Former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, has announced her return to active politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, and has thrown her weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement

In a statement issued on her behalf by her special assistant, Olatundun Gabriel, on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, Akinjide's team thanked her supporters for their loyalty and patience and said a new phase of political engagement had begun. The statement reportedly declared her support for President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda and for the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli. Her team urged supporters across the state to stay united as she resumes political activity.

Background

Akinjide served as Minister of State for the FCT under President Goodluck Jonathan and was a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State. Her move adds to a series of political realignments in Oyo, where Governor Seyi Makinde is completing his second term and is now the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement. Several officials have recently left Makinde's government, including a commissioner and two other appointees who resigned on Monday.

Why it matters

Oyo is one of the largest states in the South West, and the governorship seat will be open in 2027. The APC hopes defections like Akinjide's will help it win back the state, while the PDP and other parties insist they remain strong.

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has instructed his supporters to vote for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at every level in the 2027 elections, according to a close ally.

The message

Hajiya Hafsat Baba, the ADC's national vice-chairman for the North-West, reportedly conveyed the message at a meeting in Kaduna that brought together various El-Rufai support groups. She said the directive had been verified by El-Rufai himself and covered federal, state and local elections. The meeting was held to unite the groups and coordinate their activities ahead of the polls.

'Base still strong'

Another ally, Ibrahim Hussaini, rejected claims that El-Rufai had lost his political base, saying his loyalists remain strong across Kaduna State and the wider North.

Background

El-Rufai served two terms as governor of Kaduna from 2015 to 2023 as a member of the APC and was a key figure in President Bola Tinubu's 2023 campaign. He later fell out with the party and joined the opposition coalition that adopted the ADC, which has fielded former vice-president Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate. His relationship with his successor, Governor Uba Sani of the APC, has been tense. El-Rufai has also been involved in legal disputes in recent months and has appealed for a fair trial.

Why it matters

Kaduna is one of the most populous states in the North-West, a region with a large share of Nigeria's voters. The APC says it remains strong in the state, while the ADC hopes El-Rufai's support will help it make gains there.

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.