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What Is The Endgame For ADC Coalition If Key Figures Stay In Their Parties?: MATTERS ARISING

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ADC Will Kick Tinubu Out Even If He Appoints Seyi As INEC Chair

What Is The Endgame For ADC Coalition If Key Figures Stay In Their Parties?: MATTERS ARISING

What is the endgame for ADC coalition if key figures stay in their parties?: MATTERS ARISING. A few months after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) emerged as the chosen platform for opposition heavyweights seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections, issues of structural integrity and long-term viability still hang over the coalition.

On June 19, a high‑profile launch in Abuja saw David Mark, former senate president, named interim national chairman of ADC; Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of Osun, appointed interim national secretary; and Bolaji Abdullahi elevated as interim spokesperson.

The event generated enthusiasm but also raised concerns about whether this unity is more symbolic than sustainable.

Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi have formally exited the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and APC to join ADC, lending weight to the coalition.

Others — including Peter Obi, Nasir el‑Rufai, and many more — have not yet resigned their party memberships, creating dual loyalties that complicate coalition coherence.
‘OBI, PDP’S MESSIAH‘

Obi was a PDP vice-presidential candidate in the 2019 presidential election
Recently, some leaders of PDP resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the south.

The main opposition party, including Jerry Gana, one of its founding chieftains, has maintained that the party is in talks with Obi and is wooing him to return to the PDP.

Ali Modu Sheriff, former governor of Borno and ex-PDP national chairman, has also said Obi would pursue his presidential ambition through the PDP in 2027.

The former PDP national chairman also assured that Obi would only buy time before returning to his former party. Obi, a major kingpin, is yet to abandon the Labour Party (LP) and fully declare for ADC.

The former Anambra governor has repeatedly said publicly that he remains in the LP, emphasising that the ADC coalition exists strictly for the 2027 election.
He has also pledged on multiple occasions to serve only one term if elected president, while also insisting that a southerner should be allowed to rule from 2027-2031.

The former Anambra governor appears undecided about which platform to use for his 2027 presidential ambition.

Although, the ADC spokesperson in a recent interview said that coalition leaders agreed to a temporary arrangement allowing figures like Obi and el‑Rufai to complete pending internal party processes before formally joining ADC. This flexibility has sparked criticism.

NO SITTING GOVERNOR

Governors’ forum meeting; all governors are from APC, PDP, APGA, and LP respectively | File photo
One of the most glaring deficiencies in the ADC-led coalition is the absence of sitting governors, senators, or even influential federal lawmakers among its ranks, according to political analysts.

In Nigeria’s political landscape — where authority is often maintained through incumbency, access to state funds, and well-established patronage structures — this absence is more than a symbolic gap; it poses a real challenge to the coalition’s viability.

Some senators like Aminu Tambuwal, Abdul Ningi, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Ireti Kingibe, and Austin Akobundu of Abia Central are romancing with the ADC but have not officially announced their defections as required in the senate.

UNLIKE THE 2013 APC MERGER
Supporters of the APC waving the party flag at a rally

By comparison, when the All Progressives Congress (APC) was established in 2013, it emerged from a merger involving the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a breakaway faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

That coalition immediately carried political weight. At the time, it included sitting governors from politically strategic states such as Lagos, Kano, Rivers, and Nasarawa.

These governors not only commanded electoral support but also held sway over powerful patronage systems, campaign financing networks, and the ability to galvanise public sentiment.

Unlike the 2013 merger that birthed the APC, the current ADC-led coalition does not enjoy the backing of any sitting governor.

So far, no incumbent state leader has defected to the alliance, nor are there visible signs suggesting that such a move is forthcoming.

The absence of high-ranking political figures with executive authority significantly limits the coalition’s ability to gain political momentum.

This isn’t just a matter of public perception — it poses a fundamental challenge to its electoral strategy.

In Nigeria’s fragmented electoral system, where governors often wield significant control over state politics and voter mobilisation, their support can make or break a national campaign.

Many have described the dual positioning as political opportunism and dismissed the coalition as lacking the structure and coherence to serve as a credible opposition force.

Critics suggest the lack of full commitment by prominent members may reduce credibility and stall electoral traction.

