Vice-President Khashim Shettima has asked Nigerians not to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as an empty bone.

He said this at Gusau Trade Fair Complex, while addressing the mammoth crowd of his party supporters.

Shettima said the ADC has nothing to offer to Nigerians, describing it as an empty political party.

“Do you know that ADC? It has nothing to offer for you, therefore you shall not go there.

“Do you know bone? ADC is just like an empty bone neither has bone marrow nor flesh on it,” Shettima said.

The Vice president further criticised ADC for ‘”lacking the qualities needed to deliver Nigerians”.

Vice-President Khashim Shettima has asked Nigerians not to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as an empty bone.

He said this at Gusau Trade Fair Complex, while addressing the mammoth crowd of his party supporters.

Shettima said the ADC has nothing to offer to Nigerians, describing it as an empty political party.

“Do you know that ADC? It has nothing to offer for you, therefore you shall not go there.

“Do you know bone? ADC is just like an empty bone neither has bone marrow nor flesh on it,” Shettima said.

The Vice president further criticised ADC for ‘”lacking the qualities needed to deliver Nigerians”.

Former Bayelsa State governor and senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has cautioned political parties against complacency, warning that recent adjustments to the electoral timetable have intensified pressure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dickson, who serves as national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), gave the warning during the party’s maiden National Executive Committee meeting at its national secretariat in Abuja.

He stressed that the revised timetable leaves little room for delay, urging party members to ramp up mobilisation and maximise the limited time before the polls.

“There is no time to waste,” he declared, noting that elections often present rapid growth opportunities for political parties willing to engage effectively with the electorate.

The senator dismissed concerns about the shortened timeline, insisting that victory would depend more on grassroots connection than financial muscle.

According to him, parties must focus on real voter engagement rather than relying on money or inflated support figures.

Dickson charged members to intensify voter registration efforts, particularly through the party’s e-registration process, and to build a credible support base across polling units, wards, and communities nationwide.

He also alleged that some parties were leveraging state resources to manipulate voter data, urging his party to counter such tactics by focusing on genuine, registered voters.

“Go to the people and ask if their lives are better. That is where the real campaign lies,” he said, emphasising people-driven politics over financial influence.

Earlier, the NDC National Chairman, Cleopas Moses, reaffirmed his commitment to the party’s ideals, calling on members to remain united, disciplined, and passionate in advancing its vision.

Dickson’s remarks come weeks after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) revised the 2027 election timetable following the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Under the new schedule, presidential and National Assembly elections have been moved to January 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls are set for February—effectively shortening the political calendar and raising the stakes for early preparation among parties.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected a new South-East zonal executive through a consensus arrangement at a well-attended congress held in Enugu.

The congress, which took place at the Hotel Presidential, drew top party figures including Hope Uzodimma, Francis Nwifuru, and Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, alongside other key stakeholders.

At the end of the exercise, delegates adopted a consensus list, producing Ijeoma Arodiogbu as the new zonal chairman to lead the party in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Uzodimma, who chairs the South-East Governors’ Forum, emphasized unity and national interest, conveying the goodwill of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and expressing optimism about the country’s economic direction.

Explaining the adoption of consensus, he noted that the approach aligns with the party’s constitution and was designed to foster cohesion while ensuring a smooth and timely process.

The congress progressed with a motion by Nwifuru to dissolve the outgoing zonal executive, which was seconded by Patrick Ndubueze.

Subsequently, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, presented the list of consensus candidates for ratification.

He also moved motions to formally adopt consensus as the mode of election in line with the Electoral Act, as well as to affirm the outcomes of prior ward, local government, and state congresses.

The motions received overwhelming support from delegates, with Eugene Uchenna Ugwu seconding the proposals.

Other members of the newly constituted zonal executive include Innocent Itakpa Azuoba as Secretary; Rex Mayor Ogbonna as Legal Adviser; Henry Onwughalaonye as Publicity Secretary; Chima Kenneth Ogbonnaya as Youth Leader; Nwachukwu; Oby Aji; and Arinze Ikedife.

In his remarks, Mbah described the congress as a clear demonstration of unity and strength within the party in the South-East, noting that the outcome has dispelled predictions of internal division.

The event also attracted prominent party stalwarts, including Ken Nnamani, Emma Eneukwu, and several federal lawmakers such as Osita Izunaso, Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Uche Ekwunife, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Kelvin Chukwu, and Osita Ngwu.

Also in attendance were Nkeiru Onyejeocha, Chris Ngige, and Kingsley Udeh, among others.

Justice Salami Blasts Judiciary, Says Peter Obi Shouldn’t Have Contested 2023

A former President of the Court of Appeal, Isa Salami, has stirred fresh controversy by declaring that former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, was not qualified to contest the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party Nigeria.

