Politics

2027: INEC final list sets off Senate race

Published

4 weeks ago

September 14, 2026

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The release of the final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission has heightened the battle for the 109 senatorial seats across the country.

With the publication of the list, political parties and their candidates now have a clearer picture of the contenders for the Senate, setting the stage for a fierce contest for the legislative seats in the February 2027 elections.

The senatorial race is expected to attract prominent politicians, including governors who will serve out their terms in 2027, serving and former lawmakers, political newcomers and other aspirants seeking to influence the composition of the 10th National Assembly.

The final list also formally puts the candidates in the spotlight, with parties expected to intensify their campaigns and mobilisation efforts ahead of the poll.

For Abia North, Kalu Orji Uzor, the current occupant, will contest on the platform of the All Progressives Congress against Okoronkwo Godswill of the African Democratic Congress, Nkole Ndukwe of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and Udeachara Jude of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Abia Central will have Atuma Emeka of the APC, Austine Akobundu of the ADC, Nkechi Nwaogu of the NDC and Ogu Bob of the PDP.

Abia South will parade Ikonne Paul of the APC, Isiguzor Victor of the ADC, Enyinna Michael of the NDC, Onuoha Chinyere of the PDP and Enyinnaya Abaribe of the Labour Party.

For Adamawa North, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri will vie on the platform of the APC, Iya Umar for ADC, Abubakar Rabiu for NDC and Lawan Ribado for the PDP, while Adamawa South will parade Tangwami Bilishan of the APC, Binos Yaroe of the AC, Peter Barata of the NDC and Ahmed Hassan of the PDP.

Adamawa Central has Salihu Mustapha (APC), Ibrahim Mustapha (ADC), Ahmed Abdullahi Musa (NDC) and Attah Mohammed Ibrahim of NDC.

Akwa Ibom North East has Aniekan Etim (APC), Sunday Etim Umoren (ADC), Afia Ekere S (NDC) and Udobang Cletus Kufre (PDP).

Akwa Ibom North West will parade Akpabio Godswill (APC), Akpabio Ibanga Obot (ADC), Inemeh Patty Etete (NDC), while PDP has no candidate.

Akwa Ibom South will feature Akpan Ekong Sampson (APC), Louis Paul Udoh (ADC), Frank Okon Daniel (NDC) and Isong Etim (PDP).

Anambra North has Nnalue Kingsley (APC), Udedibia Sunday Ikenna (ADC), Nwoye Tony Okechukwu (NDC) and Oliatachinenye Edith (PDP); Anambra Central – Ekwunife Uche Lilian (APC) Nwobu Geoffery Ndubuisi (ADC), Umeh Victor (NDC) and Ughamadu Lawrence Chijioke (PDP), while Anambra South has Benson-Oraelosi Maryanne (APC), Anagwu Fredrick Emeka (ADC), Onunkwo Ebuka Josephat (NDC) and Nwosu Ikechukwu Samben (PDP).

In Bauchi South, Governor Bala Mohammed of the Allied People’s Movement, will vie the seat against Shehu Abdullahi of the APC, Garba Dahiru of the ADC, and Dabo Danjuma Adamu of the PDP.

Bauchi Central will parade Misau Isah Hamma (APC), Abdul Ahmed Ningi (ADC), and Aliyu Bello of the PDP, while Bauchi North will have Baba Ibrahim Mohammed (APC) against Suleiman Mohammed Nazif (ADC), and Adamu Abdulkadir of PDP.

In Bayelsa East, Sunny-Golu Israel (APC), Sylva Ngo Nathaniel (ADC), Tekenah Dau Kenny (NDC) and Joseph Ateki Boabofa (PDP) will slug it out, while Benson Friday Konbowei (APC), Aistine Inei Asamaowei (ADC), Okoyareuben Boutuaowei (NDC) and Akinaka Erepamo Richard will slug it out for Bayelsa Central.

