Politics
Atiku: “I bear no grudges against PDP Members’ Defectors to APC “
Let me be unequivocal: freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy — they are fundamental rights
Atiku Abubakar, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer in the 2023 presidential election wrote today on his official Facebook page :
“I have been overwhelmed with inquiries from concerned Nigerians, all eager to understand my position on the latest political shifts, particularly the defection of some PDP members to the ruling party.
Let me be unequivocal: freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy — they are fundamental rights.
Alongside these stand the pillars of a just and functional democratic society: the people, the rule of law, credible elections, and accountability. Undermine any of these, and democracy itself begins to crumble.
As someone who holds fast to these values, I bear no grudges against anyone for exercising their right to political alignment.
Defections, alliances, and realignments are part and parcel of democratic politics.
We’ve seen them before, and we’ll see them again.Some have resorted to insults because I visited former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Let’s not rewrite history: Buhari is not only a former leader but a significant statesman in the Nigerian political landscape.
During the 2013 opposition merger, the leaders of the time consulted widely — including visits to Obasanjo and Babangida.
So why is it now sacrilegious for me and other leaders to visit Buhari in Kaduna? If you truly believe in freedom of association, then you must respect the rights of all political actors to engage, regardless of party lines.
Defections, alliances, and realignments are part and parcel of democratic politics.
When PDP leaders are busy sipping tea and brokering power deals with President Tinubu, it’s called strategic alliance.
But the moment I greet Peter Obi, el-Rufai, or visit Buhari, it becomes a national emergency. Hypocrisy and the politics of selective outrage have never been this fashionable!
Let us be clear: the coming political battle is not APC versus PDP or LP versus APC. It is Nigerians versus an administration that has plunged the nation into untold suffering.
The economy is in freefall. Inflation is choking the masses. Jobs are vanishing.
Youth restiveness is surging to terrifying levels. Nigerians are not just tired — they are angry, and rightfully so.
This moment is about collective survival. The real enemy is not one another — it is the Tinubu administration’s abysmal failure.
We must reject every attempt to distract us with ethnic, regional, or religious sentiments. These are tools of manipulation, designed to divide and conquer, used by those with nothing else to offer.
The Tinubu administration has no achievements to stand on and no credible record to defend. Its only strategy is chaos and division because that’s the last refuge of the incompetent.
And make no mistake— an incompetent captain does not only wreck his ship; he endangers the lives of everyone on board. -AA”
Politics
Kwankwaso denies upteenth times, “I’m not working for Tinubu’s political interests “
The denial followed allegations by Sanusi Bature, spokesperson for Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, that Kwankwaso had worked for Tinubu during the 2023 elections and had recently sought a direct meeting with the president.
Former Kano State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) chieftain, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has denied upteenth times that he isn’t working in the interest of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing those who believe such claims as foolish.
In an appearance on Global TV, Kwankwaso said that the rumours had been in circulation since his time in the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and were false.
“I think only gullible people would believe that. We are not working for anybody. We are only working for Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC,” he said.
The denial followed allegations by Sanusi Bature, spokesperson for Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, that Kwankwaso had worked for Tinubu during the 2023 elections and had recently sought a direct meeting with the president.
Kwankwaso did not deny his personal relationship with Tinubu but insisted it had no bearing on his political direction.
“Bola Tinubu has been my senior brother and good friend up till now. But that doesn’t mean we shall pull all our political ideologies together with him. He is doing his own and I am doing my own,” he said.
Politics
Hamzat emerges Lagos APC governorship candidate
Hamzat secured a commanding 657,917 votes out of the 657,974 accredited votes cast, while Jim-Kamal managed just one vote, underscoring the overwhelming support for the deputy governor.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 election.
The party’s direct primary was held at the APC Secretariat on Acme road, Ogba in Ikeja, the State’s capital.
Hamzat defeated his challenger, Lanre Jim-Kamal, in what party officials described as a peaceful and transparent exercise.
Hamzat secured a commanding 657,917 votes out of the 657,974 accredited votes cast, while Jim-Kamal managed just one vote, underscoring the overwhelming support for the deputy governor.
The results were announced by the Chairman of the Governorship Electoral Committee, Gen. Jon Temlong, , Ogba.Hamzat’s emergence followed a wave of endorsements from key power blocs within the Lagos APC, particularly the influential Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC).
The primary was further shaped by the withdrawal of several aspirants ahead of the exercise.
Notably, Babajide Adeniran, popularly known as Jandor, and Samuel Mawuyon Àjọṣe, also known as SMA Gold, stepped down from the race in support of Hamzat, consolidating backing around his candidacy.
Politics
Labour Party shifts primaries over Sallah, Democracy Day anniversary
The change became necessary following a clash between its earlier timetable and key national events
The Labour Party has rescheduled its 2027 presidential, governorship, House of Representatives and House of Assembly primary elections to May 30.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, stating that the change became necessary following a clash between its earlier timetable and key national events.
The party had earlier fixed its governorship and state House of Assembly primaries for May 27, while presidential and National Assembly primaries were scheduled for May 29.
Asogwa noted that both exercises will now be conducted on the same date, May 30.
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