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Atiku, Obi, Mark Unite Under ADC Banner to Challenge Tinubu in 2027 Elections

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark and other coalition leaders have officially adopted the African Democratic Congress as the platform to spearhead President Bola Tinubu’s defeat in the 2027 election.

During the unveiling, held on Wednesday, Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola were announced as the interim National Chairman and Secretary of the ADC, respectively.

Meanwhile, ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu and other members of the party’s old bloc criticised Atiku, Obi, and others, accusing them of hijacking the party and claiming they lacked the capacity to lead.

In a separate response, the PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, maintained that the party remains united and warned that there will be consequences for members undermining the PDP in the name of a coalition.

On its part, the All Progressives Congress dismissed the opposition leaders as retired politicians who have refused to step aside, asserting that the ruling party would easily defeat them in the 2027 elections.

Against the backdrop of the hardships and lamentations caused by Tinubu’s economic reforms, the opposition parties are seeking to build a coalition that would defeat the President in the next presidential poll.

In a bid to present a strong challenge ahead of the 2027 elections, prominent opposition figures unveiled a new political coalition in Abuja on March 20.

The development sparked nationwide discussions on the potential and effectiveness of a united opposition.

On May 19, the ADC was selected as the coalition’s official political base.

In his acceptance speech, the newly interim National Chairman of the ADC, Mark, acknowledged that the efforts by the 2027 coalition to unseat Tinubu will be challenging.

He said, “Let it be known to all that this coalition of national political opposition groups goes beyond gaining political power. It is a concerted effort to rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.

“Today marks the beginning of what we believe will be a long, difficult and tedious journey.

However, it is a journey that we are prepared to undertake, united in our collective belief that no price or sacrifice is too high in the service of our fatherland,’’ he said.

The ADC interim chairman stated that within two years in office, the current administration has taken control of key democratic institutions and is gradually steering the country toward a full-blown civilian dictatorship.

He stated, “The blatant destabilisation and infiltration of all major opposition political parties is aimed at achieving only one objective, to enhance total state capture and leave Nigerians with no alternative or options in 2027.

This coalition is to prevent our country’s descent into a one-party state.

“We have never seen a government so much at home with corruption, a government that disdains accountability in all ramifications.

A government more concerned with the next election rather than the survival of the ordinary Nigerians.

“A government so totally consumed with politicking that governance is abandoned, while the majority of our people wallow in hunger and poverty.

“We have never seen this level of insecurity across the length and breadth of our nation. Bandits and kidnappers kill Nigerians at will and on a daily basis.

Yet, this ongoing tragedy has not moved the government to any action that would stop these mindless killings and stem the tide of needless bloodshed.

”Mark stated that Nigerians deserved a government that ensures their safety and makes them feel secure in their own homes.

He continued, “Equally disturbing is the total emasculation of the legislative institution.

Never in our history have we witnessed a National Assembly where legislators, the trustees of the very bastion of our democracy, saddled with the sacred duty to protect Nigerians from misuse of executive power, are reduced to cheerleaders and praise singers of the President, head of the executive arm.

“Without doubt, the transformation of Nigeria’s National Assembly to a mere appendage of presidential authority is a dangerous conspiracy against the Nigerian people.

“It is the reason why the government can get away with various whimsical, unconstitutional policies and actions or inactions that have reduced more Nigerians to abject poverty and widened the boundaries of insecurity and fear.”

The ADC interim chairman accused the APC-led government of undermining the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding heroes and affirmed that the coalition party belongs to all Nigerians.

He stated, “This coalition is determined to offer Nigerians a path to security, prosperity, peace and progress.

Coming from various party affiliations, we are united in our resolve to present a constructive alternative to the hardship, insecurity and waste that has become the hallmark of the current APC government.

“As we proceed this day, we acknowledge the practical implications of imminent bye-elections and one state governorship election for some of our coalition partners in their respective legacy political parties.

However, all of us remain firmly united under the ADC banner for the 2027 general elections and beyond.

”Earlier in his remarks, the founding National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, said the party leaders voluntarily resigned to allow Mark and Aregbesola to take charge and lead efforts to reposition both the party and the country.

Nwosu stated, “We all decided to resign so that Mark, Aregbesola and others can lead us to the (Presidential) Villa. We also approved Mark as National Chairman and Aregbesola as the National Secretary of the party.

When you look at the two of them and their commitment to this country, you’ll see that this is a new beginning. They will reposition the party and Nigeria.

”Nwosu said the opposition coalition is not about seeking power, but moving Nigeria to “global reckoning.”

“ADC has always been about the rejuvenation of Nigeria and Africa. This journey started about 18 months ago, and we have had over 12 NEC meetings.

“When we were consulted, we said we have also been consulting because we are a party that believes in coalition.

A day like this shows that we are ready to sacrifice anything for Nigeria. We don’t have any doubt in the man; we all have decided to resign.”

Speaking after the unveiling of the ADC interim leadership, former transport minister Rotimi Amaechi said inflation is at its peak and many Nigerians can no longer afford food.

He revealed he resigned from the APC on Tuesday night and expressed surprise he wasn’t expelled earlier, having warned the party not to invite him to meetings.

The former Rivers State governor stated, “No, it’s not about changing the government, if it is about changing the government, there is no need to change the government, it’s about changing Nigeria.

“Nigeria is destroyed. People can’t eat. People can’t buy food. There’s no money to buy food. Everything is gone. Inflation is at its peak. And the federal government is busy going around trying to hijack the election.

INEC is helping them to hijack the election.

