With the January 16, 2027, general election fast approaching, the presidential race has intensified as political parties finalize their candidate selections through primaries and consensus agreements. This transition into the campaign phase, however, is marked by significant friction, as various stakeholders and aspirants challenge the integrity of the nomination processes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently enforced a May 30 deadline for the completion of primaries and the resolution of internal nomination disputes, cautioning that non-compliance could result in the forfeiture of a party’s right to participate in the election. With this hurdle passed, political actors are now pivoting toward nationwide engagement, strategic alliances, and formal campaigning.

Current Presidential Candidates

The field of contenders for the 2027 presidency currently includes:

• All Progressives Congress (APC): Bola Tinubu

• Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – Wike-backed faction: Sandy Onor

• Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – Tanimu Turaki-backed faction: Goodluck Jonathan

• African Democratic Congress (ADC) – David Mark-led faction: Atiku Abubakar

• African Democratic Congress (ADC) – Other faction: Dumebi Kachikwu

• Peoples Redemption Party (PRP): Donald Duke

• African Action Congress (AAC): Omoyele Sowore

• Social Democratic Party (SDP): Adewole Adebayo

• Social Democratic Party (SDP) – Shehu Gabam-led faction: Abimbola Akeem Atanda

• Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC): Peter Obi

• Allied Peoples Movement (APM): Seyi Makinde

• Action Democratic Party (ADP): Aliyu Bin Abbas

• Accord Party (A): Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim

• Labour Party (LP): Dr. Chibuzo Okereke

As the election date nears, the political landscape is expected to remain volatile, characterized by further coalition building, intensive consultations, and ongoing legal challenges regarding the legitimacy of these candidacies.

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has expressed deep regret after missing the crucial penalty that led to Arsenal’s defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 30. Despite Arsenal taking an early lead through Kai Havertz, PSG equalized via an Ousmane Dembele penalty following a foul by Cristhian Mosquera. After the match remained tied at 1-1 through extra time, the title was decided by a shootout, where Gabriel’s missed attempt secured a second consecutive Champions League trophy for PSG.Reflecting on the Season Following the loss, Gabriel took to Instagram to share his disappointment while thanking fans for their season-long support. He noted the pain of the defeat but expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments and encouraged fans to celebrate their successful campaign. Despite missing out on a historic double, Arsenal’s season was highlighted by the club winning the Premier League title, ending a 22-year drought and returning to the top of English football. Notably, the team concluded their entire Champions League run without a single loss during regulation time.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During a luncheon held in Port Harcourt for candidates of the Rainbow Coalition, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike invited politicians currently aligned with Rivers State Governor Siminilayi Fubara to reconcile and return to his coalition. Asserting that past presidential and gubernatorial elections in the state are settled, Wike stated that he has forgiven those who previously opposed him. He emphasized that his coalition is positioned to maintain power for the next eight years and warned that any expectations of an electoral upset are unfounded, as his group remains highly vigilant.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Atiku Abubakar Criticizes Administration Over Event Centre Access In separate developments, former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has denounced Minister Wike’s move to block his party from using an Abuja public event centre for its candidate affirmation process. Through his media office, Atiku characterized this restriction as a suppression of democratic rights and alleged that the Tinubu administration is leveraging state machinery to hinder opposition parties, reflecting a growing intolerance toward political opposition in the country.