The endorsement was announced at the Ogun East Caucus meeting, where the council leaders cited what they described as the governor’s significant infrastructural and developmental achievements across the district.

Speaking on behalf of the chairmen, Hon. Afolabi Odulate (Sagamu), Hon. Folusho Badejo (Ijebu North East), Otunba Muyiwa Sodade (Remo North), and Hon. Jamiu Ashimi (Ikenne) said their position reflected a shared confidence in Abiodun’s leadership and future political prospects.

Odulate highlighted projects such as the Ijebu-Ode Dry Port, Tongeji Oil Well and the proposed Deep Seaport in Ogun Waterside, describing them as strategic investments capable of transforming the economic fortunes of Ogun East.

Badejo praised the governor’s administration for delivering projects many residents once considered unrealistic, including the state airport and major road infrastructure. He also alluded to what he described as the emergence of a capable successor in “Yayi.”

Sodade stressed the need for continuity in governance, saying stakeholders must rally behind purposeful leadership rather than hinder progress. He added that Abiodun’s relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could enhance effective representation for the district at the national level.

Ashimi described the endorsement as a landmark moment for Ikenne Local Government, noting that it could mark the first time an indigene of the area would occupy the Ogun East Senate seat.

Also speaking, Hon. Bolaji Odusanya of Ijebu North Local Government described the governor as an Omoluabi with strong emotional intelligence, adding that his administration has promoted unity, stability and development across the senatorial district.

The chairmen said their endorsement was based on satisfaction with the governor’s performance and confidence in his capacity to represent Ogun East effectively in the Senate if elected in 2027.

A business executive and philanthropist, Remi Odunsi, has declared her intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Kosofe Federal Constituency in Lagos State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

Odunsi’s media aide, Gbemiga Jacobs, disclosed this in a statement shared with our correspondent on Monday.

Jacobs said the aspirant would focus on youth employment, small business growth, and access to basic services if elected.

The statement read, “Remi Odunsi nee Oluwalogbon has thrown her hat into the ring to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to represent the people of Kosofe Federal Constituency, Lagos.”

Odunsi, a graduate of Management and Accounting from the University of Ife, is also a certified member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, with additional executive training from Lagos Business School, Harvard, and EDHEC.

The statement described her as an entrepreneur with interests across multiple sectors, noting that she currently serves as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Eridan Group, while also holding non-executive roles in other organisations.

Beyond her corporate background, the statement highlighted her involvement in community development initiatives, including skills acquisition programmes and support schemes for small-scale traders.

According to the statement, more than 4,000 beneficiaries across Ketu, Ikeja, and Epe participated in her empowerment programmes in 2023, while a separate initiative in partnership with a financial institution in 2024 focused on training and providing grants to market women.

It added that her interventions also covered water access projects, school support, and periodic food distribution to vulnerable households in parts of Lagos and neighbouring states.

Explaining her decision to seek elective office, Odunsi said her ambition was to expand the reach of her interventions and influence policymaking at the national level.

“I have been doing this work for years without holding public office. Imagine what becomes possible when someone with a genuine passion for service and a heart for the people is elected into the National Assembly.

“If we are to transform lives at scale in Kosofe Federal Constituency, we must have a seat at the table, particularly at the National Assembly, where laws are made and policies are shaped. This is why I am in the race for the House of Representatives,” she said.

She outlined a seven-point legislative agenda, with a strong focus on economic empowerment and social development.

Odunsi said she would prioritise the establishment of two digital skills and enterprise centres aimed at training about 10,000 young people, as well as sponsor legislation to improve access to finance for women-owned businesses.

She added, “We must deliberately invest in our young people and small businesses. Skills development, access to capital, and enabling policies are critical if we are serious about reducing unemployment and growing local economies.

The media aide said the aspirant plans to support the formalisation of at least 3,000 micro, small and medium enterprises, linking them to credit facilities and digital commerce platforms so they can scale sustainably.”

The aspirant also pledged to support improved healthcare access, particularly for women and children, alongside initiatives aimed at strengthening food security for households.

On infrastructure, she said attention would be given to federal investments in major markets within the constituency to improve commercial activities.

“Kosofe has the people, the commercial energy, and the geographic position to be something remarkable. What it has needed is representation that matches its potential,” she said.

“I am a woman you can trust. Kosofe’s best chapter has not been written yet. I am asking for the opportunity to help write it.”

Nigeria’s next general elections, scheduled for February 2027, will mark another major democratic transition in Africa’s largest democracy. The polls are expected to cover the election of the President, members of the National Assembly, state governors, and state Houses of Assembly.

AKURE — A coalition of 15 support groups of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has rejected a directive by the party’s State Executive Committee mandating their registration, warning that the move could hinder grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The groups argued that excessive bureaucracy could weaken efforts to secure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The directive, issued by the state chapter of the APC through its Publicity Secretary, Muyide Kayode, called on all support groups to formally register with the party to ensure coordination and unity in pursuit of shared electoral objectives.

However, in a joint statement released in Akure, the coalition maintained that its members were already “duly registered and certified” by the APC National Secretariat in Abuja and were operating in full compliance with the party’s constitution.

Our mandate flows from the national headquarters, while our strength comes from the streets, wards, and markets of Ondo State where we mobilise daily,” the statement read.

The groups contended that a single state register could not adequately capture the reach and activities of autonomous organisations operating across riverine communities and urban centres, warning that limiting their scope could undermine campaign effectiveness.

They advocated a partnership-based approach, emphasising their readiness to align strategies with the state chapter and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

“True coordination means joint planning, shared intelligence, and logistical backing—not administrative roadblocks. Our operatives are already in the field; let us keep them there,” the coalition said.

The statement further stressed that effective synchronisation should be built on consultation rather than directives, describing the registration order as one that could breed distrust among party stakeholders.

Our allegiance is to the broom, to the President, and to Nigerians who believe in the Renewed Hope agenda,” they said.

The coalition warned that time spent on administrative processes could detract from voter engagement efforts, noting that expanding participation by support groups would enhance electoral success.

“With 2027 approaching, every hour spent on paperwork is an hour lost in winning voters,” the statement added.

Reaffirming their commitment to the party’s success, the groups urged all APC structures—from ward to state level—to intensify mobilisation efforts.

“The State Executive Committee must not use bureaucracy to create bottlenecks or overreach its authority,” they cautioned.

They concluded that unity of purpose among multiple support groups would ensure a decisive victory for President Tinubu in Ondo State.

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has welcomed former Governor and Senator, Ibrahim Shekarau, to the All Progressives Congress, describing his return as a major boost to the party in the state.

The governor said Shekarau’s return would further strengthen the ruling party’s structure and political influence in Kano ahead of future elections.

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad.

According to the statement, Yusuf said a date would soon be announced, in consultation with the party’s national secretariat, for the formal reception of the former governor into the APC.

The governor noted that the party in Kano had continued to witness increasing support and consolidation across various parts of the state.

He said the APC remained a dominant political force in Kano and was well-positioned for future electoral contests.

“The party in Kano continues to witness growing support and consolidation, positioning itself as the most dominant political force in the state,” the statement read.

Yusuf added that the party was battle-ready to win all elective positions in the forthcoming elections, citing unity and strategic alignment as factors driving confidence among members.

He further assured party members and supporters that the leadership was committed to strengthening internal cohesion and expanding its grassroots base across the state.

The governor also urged party faithful to remain steadfast and continue mobilising support as preparations begin for future political contests.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that Shekarau formally announced his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party on Sunday

In a resignation letter dated April 19, 2026, and addressed to the PDP Chairman of Giginyu Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, the former governor said his exit from the party took immediate effect.

“Accept this letter please as notice of my resignation from my position as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with effect from today,” he wrote.

Shekarau said the decision followed extensive consultations within his political group, adding that it was part of plans to continue his political journey on another platform.

This decision follows wide and extensive deliberations within my political group, to pursue our political career in a different political party,” he stated.

He also expressed appreciation to party leaders at the ward level, praying for continued guidance in their service.

“I thank you for being a good leader, and pray that Allah will continue to guide you in your stewardship,” he added.

His return to the APC is expected to reshape political calculations in Kano ahead of the next election cycle.

The Vice Chairman of the Justice Forum and Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress in Igbogbo Bayeku Local Government Development Area of Lagos State, Mrs Ibiyemi Sanni, has denied reports that she is opposing the fourth-term ambition of the lawmaker representing the area, Babajimi Benson.

Sanni stated this in a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday.

She stated, “I fully support Hon. Babajimi Benson for another term. Attempts to use my name to fuel tension within our constituency and the Justice Forum are mischievous and condemnable.

“Democracy guarantees the right to aspire and the right of constituents to choose. Reducing that choice through false attributions and manufactured discontent does a disservice to our people.”

Sanni called on party members and stakeholders in Igbogbo/Baiyeku to disregard the claims and continue supporting Benson, whom she credited with visible impact since 2015, including road construction, a Smart Police Station, and an 80-bed Mother and Child Hospital in Imota.

“I also urge the public, party members, and stakeholders in Igbogbo/Baiyeku to disregard the false claims and continue supporting Hon. Babajimi Benson for sustained progress.

“I remain committed to the unity of the Justice Forum, the APC, and the continued development of Ikorodu Federal Constituency,” she said.

Benson, who currently chairs the House Committee on Defence, is serving his third consecutive term in the House of Representatives, having first been elected in 2015 and subsequently re-elected in 2019 and 2023.

The National Vice Chairman (South West) of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, has faulted the transfer of the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mutiu Agboke, describing it as unconstitutional.

He also urged President Bola Tinubu to reverse the decision and reinstate him.

Arabambi, who stated this while addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, expressed concern over what he described as a pattern of administrative actions within the Independent National Electoral Commission which threaten Nigeria’s democracy.

Ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026, INEC, on April 8, transferred Agboke to Ondo State.

Defending the decision, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, stated that the redeployment was a routine administrative measure and should not be interpreted as interference in the forthcoming Osun governorship poll.

Arabambi, however, insisted that the appointment, tenure, and removal of RECs were not matters to be decided at the discretion or convenience of the INEC chairman.

Arabambi referenced the Third Schedule, Part 1, Item F, Paragraph 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as well as Section 154(1), which provides that Resident Electoral Commissioners are appointed by the President and require Senate confirmation.

He argued that the situation involving Agboke represented a clear breach of the constitutional framework, insisting that the INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan (SAN), has no constitutional authority to remove a REC.

The Labour Party chieftain further alleged that by acting on a petition reportedly submitted by the Osun State APC Chairman, Amupitan exceeded his constitutional limits.

According to him, this amounted to allowing a partisan political figure to influence the composition of electoral officials in a politically sensitive state ahead of an upcoming election.

He stated, “Where is the committee of investigation? Where are the terms of reference? Where is the evidence that Agboke was given a fair hearing, an opportunity to defend himself against these allegations?

“Your Excellency, these are not mere technicalities. These are the pillars of natural justice and constitutional governance.

To remove a man from his post based on a partisan petition without due process is to impugn his integrity, damage his reputation, and destroy the career of a public servant without a shred of proof.”

Arabambi challenged the INEC chairman to produce evidence showing that Agboke was given a fair hearing before his removal

He insisted that the decision was taken without presidential approval and Senate confirmation, arguing that it exceeded the chairman’s constitutional authority.

The LP chieftain warned that the action set a dangerous precedent where any political party chairman could trigger the removal of a REC through a petition.

He continued, “If one consequential politician in Osun State can trigger the removal of a REC, then what stops similar actors in Edo, Ondo, or Kogi from doing the same?

“The APC state chairman in Osun is not above any other citizen. His petition was not investigated. No evidence was provided. No right of reply was granted. And yet, Prof Amupitan took the law into his own hands.

“He has impugned the integrity of a fellow man without due process. He has acted as though he is the accuser, the judge, the jury, and the executioner. This must stop.”

Against the backdrop, Arabambi urged the President to rein in Amupitan, insisting that he must not allow the APC to be perceived as interfering with or manipulating electoral officials to influence election outcomes.

He warned that such a perception could be politically damaging, particularly in the South-West.

Arabambi asked the President to direct Prof Amupitan (SAN) to immediately return Agboke to Osun State as the duly appointed REC, as his removal was unlawful, unconstitutional, and without due process.

“Second, remove Toyin Babalola from any role in Osun State or any other state. I call on you, Mr President, to issue a binding directive that no REC shall be transferred or removed within 90 days of any election except through the full constitutional process outlined in Section 157(1)—that is, by the President with a two-thirds majority of the Senate, based on proven misconduct or inability to discharge functions.

“The people of Osun State should be left alone to vote for whoever they want as their governor, free from the meddling of compromised officials. That is the only path to a credible election and a peaceful 2027,” Arabambi said.

Judging by the performance of Prince Dapo Abiodun as Governor of Ogun State in recent years, many observers believe his administration has remained faithful to its campaign promises while raising the standard of governance in the state. From agriculture and housing development to extensive road construction aimed at boosting economic growth, as well as landmark projects such as the Gateway International Airport in Ilisan-Remo, the administration has projected a governance agenda anchored on infrastructure, progress, and service delivery.

* From DACA To Omoluabi, Now YAYI Progressives Movement (YPM): A Vanguard of Progressive, political grassroots, Artisans convergence for emancipation .

The emergence of the YAYI Progressives Movement (YPM) represents the latest phase in a political evolution that began with DACA, later transformed into the Omoluabi Movement, and has now rebranded into a broader grassroots platform within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State. Political analysts note that the consistent support structure built through these successive platforms has played a significant role in sustaining progressive political engagement and mobilising grassroots participation across the state.

YAYI Progressives Movement, a united grassroots initiative comprising artisans and politically conscious stakeholders committed to the progress and development of Ogun State.

Widely regarded as a strategic youth-driven platform, the YAYI Progressives Movement promotes participatory democracy while advancing progressive ideals rooted in inclusivity and civic responsibility. Beyond being a political association, YPM presents itself as an ideological movement focused on nurturing a new generation of democratic leaders capable of steering Ogun State and Nigeria toward a more accountable and prosperous future.

“We will achieve this by providing infrastructure, information, and tools that energise an informed citizenry, our goal is to promote transparency, good governance, and inclusivity across all 20 local government areas and beyond. We encourage youth participation regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, or background.” - said Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde, Convener of the movement. 

* Grassroots Politics: The Pulse Of Democracy

At its core, the movement emphasises grassroots engagement built on freedom, creativity, and collective purpose. Grassroots politics, advocates say, extends beyond the pursuit of political office; it requires genuine interaction with citizens and sustained community involvement. It involves participating in local council meetings, engaging political leaders constructively, mobilising support for shared causes, and fostering civic participation. Successful grassroots movements thrive not on titles but on visibility, sincerity, and strong community connections.

* Ideological Conviction And Political Development

According to the YAYI Progressives Movement, political development must be grounded in ideological conviction and reform-oriented leadership. This approach encompasses governance across economic growth, industrial development, education, and civic participation. Meaningful development, the movement argues, depends on both personal and constitutional standards. The personal dimension reflects the values and ethical principles upheld by leaders, while the constitutional dimension relates to the legal frameworks guiding governance and public service. Alignment between both, proponents say, is essential for credible leadership.

* The Reformist at the Helm

For Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde, politics represents a vehicle for renewal and transformation. His leadership vision emphasises the effective utilisation of human capital and natural resources as drivers of sustainable development. Through the YAYI Progressives Movement, Akintunde aims to build a political structure that empowers citizens, promotes integrity, and redefines leadership culture. His philosophy centres on creating reforms that endure as a lasting legacy beyond political tenure.

* A Movement Rooted In Purpose

The YAYI Progressives Movement presents itself as more than a political alignment; it describes its mission as a call for responsible leadership and active civic participation. Advocates portray it as a model of purpose-driven, inclusive, and transformative politics. As Ogun State continues its developmental trajectory, supporters argue that platforms such as YPM will remain influential in shaping political engagement around service, shared values, and collective progress.

* A Rising Grassroots Force For Transformational Leadership In Ogun

Observers note that the movement has evolved into one of the most visible grassroots-driven political platforms in Ogun State. Anchored on leadership development, community engagement, and progressive governance, it continues to expand its support base while promoting people-oriented leadership. With operational structures across the state’s 20 local government areas, YPM has developed an organised mobilisation framework designed to strengthen citizen participation and political coordination.

Under the leadership of Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde, the transition from the Omoluabi Movement to the YAYI Progressives Movement reflects what supporters describe as resilience, strategic coordination, and a people-centred vision aimed at democratic growth and sustainable development. The movement maintains that its objectives extend beyond electoral politics, focusing on grooming a new generation of leaders committed to transparency, accountability, and long-term prosperity for Ogun State and Nigeria.

* Expansion And Mobilisation Efforts

As part of its expansion strategy, the movement recently unveiled branded buses alongside empowerment initiatives targeted at its members. In a statement recently signed by the Convener, Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde, the group announced the deployment of 27 buses to enhance statewide mobilisation and grassroots engagement. 

The initiative, according to the Convener, forms part of broader plans to empower more than 40,000 registered members. The mobilisation drive, he explained, aims to expand outreach and encourage active political participation across Ogun State’s three senatorial districts. The statement further noted that the name YAYI Progressives Movement reflects the organisation’s guiding philosophy centred on responsibility, integrity, and progressive leadership, adding that its activities are geared toward mobilising support for APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Source: The Issues Magazine 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the 2027 presidential election will be his last outing.

Atiku, who has been contesting for presidency since 1992 disclosed this during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Wednesday.

The 2027 election will be my last outing”, he said.

Asked why should Nigerians vote for after so many attempts, considering his age, the ex-Vice President said Nigeria is has leadership problem, adding that he represents the past and the future of Nigeria. 

Atiku also recommended leadership training for young Nigerians, adding that the country needs it.

More to come…

The Publisher of Ovation Magazine and opposition party chieftain, Dele Momodu, has expressed support for a potential joint presidential ticket between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general election

Momodu made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, where he assessed the evolving political landscape and growing opposition alignment.

I’d pair him (Atiku) with Peter Obi because they worked together in 2019, so they already share a similar temperament. Peter Obi came third in the last election, so you don’t have to work too hard to maintain and attract the same group of people who love him,” he said.

The former presidential aspirant also used the opportunity to criticise the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that the party is under pressure despite efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consolidate support among governors, ministers, and lawmakers

“They (APC) cannot believe that we will have maybe four or five major opposition leaders in the country, and some people will go and put fire in their houses so that none of them will be strong enough to stand against the leader,” he said.

“It is reality; let’s not hide behind one finger. I keep saying it, Tinubu, today, despite gathering all the governors, ministers, legislators, and what have you, you can see the obvious panic in the party,” Momodu added.

He further accused the ruling party of suppressing dissent within its ranks, suggesting that members are reluctant to speak out.

“Wherever dictatorship thrives, everybody keeps quiet. The majority of my friends are in APC; I pity them. Sometimes they just look like slaves; they grumble behind the master, but they dare not speak up. I pray for them; I wish them well because that is what they have chosen for themselves. I am telling you that Nigeria must be rescued,” he said.

Momodu also alleged interference in political processes, claiming the APC was attempting to frustrate opposition activities.

It’s insane,” he said, accusing the APC of “blocking venues (for conventions), blocking courts.”

Despite these concerns, he maintained that such developments were inadvertently strengthening the ADC’s visibility and appeal among Nigerians.

He also dismissed fears of internal divisions within the opposition party, insisting that the ADC remains united even as it brings together prominent political figures ahead of the 2027 elections.

The 36 elected state chairmen of the Labour Party on Tuesday rejected calls for the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, even as they cautioned the electoral umpire against recognising or conducting fresh congresses for the party.

Secretary of the Forum of Elected State Chairmen and National Executive Committee, Abdurrahim Chindo, announced the position at a press conference in Abuja, amid growing political tension over allegations surrounding the INEC chairman.

The African Democratic Congress had, over the weekend, called for Amupitan’s resignation, citing an alleged pro-President Bola Tinubu tweet from 2023.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party argued that attempts to erase the digital trail amounted to a dangerous cover-up capable of undermining the credibility and neutrality of Nigeria’s electoral system.

The controversy has drawn reactions across the political spectrum, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro defending Amupitan and warning that calls for his resignation could heighten political tension.

Aligning with that position, the LP state chairmen distanced themselves from the demand, insisting that due process must be followed in addressing concerns about public office holders.

“Nigeria is the only country we have, and INEC as an electoral umpire is independent. Therefore, if a group or some aggrieved persons are calling for the resignation of Amupitan or any similar government appointee, they should follow certain procedures instead of rushing to social media with such emotion or sentiments.

We, as a political party, commend INEC, and we are optimistic that the commission will continue to remain independent as it is. But count us out of those calling for his resignation. We are not a part of it.

“However, that is not to say that if he does things contrary to undemocratic values, we will not hesitate to speak out and criticise them. But for now, we are comfortable with Amupitan’s performance and urge him to also create a level playing field for a free, fair, and credible election in 2023,” Chindo stated

Beyond the resignation debate, the LP chairmen raised fresh concerns over what they described as moves by a rival faction led by Nenadi Usman to conduct new congresses at the ward, local government, and state levels.

They warned INEC against yielding to any pressure to monitor or legitimise such exercises, describing the move as a threat to due process and party stability.

“We are compelled to address this press conference in light of credible information suggesting that INEC may be under pressure, or is being influenced, to monitor or recognise a fresh round of so-called ‘state congresses’ by a faction of the party that has no legal or constitutional foundation.

“Let it be clear: This is not politics. This is an attempted institutional sabotage. We are not self-appointed actors. We are products of a completed statutory and democratic process duly conducted in compliance with the Electoral Act, monitored by INEC and recognised by law,” Chindo explained.

According to him, officials of the commission were equally present at the venues of all the congresses that brought in their members.

‘But we are now hearing that another faction has written to the same INEC that they want to conduct fresh congresses. This is unacceptable!
That is why we are gathered here to caution the commission not to be pressured into involving itself in anything that could jeopardise the integrity of the commission.

“I am saying this because we have it on record and we still have the Certified True Copy of the NEC meeting that adopted the congresses and they were properly monitored by INEC officials.

