Prominent Kwara Cleric Warns APC, PDP Against Zoning 2027 Governorship Ticket Outside Ilorin, Traditional Rulers Back Kwara North Power Shift

Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kwara state, Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Labeeb Agbaji has warned political parties against zoning the governorship ticket outside Ilorin, stressing that doing so could result in electoral failure. While the cleric emphasized Ilorin’s central role in state development, leaders from Kwara North, including traditional rulers, are pushing for a historic power shift due to insecurity and underdevelopment in the region. The Emir of Yashikira and other monarchs highlighted the need for local security models and equitable governance, with Kwara South rulers expressing support for the initiative, signaling growing consensus for a Kwara North governor in 2027.

Senator Buhari Announces 2027 Oyo Governorship Bid

Senator AbdulFatai Buhari, the three-term lawmaker representing Oyo North and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Land Transport, has officially thrown his hat in the ring for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking in Ibadan on Saturday, the senator revealed he will not seek a fourth term in the Senate, choosing instead to channel his energy into the governorship race an ambition he described as one guided by faith, not desperation.

Buhari appealed to Oyo State residents to prioritize competence, proven records, and delivery capacity over zoning or sectional sentiments, saying:

“I have said it that I’m no longer interested in the Senate seat again because I also want to take a shot at the governorship. I am not desperate; I leave it to God, and I am looking unto God to do it for me.

“I want the people of Oyo State to look beyond where a candidate comes from and focus on performance, competence, experience, and the ability to take our state to greater heights.”

Kwara Governor Accused of Paying Monarchs Millions to Back 2027 Agenda Amid Worsening Insecurity

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reportedly approved millions of naira for first-class traditional rulers to secure their endorsement of his 2027 succession plan. Sources say the monarchs are being mobilised for a coordinated visit to President Tinubu to publicly support the governor’s zoning agenda favouring Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu. The alleged political manoeuvre comes as insecurity worsens across Kwara North and South, with rampant kidnappings, killings, and community attacks. Youth groups and stakeholders have criticised the monarchs for prioritising politics over the safety and welfare of residents.

PDP Crisis: Wike’s Camp Insists National Chairman Must Stay in North-Central, Demands Fresh Congresses

Prominent members of the PDP, loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, have declared that the office of the National Chairman must remain in the North-Central zone, stressing that fairness and inclusivity must guide the party ahead of its national convention.

Meeting in Abuja on Monday night, the leaders — including former governors Samuel Ortom, Ayo Fayose, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, and others — demanded fresh congresses in Ebonyi, Anambra, and Ekiti states to resolve lingering disputes.

They warned that any attempt to ignore their resolutions could render the convention invalid and deepen divisions within the party.

“For peace and stability, the office of the National Chairman must remain in the North-Central in line with the 2021 zoning arrangement,” the communiqué read.

2027 Elections: Senator Hints at Goodluck Jonathan’s Return as PDP’s Hope

As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 presidential election, speculations about the possible return of former President Goodluck Jonathan are gaining traction.

A senator has hinted that Jonathan could be the strongest option for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing his potential candidacy as “good luck” for the party.

The development comes amid heightened political activity, with several influential figures across regions declaring interest in the presidency. Adding to the tension, a prominent prophet recently issued a stern warning to a particular politician, advising against contesting the upcoming polls — a message that has stirred widespread discussion.

With growing anticipation, political observers say the next election could mark a decisive moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, especially as debates around zoning, regional support, and party strategies continue to intensify.

BREAKING: The City of Tshwane has begun demolishing two illegally constructed high-rise complexes owned by Nigerian developer George Asaba after the Gauteng High Court ruled them unsafe and unlawful.

The court said the buildings on Luttig Street, Pretoria West violated zoning and safety regulations, branding them a health hazard. Asaba’s appeal was dismissed in April, and he has been ordered to cover demolition costs.

Officials hailed the move as a major victory against illegal developments, stressing that Tshwane will continue cracking down on unauthorised structures.