Speaking in Ilorin during an award presentation by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, the retired jurist blamed judicial inconsistencies on what he described as incompetence among some judges.

According to Salami, Obi’s emergence as the Labour Party candidate violated constitutional provisions, arguing that the party had already submitted its membership list to the Independent National Electoral Commission before Obi defected from the Peoples Democratic Party.

“In strict terms, he ought not to have been allowed to contest because the Constitution does not recognise independent candidacy,” Salami said.

He drew a parallel with the case of Abba Yusuf, questioning the legitimacy of his earlier political status, and criticised the Supreme Court for upholding decisions he believes were flawed.

The former Appeal Court President lamented that judicial appointments are increasingly influenced by regional considerations rather than merit, leading to what he called a decline in competence on the bench.

“At times, when you read some judgments, even from the Supreme Court, you are left wondering what is going on,” he remarked.

Despite his criticisms, Salami expressed optimism that reforms would eventually correct the anomalies within the judiciary.

He also acknowledged the honour bestowed on him by the WSCIJ, praising the organisation for recognising excellence and integrity.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Salami credited Obafemi Awolowo for inspiring his decision to study law, while also noting that the boldness of Wole Soyinka shaped his outlook on national issues.

The Labour Party Nigeria has formally zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region, ruling out any aspirant from the North.

The party’s acting National Chairperson, Nenadi Usman, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja, stating that the decision was final and non-negotiable.

According to her, “We have taken a firm decision that we will not field any aspirant from northern Nigeria.

“The ticket has been zoned to the South. Any northerner seeking to contest under our platform will not be accepted.”

Despite the clear zoning stance, Usman refrained from naming a preferred candidate, stressing that the party would allow a transparent and democratic primary process to determine its flagbearer.

“We cannot impose anyone. Whoever emerges will be the choice of party members through due process,” she added.

On internal party matters, she revealed that a court case challenging the dissolution of the party’s National Caretaker Committee had been dismissed for lacking merit, describing the ruling as a victory for truth.

Usman also hinted that the party might adjust the timetable for its upcoming congresses following a significant increase in membership, warning that sticking to the original schedule could disenfranchise new entrants.

Addressing security concerns, she confirmed that the party had petitioned the police over a recent attack on its office, expressing confidence that those responsible would be prosecuted.

She further encouraged members to embrace the party’s digital registration system, noting that manual registration would only be considered for individuals in remote areas without access to mobile technology.

Former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has called on Nigerians to reject the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections, blaming the party for the country’s deepening challenges.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the Bayelsa West senator argued that the APC has failed to deliver on its core promises of tackling corruption, improving the economy, and addressing insecurity.

According to Dickson, the party’s formation ahead of the 2015 elections was driven more by the desire to unseat former President Goodluck Jonathan than by any coherent plan for governance.

“They came together simply to remove the PDP and President Jonathan, but what was the plan after winning power?” he queried.

He maintained that instead of progress, Nigeria has experienced a decline across key sectors under the APC-led administration, insisting that the much-touted “change” slogan has only worsened conditions.

“Change can go both ways. Unfortunately, what we have seen is a shift from bad to worse,” Dickson said, citing rising corruption allegations, economic hardship, and worsening insecurity.

The lawmaker further accused the ruling party of failing to respect Nigeria’s diversity and weakening democratic values, warning that urgent political change is needed to redirect the country’s trajectory.

The All Progressives Congress came to power in 2015 on promises of reform, but critics, including Dickson, argue that those expectations have largely gone unmet.

Governor Seyi Makinde 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, warning against initiating political confrontations without the strength to sustain them.

Wike made the remarks on Monday during the 107th National Executive Committee meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party, amid rising tensions within the party.

The clash follows comments by Makinde, who had alleged that politicians aligning with Wike’s faction were indirectly backing the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu ahead of 2027.

Makinde made the claim during a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Bayelsa West Senator Seriake Dickson, where he suggested that Wike had pledged to “hold the PDP” for the President.

Responding, Wike dismissed the allegation as misleading and criticised Makinde for what he described as an ill-considered political move.

“It is unfortunate that a fight you cannot sustain, you started. Politics is not contract work,” Wike said.

In a pointed remark widely seen as a jab, he added, “You wanted money; I wanted power. Stay where you are as a contractor.”

Wike further cautioned party members against unnecessary political battles, stressing that success in politics requires strategy, discipline, and loyalty rather than mere rhetoric.

With the PDP’s national convention slated for March 29–30, the minister warned that members who fail to demonstrate commitment to the process risk being excluded from the party’s future structure.

He, however, called for unity and genuine reconciliation within the party, urging stakeholders to put aside personal differences in the interest of strengthening the PDP ahead of future elections.