Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has instructed all commissioners and political appointees in his cabinet to either join him in defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or step down from their positions. The directive was reportedly issued during a State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held on Thursday, where the governor officially announced his departure from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. According to sources at the meeting, Governor Eno emphasized that his decision to defect should not come as a surprise to any of his appointees, stating: “Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave the PDP is still living in the 18th century,” he said. He explained that his decision to align with the APC was driven by his admiration for the leadership style of President Bola Tinubu, adding that he wants to work more closely with the Federal Government. The governor issued a stern warning to his appointees, saying he has “nothing to negotiate” with anyone unwilling to follow his political direction. “Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you,” Eno declared. “Let me tell you, anybody who believes that when I leave the PDP he will use the party structure to fight me is lying, because I will still control the PDP structure.” As of the time of filing this report, the State Executive Council meeting was still in session, with further developments expected in the coming hours.

The proposed coalition of opposition forces against President Bola Tinubu has refuted reports that it has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform for the 2027 general elections. The coalition—spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, along with several opposition figures and discontented members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—also rejected claims that former APC Vice Chairman (Northwest), Salihu Moh. Lukman, has been appointed as Head of its Secretariat. In a statement released Thursday in Abuja, Lukman, who currently serves as the coalition’s interim spokesperson, clarified the position. “The public should disregard the story, as it is completely false. No such decision has been taken. Also false is the report that the coalition has adopted the ADC at its meeting of Tuesday, May 20, 2025,” he said. According to him, the truth is that negotiations among all the coalition leaders are progressing very well, and final decisions about the political platform for the 2027 election will be taken soon. “Unfortunately, there appear to be some mischief makers promoting and planting stories in the media with the clear aim of sowing seeds of discord among coalition leaders. The public and the media should please disregard all these mischievous stories.

