Shehu Sani Takes on ADC Over US, EU Case Against Tinubu

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.

Tinubu Again Movement Extends Goodwill to Tinubu, APC as 2027 Campaign Begins

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.

Hamisu Hong Rejects Call for Review of NDC Candidate for Gombi/Hong Federal Constituency

By Umar Zubainatu Kambari 

Alhaji Hamisu Hong has rejected calls for the review or replacement of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Gombi/Hong Federal Constituency, describing arguments based on ethnicity, geography, gender and religion as inconsistent with democratic principles.

In a response to a memorandum advocating a review of the party’s current candidature, Hong argued that electoral decisions should be based primarily on competence, integrity, grassroots acceptance, electability and the ability of a candidate to effectively represent the people.

He said historical voting patterns and the geographical distribution of wards should not be treated as permanent determinants of electoral outcomes.

According to him, the fact that previous representatives of the constituency came predominantly from Hong Local Government Area does not mean future representation must follow the same pattern.

“Democracy is dynamic. Electoral outcomes change as voter priorities evolve. The fact that Hong has produced more representatives in the past does not automatically mean that only candidates from Hong can win future elections,” he said.

Hong also challenged the argument that Hong’s possession of 12 wards against Gombi’s 10 wards gives candidates from the former an automatic electoral advantage.

He maintained that the number of wards alone cannot determine the outcome of an election, stressing the importance of voter turnout, party structures, candidate popularity, campaign strategy and broader community support.

“Election results are not determined merely by the number of wards. Voter turnout, party structures, candidate popularity, campaign effectiveness and issue-based politics frequently play more significant roles than numerical assumptions,” he stated.

On ethnic considerations, Hong cautioned against using identity as the principal basis for determining who should represent the constituency.

He argued that democratic politics should encourage voters and political parties to focus on leadership qualities, competence, integrity and policy direction rather than ethnic background.

“The NDC should strive to demonstrate that every qualified citizen has an equal opportunity to seek public office regardless of ethnic background,” he said.

Hong similarly dismissed gender as a legitimate reason for questioning the viability of the current candidate, arguing that the historical absence of women among elected representatives should not be used as evidence that a female candidate cannot win.

He described the argument as neither democratic nor evidence-based, saying political progress often comes when individuals challenge established patterns.

According to him, promoting qualified women into political leadership should be viewed as an indication of democratic maturity rather than a disadvantage.

On religion, Hong said the religious identity of a candidate should not be used as the principal determinant of political opportunity.

While acknowledging the importance of understanding the demographic realities of the constituency, he argued that elections should not be reduced to religious calculations.

He stressed that competence and public acceptance should remain at the centre of the party’s assessment.

“The central question should not be where the candidate comes from, but whether the candidate possesses the ability to represent the constituency effectively and secure public confidence,” Hong said.

He further questioned the absence of what he described as a detailed assessment of the candidate’s competence, public service record, leadership qualities, political experience, grassroots support and campaign capacity in the proposal seeking a review of the candidature.

Hong warned that replacing the candidate abruptly could create internal divisions, undermine the confidence of party members, demoralise supporters and volunteers, and generate perceptions of ethnic, religious or gender bias within the party.

He also noted that such a move could expose the party to legal and organisational challenges.

While acknowledging that political balancing has a place in electoral strategy, Hong maintained that it should not override democratic fairness, merit and competence.

He therefore urged the NDC to exercise caution and assess the candidate using objective criteria rather than demographic assumptions.

“Political parties exist not only to win elections but also to uphold democratic principles and provide credible leadership. Electoral success is most sustainable when built upon competence, inclusiveness, fairness and public trust,” he said.

Hong concluded by urging party stakeholders to prioritise the interests of the people of Gombi/Hong Federal Constituency and allow qualified candidates to compete on the basis of their capacity, integrity, grassroots support and commitment to development.

“A strong democracy is not built by limiting opportunity to particular groups, but by allowing the most capable candidates to compete and earn the confidence of the electorate,” he said.

