The National President of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has revealed that the party previously offered activist Aisha Yesufu an opportunity to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives, but she declined the offer.

Dickson made the disclosure during a recent interview, excerpts of which circulated widely on social media on Friday. According to him, the offer was jointly made by himself and the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

“Do you know that Peter Obi and myself offered Aisha House of Reps? The public does not know. And she turned it down,” Dickson said.

He noted that elective positions such as seats in the House of Representatives are highly sought after by many politicians, adding that Yesufu chose not to accept the opportunity.

The revelation comes amid recent controversy surrounding the NDC’s candidate selection process for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat. Yesufu had accused the party of undermining the process and manipulating it to produce a predetermined outcome.

The activist, who recently joined the NDC from the African Democratic Congress and declared her intention to contest for the FCT senatorial seat, said she entered the race expecting a transparent and competitive process.

However, reports that the party opted against conducting a primary election for the position effectively ended her bid and cleared the way for another aspirant, Amanda Pam.

Reacting to the development, Yesufu urged her supporters to remain committed to the broader political objective of achieving meaningful change ahead of the 2027 general elections.

She maintained that she would not compromise her principles for political advantage, insisting that her transition into partisan politics was an extension of her advocacy work.

“I understood what I was getting into. I knew that the quality of our politics has not yet risen to the occasion and that values-based candidates do not easily emerge by merit in a system built to resist them,” she said.

Yesufu added that she remained committed to promoting accountability, transparency and principled leadership, stressing that she entered politics to advance the ideals she had long championed as an activist.

The latest disclosure by Dickson has added a new dimension to ongoing discussions about internal party processes within the NDC as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

The post NDC Offered Aisha Yesufu House of Representatives Ticket, She Declined — Dickson appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo has renewed allegations of corruption within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), claiming that aspirants seeking elective positions were pressured to make financial payments to secure party tickets during the party’s primary elections.

Okonkwo accused NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and some political leaders from the South-East of allegedly overseeing the process, which he said involved monetary demands from aspirants contesting various positions under the party’s platform.

The allegations come amid reports that Obi’s camp has issued a pre-litigation notice in response to earlier comments made by Okonkwo during an appearance on a television programme, where he alleged that House of Representatives aspirants were asked to pay as much as ₦10 million to obtain party tickets.

In a series of posts on social media, Okonkwo claimed to possess documentary evidence supporting his allegations. According to him, the materials include conversations involving an aspirant, Obunike Ohaegbu, who contested for the Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency seat.

He further alleged that the aspirant had privately accused Obi of coordinating the process, despite subsequently making public statements that appeared to downplay the claims.

Okonkwo also cited what he described as internal party communications, which he claimed showed that additional fees demanded from aspirants were linked to directives from party leadership structures.

The former Labour Party spokesperson called on anti-corruption agencies to investigate the allegations and ensure accountability where necessary. He also urged that any aspirants who may have been affected by the alleged payments should be refunded.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Obi nor the leadership of the NDC had issued an official response to the latest allegations.

The development is expected to intensify political debate within the party as preparations continue for future electoral contests, with observers awaiting possible reactions from party officials and relevant authorities.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday formally accepted the presidential nomination of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general election, pledging to consolidate ongoing reforms aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s economy and governance structure.

Speaking at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja before party leaders, governors, and delegates, the President said the mandate of his administration remains unfinished and required continuity to sustain what he described as emerging progress.

“In 2022, our task was to chart a new direction for our party and nation. Today, our task is to affirm that continuity is essential — to consolidate reform, secure progress, and strengthen the foundation of a modern Nigeria,” he said.

Tinubu used the platform to defend key policy decisions of his administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange reforms, which triggered inflationary pressures but, according to him, have begun to stabilise the economy.

He claimed that recent indicators show improvement in macroeconomic conditions, noting that the naira had strengthened and external reserves were increasing. He also linked inflationary pressures partly to global disruptions, including conflicts in the Middle East.

On education, the President said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund had disbursed over ₦282 billion to more than 1.5 million beneficiaries. In the power sector, he stated that 2.5 million electricity meters had been distributed and generation had peaked at about 6,000 megawatts, representing an improvement over 2023 levels.

Tinubu also acknowledged ongoing security challenges across parts of the country, describing them as a major concern his administration remains committed to addressing.

“I take seriously the responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of every Nigerian,” he said, adding that investments had been made in intelligence gathering, surveillance systems, and military equipment.

He called on the National Assembly to expedite constitutional reforms that would enable the creation of state police, describing the proposal as urgent for addressing localised security threats.

The President also appealed for political unity ahead of the 2027 elections, warning against what he described as opposition figures without credible alternatives.

“Let’s not give in to complacency by allowing politicians with no clear alternative vision to take our country backwards,” he said.