‘Consequently, no authority other than a court of competent jurisdiction can nullify Congress’s duly monitored by INEC. Until and unless such a court so determines, those Congresses—and all the structures emanating and deriving their legitimacy therefrom—remain valid, lawful, subsisting, and fully binding,” he warned.

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State have endorsed the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, to contest the governorship election in 2027.

The endorsement was met with swift condemnation from the camp of Mascot Kalu, another prominent aspirant within the party.

The endorsement was made on Sunday at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Umuahia, with participants drawn from the three senatorial zones and the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.

Some party leaders at the meeting urged Kalu to declare his intention to run, saying the party needed a candidate capable of winning the election.

The South East representative at the Federal Capital Civil Service, Martins Azubuike, said, “The meeting is geared towards consolidating the gains of the last party congress. We are here to take voices from Abians through the delegation of 17 LGAs as representatives of the wards, leveraging the RHP and by extension the party in the party.”

Responding, Kalu thanked the stakeholders for the endorsement but said he would make his decision known in the coming weeks.

“My response is going to be made available in a few weeks. I want to thank you for finding me worthy of this position. So in the coming weeks, prepare yourself. I am aware that when that response comes, you will be happy,” he said.

He added that the party was preparing to win the 2027 election in the state.

Kalu also said the party would play effective opposition politics in the state ahead of the poll.

Meanwhile, a governorship aspirant in the party, Mascot Uzor Kalu, has opposed the endorsement, warning against any attempt to impose a candidate on the party.

In a statement on Sunday, he alleged that the stakeholders’ meeting was a plan to endorse a preferred aspirant without the involvement of other contenders.

He said any such move would be resisted.

“Let it be stated clearly and without ambiguity: any premeditated consensus arrangement orchestrated by the APC State Working Committee and stakeholders, without the participation of all aspirants contesting for the same position, is illegitimate, unacceptable, and null and void ab initio.

“Such an imposition will be met with stiff and unequivocal resistance,” he said.

The African Democratic Congress has released updated lists of its convention committee and subcommittees ahead of its forthcoming national convention.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the update was aimed at strengthening coordination and ensuring a smooth and credible convention.

The party stated that the release of the updated lists is part of preparations for the national convention.

The ADC urged all committee members to discharge their responsibilities with diligence and called on stakeholders to support the process.

The updated list shared by Abdullahi was signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, which read, “The ADC has approved the nomination of the following persons to serve on the convention planning committee for the national convention to be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.”

Notably, the National Convention Central Coordination Committee has as chairman Senator Liyel Imoke, and is deputised by Senator Aminu Tambuwal.

The latest development comes amid ongoing internal leadership tensions and a standoff with the Independent National Electoral Commission.

INEC has derecognised the Senator David Mark-led ADC national leadership pending the resolution of court cases, whose hearing dates coincide with Tuesday’s convention.

Despite these hurdles, the party has consistently affirmed its resolve to proceed with congresses and the national convention as part of efforts to renew its structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has debunked reports of a crisis within its fold, describing allegations of mass resignations and non-payment of delegates’ stipends as a “false narrative” orchestrated by mischief-makers.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the State Publicity Secretary, Uche Obute, the party maintained that there was no agitation regarding the welfare of delegates who attended the recent national convention.

Obute described the claims as “concocted stories” designed to distract the party from its goal of securing the highest number of votes in the 2027 general elections.

Addressing the alleged exit of members over claims of marginalisation, the APC stated that the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah had rather strengthened the party’s presence in the state.

The party claimed that Enugu has been transformed into an APC stronghold, with all members of the National and State Assemblies, as well as the 17 Local Government Area chairmen and councillors, now fully aligned with the party

The Governor is widely known for his inclusive leadership style, carrying along both members of the old APC bloc and new entrants into the party,” the statement partly read.

The party further clarified that members of the “old bloc” still occupy critical positions, citing the Zonal Woman Leader (South-East), Oby Ajih, and the Deputy National Chairman (South), Ben Nwoye, as examples of its inclusive structure.

The statement added, “Both the old and new blocs are fully accommodated at all levels of party leadership, from the wards to the local government areas and the state structure.”

Reiterating its unity under the state chairman, Martin Chukwunweike, the party urged the public and its members to disregard the reports.

The APC expressed confidence that no amount of “sponsored misinformation” would derail its progress or its commitment to consolidating its dominance in the state ahead of future polls.

​
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State has firmly re-established its leadership structure, returning Otunba Dr. Femi Soluade as State Chairman during a hitch-free State Executive Congress held at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta.

​The exercise, which party insiders described as a masterclass in constitutional compliance, was supervised by a national delegation led by Chief Moshood Salvador. 

The congress effectively serves as a definitive rebuttal to a rival faction that reportedly held a parallel gathering at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) the same day.

​Due Process and Legitimacy

​The congress was characterized by a massive turnout of accredited delegates from across the state's 20 Local Government Areas. Officials emphasized that the process followed strict electoral frameworks, including the rigorous screening of all aspirants to ensure internal democracy.

​While Otunba Soluade was returned unopposed to lead the party, other key positions were filled, including Prince Babatunde Adedeji as Deputy State Chairman and Hon. Agbebiyi Olusoji as State Secretary. The new executive committee was immediately sworn in by the State Legal Adviser, Barrister Femi Aina.

​Cracking Down on Factions

​The party leadership took a hardline stance against the parallel meeting at OOPL, dismissing it as a "legal nullity."

​"That gathering was unconstitutional, lacked procedural legitimacy, and failed to meet the basic requirements of our party’s guidelines," a party spokesperson stated. 

"Any outcome from such an assembly is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever. There is only one ADC structure in Ogun State."

 Despite the firm dismissal of the rival group, the party leadership extended a cautious olive branch, urging aggrieved members to "sheathe their swords" and return to the fold to build a united front against opposing political parties.

​"We Are Here to Work" – Soluade

​In a stirring acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Chairman, Dr. Femi Soluade, signaled a shift from party politics to active mobilization.

He described his mandate as a "sacred trust" and a call to reposition the ADC as the primary alternative for the people of Ogun State.

​"We are not here for ceremonies or titles. We are here to roll up our sleeves and do the difficult work of rebuilding and re-energizing the ADC," Soluade told the cheering crowd.

 Outlining his vision, Soluade pledged to foster internal democracy and craft policies focused on food security, economic empowerment, and infrastructure. 

"The ADC will progress from a party of potential to a party of power and influence. We will build bridges across regions and generations to empower our youth and women," he added.

​As the political atmosphere in Ogun State begins to heat up, the successful conduct of this congress places the ADC on a stronger footing, signaling its readiness to challenge the status quo in the Gateway State.

The African Democratic Congress has called for the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, over an alleged pro-President Bola Tinubu tweet in 2023.

ADC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Saturday, alleged that attempts to erase the digital trail amounted to a dangerous cover-up that undermined the credibility and neutrality of Nigeria’s electoral system.

Over the past two days, the INEC chairman had faced intense criticism over alleged pro-Tinubu tweets from 2023 linked to his handle.

Recall that the ADC had earlier this month raised the alarm over what it described as a calculated plot to impose a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress of using INEC to weaken opposition parties.

On Friday, Amupitan denied owning the account or the posts, stating that he was not affiliated with any political party and had never worked for one.

Not persuaded by his response, the ADC maintained that the tweets were not only troubling but also represented a serious threat to the integrity of the electoral system.

Abdullahi stated, “In a democracy, the umpire must be above suspicion. He must not only be independent; he must be seen, beyond any reasonable doubt, to be independent. That is the minimum standard required of anyone entrusted with the sacred duty of conducting free and fair elections.

“However, more troubling is the desperate attempt to tamper with digital records to erase evidence of his previous partisanship. This is not a trivial matter. It is a calculated assault on truth and accountability.

“A man who manipulates records to save himself cannot be trusted to safeguard the mandate of millions. Over the past few days, it has been repeatedly revealed that Prof. Amupitan, by his conduct, his utterances, and now by incontrovertible digital evidence, has fallen far below the standard expected of an electoral umpire.

The referee cannot be running around in the shirt of one of the teams he is supposed to officiate in a match.

“This is why Professor Amupitan must resign now anything less is an insult to the Nigerian people and a dangerous precedent for our democracy.

“Relying on this evidence, ADC will be updating our petitions to all relevant institutions, including foreign governments and the Nigerian Bar Association,” he said

The African Democratic Congress on Saturday held congresses in Ogun and Abia states to elect new executives ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid internal wrangling in Ogun.

In Ogun State, the party conducted parallel congresses following a leadership crisis, with two factions laying claim to legitimacy despite both aligning with the national leadership led by former Senate President, David Mark.

One faction, led by the party’s Deputy National Financial Secretary, Dimeji Fabiyi, held its congress at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta under the supervision of a national committee headed by Olatunji Shoyinka. The exercise produced Emmanuel Famojuro as state chairman.

Presenting a harmonised list of executives, Shoyinka said the process followed party guidelines and reflected the agreement of stakeholders.

By the power conferred on me… the new state chairman will be Mr Emmanuel Famojuro,” he declared, adding that those absent from the congress had chosen to stay away.

Famojuro, in his acceptance speech, called for unity and pledged to reposition the party through grassroots mobilisation, stressing that “youths and women are the backbone of our party.”

Fabiyi, however, criticised the immediate past leadership under Femi Soluade, accusing it of stunting the party’s growth and discouraging aspirants. He alleged that the party had been turned into a “transactional platform” but expressed optimism that the new leadership would chart a better course.

But Soluade dismissed the allegations, insisting his faction remained the authentic leadership after conducting a separate congress at the party secretariat in Itoko, Abeokuta, supervised by a national official, Rasheed Salvador.

“We have been returned unopposed… we remain the authentic ADC executives in the state and are poised to deliver victory in 2027,” he said, describing claims against his leadership as “baseless and lies from the pit of hell.”

Meanwhile, in Abia State, the party held a unified congress in Umuahia, where Kalu-Kalu Agu emerged as state chairman alongside other executives through a voice vote.

In his remarks, Agu pledged to unite members and reposition the party for electoral success, saying reconciliation would be prioritised. “A house divided against itself cannot stand… we will bring every aggrieved member back to our fold,” he said.

Chairman of the Congress Committee, Fredrick Onwe, said the exercise complied with party guidelines and expressed confidence in the party’s stability in the state, despite recent developments at the national level.

Also speaking, the state publicity secretary, Francess Ogbonnaya, said the ADC was preparing to present credible candidates for governorship and other elective positions in Abia.

The congresses come amid growing political realignments within the party as it prepares for the 2027 elections.

ABUJA: The camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, slammed President Bola Tinubu, for exhibiting what it called a “disturbing pattern of absentee leadership,” following a series of brief public appearances and missed engagements in Lagos and Plateau states.

Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to the former vice president, Phrank Shaibu in a statement, described the president’s recent conduct as “troubling and unacceptable,” specifically noting a perceived lack of empathy following recent security

breaches.

A primary point of contention in the statement was the president’s recent trip to Plateau State, which came on the heels of a devastating terrorist attack.

Shaibu described the visit as “shockingly brief and perfunctory,” noting that the president “spent barely 10 minutes at the Jos Airport before departing, an act widely perceived as dismissive of the gravity of the tragedy.”

The statement argued that the justification for the short visit, that the president needed to reach Lagos for official engagements, has been “rendered hollow” by subsequent events.

According to the Atiku camp, the president’s two-day working visit to Lagos State has been defined more by his absence than his participation.

Shaibu claimed that since arriving, the president has remained “largely confined to his private residence, with little to no visible engagement in the very activities meant to validate the so-called working visit.”

The statement pointed to the commissioning of the Opebi–Mende–Ojota Link Bridge and the inauguration of a Multi-Agency Complex as events the president missed.

Shaibu noted that Tinubu “failed to personally attend, instead delegating these significant national duties to the Senate President, a close political ally.”

The statement linked the Tinubu’s perceived detachment to broader concerns, including “recent precautionary actions taken by the United States Government regarding its personnel in Nigeria.

At a time when Nigeria is grappling with worsening insecurity, rising terrorist attacks, and growing international concern, such indifference at the highest level of leadership is both alarming and indefensible,” Shaibu stated.

He described the administration as “a presidency that appears detached, disengaged, and disturbingly casual about the weighty obligations of governance.

We, therefore, call on President Tinubu to urgently recalibrate his approach to governance, re-engage fully with the demands of his office, and demonstrate the seriousness of purpose required to confront the daunting challenges facing our nation. Anything less would amount to a grave disservice to the Nigerian people,” Shaibu said.

The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress intensified on Thursday as a faction led by Nafiu Gombe, stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja, demanding formal recognition.

Gombe, accompanied by a Kogi State lawmaker, Leke Abejide, and hundreds of supporters, accused the David Mark-led leadership of attempting to hijack the party’s leadership in defiance of its constitution and internal processes.

Addressing officials of the electoral body during the protest, Gombe insisted that due process must be followed in resolving the leadership dispute.

He said, “We are here to urge INEC to follow due process. You cannot come to the ADC through the window and expect to overturn the owners of the ADC

As democrats, we don’t want any moneybags to come and destroy democracy. The ADC is for all Nigerians from wards, states to national levels.”

Also speaking, Abejide called on the commission to resist what he described as an attempted takeover of the party, stressing that the ADC constitution clearly outlines eligibility requirements for leadership positions.

“We are here to urge INEC to do the right thing and rescue democracy from the hands of usurpers. How do you come to a party and attempt to hijack the leadership on the same day? Which political platform is that done?

The party constitution is clear about this. You have to spend at least two years in the ADC as an active member before you can aspire for any position. It is clear that the commission has not erred. These people are hijackers and INEC must follow through on reverting to status quo ante bellum by recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as the national chairman of the party,” he said.

In the same vein, the ADC Director of Youths and Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, commended INEC for complying with a court order but urged the commission to go further by affirming Gombe’s leadership.

INEC has not erred in any way. In fact, we commend the commission for obeying the court order. But they need to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as the authentic national chairman of the ADC.

“INEC needs to do the right thing and do it now. That is why we are here,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the commission, INEC National Commissioner, Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, assured the protesters that their concerns would be reviewed.

“I am here on behalf of the chairman and I believe INEC as a commission will look at your letter and give you feedback. Thank you for being orderly with your protest,” he said.

The protest comes barely 24 hours after a rival faction of the party, led by former Senate President David Mark, staged a large demonstration in Abuja under the banner of #OccupyINEC, accusing the electoral body of actions they claimed undermined democracy and the party’s internal leadership structure.

The demonstration, held at the Maitama Roundabout, drew several prominent political figures, including former presidential candidates and ex-governors, as well as hundreds of supporters, particularly members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

Participants at the protest were seen singing Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”, despite its replacement on May 29, 2024, with the country’s 1960 independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” following a directive by President Bola Tinubu.

The back-to-back protests underscore the deepening rift within the ADC, raising concerns over the party’s stability ahead of future electoral contests.

The political atmosphere in Odogbolu State Constituency is gradually gaining momentum ahead of the 2027 Ogun State House of Assembly election, as leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) step up consultations aimed at strengthening party cohesion and preparing for the forthcoming primaries.

Party elders and stakeholders have commenced a series of strategic engagements across the constituency to promote unity and identify a candidate capable of delivering effective and inclusive representation for the people of Odogbolu.

The consultations drew renewed attention following a courtesy visit by Hon. Dennis Akinwale Ogunnaike to APC leaders and elders in Odogbolu, where he formally declared his intention to contest the Assembly seat and sought the guidance and support of party stakeholders.

Political discussions across communities including Odogbolu, Aiyepe, Omu, Ibido-Ogbo, Ibefun, Mobalufon, Okun, Ijagun, Erinlu, Imodi and Imosan have increasingly centered on leadership quality, accessibility and equitable representation as preparations for the election cycle gather pace.

The meeting brought together prominent figures within the APC structure in Odogbolu. Among those present were Baba Kalejaiye of Aiyepe, a leading APC figure and member of the Governor’s Advisory Council; Alhaji Idris Lawal, Secretary of the Odogbolu Leaders and Elders Forum and Zonal Leader of Leguru 1; Chief Ganiu Odunlami, former APC Chairman and Zonal Leader of Alekun Zone; and Alhaji S.A. Saliu, Zonal Leader of Ifesowapo. Hon. Chief. Mrs. Christiana Adeniran, Ward 12 Leader.

Others in attendance included Alhaji Adeyemi, Zonal Leader of Leguru 3; Alhaja Halimot Brown, a former two-term councillor; Chief Mrs. Oyinkansola Cole, Leader of Ward 5 and member of the Ogun State Judicial Service Commission; and Hon. Bola Odumosu, Ward 2 Leader.

Also present were the Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Hon. Dr. Babatunde Diya; Otunba Adewale Osinubi; and Hon. Adebowale Ojuri, a former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly representing Odogbolu, alongside other party stakeholders.

Ogunnaike’s delegation was led by his father, Engr. O.T. Ogunnaike, former Southwest Controller of NITEL and former Odogbolu Local Government Chairman. Other members of the delegation includes: Hon. Remi Mustapha, Councilor representing Ward 2 (Erinlu, Idotun, Ikangba Housing, Imodi, Agoro); Hon. Bola Odumosu, Ward 2 Leader; Mrs. Adeogun, Fmr Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Ayoola Kukoyi; Baba Adesanya Agbomola; Alhaji Kazeem, Ward 1 Leader; Alhaja Okeowo Foyeke, Ward Chairman, Ward 1; Comrade Idowu Adekoya, Ward 2 Chairman; Hon. Bosun Bakare, APC Party Secretary, Ward 2; Hon. Ekitunde Olukoya, Councilor, Ward 11; Hon. Jide Balogun, Special Adviser on Education, Community, and Chieftaincy Affairs; Hon. Efuwape, Supervisor for Agriculture; Hon. Femi Adesanya Bobadara, Supervisor for Health; Egunjobi Ismail, Ward 2 Youth Leader; Hon. Bolaji Odunuga, APC Party Scribe; Hon. Yomi Oduneye; Hon. Sunday Babs, Local Government Exco Member; Chief Mrs. Folake Olowolayemo, Iyaloja Imodi; and Mrs. Ojosipe, Women Leader, Imodi Ward.

Addressing the gathering, Dennis Ogunnaike outlined his academic, professional and political background while highlighting development initiatives he said he facilitated within the constituency. 

According to him, these efforts include employment opportunities for over 100 residents, distribution of learning materials and renovation of schools in the Ifesowapo Zone, installation of a solar-powered borehole in Erinlu, modernization of a primary health centre in Ifesowapo, and rehabilitation of roads connecting several communities.

He explained that his aspiration is driven by the need to ensure equitable distribution of development projects across the constituency’s 15 wards, expand youth and women empowerment programmes, and promote agricultural growth through agro-processing opportunities linked to the Industrial Platform Remo and the Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport.

Ogunnaike also pledged alignment with the development agenda of Governor Dapo Abiodun, emphasizing inclusive governance and sustainable development initiatives capable of improving livelihoods across Odogbolu.

In their remarks, party leaders commended Ogunnaike for consulting widely and respecting party structures, stressing the importance of unity and adherence to internal democratic processes. Alhaji S.A. Saliu described him as a grassroots politician committed to party ideals, while Baba Kalejaiye acknowledged his contributions to party activities, including support toward the renovation of the Odogbolu APC Secretariat. He, however, noted that candidate selection would follow established party procedures guided by fairness and equity.

Stakeholders who spoke after the meeting, including community member Mrs. Kudirat Adebayo and youth leader Sola Adeyemi, called for stronger unity within the local government and expressed optimism about inclusive participation in the political process.

Meanwhile, artisan associations, transport unions and Community Development Associations have continued internal consultations, with many advocating consensus-building as a strategy to strengthen the party’s chances in the forthcoming elections.

Although no formal endorsement has been announced, political observers note that ongoing consultations signal early alignment efforts within the constituency as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually take shape.

Observers say Hon. Dennis Ogunnaike’s political engagement reflects a broader mission centered on grassroots development, participatory governance and economic empowerment. His ambition, according to close associates, is to build a legislative representation that bridges government policies with community needs through accessibility, youth inclusion and sustainable infrastructure development. 

By prioritizing education, healthcare improvement, agricultural expansion and job creation, Ogunnaike is positioning his campaign around long-term socio-economic growth and a more responsive legislative presence for the people of Odogbolu State Constituency.

The endorsement was made at a well-attended event held at Ontech Event Centre, Abiola Way, Abeokuta, where stakeholders, political leaders, and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) converged to declare support for the duo.

In his welcome address, Mr. Olumide Abiodun described YGA as a coalition of young professionals drawn from diverse sectors, including education, technology, engineering, and commerce, with membership spanning all the 20 local government areas of Ogun State. He noted that the group had played a significant role in political mobilization, particularly during the recent Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

Abiodun stated that the endorsement was driven by the group’s commitment to sustaining what he described as the “foundation for a greater Nigeria” laid by President Tinubu, as well as consolidating on the achievements of Governor Dapo Abiodun in Ogun State.

Chairman of the occasion and Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, commended the initiative, describing both Tinubu and Adeola as “tested and trusted leaders” whose contributions to national development remain evident.

Hamzat urged members of the group not to relent in their mobilization efforts ahead of future elections, adding that the group had continued to demonstrate commitment through empowerment programmes targeted at vulnerable populations across the state.

Delivering his address, the State Coordinator of YGA, Prince Adedapo David Oluwadamilare, said the endorsement marked a defining moment in the political evolution of Ogun State. He described the alliance as a structured grassroots movement with operational presence at the state, local government, and ward levels.

According to him, Senator Adeola possesses the competence, experience, and capacity required to lead Ogun State, citing his legislative track record, fiscal expertise, and commitment to infrastructural development and youth empowerment.

“Ogun State requires a visionary leader who understands governance, public finance, and policy implementation, who will further raise the bar laid down by the dexterous incumbent Governor, Prince Dr Dapo Abiodun CON. In Senator Adeola, we see competence, courage, and capacity,” he said.

Oluwadamilare further lauded President Tinubu’s administration for what he termed bold economic reforms and improved fiscal management, noting that such policies had enhanced the ability of subnational governments to meet their obligations.

He added that the endorsement represented a commitment by the alliance to mobilize support across communities and ensure electoral victory in 2027.

