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…as ADC ticket takes shape

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar has opened consultations for a running mate, with ex-Imo governor Emeka Ihedioha emerging as the frontrunner for the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential ticket ahead of 2027.

Atiku clinched ADC’s presidential ticket on Wednesday, though fellow contestants Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen have rejected the primary as “neither free, fair, nor credible”. Atiku has since called on both to join him in “rescuing the country” from the ruling APC.

South-East joker card—

Investigations show Atiku and top ADC allies are looking South-East for the VP slot. The region is viewed as his “natural political ally” and strategically vital for 2027.

The position was reportedly reserved for Peter Obi before he quit ADC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC. Obi was Atiku’s running mate in 2019 on PDP, but both lost to late President Buhari. In 2023 they split, with Obi on Labour Party and Atiku on PDP, while Tinubu won.

Now, Ihedioha is tipped to fill that void. The former deputy speaker and 2019 Imo governor-elect was sworn in May 29, 2019 but removed by the Supreme Court in January 2020. He stayed in ADC while many South-East politicians followed Obi to NDC, and sources say he “played a major role in delivering the region” for Atiku at the recent primary.

“He actually played a major role in ensuring that the region was delivered for the former vice president,” a senior ADC source told LEADERSHIP Sunday.

—Amaechi ruled out—

Amaechi, who lost the ADC primary, has insisted he stands by his “concocted results” comment and said no one has offered him the VP slot. Atiku’s camp confirmed it.

“Naturally, Atiku is looking towards the South-East for a running mate,” a source said. “Amaechi might have been considered if he had control of his region or even his state. It would amount to political suicide to pick someone who may not even be able to deliver his ward.”

Atiku visited Amaechi in Abuja after the primary but, sources say, never discussed the running mate position.

—INEC deadline looms—

Atiku’s Special Adviser Paul Ibe told LEADERSHIP Sunday consultations are ongoing and ADC will meet INEC’s Aug 29, 2026 deadline for submitting presidential candidates. Ibe ruled out Amaechi but declined to confirm or deny Ihedioha’s chances: “On the other names being mentioned, I do not want to speculate.”

INEC sources say the timetable remains valid despite court disputes over its authority.

With Obi leading NDC and Atiku now weighing Ihedioha for ADC, the South-East is set to be the battleground for running mate politics in 2027.

Source: Leadership

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President Bola Tinubu has endorsed recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of a special rescue team following the abduction of teachers and students in Oyo State.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday following the visit of a Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in the wake of the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.

“As part of immediate measures to strengthen security in the area, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State in collaboration with the state government.

“The delegation also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be conveyed to the President for consideration and approval,” the statement read in part.

In addition, the President also directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers

The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

They conveyed President Tinubu’s deep concern over the incident and his commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has emerged the consensus candidate in the Labour Party (LP) governorship primary election in the state.

All candidates for Abia State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and the Senate emerged through a concensus candidature process.

The party conducted primary elections in which members in all the political wards of the state endorsed the consensus candidates.

Announcing the results on Saturday in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, the returning officer for the Labour Party primary elections, Oluchi Opara, said the exercise was conducted through a direct primary across the state’s political wards.

Opara, who is also the party’s Electoral Committee Chairman, stated that the primary election was held in substantial compliance with the provisions of the Labour Party Constitution.

She added that the exercise was conducted in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, and the Labour Party Electoral Guidelines 2026.

She said upon the conclusion of voting and the collation of results from the various local government areas, the committee duly compiled and authenticated the outcome of the exercise in accordance with the party’s guidelines and applicable electoral laws.

In his acceptance speech, Otti commended the party’s electoral and primary election committees for conducting a peaceful and credible primary election across Abia State.

The governor also congratulated all candidates who emerged from the primaries and formally accepted his nomination on behalf of the party.

The candidates for Senate include Abia Central Senatorial District – Darlington Nwokocha, Abia North – David Ogba, and Abia South – Enyinnaya Abaribe.