Hajiya Maryam Suleiman, the Kaduna State Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has distanced herself from former Governor, Nasir El-Rufai following his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), calling it a “wrong political calculation.”

In a dramatic turnaround, Maryam who was once a staunch El-Rufai ally declared her unwavering loyalty to APC, dismissing SDP as a political non-starter. She admitted to previously criticizing Governor Uba Sani out of ignorance, expressing regrets and offering a public apology.

“Governor Uba Sani is a compassionate leader who genuinely uplifts people, unlike El-Rufai, whose policies on market demolitions and teacher dismissals hurt many,” she said.

Rebranding herself from “Maryam Mai Rusau” (aligned with El-Rufai) to “Maryam Mai Ginau” (supporting Uba Sani’s developmental agenda), she pledged her commitment to APC and vowed to make amends for her past remarks.

This shift marks a significant realignment in Kaduna’s political landscape as APC seeks to consolidate its influence.

Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala has hit back at former presidential candidate, Peter Obi over his remarks about democratic governance in Nigeria.

According to him, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) is a failed politician who does not have a history of democratic activism.

The presidential aide said this in an X post on Tuesday in reaction to Obi’s recent remark about the state of democracy under the Bola Tinubu presidency.

Speaking at the 60th birthday colloquium for former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, in Abuja on Monday, Obi said progress made since the nation’s return to democratic rule in 1999 has been eroded.

Responding, Bwala said, “It is funny how failed politicians are trying to redefine democracy.

“Peter Obi said democracy has collapsed. Does he even know the meaning of democracy?

“When people were fighting for democracy, Gregory was buying and selling. He doesn’t have a history of any democratic activism from his school days to date.

“His expertise lies in instigating hate speech and vitriol. Talk Is cheap.”

The 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has faulted the release of Rivers State allocation to Sole Administrator, Ibok Ekwe Ibas.

Amid political tension in Rivers, the apex court froze federal allocation to the state until State House Assembly properly appropriates the funds for usage.

However, Ibas confirmed release of the funds during a meeting with Local Government Administrators in Port Harcourt on Friday.

In a statement released on Monday, Obi said it was “unlawful” to release the funds which were frozen on the orders of the Supreme Court.

“What is happening in the country today as it relates to River State is an aberration, unknown to our Constitution and must be condemned by every discerning mind.

“What we are witnessing in Rivers State is a brazen disobedience and disregard for the rule of law and our democratic principles.

“The decision to release statutory allocations to an appointed Sole Administrator, despite a standing order of the Supreme Court, is not just unlawful — it is a direct challenge to the authority of the highest court of our country.

“The Supreme Court had explicitly barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) from releasing these funds until a properly constituted House of Assembly passes a valid Appropriation Act. Yet, we see a situation where this order is being ignored. This raises serious moral intentions, and questions of what is happening in Rivers State,” the former Anambra governor said.

Obi said those involved were setting a dangerous precedent by disregarding the judgment of the Supreme Court.

He maintained that the CBN and AGF, institutions meant to uphold the law, should not be complicit in this disregard for the nation’s judiciary.

“We cannot build a nation where those who swore oaths to uphold our constitution and obey the laws are doing the opposite.

“This is about more than just Rivers State; it is about protecting the very fabric of our democracy, and our existence as a nation.

“A country cannot function where the rule of law is trampled upon, where the separation of powers is disregarded, and where judicial decisions are treated as mere suggestions. If we continue this way, we are undermining the future of our democracy.

“We must choose to do the right thing — to respect the law and uphold the principles that bind us as a nation,” Obi said.