The event also featured goodwill messages from party stakeholders and government officials. Ogun State Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Funmi Efuwape, who represented Senator Adeola and served as Mother of the Day, praised the leadership of the alliance for its mobilization efforts, while urging members to remain steadfast ahead of the party primaries and general elections.

Similarly, representatives of the Ogun State Commissioner for Housing, Jagunmolu Akande Omoniyi, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, commended the group and encouraged sustained commitment to the cause.

In his lecture titled “From the Senate to Government House: A Critical Assessment of Senator Yayi’s Leadership Style and Governance Prospects for Ogun State,” Guest Speaker, Professor Emeritus Abosede Adebiyi, described Adeola as a prominent political figure whose leadership style resonates with the grassroots. He urged the senator to remain focused and reward loyal supporters if elected.

Other dignitaries present at the event included, Otunba Balogun Ademola who was represented by Mrs Lawal Morayo, Hon. Tajudeen Amoo (former Chairman, Yewa North local government), Hon. (Mrs) Bukola Omoyayi - Former Vice Chairman, Yewa North local government, Hon. Lukman Temitope Akinyemi, Hon. Sogo Akinde, Alhaji Abdulwasii Agunbiade, and Hon. Moshood Adetayo, Caucus 7202 Yewa South Coordinator among others.

The programme also featured empowerment initiatives and a raffle draw for participants, reflecting the group’s emphasis on grassroots engagement and inclusiveness.

The endorsement by YGA is seen by political observers as an early move to consolidate support structures ahead of the 2027 general elections in Ogun State and across the country. Vice Chairman, Yewa North local government, Hon. Lukman Temitope Akinyemi, Hon. Sogo Akinde, Alhaji Abdulwasii Agunbiade, and Hon. Moshood Adetayo, Caucus 7202 Yewa South Coordinator among others.

The programme also featured empowerment initiatives and a raffle draw for participants, reflecting the group’s emphasis on grassroots engagement and inclusiveness.

The endorsement by YGA is seen by political observers as an early move to consolidate support structures ahead of the 2027 general elections in Ogun State and across the country.

Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, a governorship aspirant in Ogun State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s strong commitment to strengthening democracy and providing the requisite leadership to make the country great again.

Obasanjo gave this commendation in a statement on Tuesday, in which she disclosed what transpired during her visit to Tinubu in Lagos.

The former Commissioner for Health and Senator who represented Ogun Central between 2007 and 2011 described her meeting with the President as very fruitful and memorable, as their discussion centred on leadership and the further development of the country.

Obasanjo said, “Yesterday in Lagos, I had the privilege of meeting His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Our conversation was insightful and forward-looking, focusing on leadership, governance, and the ongoing development of our nation and Ogun State.

“I sincerely thank the President for his time, wisdom and his lasting commitment to strengthening our democracy and supporting the next generation of leaders.

“As we continue consultations ahead of 2027, I remain committed to serving with integrity, experience, and a people-centered approach.

The journey continues with purpose, clarity and enduring dedication to Ogun State.”

Speaking about her desire to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun in 2027, Obasanjo said, “I have been part of the political landscape of this state for many years and I understand the aspirations and challenges of our people.

“I am not new to the system, and I believe that experience is important when it comes to governance and delivering meaningful development to the people.

“What Ogun State needs at this time is leadership that understands the people and is committed to transforming every sector of our economy.

“If given the opportunity to serve as governor, I will focus on strengthening education, improving healthcare delivery and creating employment opportunities for our youths.

“We must build a state where our young people have jobs, where our schools produce future leaders, and where our health institutions can adequately cater for the needs of our citizens.

“My commitment is to work tirelessly to ensure that every part of Ogun State experiences real development and improved quality of life.”

The Federal Capital Territory chapter of the African Democratic Congress has reaffirmed its support for the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee, distancing itself from recent statements by some state chairmen opposing the leadership.

In a statement signed on Wednesday by the party’s FCT Publicity Secretary, Nwigbo Samuel, the chapter called for unity within the party, urging members to resolve disputes internally rather than through court cases.

“The FCT chapter of ADC stands solidly behind the Senator David Mark-led NWC and calls on others to do the same in the interest of peace and collective progress.

“A house divided against itself, they say, will never stand. We advise that all aggrieved members within the party should, instead of resorting to unnecessary court cases that only create cracks for opposition to sneak in and destabilise, explore all the dispute resolution mechanisms available in the party and seek redress,” the statement read.

The statement also appealed to party leaders to intervene and restore calm.

“Lasting peace and unity are all we pray for to prevail within our party. Let’s activate the spirit of sportsmanship and ensure no one is left behind.

“Surely, ADC will succeed and unseat this devilish government that has brought our country to ruin,” it added.

The FCT chapter’s endorsement comes amid ongoing turmoil within ADC, which has seen rival factions contesting control of the party.

The Independent National Electoral Commission recently withdrew recognition of the Mark-led leadership following a court order directing the commission to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of a suit challenging Mark’s leadership.

INEC removed Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal and said it would not recognise Nafiu Bala, who had approached the court seeking to be declared national chairman.

The development follows a large demonstration in Abuja on Wednesday, where leaders and members of ADC protested against INEC decisions perceived to undermine democracy and the party’s internal leadership.

The protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, drew former presidential candidates and prominent politicians, including Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye, to Maitama Roundabout. Hundreds of Kwankwasiyya members also participated.

The FCT chapter emphasised that all members should prioritise the collective interest of Nigerians and work towards strengthening the party ahead of the general elections.

“Remember, our collective interest far outweighs our individual quests. If ADC succeeds, we all succeed,” the statement concluded.

Son of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Yusuf has indicated interest in running for a House of Representatives seat in the 2027 poll.

This was contained in a letter dated 3 April 2026, titled: “Expression of interest to contest for the seat of House of Representatives, Sandamu/Daura/Mai’Adua Federal Constituency.”

It read, “With all respect, I am extremely delighted to write and inform you of my intention to contest for the seat of House of Representatives at the above-mentioned constituency (Sandamu/Daura/Mai’Adua), under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

After wide consultations, I wish to contest for the seat of the House of Representatives, Sandamu/Daura/Mai’Adua, as my contribution to ensure good and qualitative leadership

Your support will help my ambition to succeed, to bring infrastructural development as well as human capital development to the people of this constituency.

“While expecting your full support and encouragement, I wish you all the very best in all your undertakings.”

In a post on his X page, Bashir Ahmad, former special assistant on digital communications to the late president, confirmed the development, noting that the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders.

Buhari’s expression of interest came barely a week after stakeholders of the APC in Sandamu Local Government Area of Katsina State threw their weight behind him as their preferred candidate for the Daura/Sandamu/Mai’Adua Federal Constituency.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held at the Sandamu Local Government secretariat, which brought together elected officials and political appointees across the constituency.

Addressing participants, the council chairman, Usman Na-Lado, described the endorsement as a collective resolution reached by stakeholders.

He noted that Yusuf’s candidacy was considered suitable based on his perceived capacity and acceptance among party stakeholders.

Na-Lado added that beyond the House of Representatives seat, the meeting also reaffirmed support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dikko Radda as the party’s flag bearers for the presidency and governorship seats, respectively, in the 2027 general elections.

Culled from vanguard

A lawyer and philanthropist, Prince Chukwudi Oli, has declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat for the Anaocha/Dunukofia and Njikoka federal constituency, pledging to align his legislative agenda through quality representation of his constituency.

Oli made this known during an interactive session with journalists at his Uruoji’s country home in Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Saturday.

He outlined his motivation for joining the race and his plans to deliver effective representation at the federal level, adding that he will adopt a community-based approach in his legislative duties in the green chambers.

Running under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, he said his decision was driven by the need to strengthen federal representation for the constituency and ensure that the voices of Anaocha/Dunukofia and Njikoka people are adequately heard in national discourse.

He added that as a grassroots politician who is actively involved in community empowerment, grassroots political organisation, and legal advocacy, he has all it takes to represent his people in the green chambers.

He said, “This media interaction is to inform the people of Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha Federal Constituency and my party members, the All Progressive Grand Alliance that I am contesting to represent them at the Green Chambers of the National Assembly and the objective is to make laws that will change the narratives.

“I am contesting to represent Anaocha/Dunukofia and Njikoka people in the House of Representatives because I have all it takes to offer the people a special kind of representation in the National Assembly that will impact their lives positively.

I am from Nri, and this is the first an Nri indigene will be contesting for the position since the return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999. I am running for the race to restore fairness, justice and equity.”

He noted that the constituency has experienced years of underrepresentation, emphasising the urgency for responsive and impactful leadership that will connect the people to opportunities at the federal level.
‎
Highlighting his over two decades of experience in the private sector with multinational corporations, the APGA aspirant said he possesses the competence, credibility, and capacity to deliver results, stressing that leadership must be measured by its impact on the people.

“I am contesting this election to touch lives. I am contesting to liberate my people. I am most qualified to restore transparency and accountability to the Constituency than other intended co-contestants. I will always hold town hall meetings to update members of my constituency as legislative activities unfold.

“My lawmaking would be rooted in accountability and transparency. I will perfectly manage the resources of my Constituency, if elected. I want to liberate my people.

“I am 45 years old, and I have been involved in community service and service-based activities to my people and the country at large. I want to put a smile on the faces of Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, ethnic and religious affiliations.

“As a legal practitioner with no fewer than 20 years of experience, I have all it takes to better the lives of my Constituency through quality representation. My political journey is rooted in God’s grace,” he added

According to him, he will consolidate on the gains of APGA’s government in the state under the leadership of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration and also do more for the state, irrespective of Constituency affiliations.

He also commended Soludo for what he described as transformative leadership, citing improvements in security, infrastructure, education, ICT, and youth empowerment, noting that Anambra today cannot be compared to what it was a decade ago.

He urged his people to key into his vision to liberate the Constituency from negative narratives, noting that he was convinced to contest the race because he wants to bring federal opportunities to the people.

culled from punch

The All Progressives Congress has urged the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress to follow due process and desist from misleading Nigerians over the ongoing leadership dispute within the party.

APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, stated this while addressing newsmen on Friday in Abuja, also dismissed calls for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, and the INEC commissioners.

Ajibola described the calls for Amupitan’s removal as undemocratic and a clear display of disregard for established constitutional procedures governing the electoral body.

INEC had on Wednesday announced the removal of prominent ADC figures, including Mark as the National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary of the party.

The commission, through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, stated that the action was taken in line with a court directive mandating it to maintain the status quo pending the trial court’s final decision.

ADC has been facing a lingering leadership crisis since 2025, following the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by Mark in July of that year.

The dispute originated from disagreements over the tenure of former National Chairman of the party, Ralph Nwosu, which officially ended in August 2022.

Despite this, Nwosu was said to have played a role in the 2025 leadership transition, a development that triggered opposition from some factions within the party.

The rift later deepened as rival groups laid claim to the party’s leadership, leading to multiple legal battles and growing uncertainty within the ADC, amid fears that the crisis could affect its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

Mark and the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, had alleged that the APC and President Bola Tinubu were responsible for their predicament.

Speaking on Friday, Basiru absolved Tinubu and the APC from the ADC crisis, saying it is self-inflicted.

He stated, “Nigerians must know that the present predicament of David Mark and his ilk has to do with the untidy way they hijacked the leadership of an existing political party without carrying along all stakeholders, resulting in court litigation before the Federal High Court and the adverse judgment of the Court of Appeal, upon which INEC predicated its decision not to recognise any of the two contending parties for the leadership of the African Democratic Congress, pending the determination of the suit by the court.”

Basiru added that the Mark-led ADC leadership seemed to be deceiving itself as the leading opposition, despite recent election results indicating otherwise.

He said, “It is the above orders of the court that are being put into effect by INEC, and we are at a loss as to the basis for the allegation that President Bola Tinubu is weakening the opposition in the circumstances. David Mark approached the Court of Appeal, and his appeal was dismissed as unmeritorious; status quo was ordered to be maintained and costs awarded against him. In the circumstances, where does President Bola Tinubu feature in their predicament, if not outright fallacious and malicious propaganda?”

Basiru further stated that if the Mark-led ADC disagrees with INEC’s interpretation, it should pursue redress through the courts, noting that INEC has maintained it is acting in compliance with the Court of Appeal’s directive to preserve the status quo ante bellum.

“The public defiant posture of Senator Mark and his factional ADC leadership against the orders of the Court of Appeal and its implementation by INEC not only amounts to self-help but recklessness and a clear display of irresponsibility. Their call for the sack of the INEC Chairman and other INEC commissioners further exposes a lack of seriousness and understanding of the leadership processes of established institutions,” he added.

Basiru said the ADC’s plan to proceed with its congresses despite court orders raises concerns about its respect for due process and the rule of law.

The APC national secretary added, “It is settled law that court decisions are binding on all parties until set aside by a competent court. The avowed refusal by Senator Mark and his co-travellers to comply with court decisions demonstrates a troubling disregard for the rule of law and democratic responsibility.

“Indeed, their initial resort to interlocutory appeal appears to have been a clumsy, hasty, and flawed procedural attempt to stall proceedings at the trial court, undertaken in disregard of due legal process.

“The ADC must also come to terms with a hard truth: blaming other parties will not fix their internal crises. No amount of external finger-pointing can erase their consistent failures or resolve their lingering leadership issues. It is wishful thinking to assume that other political parties will step in to rescue them from problems they have repeatedly failed to manage.”

Meanwhile, the ADC faction led by Nafiu Bala dismissed allegations that it is being funded by Tinubu or the APC.

The camp, which has been locked in a protracted tussle with the Mark-led NWC, said claims of external backing were baseless and aimed at discrediting its struggle for control of the party’s structure.

Bala’s Chief of Staff, Bala Sani, in an interview with Saturday PUNCH on Friday, accused coalition figures within the party of attempting to hijack its legacy structure.

He said, “We are telling the world that these coalition members came to hijack the party from us. We are the legacy members of the ADC. We built this party for more than 20 years before these people came in. And when they came in, they wanted to chase us out. We said, no. That’s not how it works.

“So, in the process of guiding our rights, people have been accusing and calling us names. Counter-accusation here and there. I weep for this country because if you are to fight for your rights, they will say the government is financing you. How?

“Is there anybody that has proof that can tell the world that we are being bankrolled by the Presidency or the APC ruling government? Nobody, including President Tinubu, is bankrolling us. We are the ones taking care of ourselves.”

The Labour Party has formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission of its schedule for the 2026 elective congresses and national convention, with April 28 fixed for the decisive gathering in Umuahia, Abia State.

This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Interim National Chairman, Ken Asogwa.

In a letter dated March 31, 2026, and addressed to the INEC Chairman, the party outlined a comprehensive timetable for its ward, local government area, and state congresses, culminating in the national convention where new national executives are expected to emerge.

The notification stated that the exercise is in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), INEC guidelines, and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The letter read, “We write to formally notify the Commission of the approved schedule of activities for the Labour Party’s 2026 elective ward, local government area, and state congresses, as well as the national convention.

“This notification is made pursuant to the provisions of Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, and Section 223(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which mandate political parties to duly inform the Commission of their congresses, conventions, and meetings.

The Commission may kindly recall that the party, in an earlier correspondence duly acknowledged, notified the Commission of the postponement of its previously scheduled activities to enable broader participation of members, particularly to allow for the completion of the ongoing digital membership registration process.”

According to the timetable, ward congresses will be held on April 23 across all wards nationwide, followed by local government congresses on April 24 and state congresses on April 25 in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. All exercises are scheduled to commence at 12 noon.

The party also announced that its national convention will take place on April 28 at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, Abia State, where national executives are expected to be elected.

The development signals a formal reset of the party’s internal processes amid heightened interest in the control of party structures ahead of the 2027 general elections. Observers say the outcome of the congresses could reshape the balance of power within the party.

The fresh timetable comes barely two weeks after the party postponed its earlier schedule and constituted a committee to oversee the exercise.

The Labour Party had initially fixed its ward, local government, and state congresses, as well as its national convention, to begin on March 26, 2026, but later shifted the dates to allow wider participation in its ongoing membership re-registration exercise.

Culled from punch

The embattled chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has called for the immediate resignation or removal of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, alleging loss of confidence in his leadership.

Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Mark said INEC could no longer be trusted to conduct credible elections, accusing the commission of partisanship and undermining Nigeria’s democracy following its decision to withdraw recognition of the party’s leadership factions.

He said, “We demand the immediate resignation or sack of the INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, and all the national commissioners. We no longer have confidence in them. We are convinced that they are incapable of conducting any credible election.

Let us also make it clear: we are proceeding with our party programmes because there is nothing under the law that makes INEC’s attendance a mandatory requirement. We have duly served INEC notice, and we will proceed accordingly.

“We also call on the international community to take note of INEC’s actions of April 1st and of the restraint we are exercising today. We urge them to recognise the clear threat to Nigeria’s democracy and stability and to hold accountable those who are undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

His comments come after INEC on Wednesday moved to strike the names of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, respectively.

Speaking further, Mark insisted that the leadership of the party, which emerged from its July 29, 2025, NEC meeting, remains valid, adding that the party would continue with its planned congresses and convention.

Mark also warned that INEC would be held responsible for any fallout arising from its decisions, while urging Nigerians and the international community to take note of what he described as a growing threat to democracy.

His words, “In addition to witnessing this process that brought in the new leadership of the party, a formal report of these resolutions was subsequently communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). On September 9th, 2025, INEC then uploaded the names of the relevant NWC members of the party, based on the NEC resolutions.

“One of the officials in the dissolved NWC was Nafiu Bala, who was one of the Deputy National Chairmen of the party. It is on record that Gombe resigned this position on 17th May, 2025. His resignation was also duly transmitted to INEC on the 12th of August, 2025. Regardless of his resignation, he decided to approach the courts on September 2nd, 2025, four clear months after his resignation, seeking to be recognised as the Chairman of the ADC.

What this means is that by the 2nd of September, when he approached the courts, INEC was already aware that Secretary Aregbesola and I had been inaugurated on the 29th of July in a process monitored by INEC. INEC was also aware that Gombe had resigned his position before the said inauguration on the 29th of July.”

As political alignments ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday held separate meetings with key opposition figures, intensifying consultations within the emerging coalition seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu.

On Wednesday, Atiku paid a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, in Abuja.

Earlier in the day, he met with former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who had since defected to the ADC.

Kwankwaso’s recent defection from the NNPP to the ADC, after months of speculation linking him to the ruling All Progressives Congress, is widely seen as a boost to the opposition coalition coalescing around the ADC platform.

Taking to his verified X handle, @atiku, the Wazirin Adamawa shared photographs of the visits, tweeting, “This afternoon, I visited the National Chairman of our great party, ADC, Senator David Mark at his residence in Abuja. It was a courtesy call that provided an opportunity to share ideas on how to further strengthen the ADC and restore confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.”

In another tweet, Atiku wrote, “I paid a courtesy visit to the residence of my brother and partner, His Excellency Rabiu Kwankwaso, this afternoon. We had quality discussions in the progress of our party, the ADC and how we must continue to work to ensure good governance and recovery are achieved in good time for the people.”

The meetings come against the backdrop of renewed efforts by opposition heavyweights to build a formidable alliance capable of unseating Tinubu in 2027.

The coalition, reportedly involving figures such as former Senate President Mark, ex-Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, has been exploring the ADC as a unifying platform after internal crises weakened traditional opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party.

For Atiku, who was the PDP presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023, the coalition represents what may be his final shot at the presidency.

His strategy appears focused on consolidating northern political blocs while reaching into the South-West and other regions through defectors and aggrieved APC stakeholders.

Kwankwaso’s entry into the ADC is especially significant given his influence in Kano and parts of the North-West, a region critical to any winning coalition.

However, the unfolding leadership crisis within the ADC threatens to derail these calculations.

In a development that cast a shadow over Wednesday’s high-level meetings, the Independent National Electoral Commission removed the names of the party’s National Working Committee, led by David Mark, from its official portal.

The electoral body said the action was in compliance with an order of the Court of Appeal, maintaining that it would preserve the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of a substantive suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The decision stems from a protracted leadership tussle within the party, with rival factions led by Nafiu Bala Gombe and Mark both laying claim to the national structure of the ADC.

For a coalition still in its formative stage, the implication is significant.

At the time of filing this report, it remained unclear what immediate steps the ADC leadership or the broader coalition would take to resolve the impasse, even as consultations continue behind closed doors

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has indicated that the African Democratic Congress is his preferred destination as he considers defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party.

Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, disclosed this on Tuesday while hosting a delegation of the ADC led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, at the Government House in Bauchi.

Speaking with journalists after a closed-door meeting, the governor attributed his planned defection to the lingering crisis within the PDP, noting that efforts at reconciliation had failed.

He said, “We have found ourselves in a very serious situation. I have done everything possible to ensure reconciliation, but it has not worked. We set up committees at both the national and state levels to explore all options, including even the All Progressives Congress, but sadly, we discovered that we are not wanted there.”

Mohammed explained that while discussions were ongoing with several political platforms, the ADC had emerged as the most acceptable option so far.

“As of now, ADC appears to be a very welcoming and acceptable platform. However, we have not concluded discussions. We are engaging stakeholders to ensure we do not make mistakes,” he added.

The governor further revealed that a final decision on the defection would be taken soon, with a formal declaration expected by Thursday.

We are very conscious of the timeline. Everything will be concluded by Thursday so that we can move forward together. You will hear a firm commitment from us,” he said.

Mohammed also alleged that internal divisions within the PDP were being exacerbated by external influences, accusing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of contributing to the crisis.

He added that he had met with key stakeholders, including leaders of the All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu, in efforts to resolve the impasse, but the situation remained unresolved.

Earlier, Lawal said the ADC delegation was in Bauchi at the instance of the party’s national leadership, under former Senate President David Mark, to invite the governor to join the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said the move was part of a broader strategy to unite opposition forces and provide an alternative leadership for the country.

According to him, “The task of rescuing Nigeria in 2027 requires the unity of all well-meaning Nigerians. We are here to engage Governor Bala Mohammed because of his leadership qualities and political experience.”

Lawal expressed optimism that the consultations would yield positive results, adding that the ADC was ready to accommodate the governor and his supporters.

He noted that the party’s growing momentum across states would strengthen its chances in the next general elections.

