The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has screened over 70 governorship aspirants ahead of its 2027 primary elections.
The exercise, held in Abuja on Monday, brought together various aspirants from several states, including Adamawa, Delta, Benue, Zamfara, Plateau, Bauchi, Jigawa, Lagos, Nasarawa and Rivers.
Speaking after his appearance before the panel, Senator Mohamed Onawo, representing Nasarawa South and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, described the process as thorough and fair.
Onawo stated that the screening committee members demonstrated professionalism in reviewing documents and engaging aspirants on critical issues.
“The committee members were professional, thorough and fair in assessing documents and asking relevant questions,” Onawo said.
He said he was confident in the chances of the ADC in the 2027 governorship elections, especially in Nasarawa State, citing his political experience and what he described as growing public support for the party.
Among those screened were former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (Kebbi); Senator Mohammed Jibrilla (Adamawa); Great Ogboru (Delta); Senator Mohamed Onawo (Nasarawa); Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (Lagos); Dr Shehu Ahmad Issa (Zamfara) and Retired General John Surai (Plateau).
Also screened were Adeboyega Adegoke (Oyo); Senator Haliru Jika (Bauchi); Barrister Kashim Geidam (Yobe), Musa Ahmed (Adamawa) and Nuhu Agbazu (Nasarawa).
The list also included Dr Emmanuel Unuafe (Delta); Bashir Adamu (Jigawa); Ambassador Umar Suleiman (Adamawa); Dr Leloonu Nwibubasa (Rivers), and Peter Adejoh (Benue).
The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, says the party is in the 2027 election race to win and not to make numbers.
Baba-Ahmed made this statement at a strategic retreat organised for the party's leadership and candidates.
He charged the party's candidates to go out and convince Nigerians that PRP deserves their trust and their votes in 2027.
According to him, the party has the best presidential candidate in Donald Duke, adding that history and character have moulded him to lead Nigeria out of its current challenges to a deserved status of affluence, security and unity.
He also said that Duke's running mate, Malam Sule Mohammed, is a study in principled loyalty, excellence in personal and professional life and unparalleled humility, which is tragically rare in current leaders.
Baba-Ahmed said the party also has governorship candidates who will be models of competent leadership, integrity and courage, stressing that they are candidates who will embody service, sacrifice and humility.
"We are PRP. We're in the 2027 race to win not to make numbers. We are products of a great tradition which insists that Nigeria can be great enough for all those who work honestly, and a nation which has the same place for the weak and the vulnerable as it has for those who are trusted with power or possess wealth," Baba-Ahmed said.
According to him, the party is under no illusions that its tasks will be easy, stating that the party will be competing in very hostile environments where incumbents fear change, while PRP champions it.
He said the party will find resistance from politicians who bribe the people for their future, while PRP asks for trust and the courage to choose quality and integrity.
On his part, the party's presidential candidate, Donald Duke, took a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, saying it is enjoying too much advantage when it comes to campaign visibility.
According to him, opposition parties are finding it hard to get venues and places to put their adverts as the 2027 elections draw near.
He said the problem is making it harder and harder for opposition candidates to reach voters in different parts of the country.
Nigerian female tennis umpire, Rose Onoja Abu, has earned recognition after officiating at the WTA 125 tournament in Luanda, Angola, marking a significant milestone in her professional career and another proud moment for Nigerian tennis.
Sports247 reports that the tournament made history as the first-ever WTA 125 event to be staged on African soil, bringing an important international women’s tennis competition to the continent. Abu’s involvement as an official at the landmark event further highlights Nigeria’s growing presence beyond the playing court in international tennis.
Her appointment and participation represent an encouraging achievement for Nigerian sports officiating, particularly for women working to establish themselves in the highly competitive world of international tennis administration.
Officiating at a tournament of this level requires professionalism, consistency, sound judgement and a strong understanding of the rules of the game. Abu’s presence at the Luanda event reflects the value of dedication and sustained commitment to developing a career in sports officiating.
The achievement also provides inspiration for aspiring Nigerian umpires and other sports professionals, demonstrating that opportunities at the highest levels can emerge through discipline, diligence and continuous improvement.
For Nigerian tennis, milestones such as this are important in showcasing the contributions of officials who help drive the sport forward, often away from the spotlight enjoyed by players.
While the WTA 125 assignment represents a significant step in Abu’s journey, it could also serve as a platform for greater opportunities on the international stage.
With consistency and continued dedication, the ambition of seeing a Nigerian umpire officiate at a Grand Slam tournament remains a possibility worth pursuing.
Congratulations to Rose Onoja Abu on this remarkable achievement. The journey continues, and a Grand Slam appearance could be the next milestone.