Court clears Jonathan for possible 2027 presidential comeback

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit seeking to stop former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, ruling that the ex-leader remains constitutionally eligible to seek office again if he chooses.

Justice Peter Lifu also imposed a combined N21 million fine on the plaintiff, Johnmary Jideobi, describing the suit as frivolous and an abuse of court process. The court awarded N20 million in favour of Jonathan and another N1 million in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The plaintiff had argued that Jonathan was constitutionally barred from contesting again because he had already been sworn in twice as president following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010 and his subsequent election victory in 2011. He relied on Sections 1 and 137(3) of the Constitution, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission, lacked the authority to accept Jonathan’s nomination for the 2027 election.

However, Justice Lifu held that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to file the suit because he failed to show any personal injury or loss connected to Jonathan’s possible ambition. The judge also said previous rulings by the Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had already settled the issue in Jonathan’s favour.

Jonathan’s lawyer argued that the constitutional amendment being relied upon could not apply retroactively against the former president, who last contested an election in 2015. He described the case as politically motivated and cited earlier decisions including Andy Solomon v Jonathan and Cyracus Njoku v Jonathan, both of which upheld Jonathan’s eligibility.

The Attorney-General of the Federation supported Jonathan’s position and asked the court to dismiss the matter entirely. Government lawyer Maimuna Lami-Shiru also opposed a separate application asking Justice Lifu to withdraw from the case over alleged bias, describing it as baseless and without merit. The judge dismissed the recusal request before proceeding with the substantive suit.

Although Jonathan has not publicly declared interest in the 2027 race, speculation over a possible comeback has intensified in recent weeks. A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party reportedly backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde recently announced Jonathan as its preferred presidential candidate for the next general election.

Jonathan has neither accepted nor rejected the endorsement, but Tuesday’s ruling is expected to fuel fresh political discussions ahead of the 2027 elections.
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Atiku: Democracy has come to stay

The former Vice President of Nigeria and leading presidential aspirant in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has said that democracy has come to stay in Nigeria.
The former Vice President made the assertion on Monday shortly after casting his vote at the Ajiya Ward Polling Unit in Jimeta Yola, Adamawa State.
The ADC presidential primary took place simultaneously yesterday in 8,809 Wards across the 36 states and the FCT.
 Atiku cast his vote amidst a cheering crowd of ADC party faithful who turned out to vote, Monday afternoon.
“The large turnout of voters is a clear indication of how party members are willing to participate in the ADC internal democratic processes”, the former Vice President said, adding “I have no doubt that democracy has come to stay.”
Voting started shortly after Atiku one of the three ADC aspirants (the others being former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatudeen) arrived the venue from Abuja.
The returning officer for the election Hon. Umar Jada, earlier announced that Ajiya ward, had unanimously endorsed the candidature of Atiku Abubakar.
Voting started with the Waziri Adamawa leading a long queue of voters, at the end of which 3,220 votes were cast in favour of Atiku.

Tinubu’s borrowings in 2 years surpass Nigeria’s previous loans in 55 years

 

A damning new report has exposed the staggering pace of Nigeria’s borrowing, revealing that the President Bola Tinubu administration has accumulated more debt in just 24 months than the nation incurred during its first 55 years of independence.

Dele Oye, Chairman of the Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics, raised the alarm over the country’s unprecedented fiscal trajectory.

According to data from the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt reached N159.28 trillion as of April 2026, meaning every single Nigerian now effectively owes N670,000. Oye warned that without immediate fiscal discipline, the country’s public finances face long-term paralysis.

 

Oye contrasted Nigeria’s current fiscal crisis with its economic high point in 2006, when President Olusegun Obasanjo wiped out $30 billion in Paris Club debt, leaving the country briefly debt-free.

The trajectory since then highlights a rapid escalation. Nigeria accumulated N12.06 trillion in its first 55 years of independence up to 2015. During the subsequent Buhari era, debt exploded by 620 percent to N87.38 trillion, heavily fueled by Central Bank’s Ways and Means money printing. The Tinubu administration has since added an additional N65.9 trillion in just two years, which is more than five times the total debt accumulated in Nigeria’s first five decades of independence.

 

While government officials frequently point to Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio of 35.5 percent, which sits comfortably below the International Monetary Fund’s 55 percent distress threshold and looks healthier than South Africa’s 78.8 percent or Kenya’s 65.6 percent, Oye warns that this is a dangerous distraction.