In Bayelsa West, the national leader of the NDC, Seriake Dickson will contest against Agbiki Fidelis (APC), Ogola Christopher (ADC), and Ebebi Onduakpo Polycarp (PDP)

Benue North East will have Udende Emmanuel Memga (APC), Tyough Robert Aondona (ADC), and Unongo Thomas Tyolumun (PDP); Benue North West, Zam Titus Tartenger (APC), Tsegba Terngu (ADC), Utaan Conrad Terhide (NDC) and Ortom Eunice Erdoo (PDP), while Benue South will feature Agbo Frances Ottah (APC), Olofu David Adejo (ADC), Onjeh Daniel Donal (NDC) and Moro Abba Patrick (PDP).

For Borno North, Monguno Mohammed Tahir (APC), will slug it with Abdullahi Modu Kura (ADC), Abubakar Tijjani (NDC) and Kareto Mohammed Abdullah (PDP); Lawan Kaka Shehu (APC), Baba Gana Zannah (ADC), Abdulkadir Fema (NDC) and Kyari Alhaji Grema will slug it out at Borno Central, while Ndume Mohammed Ali (APC), Idris Mamman Gatumbwa (ADC), Kwajafailliya Habu (NDC) and Apaguaminu Mallum (PDP), will slug it out in Borno Central.

Cross River North will have Jarigbe Jarigbe Agom (APC), Ugbong Casmir (ADC) and Ake Abuashe Grace (NDC); Cross River Central – Ewa Oden Ibiang (APC), Akin Rickett (ADC), Ewa Bassey Eko (NDC) and John Ifere (PDP), while Cross River South will have Ekpenyong Asuquo (APC), Edet Joseph (ADC), Egwu Egwu Arong (NDC) and Inyang Florence (PDP).

In Delta Central, the current occupant, Dafinone Ede (APC), will contest against Ewhrudjakpor Benjamin (ADC), Omo-Agege Ovie (NDC) and Arhagba Ighogbedjere (PDP); Delta North – former Governor Okowa Ifeanyi (APC), Ogoliegbune Valentine Chibuzor (ADC), Ochei Victor Onyekachi (NDC) and Ogannah Onyeama Austyn (PDP), while for Delta South, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas Ewomazino (APC), will contest against Adhekpukoli Elo (NDC) and Otuaro Kingley Burutu (PDP).

Ebonyi North parades Nwebonyi Onyeka Peter (APC), Ikeria Chibuike Solomon (ADC), Nwite James (NDC) and Opoke Sunday Andrew (PDP); Ebonyi Central – Eze Kenneth Emeka (APC), Ugo Maginus Kel (ADC), Odoh Benard Ifeanyi (NDC) and Ngwuta Elechi Christopher (PDP) while Ebonyi South will have Ani Anthony Okorie (APC), Silas Joseph Onu (ADC), Ndubuisi Emmanuel (NDC) and Nwachi Maria Ude (PDP).

Edo North will have former governor and current occupant, Adams Oshiomhole (APC) against Aruna Abubakari (ADC), Oisamoje Maria Evuarherhe (NDC) and Momoh-Dejih Bashir Eugine; Edo Central – Ikpea Joseph (APC), Okonofua Herberta (ADC), Inemezele Ikpea Igiagbe Joseph (NDC) and Edo South –

Ogbeide-Ihama Omoregie (APC), Iduoriyekemwen Matthew Aigbuhuenze (ADC), Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte (NDC) and Ojediamen Benjamin Ehichioya (PDP).

For Ekiti North, Oguntoye Ayobami Samuel (APC), will contest with Ayeni Funso (ADC), Oguntoye Ayobami (NDC); Ekiti Central has the current Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC) against Akinyemi Victor (ADC), Omolayotaiwo Oluwagbenga (NDC) and Fatuyi-Olajuyigbe Monica Adesola (PDP), while Ekiti South has the Senate Spokesman, Adaramodu Adeyemi (APC) against Kolawole Job Nathaniel (ADC) and Ayeni Oye Olabisi (PDP)

Enugu East has Chukwu Kelvin (APC), Idoko Mechika (ADC), Asadu Patrick (NDC) and Ukwueke Kingsley; Enugu West – Ngwu Osita (APC), Ani Juliet Nkechi (ADC), Eneh Kingsley (NDC) and Amadi Dennis (PDP); Enugu North – Asogwa Ikeje Israel (APC), Chika Idoko Emmanuel (ADC), Asadu Patrick Oziokoja (NDC) and Ezeme Nestor Chika (PDP).

