APC

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election is both a political and strategic calculation. Rather than introducing uncertainty into an already established political partnership, the President has chosen continuity, a decision that reflects the realities of Nigeria’s electoral politics, geopolitical balancing, and coalition-building.

Politics, particularly presidential politics in Nigeria, is rarely driven by sentiment. It is fundamentally about numbers, alliances, regional interests, and electoral strategy. Every major decision is weighed against one overriding objective: securing the broadest possible coalition needed to win an election. Viewed from that perspective, retaining Shettima was arguably the most pragmatic option available to the President.

One of the most immediate advantages of the decision is that it effectively closes the chapter on the controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket. Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, the APC’s decision to field two Muslim candidates generated widespread debate, especially among many Christians who expressed concerns about religious inclusion and national balance.

However, after more than three years in office, that issue has largely lost its political intensity. While differing opinions remain, the fears that dominated public discourse during the 2023 campaign have, to a considerable extent, subsided. By retaining Shettima, President Tinubu has denied political opponents the opportunity to revive an issue whose electoral potency has significantly diminished.

Beyond the religious debate lies an even more delicate consideration: Nigeria’s geopolitical balance. Had President Tinubu replaced Shettima with another politician from the North-East, the North-West, the country’s largest voting bloc, could have interpreted the move as another instance in which its political aspirations were overlooked, potentially reigniting debates about equity and representation.

Conversely, choosing a replacement from the North-West would almost certainly have generated discontent in the North-East. Having produced the incumbent Vice President, the region would naturally expect to retain the position. Removing Shettima without any compelling political or governance justification could have alienated key stakeholders and weakened support in a region that remains strategically important to the APC.

Some time ago, a number of individuals campaigned for the selection of a northern Christian as the Vice President, arguing that a Muslim-Christian ticket would be more politically acceptable. While the proposal appealed to those seeking religious balancing, it overlooked the practical realities of Nigerian presidential elections.

For a southern Muslim presidential candidate seeking the presidency, pairing with a northern Christian is not necessarily the most pragmatic electoral formula if the objective is to maximise support across Northern Nigeria. Presidential elections are rarely won on symbolism alone. They are won through careful coalition-building, political structures, regional alliances, and voting strength. In Nigeria, electoral success is driven as much by geopolitical realities and numbers as it is by perception.

President Tinubu has built his political career on strategic calculation rather than emotional decision-making. Over several decades, he has demonstrated an ability to assemble winning political coalitions by focusing on electoral arithmetic, regional dynamics, and long-term political stability. His decision to retain Shettima is consistent with that political philosophy.

There is also the question of continuity. Since assuming office in 2023, Tinubu and Shettima have worked together to lead the administration, build relationships across government, and strengthen the APC’s political structures nationwide. Replacing a sitting Vice President without a compelling reason could have created unnecessary speculation about internal divisions and handed the opposition a fresh political narrative.

By retaining Shettima, President Tinubu has instead projected stability, confidence, and consistency. The decision preserves an established partnership, reassures party supporters, and allows the APC to approach the 2027 election with a united front.

Ultimately, successful presidential campaigns are built not on emotion but on careful political judgment. Difficult decisions are inevitable, but experienced politicians choose the option that minimises political risk while maximising electoral advantage.

Judged against Nigeria’s electoral realities, geopolitical sensitivities, and the imperative of preserving a broad national coalition, President Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima was not only the least controversial choice,it was the most politically strategic.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government intends to keep former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in custody until after the 2027 general election.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the allegation during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

Abdullahi said the ADC does not oppose the prosecution of any individual with a legitimate case to answer. However, he argued that the conditions attached to El-Rufai’s bail raise concerns about the government’s intentions.

He said: “ADC is not opposed to anybody who has a legitimate case to answer from being prosecuted but when you are holding someone in custody for bailable offences and you proceed to arraign that person and make impossible conditions for bail to meet, it creates room for us to believe that you deliberate intend to hold this person in perpetuity.

“What I can tell you is that the thinking within the ADC is that the APC government has concluded that they will not release Mallam Nasir El-Rufai until after the election.

