Uncategorized
Twists, turns and drama of 2027 race (4)
BY VICTORIA NGOZI IKEANO
victoriangozii@gmail.com 08033077519
It is said that in politics 24 hours, one day, is quite a long period as many things can change, happen and unfold within that short time. And so it is with Nigeria’s 2027 race as it is replete with twists, turns and drama every day. As at now, decamping/defections continue to occur literally daily. And even at this 11th hour when INEC had published list of contestants for the various positions namely, president, senate, house of representatives, governor and house of assembly, and campaigns officially commenced, some former aspirants are just now entering the race as candidates. It was widely believed that under the new electoral Act a person that contested in a party’s primary election is ineligible to participate in another party’s primaries. Truly, the Act allows replacement of candidates in the case of death or resignation. Again, this was generally believed to relate only to the inevitable instance of death. Nigerians rarely imagine that a person would voluntarily relinquish his candidature through resignation given how majority of our politicians desperately desire to have their names on the ballot, deploying huge finances to that end; which makes one wonder what behind the scene deals were done to exact such resignations in Nasarawa and Gombe States.
Recall that the former Inspector General of police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu (a.k.a. IG) was a major contender in the Nasarawa state APC primary election. He was backed by the immediate past governor, Senator Tanko Al-makura a.k.a. Ta’al. IGP Adamu (rtd) was defeated by incumbent senator, Ahmed Wadada Aliyu. However, the former IG and his supporters alleged there were large scale malpractices and rejected the result. Even when APC listed Wadada as its governorship candidate, many of his supporters maintained that his name would be on the ballot. Then, recently, INEC released names of all governorship candidates. Whereas Wadada was named APC gubernatorial flag bearer for Nasarawa state, IG’s name was missing in all 14 participating parties in the state. This elicited some jubilation amongst Wadada’s supporters. Still, IG’s camp insisted they have a trump card.
That ‘trump card’ emerged in a letter sent to INEC by the SDP national leadership titled, “Notice of party primary elections to replace governorship candidates of the Social Democratic Party”. Signed by its National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Gombe and National Secretary, Dr, Olu Agunloye, the party formally invited the electoral umpire to monitor primary elections for substitution of governorship candidates on September 5, 2026 at the SDP state secretariat, Gombe, Gombe state and Ta’al Hotel, Lafia, Nasarawa state respectively. They attached letters and affidavits of withdrawal of the candidates that stepped down. For Nasarawa it was Musa Adamu Angba whose name INEC had published as the SDP gubernatorial candidate. And so it was that IGP Mohammed Adamu surfaced as SDP flag bearer through consensus/affirmation for the 2027 race. So, Wadada’s main rival in the primary election of May 2026 is also going to be his major opponent in the secondary election on February 9, 2027.
However critics faulted the replacement primary election, saying that it violated sections of the electoral law and INEC guidelines. They hinted at challenging it in law courts. Nonetheless, an Abuja-based senior lawyer who is a former Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in Nasarawa state as well as one time Secretary of the Council on Legal Education at the Nigeria Law School, Yusuf Shehu Usman stated that the September 5, 2026 election was in order legally. Said he, “It is pertinent to observe that some of the arguments failed to distinguish between the first and a rescheduled primary elections in terms of the applicable procedures and the time lines required to be complied with by the political party in the conduct of a rescheduled primary election. Suffice it to state that there is under the law, a presumption of regularity in the conduct of a public institution recognised by the law. The law presumes that they acted regularly and in compliance with the requirements of the law until proven otherwise. The presumption favours the SDP in the conduct of the primaries it held on 5th September across two states (Nasarawa and Gombe) and everything the party did in the process is deemed regular and valid”. On people wanting to challenge the substitution primaries in court, Yusuf Usman stated that it is only those who participated in it that can do so.. “The right to challenge the primaries in the Courts is a right conferred by the Electoral Act only on members of the SDP who participated in the rescheduled primary election as aspirants. That is the law and I state it without any doubt or equivocation”. He continued, “With particular reference to the SDP Primary election in which Adamu the former IGP emerged as the substituted Governorship candidate, the report of the Primary election showed that Adamu was the only aspirant who contested the primary election and was returned unopposed by consensus and duly affirmed by the SDP members at the election ground. It is therefore very safe to assert against the back drop of the law as earlier explained that nobody has the right in law to contest his emergence as the duly elected Governorship candidate of the SDP in the 2027 Governorship election in Nasarawa state”.
To-date, the bitter rivalry between former IGP and Wadada camps which started from the time Nasarawa state’s governorship slot was zoned to the western senatorial district and Governor Abdullahi Sule subsequently chose Wadada as his preferred successor has snowballed into dangerous name calling and throwing of ‘poisonous’ darts. Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, Nasrawa state’s first executive governor recently convened an APC stakeholders meeting in Lafia, the state capital to deliberate on delivering both Wadada as governor and President Tinubu in 2027 elections. A notable stakeholder, former governor Al-makura was absent at this all important meeting. He was said to be attending a Renewed Hope Ambassadors event in Abuja on same day. This led a political analyst Rayannu Bala to remind Al-makura that all politics is local; that is to say that charity should begin at home. All well- meaning citizens of Nasarawa state including opinion leaders and the traditional institution should endeavour to lower the rather high political temperature in Nasarawa state which has witnessed spate of violence in particularly Lafia central.