ADC’s coalition so far has relied on personalities rather than formal structural alignment and remains entirely detached from ward-level roots.

There has been speculation that Atiku, now a member of the ADC, could be seeking to form a strategic alliance with Obi’s LP faction ahead of the 2027 general election.

But Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, dismissed the potential alliance as political sleight of hand.

He said that any arrangement that would make Obi a running mate of Atiku would be an attempt to tap into his popularity.
INTERNAL CRISIS

Internal fractures in ADC intensified when Dumebi Kachikwu, ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, publicly denounced the coalition takeover.

He labelled the move a “hostile takeover engineered” for Atiku and pledged to challenge it in court.
The ex-presidential candidate also accused the coalition of ignoring the southern zoning balance, saying the new arrangement was conceived as a vehicle to deliver leadership for a specific interest, not the party’s foundational principles.

Kachikwu’s strategy includes legal petitions to INEC, court proceedings, and grassroots mobilisation.

He argued that coalition leaders entered “through the back door” and promised to convene a legitimate convention if INEC confirms leadership vacuums.
He insisted that ADC must follow its constitution to ensure fairness to original members.

Another fresh leadership crisis erupted when Nafiu Bala Gombe, former ADC national deputy chairman and Gombe state governorship candidate, declared himself interim national chairman.

He described the Mark‑led leadership as a violation of ADC’s constitution and internal democracy.

Bala demanded INEC recognition as the legitimate chairman and vowed legal action if the coalition faction failed to restore “constitutional order”.

Leke Abejide, a legislator and long‑standing ADC member, echoed the outrage, branding coalition entrants political “marauders” and promising to reclaim party control on behalf of original members.

He warned that the coalition’s appointment of over 50 NEC positions had excluded longstanding party members, which he said amounts to a hijack.

Musa Isa Matara, former ADC national publicity secretary, detailed the exclusion of original party stakeholders from new appointments.

He announced the emergence of the Bala‑led faction as the representative of authentic ADC leadership, vowing continued resistance against what he called imposed opportunists.

The ADC coalition responded and insisted no hijack occurred, stating that some members — including Kachikwu — had long been expelled from the party.
The David Mark leadership asserted that the transition followed legal due diligence with INEC oversight and that the coalition aligned with democratic norms.

ADC Will Kick Tinubu Out Even If He Appoints Seyi As INEC Chair

ADC

WAY FORWARD
Despite internal conflict, ADC has been active; it has constantly been vocal in its criticism against the ruling party and Tinubu’s administration.

Coalition leaders, including Mark and Abdullahi, have undertaken stakeholder engagement tours, meeting civil society, labour and community groups in multiple states to build grassroots visibility.

Stronger coalitions have been formed in northern PDP strongholds like Adamawa, Yobe, and Gombe, where some executives reportedly aligned with ADC.

Yet, the party has no significant ward-level presence in key swing states like Kano, Lagos, limiting immediate electoral capacity.

Analysts now argue that ADC must focus on state‑level and legislative wins in specific zones— such as Benue and Plateau — before contesting the presidency.

The informal zoning conversation suggests leaning towards a southern candidate by mid‑2026, though internal disagreements over power rotation remain a sticking point.

Public sentiment remains a major support base. Some Nigerians frustrated by insecurity, corruption, inflation, and perceived democratic decline have rallied behind the ADC coalition.

Yet, converting discontent into votes requires trained polling agents, alliances with labour unions, faith leaders, and civil society — elements yet to be fully embedded.

The future of ADC hinges on whether it can reconcile factions, formalise defections, and build an authentic grassroots structure in time.

If leadership disputes are resolved and local organisers are deployed in battleground states, ADC may transcend symbolism and evolve into a credible opposition force.

But if defections remain piecemeal, and legal and internal contests remain unresolved, the coalition risks becoming just another elite pact lacking substance.

