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By Hafsat Ukissa, Kaduna

There was mild drama along Zaria Road in Kaduna when a group of youths reportedly blocked and confronted Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, popularly known as Mr LA, during a condolence visit to a bereaved family in the area.

Senator Adamu, who represents Kaduna Central Senatorial District, was at the residence of the family of the late Councillor, Hon. Ado Dankula, to commiserate with them over the death of their relative when the incident occurred.

Eyewitnesses said the youths, who had gathered in the area, used the opportunity to express their long-held grievances against the lawmaker, accusing him of abandoning his constituents for over three years.

One of the youths, who spoke with our reporter on condition of anonymity, alleged that since winning the 2023 election and relocating to Abuja, the Senator had rarely visited the constituency or participated in community activities.

He claimed that the Senator’s alleged absence had left constituents feeling neglected and disconnected from their representative in the National Assembly.

“The youths are angry because they expected more visibility and engagement. For over three years, we have not seen him attending our events or listening to our problems,” he alleged.

He further alleged that the Senator had shown limited interest in issues affecting Kaduna Central and had failed to adequately respond to the needs of the people.

The situation reportedly became tense, prompting the swift intervention of security personnel who dispersed the youths and escorted the Senator away from the scene.

The youth also claimed that the lawmaker had only recently intensified his visits to the area because of his interest in seeking re-election in the 2027 general elections.

“We say no to leaders who seek public office for personal gains and interests. We are ready to come out en masse and vote him out,” he said.

While admitting that physically confronting the Senator was not the appropriate way to express their dissatisfaction, he said the action was born out of frustration over what they perceive as poor representation.

The incident is coming at a time when political activities are gradually picking up ahead of the 2027 general elections, with elected officials and aspirants stepping up engagement with constituents.

As of the time of filing this report, Senator Lawal Adamu and his media team were yet to issue an official statement on the alleged confrontation and the allegations leveled against him.

The National Action for Democracy (NAD) has sided with the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, in the ongoing rift between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group, in a statement made available to journalists and signed by Garbadeen Mohammed, said Governor Uzodinma represents the voice of the people and warned against actions capable of undermining party supremacy and democratic institutions.

The statement comes amid the controversy over Wike’s proposed “Rainbow Coalition”, a cross-party political arrangement which the minister has presented as part of efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

NAD said it was concerned by recent comments by Wike against Uzodinma, arguing that the Imo governor was acting within the responsibilities of his office as chairman of the forum of APC governors.

According to the group, Uzodinma’s position on the Rainbow Coalition reflects the need to strengthen democratic institutions and protect the collective interest of the APC, particularly as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The organisation stressed that Uzodinma’s stance should not be construed as opposition to President Tinubu, noting that the PGF chairman has reaffirmed the commitment of APC governors to the President’s re-election and the success of the party’s candidates at all levels.

Wike had accused Uzodinma and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, of working against his political activities, while insisting that his support for Tinubu was principally directed at the President’s re-election and did not necessarily translate into support for every APC candidate.

The FCT minister also alleged that some APC governors are opposed to the proposed Rainbow Coalition because of concerns over possible attempts to influence the emergence of the leadership of the National Assembly after the 2027 elections.

NAD, however, maintained that Uzodinma’s position was consistent with his responsibilities as an APC governor and chairman of the PGF.

The group said the disagreement has highlighted a broader political debate over the relationship between support for a presidential candidate and loyalty to political parties and their candidates contesting governorship and legislative elections.

It urged political actors to resolve disagreements through dialogue, consultation and democratic engagement rather than personal attacks, and to shift attention towards issues affecting Nigerians, including governance, economic development, security and democratic accountability.

NAD noted that political differences are a normal feature of democratic practice, but stressed that such differences should be managed in a manner that protects the integrity of political institutions and respects the electorate.

The organisation called on Nigerians to carefully examine the positions, records, programmes and commitments of political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections and make informed decisions.