“That’s what we believe, that’s the plan, and that’s what they plan to do. They know that with Mallam Nasir El-Rufai freed, the opposition is stronger and they know that if they release him, he would remind them of certain things that they would rather forget.

“We in the opposition believe that they are doing everything to make sure that El-Rufai remains in custody until after the election.”

The APC had not publicly responded to the allegation at the time of filing this report.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who are seeking re-election for a second term convened a private meeting on Tuesday at the Kebbi State Government House in Birnin Kebbi.

According to a report by Punch newspaper, the closed-door session focused on critical national issues and party policies aimed at strengthening the APC’s position ahead of future elections.

Among the governors in attendance were those from Kaduna, Plateau, Ekiti, Delta, Zamfara, Kano, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Edo, Ondo, Kogi, Sokoto, and Benue states. They were received by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

Speaking on the purpose of the gathering, Abuzaidu Yari, the Special Assistant to the Kebbi Governor on New Media, explained that the meeting would center on discussions regarding national development, strengthening inter-governmental cooperation, promoting good governance, fostering sustainable economic growth, and enhancing national cohesion.

The Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum is expected to brief journalists on the outcomes of the meeting following its conclusion today.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A member of the House of Representatives, Yusuf Gagdi, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration deserves recognition for the steps it has taken to address insecurity across the country, even though the problem has not been completely resolved.

Gagdi, who represents the Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke Federal Constituency of Plateau State, spoke on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

The lawmaker argued that it would be inaccurate to claim that the federal government has failed to make efforts to tackle security challenges.

“If the truth be told, I will say the truth irrespective of your understanding about the truth that I am saying,” he said.

“I will not refuse to tell you here that the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not make any effort towards solving the security problem.

“Promising to fix the security problem and putting effort towards fixing the security problem should both be recognised.”

Gagdi stated that although insecurity remains a major concern in the country, the government has continued to demonstrate commitment towards confronting the challenge.

He also disclosed that he had openly criticised certain security policies of the current administration during proceedings at the House of Representatives.

The APC lawmaker, however, accused some opposition politicians of taking advantage of the country’s security difficulties for political gain instead of presenting practical solutions.

According to him, some political actors appear more interested in drawing attention to the suffering of Nigerians than suggesting ways to improve the situation.

Gagdi added that national discussions should centre on finding solutions to insecurity rather than using the issue for partisan interests.

By Uzair Adam

A civil society organisation, the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA), has approached the Federal High Court in Kano, seeking an order disqualifying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from contesting the 2027 presidential election over allegations of certificate forgery.

The suit, filed under case number FHC/K/CS/312/2026, names President Tinubu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Chicago State University (CSU) as defendants.

According to court documents, the plaintiff alleged that Tinubu submitted forged academic credentials from Chicago State University as well as a fake National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate to INEC during the 2023 general elections.

The group further claimed that Tinubu did not attend Government College Lagos as stated in his records, arguing that the institution was established in 1974, several years after he reportedly completed his secondary education.

CFRPA contended that the president lacks a valid secondary school certificate, which it described as the minimum constitutional requirement for contesting the office of president.

The organisation also accused INEC of failing to respond to a petition it submitted on June 19, 2026, requesting clarification on Tinubu’s eligibility for future elections.

In its statement before the court, the plaintiff referenced the 2023 United States court ruling in In Re: Application of Atiku Abubakar (No. 23 CV 05099), which directed Chicago State University to release Tinubu’s academic records.

According to the group, the documents released by the university contained inconsistencies and false entries, including what it described as a forged University of Cambridge General Certificate of Education.

Among the reliefs sought, the plaintiff is asking the court to declare Tinubu’s Chicago State University certificate forged, direct INEC to disqualify him from participating in the 2027 presidential election, and order Chicago State University to remove his name from its records.

The organisation is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining INEC from accepting or publishing Tinubu’s name as a candidate in the 2027 election.

Supporting documents filed before the court include affidavits, witness statements, and correspondence addressed to the NYSC and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, requesting official clarification on the alleged NYSC certificate.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said he believes President Bola Tinubu will continue to receive God’s guidance to lead Nigeria until 2031.

