Peter Obi has assured Nigerians that he could govern the country effectively even from Kaduna, stressing that location would not hinder his leadership.

He spoke on Sunday during a meeting with African Democratic Congress (ADC) stakeholders in Kaduna.

“Abuja to Kaduna is less than two hours; so nothing stops a president from attending meetings here and returning. In fact, I can serve Nigeria from Kaduna without a single problem,” he said.

The visit formed part of Obi’s nationwide consultations, providing an opportunity to engage party chieftains and gauge the political mood in the state. He observed a strong commitment among stakeholders, noting that their motivation extended beyond political ambition to a genuine desire to serve the people.

Moreover, Obi highlighted Kaduna’s strategic importance, recalling its past as a major hub for industry, agriculture, and commerce.

He emphasised that with disciplined, competent, and people-oriented leadership, the state’s lost glory could be restored for the benefit of all citizens.

A public opinion survey conducted by GoNigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections, revealed that less than 50 percent of Nigerians have no confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

GoNigeria is convened by Mr Atedo Peterside and 24 others Nigerians.

In a statement titled ‘Electoral reform and the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic future’, GoNigeria emphasised that electoral reforms, judicial reforms and freedom of speech, among others, are critical for Nigeria’s democracy.

According to the organisation, four pillars are critical for Nigeria’s democracy: electoral reform, judicial reform, freedom of speech, and the security of life and property.

” These pillars are the practical guardrails required for a democracy that is durable and productive.

Among these pillars, electoral reform is foundational. Elections do not simply select leaders; they determine whether power is accepted as legitimate, whetherpower is accepted as legitimate, whether institutions are trusted, and whether governance will be effective. Where elections are credible, authority is strengthened.

“This understanding was clearly articulated by the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reform Committee, whose recommendations emphasised independence of the electoral body, transparency, credible dispute resolution, and firm enforcement of electoral rules.

Subsequent reforms centered on the adoption of digital tools, including biometric voter registration, Permanent Voters’ Cards, and electronic accreditation.

These innovations reflected institutional intent and public demand: technology as a guardrail against manipulation and a basis for public confidence.

The Labour Party (LP) has set 23 May 2026, for its presidential primaries.

This was contained in a communique issued after a meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) held and observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Abuja, on Tuesday.

The communique, which was made public on Wednesday, stated that the party will submit its membership register to INEC on April 15th, 2026, while governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly primaries will be held on Friday, May 15th, 2026.

The party’s NEC also expressed satisfaction and ratified the actions of the National Leadership of the Party under the direction of Senators Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwochocha regarding the conduct of Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses scheduled for March 26, 28, and 31, 2026, respectively, as well as the National Convention slated for April 11, 2026.

The party’s NEC, which is the highest decision-making organ of the party after the National Convention, equally reviewed recent developments within the party.

Developments reviewed included the recent invasion of the Party Secretariat by hoodlums allegedly sponsored by “certain rogue elements”.