A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has dismissed the reported suspension of Atiku Abubakar and Babachir Lawal as “callous” and politically motivated.

What happened

In a statement issued on Thursday, Eze described the alleged suspension by a faction of the African Democratic Congress in Adamawa State as illegitimate.

He argued that the move was driven by “hunger-driven sycophants and enemies of democracy.”

“The purported suspension of Atiku, and Babachir is a callous act by a few ADC hunger-driven sycophants and enemies of democracy in Adamawa State.”

Eze insisted that no group within the party has the authority to suspend the former vice president, describing Atiku as a dominant political figure in Adamawa State.

Why it matters

The development highlights growing tensions within opposition ranks and raises concerns about internal party stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Political analysts say disputes like this could weaken opposition parties at a time when they are expected to present a united front against the ruling government.

Eze’s claims against APC

Eze accused President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to destabilise opposition figures.

“Attempting to destabilize opposition politicians using INEC and the Judiciary to meddle into the internal affairs of political parties is a sign of a drowning goon, who is afraid of competitive election.”

He further alleged that key institutions, including Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were being used to influence political outcomes claims that have not been independently verified.

Political context

Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former vice president and a veteran opposition figure, has maintained strong political influence, particularly in Adamawa State.

Eze described him as:

“A political institution and beacon of democracy in Nigeria… no living individual or group can make Atiku irrelevant in the politics and culture of Adamawa State.”

The statement also questioned the legitimacy of the factional leadership reportedly behind the suspension.

Industry and public reactions

While the ADC has yet to issue an official unified response, political observers note that factional disputes are not uncommon in Nigerian party politics.

Some analysts warn that prolonged internal crises could reduce the credibility of opposition parties in the eyes of voters.

Others argue that such controversies may reflect broader struggles for control and influence ahead of the next election cycle.

What’s next

There has been no official confirmation from Atiku Abubakar or Babachir Lawal regarding the alleged suspension.

Political watchers expect further clarification from the ADC’s national leadership and possible legal or party-level resolutions in the coming days.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said he will not contest for president again after the 2027 election, describing the race as his “last outing”.

He made the declaration during an interview on Arise News Channel, where he reflected on his long political career and repeated attempts to lead Africa’s most populous country.

“Certainly yes,” he said when asked if 2027 would be his final bid.

“Because the stakes are higher, because I believe that will be my last outing. So that’s incontrovertible.”

A final push after decades in politics

Atiku, who has contested multiple presidential elections across different political platforms, said his persistence is driven by what he sees as unfinished business.

The African Democratic Congress chieftain described his experience as a key strength in a country grappling with leadership challenges.

“I represent both the past and the future,” he said.

“We have seen various levels of leadership in the country, both young and old, and we’re experiencing them.”

Experience vs youth debate

Atiku argued that while younger leaders have taken up roles across Nigeria, expectations have not always been met.

“And I still believe that our expectations of the young leadership is below what we thought,” he said.

“They require experience and they require tutelage from the older generation.”

His comments come amid ongoing national debates about generational leadership and calls for younger politicians to take the reins.

Lessons from power

Atiku served as vice-president under Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, a period he says shaped his political philosophy.

“There was a lot I learned,” he said.

“I don’t think I could have learned what I learned being vice president outside that system.”

Criticism of governance and leadership

Responding to criticism that he represents Nigeria’s entrenched political elite, Atiku said governance problems are systemic rather than generational.

“We have had so many young governors in a number of states who have failed woefully when it comes to governance challenges,” he said.

He added that weak leadership structures and lack of mentorship have contributed to governance deficits across the country.

Why it matters

Atiku’s statement could reshape political calculations ahead of the 2027 election.

As one of Nigeria’s most recognisable opposition figures, his decision to frame the race as a final bid may influence alliances, voter perception, and succession debates within opposition parties.

What’s next

Political analysts say attention will now turn to:

Coalition-building among opposition parties

The emergence of younger presidential aspirants

Voter sentiment on experience versus generational change

The 2027 election is expected to be a defining moment for Nigeria’s political direction.

Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has approved a sweeping set of decisions affecting healthcare, education, and traditional institutions in Ondo State.

The measures include a 500-bed hospital expansion plan across multiple towns and the creation of a committee to review minimum wage implementation at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo.

Officials say the decisions are aimed at improving public services, stabilising tertiary institutions, and addressing growing healthcare demands.

Committee to review minimum wage at RUGIPO

The state government has set up a committee to review how the new minimum wage is being implemented at RUGIPO.

The panel, chaired by Budget Commissioner Olaolu Akindolire, will audit payroll data, identify gaps, and recommend a sustainable payment structure.

The move follows discussions between the government, the polytechnic’s management, and labour unions over payment harmonisation.

Authorities say the goal is to ensure fairness and long-term stability for both academic and non-academic staff.

Salary arrears cleared, rector confirmed

In a related move, the governor has approved the payment of three months’ outstanding salary arrears owed to RUGIPO workers.

The Commissioner for Education, Igbekele Ajibefun, said resolving the backlog was critical.

“Resolving the salary issues was necessary to stabilize the institution and restore confidence among academic and non-academic staff,” he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also confirmed Simeon Olorunwa Adegun as the substantive rector, after months in an acting role since October 2024.

500-bed hospital expansion across Ondo

The State Executive Council has also approved the construction of hospital facilities with a combined capacity of 500 beds.

Projects include:

100-bed hospitals in Ikare-Akoko, Ore, and Okitipupa

Additional specialist hospitals in Igbokoda and at the state level

50-bed hospitals in Irele and Igbokoda

“One-stop shop” general hospitals integrating lab, X-ray, pharmacy, and consultation services

Health Commissioner Banji Ajaka said the plan would improve access to care.

“The development is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare services across the state,” he said.

Mental health services expanded

The council also approved a new neuropsychiatric hospital and the upgrade of the existing facility in Akure.

Officials say the decision reflects rising mental health challenges and increasing cases of drug abuse.

Ajaka noted that current facilities are overstretched, with patients sometimes waiting months for admission.

Why it matters

The decisions highlight two pressing issues in the state:

Healthcare pressure: Growing population and mental health cases are straining facilities

Workers’ welfare: Salary delays and wage disputes have affected morale in public institutions

Experts say investments in healthcare infrastructure and timely salary payments can improve productivity and public trust.

Traditional institutions and governance

The council also approved several chieftaincy appointments and recognitions across local governments.

According to Information Commissioner Idowu Ajanaku, the decisions reflect broader governance efforts.

He added that the meeting marked the first Executive Council session of the year following the state’s 50th anniversary and one year of the current administration.

What’s next

The wage review committee is expected to submit recommendations after engaging stakeholders.

Meanwhile, implementation of hospital projects and facility upgrades is expected to begin in phases.

Observers say delivery timelines and funding will be key to measuring the impact of the initiatives.