“No, no, no. What must happen here is that we must start not just a party, but a movement, it must be a movement that brings in Nigerians to, on their own, take over government, not us.

”Those present at the unveiling include the 2023 presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar; the Labour Party, Peter Obi; and Aregbesola.

Other key figures include a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Victor Umeh; former PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus; Labour Party’s 2023 Vice Presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed; former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun; and former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar.

Also in attendance were former Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Abdulfattah Ahmed (Kwara), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto), Oserheimen Osunbor (Edo), Celestine Omehia (Rivers), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Window Jibrilla (Adamawa), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), Capt. Idris Wada (Kogi), former deputy governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi; former Ekiti Deputy Governor Kolapo Olushola and Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Simon Achuba.

Others are a former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, Senator Dino Melaye, former Youth Minister Solomon Dalung, media mogul Chief Dele Momodu, Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Suleiman Nazif, Lee Maeba, Alhaji Kashim Imam, former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, Senator Ishaku Abbo; former National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the APC, Salihu Lukman; the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe; and an activist, Aisha Yesufu.

News

BREAKING: Tinubu swears in Amupitan as new INEC Chair

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President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The ceremony followed the Senate’s confirmation of Amupitan’s appointment last week after a rigorous screening session on October 16.

At the swearing-in, President Tinubu tasked Amupitan with safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and strengthening INEC’s institutional capacity.

“As the chairman of INEC, your nomination and confirmation reflect the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and legislative arms of government. This marks the start of a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I trust you will approach your duties with integrity, dedication, and patriotism,” Tinubu said.

Highlighting Nigeria’s democratic progress over 25 years, the President emphasized the need for continuous innovation and reform to maintain free, fair, and credible elections. He urged Amupitan to ensure transparency and public trust throughout the entire electoral process—from voter registration and campaigning to voting and counting.

Amupitan, a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), arrived at the State House on Thursday dressed in traditional white agbada and gold cap ahead of the formal ceremony. He was accompanied by presidential aides.

During his Senate screening, the 58-year-old nominee pledged to restore credibility to Nigeria’s electoral process by prioritizing reforms, including strengthening the Electoral Act to resolve inconsistencies in election timelines and enhance transparency.

“We must conduct elections where even the loser congratulates the winner fairly,” Amupitan told senators, emphasizing the need to rebuild voter confidence.

He also clarified his neutrality by denying any involvement in President Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 Presidential Election Petitions Court, stating, “I never appeared before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court for any party.”

Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the sixth substantive INEC chairman since the commission’s establishment. He is expected to immediately begin the transition process at INEC headquarters in Abuja following his swearing-in.

Profile

Born on April 25, 1967, the 58-year-old Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau State. He is also an alumnus of the university.

He specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.

After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was called to the bar in 1988.

Amupitan earned an LLM at UNIJOS in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in Bauchi from 1988 to 1989.

He currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, a position he holds in conjunction with being the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.

Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).

Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and a member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), among other roles. He was a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja(1996-2004).

Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles(2008); Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008); Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria(2013), Principles of Company Law(2013)  and an Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).

He is married and has four children.

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Crime

Military Denies Coup Allegations, Reaffirms Commitment to Democracy

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary activities to an alleged attempted military coup, calling such claims misleading and false.

An online publication had reported that 16 military officers, from Captain to Brigadier General, were detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency over suspected covert meetings to plan a coup against the government.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) described the report as malicious and intended to create unnecessary tension and distrust among Nigerians.

The DHQ clarified that the cancellation of the Independence Day parade was due to President Bola Tinubu’s attendance at a strategic bilateral meeting abroad, and to allow the military to focus on ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.

The statement further assured the public that the investigation involving the officers is a routine internal process aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the armed forces. An investigative panel has been set up, and its findings will be released once the inquiry concludes.

The DHQ called on Nigerians to support security agencies and disregard misinformation circulated by enemies of the state. It reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ loyalty to the Constitution and the Federal Government under President Tinubu.

“The Federal Government, the legislature, and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development, and well-being of the nation. Democracy is forever,” the statement emphasized.

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BREAKING: Senate Confirms Prof. Amupitan as New INEC Chairman

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The Nigerian Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following a rigorous screening session held in the Senate Chamber.

The confirmation came after the upper legislative chamber convened as a Committee of the Whole, where Professor Amupitan was subjected to an extensive question-and-answer session. Lawmakers across party lines took turns interrogating the nominee on a range of national issues, particularly around electoral reforms, voter education, and the independence of the electoral body.

Professor Amupitan, a respected legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), provided detailed responses to the lawmakers’ questions, emphasizing his commitment to transparency, neutrality, and strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

After the screening exercise, the nominee was asked to “take a bow” — a traditional Senate practice signifying the conclusion of the confirmation hearing — and exited the chamber alongside his entourage. Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured that the outcome of the screening would be formally communicated to him.

Following Amupitan’s departure, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion to reinstate all floor privileges that had been earlier suspended to facilitate the screening. The motion was promptly seconded by the Senate Minority Leader and received unanimous approval through a voice vote.

The final confirmation of the nominee was subsequently put to a voice vote by the Senate President. With no dissenting voices, the appointment was officially ratified.

“The nomination of Joash Ojo Amupitan for appointment as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission is hereby confirmed,” Senate President Akpabio declared.

Professor Amupitan’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the country’s electoral body, as preparations begin for upcoming off-cycle elections and broader electoral reforms. His tenure is expected to usher in a new chapter in INEC’s leadership, with stakeholders hoping for greater credibility, independence, and innovation in Nigeria’s electoral system.

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