By Abigail David

Former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has explained his decision to run on the same presidential ticket with Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying their partnership is driven by the need for a different approach to governance.

Kwankwaso, who is seeking the vice-presidential ticket alongside Obi on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, stated this in a statement released on Thursday as political activities for the 2027 elections intensify.

He said Nigeria had reached a critical point, citing rising food costs, unemployment, high business operating costs and insecurity as major challenges confronting citizens.

“As the 2027 presidential campaign officially begins, I call on every Nigerian to reflect deeply on the state of our nation and the kind of country we want to leave for the next generation,” he said.

Kwankwaso said insecurity had continued to threaten communities, with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violence affecting families and livelihoods. He added that farmers needed adequate security to return to their farms, while children required safe schools and Nigerians deserved to live without fear.

“Our farmers need security to return to their farms, our children need safe schools, and every Nigerian deserves to live without fear,” he said.

Beyond the economy and security, the former governor identified education, healthcare, infrastructure and institutional reform as areas requiring urgent government attention.

“Our education and healthcare systems require urgent investment. Our infrastructure must be improved, our institutions strengthened, and public resources managed with greater transparency and accountability,” he said.

Explaining his decision to work with Obi, Kwankwaso said the partnership was not based on regional, religious or personal considerations but on a shared vision for the country.

“This is why I have chosen to work with His Excellency, Peter Obi, on the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket. Our partnership is not about region, religion or personal ambition. It is about Nigeria,” he said.

He said the proposed partnership was focused on accountable governance, economic opportunity and inclusiveness. He also urged Nigerians, particularly young people, women, workers, farmers, entrepreneurs and professionals, to participate actively in the political process.

Kwankwaso called for issue-based campaigns, urging politicians and supporters to avoid divisive politics and demand accountability and competence from public office holders.

“Let us move beyond politics of division and focus on the issues that affect our daily lives. Let us demand accountability, competence and results from those entrusted with public office,” he said.

He described the 2027 election as an opportunity for Nigerians to determine the country’s future direction and urged supporters of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket to campaign peacefully and responsibly.

“I therefore call on all Nigerians to support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and all candidates of the NDC and join us in the task of rebuilding our nation,” he said.

By Abigail David

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that the 2027 presidential election will be his final attempt to become Nigeria’s president, ruling out any plan to contest the office again in 2031.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, made the declaration in a Hausa-language interview on Wednesday while responding to a question on whether he would seek another presidential bid if he failed to win the 2027 election.

“No, I have said it before, right from this election, I will not contest again,” he said.

Atiku, who has sought the presidency several times, also urged Nigerians with Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, to turn out in large numbers to vote in the 2027 election, describing active participation as critical to changing the country’s situation.

He advised voters to remain at their polling units after casting their ballots and follow the counting process to ensure that their votes were properly recorded.

“First of all, I appeal to those who have voter cards, for their own sake, their families, and their future, to go out and vote. That is the solution to the problems they are facing.

“After going out to vote, they should also stay, escort, and ensure that those votes are counted,” Atiku said.

The ADC candidate also dismissed concerns about his ability to cope with the demands of the presidency, insisting that he remained physically fit and capable of governing the country.

“No doctor has declared that I am unfit in terms of health. I know my body, I know I am healthy, and I do not have a single defect,” he said.

By Abigail David

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has scheduled Saturday, August 22, 2026, for its primary elections to select candidates for four restored State House of Assembly constituencies and legislative bye-elections across five states.

The party announced the timetable in a statement signed by its National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, and released on Wednesday.

The primaries will cover three restored constituencies in Delta State — Abraka, Isoko North II and Ughelli South II — and Yagba West II in Kogi State.

The exercise will also produce APC candidates for legislative bye-elections in Gombe, Bauchi, Delta and Kano states.

According to the timetable, the sale of expression-of-interest and nomination forms will run from August 18 to 20, while the submission deadline is August 20.

Screening of aspirants, publication of results and screening appeals will take place on August 21, ahead of the primaries on August 22. Election appeals are scheduled for August 24.

The APC fixed the expression-of-interest fee for State House of Assembly aspirants at N1 million and the nomination fee at N5 million, while House of Representatives aspirants will pay N1 million and N9 million respectively.

Female, youth and physically challenged aspirants are required to pay the expression-of-interest fee and 50 per cent of the prescribed nomination fee.

The timetable follows the Independent National Electoral Commission’s restoration of the four previously suppressed constituencies after court judgments.

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