
Politics
Kwankwaso moves to ADC, sparks Obi alliance talk
The camps of the former governor of Kano State, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso and that of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have confirmed ongoing discussions that could lead to a joint presidential ticket involving the two leaders ahead of the 2027 general election.
The former governor of Kano State is expected to declare for the African Democratic Congress today, and is due to be received by the National Chairman and Secretary of the ADC, David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, respectively.
He is likely to join the party alongside the immediate past deputy governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo.
Ahead of the defection, he had, at the weekend, visited former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in Abuja after an earlier meeting with Aregbesola.
Kwankwaso had earlier been visited during Sallah durbar in Kano by Obi, alongside Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and former governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson.

The development comes as Kwankwaso announced his resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party on Sunday, citing the need for political realignment.
Kwankwaso, who was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.
He said, “I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) with immediate effect.”
The former governor described his exit as a difficult decision, noting his longstanding involvement with the party.
“As a committed and bona fide member of the party, this was not an easy decision to make. However, considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation,” he said.
Kwankwaso expressed appreciation to the party leadership, including the National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, and other organs of the party, for their support during his time.
He also acknowledged members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and party supporters for their commitment.
“We shall continue to collaborate and work together towards charting a better and more prosperous future for our dear nation,” he added.
Confiding in The PUNCH, the National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, admitted that there would inevitably be a political movement if both Obi and Kwankwaso agreed to work together.
He said, “I think that whichever way, there is bound to be a movement. If they are going to work together, there is bound to be a movement, either to the ADC, NNPP or somewhere else.”
On concerns about the viability of the NNPP amid lingering litigations, Johnson dismissed the notion that the development was peculiar to his party.
“Virtually, every party has litigation because it is one of the tactics being deployed by the ruling party,” he noted
On whether the NNPP would back its leader if he contests on the ADC platform, Johnson said the party would take a collective decision in line with its constitution.
He said, “If Kwankwaso decides to run for the presidency on another platform, it is only natural that the National Working Committee of the NNPP would meet and summon the NEC to take a decision that we will obviously be in alignment with wherever he is going.
“Definitely, he will be moving there along with the full support of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. But as I earlier said, the NNPP will make a decision to have a strategic alliance with the prospective party. Nothing is stopping it from doing that. It is in the constitution.”
He also expressed confidence in Kwankwaso’s political strength despite recent developments in Kano.
“Do you know why I am confident? Abba’s rebellion was not a betrayal of Kwankwaso or the NNPP. It was a betrayal of the mandate of the people of the state. And I assure you that since that day, Kwankwaso has been getting bigger and stronger.
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“Look at how they welcomed Obi. Nobody knew Obi was coming. They just came to pay homage at Sallah. It’s a traditional thing they do in the north. You go and pay homage to the emir and to Kwankwaso,” he added.
Also speaking, Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, said the idea of an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket was gaining traction among Nigerians.
He said, “I started this particular narrative on the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket. It seems to be the most acceptable if you are going to do a public poll.
“It is obvious. So it is the people who will vote. And if that is their preferred choice, why not?”
On whether both politicians were willing to work together, Tanko said their positions had evolved since the 2023 elections.
“Well, there has been a shift in their mindsets, considering the result of the 2023 poll. And I can authoritatively tell you that when the opportunity beckons to them, they will be willing to work together.”
The Obidient coordinator dismissed speculations that the two camps were considering registering a new political party.
He said, “That would be an exercise in futility because registration of a new party cannot be done now. And I think that shop has already been closed. So the speculation is out of it.
“Just as I said, if the opportunity beckons for these two persons, quote me, they are willing to work together.”
Tanko added that opposition parties could form a broader alliance ahead of the next election cycle.
“All political parties in the opposition will likely come together and work together as a team. You can see the euphoria that welcomes this particular visit that we made to Kano, and it was a heavily welcomed thing.
“So we are hoping that it will kind of metamorphose into an alliance of all opposition parties because that is what we need at the moment, now in this country.
“It’s an opportunity for everyone to come together as a team for the benefit of Nigeria, both as a political party and individuals who have the capacity to dislodge this particular government that has added little value to human dignity in Nigeria.
“The vehicle to be used may be decided by the people. The pathway to get to that particular destination will also be discussed by the leaders. Once the objective and the goal are similar and agreed upon, all other indices come in as an appendage,” he stated.
The Obidient Movement and NNPP, however, pushed back against allegations by critics that Obi staged a “rented crowd” during his recent visit to Kano.
In separate interviews, Ladipo and Tanko rejected the insinuation outright, attributing the viral claims to a misinterpretation of unrelated footage.
Ladipo maintained that both Obi and Kwankwaso have never relied on inducements to mobilise supporters.
“Rented crowd? Never. Even when Kwankwaso was doing declaration, he was like everyone who can come should come. He didn’t send money to the states or any organiser to bring people. You should have seen the crowd. They filled the whole of Maitama.
“Of course. Everybody knows Obi very well. Will he or Kwankwaso put one Kobo down? The truth is that the crowd didn’t even know the people coming. They just came for Sallah homage.”
Also speaking, Tanko described the allegation as baseless, stressing that the reception Obi received in Kano reflected spontaneous goodwill rather than orchestrated mobilisation.
He said, “Rented crowd? These people are funny. If you go and rent a crowd, would you also rent their mouth? It was spontaneous. The kind of love that was shown to Obi was spontaneous. These are not even Obidient members.
“What you saw are the Kwankwasiya members’ rent. You cannot rent a crowd for Kwankwaso. No way! Anybody saying that is just uncharitable with the respect that we give to people of Kano State.”
News
2027: ‘Peter Obi must not die’ — Igbo Group warns of catastrophic consequences
Njiko Igbo Forum, an affiliate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a stern warning ahead of the 2027 general elections, cautioning that it will be catastrophic should anything happen to Mr Peter Obi.
It could be recalled that Obi, on Wednesday, raised the alarm that his life was under threat.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, raised fears that he may not be alive in 2027 to be part of the election.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, Rev Dr Okechukwu Christopher Obioha, Leader, Njiko Igbo Forum Nigeria, he warned that should anything happen to Obi or he was not in the ballot, the reaction and result would be very catastrophic.
Obioha said the caution was part of the decision taken during an emergency meeting held today, Thursday, in Enugu.

