Politics
Atiku’s running mate: PDP raises panel as Wike, Okowa lobby for VP slot
The All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party on Thursday stepped up moves to choose running mates for their presidential candidates.
The PDP set up a committee comprising its governors, the National Working Committee and the Board of Trustees members as well as former governors with the mandate of picking its vice-presidential candidate.
The committee met on Wednesday and Thursday in Abuja. The PDP spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed the setting up of the committee last night.
It was gathered that the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and his Delta State counterpart, Ifeanyi Okowa, had intensified lobby of the PDP stakeholders as part of moves to clinch the post.
On his part, the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, began the search for his running mate with a meeting with northern governors.
As Tinubu met northern governors, the Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday gave parties June 17 deadline to submit the names of their presidential candidates and running mates.
The commission had on May 27 extended the deadline for parties to conduct primaries from June 4 to June 9.
It also fixed June 17 as the deadline for parties to submit lists of their candidates.
At the PDP primary held on May 29, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who emerged as the presidential candidate, polled 371 votes while his closest challenger, Wike, came second with 237 votes.
On Wednesday, Tinubu defeated aspirants including a former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and the Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.
On Thursday Atiku met with the PDP governors as part of efforts to pick his running mate.
Ologunagba in an interview indicated that the PDP would announce its vice-presidential candidate next week.
He, however, declined to reveal the names of those being considered as the running mate.
He said, “Yes, we have set up a committee on the running mate; when it comes out with its decision, it would be announced. We don’t do things by speculations. There is a process, we don’t work without planning. We would follow due process, we consult, that’s what we are doing.
“When we are done with consultations, you would hear the outcome. Whether they met today (Thursday), whether they didn’t meet, that’s not relevant. When they have done their work, you would know the outcome.”
When asked about the names of the committee members, Ologunagba stated, “You don’t need the names. All the organs of our party are represented: the National Working Committee, the Governors Forum, the Board of Trustees, and the Former Governors Forum are all represented. All the organs of the party and relevant stakeholders are involved in the consultations.”
On the efforts to reconcile the aspirants who lost during the primaries, the party said a reconciliation process was ongoing.
Wike
It was gathered that Wike and Okowa had reached out to their fellow governors as part of efforts to clinch the post.
A close source said that the governor was in Abuja lobbying to be named Atiku’s running mate.
The source stated, “The governor is not in town as we speak. It is not out of place if he is pushing to become the running mate of the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
“But it will be unfair if he (Wike) is not picked as Atiku’s running mate going by his contributions to the party, both in terms of finance and other levels of support.
“Don’t forget that he came second in the PDP presidential primary in Abuja, so that tells you his pedigree,” he stated.
Kelvin Ebiri, the Special Assistant on Media to Wike kept mum over the choice of running mate for Atiku.
When contacted by one of our correspondents if his principal should be picked as the vice presidential running mate, although Ebiri picked his call, he did not speak.He also did not reply a text message sent to him
Okowa
On his part, the Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, confirmed that the governor was one the people being tipped as Atiku’s running mate.
Ifeajika said Okowa was eminently qualified for the post. He said, “Yes, they (governors) met yesterday and today, Thursday, in Abuja. Of course, it is no longer news that the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is among the people being tipped as the running mate.
“Okowa is one those being considered. He is not only eminently qualified but acceptable by all. If there is an election, all governors, even those in the APC, will attest that Okowa is the best man for the position. He has worked hard for it.”
A source close to the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, told The PUNCH that the governor believed the party should pick somebody who could mobilise votes for the party.
Meanwhile, the PDP presidential candidate on Thursday met with some former PDP governors.
Those who attended the meeting included Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo); Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun); Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu); Achike Udenwa (Imo); Theodore Orji (Abia); Celestine Omehia (Rivers); Ibrahim Idris (Kogi); Sam Egwu (Ebonyi); Fidelis Tapgun (Plateau), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Boni Haruna (Adamawa)
Others were Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Ibrahim Shema (Katsina) Lyel Imoke (Cross River) Jim Nwobodo (Enugu); Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger).
The meeting which was held at Jimmy Carter, Asokoro, Abuja, focused on how to strengthen the opposition party amidst the crisis rocking some state chapters of the party.
Atiku was also scheduled to meet with former ministers who served under the PDP administrations as part of moves to present a formidable front and get the input of stakeholders on the choice of a running mate ahead of the 2023 presidential poll.
Atiku’s spokesman, Mr Paul Ibe, confirmed to one of our correspondents that the Thursday night parley was part of the ongoing consultations by the former vice-president to build a formidable party ahead of the polls.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Structures belonging the trio of People’s Democratic Party PDP, All Progressives Congress APC and Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC have been collapsed into the candidacy of Chief Chukwudi Oli of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for Dunukofia – Njikoka -Ananocha Federal Constituency.
The development followed the adoption of his candidacy by a group made up of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Njikoka LGA, which is part of federal constituency.
Members of the group declared their support for Oli during a consultative meeting they held with the APGA House of Representatives candidate’s campaign organisation held at Abagana yesterday.