#SouthAfrica #Tshwane #CourtRuling

PDP Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket to South, Retains Chairmanship in North.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that its 2027 presidential ticket will be zoned to the South, while the party’s chairmanship will remain in the North.

The decision was reached during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, where Umar Damagum was also confirmed as National Chairman. Damagum, who had been acting chairman since the suspension of Senator Iyorchia Ayu in March 2023, previously served as PDP Deputy National Chairman (North). Zoning has long been a divisive issue in the PDP. In 2023, the party threw its presidential ticket open, a move that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as candidate but triggered internal cr+sis.

Nyesom Wike, then governor of Rivers State, opposed the decision and ultimately backed Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who went on to win the election. The ruling APC has since adopted Tinubu as its presidential candidate for 2027.

Against this backdrop, Wike—now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory—warned in May 2025 that fielding a northern candidate would be disastrous for the PDP.

“As a party, come out openly now (and say) our presidential candidate will also come from the South? You don’t want to do that; you want to play the same game you played in 2023. It will backfire, and when it backfires, you will say these people did this, these people did that. “I have told people: this smartness will not help you.

Come out now and let everybody know this is where we are heading. This is not the time to send the presidency to the North. No,” he said at a media parley in Abuja on May 12. He further cautioned, “The point is that selfishness can kill a system. If Mr President runs, for example, and wins in 2027, by 2031, the APC will zone their presidential ticket to the North.

The PDP will do what then? Then you’ll come back and say, since the APC has zoned it to the North, let’s keep it in the North. What kind of smartness is that?”

PDP Members Pushing For Northern Ticket Are Selfish – Bode George

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has slammed members agitating for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to be zoned to the North, calling them selfish and manipulative.

Speaking on Channels TV’s Lunchtime Politics on Tuesday, George praised PDP governors and the National Executive Council (NEC) for zoning the ticket to the South while retaining the chairmanship in the North.

“Unanimously, in that NEC meeting, we agreed to zone the ticket to the South for the next four years to complete eight years in the South. But human beings manipulate because they want to grab power, and it’s nothing but self-centredness,” he said.

He thanked the governors for what he described as a fair and balanced decision, insisting that fairness and equity must guide the party’s future.

On dissenting figures like Nyesom Wike and Seyi Makinde, who worked against the PDP in 2023, George said the party would give them time to “roll back and fall in line” but warned that the sledgehammer awaits those who refuse.

The PDP’s decision comes as the APC has already endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027.

#PDP #BodeGeorge #Politics #2027Elections

PDP Zoning: Obi Must Be Wary Of ADC, Adibe Warns

Political analyst Prof. Jideofor Adibe has cautioned presidential hopeful Peter Obi to tread carefully in his dealings with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, stressing that the party’s zoning stance for 2027 remains uncertain.

Speaking on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Adibe noted that while both the PDP and APC have zoned their 2027 presidential tickets to the South, the ADC is yet to decide — leaving room for northern aspirants like Atiku Abubakar to push for the slot.

Atiku, a key ADC coalition member, has declared interest in running, a move seen as a direct challenge to southern contenders such as Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi.

“If I were Obi, I would be extremely suspicious,” Adibe said, describing the political game as a “chess match” where vigilance and strategic foresight are essential.

He added that Obi is known for “not thinking on the surface” and likely has contingency plans, but warned that in the coming months the motives behind PDP’s zoning decision would become clearer.

The professor maintained that the unfolding scenario is a power struggle that could either strengthen or derail Obi’s 2027 ambition.

#Politics #PeterObi #PDP #ADC #2027Elections

2027: Peter Obi Warned To Be Cautious Of ADC Amid PDP Zoning Move

Political analyst Prof. Jideofor Adibe has cautioned presidential hopeful Peter Obi to be wary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as political alignments ahead of 2027 gather steam.

This comes after both the PDP and APC zoned their presidential tickets to the South, while the ADC remains undecided. With Atiku Abubakar eyeing the presidency under the coalition, analysts believe Obi and other southern aspirants like Rotimi Amaechi may face stiff competition.

