Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal, has urged the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to replace Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

Lawal gave this advice in a statement posted on his Facebook page, maintaining that the ADC primary election was massively rigged in favour of Atiku.

According to him, Atiku does not have what it takes to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

He decried that most of his critics had focused on attacking him rather than addressing the issues he raised.

“Indeed I would urge the ADC to replace this man with a more qualified candidate if they want to have any hope of winning the presidential election before INEC timetable runs out on them.

“Since my Kachalla 1 post, almost the whole of Nigeria’s Fulani race has descended on me with all manner of insults and threats,” he said.

Governor Ademola Adeleke has urged residents of Osun State to disregard attempts to create fear ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, insisting that his political movement remains confident of securing victory at the polls.

Governor Adeleke added that the Accord platform remained open to new entrants, calling on interested politicians and non-political actors to join his camp as preparations for the August 15 governorship contest gather momentum.

Speaking on growing concerns over possible electoral malpractice and violence in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed on Sunday, Governor Adeleke said measures were being put in place to ensure that voters are able to participate freely in the election process without intimidation or obstruction.

According to him “speculation about rigging and threats of unrest should not distract citizens from exercising their democratic rights”.

He maintained that public confidence in his administration and its programmes would be reflected in the outcome of the election.

Adeleke stated that supporters across the state were determined to protect the integrity of the electoral process through lawful means and community-based engagement.

He stressed that the people of Osun would not allow their right to choose leaders to be undermined.

“No one, I repeat, no one can deny Osun people their legitimate rights to choose their leaders,” the governor said.

He also expressed confidence in the conduct of security agencies and election officials, arguing that no responsible authority would attempt to destabilise the state during the electoral period.

“We are the cradle of the Yoruba nation. We are the ancestral state of Mr President. No security or electoral official will dare attempt to set Osun State on fire,” Adeleke declared.

The governor disclosed that his administration and supporters were closely observing developments ahead of the election and had established structures to monitor activities before, during and after voting.

“We will resist any move or ploy to tamper with the electoral process. We are closely monitoring all pre-election activities,” he said, adding that nothing was being left to chance.

Turning to political developments in the state, Adeleke used the opportunity to appeal to politicians and stakeholders from different backgrounds to align with his political platform ahead of the election.

He described his campaign as a broad-based movement that transcends party affiliations and is focused on sustaining governance initiatives across Osun State.

“Our candidature is beyond party lines. Ours is a pan-Osun movement, a rainbow coalition, to ensure the final exit of the state from under-development,” he said.

Ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has said it remains confident and united despite the resignation of some members from the party.

The party also said the resignation of those members will not affect its chances in the forthcoming governorship election, insisting that the party remains united and focused on securing victory.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC described recent resignations by some members as an orchestrated effort aimed at creating a false impression of instability within the party.

“The party remains undaunted and unshakeable despite the departures and believes the development will not hinder the campaign of its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the 15 August election,” the statement said.

The APC appealed to its members and supporters across the state to remain committed, stating that political defections and resignations are common occurrences during election periods.

“We want to appeal to the ever-loyal members and highly committed supporters of our party that what we are witnessing in the political sphere in the state is not strange and it is peculiar to election seasons.”

The party added that the resignations had been anticipated and would not distract its governorship candidate from ongoing campaign activities.

It stated that the development had further strengthened the resolve of party members and supporters to work towards victory in the forthcoming election.

The APC also congratulated members who had remained with the party, describing them as loyal and steadfast supporters committed to its electoral success.

“The party is confident that its governorship candidate will emerge victorious and maintained that no political alliance or arrangement would prevent it from achieving its objective at the polls,” the statement added.

The party criticised the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, alleging that it had failed to adequately address key sectors, including education, healthcare, the economy and commerce.

The APC argued that the celebration of the resignations by political opponents was misplaced, noting that it had recently attracted several prominent political figures from other parties into its fold.

It urged its members and supporters to continue mobilising support across the state, saying the party remained determined to secure victory in the governorship election and form the next administration in Osun State.