A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Bauchi State, Alhaji Usman Adamu, has come to the defence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying most of those accusing him of working for the All Progressives Congress (APC) have now joined the ruling party themselves.

Adamu made the remarks in Abuja while submitting his nomination forms for the Bauchi governorship race ahead of the 2027 elections.

The PDP aspirant dismissed claims that Wike was secretly backing the APC, arguing that many of the minister’s critics had already defected to the ruling party.

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“About 85 per cent of those accusing him have already officially decamped to the APC. Who is working for APC?” he asked.

Praising Wike’s political strength and influence within the PDP, Adamu compared the minister’s political survival to a football match where one player defeated several opponents.

“Before, about 14 governors ganged up against one person. Gradually, one after the other, you were scoring one, two. I have never seen such a scorer. In the end, the match ended 14-0. I am thanking Wike,” he said.

According to him, politics is like a battlefield that requires strategy, leadership and strong fighters to secure victory.

Turning to his governorship ambition, Adamu described himself as a unifying figure capable of bridging the gap between youths, women and elders in Bauchi State.

“I am not too old and neither too young to be a leader in this country. I will be the bridge between the women, youths and elders,” he stated.

On regional politics in the state, Adamu said he does not belong to either of the dominant blocs, stressing that he would stand as a neutral force for unity.

“We have a dichotomy in the state that is called Bauchi-Kataokum. I don’t belong to Bauchi, I don’t belong to Kataokum. I will be in the middle of this place,” he added.

The PDP governorship hopeful also expressed confidence in his chances of winning the election, even if the incumbent governor supports another candidate.

“Power and authority belongs to God and only Him can decide the future with certainty. Bauchi people are very wise and they can choose what they want for themselves,” he said.

Adamu further dismissed reports suggesting the PDP was losing relevance in Bauchi State due to internal crises and defections.

“As far as I am concerned, there is one party here, which is PDP. PDP has its stronghold in Bauchi. Most of the people of Bauchi are PDP and you cannot change them from that position,” he declared.

He also questioned the legitimacy of rival factions within the party, insisting that only leaders recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be taken seriously.

Despite ongoing tensions within the opposition party, Adamu maintained that the PDP would emerge stronger after its primaries and remain a major political force in Bauchi State.

A female aspirant under the All Progressives Congress in Borno State, Yakaka Alkali, has criticised the continued dominance of men in positions meant to advocate for women, describing it as a reflection of the low participation of women in politics.

Alkali, who is contesting for the Borno State House of Assembly seat representing Magumeri Local Government Area, said the current situation where a man heads the House Committee on Women Affairs in the state highlights the urgent need for more women to participate in governance.

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Speaking in Maiduguri on Sunday, the APC aspirant said her decision to join the race was driven by her passion to serve her people, protect the interests of women and children, and promote gender balance in the state assembly.

“Let me tell you, the current Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs is a man because of the absence of women. So, if women like myself are encouraged to participate, we will fill these gaps,” she said.

According to Alkali, there are three contenders battling for the APC ticket, including the current lawmaker seeking re-election and another male aspirant.

“My aspiration is motivated by my passion, sincerity, and dedication to serving my people. I am confident that I will emerge victorious,” she stated.
The 45-year-old politician also applauded Babagana Zulum for supporting women’s inclusion in politics and governance, saying his administration understands the importance of female representation.

She further commended the APC for reducing the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms for women and persons living with disabilities.

“The actual fee is N5 million, but it was reduced to N2.5 million for women and people with disabilities. That shows the party is trying to encourage inclusion,” she explained.

Alkali also called for more awareness and political education for women, stressing that many women are willing to participate in politics but lack guidance and support.

“Women are caregivers and their experiences are important in shaping policies on education, security, and development. Usually, women want to participate, but many are afraid because they do not know how to begin,” she added.

She expressed optimism that increased support and encouragement would help create better gender balance in Nigeria’s political space.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has issued a strong warning against what it described as growing political attacks on its leader, former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group, in a statement released on Friday by its spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed, accused some political commentators of deliberately targeting Kwankwaso with what it called misleading narratives aimed at undermining his political influence.

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According to the movement, the recent wave of criticism appears to be linked to discussions around possible political cooperation between Kwankwaso and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, under the proposed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The group said the idea of a broader political alliance has generated nationwide interest and support, as many Nigerians see it as a potential pathway to national unity and democratic progress.

However, it expressed concern that certain individuals and interests are uncomfortable with the emerging political alignment, which they believe could reshape Nigeria’s political structure.

“What appears to be troubling certain interests is not merely the possibility of political cooperation, but the enormous national potential such an alliance represents,” the statement said.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement further argued that a partnership between Kwankwaso and Obi could bridge Nigeria’s long-standing regional and political divisions by combining strong grassroots support in the North with widespread youth backing in the South.

It described the development as a rare opportunity in Nigeria’s political history, where leaders with independent support bases could collaborate across regional lines for national interest.

“For the first time in recent political history, Nigerians are witnessing the realistic possibility of a broad-based political understanding capable of bridging the long-standing regional divide,” the group stated.

The movement also criticised what it called double standards in how political figures are judged, alleging that similar political engagements by other actors are often praised while Kwankwaso’s are framed negatively.

It maintained that coalition-building is a normal part of democratic politics and should not be misrepresented as a threat.

Reaffirming Kwankwaso’s relevance in Nigerian politics, the group said his influence is built on years of grassroots engagement and public trust rather than federal power or elite backing.

The statement urged political actors and commentators to act responsibly and avoid inflammatory rhetoric, especially at a time when Nigeria is facing economic and security challenges.