₦airaland Forum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1jFNiINRws

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has declared himself a "freelance politician," a striking admission that lays bare the deepening crisis within Nigeria's opposition political space. He made the remark on Thursday after hosting a closed-door meeting with former presidential candidate Peter Obi at Ramat House in Bauchi.

The meeting, widely seen as part of early consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, brought together Obi and a delegation of South-East political heavyweights, including Senator Ben Obi, former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa, senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Victor Umeh, and Udenta Udenta.

"Neither PDP nor ADC is standing alone. I am a freelance politician now, and his party is also in limbo. We are looking up to the judiciary. But certainly, we are all in the opposition," Governor Mohammed told reporters after the meeting.

The governor's words carry significant weight. Both the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress — the party Obi moved to after his 2023 Labour Party presidential run — are currently entangled in legal battles, with the Supreme Court yet to rule on key cases affecting both parties. Mohammed, who was a prominent PDP figure, appears to be hedging his position as the political ground shifts beneath him.

He hinted that the discussions went beyond pleasantries, touching on political realignment and the formation of a viable opposition platform ahead of 2027. "It is about realignment, alignment, and cooperation so that we can have a platform. We cannot go without a platform," he said, without revealing finer details of what was agreed.

Obi, on his part, framed the visit in broader national terms. He said the visit was aimed at building unity and rallying support from the North-East ahead of efforts to "build a new Nigeria." This is not the first time the two men have sat across from each other, in August 2025, Mohammed also hosted Obi in Bauchi and at that time encouraged him to join the PDP.

That a sitting governor now describes himself as a Bala Mohammed freelance politician, unanchored to any definitive party home, signals just how fluid and unpredictable Nigeria's pre-election political landscape has become. With the judiciary holding the fate of two major opposition parties in its hands, alignments that once seemed solid are quickly becoming negotiable.

SamGift0817:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7tezgj0Opw

A former minister of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Andrew Umoru, has officially parted ways with the church and launched his own ministry, following reports of internal disciplinary action.

Pastor Umoru, who served under the leadership of Pastor William Kumuyi, was known within the church for his teaching and leadership roles. However, his relationship with the church reportedly became strained after issues that led to disciplinary measures, though specific details have not been publicly disclosed.

Sources familiar with the situation suggest that the matter may have involved differences in doctrine, administrative direction, or leadership structure—areas that are typically handled internally within the church’s strict and organized system.

In a recent public address marking the inauguration of his new ministry, Pastor Umoru acknowledged the transition and emphasized a message of peace and reconciliation. He stated that he holds no resentment and has chosen to forgive, a stance that has drawn mixed reactions from observers within the Christian community.

While some followers have expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding his departure, others have praised his decision to move forward without public confrontation.

The development has sparked conversations about leadership, accountability, and conflict resolution within faith-based institutions. It also reflects a broader pattern seen across Christian communities, where disagreements sometimes lead to the formation of new ministries.

As Pastor Umoru begins this new chapter, attention now turns to how his ministry will evolve and what impact it may have within Nigeria’s religious landscape.

https://voicenews.com.ng/pastor-andrew-umoru-leaves-deeper-life-after-discipline-launches-international-miracle-centre/

SamGift0817:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T05L8dv-_Bo

Tinubu Mocks ADC ‘Street Convention,’ Signals Readiness for 2027

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a swipe at the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing its recent gathering as a “street convention” while declaring his readiness for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Friday, Tinubu framed the moment as a defining political opportunity, saying he was prepared “to break the shackles of poverty and ignorance” and ensure that democracy in Nigeria is sustained. He contrasted what he described as purposeful governance with what he called “noise-making” and “rascality,” in an apparent reference to the ADC’s activities.

The ADC’s convention, which has generated reactions across political circles, was positioned by party supporters as a grassroots mobilization effort. However, the President’s remarks sought to downplay its significance, portraying it instead as lacking structure and seriousness.

In a series of pointed comments, Tinubu also defended his administration’s record, highlighting infrastructure development, social investments, and economic reforms. “If they don’t want to see the hope in the roads we have built, in the children we have raised, or in the economy we are growing, we will give them eyeglasses,” he said, underscoring what he described as tangible progress under his leadership.

