By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mr Ali Pate, has announced that he will no longer run for the Bauchi State governorship in 2027, despite repeated calls from supporters urging him to contest.

In a 10-minute video message delivered in Hausa and circulating on social media, Mr Pate said he reached the decision after deep reflection and wide consultations.

Citing national service as his reason, he explained that he still has much to contribute to Nigeria’s development at the national level, as well as to the progress of Northern Nigeria.

“It is unlikely that I will run for governorship in 2027, and I assure you that you will not regret the love and support you have shown me throughout this period,” he said.

Despite stepping aside, Mr Pate pledged to remain actively involved in the political process leading to the emergence of a credible candidate and his party’s victory.

“There are many aspirants seeking various elective positions in Bauchi State. The time will come when I will support credible and capable candidates who have the interest of the people at heart, not self-centred leaders. We will identify the best candidates during the primaries,” he added.

He also urged other aspirants to remain patient and unite behind those who emerge from the primaries, noting that if he could set aside his personal ambition, others should be able to do the same.

Mr Pate further stated that he would work towards ensuring the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State at all levels, for the benefit of the people.

He thanked his supporters and promised to redouble his efforts toward delivering positive development and impactful interventions.

The Health Minister has previously contested for the governorship three times but did not secure his party’s ticket in the primaries.

His withdrawal stems the tide of his former colleagues who quit their functions to pursue elective offices. Prominent among them is Mr Yusuf Tuggar, who resigned as Minister of Foreign Affairs to contest the Bauchi State governorship. Similarly, Mr Sa’idu Alkali stepped down from the Ministry of Transportation to pursue the governorship race in Gombe State.

In addition, Mr Adebayo Adelabu resigned his position as Minister of Power to re-enter the Oyo State governorship contest, marking a return to a long-standing political ambition in the state.

While other ministers, such as Mr Yusuf Tanko Sununu and Mr Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, also resigned, their ambitions were directed toward legislative positions rather than governorship races.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

All roads will lead to Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, for the 7th edition of the Timeline Awareness Initiative Lecture and Awards scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

Expected to grace the occasion are the Governors of Akwa-Ibom, Ekiti, and Ogun States, Mr Umo Eno, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji, and Mr Dapo Abiodun, respectively.

Others include the former Governor of Abia State, Mr Orji Uzor Kalu; the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa; the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso; the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Mr Sunday Dare; Mr Bashir Olawale Fakorede, among others.

Business Post gathered that the lecture is being put together by an online newspaper, TimelineNG, published by a foremost journalist, Mr Yusuf Adeoye.

The theme for this year’s programme is Curbing Distortion of Events and Social Media Reporting During General Elections: A Look at Communication Style in the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to Mr Adeoye in a statement, this year’s edition factored the importance of reporting accurate information or news items without any sensationalism, especially on social media, which could heat up the process, create confusion that may lead to insecurity or total disruption of the entire process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Information gathering and disseminating during the election period play a pivotal role in keeping the people abreast with reports, particularly as it concerns updates across various locations where the polls are held.

But when vital information is distorted, the entire election process could be jeopardised. Guests and other participants will look into this matter and recommend ways to avert such incidents.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has fixed its presidential nomination form at N100 million, governorship at N50 million, Senate at N20 million, House of Representatives at N10 million, and State House of Assembly at N3 million.

To promote inclusivity, ADC introduced concessions, offering a 50 per cent discount for youths and a 25 per cent discount for women and persons with disabilities.

This comes as the party released its timetable for the conduct of the 2026 primary elections, outlining key dates for the sale of nomination forms, screening of aspirants, primaries, and its special national convention.

In a statement on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi, said the timetable reflects ADC’s commitment to internal democracy, orderliness, and strict compliance with electoral guidelines.

According to the schedule, the sale of nomination forms will run from May 5 to 10, 2026, while submission of completed forms is fixed for May 11 to 13, 2026.

Screening of aspirants is scheduled for May 14 to 15, 2026, with screening results to be published on May 17, 2026. Appeals will be heard between May 18 and May 19, 2026, while the final list of cleared aspirants will be released on May 20, 2026.

“Primary elections will commence on May 21, 2026, with elections for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate seats holding simultaneously at the ward level. The Governorship primaries will take place on May 22, 2026, while the presidential primary is scheduled for May 25, 2026,” the statement said.

It added that this will be followed by a meeting of the National Executive Committee on May 26, 2026, and a Special National Convention on May 27, 2026, where final ratifications will be made.

The party also announced a structured fee regime for nomination forms across elective positions.

The party called on all members, stakeholders, and aspirants to adhere strictly to the timetable and guidelines.

The move by the ADC signals an early start to political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as parties begin to outline the financial requirements for aspirants seeking elective offices. It will be seeking to wrestle power from the dominant All Progressives Congress (APC), which holds the presidency as well as 30 governorship positions, and the majority of legislative members.