2026

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, says opposition leaders will work with whoever Nigerians elect as president in a free, fair and credible 2027 election. Obi made the statement in Abuja at the commissioning of the presidential campaign headquarters of Allied Peoples Movement, APM, candidate Seyi Makinde. He said individual political ambitions should not stand in the way of efforts to rescue the country, stressing that opposition candidates are not desperate for power. Obi, who described Makinde as qualified to become president, said whoever wins the 2027 election genuinely will receive the support of other opposition leaders to build a better Nigeria. He said the country’s economic and security challenges require politicians to put the interests of citizens above personal ambitions. Obi said Nigerians are struggling with poverty, hunger and insecurity, adding that political competition should not lead to hostility among opposition figures. He also expressed support for a Nigeria where citizens can succeed regardless of their background or connections. Meanwhile, Makinde dismissed claims that his presidential ambition should not be taken seriously, recalling that similar doubts were expressed before he became governor of Oyo State. The APM candidate said those who dismiss his presidential bid are also discounting the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerians seeking a better country. Makinde said his “Reset Nigeria” campaign will take its message to homes, markets, schools, offices, farms, factories and communities. He also called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s resources, saying increased national wealth must translate into improved living conditions for citizens. Makinde clarified that he is not advocating a return to the old fuel subsidy regime, but wants Nigerians to benefit more from the country’s status as an oil-producing nation through transparent pricing and domestic refining. Bauchi State Governor and APM National Leader, Bala Mohammed, described the 2027 election as an opportunity to build a new Nigeria. Mohammed said Makinde has demonstrated the leadership capacity needed to “reset Nigeria,” while APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, described the opening of the campaign headquarters as the formal beginning of the party’s 2027 presidential campaign.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has dismissed allegations of irregularities in its candidate selection and financing ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party says there are no illegal payments or favouritism in its processes, maintaining that donations, levies and contributions from members, aspirants and supporters are lawful and provided for in its constitution. In a statement, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, says all contributions are paid directly into designated party accounts, properly receipted and managed by the appropriate organs. The party also denies claims that its National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, demands or receives money from aspirants for personal use. It says the presidential and vice-presidential tickets are offered free of charge, rejecting allegations that its tickets are being sold to aspirants. The NDC says it will provide a full account of its finances in line with the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The party describes its fundraising efforts as necessary for building its structures and supporting its electoral activities ahead of the 2027 elections. It has also threatened legal action against individuals it accuses of spreading false information about its finances and candidate selection process.

Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement, APM, Seyi Makinde, says those dismissing his 2027 presidential ambition cannot discount the millions of Nigerians whose votes will determine the country’s political future. Makinde speaks in Abuja while commissioning the APM presidential campaign headquarters, where he unveils the “Reset Nigeria” campaign, focused on transparency, accountability and ensuring that the country’s resources translate into improved living conditions. He also clarifies his position on petrol pricing, saying he is not advocating a return to fuel subsidy but wants Nigerians to benefit directly from the crude oil produced in the country. Makinde calls for transparency in crude production, domestic allocation, refining, transportation, distribution, taxes and retail margins, saying Nigerians should understand how the final pump price of petrol is determined. He says the campaign will engage traders, farmers, workers, business owners and young people, urging Nigerians to ask questions, challenge ideas and participate actively in the political process. Peter Obi backs Makinde’s presidential bid Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, says Makinde is qualified to contest the presidency and urges Nigerians to freely choose their leaders. Obi says political competition should focus on solving Nigeria’s challenges rather than deepening divisions, stressing the need to reduce poverty and improve the lives of citizens. Not every candidate is electable — Daura APM vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura, urges Nigerians to distinguish between candidates who are legally qualified to contest elections and those capable of winning. Daura also calls on opposition parties to focus on issues rather than attacking one another, saying their cooperation should produce what he describes as a “qualitative opposition” that benefits Nigerians. Disregard us at your own peril — Bala Mohammed APM National Leader and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, says the commissioning of the campaign headquarters demonstrates the party’s seriousness ahead of the 2027 election. Mohammed warns that anyone who disregards the party is doing so at their own peril, while praising Makinde’s record in Oyo State and his experience in the private sector and oil and gas industry. He also calls for party loyalty, supremacy and unity among members, urging Nigerians to put the country first.

A Kaduna-based Muslim-Christian group has expressed support for the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, over his recent comments about the administration of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. The Kaduna State Muslim-Christian Network for Good Governance described Musa’s remarks as an honest assessment of the former governor’s administration. The group accused the El-Rufai government of divisive policies, insecurity, demolitions and actions against traditional rulers and workers. The group also accused the former governor of using religion as a political tool, particularly during elections. It said Musa’s comments reflected the experiences of many residents during El-Rufai’s time in office. The network urged Kaduna residents to support the current state government’s efforts to promote unity, fairness and inclusiveness.