Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has pledged to amend the Nigerian constitution if elected President in 2027. Speaking during an X Space session titled *Weekend Politics* on Friday, Amaechi also promised to eradicate corruption within his first month in office or step down from the position. “If I become President I will change the constitution from indigeneship to citizenship. “If I do not end corruption in Nigeria within one month, I will tender my resignation. “I challenged the present FCT minister Wike to take a walk along the streets of Port Harcourt, which will reveal who is healthy and who the people actually loved,” the ex-Rivers governor said. He also alleged that some influential people in the country visit to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CNN, to steal money. Amaechi further described Professor Yakubu Mahmood as the worst Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. “It enrages me that those very influential among the ruling class visit CBN often to steal money, if they could use all the money they are pocketing to improve security and the economy, Nigeria wouldn’t be in such dire straits today.

Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has thrown his weight behind former President Goodluck Jonathan, describing him as the Peoples Democratic Party’s strongest option for the 2027 presidential election. This is as he urged the party to “woo” him back into its fold. “I think for PDP now they should try to woo him \[Jonathan]; he is their best bet. To me, he is their best bet. Anybody put forth by the PDP, Nigerians will support him,” Lamido said on Friday during an appearance on *Channels Television’s Politics Today*. He praised Jonathan as an experienced leader who understands governance and collaborates effectively with others, arguing that no current PDP member from the South can match his pedigree. “He is most welcome, competent, and very qualified. To me, I welcome him into the PDP. I think so far in the PDP, with all respect to all members, I don’t see a better alternative than Jonathan if he comes to the PDP,” Lamido stated. “I don’t see any other person, really. If we are giving the presidency to the South, it will be the PDP. “Who is there in PDP now that can challenge Jonathan in terms of being in office, being full-headed, being somebody who is willing to listen, and somebody who is also a key player who believes in partnership?” he added. Lamido’s endorsement comes amid persistent speculation over Jonathan’s possible return to the PDP to contest the 2027 presidential race. Jonathan, who has largely maintained a low political profile since losing the 2015 election, has not publicly declared his intentions. However, reports of quiet negotiations and lobbying within PDP circles have continued to fuel talk of a political comeback, making him one of the most closely watched figures ahead of the 2027 polls. Meanwhile, former Vice President and serial PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has resigned from the party, triggering a wave of defections among its members.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has called for a single five-year tenure for Nigeria’s president. Speaking in Bauchi on Friday during a courtesy visit to Governor Bala Mohammed, Obi argued that the presidency should not have a second term. Instead, he suggested extending the current four-year term to five years, similar to the system in South Korea. “I’ve said it and I want to say it again in this government house that if I have the opportunity, we should stop having a second tenure for president. “It should be five years straight, so that people can come in knowingly they have a job to do. “What people do now is to be president for one year and use the rest of the years thinking about their next tenure. We must stop it, let’s face the real job, do your own and go,” he suggested. The 2027 presidential hopeful insisted that if elected Nigerian president in 2027, he would serve only one term, promising not to spend a day longer than four years in office. He added that if given the opportunity to serve Nigeria, he would ensure that every political party functions properly. Obi said he would ensure that political parties were bigger than the elected officials. “I want the party to be bigger than the president and the governors so that we can have orderliness,” he said.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) faction, led by the party’s former governorship candidate in Gombe State, Nafiu Bala, on Thursday rejected former Senate President David Mark’s claims to its leadership, describing them as “baseless” and a clear breach of the party’s constitution. In a statement issued by Dr. Aminu Alhassan, Bala’s Special Adviser on Public Affairs, the faction emphasised that only duly registered and recognised members of the ADC are eligible to vie for leadership positions. He said: “In light of the resignation of Chief Ralph Nwosu, it has come to our attention that certain individuals, notably David Mark and his associates, have attempted to assert claims of leadership that are not only unfounded but also contrary to the principles and constitution of our party. “First and foremost, it is essential to clarify that the resignation of Chief Ralph Nwosu did not create a free-for-all scenario within the ADC. Instead, it has opened a necessary dialogue regarding the future of our leadership, a dialogue that must be conducted within the framework established by our party’s constitution. “The ADC’s constitution is unequivocal in stipulating that any individual seeking to assume a leadership role must first be a bona fide member of the party. This fundamental requirement cannot be overlooked or circumvented by any means. “In accordance with the ADC’s constitution, the appropriate procedure for filling the leadership vacuum left by Chief Nwosu’s departure is through a National Executive Council meeting.” The party reaffirmed Alhaji Nafiu as its legitimate National Chairman and called on members to remain calm and united. He also expressed confidence in INEC’s ability to uphold constitutional and democratic norms in political party affairs. He added, “This meeting will serve as the legitimate forum for deliberating on the way forward and will be followed by ratification at subsequent levels of party convention. It is here that we will ensure that our party’s leadership is determined by those who are genuinely committed to the ideals and objectives of the ADC. “We would like to emphasise that there is no provision in the Independent National Electoral Commission regulations, the Federal Constitution, or the ADC’s constitution that permits an individual to assume leadership without fulfilling the requisite criteria of membership and democratic process. “The actions being taken by David Mark and his cohort are not only a misinterpretation of our party’s governance structure but also a blatant disregard for the democratic principles that the ADC stands for. “To our loyal and dedicated members, we urge you to remain calm and focused during this time of transition. The progress we have made as a party is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our genuine members. “We must not allow ourselves to be distracted or disheartened by the antics of those who seek to disrupt our unity and progress. The ADC is a party built on the foundations of integrity, accountability, and democratic values, and we must collectively uphold these principles. “As we navigate this period, we also wish to reaffirm our confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission. We trust in its commitment to upholding constitutionalism and ensuring that the democratic processes within political parties are respected and adhered to. The ADC remains dedicated to collaborating with INEC to foster a political environment that is conducive to fair play and democratic engagement. “In conclusion, we stand firmly behind Alhaji Nafiu as the legitimate National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress. His leadership will be instrumental in guiding our party through this transitional phase, and we are confident that he will uphold the values that our members hold dear. We call on all genuine members of the ADC to rally behind Alhaji Nafiu and to work collectively towards the betterment of our party and the communities we serve.”

