The African Democratic Congress has stepped up efforts to expand its political base ahead of the 2027 general election, calling on former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and other prominent political figures to join the party. The appeal followed the inauguration of the party’s North-East Zonal Congress Committee, which the ADC said marked a renewed push to strengthen its internal structures, promote internal democracy, and reposition the party for national leadership. ADC factional National Chairman, Nafiu Gombe, disclosed this in a communiqué issued on Tuesday after the inauguration ceremony held in Gombe State on January 11. The event, organised by the party’s national leadership, was presided over by Dr Muhammad Muhammad. In the communiqué, Gombe described the inauguration as a critical step towards consolidating the party’s presence in the North-East and ensuring transparent and credible congresses across the zone. According to the communiqué, the party ratified and inaugurated key officials to oversee the zonal congress process. Mrs Patience Alex was appointed Chairperson of the North-East Zonal Congress Committee, while Mr Abayomi Adekunle was inaugurated as Chairman of the Zonal Appeal Committee. Gombe said the development reflected the party’s resolve to deepen internal democracy and build a credible platform capable of attracting Nigerians across political divides. He also made a direct appeal to several serving governors, elder statesmen, and national leaders to join the ADC as it positions itself as an alternative force in Nigeria’s political landscape. He said, “The authentic national leadership of the ADC passionately appeals to and invites the following eminent personalities to join the party in its mission to rebuild and reposition Nigeria. “Those invited include the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed; the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri; former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan; Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde; Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti; and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. “The ADC believes their experience, leadership, and patriotism are crucial in uniting efforts to make Nigeria great again.” The party reiterated its commitment to offering what it described as a credible, inclusive, and progressive platform focused on good governance, national unity, and sustainable development. It further stressed that it would continue mobilising Nigerians across all regions in support of a new political direction anchored on accountability, equity, and the collective aspiration to make Nigeria great again. The move comes amid renewed political realignments, barely two weeks after the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, defected to the David Mark-led ADC, a development that has further fuelled speculation about emerging alliances ahead of the 2027 polls.

Former Sokoto State Governor and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has said elections in Nigeria are not entirely determined by the will of the electorate, citing systemic flaws and compromises within the electoral process. Tambuwal made the remarks on Monday during an interview on Prime Time, a political programme aired on Arise Television. He argued that while Nigerians turn out to vote, the final outcome of elections is often distorted during collation. “Elections are not completely decided by electorates. I can say that without mincing words,” Tambuwal said. “We know, quite often times, at collation level, be it at the polling units, at ward level, at the local government level or the state level or even at the national level, things happen that misrepresent what voters actually voted for.” According to the former governor, politicians routinely exploit loopholes in the electoral system to manipulate results, particularly during the collation and transmission of votes. He also blamed part of the problem on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that some officials of the electoral body compromise the integrity of elections. The former governor, however, expressed strong support for reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework, including the adoption of electronic transmission of results. “I wholeheartedly support any reform that will improve the electoral process in Nigeria, including electronic transmission,” he said. On the ideology of political parties in Nigeria, Tambuwal said most of the parties in the country are not ideological driven. According to him, the parties are mere vehicles to particular destinations. “If it’s about ideology, what was President Muhammadu Buhari doing in the APC with some characters that we have in APC? I don’t want to mention names, but if you look at President Muhammadu Buhari then, the way he was perceived, what was he doing with some characters in politics?”, Tambuwal asked. He admitted that even in the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC), politicians who, ideologically should not be bedfellows are members of the party.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has warned residents to be wary of politicians making unrealistic promises as the political season ahead of the 2027 general elections begins to gather momentum. The governor described 2026 as a pivotal year and a prelude to the next general elections, urging the electorate to be discerning as political activities intensify. Makinde gave the warning on Monday during the annual Interfaith Prayer Session marking the beginning of the New Year in Ibadan. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, the governor said the approaching election season made it necessary for citizens to critically assess those seeking public office. “As we move closer to 2027, people should be careful of politicians who will be making promises that cannot be fulfilled,” Makinde said. He noted that given the performance of his administration, residents should expect continuity in governance, expressing confidence that a member of his team would take over the leadership of the state in 2027. The governor reaffirmed his commitment to the continued development of the state and the welfare of its people. Makinde also charged residents to take security seriously, stressing that safeguarding lives and property was a collective responsibility. “I want us to be vigilant on the issue of security. We have only spent 12 days this year and we have already lost some people at the Old Oyo National Park,” he said. “Security is everybody’s responsibility. When you see something suspicious, say something to the appropriate authorities.” On workers’ welfare, the governor said his administration had cleared longstanding promotion arrears inherited from previous governments and remained committed to prompt career progression. “When we came in 2019, we met promotion arrears dating back to 2016. We cleared the backlog and ensured promotions are conducted yearly,” he said. “The file for the 2025 promotion has been sent to me, and I will sign it today. Those due for promotion should rest assured.” Makinde also disclosed that the review of emoluments for Heads of Local Government Administration was ongoing and expressed hope that the issue would be resolved before the end of January. Earlier, the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, commended the governor for consistency in people-centred governance, citing improvements in workers’ welfare, regular salary payments, increased monthly gratuity from N1.5bn to N3bn, payment of 13th-month salaries, staff training, and civil service reforms. She also acknowledged the support of labour unions and stakeholders for sustaining industrial harmony in the state. In their goodwill messages, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by his deputy, Muhammed Fadeyi; the Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima; and the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde, praised the governor for his support for governance institutions and infrastructure development. The State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Kayode Martin, said labour unions would resist any regression in workers’ welfare, noting that Makinde had set a benchmark for future administrations. Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Segun Abatan, thanked the governor for bonuses and welfare packages, presenting a white horse as a symbol of appreciation. The event was attended by dignitaries, including former governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; traditional rulers; former public office holders; lawmakers; and party leaders.

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.