Members of the campaign organisation which is headed by a former chairman of Njikoka LGA as the Director-general (DG), Hon. George Ozor present at the meeting received the three structures into the fold of the organization.
In their separate speeches on behalf of members of the group, the leader, Ozo Ejiamatu, and , chairman, Mr. Onyenechi Ezeaso stated that they decided to throw their support behind Oli because of his proven passion and commitment toward the progress of the various communities within the federal constituency, and, humanity at large.
”In this our group, some of us are members of the PDP, APC, NDC, and, other political parties.
”But we decided to come together, to support you because we are convinced that by supporting you, we are working for ourselves because we know that you are going to work for the progress of DNA (Dunukofia/Njikoka/ Anaocha federal constituency) when you get to the House of Representatives.
”We don’t want to allow selfish politicians who have been deceiving our people to win election in this federal constituency, again, because they have deceived us enough “, Ejiamatu stated further.
Also, in his speech, Ezeaso made it clear that the group was not an APGA political group, adding that the support of the members for the party’s House of Representatives candidate in the federal constituency did not mean that the members of his group have adopted all APGA candidates.
Expressing gratitude to members of the group for trusting him, Oli pledged that he would not disappoint them if elected.
He said that his political mantra was anchored on “accountability, transparency, togetherness, and, touching lives”.
He vowed that if elected into the House of Representatives he would not use his position to pursue personal gains, but, would deploy his capacity and influence to the development of the federal constituency while awaiting for the divine reward.Stating that he would be guided by the philosophy of his mentor, the state-born popular oil mongul and philanthropist, Prince Arthur Eze, Oli pledged that when elected the ordinary people in the federal constituency would breath fresh air, and, life made worth living for them.
Chairman of the campaign organisation, Chief Ozor, and, chairman of APGA in Njikoka LGA, Hon. Chinedu Anakwe eulogised members of the group for the confidence they reposed in Oli.
”We know that this federal constituency election will be one of the toughest elections in Anambra state, but, because we know the capacity of your leader, Ozo Ejiamatu, and, some of you we have no doubt that the fight has been made a lot easier and our victory assured”, Ozor stated.
The APGA chairman in Njikoka described the support of members of the group as a source of great courage, and, moral boost for the party and the House of Representatives candidate, and, indeed, other candidates of the party in the area, including for the senate , Hon Dozie Nwankwo.
Videos circulating on social media showed demonstrators chanting slogans while calling for a review of the party’s decision, although the authenticity and context of the footage could not immediately be independently verified.
Political observers said the protest exposed growing tensions between rival blocs within the state chapter of the APC, with disagreements centring on the selection of candidates and the influence of senior party figures.State & Local Government
While some party members alleged that Dr. Osamaye sympathised with the protesters, others insisted there was no evidence that she organised or officially endorsed the demonstration. The commissioner did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A source in the governor’s camp reiterated Gov. Aiyedatiwa’s administration’s commitment to party discipline, saying all public office holders were expected to support decisions reached through established party structures.
“We remain committed to unity, discipline and due process. Anyone with concerns should utilise the internal mechanisms provided by the party rather than actions capable of creating public misunderstanding,” the source said.City & Local Guides
The APC’s state chapter also appealed for calm, urging members to avoid inflammatory rhetoric while internal consultations continued. Party officials maintained that disagreements over candidate selection should be resolved through dialogue and existing dispute-resolution mechanisms.
Political analysts noted that disputes over endorsements are common during election cycles, particularly where multiple aspirants command significant grassroots support. They warned that unresolved disagreements could undermine party cohesion and distract from preparations for the general election.Government
Although the immediate political consequences remain uncertain, observers said the episode illustrates the delicate balance party leaders must strike between enforcing discipline and accommodating internal dissent. Whether the disagreement develops into a broader political crisis is likely to depend on the outcome of ongoing consultations among key stakeholders in the party.State & Local Government.
Politics
Umahi Vs Nwifuru: Gov’s candidate dropped as APC Forwards Approved National Assembly Candidates List to INEC (See List)
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally submitted its approved list of candidates for the 2027 National Assembly elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a letter dated June 29, 2026, addressed to the INEC Chairman and marked for the attention of the Director of Election and Party Monitoring (EPM), the ruling party said the submission followed the conclusion of appeals arising from its primary elections.
According to the letter, the reports of the Appeal Committees were reviewed and subsequently approved by the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC), making them the party’s final position on the affected constituencies.
The APC stated that the submission was made in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines.
The party forwarded the names of candidates for seven Senatorial Districts and 19 House of Representatives constituencies, requesting the electoral commission to take the necessary action.
The letter was jointly signed by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru.
One of the striking names dropped by the party is the name of Member representing Afikpo North/Edda Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State, Barr. Iduma Igariwey an ally of the Governor.
His replacement with Dave Umahi’s candidate Ekumankama Joseph has once again brought to the fore the silent war between Governor Nwifuru and the Minster for Works, and former governor Dave Umahi.
