In a statement released on Monday, Lawal said his decision to leave the party was informed by what he described as widespread irregularities during the primaries. According to him, the outcomes of the elections were predetermined and influenced to benefit Atiku and his supporters.

He alleged that the party’s internal processes were compromised, claiming that in some instances, election results were altered and winners replaced with candidates preferred by a particular group within the party.

Lawal expressed disappointment over what he described as the state of affairs within the ADC, saying he could not remain in a political environment that, in his view, tolerates unfair practices.

He stated that remaining in the party would amount to endorsing a structure capable of deploying similar tactics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former SGF also said his personal convictions and political principles no longer aligned with the direction of the party. He noted that he joined the ADC with the intention of contributing to national development but had become concerned about what he sees as a decline in internal democracy within the party.

Lawal said he would take time to reassess his political future and consult with like-minded individuals on the next steps. He added that he intends to focus on personal activities, including farming in his home community, while keeping an eye on political developments ahead of the next general elections.

The statement partly reads, “I am exiting the ADC because its just concluded primaries were at all levels massively rigged in favour Kachalla Abubakar Atiku. I sense a conspiracy of silence of which i want no part of Most members of the party are behaving as if this is the normal thing to do. Results were just written or rewritten to favour him and his coven. Even where they allowed some semblance of election to hold, the winners were simply replaced with members of his syndicate. In the real sense it was a disgraceful charade.

“I am doing so because I do not intend to be part of Kachalla Atiku’s rigging machine in the 2027 general elections and I cannot avoid doing so if I remain in the party. The man and his cabal are just irredentist Fulani and religious hegemonists. For me, working for Kachalla Atiku means giving Tinubu an automatic ticket to a second term which gives me nightmares. I believe Tinubu might, comparatively speaking, end up a better Nigerian president than Kachalla Atiku could ever be (as bad as Tinubu currently is and possibly could ever be).

Reports had earlier suggested that Owoseni might not participate in the exercise over concerns surrounding the credibility of the process.

Sources within the party disclosed that the retired police officer decided to pull out due to alleged plans by certain interests to infiltrate the party structure and destabilise the primaries through violence.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Owoseni said he was stepping aside from the Accord Party after observing what he described as troubling developments within the party.

“I speak with a heavy but resolute heart,” he stated while addressing members and supporters of the party.

Owoseni also expressed sympathy to families affected by the recent attack in Ogbomoso, describing the security situation in the state as disturbing.

“I commiserate deeply with the families of those who were gruesomely murdered during the attack,” he said.

According to him, the current security challenges facing the country should ordinarily dominate public discourse rather than political activities.

However, he noted that he owed his supporters an explanation regarding his decision to withdraw from the race.

“Within the past twelve hours, ongoing developments in the party point to orchestrated plans to ensure that our gubernatorial aspiration via the platform of the Accord Party is not achieved,” he stated.

Owoseni accused unnamed political forces of infiltrating and manipulating the Accord Party structure in Oyo State in a bid to sustain political control.

“The first is the total infiltration and manipulation of the Party structure, especially at the State level, by elements within the State who will go to any lengths to ensure that perpetuity in government is sustained,” he said.

He further alleged that thuggery and violence were being introduced into the process to frustrate the conduct of the primaries.

“Secondly, thuggery and violence are emerging as instruments to destabilise the Party to ensure that the entire process is stalemated,” he added.

The former police commissioner assured supporters that his decision does not signal the end of his political ambition, insisting that the pursuit of better governance for the people remains his priority.

Owoseni thanked his supporters for standing by him since the beginning of the political journey and appealed for their understanding over his withdrawal from the party’s governorship contest.

The Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba has urged the former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan not to join the 2027 race, warning that a return to partisan politics could diminish the statesmanlike reputation and good name he currently enjoys across Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

He made this statement in Abuja while delivering his address to the first session of the thirteenth Synod of the Diocese of Abuja. He said Jonathan had already secured a place in history as a symbol of democratic maturity and peaceful leadership, particularly following his widely commended concession of defeat in the 2015 presidential election.

“We don’t want you to spoil that good name and please, keep off for now, let them just play it. Be the senior citizen that you should be. We thank God for your life, not only for Nigeria but for the West Africa region, ECOWAS and Africa. You are a symbol that should stand, you are a hope for our generation; that it is possible for us to be civil, to lead with integrity and possible for us to pass on a worthy legacy to those coming after us”.

In his goodwill message, Dr. Jonathan called for national reflection, spiritual renewal and responsible leadership amid the country’s worsening social and security challenges.

According to him, many Nigerians have become desensitised to bloodshed and destruction, unlike in the past when tragic incidents provoked national outrage and collective grief.
He said, “As someone who has spent many years in public life and politics, I must confess that moments like this provide an opportunity for sober reflection on the state of our society.

“When we look around today, particularly at the challenges confronting our country, it is easy to become discouraged. Violence, insecurity, moral decline, and the loss of human values have become deeply troubling realities.

“What is even more painful is how society sometimes appears to normalise these tragedies as though they are ordinary occurrences. In times past, such incidents would shake the conscience of the nation.

