
Politics
INEC is inside the deepest corner of Tinubu’s pocket – Atiku
The Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to a revelation by the immediate past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu was recommended for re-appointment by a member of Bola Tinubu’s camp in 2020.
Speaking in Rivers State on election day, Amaechi noted that not only did the re-appointment of the INEC chairman come from Tinubu’s camp, the INEC boss also worked under Governor Nyesom Wike when the Rivers State governor was Minister of State for Education and interim Minister of Education in the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.
“INEC is a complete failure. There are those of us who opposed the reappointment of Yakubu Mahmood. The person who nominated him is a member of Tinubu’s camp. So what are you expecting?
“Here in Rivers State, Mahmood worked under Wike as Executive Secretary of TETFund; so what you are having in Rivers is that APC and other parties are contesting, not against PDP, but against INEC, against police,” Amaechi said.
Responding in a statement on Sunday, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Phrank Shaibu said Amaechi’s revelation was a confirmation of our worst fears that Yakubu’s INEC was working for the APC.

Shaibu stated, “Former Governor Amaechi’s revelation is only a confirmation of what everyone always knew. That INEC under the leadership of Prof. Yakubu is inside the deepest corner of Bola Tinubu’s pocket.
“This is a confirmation of our earlier statement that Tinubu had already embarked on a systematic state capture where the police, INEC, and the judiciary are in his pocket. Is it not surprising that the AIG who was deployed in Rivers State to supervise the governorship and Presidential elections is Kayode Egbetokun, a known ally of Tinubu who also served as Tinubu’s Chief Security Officer while he was governor of Lagos?
“This unholy alliance between INEC and the police is the reason why the election in Rivers State remains one of the most rigged in the history of Nigeria. Indeed, the journey to state capture has begun.”
Shaibu added that INEC chairman’s compromise was the reason results were not uploaded on election day, and also, the same reason that Yakubu continued to announce the results despite protests from political parties.
He said when the story of Nigerian elections is told, the name of Prof. Yakubu will be mentioned for the wrong reasons.
Atiku’s aide added, “This explains why, after promising Nigerians that he would upload election results from polling units, he changed his mind at the last minute and then blamed it on glitches. Truth be told, Yakubu was the only glitch because of his incestuous affair with Tinubu’s APC.
“His predecessor, Prof. Attahiru Jega conducted two credible presidential elections in 2011 and 2015. The 2015 election was so credible that it witnessed the lowest number of election petitions and court disputes.
“Rather than improve on this, Prof Yakubu put his personal interest far and above that of over 200 million Nigerians. He claimed before the election at Chatham House that the electoral system he put in place was so advanced that the human body odour could be used for voter accreditation if he wanted. But this was all part of his grand deception.
“Despite receiving higher allocations than any other INEC chairman in history, Prof Yakubu could not conduct a credible election. This is indeed shameful for a man who over 200 million Nigerians saw as their last hope.”
Shaibu said the exposè by online platform, Peoples Gazette, on the eve of the presidential election that INEC had been compromised by Tinubu, has shown to be true after all.
Atiku’s aide added that it was also disheartening that INEC chairman continued to award sensitive election contracts to APC candidates.
He added, “A top consultant of INEC was caught on tape revealing that Tinubu would offer $170 million to the commission’s officials to manipulate the results of the presidential elections across Nigeria.
“In the same election season, INEC awarded sensitive contracts to companies owned by Senator Sani Musa of APC and Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani, the APC governorship candidate in Adamawa. It is indeed safe to say that Nigeria’s democracy has been sold to the APC by Prof. Yakubu.”
Politics
Full list: NDC unveils 2027 presidential campaign council
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has unveiled its National Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, with the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, named chairman and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, appointed co-chairman.
The council also includes the party’s National Chairman and vice-presidential candidate, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, as vice-chairman, while its National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, will serve as co-vice-chairman.
Mallam Ibrahim Hussain Abdulkarim has been named council secretary and Director-General.
The party said the council would coordinate its nationwide campaign and mobilise support for its vision of a “new, just, and prosperous Nigeria”.
Below is the full list of members.