It commended Governor Uzodinma for what it described as his defence of the institutional interests of the APC and the Progressive Governors’ Forum, while urging all stakeholders to uphold democratic dialogue, tolerance and respect for divergent views.

A political group known as the North-East Forum has declared support for the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, PGF, Senator Hope Uzodinma, over his role in the mobilisation and strengthening of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued to journalists and signed by its Secretary, Alhaji Mala Suleiman, the forum said Governor Uzodinma has shown strong commitment to fostering cooperation among APC stakeholders and promoting the party’s programmes nationwide.

The statement comes at a time of increased political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, following recent public exchanges involving Governor Uzodinma and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Wike had accused Uzodinma and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, of working against him politically, citing differences over political developments and his efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Reacting to the development, the North-East Forum said its position was informed by what it described as Uzodinma’s contributions to political engagement, party cohesion, and stakeholder mobilisation.

Governor Uzodinma currently serves as Chairman of the PGF, the platform through which APC governors coordinate on party and governance issues. His continued leadership of the forum was reaffirmed earlier this year after reports claiming his removal were dismissed by the PGF as false.

The Imo State Governor has also taken on a key role in the APC’s 2027 mobilisation structure. In August, the APC Presidential Campaign Council named former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, as Director-General, while Uzodinma was appointed Secretary of the council.

According to the North-East Forum, Uzodinma’s involvement in national political coordination highlights the need for bridge-building across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

The forum urged APC stakeholders in the North-East to stay focused on critical issues such as development, security, economic opportunities, and political stability, rather than being distracted by disagreements among individual politicians.

It further called for constructive engagement among political leaders, noting that while disagreements are normal in a democracy, they should not threaten national unity.

The group recalled that in recent months, Uzodinma has participated actively in APC mobilisation efforts. At a South-South Strategic Communications and Mobilisation Summit held in Asaba, he emphasized unity of purpose, a common message, and coordinated grassroots mobilisation, stressing the need for effective communication of government policies and reforms to citizens at the grassroots.

The governor has also publicly defended the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms, which he said were aimed at fixing long-standing structural challenges in the economy.

The North-East Forum clarified that its statement should be seen as an expression of support for Uzodinma’s political engagement and not as a call for confrontation with any individual or group.

It appealed to political leaders across the country to embrace dialogue and issue-based engagement as preparations for the 2027 elections gain momentum.

The Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence (AYPC) has reaffirmed its support for the leadership of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), chaired by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, while criticising recent comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group’s position followed the September 15 declaration by APC governors that they would not participate in or endorse any political alliance capable of weakening the All Progressives Congress (APC) or adversely affecting the party’s candidates in the 2027 elections.

Uzodimma, who announced the position after an APC governors’ meeting in Abuja, said the governors’ campaign commitment was to APC candidates at all levels.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Haruna Bature, the AYPC urged APC governors and other stakeholders to prioritise unity, inclusiveness and collective responsibility as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 polls.

The group expressed concern over criticism of the governors’ position, particularly comments attributed to supporters of the Rainbow Coalition associated with Wike.

It said the PGF was within its political remit to insist that APC governors support candidates produced through the party’s official structures.

According to the group, the governors’ declaration should not be interpreted as opposition to support for President Bola Tinubu, but rather as an assertion of the APC’s organisational structure and its candidates.

Wike, however, has maintained that the Rainbow Coalition is a cross-party platform established to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election and has no formal affiliation with the APC.

He has also argued that members of the coalition can support Tinubu for president while backing candidates from other parties in state and legislative elections.

However, the AYPC which vehemently criticised Wike’s attacks on the APC governors, insisted that the FCT Minister should concentrate on his responsibilities in Abuja and allow the ruling party to manage its internal political affairs.

“Wike should be cautioned and told to know his boundaries as a member of an opposition party given the privilege to serve in the Tinubu-led APC government,” the group stated.