“Today, people are killed, communities are destroyed, and life seems to continue as though nothing has happened. This ought not to be so. It is a reminder that society desperately needs moral direction, spiritual guidance, and a restoration of values.”

The former President emphasised that the Church remains crucial in shaping society and upholding moral standards, urging religious leaders to continue speaking the truth and defending righteousness.

He also warned about the growing influence of negative values through technology and modern information systems, saying many harmful behaviours are now glorified in society.

“That is why the role of the Church remains indispensable. The Church must continue to stand as the conscience of society, speaking truth, defending righteousness, and shaping lives through faith and godly example.

“The influence of modern technology and information systems, though beneficial in many ways, has also contributed to the spread of negative values where wrong is sometimes celebrated more than good. This is not the future we should desire for our children and generations yet unborn,” he added.

“Permit me to also say that leadership matters greatly in moments like this. Society progresses when men and women of integrity, courage, and vision stand in the right places and speak the truth. We must continue to pray for our leaders, encourage one another, and work collectively for peace, justice, and national renewal,” Jonathan said.

The Church, through the Most Rev’d Dr. Emmanuel Egbunu, Bishop of Lokoja Diocese prayed for the former president using him as a point of contact to other leaders of the nation.

Makinde made the announcement on Thursday during a joint mega-rally of the People’s Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement held at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

“The time to reset Nigeria is now. Therefore, today, I, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, announce my candidacy for the position of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

The governor said Nigeria’s current situation has continued to deteriorate, leaving many citizens in survival mode, while accusing those in government of failing in their responsibilities to the people.

“This is why, for the past several months, one question has been at the top of my mind: where do we go from here? Is this how we should continue as a nation?” he asked.

Makinde also stated that opposition forces in the country represent ordinary Nigerians who are struggling under the current economic realities, adding that claims that the opposition cannot unite have been proven wrong.

According to him, the alliance between the PDP and APM would allow both platforms to field candidates across all levels in the 2027 general elections.

“So today in Ibadan, the first grand alliance is formed — the alliance of the PDP and the Allied Peoples Movement,” he said.

He added that the partnership would enable candidates to contest from the presidency down to state assembly positions under a coordinated arrangement.

Makinde was earlier reported to have led a faction within the PDP in Oyo State to sign a memorandum of understanding with the APM as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.

The agreement was signed by Makinde and the National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Dantalle, formalising the strategic alliance ahead of the polls.

punch

Obi made the statement during an interview scheduled to air on News Central TV on Thursday, stressing that he had no intention of remaining in office beyond a single term.

“I want to be a one-term president because of stability. I would not stay a day, with a gun to my head, longer than four years,” he said in a clip from the interview circulating online.

The former Anambra State governor also criticised the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly issues relating to borrowing, inflation and the rising cost of living.

According to Obi, Nigeria is currently facing one of its most difficult economic periods in recent history.

Obi contested the 2023 presidential election under the platform of the Labour Party, finishing behind Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party.

Since the election, Obi has remained one of the leading opposition voices, frequently speaking against the current administration’s economic reforms and policies.

Cruz, in a statement released on Friday after President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” said he had introduced legislation to reinforce the U.S. government’s stance and hold accountable those responsible for the alleged religious oppression.

He said, “I am deeply gratified to President Trump for making this determination. I have fought for years to counter the slaughter and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, and this year introduced legislation that will lock in the designation made today.”

According to him, the bill would strengthen measures against Nigerian officials accused of enabling an environment where Christians face targeted violence and discrimination.

“Today’s designation is a critical step in holding accountable and changing the behaviour of Nigerian officials who have facilitated and created an environment conducive to the outrages in Nigeria. My legislation implements additional steps, including targeting those who implement blasphemy and sharia laws in Nigeria, and I am committed to working with the administration and my colleagues to advance my bill and implement these necessary measures,” he stated.

Cruz also commended President Trump’s leadership, saying, “Today’s decision by President Trump is a great one, and I thank him for his strong leadership.”

Trump’s declaration came after he alleged that thousands of Christians have been killed by radical Islamist groups in Nigeria, describing the situation as a growing threat to Christianity.

He warned that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” calling for immediate investigations and policy actions.

However, both the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Presidency have dismissed the allegations of a Christian genocide.

While CAN described the reports as false narratives peddled by foreign agents, the Presidency insisted that there is no religious war taking place in the country.

TRIBUNE

Despite the ruling on July 4, 2025, which ordered her reinstatement, the Senate has stated it will not take action until it officially receives and reviews the complete judgment.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, confirmed that an official request has been submitted for the CTC, and no enforcement can occur until all parties are formally served.

Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has expressed her intention to return to her legislative duties this coming Tuesday, thanking her supporters.

The court had found her in contempt for a satirical Facebook post concerning Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which violated a previous court order, and consequently imposed a ₦5 million fine.

Her initial suspension in March stemmed from a disagreement over seating arrangements and subsequent allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio.

Justice Binta Nyako, in her ruling, emphasized that the extended suspension was procedurally incorrect and infringed upon the constitutional right of the Kogi Central people to representation.

