By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has endorsed its National Chairman, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, as the party’s consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The endorsement was announced at a meeting of party stakeholders at the weekend, in Abuja , who unanimously expressed confidence in Nwanyanwu’s leadership capacity and vision for Nigeria.

In his acceptance speech, Chief Nwanyanwu thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to provide purposeful leadership if elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I must thank you for believing in me and for the confidence you have in my ability. I assure you that I will make good use of this mandate,” he said.

The ZLP presidential candidate outlined key priorities that would form the foundation of his administration, including national unity, security, anti-corruption reforms, energy development, industrialization, and youth empowerment.

Nwanyanwu identified national unity as the foremost challenge confronting Nigeria, arguing that ethnic and religious divisions have weakened the country’s cohesion over the years.

According to him, his administration would prioritize inclusive governance, restore citizens’ confidence in the nation, and implement policies aimed at strengthening patriotism and national integration.

“Our diversity ought to be a source of strength, but it has been poorly managed. My government will treat national unity as an emergency and take urgent steps to restore trust among Nigerians,” he stated.

The ZLP candidate described the current security situation as alarming and pledged to adopt a more decisive approach to tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.

He promised to strengthen security agencies through improved funding, modern technology, and enhanced welfare packages for personnel.

Nwanyanwu also advocated the establishment of state and community policing structures, arguing that Nigeria’s centralized policing system is inadequate for a country of its size and population.

“If elected, I will equip and direct all security agencies to decisively confront insurgents and criminals. Those arrested will be prosecuted swiftly, while their collaborators and sponsors will also face the full weight of the law,” he said.

On corruption, Nwanyanwu promised a zero-tolerance policy, noting that corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria’s development.

He pledged to strengthen anti-corruption institutions, improve transparency in public finance management, and establish preventive mechanisms to curb the diversion of public resources.

“My administration will review existing anti-corruption laws to make agencies more proactive and effective. We will ensure accountability across all sectors of government,” he declared.

Chief Nwanyanwu criticized the country’s poor electricity supply despite its abundant natural resources and promised comprehensive reforms in the energy sector.

He advocated greater private-sector participation, investment in renewable energy, modernization of the national grid, and the exploration of Nigeria’s vast coal deposits as part of a broader strategy to improve power generation.

“Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful development without adequate electricity. My government will explore all available energy options to ensure stable and affordable power supply for citizens and businesses,” he said.

The ZLP flagbearer also unveiled plans to promote industrialization by improving the ease of doing business, supporting local manufacturing, and attracting foreign direct investment.

He pledged to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs and small businesses through easier access to finance, improved infrastructure, and business-friendly policies.

Nwanyanwu stressed that empowering young entrepreneurs would be central to reducing unemployment and stimulating economic growth.

“Our young people possess enormous talent and creativity. Government must provide the environment and support needed for them to create opportunities rather than wait endlessly for jobs,” he said.

Chief Nwanyanwu concluded by expressing confidence that Nigeria can overcome its

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From Abel Zwanke, Lafia

The Nasarawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that there is no faction within the party, insisting that Rt. Hon.

The party described reports suggesting the emergence of another governorship candidate as false, illegal and misleading, warning members of the public against being deceived by what it termed the handiwork of mischief-makers.

In a statement issued in Lafia on Sunday, signed by Hon.

“There is no faction in the Peoples Democratic Party in Nasarawa State. The party has one recognised leadership and one governorship candidate for the 2027 general election,” the statement said.

The party maintained that all processes leading to the emergence of candidates for the forthcoming elections were conducted by the duly recognised party leadership and in line with the provisions of the law.

“Rt. Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, PhD, remains the sole governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Nasarawa State. Any contrary claim is false, illegal and of no consequence,” the statement added.

According to the PDP, the recognised leadership of the party conducted the sale of nomination forms, screening of aspirants and primary elections that produced Ombugadu and other candidates for various elective positions.

The party accused some individuals of deliberately spreading false information to create confusion among members and supporters ahead of the 2027 elections.

“These reports are nothing but a desperate attempt to mislead the public and create an impression of division where none exists. The PDP remains united, focused and committed to providing credible leadership for the people of Nasarawa State,” the statement said.

The party expressed confidence that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would, at the appropriate time, publish the names of candidates who emerged from its recognised primaries.

It further urged members to remain loyal to the party and ignore what it described as unlawful and unofficial activities being carried out in the name of the PDP.

“The public is advised to disregard all false reports and illegal claims concerning the governorship ticket of the PDP. David Emmanuel Ombugadu remains the sole and validly nominated candidate of the party,” the statement added.

The PDP reaffirmed its determination to remain united and work towards victory in the 2027 general election.

By David Torough, Abuja

Two landmark judgments delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday have reshaped the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election, with the court affirming former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the presidency and upholding the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue and adjust election timetables.

In the first ruling, Justice Peter Lifu held that Jonathan remains constitutionally qualified to seek the presidency in 2027, dismissing a suit filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi challenging the former president’s eligibility.

The plaintiff had argued that Jonathan, having completed the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s tenure and subsequently won the 2011 election, had exhausted the constitutional two-term limit for presidents.

Jideobi sought an order restraining Jonathan from contesting the election and stopping INEC from accepting or publishing his name as a candidate. He also argued that another term would amount to a third oath of office as president, contrary to the 1999 Constitution.

However, Justice Lifu ruled that the suit lacked merit and described it as an abuse of the court process. The judge held that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to institute the case because he failed to show any personal injury or loss arising from Jonathan’s possible ambition.

The court further noted that previous judgments by the Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had already affirmed Jonathan’s eligibility to contest again, adding that the decisions remained binding.

Justice Lifu consequently awarded N20 million costs against the plaintiff in favour of Jonathan and an additional N1 million in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation. He also dismissed a separate application seeking his withdrawal from the case, describing it as frivolous.

In a separate judgment, Justice James Omotosho affirmed INEC’s constitutional and statutory powers to issue election timetables and schedules of activities for political parties ahead of elections.

The ruling followed a suit filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which challenged aspects of INEC’s 2027 election timetable, arguing that the electoral body lacked powers to fix timelines for party primaries and submission of membership registers.

The SDP also contended that portions of the timetable violated provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, particularly regarding deadlines for submission, substitution and withdrawal of candidates.

Delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho held that INEC possesses the legal authority under the Constitution and the Electoral Act to issue and amend election timetables in order to ensure orderly conduct of elections.

The judge described the timetable as “a chain of events” necessary for the smooth administration of elections, including timelines for party primaries, submission of membership registers and nomination processes.

He, however, ruled that while INEC could issue and alter timetables, it could not abridge statutory timelines expressly provided in the Electoral Act.

The court specifically faulted deadlines fixed by INEC for withdrawal and substitution of candidates, holding that the commission acted beyond its powers by shortening the 90-day period stipulated by law.

Justice Omotosho therefore ordered INEC to amend aspects of the 2027 Election Timetable and Schedule of Activities to bring them in line with Sections 29(1) and 31 of the Electoral Act, 2026.

The court nevertheless upheld INEC’s authority to request political parties’ membership registers and prescribe timelines for the conduct of party primaries.