Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has declared his readiness to work with Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and other political leaders to rebuild Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Makinde, however, ruled out any immediate political collaboration with President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of failing to honour a previous agreement between them.

The governor made the disclosure during an interview with Arise News, where he was asked whether he considered Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), qualified to lead Nigeria.

Responding, Makinde affirmed that the former Anambra State governor was qualified for the presidency.

Asked whether he would be willing to work with Obi if an opportunity arose, the APM candidate said he was prepared to collaborate with Nigerians across political party lines, including members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I’m willing to work with any Nigerian, even whether you’re in the APC,” he said.

However, when the interviewer specifically mentioned Tinubu, Makinde expressed reservations, pointing to an alleged agreement between them which he claimed the President failed to honour.

“Well, I’ve had a certain experience with him, where an agreement was signed and he didn’t keep to it,” the governor stated.

Makinde said he had no similar unresolved issues with Obi or Atiku, stressing that he remained open to working with both opposition leaders in the interest of the country.

When asked whether he would reconsider his position if Tinubu personally approached him with an invitation to collaborate on resetting Nigeria, the governor said such an offer would be welcome but insisted that appropriate safeguards must be put in place.

“Well, that would really be nice, you know. But there must be safeguards for Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the country’s future and destiny were too important to be treated as a political game.

“This is not like we’re just playing. This is the future of Nigeria. This is also about the destiny that Nigeria must fulfil,” he said.

The APM presidential candidate also expressed willingness to work with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, despite their political differences.

Asked whether he would collaborate with Wike if the minister sought reconciliation, Makinde answered in the affirmative, insisting that his position was not driven by personal animosity.

“Of course, there’s nothing personal here,” he said.

However, when pressed on why he was willing to work with Wike but not Tinubu, the governor maintained that the circumstances surrounding both relationships were different.

“Well, for the FCT minister, you know, his own cases are different from the President,” he explained.

Further justifying his position on Tinubu, Makinde questioned why Nigerians should be expected to enter into another agreement without being given an account of the previous commitments.

He insisted that the President should first demonstrate that the earlier agreement had been fulfilled before expecting renewed political cooperation.

“If you agree on something and you’re asking me to do the same thing again, then give the scorecard. Tell us if the agreement was fulfilled. What have Nigerians got out of this?” he queried.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, of disrespecting Nigeria and its national symbols, describing him as lawless and divisive.
Wike made the allegation on Friday while addressing stakeholders at a town hall meeting in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The event was organised under the Rainbow Coalition to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The minister criticised Obi over an alleged refusal to stand during the singing of Nigeria’s national anthem while reportedly standing for another anthem.

According to Wike, the former Anambra State governor’s conduct raises questions about his commitment to national unity and his suitability for the presidency.

He said, “A whole national anthem of a country is being sung. A man who wants to be President of Nigeria would disobey and sit down. And then not only that, when a different national anthem that is not being used for Nigeria was sung, he stood up.”

Wike further argued that anyone aspiring to lead Nigeria should demonstrate respect for the country’s national symbols.

“A man who does not believe in Nigeria, someone who derives joy in ridiculing the country by disrespecting its symbolic National Anthem must not be allowed to come near the presidency of our country,” he added.

The FCT minister also questioned Obi’s political record, accusing him of abandoning political parties whenever internal disagreements arise instead of remaining to resolve the disputes.

He equally faulted Obi for allegedly failing to conduct local government elections throughout his eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra State, describing it as inconsistent with his public commitment to the rule of law.

Wike subsequently turned his attention to the opposition coalition involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

He questioned their records in public office, particularly Amaechi’s performance as Minister of Transportation, and raised concerns about the condition of seaports during his tenure.

The minister also alleged that the Government Secondary School in Ogu was demolished during Amaechi’s administration without being rebuilt, while a proposed 1,000-bed specialist hospital was never delivered.

Wike urged residents to disregard what he described as the political rhetoric of opposition politicians, insisting that the Tinubu administration had delivered tangible projects and appointments to the area.

He cited the Ogu-Bolo Civic Centre, facilitated through the federal appointment of an indigene, Boma Iyaye, as one of the benefits of the administration’s interventions.

Earlier, Chairman of the council, Vincent Nemieboka, expressed the community’s support for Wike, attributing their loyalty to projects and political appointments secured for the area.

Similarly, the Amanyanabo of Bolo, King Acheseinimie Frank, highlighted several projects executed through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), including sand-filling works, internal roads and the construction and maintenance of the Kira-Ogu-Bolo Road.

Frank also disclosed that Ogu-Bolo had benefited from three major political appointments facilitated through Wike’s office.

The Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Lawrence Abeabiari, disclosed that the community had named two locations after the minister: Wike Road at Enelechi Phase 1 and Wike Sandfield.

Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Prof. Lucky Worika commended Wike and President Tinubu for what he described as increased federal presence in the area.

