Professor Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, has publicly asserted that Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), lacks political viability in Northern Nigeria. In an interview with DCL English, Yusuf emphasized that Obi will face intense scrutiny from northern voters regarding his past actions and positions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Yusuf identified the primary competitors for the 2027 race as President Bola Tinubu (APC), Atiku Abubakar (ADC), and Peter Obi (NDC). According to Yusuf, Obi must personally address several concerns to gain acceptance in the North, specifically noting that his supporters cannot speak for him on these issues:

• Political Accountability: Voters intend to heavily examine Obi’s record during his time as Governor of Anambra State.

• IPOB Associations: Yusuf plans to interrogate Obi’s refusal to distance himself from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which the government has labeled a terrorist organization.

• Stance on Nnamdi Kanu: Obi will face questioning over his public defense of the IPOB leader, specifically his claims that Kanu is innocent and should not have been detained.

• Campaign Rhetoric: Yusuf alleged that Obi’s 2023 campaign was overly focused on Christian and Igbo-centric interests, which he argues makes it difficult for Northern Muslim voters to support him.

Yusuf concluded that for Obi to be competitive, he must engage directly with the Northern electorate and overcome these significant hurdles regarding his political history and platform.

Source Citation:

1. Provided user input regarding Professor Usman Yusuf’s statements on Peter Obi.

Residents in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, showed great enthusiasm for the governorship election on Saturday, gathering early at various polling stations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

At Saint Michael Primary School in Ijigbo—specifically Ward 4, Units 1 and 2—voters, including the elderly, were present before the polls were set to open at 8:30 a.m. Although a technical issue with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System delayed the start until 8:49 a.m., Presiding Officer Mutiat Aliyu confirmed that the equipment was successfully restored and operating normally.

The election features a diverse list of candidates from various political parties, including:

• All Progressives Congress (APC): Governor Biodun Oyebanji

• Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): Oluwole Oluyede

• African Democratic Congress (ADC): Oluwadare Bejide

• Accord Party (A): Opeyemi Falegan

• Labour Party (LP): Oyebanji Olajuyin

• New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP): Blessing Abegunde

• Action Peoples Party (APP): Bidemi Awogbemi

• Action Democratic Party (ADP): Ayodeji Ojo

• African Action Congress (AAC): Samuel Akande

• Peoples Redemption Party (PRP): Olaniyi Ayodele

• Zenith Labour Party (ZLP): Victor Adetunji

• Action Alliance (AA): Olu Omotoso

• Allied Peoples Movement (APM): Joseph Anifowose

• Young Progressive Party (YPP): Ayodele Osinkolu

Early on Saturday morning, voters in Ikogosi, Ekiti West, gathered at Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s polling unit as the state governorship election got underway. At Ward 6, Polling Unit 003, situated by the Oyebanji family home in Okelele, residents were observed verifying their registration details in anticipation of casting their votes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials reached the site, provided instructions on the voting process, and officially began accreditation and voting at approximately 8:30 a.m., confirming that sufficient materials were in place for a smooth process.

One resident, Aduke, expressed her readiness to participate after confirming her registration, encouraging others to do the same. Similarly, in Ado-Ekiti’s Oke Oriomi area, residents began arriving by 7 a.m. to check the voter register. Reports indicate that voters across various locations traveled significant distances to take part, while security personnel were promptly stationed at centers to ensure order and a peaceful election.