News
Arewa Forum: Producing President In 2023 Not Exclusive Right Of South
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on Wednesday said it was not the exclusive right of the South to produce the president in 2023.
Speaking exclusively with Daily Independent, Anthony Sani, a northern leader and the outgoing Secretary-General of the ACF, said there was no national consensus on zoning that was binding on political parties in the country.
According to him, since Nigeria was practising a multiparty democracy, each political party was free to zone its presidential ticket to any part of the country.
“In a multiparty democracy, it is political parties that field candidates for elective positions because there is no provision for independent candidates.
“And if any political party, in its winning game plans, fields a candidate from the South and majority of Nigerians vote for him, so be it! That would be democracy in action.
“I say so because the president coming from the South is not a matter of right, considering there is no national consensus on politics of identity symbolised by zoning that is binding on the political parties.
“As long as there is no national consensus on politics of identity symbolised by zoning that is binding on political parties, it is not possible to shut out any region or zone or state from the contest for the post of the president.
“Recall when President Obasanjo wanted to force politics of zoning on the nation by bringing the late President Umaru Yar’Adua from the North after the South, he had to use political blackmail to shut out people like former Rivers State governor, Peter Odili, from the South.
“And when President Yar’Adua died, one did not expect former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest with Muhammadu Buhari in 2011 and 2015, in the spirit of zoning. But he did.”
Also reacting to the statement made by Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State that the presidency should rightly return to the Southern part of the country, Sani said the statement was El-Rufai’s personal opinion and not the general belief of the North.
The ACF scribe said, in the last presidential election, even when it was agreed that the North should produce presidential candidates, a large percentage of presidential candidates that participated in the 2019 elections were from the Southern part of the country.
“In 2019, it was thought that the spirit of zoning would leave the field for presidential candidates from the North, but there were over 70 candidates, most of them from the South.
“This is testament to the fact that there is no national consensus on zoning that is binding on political parties with exclusive preserve to field candidates for elective posts in our multiparty democracy. That is why what Governor El-Rufai has said is not more than his personal opinion,” he said.

News
‘Give Them Their Money Directly’ — Tinubu Warns Governors Over LG Allocations
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning to state governors over the handling of Local Government (LG) allocations, insisting that funds meant for LGs must be paid directly to them in line with the Supreme Court judgment.
Speaking on Friday at the 15th APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Tinubu stressed that the apex court has once again made its position clear, leaving no room for ambiguity. According to him, compliance is no longer optional, as the judgment is binding on all tiers of government.
“The Supreme Court has capped it for you again, saying, ‘give them their money directly’. If you wait for my Executive Order, because I have the knife, I have the yam, I will cut it,” the President said, adding that he has chosen to be patient and respectful with governors.
However, Tinubu warned that continued delay or refusal to implement the ruling would attract consequences, noting that enforcement could begin through FAAC disbursements if necessary.
Emphasizing the rule of law, the President said the ultimate authority remains the Supreme Court and its judgment must be obeyed without excuses.
“We have to comply. We have to respect the judgment,” he concluded.

News
Accord Party Welcomes Adeleke for 2026 Governorship Bid
The Accord Party in Osun State has indicated that Governor Ademola Adeleke would be granted a waiver if he decides to contest the 2026 governorship election under its platform.
Victor Akande, Chairman of Accord Party in Osun, told The PUNCH on Sunday that Adeleke or his aides have not formally approached the party, describing speculation about a potential defection as “mere rumours.”
Accord Party has emerged as a possible platform for Adeleke’s re-election amid internal tensions in his current party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Akande said the party already has two aspirants for its ticket in the August 8, 2026 election but would welcome Adeleke if he chooses to join.
“The issue of Governor Adeleke is still a rumour. I have not met with anyone from the government about this. Accord Party is not the only option being speculated for his defection, but if he comes, we will receive him wholeheartedly,” Akande stated.
He added, “Our doors are always open. People are free to join or leave at any time. If Adeleke comes, he will receive a waiver to contest just like any other aspirant. Currently, two individuals have shown interest in running under our platform, though they have not made financial commitments yet.”


Foreign
Goodluck Jonathan Reportedly Stranded in Guinea-Bissau After Sudden Military Takeover
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly stranded in Guinea-Bissau following the military’s announcement of a takeover on Tuesday.
Jonathan, who travelled to the country as part of an international election observation mission, was expected to oversee the release of official results before the unexpected shift in power disrupted all movement. Sources say he and other foreign observers are currently unable to leave as security restrictions tighten across the capital.
The situation has sparked concern among regional stakeholders, with diplomatic channels said to be monitoring developments closely. So far, neither Jonathan nor Nigerian authorities have issued an official statement on his safety or plans to return.
The unfolding political tension in Guinea-Bissau continues to draw global attention, especially as the fate of the election results remains unclear.


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