The Forum said, “That we have seen the viral video made by His Excellency, Mr Peter Gregory Obi, speaking on a number of issues, he expressed serious concern that his life is in danger.
“For him to have gone to the extent of saying he might not be alive before the 16th of January 2027, speaks volumes both in our polity and in the country at large.
“We have seen him in the past, spoke about the federal government trying to frustrate and targeting him not to be in the ballot.
“We have also observed over a period of time that the presidency or the federal government led by President Tinubu does not want Peter Obi to be in the ballot.”
While drawing the attention of the Presidency, Nigeria and the world to those allegations, Njiko Igbo Forum declared that “if anything happens to Mr Peter Gregory Obi or finally his name is not in the ballot for the 16th January, 2026 presidential election, the reaction and result will be very catastrophic and may adversely affect the continued unity in diversity of this country Nigeria.”
It further stated that the Igbo had been very quiet, pushed to the wall, segregated against, marked out everywhere, chased about and even tried to take their possessions.
Njiko Igbo Forum cautioned that keeping quiet does not mean the Igbo are cowards.
It said the ruling government should not forget that for any democracy to thrive, there must be a viral opposition in the polity.
“There is no reason, for what we have seen in the process or polity in trailing Peter Obi and going to an extent of chasing him through all the political parties and now wanting to kill him.
“This outcry by Mr Peter Gregory Obi, must not be taken lightly and request as a matter of urgent National importance, that an urgent investigation panel be constituted to verify Mr Peter Obi’s allegations.
“We are strongly stating again that, nothing should happen to Mr Peter Gregory Obi.
“Yes, Chief Awolowo said, before Nigeria he was of the Yoruba Nation. The same way we are saying before Peter Obi is of Nigeria, he is of the Igbo.
“Mr Peter Gregory Obi will live and become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2027,” it declared.
News
I might not be alive to contest in 2027 – Peter Obi raises alarm over threats to his life
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has cried out over alleged threat to his life.
Obi, who is a major contender ahead of the 2027 presidential election said he might not be alive to participate in the election.
According to him, there is obvious attack on everything that had to do with him, including his life.
The former Anambra state governor made the allegation during a podcast with Chude Jideonwo.
“The way they are going now I might not be alive, I’m telling you every single thing I do for a living this government is frustrating it deliberately so.

