Title: Nigerian Politics Heats Up Ahead of 2027 Elections: PDP Faces Secretariat Seizure, APC Sparks Controversy Over Tinubu Endorsement Date Published: 24 May 2025 Description: On Friday, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, paid a surprise visit to former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola at his Ilesa residence in Osun State. He was accompanied by ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo.The meeting sparked intrigue, particularly as drummers affiliated with Aregbesola chanted predictions of President Bola Tinubu’s defeat in 2027: “Tinubu maa lu’le” (“Tinubu will lose”). ---FCTA Moves to Seize PDP National Secretariat Over ₦6.9bn DebtThe Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) confirmed it will take possession of 4,794 properties, including the PDP national headquarters, beginning Monday, May 26, 2025. This follows a 21-day grace period for defaulting owners to settle decades-old Ground Rent arrears, totaling ₦6.9 billion.Key affected districts include:Central AreaGarki I & IIWuse I & IIAsokoroMaitamaGuzape FCTA officials insisted the enforcement is not politically motivated, citing the Land Use Act, specifically Section 28(5)(a) and (b).However, critics within the PDP argue the timing—just before a crucial NEC meeting on zoning and party restructuring—suggests political sabotage. ---Labour Party Loses Federal Lawmaker to APCIn another blow to opposition unity, Ngozi Okolie, representing Aniocha/Oshimili federal constituency, resigned from the Labour Party and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).Citing internal disarray and lack of direction within the Labour Party, Okolie said:> “Staying in a disorganized party will not help me progress in the National Assembly... I believe joining the APC will help attract projects to my constituency.” He noted that traditional rulers and other regional leaders have already aligned with the APC, influencing his move. ---Tinubu Endorsed as APC Sole Candidate for 2027—But Backlash EmergesAt the APC National Summit on Thursday, 22 APC governors and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) endorsed President Bola Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.The motion was moved by Governor Hope Uzodimma (Imo) and seconded by Governor Uba Sani (Kaduna). ---Ex-APC Presidential Aspirant Charles Udeogaranya Condemns EndorsementIn response, former APC presidential aspirant Charles Udeogaranya condemned the endorsement, warning it undermines internal democracy:> “There should be no room for automatic tickets... Nigeria needs leadership based on creativity, nationalism, and prosperity—not consensus built on economic hardship and insecurity.” He evoked global democratic ideals, referencing Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr., asserting such principles must be upheld in Nigeria. ---APC Responds: Tinubu Has ‘Right of First Refusal’In defense of the endorsement, APC Deputy National Organising Secretary ** Attached Images: bcce7272c3722236f7f77a5dee1b3887feb1f144861183a3e96d1075990e9dcc.jpg Attached Video: None