Adibe described Obi as a strategic thinker but warned that navigating Nigeria’s political chessboard will require “vigilance, deep planning, and suspicion of alliances.”

PDP Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket To South, Keeps Chairmanship In North

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South while retaining the national chairmanship for the North.

This decision was made during the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, where members also affirmed Umar Damagum as the party’s substantive National Chairman.

Damagum, who first stepped in as acting chairman in March 2023 following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s suspension, previously served as the party’s Deputy National Chairman (North).

Background

The zoning debate has long been a major point of contention within the PDP. In 2023, the party opened up its ticket, leading to the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as its candidate. That move sparked internal divisions, with then-Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike openly backing APC’s Bola Tinubu, who went on to win the presidency.

Wike, now the Minister of the FCT, had warned in May 2025 that zoning the PDP’s 2027 ticket to the North would be a costly mistake, especially since the APC has already adopted Tinubu for re-election.

What’s Next?

While the PDP has yet to announce its flagbearer, its decision to zone the presidency Southward sets the stage for an intense race ahead of the 2027 general elections.

#PDP #NigeriaPolitics #Election2027 #ZoningDebate

PDP BoT, Zoning Committee Meet Ahead Of NEC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) and Convention Zoning Committee held separate meetings in Abuja on Monday ahead of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) session scheduled for later today.

The zoning committee, chaired by Bayelsa Governor Duoye Diri, met at Legacy House to finalise decisions on the zoning of key party offices and the 2027 presidential ticket, which will be presented to the NEC for ratification.

At Wadata Plaza, the BoT urged unity among members and called for the November national convention in Ibadan to proceed as scheduled.

This comes after PDP governors, at their meeting in Gusau on August 23, reaffirmed support for the November 15 convention and warned against attempts by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and others to derail the process.

#PDP #Politics #NEC #Nigeria

UPDATED: PDP Zones 2027 Presidential Slot To South, North Retains Chairmanship

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South while retaining the national chairmanship in the North.

This resolution was reached at the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, which also confirmed Umar Damagum as National Chairman.

Damagum, who became acting chairman in March 2023 after Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s suspension, had previously served as PDP Deputy National Chairman (North).

The zoning issue remains contentious, with the ruling APC already adopting President Bola Tinubu as its 2027 candidate. PDP faced internal crisis in 2023 when Atiku Abubakar clinched its ticket, prompting former Rivers governor Nyesom Wike to back Tinubu.

Now Minister of the FCT, Wike had in May warned that zoning the PDP ticket to the North again would be a costly mistake, urging the party to act strategically ahead of 2027.

#PDP #Politics #NigeriaDecides2027 #Zoning

JUST IN: PDP Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket To South, Retains Chairmanship For North

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, while the North will retain the position of National Chairman of the party.

This decision emerged on Monday after crucial deliberations by the PDP Convention Zoning Committee, chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri, and consultations with the Board of Trustees (BoT) in Abuja ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

The zoning arrangement is expected to be presented for NEC ratification later today, setting the stage for the party’s National Convention scheduled for November 15, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Meanwhile, the PDP BoT has urged members to remain united and avoid distractions, stressing that the convention will be a defining moment in repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

PDP governors, in a communiqué after their meeting in Gusau, reaffirmed support for the NEC’s earlier resolutions and warned against attempts to derail the convention, describing the party as Nigeria’s only credible alternative for good governance.

PDP BoT, Zoning Committee Hold Crucial Meetings Ahead of NEC Session

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) and the party’s Convention Zoning Committee on Monday held separate but strategic meetings in Abuja as preparations intensify ahead of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for later today.

The zoning committee, chaired by Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, convened at the Legacy House to finalize recommendations on the zoning of key party offices, including the 2027 presidential ticket, while the BoT gathered at Wadata Plaza. Their resolutions will be presented before the NEC for ratification.

