The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed the defection of former Kano state governor and NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing him as a “game-changer” whose move signals a growing coalition for change ahead of future elections.
A statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said Kwankwaso has directed his supporters nationwide to join the ADC, a development already reflected in a surge of registrations on the party’s online platform within 24 hours.
The statement read, “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) warmly welcomes the decision of former Governor of Kano State and Presidential Candidate of the NNPP in the 2023 General Election, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to join our party at this important moment in our country’s journey.
“This is reflects a growing recognition that Nigeria needs a new direction, and that the time has come for leaders and citizens alike to come together around a credible alternative that puts people first.
“Senator Kwankwaso’s decision speaks to what many Nigerians already feel, that the country needs leadership that understands the challenges people face every day and is ready to take responsibility for fixing them.
“His experience in governance, his strong grassroots connection, and his ability to bring people together make him a valuable part of this collective effort to rebuild Nigeria.
“As part of this move, he has also encouraged members of his political movement and supporters across the country to join the ADC, adding strength to this growing coalition for change.
“His defection was witnessed by key leaders of the party, including the National Chairman, Senator David Mark, the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, members of the National Working Committee, and leading presidential aspirants such as Mr. Peter Obi and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.”
Also present were respected party leaders including Senator Liyel Imoke, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
“Their presence reflects a party that is united, focused, and steadily building momentum.”
The statement further noted that “in the last 24 hours alone, the ADC’s online registration platform has seen a significant surge in new members. This is a clear sign that more Nigerians are beginning to align with a different path forward.”
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Rivers 2027: Wike denies endorsing any candidate, reaffirms support for Tinubu
By Abdullahi Muhammad
Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has clarified that he has not endorsed any candidate for the 2027 Rivers state governorship or any other political office in the state.
He stressed that such decisions were the prerogative of the Elders Council, led by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba.
Speaking at a joint gathering of stakeholders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, Wike reiterated that his current political commitment was solely to President Bola Tinubu, a position he described as “clear and consistent.”
He warned aspirants against seeking premature endorsements, emphasising that no sitting governor could dictate the choice of a candidate in Rivers state.
Wike also urged political actors to learn from past mistakes, highlighting that cohesion, not financial influence, is the true source of political strength.
The Minister’s comments come amid rising speculation over potential contenders for the Rivers governorship as stakeholders prepare for the 2027 elections.
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Niger South senator dumps PDP for APC
By Aideloje Ojo
Minna
The senator representing Niger South Senatorial District, Peter Jiya, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, in a move that has altered the current political balance in the Senate.
The development was formally announced during plenary on Tuesday after the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read a letter from the lawmaker informing the upper chamber of his decision.
In the correspondence, the senator disclosed that his resignation from the PDP took effect from March 10, citing lingering internal conflicts and deep-seated divisions within the party as the primary reason for his departure.
He noted that the persistent disagreements within the PDP had become irreconcilable, prompting him to seek a new political platform. The lawmaker further stated that his decision to align with the APC was driven by his desire to continue his political career under a more stable structure.
While announcing his exit, the senator expressed appreciation to the PDP for the opportunity it provided him to serve, extending his goodwill to the party and expressing hope that it would overcome its internal challenges in the future.
Following the defection, the composition of the Senate has shifted, with the APC now holding a dominant majority, while other parties retain significantly smaller representations.
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Edo: Owan preaches unity for political liberation
By Patrick Ahanor
Benin City
As part of efforts to raise the political consciousness of Owan people and strengthen the bond of unity among her populace, a popular socio-cultural group in Edo, Owan Conscience, over the weekend took its sensitization drive to communities in Owan East.Politics
The exercise, which started two weeks ago, afforded the group the opportunity to interact with the people and discuss issues of common concerns to the Owan people.
The session, also offered the locals the opportunity to share their challenges.
The group, led by the Chairman of the association, Barrister Richard Ofen-Imu, had its first port of call at Ohanmi community, where they were received by the chiefs and elders of the community.
Addressing the gathering, the leader of the delegation, Ofen-Imu, said the engagement was necessitated by the quest to liberate Owan people from political marginalisation and unite them towards progressive trajectory.
Barrister Ofen-Imu described Owan political marginalisation as disturbing.
He therefore sued for unity of the people to fight the scourge.
The spokepersons for the community, commended the leadership of Owan Conscience, describing the move as timely and worthy. They vowed to drive the message to the grassroots.
The train thereafter moved to Igue-Sale community where the team was hosted by the council of chiefs, elders and youth. The message was the same as Ofen-Imu presented the thrust of the discourse.
The spokespersons noted that the initiative aligned with their age-long agitations for political liberation, pledging their readiness to key into the struggle.
The team was warmly received by the head chief of the community, Chief Ohiorenoya and his subjects. Barrister Ofen-Imu, again laid the concerns bare, calling on the people to unite and rise above partisan loyalty to project the interest of Owan Nation.
The speakers while showering encomiums on the body for the move, pledged their allegiance to the cause. They also appealed to the leadership of Owan Conscience to champion their quest for portable water in the community.
The team was also received at Ikhin community as led by the clan head, together with his subjects. Speaking at the well -attended event, Ofen-Imu appreciated the community for the warm reception. He went further to chronicle the plight of Owan, calling for unity and cooperation of all and sundry to ensure Owan got her pride of place.
The body was commended for the move, just as the people promised to work in tandem with aspirations of Owan Conscience.
The last port of call was Uroe community where the group was received by a large turn out of residents, including, the head of the community.
Ofen-Imu again re-echoed the unity message, while urging the people to prioritise the interest of Owan above party affinity.
The spokespersons saw the outreach as long overdue and promised to key into the vision of Owan Conscience to work for the interest of all in their political endeavour.