Federal Capital Territory has Philip Aduda (APC) against Ireti Kingibe (ADC), Austen Peters-Pam Amanda (NDC) and Angulu Bako (PDP).

Gombe North has Governor Yahaya Muhammed Inuwa (APC), Mustapha Mohammed Aliyu (ADC), Mohammed Dukku (NDC) and Dankwambo Ibrahim Hassan (PDP); Gombe Central – Mohammed Ahmed (APC), Idris Audu Umar (ADC), Kabiru Mohammed (NDC) and Hammadu Aliyu, while Gombe South has Hamma Tabitha (APC), Mela Audu Nunghe (ADC), Amos Bulus Kilawangs (NDC) and Siyako Anthony Yaro (PDP).

Imo East has Uzodinma Ezebuihe Anayochukwu (APC), Ofoegbu Uchenna Daniel (ADC), Onyeagocha Uchechukwu (NDC) and Madume Prince Eze (PDP); Imo West – Governor Uzodimma Goodhope (APC), Iwuchukwu Vincent (ADC), Nwogu Nze Ndieze (NDC) and Onyereri Chukwudi Victor (PDP), while Imo North has Ndubueze Patrick (APC), Ibekwe Nkiru (ADC), Omegara Mathew (NDC) and Ejiogu Micheal Duru (PDP).

Jigawa South-West has Ibraheem Sani Garba (APC), Ahmed Isah Dutse (ADC), Aminu Mustapha (NDC) and Suleiman Abba (PDP); Jigawa North-East, Madori Ahmed Abdulhamid Malam Ali (APC), Muhammad Ubali Shitu (ADC) and Salisu Mamuda (PDP), while Jigawa North-West has Hussaini Babangida Uba (APC), Ahmed Mahmud Gumel (ADC), Sabo Salisu (NDC) and Abdullahi Aminu Taura (PDP).

Kaduna North has Yero Mukhtar Ramalan (APC), Khalid Ibrahim Mustapha (ADC), Sha’aban Mohammad Turad (NDC) and Ahmed Abdullahi Zubairu (PDP), Kaduna Central – Sani Shehu (APC), Lawal Adamu Usman (ADC), Adamu Haruna (NDC) and Ibrahim Usman (PDP) and Kaduna South, Marshall Sunday Katung (APC), Godfrey Ali Gaiya (ADC) and Gumbari Joseph Mataimaki (PDP).

For Kano Central, Shekarau Ibrahim (APC) will contest against Samaila Abdullahi Mukhtar (ADC), Yusuf Nasiru Gawuna (NDC) and Sankara Nafiu Danladi; Kano North – Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin (APC), Saleh Shehu Kudawa (ADC), Usman Sunusi Danbatta (NDC) and Sagir Abdulkadir Ahmad (PDP); Kano South has Kawa Suleiman Abdurrahaman (APC), Baba Aminu Zubair (ADC), Ibrahim Kassim Bataiya (NDC) and Isa Umar Sambo (PDP).

Katsina North has Yahaya Nasir (APC), Lawal Sani (ADC), Yahaya Aminu (NDC) and Daura Umar Dauda (PDP); Katsina Central – Abubakar Sadiq Yar’Adua (APC), Lawal Sani (ADC), and Abdulaziz Amina Lawal Rafindadi (PDP); Katsina South has Dandutse Muntari Mohammed (APC), Lawal Umar (ADC), Hussain Ishaq Suleim (NDC) and Bawa Rabiu (PDP).

