The leadership caucus of the coalition of opposition politicians under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) met yesterday in what was described as a last-ditch effort to mend internal divisions and prevent the collapse of their alliance aimed at defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.

The coalition was shaken by recent political developments, including moves by the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to lure one of its members, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, and the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, into its fold. Tensions also heightened after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shortlisted the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) for possible registration.

Emboldened by the PDP?s interest in offering him its 2027 presidential ticket, Obi declared his intention to contest as a ?contender? rather than a ?sparring partner.? His stance, which directly contradicts former Vice President Atiku Abubakar?s plan to seek the ADC ticket, exposed deep divisions within the coalition and fuelled speculation that disagreements over who should fly the ADC flag could lead to its disintegration.

At the meeting held at Senator David Mark?s residence, the presidential aspirants resolved to support whoever emerges from the party?s presidential primary.

In a statement, the ADC interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party had secured ?a firm commitment? from all aspirants to back the coalition?s candidate for the 2027 election.

He stated: ?The coalition, having adopted the ADC as its official political platform for the off-season and general elections, has also officially withdrawn from pushing for the registration of the All Democratic Alliance.?

Although the Labour Party?s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, was absent, Abdullahi said Obi sent apologies and maintained that ?the coalition has rested everything concerning the ADA.?

Other decisions reached at the meeting included a directive to all members still holding membership of other political parties to resign immediately, although no specific deadline was given.

?The NWC will announce dates for Osun and Ekiti for election of candidates for the off-cycle governorship elections,? the statement added. Those in attendance included National Chairman David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf, former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, former Sokoto State governor Senator Aminu Tambuwal, and former Rivers State governor Chibuike Amaechi. Obi, though absent, ?sent apologies but gave his commitment.?

However, Dr. Umar Ardo, co-convener of the League of Northern Delegates and a prominent ADA promoter, told The Guardian that he had not been officially informed about the decision to halt the registration of ADA.

Ardo said, ?The decision or the application for the registration of ADA was mine. I proposed it, I convinced them, and it will only be fair that, in deciding to stop it, they should consult me. Because if they don?t involve me, after spending my time and a lot of money, that means I?ve been short-changed.

?Well, I won?t say anything until I am formally communicated to. When I?m formally communicated to, then I?ll talk to the other part of the coalition, because the coalition is made of different entities, including the League of Northern Democrats. So once I?m formally communicated to on this decision, then it will just be up to us to respond.?

The Guardian also learnt that Obi, who travelled to the United States a day before the meeting, began reassessing the coalition?s structure and intentions after conferring with former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The former LP standard-bearer has told his supporters, known as the ?Obidients,? that he will make a definitive statement on his political plans for 2027 after the governorship election and PDP national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Sources close to the former Anambra State governor said Obi has vowed not to participate in any presidential primary that does not exclude northern aspirants. They added that he insists on serving only one term in line with the principle of power rotation.

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai urged ADC leaders to keep the coalition intact, warning that unless the presidential aspirants unite behind a single platform, President Tinubu could win the 2027 election and ?enjoy a limitless tenure like Cameroon?s President Paul Biya.?

El-Rufai, speaking during a solidarity visit from Atiku, had earlier suggested that the coalition support a southern candidate to complete the remaining four years of the presidency in the south region.

No region can win presidency without alliances, says former APC scribe

Former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Waziri Bulama, has stated that no single region in Nigeria can win the presidency without forming alliances with other regions.

Bulama stated this during an interview on Arise Television, where he emphasized that Nigeria?s diversity makes inter-regional cooperation crucial for democratic stability.

He was responding to a comment by Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who had claimed that no politician could win the presidency without the North and that the region would soon decide where its votes would go. Bulama countered that position, insisting that no region could singlehandedly produce a president.

?Neither would a northerner win an election without the support of other parts of the country,? he said, adding that alliances across regions remain vital in Nigeria?s multi-ethnic democracy.

He cited the example of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, who, despite commanding about 12 million consistent votes across three elections, could not secure victory until he built alliances with other regions.

?So it was an ideological movement that connected with citizens across the country, not just in the North but all over,? Bulama explained. He added that party membership requires individuals to set aside local identities such as tribe, region, or religion and instead embrace the collective values and goals of the political organization.

