The Director of Politics at Arise News, Sumner Sambo, has said that Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is not willing to leave her current position to become a running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Sambo made the remark on Monday while speaking on The Morning Show, where he discussed ongoing political speculations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, although Okonjo-Iweala may be considered for the role, she is not prepared to abandon what he described as a lucrative position at the WTO, where she is currently serving a second term that runs until 2029.

He further argued that it would be unlikely for her to leave a secured international appointment for a political contest in Nigeria, especially one he said is still facing legal and political uncertainties.

He said: “Well, from the latest I’ve heard that Ngozi Okonjo-Iwela, though she may be considered and all of that, she’s not willing to actually leave a lucrative job as a DJ of the World Trade Organisation to actually consider that.

“She’s made it known to them, and that is understandable because she just resumed in September last year, and she has a tenure that will run for a second term till 2029.

“So what will she be doing, you know, as a vice presidential candidate of a party that’s still in court, facing challenges. I think she already has a secure term there, and she wouldn’t consider the offer.”

The 2023 Deputy Governorship Candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Yusuf Bello Danbatta, has dumped the party and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing extensive consultations and a desire to contribute more effectively to the development of Kano State and Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement he signed and issued to newsmen. He said the move followed careful consideration and wide-ranging consultations with political leaders, associates, supporters, and other stakeholders.

He noted that the APC offers a more suitable platform through which he can advance the interests of the people and support initiatives aimed at improving governance and development.

The former deputy governorship candidate explained that his decision was largely influenced by the leadership style and developmental agenda of the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

He described the Kano First Agenda as a transformative blueprint that has demonstrated a strong commitment to good governance, human capital development, infrastructure renewal, and the overall progress of the state.

He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to public service and pledged to continue working for the unity and progress of the people, regardless of political affiliations.

The former deputy governorship candidate called on his supporters and associates to join him in supporting efforts geared towards the continued growth, stability, and development of Kano State.

Publisher and politician, Dele Momodu has shared a campaign-style poster on social media portraying him as the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Momodu, who posted the image on his Facebook page on Monday, accompanied it with a message calling for national reconciliation, re-orientation and reconstruction.

He described the 2027 presidential election as a likely contest between President Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar, whom he identified as the leading challengers in the race.

According to Momodu, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, should adopt a new political approach by bridging the gap between older and younger generations of leaders, as well as between experienced politicians and technocrats.

“It promises to be the battle of the Tians. A third force, hopefully, may show up, like it did in 2023, but not with enough fire power and tenacity to upstage, and obliterate, the two elder statesmen,” he said.

He argued that such a strategy would help foster national unity and address the country’s growing political and social tensions.

The Ovation magazine publisher also stressed the need for stronger cooperation between Northern and Southern Nigeria, warning that the country’s current challenges could worsen if political leaders fail to act.

He called for a return to issue-based politics and leadership inspired by the ideals of Nigeria’s founding fathers, including Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Chief Obafemi Awolowo.