 

He cautioned that the number that actually matters is the debt service-to-revenue ratio, which measures how much of every Naira earned goes straight to paying creditors. Nigeria’s ratio stood at 116.8 percent in 2024, easing only slightly to 113 percent in the first quarter of 2025. In January 2025 alone, Central Bank data showed the Federal Government paying out N696.27 billion in debt service against total retained revenue of just N483.47 billion, representing a crushing 144 percent coverage ratio in a single month.

 

Despite the grim numbers, Oye insists Nigeria has the tools and talent to avert disaster, provided there is political will. He outlined five non-negotiable prescriptions to salvage the economy, starting with the digitization and broadening of tax collection to expand the revenue base. He also called for strict enforcement of the Fiscal Responsibility Act with criminal sanctions for violators, alongside an immediate restructuring of Eurobond maturities before the heavy redemption wall hits between 2027 and 2029. Furthermore, Oye advised channeling future oil windfalls into a constitutionally protected stabilization fund and decentralizing revenue generation by empowering states to create wealth rather than relying entirely on monthly federal allocations from Abuja. Newsscroll.

ADC urges unity, discipline ahead of presidential primaries today

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on its presidential aspirants, delegates, and party members nationwide to uphold unity, discipline, and democratic principles ahead of the party’s presidential primaries scheduled for today (Monday).
ADC is the only party with three presidential aspirants including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and an economist Dr. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the forthcoming exercise as a defining moment not only for the party but also for Nigerians seeking a credible political alternative.
According to the party, the conduct of participants throughout the primary process would reflect the leadership values the ADC intends to promote.
“The ADC remains proud to stand today as the only truly democratic party in Nigeria, because it is the only political party whose choice of presidential candidate is determined through open primaries,” the statement said.
The party urged aspirants, their supporters, delegates, and members to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly before, during, and after the exercise.
“This election must reflect the values we claim to represent as a party committed to transparency, internal democracy, national unity, and the rule of law,” Abdullahi stated.
The ADC acknowledged that disagreements and competition are natural features of democratic contests but stressed that the broader objective of offering Nigerians alternative leadership should take precedence.
“At the end of this exercise, there will be no winners or losers within the ADC family. The ultimate objective is to emerge stronger, more united, and fully prepared to offer Nigerians the competent and credible leadership they deserve,” the statement added.
The party also assured members that adequate arrangements had been made to guarantee a transparent, credible, and fair primary process.
“History will judge us, not merely by who emerges as candidate, but by how we conduct ourselves in this defining moment. We call on every member of our great party to rise to the occasion,” the statement concluded.
The ADC’s presidential primaries which will take place in all the 8,809 electoral wards in the country.
The party resorter to an open primary election as aspirations failed to reach a consensus in line with the Electoral Act 2026 as amended. Authority.

Obi rejects recurring, malicious anti-North accusation, calls it political manipulation

 

 

Peter Obi’s media office said it has noted the ongoing, baseless, and wholly malicious claims aimed at misrepresenting the governance record of Mr. Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State, particularly concerning his interactions with individuals from Northern Nigeria during his time in office.

In a statement in Abuja on Sunday, the Office said: “It is regrettable, yet unsurprising, that political opponents—unable to confront Mr. Obi’s unmatched record of accountability, fiscal responsibility, and developmental progress—have once again resorted to the outdated and harmful tactics of ethnic and regional division.

“To clarify for the sake of informed Nigerians, we emphatically state: The recurring myth that Mr. Obi “repatriated” Northerners or specifically targeted Northern traders and beggars during his governorship is utterly unfounded.

“In truth, during Obi’s leadership, there was a compassionate social welfare initiative focused on assisting destitute individuals and unaccompanied minors from various states who faced severe vulnerability in Awka and Onitsha.

“There was never any form of “expulsion” or ethnic cleansing; instead, a structured social rehabilitation program benefitted individuals from across the nation.”

Putting the records straight, the Office said: “In contrast to the harmful narrative being propagated by those peddling discord in the political arena, Mr. Obi’s administration fostered an exceptionally strong, brotherly relationship with the Northern and Muslim communities in Anambra State.

“Records from his eight-year tenure demonstrate that even during times of significant national ethno-religious strife, Mr. Obi served as a protector for the Northern community, particularly in regions like the Onitsha Hausa Quarter (Ama Awusa).

“He worked diligently to prevent any retaliatory attacks on Anambra territory, earning considerable respect from local Northern leaders.

