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2027: Obi Pushes for Credible Polls in Meeting with US Envoy

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2027: Obi Pushes for Credible Polls in Meeting with US Envoy

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has met with the United States Consul General in Lagos, saying discussions centred on credible elections, opposition participation, and Nigeria’s democratic space ahead of the 2027 general election.

Obi disclosed on his X handle on Tuesday that he met with the US Consul General, Mr Rick Swart, where both sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations, improving electoral credibility, and expanding economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

“This morning, in Lagos, I met with the U.S. Consul General, Mr Rick Swart, where we discussed strengthening the bilateral relationship.

“We focused on promoting credible elections in Nigeria, ensuring they are free from interference, and fostering a space where all political parties, especially opposition parties, can thrive and contribute,” he said.


He added that discussions also covered trade and investment opportunities, expressing optimism about future improvements in Nigeria’s democratic and electoral process.

“We also discussed trade and business opportunities between our countries… The discussion was very productive, and we are hopeful that, moving forward, Nigeria’s elections will be even more credible and transparent,” Obi said.

The engagement comes amid a major reshaping of Nigeria’s opposition landscape, following the defection of Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso from the African Democratic Congress to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, a development that has significantly altered alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We also discussed trade and business opportunities between our countries… The discussion was very productive, and we are hopeful that, moving forward, Nigeria’s elections will be even more credible and transparent,” Obi said.

The engagement comes amid a major reshaping of Nigeria’s opposition landscape, following the defection of Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso from the African Democratic Congress to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, a development that has significantly altered alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.

Women’s Group Calls for Approval of Special Seats Bill

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Women’s Group Calls for Approval of Special Seats Bill

Women advocates under the Africa Faith and Justice Network have called on the National Assembly to urgently pass the Special Seats Bill aimed at boosting women’s participation in politics.

The group warned that delays could shut women out of the 2027 general elections.

The women maintained that increased representation of women in governance would strengthen democratic outcomes and national development, urging lawmakers to act swiftly to ensure the bill is passed and assented to before the 2027 electoral process gains momentum.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the Coordinator of AFJN’s Women Empowerment Project, Sister Eucharia Madueke, said the proposed legislation was critical to ensuring inclusive participation, noting that time was running out as political parties prepare for primaries.

There is a bill presently in the National Assembly that will give an easy passage for women to participate in the 2027 election. However, we are racing against time. Political parties will soon start conducting their primaries, and the bill is still there, not yet assented to,” she said.

Madueke lamented difficulties in engaging key committees of the National Assembly but vowed that the group would continue advocacy efforts.

She urged the media to amplify the demands for the bill’s passage.

We are now throwing it back to you, media people, to circulate this. You are the only ones that can help us highlight our voice,” she added.

Madueke argued that affirmative action, including the creation of special seats, was necessary to enable women to compete effectively in Nigeria’s political space.

The kind of affirmative action we are asking for is not for women to compete with men. We want our women to compete among themselves so that we are able to catch up,” she said, adding that structural barriers, including the nature of political engagement, often disadvantage women.

She also called for reforms to make political participation more accommodating, including safer environments and more flexible schedules.

“A woman who wants to participate also has responsibilities at home. So, create a violence-free and conducive environment,” she said.

Also speaking, AFJN Legal Officer, Dr Amaka Ilochgwe, said Nigeria had both legal and moral obligations under international conventions to promote gender equality in governance.

“Nigeria is a state party to several international treaties. There is an obligation to protect, promote and fulfil these commitments,” she said.

She noted that although Nigeria has ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, it is yet to fully domesticate and implement its provisions.

“ Reserving seats for women is backed by law, including the 35 per cent affirmative action policy. The National Assembly should not hesitate in passing this bill,” Ilochgwe added.

The special seats bill seeks to alter the 1999 Constitution to create 74 additional seats for women in the National Assembly and corresponding seats in state houses of assembly, as part of measures to address Nigeria’s longstanding gender imbalance in political representation.

The bill has already passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

Slain Delta Youth: Police Refer Case to Attorney General

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Slain Delta Youth: Police Refer Case to Attorney General

The Nigeria Police Force has forwarded the case file on the shooting of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State, to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for prosecution.

This was following the confirmation of the dismissal of officers implicated in the incident by the Police Service Commission.

Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Sunday, stating that the development marked a critical step toward ensuring justice in the case.

“The case file has been formally forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for vetting and prosecution. The Force will cooperate fully with the AGF’s office to ensure that this matter is prosecuted to its logical conclusion before a court of competent jurisdiction,” he said.

He said the Police Service Commission had reviewed and ratified the recommendation for the dismissal of ASP Nuhu and three other officers found culpable in the unlawful killing, noting that their dismissal takes immediate effect.

Placid said, “Following the conclusion of investigations, ASP Nuhu and three other members of his team have been arrested and are currently in custody. Internal disciplinary procedures have been concluded against all officers found culpable.

“The Force wishes to state clearly and without ambiguity that all indicted officers have been recommended for dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force. The Police Service Commission has reviewed and ratified this recommendation. Their dismissal is therefore confirmed and takes immediate effect.”

The police spokesman explained that the decision followed findings from an investigation launched after the April 26 incident, which established that the actions of the officers amounted to professional misconduct, abuse of office, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

According to him, the incident occurred after the deceased received a parcel from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, which he attempted to waybill to Sapele.

He said the parcel was found to contain a fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of 9mm ammunition, prompting a citizen’s arrest before police intervention.

Placid explained that upon arrival, ASP Nuhu, who led the responding team, shot the already apprehended and unarmed suspect, contrary to established rules of engagement.

“The Force wishes to be unequivocal: no criminal suspicion, however grave, justifies extra-judicial action. Every suspect is entitled to due process under the law,” Placid said.

He confirmed that the officers involved had been arrested and were currently in custody, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects, including the driver who delivered the parcel and two vigilante members linked to the incident.

Reiterating the Force’s commitment to accountability, Placid assured the public and the victim’s family that justice would be pursued.

The Nigeria Police Force does not shield officers who violate the law. No rank or position will place any officer above accountability,” he said.

He urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations as the legal process unfolds.

NUJ Sanctions Ogun Council Members for Constitutional Violation

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NUJ Sanctions Ogun Council Members for Constitutional Violation

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has ratified the suspension of members of its Ogun State Council over alleged violations of the union’s constitution.

The decision was taken at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union held on Wednesday in Abuja.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the Union said the affected members were suspended for instituting legal action against the NUJ without first exhausting its internal dispute resolution mechanisms.

Those suspended are Wole Shokunbi, Folake Ade-Adeniji, Razaq Ayinla, Modupe Salabiu, Joke Adeleye, Kunle Ibukunle, Seun Odunlami and Sekinat Salam-Opebiyi.

According to the communique, the action contravened Article 7 (5d) of the NUJ Constitution, which stipulates that no member shall institute court proceedings against the union without first exploring internal channels for dispute resolution.

The suspended members had reportedly gone to court to challenge the Ogun State Council election held in December 2025, naming both the state council and the national body of the union as defendants.

“NEC approved the suspension of members of the Ogun State Council for instituting legal action against the Union without exhausting internal dispute resolution mechanisms, in breach of Article 7 (5d) of the NUJ Constitution,”

The communique, signed by the National Secretary of the union, Achike Chude, also passed a vote of confidence in the national leadership of the NUJ under its President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya.

It further stated that the NEC commended the president for achievements in members’ welfare, training programmes, and innovations aimed at repositioning the union.

“The NEC particularly noted the successful hosting of the NEC meeting without external support and unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the Comrade Alhassan Yahya-led administration,” – the communique added.

Toyin Amuzu Urges Nigerians to Value Their Votes Ahead of 2027

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Toyin Amuzu Urges Nigerians to Value Their Votes Ahead of 2027

As the 2027 elections draw near, Nigerians have been urged to take greater responsibility in shaping the nation’s future through informed voting, with a warning that the country may not fully benefit from democracy unless citizens prioritize electing credible leaders.

This advice was given by Chief Toyin Amuzu, an aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP who is vying to represent Abeokuta South Federal Constituency as a member of the House of Representatives during a recent engagement in Abeokuta.

The aspirant, popularly known as TA, who said he is waxing stronger in his bid for the 2027 race, expressed concern over Nigeria’s slow pace of development compared to other nations. He noted that his experiences abroad often leave him with a sense of disappointment when he compares Nigeria’s infrastructural and institutional gaps with the progress recorded in more advanced societies.

