Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has urged Nigerians, particularly those in their middle years, to participate actively in politics rather than limiting themselves to commentary on social media. In a post on X on Saturday, Sani advised Nigerians in their 30s, 40s and 50s to stop engaging only in online debates while younger politicians occupy elective positions. Sani said surveys suggesting that Nigerian youths are more active on social media than in politics were unhelpful, stressing that political participation should go beyond online engagement. He also urged aspiring politicians not to be discouraged by a lack of financial resources, noting that many of those currently in power did not have an easy path in politics. Sani wrote: “You are in your 30s, 40s or 50s, your Rep member is in his 30s and your House of Assembly member and Local Government Chairman are in their 20s. Excuse yourself from their comment section on Facebook, X and Instagram; register as a member of a political party and aspire to contest and give your people the kind of leadership you think they deserve.The recent survey that suggests that Nigerian youths are more on social media than in politics is not helpful. Don’t be discouraged or scared because “you don’t have money” to join politics.You need to hear the story of most of those you see in power today; it wasn’t an easy ride from the beginning. If they can be, so you can.”

As preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually take shape, political activities across Nigeria are heating up. Party defections, internal crises within major parties such as the PDP, LP, NNPP, ADC and others, as well as emerging fault lines even within the ruling APC, now dominate the political landscape. However, beyond defections and party disputes, one issue has captured growing public attention: the steady erosion of political godfatherism. From 2023 to date, Nigeria has witnessed a familiar but increasingly bold pattern, governors who emerged through the influence, resources and political machinery of powerful benefactors later breaking ranks with those same godfathers. Once-installed protégés are now asserting independence, often at great political cost. In Nigerian political parlance, a godfather is an influential figure who installs a candidate into office using power, money, structures or political clout, with voters often aligning out of loyalty or fear rather than policy conviction. While this practice has long shaped electoral outcomes, recent developments suggest its dominance is weakening. Kano: Kwankwaso vs Abba Yusuf One of the most striking examples is unfolding in Kano State, where relationship between Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his political mentor, former governor and NNPP leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has deteriorated sharply. The crisis revolves around reports that Governor Yusuf is planning to defect from the NNPP to the APC. Kwankwaso is said to have openly opposed any such move, stating that Yusuf would not join forces with APC leader Abdullahi Ganduje with his blessing. Despite this resistance, political insiders say arrangements to welcome the governor into the APC are already far advanced and January 12 has already been fixed as the “deal” date. Observers have expressed surprise at the speed and intensity of the fallout, especially given Yusuf’s past loyalty to Kwankwaso. The rift has since spilled onto social media, where supporters of both camps trade words daily. The division has also cut across the political structure of the state, with commissioners, local government chairmen, lawmakers at state and federal levels openly choosing sides. The crisis has already claimed a casualty within the NNPP. The party’s state chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, believed to be loyal to Kwankwaso was removed and replaced with Abdullahi Abiya, a known ally of Governor Yusuf. Speaking with our correspondent on Tuesday, Kano State Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described a possible defection by Yusuf to the APC as “a blessing” for the state. “Kano has lost a lot because we are not in the ruling party. Many federal projects that should come to the state are not coming because of party differences. If the governor moves, it will be for the good of Kano, and we only pray that Allah reconciles Governor Abba Yusuf and his political leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.” Waiya said. For now, Governor Yusuf remains in the NNPP, but analysts believe it is only a matter of time before he makes a final decision. Meanwhile, Kwankwaso’s camp is reportedly preparing for a major political showdown ahead of 2027. Kaduna: El-Rufai and Uba Sani’s fall out A similar power struggle has played out in Kaduna State between former governor Nasir El-Rufai and his successor, Governor Uba Sani. Tension becames public in early 2024 when Uba Sani accused El-Rufai, his political benefactor, of leaving the state in deep financial trouble, claiming Kaduna was struggling to even pay workers’ salaries. El-Rufai strongly denied the allegation. The crisis escalated when the Kaduna State House of Assembly accused El-Rufai’s administration of financial impropriety involving contract funds. The lawmakers directed anti-graft agencies to investigate the former governor’s ex-chief of staff and former commissioner