Culled from punch

KANO — The National Chairman of African Democratic Congress, ADC, Sen. David Mark, has said the ruling party, All Progressive Congress, APC, represented the most dangerous threat to multiparty democracy in the country.

Mark stated this during the reception of the strongman of Kano politics and former governor of the state, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, into the ADC in Kano.

He said the defection of Kwankwaso from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, to ADC was not merely a political statement, but a deliberate response to the clarion call by well-meaning Nigerians for all opposition leaders to be united and present a common front to protect the country’s democracy, and say no to totalitarian rule in Nigeria.

Personalities who graced the occasion included David Mark; 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, former National Chairman of APC, Odigie- Oyegun and former speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal.

Others include former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; former SGF, Babachir Lawal; former Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad; Kashim Ibrahim Imam and Lawal Daura among others.

Journey to save Nigeria-MARK

Mark said: “Today marks a defining moment in the history of our democracy; it marks a special day in our journey to make Nigeria a better country; and a more united nation. We stand together today, not just as one political party, but as people united to make our dear country Nigeria a better nation. Nigeria, can be better and must work better for all Nigerians.”

Welcoming, Kwankwaso and his supporters to the party, he continued: Today, we have come together in unity of purpose, conviction, and vision. Your coming to ADC is not merely a political statement, it is a deliberate response to the clarion call by well-meaning Nigerians for all opposition leaders to be united and present a common front to protect our democracy.

Danger of APC to democracy

There is no doubt that the ruling party, the APC, represents the most dangerous threat to multiparty democracy in Nigeria today. At a time when Nigeria should be strengthening her democracy, we are witnessing a dangerous drift to weaken opposition. We are witnessing a steady attempt to concentrate power in an individual and edge our nation toward a one-party state.

“Your joining the ADC represents our collective resolve to align with the people. The ruling party is determined to leave the people with no choice. Nigerians must have a choice. Nigerians must have the right to choose. In a democracy, participation is everything. And anything that is done to close the space on participation is a direct attack on democracy and must be resisted through all lawful means.

“What we are witnessing today is one of those lawful means. It is our way of saying no to totalitarian rule in Nigeria. It is a way of saying, let the people decide. By coming together, we are sending a clear message, that the future of Nigeria cannot be built through domination, it must be built through participation. Leadership cannot be sustained by control; it must be earned through trust.

We call on all Nigerians, regardless of tribe, religion, region, or political history, to join us. Join us in shaping a nation where leadership is accountable, where governance is people-centered, and where every voice matters. Join us in building a country where the part of the country you come from, or the language you speak, does not limit the opportunities you get.”

Culled from vanguard

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised the alarm over what he described as efforts by anti-democratic elements to create confusion and slow the growing momentum of the African Democratic Congress.

In a statement posted on X by his media aide, Paul Ibe, on Monday, Atiku dismissed claims circulating on social media that he had met with ADC stakeholders and decided to step aside from active politics.

The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party described the social media reports as false and misleading.

“We wish to state, for the record, that information circulating on social media about a purported meeting of His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, with stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress, in which the former Vice President allegedly decided to ‘step aside and retire from active politics,’ is entirely false and deliberately misleading,” the statement read.

The Waziri of Adamawa clarified that he had not held any recent meeting with ADC stakeholders at the national level.

“The Waziri Adamawa has not, in recent times, held any such meeting with ADC stakeholders at the national level. The only recent engagement he had was with stakeholders of the ADC in Adamawa State last Thursday,” the statement added.

Atiku stressed that any decision as significant as exiting active politics would not be communicated through unofficial channels.

An issue as fundamental and consequential as exiting active politics cannot, and would never, be communicated through rumours, faceless sources, or third-party fabrication. Such a decision, if ever taken, would be formally conveyed through the Atiku Media Office,” he said.

The former vice president described the report as part of a coordinated attempt to mislead the public.

“This latest falsehood bears all the hallmarks of a coordinated disinformation campaign designed to create confusion, dampen momentum, and mislead the Nigerian public,” he stated.

Atiku further alleged that the narrative was being driven by those uncomfortable with the current political direction.

He, therefore, urged his supporters and party members to ignore the reports and remain focused.

“Only the government and its agents could have sponsored this desperate narrative out of fear of what is coming.

“We state without equivocation that this mischief is being driven by anti-democratic elements who are deeply unsettled by the growing national consensus to rescue Nigeria from the failures of the current administration.

We therefore urge supporters of Atiku Abubakar, members of the ADC, and all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard this fake news in its entirety and remain focused on the collective effort to reclaim and rebuild our nation,” the statement added

The event is scheduled to hold on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at ONTEC Hall, Abiola Way, Abeokuta, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

According to the group State Coordinator Prince Adedapo David Oluwadamilare, the programme will feature an empowerment initiative and raffle draw as part of efforts to further mobilise grassroots support and promote inclusive political participation across Ogun State.

A keynote lecture titled “From Senate to Government House: A Critical Assessment of Senator Solomon Adeola’s Leadership Style and Governance Prospects for Ogun State” will be delivered by Professor Emeritus Adebiyi Abosede.

The event will be chaired by Honourable Hamzat Ganiyu Oladunjoye, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Ogun State, while Otunba Muraina Olatunji Banjoko and Hon Funmi Efuwape will serve as the Father and Mother of the Day respectively.

Prominent stakeholders including Patrons and Matrons, House of Assembly Members, Political functionaries, party faithful, and members of the public are expected to attend the programme, which the organisers described as a significant step in consolidating grassroots engagement and political awareness in the state.

Former Lagos State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Funso Doherty, has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, citing a prolonged crisis within the party.

Doherty, who joined the PDP in 2024, announced his resignation in a letter posted on his X handle on Saturday.

Announcing his resignation, Doherty said his decision was informed by recent developments within the party’s leadership structure, particularly a court ruling that nullified its 2025 convention and deepened internal divisions.

He explained that he had earlier written to the President of the Court of Appeal, urging a timely decision on multiple litigations involving the party due to their implications for the electoral process.

Doherty said the subsequent judgment, which invalidated the convention and effectively handed leadership control to a faction aligned with figures supporting the re-election of the ruling All Progressives Congress, was a turning point.

He criticised the development, arguing that it amounted to backing an administration that, in his view, had worsened poverty, insecurity, and the cost of living across the country.

“I will not be a party to sustaining this tragic travesty. The people of Lagos State, many of whom have waited far too long for meaningful improvement in their day-to-day lives from the actions of their government, deserve much better than that.

For a long time, I have advocated the importance of a united opposition. Nigeria’s democracy is fragile and now under increasing threat, so this is not the time for fracturing and division of opposition political forces that believe in accountability, constitutional order, and the welfare of ordinary citizens.

“The need for opposition unity, especially in Lagos State, has never been more urgent than it is today, and I remain committed to working to make it happen. My departure from the PDP is therefore also partly driven by my belief in the pursuit of that united opposition,” he said.

Culled from punch

The Peoples Democratic Party faction led by Tanimu Turaki has said it would be “immoral and unjust” for the party to endorse President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The National Publicity Secretary of the faction, Ini Ememobong, stated this on Thursday during an appearance on The Morning Show on Arise Television.

“It is improper, it is immoral, it is unjust, it is unfair for an opposition party of the standing of the Peoples Democratic Party to endorse the presidency or the presidential candidature of President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC,” he said.

Ememobong expressed optimism that the party’s ongoing reconciliation process would be guided by logic rather than sentiment

So it’s part of the underpinning principle. We are hoping that reason will prevail over emotions,” he added.

He stressed that the Turaki-led faction would insist that any reconciliation effort must strengthen the party’s role as an opposition, rather than reduce it to a subordinate position.

PUNCH Online reports that the party’s internal crisis appears to be easing, as the Turaki and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, factions have resumed reconciliation talks ahead of the March 29–30, 2026, national convention.

Turaki, whose bloc is backed by PDP governors, confirmed that a fresh reconciliation effort had commenced, aimed at uniting aggrieved factions within the party.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, he disclosed that the talks, which began on Tuesday night, were already yielding positive results.

He noted that stakeholders were mindful of the implications of the dispute, especially in light of timelines set by the Electoral Act, and urged all sides to act in the overall interest of the party.

The former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs also expressed confidence in the possibility of resolving the crisis, including with the Wike-led faction.

Turaki pledged to deploy all available means to achieve peace, adding that all pending court cases would be withdrawn once the reconciliation process is concluded.

Asked if his bloc was willing to compromise for the peace process to succeed, he responded, “On the issue of compromise, we are willing to bend as far as our necks and backs allow. We are ready to make all sorts of sacrifices in the overall interest of the party. PDP will not die. Everything possible will be done to make this reconciliation work; nothing is impossible.

‘’Issues such as attendance at the convention are among those to be discussed. Once these matters are deliberated, the parties and delegates will decide whether the convention needs to continue. These issues are on the table and will be considered carefully

The newly elected Southwest Zonal Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress on Wednesday expressed confidence in the re-election of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, saying his performance had positioned him as a unifying force within the party and beyond.

APC Southwest Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, who said that Oyebanji’s performance had redefined governance at the subnational level, said that his victory in the June 20 Ekiti governorship election would be a blueprint for the August 15 Osun governorship and the 2027 presidential elections.

This was contained in a statement made available in Ado Ekiti by the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Oyebanji, Yinka Oyebode.

Kekemeke, who spoke in Lagos i his acceptance speech, shortly after his emergence as the party’s Southwest Zonal Chairman, also made a case for overwhelming votes for President Bola Tinubu in the Southwest in the 2027 presidential election.

The APC Zonal Chairman, who called for massive support for the party’s candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, urged voters in the state to align with the APC’s progressive vision to unlock opportunities for growth and stability.

He said, “The immediate challenge that we have is that by June, Governor Biodun Oyebanji must return and by August, Oyebamiji must be there in Osun State. With our governor’s leadership, Governor Oyebanji must break the jinx in Ekiti.

Our duty as Southwest is to make sure that we give overwhelming victory and support to our President, Asiwaju  Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Kekemeke assured the governors and delegates that the executive council “will do better than we have done before. We will consult better with all of our leaders and the leadership of the National Assembly. We will do much better than we did in the past four years. We ask for your support. We ask for your cooperation”.

He reiterated that the APC remained guided by a well-defined ideological framework focused on development, economic inclusion, and national cohesion.

Lagos State Governor and Southwest Coordinating APC Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that the election of the new executives was free, fair, credible and rancour-free, adding that the party strictly followed the recent reforms in Nigeria’s electoral framework, particularly the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act.

This, Sanwo-Olu said, was for enhanced credibility and accountability in both internal party processes and the general elections.

He charged the newly elected zonal executives to adopt a forward-looking approach in their leadership, stressing the importance of unity and strategic planning in strengthening the party’s dominance in the region.

Culled from punch

A leading aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, Adedeji Olajide, popularly known as Odidiomo, has declared that his ambition to become governor in 2027 is driven by a desire to serve the people.

He disclosed this while playing host to the delegation of journalists led by the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akeem Abas, in his private residence in Ibadan, the state capital, on Sunday evening.

Olajide, who currently serves as Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology and Cybersecurity, said the governorship position is not a right but a responsibility that must be earned through dedication and competence.

The lawmaker explained that his long-standing loyalty to the state and his consistent record in politics positioned him as a credible candidate for the job.

I have remained stable and loyal to Oyo State. I have never left my party for any reason, and I have always placed service above personal gain.

“My background as a trained computer science expert also gives me an edge in driving innovation and modern governance in the state,” he said.

Olajide further stated that the developmental roadmap being implemented by the current administration under Governor Seyi Makinde must be sustained and improved upon for the benefit of residents.

He stressed that continuity in governance would ensure that ongoing projects were completed and that the state continued on the path of growth and stability.

On security, the aspirant noted that strengthening the state’s security architecture would be a top priority under his administration, adding that efforts toward state policing must be advanced to ensure a more coordinated and effective response to security challenges.

Olajide also pledged to consolidate the achievements of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, by improving its operations and expanding its capacity.

In the area of education, he promised to maintain globally accepted standards, including those recommended by UNESCO, to ensure quality learning across the state while emphasising that education remained a key driver of development and must be given priority attention.

Speaking on economic development, Olajide said his administration would create investment opportunities through agribusiness, while also sustaining existing initiatives in the sector.

He revealed plans to establish multiple free trade zones across the state to attract investors and boost internally generated revenue.

The PDP aspirant further assured that small and medium-scale enterprises would be supported to thrive, thereby creating jobs and improving livelihoods.

He also outlined plans to digitise the state’s economy, with a vision to position Ibadan as a major digital hub in the South-West region.

Olajide, who represents Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West Federal Constituencies, noted that his experience at the National Assembly had prepared him for higher responsibility.

He disclosed that as Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, he has facilitated the establishment of Community ICT Centres across the state.

Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, has said that his growing involvement in politics and political discourse is not motivated by personal gain or ambition.

Obi Cubana, a supporter of President Bola Tinubu, said his involvement in politics is driven by a desire to promote meaningful engagement and inclusive governance in Nigeria.

According to a statement he personally issued on Monday, Obi Cubana emphasised that his participation is aimed at bridging the gap between government and citizens, particularly among young people and across diverse regions.

“I have built my career as a private citizen through hard work, entrepreneurship, and strategic investments. I have never held public office nor benefited from government patronage.

My involvement in political discourse is purely driven by a desire to create platforms for meaningful engagement—especially between young people and the older generation, and across Nigeria’s diverse regions,” he said.

Obi Cubana noted that his recent exposure to political processes has revealed a disconnect between government policies and citizens’ expectations, even when such policies are well-intentioned.

“The gap between government and the people is real, and it is reflected in overwhelming public opinion. In the last few months, I have observed that many policies, though designed with good intentions, fail to make a tangible impact on citizens, either because they are not communicated effectively or implemented with a full understanding of citizens’ expectations,” he stated.

He also called for deliberate efforts by government at all levels to strengthen transparency, accountability, and empathy, stressing that trust remains the foundation of any functional democracy.

“It is unfortunate when citizens lose trust in their government. Rebuilding that trust must be a continuous and intentional effort. The people ultimately hold the power in a democracy, and their voices must be respected and reflected in governance,” he added.

He also addressed recent criticisms surrounding his public comments, dismissing claims of anti-Igbo sentiment and describing such narratives as divisive.

“I have never, and will never, subscribe to any narrative that undermines the intelligence, unity, or contribution of the Igbo people or any ethnic group in Nigeria. Such insinuations are not only false but are attempts to create division and weaken the collective strength we need as a nation,” he said.

He further advocated a holistic approach to governance, urging coordination across local, state, and federal levels to ensure meaningful development.

“We must begin to see governance as an integrated system—from local governments to state and federal levels. Development cannot be centralised; it must be coordinated across all tiers to truly impact the lives of the people,” he noted.

On his association with the City Boy Movement, Obi Cubana explained that the initiative is focused on encouraging inclusive political participation, especially among youths and the private sector.

The City Boy Movement represents an opportunity to redefine civic engagement. It is about creating space for constructive dialogue, where young Nigerians and the private sector can actively participate in shaping governance and policy direction,” he said.

He cautioned against framing political participation along ethnic lines, urging Nigerians to prioritise ideas and policies that promote unity and national development.

“Reducing any political movement to ethnic sentiments diminishes the essence of democracy. Our focus should be on ideas, policies, and collective progress—not divisive narratives,” he concluded.

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has accused the state chapter of the Joint Labour Movement of planning a violent protest in support of the state government over the dispute surrounding local government allocations.

The party, in a statement signed by its Director of Media, Kola Olabisi, alleged that those behind the planned protest intended to stage demonstrations at branches of a commercial bank in Osogbo, the state capital, and disrupt operations, including the abduction of bank staff.

However, in a separate statement issued in Osogbo on Sunday and signed by Christopher Arapasopo, Abimbola Fasasi, and Lekan Adediran, chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and Joint Negotiating Council, respectively, the Joint Labour Movement described the allegations as misleading.

While confirming plans to picket the bank, the labour movement denied any intention to engage in violence.

There has been a crisis in the state over the withholding of LG allocations due to a leadership crisis.

The dispute comes amid ongoing tensions between the APC and the Osun State Government over control of local government councils, a crisis that has led to violent clashes and is currently the subject of litigation in various courts.

Speaking on Sunday, the APC claimed that the labour movement had directed the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees to mobilise 20 staff members from each local government area to participate in the protest scheduled for Tuesday.

The APC said the planned protest followed a meeting between labour leaders and top officials of the state government.

The party called on security agencies to closely monitor the situation to ensure that public peace is not disrupted.

Part of the plot is to picket the bank, kidnap recalcitrant workers and disrupt commercial activities in the branches of the bank.

“There is no plausible reason why the Joint Labour Movement should contemplate any protest over the autonomy granted to local government councils by the Supreme Court judgment.

“One wonders the quality of the legal advice being given to the Osun State Joint Labour Movement, given that the issues forming the basis of their proposed action, particularly regarding the operation of local government accounts and the determination of rightful signatories, are currently before competent courts of law,” the statement read.

The APC cautioned the labour movement against actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.

Reacting, the Labour Party said, “The attention of the Joint Labour Movement in Osun State has been drawn to a misleading, inflammatory, and wholly unfounded statement credited to the Osun State APC, alleging a planned violent protest.

We categorically state that the claims are false, malicious, and a calculated attempt to misinform security agencies and the public, intimidate workers, and discredit the lawful actions of organised labour.

“The planned picketing exercise remains peaceful, lawful, and consistent with the rights of workers as guaranteed under the constitution and international labour standards,” the statement read.

The labour groups described as unfortunate what they termed the politicisation of the issue, accusing the APC of attempting to create tension and undermine legitimate workers’ actions.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has tasked his advisory council with engaging credible candidates among the Peoples Democratic Party aspirants for the 2027 governorship election.

Investigation by The PUNCH on Sunday revealed that the council, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Bolaji Ayorinde, has been mandated to interact with all governorship aspirants under the umbrella of the ruling PDP and provide recommendations for a candidate in continuation of Omituntun 3.0.

Makinde’s decision, according to the investigation, was aimed at giving all aspirants the opportunity to showcase their plans and ideas while ensuring a level playing field.

Invitation letters have reportedly been sent to all aspirants.

Some of the aspirants who have responded include a member of the House of Representatives representing Ibadan South-West/North-East, Adedeji Olajide (Odidiomo); State Chairman of Universal Basic Education, Nureni Adeniran; former Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Planning during the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration, Bimbo Adekanmbi; state Chairman of the Agribusiness Development Agency, Debo Akande; and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, among others.

Confirming the development in Ibadan, the state capital, on Sunday, Ayorinde said the exercise was not a screening of candidates but an interaction to understand their plans for the state.

He added that by the close of Saturday’s session, nine aspirants had interacted with the council.

It is not a screening exercise. It is an interaction between the advisory council and the aspirants. We do not want a situation where there will be any form of imposition from any quarter.

“With the cooperation of the governor, the council, which I chair, is interacting with all the aspirants just to understand their plans for the state.

“Because of that, we have invited all of them, and they have responded individually. They are fantastic aspirants,” Ayorinde said.

The legal luminary expressed optimism that the governor would still engage other stakeholders, including party leaders and traditional rulers, to seek their views before any candidate emerges, to ensure the choice is widely acceptable.

He reiterated that the council was not screening or interrogating the aspirants and would not discredit or disqualify any aspirant, as it had no such authority.

Ayorinde added, “The job of the council is to advise the governor, as a listening leader who is committed to a free and fair process and a level playing field for all the aspirants.”

He explained that the idea of the “interaction” was conceived by the council and approved by the governor, noting that it was the council’s contribution to the democratic development of the state.

When we are done, I know the governor will still engage all other stakeholders, including party leaders and traditional rulers, so that whosoever emerges will be acceptable to all.

“We do not want a situation where anyone who emerges later will not be acceptable to all stakeholders.

“We are not screening or interrogating them. We are having discussions with them to understand their ideas, visions, and programmes for the state after Governor Makinde.

“When we are done, we will write and send our report to the governor as a council. It is our job to advise the governor, and the governor, as a listening leader, is committed to a free and fair process and a level playing field for all party aspirants,” he said.

Asked if the idea was approved by the governor, Ayorinde said, “If he did not like it, he would not allow it,” adding that the governor also wanted all aspirants to have an equal chance to present and promote themselves openly.

“At the moment, nine aspirants have appeared before the council. There may be a few more coming tomorrow. The process has been rigorous, and the engagement has been intense and deep. This is our contribution to the democratic development of our state,” he explained.

UMUAHIA – Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chijioke Chukwu, has warned party members that they should hold themselves responsible if the party fails to win the state in the 2027 general elections.

Chukwu gave the warning while addressing party faithful in Ikwuano Local Government Area, describing Abia as a “low-hanging fruit” for the APC if members remain united and committed.

He said the party had already recorded an early victory ahead of the elections through the peaceful conduct of its congresses, noting that contrary to expectations of internal crisis, the APC in the state has grown stronger.

“If APC loses Abia in 2027, it is our own making because the state is a low-hanging fruit,” he said.

The chairman alleged that many individuals who contributed to the emergence of Governor Alex Otti are now in the APC, claiming that the current administration had sidelined key supporters.

Chukwu also criticised aspects of the state government, alleging that some officials were not fully grounded in the state’s political structure.

He urged party members to intensify mobilisation efforts, stressing the need for Abia State to align with the APC at the federal level under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in order to benefit from national opportunities.

According to him, most states in the country are controlled by the APC, and Abia should not remain on the sidelines.

He further called on members to take advantage of the party’s current momentum and work towards securing victory in 2027.

Culled from vanguard

The All Progressives Congress has announced plans to screen aspirants seeking to contest for national offices at its 2026 national convention.

In a notice issued by the Aspirants’ Screening Committee, the party invited all aspirants who have successfully purchased and submitted their Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to attend the exercise.

According to the statement, the screening is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, with proceedings set to commence at 9am.

The committee emphasized that attendance is mandatory for all aspirants, who are expected to appear in person with all relevant supporting documents for verification.

The screening exercise is a key step in the build-up to the APC’s 2026 National Convention, where party officials at various national levels are expected to emerge

Cullled from vanguard

Hon. Olusegun Odunuga Kaka, the Honourable Member representing Ijebu North Constituency II at the Ogun State House of Assembly, stands out as a forward-looking legislator whose public service reflects progress, inclusion, and purposeful representation. Since assuming office, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of grassroots needs while advancing policies that promote sustainable development across his constituency.