Observers see this as a major victory for Umahi who had earlier questioned the governor’s consensus decisions which his camp alleged did not follow extensive consultations with major stakeholders.
It also sets the stage for a volatile political atmosphere in Ebonyi ahead the 2027 elections.
See List:
Waiting has ended as the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has effected a sweeping substitution of its National Assembly candidates in Ondo State, replacing eight candidates who were declared during the primaries, following the review of petitions arising from the party’s recently concluded primary elections.
The changes were conveyed in a letter dated June 29, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), forwarding the party’s approved list of senatorial and House of Representatives candidates after the determination of appeals by the Primary Election Appeal Committees.
The letter, signed by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, stated that the reviewed list represented the final position of the party on the affected constituencies after the reports of the appeal committees were considered and approved by the National Working Committee in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
The review produced major changes in Ondo State, with the party replacing two of its three senatorial candidates and all six House of Representatives candidates affected by the appeals.
For the Senate, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN) replaced Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti as the APC candidate for Ondo Central Senatorial District, while Senator Olajide Ipinsagba emerged in place of Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye for Ondo North Senatorial District. The Ondo South Senatorial ticket was unaffected by the review with Hon. Kekemeke as candidate.
In the House of Representatives, Hon. Donald K. Ojogo replaced Mr. Akingboye Leke for Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency, while Hon. Festus Olarewaju Akingbaso displaced Hon. Rasaq Obe in Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency.
The NWC also substituted Hon. Kayode Adejana with Hon. Dr. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe for Owo/Ose Federal Constituency and replaced Hon. Olumuyiwa Daramola with Hon. Okunjimi John Odimayo for Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency.
Similarly, Dr. Abiola Makinde lost the APC ticket for Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency to Hon. Dr. Michael Olamidotun Akintomide, while Oyerinmade Matthew was replaced by Hon. Festus Ayodele Adefiranye as the party’s candidate for Ile Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency.
The extensive substitutions make Ondo one of the states most affected by the APC’s post-primary appeal process, effectively overturning the outcomes of several constituency primaries conducted earlier by the party.
However, the results of other four candidates were not changed, namely; Isaacs Kekemeke remains the candidate for Ondo South; Ifeoluwa Ehindero for Akoko Northeast/Northwest federal constituency; Adegboyega Adefarati for Akoko Southwest/Southeast federal constituency and the only female, Omowummi Olatunji for Akure North/South federal constituency.
The development is expected to generate fresh political intrigue within the Ondo APC, as many of the aspirants whose victories were reversed had earlier celebrated their emergence from the party primaries.
The revised list has now been forwarded to INEC as the APC’s final position on the affected National Assembly constituencies, although the changes could trigger fresh legal battles from aggrieved aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has identified what he believes is President Bola Tinubu’s greatest challenge, saying the Nigerian leader is surrounded by aides and political associates who are unwilling to tell him the truth when government policies fail.
Speaking on Trust TV’s Daily Politics programme on Thursday, the outspoken lawmaker said the President’s inner circle has become one of the biggest obstacles to the success of his administration because many of those closest to him lack the courage to offer honest advice.
“I believe that his problem, I said it before, is the people around him,” Ndume said.
The senator, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noted that President Tinubu was familiar with his forthright views on governance, adding, “The President knows me to some extent. I give it to him, he has so much to do.”
Ndume disclosed that despite belonging to the same party as the President, he had only met Tinubu officially on a few occasions, including discussions on health sector funding.
He also revealed that he wrote two letters requesting an audience with the President to discuss pressing national issues, particularly insecurity and citizens’ welfare.
“I wrote two letters and marshalled my points on what can be done, especially about security and the welfare of citizens. Those are the main purposes of government,” he said.
Asked whether some individuals within the Presidency had blocked his access to the President, Ndume replied, “Yeah, both.”
He recalled that one of his meetings with Tinubu came after a presidential aide informed the President that he had defended his administration during a television interview.
According to Ndume, Tinubu then invited him for a private meeting, during which they held an extensive discussion.
Although he dismissed claims that a cabal controls the Presidency, Ndume questioned whether those surrounding the President were giving him objective advice.
“No, not cabal, so to say. I don’t want to give them that,” he said.
On whether Tinubu was firmly in control of his administration, Ndume responded: “He can be in charge. ‘He can be in charge’ is different from ‘he is in charge.’”
He argued that many of the President’s aides owe their political fortunes to Tinubu, making it difficult for them to challenge his decisions.
“Majority of them, about 95 per cent, are his dependants. Even before he became President, he was taking care of them. When you have people around you who are your dependants, they cannot look you in the face and say, ‘Mr President, this cannot work,’” he said.
Despite his criticisms, Ndume reaffirmed his loyalty to both the APC and the Tinubu administration, insisting that his comments were intended to strengthen rather than undermine the government.
When reminded that the Tinubu administration was also his government, he replied, “It’s our government. If not for Tinubu, my governor, the Vice President and his wife, I probably wouldn’t have remained in the APC.”
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