2027: FCT Minister rallies FCT stakeholders to support President Tinubu, Aduda, Chiya, Gabaya

R-L: FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike; Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda; APC House of Representatives candidate, Hon Danladi Chiya, at the stakeholders' meeting of the Rainbow coalition in Kwali Area Council on Monday, November 9.

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

2027: FCT Minister rallies FCT stakeholders to support President Tinubu, Aduda, Chiya, Gabaya

-Promises more road projects, better welfare for councilors and women inclusivity

FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has called on stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory to set aside party differences and work for the continuous development of the territory, which, he said would only be possible through their collective support for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Minister who made the call on Monday, November 9, 2026 during a stakeholders interactive meeting in Kwali Area Council of the FCT, described the President as a true leader who is not afraid of making difficult decisions for the betterment of FCT and the nation at large.

“The president is indeed, a true politician, a true leader. The kind of decision the president is taking or has taken is not what a typical politician would take, knowing fully well that second tenure is coming. That’s what you call leadership, bringing us out from the fake life we are living to the reality, and that is what a good leader should be able to do for his people”, the Minister stated.

PRESIDENT TINUBU SAYS HIS REELECTION IS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE YOUTHS, THEIR EDUCATION, THEIR WELFARE

R-L: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and the speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas during the Presidential campaign rally in Rivers State, on Saturday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE 

PRESIDENT TINUBU SAYS HIS REELECTION IS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE YOUTHS, THEIR EDUCATION, THEIR WELFARE

- DESCRIBES WIKE AS A DEVELOPMENT PARTNER IN HIS ADMINISTRATION

- COMMISSIONS BODO-BONNY ROAD AS RIVERS RALLY SURPASSES EXPECTED TURNOUT 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that his reelection is primarily to position the youths in the country for a better future where their education and welfare will be guaranteed.

The president said this on Saturday, October 7, during the Rivers State Presidential Election Rally that took place in Port Harcourt over the weekend.

He appreciate the electorates in Rivers State for their role in his electoral victory in 2023, and sought for their support in the January 2027 general elections, declaring that "Prosperity is here". The president revealed that when he assumed power in 2023, 27 out of 36 States could not pay salaries hence drastic measures had to be taken.

Addressing Rainbow coalition contingents that came for the rally, President Tinubu called the turnout "unprecedented", while appreciating the FCT Minister as "a development partner" in his administration whom he said was instrumental to his 2023 election victory at a time he felt hopeless. He also thanked the Rivers State Governor, Similaye Fubara for his willingness to listen to the counsel of elders thereby allowing peace to reign in the State.

"Fubara...you will not regret what you have done as long as all of us are alive" he added.

Welcoming the President to his home State, Rivers, FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a brother to the people of Rivers State, stating that in politics brotherhood transcended blood relationship, and since the President had done good deeds in the State, he was their brother. He made specific reference to the establishment of a Federal of Environment in Ogoniland, the newly commissioned Bodo-Bony Road, and the granting of over 47 appointments to the sons and daughters of Rivers State by President Tinubu. 

NIGERIA'S 2027 ELECTIONS: STATES TO WATCH

NIGERIA'S 2027 ELECTIONS: STATES TO WATCH

The Political Battlegrounds, Emerging Power Struggles and the States That Could Shape Nigeria's Next Political Direction

Nigeria's 2027 general elections are gradually taking shape as one of the country's most consequential political contests since the return to democratic rule in 1999. Beyond the presidential contest, the elections will provide an important test of the strength of political parties, the influence of incumbency, the resilience of opposition coalitions, the credibility of electoral institutions and the willingness of Nigerians to demand accountable leadership.

Although the presidential election will naturally attract national and international attention, the real political drama may be spread across several states where political alignments, internal party disputes, governorship succession battles, defections and competing political interests could significantly influence the outcome of the national elections.

The 2027 elections should therefore not be viewed simply as a contest between political parties seeking to control the presidency. They will also be a referendum on state-level governance, political performance, economic conditions, public confidence and the future of Nigeria's multiparty democracy.

Some states will be important because of their voting strength, others because of their strategic political influence, while several will attract attention because of the possibility of dramatic changes in political control.