Tinubu framed the 2027 poll as a test of Nigeria’s democratic maturity, insisting that his administration is prepared to run on its record of economic adjustment and reform despite the hardship experienced by citizens.

“We do not dismiss these concerns. We understand them and govern not in comfort, but in reality — with honesty and action,” he added.

With the APC ticket secured, attention now shifts to opposition parties as political realignments intensify ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive election cycle.

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The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Saliu Danladi, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections following the party’s primary election held across the state on Friday.

Danladi secured a decisive victory after polling over 94,000 votes to defeat 14 other aspirants in a keenly contested exercise conducted under the supervision of party officials.

The primary election, which drew participation from delegates across the state’s local government areas, was described as competitive but orderly, with stakeholders expressing confidence in the transparency of the process.

Danladi’s emergence positions him as the APC flag bearer ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State.

Party officials are expected to formally announce detailed results and issue a full breakdown of votes cast for all aspirants later.

The post Kwara Speaker Saliu Danladi Wins APC Governorship Primary With Over 94,000 Votes appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections following a direct primary held across the state on Thursday.

The exercise, conducted across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas, ended with Hamzat defeating his sole challenger, Lanre Jim-Kamal, in what party officials described as a peaceful and transparent process.

His emergence came after a series of high-level endorsements within the Lagos APC structure, including support from the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), while several aspirants reportedly withdrew in his favour ahead of the primary.

Among those who stepped down were Babajide Adeniran, popularly known as Jandor, and Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, also called SMA Gold, both of whom later pledged support for Hamzat’s candidacy.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who publicly backed the deputy governor, commended the conduct of the exercise, saying it reflected the will of grassroots party members.

Hamzat, who voted in Epe, described the contest as one centred on ideas and development priorities rather than political rivalry. He said the party had demonstrated unity and discipline throughout the process, adding that the peaceful atmosphere signalled readiness for the general election.

He also expressed appreciation to party members for their turnout and conduct, noting that reports from across the state indicated an orderly exercise. According to him, the outcome reflected growing internal democracy within the APC and reinforced confidence in the party’s structure at ward level.

The Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, also praised members for maintaining order during the primary, describing the process as a testament to party unity and discipline.

Chairman of the seven-man governorship primary committee, retired General John Temlong, said the exercise complied fully with APC guidelines and electoral regulations, urging stakeholders to remain peaceful throughout the process.

Announcing results from Ward A4 at Ansar-ud-Deen Primary School in Epe, Returning Officer Kayode Eleshin said 2,720 members were registered for the exercise, while 2,432 were accredited. He confirmed that Hamzat secured 2,210 votes against Jim-Kamal.

At the state collation centre in Ikeja, the national primary committee chairman, Gen. John Temlong (rtd), later declared Hamzat winner, announcing that he polled 657,917 votes out of 657,974 cast, while his opponent scored one vote.

Temlong said the exercise was conducted in line with party guidelines and affirmed Hamzat as the APC governorship candidate for Lagos State ahead of the 2027 elections.

Hamzat, who previously contested the party’s governorship ticket in 2015 before stepping down for Governor Sanwo-Olu in 2018, will now lead the APC into the next electoral cycle in Lagos State.

The post Hamzat Clinches Lagos APC Governorship Ticket With Landslide Victory Ahead of 2027 Polls appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Lagos State governorship aspirant, Samuel Ajose, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress governorship race and declared support for Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat ahead of the party’s primary election.

Ajose announced his decision during a meeting with his campaign coordinators in Victoria Island, Lagos, following consultations with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat.

Addressing supporters, Ajose said discussions with party leaders produced an outcome he described as favourable to members of his political structure and supporters across the state.

“I had a meeting with the governor of Lagos State. I had a meeting with Dr. Hamzat. And they all reached a position, which is favourable to everybody sitting here,” he said.

Ajose disclosed that part of the agreement reached included commitments towards accelerated development in Badagry and other divisions that supported his ambition.

“What we have also negotiated, we have negotiated for rapid development of not just Badagry, but the other division that supported us, in which we are going to monitor some of them, to monitor the growth,” he stated.

The governorship aspirant admitted that the decision to step down from the race was difficult, saying he struggled with it before eventually accepting the outcome.

“I couldn’t sleep through the night. I struggled with it. But when I woke up in the morning, I had my peace,” he said.

According to him, the decision was taken in the interest of the party and to protect the political interests of his supporters.

“For you, in the interest of the party, I, Dr. Samuel Ajose, have decided that I will let go. I will support Dr. Hamzat,” he declared.

Ajose also assured supporters that his political structure would actively participate in Hamzat’s campaign ahead of the governorship election.

“We are going to be part of this campaign. We are going to take a very important position in this campaign,” he added.

