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Atiku, Jonathan The Only Real Threats to Tinubu in 2027 — Yakasai
A former aide to the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has asserted that only two prominent Nigerian politicians have the capacity to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Salihu Tanko Yakasai, who previously served as Ganduje’s media spokesman, identified former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former President Goodluck Jonathan as the only figures with the political strength and nationwide appeal to mount a serious challenge against the incumbent. His remarks add to the growing debate surrounding the 2027 race and the future of Nigeria’s opposition politics.
Speaking during a recent interview where he addressed developments within party structures, the condition of opposition forces, and political sentiments in northern Nigeria, Yakasai argued that the next presidential contest will largely depend on whether opposition parties can rally behind a single candidate. According to him, fragmentation among opposition groups would significantly reduce their chances of defeating the ruling APC.
Yakasai maintained that Atiku Abubakar remains the most formidable challenger if opposition leaders agree to unite behind his candidacy. He noted that the former vice president continues to enjoy substantial support across the northern states and retains the political machinery necessary to mobilize voters.
In his view, Atiku’s long-standing political presence and established networks give him a strategic advantage, particularly in northern Nigeria, where electoral numbers often play a decisive role in national outcomes. Yakasai suggested that a consolidated opposition effort led by Atiku could generate strong voter turnout against President Tinubu.
Beyond Atiku, Yakasai also highlighted former President Goodluck Jonathan as another political heavyweight capable of altering the electoral landscape should he decide to re-enter the race. He described Jonathan as a figure who could attract cross-regional support and appeal to diverse political blocs.
According to Yakasai, Jonathan’s potential candidacy would resonate with multiple interest groups across the country, owing to his previous experience in office and perceived national appeal. He further pointed out that Jonathan, having served a single elected term, could present himself as a unifying option in a polarized political environment.
The former APC spokesman also addressed what he described as growing dissatisfaction in parts of northern Nigeria. He alleged that many residents in the region feel sidelined despite their significant contribution to President Tinubu’s electoral victory in 2023.
Yakasai claimed that concerns over federal appointments and the distribution of development projects have fueled a sense of discontent among some northern stakeholders. While he did not provide specific examples, he argued that perceptions of imbalance could weaken the APC’s standing if left unaddressed.
Nigeria’s political history has shown that regional sentiment often plays a crucial role in presidential elections. Analysts note that voter alignment in the North, which comprises 19 states, can substantially influence the national outcome. In this context, Yakasai’s comments reflect broader conversations about coalition-building, zoning arrangements, and power dynamics ahead of 2027.
He emphasized that the opposition’s success will ultimately hinge on unity. Without a consensus candidate capable of consolidating votes across regions and party lines, he warned, President Tinubu and the APC would likely retain a strategic advantage.
As political actors begin positioning themselves for the next electoral cycle, discussions around possible alliances and consensus candidates are expected to intensify. The coming months may reveal whether opposition parties can overcome internal divisions and present a united front.
In summary, Yakasai’s remarks underscore the importance of coalition politics in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape. With 2027 still some distance away, the strength of opposition unity, regional sentiment, and candidate selection will remain central to shaping the outcome of the next presidential election.
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FULL LIST: FG Names 48 Individuals, Groups Allegedly Linked to Terrorism Financing
The Federal Government has unveiled a list containing 48 individuals and organisations accused of having links to terrorism financing in Nigeria, as part of renewed efforts to cut off funding to violent groups.
The名单, released on Saturday by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee, identifies persons and entities suspected of providing financial support for terrorism-related activities across the country.
According to the publication, some of those listed are believed to have connections with groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The move is part of broader counter-terrorism strategies aimed at tracing and dismantling financial channels that sustain insurgency and related operations.
Nigeria has continued to grapple with terrorism as a significant security concern, with organisations like Boko Haram and ISWAP responsible for repeated attacks targeting civilians, security personnel, and key infrastructure over the years.





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Video: I Will Not Take That – Channels Anchor Pushes Back at Ex-ADC Chair Over Allegation on Live TV
A live television exchange turned tense as former chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, and Kayode OkikiOlu, a news anchor with Channels Television, clashed during an interview.
The disagreement began when OkikiOlu asked Nwosu to identify individuals who allegedly offered him three ministerial slots to prevent the ADC coalition from materialising.
Nwosu had previously claimed that certain persons approached him with such an offer to stop the party from aligning with a coalition. However, when pressed to name those involved, he declined to provide details.
Instead, the former party chairman accused the anchor of being influenced to ask the question, alleging that OkikiOlu had received a text message prompting him to raise the issue.
The claim drew an immediate response from the journalist, who firmly denied the allegation and challenged Nwosu to provide evidence.
“That is not true, you do not have evidence. I can show you my phone; nobody sent me a text message, and it is unfair for you to say that on national television without proof. I will not take that,” OkikiOlu said.
A co-host later intervened, calling on Nwosu to apologise for the remark. The former ADC chairman subsequently issued an apology.
The exchange has since attracted attention, highlighting tensions surrounding claims linked to the ADC coalition discussions.
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Bandits Kill Five, Abduct 22 in Midnight Attacks on Sokoto Communities
At least five people have been killed and 22 others abducted following coordinated overnight attacks by suspected bandits in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Residents who spoke anonymously said the assaults occurred between late Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday, targeting Sabon Birni town, Dan Aduwa, and Kwaren Gamba.
In Sabon Birni town, gunmen reportedly entered through the Sabon Hegi area on the outskirts, approaching from the western side near a cemetery. Witnesses said the attackers fired indiscriminately, triggering panic as residents fled for safety.
Two victims, identified as Abbas Sani and Bala Mai Laya Moriki, were killed, while eight others were taken away. Among those abducted was a visually impaired man, according to a resident.
Sources also revealed that one of those killed and five of the abducted victims had travelled from Moriki in Zamfara State for fish trading. Five injured persons are currently receiving treatment at a general hospital in Sabon Birni.
In Dan Aduwa village, the attackers struck around midnight, abducting three individuals, including two bridesmaids and a man. A resident linked the incident to gunfire during a wedding celebration earlier that night.
“Shortly after some youths fired locally made guns at a wedding, the bandits invaded and took three people,” the source said. The abducted victims were identified as Sabiu Saidu, Balira Halliru, and Maryam Mansur. No fatalities were recorded in the village.
Meanwhile, in Kwaren Gamba, the assailants reportedly arrived on motorcycles around 11:05 p.m., killing three people and abducting 11 others, including six men and five women.
The deceased were identified as Malam Yakubu, his son Kabir Yakubu, and another resident simply identified as Yakubu. Residents said security operatives later responded, preventing further casualties.
A member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Aminu Boza, confirmed the incidents but did not provide casualty figures.
As of the time of filing this report, the Sokoto State Police Command said it was still gathering details, with spokesperson Ahmad Rufai noting that he had yet to receive a full briefing from the Divisional Police Officer in Sabon Birni.
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