National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Seriake Dickson, says the movement of Peter Obi and Rabi’u Kwankwaso into the party did not happen overnight.

Fielding questions in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Wednesday, Dickson said he had worked with the duo as former governors.

According to him, many Nigerians believe in the NDC, expressing gratitude for their trust, confidence, and continued support to the young party.

Recall that Peter Obi and Kwankwaso dumped the African Democratic Congress, for the NDC early last month, citing internal divisions and court cases in the ADC.

DAILY POST reports that both former governors clinched the party’s ticket as President and Vice President ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We also brought together Peter Obi and Kwankwaso, two of the country’s most influential political figures, onto our platform.

“These are people I have worked with for a long time, so this convergence within the NDC did not happen overnight.

“We have been able to attract strong membership and earn the trust of my colleagues, including former governors and other distinguished Nigerian political leaders.

“Many Nigerians believe in us, and I want to thank them for their trust, confidence, and continued support,” he said.

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has accepted his appointment as Chairman of the National Campaign Council for the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the governor following the inauguration of the council by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.

According to Sani, the campaign council will work with party leaders, stakeholders and supporters across Ekiti State to mobilise support for the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

Sani said the party was confident of victory, citing Oyebanji’s record in office and the support he enjoys among party stakeholders.

“Our shared goal is to orchestrate a successful campaign that culminates in a resounding victory for Governor Biodun Oyebanji,” Sani stated.

The Kaduna governor said the party had already established structures across the 16 local government areas and 177 wards in the state ahead of the election.

According to him, the involvement of youths, women and other stakeholders would play a key role in the campaign effort.

“We have laid a robust foundation, with strong grassroots structures established across all 16 Local Government Areas and 177 wards,” he said.

Sani also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his leadership and support for the growth of the APC.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to national development,” he stated.

He further thanked the APC leadership for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to work with members of the campaign council to secure victory for the party in the election.

The Labour Party candidate for the June 20 Nasarawa North Senatorial District bye-election, Labaran Maku, has raised concerns over what he described as an alleged plan to compromise the electoral process in parts of the district.

Speaking during a press conference in Akpata, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, on Wednesday, the former Minister of Information claimed that nine wards in Nasarawa Eggon had been identified as targets for electoral manipulation due to their high voter population and perceived support for the Labour Party.

Maku alleged that certain political interests were becoming uneasy over the growing popularity of his candidacy across the senatorial district and were therefore exploring measures to influence the outcome of the poll.

According to him, the Labour Party enjoys widespread grassroots support, particularly in Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga and Wamba local government areas, which he said has strengthened the party’s confidence ahead of the election.

“We have credible information suggesting that there are moves to interfere with the electoral process because some people have realized that the people are determined to vote for change,” Maku stated.

He further alleged that plans were underway to deploy political thugs to disrupt voting in strategic locations, warning that any attempt to undermine the will of the electorate could trigger political tension and undermine public confidence in democracy.

The Labour Party candidate also called on federal authorities and security agencies to ensure neutrality during the election, urging them to resist any form of political pressure that could compromise the credibility of the exercise.

He expressed concern over what he described as the redeployment of some senior security officers within the state, alleging that the move mirrored developments witnessed during previous political contests.

Labaran Maku further claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had not conducted a transparent primary election for the bye-election, insisting that an unpopular candidate had been imposed on party members.

Despite his concerns, Maku expressed optimism about his chances at the poll, maintaining that voters in Nasarawa North have consistently demonstrated political maturity by supporting candidates based on competence, credibility and track record rather than party affiliation.

The former minister urged residents to remain peaceful, vigilant and committed to the democratic process as preparations for the bye-election enter the final stages.