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Ex-presidential candidate challenges Tinubu, Atiku, Obi to debate, read details

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A politician and former presidential candidate of the defunct African Renaissance Party, Alhaji Yahaya Ndu, has raised concerns over the state of the nation, describing Nigeria as a “failed state” that is “in a mess in all ramifications.”

In a statement issued on Friday in Enugu, Ndu criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress and leading opposition parties, accusing them of lacking ideology and focusing more on the 2027 elections than on governance, amid worsening insecurity and economic hardship.

Ndu, who pioneered Nigeria’s first presidential debate in Enugu in 1992, challenged President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to a “thorough debate” on practical solutions to the country’s challenges.

The president of the Peoples Movement for a New Nigeria said the current political space is dominated by conversations about elections rather than governance.

He said, “I have been watching the Nigerian political terrain and politicians closely since 1992, and my opinion is that over 90 per cent of our politicians do not care about good governance. All they are interested in is how to win elections.

“So far, all the so-called conventions of opposition political parties in Nigeria are about how to win elections and how to defeat President Tinubu and the APC. The APC convention itself was what anyone would expect when you ask an average student to mark his or her own examination papers.”

Ndu also described as “shameful” the dominance of social media debates over whether Tinubu’s second term is a “done deal,” while the nation continues to face what he called “multifaceted challenges.”

He proposed that the national discourse be structured as the “Ernest Ikoli Memorial Presidential Debate,” in honour of the late Ijaw-born journalist and nationalist, Ernest Ikoli, whom he said Nigeria has failed to properly immortalise.

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The former presidential candidate extended his challenge to former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.

“What is needed now is a robust debate among all political parties and presidential aspirants on practical solutions to the challenges confronting Nigeria, beginning with insecurity,” he added.

Warning that “the black race is doomed” if Nigeria fails, Ndu called on professional and socio-cultural organisations to facilitate the proposed dialogue.

He urged the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigerian Bar Association, Christian Association of Nigeria, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, Arewa Consultative Forum and PANDEF to jointly organise the session.

“Right now, our country is almost a failed state, which must never be allowed to happen because if Nigeria fails, Africa is finished,” the statement concluded.

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2027: Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria reject ms Muslim-Muslim Ticket

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Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) stated that it does not support the adoption of a Muslim-Muslim ticket for elective public office, emphasizing that Nigeria remains a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation.

The reaction follows the All Progressives Congress (APC) adopting President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, both Muslims, to contest the presidential election in 2027.

Following its National Executive Council meeting, the Christian body released resolutions regarding national developments and leadership balance in the country.

“The National Executive Council, NEC, of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), at its duly convened meeting, has carefully considered recent developments affecting the nation and wishes to make the following resolutions known to the Nigerian public.”

“The PFN reiterates its unwavering commitment to the unity, peace, and progress of Nigeria. We remain convinced that our nation can only flourish where justice, equity, the rule of law, and respect for the Constitution prevail.”

“The PFN does not support the adoption of a Muslim-Muslim ticket for elective public office. Nigeria is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation whose diversity should be reflected in its leadership. Inclusive governance promotes national unity, mutual trust, and a sense of belonging among all citizens.”

Addressing proposed legislation regarding preaching restrictions, the body expressed firm opposition to policies that curtail religious freedom.

“We strongly oppose any law or policy that seeks to ban or unduly restrict Christian preaching.”

The group noted that such measures run counter to constitutional guarantees regarding freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression “inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees every citizen the freedom of thought, conscience, religion, expression, and peaceful assembly.”

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“While the PFN supports lawful regulation necessary to preserve public order, such regulation must never become an instrument for suppressing legitimate religious expression or infringing upon fundamental human rights.”

“We respectfully call upon all arms and levels of government to uphold the Constitution, protect the rights of every Nigerian regardless of faith, and ensure that no legislation discriminates against any religious community.”

The fellowship urged Christians across the country to remain peaceful, prayerful, law-abiding, and steadfast, while exercising constitutional rights responsibly.

“We encourage sincere dialogue among government, religious leaders, and civil society in addressing issues capable of threatening our national cohesion. Nigeria’s diversity should be regarded as a strength to be nurtured rather than a source of division.”

“The PFN remains commited to praying for our nation and working with all stakeholders to build a peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria where every citizen enjoys equal protection under the law.”

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Tinubu jittery over Makinde’s growing popularity – APM

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The Allied People’s Movement has said the Federal Government’s recent attacks on its presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, show that President Bola Tinubu is jittery over Makinde’s growing popularity ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

APM, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, on Wednesday, said the Tinubu administration was resorting to name-calling and disparagement because it lacked a convincing record of achievements to present to Nigerians, insisting that Makinde would defeat Tinubu in the 2027 election.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Daniel Bwala, had, during an interview with journalists on Monday, dismissed Makinde and the APM as inconsequential to the 2027 electoral contest.

Reacting, the APM described it as pathetic and unfortunate that the Tinubu Presidency had descended to such a low level of political ignominy, arguing that the administration had resorted to disparaging remarks and personal attacks instead of addressing the issues that matter to Nigerians.

It stated, “It is rather pathetic that the Tinubu Presidency has fallen so low into ignominy that it now relies on internationally discredited and politically inconsistent characters like Daniel Bwala to speak for it on national TV; a situation that further confirms that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu no longer commands the support of credible Nigerians.

