Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has asserted that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, stands a stronger chance of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election. In a post on X on Thursday, El-Rufai argued that Obi, rather than former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, would pose a more serious challenge to Tinubu—especially if he selects a strong vice-presidential candidate from the North. He further noted that Obi's widespread grassroots appeal and massive youth support make him an even greater threat to Atiku’s political ambitions. “Atiku is a force to be reckoned with. He also feels the stars have finally aligned in his favour,” he wrote. “And although 2019 is thought to have been his best shot, this may be one of those ‘moment meets the man’. “However, the sheer force of Obi’s numbers and cult like follower-ship brings a challenge. His appeal across the youth & this younger generation is one profound aspect of his leverage. Obi, as a flag bearer with a strong Northern candidate, would defeat Pablo on election day before our dear mother of the nation — Aunty Remi finishes his breakfast around noon.”

Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), blaming the party’s failure to offer credible leadership and effective governance to Nigerians. In a resignation letter dated July 4, 2025, and addressed to the PDP chairman in Ward 1, Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Melaye declared his immediate disengagement from all party affairs. The letter was shared on his official X account on Thursday. “I hereby tender my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party at all levels of involvement. “This decision has become imperative due to the lack of potency and capacity by the party to deliver the Nigerian people from the prevailing political cankerworms that have eaten deeply into the fabric of our dear nation”, the letter partly read. Melaye, who once served as the PDP’s candidate in the 2023 Kogi State governorship election, said his decision followed deep reflection on the party’s current state and trajectory. “Having carefully reflected on the state of the party, I can no longer in good conscience participate in the activities of the parties or lend my support to her agenda”, the letter continued. He further requested that his resignation be treated as a formal and total withdrawal from all party levels and structures. “In view of the above, please consider this as my formal withdrawal from the party and all its activities at all levels with immediate effect”, the letter added. In his closing remarks, Melaye expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under the party’s platform during his time as a member. “Thank you for the opportunity to serve under the platform during my period of membership,” the letter concluded.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified that the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is not a registered member of the party. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday night, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi made the disclosure. However, Abdullahi emphasized that Obi had been involved in the party’s coalition from the outset. “Peter Obi has been part of the coalition from day one. “He has attended almost every meeting of the coalition. “The reason Peter Obi has not come into the ADC as a card-carrying member is because he asked for leave to allow him complete the election that his people were involved in Labour Party. “The same thing applies to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. And they were both allowed by the leadership to complete the election processes that they started in their respective parties. “Peter Obi is a member of the coalition, but not a card-carrying member of the ADC.”

A two-time member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council, Abduljabbar Rufai, has disclosed that the party is actively engaging former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in discussions aimed at bringing him back ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Rufai said the initiative is part of the PDP’s broader plan to foster unity within its ranks and bolster its strength against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He described Obi’s potential return as a strategic move that could significantly boost the PDP’s electoral prospects, particularly in the Southeast and South-South regions where Obi commands substantial support. “Leaders of the PDP recently visited Peter Obi, and we believe his return to the PDP, a party he once called home, would be highly strategic and impactful. “Looking at the 2023 polls, it’s clear that Peter Obi garnered the majority of his votes from the Southeast, which has traditionally been a stronghold of the PDP. If we can bring him back, it would be a game-changer for the party and a boost to our electoral prospects,” he said. Rufai admitted that the PDP is facing internal issues but expressed confidence that they can be resolved. “We are now 16 or 17 months away from the general election, and before the end of this year, Insha’Allah, we aim to reconcile with every aggrieved member of the party. Efforts are being made to align the party and appease those with grievances,” he said. He pointed to the PDP’s strong national presence and track record, contrasting it with the APC’s alleged weaknesses. “The PDP, as the most structured party in Nigeria since 1999, and arguably in West Africa, has a legacy, history, and presence in every local government, ward, and state across the country. “This cannot be said for the APC or any other political party. We remain hopeful as we approach the November 2025 convention, where we will elect a new National Working Committee to steer the party towards victory in the 2027 elections,” he said. Rufai also commented on the APC’s internal tensions, especially ongoing speculations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu might drop Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate in 2027. He warned that such a move could cost the APC support in the Northeast. “President Tinubu is undoubtedly a strategic politician, but there are speculations that he might replace Shettima. If he does, he risks losing the entire Northeast. “In the 2023 elections, the APC won only one state in the Northeast, Borno, the home state of Vice President Shettima. Removing him from the ticket would effectively cede the region. This would present a significant opportunity for the PDP to capitalize on those regions,” Rufai said.