Umahi made the remark on Thursday during an inspection of ongoing bridge projects in Lagos State. The projects included the Carter Bridge, which is expected to undergo reconstruction from next week.

The minister said the current administration would continue to enjoy divine backing as it works to address national problems, especially insecurity.

“The same God that brought him is going to be there to solve all the problems,” Umahi said.

He also appealed to Nigerians to cooperate with the Federal Government and support efforts aimed at restoring security across the country.

According to him, every government desires peace and stability, but leaders must take action whenever challenges emerge.

“There is no leader who will not want his reign to be peaceful, but when crises come, the leader must confront them. That is exactly what we are doing,” he stated.

Umahi added that regardless of the cause of insecurity in the country, he remained confident that Tinubu would receive the wisdom and strength needed to handle the situation and other national issues.

The minister also expressed confidence that projects initiated by the administration would be completed successfully.

“Your hands that have started this will complete it,” Umahi stated.

Speaking on the reconstruction of Carter Bridge, Umahi disclosed that the project is expected to last for about three years.

“It is within our five-year plan,” he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu retains strong political support across the North-West and remains on course for victory in the 2027 presidential election.

Matawalle made the remarks in a statement released on Thursday through his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil.

His comments followed recent discussions about the President’s popularity in parts of the North-West amid concerns over economic challenges and security issues. The debate intensified after a NoiPolls Government Approval Survey reported a 30 per cent approval rating for the Tinubu administration after three years in office.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, reacted to the survey and argued that the findings reflected growing dissatisfaction with the administration over economic hardship, unemployment and insecurity.

In a statement, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said, “The tragedy is that after three years in office, the government can no longer claim that these challenges were inherited.”

Responding to the criticism, Matawalle accused opponents of the administration of ignoring security improvements and development efforts, particularly in the North-West. He said some critics were focusing on isolated security incidents in an attempt to create fear among Nigerians.

According to the minister, the Federal Government has achieved notable success in combating insecurity through a coordinated and intelligence-based approach, especially in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi states.

He said the strategy had resulted in the neutralisation of several notorious bandit leaders, the dismantling of criminal camps and the return of relative peace to many communities previously affected by violence.

“The opposition is uncomfortable with the visible progress being recorded in the fight against insecurity and the ongoing developmental strides across the country,” Matawalle said.

The minister praised members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their commitment to national security, noting that many personnel had lost their lives while serving the country.

He also pointed to progress in the fight against insurgency in the North-East and efforts to address communal and criminal violence in parts of the North-Central region.

On the economy and development, Matawalle said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda was producing positive results in sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, social investment and economic reform.

He highlighted government projects in Northern Nigeria, including road rehabilitation, agricultural support programmes, food security initiatives, rail and energy developments, as well as empowerment schemes for youths and women.

Matawalle said residents of the region were already seeing the impact of these interventions and would reflect that support at the polls in 2027.

“The people of the region understand the efforts being made to improve their security, livelihoods and overall well-being. They are witnessing the results firsthand,” he said.

The minister maintained that political attacks and misinformation would not overshadow the administration’s achievements. He added that President Tinubu remains focused on governance, national development and improving the welfare of citizens.

Matawalle also urged political leaders to prioritise national interest and support initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, security and development across the country.

He expressed confidence that the achievements recorded under the Renewed Hope Agenda would further boost public support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

By Abbas Datti

Effective representation in the House of Representatives is measured not by a lackadaisical approach and empty promises, but by tangible results delivered to the people. 

Unfortunately, Hon. Garba Diso, the current Gwale Member of the House of Representatives, has fallen short of expectations, particularly in the critical areas of sponsoring bills, raising motions, and youth development, educational support, and economic empowerment. That’s why Gwale youths rally for a vibrant young Dr Shu’aibu Abdul, urging him to contest for the Gwale House of Representatives in the National Assembly during the forthcoming 2027 general elections. 

Over the years, Gwale constituents have witnessed limited investment in the future of young people. There have been few visible scholarship opportunities, job opportunities, and inadequate empowerment initiatives for both young men and women. Unemployment and lack of access to higher education remain pressing challenges; this absence of proactive representation has left many youths without direction or meaningful support.

