Several factors and scenarios are influencing the prospects of President Bola Tinubu in the lead-up to the 2027 presidential election.

The suggestion of replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima with a Christian candidate from the northern region has generated considerable pressure within that zone, with certain factions advocating for the removal of the former Governor of Borno as Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 election.

Political stakeholders are calling for a balanced distribution of political offices, while religious leaders are also emphasizing the necessity of incorporating the principles of their faith into governance.

These dynamics could pose significant challenges for President Tinubu in the 2027 electoral race. Click link to continue reading article.

The Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum (NENF) has formally urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider any intentions of presenting another Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the upcoming 2027 general election.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, the organization, led by Dr. Dominic Alancha, articulated its position based on the necessity for national unity, the competitiveness of electoral processes, and the equitable representation of Nigeria’s religious and ethnic diversity.

NENF cautioned that replicating the 2023 presidential ticket, which featured President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, both of whom are Muslims, could exacerbate religious tensions and disenfranchise millions of Christian voters, particularly within the Middle Belt and northern minority regions.

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The forum, which asserts representation for 127 ethnic nationalities in the North, indicated that the introduction of a Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2027 could jeopardize the All Progressives Congress (APC) in critical battlegrounds such as Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, and portions of Southern Kaduna, Borno, Gombe, and Bauchi, where Christian voters constitute a significant majority.

While acknowledging the competence of Shettima, the forum posited that his inclusion on the ticket may insufficiently address the prevailing sentiments of exclusion among certain demographics.

They recommended that President Tinubu consider selecting a Northern Christian running mate from Plateau, Taraba, or Bauchi to enhance the APC’s appeal on a national scale.

Moreover, the group highlighted the potential for a united opposition ticket involving Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, warning that neglecting the aspect of religious balance could undermine the APC’s support base.

Nevertheless, NENF pledged to leverage its purported 20-million-strong network to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid, should he choose a credible and competent Christian candidate from the North as his running mate.

The group concluded by emphasizing that Nigeria is at a critical juncture, where economic hardship, insecurity, and sectarian violence necessitate leadership that genuinely reflects the nation’s diversity.

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As the political landscape intensifies in anticipation of the 2027 presidential election, speculation among political analysts has begun to explore the potential strategies of the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Gregory Obi.

It appears unlikely that Mr. Obi will secure the nomination within the coalition party, the African Democratic Congress.

The former governor of Anambra State transitioned from the People’s Democratic Party to the Labour Party in 2023, contesting against President Bola Tinubu, ultimately finishing third behind Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar. Click link to continue reading the article.

Due to the ongoing political turmoil within the Labour Party, despite Mr. Obi’s efforts to galvanize support through the “Obidient Movement,” he has aligned with other prominent politicians to form a coalition with the African Democratic Congress. Within this coalition, Atiku Abubakar is positioning himself as the primary presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

This situation has cultivated a sense of frustration among Mr. Obi’s supporters, particularly as Atiku Abubakar has maintained his preference to run as a northern candidate. Many members of the coalition have expressed concerns that Atiku’s stance may undermine the party’s ability to effectively challenge President Tinubu in the upcoming election.

In contrast, reports indicate that the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) is open to a merger with the coalition party, with the intent of mobilizing support against the incumbent president, Bola Tinubu.

An influential figure in this evolving political narrative is Rabiu Kwankwaso, the notable leader of the NNPP, who has recently advocated for collective action to dismantle President Tinubu’s administration in the upcoming elections.

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Sources closely associated with both factions suggest that Kwankwaso is actively pursuing alliances with key political figures, including Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai, in an effort to support a Southern presidential candidate, thereby enhancing the coalition’s competitiveness against President Tinubu.

A source within the coalition has indicated that any decisions regarding political zoning will be contingent upon an agreement between the two parties, as well as the establishment of several prerequisites before considering viable candidates from the Southern region. Notably, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has expressed his support for Mr. Obi’s candidacy, emphasizing his previous role in facilitating Tinubu’s electoral success in the northern region during the 2023 elections.

A critical question arises: will Kwankwaso, who harbors his own ambitions to unseat President Tinubu, be willing to relinquish his candidacy in favor of Peter Obi should he represent the NNPP? Furthermore, should the NNPP prevail in the 2027 elections, will Mr. Obi adhere to his commitment to serve a single term?

Both Nasir El-Rufai and Rabiu Kwankwaso are strategically maneuvering within the political arena, suggesting that the individual who agrees to serve as Mr. Obi’s running mate in 2027 may potentially position themselves for leadership in 2031, assuming Mr. Obi’s aspirations are not merely aspirational.

The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the suspension of former governor and current senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, due to allegations of engaging in activities contrary to party interests.

Daniel’s suspension was enacted alongside that of party chieftain Kunle Folarin, following a resolution by the State Working Committee (SWC) on Tuesday.

