Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has stated that he is happy with the influx of defectors to the All Progressives Congress (APC), according to naijanews.

He argued that this would be a leeway for the coalition to defeat the APC because, according to him, Nigerians would be the ones to vote, not the governors.

According to him, anybody who thinks Tinubu stands a chance to be re-elected is living in another country.

El-Rufai stated this during an interview with journalists yesterday in Abuja.

He said, “Anybody that thinks that it is possible for President Bola Tinubu to get re-elected, is living in another country, not Nigeria. It is impossible for Bola Tinubu to get re-elected.

“I do not see a pathway for him, no matter how disorganised the opposition is. Who would vote for him? But that is my opinion.

“It seems clear to me that most Nigerians have lost hope in both the APC and the PDP and are looking for a credible alternative.

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“It is greedy and hungry politicians and those that are looking for money, contract, appointment, office, that are defecting.

“The other class of those defecting are those that know that the EFCC or ICPC can intimidate them, because they know what they have done. If they have done what is not quite right, they know that the corruption agencies can be weaponised against them.”

On the coalition, he said: “ This discussion, as I said, is going on. So, anyone that tells you with definitive certainty that this is what is going to happen as far as the coalition is concerned is making a mistake. There are discussions going on, and nothing is off the table.

“Anything is possible, and all the leaders of the coalition, as well as the political parties that we are engaging, are willing to make the sacrifice necessary to ensure that we have a unified platform to put Nigeria back on track. It is about saving this country. It is about giving every Nigerian the opportunity to realise their full potential.

“It is about getting a government that enables the poorest to climb the ladder and the richest to have more opportunity to be richer. That is what the coalition is about. And other than these general principles of what our objectives are, nothing has been definitely agreed. We still work in progress.”

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed what President Bola Tinubu told him to do on the ongoing crisis in Rivers state.

ThePapers.ng reports that this comes amid the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, alongside his deputy and other House of Assembly members, following the declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich state.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike expressed his willingness to make peace with Fubara, stating that his fight is not with Fubara personally. …CONTINUE READING

Wike said President Bola Tinubu has asked him and his estranged mentee,  Siminalayi Fubara, to end their battle in Rivers State, which is witnessing an emergency rule.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Pidgin, Wike stated that President Bola Tinubu personally reached out to him and encouraged him to make peace with Fubara. He said he respected the President’s request and had no reason to reject it. He said Fubara is like a son to him and that he has no reason to fight him. He said the people he is fighting are those who, according to him, are trying to take control of things they did not contribute to or work for.

In Wike’s words: “That boy is my boy, my son, how can I fight him? The people I’m fighting are those who want to steal what they didn’t work for. “The President called me to make peace, I said, ‘Your Excellency, how can you ask me to make peace and I will refuse?’”

Meanwhile, Wike also debunked speculation that he may challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election if the Peoples Democratic Party zones its presidential ticket to the South.

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He reaffirmed his loyalty to Tinubu’s administration, declaring that he had no intention of contesting against the man he was serving.

Reaffirming his support for Tinubu, Wike said there was currently no strong opposition figure capable of unseating the President.

“They said they would zone it to the South, let them zone first. When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it,” he added.

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, also addressed the lingering political feud in his home state, especially between him and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The unexpected emergence of campaign posters featuring the image of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi alongside that of former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has sparked significant controversy across various online platforms.

This coalition, which many did not anticipate, has ignited fervent reactions from political supporters and detractors alike. The vivid designs and striking visuals of the posters have become a focal point for debates, as individuals passionately express their opinions on the implications of this alliance for the political landscape in Nigeria.

2027: No presidential ticket, Wike declares war on Northerners

Peter Obi, who was the presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, continues to enjoy robust support among the youth and urban populations in Nigeria following the electoral contest. On the other hand, Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, remains aggrieved after his exclusion from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He believes he possesses the political acumen and strategy to challenge and potentially unseat the current president in the upcoming 2027 elections. With Peter Obi emerging as a formidable contender, El-Rufai sees an opportunity to seek revenge and reclaim political relevance by rallying support against the incumbent.

ThePapers.ng reports that Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai recently convened in the United Kingdom during the 11th Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference (ATC), which is currently underway at St. John’s College, University of Cambridge.

El-Rufai was among the speakers at the high-profile event, which draws African political leaders, academics, and changemakers from around the globe to discuss issues affecting the continent.