“Since Daniel Bwala’s March 6, 2026, scandalous interview with Al Jazeera, Nigerians can always see through the antics of President Tinubu’s handlers. Daniel Bwala would soon eat his own words against Governor Makinde.

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“In any event, the 2027 presidential race would be between Governor Seyi Makinde, standing shoulder to shoulder with millions of Nigerians who are determined for a new beginning, and a failed President Tinubu, who only has the feeble support of a handful of sycophantic, corrupt, arrogant and morally depraved minions on his payroll.

“The APM is, therefore, not surprised that the Tinubu Presidency is deflated and intimidated because it has no tangible scorecard of achievements to present to the public, given its abysmal failures, for which Nigerians across the board have reached a consensus to replace President Tinubu with Governor Makinde at the 2027 election, given Makinde’s outstanding performance as Governor of Oyo State.”

The APM said it would not be dragged into an exchange of insults, stressing that its attention remains firmly focused on issues of importance to Nigerians.

The statement read, “Of course, President Tinubu should be jittery because Governor Makinde is coming into the contest with an intimidating record of performance, including transforming Oyo State into a foremost economically viable state, surpassing the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, according to data from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), a feat Nigerians want him to replicate at the national level.

“The Tinubu Presidency is edgy because Nigerians are determined and eager to elect Governor Seyi Makinde as the next President of the country so that they can enjoy the benefits of his blueprint to revamp the economy, rejig our security architecture, rebuild collapsed infrastructure, revitalise the productive sectors, provide jobs, end corruption and bring a new lease of life to the people.

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“Of course, why won’t the Tinubu Presidency be jittery when Governor Makinde is coming with the full support of over 50 million young Nigerians whose destinies are being caged by the Tinubu administration and who are now rallying with our presidential candidate as the face of the new Nigeria they eagerly seek and for which they are ready to vote in 2027 and defend their votes to the very end?

“To suggest that a presidential candidate with such an army of support is “inconsequential” says more about the anxiety within the corridors of power than it does about the candidate.

“In fact, before noon on election day, the Presidency will know who actually is inconsequential in this race.”

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PDP can rescue Ogun, deputy gov candidate says ahead of 2027

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Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State for the 2027 governorship election, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, has declared that the PDP is the only credible platform capable of rescuing Ogun State from its socio-economic and developmental challenges.

She spoke on Tuesday during a visit to her Ijemo community in Abeokuta South Local Government Area.

The event drew a large crowd of party supporters, community leaders and residents, with the PDP deputy governorship candidate receiving a rousing welcome alongside the party’s Ogun Central Senatorial candidate, Iyabo Obasanjo, and other party stalwarts.

Addressing the gathering, Sowunmi-Kolapo said the people of Ogun, particularly those from Egba land, must resist intimidation and vote massively for the PDP, insisting that the “party’s governorship ticket reflects the aspirations of the indigenous people of the state.”

She said, “The people must rally behind the opposition party that truly represents their interests and identity.

“The PDP is the most credible and formidable political party to reshape the fortunes of Ogun State. The PDP’s record of governance and developmental achievements remains unmatched.”

Sowunmi-Kolapo expressed confidence that the party would reclaim power in the state, boasting of the support of the electorate.

“Neither the party nor its members would be intimidated by political opponents ahead of the 2027 polls,” she added.

Sowunmi-Kolapo cautioned against what she described as allowing “a stranger” to emerge as governor, stressing that while the Egba people are hospitable and welcoming to all, leadership of the state should remain in the hands of those who truly belong to and understand the people.

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“We will not allow anyone to intimidate us. We are not like those looking for their family lineage. We are warriors. We must show them that we own the votes.

“Let us come out en masse to vote and do not be intimidated. Do not believe anyone telling you that your votes will not count because your votes will count.

“In Egba, we are very accommodating. If anyone wants to be part of us, such a person is welcome, and we can even give the person a certificate of indigene, but we will not allow that person to become our king. Go and get your Permanent Voter Cards and vote for the PDP,” she said.

In his remarks, the Ogun State chairman of the PDP, Abayomi Tella, said the party remained the only political platform with a proven record of delivering democratic dividends to the people of Ogun State.

Tella noted that despite being out of power in the state, the achievements recorded by previous PDP administrations are still visible across different sectors, urging voters to compare the party’s legacy with the performance of subsequent governments.

The party chairman called on members and supporters to remain united, intensify grassroots mobilisation and encourage eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, expressing confidence that the PDP is well-positioned to reclaim Ogun State in the 2027 governorship election.

Also speaking, Iyabo Obasanjo appealed to the people of Ogun Central, particularly the Egba, to unite behind the PDP, arguing that the zone deserved to produce the next governor through a party that has an Egba indigene on its governorship ticket.

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She maintained that the PDP remained the only political party capable of taking Ogun State to greater heights and urged residents to vote massively for the party during the 2027 general election.

“Our fathers fought for Abeokuta to become the capital of Ogun State. We must consider Ogun Central and the Egba people in making sure that a party that has an Egba person on its ticket wins the governorship race in Ogun State.

“We must all come together as Egba people to vote for PDP. And you know that our deputy governor is from Egba; she is from Ogun Central, so we must understand this and then vote for PDP.

“I want to tell you today that PDP is the only party that can take Ogun State to the next level. PDP is the only party that can rescue Ogun State. So don’t forget, let us come together and vote for PDP.”

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