“I feel ashamed when I travel out and see the level of development in other countries. Nigerians may not truly enjoy democracy until people begin to take voting- in the right individuals as a personal and collective responsibility,” he said.

Amuzu emphasised that sustainable development can only be achieved when citizens deliberately choose leaders with proven pedigree, competence, integrity and a genuine fear of God and work with them to achieve certain milestones.

According to him, developed nations have built strong systems through visionary leadership, stressing that Nigeria’s transformation must equally be driven by Nigerians themselves. “Let us work together to build a formidable society and I won’t disappoint you,” he said.

He further argued that while government often bears the brunt of public criticism, citizens also share in the responsibility for poor governance due to their voting patterns.

“We blame the government, but followers are also guilty. Too often, we allow religion, political affiliation and sentiments to determine our choices instead of putting the right peg in the right hole, in this 2027 elections we must shun politics of rice and money. I am here to serve and not make empty promises. I believe we can work together” he stated.

The PDP aspirant lamented what he described as a long-standing trend where “the worst of us have ruled the best of us,” citing a lack of integrity, patriotism and sincerity among many past leaders. He questioned why citizens continue to support leaders who fail to meet their expectations.

The house of Representatives hopeful asked “Why do we support our oppressors and continue to suffer, when we have the power to vote them out?”

Amuzu also decried the persistent lack of basic amenities such as electricity, potable water and good roads, describing them as fundamental responsibilities of government that should not be used as tools for political manipulation.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, he urged eligible Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participating actively in the electoral process.

“Things cannot change if we sit down and complain. This is the time to act. Let us seize the opportunity, get our voter cards and vote massively for the right candidates,” he concluded.

APGA Chieftain: Our Backing Is for Tinubu, Not Other APC Aspirants

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APGA Chieftain: Our Backing Is for Tinubu, Not Other APC Aspirants

The National Coordinator of the All Progressives Grand Alliance Media Warriors Forum, Chinedu Obigwe, has clarified that the party is only backing the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections and not the aspirants of the All Progressives Congress.

Obigwe said the declaration by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is only about the state government’s working relationship with President Tinubu’s administration.

Recall that Soludo, who is also the national leader of APGA, has been running with the mantra, “Progressives are working together,” which he meant to imply that both APGA and APC are working together ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As a result, some APC aspirants contesting for Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly elections in Anambra have been circulating campaign posters bearing the images of Tinubu, Soludo, and themselves, with the claim that “progressives are working together.”

However, reacting to the development in a press statement released on Sunday, the National Coordinator of APGA’s Media Warriors Forum, Chinedu Obigwe, urged Anambra people not to be deceived by the posters, insisting that the support is only for the President and not for APC aspirants contesting for Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly elections in the state.

Obigwe said APGA is supporting the president’s re-election but will field candidates for Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly elections in Anambra, adding that it is a must-win for APGA.

The statement read, “With the declaration of the National Leader of APGA, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, we are unapologetically supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, but Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly elections in Anambra are a must-win for APGA.

The general public should not be deceived by the drowning campaign gimmicks of Anambra opposition politicians.

“Some APC House of Representatives aspirants are circulating campaign posters that contain the photos of Governor Soludo, President Tinubu, and themselves on social media, with a claim that ‘progressives are working together.’

“They are dwelling in self-deceit and should be ignored. Anambra electorates cannot be deceived with such gimmicks.

“The ‘progressives are working together’ declaration of our beloved Governor Soludo has to do with the Anambra State government’s working relationship with President Tinubu’s administration and the undiluted support APGA, under the guidance of Governor Soludo, is giving President Tinubu’s administration.

It has nothing to do with Governor Soludo supporting APC aspirants contesting for Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly elections in Anambra.

“Soludo will lead the campaign for Anambra electorates to support President Tinubu’s re-election and APGA’s yet-to-be-produced candidates in Anambra for Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly elections.

“In Anambra, it is Tinubu for President, APGA for Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly seats.”

Midnight Hostel Attack at OOU Under Police Investigation

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Midnight Hostel Attack at OOU Under Police Investigation

Police in Ogun State have commenced an investigation into a midnight attack on student hostels at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ibogun Campus, by suspected armed robbers.