Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • Delta APC Stakeholders Meet In Asaba, Harp On Unity, E-Registration, Congresses

    Delta APC Stakeholders Meet In Asaba, Harp On Unity, E-Registration, Congresses

     

    Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State on Friday converged at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba, for a high-level meeting that underscored unity, E-Registration, grassroots mobilisation and preparedness ahead of forthcoming party congresses.

    Addressing leaders and members, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori stressed that leadership derives its legitimacy from the people and must be guided by humility, empathy and service.

    He urged stakeholders to place collective interest above personal considerations, resist division and avoid unnecessary conflicts, noting that unity remains the party’s greatest strength.

    The governor said meetings of the nature provide opportunities to review progress, strengthen structures and prepare for critical political milestones, adding that mobilisation, registration and participation would ultimately determine electoral outcomes.

    While stressing the need for them to deliver massive votes for President Bola Tinubu and all other elective positions in the 2027 elections, he said the number of votes they are able to deliver will determine their strength and what they are able to attract at the federal level.

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN, urged members to maintain focus as the party approaches congresses, praising the progress recorded in the e-registration exercise and the party’s growing diversity.

    He cautioned against rumours and delays, called for early engagement and consensus-building at the local level, and advised dialogue to reduce tension.

    Immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, thanked Governor Oborevwori for convening the meeting and described his visit to Government House after many years as a gesture of inclusiveness.

    He pledged to work in unity with Governor Oborevwori and other stakeholders to strengthen the APC. Former Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, commended stakeholders for their unity and sustained engagement, urging intensified grassroots mobilisation to deepen e-registration by taking the exercise to homes and communities.

    He emphasised inclusiveness, and consensus in the conduct of congresses, praising Governor Oborevwori’s role in fostering harmony and urging leaders to return to their constituencies with renewed commitment.

    National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Felix Morka, lauded Governor Oborevwori’s leadership and the digitalisation of the party’s membership register, recommending a consensus approach for the forthcoming congresses.

    In his welcome remarks, State APC Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, said the party had recorded over 90 per cent realignment since April 2025, describing the gathering as evidence of growing unity and momentum.

    On e-registration and congress preparations, Delta North APC Chairman, Ogbueshi Adizue Eluaka, noted peace in the district but highlighted challenges with registration. Delta Central Chairman, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, reported progress with Okpe Local Government leading statewide and appealed for restraint pending guidelines, while Delta South Chairman, Prince Austin Oribioye, urged the resolution of technical glitches to meet targets.

    The State E-Registration Coordinator, Prince Fred Mordi, said Delta State was selected to host the South-South training, reporting rising registration figures despite minor challenges and expressed confidence in meeting targets before the deadline.

    A minute of silence was observed in honour of late Senator Peter Nwaoboshi who represented Delta North Senatorial District at the Senate

  • Relief, Hope as Federal Road Repairs Transform Lives in Jigawa Communities

    Relief, Hope as Federal Road Repairs Transform Lives in Jigawa Communities

     

     

     

    For years, the road linking Kano State Border through Dutse and Kiyawa to Bauchi State Border told a familiar story to residents of Jigawa: deep potholes, flooded sections, broken vehicles and lives lost to avoidable accidents. Today, that story is changing.

    When the Federal Ministry of Works commissioned the completed emergency and special intervention repairs on the Kano-Dutse-Kiyawa-Bauchi Road, the mood across communities on the corridor was one of gratitude, relief and renewed hope.

    Nigeria This moment reports that the visit was led by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement in the North-west, Alhaji Abdullahi Tanko-Yakasai and the Director Information, Ministry of Works, Mr. Ahmad Abdullahi.

    Earlier, SSA to the President, Tanko-Yakasai said described the project as distinct and demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to uplift the lives of citizens

    Tanko-Yakasai commended Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, for spearheading the execution of the projects designed to boost socio-economic development.

    Standing by the roadside, Mustafa Issa Al-Nazar, a resident and beneficiary of the project, described what the intervention means to ordinary people.

    “We are part of this community that is benefiting from this work, and we really appreciate what the government has done for us. The work is even better than what we have seen before,” he said.

    While praising the quality of construction, Al-Nazar also spoke from daily experience, calling attention to a lingering challenge.

    “We are appealing to those responsible to also help us with proper drainage. Water still flows into our communities during the rains, and if drainage is constructed, it will really help us live better lives.”