He listed some of the appointments secured for indigenes, including Boma Iyaye as Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the NDDC, Dame Maureen Tamuno as Managing Director of the Abuja Investment Company, and Senator George Sekibo as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Oil and Gas Polytechnic.

Worika also attributed 19 ongoing development interventions across the local government area to Iyaye’s appointment at the NDDC.

The projects, according to him, include the reconstruction of Ogu General Hospital with a 70kVA solar power station, the Ele/Opu-ama Link Road, Kira-Bolo Road, internal roads, streetlights, sand-filling projects and low-cost housing estates.

He added that the interventions covered teachers’ quarters, scholarships, free medical missions and youth skills acquisition programmes.

Worika further recalled projects executed during Wike’s tenure as Rivers State governor and Minister of State for Education, including the reconstruction of GSS Ogu, Kira Bridge, Ogu/Eteo and Ogu/Wakama link roads, and a landing jetty in Ele Community.

He, however, appealed for further federal intervention in the area’s riverine communities, particularly in healthcare delivery, potable water, electricity, maritime transportation and environmental sustainability.

The stakeholders also pledged their support for Tinubu’s re-election and the Rainbow Coalition’s preferred candidates in the 2027 elections.

Abeabiari assured Wike that the community would deliver votes for the APC and coalition candidates, declaring that the expected victory would be evident by midday on January 16, 2027.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that it will comply with any court decision determining whether former Vice President Atiku Abubakar can contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the commission was constitutionally bound to obey court orders, particularly decisions of the Supreme Court, irrespective of public opinion.

Amupitan made this known on Thursday during a dialogue organised by Chatham House in London in partnership with the Kimpact Development Initiative.

The event, themed “Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Democratic Trajectory and Regional Stability Beyond the Ballot,” focused on the country’s democratic process and preparations for the next general election.

Responding to a question on Atiku’s eligibility to contest under the ADC if the judgment nullifying the leadership of the faction led by former Senate President David Mark remained in force, the INEC chairman said the commission would respect the final judicial decision.

He stated that Section 285 of the Nigerian Constitution obligated the commission to comply with court orders, particularly those issued by the Supreme Court.

Amupitan also explained that INEC had advocated an accelerated hearing of the ADC leadership dispute when it emerged in April to prevent the crisis from disrupting preparations for the 2027 elections.

According to him, the commission had initially proposed that the matter be resolved within three weeks.

He disclosed that INEC subsequently complied with a court directive to suspend action and await the determination of the dispute, which later proceeded to the Court of Appeal.

The electoral chief, however, expressed concern over the increasing number of election-related cases involving the commission, revealing that more than 300 cases were currently pending against INEC with the 2027 elections approaching.

He said the growing litigation could complicate the commission’s preparations, particularly its logistical arrangements for the polls.

Amupitan further disclosed that INEC had commenced the procurement of sensitive election materials ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He called for reforms that would ensure pre-election disputes were concluded between six months and one year before elections, arguing that early resolution would give the commission adequate time to prepare.

The INEC chairman also acknowledged that the commission might face public backlash for implementing certain judicial decisions but insisted that it had no option but to obey valid court orders.

His comments come amid the lingering leadership crisis in the ADC, which has cast uncertainty over the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections and Atiku’s presidential ambition.

On November 5, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the leadership of the ADC faction led by Mark, declaring the process that produced the former Senate President and other national officers unlawful.

The judgment followed a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, who challenged the emergence of the Mark-led leadership following the resignation of former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, and other party officials.

The court also invalidated decisions taken by the disputed leadership, including the process that produced Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

It consequently restrained INEC from recognising or acting on decisions taken at the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025.

The crisis took another turn when the court rejected a disputed resignation letter allegedly written by Gombe, ruling that the document did not constitute reliable evidence of his voluntary resignation.

However, the ADC rejected the judgment and vowed to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, insisted that Gombe voluntarily resigned, maintaining that the party possessed the original letter bearing his signature.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reinstate Ladi Adebutu as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.

The court ordered the electoral commission to restore Adebutu’s name to the list of candidates within 24 hours, ruling that INEC acted beyond its constitutional and statutory powers by excluding him.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Peter Lifu held that INEC lacked the authority to unilaterally disqualify a candidate validly nominated by a political party.

The judge also ruled that the commission violated Adebutu’s right to fair hearing by removing his name from the candidates’ list without giving him an opportunity to defend himself.

Justice Lifu consequently declared the action unlawful, unconstitutional and of no effect.

The judgment followed a suit filed by the PDP and Adebutu after INEC omitted his name from the final list of candidates published on October 10, 2026.

Before determining the substantive issues, the court dismissed INEC’s preliminary objection challenging the competence of the suit, holding that the originating summons was properly signed and filed.

During the proceedings, Adebutu told the court that he participated in the PDP governorship primary conducted on May 24, 2026, and emerged as the party’s candidate.

