The National Assembly has suspended all legislative activities in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London at the age of 82.
In a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives directed the suspension of plenary sessions and all related activities until Tuesday, July 22.
According to the statement, the decision was made to pay tribute to Buhari’s legacy of integrity and dedicated service to the nation. Lawmakers have also been encouraged to adjust their schedules to participate in the late president’s burial rites.
The leadership extended condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, and Nigerians at large.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, paid tribute to Buhari and the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, describing both as steadfast champions of national unity and moral leadership.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, Bamidele said the deaths of Buhari (82) and Oba Adetona (91), both of whom passed on July 13, mark the loss of two towering figures in Nigeria’s political and traditional spheres.
He praised Buhari’s legacy of discipline, integrity, and commitment to justice — from his tenure as Military Head of State (1984–1985) to his democratic leadership as President (2015–2023). Bamidele highlighted Buhari’s efforts to realign Nigeria’s political structure through progressive coalitions that led to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its 2015 electoral victory.
The senator extended condolences on behalf of the Senate and the South-West caucus to former First Lady Aisha Buhari, the Buhari family, the Daura Emirate, the Katsina State government, and President Tinubu.
On Oba Adetona, Bamidele described the monarch’s 65-year reign (1960–2025) as one of inclusive governance, peace-building, and selfless leadership. He commended the Awujale’s apolitical stance and his unifying influence across religious and ethnic lines.
He also condoled with the Anikilaya Ruling House, the people of Ijebuland, and the Ogun State government, acknowledging the monarch’s lasting contributions to national development.
The House of Representatives also mourned the passing of Buhari, describing him as “a towering figure in Nigeria’s history.”
In a statement signed by House spokesman Akin Rotimi, lawmakers highlighted Buhari’s unique legacy as both a former Military Head of State (1983–1985) and a two-term civilian President (2015–2023).
“His passing marks the end of an era defined by discipline, national service, and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s democratic development,” the statement read.
As Nigeria gets ready for another presidential election in 2027, the race is not just between political parties but also between old friends who have now turned against one another
President Bola Tinubu, who became famous for saying “Emi lo kan” before winning the 2023 election, is now facing strong opposition from people who used to support him.
These include former political allies, protégés and even those who quietly helped build his success.
When Tinubu announced that he wanted to be president ahead of the 2023 elections, many governors, ministers, and former political rivals supported him. Even social media influencers helped sell his ambition to Nigerians.
But just two years into his presidency, some of these people have now turned against him.
They openly criticise his government, his leadership, and his policies.
Nasir El-Rufai: From backer to critic-in-chief
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, was one of the northern All Progressives Congress governors who supported the zoning of the presidential ticket to the South, supporting Tinubu’s rise.
El-Rufai often praised Tinubu during the campaigns.
During one of the campaigns, El-Rufai said, “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is our candidate whom we all supported to get the ticket and we are sure we will not regret it.”
However, this support did not last long.
In March 2025, El-Rufai left the APC for the Social Democratic Party. He said the APC no longer shared his values.
He explained, “As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC. Since 2013, I have hoped that my personal values and those of the APC will continue to align until I choose to retire from politics.
“Developments in the last two years confirm that those who currently control and run the APC do not desire to acknowledge, much less address, the party’s unhealthy situation. I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the party’s capricious trajectory. Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform to pursue the progressive values I cherish.”
El-Rufai has become one of Tinubu’s loudest critics.
He has called some of Tinubu’s ministers “clowns” and accused the government of incompetence.
Many believe his anger stems from his failed bid to become a minister and the growing division in the APC.
He even said Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 is impossible.
He claimed anyone who thinks otherwise is not in touch with Nigeria’s reality.
El-Rufai said Nigerians have lost confidence in Tinubu and the APC and will not vote for them in 2027.
Rauf Aregbesola
What once looked impossible has now happened. A week ago, former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola officially joined Atiku Abubakar’s coalition ahead of 2027. His goal is to defeat Tinubu.