for finance. While El-Rufai has since moved to the ADC, Sani remains in the APC. A true test of leadership is expected come 2027. Jigawa: Quiet but growing tension In Jigawa State, political watchers also point to a growing rift between Governor Umar Namadi and his predecessor, former governor Badaru Abubakar. While the disagreement has remained relatively subdued, insiders say relations between both camps are increasingly strained. Yusuf Ahmed, a political analyst from the state told our Correspondent that it will be a “clash of the titans as preparations for 2027 begin. All is not well between the governor and the former governor.” Rivers: Wike–Fubara Showdown The political crisis between former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and his protégé-turned-rival, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, escalated into a full-blown confrontation that engulfed the State House of Assembly and local government councils. Although the crisis appeared to subside after Governor Fubara backed down and sought reconciliation, following his suspension from office for six months and the appointment of an acting administrator, the underlying tension has continued to linger. In a bid to end the conflict altogether, Governor Fubara defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, recent actions from both leaders have showed that the dispute is far from over, as political undercurrents continue to signal lingering instability in the state. Wike had during a recent tour of the state insisted he remains the only leader in the state. His body language indicated he is picking another candidate for 2027 election. The House of Assembly members loyal to the FCT minister have equally commenced an impeachment move against the governor. Not a new phenomenon Recall that clashes between godfathers and their protégés are not new in Nigeria. Historical examples abound. In Kano, the ideological alliance between Malam Aminu Kano and Governor Abubakar Rimi collapsed in 1982, Rimi eventually left the PRP, joined another party and contested against his former mentor, only to be defeated by a new PRP candidate backed by Aminu Kano. In Oyo State, the late political strongman Lamidi Adedibu orchestrated the impeachment of Governor Rashidi Ladoja in 2006 after both fell out. Similar godfather-protégé crises have played out in Sokoto between Attahiru Bafarawa and Aliyu Wamakko, and earlier between Yariman Bakura and Mahmud Shinkafi, rifts that still shape Sokoto politics till date. Experts weigh in Professor Kamilu Sani Fage, a political scientist at Bayero University, Kano, told THENEWSCREDIT that godfatherism has no place in a true democracy. “Democracy has nothing to do with godfathers,” he said. “This practice only thrives in Nigeria. In most cases, godfathers do not support candidates for public interest but for personal gain. That is why these arrangements always collapse.” According to him, the collapse of godfatherism is healthy for democracy. “Wherever godfatherism exists, conflict is inevitable. Its decline will allow governors to serve the people freely without undue interference.” Divided opinions Not all political actors agree. Umar Kyari, spokesperson of the PDP in Jigawa State, insists that godfatherism remains unavoidable in Nigerian politics. “In Nigeria, politics cannot work without a godfather; someone who mentors you and brings you into the system,” Kyari told THENEWSCREDIT. “The problem starts when relationships are not built on trust and sincerity,” he said. He added that godfathers should step back after elections and allow elected officials to govern independently. Similarly, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, ADC governorship candidate in Kano during the 2023 elections, argued that many politicians lack the capacity to succeed without strong backing. “Some people cannot stand on their own. Their success depends on guidance and support,” he said, adding that betraying one’s godfather is morally wrong. On Kano politics, Khalil was blunt: “Without Kwankwaso, Abba Yusuf would not have become governor. Anyone who voted for Abba did so because of Kwankwaso.” 2027: What next? As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 elections, political analysts expect more confrontations between godfathers and their political offspring across party lines. Whether this signals the end of godfatherism or merely a reshaping of old power structures remains an open question, but one thing is clear, loyalty is no longer guaranteed, and authority is increasingly contested.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kenneth Okonkwo, says President Bola Tinubu will keep telling lies throughout 2026 because he lied again on New Year’s day. Okonkwo stated this on Friday when he featured on ‘Sunrise Daily’, a programme on Channels Television monitored by Our correspondent. He was reacting to the president’s New Year message to Nigerians. “Well, the government of Tinubu cannot cease to continue to surprise me. Each time I think they’ve reached the limit of incompetence, they still blow that limit. “First of all, he said 2026 marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth. I was offended by that phrase, “the beginning.” Almost three years into the regime of a government. Obviously that’s an admission of failure, because he has actually not begun anything. “You saw how he embarrassed the world by saying that inflation has come down to 15%. Let me state that clearly as a white lie. Before Tinubu came in, the highest he could pay of flight ticket from Abuja to Enugu was N57,000. “But going to Enugu, I paid N250,000 for a flight ticket, that’s almost more than 500% increase, and the President is sitting down in a New Year message, telling Nigerians about the rebased fraudulent inflation figure. It’s embarrassing and very annoying. “And when we were growing up, we were told not to lie on a New Year’s day. That means we expect that this President and this government is going to lie throughout the year,” he said.