He further argued that the party had published his name on August 29 without any objection from the electoral commission.

According to the plaintiffs, the PDP National Secretary subsequently wrote to INEC on October 14, requesting the restoration of Adebutu’s name, but the commission failed to act on the request.

The PDP’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, who testified before the court, maintained that Adebutu was a duly registered member of the party and that his name appeared in the membership register submitted to INEC on April 22, 2026.

Bature also told the court that Adebutu registered as a party member on February 24, 2026, and that his membership had never been disputed.

However, INEC’s witness, Mustapha Mohammed, a programme analyst with the commission, claimed that a search conducted before the publication of the final candidates’ list did not reveal Adebutu’s name in the PDP membership register.

Under cross-examination, Mohammed admitted that he was not the official who received the flash drive containing the membership register from the PDP and could not independently confirm its contents.

In his judgment, Justice Lifu held that INEC failed to establish that Adebutu’s name was absent from the membership register submitted by the PDP.

The judge also faulted the commission for failing to challenge the conduct of the party’s primary election within the legally prescribed period.

He questioned why INEC waited until August before raising concerns about the primary, noting that no suit had been filed within 14 days of the exercise to challenge Adebutu’s nomination.

The judge warned that allowing INEC to exercise powers not conferred on it by law could create a dangerous precedent where the commission might disqualify candidates shortly before an election.

On the extent of INEC’s powers, Justice Lifu maintained that the authority to nominate candidates rests exclusively with political parties, while the power to disqualify a candidate after nomination lies with the courts.

He further held that if INEC believed Adebutu was not qualified to contest the election, the appropriate step was to approach a competent court rather than independently remove his name.

The court subsequently ordered INEC to rectify the candidates’ list published on October 10, 2026, to include Adebutu’s name.

It also declared that INEC could not validly announce the result of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election without the participation of the plaintiffs, warning that any election conducted in breach of the order would be unconstitutional and of no effect.

Pandemonium broke out on Thursday at a town hall meeting of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Oregun, Lagos, after suspected thugs armed with cutlasses and cudgels stormed the venue.

The incident occurred at Classic Event Place, where the party had scheduled a town hall meeting featuring its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

According to reports, the attackers forced their way into the venue, triggering panic as several attendees scampered for safety.

However, some NDC supporters reportedly resisted the invasion by throwing chairs at the suspected thugs before others, dressed in blue shirts and white fez caps, chased the attackers out of the hall.

One of the suspected attackers was reportedly caught at the car park, where some angry supporters descended on him with sticks.

A voice was heard in the background urging the crowd to deal with the suspect as the situation escalated.

The confrontation later spilled onto Kudirat Abiola Way, a major road in the area, as the aggrieved crowd moved outside the event centre.

Police officers subsequently fired shots into the air in an attempt to disperse the crowd and restore order.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, has been named Public Sector Person of the Year at the 6th Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series and Awards.

Udeh received the award on Tuesday at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, in recognition of his leadership and efforts to reposition Nigeria’s science, technology and innovation sector.

The recognition followed his drive to align the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and its 17 agencies with measurable performance targets, research commercialisation and the development of market-ready solutions from scientific discoveries.

According to Pacesetter Frontier Magazine, which organised the event, Udeh has demonstrated a results-oriented approach to governance since assuming office in November 2025, with emphasis on practical outcomes rather than routine administrative processes.

The publication noted that his experience as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, former Attorney-General of Enugu State and public-law scholar had shaped his approach to institutional reforms and public-sector management.

Among his priorities are promoting local value addition to raw materials, advancing indigenous technologies in agriculture, energy and safety, establishing innovation hubs and model laboratories, and strengthening international collaborations in artificial intelligence and technology transfer.

The magazine also highlighted his Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN) initiative, which seeks to connect research institutions with the marketplace by transforming scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services.

Other programmes highlighted include the Tinubu Light Initiative, NextGen Innovation Challenge, and Youths and Students in Innovation, all designed to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and create opportunities for young people and technology-driven businesses.

It further noted the minister’s emphasis on skills development and preparing a workforce capable of supporting technological advancement, industrial competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.

The publication said the initiatives align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its ambition to make science, technology and innovation key drivers of economic diversification and industrial development.

The award ceremony was part of the 6th Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series, held under the theme, “Barrel to Ballot: The Naturalisation of Violence, Nigeria’s Polity and its Democratic Circus.”

The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, chaired the event, while human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, and the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, delivered keynote addresses.

The panel session featured former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani; APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Dr. Ben Nwoye; Prof. Okey Ikechukwu; Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua; and Zainab Buba Galadima.

The annual gathering, organised by Pacesetter Frontier Magazine, brings together political leaders, policymakers, professionals and other stakeholders to discuss governance, democracy and development in Nigeria and Africa.