    A Road Once Known for Tragedy.
    For commercial drivers and transport workers, the rehabilitation has been nothing short of lifesaving. Ado Nuhu, Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Gumel Local Government Branch, recalled painful memories.

    “Before this road was renovated, we lost many men and women in accidents because of its bad condition,” he said. “Now the road is smooth and clear.”
    However, with smooth asphalt comes a new concern-over-speeding.

    “We are pleading with the Ministry of Works and the company to construct speed bumps from the east, west and south to control speed and prevent new accidents,” he added.

    Another resident of Gumel, Nuhu Ibrahim, echoed similar sentiments, noting that what once caused fear has now brought peace of mind.

    “We suffered a lot before, but now all that is gone. Our prayer is that the speed of work continues until it reaches Hadejia.”

    The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Jigawa State Council, Ismael Ibrahim, described the project as a landmark investment with far-reaching impact.

    “This is a very important project that will boost economic activities in Jigawa State,” he said. “It complements the efforts of the Jigawa State Government under Governor Malam Umar Namadi to improve rural accessibility and transport infrastructure.”

    He also commended the quality of work observed during the national media tour across Angaza, Kewa, Umal, Hadejia and other locations.

    “From what we have seen, the quality of work executed is commendable, and the leadership of the construction firms deserves appreciation.”

    From the technical side, Engineer Khalil Abubakar, Managing Director of Global Engineering Limited, explained that while the project faced delays due to funding and budgetary challenges, work has resumed at full speed.

    “We had almost 12 months delay due to issues with advance payment, but those problems have been resolved,” he said. “We now hope to complete by December 2026, insha’Allah.”

    On quality concerns, he emphasized strict supervision.
    “Every certificate of payment goes with quality control tests. Federal engineers are on site, and we also have experienced engineers and the required machines to deliver durable work.”

    Residents along the Babura-Kano axis also shared their relief. Harisu Abubakar, a local resident, said traveling to Kano used to be exhausting and dangerous.

    “Before, we suffered a lot just to go to Kano and return to our communities. Now, we thank the government for this wonderful renovation.”

    The Federal Controller of Works in Jigawa State, Eng. Yusuf Mahmoud, confirmed that the Kano – Kiyawa – Dutse – State Border road rehabilitation is part of the Federal Government’s emergency intervention projects.

    “This project was awarded in January 2024, commenced in March 2024, and completed in December 2024,” he said. “Before now, the road had severe cracks and potholes. Today, it has been rehabilitated to a good and lasting condition.”

    With reinforced concrete lined drains and asphalt overlays completed at a contract sum of N890.6 million, the road now stands as a symbol of what timely intervention can achieve.

    For communities along the corridor, it is more than asphalt and concrete it is safer journeys, revived commerce, and a chance at a better daily life.

    Meanwhile, the Chairman, Jigawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Ismaila Ibrahim Dutse, has formally commissioned completed emergency repair work on the Kano-Dutse-Kiyawa-Bauchi Road executed by the federal government in 2025.

     

  • Shell Global CEO Commends Tinubu’s Vision, Confirms Interest in $20 Billion

    Shell Global CEO Commends Tinubu’s Vision, Confirms Interest in $20 Billion

     

    By: Peace Udugba

    Mr Wael Sawan, the Chief Executive of Shell Plc, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership for creating a healthy climate for investments to thrive and restoring investor confidence.

    At a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Mr Sawan said Shell is deepening and expanding its investments in Nigeria, and the company is ready, alongside its partners, to invest an additional $20 billion, primarily because of the robust and bold leadership of the President.

    He emphasised that Nigeria, under the Tinubu administration, is one of the countries attracting significant investment from global oil companies.

    Highlighting Shell’s recent investments, such as $5 billion in Bonga North, $2 billion in HI, and the gas project to NLNG, Sawan stated that the corporation is committed to long-term investments in the country, underscoring the stable economic environment.

     

    “We have really been in a space where we are very keen to invest in Nigeria. But I would say this has not always been the case. Your leadership and your vision have created an investment climate over the last few years that, I will be very honest with you, propelled us to invest, in particular, also as we compare to other investments around the world,” he said.

     

    “Stability in today’s environment will honestly have a premium for corporates because we are investing not for one administration or five or 10 years, we want to invest for 20, 30, 40 years and in the case of Nigeria, for many, many decades.”

     

    Speaking on the expansion of Shell’s investments in Nigeria, Mr Sawan said the corporation has also deepened its interest in Block OML 118, the Bonga Block.