As a representative of Ijebu North II, Hon. Olusegun Kaka has consistently championed initiatives that address critical sectors such as education, agriculture, and youth empowerment. His legislative engagements have focused on improving access to opportunities, strengthening community growth, and supporting policies that enhance the welfare of his constituents. His approach to governance combines strategic thinking with practical solutions that deliver measurable impact.

Known for his humility and accessibility, Hon. Kaka maintains a close connection with the people he serves. Constituents widely acknowledge his responsiveness, dedication, and tireless pursuit of excellence in public service. His leadership style reflects collaboration and empathy, qualities that have earned him respect across communities and political divides.

Within his first term at the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Kaka has worked to bridge the gap between government policies and grassroots realities. Through constituency engagement, empowerment initiatives, and advocacy for infrastructure and social development, he has ensured that the voices of Ijebu North II remain represented in legislative decision-making. His efforts have reinforced public confidence in responsive and accountable leadership.

Beyond legislative duties, he has shown strong commitment to youth development by supporting skill acquisition programs and initiatives aimed at preparing young people for economic independence. By encouraging entrepreneurship and educational advancement, he continues to invest in the future stability and prosperity of the constituency.

Furthermore, Hon. Kaka’s emphasis on unity and inclusive governance has helped foster cooperation among diverse groups within Ijebu North II. His ability to serve as a bridge between communities, stakeholders, and government institutions underscores his reputation as a consensus builder dedicated to collective progress.

As the constituency looks ahead, continuity in leadership offers an opportunity to consolidate ongoing projects and expand developmental gains already recorded. A second term would enable Hon. Olusegun Odunuga Kaka to deepen reforms, sustain impactful programs, and further advance the vision of a thriving, empowered, and inclusive Ijebu North II.

Here are some of his impacts over the last three years in office as the Member representing Ijebu North II State Constituency:

* WATER PROJECT:

- Newly constructed borehole at Imota, Close to SSG House, Oru Ijebu.

- Complete Rehabilation of Long Abandoned borehole at Ikansi, Isale Oru, Oru Ijebu.

- Ongoing Rehabilitation of Mamu Market Borehole, Mamu IJEBU.

- Solar Powered Bore Hole @ Ojude Olooto, Ago-Iwoye 1 (Ward 08), Ago-Iwoye

- Bore Holes @ Late Pa. Otunba Solomon Oduyemi Health Centre, Lugbedu, Ago-Iwoye

- Solar driven Bore Hole @ Aredi Oke, Oru/Awa/Ilaoorun, Ward 07, Awa Ijebu

- Solar driven Bore Hole @ Abapanu Village, Many/Ehin Etiri Ward 10, Ago-Iwoye.

- Solar driven Bore Hole @ Young Ade, Ayegbami, Ago-Iwoye II, Ward 09, Ago-Iwoye.

- Ongoing Construction of Bore Hole @ Mamu Ijebu, Ago-Iwoye

- Ongoing Construction of Bore hole @ Oke Ogbe, Ago-Iwoye

*COMMERCE AND TRADERS EMPOWERMENT :

- Donation of 500k for traders to kick start traders money rotation amongst market women in awa.

* ELECTRICITY AND ILLUMINATION:

- Facilitation of the lightening of Ololo/Mariam Community through the installation of a 500kva/11 transformer.

- Donation of 500k for the installation of the Installation of 500kva/11 transformer for Ololo/Mariam Community, Ago-Iwoye

- Street lightening of Itun Nla Road, Awa IJEBU.

- Street lightening of Awotele Roundabout opposite Ago-Iwoye market, Ago-Iwoye 

- Street lightening of Itamerin- Ajebo - Oru Station Road

- Street lightening of Itun Nla Road, Awa IJEBU.

- Street lightening of Awotele Roundabout opposite Ago-Iwoye market, Ago-Iwoye 

- Illumination of Itamerin - Ajebo - Oru Under Brigde Routes,  Oru Ijebu with 36 Solar Powered Street lights 

- Solar powered Street Lights at Awa Market

- Solar powered Street lights in Agricultural Farm Settlement, Oju Ogun Village, Liwo Ajobi Village, Oke Ogbe Village, Eredo Village, Liyangi Village, Keke Village, Orile Ibipe, Orile Isamuro, Idagolu and others

* SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND HERITAGE CELEBRATION: 

- Facilitation of 2M Nairaor Awa Day celebration from the ministry under my auspices.

- Facilitation of 2M Naira for the Ago-Iwoye day 2023 Celebration from the Ministry under my auspices.

- Donation and Participation in support of Oru Day 2023 Celebration. 

- Donation of 1M Naira in support of Awa Day 2023 Celebration.

- Donation and Support for Ogenegene Day 2023 of Ilaporu.

- Donation and support for Ago-Iwoye day 2024

- Donation and support for Oru day 2023

- Donation and support for Oru day 2024

- Donation and support for Ago-Iwoye day 2025

- Donation and support for Awa day 2025

- Donation and support for Oru day 2025

2023 X-Mass and 2024 New Year Celebration:

Disbursement of Total Sum of 9 Million Naira to:

- Ifelodun Market Men and women

- IFELODUN Osugbo Association

- IFELODUN Christian Association

- IFELODUN Muslim Community

- IFELODUN Hunters association

- IFELODUN Erelu association

- IFELODUN Council of Baales

- IFELODUN Council of Olorituns.

- Ago-Iwoye Amotekun

- So-Safe Corps in IFELODUN

- Oodua Peoples Congress.

Distribution of 50 bags of rice across IFELODUN constituency.

2024 Xmas And 2025 New Year Celebration:

Distribution of 200 life chicken 

Distribution of 11Million Naira cash to groups, associations, Religious and traditional leaders

* FOOD PALLIATIVES TO CUSHION THE EFFECTS OF SUBSIDY REMOVAL ON FUEL 2023:

-Disgribution of food materials across the constituency:

60 bags of rice

10 bags of Beans

10 bags of garri

100 packs of spaghetti

100 bags of 6kg Semovita

And 100 packs of indomie noodles.

* COMMUNITY AND RURAL ROAD GRADING: 

- Procurement and Donation of a perfect working D6R Bulldozer worth 42 Million Naira purposely for the Road network upgrading of the rural and community road. 

- Clearing of the newly proposed ultra-modern market located in oru.

- Sponsored the grading of Oke Erigba village rural road with over 4M Naira of fueling and logistics to Quarry junction  Ago-Iwoye.

- Grading and clearing of Villages across Ifelodun Constituency 

- Ongoing Construction of Ereru/Falafonmu bridge, Oru Ijebu 

- Ongoing Construction of Alhaji Olowonimoyin Street bridge linking Kuku Road, Ago-Iwoye 

* EDUCATION: 

- Facilitation of admission into OOU for about 10 students in courses like Pharmacy, Medicine and Biochemistry. 

- Facilitation of admission for students at OGUN STATE Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, Ilese IJEBU. 

- Free Holiday Coaching for over 790 JSS1 - SS3 students at IMOSOSI PRIMARY SCHOOL and ITAMERIN COMPREHENSIVE HIGH School

- Sponsorship of Free Holiday Coaching Edition 2 for over 1,700 public secondary school students at Itamerin- Comprehensive High school and Imososi Primary School.

- Sponsorship of Academic seminar and Price giving Edition 1 at Ago-Iwoye City Hall for attendees of free Editions 1 Holiday Coaching 

- Sponsorship of Academic seminar, Debate and Price giving and distribution of Educational Materials Edition II at Ambali Hall, WOSAM Arena, Ago-Iwoye for attendees of Edition II free Holiday Coaching

* EMPLOYMENT:

- Facilitation of employment of 2 persons as community health worker in Ago-iwoye

- Facilitation of employment of 3 persons at Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital, Sagamu as Health Officers; One from Oru and two from Ago-Iwoye. 

- Facilitation of employment for one person at the newly commissioned providus Bank, Abeokuta. 

- Facilitation of the Engagement of not less than 25 persons in the revenue collection for the Ogun state government through the ministry of Agric, Forestry, commerce and Environment.

- Facilitation of the Engagement of not less than 25 people working with the associations of Okada Riders. 

- Facilitation of enlistments of 50 persons at the Ogun Teach Intern 2 years service

- Facilitation of employment for 30 persons at SUBEB and TESCOm Teachers staffing and Employment process.

* CASH GIFTS AND GRANTS: 

- Disbursement of weekly stipends of #5,000 to not less than 50 persons across the constituency.

- Facilitation of grants to 2 persons, one from Oru and one from Ago-Iwoye at the OGUN STATE Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry empowerment commissioned by the Vice President.

- 50,000 naira cash gifts to 100 persons to commemorate our Two years in Office and account of Stewardship 

* HEALTHCARE :

- Sponsorship of free test, screening and surgery of not less than 20 persons across the constituency at Itele Eye Hospital.

- Payment for treatment of not less than 10 persons in a month at Love and Care Hospital, Ago-Iwoye.

- Sponsorship and payment for prostate operations of not less than 2 persons from the constituency at St. David's Hospital, Idowa, IJEBU Ode.

- Payment of medical bills of not less than 10 referred patients from the Constituency of different ailments at St. David's Hospital, Idowa, IJEBU Ode.

- Sponsorship of fibroid Operation 

- Construction of Late Pa. Solomon Oduyemi Health Centre, Ago-Iwoye.

- Sponsorship of Health And Fitness walk

* SPORTS: 

- Sponsorship of Iwoye Day 2022 Marathon race

- Sponsorship of Iwoye Day 2023 Marathon race

- Sponsorship of Oru Day 2023 Marathon race

- sponsorship of the ongoing IFELODUN football talent international scouting under Prince Segun kaka Sports Foundation.

- Collaborative facilitation of the Construction of Omo Edumare - Okenugbo, Ago-Iwoye linking Ijebu Ode|Ibadan Express way

- Collaborative Facilitation of the Construction of Mamu - Abapanu 

All other notable projects amongst all are: 

Ongoing well water projects within the 3 rural wards of Ifelodun CONSTITUENCY

Procurement of Solar lightning for mamu settlement and house community, Ago-Iwoye

Installation of 4 solar lightning at Oru market .

Installation of 4 solar lightning at ilaporu road and ilaporu palace

Installation of 4 solar lightning at Awa market, opp Oluomo of Awa House.

Installation of 2 solar lightning at Awa central junction.

Installation of 2 solar lightning at the newly human capacity building institutions at Awa Ijebu.

Donation of 15 solar powered night capturing cameras to Ward 7 - Oru, Awa,and Ilaporu.

Donations of 45 pieces of Solar powered night capturing cameras to Ago-Iwoye.

7 km Rural road opening, Clearing and face-lifting from Aba panu to Arije ,Alasodu. Village, Ago-Iwoye

Rural Road Grading of all roads within the Mamu community, Ago-Iwoye.

Donation of 2 solar lightning to Ajegunle, Village Awa Ijebu

Donation of pre - casted U- culvert at Ereru stream Oru.

Donation of Pre-casted U-Culvert at Jaloye community, Oru Ijebu 

Clearing the new hausa community settlement along Ijebu Ode Road, Oru Ijebu. 

Illumination of Itamerin junction to Ajebo to Oru junction with 28 Solar Powered Street lights 

Grading of Adepitan Street to Ereru stream linking Falafonmu, Oru Ijebu 

Face-lifting and Grading of Eid Prayer ground at Oru ijebu

Grading of mariam junction road to Awa ijebu

Ongoing construction of 100m road with double drainage systems at the back of our late leader JMK house at Isamuro ably supported by Prince Adegbenro@ Ago iwoye.

Grading of all connecting road within the lecturers quaters at ilaporu Town ijebu.

Donation of 500 thousand naira to ibipe community primary school Ago-Iwoye.

Donation of 1 million naira for women empowerment in oru ,ijebu.

Installation of 4 solar powered Street light at new garage,Ago iwoye.

Grading of Abobi police station road, linking Alhaji Adegberin-Olurege - Iyamode Road, Ago-Iwoye 

Grading of oko ireke road.

Grading of wasimi,and excavation of drainage,Ago-Iwoye

Grading of Paul and paul street Ago-Iwoye.

Grading of wasimi Street behind late Baba kuku house, Ago-Iwoye

Donation of 3 solar lightning at ojude olooto junction Ago-Iwoye

Donation of 10 solar lightning at Ago-Iwoye market

Channelling the toruka stream behind the Ago-Iwoye Community Healthcare, at Agosec,Ago-Iwoye.

Grading of Ago-Iwoye Community Healthcare Center .

Grading of Off Itamerin- Road linking Oluomo Femi Bakare - R Odua, Ago-Iwoye. 

Grading of Awa town hall street, Awa Ijebu

Installation of 5 Solar Powered Borehole at Oru Station

Grading of Konigba enrouting Adeland HOUSE, Konigba, Ago-Iwoye 

Grading of Limelite Road to Mini Campus, Ago-Iwoye

Grading of Ago-Iwoye Town Hall Roads - Mini Campus Road.

Conclusively, Honourable Olusegun Odunuga Kaka has rendered commendable service to the good people of Ijebu North II Constituency, which strongly justifies his re-election for a second term in office. Undeniably, he is an achiever par excellence. This serves as a call to all leaders within the constituency to reconsider and support his candidacy, while encouraging the public to extend their acceptance and continued support.

His undeniable commitment to the Omoluabi Political Movement where he's serving as the State Coordinator, cannot be overemphasized. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership acumen, enabling the team to stand tall among other political movements in Ogun State today.

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Ekiti State, Dare Bejide, has received new members into the party with a pledge to provide the required infrastructure and accelerate rural development to ensure residents live decent lives in all parts of the state.

Bejide spoke at Ikole Ekiti in the Ikole Local Government area of the state on Thursday while receiving about 200 new members, who said they joined from the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.

No fewer than 13 political parties including the APC, PDP and ADC are participating in the Ekiti State governorship election which the Independent National Electoral Commission has slated for June 20.

The ADC candidate, who bemoaned the state of the road leading to Ikole Ekiti, said, “This (Ikole Road) and other roads in the state that are in deplorable condition will be my priority in government. We will fix them.

Good roads for smooth movement of persons, goods and agricultural produce are necessary for economic development. They will enhance safety of lives and property as well.

“We will prioritise the welfare of the people, focusing on electricity, quality healthcare, quality education, and food security. These are among reasons the people of Ekiti State should vote for ADC — in summary to have good lives and a developed state.

“ADC’s manifesto is designed to cater for the needs of the people, regardless of their political or religious affiliations,” Bejide said, assuring the new members they had become part and parcel of the party

ADC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Chief Ayodeji Babatola, told the gathering that the party would bring good governance closer to the people and ensure they were involved in decision-making.

Also speaking, the ADC State Chairman, Ilesanmi Omolayo, who welcomed the defectors to his party, assured that they would be treated equally and enjoy the same benefits as existing members.

ADC chieftain and former Commissioner in Ekiti State, Segun Akinwunmi, who said lack of autonomy for local governments was a hindrance to rural development, urged residents to vote for Bejide for accelerated development in the area.

One of the defectors, Bamidele Ologuntoye, said the defectors would work towards the party’s victory in the area.

Ologuntoye said, “The organisation, internal democracy and the prospects of ADC are the reasons we decided to dump our former parties and joined ADC.”

Culled from punch

In the petition marked FCT/ACEPT/EP/02/2026 and obtained by our correspondent on Thursday, the petitioners are contesting the declaration of Mohammed Kasim of the Peoples Democratic Party as the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

INEC had declared Kasim the winner of the poll with 22,165 votes, while Usman polled 17,788 votes.

The petitioners are seeking the nullification of the election on three major grounds, including alleged non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, corrupt practices, and the claim that the declared winner did not secure the majority of lawful votes cast.

According to the petition, the election, conducted across 10 wards and 338 polling units in Gwagwalada Area Council, was marred by widespread irregularities involving electoral officials.

The APC and its candidate alleged that the results in at least six polling units were mutilated and altered to match the number of accredited voters and conceal cases of over-voting. These affected polling units were spread across Kutunku, Ibwa, Tungan Maje, and Ikwa wards.

The petition read, “That the result of 6 polling units in 4 wards i.e., Kutunku (code: 02); Ibwa (code: 04); Tunga Maje (code: 07); and Ikwa (code:09), issued to the Petitioners by the 1st Respondent on request as entered in Forms EC8A series by the presiding officers of the 1st Respondent were altered, changed, results suppressed or inflated to avoid over-voting in breach of the Electoral Act, 2026 and the Electoral Regulations and Electoral Guideline.

That there were also incidences of cancellations on the face of results in Forms EC8A that were glaringly done in 6 polling units during the Gwagwalada Area Council Chairmanship Election. ”

They further claimed that in two polling units, votes scored by the APC were deliberately suppressed during collation.

The petition also cited 102 polling units where substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act allegedly occurred, alongside eight polling units where officials reportedly engaged in result manipulation, including erasures, cancellations, and re-writing of figures on result sheets.

“That aside the 102 Polling Units where substantial non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026 occurred in the 2026 Gwagwalada Chairmanship Election held on the 21st of February, 2026, there are also 8 polling units where electoral officials of the 3rd Respondent engaged in corrupt practices and irregularities by mutilating, erasing, cancelling and re-rewriting the figures in the results sheet with the aim of altering, changing to avoid the consequences of over-voting, as well as suppressing results and inflation of votes”, the petition added.

In addition, the petitioners alleged wrongful accreditation of voters in 71 polling units across six wards, accusing electoral officials of failing to properly tick voters’ details in the register as required by law.

They argued that despite these irregularities, INEC proceeded to collate and rely on the affected votes in declaring the PDP candidate as the winner.

The petition further highlighted incidents of over-voting in 31 polling units, where figures recorded exceeded the number of accredited voters. It stated that a total of 1,289 votes for APC and 3,236 votes for PDP in those units should be considered invalid.

After deducting the disputed votes, the petitioners calculated that APC would have 16,499 valid votes, while PDP would have 18,929 votes, leaving a margin of 2,430 votes.

They argued that the margin of lead is significantly lower than the 21,289 registered voters in the affected polling units, thereby warranting the cancellation of the results and possibly a fresh election.

The petitioners are urging the tribunal to invalidate the election results and determine the rightful winner in accordance with the law.

The endorsement was contained in a joint press release issued and signed by the APC lawmakers representing constituencies within the district.

The lawmakers include; Hon.A.A .Adeyinka (Isagamu 2), Hon. (Mrs.) Alhaja Bakare Omolola Olanrewaju Serifat (Ijebu-Ode Constituency), Hon. AbdulRasheed Kashamu (Ijebu North I State Constituency), Hon. Sobukanla Olakunle (Ikenne State Constituency), Hon. Kaka Segun (Ijebu North II State Constituency).

According to the statement, the declaration reflects a shared conviction, careful consultation, and an unwavering commitment to the continued progress, stability, and effective representation of the senatorial district.

The lawmakers noted that their decision followed extensive deliberations and consultations with stakeholders across Ogun East.

“After extensive deliberations and engagement with stakeholders across Ogun East Senatorial District, we hereby express our strong support for the senatorial aspiration of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, the Executive Governor of Ogun State, ahead of the 2027 senatorial election.

“Our position is guided by the need to sustain purposeful leadership and ensure that the developmental strides recorded in Ogun State are effectively translated into quality representation at the Senate of the National Assembly of Nigeria.”

The lawmakers further stated that Governor Abiodun has demonstrated exceptional leadership through strategic governance, infrastructural development, economic expansion, and people-oriented policies that have positively transformed Ogun State.

They highlighted achievements of his administration in areas such as road infrastructure, education, healthcare delivery, investment promotion, and youth empowerment, noting that these initiatives have strengthened public confidence and positioned the state as a competitive hub for growth and sustainable development.

“We firmly believe that these qualities, combined with his vast administrative experience and deep understanding of national development issues, will greatly benefit Ogun East Senatorial District and the Federal Republic of Nigeria if entrusted with a senatorial mandate.

“As elected representatives closest to the grassroots, we remain committed to protecting the collective interests of our constituents. Our endorsement is therefore not merely political but rooted in the desire to secure experienced, visionary, and result-oriented representation for Ogun East Senatorial District.”

They also acknowledged the steady progress recorded across Ogun East through collaborative efforts between the state government and members of the Assembly, noting that such cooperation has brought developmental projects, improved public services, and renewed hope to communities within the district.

According to them, supporting Governor Abiodun’s senatorial ambition represents a strategic step toward consolidating these gains and ensuring stronger advocacy for Ogun East at the national level.

Suspected political thugs on Saturday, March 14, 2026, disrupted the commissioning of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State, attacking party members and destroying property.

The incident occurred amid growing allegations of opposition intimidation in the state. Eyewitnesses said the hoodlums stormed the venue, scattered canopies, and smashed chairs, tables and sound equipment while reportedly shouting that only the All Progressives Congress (APC) would be allowed to operate in Bakassi.

A video circulating on social media showed the attackers pulling down structures at the venue. Sources also alleged that a Department of State Services (DSS) operative who was monitoring the event was assaulted, with his clothes reportedly torn during the chaos.

The disruption has drawn criticism from political observers, who warned that such acts threaten democratic principles and political tolerance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A Bakassi resident, Samuel Edet, described the attack as dangerous for the state’s democratic culture.

“This is political intimidation against citizens and it has never happened in Cross River. If we do not stop it early, we may all pay for it later,” he said.

Effiong Nyong, the ADC’s 2023 governorship candidate in Cross River State, also condemned the incident, describing it as a sign of growing political intolerance.

However, when contacted, the Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area, Hon. Effiong Etim Okon, said he was not aware of any ADC activity in the area.

I am not aware of such incident,” he said.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the disruption, stating that hoodlums scattered canopies, chairs and sound equipment at the venue.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, said no arrests had been made as of the time of filing this report, but investigations were ongoing.

“The group disrupted the gathering by scattering canopies, chairs and sound systems at the venue. Although no arrests had been made as of the time of filing this report, police personnel and tactical teams have been stationed in the area to prevent further escalation,” he said.