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The encounter between the two high-ranking political figures, who come from rival camps, stirred conversation online after photos of them in deep conversation emerged.

The posters, which appeared in only one design with both Obi and El-Rufai, but with a faint Labour Party logo at the background, suggested that El-Rufai could soon dump SDP after recent defection from APC.

As conversations around possible coalitions continue to gain momentum, the opposition’s path to unity appears increasingly complex.

2027: No presidential ticket, Wike declares war on Northerners

The challenge lies not only in forming strategic alliances but also in maintaining trust and coherence among key stakeholders who have differing visions of how best to achieve political change in 2027.

While Nigerians react to the sudden campaign poster online, both politicians have yet to make an official statement on it.

Among the dissenting voices is Babatunde Gbadamosi, a former Lagos State governorship candidate under the African Democratic Party (ADP), who strongly opposed the rumored development. In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Gbadamosi warned that he would withdraw his support for Obi if he selected El-Rufai as his running mate instead of his 2023 vice-presidential partner, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed. He described any such alliance with El-Rufai as aligning with “evil under any guise.”

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Gbadamosi’s statement underscores the internal disagreements within opposition circles, particularly over El-Rufai’s political ideology and controversial past.

While some political observers argue that a partnership with El-Rufai could strengthen Obi’s appeal in northern Nigeria and create a formidable opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, others view El-Rufai’s involvement as a potential threat to the unity and integrity of the movement Obi represents.

Below are reactions from the online poster:
Adeniyi Awoniyi: “Dead on arrival”

Oladele Adekunle Sunday: “Fail b4 arrival…”

Dan Isac: “If any party float this combination in Nigeria today, with current situations. Jagaban trouble is gone. If you don’t believe. Go to your streets and found out.”

Elder States Man: “Hahahaha joker’s”

Prince Ogbonna: “They are not serious”

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Ugwuagbo Zobam Ernest: “PBATDIOTs High Blood pressure”

Abiodun Ogunbe: “It’s going to be a champagne party on election day. The politicians on the air”

Akue Engr Akue: “Obi is a force in Nigeria politics, when ever obi is presented, Every other candidate will always have sleepless night”

Unufe Ford: “Same thing in 2023 yet Labour party shook them in Lagos State. The fire wey them ignore dey burn house.”

Fanuvi M. Tata: “He doesn’t have that capacity to pull massive votes for Obi in the northern Nigeria.”

Dan Isac: “If a party float this dimension. APC is goooooneeer. With current situation, with this APC goner”

Abimbola Abdul-Hameed Bolaji: “Rat and cat”

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2027: No presidential ticket, Wike declares war on Northerners

As the Rivers State political crisis has yet to see any green light to resolve, even despite reports emanating from different quarters over peace talks between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

It could be recalled that the political crisis in Rivers State began in October 2023 following the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

President Bola Tinubu mediated in the political rift between Fubara and Wike at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The mediation failed after a short while.

Here are 7 reasons why Fubara may not return as Rivers State governor again.

Barca’s 4-3 El Clásico Thriller, Inspired By Raphinha And Yamal, Nears Them La Liga Glory

1. The bombing of a section of the Rivers House of Assembly Complex on 29 October 2023 heightened tension.

2. On 7th October 2024, three local government secretariats were set ablaze in Rivers.

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3. 14 December 2023 – Fubara signed the N800 billion 2024 appropriation bill into law. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Zacchaeus Adangor, resigned, citing “personal principles.”

4. 15 December 2023, More Wike’s loyalists resigned as commissioners, increasing the tally to nine.

5. 13 May 2024—Governor Fubara vowed to probe the administration of his predecessor, Wike

6. 25 June 2024 –Dynamite exploded near Hotel Presidential along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, during a protest in solidarity with Wike.

2027: What will happen if Atiku’s coalition against Tinubu fails, details emerge

7. 13 August 2024 – Wikevowed never to support Fubara again in his political life, saying his successor was “ungrateful”.

Meanwhile, at a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to replace Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy Ngozi Odu who were both suspended for six months.

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Barca’s 4-3 El Clásico Thriller, Inspired By Raphinha And Yamal, Nears Them La Liga Glory

Recently, reports indicated that both Fubara and Wike are in peace talks where the FCT minister is making fresh demands in resolving the political crisis in the state. But according to our source, who spoke with ThePapers.ng, revealed that the fresh demands from Wike may be too difficult for Fubara to accept, and this could lead to another reason why he may not return as governor in the state again.