Kebbi North – Adamu Muhammad Aliero (APC), Mera Ibrahim Mohammed (ADC), Abdurrahaman Aliyu (NDC) and Mukhtar Mohammed Tafarki (PDP); Kebbi Central, Adamu Mohammed Aliero (APC), Aminu Bande (ADC), Umar Yarotela (NDC) and Andarai Haruna Saidu (PDP) and Kebbi South, Muhammed Ja’afaru Ngaski (APC), Maidoki Garba Musa (ADC), Hassan Mustapha (NDC) and Abubakar Hamza (PDP).

For Kogi Central, former Governor Bello Yahaya (APC), while contest against Ogembe Salau Ahmed (ADC), Salau Muritala Audu (NDC) and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP); Kogi East – Ameh Erico Joseph (APC), Abubakar Aminu Suleiman (ADC), Ameh Peter Ojonugwa (NDC) and Muhammed Abdullahi (PDP) and Kogi West – Karimi Sunday (APC), Musa Ibrahim Ahmadu (ADC), Fatosa Olumuyiwa Adedokun (NDC) and Yusuf Ayo Tajudeen (PDP).

Kwara Central has Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (APC) against Abdulahi Risikat Motunrayo (ADC), Suleiman Abdulrasheed Olufemi Omoda (NDC) and Saliu Mustapha (PDP); Kwara North – Umar Sadiq (APC), Bala Taoheed Usman (ADC), Gana Thomas Audu (NDC) and Kolo Baba Jiya (PDP) and Kwara South, Adewoye Olalekan (APC), Oyedepo Iyiola (ADC), Oni Samuel Omoniyi (NDC) and Popoola Adekeye Lekan Saheed (PDP).

Lagos Central has Sanni Eshilokun Wasiu (APC) against Abayomi Idowu Omotayo (ADC), Johnson Lawrence Adeniyi Oladipupo (NDC) and Dakova-Vaughan Kolawole David (PDP); Lagos East – Abiru Adetokunbo Mukhail (APC), Moshood Babatunde Olanrewaju (ADC), Adebanjo Adeola Damilola (NDC) and Adeniji Victoria (PDP) an Lagos West – Adebule Idiat Oluranti (APC), Bello Owolabi Hafis (ADC), Salvador Adegoke Moshood (NDC) and Phillips Adebiyi Abiodun (PDP).

Nasarawa North has Governor Sule Abdullahi (APC), Victor Affiku Tsaku (ADC), Danladi James (NDC) and Madaki Benbella Anthony (PDP); Nasarawa West – Haruna Dauda (APC), Umar Musa Galadima (ADC), Adamu Auta Umar Farouq (NDC) and Kaura Danlami Kefas (PDP) and Nasarawa South – Abdul Ibrahim Baba (APC), Hassan Abubakar Nalaraba (ADC), Baba Ayinwulu (NDC) and Agbo-Omeri Mike (PDP).

Niger East has Musa Mohammed Sani (APC), Ahmed Mohammed Mukhtar (ADC), Bawa John Agmada (NDC); Niger North – Bello Abubakar Sani (APC), Abdullahi Shehu Mohammed (ADC), Bawa Joshua Nuhu (NDC) and Abdullahi Yahaya (PDP) and Niger South – Idris Mohammed Sani (APC), Umar Danjuma Emimaru (ADC), Sadiq Mohammed Rabiu (NDC) and Jiya Peter Ndalikali (PDP).

Ogun Central has Salisu Shuaibu Afolabi (APC), Samuel Oluwafemi Abiodun-Oni (ADC), George-Taylor Oluwadurotimi (NDC) and Obasanjo Iyabo (PDP); Ogun East – Governor Abiodun Adedapo Olusegun (APC), Adebanjo Babatunde Olalekan (ADC), Shokoya Adewale Oluwasegun (NDC) and Omotayo Oluwafemi Abdulhameed (PDP) and Ogun West – Ojugbele Jimo Olusola (APC), Olanrewaju Abdul-Lateef Ajani (ADC), Abioro Itunu (NDC) and Ogunola Babatunde (PDP).