“Additionally, the Obi administration, which has been unjustly criticized, actively supported and sponsored Muslim residents in Anambra for their pilgrimage to Mecca, ensuring they received the same level of respect and governmental support as the Christian majority.

“Under Obi’s stewardship, Northern traders and livestock merchants in markets such as Amansea were provided with safe environments to operate, free from government-backed harassment or extortion.

“These accounts can be verified by anyone willing to fact-check, including those who challenge this narrative. The Hausa Fulani community in Onitsha and Awka can corroborate these facts.

“We understand the motivations behind this continued smear campaign; it relates to Obi’s transformative vision for the North as Nigeria’s key economic driver.

“Those attempting to create discord between Mr. Obi and the Northern populace are evidently threatened by his message of national productivity that aims to elevate those in poverty.

“Mr. Obi has consistently and openly asserted that Nigeria’s future lies in the untapped, fertile lands of Northern Nigeria. His vision focuses on shifting Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to one of production, turning the North into Africa’s food hub and an agricultural powerhouse.”

The Office argued further that: “It is ironic that a leader who perceives the North as Nigeria’s most significant economic resource is being mischaracterized as its enemy by individuals who only engage with the region during election cycles.

“The Peter Obi media office does not intend to overlook this, even though the falsehood is apparent and the facts speak for themselves. As Joseph Goebbels once remarked, “A lie told once remains a lie, but a lie told a thousand times becomes the truth.” This falsehood will not endure, as Peter Obi possesses a vision for the geopolitical North that no other current Nigerian leader can match,” the Office concluded. Sunrisereporters.

Ganduje joins NDC, picks National Assembly form

Abdulaziz Umar Ganduje, eldest son of the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has obtained the nomination form to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives on the platform of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). ‎

According to reports, Abdulaziz is seeking to represent the Dawakin Tofa/Tofa/Rimin Gado Federal Constituency of Kano State. ‎ ‎The development has sparked fresh  political interest in Kano, especially as Abdulaziz is widely regarded as a loyal member of the Kwankwasiyya political movement despite his father’s longstanding influence in the APC. ‎Politics

A viral video circulating on social media showed Abdulaziz in a discussion with the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, shortly after obtaining the nomination form.

He was reportedly seen briefing the former governor on his political ambition and readiness for the contest ahead of the next general election. ‎ ‎
The move marks another dramatic twist in the long-running political rivalry between Ganduje and Kwankwaso, two influential Kano political figures whose once-close alliance collapsed years after they jointly dominated the state’s political landscape. ‎ ‎

Abdulaziz has reportedly remained politically distant from his father’s camp for years, consistently identifying with the Kwankwasiyya movement. ‎ ‎

His political alignment attracted wider public attention following a controversial dispute involving his mother, Professor Hafsat Umar Ganduje, whom he once petitioned to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged failed agreement. ‎

Interestingly, Abdulaziz is now seeking the same House of Representatives seat contested by his brother, Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, on the platform of the APC in the 2023 general election. Umar lost the election to the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) despite the political influence wielded at the time by their father, who was then governor of Kano State. Newsmakers.

Obi addresses immigration concerns for Nigerians in South Africa

 

Peter Obi, a leading opposition figure and the sole presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming 2027 election, has taken steps to ease the tensions between South African officials and Nigerian expatriates residing in the country.

Obi arrived in South Africa on Friday to participate in an international conference, where he engaged with Nigerians to gain insight into the immigration challenges they face.

 

In a post on his X account from South Africa on Saturday, he shared, “After speaking with Nigerians in Cape Town yesterday, I had constructive discussions this morning with three South African ministers and political party leaders concerning the ongoing issues related to immigration, regional collaboration, and promoting peaceful coexistence between our nations.

 

“I had the opportunity to meet Mr Leon Schreiber, the South African Minister of Home Affairs and a key member of the Democratic Alliance; Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP); and Mr Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture and leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA).”

 

The former Governor of Anambra state further said: “Our discussions were open and productive, addressing the pressing issues impacting both countries—especially those concerning migration, economic difficulties, youth unemployment, security challenges, and the growing tensions faced by African foreigners in South Africa.

 

“I strongly believe that Nigeria and South Africa, both significant nations on the continent, must enhance dialogue, increase cooperation, and pursue solutions rooted in justice, mutual respect, and adherence to the rule of law.

 

“In these difficult times, both leaders and citizens need to exhibit responsible leadership, show compassion, and exercise restraint.