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned members against engaging in anti-party activities, especially those openly endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027. In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the NWC voiced deep concern over the continued public statements and endorsements of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by certain prominent members of the party. According to the NWC, “Such actions violate Section 10 (6) of the PDP Constitution as amended in 2017, which prohibits members from aligning with other political parties or groups in a manner that undermines the PDP or any of its elected governments.” The party leadership cautioned that the actions of these members have been fueling division, breeding disaffection, and triggering a significant loss of membership — developments that could jeopardize the PDP’s electoral prospects if not addressed. Invoking Section 59 (1) of its Constitution, the NWC said it has formally reprimanded the individuals involved and warned them to desist or risk more severe sanctions. It also urged all members to remain loyal, focused, and committed to the party’s success, especially as it prepares for its National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the list of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) centres across the country. This followed its weekly meeting on Thursday, during which the Commission reviewed preparations for the CVR’s resumption and shared updates on the registration of new political parties. INEC had earlier announced that the CVR will kick off on August 18, 2025, with online pre-registration. Physical (in-person) registration will commence a week later, on August 25, 2025. Both options will run concurrently for a year, concluding on August 30, 2026. According to the Commission, the CVR exercise will be conducted in 811 centres, comprising the 774 Local Government Areas, 36 State offices, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) office. The registration will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, excluding national public holidays. To ease access, INEC is introducing an online CVR Live Locator tool to help citizens find the nearest registration centres across the country. “The locator will go live a day to the commencement of the CVR on 17th August 2025 and can be accessed at the following address https://cvr.inecnigeria.org/locator,” the Commission said after its weekly meeting on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Commission has uploaded a 38-page document to its website and other official online platforms indicating the addresses of the 811 in-person registration centres nationwide. “Similarly, dedicated telephone numbers have been given for each State of the Federation to serve as Help Desk for citizens that require further clarification,” it added. It said the procedure for both the online and in-person registrations remains the same as was the case in 2022. “Detailed information on the process, including video clips, will once again be released by the Commission next week,” it said.

Nigeria’s former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, is emerging as a key contender to face incumbent President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, according to a close associate of the Bayelsa-born leader who spoke to *Vanguard* yesterday. The source, a fellow member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), disclosed that plans to draft Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate are at an advanced stage — and that he has agreed to run. He added that Jonathan’s decision is driven by a desire to confront Nigeria’s deepening poverty, widespread hardship, and the general suffering endured by citizens in recent years. According to the source, the move to bring Jonathan back is being spearheaded by prominent national figures and respected elders who believe that during his six-year tenure, the former president maintained economic stability and national cohesion. The source further revealed that the initiative to return Jonathan to power is also seen as a strategic effort to salvage Nigeria's economy and restore the nation’s pride. As part of the larger plan, PDP leaders and key stakeholders have been urging Jonathan to enter the race as the most viable option against President Tinubu in 2027. Supporters of the plan argue that Jonathan’s eligibility to serve only one more four-year term makes him a unifying option — one that could pave the way for power to shift back to the North in 2031 without much resistance from the South. **Behind-the-Scenes Consultations Begin** The insider confirmed that Jonathan has already begun consulting influential political leaders both within and beyond the PDP. Among those he has reportedly met is former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd), at his Hilltop Mansion in Minna, Niger State, where he briefed the elder statesman on his intentions. Though the source declined to disclose General Babangida’s response, he expressed confidence that the North had been effectively briefed and sensitised about the proposal. Jonathan is also said to be holding consultations across the South-South region, meeting key political stakeholders to build support for the campaign. While details of a meeting in Port Harcourt on Tuesday and Wednesday remain unclear, it is widely believed that Jonathan will face little resistance in consolidating support from his base in the region. **PDP Steps Up Moves to Woo Jonathan** Meanwhile, the PDP is actively working behind the scenes to convince Jonathan to accept its 2027 presidential ticket. According to reliable information obtained by the *BBC Hausa Service* and monitored in Kaduna, high-ranking PDP leaders — including some state governors — are coordinating efforts to bring Jonathan back into the fold and position him as the party’s standard-bearer against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu. Confirming the development, PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi, said the move reflects the growing sentiment among Nigerians who now recognise that Jonathan’s previous administration was not fully appreciated during its time. Vanguard Newspaper