In its session, the BoT emphasized the importance of unity and urged all party members to work together to ensure that the National Convention, slated for November 15, 2025, proceeds as planned.

Meanwhile, PDP governors have reaffirmed their commitment to the NEC’s July resolutions on the convention, warning against any attempts to derail the exercise. They described the PDP as Nigeria’s strongest democratic platform and a viable alternative to restore the nation to good governance and development.

The latest developments highlight the PDP’s resolve to put internal disputes aside and solidify its strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.

PDP Leaders Reject Lagos Zoning Meeting, Describe It as “Illegal and Divisive”

A major rift has emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Southern Nigeria as several state chairmen, former governors, National Assembly members, and other top stakeholders have openly disowned a meeting scheduled in Lagos on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

The controversial meeting, tagged the “PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit” and convened by the Zoning Committee led by Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, was aimed at discussing zoning arrangements for key party positions.

But in a strongly worded statement, PDP leaders from the South described the gathering as illegal, exclusionary, and unrepresentative of the collective will of the party.

Stakeholders Who Signed the Rejection

The statement was signed by five state chairmen:

Austin Nwachukwu (Imo)

Abraham Amah (Abia)

Venatius Ikem (Cross River)

Aniekan Akpan (Akwa Ibom)

Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers)

Other signatories include Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck (National Vice Chairman, South-East), Hon. O. K. Chinda (House of Reps Minority Leader), as well as Senators Igwe Nwagu, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, Mike Ama Nnachi, former National Secretary Onwe S. Onwe, and several legal advisers and party officials.

The PDP leaders condemned the Lagos summit for failing to invite key state chairmen, elected national officers, and principal lawmakers from the South-East and South-South. They also noted the deliberate exclusion of former governors, who they described as “critical stakeholders in shaping the party’s direction.”

According to them, such actions amount to “a brazen disregard for the party’s established structures and democratic ethos.”

Decisions reached in secrecy and exclusion cannot and shall not assume the authority of consensus. Any outcome of this meeting is not binding on the PDP family in Southern Nigeria.

The stakeholders accused the conveners of pursuing selfish political ambitions, warning that the move could fuel division at a time when unity is crucial for the PDP’s survival ahead of future elections.

They reaffirmed their loyalty to the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC), urging all members to ignore the Lagos meeting.

If any regard is given to the outcome of the purported summit, we shall not hesitate to resist it with full force in line with the party’s constitution.

Atiku Abubakar Declares 7th Presidential Ambition on ADC Platform

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is preparing for another run at Nigeria’s presidency, this time on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

At 78, Abubakar has been in the race for Nigeria’s top office since 1993, contesting under various political parties without success. His most recent attempt was in 2023, when he ran on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket but lost to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abubakar’s defection to the ADC earlier this year has sparked fresh debate about his political relevance. While some see him as a persistent statesman, others question the sustainability of his ambition.


Insiders say Abubakar’s ambition is unsettling many original ADC promoters. “It’s not about Atiku’s credentials, it’s the perception of perpetual ambition without results,” a senior party source said.

In his home state, Adamawa, the reception has been tepid. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has stayed away, while the PDP in the state openly rejected following Abubakar into the ADC. State party chairman Ibrahim Tahir argued that the former vice president would gain more respect as an elder statesman rather than continuing as a presidential contender.


The defection has also highlighted cracks in Abubakar’s network. Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, denied rumors of aligning with him in the ADC. Ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai is also said to be uneasy about the move.

Political analysts believe the lack of a strong base and the relatively weak structure of the ADC could make his 2027 campaign less formidable than his previous bids.


Despite the doubts, Abubakar’s loyalists maintain that he is a credible option. Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a Port Harcourt politician and former aide, said:

“You can’t deny him his right to contest. As a Nigerian, he is free to contest the 2027 presidential election, no matter what people feel about his candidature.”



He also dismissed zoning concerns, insisting the North is still entitled to produce a president.