Vanguard gathered that the attack follows a pattern of alleged interference with ADC activities in the state. On March 10, 2026, security operatives reportedly sealed a venue in Calabar scheduled for the inauguration of the party’s Membership Mobilisation, Registration and Revalidation Committee.

Earlier, a similar action was reported in Ogoja Local Government Area during a reception organised for defecting members.

ABUJA — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said that its leading presidential hopefuls; Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi are working together with a common aim: to stop President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from returning to power in the 2027 general election.

The announcement came as the party unveiled 1ADC, a political movement meant to bring together its members and supporters across age groups, social backgrounds and political interests as it prepares to challenge the ruling party in the next presidential race.

The development signals an early effort by opposition figures to rally around a single platform ahead of the 2027 contest, which is already shaping up as a potential showdown with Tinubu and the APC.

National Coordinator of the 1ADC Movement, Mrs Lauretta Onochie, and former ADC National Chairman Dr Ralphs Nwosu spoke during the unveiling of the initiative.

“We are here to inform the world, the state, our political leaders that we have come together to be united as one ADC,” Onochie said.

According to her, the platform will ensure that supporters of Obi, Atiku and Amaechi are able to work together as a team to confront the APC in 2027.

“Because Nigerians are asking an important question as to if political parties can ever come together and unite, today we are here to say it is possible and we are taking that lead,” she added.

Onochie acknowledged that disagreements are inevitable in political movements but stressed that the party’s collective goal must come before individual interests.

“We will unite after primaries, we will heal the wounds and we will not encourage anti-party activities. We will reach the grassroots, we will reach the poor, the young and we will be a party for every one. We will be strong, disciplined and united,” Onochie assured.

She said the movement was also created to reduce friction and divisions among party leaders and aspirants while mobilising Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election.

Former ADC National Chairman Dr Ralphs Nwosu said the adoption of the party as a coalition platform was meant to give Nigerians the opportunity to reclaim their country.

“We say we don’t want to continue complaining. It is not about who is the (National) Chairman (or National) Secretary. The leadership of the ADC has been very deliberate. They don’t want to stand on anybody’s face. They want the Nigerian citizens to take over the party,” Nwosu said.

He urged Nigerians to take action to prevent the country from sliding into deeper crisis after the 2027 elections.

Nwosu also described the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, as ‘a military tactician” who would not be intimidated by any political force.

According to him, the party’s digital membership registration drive has drawn significant interest across the country.

Nwosu said ADC is not a politicians’ party but has become the citizens’ party, helping to create harmony in the political system.

He also claimed that within a few months of the party’s digital membership registration, millions of Nigerian voters had already signed up.

Culled from vanguard

OSOGBO— THE pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has taken a swipe at the National Assembly for removing the presentation of forged certificates as a ground for challenging election results in the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026

Afenifere, in a statement by its leader and National Publicity Secretary, Oba Oladipo Olaitan and Mr Justice Faloye, described the legislative change as a retrogressive move that protects individuals with dubious academic backgrounds.

The Yoruba body said: “The act effectively constricts the democratic space by limiting the legal basis upon which election petitions can be filed. Under Section 138 of the 2026 Act, election petitions are now restricted to only two specific grounds: corruption or non-compliance with the law, and whether the winner received a majority of lawful votes.” 

Afenifere pointed out that this omission contradicts the 1999 Constitution, which explicitly disqualifies any candidate who presents a forged certificate for public office.

The organisation expressed further alarm over new punitive financial penalties introduced in the law. 

“These fines target petitioners and their lawyers who attempt to present cases based on grounds not specifically named in the Act, a move that is designed to discourage legal scrutiny of elected officials.

“We, therefore, call for an immediate withdrawal and re-enactment of the legislation to restore the forged certificate provision and strengthen the integrity of the voting process”, the statement added.

Culled from vanguard

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State and Governor Ademola Adeleke on Tuesday disagreed over alleged plot by the latter to borrow N300billion and attempt to use the council fund as collateral.

The APC in a statement issued by its Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, alleged that it uncovered plot by the Adeleke-led administration to use the council fund as collateral to accessed fresh N300billion loan from a commercial bank in the State.

While disclosing that the governor decided to take the path having lost all legal battles to control the local government councils across the State, he warned the commercial bank to steer clear such illegality.

According to him, the governor and his kitchen cabinet summoned a meeting of PDP elected council officials and senior career officers across the local government to lure them into supporting the plot.

“There’s no justifiable reason for the Adeleke-led government to go to such route of deliberately and wickedly plunging the state into avoidable debts which generations unborn would be made liable for its repayment.

Governor Adeleke should be called to order by the stakeholders of the state and be made to understand that the state is not part of his family estates which he could be administering through his whims and caprices but the law of the land.

“We, as a party, are condemning the deliberate unpatriotic plans of Governor Adeleke to add to the burden of the people of the state by illegally scheming to squander the money meant for the development of the grassroots on frivolous issues which could not be in the interest of the people of the state.

“The development is in clear contravention of the Debt Management Office Act 2003, which specifies that the local government cannot borrow such money without the signature of the Federal Minister of Finance, the Accountant-General of the Federation and the executive councils of the local governments, that is, the reinstated APC chairmen and councilors”, he added.

Reacting, the Governor’s Spokesperson Olawale Rasheed in a statement, said the APC is using lies to cover its wicked act of withholding local government fund in the State.

The governor’s office outrightly denied any such loan plan with any commercial bank alongside the authentic council chairmen, the APC is scared of its criminal conduct over the hijacking and illegal disbursement of parts of over N250 billion belonging to Osun local governments.

The mob occupation of the council secretariats and the diversion of LG funds into pockets of cronies are major albatross for Osun APC and its chieftains. Osun voters and the law won’t spare all those involved. Aside legal accountability, Osun voters will electorally punish APC impostors and illegals inflicting hardship on Osun grassroots.

“Osun state government under Governor Adeleke is not in the business of criminal deals with financial institutions like the Osun APC. Mr Governor is fixated on completely cleaning up the fiscal, infra and social mess inherited from the Oyetola administration”, he said.

Culled from vanguard

Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, on Monday, declared that its leadership has no anointed candidates for the elective posts in the 2027 general elections.

It subsequently cautioned its members to desist from actions and inactions capable of rocking the prevailing peace in the party few months to the governorship election in the state.

In a statement signed and made available by the spokesperson of the party, Kola Olabisi, Osun APC, stated that it was “wrong for some elements to be spewing falsehoods from the corners of their rooms, depicting that the leadership of the party has anointed some candidates for the National and House of Assembly elections coming up in 2027.

“There is no iota of truth in such propagation of falsehoods as there was nowhere either in the past or present that any meeting on such an agenda was discussed.”

The party appealed to its members and  supporters to discountenance the “misinformation and disinformation and consign same to the dustbin of information as it still remains within the realm of rumour.”

The statement added, “What should preoccupy the minds of anyone who calls himself a worthy and dedicated member of our party now should be the concerted efforts to collectively work assiduously for the victory of our governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), and his running mate, Aare(Engr) Benjamin Kayode Adereti, in the forthcoming governorship election.”

Describing it as a disservice to Osun APC for members to be promoting avoidable acrimony and crisis for personal interest at the detriment of the collective interest of the party, the leadership charged its members to work together and prioritise its success in the governorship poll.

It further stated that, “It is not true that the APC under my watch has anointed some candidates for the national and House of Assembly elections.

“It is a figment of the imagination of those who are propagating the falsehood which is being touted deliberately to destabilise our party which is antithetical to the position of the party that all the aspirants for the national and state assemblies should, for now, dissipate their energy on the election of AMBO.”

It maintained that with the election of Oyebamiji as the Osun governor, “other things would fall in place and life would become more abundant for all the strata of the society in the state.”

The reports that INEC had scheduled primaries that will produce candidates for the 2027 general elections between April 23 and May 30.

Ahead of the primaries, political parties in the state have been putting in place various measures to manage the fallout of the contest in a bid to prevent major division going into the August 15 governorship poll.

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ABUJA — The Senator Nenadi Usman-led Labour Party (LP) has commenced a leadership recruitment process with the launch of an electronic membership registration exercise ahead of future elections.

Usman, who addressed journalists alongside stakeholders from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) during the unveiling in Abuja on Monday, urged Nigerians to take advantage of the exercise to formally identify with the party.

The interim national chairman explained that the registration drive is designed to lay the groundwork for elective congresses that will produce party executives at the ward, state, and zonal levels, after which a national convention will be held to elect members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Earlier, a foundation member of the party, Comrade Lawson Osagie, dismissed claims of factionalisation within the party, insisting that all party organs are operating in line with the Supreme Court judgment and the regulations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to him, the party’s National Caretaker Committee is responsible for overseeing the electoral process and establishing a credible and verifiable membership register.

“We don’t have any problems in the Labour Party in any of our states. The Supreme Court judgment made it clear that the tenure of the previous leadership had expired. One of the key responsibilities of the interim leadership is to conduct congresses and a national convention,” Osagie said.

Speaking on the new online registration portal, Usman described it as simple and convenient, allowing Nigerians both at home and abroad to register as party members without visiting physical offices.

“The portal has been fully tested and earlier technical issues resolved. Members can register from anywhere and download their membership cards,” she said.

She added that the registration is free of charge, warning that any platform demanding payment should be considered fraudulent.

Usman said registrants would be required to select their home states to ensure accurate and verifiable membership records.

She reaffirmed the party’s commitment to rebuilding a stronger political platform while learning from lessons of the 2023 general elections, including the need for reliable polling agents and verifiable records in every polling unit.

According to her, the party aims to deepen grassroots participation by ensuring that members and labour unions actively take part in its electoral processes.

Usman urged members and supporters to register online promptly to help build a credible and participatory party structure ahead of upcoming elections.

Culled from vanguard

Former Senator, Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, has said she does not need the backing of her father, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as she pursues the Ogun State governorship under the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general election.

She stated this on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Friday.

“I don’t need his support. I’m almost 60. I mean I’m 59. I think that at this age, my friends that still have both parents alive are very few, very few.

“So, I consider myself lucky at this age to have both my mother and my father alive. And I don’t think that at this age, I should be consulting them for everything — my career moves,” she said.

She added that her parents would vote for her regardless.

“My father, I know, and my mother will vote for me. That’s all I can ask of them. I don’t even need to ask of them. Even if I didn’t ask, they will vote for me. So my journey in APC is a personal journey for me,” she added.

On the question of consistency, given that she had been absent from active politics since losing her Senate seat, Obasanjo-Bello said she had not intended to seek re-election in the first place, and had postponed her Harvard fellowship by a year due to pressure from supporters.

I wasn’t going to run for that election. When I lost, I saw it as a blessing. I felt the only way I could not get that pressure and continue to do things that I wasn’t comfortable with doing was to just cut myself away so that they will have to find some other politician to follow or do something else,” she said.

She said her initial entry into politics was driven by excitement at grassroots campaigning, an experience she had never encountered growing up during the military era.

She later served as Commissioner for Health in Ogun State and as a senator representing her senatorial district, positions she described as the foundation of her current governorship bid.

“Everywhere I go in the state now, somebody comes up to me and says, ‘You did this for me’ — something as simple as, you were when you were commissioner, I was hired, or you hired me. I came to talk to you about something and for a job. You saw my CV. I have a lot of goodwill,” she said.

On funding, she disclosed that decades of work in the United States had yielded retirement savings invested in the American stock market, which she said would form part of her campaign war chest.

“If you look at the US stock market, if you put money into it 30 years ago, it’s more than — I can say controversially—times 10 or something.

“So that multiplier is part of the system. By the time you stay for a long time working and you get closer to retirement, you have a nice nest egg. So that is part of my own funding,” she said, adding that she also expected contributions from individuals whose fortunes she had helped advance over the years.

Asked whether channelling her savings into a campaign she could lose was a risk, she said, “Then I still have some savings. I still have 15 years of work life left in me and I’ll go back to work.”

On the party primary, she said no candidate in Ogun State had been given a guaranteed APC ticket, including herself, but expressed confidence in her chances.

“I feel I’m a formidable person to beat because of my track record. I just think I’m a better candidate and more formidable than them. And I’m going to win,” she said.

She noted that at least one other woman had declared for the Ogun governorship, and welcomed the moment as auspicious for women in Nigerian politics, pointing to the pending gender reserved seat bill before the National Assembly as a positive signal.

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Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State is reportedly considering joining the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Speculation has it that APC leaders in Abuja have reportedly wooed the governor to the party, allegedly offering him an automatic ticket to contest the governorship in 2027.

It was further suggested that Lawal may take 40 per cent of elective and political appointments in the state, while the remaining 60 per cent would go to APC stakeholders.

According to the speculation, Lawal has allegedly consulted with PDP stakeholders in the state about his planned defection, following ongoing crises within the party at the national level.

The governor is reportedly expected to officially join the APC immediately after the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

A source within the APC, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Governor Lawal has accepted the offer to leave PDP and join our party, the APC.

“Although most of us are not celebrating this defection because we will lose a lot of positions, there is nothing we can do about it, as was planned at the top.

I am quite sure that our party will reclaim Zamfara State in 2027 with or without Governor Lawal. As such, there is nothing to celebrate because of his defection.”

Lawal, while addressing PDP stakeholders at the Government House, Gusau, stressed that only the Appeal Court verdict on the PDP crisis would determine his political future

He said his possible defection would depend on the Appeal Court ruling regarding the legality of Tanimu Turaki (SAN )’s leadership and the Ibadan, Oyo State, convention of the party.

The PDP is currently in court over the legality of the November 2025 convention held in Ibadan.

The convention, backed by the governors against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, produced Turaki as national chairman of the party.

The party is, however, awaiting the judgment of the Appeal Court, as the high court sitting in Ibadan had declared the convention illegal, null and void.

Speaking to The PUNCH, the spokesperson of Zamfara PDP, Alhaji Haliru Andi, reaffirmed that Lawal would only leave the party if PDP failed to resolve its internal crisis at the appeal court.

As long as the PDP remains the legitimate political party in Nigeria, Governor Lawal will remain in the party.

“We are only waiting for the Appeal Court’s verdict, which will determine the legality or otherwise of Turaki’s leadership and the Ibadan convention,” Andi said.

He added, “Governor Dauda Lawal, stakeholders, members, and supporters of the PDP in the state are not in support of joining any other party unless the crisis within the party continues to be unresolved.”

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday received decampees from all the major parties in the state, vowing to deliver 2.5 million votes to President Bola Tinubu in next year’s election.

The governor stated this while addressing party leaders and members of Africa Democratic Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, who joined the APC at a rally held at the Garrick Memorial Ground, Ekenwan Road,  Benin City.

The governor also declared that Edo State is firmly in the grips of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While the decampees pledged their loyalty and commitment to the party, Okpebholo attributed the surge in support for the APC to “visible and practical development across the state.”

He expressed confidence ahead of the next election cycle, adding, “2027 and 2.5 million votes are sure for Tinubu. The president should relax and come to Edo to commission projects, not to campaign, as the state is sure and settled for APC.”

He maintained that Edo’s development strides are directly linked to federal support, noting that the administration’s achievements would speak louder than campaign rhetoric.

He said, “I thank members of the APC for the unity we are enjoying in the party. We have a good father in President Tinubu and we all stand here today because we are proud of him and ready to deliver Edo for APC come 2027″.

All we do in Edo State is practical governance and the people can see development. Every kobo spent in Edo State is from President Tinubu.”

In a move that drew applause from the crowd, the governor invited Arise Television anchors Rufai Oseni and Reuben Abati to tour projects across the state, expressing confidence that firsthand inspection would validate his claims.

He added, “I invite Rufai and Abati to Edo State and I will take them on a project tour in the state. By the time I take them round for a few days inspecting projects, you will not only campaign but vote for President Tinubu in 2027.”

The governor further noted that with 31 governors currently under the APC platform nationwide, the ruling party remains on a strong footing, adding that more political alignments are expected ahead of 2027.

Reaffirming his administration’s loyalty to the APC and the presidency, Okpebholo said that Edo State is politically secure for the ruling party, driven by unity within its ranks and sustained developmental efforts under his leadership.

Recall that the state chapter of the APC has been receiving new members since Okpebholo came into office.

At different events, the governor has also promised to deliver 2.5 million votes to President Tinubu in next year’s election.

Culled from punch

The congress, held on Tuesday at the Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, was supervised by the APC Congress Committee Chairman, Chief Wale Ohu, in the presence of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, and other party chieftains also attended the exercise.

In a congratulatory statement issued to Journalists in Abeokuta on Tuesday by the Movement’s Media and Publicity Director, Oluseun Joshua, the convener of the movement, Armstrong ’Tope Akintunde, described the re-election of the state executive committee as a testament to their dedication, loyalty, and sustained service to the party.

Akintunde stated, “What we witnessed in Ogun APC today is a reflection of the achievements of our party’s state executive members led by our leaders, Governor Dapo Abiodun and Chief Yemi Sanusi. It is clear evidence of their longstanding dedication and commitment to the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State.”

Akintunde noted that the Sanusi-led executive had strengthened unity within the party under the leadership of Governor Abiodun.

“The Ogun State APC today stands united under one umbrella through the leadership of Chief Yemi Sanusi and our Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON. Their leadership has demonstrated results beyond rhetoric,” he said.

Akintunde further stated that continued support from party members reflects confidence in leaders who have delivered on their responsibilities.

“In politics, good performance often earns continued opportunities to serve. This is evident in the support enjoyed by Governor Abiodun and now by Chief Sanusi and other executive members,” he added.

He also called for increased mobilisation ahead of future political engagements, assuring that the Omoluabi Movement would continue to support the party’s leadership and programmes in the state.

Reacting to the outcome of the congress, the State Coordinator of the Omoluabi Movement, Hon. Olusegun Kaka, asserted that re-election of the executives was widely anticipated due to their efforts in strengthening the APC in Ogun State.

“We have witnessed significant political realignments with members of opposition parties joining the APC in Ogun State. This reflects growing confidence in the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun and Chief Yemi Sanusi. The leadership of the state chapter has continued to attract new members into the party,” Kaka noted.

The African Democratic Congress has raised concerns over what it described as selective enforcement of the law, insisting that former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, are entitled to the full constitutional presumption of innocence as their legal cases unfold.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party pledged not to abandon Malami, El-Rufai and others facing prosecution.

Last week, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja ordered that Malami, who is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

Meanwhile, El-Rufai voluntarily honoured an invitation from the EFCC on February 16 and remained in its custody until the night of February 18, after which he was transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission for further investigation over alleged financial misconduct and related offences.

Reacting to the developments, the ADC stated that while no citizen is above the law, justice must be applied fairly and without selectivity in a constitutional democracy.

“The African Democratic Congress has been monitoring the ongoing legal cases involving two of our leaders, Mr Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from Kebbi State, and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State,” the statement read.

“As a law-abiding party, it is important to state for the record that the ADC believes no citizen, regardless of stature or past office, is above the law. However, in a constitutional democracy where the law is seen to operate selectively, it becomes imperative to insist, firmly and without apology, that justice must be applied evenly, transparently and without political calculation, particularly in cases such as those involving Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai, where the manner, speed and sequence of enforcement actions have understandably raised serious public concerns about consistency and fairness.”

The party urged Nigerians to compare the handling of the cases with other high-profile matters.

Reacting to the developments, the ADC stated that while no citizen is above the law, justice must be applied fairly and without selectivity in a constitutional democracy.

“The African Democratic Congress has been monitoring the ongoing legal cases involving two of our leaders, Mr Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from Kebbi State, and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State,” the statement read.

“As a law-abiding party, it is important to state for the record that the ADC believes no citizen, regardless of stature or past office, is above the law. However, in a constitutional democracy where the law is seen to operate selectively, it becomes imperative to insist, firmly and without apology, that justice must be applied evenly, transparently and without political calculation, particularly in cases such as those involving Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai, where the manner, speed and sequence of enforcement actions have understandably raised serious public concerns about consistency and fairness.”

The party urged Nigerians to compare the handling of the cases with other high-profile matters.

“Nigerians should consider a recent high-profile case. At its centre are grave allegations of passport forgery, international conspiracy, impersonation and the alleged use of a disputed international passport in support of a property claim in London. These are not minor procedural questions. They touch on issues of national integrity and international credibility. Yet, in that case, the accused persons pleaded not guilty, were granted bail, and the matter is proceeding expeditiously before the court,” it stated.

“In contrast, in the cases involving Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai, we have witnessed prolonged custodial movements, inter-agency transfers and processes that appear to precede, rather than follow, fully crystallised prosecution.”

The ADC stressed that its position was rooted in constitutional principles rather than partisan loyalty.

“At the same time, let there be no ambiguity about our position. Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai are first citizens of Nigeria before they are opposition leaders or members of the African Democratic Congress,” the statement added.

The party further argued that the presumption of innocence accorded to Malami and El-Rufai must be upheld as a constitutional right.

“They are therefore presumed innocent under the Constitution until proven otherwise in a fair and competent court of law. That presumption should not be treated as a courtesy, but as a constitutional guarantee.

We will continue to stand by our members as they assert their legal rights. We will ensure that they are not isolated, intimidated or denied the protections that every Nigerian citizen is entitled to under the law.

“We will never abandon our people in moments of trial. We will never leave any of our members behind.”

Former Senator of Anambra North District, Chief Emmanuel Obiajulu Anosike, was on Tuesday elected Chairman of the Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Anosike emerged through consensus, with Chief J.C. Okeke as Vice Chairman and Chief Obi Okpala as Secretary.

Declaring the outcome, the Chairman of the Anambra Congress Committee and Returning Officer, Rear Admiral William Kayode (rtd), stated that the election was conducted in line with Articles 14 and 20 of the APC Constitution, which provide for the use of consensus in electing party officers.

I hereby affirm that the Congress was free, fair, and credible. Sen. Emmanuel Anosike and other members of his Executive Committee are duly elected,” Kayode said.

Senator Uche Ekwunife, Chairman of the Congress Harmonization Committee and Director-General of the South East Governors Forum, explained that the goal of the exercise was to elect competent party executives capable of driving the APC to victory. She noted that stakeholders at ward and local government levels were involved in the selection process.

Earlier, the previous executive, led by Chief Basil Ejidike, was dissolved through a motion moved by Chief Olisa Metuh and seconded by Dr. Onuora Okonkwo, paving the way for the new leadership.

