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No Defection Yet! ADC Confirms Obi, El-Rufai Not Official Members of Mega Coalition
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have not defected from their respective political parties, despite their involvement in the recently formed opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
This clarification was made by the interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, during a phone interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday.
Abdullahi’s statement came in response to stern remarks issued the previous day by the party’s interim National Chairman, David Mark, who warned against anti-party activities and indiscipline. Addressing party members in Abuja, Mark had declared:
“There will be zero tolerance for anti-party and any form of indiscipline. You are either in ADC or not in ADC. No half-measures. Those who are not fully committed will not be carried along.”
Mark also announced plans to overhaul the party’s grassroots structures, saying every organ of the ADC would be revitalised to reflect modern political realities—from the polling units to the national level.
“We will open the gates for the next generation. Our policies, nominations, and leadership roles will reflect that,” he added.
The ADC, which recently emerged as the flagship platform for a broad opposition coalition, is widely believed to be in talks with several influential political figures, including Obi and El-Rufai, though neither has formally joined the party.
However, the camp of the former Anambra State governor has downplayed concerns about Mark’s warning. National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, told The PUNCH that Obi had made his position clear from the outset and would not be rushed into any hasty decisions.
“Even before the coalition talks began, Obi clearly stated that he remains a Labour Party member. The coalition is simply a 2027 strategy, and he has maintained that stance from day one,” Tanko said.
Abdullahi confirmed Tanko’s statement, noting that both Obi and El-Rufai were granted a concession to remain in their current parties—for now.
“Absolutely, Obi is right. This also applies to El-Rufai. Many of their supporters have already obtained nomination forms under their legacy parties. Asking them to defect now could disrupt their support base,” Abdullahi explained.
“So they requested a waiver, and it was granted. They will remain in their respective parties until after the elections.”
Meanwhile, Obi has dissociated himself from two viral statements circulating on social media. One purportedly claimed he had rejected a return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and reaffirmed allegiance to the ADC. The other alleged he had been offered the position of National Organising Secretary in the ADC.
In a statement on Wednesday, Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, dismissed both claims, insisting they did not originate from the former governor or his team.
“Peter Obi has consistently stated his position within the coalition. He doesn’t need anyone to speak for him or fabricate statements on his behalf,” Ibrahim said.
A group of Nigerians has staged a protest at the United Kingdom Parliament, calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The demonstrators reportedly gathered outside the parliamentary complex, expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the electoral body in Nigeria and demanding immediate action.
They insisted that the INEC chairman should be removed, alleging concerns over credibility and trust in the electoral process as the country prepares for the next election cycle.
The protest drew attention from passersby and security personnel, as the group maintained their position that electoral reforms and leadership changes were necessary to restore public confidence.
Sir Uyi has responded strongly to critics of his involvement in nightclub businesses, insisting that such ventures represent only a small part of his wider activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a firm reaction to recent criticism linked to Vaniti, he stated that people are focusing too much on his nightlife businesses while ignoring other aspects of his work and achievements.
He stressed that his nightclub operations do not define his entire identity or professional portfolio, adding that he is involved in several other ventures beyond entertainment and hospitality.
According to him, the criticism reflects a narrow perception of what he does, and he believes his broader contributions are being overlooked.
Sir Uyi maintained that he remains focused on his various commitments despite public scrutiny surrounding his nightlife business interests.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with the abduction of passengers travelling in an 18-seater Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road last Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The victims, which included candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) heading to Otukpo for their examinations, have all been successfully rescued.
Speaking while briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi during the presentation of the freed victims, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said the rescue operation was achieved through coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies.
He explained that five of the abducted passengers were first released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning without injuries.
According to him, the combined pressure from security forces, supported by the state government and the Inspector-General of Police, led to the successful outcome of the operation.
Emenari further disclosed that eight suspects are currently in custody, adding that seven of them are strongly linked to the kidnapping incident, with some victims already identifying them.
He also noted that clearance operations have begun across forest areas in the state to flush out criminal groups, in line with directives from security authorities.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, while receiving the rescued passengers, expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping in the state but welcomed the safe return of all 18 victims.
He confirmed that among those rescued were eight candidates on their way to write examinations, and called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the affected exams for them.
The governor assured that the state government remains committed to supporting the victims and strengthening security across Benue State, while also urging residents to provide credible information to security agencies.
He further directed the state health authorities to conduct medical evaluations for all rescued persons and promised government support for those affected.
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