     

    “Total Energies was selling, so we bought it because we want to deepen further. But that, we think, is not enough. We think there is more to invest here, and we understand the vision that you have for the country. And so we are indeed working on a project, Bonga Southwest, that could, if we reach an FID stage, see us, with our partners, invest around $20 billion in foreign direct investment, half of which will be capital. The other half will be the operating expenses and the like that will come into the country,” he said.

     

    “This will be one of the biggest, I would say, energy projects in the world.”

     

    Speaking further, he added: “We still see opportunities like Bonga South, which is further in the funnel, to be able to continue to invest.”

     

    Mr Sawan described Shell’s new commitments as a “sea change” from where it was several years ago, when the corporation was pulling back on investments in the country.

     

    “Your Excellency, to Bonga Southwest, that huge project, I would like to thank you. I want to thank you for the leadership you have shown there to be able to provide the incremental incentives that are now getting us line of sight to an investment in this project with our partners,” the Shell Chief Executive thanked the President.

     

    He also commended the President’s team, describing them as outstanding professionals.

     

    “And that leadership, I would also say, has put many of the people that we are working with, your team, are amongst the best that we are dealing with anywhere in the world, and that professionalism allows us to be able to have the confidence, and I would say our partners as well, to have the confidence to continue to invest,” he concluded.

     

    At the meeting, Tinubu approved the gazetting of targeted, investment-linked incentives to support the proposed Bonga South West deep offshore oil project by Shell and its partners.

     

    The President also directed his Special Adviser on Energy, Mrs Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, to facilitate the gazette of the incentives in line with Nigeria’s existing legal and fiscal frameworks.

     

    “These incentives are not blanket concessions,” the President stated. “They are ring-fenced and investment-linked, focused on new capital and incremental production, strong local content delivery, and in-country value addition.

     

    “My expectation is clear: Bonga South West must reach a Final Investment Decision within the first term of this administration,” President Tinubu added.

     

     

     

     

  • President Tinubu Begins State Visit To Türkiye

     

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Monday, January 26, 2026 departs Abuja, for a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye.

    Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

    He said the visit is aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relations between the two countries and exploring further areas of cooperation in security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation.

    Recall that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid an official visit to Nigeria from October 19 to 20, 2021.

    During President Tinubu’s visit, both countries will engage in strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values in finance, communication, trade and investment,Onanuga said.

    “The agenda will include meetings between high-ranking officials of both nations and the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in scientific research, energy, technical cooperation, media and communications, military cooperation and protocol, among others.

    “A business forum will bring together investors from both countries to explore areas of interest during the visit,” the statement further stated.

    According to Onanuga, members of the President’s entourage will participate in the bilateral discussions.

    They include: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa and Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon. Jimi Benson.

    Others are Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

    President Tinubu is expected to return to the country at the conclusion of the visit.
    (vitalnewsngr.com)

  • President Tinubu Begins State Visit To Türkiye

     

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Monday, January 26, 2026 departs Abuja, for a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye.

    Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

    He said the visit is aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relations between the two countries and exploring further areas of cooperation in security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation.

    Recall that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid an official visit to Nigeria from October 19 to 20, 2021.

    During President Tinubu’s visit, both countries will engage in strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values in finance, communication, trade and investment,Onanuga said.

    “The agenda will include meetings between high-ranking officials of both nations and the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in scientific research, energy, technical cooperation, media and communications, military cooperation and protocol, among others.

    “A business forum will bring together investors from both countries to explore areas of interest during the visit,” the statement further stated.

    According to Onanuga, members of the President’s entourage will participate in the bilateral discussions.

    They include: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa and Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon. Jimi Benson.

    Others are Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

    President Tinubu is expected to return to the country at the conclusion of the visit.
    (vitalnewsngr.com)

  • 2027: Don’t drop Northern Muslim running mate – Minister to APC

    2027: Don’t drop Northern Muslim running mate – Minister to APC

     

     

    The Minister of Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against dropping the idea of a Northern Muslim candidate to President Bola Tinubu in the countdown to the 2027 general election.

    The Minister made this known on a recent episode of a podcast: “Mic On,” hosted by a journalist, Seun Okinbaloye.

    Musawa addressed growing conversations within political circles about a possible review of the Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted by the APC in the 2023 polls.

    The minister argued that removing Vice President Kashim Shettima or substituting him with a running mate who is not a Northern Muslim would create political complications for the ruling party, particularly across key northern states.

