By Our Correspondent

Former Vice President and presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has sparked national conversation following the emergence of a viral video in which he pledged to prioritize youth and women in political appointments while declaring an all-out war on corruption if elected into office.

Speaking passionately in the video, which trended widely across social media platforms on Saturday, Atiku made two major declarations: a commitment to inclusivity in governance and an uncompromising stance on corruption.

“We will make sure that 70 per cent of our appointments will go to the youths and women,” Atiku stated, drawing applause from a crowd of supporters.

In what appears to be a direct response to Nigeria’s persistent challenges with misgovernance and financial misappropriation, the former vice president added:

“I swear to God, if elected, whoever steals or engages in any corruption-related activities, we will declare war against them, and they must be punished.”

He further lamented Nigeria’s slow pace of development, blaming it on entrenched corruption within the corridors of power.

“Other countries are advancing, but Nigeria remains regressive because of a few corrupt people,” Atiku said, echoing the frustrations of many Nigerians over the years.

Political analysts have described Atiku’s comments as part of a strategic campaign move to re-engage with Nigeria’s youthful electorate, who make up over 60% of the voting population, and to counter the narrative of elite complicity in systemic failure.

While reactions have been mixed, many Nigerians on social media expressed cautious optimism, with some welcoming the focus on youth and gender inclusion, while others questioned the credibility of the anti-corruption promise given the country’s political history.

Atiku Abubakar, a recurring contender in Nigeria’s presidential elections, has consistently emphasized restructuring, economic reforms, and governance transparency as pillars of his political agenda.

Whether these bold declarations translate into real political momentum ahead of future elections remains to be seen. For now, the video has reignited debates around leadership, accountability, and the urgent need for a new direction in Africa’s most populous nation.

By Our Correspondent

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has categorically ruled out the possibility of its former presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, contesting the 2027 presidential election under its platform.

The party’s National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major, made this known in a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in response to recent comments by Buba Galadima, a close ally of Kwankwaso and a former chieftain of the party.

According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dr. Major was reacting to Galadima’s assertion that Kwankwaso remains firmly rooted in the NNPP and will contest the presidency on the party’s ticket come 2027. Galadima also dismissed widespread speculation linking Kwankwaso to a possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), calling on Nigerians to support Kwankwaso’s continued political ambition.

However, Dr. Agbo Major dismissed these claims, insisting that both Kwankwaso and Galadima have long been expelled from the NNPP for what he described as “acts of betrayal and gross misconduct against the party.”

> “Rabiu Kwankwaso has no stake in NNPP anymore. He cannot use the party as a vehicle for any future political ambition,” Dr. Major declared.

He added that the Kwankwasiyya Movement, led by Kwankwaso, ceased to have any affiliation with the NNPP after the conclusion of the 2023 general elections, further deepening the rift between the party and its former flagbearer.

> “We have formally severed ties with the Kwankwasiyya Movement. The NNPP has moved on and is focused on rebuilding its structure on the values of discipline, transparency, and loyalty,” he added.

The developments mark a major escalation in the internal crisis within the NNPP, which had positioned itself as a rising political force during the 2023 elections, largely due to Kwankwaso’s nationwide appeal, especially in the North.

Political observers say the rift underscores the deepening divisions in Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, with leadership struggles and internal party dynamics threatening to reshape the electoral map once again.

By Our Correspondent

The acting leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Gombe State has paid a courtesy visit to the party’s national secretariat in Abuja to congratulate Associate Professor Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe on his appointment as the Acting National Chairman of the party.

Led by the Acting State Chairman, Mr. Aaron Yakubu, alongside Ambassador Lukman Adamu Elkanem, the Acting State Secretary, and Ambassador Usman Yahaya Rabban Digri, the Acting Public Relations Officer, the delegation described the appointment as a welcome development for the party, especially considering Dr. Sadiq’s legacy as one of the founding fathers of the SDP.

Speaking during the visit, the Gombe State acting SDP leadership commended the National Working Committee for choosing a leader with proven integrity, experience, and deep roots within the party structure. They expressed confidence that Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe’s tenure will strengthen the party at both state and national levels.

“This is a new chapter for the SDP. We are proud that one of our own, a son of Gombe State, has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the party at the national level. His track record speaks for itself,” said Mr. Yakubu.

The delegation also reaffirmed their commitment to reviving the SDP in Gombe State by ensuring inclusivity, transparency, and unity among party members. They pledged to carry everyone along and work toward a vibrant, people-focused political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

They further called on the people of Gombe State to support Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe in his new role, emphasizing that his emergence is not just a win for the SDP, but for the entire state.

“This is the time for Gombe to shine on the national stage,” Ambassador Digri added. “We urge every progressive-minded citizen to rally behind our new National Chairman and help reposition the SDP for future success.”