National Campaign Caucus
His Excellency, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson CON — Chairman / NDC National Leader
His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi CON — Co-Chairman / NDC Presidential Candidate
Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe — Vice Chairman / NDC National Chairman
His Excellency, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso CON — Co-Vice Chairman / NDC Vice Presidential Candidate
Mr. Babachir Lawal — Member / Chairman, National Campaign Advisory Council
Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu — Council Secretary / NDC National Secretary
Alh. Sidi Bomi Abdul — Member / Deputy National Chairman, North
Mr. Babatunde F. Alli — Member / Deputy National Chairman, South
Senator Ovie Omo Agege CFR — Member
Senator Victor Umeh OFR — Member / Representative NDC Senate Caucus
Mallam Ibrahim Hussain Abdulkarim — Member / DG, Presidential Campaign
Engr. Buba Galadima — Member
Prof. Yakubu Ochefu — Member
Professor Mahmud Gambo Jahun — Member
Hon. Moshood Salvador — Member
Mrs. Dudu Manuga — Member / NDC National Woman Leader
Hon. Victor Ogene — Member / Chairman NDC House of Representative Caucus
Hon. Muktar Usman — Member / Member NDC House of Representative Caucus
National Campaign Advisory Council
Mr. Babachir Lawal — Chairman, Campaign Advisory Council
Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe — Co-Chairman, Campaign Advisory Council
His Excellency, Dr. Sam Egwu CON — Vice Chairman, Campaign Advisory Council
Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu — Secretary, National Campaign Advisory Council
Dr. Danladi Abdulhameed Tambari — Member / Asst. Secretary, National Campaign Advisory Council
Chief Onyema Ugochukwu CON — Member / Abia State Representative
Obong Ini Okon — Member / Akwa Ibom State Representative
Hon. Oseloka Obaze — Member / Anambra State Representative
Madaki A. Mohammed mni — Member / Bauchi State Representative
Dr. O.O. Osusu OON — Member / Bayelsa State Representative
Dr. Tor Ujah — Member / Benue State
Ibrahim Alhaji S. Matawalle — Member / Borno State Representative
Chief Ugba Murphy — Member / Cross River State Representative
Prof. Pat Utomi — Member / Delta State Representative
Senator Roland Owie — Member / Edo State Representative
Sen. Akinyede Sola — Member / Ekiti State Representative
His Excellency, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo — Member / Enugu State Representative
Hon. Uche Okonkwo — Member / F.C.T. Representative
Prof. Iliya Ishaya Jalo — Member / Gombe State Representative
His Excellency, Chief Achike Udenwa CON — Member / Imo State Representative
Mallam Hassan Kabiru — Member / Jigawa State Representative
Joshua Makama — Member / Kaduna State Representative
Nasir Lawan Ahmad — Member / Kano State Representative
Dr. Ismail Iro — Member / Katsina State Representative
Alh. Ahmed Zayyanu Iliyasu — Member / Kebbi State Representative
Mallam Adamu Atta — Member / Kogi State Representative
Arc. Dr. Toma Audu Gana — Member / Kwara State Representative
Hon. Tunji Soyinka — Member / Lagos State Representative
Hon. David Zakaria — Member / Nasarawa State
Alh. Isa A. Kutugi — Member / Niger State Representative
Otunba Tope Niyi Taiwo — Member / Ogun State Representative
Chief Tope Adebambo — Member / Ondo State Representative
Hon. Razaq Mustapha Adeniyi — Member / Osun State Representative
Mr. Kayode Joseph — Member / Oyo State Representative
Manasseh Zakka Watyil — Member / Plateau State Representative
Sen. Ben Birabi — Member / Rivers State Representative
Alh. Jabbi Hassan Sifawa — Member / Sokoto State Representative