The Senate Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has affirmed the party’s commitment to spearheading a broad-based political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite ongoing internal disputes. The caucus expressed confidence that the PDP will recover and emerge stronger, regardless of current internal challenges. This assurance was given during a press conference at the National Assembly on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, led by Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Abba Moro. Speaking to journalists, Moro emphasized that internal disagreements are not unique to the PDP, pointing out that other parties—including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP)—are also facing similar internal issues. “The Senate Caucus of the PDP assures its members and supporters that contrary to insinuations that the party is in shreds and on the verge of collapse, the party will rise up again and wax stronger,” Moro said. He urged members of the PDP nationwide to remain steadfast in their commitment, loyalty, and dedication to the party, adding that the upcoming activities being planned by the party leadership would bring new life and direction, positioning the PDP as a competitive force in future elections. The caucus warned against the growing tendency to celebrate the weakening of opposition parties, stressing that such a trend threatens democratic governance and tilts the country dangerously towards a one-party system. “The beauty of democracy lies in the existence of robust opposition to keep the ruling party in check. The celebration of the emasculation of other parties does not advance the cause of democracy,” Moro stated. The caucus also signaled its openness to the idea of a political coalition but insisted that such efforts must be party-driven rather than based on individual ambitions. Moro added that the PDP, as the largest opposition party in the country, is well positioned to lead any such coalition if it becomes necessary. “The PDP’s umbrella is big enough to accommodate all persons desirous of a coalition. The PDP should drive the coalition, if and when it becomes necessary,” he added. Reaffirming the party’s broad national base, the caucus said the PDP remains a dominant political force across Nigeria and will bounce back from its current challenges stronger and more united. “The PDP is a big brand. From the current conflicts will emerge a renewed and vibrant party capable of offering Nigerians a viable alternative,” Moro said.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has asserted that a political alliance involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-governors Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and other key figures could secure a swift and decisive victory against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election. According to the PDP, if certain critical conditions are met, such a coalition could wrap up the election as early as 1 p.m. on election day. Speaking to *Vanguard* in Abuja on Monday, Hon. Timothy Osadolor, the PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, said the success of this alliance depends on sincere collaboration, unity of purpose, and effectively tapping into the growing public dissatisfaction. He highlighted that the combined votes of Atiku and Obi in the 2023 election—over 13 million compared to Tinubu’s 8 million—demonstrate the formidable potential of a united opposition front. “If these talks are pursued sincerely and reach a logical conclusion, and if ego doesn’t get in the way among these gentlemen; Atiku, Obi, and El-Rufai, then Nigeria could indeed be looking at a winning team. “If Atiku and Obi truly commit to this alliance, as it appears they are already doing, and with El-Rufai also playing his part, I don’t believe Nigerians would be opposed to such a coalition ticket. “Ultimately, this would be a case of Nigerians versus Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC,” Osadolor said. The PDP NEC member highlighted the rising levels of hunger, insecurity, frustration, and depression across Nigeria as critical factors that could drive voters to support the coalition. The party chieftain argued that Nigerians are eager to remove the APC from power, citing historical precedents such as the ousting of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. “Let’s not forget: less than four years ago, these two gentlemen together received over 13 million votes, compared to the 8 million votes INEC allocated to Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “So, if they join forces again, given the rising levels of hunger, insecurity, frustration, and depression in the country, I don’t see why they couldn’t conclude the election by 1pm on election day,” he stated. The PDP leader also criticised the APC’s counter-strategies, including the release of funds to state governors for political patronage, as evidence of mismanagement and corruption. He stated that such actions only deepen public anger and motivate Nigerians to vote against the ruling party. “My response to that is simple: kudos to the federal government. Let them keep releasing more funds. After all, the money doesn’t belong to them; it belongs to the Nigerian people. “So, the more they release, the more it highlights the heartlessness with which they treat public trust and public funds. “No serious country hands out money for political patronage the way this government is doing. And let’s be clear; the political class makes up less than 10% of the Nigerian population. “So how do you justify to the remaining 90% that this small group is misappropriating vast, almost unimaginable sums in naira and dollars, money meant for every Nigerian, born or unborn,” Osadolor asked. For the coalition to succeed, Osadolor stressed the need for effective mobilisation and campaigning, particularly among the youth and marginalised groups. He called on all stakeholders to set aside personal ambitions and work together to present a clear alternative to the APC. “The more they do this, the more they infuriate right-thinking Nigerians and motivate them to vote the APC out quickly. I encourage the President to continue on this path, so that Nigerians remain determined to remove him in 2027.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly offered Peter Obi, 2023 presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor, the vice-presidential slot on a joint ticket for the 2027 general elections, with a promise to serve only one term. Sources familiar with the coalition negotiations disclosed that Atiku and Obi met privately in the United Kingdom earlier this year, during which Atiku presented the proposal. Insiders say Atiku assured Obi of a one-term presidency, pledging to hand over power to him afterward, in a bid to consolidate opposition efforts against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election. Despite the proposal, those close to Obi say he is still consulting with his loyalists and political associates before making any formal decision. This wouldn't mark the first political alliance between the two. In 2019, Obi served as Atiku’s running mate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in an unsuccessful attempt to unseat then-President Muhammadu Buhari. More recently, in March 2025, Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other political heavyweights formed a broad opposition coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). That move rekindled speculations about a renewed Atiku-Obi partnership, though no concrete terms were revealed at the time. A PDP source confirmed that consultations are ongoing to build consensus among party stakeholders, with a final decision expected before the May 2026 presidential primary deadline. “But recent developments show that Obi has accepted to be Atiku’s running mate, and Atiku has also agreed to serve a single four-year term and hand over to the former Anambra State governor. They have both agreed to sign a written agreement if necessary. Obi is trying to get the buy-in of his loyalists before this is formally announced.” Due to internal crises within both the PDP and Labour Party (LP), coalition leaders are reportedly considering moving the alliance to a neutral platform such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Meetings between coalition members and ADC leadership are ongoing. “The crisis in PDP and LP is frustrating. While they are both making efforts and waiting to see if the crisis can be resolved in favour of their camps, they are both looking at possible political parties to run on. “The Social Democratic Party was part of the plans before now, but it seems the ruling APC has also infiltrated the party. So, they are tilting towards the ADC. As a matter of fact, some of the loyalists have been meeting with the ADC leadership, and others have quietly joined the party. So, if things do not favour them in LP and PDP, they may join ADC,” the source said Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, confirmed that coalition talks were ongoing but declined to offer details. “I know that His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have been talking about the coalition,” Ibe said. “I cannot speak on the specific agreement they have reached. All I can tell you is that both of them are focused on ensuring that they build a viable coalition that will be robust enough to accommodate diverse Nigerians to unseat the clueless APC government in 2027.” Peter Ahmeh, a close associate of Obi and Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, also declined to confirm the running mate arrangement but stressed the need for unity. “No comment on this one, until I speak with my oga,” Ahmeh said. “My position on this remains that, for us to defeat the APC, we must follow the rules of engagement so we don’t allow Tinubu to become the landlord in the southern part of Nigeria when we have somebody who can defeat him effortlessly. “We are in the LP as we speak, and that is the option available to accommodate everyone because you cannot sleep in a hostile environment and expect to succeed.” “We know there were hostile conditions created to undermine Peter Obi, but he is still in the Labour Party and is committed to making sure we get the APC out of government in 2027.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed rumors suggesting he might run against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zones its presidential ticket to the South. Wike reaffirmed his commitment to President Tinubu’s administration, stating clearly that he has no plans to oppose the leader he is currently serving. Speaking in an interview with BBC News Pidgin on Saturday, Wike said, “I will not contest. Why will I contest against someone I’m working for?” Reaffirming his support for Tinubu, Wike said there was currently no strong opposition figure capable of unseating the President. “They said they would zone it to the South, let them zone first. When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it,” he added.