In contrast, Dr Shu’aibu, the aspirant currently vying for the seat, represents a refreshing shift toward people-centred leadership. Known for sponsoring youth to pursue tertiary education, he has demonstrated a clear commitment to education as a pathway to development.

 Dr Shu’aibu Abdul, a senior lecturer at Maryam Abacha American University and President of the Nigerian Youth Progressive Movement (NYPM), has been recognised in community circles for initiatives supporting young people, including sponsorship programs that help students pursue tertiary education. 

Beyond education, Dr Shu’aibu has also prioritised empowerment programs that benefit both men and women. Through skills acquisition initiatives, small business support, and mentorship opportunities, youths are being equipped with the tools needed to achieve financial independence and community growth.

Abbas Datti writes from Gwale L. G. A of Kano State, via comradeabbasdatti@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Senator Ali Ndume has said that his repeated electoral victories are the result of support from God, his constituents, and some political leaders, rather than influence from powerful figures within President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The senator made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he spoke about his political career and preparations for another election cycle.

Ndume explained that he has enjoyed consistent success at the polls throughout his political journey. He noted that he is heading into what would be his seventh election after serving two terms in the House of Representatives and four terms in the Senate.

According to the lawmaker, voters in his constituency are well-informed and capable of making independent political choices. He said their continued support for him and the All Progressives Congress (APC) reflects their belief that both he and the party represent their interests.

He also maintained that he secured the APC ticket through divine favour, the backing of his constituents, and support from some party leaders. Ndume added that he is not among those considered influential within the current corridors of power.

Despite occasionally criticizing the Tinubu administration, the senator said he believes public officials deserve praise whenever they make decisions that positively affect citizens.

Ndume said: “Well, you always ask me this question. By God’s grace, this is the seventh election I’m going into – two in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate – and I’ve always been winning.

“Our people are not fools. My people are mostly aware and educated. So, if you see them elect APC and Ndume is part of it, it is because they feel that APC is better for them and that’s why they vote for us or that Ndume is better.

“I don’t know tomorrow, but I know my people like me. I know if it is election that’s why I got the ticket.

“I got the ticket from God and my people and the support of some of our leaders. You know I’m not one of the popular guys on the corridor of power so far.

“You know that I’m one of the critical guys of this government, and when somebody does something that you expect or something good to you, you really have to commend him.”

By Ismail Bello Darazo 

Competence has become a problem in the Nigerian political system. It is quite unfortunate to witness how political office-holders are replaced by incompetent politicians, all in the guise of loyalty, who cover their records while in office without any consequences and who also have the ability to influence policymaking even after leaving office. However, the successor would remain dependent, and his deliberations would be centred on serving his Godfather’s interests rather than providing better representation and good governance to his people, should this happen. He would end up dancing to the puppet masters’ orders, godfathers.

Nevertheless, good representation can be achieved when the right people hold political office, but this practice has become a thing of the past, especially during the consensus period being postulated by the ruling APC. The best leadership that tremendously transformed Nigeria occurred in the past, and it was not achieved through consensus; rather, it enabled people to produce those who could wake up to their collective development.

You’ll see an outgoing governor vouching for someone who lacks the credibility and qualifications to deliver good governance, yet he imposes that candidate on his people despite having better options among the contestants.

One million dollar questions are: When handpicking the competent candidates for any elective positions, why consider less competent aspirants that would make it difficult for the party to win an election? Or why are better options ignored? Lo and behold! Is the handpicking in the interest of the generality? Or is competence no longer a priority, or who, after all, benefits from the selection? These questions, nevertheless, have kept ringing in my mind.

My submission to power shapers or moulders is: always do your best, and it will come back in an unexpected way. Give your people the leadership they deserve, not your personal interest. In my undergraduate days, I learnt from the qualities of a good leader that “Public interest supersedes personal interest.” Give good people the opportunity to change the narrative, not those who will drag us backwards.

Ismail Bello Darazo writes from Bauchi State via Ismailbello054@gmail.com.