and deliver,” he said.
He added that the family remains optimistic that the development would further strengthen democracy and promote inclusive governance in Ogun State. (Guardian)
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has distanced himself from the contest over who succeeds him, stating that the people will determine the next governor in 2027.
Speaking on Saturday at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Yola, Fintiri dismissed speculation that he was backing any governorship aspirant, stressing that the choice of leadership rests solely with the electorate.
“The power to choose leaders rests with the people; no one will decide for them,” he said.
The governor maintained that he would remain neutral in the unfolding political process, urging aspirants to engage directly with the grassroots and earn their mandate through credible interaction with voters.
“Democratic leadership cannot be imposed but must be freely given by the citizens,” he added.
Fintiri also assured members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly governorship aspirants, of a level playing field.
His declaration appears to have reassured party aspirants who had expressed concern about their prospects following his defection to the APC in February, a move that positioned him as the party’s leader in the state.
Prior to his clarification, there had been growing speculation that the governor was keen on influencing the emergence of his successor. (Nation)
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has resigned.
The minister’s action followed the directive of President Bola Tinubu to all political appointees in his administration who intend to contest elective positions in the 2027 elections to resign from their posts on or before March 31.
The president had hinged his decision on Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.
Tuggar’s resignation comes amid the speculation of his interest in contesting the 2027 Bauchi State governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He is a seasoned diplomat, policymaker, and political figure who was appointed as minister by Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023.
Born on March 12, 1967, he has built a distinguished career spanning diplomacy, politics, energy, and strategic consulting.
He is widely regarded for his role in shaping Nigeria’s global engagement and advancing its foreign policy priorities.
His political career includes serving as a member of the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011, representing the Gamawa Constituency in Bauchi State.
The diplomat later contested the governorship of the state in two election cycles.
From 2017 to 2023, Tuggar served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany, where he played a key role in strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing trade cooperation, and promoting Nigeria’s interests in Europe.
As Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tuggar led Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts under the Tinubu administration. (Channels)
Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra state, has been sworn in for a second term in office.
Onyekachukwu Ibezim also took the oath of office for a fresh tenure as deputy governor.
Soludo secured victory in the November 2025 governorship election, which was conducted across 5,718 polling units in Anambra state.
The incumbent polled 422,664 votes to defeat his closest rival, Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who came second with 99,445 votes.
Soludo was sworn in on Tuesday in Awka, the state capital, with several dignitaries in attendance.
Among those present were Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and former Nigerian presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
The event was attended by political stakeholders, government officials, supporters, and traditional rulers. It signposts the beginning of a new four-year tenure for the governor.
In his inauguration address, Soludo said he would deliver on his campaign promises.
He said his re-election was a “unanimous endorsement of his programmes and objectives”, promising the people of Anambra that “we would not take your support for granted”.
He thanked the federal government and international community for partnering with his government in the last four years.
The governor also appreciated members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and APC, saying “all progressives are working together”.
“Politics and elections are over. It’s time to work together for the development of Anambra,” he added. (TheCable)
Philip Aduda, a former senator, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Aduda was received into the ruling party on Monday in Abuja by Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC national chairman.
Earlier on Monday, Aduda, who represented the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between 2011 and 2023 in the senate, resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Aduda, an ally of Nyesom Wike, the minister of the FCT, attributed his decision to quit the PDP to the leadership crisis in the opposition party.
The former senator expressed appreciation to the PDP for the opportunity to serve in various elective positions in the country.
Earlier this month, Wike said Ireti Kingibe, the senator representing the FCT in the senate, would not be re-elected in 2027, claiming that she has “no project to show”.
Aduda lost the FCT senatorial election in 2023 to Kingibe. Aduda would later challenge the outcome of the polls, but both the tribunal and the appeal court upheld Kingibe’s election. (The Cable)
A political advocacy group within the All Progressives Congress on Friday urged the national leadership of the party to exercise caution in selecting governorship candidates for the 2027 general elections, warning that poor choices could threaten the party’s fortunes in the South-West and potentially undermine the re-election prospects of President Bola Tinubu in the region.
The Oyo APC Youth League particularly cautioned against two prominent politicians who had previously failed in their attempts to clinch the governorship tickets in their respective states but are reportedly preparing to contest again in 2027.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the group’s spokesman, Taorid Olawale, said the party must place a premium on integrity, credibility and grassroots appeal in choosing candidates across key South-West states.
He said, “We urge the party to prioritise integrity, credibility, and grassroots acceptance in selecting candidates for key states in the South-west, particularly Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos states.
“In Yorubaland, personal history and public reputation of political aspirants remain critical factors in determining electoral support.”
According to him, voters in the region expect candidates whose lives reflect honesty, public service and a genuine connection to the grassroots.
Olawale warned that presenting aspirants with questionable records or widespread public distrust could damage the credibility of the ruling party and weaken its electoral chances in the South-West, particularly in Oyo State.
He further argued that such decisions could also negatively affect President Tinubu’s anticipated bid for re-election in 2027.
The youth league also highlighted the political significance of Ibadan and referenced the counsel of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasheed Ladoja, describing him as a respected technocrat, former senator and former governor whose voice still carries weight among the people.
Olawale emphasised that the royal father’s experience in governance and deep grassroots connection make his perspective valuable in guiding both the President and the APC in identifying credible candidates, especially in Oyo State.
He said, “In politics, sins are not forgiven; they are merely kept until the right time for reckoning,” warning that allowing controversial figures to secure party tickets through internal political manoeuvring could have far-reaching consequences for the party across the region.
“The stakes are high, and history will not forgive a misstep. In this regard, an opinion poll has truly indicated that the APC as a party may have a deficit of victory in the next governorship election in Oyo state if it fields any of its old candidates.
“The APC can rob itself of victory if its leadership turns defiant against public expectation of picking a young, fresh, virtuous and modest candidate to represent the party in the 2027 governorship election.”
The spokesman concluded by warning that the decisions taken by the party in selecting candidates for Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states would play a decisive role in determining whether the APC retains its dominance in the South-West or faces rejection by the electorate. (Punch)
Fifteen lawmakers of the Adamawa State House of Assembly have resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing ongoing internal crises at the national level of the party.
The announcement was made on Wednesday during plenary by Speaker Bathiya Wesley, who also disclosed that he and his deputy, Buba Jijiwa, have quit the PDP.
“All the resignation letters conveyed the same message,” Wesley said. “The lawmakers pointed to the prolonged crisis at the national level of the PDP as the main reason for their decision. They also expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunity to contest and win elections on its platform.”
The departing lawmakers include Kefas Calvin, Bulus Geoffrey, Haruna Jilantikiri, Kefas Emmanuel, Ahmed Belel, Moses Zah, Kate Mamuno, Pwamwakeno Mackondo, Adun Alaba, Bulus Kantom, Musa Kallamu, and Japhet Hammanjabu.
Separately, Abubakar Abdullahi, representing Girei State Constituency, resigned from the PDP on Tuesday.
Reports indicate that the lawmakers are set to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), though a formal announcement is yet to be made.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri is also reportedly finalising plans to move to the APC. Last Saturday, he hosted APC leaders at an iftar ceremony (breaking of the Ramadan fast) at the Government House, Yola, describing the gathering as an opportunity to strengthen dialogue, foster cooperation, and reaffirm a shared commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development in Adamawa State. (Guardian)
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