In his acceptance speech, Anosike described his election as a call to serve and promised inclusivity for all party members.

“We shall ensure all members are carried along. This is a new dawn for the party in the state. We also pledge to deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections,” he said, acknowledging the support of Governor Hope Uzodimma in managing the party in the South East.

Former Chairman Ejidike urged party members to support the new executive, emphasizing that the party would continue to grow from strength to strength.

Culled from vanguard

ADC, in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, also instructed existing members to update and revalidate their details in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and the guidelines of INEC.

PUNCH Online reports that on February 13, the Independent National Electoral Commission initially scheduled the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections were fixed for Saturday, March 6, 2027.

However, the timetable attracted criticism from some Muslim stakeholders who noted that the dates fell within the 2027 Ramadan period.

Following the concerns, the Nigerian Senate amended Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, reducing the mandatory election notice period from 360 days to 300 days, thereby allowing INEC to adjust the timetable.

INEC later released a revised schedule on Thursday, signed by its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, moving the Presidential and National Assembly elections to January 16, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections to February 6, 2027.

Under the updated timetable, political parties are required to submit a comprehensive digital membership register by April 2, 2026—a requirement that some stakeholders argue may effectively sideline opposition parties.

The ADC, which began its membership registration exercise last month, stated that manual registration will continue concurrently nationwide.

The party stated, “The African Democratic Congress has officially commenced free online membership registration across Nigeria, following the successful kick-off of its nationwide registration and revalidation exercise in Abuja last month.

“The new digital registration platform, accessible via www.adcregistration.ng, is designed to enable the party to meet the requirements of the new Electoral Act 2026 regarding the digital membership register. Accordingly, only individuals whose membership details are fully captured and verified in the Party’s official digital register will be eligible to vote or be voted for in the Party’s primaries.

“Since the launch of the physical and grassroots membership exercise in February, we have recorded strong interest from Nigerians across states and the diaspora. Apart from meeting legal requirements, the introduction of the free online option is designed to remove barriers to entry, simplify enrolment, and ensure that every eligible Nigerian who wishes to identify with the ADC can do so seamlessly and securely.

“Members who have registered on the Party’s previous platform are also required to revalidate their membership on the new digital portal, as additional mandatory information is now required to ensure full compliance with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.”

ADC further urged support groups and associations to utilise this opportunity by signing up at www.adcregistration.ng and completing the straightforward onboarding process.

It continued, “ADC would like to emphasise that this exercise is without prejudice to our firm objections to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 that give undue advantage to the ruling party, as well as the consequential INEC timetable.

“The African Democratic Congress remains committed to building a modern, inclusive, and citizen-driven political movement capable of delivering credible leadership and a better Nigeria that works for all.”

The Ijebu people are widely regarded for their rich socio-cultural heritage and remarkable contributions across politics, education, commerce and the arts. It is within this tradition of excellence that Hon. Odunuga Olusegun Kaka, a Prince of the land has carved his political identity.

Representing Ijebu North State Constituency II at the Ogun State House of Assembly, Kaka has, over the past three years, positioned himself as a grassroots-focused lawmaker committed to service, cultural preservation and community development. He currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Information. Often described by associates as humble and accessible, Kaka’s political journey has been guided by a long-standing commitment to selfless service. His legislative agenda is driven by policies and programmes aimed at improving living standards across Ijebu North.

Speaking recently with journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the lawmaker reflected on his stewardship and expressed gratitude to his party and constituents. 

“This is no doubt a worthy platform to appreciate my party, the All Progressives Congress, and the good people of Ijebu North Constituency II for granting me the opportunity to realise my political ambition.

“I am equally immensely grateful to party faithfuls for their overwhelming support. We truly fought a good fight, struggled together and God graciously rewarded our efforts. I have no regret being there for my people; it remains my utmost concern and obligation.

“I cannot end my story without commending the leader of our party and Governor of the State, Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, who supported me fully. May Almighty God strengthen our hardworking governor and enable him to surpass expectations in his second term,” he added. 

As Honourable Olusegun Odunuga Kaka marks three years in office, he points to a series of verifiable interventions across Ijebu North Constituency II aimed at making life more rewarding for residents, which are:

- Newly constructed borehole at Imota, Close to SSG House, Oru Ijebu.

- Complete Rehabilation of Long Abandoned borehole at Ikansi, Isale Oru, Oru Ijebu.

- Ongoing Rehabilitation of Mamu Market Borehole, Mamu IJEBU.

- Solar Powered Bore Hole @ Ojude Olooto, Ago-Iwoye 1 (Ward 08), Ago-Iwoye

- Bore Holes @ Late Pa. Otunba Solomon Oduyemi Health Centre, Lugbedu, Ago-Iwoye

- Solar driven Bore Hole @ Aredi Oke, Oru/Awa/Ilaoorun, Ward 07, Awa Ijebu

- Solar driven Bore Hole @ Abapanu Village, Many/Ehin Etiri Ward 10, Ago-Iwoye.

- Solar driven Bore Hole @ Young Ade, Ayegbami, Ago-Iwoye II, Ward 09, Ago-Iwoye.

- Ongoing Construction of Bore Hole @ Mamu Ijebu, Ago-Iwoye

- Ongoing Construction of Bore hole @ Oke Ogbe, Ago-Iwoye

- Donation of 500k for traders to kick start traders money rotation amongst market women in awa.

- Facilitation of the lightening of Ololo/Mariam Community through the installation of a 500kva/11 transformer.

- Donation of 500k for the installation of the Installation of 500kva/11 transformer for Ololo/Mariam Community, Ago-Iwoye

- Street lightening of Itun Nla Road, Awa IJEBU.

- Street lightening of Awotele Roundabout opposite Ago-Iwoye market, Ago-Iwoye 

- Street lightening of Itamerin- Ajebo - Oru Station Road

- Street lightening of Itun Nla Road, Awa IJEBU.

- Street lightening of Awotele Roundabout opposite Ago-Iwoye market, Ago-Iwoye 

- Illumination of Itamerin - Ajebo - Oru Under Brigde Routes,  Oru Ijebu with 36 Solar Powered Street lights 

- Solar powered Street Lights at Awa Market

- Solar powered Street lights in Agricultural Farm Settlement, Oju Ogun Village, Liwo Ajobi Village, Oke Ogbe Village, Eredo Village, Liyangi Village, Keke Village, Orile Ibipe, Orile Isamuro, Idagolu and others.

- Facilitation of 2M Naira on Awa Day celebration from the ministry under my auspices.

- Facilitation of 2M Naira for the Ago-Iwoye day 2023 Celebration from the Ministry under my auspices.

- Procurement and Donation of a perfect working D6R Bulldozer worth 42 Million Naira purposely for the Road network upgrading of the rural and community road. 

- Clearing of the newly proposed ultra-modern market located in oru.

- Sponsored the grading of Oke Erigba village rural road with over 4M Naira of fueling and logistics to Quarry junction  Ago-Iwoye.

- Grading and clearing of Villages across Ifelodun Constituency 

- Ongoing Construction of Ereru/Falafonmu bridge, Oru Ijebu 

- Ongoing Construction of Alhaji Olowonimoyin Street bridge linking Kuku Road, Ago-Iwoye.

- Facilitation of admission into OOU for about 10 students in courses like Pharmacy, Medicine and Biochemistry. 

- Facilitation of admission for students at OGUN STATE Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, Ilese IJEBU. 

- Free Holiday Coaching for over 790 JSS1 - SS3 students at IMOSOSI PRIMARY SCHOOL and ITAMERIN COMPREHENSIVE HIGH School

- Sponsorship of Free Holiday Coaching Edition 2 for over 1,700 public secondary school students at Itamerin- Comprehensive High school and Imososi Primary School.

- Sponsorship of Academic seminar and Price giving Edition 1 at Ago-Iwoye City Hall for attendees of free Editions 1 Holiday Coaching 

- Sponsorship of Academic seminar, Debate and Price giving and distribution of Educational Materials Edition II at Ambali Hall, WOSAM Arena, Ago-Iwoye for attendees of Edition II free Holiday Coaching.

- Facilitation of employment of 2 persons as community health worker in Ago-iwoye

- Facilitation of employment of 3 persons at Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital, Sagamu as Health Officers; One from Oru and two from Ago-Iwoye. 

- Facilitation of employment for one person at the newly commissioned providus Bank, Abeokuta. 

- Facilitation of the Engagement of not less than 25 persons in the revenue collection for the Ogun state government through the ministry of Agric, Forestry, commerce and Environment.

- Facilitation of the Engagement of not less than 25 people working with the associations of Okada Riders. 

- Facilitation of enlistments of 50 persons at the Ogun Teach Intern 2 years service

- Facilitation of employment for 30 persons at SUBEB and TESCOm Teachers staffing and Employment process.

- Sponsorship of free test, screening and surgery of not less than 20 persons across the constituency at Itele Eye Hospital.

- Payment for treatment of not less than 10 persons in a month at Love and Care Hospital, Ago-Iwoye.

- Sponsorship and payment for prostate operations of not less than 2 persons from the constituency at St. David's Hospital, Idowa, IJEBU Ode.

- Payment of medical bills of not less than 10 referred patients from the Constituency of different ailments at St. David's Hospital, Idowa, IJEBU Ode.

- Sponsorship of fibroid Operation 

- Construction of Late Pa. Solomon Oduyemi Health Centre, Ago-Iwoye.

- Sponsorship of Health And Fitness walk

- Collaborative facilitation of the Construction of Omo Edumare - Okenugbo, Ago-Iwoye linking Ijebu Ode/Ibadan Express way

- Collaborative Facilitation of the Construction of Mamu - Abapanu 

Apparently, Hon. Olusegun Odunuga Kaka remains an achiever within his relatively short time of representation in office. Far from exaggeration, close observers and constituents alike maintain that his record speaks for itself, reflecting measurable impact and consistent engagement with the grassroots.

Over the years, his trajectory has been defined by steady growth, resilience and loyalty to party ideals. From his early days in public engagement to his current leadership role in the Assembly, Kaka has cultivated a reputation for diligence and disciplined service. For many in Ijebu North, his journey is not merely about holding office but about building a legacy anchored on impact, inclusiveness and sustainable development.

@segun kaka reels

- Oluseun JOSHUA, Abeokuta

A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Buba Galadima, has warned that Nigerians may strongly express their anger at the ballot box in 2027 if economic hardship and insecurity persist under the current administration.

Galadima spoke on Thursday while appearing on Politics Today, where he criticised the policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress and dismissed claims that living conditions have improved.

He cautioned authorities against underestimating public frustration, citing cases of arrests linked to public commentary.

Look at young men in Kano who go to the radio to make an opinion. They have been arrested and sent to jail. Sometimes tried in the night by judges who are forced to jail them,” he said.

Galadima added that such actions could fuel wider discontent if not addressed.

“This, now things start small, small. You don’t know how they can blossom and become something else. They shouldn’t play. They shouldn’t presume that Nigerians are gullible and that they cannot react,” he said.

Drawing parallels with the 2015 general election, Galadima argued that Nigerians had previously demonstrated their readiness to vote out a sitting government over insecurity, particularly in the North-East.

They should remember, and they know better, that when things got to less than 10 per cent of the situation we find ourselves in in 2015, Nigerians rose to the occasion and removed that government,” he said, referring to the administration of former president Goodluck Jonathan.

“If you can remove Jonathan’s government for a simple insecurity in the Northeast, what would you be doing to the APC government? I think we have to cut them into pieces,” Galadima added.

He also accused the Federal Government of weakening the agricultural sector through import policies and high production costs, particularly the rising price of fertiliser.

This government has killed agriculture deliberately, disenfranchising farmers who are 75 per cent of the Nigerian population. You have to buy a bag of fertiliser for 60,000 naira to 70,000 naira,” he said.

Rejecting the administration’s claim that economic hardship is easing, Galadima said farming activity in rural areas was declining.

How can you disenfranchise 75 per cent of your population for the interest of one contractor or one supporter? The massive importation of grains,” he said.

He added that during a recent visit to Maiduguri, farming activity was noticeably low.

“Now this year I travelled to Maiduguri… there is nobody doing any dry farming. Let the government send researchers to find out now. If there is no famine, all the rice mills — over 1,000 of them established during Buhari’s time — will be killed,” he said.

Culled from vanguard

The daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, has said she is confident of securing the All Progressives Congress  2027 governorship ticket for Ogun State.

Obasanjo added that she intends to become the next governor because she has all it takes, including the support of the people, to win the governorship contest in 2027.

The former senator representing Ogun Central disclosed this during a radio interview programme with Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, monitored on Wednesday.

Obasanjo recently completed her e-registration as a member of the APC in Ibogun, Ward 11, Ifo Local Government, and formally declared her intention to contest in the 2027 governorship race.

Her return to active politics comes 15 years after she lost her bid to return to the Senate in 2011 to Senator Gbenga Obadara of the then Action Congress of Nigeria.

She subsequently returned to the United States to pursue an academic career, rising to the rank of professor.

Speaking on the programme, Obasanjo reiterated her governorship ambition, which she said is driven by the need to bridge governance “gaps” in the state and positively impact the lives of Ogun people.

The position I’m going to run for is governor, and I believe it fits the skills I bring to the table. As Ogun citizens, I hope that when I’m governor, I will touch your life either directly or indirectly in a way that will improve your lives,” she said.

On agitation for a power shift to Ogun West, Obasanjo expressed concern that the region has not produced a governor since the creation of the state 50 years ago.

She, however, maintained that power rotation is not constitutional.

The reason we have not had a governor from Ogun West cannot be blamed on Ogun Central, right? Somebody mentioned the number of governors from Central — two of them. He did not mention the number from the East.

“We’ve had three from Ogun East. So, is Central to blame for the West? Personally, I was instructed to help late General Olurin when he became the PDP candidate in 2011. I worked, and we took him around. It did not work,” she said.

Asked if she intends to play the gender card in the race, Obasanjo replied, “I try not to use gender in this because I know the sentiment for people in the West in terms of this is very high, and I am very sensitive to their cry, and I understand it.”

She also promised to push for the emergence of an Ogun West governor after her “tenure” as governor.

I know what we need to do to make sure that the next governor after me is from the West. Yes, after me, because I’m going to win,” Obasanjo declared.

Obasanjo identified timing and money as two disadvantages in her race for governorship.

“So, I’m coming in with two disadvantages, as I see it. Time, because I came in a little late. I don’t think money makes elections. I know that it’s hard to believe in Nigeria, where money is so important in everything.

“I believe that people are good people, and they know who will do right by them. So, I’m very confident. The confidence comes from just why I’m back — that people saw what I did,” she said.

On her chances of clinching the APC ticket over other party bigwigs, Obasanjo said, “I’m as confident… Everybody is politicking. There is no reason why I shouldn’t be out there politicking with them if I want the post or any other post. I’m just like anybody else. So, is it 100 per cent? It’s not 100 per cent for anybody, and it’s not 100% for me. But I will do everything I can to make sure I’m the candidate.”

A list of people likely to contest for the 2027 governorship seat in Ogun State includes Sen. Adeola Solomon (“Yayi”) representing Ogun West, former Nigerian Ambassador to the UK Sarafadeen Tunji Ishola, three-time governorship candidate Gboyega Isiaka, Dr. Tunde Lemo, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Hon. Ladipupo Adebutu, among others.

Culled from punch

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won the by-elections conducted on Saturday to fill the vacant seats for Ungogo and Kano Municipal constituencies in the Kano State House of Assembly.

The seats became vacant following the sudden deaths of the lawmakers representing Ungogo Constituency, Aminu Sa’ad, and Kano Municipal Constituency, Sarki Aliyu Daneji, who passed away on the same day.

In the by-elections, the sons of the deceased lawmakers — Aminu Sa’ad Sa’ad (Ungogo) and Aliyu Nabil Daneji (Kano Municipal) — secured landslide victories over their opponents.

Ungogo Constituency Result

Announcing the result in Ungogo Local Government Area, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer, Prof. Ali Tijjani Abdullahi, declared the APC candidate, Aminu Sa’ad Sa’ad, winner after polling 8,975 votes.

His closest rival, Shua’ibu Hashimu of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), garnered 54 votes.

“Aminu Sa’ad Sa’ad of the APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,” Prof. Abdullahi stated.

Kano Municipal Constituency Result

Similarly, in Kano Municipal, INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Ibrahim Tajo Siraj, declared Aliyu Nabil Daneji of the APC as the winner.

Daneji secured 7,484 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Shehu Ishaq Abdullahi of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), who polled 105 votes.

Aliyu Nabil Daneji of the APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,” Prof. Siraj said.

The by-elections were conducted to restore representation in the Kano State House of Assembly following the unexpected demise of the former legislators.

Culled from vanguard

ABUJA: The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has declared Kasim Mohammed of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP as the Chairman-elect of the Gwagwalada Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory FCT, following Saturday’s Area Council Election in the territory.

In a keenly contested race that saw the PDP solidify its grassroots support, Mohammed polled 22,165 votes to secure a decisive victory. His closest rival, Yahaya Shehu of the All Progressives Congress APC, followed with 17,788 votes.

Announcing the results after a rigorous collation process, the INEC Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, affirmed that Mohammed met the legal requirements to be returned as the duly elected Chairman.

Akpen described the electoral process as “peaceful and smooth,” despite the high stakes involved in the council polls.

PDP’s victory was built on strong performances across several key wards, where voters turned out to back Mohammed’s candidacy.

However, the road to victory was shadowed by challenges; reports emerged of voter intimidation, allegations of vote-buying and heightened security concerns at various polling points. Despite these tensions, INEC officials maintained that the final outcome remained a true reflection of the will of the electorate.

The atmosphere in Gwagwalada town shifted instantly following the declaration. Jubilant PDP supporters flooded the streets, chanting solidarity songs and waving party flags in a celebration they described as a “victory for the people and democracy.”

While the town remains in a celebratory mood, the focus now turns to the opposition’s response. INEC has assured the public that all due processes were followed during the collation and declaration.

Culled from vanguard

ABUJA – Federal Capital Territory FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed criticisms regarding election-eve movement restrictions, shifting the focus to the final results as the ultimate arbiter of political influence in the nation’s capital.

Speaking after monitoring the Area Council elections on Saturday in Abuja, Wike addressed comments credited to FCT Senator, Ireti Kingibe, criticizing the presidential directive to impose a curfew on the territory from 8pm on Friday – the eve of the election.

The minister clarified his earlier directives on movement, which had become a point of contention, noting that the restrictions, spanning from Friday evening to Saturday, were not a personal imposition but were based on the approval of the President.

He expressed disappointment that his statements were not carefully reviewed before being challenged. “I don’t want to join issues. At the end of the election, when the results come out, then we will know”, he said.

Assessing the conduct of the polls, the minister observed a familiar disparity in voter participation. While describing the turnout in the city centre as traditionally low, he commended the “quite impressive” turnout recorded in several satellite towns.

He attributed the thinning crowds in urban areas to the nature of off-cycle elections but emphasized that the overarching success lay in the absence of instability.

Wike, who spent time interacting with voters on the field, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC for the professionalism of its personnel.

He also gave a high rating to security agencies, noting that no reports of violence had reached his office. “We thank God that everywhere is peaceful,” he remarked, underscoring that the primary goal of a non-violent electoral process had been achieved.

Culled from vanguard

Chairman of the Transitional Leadership Team of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) John Michael-Abdul, in Nasarawa State, says that more than 400,000 people have expressed interest in joining the party in the state.

Michael-Abdul, a former Deputy Governor of the state, explained that the development was a significant boost to the party’s efforts to win the 2027 general elections in the state and beyond.

He added that the interested members had given their names and other details to a committee set up for membership registration across the 13 Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State.

He further said that the people had taken them seriously because of their antecedents and expressed optimism that the party would win the 2027 elections in the state.

Michael-Abdul further assured that the party would provide membership cards for its members and commence an online registration drive to have the records of its members online and in physical registers in all the 147 electoral wards of the state.

On her part, Sen. Patricia Akwashiki, National Deputy Chairman of the party, received decampees from the Labour Party led by Eng. Gambo Abdullahi -Balarebe.

The National Deputy Chairman welcomed the decampees and promised them a level playing field in the party without recourse to when they joined the party.

Akwashiki, former minister of Information, Former House of Representatives Member for Akwanga/Nassarawa-Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency and former Senator, Nasarawa North Senatorial District, said ADC is the present and future of the country.

She explained that the party have what it takes with well-experienced persons, competent enough to address the challenges confronting the country and transform it for the good of all the citizens.

On his part, Sen. Suleiman Adokwe, Chief of Staff to the National Chairman of the Party, David Mark, welcomed the stakeholders to the first expanded meeting in the state and sought their continued cooperation for the success of the party in the 2027 elections.

Adokwe further explained that ADC is a party of justice and equity and would ensure that those who win primaries are they are the only ones allowed to fly the flag of the party at all levels.

“We will not impose candidates for elections like the other political parties because who ever emerge in our primaries stands and the party will support the person irrespective of his or her status in society.

“We want to present competent and popular candidates who are products of majority choices to face other political parties and not to begin to change the choice made by the people and create unnecessary rancour,” Adokwe added.

Culled from vanguard

The All Progressives Congress in Ogun State has directed all party executives simultaneously holding statutory government positions to resign from such offices, in line with the party constitution and a directive previously issued by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

The directive was communicated by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Femi Nuberu, in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday.

The announcement follows the commencement of party congresses across the state, which began on Wednesday with ward-level meetings. These congresses are statutory political processes through which vacancies at ward, local government, state, and national party levels are filled.

The statement partly reads: “The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun State Chapter, wishes to issue a clear directive to all party executives holding statutory government appointments, in line with the earlier pronouncement by His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, and in total compliance with the provisions of our Party Constitution. The party wishes to remind all affected officers that holding dual executive positions in both government and the party structure is inconsistent with the principles of separation of powers and the internal discipline enshrined in the APC Constitution.”

Those affected include individuals holding positions such as Secretary to the Local Government, Supervisors, Special Advisers, Consultants, and Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) Secretaries.

