Profile
Coalition: Tensions rise in ADC as Atiku faces pressure to withdraw presidential candidacy
In what can be characterized as a significant political maneuvering, there is an impending clash within the coalition surrounding the selection of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
The ADC, having recently emerged as a coalition party, finds itself at a crossroads, with three prominent politicians vying for the opportunity to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming electoral race.
The party has been witnessing intense political factionalism, with various camps attempting to secure the presidential nomination despite claims by party leaders that the ADC was not founded on personal ambition.
Tensions are escalating, however, as factions gear up to outmaneuver one another, especially given the backdrop of recent defections from other political parties.
A significant narrative has emerged regarding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, with allegations surfacing that he seeks to position himself as the ADC’s candidate.
Meanwhile, many party supporters argue for the importance of zoning the ticket to the southern region, given that the current president hails from the south. Opting for another candidate from the south could provide a strategic advantage, creating momentum for the party.
In this scenario, potential candidates like Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi find themselves in the spotlight.
Obi, with his substantial national support, seems to be the preferred choice among the electorate, while Amaechi struggles to extend his influence beyond his home state and is viewed as lacking significant political weight in other regions of the country.
Despite these considerations, recent developments suggest that neither Obi nor Amaechi stands a strong chance of securing the ticket, as pressure mounts on Atiku from certain party stakeholders to withdraw his candidacy in favor of one of the southern contenders.
An inside source within the party has noted that a significant confrontation may arise between Atiku’s camp and that of Peter Obi, given Atiku’s apparent ambitions to claim the party’s presidential nomination.
In a strategic move, Obi may opt to return to the Labour Party if his chances within ADC diminish further, particularly if Atiku were to select Amaechi as his running mate for the 2027 elections.
“Amaechi is primarily seeking relevance within the political landscape. He recognizes that his chances of obtaining the ticket are slim, but the real battle will occur between the factions of Atiku and Obi, as both sides are covertly strategizing for their advantage. However, it’s worth noting that there is significant distrust of Peter Obi among certain party insiders, and Atiku has made it clear he will not step aside for Obi. Some party stakeholders also express skepticism, suggesting that Obi may struggle against Tinubu, particularly given that northern voters are unlikely to support him in significant numbers. The dynamics of this election appear markedly different from 2023, when Obi garnered votes in northern regions.”the source said.
Meanwhile, The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified that the ongoing coalition talks are not centered on any individual candidate, including Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi, but focused on building a stronger alliance for Nigeria’s future.
The spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, revealed this in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Tuesday.
“The coalition has nothing to do with either Peter Obi or Atiku. They are just members like many others. The focus is not on them. And of course, it is within anyone’s right to have political ambitions or to run for any position,” he said.
A new National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress may emerge on Thursday during its National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, according to The PUNCH.
In June, former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, resigned as the party’s national chairman citing health issues but political analysts believe his exit from the party was tied to internal power play and strategic realignments within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Thereafter, Deputy National Chairman, Ali Dalori, was installed as the acting National Chairman of the party.
Multiple reliable party sources said key items on the meeting’s agenda include the selection of a national chairman, updates from the Constitution Review Committee, and party congresses among others.
The sources at the APC National Secretariat, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, disclosed that many party leaders were in favour of Ali Dalori continuing as the party’s acting chairman until a formal Elective Convention was held to choose a new National Working Committee members.
One of the sources added that party stakeholders, including members of the Progressives Governors Forum and the current National Working Committee, were all awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s decision on his final position on the party leadership.
The source added that former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, were the leading contenders as the North Central region stepped up its push for the next national chairman of the party to return to its region.
Prior to Ganduje, the APC had five previous chairmen: Chief Bisi Akande (2013–2014), Chief John Oyegun (2014–2018), Adams Oshiomhole (2018–2020), Mai Mala Buni (2020–2022), and Abdullahi Adamu (2022–2023).
Article 13.3 of the amended 2022 APC Constitution grants the NEC the authority to appoint the National Chairman and establish a Caretaker Committee, among other powers.
Article 13.3 (1i and ii) states, “The National Executive Committee of the Party shall be the Principal Executive body of the Party and shall perform the following functions: summon or convene the National Convention and prepare its agenda, discharge all functions of the National Convention in between National Conventions.”
Article 13.3 (B and C) adds, “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Constitution, the National Executive Committee shall have the power to set up a Caretaker Committee in place of any organ at all levels, except the National Advisory Council and National Convention, where in its opinion there is a compelling situation warranting such action in the overriding interest of the Party.
“Any such Committee shall have a defined tenure not exceeding twelve (12) months.”
As a result, on June 30, APC Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter, announced that the party’s NEC meeting would be held in Abuja on July 24 to address the selection of a National Chairman and other key issues.
