The presidency says President Bola Tinubu should be given the chance to complete a second term in office, just like former President Muhammadu Buhari did. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, made this known during an interview with Trust Radio, urging northern politicians to allow the South finish its time in power.

He reminded critics that the South waited patiently through Buhari’s eight years and called recent claims of marginalisation by the Arewa Consultative Forum an attempt to paint the Tinubu administration in a bad light. Onanuga argued that many of the attacks on the President are rooted in regional bias and not based on facts.

“This president is a Nigerian, and he deserves the same opportunity Buhari had. Let’s not let personal ambition tear the country apart,” he said. Addressing the criticism that federal appointments are favouring the Southwest, Onanuga challenged those making the claims to bring evidence and not rely on vague accusations.

He also dismissed worries about poor infrastructure in the North, saying Tinubu’s government inherited many unfinished and abandoned projects. Onanuga pointed to the appointment of key security positions held by Northerners as proof that the administration is fair in its representation.

Additionally, he added that security has improved in some parts of the North, including Birnin Gwari and Igabi in Kaduna, sharing that he recently drove from Kaduna to Abuja without any issues, a journey that used to be risky.

The Labour Party’s internal tensions are heating up as factional National Secretary, Umar Farouk, has warned that Peter Obi risks losing his shot at the party’s 2027 presidential ticket if he continues aligning himself with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking in an interview with Trust TV, Farouk made it clear that the Labour Party’s presidential ticket isn’t a birthright, not even for Obi. He emphasized that the party is prepared to open up the race and allow Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who served as Obi’s running mate in 2023, to contest for the top seat.

According to Farouk, the Labour Party will not tolerate split loyalties, stating that anyone found cozying up with rival parties while claiming to represent LP might be disqualified from contesting.

“Datti is just as qualified as Peter Obi to run for President. Our ticket is not reserved for anyone. If he wants it, he should come forward, buy the form, build his support, and run,” Farouk said.

He added that any presidential hopeful must show full commitment to the party or risk missing out altogether.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared that President Bola Tinubu is in a strong position ahead of the 2027 elections and has no reason to fear any opponent.

Speaking in Abuja during a visit by the APC League of Professionals to the party’s national headquarters, Yilwatda said the APC is fully prepared to secure victory for Tinubu and all its candidates at every level, from governorship to the state and national assemblies.

He credited the Tinubu administration’s achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda as a key reason for the president’s growing support. Yilwatda highlighted initiatives such as the student loan programme, which he said has made higher education more accessible to children from poor families.

“For the first time in Nigeria’s history, the poorest child can now go to school without borrowing from anyone. That opportunity has been created by this government,” he said. He also pointed to a government-backed N1.5 billion investment into the Bank of Agriculture to support young Nigerians interested in farming, saying the administration is creating real opportunities for citizens.