Vanguard

My family’s story is deeply woven into the Lagos fabric. My father and his three siblings grew up here. It’s where he met and married my mother, and together they raised five children—myself, the second. We are not strangers in this state. My parents and siblings speak Yoruba fluently, complete with proverbs and cultural nuance. Two of my sisters are married into Yoruba families—one to an engineer from Oye-Ekiti, the other to a lawyer from Ijebu-Igbo. I grew up in various Lagos neighborhoods, adopted its slang, lived its culture, and found my voice in its rhythm.

In many ways, I reflect the spirit of Lagos: diverse, grounded, and forward-looking. Just like the 1990s Fuji icon Sunny T Adesokan—our Igbo kinsman known as “Okoro to n ko Fuji”—I proudly identify as Omo Eko.

Now to the matter at hand.

In less than two years, the current Lagos administration will conclude its tenure, and attention is already shifting to the 2027 governorship race. Among the leading names emerging in discussions both online and offline is Femi Gbajabiamila, the current Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu. His growing appeal is no surprise. For over 20 years, Gbajabiamila has been a consistent presence in Nigerian politics, demonstrating competence, charisma, and vision.

Since his first election in 2003 to represent Surulere I Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, up to his 2023 transition to the presidency’s inner circle, Gbajabiamila has proven to be a committed public servant. As an opposition leader, he was a bold, strategic voice who offered credible policy alternatives during the PDP era. As Majority Leader and later Speaker, he brought people together across party lines, championing laws that addressed real issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.

One of his most impactful contributions is the revitalized student loan scheme, from which over 500,000 students have benefited. The Access to Higher Education Act, which established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, is his initiative—aimed at closing economic and gender gaps in tertiary education. This underscores his belief in the power of education and youth empowerment.

He also advocated for prepaid electricity meters when many Nigerians were suffering under the unfair estimated billing system. Going up against powerful, elite-backed electricity companies took courage and principle—qualities he has consistently displayed. Similarly, during the COVID-19 crisis, Gbajabiamila led the charge for the Emergency Economic Stimulus Bill, designed to soften the blow of the pandemic on Nigerians’ livelihoods.

His influence extends well beyond legislative chambers. Through far-reaching constituency empowerment programs, Gbajabiamila has transformed lives. From distributing cars, laptops, and work tools to artisans and traders, to awarding education grants and initiating vital infrastructure—his work has directly improved everyday lives. Projects like the Femi Gbajabiamila Hall of Residence at UNILAG and the Femi Gbajabiamila General Hospital in Surulere stand as living proofs of his investment in people.

Lagos needs a leader who understands its pulse, respects its diversity, and can translate vision into action. Gbajabiamila fits that description. His pan-Nigerian mindset makes him uniquely suited to govern a city of many cultures and voices. His solid educational background—including degrees from the University of Lagos, John Marshall Law School, and leadership programs at Cambridge, Stanford, Oxford, and Harvard—equips him with both legal expertise and global insight.

With him at the helm, Lagos can become a smarter, safer, and more inclusive city. His legal and legislative knowledge will help drive policy with precision, while his commitment to education, infrastructure, and healthcare will uplift every corner of the state. His global exposure positions him to attract investment and forge partnerships that will propel Lagos to new heights.

This message is both a public reflection and a direct appeal to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC): Lagos stands to gain immensely by backing a man whose career has consistently shown what responsive, people-focused leadership looks like.

To my fellow Igbo and southeasterners living in Lagos: let us not be silent spectators. Our presence, contributions, and voices are integral to the life of this city. Supporting Gbajabiamila in 2027 is not only wise—it is necessary. It signals our commitment to unity, progress, and collective prosperity. Lagos welcomed us. Let’s help lead it into a brighter future.

This isn’t just an endorsement—it’s a heartfelt call to come together, across backgrounds and boundaries, behind a leader who sees Lagos for what it truly is: a place for everyone.

– Albert Nwoye, a lawyer, writes from Lagos.

Each of the 16 candidates vying for the state’s highest office will now be mandated to pay the campaign fee to secure a comprehensive campaign permit.

This substantial fee is necessary for candidates to engage in any form of visual promotion, including the display of campaign materials and the organization of political rallies across the state.

According to ANSAA, this newly instituted fee is part of a broader strategy aimed at ensuring orderliness throughout the campaign period, preventing the indiscriminate misuse of public spaces, and safeguarding vital state infrastructure from potential damage.

The agency emphasized that the N50 million payment will cover the legitimate use of a wide array of campaign materials across all 21 local government areas within Anambra State. This comprehensive permit is intended to streamline the outdoor advertising landscape during the intense electioneering period.

In an effort to maintain professional standards and ensure compliance, ANSAA has also mandated that only advertising structures managed by professionals officially licensed by ARCON will be permitted for use.

The agency has issued a stern warning regarding potential consequences for non-compliance with these new regulations. ANSAA underscored its foundational mandate, reminding the public of its establishment in 2010 with the core responsibility of regulating all advertising and signage activities within Anambra State.