Faunter said, “And during the meeting, if they so desire that a new chairman is nominated, we’ll also accept such nomination and then wait for the convention where the final position of the party will be made as far as the substantive chairman is concerned.
“So, that’s as much as I can tell you. And the date, the suggested date for the NEC meeting is the 24th of July, 2025. It’s going to be here (Abuja), on the premises of the APC.”
Lobbying
Meanwhile, one of our sources said the party leadership had informed President Tinubu and was now awaiting his guidance on the next steps.
He added that influential members of the party had started lobbying for their preferred candidates ahead of Thursday’s crucial NEC meeting, with Al-Makura, Yilwatda and interim chairman Dalori the top names.
He stated, “The NEC will hold as scheduled. Of course, a lot of issues will be discussed and resolved. The E-registration, updates from the Constitution Amendment Committee, congresses, by-elections, and the selection of a substantive National Chairman are all part of the agenda.
“It is not clear whether the NEC will announce the substantive National Chairman on Thursday, because, as we speak, some people are pushing for Dalori to continue as acting chairman until an Elective Convention brings in new NWC members at a later date. However, others are insisting that a new National Chairman should be announced on Thursday.
“So, the NEC will make that decision. Already, former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, and the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Yilwatda, are the major names being mentioned among party leaders.
“Preparations for the NEC meeting have been concluded. The President, who is the leader of the APC, has been briefed, and everyone is now waiting for him to give a directive on how and when the National Chairman will emerge and who that will be.”
The PUNCH learnt top party leaders met with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Monday but correspondent could not confirm what was discussed. However, there are indications that discussions were centred around who became the next party chairman at Thursday’s NEC.
Tinubu, who attended the last two NEC, is expected to also join the meeting on Thursday.
Multiple party officials believe a successor to Ganduje would emerge at the NEC meeting, claiming it was at a NEC meeting that Ganduje was also named the party chairman.
Another source stated that the NEC meeting would provide clear guidance to the party regarding the National Chairman and other key matters.
He stated, “The NEC is an important organ of the party. The Thursday meeting is very crucial because it will give a clearer direction on the substantive National Chairman of the APC.
“Al-Makura, even Yilwatda and other names have been mentioned. But the NEC’s decision, along with that of the President, will shed light on everything. One thing is certain: the APC will consolidate, and it will get better.”
Attempts to reach APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, for a response were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off as at the time of filing this report.
However, in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, APC Deputy Organising Secretary, Eze Duru, confirmed that the National Chairman and E-registration were part of the agenda for Thursday’s NEC meeting.
He stated, “Well, essentially, NEC is a usual meeting of the party as stipulated in the constitution of the party. We would address the issues around the E-registration to enable members register wherever they are, and then of course receive reports from the directorates of the party through the National Secretary, who will present reports of his stewardship. So, these are the major highlights of the meeting.
“Also, the issue of the substantive National Chairman is expected to be on the agenda.”
He explained that the E-registration would make it easier for Nigerians interested in joining the APC to register seamlessly.
The APC Deputy Organising Secretary added, “Yes, I would expect that the party would come out of the meeting better, stronger and sending a signal to Nigerians that we are prepared to do what is best and what is right by them, and then, of course, to position the party to give an account to the owners of the party through the NEC.
“That’s one part of what will come out of the meeting on Thursday and then also to show that we are keying into the IT space through the E-registration — to make it possible for members to be registered across board, as well as to be accountable. People will know that once you are a member of the party, wherever you are, you can be verified.”
N’Central preaches justice
In a related development, the North-Central APC Forum has called on President Tinubu and other party leaders to ensure that the position of the party’s National Chairman returned to the region during Thursday’s NEC meeting.
The appeal was made in a statement signed on Tuesday by the forum’s chairman, Saleh Zazzaga.
Zazzaga stressed that reinstating the position to the North-Central is the only fair and just decision, given the region’s historical role in the party.
“The North-Central has over the years played an important and strategic role in the progress and growth of the APC. Any decision contrary to returning the position of National Chairman to the region will amount to betrayal,” the statement read.
The forum maintained that the region rightfully deserved the position, citing the existing zoning arrangement and its significant contributions to the APC’s success.
It noted that former Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Adamu, became National Chairman in March 2022 when the position was zoned to the North-Central.
Adamu later resigned in July 2023, after which Ganduje from Kano State in the North-West took over in August 2023, before stepping down last month.
Highlighting the region’s electoral performance, the forum noted that the North-Central delivered the third-highest votes for Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election.
“Among the various geopolitical zones, the North-Central has the highest number of APC governors. APC controls five of the six North-Central states — Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, and Niger. Returning the chairmanship to the region is not a favour; it is well deserved,” the statement added.
The forum also rejected calls by the All Progressives Stakeholders Forum for the extension of Dalori’s tenure as acting chairman.