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has called for a thorough review of Nigeria’s presidential system of government, arguing that it is ill-suited to the country's specific context. Speaking on Channels Television’s *Politics Today*, Cole criticized the system—patterned after the American model—for failing to promote accountability or strengthen institutions in Nigeria. He noted that it is easily manipulated by a select few, rendering it ineffective in tackling the nation’s governance issues. “This American system that we call the presidential system in Nigeria, we need to go and readdress it. We cannot import the parliamentary system of the UK, and it will not work here; we cannot import a presidential system, and it will not work here,” he said on Friday. “Every African in their country are satisfied with the political system and democracy they have, but they will tell you no. Why? Because it is contrary to who we are, absolutely contrary.” Cole emphasised that successful nations have built governance systems tailored to their historical and cultural contexts. He cited Arab countries and China as examples that have consciously rejected Western political models in favor of homegrown systems better aligned with their societal values. He further argued that many Africans feel disconnected from the democratic systems they operate under, noting that these models often conflict with traditional African values and governance practices. He advocated for a return to Nigeria’s indigenous political foundations, which he believes were effective before colonisation disrupted them. “Let us build an African, Nigerian-focused political system, and we will have it. We had a political system before the Europeans came, and we had a political system even when the slave trade was going on. So, what are we running away from? We know what to do,” Cole said.

Supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, and those of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara engaged in a heated verbal exchange during a town hall meeting held in Port Harcourt. The gathering, which was meant to outline a path to peace and reconciliation in the state, was disrupted by sharp disagreements between the two factions. The event drew participants from both political camps, as well as other residents and indigenes of Rivers State, with the goal of promoting dialogue to ease the ongoing political tensions. Tensions escalated when Bright Amaewhule, President General of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), asserted that “there’s no indigene of Rivers State who does not acknowledge the pivotal role GDI played in Sim Fubara’s emergence as Governor.” He claimed GDI was responsible for taking Fubara across local government areas during the campaign, insisting their grassroots mobilization—not the Minister’s involvement—was key to his widespread acceptance. Amaewhule also alleged that certain individuals who later aligned with Fubara influenced him to turn his back on the political party that brought him to power, worsening the current crisis. Rivers State Labour Party Chairman, Hilda Dokubo, visibly upset by Amaewhule’s remarks, stormed out of the hall in protest, stating, “I can’t sit here and listen to this.” She was eventually persuaded by the organizers to return. In response, Mr. Kenwell Ibanibo questioned the role of GDI in the crisis, asking, “What did he [Fubara] do to warrant the first impeachment attempt after just five months?” He suggested that certain influential individuals were behind the impeachment attempt, triggering an uproar from supporters of the FCT Minister, led by Chibike Ikenga, the factional Rivers APC Publicity Secretary. Verbal exchanges escalated, with a Wike supporter shouting, “Insult Wike now! Una go still beg, una go still come lie down. Person wey lie down never stand up, una dey talk!” Hilda Dokubo, who had returned to her seat, responded fiercely, “Him no go lie down! I say him no go lie down!” As tensions escalated, the event’s anchor struggled to regain control, while human rights advocate Jake Epelle stepped in to help calm the situation. The atmosphere eased somewhat when Ibanibo agreed to step away from the stage temporarily, allowing the proceedings to continue. Later, when rights activist Ann-Kio Briggs began addressing the gathering on ways to resolve the crisis, she was interrupted by Mr. Ikenga. Unfazed, she firmly stated, “If I don’t speak for you, I speak for myself,” insisting on her right to be heard. The confrontation occurred just five days after Minister Wike publicly cautioned Governor Fubara to ensure his supporters conduct themselves appropriately if he truly desires peace. Wike issued the warning during his monthly media chat in Abuja.

The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Felix Morka, stated yesterday that despite ongoing defections, the ruling party has no intention of transforming Nigeria into a one-party state. He noted that when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in power and held sway over more than 28 states, it was never accused of pursuing a one-party agenda. Morka added that there is nothing wrong with members of the PDP or Labour Party choosing to join the APC if they wish to align with its vision and processes. He said: “Many of these people are coming in and saying, we want to be part of the process. We want to identify with that process. There’s nothing wrong with that. And you know, that does not mean that we desire for Nigeria to then become a one party system. “As our country, both in the Constitution, in Electoral Act, and a plethora of other laws, have embedded systems that unmistakably make Nigeria a multi party and pluralist society. So, we cannot as a party desire to go against the force of the Constitution, to say we want a party. Because to do that, you have to change a lot, which is nearly impossible to change.” The party’s spokesperson dismissed the one-party narrative, saying the APC only worries about how it would continue to protect itself.

Three members of the House of Representatives, one from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and two from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), have formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The defectors are Oluwole Oke (PDP, Osun), and Kabiru Rurum and Abdullahi Rogo (both NNPP, Kano). They announced their switch during Thursday’s plenary session. House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read their resignation letters on the floor of the chamber. Oke, a six-term representative for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State, had earlier, on April 23, revealed his intention to leave the PDP, citing consultations with political associates, friends, and family. APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje was present in the chamber to witness the defections. He was accompanied by the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, and other APC leaders from Kano State.