Anambra State governor Charles Soludo has spoken about his close family ties with former governor and NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, despite their recent political differences.

What he said

In an interview with a BBC Igbo-language service on Monday, 2 November 2026, Soludo reportedly said that Obi's wife, Margaret, is the godmother of one of his children, and that his own wife, Nonye, is the confirmation godmother of Obi's daughter. He described Obi as a close friend and said no political disagreement had been enough to break the bond between their families.

Their differences

Soludo said the two men had disagreed on political matters, mainly over who should govern Anambra State. Their relationship became a subject of public debate after a dispute in September, and Soludo has said that his party, APGA, would not automatically support Obi's presidential bid. Soludo has also said he backs President Bola Tinubu for 2027.

Background

Obi governed Anambra from 2006 to 2014 as a member of APGA, the same party on which Soludo was elected in 2021. Both men are among the most prominent politicians in the South East. Soludo's son, Ozonna, recently released a song supporting the NDC, which drew attention because of his father's backing for Tinubu.

How people reacted

Many people welcomed the comments as a sign that politics should not destroy friendships, while others said the two men's public differences were more important for voters.

Tension is rising in Sokoto State ahead of a planned campaign rally by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar accusing the Department of State Services (DSS) of plotting to disrupt it.

Atiku's allegation

In a statement on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, Atiku alleged that the leadership of the DSS was recruiting people to stage protests in Sokoto in order to create disorder. He claimed hired protesters were being gathered at an office on Koko Road and sent out in trucks to key locations in the city. He also said public facilities had been blocked and logistical support withheld to frustrate the ADC's campaign, and warned that security officials who help suppress political freedom would be held to account under the law. He said the rally would go ahead. The DSS had not responded publicly to the claims at the time of reporting.

Campaign office sealed

Separately, the Sokoto State Government sealed an ADC campaign office on Ahmadu Bello Way on Monday, 2 November. Commissioner for Land and Housing Nasiru Dantsoho said records showed the building, once used by the defunct Savannah Bank and previously by the PDP, still belonged to the bank, and that the state had written to the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation to clarify its ownership. He said the premises were sealed after a disturbance involving party supporters and others, to prevent further trouble. A media aide to the ADC governorship candidate confirmed the closure.

Background

Sokoto is governed by the APC. Opposition parties have complained of attacks and obstacles to their campaigns in several states, and an ADC candidate's convoy was attacked in Sokoto in recent weeks. The APC and state governments have generally denied using state agencies against opponents.

What happens next

Security agencies are expected to be on alert as the ADC presses ahead with its rally.

Television presenter Rufai Oseni has responded sharply to Minister of Works Dave Umahi's recent comments about NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi.

What Umahi said

At an APC town hall in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on Monday, 2 November 2026, Umahi reportedly questioned Obi's political relevance, described him as a 'nobody' and called himself the 'Lion of the South East'. He has also asked what makes Obi better than past South East leaders such as Sam Egwu and Anyim Pius Anyim, and has argued that the region should back President Bola Tinubu so that an Igbo candidate can later get eight years rather than four.

Oseni's response

Speaking on his breakfast television programme on Tuesday, 3 November, Oseni reportedly said self-given titles mean little without results. He said that before Umahi can compare himself with Obi, he should obtain a presidential nomination form, contest a general election and win at least six million votes, roughly the number Obi received in the 2023 presidential election.

Background

Umahi, a former two-term governor of Ebonyi State, is a leading APC figure in the South East and has campaigned hard for Tinubu's re-election. Obi, a former Anambra governor, came third in the 2023 presidential election as the Labour Party candidate and is now running on the NDC ticket with Rabiu Kwankwaso. The South East is seen as an important battleground in 2027, and four governors from the zone recently declared support for Tinubu.

How people reacted

Obi's supporters cheered Oseni's comments, while APC supporters said Umahi's record as governor and minister speaks for itself.

The campaign of African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar says President Bola Tinubu's recent Umrah in Saudi Arabia will not guarantee him a second term.

What was said

Speaking on a television politics programme on Monday night, 2 November 2026, Phrank Shaibu, director of strategic communication for the ADC presidential campaign council, reportedly said political mandates cannot be won through religious display. He argued that pilgrimage should be a personal matter, not something publicised as a national event by political supporters, and said Nigerians would make their choice in 2027 based on the cost of living rather than prayers abroad. Asked whether Atiku would have joined Tinubu if invited, he said the former vice-president had supported Tinubu's earlier trips to Mecca. He also claimed Atiku was in a strong position in the North.

The President's side

Tinubu left Abuja for Makkah on 29 October. He described the trip as a chance to seek divine guidance, wisdom and resilience, and said that before the 2023 election he had performed Umrah and promised to return to give thanks if his prayers were answered. During the visit he was granted the rare privilege of entering the Kaaba, where he said he prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for Nigeria. The Presidency has rejected claims that the trip was for medical reasons.

Background

The trip has drawn comment across the political spectrum. Former senator Dino Melaye challenged Tinubu to a Quran recitation contest, while Oyo governor Seyi Makinde asked the Presidency to explain the purpose of the journey. APC supporters have welcomed the visit and the honour extended by the Saudi leadership.