The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to begin preparing his handover notes, declaring that Nigerians are not ready to grant him a second term in 2027. Speaking at the PDP state secretariat in Yola on Friday, the party’s Organising Secretary in Adamawa State, Hamza Madagali, said Nigerians have run out of patience with Tinubu’s administration. He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of lacking vision and failing the nation, while stressing that the PDP’s recent ward congresses in Adamawa demonstrated unity and readiness to reclaim power. Madagali further noted that the formation of the APC’s National Convention committees was a clear indication that its hold on power was nearing its end. According to him, Nigerians have drawn lessons from past errors and will not risk their children’s future by repeating them. “Nigerians are wiser now; they now know the difference between original and fake. The only way out is to return the PDP back to power.”

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed persistent allegations that he tried to prolong his presidency beyond the constitutional two terms, maintaining that he never pursued such an agenda. Speaking on Wednesday at the Democracy Dialogue organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Accra, Obasanjo emphasized that there is no evidence to support the speculation. “I’m not a fool. If I wanted a third term, I know how to go about it. And there is no Nigerian dead or alive that would say I called him and told him I wanted a third term,” Obasanjo said. The former president argued that securing debt relief for Nigeria during his administration was a much tougher feat than pursuing a tenure extension. “I keep telling them that, look, if I wanted to get debt relief, which is more difficult than getting a third term and I got it, if I wanted a third term, I would have got it too,” he added. Obasanjo also cautioned against leaders clinging to power, stressing that such behaviour reflects a false sense of indispensability. “I know that the best is done when you are young, ideal and vibrant and dynamic. When you are ‘kuje kuje’ you don’t have the best. But some people believe that unless they are there, nobody else,” he said. “They will even tell you that they haven’t got anybody else. I believe that that is a sin against God, because if God takes you away, which God can do anytime, then somebody else will come, and that somebody else may do better or may do worse.”

The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has launched high-level consultations as he prepares for another shot at the presidency in 2027, with a formal announcement on his political platform expected in November. Obi recently met former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, seeking his support while persuading him not to join the 2027 contest. Sources revealed that Obi later briefed former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the outcome of the Jonathan talks, appealing for his continued backing. A senior member of Obi’s camp confirmed that the former Anambra governor is resolute about contesting and is working to secure endorsements from influential political figures. “His meeting with Jonathan was to appeal to him not to run but instead to support him. “His meeting with Jonathan was to appeal to him not to run but instead to support him. He believes Jonathan’s support would be a major boost for his chances. Afterwards, he met Obasanjo to brief him and to deepen consultations,” the source said. The ally added that Obi’s official declaration in November would clarify whether he would remain in the Labour Party or switch to the African Democratic Congress, a coalition platform recently embraced by some of his supporters. Another insider revealed that Obi is also planning meetings with former heads of state and traditional rulers before his November declaration. “He still belongs to the Labour Party for now, but in the coming days he will also meet General Ibrahim Babangida, General T.Y. Danjuma, General Yakubu Gowon, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and others,” the source disclosed. When contacted, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, described Obi’s engagements with former leaders as “friendly consultations.” He maintained that Obi remains in the Labour Party but confirmed that formal clarification on the ADC coalition would be made in November. “These are regular meetings between old friends and statesmen. Obi is still a member of the Labour Party, and any decision about his political platform will be announced in November after full consultations,” Tanko said. Tanko urged Obidient Movement members to remain active, mobilise support, and keep promoting Obi’s agenda. “Everyone should continue to speak about what Peter Obi will do for Nigeria in lifting people out of poverty, improving security, health, and the economy. That’s our focus,” he said. The PUNCH