Aregbesola’s breakaway from Osun State APC through his Omoluabi Progressives group, which has loyalists in Osun and Lagos, didn’t surprise many. Their relationship had been falling apart for years.
Their bond started in 1999 when Aregbesola served as Tinubu’s Commissioner for Works in Lagos. Even after Tinubu left office, Aregbesola still controlled the ministry while he fought to become Osun State governor. Back then, they seemed inseparable.
But things fell apart during the 2022 Osun governorship election. Tinubu’s nephew, Gboyega Oyetola, wanted re-election. Aregbesola’s camp refused to support him. Oyetola lost to Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party. Before the election, Aregbesola openly criticised Tinubu. He accused Tinubu of betrayal and said Oyetola would face the same political fate as former Lagos governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
Analysts believe this marked the final break between them. Some even blamed the rift for Tinubu’s loss to Peter Obi in Lagos during the 2023 presidential election.
Now, Aregbesola has joined Atiku and other opposition leaders. Many believe this could change the 2027 elections.
Rotimi Amaechi
Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, was very active during the APC’s 2023 presidential campaign. Although he lost the APC presidential ticket to Tinubu, he still helped the party win, especially in the South-South.
He told his supporters to vote for the APC in 2023 despite any anger they felt.
Amaechi said, “Please, the contest for the presidency; we should know that we must go and vote for our party, no matter how angry you are. They have chosen, let’s go and vote for our party. For the stories you hear about the people who are gossiping, how they are having meetings in France, let this be your own France.”
But ahead of 2027, Amaechi has criticised Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s economy. In May 2025, he said Nigerians were suffering and should be protesting. This shocked many because of his past loyalty to the APC.
He said the only way to stop Tinubu in 2027 is for Nigerians to take action themselves.
He added that change cannot happen by simply wishing for it.
He said, “The only way you can stop Tinubu from being the president of Nigeria in 2027 is to run an election of Nigerians versus the bandits.”
Abubakar Malami
Former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, openly supported Tinubu’s 2023 election. He said Tinubu and Buhari shared many things in common. He also said Tinubu would build on Buhari’s achievements.
But Malami is now singing a different tune. He has joined those working against Tinubu’s re-election.
In May, he criticised APC leaders for taking turns endorsing Tinubu’s re-election.
Babachir Lawal
Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and northern Christian leader, used to support the APC. But when APC picked a Muslim-Muslim ticket, he changed his mind.
During the 2023 elections, his support for the APC was unclear in some areas.
Now, Lawal is helping opposition leaders plan for 2027. He has been very critical of Tinubu. He blames Tinubu for Nigeria’s insecurity, economic hardship, and favouritism.
He said Tinubu’s supporters are pretending not to see the government’s failures.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State against embarking on a probe of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, urging him instead to focus on the development of the state.
Okpebholo, last Friday, said that his administration will set up a commission of inquiry to look into ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki’s records.
The governor made the disclosure while speaking to party leaders, youths, market women, civil servants, professional bodies and groups during a victory parade held at the Government House, Benin City, the state capital.
Speaking in Benin City on Sunday evening, Wike said that probing Obaseki would yield no meaningful results and could distract the governor from the task of governance.
“If there is someone who would have encouraged Okpebholo to probe and prosecute Obaseki, that person should be me, but what I suffered in ensuring that he returned for a second term and how he paid me back is now in the past,” Wike said, according to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, on Monday
“We must pass through this process in life, move on for the development of Edo State. Don’t do it, I’m the one who should have told you to pursue this man, I know what I’ve gone through,” he added.
The FCT minister said personal grievances should not cloud the mission of governance, even though he admitted that Obaseki had treated him unfairly.
“I should be the one to prosecute Obaseki, but what is it in life when God has given you a position? If it were to be his power, you won’t be here, but God has told him, you don’t have it, and I have given it to whom I want to give,” he said.
Addressing former Edo State Governor and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Wike publicly acknowledged past tensions between them and tendered an apology.