“Everything, so there’s even a possibility if they have opportunity I will not be alive. I get frustrations every day because you do things that may think it may be normal it is not normal they won’t come directly and say oh we are doing this but you could see their hand in eventually everything.
“The government is attacking everybody, I am being attacked personally even to provide me with things I am entitled to, not at all,” he said.
He recalled how his vehicle was clamped down at the airport while he was right there, whereas other vehicles lined up on the same spot were untouched.
Obi further that stated that even close associates were beginning to avoid him over fear of government clampdown.
He disclosed that friends now send him invitations for occasions but tell him not to bother attending.
Politics
Voters reward performance as APC sweeps Ekiti, dominates Bye-Elections nationwide — Yilwatda

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has described the resounding victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the Ekiti State Governorship Election and the party’s impressive performance in the recent bye-elections across the country as a clear vote of confidence in the APC, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the ongoing reforms being implemented to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and prosperity.
Prof. Yilwatda stated that the outcome of the elections demonstrates that Nigerians are able to distinguish between temporary economic challenges associated with reforms and the long-term benefits of responsible governance, economic restructuring, infrastructure development and institutional renewal being championed by the APC at both federal and state levels.
According to the National Chairman:
“The overwhelming victory recorded by our great party in Ekiti State and our remarkable success in the bye-elections across the country represent a powerful endorsement of the APC’s governance philosophy. These results affirm that Nigerians appreciate leadership that prioritises development, accountability, stability and the welfare of the people.”
“The people of Ekiti State have once again demonstrated that performance remains the most potent campaign message in democratic politics. Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s resounding re-election is a reward for visionary leadership, inclusive governance, prudent management of resources and visible developmental achievements across the state.”

Governor Oyebanji of the APC was declared winner of the Ekiti Governorship Election after securing a commanding victory across the state, reaffirming the confidence of the electorate in his administration and the APC’s developmental agenda. The party also recorded significant victories in five of the six bye-elections conducted across various states of the federation.
Prof. Yilwatda, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, noted that the Ekiti result has further strengthened the APC’s narrative that performance-based governance remains electorally rewarding, even amid difficult economic transitions.
“The Ekiti election has become a national reference point. It confirms that when governments deliver tangible results in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, security and social development, citizens respond with renewed trust and overwhelming electoral support.”
“This victory sends a clear message that governance, not propaganda, remains the most effective route to political legitimacy. The people of Ekiti have spoken loudly and clearly in support of continuity, stability and progress.”
The APC National Chairman described Ekiti State under Governor Oyebanji as one of the most compelling governance success stories in contemporary Nigeria, citing sustained investments in road infrastructure, rural development, human capital advancement, healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, workers’ welfare and ease of doing business.
He said the administration has successfully built broad-based political consensus while maintaining a strong focus on development outcomes, thereby creating an environment of stability and accelerated progress.
“Ekiti today stands as a shining example of how APC governments are translating public trust into measurable development outcomes. The state’s progress under Governor Oyebanji provides a practical demonstration of our party’s commitment to people-centred governance.”
Prof. Yilwatda further stated that the election outcomes should be viewed within the broader national context of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, which is gradually laying the foundation for a more resilient, productive and globally competitive Nigerian economy.
“Despite inheriting deep structural challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated courage and vision in implementing reforms that are necessary for Nigeria’s long-term prosperity. The confidence reposed in our party by voters across the country indicates growing public understanding and appreciation of these reforms and their future benefits.”
It
“These victories are therefore not only electoral successes; they are validations of a governing philosophy anchored on bold leadership, responsible decision-making and sustainable development.”
The National Chairman congratulated President Tinubu, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, APC leaders and members in Ekiti State and across the federation, as well as all candidates who emerged victorious in the bye-elections.
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the people of Ekiti State for the peaceful conduct of the election.
Prof. Yilwatda assured Nigerians that the APC would remain focused on delivering good governance at all levels and deepening democratic dividends for citizens across the country.
“Our message to Nigerians is simple: we have heard your voices, we appreciate your confidence and we shall continue to justify the trust you have placed in our party through impactful governance, economic renewal and inclusive national development.”
“The APC remains committed to building a stronger, more prosperous and more united Nigeria. The victories recorded in Ekiti and the bye-elections reinforce our resolve to work even harder in service to the Nigerian people.”
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