The organisation nevertheless acknowledged that support platforms outside the APC could contribute to the mobilisation of votes for President Tinubu, provided their activities did not undermine the party’s candidates or create competing structures.

The AYPC therefore called for restraint among political stakeholders and urged APC leaders, governors and support groups to avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary divisions within the President’s support base.

It said supporters of the administration should pursue cooperation and political stability while respecting the rights of Nigerians to make their choices at the 2027 elections.

The group maintained that the focus should remain on peaceful political engagement, internal party cohesion and democratic participation as Nigeria prepares for the next general elections.

Maria Odeh

… Says Security Reforms, Military Welfare, Rural Electrification Strengthen President’s Chances

The political temperature ahead of the 2027 presidential election received a fresh jolt yesterday as the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enjoys a broadening support base in Northern Nigeria and will face no serious opposition from the region.

The group, in a strongly worded political statement issued in Abuja, said Northern youths had resolved to support Tinubu’s bid for a second term, citing what it described as the administration’s interventions in security, military welfare, pensions, rural electrification and grassroots economic development.

AYAGL, which said it speaks for millions of young Nigerians, socio-political groups and grassroots movements across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, said its position followed consultations with traditional leaders, political analysts, youth coalitions, agrarian unions and civil society actors.

Its verdict was unequivocal: Tinubu will be returned by the North in 2027.

The group said its position was not based on political expediency, but on what it described as “verifiable indicators of patriotic governance, equitable distribution of federal patronage and strategic elevation of outstanding Northern administrators into national leadership.”

In the statement signed by its President, Alhaji Danbature Abdul, AYAGL argued that the Tinubu administration had demonstrated a willingness to give Northerners meaningful responsibility within the federal government while simultaneously pursuing programmes it said were directly impacting communities across the region.

Security featured prominently in the group’s assessment of the administration.

AYAGL commended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, for what it described as stronger inter-service coordination and intensified military operations against terrorists, bandits and insurgents.

The group said the Defence Ministry had recorded significant progress in the fight against violent criminal groups operating across the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions.

It also linked improved military morale to the administration’s review of salaries, allowances and hazard benefits for members of the armed forces.

According to the group, the welfare measures demonstrated that the government recognised the sacrifices of soldiers deployed in the nation’s most difficult security theatres.

“Under the direct vision of President Tinubu, Gen. Musa championed the historic upward review of salaries, operational allowances and hazard benefits for our gallant armed forces,” AYAGL stated.

The organisation said the measures had “rejuvenated frontline morale” and sent a strong message that the sacrifices of military personnel were being recognised by government.

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, also came under the spotlight as the Northern youth body praised his role in coordinating the country’s intelligence and internal security architecture.

AYAGL credited Ribadu with strengthening intelligence-sharing and supporting operations against violent non-state actors, oil thieves and bandit networks.

The group described the NSA’s leadership style as “non-nonsense” and integrity-driven, maintaining that his coordination had brought greater cohesion to the national security establishment.

The organisation also praised the leadership of the Military Pensions Board, saying reforms in pension administration had improved the welfare of retired military personnel.

It said the adoption of technology and stronger financial controls had helped address longstanding administrative challenges and improve the speed and reliability of pension payments.

For Northern communities struggling with inadequate electricity supply, AYAGL said the activities of the Rural Electrification Agency had provided another major reason for its support for the administration.

The group singled out REA Managing Director/CEO Abba Abubakar Aliyu, crediting the agency with expanding solar mini-grids and other off-grid electricity projects in rural communities.

According to AYAGL, improved electricity access is already supporting small businesses, agricultural activities and cold-chain infrastructure while creating employment opportunities for young people.

The organisation argued that the electrification programme could also help reduce the pressure driving young people from rural communities into already congested urban centres.

But beyond its assessment of government programmes, the statement contained a clear political message to Northern politicians contemplating presidential or alternative political ambitions ahead of 2027.

AYAGL urged such politicians to reconsider their positions and align with what it called the emerging consensus in the region.