“Leader, I know how pained you are and what you passed through, I know the sufferings you suffered, and it was like a humiliation to you. I was part of it because I humiliated you,” Wike admitted. “I apologised on national TV to you, sorry for what I did to you, leave it and let them carry their wahala and go, focus on the development of Edo, and you will see what you will achieve at the end of the day.”
Wike had visited Benin to commission the New Edo Line Terminal, the second phase of the Edo State Benin Central Bus Terminal.
However, the event was cancelled following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Kano State Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Hashimu Dungurawa, has debunked the rumours going round that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is defecting to the African Democratic Congress.
Dungurawa, who was speaking to journalists on Monday, noted that Kwankwaso is not one of those pushover politicians who make decisions without appraising and thinking deeply about their consequences.
“The question of Kwankwaso joining ADC or any other party is just a miscalculation of politicians who are afraid of the leader of Kwankwasiyya Movement, but I know Kwankwaso too well; he is not in a hurry to show where he is going.
“Don’t forget, Kwankwaso today is the political leader of Northern Nigeria, and every politician specifically in this region, is looking up to him, so it will be malicious to say he is decamping out for now,” he said.
He added, “Why are Nigeria politicians panicking about Kwankwaso movements? Let them calm down, the time of decision is yet to come, we are people who are too calculative, we don’t just take actions without due consideration.”
On speculations that Kwankwaso was seen in places talking to other camps, Dungurawa said, “As a politician who has a PhD in the field, do you expect him to hide himself or desert people? No way. He can talk to anybody, but it does not mean anything, it is a normal thing.
“Those so-called followers and supporters of Kwankwaso who are jittery of where he is going, they are pretenders followers, but the genuine ones know that Kwankwaso doesn’t take any decisions without consulting them and seeking advice from as low as a ward supporter.”
On the performances of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the last two years, the NNPP Chairman said the opposition is today overwhelmed by the works of the governor to the extent that they don’t talk again.
“Governor Yusuf’s heavy infrastructural development overwhelmed the opposition. They can’t even show their presence anywhere in Kano, that is why we are proud of what he is doing,” he said.
The Pro Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and an All Progressives Congress leader in Ekiti State, Kayode Ojo, has called on South-West governors to endorse President Bola Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Ojo who belittled the assemblage of some politicians under the African Democratic Congress as “a no threat” to President Tinubu’s second term ambition, said numerous initiatives of the present Federal Government to alleviate the sufferings and improve the well-being of Nigerians could be matched by any coalition.
He lauded the administration’s initiatives in the areas of Compressed Natural Gas-powered vehicles, infrastructure development, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment, students loan scheme and training among others
He said, “President Tinubu as a democrat believes in strong opposition, hence such coalition remains another platform for opposition members to assist the government where necessary especially in achieving the desired success on the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.”
Ojo said a South-West endorsement rally to support Tinubu was long overdue, considering a purported wide acceptance of President Tinubu across the country, especially within the camp of main opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
“All the governors in the region, irrespective of political inclinations, should, without further delay, organise a joint endorsement rally in solidarity and appreciation for President Bola Tinubu as a sole candidate for the presidential election, just as recently done in other regions.”
While commending President Tinubu on the establishment of the South-West Development Commission, the UNN’s Pro-Chancellor called on people of the region to see the Commission as an opportunity to bring about more development in the region, hence the need for more support for the President to succeed.
Barring any last-minute changes, the All Progressives Congress is expected to set up a convention planning committee during its National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for July 24.
The PUNCH gathered that the committee will oversee preparations for the party’s National Elective Convention scheduled for December, where new members of the National Working Committee are to be elected.
Reliable party sources, who spoke to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation, revealed that apart from replacing the national chairman, APC governors and other NEC members are pushing for a full elective convention to replace all current NWC members ahead of the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, several NWC members have reportedly begun lobbying to limit the shake-up to just the replacement of the acting national chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori.