A political melodrama unfolded in Osogbo. Recall that incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke who had defected from PDP to Accord party, won the August 15, 2026 off cycle election for Osun state with over 500,000 votes while APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji was the runner up with over 400,000 votes. Once the official result was announced, President Bola Tinubu promptly congratulated Adeleke on his victory; while the governor upon receiving his certificate of return from INEC went to the Villa to show it to Tinubu and also to pledge his support for the president’s re-election in 2027. APC’s National Secretary Bashir Ajibola also felicitated with the governor at his osogbo office just as the APC candidate himself paid a similar congratulatory visit to Adeleke. It therefore, came like a bolt from the blues when the media reported that APC had filed a petition against Governor Adeleke at the Tribunal. Secretary of Osun State Election Tribunal, Belemo Diete-Spiff confirmed this development when he notified the public about receipt of suit number EPT/OS/Gov/01/2026 in which Bola Oyebamiji and the APC are listed as the Petitioners with Ademola Adeleke as well as INEC named as the Respondents.
It was really baffling given that APC National Leader in person of President Tinubu had congratulated the winner and the APC candidate himself conceded defeat days later. Where is the petition coming from? A leader of APC legal team in Osun, Adekunle Adegoke (SAN) later dismissed the suit, revealing that the team had advised Oyebamiji not to go to court. “I want to be on record that APC legal team has denounced the bundle of papers filed by some individuals masquerading as APC lawyers. It was not authorised by APC as a party”, he averred. It used to be the case during the last administration that even when the president had congratulated winners of off-cycle polls, the party still went ahead to challenge the victor in court with an array of lawyers to argue its case. This amounts to disrespect if you ask me; notwithstanding that the challengers argued that they were strengthening Nigeria’s jurisprudence by doing so. Both the current APC national leader and the national secretariat should put a halt to instances of party members stepping out of line by undertaking unauthorised actions. Defaulters should be sanctioned appropriately to instil discipline amongst party members. PDP (the faction led by the FCT minister and which is the one recognised by INEC) through its publicity secretary, similarly disowned another petition reference EPT/OS/Gov/02/2026 filed on its behalf against Adeleke, Accord party and INEC.
My observation from list of all governorship candidates released by INEC is that the once ‘mighty’ PDP though factionalised and bruised is not dead after all. For, it is fielding gubernatorial candidates in all 28 states where elections shall be conducted next year, save in Delta and Zamfara states. It remains to be seen how the party shall fare during the polls. The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is accusing INEC of substituting some of its candidates. INEC denies this and is demanding for evidence from the party so it can investigate and mete out punishment to any erring staff. This is hardly believable though because INEC gives access codes to leadership of each political party whose responsibility it is to then upload their candidates to the INEC portal.
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has celebrated the life and enduring influence of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with a retrospective exhibition aimed at preserving African cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.
The exhibition, titled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, was opened by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Institute of Contemporary African Art and Film in Ilorin on Monday.
The Governor said the establishment of the institute reflected his administration’s belief that development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include spaces that promote creativity, knowledge and economic opportunities.
“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” AbdulRazaq said.
According to him, cultural infrastructure plays an important role in connecting people to their history, broadening their imagination and encouraging critical thinking.
“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking,” the Governor said.
AbdulRazaq said the institute was established to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase the continent’s artists and thinkers to the world,
describing the decision to open the institution with an exhibition dedicated to Fela as significant, given the musician’s contribution to African music, social commentary and cultural expression.
“Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he added.
The Governor added that the late musician’s life demonstrated the capacity of artistic expression to influence public discourse and inspire social change.
The exhibition, curated by June Creative Art Advisory, led by its founder, Mrs Seun Alli, featured photography, archival materials, film, graphic works and other artistic expressions exploring Fela’s life, times and enduring influence.
AbdulRazaq commended the firm for bringing its curatorial expertise and creative vision to the project, while describing the exhibition as an opportunity for different categories of visitors to engage with the musician’s legacy.
He said the exhibition would provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom, inspire artists, support researchers and encourage young people to explore the creative industry.
“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he said.
The Governor clarified that the state government was not claiming ownership of Fela’s story but was providing a platform for younger generations to encounter and learn from his legacy, adding that the state government is optimistic that the institute would promote cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara State’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.
According to him, the institution’s success would be measured by the talents it nurtured, the ideas it inspired and the opportunities it created.
“Governments change, but institutions should endure,” the Governor said, expressing the hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of sustained cultural engagement at the institute.
“May this exhibition begin sustained cultural engagement at ICAAF and inspire our young people to create, question, discover and contribute to society,” he said.
AbdulRazaq added that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to building a state where cultural heritage, innovation and economic opportunities complemented one another.
In her address, the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said: “Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela
Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his music, ideas and artistic expression continue to influence generations.