It warned that allowing Dalori, from the North-East to remain in office would amount to “robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
It dismissed fears that a leadership reshuffle could destabilise the party, arguing instead that appointing a chairman from the North-Central would “revitalise the APC and reinforce fairness and equity.”
“There are several capable personalities in the North-Central who can lead the party to greater heights. We appeal to President Bola Tinubu to choose any of them as National Chairman,” the forum stated.
N’West reacts
Reacting to calls by the North Central to be handed the party leadership, the party’s state chapters in Kaduna and Zamfara (North West), said the process to produce the next chairman should follow a democractic process.
The Publicity Secretary of the APC in Kaduna State, Salisu Wusono, said while the North Central demand was understandable, it should be guided by the party’s constitution and democratic principles.
“I am always compliant with the constitution of our party. So, if it is in order and in line with the constitution of our country, I don’t think there’s any problem.
“All we want is to act in accordance with democratic norms. Let us do everything we need to do base on the provisions of our party’s constitution. That’s all,” Wusono stated.
Also, the Zamfara APC Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, said the state chapter of the party was ready to accept whoever would be the next chairman, irrespective of where he came from, provided he would work for the progress of the party.
He said, “We are not happy with the resignation of our national chairman Dr Abdullahi Ganduje but we are ready to accept whoever is going to succeed him as our new leader provided that such person would use his position to promote peaceful coexistence and progress within the party.
“We will respect the national secretariat of the party regarding the appointment of a new national chairman for our great party.”
Former Governor of Rivers State, Celestine Omehia, has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, urging him to reduce his propensity for power and allow Governor Siminalayi Fubara to do his work.
Wike, during a media parley in Abuja on Tuesday, described Uche Secondus, Sen George Sekibo and other PDP leaders in Rivers State as “expired politicians and buccaneers” owing to their support for Fubara.
Reacting, Omehia, in a statement to journalists on Friday, described Wike’s uncontrolled outbursts as a product of a confused mind whose ambition of a third-term Governor was crashed by the people of Rivers State.
He said Wike is notorious for lying and disrespecting elders at will. Therefore, his outburst and criticisms against innocent people in Rivers State who are supporting the administration of Fubara are not surprising.
Omehia added that Wike’s excesses, inconsistencies and hallucinations had reached a shameful peak and advised him to face his job in Abuja as the state was not missing his presence and nuisance value.
He said, “The FCT Minister thought that he would continue to control and abuse the resources and governance of the state, but God, through the people, resisted the impeachment plot by his members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“Wike is notorious for lying against anyone, anytime and disrespects elders at will, so there is no surprise about his outburst and criticism against innocent personalities in Rivers State.
“Wike speaks from both sides of his mouth, he says something today and denies it tomorrow like a clown. I am not a buccaneer and my capacity to contribute to the growth and development of my state and country is not impaired.
“I wonder why he is pained by our support for the Governor and the Federal Government under President Tinubu. Does he want us to perpetually be at political war with everybody, even long after elections are over and governance taken over? Is it not madness?”
Popular Nigerian playwright and theatre director, Wole Oguntokun is dead.
Oguntokun, who was also a lawyer, passed away at the age of 56 on Wednesday.
Film director, Kayode Peters, shared the news on his Instagram page Thursday afternoon.
The post read, “I remember that year. I was just cutting my teeth as a professional theatre director. Your search for a director for your script brought you to the University of Lagos and I was your obvious choice
“I directed your first-ever performance story ‘Who is Afraid of Wole Soyinka’ at various theatres including The prestigious Muson Centre which was graced by the great @wolesoyinkaofficial himself
“Some months later, we started DBN TV’s first comedy series ‘Crossworld Blues’ which you produced and I directed.
“You moved to Canada and never stopped encouraging me to follow suit. I lost a friend, a thespian all through and through, a great mind, a writer so gifted, so loved. Nigeria just lost one of her brightest and bravest
“Is it a coincidence that you chose to leave on the day the world celebrated World Theatre Day?
“This hurts so bad Wole. Laspapi, our own ojojo. I will miss you so so much. Thank you for trusting me with your work. A good man is gone. Rest well my friend, my brother Wole Oguntokun @laspapi”
Born on July 15, 1967, late Wole Oguntokun held a position as a board member of Theaturtle, a Canadian theater company.
Having graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University, he was involved in the production and writing of the TV sitcoms ‘Crossworld Blues’ aired on DBN TV in 1999 and ‘Living Free’ on MBI television in 2002.
On a journey in the northern belt of Ghana, through the savannah stretching from Sawla to Damango, one discovers an innovative spark that has redefined the landscape of logistics in Ghana’s Northern regions.
