2026

The Lagos State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Funso Doherty, had expressed confidence that he would defeat the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 governorship election. Doherty said his decision to join the NDC was based on the party’s emphasis on accountability, prudent governance and service to the people. He criticised the APC-led administration, saying Lagos residents still faced challenges in welfare, security, education, healthcare, transportation and housing. He argued that the state needed a different approach to governance after decades of one-party dominance. The NDC candidate also promised to expand technical education, improve public healthcare and provide more affordable housing. He said his administration would also reduce the cost of governance and ensure better salaries for civil servants. Doherty urged Lagos residents, particularly young people, to participate actively in the 2027 election, saying increased voter turnout would give citizens a stronger opportunity to demand good governance.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has dismissed claims by Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso that President Bola Tinubu could be defeated in the 2027 presidential election. Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, said the APC remained confident of winning the presidential, governorship and other elections in Kaduna State. Musa, who spoke on Thursday, rejected claims that northern voters were turning against the ruling party and defended Tinubu’s economic policies. He said the President had taken painful decisions which would eventually produce positive results. Meanwhile, Peter Obi warned that voters would resist any attempt to manipulate the 2027 election and urged Nigerians to ensure their votes counted. Kwankwaso also cautioned against assuming that control of state governments would guarantee victory at the presidential level. APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, however, described the opposition’s claims as “cheap talk” and “wishful thinking,” insisting that Nigerians would re-elect President Tinubu.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has pledged to maintain peace in the state throughout the 2027 electioneering period. The governor made the pledge in Bauchi after returning from an official engagement in Abuja, where he called on political parties and their supporters to obey electoral laws and guidelines issued by INEC. Mohammed said his party, the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, would comply with the rules governing political activities and urged other parties to do the same. He called for campaigns to focus on policies, programmes and ideas that could improve the lives of citizens, rather than personal attacks, violence and political provocation. The governor disclosed that some of his campaign posters and billboards had been destroyed by political opponents, but said he had chosen not to retaliate. He stressed that his restraint should not be seen as weakness, adding that his position as governor would not be used to persecute opponents or settle political scores. Mohammed urged traditional rulers, security agencies and other stakeholders to remain impartial during the electioneering period, saying Bauchi’s reputation for peace must be protected. He assured residents that his administration would continue taking steps to preserve peace and prevent political activities from triggering violence or security challenges.