The President further stirred debate with a reflective remark on leadership continuity, stating, “I took over leadership from myself; late Buhari is me, he was my partner,” referencing his political alliance with former President Muhammadu Buhari.

ADC figures have yet to issue a formal response to the President’s characterization of their convention. Political analysts say the exchange signals an early intensification of rhetoric ahead of the 2027 elections, with both the ruling party and opposition groups beginning to shape public narratives.

As political activities gradually build momentum, observers note that such exchanges may define the tone of the pre-election period, with competing visions for Nigeria’s future increasingly taking center stage.

https://voicenews.com.ng/tinubu-mocks-adc-street-convention-signals-readiness-for-2027/

FuglyGurl:
APC Northerners Supporting Atiku To Create Division In ADC - El-rufai's Ally



source

SamGift0817:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlTVO2hbLr4

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described some young Nigerian governors as inexperienced, blaming what he called poor performance in several states on a lack of leadership exposure and weak guidance from the federal level.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Wednesday night, Atiku said a number of states led by younger politicians are “failing woefully,” arguing that leadership at that level requires more experience than many currently possess.

According to him, the situation is compounded by the absence of strong and experienced leadership at the national level, which he believes should provide direction and mentorship to state governors.

“There is a clear and stark difference,” Atiku said, noting that younger leaders often struggle without the benefit of guidance from a capable president.

The former vice president also drew comparisons with past administrations, citing the tenure of Goodluck Jonathan. While describing Jonathan as a “decent” leader, Atiku argued that his inexperience contributed to challenges faced during his presidency, particularly in managing national issues.

Atiku further characterised the issue as systemic, suggesting that Nigeria has repeatedly experienced leadership gaps at both state and federal levels due to insufficient experience among those in power.

He added that expectations for young leaders have not been fully met, emphasising the need for mentorship and political tutelage from more experienced figures.

The comments come amid ongoing debates about the role of youth in governance, especially in a country where a significant portion of the population is under 30. While some analysts argue that younger leaders bring innovation and energy, others maintain that governance requires years of political and administrative experience.

Atiku, a long-standing figure in Nigeria’s political landscape since the return to democratic rule in 1999, has remained an influential voice in discussions on leadership and governance, having contested the presidency multiple times.

His remarks are expected to further fuel conversations around the balance between youth representation and experience in Nigeria’s evolving political space.

https://voicenews.com.ng/atiku-criticises-young-governors-links-leadership-failures-to-inexperience/

SamGift0817:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mINPOH6gQLU
Ralphs Okey Nwosu, former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has revealed that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) played an active role in the processes that led to the emergence of the party’s current leadership, including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Nwosu expressed surprise at what he described as recent actions by the electoral body, noting that his experience with INEC over nearly two decades had been markedly different.

“I have worked within party processes, party leadership, and INEC for almost twenty years, and INEC has never done something this scandalous,” he said.

Nwosu emphasized that INEC officials were not only present but fully engaged throughout the procedures that produced the new leadership of the party.

“All the processes that brought about David Mark, Aregbesola, and the new leadership — INEC was there. INEC members were there; they witnessed all the processes,” he stated.

He further explained that the commission went beyond mere observation, offering advisory support to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines.

“They were part of it and they were helpful also because, before we did anything, we went to them. We told them, ‘this is what we want to do,’ and they would advise because they wanted all the parties to succeed,” Nwosu added.

His remarks come amid ongoing debates surrounding internal party leadership disputes and the role of INEC in overseeing political party processes.

SamGift0817:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNon5R3tzO0


Tension gripped parts of Benin City on Tuesday as aggrieved youths staged a protest along the busy Benin-Lagos Expressway, barricading a section of the road near the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ugbowo Campus.

The demonstrators, mostly young people, blocked vehicular movement for hours, causing a major traffic gridlock and leaving commuters stranded on one of Nigeria’s key transport corridors.

Carrying placards with inscriptions demanding improved living conditions, the protesters expressed frustration over what they described as worsening economic hardship and declining welfare.

Some of the messages seen on their signs called for access to basic amenities and urgent government intervention to ease the burden on citizens.

Eyewitnesses said the protest began in the early hours of the day, with participants using objects to obstruct the road, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.