“Political figures nursing sectional or divisive ambitions within the region for 2027” should align with the prevailing position of the people, the group said.

It added that Northern youths would not allow themselves to become instruments of political fragmentation.

“Northern youths will not lend their strength to political speculation or fragmentation,” the group declared.

The organisation maintained that the North was “resolute, organised and united” in its determination to support Tinubu’s re-election.

The declaration comes as political calculations surrounding the 2027 presidential election intensify, with political actors and interest groups increasingly positioning themselves ahead of the contest.

For AYAGL, however, the argument is already settled.

The group said the administration’s performance should be judged by outcomes rather than political rhetoric, pointing to security, economic integration, human-capital development and infrastructure as areas where it believes the North has benefited.

“Leadership is measured by results, empathy and institutional performance,” the group said.

It argued that the North remained central to the Tinubu administration’s governing agenda and that the region’s youths would support continuity rather than political experimentation.

The declaration effectively places AYAGL at the forefront of the pro-Tinubu mobilisation in the North and signals an attempt to shape the region’s political conversation well ahead of the 2027 polls.

For the group, the message to Northern politicians and voters is clear: continuity, not fragmentation; consolidation, not political uncertainty.

And with 2027 approaching, AYAGL insists that the North has already made its choice.

ENDS

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kaduna State chapter, has commended Governor Uba Sani for approving enhanced remuneration for traditional rulers across the state.

The association said the approval covers paramount rulers, including Emirs and Chiefs, as well as district and village heads, describing the decision as a boost to the traditional institution and its role in promoting peace, security and grassroots development.

In a statement issued by its chairman, Sheikh Jamilu Abubakar Albani, said traditional rulers remained indispensable partners in governance and served as a vital link between government and the people.

The association said the improved remuneration would further motivate traditional leaders and strengthen their capacity to support intelligence gathering, conflict resolution, peaceful coexistence and community mobilisation.

ALGON said improved welfare for traditional rulers would also contribute to efforts to address security challenges and promote peace and harmony across the 23 local government areas of the state.

It commended Sani for his efforts to strengthen the relevance of traditional institutions as partners in the administration’s peace-building and development agenda.

The association, on behalf of the 23 local government councils, pledged continued collaboration with the state government and other stakeholders towards consolidating peace, security, good governance and sustainable grassroots development.

ALGON also urged traditional rulers to reciprocate the gesture by strengthening their collaboration with local government councils and other relevant agencies in promoting peaceful coexistence, security and the overall development of the state.

…Pays Condolence Visit to Family of Late Veteran Actor in Kaduna

The Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has paid tribute to the late veteran Hausa actor, Mohammed Sani, popularly known as Tumbuleke, describing him as one of the pioneers whose remarkable contributions helped shape Hausa comedy and television entertainment in Nigeria.

Musawa made the remarks in Kaduna on Thursday when she visited the family of the late actor at his residence on Adamawa Road to condole with them over his death.

Tumbuleke, aged 86, died on August 11, 2026, after an illness. He rose to prominence through Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) productions in the 1980s and became widely recognised for his distinctive contributions to Hausa comedy and indigenous television entertainment.

Speaking with journalists after the condolence visit, Musawa said the government was concerned about ensuring that the contributions of pioneers of Nigeria’s creative industry were not lost with their passing.

She said the Federal Government would engage with the late actor’s family on ways of documenting his life, works and contributions to the creative industry for the benefit of future generations.

“We are here to share in the grief of the family and condole with them, as well as see how we can preserve his legacies and document them for the future,” the minister said.

According to her, preserving the works and memories of cultural icons such as Tumbuleke was important to ensuring that future generations understood the contributions made by pioneers of the entertainment industry.

Musawa explained that she had intended to have a detailed discussion with members of the family during the visit on how the late actor’s legacy could be documented, but was unable to conclude the discussion.

