The Presidency has taken a swipe at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, following a Federal High Court judgement that nullified his nomination and removed the party leadership led by former Senate President David Mark.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports indicate that the court, on Thursday, invalidated all decisions taken by the ADC National Working Committee, including the primary election that produced Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The ruling has generated reactions from political figures across the country, with some opposition leaders expressing concern over its implications for Nigeria’s democracy.

Reacting to the judgement, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, accused the Mark-led leadership of violating the party’s constitution and guidelines, as well as the country’s constitution.

In a post on his X account, Bwala defended the court’s decision, alleging that the David Mark-led faction took control of the party’s leadership through undemocratic means.

He wrote:

“A political party that wants to govern Nigeria must be a party of due process, equity and justice.

“You descended on ADC like a thief in the night, took over its leadership undemocratically and hoped that all is well.

“You desecrated the party’s constitution and guidelines, you trampled on Nigeria’s constitution and ‘poopooed’ on INEC’s Act and guidelines; and by so doing you lifted a middle finger on Nigerians and think that you would gaslight everyone.

“I am sure by now your cash-out lobbyists will be dancing, waiting for a payout.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, will be unable to replicate his 2023 electoral performance in the 2027 general election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Wike boasted that he had successfully dismantled the political momentum Obi enjoyed during the last presidential election, insisting that the so-called Obi wave would not have the same impact in 2027.

The minister made the remarks on Thursday during his monthly media chat, where he also argued that opposition parties lacked the support and political strength required to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general election.

When asked whether he and the APC could be underestimating the opposition, particularly given the possibility of a run-off election, Wike dismissed the suggestion, maintaining that such a scenario was unlikely.

“All these so-called ‘Obi Kekerenke’; it does not exist again. I have killed it,” he said.

Wike further insisted that the political wave associated with Obi in 2023 was “dead and buried”, adding that those who benefited from it during the previous election should not expect a repeat in 2027.

Meanwhile, Obi has criticised the circumstances surrounding a court order that nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark.

The ruling also invalidated decisions taken by the party’s caretaker committee, including its nomination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Obi described the development as shocking, unsettling and surprising.

He questioned the timing of the ruling, arguing that it came just three months before a major election. He also alleged that the development was engineered by the ruling APC to distract opposition parties from their campaigns.

The former Anambra State governor said he had experienced a similar situation while in the Labour Party, and cautioned the APC against actions that could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

Obi, however, clarified that he was not challenging the court’s decision but was raising concerns about the timing of the order.

The Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, describing him as a trader whose thinking is centred on short-term returns rather than sustainable national development.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Oshiomhole compared Obi’s approach to governance with that of President Bola Tinubu.

The former Edo State governor argued that a true statesman should focus on building institutions and policies that would benefit future generations rather than pursuing immediate gains.

Oshiomhole also claimed that Obi had failed to present any clear alternative to the policies of the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said: “Peter Obi has not offered any alternative. I think it is you or someone else who asked him for security, what will you do differently? He said, it’s in his heart.

“I’ve always said that Peter Obi is a trader; the logic of a trader is short term turnover. A statesman that Tinubu represents thinks of the next generation.”

The lawmaker further questioned whether Obi would retain some of the policies introduced by the Tinubu administration if elected president in 2027.

In particular, he raised concerns about the future of the student loan scheme and whether an incoming government would restore the multiple exchange rate system previously operated in Nigeria.

Oshiomhole also challenged Obi to clarify whether he would scrap the student loan programme, arguing that the policy was introduced because not every Nigerian parent could afford the cost of their children’s education.

He asked: “Will you abolish the student loan scheme? You think President Tinubu will have introduced a student loan if he thought every Nigerian parent can afford it? Will the new people come who are looking for the job, would they abolish it?”

The former governor acknowledged the constitutional right of opposition politicians to contest the presidency but maintained that Tinubu deserved another opportunity to continue governing the country.

According to Oshiomhole, the President should be allowed to build on the progress of his administration after navigating what he described as the initial challenges of implementing its policies, rather than having a new leader take over.