In a statement issued by the party’s Director of Publicity, Nuberu Olufemi, the APC articulated that the decision was made based on recommendations from disciplinary panels established by Ward 4 and Ward 6 in the Sagamu Local Government Area, the home of both Daniel and Folarin.

The party indicated that both individuals were summoned to appear before the panels to present their defenses but failed to respond to the summons or provide any written remarks. Their absence compelled the committees to proceed with witness testimonies and the evaluation of documentary evidence pertaining to their cases.

Additionally, the party alleged that Daniel and Folarin endeavored to obstruct the proceedings by intimidating members and exerting pressure on them to retract petitions filed against them.

The SWC, led by Chief Yemi Sanusi, reviewed the findings and formally ratified the indefinite suspension of the two individuals, emphasizing that this action was essential to uphold the principles of party discipline and integrity.

“The suspensions were enacted due to their noncompliance with the investigative process and attempts to interfere with the proceedings. The party is steadfast in its commitment to maintaining discipline and enforcing its constitution,” the statement concluded.

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The political landscape is becoming increasingly charged as the 2027 presidential race takes shape, particularly with the emerging figures from Kano State who are mobilising against the incumbent, President Bola Tinubu.

A pivotal player in this evolving drama is Rabiu Kwankwaso, the prominent leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). He has recently issued a clarion call to arms, aiming to dismantle Tinubu’s regime in the upcoming elections.

In a significant announcement, Buba Galadima, a key figure within the NNPP, made it clear that Kwankwaso, who previously ran for the presidency, is resolutely opposed to any form of alliance with President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in preparation for the 2027 elections.

‘I need a husband open to threesomes’

Galadima criticized the Tinubu administration, suggesting that both Kwankwaso and the NNPP have been subjected to unjust treatment, which strengthens their resolve for significant political change.

Sources closely tied to both factions indicate that Kwankwaso is actively seeking to forge alliances with prominent political figures, notably Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai, among others.

This coalition aims to back a Southern presidential candidate, enabling them to establish a competitive stance against Tinubu and mount a serious challenge for the presidency.

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Further discussions reveal that Kwankwaso is contemplating specific terms for a merger with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), highlighting the necessity for robust collaboration among various opposition parties to present a formidable challenge in 2027.

A source familiar with the situation remarked, “Kwankwaso is fully committed to the 2027 campaign. Any potential collaboration with Tinubu has been dismissed completely. The previous negotiations for defection have collapsed, and now, all parties involved are preparing to maintain their positions as the political climate intensifies.”

The source further noted that Kwankwaso has set forth multiple conditions that have not been fulfilled by Tinubu, leading him to withdraw from any negotiations with the APC.

“The battle for Kano State and, by extension, national political relevance, is approaching. Even though it is yet to be confirmed whether Kwankwaso will relinquish his presidential ambitions to support a Southern candidate from a potential merger, he has ruled out serving as a running mate to anyone from the coalition,” the source added.

Moreover, there are reports of discontent among certain ADC members who oppose the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar, particularly due to his Northern background. These members may consider defecting to the NNPP in pursuit of a Southern presidential ticket.

Complicating matters, Nasir El-Rufai’s insistence on his own presidential aspirations may further divide support within Atiku’s camp, potentially hindering the party’s prospects of displacing President Tinubu in the forthcoming elections.

‘I need a husband open to threesomes’

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Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has sparked speculation regarding his departure from the recently adopted coalition political platform, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

El-Rufai had, in recent weeks, joined several opposition leaders—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi—in endorsing the ADC as their political platform in anticipation of the 2027 elections.

He has urged constituents from Chikun/Kajuru federal constituency, as well as Zaria Kewaye and Basawa state constituencies, to cast their votes for the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

However, in a notable shift, he has called upon the electorate in Zaria and Chikun to support the SDP in the upcoming by-election scheduled for Saturday, August 16. This election is intended to assess the opposition’s strength as preparations for the 2027 general election continue.

It is worth noting that El-Rufai’s political trajectory includes a defection to the SDP after leaving the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, following his arrival in the SDP, the party encountered a leadership crisis, and El-Rufai has maintained a silence regarding his membership status and the allegations directed at him.

Moreover, during a recent visit to Sokoto, the former governor participated in two significant events aimed at mobilizing public awareness among constituents and political stakeholders with the objective of unseating President Tinubu and the APC in the forthcoming general election.

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In his address at these events, El-Rufai criticized the incumbent administration, characterizing it as a “failed, clannish, and visionless government” that has exacerbated Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

He declared that it was time for Nigerians to rise against the APC and accused the party of ‘broken promises and elite conspiracy’.

He warned that any move to vote for the APC beyond 2027 would be a greater doom for the country.

However, in a sharp turn, the former governor, in a video posted on his social media page ahead of the by-election, urged the people in the constituencies where the poll will be held in Kaduna on Saturday, August 16, to vote for the SDP rather than the ADC he went to Sokoto to canvass for.