“I had to sit with the family to discuss how we can document his legacies. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do that. However, I will meet with the family to ensure that his enduring legacies are preserved,” she said.

The minister also prayed for the repose of Tumbuleke’s soul and asked God to grant his family the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The death of Tumbuleke has been widely regarded as a loss to Hausa entertainment, particularly given his contribution to the development of comedy and television productions in the 1980s.

He is survived by his wife and children.

The YARI 774 Initiative for Asiwaju 2027 has congratulated Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Marafan Sokoto, on his reported appointment as Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections.

The grassroots mobilisation platform, in a statement signed by its National Chairman and Convener, Chief Dr. Ibrahim Emokpaire, described the appointment as “well deserved” and a case of “a round peg in a round hole.”
The group said the appointment was a recognition of Senator Yari’s years of political service, leadership experience and commitment to the APC and the Nigerian people.

According to the statement, Yari’s political experience, particularly his tenure as a two-term Governor of Zamfara State and as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, has prepared him for the demands of coordinating a nationwide political campaign.
The group also credited the former governor with contributions to security, education, healthcare and infrastructure development during his administration in Zamfara State.

It further noted that Yari’s experience extends beyond elective politics, describing him as a businessman whose enterprises have created employment and economic opportunities for Nigerians.

The statement added that his traditional title in the Sokoto Emirate and his philanthropic activities had further demonstrated his commitment to service and community development.

As a serving senator, the group said Yari had continued to contribute to national development through legislation and representation in the National Assembly.

The YARI 774 Initiative expressed confidence that, under Yari’s leadership, the APC Presidential Campaign Council would conduct an inclusive and issue-based campaign capable of strengthening the party’s structures and mobilising Nigerians in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Under Senator Yari’s direction, we are confident that the Campaign Council will run a robust, inclusive and issue-based campaign that will further unite our party and consolidate the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the group said.
The organisation pledged the support of its national executive members, state and local government coordinators, women and youth leaders, as well as its members across the 774 local government areas, to the campaign council.

It said its members were ready to work with Senator Yari to mobilise grassroots support and contribute to what it described as a “resounding victory” for the APC in the 2027 elections.

Signed:

Chief Dr. Ibrahim Emokpaire
National Chairman/Convener
YARI 774 Initiative for Asiwaju 2027.

The Tinubu Again Movement, under the leadership of Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, Honourable Minister of State for Defence and Convener/Chairman of the Board of Trustees, has extended warm goodwill to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the 2027 electioneering season officially commenced on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

In a statement, the Movement congratulated President Tinubu, the APC leadership and all Nigerians committed to the progress, unity and continued development of the country at the commencement of the new political cycle.

The National Coordinator of the Tinubu Again Movement, Dr. Auwal Abdullahi Aliyu, who represented the Minister, described the commencement of the electoral process as another opportunity for Nigerians to reaffirm their confidence in leadership that prioritises reforms, economic growth, national stability and a better future for all citizens.

Dr. Aliyu said the Renewed Hope Agenda had provided a clear roadmap for national recovery, adding that the Tinubu Again Movement would intensify efforts to deepen public understanding of the administration’s policies, programmes and achievements ahead of the 2027 elections.

He reaffirmed the Movement’s unwavering support for President Tinubu and the APC, while urging party faithful and supporters across the country to remain united, peaceful, disciplined and committed to the ideals of progressive politics.

According to him, cohesion, issue-based campaigns and sustained grassroots engagement would be critical to securing another mandate for President Tinubu and ensuring continuity of the administration’s development programmes.

Emphasising the strategic role of the Movement in the 2027 election, Dr. Aliyu announced that the organisation had set an ambitious target of mobilising 20 million votes for President Tinubu in the presidential election.

He disclosed that the Movement would deploy door-to-door mobilisation, youth and women engagement, voter education and community outreach across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He added that the Movement would also strengthen its structures at the ward and polling-unit levels to encourage voter participation and support peaceful, credible and lawful elections.