 

“We collectively emphasised the need for law-abiding behaviour, the importance of avoiding violence, resisting hate or provocation, and allowing lawful institutions to handle grievances through democratic and constitutional means, regardless of the challenges we encounter.

 

“The future of Africa relies on our capacity to foster unity, promote economic inclusivity, invest in our communities, and uphold the dignity of every African, regardless of their location,” Obi stated.

UN warns: 35m Nigerians to face acute hunger from June

 

The United Nations (UN) has warned that about 35 million Nigerians are at risk of acute hunger from June to August 2026.

 

The UN Humanitarian Country Team said Nigeria was facing a deepening hunger crisis, with millions at risk as the lean season approaches.

 

“Nearly one in seven people, that is 35 million people nationwide in Nigeria, are likely to face acute food insecurity during this year’s lean season, which runs from June to August,” the agency stated in its latest humanitarian response plan report release on Friday, May 22, 2026.

 

The UN said the latest report makes Nigeria one of the world’s largest hunger crises, with the burden falling overwhelmingly in northern part of the country.

“If assistance is further delayed, millions of families will be forced to further reduce meals, sell assets or withdraw their children from school with the long term impact that we know that has,” the UN added.

 

Across North-West and North-East Nigeria, the UN said an estimated 6.4 million children are likely to be acutely malnourished this year.

 

“We and our partners are appealing for urgent funding to scale-up life-saving assistance,” the global multilateral body said.

 

The UN said the already hyper-prioritised 516 million dollars Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for the year 2026 is just over 40 per cent funded.

 

According to report, only $215 million out of $516 million have been received as of May 2026. Conclave.

 

The United Nations (UN) has warned that about 35 million Nigerians are at risk of acute hunger from June to August 2026.

 

The UN Humanitarian Country Team said Nigeria was facing a deepening hunger crisis, with millions at risk as the lean season approaches.

 

“Nearly one in seven people, that is 35 million people nationwide in Nigeria, are likely to face acute food insecurity during this year’s lean season, which runs from June to August,” the agency stated in its latest humanitarian response plan report release on Friday, May 22, 2026.

 

The UN said the latest report makes Nigeria one of the world’s largest hunger crises, with the burden falling overwhelmingly in northern part of the country.

“If assistance is further delayed, millions of families will be forced to further reduce meals, sell assets or withdraw their children from school with the long term impact that we know that has,” the UN added.

 

Across North-West and North-East Nigeria, the UN said an estimated 6.4 million children are likely to be acutely malnourished this year.

 

“We and our partners are appealing for urgent funding to scale-up life-saving assistance,” the global multilateral body said.

 

The UN said the already hyper-prioritised 516 million dollars Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for the year 2026 is just over 40 per cent funded.

 

According to report, only $215 million out of $516 million have been received as of May 2026. Conclave.

ICPC intimidates, blocks access to El-Rufai, ADC alleges

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of denying senior party officials access to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently in the custody of the anti-graft agency.
The party also alleged that security operatives deployed heavily around the commission’s headquarters in Abuja during an attempted visit by top ADC officials, describing the move as intimidation and a sign of growing political persecution against opposition figures.
In a statement issued on Friday by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said a delegation comprising its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, Abdullahi, and Secretary of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee, Salihu Lukman, was denied access to El-Rufai despite prior communication with the commission.
According to the statement, the ADC had earlier written to the ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, requesting visitation rights to the former governor amid concerns over his wellbeing.
The party claimed that while its leaders awaited a response at the ICPC premises, at least three truckloads of armed police officers arrived at the location.
“The heavy deployment, which appeared entirely unnecessary and disproportionate to the peaceful presence of unarmed political leaders, created the unmistakable impression that the authorities feared that the mere presence of opposition leaders at the Commission could trigger public outrage,” the statement said.
ADC maintained that its delegation neither threatened unrest nor mobilised supporters, arguing that the deployment of security personnel suggested an attempt to intimidate opposition politicians.
The opposition party further alleged that El-Rufai’s family had raised concerns over restricted access to doctors and food while he remained in custody.
It referenced claims by El-Rufai’s wife, Asia El-Rufai, who reportedly alleged that her husband had been denied access to medical care and that attempts to deliver food to him were blocked.
While noting that the ICPC had denied such allegations and maintained that due process was being followed, the ADC argued that continued restrictions on access by family members, doctors and political associates raised questions about the treatment of the former governor.
The party insisted that El-Rufai voluntarily submitted himself to authorities and remains entitled under the constitution to fair treatment, medical care and family access.
“What we are witnessing increasingly appears to be punishment by process, intimidation through isolation, and an attempt to break the spirit of a leading opposition figure,” the statement added.
ADC demanded that the ICPC immediately grant unrestricted access to El-Rufai by his family, legal representatives, medical personnel and party leaders.
“The ADC will not stand by and watch one of its leaders subjected to this pattern of harassment and calculated humiliation. Nigeria is watching. The international community is watching. The world is watching,” the statement said.
The former governor of Kaduna State was picked in February 2026 by the anti-graft agency over allegations of financial malfeasance and abuse of office.
However, an Abuja court granted him conditional bail, but had not met the conditions required for release, resulting in continued detention.
Separately, there have been additional legal matters involving allegations of unlawful interception of communications, for which another court reportedly granted bail under different terms.
There are conflicting public claims from his family, political allies, and authorities about access to doctors, family visits, and treatment in custody but the ICPC has denied some of the allegations and says it is complying with court orders.