Ondo North has Ipinsagba Olajide Emmanuel (APC), Foluso Mayowa Felix Adefemi (ADC), Daodu Babatunde (NDC) and Adenekan Olateru Olagbegi (PDP); Ondo Central – Adegbonmire Adeniyi Ayodele (APC), Akinyelure Patrick Ayo (ADC), Falaiye Olugbenga (NDC) and Ondo South- Kekemeke Duerimini Isaacs (APC), Tofowomo Gbadamosi Tola (ADC), Nejo Myson Adeyemi (NDC) and Oyerinmade Mathew Oye (PDP)

Osun Central – Adegoke Rasheed Adekunle (APC), Olaoye Akeem (ADC), Oduyemi Morenikeji Nathaniel (NDC), Fadeyi Olubiyi Oluwole (PDP) and Ganiyu Ayobami Olaoluwa (Accord); Osun East – Fadahunsi Francis Adenigba (APC), Babatunde Olaniyi Loye (ADC), Derin-Ologbenla Charles Adewale (NDC) and Fadipe Ibukun Isola (Accord); Osun West – Ogunbiyi Akinade Akanmu (APC), Oriolowo Adelere (ADC), Ayoola Alaba (NDC and Oyewumi Kamorudeen Olalere (Accord).

Oyo Central has Akintunde Yunus Abiodun (APC), Kamil Akinlabi (ADC), Salawu Akeem (NDC), Olunloyo Ayobami (PDP) and Olufemi Ajadi (APM); Oyo North – Ogunesan Hannah Olawumi (APC), Agoro Lanre Adehirah (ADC), Ojekunle Abigail Olanike (NDC), Adeoye Beulah Olufemi (PDP) and Sina Peller (APM); Oyo South – Oseni Abasi Aderemi (APC), Lukman Adeola Adetunji (ADC), Abdulateef Gbolagade (NDC), Adeleke Kehinde Saheed (PDP) and Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide (APM).

Plateau North has Mwadkwon Simon Davou (APC), Rose Bitrus Mwanti (ADC), Bature Musa Jonathan (NDC) and Gwottson Dalyop; Plateau Central, Kasuwa Bitrus David (APC), Yusuf Bello (ADC), Yusuf Ishaku (NDC) and Goliath Timothy (PDP); Plateau South – Lalong Simon Bako (APC), Solomon Selcap Dalung (ADC), Kefas Peter Dandam (NDC) and Shekarau Johnbull (PDP).

Rivers East has Onyesoh Allwell Iheacho (APC), Agwor Samuel Ndubuisi (ADC), Okwuwolu Wolu Benjamin (NDC) and Anele Akor Wisdom (PDP), Rivers South-East – Osarosaka Ebenezer Erewari (APC), Ikuru Tele Betram (ADC), Abiante Awaji-Inombek (NDC) and Nwogu Olaka (PDP); Rivers West – Obuah Amechi Felix (APC), Otto Josiah (ADC), Ogbobula Isaac (NDC) and Job Vincent (PDP).

Sokoto North has Wamakko Aliyu Magatakarda (APC), Maishinko Mani Katami (ADC), Abubakar Mainasara Sani (NDC) and Maccido Ahmed (PDP); Sokoto East – Tukur Muhammad (APC), Hassan Muhammad (ADC), Ummar Maisalati (NDC) and Umar Abubakar (PDP) and Sokoto South – Abdullahi Ibrahim Danbaba (APC), Yabo Faruk Malami (ADC), Tanimu Bodinga (NDC) and Yusuf Dahiru (PDP).

Taraba North – Lau Shuaibu Isa (APC), Maigari Kasimu Bello (ADC), Bandawa Anfani (NDC) and Bubajoda Hilkiah (PDP); Taraba Central – Manu Haruna (APC), Ahmadu Benni Umaru Salim (ADC), Nyan-Ganji Gilbert Gills (NDC) and Iliyasu Goje (PDP); Taraba South – Aliyu Yusuf (APC), Afiniki Yarima (ADC), Ezekiel Yakubu Ambo (NDC) and Istifanus Musa (PDP).