Adeleke Re-election: Vunobolki Hails Victory as Affirmation of Osun Voters’ Democratic Will

Chief Maurice Vunobolki, PhD, FCA, the PDP gubernatorial candidate in the 2027 general elections has congratulated Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his victory and re-election, describing the outcome as a significant affirmation of the democratic will of the people.

In a congratulatory message, Vunobolki described the governor’s victory as more than a personal political triumph, saying it reflects the confidence placed in Adeleke by the people of Osun State and underscores the importance of popular participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.

“This is not just a personal victory; it is a victory for the people of Osun State, a reaffirmation of their confidence, and a strong reminder that the will of the people remains the foundation of democracy,” Vunobolki said

He noted that Adeleke’s re-election represents recognition of his political resilience, public service, and connection with the electorate while commending the people of Osun State for exercising their democratic choice. Appluading the President, His Excellency Prrsidrnt Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and INEC for superintending a free, fair, and credible elections.

Vunobolki further expressed optimism that the governor’s renewed mandate would provide an opportunity to consolidate the achievements of his first term and advance development across the state.
He prayed for greater wisdom, strength and grace for Adeleke as he continues to lead Osun State, urging the governor to build on his administration’s record and pursue policies that improve the welfare and prosperity of the people.

Vunobolki concluded by congratulating Governor Adeleke and the people of Osun State, describing the occasion as another chapter in the state’s democratic journey.

Shehu Sani Defends NRS Chairman, Says ‘President Eating Once’ Remark Overshadowed Tax Reform Issues

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Senator Shehu Sani, has defended the presentation made by the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, during a recent television interview, arguing that the media focus on a comment about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu eating once a day and walking to his office overshadowed critical issues concerning Nigeria’s tax reforms.

Sani, in a post on his official X account, said the NRS Chairman made important submissions on tax laws, reforms, implementation and processes during the interview, which, in his view, deserved serious public debate and scrutiny.

According to him, rather than interrogating the substantive issues raised by the revenue chief, sections of the media concentrated on the controversial comment about the President’s personal routine.

“During the Channels interview granted by the NRS Chairman Adedeji, he made important points and statements concerning the Tax laws, reforms, implementation and processes that should have been debated or probed,” Sani wrote.

He added that the media’s emphasis on the statement that the President eats once a day and walks to his office ultimately reduced a serious discussion on taxation and public finance to a subject of public amusement.

“The media chose to emphasise on ‘the President eating once in a day and walking to his office’. That was how a serious issue was rubbished,” the former senator said.

Sani’s intervention comes amid continuing public discussion over Nigeria’s tax reform agenda, including questions surrounding the implementation of new tax laws, revenue mobilisation, compliance, institutional responsibilities and the impact of taxation on individuals and businesses.

The former lawmaker’s position suggests that public discourse on the country’s tax system should move beyond sensational statements and focus more closely on the policies and mechanisms being introduced to improve revenue collection and strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal system.

Taxation has remained a major issue in Nigeria’s economic debate as governments at the federal and state levels seek to increase internally generated revenue, reduce dependence on borrowing and oil-related receipts, broaden the tax base and improve compliance.

For Sani, the interview by the NRS chairman presented an opportunity for journalists, policymakers and citizens to interrogate the details of the government’s tax reforms and their implications for the Nigerian economy.

His comments also highlight concerns about the role of the media in shaping public understanding of complex policy matters, particularly when substantive economic discussions compete with politically or personally sensitive statements that attract greater public attention.

Rather than allowing the President’s reported personal routine to dominate the conversation, Sani argued that the focus should have remained on the tax laws, reform measures and implementation processes outlined by the NRS chairman.

The former senator maintained that such issues require sustained public scrutiny because taxation directly affects citizens, businesses, investors and government finances.

He therefore appeared to call for a more substantive approach to reporting economic policies, urging the public and the media to interrogate the content and consequences of government reforms rather than allowing a single controversial remark to eclipse the broader policy discussion.