Hon. Dr. Philip Kafiya — Member / Taraba State Representative
Engr. Buba Galadima — Member / Yobe State Representative
Hon. Barr. Mohammed Sani Takori mni — Member / Zamfara State Representative
National Campaign Directorates
Mallam Ibrahim Hussain Abdulkarim — Director General
Ebubedike VinMartin Obiora Ilo — Deputy DG Admin, National Campaign Council
Alh. Tijjani Iya — Deputy DG North
Chief Barr. Fred E. Owotorufa — Deputy DG South
Mrs. Ndidi Mbagwu — Director Finance
Dr. Peter Onigah, NDC National Treasurer — Co-Director Finance
Folashade Aliu — Deputy Director Finance
Hon. Oseloka Obaze — Director Logistics and Operations
Mr. Wole Adedapo — Deputy Director Logistics and Operations 1
Ibrahim Tukur Gusau — Deputy Director Logistics and Operations 2
Osa Director, NDC National Publicity Secretary — Director of Communication & Media
Mr. Ikeddi Isiguzo — Deputy Director of Communication & Media
Dr. Constance Ikokwu — Campaign Spokesperson
Sonny Neme — Deputy Campaign Spokesperson 1
Dr. Sam Omale — Deputy Campaign Spokesperson 2
Anulka Rita Modebe — Campaign Spokesperson North Central
Rev. Wesley Gainaka — Campaign Spokesperson North East
Ibrahim Rabi’u Amana — Campaign Spokesperson North West
Nwosu Christopher Maduabuchukwu — Campaign Spokesperson South East
Dr. Isaiah Osifo — Campaign Spokesperson South South
Amb. Makinde Akinlade — Campaign Spokesperson South West
Mr. Zekeri Idris — Director New Media
Theophilus Abu — Deputy Director, New Media
Dr. Obinna Simon — Asst. Deputy Director, New Media
Dr. S.K.C. Ogbonnia — Director Policy, Research & Documentation
Barr. Shehu Muhammad Danmusa — Deputy Director Policy, Research & Documentation
Barr. Reuben Egwuaba — Director Legal Affairs
Barr. Vincent Otaokpukpu — Deputy Director Legal Affairs
Major General John Enenche (rtd) — Director Security and Intelligence
Ali Garba Sarbi — Deputy Director Security and Intelligence
Dr. Danlami Arabs Rukujei — Director Election Monitoring and Vote Protection
Hajiya Bilkisu Shu’aibu — Deputy Director Election Monitoring and Vote Protection
Mr. Daniel Elombah — Director Diaspora
Princess Maryam Tolofari Nyong — Co-Director Diaspora
Dr. Daniel Onifade — Deputy Director Diaspora
Comrade Adamu Abbas Ahman — Director Youth Mobilization
Idris Usman Audu — Deputy Director Youth Mobilization
Mrs. Dudu Manuga, NDC National Woman Leader — Director Women Mobilization
Binta Abba Gana — Deputy Director Women Mobilization
Dr. Maji Peterx — Director Civil Society & Support Groups Coordination
Abduljalal Idris (Aljazeera) — Deputy Director Civil Society & Support Groups Coordination
Dr. Shu’aibu Abdulrashid — Director Election Observers Liaison
Chief Abayomi Kuye Taiwo — Deputy Director Election Observers Liaison
Ms. Jackie Wayas — Director Protocol
Sharon Chukwuobasi — Deputy Director Protocol I
Alh. Abdulrazak Maaji — Deputy Director Protocol II
[Name Missing / Blank in Document] — Director Situation Room Management
Umar Mahmood — Deputy Director Situation Room Management I
Malate Peter — Deputy Director Situation Room Management II
Ms. Chinasa Issac-Oduka — Director Welfare
Mallam Nafiu Umar Dankura — Deputy Director Welfare I
Madaki Muhammad wMisau, mni. — Deputy Director Welfare II
Umar Usman Besse — Director of Organization
Hart Sylvanus Idabelema Handley — Deputy Director of Organization
Dr. Abdulmutallib Alhassan — Director, Information Communication & Technology
Boma N. Williams — Deputy Director, Information Communication & Technology
Brian Jonah Dennis — Asst. Director, Information Communication & Technology
Dr. Pillar Josemaria — Director, Medical
Dr. Ezra Dablet — Deputy Director, Medical
Abdullahi Akilo Jugunnu — Director, Persons with Disability.