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee, Bukola Saraki, has clarified that he never instructed any of his supporters to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kwara State. Saraki gave the assurance while reaffirming his commitment to the PDP and expressing optimism that the ongoing efforts to reposition the party would produce positive outcomes. The former Senate President made the remarks during a meeting with party stakeholders from the 16 local government areas of the state, held at his residence in Ilorin. He described the gathering as a family meeting aimed at strengthening internal unity within the party. He said: “I’m here as a democrat, whose people have asked to clarify a number of issues about the party. “You have all been observing what’s been happening at the national level of our party and you want to know the situation. I owe you that to come down and explain to you. “We are staying in PDP because ongoing efforts to reposition the party will yield fruitful results, so we are committed to the party. “Number two, you’re all aware of innuendo that has been given about what I know and what I don’t know. “I believe I must come and let you hear from the horse’s mouth, so you can know the true position of the matter. I never directed anyone to go to ADC in the state.”

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has asserted that no elected official from the North, including incumbent governors, stands a chance of re-election unless they defect to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC). In an interview on Trust TV’s *Sunday Politics*, Lawal accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of marginalising and destroying the North, stressing that many northern politicians may be compelled to join the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections. “Which northern elected official will go to campaign on the platform of the APC this coming election? Nobody. Unless ab initio, you have no plan to win election. I can’t see anywhere,” he said. Asked if his claim applies to governors seeking re-election, he said, “Unless they join the ADC, they will not win…simply because they belong to a destructive party. A party that woefully failed to perform.” The former SGF said most northern governors will have to join the ADC if they intend to contest the election. He revealed that the opposition party has already discussed with some of the governors Lawal also echoed Rabiu Kwankwaso’s criticism of President Tinubu’s administration, alleging deliberate neglect of northern Nigeria in terms of infrastructure development. “Every Nigerian that has anything to do with the north will know that no infrastructure work is going on at any level,” he said. “No projects are going on — at least they are not visible to the eye. Maybe in their imagination, maybe in the spirit — but we don’t see it. “We don’t see any construction work. We don’t see any infrastructure going on. No federal government project whatsoever.”

Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, a former governor of Borno State, has asserted that Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, is likely to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) soon. Obi exited the PDP in 2022 to clinch the Labour Party’s presidential ticket. The former Anambra State governor is currently aligned with a coalition of opposition leaders aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. The group has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform. However, the presidential aspirations of key figures within the coalition, such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, have fueled speculation that Obi may reconsider his position. Appearing on Channels Television on Monday, Modu Sheriff claimed that credible information suggests Obi’s return to the PDP could happen at any time. “As far as this politics is concerned, ADC doesn’t exist. Give the party three months and it will die down. “The information available to me is that at any moment from now Peter Obi will go back to PDP and run as a presidential candidate under PDP,” he said. The former governor also insisted that, with the political structures available, the ruling party will retain victory in 2027.

The National Working Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, declaring him unfit to associate with the party in any capacity for the next 30 years. In a statement released on Monday in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, the SDP leadership accused El-Rufai of falsely claiming membership, manipulating internal party processes, and attempting to destabilise the party through unconstitutional actions and deceptive political manoeuvres. The decision, according to the NWC, followed a thorough investigation into El-Rufai’s alleged “backdoor political activities,” which they said have caused internal divisions and threatened the party’s unity and ideological foundation. The statement read, ” El-Rufai never registered with the SDP at his ward level as required by the party’s constitution, yet falsely declared on social media that he had joined the party. He further forged documents claiming membership and took photo opportunities with suspended party leaders to reinforce this falsehood. “In line with the Constitution of the SDP, the ideology, manifesto, principles and practices thereof, and in consonance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act pertaining to the exclusive right of a political party to determine its membership, the National Working Committee deliberated on the controversial membership status of Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai from Kaduna State who has in recent months been parading himself as a member of the SDP despite the assertion of the Kaduna State Executives that he has not joined the SDP but has instead been promoting the activities of other political party in the State. “At the initial stage, this individual Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai was given the benefit of the doubt given his status as an elderly person, a former Minister and State Governor who should know the implications of false representation and impersonation, especially given the fact that he published on his social media handles that he had joined the SDP which led to congratulatory messages from prominent leaders of our party and a letter of support at his request by the National Publicity Secretary. “However upon thorough inquiry, it turned out that the Kaduna State SDP was right and this individual had not joined the SDP. The following facts emerged: Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai failed to register at his Ward as required by the law despite falsely publishing on social media that he had joined the SDP. “El-Rufai devoted so much time to putting up false representation of membership by seeking photo opportunities with the suspended National Chairman Shehu Musa Gabam and some leaders of the SDP who assumed that he had joined the SDP in Kaduna State; El-Rufai was confronted by serious eligibility problems given an unpleasant history of intolerance and persecution of the SDP as an opposition party during his time as the Governor of Kaduna State under the APC.” SDP also accused the former Kaduna governor of aligning with another political party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), while trying to draw the SDP into an unapproved political coalition. SDP said, “Having confirmed that he publicly declared for the ADC and continued to act in a manner contrary to the principles and practices of the SDP, the party has no option but to disassociate and excommunicate him. “Consequently, El-Rufai has been banished and banned from applying to the membership, identifying with the name, insignia, logo, or participating in any affairs of the SDP for a period of 30 years, effective immediately”. The SDP called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant institutions to take note of El-Rufai’s non-member status, warning that he is not authorized to act or speak on behalf of the party. Reaffirming its dedication to internal democracy, national patriotism, and principled opposition, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has called on all prospective members to join the party through lawful and transparent procedures. The party revealed that El-Rufai had proposed a grand welcome ceremony at the SDP National Secretariat in Abuja, allegedly in an attempt to escape his political past. However, he was advised to instead follow due process by registering at his Ward in Kaduna State, including undergoing a basic eligibility interview and onboarding process. “Instead of complying with the lawful registration process through the Ward Executives, El-Rufai forged documents and unilaterally registered himself, claiming the title of ‘number 001’ in the SDP membership register of Unguwar Sarki Ward, Kaduna North Local Government Area — an action that falsely implied there were no existing members before him,” the statement said. “This move directly contradicts the current and accurate records of the SDP in Kaduna State.” El-Rufai had recently announced his resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a widening gap between his personal values and the party’s current direction as the reason for his defection to the SDP.

