• Benue APC governorship aspirants desert party after convention
• Oyo APC probes circulation of consensus candidates’ list

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed happiness at having former governor of Kano State and presidential candidate of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) in the last general elections, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, in its fold, and described him as a game-changer.

Just few days after the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention, many governorship aspirants on the party’s platform in Benue are deserting the APC.

Meanwhile, APC in Oyo State has launched an investigation into the circulation of a purported consensus list of its candidates for the 2027 general elections.

An elated ADC announced that Kwankwaso’s entrance had significantly boosted its online database in the last 24 hours.

It said the move signalled a growing coalition for change ahead of future elections.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party disclosed that Kwankwaso directed his supporters nationwide to join the ADC, stressing that the development would mark another turning point ahead of the 2027 elections.

He stated: “The ADC warmly welcomes the decision of Kwankwaso to join our party at this important moment in our country’s journey. This reflects a growing recognition that Nigeria needs a new direction, and that the time has come for leaders and citizens alike to come together around a credible alternative that puts people first.

“Kwankwaso’s decision speaks to what many Nigerians already feel, that the country needs leadership that understands the challenges peopleface every day and is ready to take responsibility for fixing them. His experience in governance, his strong grassroots connection, and his ability to bring people together make him a valuable part of this collective effort to rebuild Nigeria.”

IN Benue APC, former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), tendered his resignation letter during the weekend.

Yesterday, another APC frontline gubernatorial aspirant, Godwin Tyoacimin, similarly tendered his resignation letter. Yet another, Dr Jeffrey Kuraun, who, though he has not yet tendered his resignation from the APC, openly flaunted his meetings with former governor, Samuel Ortom, the leader of the PDP in Benue.

Another major APC governorship contender and constitutional lawyer, Sebastine Hon (SAN), also issued a statement over the weekend through the Director General of his campaign organisation, stating that “major decisions would be communicated” to his supporters in the next few days.

Aondoakaa said his decision to resign from the APC followed “careful reflection” and wide consultations with family, political associates and supporters.

He added: “While I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve and contribute to the growth of the party at various levels during my membership, prevailing circumstances have made it necessary for me to take this step in the overall interest of my people and democratic values.”

OYO APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, in a statement issued in Ibadan, described the ‘consensus candidates’ list as fake, deceptive and provocative.
Sadare cautioned members of the public, including party faithful and supporters, to disregard the list, insisting that the APC had not commenced any process for selecting candidates for the next general election.

According to him, the party’s leadership has launched an investigation to identify those behind the circulation of the document, warning that anyone found culpable would face consequences.

“Just a few days ago, we had cause to dispel the unfounded rumour of the emergence of a gubernatorial candidate for our party in the state for the next general election.

“As a matter of fact, the leadership of our great party has launched an investigation into those behind the circulation of a fresh list of purported Oyo APC candidates, as seen on social media a few hours ago. We can assure our members and supporters that the list is not only fake but also deceptive and provocative,” he stated.