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the 2026 Ekiti governorship election, Dr Wole Oluyede, and his deputy were conspicuously absent as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, released the provisional list of party candidates ahead of the election. INEC on Monday posted the list of candidates from 12 political parties vying for the state’s top job at its office on New Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The list shows that the All Progressives Congress, APC, is fielding the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, with Monisade Afuye as his running mate. Other candidates include Opeyemi Falegan of the Accord Party, with Omoyemi Olaleye as deputy; Akande Oluwasegun of the African Action Congress, paired with Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe; and Ayodeji Ojo of the Action Democratic Party, with Itunu Ibitoye as running mate. Similarly, the African Democratic Congress is presenting Oluwadare Bejide and Paul Olowoyeye, while the Action Peoples Party has Bidemi Awogbemi and Akinyemi Adewumi on its ticket. The PDP’s absence may not be unconnected with the leadership crisis currently rocking the party at the national level.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has downplayed rumours of him contesting the presidential election in 2027. Wike said it would be unfair to run for the presidency against President Bola Tinubu, who is his employer. Tinubu had appointed Wike, a former two-time governor of Rivers State, as the FCT Minister in 2023. During the 2023 electioneering period, Wike and his G-5 Integrity group from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, worked for Tinubu’s victory. The group turned against the then PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar despite threats to expel them from the party. Speaking during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Wike said: “We are the ones here that is going to make it happen, I’m not going to run because it would be unfair for me to go and stand in an election against the person who appointed me. “At least I have conscience even though people are rumoring that be careful of Wike, he is going to run.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that Nigerians know where he stands regarding his support for President Bola Tinubu. Wike said he doesn’t need any form of meeting to confess his support to Tinubu. He disclosed this during end-of-year media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he dismissed an allegation against him by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. Recall that Makinde recently told journalists that Wike, during a visit to the State House in 2024, promised to “hold PDP” for Tinubu. Wike dismissed Makinde’s claim, stressing that the meeting they held with the President had nothing to do with PDP, but to show support for his leadership. “Seyi said I told Tinubu that I will hold PDP for him. Nothing like that happened. “Everyone knows my stand on Tinubu, I don’t need a meeting to tell him that. “As a minister, I have a duty to ensure that members of the G-5 benefitted from the Tinubu administration in one way or the other.” Wike maintained that the Oyo governor owed his people a duty to tell them how the N50 billion intervention funds from Tinubu meant for the January 2024 explosion in Bodija area of the state was spent. He noted that such money should have been appropriated before spending.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, has said he is learning politics from President Bola Tinubu. Yilwatda made this statement on Saturday shortly after he was conferred with the traditional title of “Kaeh-rit” (meaning “the good seed of Ampang East”) in Plateau State. According to him, Tinubu is the best person to learn from. “I’m learning from the best leader, Asiwaju Tinubu. Mr President is one of the best politicians you can learn from, and since adopting me as his son, I’ve learned so much from him. “He is teaching me, and so I’m learning. If you see me succeeding, it’s because I’m learning from the very best politician ever produced in Nigeria. So why not? I will work towards achieving what he has done also, being one of the best politicians in Nigeria,” Yilwatda said. The APC National Chairman said he is hopeful that Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s recent defection to the APC, would bring benefit to the state. Yilwatda stressed the party’s inclusive membership policy, saying all members have equal rights within the party. Our correspondent reports that this is the second traditional title bestowed on Yilwatda in two weeks. Recall that the Tiv Nation in Benue State conferred a traditional title on Yilwatda in recognition of his humanitarian services.

