Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said contesting Nigeria’s presidency is “not a computer game” as he reacted to calls by youth groups urging him to contest the 2027 election. Jonathan spoke on Thursday while receiving some youth groups who visited him at his office in Abuja to press him to return to the presidential race. Responding to the appeal, the former president said he would consult widely before taking any decision, stressing that leadership required careful consideration. “You are asking me to come and contest the next election. Presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you and I’ll consult widely,” he said. The former president commended the youths for showing interest in the country, describing patriotism as essential to nation-building. “If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here,” he added. Jonathan also urged young Nigerians to promote peace and credible elections, warning that the absence of transparent electoral processes discourages competent citizens from participating in politics. “The key thing we need in this country is peace. “You continue to advocate for that. And you continue to advocate for peaceful and credible elections in the country. Because if we don’t have peaceful and credible elections, most good citizens will not want to bother to get involved in politics,” he said. The former president lamented Nigeria’s low voter turnout, saying the country records one of the poorest participation rates during elections despite having a large voting population. “I’ve observed elections in about 14 or more African countries and even Southeast Asia. Nigeria has the lowest turnout in every election cycle. “I think INEC needs to do something about it. They need to start to get consultants to look at it. And what is the cause? As young people, you must be involved in the electoral process,” he stated. Jonathan challenged the youths to participate actively in the electoral process by obtaining voter cards and voting during elections. “If I ask how many of you have your voter’s card now, probably 50% of you don’t have your voter’s card. And you’re asking me to go and contest the election. So you must participate in the electoral process,” he said. He also lamented the perception of Nigerians abroad, attributing it partly to leadership failures over the years. “The highest level of disdain shown to Nigerian youths abroad has to stop. Even African countries that we have, African countries that even when we are students, as of our scholarship monies, we are contributing to solve problems in those countries,” he said. Jonathan, however, reiterated that he had only listened to the appeal and would continue consultations before making any political decision ahead of 2027. “I will consult. I cannot just wake up and say I want to be the president of Nigeria again. But I am telling you that I will consult. If there is a need to, I will wait,” Jonathan stated.

The race for Agodi Government House is in its early stages and, while Adekanmbi is a leading figure, the final, official "anointing" by the Governor or Elders Council has not been officially confirmed, with other contenders also in the mix. Based on recent reports as of May 2026, Hon. Abimbola "Bimbo" Adekanmbi is a prominent contender for the 2027 Oyo State governorship race, having declared his ambition and joined the People`s Democratic Party (PDP). However, the assertion that he has been officially anointed as Governor Seyi Makinde`s sole successor is not yet a finalized fact, but rather part of ongoing political maneuvering and intense speculation surrounding the 2027 election. Adekanmbi, a former Commissioner for Finance and Deputy Chief of Staff, officially declared his intention to run for governor under the PDP on April 21, 2026, following his resignation from the APC. Governor Makinde has tasked an advisory council with screening various aspirants to identify a qualified successor for 2027. Adekanmbi is among the top contenders in the PDP, alongside figures like Dr. Nureni Adeniran, Dr. Debo Akande, and Hon. Debo Ogundoyin. Adekanmbi has been handling high-profile assignments for the Makinde administration, including chairing the committee for the upgrade of the Ibadan Airport to international standard. While some political groups highlight him as the "candidate to beat", others have expressed concern regarding past financial allegations.

The Senate was thrown into disorder on Wednesday for over 15 minutes following a heated exchange between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole over the interpretation of amended Standing Rules. The disruption began after Akpabio commenced the reading of the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday’s sitting when Oshiomhole, APC, Edo North, raised a point of order. The Senate President ruled him out of order, citing the 2023 Standing Rules, which prohibit points of order during that stage of proceedings. Oshiomhole persisted, prompting Akpabio to call on former Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, to clarify the rules. Kalu supported the Senate President’s position, stating that points of order were not permitted at that time. Despite repeated warnings, Oshiomhole continued, leading Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno to caution that disciplinary powers could be invoked if the disruption persisted. Akpabio said, “We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules.” While continuing the session, the Senate President issued a stern warning to Oshiomhole, stating, “If you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.” Order was eventually restored, and the chamber proceeded with its business. Senator Adamu Aliero moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, which was seconded by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro. The clash is believed to be linked to the Senate’s recent amendment of its Standing Rules ahead of the 2027 general elections. On Tuesday, the Senate amended Orders 4 and 5, restricting eligibility for presiding and principal offices to senators who have served at least two consecutive terms, including the immediate past term. The amendment effectively limits contest for positions such as Senate President and Deputy Senate President to returning members of the current 10th Assembly.

Nigerian businessman, Isaac Fayose, has expressed his loyalty to the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, despite his political affiliation. Isaac made the remark in a video clip posted on his official Facebook page on Monday while reacting to criticism surrounding Obi’s move to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). THENEWSCREDIT reports that Obi and former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Sunday dumped the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the NDC. The development did not sit well with members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who accused Obi and Kwankwaso of “jumping from party to party.” Reacting, Isaac Fayose said he and others believe in Obi and are ready to move with him wherever he goes. He said, “Your current president moved from SDP to AD, ACN and APC. Anywhere Peter Obi decides to go, we will follow him because we believe in him. “If the APC is sure of victory, why are the members putting their hands in all other parties? I thought they had over 32 governors; why are they still putting their fingers in other parties? “If we like, we can move to NNN; that’s our own. Obi is our party.”