Yobe North – Lawan Ahmad Ibrahim (APC), Imamuddeen Ahmad Abubakar Talba (ADC), Abubakar Chigari (PDP); Yobe East – Governor Buni Mai Mala (APC), Kale Kawu (ADC), and Mustapha Maigoro (PDP); Yobe South – Bomai Ibrahim Mohammed (APC), Gambo Jajere Baba (ADC), Hassan Mohammed (NDC) and Hamma Ibrahim Barde (PDP).

Zamfara North has Sahabi Ya’u (APC), Shehu Rafi (ADC), Nasiru Garba (NDC) and Musa Hanafi Moriki (PDP); Zamfara Central – Bilbis Ikra Aliyu (APC), Abubakar Atiku Sale (ADC), Ibrahim Sanusi (NDC), Bala Sanusi (PDP) and Zamfara West – Abdulaziz Yari (APC), Ibrahim Mikailu Barau (ADC), Abdullahi Hassan Anka (NDC) and Lawal Faru (PDP)

Politics

Obi urges issue-based campaigns

Published

2 weeks ago

September 26, 2026

Top News Nigeria

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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has urged the media to demand issue-based campaigns from politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections, rather than allowing character assassination and name-calling to dominate political discourse.

Obi made the call on Friday at the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference in Enugu, urging journalists to use their position as managers of information to promote campaigns focused on good governance, unity, security and prosperity.

He said the media should challenge politicians who deviated from issue-based campaigns or attempted to prevent opponents from campaigning.

Obi said, “As we approach the election, I have only one thing I will plead that you include in your discussion. We made a choice to be a democratic country, and that choice is a choice that can help our country to grow.

“It is important that you help us, the politicians, to ensure that as we approach the election, our discussions, our campaigns, everything we do, is strictly based on issues that will bring good governance, unity, security and prosperity to the country.”

The former Anambra State governor also called for an environment conducive for political parties and candidates to campaign freely.

Obi recalled that political opponents were allowed to campaign in Anambra during his tenure as governor, citing visits by former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu.

He said Fashola campaigned for Chris Ngige, while Obasanjo campaigned for Andy Uba and Kalu for Uche Ekwunife.

According to Obi, the campaigns did not result in confrontations because the people were allowed to make their choices.

“So we need that conducive environment to campaign as a country, to make it work,” he said.

Obi also dismissed reports of a disagreement between him and the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, describing the governor as his “respected elder brother.”

He said their relationship had remained cordial despite differences over issues concerning the state. He added that he and his wife were godparents to Soludo’s children.

“Me and Soludo are close. As a banker, he was my customer. And we have not changed. If I see him, I greet him, I respect his office he’s the governor,” Obi said.

“So, we’re not quarrelling! And we will never quarrel! If I see him any day, me and him will hug and everything,” he said.

Obi also defended his record on Anambra’s finances, disputing claims about the debt allegedly left by his administration.

He said Anambra’s external debt stood at about $18m when he assumed office and about $30m when he left in March 2014.

Obi further claimed that he left more than $150m in investments for the state when he left office. His position is that development facilities attributed to his administration should be assessed based on their approval, drawdown and repayment records.

Meanwhile, a medical practitioner, Dr Richard Okoye of SaveALife Mission Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, urged Nigerians to pay greater attention to their health amid economic pressures.

Speaking at the conference, Okoye identified stress, hypertension and diabetes as major health concerns and advised Nigerians to undergo regular medical checks even when they felt healthy.

He said untreated hypertension and diabetes could contribute to stroke, heart failure and kidney disease.

Okoye also cautioned against the indiscriminate use of sexual-enhancement drugs and drinks, urging men to pay attention to their cardiovascular and sexual health.