“For the Ministry of Communications, this occasion speaks to an important part of our
mandate: promoting the stories, talents and creative expressions that shape our identity as a people.”
The Commissioner particularly noted that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, the State is creating opportunities for young people through investments in sectors such as film, fashion and technology.
She added: “Projects including
the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory and the Ilorin Innovation Hub reflect the administration’s commitment to developing talent and supporting enterprise.
“The Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, formerly the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, adds an important dimension to this effort. It provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.
“We want young Kwarans who are passionate about painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion and design to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others and showcase their talents.
“We also encourage students to engage with art and history beyond the classroom. Fela’s story is a fitting subject for this exhibition. It demonstrates how creativity
can go beyond entertainment to shape cultural identity and influence public conversations. There is much for our young people to learn from his artistic journey and enduring impact.
“It might also interest you that kwara state was also part of Fela’s creative showcase during his lifetime.”
•••Says Ward stands with APC
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Executive Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, has led an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ubandawaki Ward, reaffirming the commitment of party members and supporters to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The rally attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who gathered to demonstrate their support for the party.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ladan declared that Ubandawaki Ward remains committed to the APC and its political leadership, expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), alongside other party candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful political engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging party faithful to remain united, engage constructively with residents, and work collectively towards the party’s political objectives.
Ladan also acknowledged the importance of Ubandawaki Ward in the political landscape of Ilorin West, encouraging party leaders and supporters to maintain cordial relationships, promote inclusive participation, and sustain engagement with the electorate. He stressed that a united party structure would help strengthen internal cooperation and effective grassroots coordination.
The mega rally renewed calls for unity, loyalty, and peaceful political participation among APC members and supporters, underscoring commitment by participants to mobilising support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while promoting peace, development, and responsible democratic engagement across Ilorin West Local Government Area.
- Mgt Accuses Union Of Dishing Out False Staff Remuneration Scale
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The staff of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) have lamented poor welfare conditions, rising living costs and stagnant salaries they have been subjected to, despite their contributions to the state’s revenue generation.
In a statement issued by the KWIRS chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the workers lamented that their sacrifice and professionalism, which have helped to place Kwara State among the more self-reliant states in the country, have not been matched with corresponding improvement in their welfare.
The workers questioned the disparity between their contributions to the state’s revenue and their welfare, saying many of them are battling financial hardship.
“We block leakages. We are posted to hospitals and other MDAs to secure government revenue. We work under pressure day and night but we continue to struggle to meet basic needs due to poor salaries.”
The association further expressed concern that personnel costs had remained unchanged for years while other expenditure heads had continued to increase.
It also cited a salary negotiation agreement dated October 11, 2022, which reportedly stated that the adjustment would be implemented “as soon as it can be accommodated in the budget.”
According to the workers, nearly four years after the agreement, there had been no implementation or clear indication of when the adjustment would take effect, despite the rising cost of living.
The staff said expenses on school fees, house rent, transportation and food had increased significantly while their salaries remained unchanged. “We smile outside but the majority of us are bleeding inside. We cannot continue to generate wealth for the state while we wallow in abject poverty,” they declared.
Urging their colleagues to remain united and resolute in pursuing improved welfare, the association said the workers should not expect better conditions without collectively standing up for their interests.
It called on members to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful as a 14-day period beginning October 15, 2026, counts down, without specifying further details in the statement about the expected action at its conclusion.
Reacting to the KW-IRS staff allegations, the Management, while
reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality and its statutory mandate, expressed dismay over public speculation on staff remuneration and attempts to politicise unverified internal administrative communications.
“Management is concerned by attempts to exploit unverified internal administrative communications for political purposes, create unnecessary tension and distract the Service from its responsibilities. KWIRS will not be distracted from its mandate by such narratives,” said the Management.
It added: “The isolated salary figures being circulated on social media do not represent the full remuneration structure or total emoluments of KWIRS staff. Staff compensation extends beyond regular monthly salaries and includes the following benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and approved arrangements:
“Annual and Performance-Related Bonuses: Annual, festive, and situational bonuses linked to revenue performance milestones and staff performance and situational economic palliatives are paid periodically to staff members
“Annual Leave Allowance: A separate annual payment in addition to regular monthly remuneration.
Staff Welfare and Operational Support: Structured measures designed to support staff welfare and professional development throughout their careers.
“Accordingly, assessing staff remuneration solely on selectively circulated salary figures presents an incomplete picture of the Service’s compensation and welfare structure.
“Management remains committed to staff welfare, motivation and professional development. The Service will continue to strengthen policies and operational processes that support staff well-being and performance, within government-approved resource allocations and applicable administrative frameworks. The Service remains one of the Government Institutions with the most recruitment requests and this is a testament of Management’s commitment to staff welfare.
“KWIRS urges members of the public, taxpayers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified and misleading narratives, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official Service communications for accurate information about its operations and staff policies.
“All stakeholders are encouraged to refrain from politicising internal administrative matters or spreading claims capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.
“KWIRS remains focused on its statutory responsibilities and committed to mobilising revenue for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kwara State.”
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