In a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, loyalists of former President Muhammadu Buhari have thrown their weight behind ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, exposing widening cracks within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The development was sealed yesterday at a private meeting in Abuja, where state chairmen of the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)—Buhari’s original political platform—gathered at Atiku’s residence to chart a fresh political course. Atiku, who is driving a coalition-building effort under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), received the delegation and assured them of his commitment to reshaping Nigeria’s political future. The CPC bloc, long regarded as Buhari’s most loyal support base, accused the present administration of betraying the ideals that united the coalition which ushered APC into power in 2015. One of the leaders said, “Bring it out, make it visible. Politics does not operate in the corner; bring your politics out. That is essentially what we are here to emphasise. “We are the true followers of Buhari, and we are here today, Sir. When this coalition started, we identified early on with the party we wanted to align with. “My leader, I want to assure and reassure you of our commitment. The CPC bloc is intact. President Buhari has left an unprecedented mark in the history of this country, and we will not allow it to be lost. “We are now ready to merge into the new political platform that God has chosen for us, appointing you as the leader, that platform now being the ADC.” Their declaration of allegiance to Atiku heightens tensions within APC and could tilt the balance of power ahead of 2027, especially in the North where Buhari retains significant grassroots influence. Another CPC leader, drawing comparisons between Buhari’s era and the present, said the current faces in government do not represent the movement’s original values. “You see me, I don’t need to tell you I’m CPC. If you see former Attorney-General Malami, former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai, and others who worked closely with President Buhari, you don’t need to be told they are CPC. “Then, you can compare this with the faces you see now in positions of power,” he remarked. In his response, Atiku welcomed the move, describing it as a step towards building a formidable alliance capable of challenging the APC’s dominance. “I am particularly delighted to receive you today. This meeting represents a continuation of your journey and your struggles. I believe that with your support, we will be able to translate this journey into success. “We will also work to form a government that reflects the vision of inclusivity and service to the people, a government responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens and committed to peace and unity across Nigeria,” Atiku said. He urged them to mobilise their supporters to take part in the ongoing voter registration exercise, calling it critical to shaping the outcome of the next elections. “I took time to explain how the current coalition efforts began and pledged to them that the ADC is a truly people-driven political platform. “I also encouraged them to mobilise their supporters for the ongoing voter registration exercise,” he said. The meeting signals the opening moves in what could become one of Nigeria’s most consequential political realignments since the APC’s formation a decade ago.

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ette Ibas, has officially handed over the reins of leadership to the reinstated Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. In a statewide broadcast marking his final address to the people, Ibas urged citizens to give their full support to Fubara as he resumes his duties as the state’s elected leader. Naija News recalls that President Bola Tinubu suspended Fubara six months ago while declaring a state of emergency in Rivers. On Wednesday, Tinubu lifted the emergency rule and reinstated the governor. Speaking in his farewell broadcast, Ibas said: “My dear citizens of Rivers State, it’s with gratitude in my heart and humility in my spirit that I address you today for the final time as administrator of our beloved State. > Six months ago, Tinubu entrusted me with this solemn responsibility of steering Rivers State through an extraordinary moment in its history. > Today, I can say with conviction that the grace of God and through our collective effort, the mandate has been accomplished. > > Law and order has been restored, local governments elections have been conducted and chairmen elected by the people now serve in office. > > Statutory boards and commissions have been reconstituted and are performing their duties, the state budget has been passed by the National Assembly, providing a legitimate physical framework for governance. These are milestones of progress that belong to all of us that reflect the resilience of the people determined never to let their state slip into paralysis. > > One of the enduring lessons of this season is that the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions and rivalry without dialogue clearly endangers democracy. > > As I reflect on this assignment, I do so with deep appreciation, I have met outstanding men and women across this state bureaucracy, diligent in their duties and devoted to our state. I have benefited from the wise guidance and counsel of statesmen who spoke truth at all moments. > > Now as I hand back the reigns of leadership to Sim Fubara, I do so with confidence and respect and I urge all Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly because leadership and followership is a shared responsibility. > > No matter how competent and clear a vision may be, it can only come to fruition and thrive with the active support of citizens. For me, this is the closing of another chapter in life devoted to service at sea, diplomacy and now in governance.” With the transition completed, all eyes now turn to Governor Fubara as he returns to office to continue steering the affairs of the state.