As 2027 approaches, Atiku’s latest presidential ambition may prove to be his most challenging yet, with questions over age, political structure, and fractured alliances clouding his path.

#AtikuAbubakar #ADC #NigeriaPolitics #Elections2027 #BreakingNews #PDP #APC

News Brief: Sowore Faults Rotational Presidency, Says Nigeria Needs Competent Leaders.

Former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore has criticised Nigeria’s long-standing tradition of rotational presidency, calling it “senseless” and unfit for a modern democracy.

Speaking Tuesday on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, the #RevolutionNow convener said leadership should be based on competence, not region. “If I have a good president in Nigeria who can run this country very well, I don’t care where he comes from,” Sowore declared.

He argued that zoning limits opportunities for credible candidates and does not guarantee quality governance. “Zoning the presidency to the worst character in the country is not going to make you get anywhere,” he said.

Sowore advocated a merit-based approach, urging Nigerians to assess presidential hopefuls based on qualifications, manifestos, and character—rather than ethnicity or geopolitical background.

The debate over rotational presidency has resurfaced as the 2027 elections approach, with pressure mounting from both northern and southern political blocs. President Bola Tinubu, a Southerner, succeeded Northern President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023. Now, figures like Atiku Abubakar from the North are pushing to return power to their region.

#Sowore #RotationalPresidency #2027Elections #NigerianPolitics #OneNigeria #LeadershipNotZoning

We Have Been Hearing Rumour About A Frosty Relationship Between Shettima, Tinubu’ – Ajomale.

The election of Nentawe Yilwatda as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress has alleviated growing speculation about a rift between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President, Kashim Shettima, particularly concerns over Tinubu dropping his deputy as his running mate in 2027.
Vote Okpebholo To Birth A Functional State - Shettima Tells Edo Citizens
Before Yilwatda’s emergence, Naija News understands that rumours of a strained relationship between the President and his Vice intensified following the appointment of Ali Bukar Dalori from Borno State as acting chairman after Abdullahi Ganduje’s resignation.


According to Sunday Sun, party insiders believe the choice of a substantive chairman from the North Central zone signals a stabilising move for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket ahead of the next general elections.

Observers say Yilwatda’s election strengthens APC’s zoning balance, which traditionally avoids concentrating power in one or two regions.

With Tinubu from the South-West, Shettima from the North-East, and now Yilwatda from the North Central, the arrangement is seen as equitable. Analysts argue this boosts Shettima’s chances of retaining the vice-presidential slot and consolidating his influence as the undisputed leader of the North-East zone.

Yilwatda, a Christian from North Central, is expected to help the party project inclusivity and address criticisms over its Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

With Tinubu and Shettima as Muslims, Yilwatda’s emergence as APC chairman introduces a Christian leader into the party’s top hierarchy, potentially making the ruling party more appealing to Christian voters, especially in North Central states with significant Christian populations.

Ajomale Dismisses Rift Allegations
Reacting to the speculations, a close associate of the President and former APC Chairman in Lagos State, Henry Ajomale, dismissed claims of a frosty relationship between Tinubu and Shettima.

Speaking with Sunday Sun in a telephone interview, he said, “Since the former National Chairman, Abdulahi Adamu, is from the North Central, Nasarawa state precisely, it is only fair that the replacement must come from the zone to complete their tenure.

UPDATED: PDP NEC Concludes Meeting, Sets National Convention for November

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fixed its elective national convention for November 15–16, 2025, to be held in Ibadan, Oyo State. The decision was reached at the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Thursday in Abuja.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the NEC approved the schedule and tasked the National Chairman, Iliya Damagum, and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, with notifying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in line with electoral guidelines.

The NEC also approved the composition of the Convention and Zoning Committees to ensure a credible and transparent process.

Reaffirming its status as Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the PDP NEC condemned defections by elected members and directed its National Working Committee to initiate legal action to reclaim the affected seats. It also warned against dual party membership and urged erring members to remain loyal.

The next NEC meeting is scheduled for August 25, 2025.