The Oyo State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, has accused the state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, of making mockery of the Yoruba traditional institution. The party made the accusation while reacting to the elevation of three high chiefs to the position of Oba in Ibadanland. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the State government had on Friday coronated three High Chiefs as Obas. The affected individuals are High Chief Akeem Adewoyh Chief Kola Babalola and High Chief Sharafadeen Alli. Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District, is one of the gubernatorial aspirants on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC. The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, the three individuals and some notable indigenes of Ibadanland were absent at the event. APC in its reaction, said Makinde has written a bad page for himself in the history of the state. In the statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Sadare, the APC said, “Gov. Makinde made a mockery of the Yoruba traditional institution today when he installed photographs and empty chairs as Obas. “He can never have any justification for this shameful act but we are not surprised because we have known him to be an accidental public servant.”

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan has revealed the implications of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, going ahead with its scheduled congress and convention. Speaking on Arise News on Friday, Amupitan warned that the party must allow the law to take its course by going back to the status quo as ordered by the court. He said maintained that what happened in Zamfara State some years back might be repeated with ADC, if David Mark and other members of his party failed to put their house in order. Recall that the national chairman, David Mark, had at a press conference on Thursday, vowed that the party will continue with its planned congresses and national convention. But Amupitan warned, “If they decide to go ahead, let me tell you what happened in Zamfara: it happened in the past.” “At the end of the day, after you have won, the court will declare the election invalid and the implication is that the person with the second-highest number of votes will be declared the winner. It’s happened in Plateau State. “Failure to obey the court order has consequences. They have liability to do whatever they want to do, but INEC doesn’t want to face a situation again where there is an order not to do anything or take any steps. “I have the judgment here, and I can read it to you, it is very definite.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), respectively. The commission also said it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared national chairman through the courts. INEC announced on Wednesday that it would suspend recognition of all factions within the party and refrain from monitoring any conventions or congresses organised by groups aligned with the affected leaders. The decision, it said, will remain in place pending the final determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court. The development follows a leadership crisis within the ADC and a recent judgment of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which has further complicated the dispute. In a statement, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mallam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the Commission remains committed to neutrality. He urged political stakeholders to avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections. INEC disclosed that it had received a letter dated March 16, 2026, from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co, warning against any recognition of Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting national chairman while legal proceedings are ongoing. The Commission also confirmed receiving a separate “Demand for Enforcement” from Summit Law Chambers, representing Gombe, which called for the removal of Mark and Aregbesola from INEC’s records and urged the Commission to stop engaging with them or recognising any activities conducted under their authority. The conflicting legal demands from the rival factions have deepened the party’s internal crisis, prompting INEC to halt all official dealings with the contending groups until the courts resolve the matter.

A former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has announced his resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party, 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 bonafide 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. “I extend my deepest appreciation to the National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed and the entire National Working Committee for their steadfast support throughout my time. I also thank the Board of Trustees, the National Executive Committee, and all levels of leadership across the party — from the ward to the state level,” he stated. 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. Kwankwaso did not disclose the political platform he intends to join following his resignation. THENEWSCREDIT had reported that Rabiu Kwankwaso, will on Monday (tomorrow) join the African Democratic Congress. Credible sources in the ADC and NNPP confided in our correspondent that Kwankwaso would make a formal declaration for his new party in Kano. According to a principal official of the ADC who spoke with THENEWSCREDIT on condition of anonymity on Saturday, the National Chairman and Secretary of the party, David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, respectively, will welcome the former Kano State governor into the party. THENEWSCREDIT gathered that Kwankwaso was likely to join the ADC alongside the immediate past Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo. Recall former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, and a stalwart of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday hosted Kwankwaso, in Abuja. Atiku, in a post via his official X handle, said that Kwankwaso was on a courtesy visit and they both had a robust discussion on the state of the country.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has called on members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to abandon their egos and prioritize reconciliation over further litigation. ​ Wike made this call on Monday after the appellate court dismissed the appeal brought before it by the Taminu Turaki-led faction of the party. He described the ruling regarding the PDP’s Ibadan convention as a victory for the rule of law. According to him, the court’s decision to dismiss several appeals with heavy costs underscores the necessity of adhering to statutory provisions, the Electoral Act, and the party’s own constitution. The former Rivers State Governor stressed that the violation of the laws removes a matter from being a mere internal affair of the party and justifies judicial intervention. He, therefore, warned that dragging the case to the Supreme Court would be self-destructive, urging aggrieved members to see the judgment as an opportunity to chart the way forward. “For me, it is an opportunity for everybody today to come back and see how we can salvage the party. “Leave your ego. Leave your personal interests. Come back. Let’s sit down. Now we are here, can we see how we can forge ahead”, he asked.

The governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has told anyone who wishes to run for the governorship of the state to start their campaign in earnest. The governor also urged them to do so on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, despite the crisis rocking the party’s internal structures. The PDP has been in jeopardy since the 2023 general elections, with almost everyone of significance in the party abandoning it for other parties. The PDP has lost almost all its lawmakers and governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, the latest being the governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, released the final list of candidates for the August 8, 2026, governorship election in Osun State. In the list released, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Labour Party, LP, were missing. Despite the PDP being marred by litigation and a leadership crisis, Makinde, while addressing party faithful in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday, said: “Today, I have freed everyone. Anyone who wants to contest for Oyo State Governor in 2027, please bring out your billboards. “Don’t be bothered about the PDP crisis. Go ahead and put the PDP logo on your billboards,” Governor Seyi Makinde announced.