Atiku knocks govt over insecurity, says lives lost while revenue targets celebrated

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the federal government for what he described as misplaced priorities, saying it is unacceptable for authorities to boast about revenue milestones while Nigerians continue to lose their lives to insecurity.

?We cannot continue to lose our productive population to sundry criminalities and yet make bogus claims about reaching revenue targets, as though the lives of the workforce that produces the revenue don?t matter,? Atiku wrote on his X handle. He was reacting to Tuesday?s attack on Wagga Monguno Community, in Madagali Local Area of Adamawa State, which reportedly left at least four people dead, several others injured, and homes, shops, and a church destroyed by suspected insurgents. Many residents fled into nearby bushes to escape the violence.

Atiku described the incident as a ?painful reminder? of the country?s persistent security crisis, calling it ?deeply personal? because of his roots in Adamawa. He extended condolences to the families of the victims and urged the federal government to take urgent and decisive action.

?Our people are certainly tired of government?s empty claims of improvements in security,? he said. ?Indeed, Nigerians would love to see this government exert pressure on criminal elements rather than indulge in self-congratulation.?

The former Vice President stressed that insecurity remains a daily threat for millions of Nigerians and that the Wagga Monguno attack shows how far the country is from achieving real safety.

?The government must move beyond mere rhetoric and propaganda and take decisive, sustained action to protect lives and property,? he added. ?Nigerians deserve more than promises; they deserve peace, security, and the freedom to live in any place of their choice without fear.? Atiku concluded his message with prayers for the victims and a wish for comfort for those affected by the tragedy.

?May Almighty Allah grant eternal rest to the departed, healing to the injured, and comfort to all who mourn,? he wrote.

Atiku denies link to media consultant, disowns statement on Yoruba agenda

Former Vice President has disowned a statement claiming he would prioritize Yoruba interests if elected president in 2027 and denied any association with the person behind it.

In a statement issued yesterday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku described the publication as fake and ?offensive,? insisting he has never engaged anyone named Kola Johnson as a media consultant, aide, or associate.

?Our findings point directly to the Presidency, which, in its desperation to smear opposition leaders, has resorted to hiring faceless mercenaries to fabricate fake stories and circulate unauthorized statements on Atiku,? the statement read.

?Particularly offensive is the false claim attributed to this individual that an Atiku administration would be dominated by a single ethnic group. This disinformation is part of a calculated propaganda project designed to ridicule Atiku in the media.?

The statement urged media organizations that published the falsehood to retract it immediately and clarified that any authentic communication on Atiku would only be issued through his Media Adviser or Special Assistant on Public Communications.

Obidients launch Yobe chapter, vow stronger grassroots mobilization

The Obidient movement has expanded its presence in northern Nigeria with the inauguration of its Yobe State chapter in Damaturu, the state capital.

The inauguration, held yesterday under the leadership of Zanna Ali Haruna as chairman, marked a significant step in the group?s efforts to strengthen its nationwide grassroots network ahead of future elections.

In a statement signed by its North-East zone media team, the movement warned opposition parties to brace for the political resurgence of former presidential candidate Peter Obi.

?On this historic day, the Yobe State Chapter of the Obidient movement was successfully inaugurated in Damaturu, Yobe State,? the statement said.

Despite heavy rainfall, supporters and members turned out in large numbers, which the organizers described as a demonstration of ?resilience and passion? for the movement?s ideals. The event also drew youth groups, women leaders, civil society representatives, and community stakeholders, all of whom expressed support for the movement?s vision of a ?New Nigeria.?

One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of candidates who will represent the Obidient movement in Yobe State. The candidates pledged loyalty to the people and commitment to the values of transparency, accountability, and servant leadership, pledges that were met with excitement and applause.

Special recognition was given to Peter Obi and the national leadership of the movement for their role in deepening its reach in the North-East, particularly in Borno and Yobe States.

The ceremony concluded with a cultural performance by Jital Yobe, who dedicated a song filled with messages of hope and change to Obi and the movement. Supporters waved flags and sang along, reinforcing what organizers described as their belief that ?Peter Obi is coming? and that ?a New Nigeria is possible.? (The Guardian)

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