By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says no aspirant will withdraw from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential race ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement issued by Paul Ibe, his media adviser, Abubakar accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to intimidate and weaken the opposition ahead of next year’s elections.

He said all qualified aspirants would “present themselves freely” when the party begins its selection process.

The former vice-president spoke amid reports that he was under pressure to step down for a southern aspirant to emerge as the ADC’s flagbearer.

Abubakar said opposition leaders rallied around the ADC to build a credible national alternative to the ruling party.

“Predictably, agents aligned with the presidency are now attempting to destabilise the ADC from the outside—issuing reckless prescriptions about its internal affairs, particularly the choice of a presidential candidate,” the statement reads.

“Let it be stated plainly: the ADC is on a national rescue mission. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside other committed patriots, is central to this effort. Any call — overt or covert — for Atiku to ‘step aside’ is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.”

Abubakar stressed that the ADC remained committed to “an open, transparent, and competitive process” for selecting its flagbearer.

He said the party is open to all genuine opposition figures, noting that “inclusiveness—not coercion—is the soul of democracy”.

While reiterating that no one in the party would step down, Abubakar said President Tinubu, whose leadership, he said, has become a “national liability”, should be the one to step down.

“Disruptors and infiltrators must allow the party to do this essential work without interference,” he said.

“When the time comes, all qualified aspirants will present themselves freely. No one is stepping down. If anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu — whose leadership has become a national liability.

“Let there be no ambiguity: the ADC is determined to end the misfortune imposed by the Tinubu-led APC. No amount of intimidation, intrigue, or sabotage will derail this rescue mission.

“Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight.”

He lamented that Nigerians are suffering in “an era defined by punishing economic policies and shrinking democratic space under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”.

“True to form, this administration has not only inflicted widespread hardship but has also pursued a calculated effort to eliminate political alternatives. The objective is clear: a creeping, de facto one-party state,” he added.

“Perhaps the Tinubu administration’s most disturbing ‘achievement’ has been the systematic weakening of opposition parties, leaving the All Progressives Congress—despite its manifest failures—standing alone by default, not by merit.”

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote as the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to head the institution since its establishment in 1962.

The appointment, which takes effect from January 10, 2026, is for a four-year term, according to a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

Dr Odusote, 57, is currently the Deputy Director-General and Head of the Lagos Campus of the Nigerian Law School. She will succeed Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, whose eight-year tenure expires on January 9, 2026.

A seasoned legal academic, Odusote obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from Obafemi Awolowo University and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. She also earned a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree from the same university, specialising in company and commercial law, before proceeding to the United Kingdom, where she obtained a PhD in Law from the University of Surrey. Her research interests include public law and the administration of justice.

She joined the Nigerian Law School in 2001 as a lecturer and has since held several key positions, including Head of the Academic Department, Director of Academics, and Head of Campus. She also served briefly as a visiting scholar at Nottingham Trent University in the UK.

Dr Odusote has published widely in reputable local and international law journals and has presented scholarly papers at numerous legal education conferences. In addition, she has served on several committees of the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Bar Association.

As Director-General, she will oversee the Nigerian Law School’s academic leadership, administrative management, and strategic direction across its campuses nationwide. She will also serve as the principal link between the institution and key legal bodies, including the Council of Legal Education, the Body of Benchers, and the Nigerian Bar Association.

Her appointment has been widely hailed as a significant step towards gender inclusion and continuity in legal education administration in Nigeria.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has assured Nigerians that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains alive, strong, and resilient, dismissing speculations of its decline.

Jonathan described the PDP as a fundamental pillar of Nigeria’s democracy and the only surviving original political party since 1998.

He spoke on Tuesday while receiving faction of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by National Chairman Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, at his Abuja office. The meeting centered on reconciliation and strategic repositioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The PDP, being the only surviving original political party since 1998, has been a critical contributor to our democracy since 1999. I have been a beneficiary of this party, which gave me the opportunity to serve as Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President, and President. I am grateful to the party and will continue to contribute my quota because I feel deeply indebted to it,” Jonathan said.

He urged the party leadership to prioritize national interest and institutional growth over personal considerations, emphasizing that strong political parties are key to democratic stability.

Turaki, speaking at the meeting, thanked Jonathan for his counsel and loyalty, adding that the PDP leadership is committed to a “Rebirth Agenda” aimed at strengthening and repositioning the party.

“We came to seek your guidance and brief you on the party’s prospects and challenges. Our goal is to return power to the people and reposition the PDP as the party of the majority of Nigerians. A united PDP remains the most viable platform for a balanced and prosperous Nigeria,” Turaki said.

The delegation included former Niger State Governor Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, former Minister of Information Prof. Jerry Gana, former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, Hajiya Zainab Maina, Chief Mike Oghiadome, former Attorney-General of the Federation Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, and other NWC members.