馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Kenneth Okonkwo criticizes ADC's choice of South-South vice-presidential candidate, citing South-East marginalization
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, has criticized the party's selection of a South-South vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. Okonkwo stated that this decision could deepen the marginalization of the South-East in national politics, as the region has not produced a President or Vice President since 1999. He emphasized that denying the South-East the opportunity for either position in 2027 would perpetuate this marginalization. Okonkwo also highlighted that the ADC was founded by Ralphs Nwosu from the South-East in 2005, suggesting that the party's history should reflect fairness in leadership distribution. He affirmed that his involvement in the coalition was not to support political exclusion and that equity in leadership is a key reason for his participation. Okonkwo previously urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to consider a South-East candidate for the vice-presidential slot, stating his support would depend on such inclusion. He confirmed he would not support any presidential ticket that excludes the South-East from either the presidential or vice-presidential position in 2027. This development follows the ADC's announcement of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as its vice-presidential candidate, paired with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Iyabo Obasanjo, former senator for Ogun Central and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party PDP just a week after resigning from the All Progressives Congress APC. Her return to the PDP occurred on Monday during the unveiling of the party鈥檚 deputy governorship candidate in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Obasanjo, who previously served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health and represented Ogun Central in the Senate, expressed confidence in the PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, for the 2027 election. She indicated that she has grievances to air, which she will detail during her formal declaration ceremony. Her departure from the APC was attributed to alleged rejection, maltreatment, and a lack of respect from the party leadership. In her resignation letter dated May 31, she criticized the process that led to Senator Solomon Adeola being named the party鈥檚 consensus governorship candidate, claiming a lack of consultation and exclusion of her supporters. She had joined the APC in January.
The Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, successfully rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by bandits. The Defence Headquarters announced the rescue, stating that troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA made contact with the kidnappers at Tunga Village during sustained offensive operations. The bandits shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing. She was immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment and is currently responding. The Armed Forces of Nigeria pledged full support for her recovery and her family. The military also vowed to continue operations to apprehend those responsible for the abduction and other criminal activities. Major General Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, died in captivity after he and his wife were abducted in Katsina state.
The Kwara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress ADC has condemned a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of the party and four others. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered the judgment on Monday, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, and Zenith Labour Party. The court cited alleged failure to meet constitutional electoral performance requirements, including provisions under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution as amended and the Electoral Act 2022. The suit was initiated by the National Forum of Former Legislators. In a statement issued in Ilorin by its State Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Basambo, the ADC Kwara State chapter rejected the ruling, calling it an attack on democratic freedoms and dangerous to Nigeria鈥檚 democratic stability. The party argued that deregistering political parties based on past electoral performance ahead of 2027 amounts to rewriting the Constitution by judicial fiat and a distortion of constitutional provisions guaranteeing political participation and association. The ADC maintained that no court has the power to dissolve political parties on grounds not clearly provided for in law. Alleging political motivation, the ADC claimed the ruling is an attempt by forces within the ruling establishment to weaken opposition parties before the 2027 general elections. The party warned that enforcing the