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday lifted the six-month State of Emergency imposed in Rivers State and directed Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly to resume duties on Thursday, September 18. In a statement, the President explained that the decision followed the restoration of peace in the state. He recalled that on March 18, when the emergency rule was declared, governance had completely broken down and the State House of Assembly was deeply fragmented. Tinubu noted that despite interventions by himself and other well-meaning Nigerians, initial efforts to resolve the conflict failed as both parties held firmly to their positions, undermining peace and development. However, he stated that recent intelligence reports indicate a renewed spirit of understanding, strong commitment, and enthusiasm among stakeholders for a swift return to democratic governance. On that basis, the President said there was no justification for extending the state of emergency beyond the six months originally declared. “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025. “I take this opportunity to remind the Governors and the Houses of Assembly of all the States of our country to continue to appreciate that it is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times,” he said. The President’s statement partly read: “My Fellow countrymen and, in particular, the good people of Rivers State. “I am happy to address you today on the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. You will recall that on 18th March, 2025, I proclaimed a state of emergency in the state. In my proclamation address, I highlighted the reasons for the declaration. “The summary of it for context is that there was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the Governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly being unable to work together. Critical economic assets of the State, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised. “The State House of Assembly was crisis-ridden, such that members of the House were divided into two groups. Four members worked with the Governor, while 27 members opposed the Governor. The latter group supported the Speaker. As a result, the Governor could not present any Appropriation Bill to the House, thereby preventing him from accessing funds to run Rivers State’s affairs. “That serious constitutional impasse brought governance in the State to a standstill. Even the Supreme Court, in one of its judgments in a series of cases filed by the Executive and the Legislative arms of Rivers State against each other, held that there was no government in Rivers State. My intervention, along with that of other well-meaning Nigerians, to resolve the conflict proved abortive, as both sides remained rigidly entrenched in their positions, to the detriment of peace and the state’s development. “It therefore became painfully inevitable that to arrest the drift towards anarchy in Rivers State, I was obligated to invoke the powers conferred on me by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to proclaim the state of emergency. The Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and elected members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months in the first instance. The six months expire today, September 17th, 2025.” Continuing, he said: “I thank the National Assembly, which, after critically evaluating the justification for the proclamation, took steps immediately, as required by the Constitution, to approve the declaration in the interest of peace and order in Rivers State. I also thank our traditional rulers and the good people of Rivers State for their support from the date of the declaration of the state of emergency until now.” On the opposition to the declaration of emergency rule in the state, which had condemnation from some quarters, Tinubu said: “I am not unaware that there were a few voices of dissent against the proclamation, which led to their instituting over 40 cases in the courts in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, to invalidate the declaration. “That is the way it should be in a democratic setting. Some cases are still pending in the courts as of today. But what needs to be said is that the power to declare a state of emergency is an inbuilt constitutional tool to address situations of actual or threatened breakdown of public order and public safety, which require extraordinary measures to return the State to peace, order and security. “Considered objectively, we had reached that situation of total breakdown of public order and public safety in Rivers State, as shown in the judgment of the Supreme Court on the disputes between the Executive and the Legislative arm of Rivers State. It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation. “As a stakeholder in democratic governance, I believe that the need for a harmonious existence and relationship between the executive and the legislature is key to a successful government, whether at the state or national level. “The people who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy. However, that expectation will remain unrealizable in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity borne by misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations among the stakeholders. “I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance. “This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us. I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it.”