Amid ongoing debates over power rotation and zoning, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Umar Sani has expressed a preference for former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate over Labour Party’s 2023 flagbearer, Peter Obi. Speaking during an appearance on Trust TV’s *Daily Politics* on Saturday, Sani responded to speculation that the PDP may be considering either Obi or Jonathan for the 2027 presidential race. Sani, a former media aide to ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, argued that regardless of the truth behind the speculations, the North would favour Jonathan over Obi. He added that a four-year term for Jonathan would complete the South’s turn of eight years in power. “I will prefer that President Jonathan takes the ticket, not because I do not like Obi, but because that will ensure that the South will have completed their four years.” He argued that, by law, Jonathan’s presidency cannot exceed a four-year tenure, adding that Obi’s promise to spend four years in power is merely “political talk.” He said that even though Obi’s integrity speaks for him, it is better for the PDP and the North to support Jonathan, who, by law, cannot spend more than four years, than to have Obi, who is only bound by his words. He said, “Between somebody making a promise and somebody who is compelled by the law that he must leave, which one will you take? This one is compelled by the law, he does not need to make any promise. He has to go after four years. This one is making a promise. A promise can be kept and may not be kept either way. But on this one, you are sure that it must be kept. So for the North, I think Goodluck Jonathan is the best choice.” Sani’s position is based on the argument that any southern presidential candidate in 2027 should be ready to serve a single four-year term to complete the South’s eight-year cycle, balancing the eight years served by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari from the North. Although Peter Obi has declared his readiness to serve just one term if elected in 2027, Sani maintains that an Obi presidency could still disadvantage the North and further postpone the region’s return to power.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has forecast a poor outing for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 general elections, warning that the opposition party might end up in fourth place. Fayose, a PDP chieftain and former member of the now-defunct G5 governors, made the remark during Friday’s edition of Politics Today on Channels Television. “It is my prayer that the PDP will come fourth. Today, I am telling you the PDP will come fourth in the general elections,” he said. According to the former governor, the party’s internal crisis and the alienation of long-standing members have weakened its electoral strength. “In most states, they are already compromised. They have eased out so many leaders. It’s good for them, but let me remind you, I was part of the G5.” He criticised the party’s leadership for what he described as “repeated acts of disrespect” and “sabotage” against loyal members like himself. “I have paid my dues in PDP. You cannot continue to match a man like me. I don’t have friends in PDP. I came to PDP alone. “How will a party undermine you—a two-term governor—you have done everything humanly possible to sustain, and they undermine you—I should be clapping for them? Forget that,” Fayose said. Describing the current state of the PDP as a shadow of its former self, he added, “Associating with PDP today is shameful enough. The party is too weak to take a grab of anything lately. PDP is not an issue for now. With more prayers, PDP will end up in the fourth position.” He also took a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alleging that Atiku knew he would secure the PDP ticket and therefore blocked other options. “Atiku knew he was going to get the ticket of PDP, that was why he moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” Fayose claimed. Asked whether he would support Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde if he emerged as the PDP presidential candidate, Fayose said, “If Governor Makinde becomes the flag bearer, Nigerians will decide. I have no issue with that.”