Economy

Governor Uba Sani Presents N985.9bn ‘People-Centred’ 2026 Budget To Kaduna Assembly

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Uba Sani Says

Governor Uba Sani Presents N985.9bn ‘People-Centred’ 2026 Budget To Kaduna Assembly

Governor Uba Sani presents N985.9bn ‘people-centred’ 2026 budget to Kaduna assembly. Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, has presented a N985.9 billion 2026 appropriation bill to the state house of assembly for consideration and passage.
Speaking at the Lugard Hall on Monday, the governor said the draft budget emerged from “one of the widest consultation processes” ever undertaken in the state, involving traditional rulers, civil society organisations (CSOs), women’s groups, youth associations, business leaders and vulnerable groups across all local governments.

Sani described the budget proposal as a people-centred financial plan designed to consolidate ongoing reforms in security, infrastructure, education and rural development.
He added that the contributions of farmers, traders, teachers, artisans, persons with disabilities and widows formed “the backbone” of the proposal, strengthening participatory governance and accountability.

According to the governor, the appropriation bill comprises N734.2 billion in recurrent revenue and N251.6 billion in capital receipts, with capital expenditure accounting for 71 percent of the total figure.
He said education and infrastructure each received 25 percent of the draft budget, while health was allocated 15 percent.

Agriculture received 11 percent, security six percent, social development five percent, governance five percent, and climate action four percent of the proposed budget.

The governor also announced that every one of the state’s 255 wards would receive N100 million for community-identified projects under the ward development committee, which he said is “Nigeria’s largest grassroots budget model”.

He urged lawmakers to give the budget expeditious consideration, describing it as a vision of “renewal, resilience and far-reaching vision” for every ward and local government.
Reviewing the outgoing 2025 fiscal year, Sani said the period would be remembered for “remarkable achievements and resilient advancement”, despite economic headwinds, fluctuating federal allocations and persistent security threats.
On security, he said Kaduna faced threats ranging from banditry to kidnappings and communal conflicts, adding that improved collaboration with federal security agencies has restored confidence in many troubled communities.

According to him, previously divided communities are reconciling, farmlands are reopening, and schools once shut due to insecurity have returned to full activity through the Kaduna peace model.
The governor said his administration is executing 140 road projects covering 1,335 kilometres, adding that 64 roads have been completed.
The roads, he said, have opened new economic corridors and linked long-neglected communities.
He also said the Kaduna bus rapid transit (KBRT) system would be the first in northern Nigeria, featuring CNG-powered buses, digital ticketing and a 24-kilometre dedicated corridor.

Sani noted that the interstate bus terminal in Kakuri is 75 percent completed, while the subsidised transport scheme has saved residents more than N500 million through free and discounted rides.
He added that work on the Kaduna light rail is progressing, with phase 1 targeting the Rigachikun–Sabon Tasha corridor and phase 2 planned to link Millennium City to Rigasa.

‘300,000 CHILDREN BACK IN SCHOOL’
The governor said education remains the “cornerstone” of his development agenda, noting that 535 schools were reopened and more than 300,000 out-of-school children returned to classrooms in 2025.

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He recalled slashing tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions by 40 percent and listed other interventions, including the construction of 736 classrooms, renovation of 1,220 schools, and provision of water and sanitation facilities, furniture, and training for over 33,000 teachers.
In the health sector, Sani said all 255 primary healthcare centres have been upgraded to Level 2 status.

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He also announced the renovation of 15 general hospitals, the completion of five, and the commissioning of the 300-bed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital.
He added that the state has implemented CONMESS and CONHESS, strengthened emergency services, built an oxygen plant, improved the medical warehouse and set aside ₦1 billion to insure vulnerable households.

Uba Sani Says

Uba Sani Says

The governor said agricultural investment rose from N1.4 billion (2023) to N74.2 billion (2025), enabling the distribution of more than 900 trucks of free fertiliser and expanded support for irrigation, mechanisation, vaccines and seed improvement.

He added that the African Development Bank-supported $510 million special agro-industrial processing zone project is transforming the state into an agro-industrial hub.
On skills development, he highlighted the establishment of the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun, satellite campuses, partnerships with Microsoft and Google, and the ongoing remodelling of Panteka Market to support over 38,000 artisans.
ASSEMBLY PROMISES SPEEDY REVIEW
Yusuf Liman, speaker of the Kaduna state house of assembly, described the budget as “ambitious, comprehensive and aligned with the state’s development priorities”.