“Things are getting too hard. Food is expensive, transport is unbearable, and there are no jobs,” one protester said. “We are only asking for a better life.”

The Benin-Lagos Expressway is a vital link between the South-West and South-South regions, and its disruption significantly affected commercial activities and movement of goods and services.

Traders, travelers, and transport operators were among those worst hit, as the blockade brought economic activity in the area to a temporary halt.

The protest reflects growing discontent among Nigerians grappling with rising inflation, increased fuel prices, and the overall cost of living, which has continued to put pressure on households across the country.

As of the time of filing this report, security operatives were reportedly monitoring the situation, while calls for calm and dialogue intensified among community leaders.

Observers say the incident underscores the urgent need for responsive economic policies and engagement with citizens to address mounting frustrations.

It remains unclear whether the protest will spread or trigger similar actions in other parts of the country.

https://voicenews.com.ng/benin-protest-youths-condemn-worsening-economic-hardship/

Edygrin:
Senator Seriake Dickson is unhappy over the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and believes that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan “must be sad” that the party, which produced three presidents since the return of democracy in 1999, has been “killed and buried”.



https://www.channelstv.com/2026/03/24/dickson-rues-evaporation-of-pdp-says-ex-president-jonathan-sad-about-it/

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of plotting to become the running mate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Fayose made the allegation on Wednesday while reacting to a meeting held on Tuesday in Minna, Niger State, between Atiku, Makinde and former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida.

According to Fayose, the meeting was strategically arranged to advance political negotiations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“It is no longer news that the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, went to Minna, Niger State, yesterday to hold a meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar,” Fayose said in a statement.

“Here is what happened behind the curtains. Venue and personalities involved in the meeting were carefully chosen so as to ensure confidence and acceptability.”

Fayose claimed that discussions at the meeting centred on Atiku’s alleged plan to secure the ADC presidential ticket and Makinde’s interest in becoming his vice-presidential candidate.

He further alleged that consideration was given to the possibility that Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, may not accept to serve as Atiku’s running mate and may also not be acceptable to the North as Atiku’s successor.

According to Fayose, Atiku is “70 per cent certain” of clinching the ADC presidential ticket, having ensured that the party’s ticket would not be zoned.

The former Ekiti governor alleged that Makinde agreed to join the ADC on the condition that he would be handed the party’s vice-presidential ticket as Atiku’s running mate, subject to ratification by Atiku’s inner caucus.

Fayose also claimed that Makinde pledged to release N10 billion in two tranches as an initial contribution to support the ADC’s activities, with a promise of additional funding when campaigns commence.

He further alleged that Makinde assured Atiku of his ability to deliver Southwest delegates during the party’s primary and to leverage his wife’s Rivers State roots to secure delegate votes from the South-South region.

“For the general election, using him to divide the Southwest votes will give the ADC the needed advantage,” Fayose quoted Makinde as saying.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Governor Makinde nor former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had publicly responded to the allegations...

SamGift0817:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5Uzq_IXV5U

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of undermining Nigeria’s democratic process amid the controversy surrounding the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, calling for his resignation or removal from office.

Okonkwo made the allegation while reacting to the Senate’s handling of the proposed amendments, arguing that Akpabio’s role in retaining disputed clauses in the bill runs contrary to Supreme Court pronouncements and erodes public trust in the electoral system.

“What it means is that Senator Godswill Akpabio has become an enemy of democracy,” Okonkwo said. “By insisting on provisions the Supreme Court has clearly warned against, he is sustaining a vicious cycle of election rigging, manipulation and falsification.”

He maintained that the Senate President should step aside if he continues on the same path. “That man is an enemy of democracy and should be removed if he doesn’t resign,” he added.

The Electoral Act Amendment Bill passed its third reading in the Senate last week. One of its major provisions, Clause 60(30), addresses the electronic transmission of election results.

Although the Senate retained the provision for electronic transmission as contained in the 2022 Electoral Act, it rejected proposals for real-time transmission of results and a 10-year ban on vote-buying. Instead, lawmakers opted to maintain existing penalties, including fines and jail terms, for electoral offences.

The Senate’s decision has continued to draw criticism from political stakeholders and civil society organisations, many of whom insist that stronger safeguards are necessary to guarantee transparent, credible and trustworthy elections in Nigeria.