Politics

Tinubu Is Disconnected From Nigerians – APM

Published

2 weeks ago

September 26, 2026

Top News Nigeria

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The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is disconnected from Nigerians and lacks the capacity to provide effective leadership for the country.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, APM alleged that President Tinubu has abdicated his duties to a cabal comprising family members, principal aides and other unelected persons who have seized control of the administration.

“President Tinubu runs a lethargic administration and is most of the time absent from the theatre of governance. He is completely disconnected from Nigerians. He seems unperturbed and pays little or no attention to the security and economic challenges his administration has brought to the country,” the party stated.

The APM also faulted what it described as the President’s repeated absence at meetings of world leaders, particularly the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), saying it underscores his inability to effectively represent and drive Nigeria’s interest at the global level.

“Instead, President Tinubu prefers holidaying abroad at taxpayers’ expense while critical matters of state are left in the hands of a cabal of aides and family members,” it added.

The party questioned why the President has never visited communities ravaged by terrorists, kidnappers and bandits or met directly with grieving families and victims.

“President Tinubu has never, as Commander-in-Chief, demonstrated the commitment and capacity to lead from the front on matters of security. Instead, any time there was an attack, his Presidency will only issue lame statements, give directives or dispatch delegations rather than making direct on-the-ground visits himself,” the APM said.

According to the party, such an approach has emboldened terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, resulting in the reported killing of over 600,000 Nigerians and the abduction of many more in the last three years.

On the economy, the APM accused the administration of failing to present an effective strategy to harness the nation’s human and natural resources, resorting instead to harsh policies including the abrupt removal of fuel subsidy, imposition of stringent tax regimes and reckless external borrowing.

“The result is the crippling of the productive sector with millions of businesses shut down, leading to high costs, a frightening 33.3 per cent unemployment rate and a 63 per cent poverty rate, where over 140 million Nigerians have been plunged into excruciating economic hardship,” the statement read.

The party further claimed that the administration’s borrowings have pushed the nation’s debt to N159.28 trillion, with nothing on the ground to show for it, and alleged that major multinationals have exited the country while over 3.7 million youths and professionals have emigrated in the “Japa” phenomenon

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is disconnected from Nigerians and lacks the capacity to provide effective leadership for the country.

“Instead, President Tinubu prefers holidaying abroad at taxpayers’ expense while critical matters of state are left in the hands of a cabal of aides and family members,” it added.

The party questioned why the President has never visited communities ravaged by terrorists, kidnappers and bandits or met directly with grieving families and victims.

The party said Nigerians are increasingly rallying around its presidential candidate and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, whom it described as a younger, energetic and experienced leader with a record of sterling performance and a blueprint to reset Nigeria.

The APM urged President Tinubu to reconsider his intention to seek another term and support Makinde in the interest of the nation.

Politics

Anyone who rigs election under me will go to jail — Obi

Published

2 weeks ago

September 25, 2026

Top News Nigeria

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Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has vowed to jail anyone found rigging an election under his administration, saying the punishment would apply even where only one vote was involved.

Obi made the declaration in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, September 24, 2026, while outlining his position on electoral integrity, opposition politics and democratic governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“I’ve said it, and I’ll say it again: if I am the serving president of this country, whoever rig elections will be in jail. Even for one vote, you will be in jail,” Obi said

He also pledged that political parties, including opposition parties, would not be harassed under his administration, saying his government would involve them in decisions affecting the country.

“No political party will be harassed; we will support them,” he said.

“We will be working with opposition political parties if there’s a matter of state where we have to take a decision, especially in a situation like we find ourselves now. We will invite all opposition.

“It’s a country, everyone is involved, and I want to involve everybody.

Obi said opposition members would also be involved in government decisions when he travels outside the country.

“I will make sure that even if I have to take foreign trips, opposition members will be involved in decisions, because it’s important.

“It’s our country. For our children, we must build a stable, united, and secure country.”

The NDC candidate also said he would remain accessible to Nigerians and prioritise being physically present in the country.

“It doesn’t matter who is in office. I’m telling you that I will offer that.