“The issue on ground is tough for the governor, there are more damages in the state, Wike is asking the governor what would happen to the damages, including the removal of his family member as a king in the state,” the source told ThePapers.ng.

Did Wike Really Sick? New Photos of FCT Minister Revealed

https://thepapers.ng/2025/05/11/lamine-yamals-insane-barcelona-salary-what-he-earns-per-minute-revealed/

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What is most likely going to be Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s next move? Is he going to decamp to SDP or join APC? Or will he stay on in PDP?

Those are the big questions many people have been asking for quite some time now.

For months now he has been quiet though he has continued to play politics.

In fact since his mum died, he has kept mum until recently when news broke that he was likely to move to SDP, a news that was promptly denied. He has come out to openly say that he is still in PDP and that he will remain in the party.

When recently Okowa, the Delta Governor and his team decamped to APC, he came out to say, the exit of the Delta group and other PDP statwart will not affect the party.

Saraki believes a strong opposition is crucial for Nigeria’s Democracy and that PDP can still thrive despite recent defections, such as what happened in Delta State. He says he is committed to staying in the party and working towards its success, particularly in the 2027 election.

Saraki’s stance on the recent defections is that those who want to leave should do so now, enabling the party to have a clear view of its members loyalty.

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Saraki’s vision for the PDP involves rebuilding and refocusing the party to play a more effective role in the country’s space.

Dr. Bukola Saraki’s game plan revolves around positioning himself for political advantages, as it relates to 2027 presidential elections. Insiders say he is most likely to run for presidency in 2027. Recall that Saraki declared his intention to run for presidency in 2023.

Saraki by nature is usually very strategic in his moves. His political moves are usually subject to interpretation and most times his ultimate goals are usually more complex than what is publicly known.

Many of his loyalists say he has his eyes on the Presidency, having paid his dues politically. They usually recall how he has served in various capacities.

He served as the 13th President of the Senate from 2015 to 2019. He was elected President of the 8th Senate on 9 June 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He previously served as Kwara governor from 2003 to 2011 and was elected to the Senate in 2011, under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing the Kwara Central Senatorial District. He was then re-elected in the 2015 general elections on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He left the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and returned to his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he became the opposition leader, on 31 July 2018. Saraki declared his presidential campaign for the PDP presidential ticket in the 2019 election, but lost the primaries to Atiku Abubakar. He was subsequently announced as the Director General of Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign for the 2019 presidential election, which he lost to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari. Now, he is 63. He also has a rich pedigree that can help him.

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Saraki was born on 19 December 1962 in London to Florence Morenike Saraki and Olusola Saraki, who was a Senator in the Nigerian Second Republic. Bukola Saraki is married to Toyin Saraki (née Ojora). They have four children. Popular among his children are Seni and Tosin Saraki.

Saraki was educated at King’s College, Lagos, where he graduated in 1978. He attended Cheltenham College, a public boarding school in the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1981. He then proceeded to London Hospital Medical College of the University of London from 1982 to 1987, where he obtained a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery.

Saraki worked as a medical officer at the Rush Green Hospital, Essex, from 1988 to 1989. He was a director of Société Générale Bank (Nigeria) Ltd from 1990 to 2000. In 2000, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Saraki as Special Assistant on Budget.

In 2003, Bukola Saraki ran for Governor of Kwara State on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) defeating the incumbent Governor Muhammed Lawal of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). On 29 May 2003, he was sworn into office and was re-elected in 2007.

As governor of Kwara, Saraki led reforms in agriculture, infrastructure, health, education, power generation and environment policy. One of his major achievements was inviting displaced white farmers from Zimbabwe to Kwara State and offering them an opportunity to farm. This led to the establishment of Shonga Farms programme, which is now being replicated across Nigeria. He was also appointed as the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ forum.

Under Saraki, Kwara became the first state to complete the Nigeria Independent Power Project. In collaboration with the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Saraki re-energised the Ganmo Power Station at Ilorin, and connected over 3,750 rural communities to the national grid, through the development and installation of 725 transformers and 7 substations. Kwara also completed 4 electrification projects which meant power became stable 18–22 hours a day. 90% of people living in Kwara have access to electricity, compared to a national average in Nigeria of 30%.

In 2007, Saraki became Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum. As Chairman, Saraki increased his national influence and he led efforts for a more reformed and unified relationship with other states governors. The Forum also developed better and more extensive polio immunisation in Nigeria. Signing a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), with a number of international organizations including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, World Bank, DFID, GAVI, UNICEF, UNDP.