State Campaign Coordinators
Senator Nkechi Nwogu, CON — State Campaign Coordinator (Abia)
Bamanga Tukur Jr. — State Campaign Coordinator (Adamawa)
Apostle (Dr.) David Okpon — State Campaign Coordinator (Akwa Ibom)
Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezim — State Campaign Coordinator (Anambra)
Sulaiman Muhammad — State Campaign Coordinator (Bauchi)
Prof. Silva Opuala-Charles — State Campaign Coordinator (Bayelsa)
Hon. (Engr.) Andrew Abba — State Campaign Coordinator (Benue)
Abdulkadir Fema — State Campaign Coordinator (Borno)
Rt. Hon. Eta Mbora — State Campaign Coordinator (Cross River)
Mr. Ken Pela — State Campaign Coordinator (Delta)
Professor Ben Odoh — State Campaign Coordinator (Ebonyi)
Hon. John Yakubu — State Campaign Coordinator (Edo)
Barr Babafemi Adegbite — State Campaign Coordinator (Ekiti)
Bishop Oscar Okwudili Ossai — State Campaign Coordinator (Enugu)
Alh. Garba Zagada Zagada — Gombe Campaign Coordinator (Gombe)
Chief Martins Agbaso — State Campaign Coordinator (Imo)
Alhaji Ado Waziri Kwalam — State Campaign Coordinator (Jigawa)
Ibrahim Mado — State Campaign Coordinator (Kaduna)
Abdullahi Musa — State Campaign Coordinator (Kano)
Dr. Zayyana Shehu — State Campaign Coordinator (Katsina)
Capt. Ladan Soja Bunza (Rtd) — State Campaign Coordinator (Kebbi)
High Chief Peter Ameh — State Campaign Coordinator (Kogi)
Hon. Anthony Dele Abiodun — State Campaign Coordinator (Kwara)
Mr. Ife Salako — State Campaign Coordinator (Lagos)
[Senatorial Candidate — Name Missing] — State Campaign Coordinator (Nasarawa)
[Senatorial Candidate — Name Missing] — State Campaign Coordinator (Niger)
Barr. Abimbola Lanre-Balogun — State Campaign Coordinator (Ogun)
Hon. Idowu Famusipe — State Campaign Coordinator (Ondo)
Hon Kunle Tiamiyu — State Campaign Coordinator (Osun)
Adeola Ebisemiju — State Campaign Coordinator (Oyo)
Prince Rwang Pam — State Campaign Coordinator (Plateau)
Mr. Zubi Nwuke — State Campaign Coordinator (Rivers)
Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar — State Campaign Coordinator (Sokoto)
Alh. Abdullahi Ade — State Campaign Coordinator (Taraba)
Ilu Bello Dambazau — State Campaign Coordinator (Yobe)
Ibrahim Tukur Gusau — State Campaign Coordinator (Zamfara)
Dr. Stephen Knabayi — FCT Campaign Coordinator (FCT)
Politics
Atiku accuses Tinubu, Okpebholo of enabling political violence after ADC supporter’s attack ADC presidential candidate Atiku
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of creating an environment that encouraged political violence.
The accusation followed an alleged attack on comedian Osagie Daniel Idedia, popularly known as Porkupyne, in Benin City.
In a post on X on Saturday, Atiku alleged that the comedian was attacked because he supported him and his demand for good governance and accountability in Edo State.
He condemned the incident and called for an urgent police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the brutal attack on comedian Osagie Daniel Idedia (aka Porkupyne), in Benin City, Edo State,” Atiku said.

He added that the incident was politically motivated, alleging that the comedian was targeted because he was his supporter.
Atiku held Okpebholo, Tinubu and the APC leadership responsible for what he described as a climate of impunity in which opposition supporters were allegedly intimidated and assaulted.
“Governor Okpebholo must explain what happened to Porkupyne, stop hiding behind official silence and prove that his government is not shielding political thugs,” he said.
The former vice-president also called on Tinubu and the APC to stop what he described as the brutalisation of opposition supporters, insisting that political differences should not expose citizens to violence.
He urged the police to identify those responsible for the alleged attack and investigate whether any individuals sponsored or facilitated it.
“The police must urgently investigate allegations of political involvement, identify the perpetrators and expose whoever sponsored or facilitated this cowardly attack,” Atiku said.
Atiku also appealed to Amnesty International and foreign missions in Nigeria to monitor the treatment of opposition supporters and document cases of alleged politically motivated violence ahead of the 2027 general election.
“I am formally drawing the attention of Amnesty International and all foreign missions in Nigeria to this deeply troubling incident,” he said.
He called for justice for Idedia and protection for Nigerians exercising their right to political choice and peaceful dissent.
“I demand immediate justice for Porkupyne and protection for every Nigerian exercising the right to political choice and peaceful dissent,” he added. (AriseNews TV)
Politics
Atiku’s ADC Campaign Council Faults Tinubu’s 90-Day Relief Plan, Calls It ‘Election Bait’
The presidential campaign council of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s 90-day cost-of-living relief plan, describing it as “election bait” and demanding details of how the proposed measures would ease the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
The council’s Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, stated this on Friday during a world press conference at the party’s secretariat, questioning the timing of the initiative and the government’s ability to deliver meaningful relief within the proposed timeframe.