Article 12 (4) of the APC Constitution 2022 (as amended) lists the 22 positions that make up the National Working Committee.
The NWC includes the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), Deputy National Chairman (South), National Secretary, Deputy National Secretary, six National Vice Chairmen—one from each geopolitical zone (referred to as Zonal Chairmen), National Legal Adviser, National Treasurer and National Financial Secretary.
Others include National Organising Secretary, National Welfare Secretary, National Publicity Secretary, National Auditor, National Woman Leader, Deputy National Woman Leader, National Youth Leader, and National Leader of Persons Living with Disabilities.
Also, Article 17 titled Tenure of Office (i to iii) stated, “Except as otherwise provided in this constitution, all officers of the party elected or appointed into the party’s organs shall serve in such organs for a period of four (4) years and shall be eligible for re-election or re-appointment for another period of four (4) years only, provided that an officer elected or appointed to fill a vacancy arising from death, resignation or otherwise will notwithstanding be eligible for election to same office for two terms.
It added, “No member shall serve in the same office for more than eight (8) years continuously, except a person who first came to the office by filling a vacancy or whose tenure was truncated as a result of the decision of an organ of the party authorised to do so and not on grounds of disciplinary action.
“No member can be an Officer at the National and State levels of the party concurrently, other than being an ex-officio member of that organ.”
Despite the constitutional provision, no national chairman or NWC member has completed a full four-year term at the helm of the ruling party, as their tenures are often cut short.
Most recently, on June 27, 2025, was the resignation of former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, as national chairman.
This is reportedly linked to internal political manoeuvring and strategic positioning within the APC ahead of the 2027 general election.
On June 30, APC Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter, announced that the party’s NEC meeting would be held in Abuja on July 24.
According to him, “And during the meeting, if they so desire that a new chairman is nominated, we’ll also accept such nomination and then wait for the convention where the final position of the party will be made as far as the substantive chairman is concerned.
“So, that’s as much as I can tell you. And the date, the suggested date for the NEC meeting is the 24th of July, 2025. It’s going to be here, on the premises of the APC.”
A reliable source told The PUNCH that Dalori is expected to remain in office until December when party delegates will elect new members of the NWC.
The source stated, “Most of the critical stakeholders and even the Presidency are not interested in nominating a new national chairman during the NEC meeting slated for July. What many have supported so far is an elective convention.
“So, at the NEC, the party may constitute a convention planning committee. I said this because the governors and other party leaders want a total change of the current NWC.
“There may be a national elective convention in December. Nobody is planning to replace Dalori in July to the best of my knowledge. Dalori will lead the party to a convention where new leaders of the party will emerge.”
Another source also confirmed that the party was preparing for a December convention to elect new NWC members to reflect the interests of certain governors and recent entrants into the ruling party.
The source said, “The ongoing conversation among party leaders is centred on the December convention. They are concerned about how new NWC members will emerge and lead the party into the 2027 elections.
“It’s not just about replacing Ganduje; the December convention is intended to produce new party leaders.
“This is seen as crucial to accommodate those who have recently joined the party and those expected to join before then, especially governors who are becoming influential in the APC’s national leadership.
“As we speak, some NWC members are already lobbying. They want to retain their positions and are trying to influence other NEC members to simply announce Ganduje’s replacement. But the broader plan is to hold a December convention to elect a new set of party leaders.”
He added, “In the coming days, the governors will brief the President. If he gives his approval, the NEC meeting in July will then constitute the necessary committees.”
Attempts to reach the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, for a response were unsuccessful, as his phone was unreachable at the time of filing this report.
However, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, told our correspondent in an exclusive interview that there was currently no such plan in place.
He said the NEC meeting scheduled for July 24 would decide whether a convention would be held or not.
He added that clearer direction would emerge after party stakeholders meet with President Bola Tinubu in the coming days.
He stated, “There’s nothing like that for now. Everything about whether to have an elective convention by December is for the NEC to decide. So, nobody can preempt what NEC will bring or agree to.