THE STATES LIKELY TO COMMAND THE BIGGEST POLITICAL ATTENTION

KANO STATE: THE NORTH-WEST'S BIGGEST POLITICAL TEST

Kano is arguably one of the most important states to watch in the 2027 elections. Its large voting population, extensive grassroots political networks and history of influential political movements make it a critical battleground in the presidential contest.

The political equation has changed considerably following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's departure from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and his movement into the All Progressives Congress (APC). The development has created a major test for the Kwankwasiyya political movement associated with former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The central question is whether Governor Yusuf's control of the state government and the APC's political machinery can overcome the enduring grassroots influence of Kwankwaso.

For the opposition, Kano represents an opportunity to demonstrate that political loyalty is not necessarily transferred through defections. For the APC, retaining Kano would strengthen its electoral position in the North-West.

LAGOS STATE: THE PRESIDENT'S POLITICAL HOME FRONT

Lagos occupies a special place in Nigeria's political calculations. It is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's long-standing political stronghold and one of the country's most economically and electorally influential states.

FCT MINISTER PREPARES TO RECEIVE PRESIDENT TINUBU IN HIS HOME STATE

FCT MINISTER PREPARES TO RECEIVE PRESIDENT TINUBU IN HIS HOME STATE

FCTA PRESS RELEASE 

FCT MINISTER PREPARES TO RECEIVE PRESIDENT TINUBU IN HIS HOME STATE

The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Campaign Coordinator for Rivers State and the FCT within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign structure, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has finalized high-level inspections and arrangements to receive the President in his home State, Rivers. 

The visit marks the President’s first official executive tour to the state since his inauguration as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in.

Expressing his profound gratitude and the historic weight of the visit, the FCT Minister highlighted the collective joy of the state. "Thank God Almighty that today has come, the day which by the grace of God, we will see tomorrow. Very happy to see the president choosing this state as the one of the states that he was going to visit," Wike stated, emphasizing that the last time the President visited was as President-elect to commission projects during his (Wike’s) tenure as governor.

The final readiness assessment took place at the main venue, the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium located in Port Harcourt, where massive infrastructure and aesthetic setups have been completed. The Minister expressed total satisfaction with the state’s logistical and visual arrangements. 

POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS WILL NOT SLOW DOWN FCT PROJECTS - WIKE ASSURES

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike fielding questions from journalists during his monthly media parley, Port Harcourt, on Thursday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS WILL NOT SLOW DOWN FCT PROJECTS - WIKE ASSURES

… Dismisses ASUU strike threat over UniAbuja land revocation, as he defends billboard pricing in FCT

…Denies involvement in Governor Uzodinma’s disqualification and vows to Speak Out After Presidential Election

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has assured residents and stakeholders that the ongoing political activities in Rivers State and the FCT will not hamper his commitment to governance or slow down the pace of infrastructure development in the nation's capital .

Addressing key issues during his monthly media parley on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the Minister demonstrated a comprehensive grasp of ongoing projects within the capital territory and emphasized that he was effectively monitoring the projects, amidst his ongoing political engagements.

"As I sit here, I can see all the projects in FCT. Many projects are almost completed. The ISEX (Inner Southern Expressway), where they are launching the bridge now, is almost completed, the Southern Parkway, which was flagged off by the National political leader of APC, is almost completed by this December. You go to the one by CCECC from Tungan Madaki to Zuba, it is almost completed. The road by Nile University is almost completed. The one done from Kubwa to Bwari by the SCC is also almost completed", the Minister stated.

Tinubu’ll win Rivers easily in 2027- Wike

Nyesom Wike, Hon. Minister, Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

Tinubu’ll win Rivers easily in 2027- Wike 

... FCT Minister dismisses opposition parties, urges Akuku-Toru voters to back APC candidates at all levels

... Says Tinubu’s policies require courage

... Rivers has secured 47 federal appointments under present administration

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Tinubu will win the 2027 presidential election in Rivers State with ease. 

Wike urged the people to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) at all levels.

The minister who spoke on Thursday during a town hall meeting in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, said the political structure being mobilised across the state was firmly behind Tinubu and other APC candidates ahead of the January 16, 2027 election.

