A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former federal lawmaker, Haruna Yerima, has declared that President Bola Tinubu would secure victory in the 2027 presidential election if he retains Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate.

Yerima made the statement on Saturday in Abuja while responding to calls by the Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum urging President Tinubu to replace Mr Shettima and avoid fielding a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

According to the forum, picking a Christian from Plateau, Benue, or Taraba State would help counter fears of an alleged Islamisation agenda.

The group warned that keeping the current ticket could give opposition parties an easy campaign tool.

But Yerima in the statement, dismissed these concerns.

“The claim that the APC may lose the 2027 presidential elections if President Bola Tinubu adopts Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate is insane and unfounded,” he said.

He described suggestions that an Atiku Abubakar–Peter Obi alliance could defeat Tinubu and Shettima as “a jaundiced and amateur political permutation without any empirical backing.”

“We dismiss this statement by one Dominic Alancha of a faceless organisation, Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum, who urged President Tinubu to drop Sen. Shettima and avoid repeating the Muslim-Muslim ticket,” he added.

According to him, fears of an Islamisation agenda have already been addressed by the administration’s policies of inclusion.

“In the last two years of President Bola Tinubu’s presidency, all doubting Thomases that the APC administration is not tilted to any religious group. It is appalling why that faceless group is trying to reincarnate a forgotten issue,” he said.

Yerima insisted that the choice of Mr Shettima was carefully considered and cannot be imposed upon.

“Vice President Kashim Shettima was chosen by President Bola Tinubu after thorough consideration of various factors. Any attempt to impose a running mate on President Tinubu would not only backfire but would be met by outright rejection by the president himself.

“President Tinubu is not a political neophyte that some dubious politicians would hide under a mushroom ethnic group to push for an unsaleable agenda.”

Yerima warned against injecting religion into politics.“It is puzzling that some people are driving faith-based sentiments on issues that are strictly loyalty and competence-based,” he said, praising Mr Shettima’s performance.

“Sen. Shettima has been diligently fulfilling the roles assigned to him by his principal with all diligence, competence, and dedication”.

A major political shift has unfolded in Kaduna State as former governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, spearheaded the merger of the entire structure of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The development, which signals a significant realignment ahead of Nigeria’s next political cycle, was announced during a coalition meeting held in Kaduna on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

The gathering brought together influential leaders, party executives, and stakeholders drawn from diverse political platforms.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting and signed by the Kaduna State Coalition Publicity Secretary, Hon. Darius Kurah, El-Rufai was identified as the key figure driving the coalition efforts.

He chaired the meeting, which was attended by ADC leaders, former commissioners, SDP executives, and several prominent figures from the state’s political class.

Among the attendees were Hon. Ja’afar Mohammed Sani, ADC Vice Chairman (North West); Elder Patrick Ambut, ADC Kaduna State Chairman; and Mallam Bashir Saidu, a leading ADC strategist in the state.

Addressing the gathering, El-Rufai described the merger as a decisive step toward building a credible political alternative in Kaduna.

He stressed that the coalition’s central goal is unity, with a strong emphasis on inclusive governance and people-centered development.

“Our mission is clear: to strengthen progressive leadership in Kaduna and Nigeria by rallying around shared ideals and ensuring that politics serves the people, not personal interests,” El-Rufai said.

Ja’afar Mohammed Sani, ADC Vice Chairman for the North West, praised the SDP leadership for what he called a “bold and courageous decision.”

He described the merger as a new dawn for credible leadership in Kaduna and a signal that opposition politics is reawakening.

Similarly, Elder Patrick Ambut welcomed the SDP members into the ADC fold, assuring them of full integration into existing party structures.

He noted that the coalition was not just about structures merging but about harmonizing ideologies for the collective good of the people.

Mallam Bashir Saidu reinforced this view, stressing that the merger represented “a convergence of visions and principles dedicated to building a future where governance is truly accountable.”

As part of the resolutions adopted at the meeting, the ADC National Working Committee (NWC) was tasked with setting up a Membership Registration Committee.

This committee will work closely with the Kaduna State chapter, alongside local government and ward units, to begin new membership registration while revalidating existing members.

According to the communiqué, this grassroots exercise is expected to strengthen the coalition’s reach, consolidate its base, and position it strategically ahead of future elections.

The meeting ended on a hopeful note, with stakeholders pledging commitment to building a formidable front capable of challenging the dominance of established parties in the state.

Political observers say El-Rufai’s move has reshaped Kaduna’s political landscape.

By leading the SDP into a merger with the ADC, the former governor has positioned himself once again as a central figure in the state’s opposition politics.

The coalition is seen as part of a broader strategy by opposition forces to rally around credible alternatives and build momentum ahead of 2027.

With grassroots mobilization already on the agenda, analysts suggest the ADC-SDP merger could become a significant force, particularly in northern Nigeria where El-Rufai still commands influence.

For now, Kaduna’s political terrain has shifted, and the coming months will determine whether this coalition translates into electoral strength or fades into another short-lived alliance.

The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, has resigned from his position, citing the “best interest of the state” as the reason for his decision.

Dajoh’s resignation was conveyed in a letter he personally signed, dated August 24, 2025, and made available to Channels Television.

In the letter, titled “Resignation As The Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly,” the Gboko West representative wrote:

“I write to resign my position as the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, effective today, August 24, 2025.

This is done in good faith and in the best interest of the state. I want to appreciate my dear colleagues for the opportunity they gave me to be the first among equals.

I pledge to remain committed to my duties as a legislator and representative of Gboko West State Constituency.”

Dajoh’s resignation comes just days after the House suspended four members — Alfred Berger (Makurdi North), Terna Shimawua (Kian), Cyril Ekong (Obi), and James Umoru (Apa) — for six months.

