By Our Correspondent

In a bold political statement that has further deepened the crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto State and prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has openly criticized Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for allegedly working against the interest of the PDP while serving in an All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

Speaking during a political gathering in Abuja on Sunday, Tambuwal declared that despite remaining bonafide members of the PDP, many loyal opposition figures would channel their energy and support to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the next elections—insisting it is a better platform to rescue Nigeria than the APC or a compromised PDP.

> “We are still members of the PDP, and we are going nowhere. But let me be clear: we will not fold our arms and watch the party rot from within. If working with the ADC will help realign the true progressive opposition in this country, then we will do it,” Tambuwal said to roaring applause.

In what many see as a veiled but unmistakable jab at Wike, Tambuwal added:

> “Some people say they are in PDP, but their hearts, hands, and entire machinery are working for the APC. That is political dishonesty. If you want to leave, be bold enough to declare it. But don’t sabotage from within.”

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has faced growing criticism from within the PDP for accepting a ministerial appointment from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the ruling APC, despite claiming allegiance to the opposition party. Many within the PDP see his actions as undermining party unity and aiding the APC’s consolidation of power.

Tambuwal’s comments come amid growing agitation for the unification of Nigeria’s fractured opposition, especially as the ADC-led Coalition of Political Opposition Movements (CPOM) gains momentum across the country. The coalition has been calling for the alignment of all credible opposition figures to present a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources within the PDP confirm that several top figures are unhappy with Wike’s dual allegiances and are pushing for disciplinary actions or a full internal restructuring to sanitize the party.

As the political landscape heats up, Senator Tambuwal’s declaration may mark a turning point for opposition politics in Nigeria—signaling the rise of ADC as a potential rallying point for those disillusioned with both the PDP leadership and the APC government.

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.