He urged the people to support Tinubu's re-election bid, as well as the APC governorship candidate, Kinsley Chinda, and other candidates. 

The minister also canvassed support for APC candidates seeking election into the Senate, House of Representatives and Rivers State House of Assembly.

Wike said the APC had become the strongest political platform for the forthcoming elections, insisting that voting for candidates outside the party in the area would amount to wasting votes.

You may also like: 

FCT MINISTER PLEDGES COMPLETION OF ABANDONED GWAGWALADA MINI-STADIUM, ORDERS IMMEDIATE RELOCATION OF ABATTOIR

He specifically cautioned the people against supporting a son of the area contesting the governorship election on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), arguing that the party lacked the political strength to win the presidency or governorship.

“I know one of your sons is running for governorship under NDC. We want our son to be governor, but we must be realistic. As it is today, he cannot be under that party. It is not possible,” he said.

Wike argued that the people should distinguish between emotional attachment to a candidate and the political realities of winning an election.

He said the area already had a deputy governor from its political fold under the APC, adding that supporting another candidate on a platform he described as electorally weak would not advance the interests of the people.

SINGLE OPPOSITION CANDIDACY IN AN ELECTION: MEANING, SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPLICATIONS

Symbolic photo
SINGLE OPPOSITION CANDIDACY IN AN ELECTION: MEANING, SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPLICATIONS

SINGLE OPPOSITION CANDIDACY IN AN ELECTION: MEANING, SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPLICATIONS

A single opposition candidacy in an election is a political arrangement or strategy in which opposition political parties, groups or political interests unite behind one candidate to challenge an incumbent government or a dominant political party.

Rather than allowing several opposition candidates to contest against one another and divide the opposition vote, the different political interests agree to support one candidate who represents their collective ambition for political change.

This arrangement is also known as a united opposition candidacy, consensus opposition candidacy, or, in certain circumstances, a coalition candidacy.

WHY A SINGLE OPPOSITION CANDIDACY MATTERS

In a democratic election, an opposition movement may have several political parties with different manifestos, ideologies, leadership structures and electoral strengths.

However, when these parties contest separately, their combined electoral support may be greater than that of the ruling party, yet none may secure enough votes to defeat the incumbent.

A single opposition candidate seeks to address this problem by consolidating opposition votes.

ALWAYS SOMEWHERE

Always SOMEWHERE

ALWAYS SOMEWHERE

An Emotional Romantic Drama – Screenplay

GENRE: Romance / Drama / Long-Distance Love

SETTING: Multiple cities, hotel rooms, concert venues and a family home.

THEME: Love, sacrifice, distance, loneliness and the price of pursuing one's dreams.

STORY SYNOPSIS

Daniel and Angela are deeply in love, but Daniel's demanding career as a travelling musician keeps him away from home. Every night, he performs before thousands of cheering fans, yet the applause cannot replace the warmth of the woman waiting for him.

As Daniel moves from one city to another, Angela struggles with the loneliness of loving a man who is physically absent but emotionally present. Their relationship is tested by missed calls, postponed promises, unanswered questions and the uncertainty of when they will see each other again.

But beneath the glamour of the stage lies a man who longs for something money, fame and applause cannot buy: the comfort of home and the embrace of the woman he loves.

Will their love survive the distance?

 

FADE IN:

SCENE 1 – INT. CONCERT VENUE – CITY CENTRE – EVENING

A massive concert hall is filled with excited fans. Coloured lights flash across the auditorium. The audience screams as DANIEL, a talented Nigerian-born international musician, walks onto the stage with his band.

He is confident, energetic and charismatic.

Behind the stage, his manager checks the time.

MANAGER: Daniel, five minutes! The crowd is waiting.

Daniel nods, adjusts his microphone and looks briefly at his phone. There is a photograph of ANGELA, his girlfriend, smiling.

He smiles to himself.

DANIEL (softly): I wish you were here, darling.

The stage lights come on.

The audience erupts.

Daniel begins performing.