“Nobody will look for me and say, ‘Where is Peter?’ I won’t be on holiday; I must be in Nigeria.”

Obi also criticised what he described as restrictions placed on his campaign activities in some states, saying political candidates should be allowed to campaign freely regardless of their opponents’ political affiliations.

He said his appeal was not limited to his own candidacy but was aimed at protecting the democratic space.

“That’s it—to ensure that Nigeria works for the future of our children.”

Obi recalled that, as governor of Anambra State, he allowed political opponents to campaign in the state and provided facilities for them.

“When Governor Fashola of Lagos State told me he was coming to Anambra State, Charles, I gave him my car—it was my convoy that he used to go for that campaign.”

He also recalled accompanying former President Olusegun Obasanjo when he campaigned for another candidate in Anambra State.

“As governor of the state, when President Obasanjo came to campaign for Andy, I went with him.

“He was there telling people, ‘Peter has done well, but this man will do better.’ No problem!”

Obi similarly recalled providing lunch for former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu when he campaigned for Uche Ekwunife.

“After my lunch, standing in front of me with Uche Ekwunife, he told the press people, ‘Peter has done well, but Uche will do better.’

“That’s democracy, because I wanted the people to vote. There was no issue.”

Anambra debt dispute

On the dispute over his record as former Anambra governor, Obi rejected claims that he left the state with $123m in debt, insisting that he did not borrow money from any financial institution during his tenure.

“Let me categorically state again: I, Mr. Peter Obi, did not approach any financial institution to borrow money or issue bonds on behalf of Anambra State in the eight years that I was in government.”

He said the state was not owing salaries, gratuities, pensions, contractors or suppliers whose jobs had been completed, certified and verified when he left office.

Obi also said the World Bank and International Fund for Agricultural Development facilities referenced in the debt claims were concessionary development support obtained by the Federal Government and subsequently on-lent to qualifying states.

He said Anambra’s foreign debt was about $18m when he assumed office and about $30m when he left office in March 2014.

According to Obi, the state’s financial position at the time included more than $150m in dollar-denominated savings invested in bonds, which he said generated about $10m annually.

He argued that even if the debt figure being claimed by the state government were accepted, the funds he left behind would have been sufficient to clear the obligation.

Obi also presented what he described as his handover document, urging ARISE NEWS to verify the figures with the World Bank and Nigerian banks.

“Please publish these documents. I’m urging you, please.

“The World Bank is in Abuja; they can give you the history of the drawdowns. The banks mentioned here are Nigerian banks; you have access to their headquarters. Ask them whether this money was there.

Obi speaks on Soludo, Tinubu

On his relationship with Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Obi said he had no dispute with the governor.

“I don’t have any dispute, talk less of being bitter, with my very respected elder brother, Governor Soludo.

“We remain brothers. He’s the governor of my state, and I respect him.”

Obi also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s absence from Nigeria, saying the President had remained outside the country beyond the period he initially announced.

“The CEO being present is critical at a time of crisis, not delegation.

“Yes, you have a chain of command, but where is the president? Nigerians ought to know.”

Obi rejects reported Kwankwasiyya campaign council

On the Obedient Kwankwasiyya Movement’s reported campaign council, Obi said the group did not have his approval and should operate as a support group rather than a parallel political structure.

“I was not aware, and that’s why I’m disapproving it here.”

The former Anambra governor also expressed openness to discussions on opposition cooperation, including the possibility of a presidential candidate stepping aside as part of efforts to strengthen democratic competition.

“When he comes, I’m not desperate to be president; I’m desperate to see Nigeria work. When he comes, it’s a discussion.”

Obi said opposition parties should focus on ensuring free, fair and credible elections, preventing violence and campaigning on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.

“What I’m saying is that we should all come together and save democracy, ensure that election is free, fair, and credible, violence-free, and that we campaign on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.”

In August, Obi defended his political record, saying he had never been involved in election rigging, violence, or any form of malpractice throughout his career.