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.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has revised the timetable for the 2027 General Election, moving the presidential and National Assembly polls to January and the governorship and state assembly elections to February. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the commission approved a Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities following changes in the electoral law. INEC had earlier fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections and Saturday, March 6, 2027 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections under the Electoral Act, 2022. However, the commission said the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026 necessitated a review of the schedule. “Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, the Commission has reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework,” the statement read. According to INEC, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027. The commission also outlined key milestones in the revised timetable. It stated that the conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will commence on April 23, 2026 and end on May 30, 2026. “Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on 19th August 2026, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on 9th September 2026,” INEC stated. The commission reminded political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day and warned that it would strictly enforce compliance. “As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law,” the statement stated. INEC said the revised timetable has been published on its official website and other communication platforms. The commission also announced a slight adjustment to the Osun State governorship poll. “In addition, the Osun State Governorship Election, earlier fixed for Saturday, 8th August 2026, has been rescheduled to Saturday, 15th August 2026,” the statement added. INEC noted that while some activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, the remaining processes would align strictly with the Electoral Act, 2026. It emphasised that the revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026. “The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility,” the commission stated. It called on stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.

National President, Millet Farmers Association, Umar Abdullahi, has said that President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, will have problems if Vice President Kashim Shettima is replaced in 2027. Abdullahi made this statement on Thursday when he featured in an interview on Trust TV monitored by THENEWSCREDIT. His remark is coming against the backdrop of speculation that Shettima could be replaced in the forthcoming 2027 general elections. He said, “With Shettima in government, we have a lot of expectations and hopes. We are asleep if Shettima is there. We know a lot of things have started. We want that strategy to be maintained. The status quo must be maintained. “There is no basis for changing Shettima. He’s still loyal. He’s still capable. And he’s discharging the responsibilities and the duties of the Office of the Vice President successfully. So there is no reason he should be replaced. “APC will have problems if he’s removed. We are not politicians. We don’t need to tell lies. This is my first time coming before a camera in my life. APC and President Tinubu will have problems because a lot of farmers will not vote for the APC. “We voted because of the Muslim/Muslim ticket. If you want to replace somebody, you have to tell people what wrong he’s done that requires his replacement. But to the best of our knowledge, Shettima has been representing Nigeria very well even in foreign fora.”

OGBOMOSO — In a powerful call for religious tolerance and national rebirth, Hon. Wale Adeleke, a veteran politician and former Executive Chairman of Ogbomoso South Local Government, has described the rare 2026 convergence of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the Christian season of Lent as a divine testament that "God is one." Addressing the community as both sacred seasons commenced simultaneously on February 18, 2026, Adeleke emphasized that the length and spiritual weight of this year’s fasting periods are symbolic of the unity, love, and harmony required to move the nation forward. Adeleke noted that the 2026 calendar, which sees the 30-day Islamic fast and the 40-day Lenten period overlapping, is not a mere coincidence but a "sign of unity" orchestrated by the Almighty. "This year, the length of our fasts and the alignment of our prayers show that we are serving the same Creator," Adeleke stated. "It is a clear message of love and harmony, proving that despite our different paths, God is one. We must use this period to bury our differences and embrace our shared humanity." Call for Spiritual Reflection The former Ogbomoso South chairman urged residents to reflect on the core values of both traditions. Adeleke encouraged the affluent to support the less privileged, highlighting that "true worship is found in how we treat our neighbors". He called on all faithful to pray for peace in Ogbomoso,Oyo state and across Nigeria, especially as the nation prepares for future democratic exercises. This simultaneous start of Ramadan and Lent is a rare occurrence that happens roughly every 33 years due to the Islamic lunar calendar`s shift. The rare calendar convergence, which saw both the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Christian season of Lent begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, has been described by Adeleke and other leaders as a "divine signal" for national unity and religious harmony in Nigeria. Adeleke characterized the overlap as an intentional act of the "Maker of all mankind" to remind adherents that despite different traditions, they share a common spiritual heritage and moral journey. He urged the people of Ogbomoso,Oyo State and Nigeria at large to use this "strategic" coincidence to rise above ethnic and religious differences, fostering peace and collective progress. The leader emphasized the common virtues of both seasons—sacrifice, self-discipline, compassion, and intense prayer—as the foundation for building a stronger community. Hon. Wale Adeleke, a leading member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ogbomoso zone, currently seeking a seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly, has earned a reputation for fostering community unity and acting as a `dependable pillar of support` for regional advancement. Adeleke concluded by reminding the people of Ogbomoso South Local Government that the ultimate goal of the season is to "emerge as better citizens, bound by love and a renewed commitment to our collective progress."