Disu Cleared as Nigeria's 23rd Police Chief Amid Party Realignments
Nigeria Police Council approves Olatunji Disu as Inspector General ahead of swearing-in, while ruling APC conducts state congresses and opposition PDP faces leadership disputes.
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The Nigeria Police Council approved Olatunji Disu's appointment as the nation's 23rd Inspector General of Police, clearing the way for his swearing-in ceremony scheduled for March 4, according to The Nation Newspaper. The council's endorsement at its meeting represents the final procedural step before Disu assumes leadership of Africa's most populous country's federal police force.
The appointment comes as Nigeria's political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections. The ruling All Progressives Congress conducted state congresses on March 3 following successful ward-level exercises, with party officials promising enhanced credibility through a new electronic membership register. APC National Secretary Sulaiman Yilwatda told The Nation that the digital system would ensure "credible shadow elections to pick its candidates for next year's elections."
Opposition parties experienced significant turbulence as six Osun State National Assembly members defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to join Accord Party, following Governor Ademola Adeleke's own party switch. Adeleke cited concerns about being "trapped" within PDP structures that could jeopardise his second-term ambitions, according to The Nation. Meanwhile, Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal indicated his political future depends on an Appeal Court ruling on the legitimacy of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki's PDP leadership, with the Turaki-led National Working Committee denying plans for any national congress.
At state level, Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo enforced a March 1 resignation deadline for public servants and political appointees seeking elective office. Water Resources Commissioner Washington Osifo submitted his resignation to contest for legislative office, complying with the directive. In Ogun State, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, declared her gubernatorial ambitions for 2027, stating her decision was independent of her father's influence.
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike dismissed the newly formed African Democratic Congress as unlikely to succeed in 2027 elections, accusing prominent opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Obi of "dubious populist" politics, The Nation reported.