“We will be pre-empting the agenda of NEC. I am sure this week, we will be aware of the agenda of NEC.
“Right now, the agenda has not been fixed. But you know, Mr President is back now. He is the leader of the party, and he will relate with the party’s leadership as to the agenda of NEC on that day.”
The APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, also stated that Nigerians should anticipate a stronger and more effective ruling party following the upcoming NEC meeting and other related gatherings.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Ibrahim urged those rejoicing over Ganduje’s exit and hoping for the downfall of the APC to reconsider their stance.
He stated, “Ganduje resigned on his own volition as the chairman of the party. He did not resign his membership of the party.
“So in whatever capacity Ganduje is, he is a bona fide member of the APC, and he’s in a position to contribute positively. So those of them who are celebrating his exit, wishing our party was bad had better change their mind and go back to have a rethink.
“From our July NEC and other meetings, Nigerians should expect a stronger APC, a more determined APC, an APC that will consolidate the gains of what it has done so far and re-emphasise the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”
The All Progressives Congress has clinched all 57 chairmanship seats and 375 out of 376 councillorship positions in the local government election held in Lagos State on Saturday.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, which announced the results on Sunday, said the APC swept the polls in all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the state.
In a major upset, however, the Peoples Democratic Party secured a rare victory in Ward D of the Yaba LCDA, where its candidate, Babatunde Dosunmu, defeated the APC contender.
Dosunmu, a former APC member, defected to the PDP shortly before the poll.
LASIEC described the elections as largely peaceful, despite concerns raised about voter turnout and alleged irregularities in some areas.
The newly elected council chairmen and councillors are expected to be sworn in later this month.
Below is the list of chairmanship election winners as released by LASIEC
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission has declared the All Progressives Congress candidates winner of the just-concluded chairmanship elections in Badagry Local Government, Olorunda and Badagry-West LCDA.
LASIEC officials declared the results late Saturday at the Local Government secretariats in Ajara, Iworo and Kankon, respectively.
In Badagry Local Government, the Returning Officer, Mr Akinwunmi Lewis,
announcing the results at the collation centre, said the APC candidate, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, polled 27,442 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, who scored 1,814 votes, and the Zenith Labour Party candidate, who scored 308 votes.
“Having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of valid votes, I hereby declare Mr Babatunde Hunpe as the duly elected chairman of Badagry LGA,” Lewis declared.
Also, in Olorunda LCDA, the Returning Officer, Mr Adegboyega Oladiran, said the APC candidate, Mr Peter Kumayon, secured a total of 28,799 votes, while the ZLP candidate received 562 votes.
“The PDP, despite not fielding a chairmanship candidate, recorded 470 votes.
“Having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of valid votes, I hereby declare Mr Peter Kumayon as the duly elected chairman of Olorunda LCDA, ” Oladiran said.
In Badagry-West LCDA, the Returning Officer, Prof. Abiodun Okedeyi, from Lagos State University of Education, announcing the results at the collation centre in Kankon, declared that the APC candidate, Mr Rauf Ibrahim, polled a total of 11,538 votes, defeating his closest rival, the ZLP candidate, who scored 73 votes.
“Having satisfied the requirements of the law by securing the highest number of valid votes and scoring at least 5 per cent of the votes in all five polling units, Rauf Ibrahim Yemaren is hereby declared the duly elected Chairman of Badagry West LCDA,” Okedeyi said.
In his message to residents after the declaration, Hunpe promised to fulfil all his campaign promises and surpass the achievements of his predecessor.
Also thanking the people of Olorunda for electing him, Kumayon promised not to disappoint them, assuring their trust in him would not be in vain.
Also, Yemaren thanked Mr Joseph Bamgbose, the Badagry-West Apex leader of APC and Mr Joseph Gbenu, the outgoing Chairman for their support.
He assured the residents that he would follow in the footsteps of his predecessor.
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