Ekiti, Osun governorship elections litmus test for 2027 — INEC Chairman

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Friday said the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states would serve as a major test for preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Ado-Ekiti, Amupitan warned against the spread of misinformation and fake news capable of creating panic before, during and after the elections.
He also urged security agencies to remain vigilant against individuals or groups seeking to disrupt the electoral process, stressing the need for collective efforts to ensure the success of Nigeria’s democracy.
“We must all make conscious efforts to ensure that this country works,” he said.
The INEC chairman assured stakeholders that the commission remained committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections that would reflect the choices of voters in Ekiti State.
According to him, readiness assessments conducted across selected local government areas indicated that preparations were on course, with the commission currently configuring the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and advancing recruitment of ad hoc staff through the INECPRES portal.
Amupitan disclosed that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for voters captured during the first and second phases of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) would soon be distributed across the 177 registration areas in the state.
“To guarantee that no eligible citizen is left behind, the commission will soon deliver the PVCs across all wards in Ekiti State. Our mandate is to conduct an inclusive and transparent election, and we are determined that no eligible voter should be disenfranchised due to administrative bottlenecks,” he said.
He appealed to community leaders, civil society organisations and political actors to mobilise eligible voters to collect their PVCs before the exercise ends.
The INEC chairman described security agencies as critical to the success of electoral operations, noting that effective logistics and field operations depend on a secure environment.
He said preliminary assessments showed security agencies had developed deployment plans, visibility patrols and tactical responses to potential flashpoints across the state.
Representatives of the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the military, he said, had assured the commission of adequate security before, during and after the polls.
Amupitan revealed that INEC had completed a risk analysis of all local government areas in Ekiti and identified several high-risk zones prone to thuggery, kidnapping, cultism, vandalism and ballot snatching.
The identified local government areas include Ado-Ekiti, Effon, Ekiti East, Ekiti South-West, Emure, Ikere, Ikole, Ilejemeje, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Moba and Oye.
He said 469 polling units located within 500 metres of identified risk areas had been mapped out for closer monitoring.
The INEC chairman further warned against vote-buying, describing voter inducement as a major threat to credible elections.
He said the commission was working with anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, to apprehend offenders.
“Any attempt to disrupt the level playing field through vote buying before or during the election must be aggressively resisted and neutralised,” he said.
He urged deployed security personnel to prevent illegal financial transactions capable of compromising the electoral process.
Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade Micheal, assured residents that security agencies would provide maximum protection before, during and after the election.
He disclosed that police personnel were already securing INEC offices across the state, although many identified flashpoints were located in border communities.
The police commissioner identified misinformation and fake news as major concerns, warning that they could heighten fear and tension among residents.
He called for intensified public sensitisation campaigns by the National Orientation Agency to counter disinformation ahead of the election.
Also speaking, the Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, described the ICCES meeting as timely and strategic given the importance of election security and intelligence sharing.
According to him, the commission had intensified preparations through stakeholder engagements, logistics reviews, training of election personnel and continuous consultations with political parties, traditional rulers, civil society groups and the media.
Omoseyindemi, however, raised concerns over persistent challenges, including misinformation, political violence, threats against electoral personnel, transportation difficulties and voter apathy fuelled by declining confidence in the electoral process.
He stressed the need for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to ensure peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in Ekiti State. Authority.