He further expressed confidence that the alliance would guarantee future political support for his camp in subsequent elections.

The post Ajose Withdraws From Lagos Governorship Race, Backs Hamzat appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress senatorial primary election for Delta North, defeating incumbent senator, Ned Nwoko.

Okowa secured 113,309 votes in the exercise, while Nwoko polled 2,612 votes.

In Delta Central Senatorial District, incumbent senator, Ede Dafinone, recorded a landslide victory over former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, during the APC senatorial primary election.

The direct primary election, conducted under the Option A4 system across the eight local government areas of the district, reportedly witnessed massive participation by party members and was described by party officials as peaceful, transparent and credible.

Announcing the result, Secretary of the APC National Assembly Primary Committee, Barrister Nusa Amagbor, said Dafinone polled 116,252 votes to defeat Omo-Agege, who secured 3,643 votes.

Amagbor stated that the exercise was conducted in line with party guidelines and commended stakeholders for maintaining order throughout the process.

He subsequently declared Dafinone winner of the Delta Central Senatorial District primary election, having secured the highest number of valid votes cast.

Meanwhile, in the Delta South Senatorial District primary election, Joel-Onowhakpo Thomas was reported to be leading in six of the eight local government areas declared as of the time of filing the report.

The post Okowa Defeats Ned Nwoko in Delta North APC Primary as Dafinone Floors Omo-Agege in Delta Central appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Former Kaduna State Governor Ramalan Yero, former senator Shehu Sani and Senator Sunday Katung have emerged winners of the All Progressives Congress senatorial primaries in Kaduna State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yero clinched the APC ticket for Kaduna North Senatorial District after polling 6,060 votes to defeat Muazu Mukaddas and Engineer Bala Ikara.

In Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani secured victory with 9,105 votes, defeating Yusuf Zailani and Shettima Yerima, who had earlier withdrawn from the race.

Speaking with journalists after the exercise, Shehu Sani expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for their support while urging APC members and aspirants to remain united ahead of the general elections.

Meanwhile, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung won the Kaduna South Senatorial District primary after polling 7,453 votes to defeat former Senator Danjuma Laah and Michael Ayuba Auta.

Party officials described the primary elections across the three senatorial districts as peaceful, transparent and credible.

They also appealed to aggrieved aspirants to embrace reconciliation and work for the success of the party in the 2027 elections.

The post Ex-Gov Yero, Shehu Sani, Katung Win APC Senatorial Primaries in Kaduna appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

The African Democratic Congress has commenced the screening of governorship aspirants ahead of its primaries for forthcoming governorship elections, with more than 70 aspirants screened on the first day of the exercise.

The party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Queen Okiyi, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja on Monday.

Okiyi said the screening exercise progressed smoothly, with two separate panels attending to 35 aspirants each.

According to her, over 100 governorship aspirants from states scheduled to conduct elections are expected to participate in the process.

She noted that the screening would continue on Tuesday to accommodate the remaining aspirants seeking the party’s governorship tickets.

The ADC spokesperson said the exercise reflected the party’s commitment to transparency, internal democracy and the emergence of credible candidates ahead of the elections.

“So far, the screening has come to an end today, and screening continues tomorrow,” Okiyi stated.

She also disclosed that the party would begin the screening of its presidential aspirants on Wednesday, May 20, as preparations intensify ahead of the ADC primaries.

The development comes amid increasing political activities within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The post ADC Screens Over 70 Governorship Aspirants Ahead of Primaries appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

The son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Seyi Tinubu, has reacted to the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election in Imo State, where celebrity businessman Pascal Okechukwu failed to secure the party’s ticket.

Cubana Chief Priest contested for the APC ticket to represent Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections but lost to the incumbent lawmaker, Canice Nwachukwu.

According to reports from the primary election, Nwachukwu emerged victorious after polling more votes, while Cubana Chief Priest secured only 14 votes during the exercise.

Reacting to the result, Seyi Tinubu reportedly reached out to the socialite with words of encouragement through a message shared on Instagram. The message, which was later reposted by Cubana Chief Priest, urged him not to lose hope despite the setback.

Seyi Tinubu noted that political journeys often come with challenges and disappointments, adding that defeat today could become a stepping stone to greater achievements in the future.

Meanwhile, Cubana Chief Priest, in a video making rounds online, said he did not regret joining the race despite the outcome. However, he expressed disappointment over the number of votes he received during the primary.

The nightlife entrepreneur also questioned the role played by some party stakeholders during the selection process, suggesting that expectations did not align with the final result announced by the party.

The development has continued to spark reactions across social media platforms, with supporters and critics sharing mixed opinions about the APC primary election in Imo State.

The post Seyi Tinubu Encourages Cubana Chief Priest After APC Primary Defeat in Imo appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.