Strait Research indicated that the African last-mile delivery market is poised to reach an impressive USD 2.35 billion in value, boasting a compelling Compound Annual Growth Rate of 8.45%.
In fact, the World Bank has identified logistics as a pivotal contributor to a nation’s overall economic development (Arvis et al., 2016).
Alongside other actors striving to tackle Ghana’s logistics and delivery challenges, YomYom stands out with a clear mission – connecting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to logistics solutions that are not only accessible but also affordable and sustainable.
With ever-changing local and global trade dynamics, Yom Yom has evolved to serve every corner of Northern Ghana. We leverage technology and local knowledge to improve efficiency and reach. YomYom utilizes advancements in mobile tech for route optimization, real-time order tracking, and efficient management of deliveries.
We also integrate local knowledge into our delivery processes to overcome potential hurdles presented by weather, local customs, and inconsistent addressing systems.
Over the years, we have shown a steady growth trajectory and impact, noticeably contributing to easing trade constraints in rural Ghana by providing a reliable and efficient delivery service. Our history is marked by a commitment to overcoming the hurdles of distance, infrastructure, and resources, making us a crucial aspect of daily life for businesses and consumers.
We acknowledge the myriad challenges that persist in Africa, from our poor road infrastructure to limited technological access and unfavorable policies that often hinder the growth of startups. It would, however, be an understatement not to recognize that these challenges have consistently presented formidable obstacles that we confront head-on.
Our unwavering team continues to demonstrate that the delivery sector in Africa is not merely surviving but thriving on resilience and adaptability. In the face of adversity, we have discovered that these challenges, once conquered, can be transformed into opportunities that drive progress and innovation.
Our approach is marked by our adaptability to the unique challenges presented by different regions. This adaptability is evident in our diversified delivery modes, which include the utilization of E-Bicycle vehicles and motorbikes.
These vehicles are particularly suited for maneuvering through rugged terrain and remote locations, ensuring that goods reach their destinations efficiently. We have also harnessed the power of technology to enhance our services. This involves the constant utilization of digital tools for route optimization and real-time order tracking. Our online ordering system enables users to place orders with ease and monitor the progress of their deliveries in real time.
We collaborate with locals who possess a deep understanding of the layout of the land. Their expertise in navigation is invaluable in ensuring successful deliveries. Overcoming the challenges posed by vast distances and dispersed populations, YomYom strategically locates centralized distribution centers in the country. Wherever you are, we have a nearby center to serve you and deliver to you with happiness. These hubs serve as pivotal points from which goods are dispatched directly to customers, significantly reducing delivery times, and improving overall efficiency.
Our delivery services have sparked a profound transformation in rural Ghana. These services have not only streamlined access to essential goods, eliminating the need for arduous journeys, but have also catalyzed economic growth by expanding market reach and fostering local commerce.
In addition to fostering prosperity, our expansion has created numerous job opportunities, both within the delivery service itself and in related industries. YomYom’s commitment extends to improving healthcare outcomes through the reliable delivery of medical supplies to remote areas.
The introduction of a digital interface has not only enhanced logistical efficiency but has also paved the way for digital literacy and inclusion, a vital aspect of modern development in rural regions. YomYom Delivery is a driving force in reducing inequality and paving the path for sustainable progress in rural communities in Ghana and beyond.
Mohammed Iddi
Founder, YomYom
2027: Why Peter Obi can’t secures PDP presidential candidate ticket? Reasons emerge
REVEALED: Why I rejected $17,000 bribe from fraudsters – Nigerian Police officer
Nigeria’s D’Tigress defeat Senegal to reach Afrobasket final
Nestle Nigeria deepens grassroots impact with women empowerment initiative
REVEALED: Who’s the oldest? Meet Nigerian governors and their ages
Over 90% of Nigerian mothers breastfeed, full details emerge
Fight Back: Kemi Badenoch breaks silence on media attack over reckless comments
Petrol War: Dangote’s proposal may increase fuel price to 5000/ltr, Nigerians warned
MTN Nigeria now most capitalized stock in Nigeria
Fresh crisis hits Rivers APC over LG primaries
News2 weeks agoWAEC sets release date for May\ June exam results
Worship2 weeks agoCCC Liberation choir hosts maiden Cantata, musical instrument launch
News2 weeks ago2027: Fresh Prophecy Revealed On FCT Minister Wike
Spotlights2 weeks ago2027: ‘I saw you on a mountain, standing alone’ – Fresh prophecy on Akwa Ibom governor emerges
Spotlights1 week agoREVEALED: Why Tinubu prefers Nentawe Yilwatda to Al-Makura, Dalori as APC Chairman
Sports2 weeks agoRashford to be denied dream welcome at Barcelona, reason emerges
Business1 week agoDStv, GOtv get new owners as MultiChoice sold in $3bn deal