    She said: “If there is no Hausa, Fulani or Kanuri Muslim on that ticket, it creates a hurdle.

    “That is the reality of the way people think.”

    Musawa said explained that electoral politics in Northern Nigeria is shaped by long-standing social and political structures, warning that decisions taken without a clear grasp of these dynamics could backfire.

    According to her, voters in the region take elections seriously and view participation as a means of asserting influence.

    She listed states such as Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, and Sokoto as areas where political choices are closely scrutinised.

    She said: “The core North understands politics at a very deep level.

    “Politics there is a way of life.

    “People wait every four years to line up and vote because that is where they feel they have influence.”

    Musawa dismissed suggestions that the APC could easily reconfigure its ticket without electoral consequences, describing such assumptions as a misreading of northern political sentiment.

    She added: “If we start to toy with the current arrangement, it becomes a problem.

    “Those making such suggestions may not fully appreciate how politics works in the North.”

    On the prospects of opposition parties ahead of 2027, Musawa said she remains unconvinced that the emerging alliances can successfully challenge the APC.

    She described the opposition landscape as fragmented, with multiple political actors pursuing similar ambitions.

    She said: “You have an opposition that is overcrowded.

    “Everyone is vying for the same position.

    “And that alone creates a recipe for failure.”

    While noting that the APC does not underestimate its rivals, Musawa said the ruling party is confident of its chances.

    She said: “We are not taking anybody lightly.

    “But from what we are seeing now, I don’t see how they can unseat President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.”

    The minister added that although a strong opposition is healthy for democracy, the APC is focused on consolidating its support base ahead of the next general election.

  • 2027: Don’t drop Northern Muslim running mate – Minister to APC

    2027: Don’t drop Northern Muslim running mate – Minister to APC

     

     

    The Minister of Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against dropping the idea of a Northern Muslim candidate to President Bola Tinubu in the countdown to the 2027 general election.

    The Minister made this known on a recent episode of a podcast: “Mic On,” hosted by a journalist, Seun Okinbaloye.

    Musawa addressed growing conversations within political circles about a possible review of the Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted by the APC in the 2023 polls.

    The minister argued that removing Vice President Kashim Shettima or substituting him with a running mate who is not a Northern Muslim would create political complications for the ruling party, particularly across key northern states.

    She said: “If there is no Hausa, Fulani or Kanuri Muslim on that ticket, it creates a hurdle.

    “That is the reality of the way people think.”

    Musawa said explained that electoral politics in Northern Nigeria is shaped by long-standing social and political structures, warning that decisions taken without a clear grasp of these dynamics could backfire.

    According to her, voters in the region take elections seriously and view participation as a means of asserting influence.

    She listed states such as Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, and Sokoto as areas where political choices are closely scrutinised.

    She said: “The core North understands politics at a very deep level.

    “Politics there is a way of life.

    “People wait every four years to line up and vote because that is where they feel they have influence.”

    Musawa dismissed suggestions that the APC could easily reconfigure its ticket without electoral consequences, describing such assumptions as a misreading of northern political sentiment.

    She added: “If we start to toy with the current arrangement, it becomes a problem.

    “Those making such suggestions may not fully appreciate how politics works in the North.”

    On the prospects of opposition parties ahead of 2027, Musawa said she remains unconvinced that the emerging alliances can successfully challenge the APC.

    She described the opposition landscape as fragmented, with multiple political actors pursuing similar ambitions.

    She said: “You have an opposition that is overcrowded.

    “Everyone is vying for the same position.

    “And that alone creates a recipe for failure.”

    While noting that the APC does not underestimate its rivals, Musawa said the ruling party is confident of its chances.

    She said: “We are not taking anybody lightly.

    “But from what we are seeing now, I don’t see how they can unseat President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.”

    The minister added that although a strong opposition is healthy for democracy, the APC is focused on consolidating its support base ahead of the next general election.

  • An Impeachable Offence’: El-Rufai Accuses Tinubu of Illegal N100bn Monthly Deductions

    An Impeachable Offence’: El-Rufai Accuses Tinubu of Illegal N100bn Monthly Deductions

     

    ABUJA — Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has ignited a fresh constitutional crisis following allegations that President Bola Tinubu has been unlawfully withdrawing ₦100 billion every month from the Federation Account without legislative approval or constitutional backing.