Former Minister of Police Affairs, Jelili Adesiyan, has claimed that billionaire businessman Deji Adeleke, father of music star, Davido, wields the real power in Osun State, not Governor Ademola Adeleke. Speaking during an interview on state affairs with Edmund Obilo, Adesiyan alleged that Deji Adeleke is the true authority behind the state government, describing him as the “real governor” of Osun. “Deji Adeleke is the governor. Who is Ademola Adeleke? Can that one become governor?” Adesiyan said. “Deji is the one in charge.” He further stated that Deji Adeleke has long exercised significant influence in Osun politics, even during the tenure of his brother, the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke. “I served under his brother when he was in government. I knew the influence Deji wielded over his senior brother,” Adesiyan added. According to him, Deji Adeleke is a powerful businessman and “a capitalist to the core,” whose influence, he claimed, extends deeply into the political structure of the state.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Working Committee, NWC, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has approved the appointment of a Caretaker Committee in Oyo State. A statement by Umar Bature, the National Organising Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, named Prof Abdulrahman Akinoso as Chairman and Biola Olanipekun as Secretary. The statement titled: “Appointment of Oyo State Caretaker Committee,” said: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has approved the appointment of the following as OYO STate Caretaker Committee. “Accordingly, the assignment takes effect from December 24th 2025 and the Committee is charged with the responsibility of running the affairs of the Party in Oyo State as stipulated in Section 21(2) (a-b) of our Party Constitution for a period not exceeding 30 days.” Those appointed include, Prof Abdulrahman Akinoso – Chairman, Mr Adio daudaTolani – member, Hon Ali Hammed Okesola – Member, Prince Adewale Lukuman Adewale – Member, Mr Tunde Sikiru Adeniran – Member, Alhaja Risikat Kola Popoola – Member, and Hon Kabiru Adesokan- Member. Others include, Hon Yekini Adebisi Toyosi – Member, Hon Rotimi Adewuyi – Member, Hon Musbau Olayowola – Member, Hon Oyewole Olaosebikan – Member, Hon Abideen Olarewaju – Member, Comrade Akinloye Oyeniyi- Member, Chief Bili Muraina – Member, Hon Dauda Ramon Bamibeke-Member, Barr Babatunde Akinola -Member, and Dr Biola Olanipekun- Secretary.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has criticised the composition and direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying it has fallen short of expectations of a government driven by national unity and competence. Makinde stated this on Tuesday during a media parley with select journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The governor said he had, on several occasions, expressed the hope that the Tinubu administration would focus on competence rather than political considerations as part of efforts to reset the country. “I’ve mentioned it more than maybe three, four times, that our expectation would be a government of national unity, a government of national competence, where you can start the process of resetting this country,” he said. However, he questioned whether that expectation had been realised. “But is it what we are seeing right now? Is it a government of national competence? Is it a government of national unity?The answer is no. Makinde recounted his interaction with the President during the ministerial nomination process, saying Tinubu had asked him to recommend a developmental economist for the position of Minister of Budget and Economic Planning. According to him, he submitted the name of a qualified indigene of Oyo State, but the nominee was not selected. Instead, the individual eventually appointed was named Minister of Power. “When the president said, ‘look, nominate somebody who may be appointed as a minister,” I said, ‘sir, what position do you want to give to us?’ Then he said, ‘I’m looking for a developmental economist who can be the minister of budget and economic planning.’ ” I said, ‘OK. I will look for somebody that fits that bill’ and I sent somebody’s name, who is a state indigene, and I sent it to him, the individual wasn’t selected, Rather, they selected the current minister of power. He wasn’t taken to ministry of budget and economic planning. He was taken to ministry of power. “A subsequent meeting with the president, he said, actually, I think I must have gone to him to seek for approval for the upgrade of the Ibadan airport. He said, ‘I will sign it for you, I’ll give my nod. But, oh, sit down. What’s happening politically? I heard you’re upset because your nominee was not given the ministerial slot.`” Makinde stated that if the appointment of the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, was influenced by the desire to strengthen the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, then the decision was misplaced. “I said, ‘sir, in Yoruba land, if you don’t want the pregnancy to be aborted, you won’t want the baby to die. Because it’s easier to abort a pregnancy than to kill a baby.’ I said, you will decide at the end of the day who you want to work with. We can only suggest people. But if you know people that fit your bill, about the kind of individual you want in your cabinet, we are just to support you. “However, let me say this, if you’ve selected the minister of power because you want him to help you organise the APC in our state, he doesn’t have the capacity. I told the president,” he added. He further disclosed that Tinubu later clarified that he wanted him personally to help organise the APC in Oyo State, a request he said he declined. “He said, no, no, no, no, Sheikh, it’s you that I want to help me organise the APC in your state. I said, no, sir. I can never help you organise the APC in our state because I am of the PDP,” he added.