Shaibu argued that with the presidential election reportedly 86 days away, the 90-day timeline would extend beyond the poll, raising concerns that Nigerians might not experience the promised benefits before deciding whether to renew the administration’s mandate.
“After three and a half years of hardship, this government is asking families to carry another promise into the polling booth and wait for relief until the votes are counted,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to judge the Tinubu administration by its economic performance and the impact of its policies on household incomes rather than promises announced ahead of the election.

The Federal Government’s 90-day plan identifies five priority areas: food affordability, tax harmonisation, completion of key projects, removal of investment bottlenecks and household support.
However, Shaibu maintained that these issues had remained unresolved for too long, citing rising food and transportation costs, growing pressure on manufacturers and the closure of businesses.
He also criticised the government’s handling of petrol subsidy removal, arguing that adequate measures to protect vulnerable households should have accompanied the policy from the outset.
According to him, Nigerians were made to bear the immediate economic consequences of the reform while being asked to wait for its promised benefits.
“A government cannot put a 90-day deadline on hunger, the cost-of-living crisis and insecurity and call it an economic policy,” he said.
ADC Questions Tinubu’s Planned Kaduna Visit
The ADC campaign official also questioned President Tinubu’s planned visit to Kaduna State to launch his re-election campaign, citing concerns over insecurity, civilian casualties from military airstrikes, abductions and natural disasters in the state.
He recalled the December 3, 2023, military drone strike on civilians attending a Maulud celebration in Tudun Biri, which killed at least 85 people.
He also referenced a reported military airstrike in Giwa in September 2024 that allegedly killed at least 24 civilians, as well as reported kidnappings in Kachia in September 2025 and the impact of storms and flooding on communities across the state.
Shaibu challenged the President to explain what his administration had done to support victims of the incidents and what concrete measures had been introduced to protect residents from abductions and other security threats.
Demands Transparency Over NNPC Fuel Discount
Shaibu also questioned the effectiveness of a fuel discount promotion reportedly introduced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) on October 1.
He claimed that he visited NNPC retail outlets but was told that no discount was available, adding that he subsequently purchased petrol at ₦1,405 per litre.
He challenged the company to publish comprehensive details of the promotion, including the number of motorists who benefited, the participating stations and the volume of petrol sold at discounted prices.
The ADC official further questioned the reach of a reported ₦66-per-litre discount, arguing that the impact of the initiative needed to be assessed against the number of NNPC retail outlets and the country’s wider fuel retail network.
Demands Details of Five-Point Relief Plan
On food affordability, Shaibu asked the government to explain which production and distribution costs would be reduced for farmers, transporters and traders, when consumers should expect lower market prices and how the reductions would be sustained beyond the 90-day period.
He also demanded the publication of the proposed tax harmonisation measures, a list of projects scheduled for completion within the timeframe and details of the government’s plans to remove obstacles affecting manufacturers and investors.
Regarding household support, Shaibu called for disclosure of the eligibility criteria, payment amounts, commencement dates, funding arrangements and plans for beneficiaries after the initiative expires.
He argued that without clear implementation details and measurable targets, the plan risked becoming another government announcement without demonstrable benefits for ordinary Nigerians.
Raises Concerns Over ‘Arise for Tinubu 2027’ Registration Form
Shaibu also raised concerns about a registration form circulating under the name “Arise for Tinubu 2027”, which he said requested voter identification, bank details and phone numbers.
He demanded clarification on the identity of those collecting the information, the purpose of the exercise and whether it was connected to the proposed household support programme.
He insisted that Nigerians should not be required to surrender sensitive personal information to a political organisation as a condition for accessing public relief.
He further urged the government to explain what safeguards would prevent the misuse of personal data or the diversion of public assistance for political purposes.
Atiku’s Alternative Economic Position
Shaibu said Atiku had pledged to make Nigeria more affordable through disciplined public spending, targeted household assistance, lower production and transportation costs for essential goods, and policies designed to help local manufacturers expand and create jobs.
He maintained that the success of economic policies should be measured by improvements in household purchasing power, reduced living costs and increased economic opportunities, rather than official announcements.
The ADC campaign council urged Nigerians to demand verifiable evidence that the proposed relief measures would reach intended beneficiaries, deliver measurable improvements and remain effective beyond the election period.
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