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is reportedly weighing the possibility of granting former President Goodluck Jonathan an automatic presidential ticket for the 2027 election—on the condition that he returns to the party and becomes more politically active. This was disclosed by the PDP’s National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro, in an exclusive interview in Abuja. Woyengikuro highlighted Jonathan’s enduring political relevance, describing him as the party’s national leader and a significant force in Nigeria’s political landscape. “Is he not the best candidate for us at this moment? He is not just a former president; he is the leader of the party now. Aside from [former President Olusegun] Obasanjo, the next person in line is him. Goodluck Jonathan is the national leader of this party,” Woyengikuro said. He confirmed that the PDP has been consulting with Jonathan and his associates, aiming to bring him back into the party’s mainstream leadership as part of a larger strategy to reposition the party and address Nigeria’s growing political and economic challenges. “Nigeria has reached a point where we need to salvage this country — for our generation and for those to come,” Woyengikuro added. “When we talk about the Southern Presidency, someone like Goodluck Jonathan stands out.” When asked directly if the party would consider granting Jonathan an automatic ticket, Woyengikuro responded emphatically: “For me, that’s what I firmly stand for. You can quote me anywhere — I want him to come. An automatic ticket for him, as it stands now. Because we must salvage both this party and the nation.” He further asserted that Jonathan’s return would significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. Woyengikuro also praised Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, calling him a “vibrant leader” and a strong candidate from the South capable of bridging Nigeria’s generational divide. “These are the two main individuals I stand for: Goodluck Jonathan and Seyi Makinde,” he concluded.

Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North has dismissed rumours of his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC), affirming his continued loyalty to the ruling party. Leonard Esegbue, former commissioner and Director General of the Ned Nwoko Campaign Organisation, made the clarification in response to recent speculation, which he described as the handiwork of “mischief makers” envious of the senator’s growing political influence. He assured constituents in Delta North and Nigerians across the country that Senator Nwoko remains firmly committed to the APC and enjoys a cordial relationship with President Bola Tinubu. Esegbue further noted that the defection rumours were merely attempts to create division ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasizing that Nwoko is a dedicated supporter of the President’s re-election bid. “The rumours are baseless and only serve to create unnecessary tension. Senator Nwoko is fully aligned with the APC’s mission and will continue to pursue his political agenda within the party,” Esegbue said

The crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated sharply on Tuesday as state party chairmen denounced what they described as an “orchestrated political coup” allegedly led by a coalition headed by former Senate President, Senator David Mark. In a statement jointly signed by the forum's leader, Elias Adokwu, and its Publicity Secretary, Godwin Alaku, and titled *“Rejecting the Political Junta by Defending ADC and Nigeria’s Democracy Against Subversion,”* the chairmen labelled the situation a “blatant and reckless subversion” of both the party and Nigeria’s democratic standards. The chairmen accused the coalition of attempting an unconstitutional takeover of the ADC through “manipulation and backdoor dealings.” They stated, “We unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms this desperate power grab, which represents not only an aberration of democratic norms but also a grave assault on our collective political values as a nation.” Describing the move as a smokescreen for personal ambition, the chairmen maintained it was not a genuine ideological realignment but rather a “civilian junta” seeking to assume control outside legal and democratic frameworks. They further characterized the alleged plot as an “insult to all those who believe in and have laboured for democratic governance in Nigeria.” The chairmen also accused the coalition of undermining democracy through “selfish ambition and extra-party inducements.” Nonetheless, the statement reaffirmed the ADC’s unwavering commitment to “democratic principles, the rule of law, ideological clarity, and peaceful political engagement,” insisting the party would not serve as a haven for “political mercenaries or ideological impostors.” They challenged the coalition to prove their political relevance, questioning their “electoral value or ideological clarity.” “The ADC is not for sale, not for hijack, and certainly not a dumping ground for discredited power brokers,” the chairmen asserted. In addition, they called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reject any efforts to legitimise what they termed an “illegitimate junta.” The chairmen also appealed to the Nigerian public and civil society to resist “creeping authoritarianism” and urged law enforcement agencies to investigate the alleged attempt to destabilise the party. “We, the legitimate custodians of the ADC structure across all states of the federation, reject this illegitimate junta. “We consider it our patriotic duty to defend the soul of the ADC and protect the sanctity of democratic structures in Nigeria,” the statement concluded. In response, the ADC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed the allegations, insisting the party would not be drawn into baseless controversies. He said, “How long shall we continue to respond to non-existent issues? Who are the members of this Forum of State Party Chairmen? “Look, Nigerians should not allow themselves to be distracted from the real issues that face us as a people. “Let us not waste our time on a gathering of a few people who are seeing that there is money to pick us from what they are doing. There is no issue that we have to respond to.”