Politics

2027: Atiku, Mark, Secondus, Lamido Lead PDP Rescue Mission, Form Coalition to End APC Rule

Published

2 months ago

July 1, 2025

By Our Correspondent

In a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, and other prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have rallied party faithful and Nigerians at large to support a newly formed opposition coalition aimed at defeating President Bola Tinubu.

This call was contained in a communiqué signed by Senator Mark after a PDP coalition meeting held Tuesday in Abuja.

“The meeting encourages all well-meaning PDP members and other patriotic Nigerians to join the coalition,” the communiqué stated, adding, “All coalition partners must be united on the issues of national unity, democracy, national security, economic recovery, and the political will to stamp out entrenched corruption.”

The coalition is expected to harmonize strategies for winning elections nationwide by considering local and national peculiarities.

President Tinubu’s administration has recorded mixed results across sectors. However, the opposition has consistently accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of underperformance, labeling it a “disaster.”

Ironically, the leading opposition parties — including the PDP, Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP) — have all grappled with internal strife and disunity in recent months.

In a renewed effort to present a formidable challenge in 2027, Atiku, LP’s Peter Obi, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and others unveiled a political coalition on March 20 in Abuja.

Following months of speculation over the coalition’s platform, The PUNCH exclusively reported on May 19 that the alliance had officially adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political base. Senator David Mark was named interim chairman of the new bloc, with an official unveiling scheduled for Wednesday.

The communiqué also noted that the meeting of Concerned PDP Leaders was convened to address the party’s post-election struggles, especially following the resignation of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman.

“The PDP leadership’s failure to adhere to its own Constitution and internal regulations has plunged the party into chaos,” the document stated. “The founding ideals of the PDP — a stable, united, and globally respected Nigeria — have been eroded, while the nation’s image on the world stage continues to decline.”

Criticizing the APC-led government, the communiqué said, “The APC administration, which rode to power on false and evil propaganda, has become a monumental failure. The quality of life of the average Nigerian has plummeted, and daily living has become unbearable.”

They further accused the government of weaponizing state institutions to suppress opposition and democracy.

Also in attendance at the meeting were former PDP National Chairman Prince Uche Secondus; former Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Sam Egwu (Ebonyi); Senator Ben Obi; former National Women Leader Josephine Anenih; ex-National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan; former National Organising Secretary Senator Austin Akobundu; and former National Youth Leader Abdullahi Maibasira, among others.

The PDP leaders concluded with a passionate call to rescue Nigeria from its current trajectory, urging citizens to embrace the new coalition as the best hope for national redemption.

Activist

Succession, Corruption, and Loyalty: Gara Gombe Raises Red Flags for APC in Gombe

Published

1 week ago

August 21, 2025

DailyFact Desk

By Our Correspondent

Gombe political analyst and commentator, Ahmad Shuaibu Gara Gombe, has expressed fears over key challenges facing Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State as his administration gradually winds down with less than two years to the end of his tenure.

In a widely circulated commentary, Gara Gombe, who described Governor Yahaya as “one of the best performing governors in Nigeria today”, outlined four major areas of concern: succession, sustainability of projects, corruption in government agencies, and life after governorship.

Succession Dilemma

According to Gara Gombe, choosing the right successor will be one of the greatest tests for Governor Yahaya. He warned that presenting the wrong candidate could plunge the state into a political crisis similar to the ongoing rift between Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, and his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai.

Projects Sustainability

While praising Yahaya’s developmental strides, Gara Gombe expressed fears that many of the projects may be abandoned by whoever succeeds him. He suggested that the governor should initiate a Projects Sustainability Bill at the State House of Assembly to ensure continuity and protection of ongoing projects, irrespective of changes in political leadership.

Corruption in Government Agencies

The outspoken analyst also raised concerns about corruption within ministries, departments, and agencies of the state. He alleged that some had already been subjected to audit exercises and found wanting. He urged Governor Yahaya to decisively tackle such cases before the end of his administration to preserve his legacy.

Life After Governorship

On the governor’s future political ambitions, Gara Gombe advised him against contesting for a senatorial seat, suggesting instead that Yahaya should focus on playing the role of a kingmaker and statesman. “The parliament of Nigeria does not fit GIYU,” he said, using the governor’s popular acronym.

Political Discontent and Loyalty Concerns

Gara Gombe further noted that some political allies who played roles in Yahaya’s victories still feel neglected and unrewarded. He recommended that the governor organise a Reunion Dinner to reconcile and appreciate his political associates from 2011 to date.

He also alleged that some commissioners, advisers, legislators, and party officials within the governor’s inner circle are already holding secret meetings with opposition figures and considering defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Gara Gombe hinted that he may soon publish their names.

Commendation and Final Note

Despite his concerns, Gara Gombe congratulated Governor Yahaya on the recent creation of Local Development Areas (LDAs) approved by the State House of Assembly, promising to release a detailed opinion on the matter soon.

He concluded by praying for the governor and the people of the state:
“God bless H.E GIYU. God bless Gombe State and our people.

Activist

Published

1 week ago

August 21, 2025

DailyFact Desk

Succession, Corruption, and Loyalty: Gara Gombe Raises Red Flags for APC in Gombe

By Our Correspondent

Succession Dilemma

Projects Sustainability

Corruption in Government Agencies

Life After Governorship

Political Discontent and Loyalty Concerns

Commendation and Final Note

He concluded by praying for the governor and the people of the state:
“God bless H.E GIYU. God bless Gombe State and our people.

Politics

ADC Expels Member, Removes Three Executives in Gombe Over Anti-Party Activities

Published

1 week ago

August 20, 2025

DailyFact Desk

By Our Political Correspondent

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Gombe State has expelled one member and removed three top officials from their positions over alleged anti-party activities and actions deemed detrimental to the unity and stability of the party.

Announcing the decision at a press briefing in Gombe on Tuesday, the State Chairman of the ADC, Malam Auwal Abba Barde, said the measures followed a series of investigations and recommendations by party organs.

Those affected include Nafiu Bala, who was expelled from the party after he recently declared himself as the National Chairman of the ADC. Others removed from their positions are the State Deputy Chairman, Nasiru Lawan; the State Secretary, Danladi Ya’u; and the State Youth Leader, Abdulkadir Sa’idu, popularly known as Digiri.

Barde explained that the recommendation for Bala’s expulsion originated from the Nasarawo Ward Disciplinary Committee, which found him guilty of gross misconduct, factionalization, and anti-party activities.

He noted that Bala was invited personally, and through a publication in a national newspaper, to appear before the committee to defend himself but failed to do so.

“By parading himself as the National Chairman of the ADC, Nafiu Bala not only misrepresented the leadership of the party but also caused serious confusion and division within our ranks,” Barde said.

He added that the State Executive Committee had ratified the ward’s recommendation and would forward the decision to the national leadership of the ADC for further enforcement.

The chairman emphasized that the action was taken to send a strong signal that indiscipline, disloyalty, and sabotage would not be tolerated within the party.

“The committee reviewed the allegations and established that these individuals have consistently acted in ways that undermine the progress of our great party,” he stated.

Barde further assured members that the ADC remained focused and united as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensified.

“As the political drums beat louder ahead of 2027, the ADC is determined to secure more seats in Gombe State and beyond. These incidents are mere stumbles that will not make us fall,” he added.

The development marks one of the most decisive disciplinary measures taken by the ADC in Gombe State in recent years as the party seeks to strengthen its structures ahead of the next electoral cycle.