The lawmakers had allegedly spearheaded an attempt to impeach the Speaker in a late-night move.

The Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, who raised a motion of urgent importance, accused the four of attempting to destabilise the Assembly with a “needless crisis.”

The motion was unanimously adopted, and Dajoh subsequently directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort the suspended members out of the chambers.

Following Berger’s suspension, Dajoh also appointed Audu Elias as the new spokesperson of the House.

Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has distanced himself from the political tension in the Assembly.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said he had no role in the alleged impeachment plot.

“The governor, Hyacinth Alia, is not aware of and has no involvement whatsoever in any purported attempt to remove the Speaker or in any activities currently taking place in the Benue State House of Assembly,” the statement read.

It added that Governor Alia maintained a cordial working relationship with the Dajoh-led Assembly and remained committed to supporting the legislature in carrying out its duties.

The resignation also follows a turbulent week in the Assembly. Just a day earlier, the House screened and confirmed six commissioner nominees but rejected two, including a law professor, Timothy Ornguga.

Ornguga’s nomination was struck out after four petitions were submitted against him, alleging misconduct during his years as a lecturer, as well as concerns about his qualifications.

Lawmakers, led by Tarka representative Manger Manger, queried his credentials, including the absence of a primary school certificate.

Alongside Ornguga, nominee James Dwen was also rejected after failing to adequately defend himself against allegations contained in petitions.

The House asked Governor Alia to submit replacements for both nominees.

Dajoh’s resignation is expected to reshape the leadership dynamics of the Assembly, which has been rocked in recent weeks by internal divisions, impeachment plots, and controversial legislative battles.

While he has stepped down from the top seat, Dajoh assured his constituents that he will remain fully committed to his legislative responsibilities.

His exit as Speaker raises questions about whether the recent suspension of lawmakers and rejection of commissioner nominees may have deepened divisions within the Benue political space.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said he is more interested in building a better Nigeria than in becoming president at all costs.

Atiku made this known on Saturday during an affirmation ceremony in Lagos for new defectors to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The event saw several political heavyweights from the PDP and Labour Party officially announce their defection to the ADC.

The former PDP candidate, who recently resigned from the party along with other opposition politicians, formally joined the ADC in what he described as a “movement for national renewal.”

Speaking at the event, Atiku said his focus was not personal ambition but the pursuit of a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria.

“Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria,” said Olateju, who spoke on behalf of Atiku.

“It’s not about him being president at all costs. It’s about having a government that can truly deliver for Nigerians.”

According to him, the ADC should not be seen merely as a political party but as a movement dedicated to national transformation.

“It’s no longer politics as usual. This is a new beginning for Nigeria, and that’s what Atiku is championing,” he added.

Atiku further noted that the removal of fuel subsidy and rising inflation have left many Nigerians struggling.

He stressed that only good leadership could deliver lasting solutions.

He also said the coalition was confident that God would use them to bring meaningful change to Nigeria.

On who would likely emerge as the ADC presidential candidate in 2027, Atiku insisted the choice would be left to party members.

“Whoever emerges through a free and fair contest, we will all support. We are not imposing anyone,” he said.

“The point is not Atiku for president at all costs, or Obi for president at all costs. The point is Nigeria.

Whoever picks the ticket will represent the collective voice and aspirations of the Nigerian people,” he added.

Prominent defectors present at the event included PDP Board of Trustees member Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu; former Lagos PDP chairmen Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Retired Capt. Tunji Shelle; PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central); and former PDP Youth Leader Mr. Tai Benedict, among others.

They were received by top ADC leaders, including National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Kolawole Ogunwale, and Lagos State Chairman George Ashiru.

A viral video circulating on social media has captured former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello making newly elected State House of Assembly member, Hassan Shado, and his supporters sit on the floor during a meeting in Abuja.

The meeting took place at Bello’s residence on Monday, where he received members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to discuss party unity and responsibilities.

Shado, who won the Dekina-Okura II State Constituency by-election on August 16, was formally presented to the former governor.

INEC declared Shado the winner after he polled 55,073 votes, defeating Godwin Meliga of the PDP, who garnered 1,038 votes.

During the session, Bello emphasized that Shado must strictly obey the directives of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in all legislative matters.

He drew his ear to stress the importance of cooperation, warning the lawmaker to align with Assembly decisions even when he did not fully understand them.

Bello said, “Go and cooperate with the Speaker and other members of the House of Assembly. Support Governor Ododo in everything that comes to the Assembly, even if you don’t understand it.”

Bello also reminded Shado that political victories are collective achievements.

He stated, “No candidate wins an election alone. Your people worked tirelessly from nomination to election day. Do not let them down.”

He urged inclusivity, consultation, and collective leadership, emphasizing that unity remains the key to APC’s continued success in Kogi State.

The former governor praised the people of Kogi East for demonstrating unity, which he said had been lacking in the past.

He further expressed confidence that APC would retain all major political positions in upcoming elections, declaring, “Our President, Bola Tinubu, will be re-elected.

Governor Ododo will be re-elected. All our candidates will continue to win on our great party’s platform.”

Bello’s post-governorship period has been marked by controversy.

The EFCC accused him of diverting over N110 billion from Kogi State coffers during his tenure.

He evaded multiple court summons and even a failed arrest in Abuja that led to a shootout. Ultimately, Bello surrendered to the EFCC on November 26, 2024, after months of avoiding legal proceedings.

Despite his legal troubles, Bello maintains influence over APC lawmakers in Kogi and continues to assert political authority, as shown in the recent video with Shado.

Watch the video below.