As part of its mobilisation strategy, the Tinubu Again Movement will focus on communicating the achievements of the Tinubu administration in areas including infrastructure, security, agriculture, education and youth empowerment to Nigerians at the grassroots.

Dr. Aliyu urged members, volunteers and coordinators of the Movement to embrace peaceful, respectful and responsible political engagement, stressing that the organisation would collaborate with the APC and other pro-Tinubu groups towards a successful 2027 campaign.

He concluded by praying for God’s continued guidance and wisdom for President Tinubu, strength for the APC and peace and prosperity for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The National Coordinator expressed confidence that, through collective effort, discipline and commitment to democratic values, the Tinubu Again Movement would play a significant role in mobilising support for President Tinubu and contributing to the APC’s success in the 2027 elections.

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has criticised leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over what he described as attempts to seek foreign validation and intervention ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.

Sani, in a post on his X account on Wednesday, urged the ADC and its presidential candidates to concentrate on winning the confidence of Nigerian voters rather than expending political energy on efforts directed at the United States and European institutions.

His comments came amid renewed political exchanges over efforts linked to Atiku’s camp to draw international attention to issues concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his political administration.

“The ADC flag bearers should focus and spend their time in seeking for votes from the Nigerians they want to lead; and not seeking for validation from President Trump or the EU,” Sani wrote.

He further criticised what he regarded as an excessive reliance on foreign institutions, saying opposition politicians should convince Nigerians about their policies and demonstrate how they intend to govern differently.

“They should convince Nigerians on what they can do differently, instead of wasting their time, scanning graveyards and exhuming corpses in the US, in search of talisman and treasures for political advantage in Nigeria,” he added.

The former senator’s remarks come against the backdrop of a growing political confrontation between Atiku’s camp and the Tinubu administration over issues surrounding the President’s past legal history in the United States.

In April, Atiku engaged Washington-based lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. under a reported $1.2 million, 12-month agreement. Documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice indicated that the firm was engaged to strengthen Atiku’s standing in U.S. policy circles and counter narratives associated with the Nigerian government.

The development subsequently triggered a political backlash in Nigeria, with the Presidency accusing Atiku of attempting to internationalise domestic political disputes. The Presidency specifically criticised efforts by Atiku-linked lobbyists to draw the attention of President Donald Trump, the U.S. State Department and members of Congress to a long-standing U.S. civil forfeiture matter involving Tinubu.

Atiku’s camp, however, has argued that questions concerning Tinubu’s past should be subjected to public scrutiny.

An Atiku aide, Paul Ibe, previously defended the lobbying effort and argued that Nigerians had a right to know more about records relating to the U.S. case.
Sani’s intervention therefore adds another dimension to the increasingly heated political debate as Nigeria formally enters the 2027 electioneering season.

Nigeria’s presidential campaign season commenced on Wednesday, with Tinubu seeking a second term against a fragmented opposition that includes Atiku, now the presidential candidate of the ADC. International reports have described the opposition as divided despite earlier efforts to form a broad coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The ADC has emerged as a major opposition platform following the movement of several prominent politicians into the party. Atiku adopted the ADC as his political platform after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party, while the party has faced internal leadership disputes and legal challenges over its structure and recognition.

The party’s political fortunes have also been affected by legal battles. In June, a Federal High Court ordered the deregistration of the ADC and several other parties, although the party rejected the decision and vowed to challenge it through the appellate courts.

Against this background, Sani’s message appears to be a call for the opposition to shift the centre of its campaign from international pressure to domestic political mobilisation.

His argument is that the 2027 election will ultimately be decided by Nigerian voters, making grassroots engagement, policy presentation and public persuasion more important than attempts to obtain endorsements or interventions from foreign governments and institutions.

For Sani, however, the message is clear: rather than looking to Washington, Brussels or other foreign capitals for political advantage, opposition parties should return to the Nigerian electorate and make their case directly to the people they seek to govern.