Obama to Democrats: Roll up sleeves, make changes wherever you can

Barack Obama, Fmr. US President

OBAMA TO DEMOCRATS: ROLL UP SLEEVES, MAKE CHANGES WHEREVER YOU CAN

SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS REPORT | WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES | NOVEMBER 4, 2026

Former United States President Barack Obama has called on members of the Democratic Party to take advantage of their electoral gains, get to work and introduce meaningful changes wherever they have the political authority to do so.

Obama's message followed a significant Democratic victory in the November 3, 2026, US midterm elections, in which the party made substantial gains and was projected to take control of both chambers of Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The former president described the outcome as a clear message from the American electorate, insisting that Americans wanted political leadership that prioritises national unity, practical solutions and the welfare of ordinary citizens rather than divisive political arguments.

You may also like: 

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TARGETS 25 MILLION NIGERIANS FOR EYE CARE, PLANS FIVE MILLION FREE READING GLASSES AND 25,000 CATARACT SURGERIES BY 2027

In a statement reacting to the election results, Obama said the American people wanted a political environment that brings people together instead of creating further divisions.

He also praised the Democratic candidates who contested elections across different parts of the country, particularly those who ventured into constituencies previously regarded as difficult or unlikely to produce Democratic victories.

According to him, the candidates came from different backgrounds and represented varying political perspectives but shared a commitment to public service and putting the interests of their constituents first.

Obama's message: The real work begins now

Perhaps the most significant part of Obama's intervention was his warning that electoral victory should not be mistaken for the completion of the political assignment.

You may also like: 

BEYOND THE BALLOT: SAFEGUARDING ELECTORAL INFORMATION INTEGRITY IN THE AGE OF AI

Acknowledging that President Donald Trump's administration still had two years remaining in office, Obama urged Democrats to concentrate on using whatever legislative and political influence they had secured to protect democratic institutions, address national concerns and prepare the ground for the country's future.

His central message was that Democrats must roll up their sleeves, make changes wherever they have the power to do so, prevent further damage and lay the groundwork for the future.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TARGETS 25 MILLION NIGERIANS FOR EYE CARE, PLANS FIVE MILLION FREE READING GLASSES AND 25,000 CATARACT SURGERIES BY 2027

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TARGETS 25 MILLION NIGERIANS FOR EYE CARE, PLANS FIVE MILLION FREE READING GLASSES AND 25,000 CATARACT SURGERIES BY 2027

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TARGETS 25 MILLION NIGERIANS FOR EYE CARE, PLANS FIVE MILLION FREE READING GLASSES AND 25,000 CATARACT SURGERIES BY 2027

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced an ambitious nationwide eye health initiative aimed at extending affordable and quality eye care services to more than 25 million vulnerable Nigerians by 2030.

The programme is designed to tackle avoidable blindness, improve access to vision correction and strengthen the country's healthcare delivery system, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

The commitment includes the distribution of five million pairs of reading spectacles and the provision of 25,000 fully subsidised cataract surgeries by the end of 2027.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, announced the commitments during the closing session of the Global Summit for Eye Health held in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda, on November 2, 2026.

According to the Minister, the initiative represents a significant step towards making eye care more accessible to Nigerians, especially women, older citizens and people living in communities where specialist medical services remain difficult to obtain.

EYE CARE TO BECOME PART OF PRIMARY HEALTHCARE

A major component of the Federal Government's plan is the integration of Primary Eye Care (PEC) into Nigeria's Primary Health Care (PHC) system.

Under the proposed arrangement, essential eye care services will increasingly be made available at community-level healthcare facilities, reducing the burden on Nigerians who currently have to travel considerable distances to access eye examinations and treatment.

The government also intends to train 15,000 primary healthcare workers to identify common eye conditions, provide basic eye care support and refer patients requiring specialised treatment to appropriate medical facilities.

You may also like: 

BEYOND THE BALLOT: SAFEGUARDING ELECTORAL INFORMATION INTEGRITY IN THE AGE OF AI

This approach is expected to improve early detection of eye diseases, reduce complications and ensure that people receive treatment before manageable vision problems become serious or irreversible.

The government further plans to integrate primary eye care services into the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), an existing financing mechanism intended to strengthen access to essential healthcare services across the country.