Liman said the proposal reflects a commitment to strengthening human capital, expanding rural infrastructure and ensuring balanced urban-rural development.

He commended the governor for granting lawmakers direct involvement in constituency projects and praised the executive-legislative synergy, which according to him, has accelerated development interventions.

The speaker promised a thorough review of the document and pledged that the assembly would work with the executive to ensure its speedy passage.

UBA SANI HAILS TAJUDEEN ABBAS
Meanwhile, Sani has hailed Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, as one of the most accomplished presiding officers in the history of the national assembly.
Speaking on Sunday in Zaria at the renewed hope empowerment programme sponsored by Abbas, the governor said the speaker’s ability to manage the complexities of the 360-member lower chamber sets him apart.
Sani, who was special guest of honour at the event, added that his assessment is shared by President Bola Tinubu.

“As a former senator, I know how difficult it is to preside over the house of representatives,” the governor said.
“No matter your competence, patience and hard work, one day you will be pushed to the wall. But as of today, in the history of Nigeria, no speaker has brought about development like Tajudeen Abbas,” he said.

“I’m not the one praising him; it was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who said it. I’m only repeating what he said.”
Sani said he is proud of Abbas for championing empowerment initiatives for youths and women, not only in his Zaria constituency but across Kaduna state and the country.

The governor also recalled that some political actors questioned his role in rallying support for Abbas during the contest for speaker.
“I told them my support was not based on politics. I will support anyone who will bring development to Kaduna state,” he said.

“Now, I have been vindicated by the projects he has executed and the empowerment programmes he is doing.

“I have told all legislators here that we can only be on good terms if they bring development to their people.
“Anyone who does not attract a school, hospital or any project to his constituency, we will part ways with him.”

Sani said the speaker has assisted all Kaduna federal lawmakers in securing projects for their constituencies, adding that Abbas is also personally executing projects across all 23 LGAs in the state.
He appealed for similar consideration for Sabon Gari LGA, saying residents want a stadium like the one being constructed in Zaria.

The event, held at Kofar Doka, featured the distribution of empowerment tools, including SUVs for traditional leaders; tractors, combine harvesters, fertiliser applicators and knapsack sprayers for farmers; as well as solar- and petrol-powered irrigation pumps.

Women beneficiaries also received deep freezers, grinding machines, industrial sewing machines and haulage tricycles.

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Economy

APC Chieftain Asks Governor Otti To Review Levies Imposed On Aba Traders

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Alex Otti

APC Chieftain Asks Governor Otti To Review Levies Imposed On Aba Traders

APC chieftain asks governor Otti to review levies imposed on Aba traders. Paul Ikonne, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia, has criticised Alex Otti, governor of Abia, over the “excessive” levies imposed on traders in Aba markets.

BACKGROUND

Some traders in Abia state recently appealed to Otti to intervene in what they described as the illegal demolition of their shops and the escalating cost of spaces in the market currently undergoing remodelling.

Alex Otti

Alex Otti

They said the firm handling the project has not fulfilled its agreement to provide temporary accommodation and halt further demolition until existing work is completed.

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Economy

FULL LIST: Patience Jonathan, Ganduje Affected As FCTA Begins Enforcement On Revoked Property Titles

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Patience Jonathan

FULL LIST: Patience Jonathan, Ganduje Affected As FCTA Begins Enforcement On Revoked Property Titles

FULL LIST: Patience Jonathan, Ganduje affected as FCTA begins enforcement on revoked property titles. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has published the names of entities and individuals linked to 1,095 property titles recently revoked over the non-payment of statutory land charges.

The affected properties are located in high-brow districts including Asokoro, Maitama, Garki and Wuse.

In a public notice signed by the FCTA management, the agency said enforcement actions against the properties will commence following the expiration of the final grace period of 14 days on November 25, 2025.

The FCTA said 835 properties defaulted in payment of ground rents, while 260 properties defaulted in payment of violation fee and land use conversion fee.

Patience Jonathan

Patience Jonathan

Among the individuals whose properties were listed in the notice are Abdullahi Ganduje, former governor of Kano; Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River; Patience Jonathan, wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan; David Mark, former senate president; and Iyiola Omisore, former deputy governor of Osun.

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