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In 2011, after the completion of his 2 term tenure as Governor of Kwara State, Saraki ran for Senator representing the Kwara Central Senatorial District. He won, succeeding his sister, Gbemisola Saraki-Forowa. He was appointed the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology and was also a member of the Senate Committee on Capital Markets and Finance. Senator Saraki has campaigned extensively on health, food security, education and the environment – arguing for strengthened laws on the clean up of oil spills.

After his re-election in 2015 general elections, he was on 9 June 2015 elected unopposed as President of the Senate by an across the party alliance comprising PDP and APC Senators. Saraki had faced stiff opposition from Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan who was a preferred candidate by a group of senators-elect within the APC. His deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, emerged after a tightly contested election.

During his presidency, the Senate under his leadership has surpassed all previous Senate’s in history, passing 201 bills and clearing 138 public petitions.

On 6 June 2019, Saraki gave the valedictory speech at the final plenary of the 8th Senate.

In 2011, Saraki declared his candidacy for the Peoples Democratic Party for the presidential primaries, but later stepped down in support of the Northern consensus candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Saraki is currently a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and was previously a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He defected from the All Progressives Congress on 31 July 2018, some days after 14 Senators defected to the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He blamed his defection on intolerance of the influential persons of his former party. Saraki declared his presidential campaign for the PDP presidential ticket in the 2019 election, but lost at the primaries to Atiku Abubakar.

He was subsequently announced as the Director General of Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign for the 2019 presidential election, which he lost to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari. As a result of a 2018 anti-Saraki dynasty sentiment called the Ó To Ge Movement, Saraki lost his senatorial seat to APC’s Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe. He polled a total of 68,994 votes against Oloriegbe’s 123,808 votes in the 4 Local Government Areas of Kwara Central Senatorial District, a huge margin of more than 54,000 votes. In January 2022, Saraki declared he was running for the office of the president under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 General election.

He was defeated by Atiku Abubakar who pulled the highest votes with 371 votes, followed by Nyesom Wike with 237 votes and Saraki with 70 votes at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary election which held at MKO Abiola National stadium, Abuja on 28 and 29 May 2022.

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Dr Bukola Saraki has consistently fought and rejected all claims of Corruption against his person, and has won a series of court cases to that effect— He has also described the allegations as political vendettas and “witch-hunts” Unlike most of his political contemporaries, Saraki was significantly wealthy having earned a sizeable fortune from successful business ventures before joining Politics in 2000.

In July 2018, the Supreme Court of Nigeria absolved Saraki of all charges brought against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria – declaring that Saraki’s asset declarations throughout his public service career were “accurate and correct”.

City People

As People’s Democratic Party’s crisis deepens on daily basis with different intrigues coming from different quarter where party defection has open lots of can of worms within political caucus.

It is no longer news that former Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his successor, the current governor of Delta State Obovwerev defected to All Progressives Congress from the People’s Democratic Party’s in grand style.

Reactions have trailed the decision of both former PDP members to dump the party for the ruling party in the country.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Timi Frank, on Wednesday revealed that the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa lobbied to be presidential running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2023 elections.

Frank stated this in a statement while reacting to a statement credited to Okowa that he “regrets” accepting to be presidential running mate.

He said Okowa’s position was an “afterthought” since he was not only desperate to be running mate to Atiku but fought, begged and lobbied for the position.

Frank added, “It is understandable that Okowa is fighting the battle of his life to evade prosecution by the EFCC over corruption allegations against him but to make Nigerians believe that he now “regrets” taking up the position of vice Presidential candidate of the PDP in 2023 is not only an afterthought but cowardice in full bloom.

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“We know how Okowa begged, fought and lobbied to get the position.

“This is not Okowa’s first attempt at a high-level betrayal. The tale of how he stabbed ex-Governor James Ibori, his erstwhile godfather, in the back because of power is still fresh in our memory.

“Many of us know how Okowa emerged as Vice Presidential candidate which he was not meant to be because few of us ever wanted him, we believed he did not have the capacity and experience to become vice president.

“Therefore, Okowa lacks the rectitude to play the victim or feign regret over a job and position he desperately wanted.

“We are still of the opinion that if Wike had emerged in place of Okowa in 2023 as running mate to Atiku, perhaps PDP would be in government at the national level today but we lost out apparently because of the choice of this ungrateful Okowa who never brought real value or political capital to the table.”