The Obidient Movement has called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to rally behind Peter Obi rather than contest against him in the 2027 presidential election. The appeal followed a closed-door meeting between Obi and Jonathan on Thursday. Sharing photos of the meeting on his X handle, Obi described Jonathan as “a very dear elder brother, statesman, and leader,” noting that their discussions focused on the state of the nation. Although there is speculation that Jonathan may join the 2027 presidential race, he has yet to make any official declaration. In a statement, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, urged Jonathan to step aside for Obi in the spirit of fairness and national progress. He stressed that while both Jonathan and Obi are revered leaders, Obi remains the preferred choice of millions of Nigerians yearning for a new political direction. “They have been friends for a long time. The meeting was for them to fraternise and discuss how to rescue Nigeria. “But for us in the Obidient Movement, it would be great if Jonathan remains the respected statesman he is known for. He has done his best as President, he is respected, and this is the time for him to support his brother,” Tanko said.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed concern over the Commission’s lack of power to penalise political parties, candidates, and supporters who embark on early campaigns ahead of elections. Speaking at a roundtable organised by the Commission on the theme “Challenges of Premature Political Campaign,” Yakubu noted that although the Electoral Act prescribes a fine of N500,000 for campaigns held less than 24 hours to election day, it provides no sanctions for campaigns conducted before the legally approved 150-day window. He explained that Section 94(1) of the 2022 Electoral Act clearly bars campaigns earlier than 150 days before polling and mandates that they stop 24 hours before voting. The provision, he stressed, is aimed at ensuring governance takes precedence over endless politicking. Despite these safeguards, Yakubu observed that political parties and candidates often remain in “perpetual campaign mode,” sometimes even before INEC officially releases the election timetable. “Around the country, we have seen outdoor advertising, media campaigns, and even rallies promoting various political parties and candidates. “These actions and activities undermine the Commission’s ability to track campaign finance limits as politicians, prospective candidates, and third-party agents expend large amounts of money that cannot be effectively monitored before the official commencement of campaigns. “Quite correctly, Nigerians expect INEC, as registrar and regulator of political parties, to act in the face of the brazen breach of the law on early campaign. However, the major challenge for the Commission is the law itself. “Section 94(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 imposes sanctions, albeit mild (a maximum amount of N500,000 on conviction), on any political party or a person acting on its behalf who engages in campaigns 24 hours before polling day. “However, there is no sanction whatsoever concerning breaches for campaigns earlier than 150 days to an election. Here lies the challenge for the Commission in dealing with early campaigns by political parties, prospective candidates, and their supporters. “In a sense, the problem of early campaign in Nigeria is not new. The seeming inability of the Commission and other regulatory agencies to deal with the menace within the ambit of the existing electoral legal framework calls for deep reflection. “It is in this context that the Commission considered it appropriate to convene this meeting in which legislators, leaders of political parties, civil society organisations, experts, practitioners, and regulators will brainstorm on the way forward. “Similarly, as the National Assembly is currently reviewing our electoral laws, the Commission has also invited the leadership of both the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Electoral Matters. “I am confident that they will give due consideration to actionable recommendations by experts, leaders of political parties, the President of the NBA, the BON, the NBC which regulates the broadcast media, and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, ARCON, which regulates advertisement, including outdoor advertising.” He stressed the Commission’s strong belief that protecting the nation’s electoral process and consolidating its democracy is a multi-stakeholder task.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognised the new leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), now headed by former Senate President, Senator David Bonaventure Mark, as National Chairman. The confirmation came on Wednesday in Abuja after INEC updated the party’s details on its official website, listing the newly constituted executive members. This update effectively ends months of internal wrangling over the party’s leadership. According to INEC, the new National Working Committee of the ADC will be led by Senator Mark as National Chairman, with former Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, serving as National Secretary. Other key officials include Dr. Mani Ibrahim Ahmad as National Treasurer; Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary; and former Edo State governor, Prof. Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor, as National Legal Adviser. Stakeholders say the development could reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing optimism that the new leadership will bring stability and strategic direction to the ADC.

Nigerian men travelling alone are no longer eligible for tourist or transit visas to Qatar, under new rules issued by the country’s Ministry of Interior. Authorities say the move is aimed at curbing visa overstays, but the policy has sparked concerns about its impact on business, family ties, and broader bilateral relations. The restrictions, which took effect around September 5, 2025, were first disclosed by travel agencies and industry sources last week. They apply immediately to both fresh and pending applications. Under the revised guidelines, only women and families are permitted to apply, while men travelling independently are barred unless accompanied by relatives. Applicants must also show proof of a confirmed return transfer and secure accommodation exclusively in five-star hotels before their visas can be approved. For many Nigerians—particularly male executives, students, and travellers using Doha as a transit hub to Asia and Europe—the new rules represent a significant setback. Independent travel for men has effectively been shut down, increasing costs and limiting opportunities for those who depend on Qatar as a major gateway. “This is going to affect a lot of Nigerians who fly Qatar Airways to Asia or Europe. “For men, it is practically a travel ban if they are not going with their family,” Vanguard gathered. Qatar says the policy is aimed at stopping overstays, but for Nigeria, the restrictions risk straining ties and cutting people-to-people exchanges. Male travellers in particular now face the burden of either cancelling plans or restructuring trips under stricter and more expensive conditions. This is not the first time visa restrictions have created friction.