    Speaking during a high-profile interview on Arise News on Sunday, January 25, 2026, El-Rufai asserted that these unauthorized deductions have persisted for over 15 months, totaling a staggering ₦1.5 trillion. The former governor, once a close ally of the President, characterized the act as a grave violation of the 1999 Constitution and a direct assault on the fiscal sovereignty of the three tiers of government.

    “Every month, President Bola Tinubu deducts ₦100 billion from the Federation Account. This is unconstitutional and, under our laws, it is an impeachable offence,” El-Rufai declared. He argued that the President lacks the unilateral authority to divert funds from the Federation Account, which belongs to the Federal, State, and Local Governments, without an Act of the National Assembly or an express constitutional provision.

    READ ALSO  Presidency Affirms Fubara as Rivers APC Leader; Warns Wike Against Destabilizing State Interests

    El-Rufai’s allegations come at a time of heightened economic tension and growing friction between the Presidency and several prominent Northern leaders. The former governor suggested that the missing funds are being utilized for “extra-budgetary purposes” that remain opaque to the public and the legislature, further worsening the nation’s transparency rating.

    The accusation has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, with legal experts noting that if proven, the unauthorized diversion of federation funds would constitute “gross misconduct,” the primary constitutional ground for impeachment. Opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly have already begun calling for a forensic audit of the Federation Account to verify the claims.

    READ ALSO  Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu Under Fire for Rubber‑Stamp Role Amid Economic Hardship

    This development marks the latest escalation in El-Rufai’s increasingly vocal opposition to the Tinubu administration. Since being denied a ministerial slot in 2023, the former governor has consistently criticized the government’s economic and security policies, recently aligning himself with an emerging “Third Force” coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    As of Sunday morning, the Presidency has not issued a formal rebuttal to the specific figures cited by El-Rufai.

    However, sources within the Ministry of Finance have previously defended various “special interventions” as necessary for national stabilization, though they have not addressed the legality of the reported monthly ₦100 billion deductions.

    Political analysts suggest that these revelations could trigger a significant legislative probe as the 2027 election cycle gathers momentum

  • An Impeachable Offence’: El-Rufai Accuses Tinubu of Illegal N100bn Monthly Deductions

    An Impeachable Offence’: El-Rufai Accuses Tinubu of Illegal N100bn Monthly Deductions

     

    ABUJA — Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has ignited a fresh constitutional crisis following allegations that President Bola Tinubu has been unlawfully withdrawing ₦100 billion every month from the Federation Account without legislative approval or constitutional backing.

    Speaking during a high-profile interview on Arise News on Sunday, January 25, 2026, El-Rufai asserted that these unauthorized deductions have persisted for over 15 months, totaling a staggering ₦1.5 trillion. The former governor, once a close ally of the President, characterized the act as a grave violation of the 1999 Constitution and a direct assault on the fiscal sovereignty of the three tiers of government.

    “Every month, President Bola Tinubu deducts ₦100 billion from the Federation Account. This is unconstitutional and, under our laws, it is an impeachable offence,” El-Rufai declared. He argued that the President lacks the unilateral authority to divert funds from the Federation Account, which belongs to the Federal, State, and Local Governments, without an Act of the National Assembly or an express constitutional provision.

    READ ALSO  Presidency Affirms Fubara as Rivers APC Leader; Warns Wike Against Destabilizing State Interests

    El-Rufai’s allegations come at a time of heightened economic tension and growing friction between the Presidency and several prominent Northern leaders. The former governor suggested that the missing funds are being utilized for “extra-budgetary purposes” that remain opaque to the public and the legislature, further worsening the nation’s transparency rating.

    The accusation has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, with legal experts noting that if proven, the unauthorized diversion of federation funds would constitute “gross misconduct,” the primary constitutional ground for impeachment. Opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly have already begun calling for a forensic audit of the Federation Account to verify the claims.

    READ ALSO  Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu Under Fire for Rubber‑Stamp Role Amid Economic Hardship

    This development marks the latest escalation in El-Rufai’s increasingly vocal opposition to the Tinubu administration. Since being denied a ministerial slot in 2023, the former governor has consistently criticized the government’s economic and security policies, recently aligning himself with an emerging “Third Force” coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    As of Sunday morning, the Presidency has not issued a formal rebuttal to the specific figures cited by El-Rufai.

    However, sources within the Ministry of Finance have previously defended various “special interventions” as necessary for national stabilization, though they have not addressed the legality of the reported monthly ₦100 billion deductions.

    Political analysts suggest that these revelations could trigger a significant legislative probe as the 2027 election cycle gathers momentum