The party added, “Any person within the categories listed above who wishes to continue serving as an executive member must submit a written letter of resignation from their statutory appointment. Such letters are to be addressed to the Ministry of Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs and the Local Government Service Commission. Copies should also be sent to the respective Council Chairman and the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) of the affected Local Government Council. For the resignation to be deemed valid and effective, it must be duly acknowledged and received by all relevant authorities.”

Emphasising that the directive is not punitive, the APC stated it is a necessary measure to uphold the integrity of party structures and ensure compliance with constitutional provisions. The party reassured members that upon submitting the required resignation, affected individuals would retain their party executive offices at the ward or zone level from which their positions originated.

The statement urged all impacted officers to comply promptly, as the party seeks to strengthen internal governance and align with best political practices.

Culled from vanguard

The stakeholders meeting was held at the party’s Secretariat in Akure, the state capital.

Reports had it that the sponsored thugs arrived the venue of the meeting with dangerous weapons and attacked the party leaders.

The state party chairman and other party leaders were attacked and dragged by the thugs while the meeting was ongoing.

Others leaders of the party attacked at the meeting, include,Ademola ljabiyi, Saka Yusuf, Otito Atikase, Muyiwa Asagunla, Akin Sowore, Rasheed Badmus ,Yetunde Adeyanju ,Sola Ajisafe, Dr Koka Ademujimi and Chief Bode Sunmonu.

Attack state party chairman, others narrate ordeals

Speaking with newsmen, the party’s Chairman, who expressed surprise over the incident said that the thugs dragged him on the floor from the conference hall of the meeting to the ground floor of the party Secretariat.

According to Adetimehin ,” l was the target of the attack, they were all shouting my name as they entered the hall, they beat me blue black before dragging me on the floor.

The chairman said that his two handsets, wristwatch and the sum of N210,000 were forcibly removed from his pocket by the political thugs.

My two phones had been switched off

He explained that his driver who tried to secure his release was beaten to coma and was resuscitated at a private hospital.

Adetimehin said “Around this time yesterday, the Congress committee came all the way from Abuja. They met us at the party secretariat, about 13 of them.

“We had a meeting with them, those of us in attendance, my humble self, Organising Secretary, the Special Adviser to Mr. Governor on political and legislative matters.

“We were in the secretariat for close to two hours, where the Chairman of the committee told us to hold a stakeholder today, and that I should call a stakeholder today.

He added that ” We both agreed to hold the meeting by 12 noon. Then we sent the message out to all of the party stakeholders to attend.

“I called the Chairman of the committee to send out a text for the meeting and we agreed to meet by 12.30pm. By 12 noon, the hall was filled to capacity.

According to him ” l called the state governor, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to inform him about the development and we both agreed.

“I told him that after the meeting, myself and the committee would visit him to meet him, because it is their duty to tell us the modality for the Congress and how we are going to do the Congress.

“After speaking with him, I told him that I heard from the grapevine that some people are mobilising to the secretariat to destroy the meeting.

“He said no that such a thing cannot happen under his watch, that he will take charge and will not allow violence in the state and promised to caution anybody behind it.

” But to my surprise, some 30 minutes later, the place was invaded by thugs, with cutlasses, guns.They beat hell out of all leaders and members, except those who are for them.

They dragged me on the floor, I didn’t bother, they took away my two phones from my pocket, with my wristwatch.

“All they are saying is that they will kill and they were shooting periodically, many of our members were in the hospital for treatment.

“When they knew they could not harm me, they went for my driver and beat him seriously. A lot of people were wounded.The demand they were making when they came was that they don’t want Congress.”

Also speaking on the attack, former Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperative Services, in the state, Mrs. Yetunde Adeyanju, specifically alleged the state governor, Aiyedatiwa of being the attack.

Adeyanju expressed disappointment over the development, ” I was at the venue of the meeting. I saw everything that happened. I went there to attend the meeting. But to our surprise, thugs came and they were shouting, we are from Aiyedatiwa.

They specifically mentioned Aiyedatiwa. That Aiyedatiwa sent them and they will not allow any Congress to take place in the state. They stated that the governor is in charge.

“The governor is the leader of the state and the governor is in charge and nobody can query the authority of the governor, and anybody that wants to talk about Congress in Ondo State will be assassinated.

“‎So you can see that our lives are in danger. It has never been this bad in the history of Ondo State.

“The last time we saw this nonsense was far back in 2007, Ondo State has grown beyond this, the last time we saw this was PDP versus Labour Party.and we’ve grown beyond that.

‎”They should please help us appeal to the governor, that what the governor is trying to do in Ondo State It’s not good, it’s not in the interest of Ondo State. Stakeholders in this state should cry out loud.

The thugs keep shouting that Aiyedatiwa is the leader of the party in the state and nobody is disputing that but they should allow the Congress to hold peacefully.

” I want to appeal to the security people, journalists, please help us cry out loud to the national leadership of the party.We don’t want violence again in Ondo state.

While condemning the attack, by the thugs,he state representative on the board of Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC), Otito Atikase, condemned the attack by political thugs loyal to the governor.

According to Atikase, the governor has not at any point in time informed the leadership of the party of his desire not to hold congress in the state, saying I want to believe those behind this attack are carrying out the bidding of the governor.

He said, “as far as I’m concerned, by virtue of the content of his body language, he’s not comfortable with the way things are going in the state APC. Because if he doesn’t believe that there shouldn’t be Congress, this kind of situation wouldn’t have raised its ugly head.

I was the first casualty. Yes, because when the guys were coming in, I was the first person to encounter and confronted them at the staircase. In fact, they wanted to throw me down from the top floor, but I was able to struggle myself out of them and they warned me that my money has been paid, that they will come for me.

“I put this on social media, that Mr. Governor has paid for my money. So if anything happens to me in Ondo State, Mr. Governor should be held responsible, because I have never seen this kind of politics in the politics of Ondo State. It’s a dangerous dimension.

What they are bringing to Ondo State politics is a dangerous dimension. It is not part of our culture, where party leaders will sit down, stakeholders will sit down to hold meetings for the progress of the party, and someone somewhere will go and organize thugs to come and beat them up.

“It’s very embarrassing, the way they embarrass the chairman of the party today. In fact, you will weep if you’re there. So that is the situation. And all I can say is that Mr. Governor is behind the scenes facilitator of this thuggery”
‎
Also, a Chieftain of the party in the state, Olumuyiwa Asagunla, also expressed worries but warned the state governor not to take the state back to Egypt.

Asagunla said “I was upstairs at the Secretariat when these hoodlums numbering about 200 invaded the premises, ordering everybody out of the hall, attacking, beating and dragging us out of the hall.

They told us that the governor has ordered that no Congress should take place and people started running for safety. We have so many of our people in the hospital now. we should have nothing less than seven people on admissions. They dragged the State chairman on the floor, seized his driver and he was beaten to coma.

Hon. Ademola Ijabiyi who sustained fracture narrated that he narrowly escaped the mayhem by disguising himself as an aide assisting an injured elderly man out of the building.

Ijabiyi said ” However, upon reaching the ground floor, l was attacked from behind, sustaining blows on my back and leg and was verbally abused.

Describing the scene as “total mayhem,” he said the violence created panic among party members and visitors, forcing many to flee the premises for safety.

He condemned the attack as an assault on democratic engagement and internal party cohesion, warning that such actions, if unchecked, could destabilize the state’s political environment.

Hon. Ijabiyi added that the party Chairman, Engr. Adetimehin escaped into the office of the State Organizing Secretary and locked up the door.

” The thugs were still hitting the door with threats to destroy him when he left the hall.

Ondo govt denied Aiyedatiwa sponsored attack

Meanwhile, the state government has distanced itself from the disruption of a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s secretariat in Akure, describing allegations linking it to the incident as malicious and politically motivated.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, the government said the claims that thugs were deployed to disrupt the meeting were a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of Governor Aiyedatiwa and misrepresent the political atmosphere in the state.

The government stated categorically that the governor was neither aware of nor connected to the said meeting and could not have sanctioned any act of thuggery.

According to the statement, the allegations were unfounded and aimed at creating unnecessary tension within the ruling party and the state at large.

The government emphasized that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership style is rooted in civility, inclusiveness and democratic values, stressing that his administration maintains zero tolerance for violence or political intimidation.

It further maintained that the APC in the state remains a disciplined and people-oriented platform committed to constructive political engagement, noting that several political meetings and stakeholder consultations have been held peacefully across Ondo State without disruption.

Reaffirming its priorities, the government said the governor remains focused on delivering good governance and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The state government urged members of the public to disregard what it described as baseless allegations and to remain confident in its commitment to peace, security and democratic integrity.

It also cautioned against the spread of misinformation capable of undermining public trust and destabilizing the state’s political harmony.

Ondo APC reacts to attack

Also, the state chapter of the party, described the disruption at its state secretariat as an isolated incident unrelated to the forthcoming party congress.

In a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, the party said preliminary findings indicate the disturbance stemmed from an internal misunderstanding worsened by a few unscrupulous elements.

Otaloro however, condemned attempts to link the attack to the scheduled congress of the party as speculative and misleading.

Otaloro disclosed that the party has begun an internal review to establish the facts and assured members that appropriate action would follow verified findings.

The party also appreciated Aiyedatiwa for promptly directing security personnel to restore order, noting that calm has been fully restored and normal activities will continue.

Reaffirming its unity, the APC pledged to conduct a peaceful, transparent and credible congress, urging members and the public to disregard unfounded narratives.

Police react

Reacting, the police command, said it received a distress call, and immediately swung into action by deploying its operatives to the scene.

Police spokesperson in the state DSP Jimoh Abayomi said that ” Efforts of these operatives restore calmness to the area.

“However, one person who sustained injury has been taken to the nearest hospital for medical treatment.

The commissioner of police has already deployed tactical teams to ensure total security at the secretariat and its environs while investigations continues.”

Culled from vanguard

The African Democratic Congress has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s attendance at the Argungu Fishing Festival in Kebbi State, describing the trip as ill-timed and insensitive amid worsening insecurity.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation-listed festival had not taken place for the past six years due to regional insecurity and funding shortages.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tinubu said progress recorded against insecurity in Kebbi and other parts of the country was a product of sustained investment in security.

The ADC, in a statement on Sunday, however, described the President’s visit as insensitive.

In a statement on Sunday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, warned that terrorists were gradually consolidating control over parts of Kwara State.

On Saturday, President Tinubu paid a one-day visit to Kebbi State, where, in addition to inaugurating projects, he attended the Argungu Fishing Festival.

Responding, the ADC criticised the President for participating in the festival despite escalating terror attacks, noting that many Nigerians had been killed within 41 days, while hundreds, including nursing mothers and children, remained in captivity

The African Democratic Congress is deeply troubled by the continued deterioration of the security situation in parts of the country, particularly in Kwara State.

“We are especially concerned that at a time of rising insecurity, the President and Commander-in-Chief was in Argungu attending a fishing festival, even as credible reports indicate that nearly 1,300 Nigerians have been killed in the last 41 days.

“Once again, innocent Nigerians and their families are left to bear the tragic brunt of terror while the President attends a festival.

“We are also greatly disturbed by the emergence of a video allegedly released by terrorists in connection with the recent abductions in Kaiama Local Government Area, challenging official figures on the number of kidnapped victims.

“This development comes amid fresh reports of terrorist activity in Patigi Local Government Area of the same state as recently as last night.

“It will be recalled that the southern part of Kwara State has been under sustained terrorist pressure since last year. Now, with attacks spreading northward at scale, terrorists appear to be tightening their grip on the state and exploiting it as a potential safe haven.

“The implications for the wider country are both clear and alarming. It is therefore shocking that the President could choose to attend a fishing festival while terrorists threaten to expand their operations.”

The ADC pledged to keep the Federal Government accountable while backing all genuine efforts to combat terrorism and recover every inch of the nation’s territory, stressing that Nigeria must not project weakness in the face of terror.

“For clarity, we wish to underline the strategic significance of what is unfolding in Kwara State.

“The Kaiama axis provides a direct link to Oyo State. Any sustained insurgent activity within this corridor could therefore create wider vulnerabilities across parts of the North Central and South West.

“The situation in Kwara State must not be treated as an isolated incident but as a potential early warning of geographic expansion by terror actors,” the statement read.

The party said non-state actors publicly contradicting official figures signalled a troubling erosion of deterrence and raised serious questions about the management of both the security and information environments.

“This could only mean one thing: the terrorists now view kidnapping as a commercial enterprise, and they are determined not to be short-changed in the ransom negotiations they expect will follow.

“On previous occasions, we have reiterated our longstanding position that the payment of ransom to terrorists, whether directly or indirectly, risks further entrenching the criminal economy that sustains mass abductions.

While the safe return of victims remains paramount, disguising ransom payments as rescue operations only creates perverse incentives for future attacks,” it added.

The ADC asked the Federal Government to mount a rescue operation for the victims and order an urgent security audit of the Kaiama and Kainji Lake forest corridor.

“Given the gravity of the situation, the ADC expects the Federal Government to immediately undertake the following actions: First, mount a robust and well-coordinated rescue operation to bring every abducted Nigerian home safely.

“Second, issue a full and transparent public briefing that resolves the emerging discrepancies regarding the number of victims.

“Third, order an urgent security audit of the Kaiama and Kainji Lake forest corridor. Fourth, deploy strengthened interstate security coordination across the Kwara, Niger, and Oyo axis to shut down further terrorist movement.

“Fifth, maintain regular and credible public communication to restore confidence and deny terrorists the advantage of propaganda,” it added.

The African Democratic Congress in Ogun State has passed a vote of no confidence in its chairman, Femi Soluade, suspending him from office pending the outcome of investigations into allegations levelled against him.

The party condemned what it described as his alleged involvement in leading armed men to disrupt the governorship declaration of Jimi Lawal held on Saturday at the Intercontinental Hotel, Ibara, Abeokuta.

In a statement on Sunday signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olumide Onabajo, the party said, “Such unruly conduct, if established after due investigation, is not only unbecoming of a party leader but also constitutes a serious breach of party discipline and a threat to public peace and safety.”

It announced the appointment of the deputy chairman, Prince Adedeji Abiodun, as acting state chairman pending the conclusion of the probe and further decisions by the party’s leadership.

The party also set up a disciplinary panel to investigate the allegations and submit its report to the State Executive Committee within 14 days.

Part of the statement read, “The State Executive Committee of our great party, at its duly convened meeting held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the party secretariat, deliberated extensively on the numerous allegations levelled against the State Chairman, Otunba Dr Femi Soluade.

“After exhaustive deliberations and careful consideration of the gravity of the issues presented, the State Executive Committee unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in him. The vote of no confidence was duly signed by all local government chairmen present and members of the State Executive Committee, reflecting the collective position of the party leadership at both the state and local government levels.

The committee particularly condemns in strong terms the incident of Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Intercontinental Hotel, Ibara, where a peaceful gathering was ongoing for the public declaration of the governorship aspiration of Jimi Lawal. The State Chairman arrived at the venue, accompanied by armed thugs, disrupted the event and caused serious chaos.

Such conduct, if established after due investigation, is not only unbecoming of a party leader but also constitutes a serious breach of party discipline and a threat to public peace and safety. Consequently, and in line with the provisions of the party constitution, the State Executive Committee hereby announces the immediate suspension of Otunba Dr Femi Soluade as State Chairman, pending the outcome of further investigations.

“Furthermore, the SEC has constituted a disciplinary committee to thoroughly investigate all the allegations brought against him, including the events at the Intercontinental Hotel, Ibara. The committee has been given 14 days to submit its findings and recommendations.”

The party said the decision was taken in the best interest of the organisation and to preserve internal democracy, accountability, discipline and unity.

It added that due process would be followed and that fairness and justice would guide the proceedings.

“We urge all members to remain calm, law-abiding and committed to the ideals of our party during this period. Further updates will be communicated as developments unfold,” the statement added.

When contacted, Soluade dismissed the action, describing it as a joke.

Culled from punch

The former Anambra State governor said the “Operation Rescue Nigeria” project was not about him as an individual but about the collective destiny of future generations who would bear the consequences of decades of poor leadership.

Obi, who spoke in Uyo on Saturday at the OBIDIENT Conference and official declaration for the African Democratic Congress, with the theme Activating the PO Effect in ADC, urged Nigerians to set aside their differences and unite ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

He emphasised the need for proper transmission of election results, insisting that the country must get it right in 2027.

Nigeria must get it right in 2027. Election results must be transmitted online in real time, and whoever fails to transmit results will be held liable. Democracy must work. I appeal to you to join hands with me to rescue this country,” he said.

Obi explained that he left the Labour Party when it became clear to him that the Independent National Electoral Commission would not recognise the party’s leadership and that the Federal Government did not want him on the ballot.

“I left the Labour Party when I got informed that as long as I remain in the party, INEC will not recognise its leadership, that the Federal Government doesn’t want me on the ballot. But I want to assure you that I will contest the coming election even if it is held in their bedroom, and if they don’t want to transmit the results, we will transmit them for them,” he said.

He alleged that the current administration had accumulated more loans than previous governments, warning that young people would bear the repayment burden.

“The current administration has collected more loans than every other administration, and most of these loans will be repaid between 2045 and 2050, when most of the people who plunged the country into this indebtedness are no more,” he added.

Obi assured supporters that his administration would prioritise heavy investment in education and healthcare if elected, noting that many great nations achieved progress through deliberate investment in human capital.

He added that he would work to lift people out of poverty as a strategy to reduce criminality.

The former governor said he planned to tour the entire country, including higher institutions, to understand the real challenges on the ground. He stressed that those supporting his ambition must place priority on the future and the well-being of citizens.

He also promised to fight corruption, saying the menace would be reduced significantly if leaders and their families stayed away from it.

“When I became governor of Anambra State, I advised my wife to forget the office of First Lady, against advice, because we were not elected together. I approved over 100 Certificates of Occupancy of government lands, but have none for myself or my family. If you find any, petition me to the appropriate authority,” he said.

Also speaking, the coordinator of the OBIDIENT Movement worldwide, Tanko Yunusa, urged Nigerians to mobilise across the country for the 2027 general election.

He asked supporters to channel their energy into the African Democratic Congress as the vehicle for transformation and victory.

In his remarks, the Akwa Ibom State coordinator of the OBIDIENT Movement, Dr Ben Smith, urged members to remain united, warning that divisions or factions could derail the vision of a new Nigeria.

“The 2027 presidential election is not about an individual but about a generation, jobs for the youths, security for our families, dignity for workers and hope for every Nigerian,” he said.

A former Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, Bisi Ilaka has officially resigned his membership of the party.

In his resignation letter dated Tuesday, February 10, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent, on Thursday, in Ibadan, the state capital, Ilaka thanked the PDP for the platform it provided him to serve at both state and national levels.

The PUNCH reports that Governor Makinde appointed him on May 29, 2019, as his first Chief of Staff. The appointment was made immediately following the governor’s inauguration. He served in that capacity until 2021 before he was replaced by Segun Ogunwuyi in July 2021. In 2023, after the election, Ogunwuyi was reappointed for a second term.

Ilaka, in the letter tagged: “The Chairman, Ward 5, Oyi East LG. Re: Resignation of Party Membership,” said “, It is with utmost humility that I tender my resignation of membership from the PDP.

I am eternally grateful for the opportunities afforded to me by the party and the unalloyed support given to me over the years. Till we meet again,” he stated.

It will also be recalled that a former Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Agboola Ayoola, popularly known as Alleluyah, resigned his membership in October, 2025 from the party.

Ayoola, who hails from the Itesiwaju Local Government Area, formally announced his resignation in a letter dated Friday, October 10, 2025, ending his long association with the party.

He served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs under former governors Rashidi Ladoja and the late Adebayo Alao-Akala between 2003 and 2011, and was the only PDP senator elected in the South-West from 2011 to 2015.

Culled from punch

The North-Central All Progressives Congress Forum has rejected calls for sitting governors seeking a second term to undergo primary elections ahead of the 2027 polls.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, and issued on Thursday, the forum described governors as the party’s “biggest assets,” adding that it would be wrong to subject them to primaries.

The National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, was recently quoted as saying there would be no automatic tickets for governors and other officeholders seeking re-election.

However, the forum noted that since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, presidents and governors seeking a second term have traditionally secured their party tickets unopposed.

Countering Yilwatda’s position, the forum warned that compelling governors to face primaries could destabilise the APC and create openings for the opposition in the general election.

“It will amount to serious disrespect to the Office of the Governor. The biggest assets the party has are the President and the state governors. Allowing anyone to contest against them in primaries is not only disrespectful but also undermines the well-being of the party,” the statement said.

The forum insisted that governors seeking a second term should be given the party’s ticket unopposed for the 2027 elections, citing past practice.

We recall that in 2019, nobody contested the APC primary with the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and returning APC governors also went unopposed. Why should that change now?” the statement asked.

It also warned of the consequences of opening up governorship tickets where there are incumbent governors.

“We are calling on the National Executive Committee of the APC to urgently reconsider this idea. It will create disunity and crisis in the party because some people will come out just to cause confusion,” the statement said.

The forum added that opposition parties could plant candidates in APC primaries to weaken incumbents and hurt the party’s chances in the main election.

“Allowing party members to challenge a sitting governor in a primary election could destabilise the party, create bad blood and division, and present opportunities for the opposition. We are totally against such a plan,” the statement said.

However, the forum clarified that primaries should be held in states where a governor has completed his tenure.

“In situations where a governor has rounded off his term and a new administration is coming in, a primary election is necessary, but not when a governor is going for a second term,” it stated.

Culled from punch

A political group in Ogun State, Caucus 7202 (The Coalition), on Tuesday endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election, Governor Dapo Abiodun for the Ogun East Senatorial seat, and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI) for Governor of Ogun State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group, through its Director General, passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu’s administration, insisting that the President deserves a second term in office based on his achievements.

Speaking at the event, the Director General of Caucus 7202, Hon. Olaseni Koiki, said the endorsement was a result of the President’s laudable projects and policies, which he noted have had a direct impact on the lives of Nigerians. He cited achievements in agriculture, education, infrastructure, security and the economy, among others.

The endorsement ceremony followed the commissioning of the group’s senatorial secretariat located along Moborode Street, Ijebu-Ode. Activities later shifted to Adeola Odutola Event Hall, where APC leaders and members from across Ogun East Senatorial District gathered to formally endorse President Tinubu, Governor Abiodun and Senator Adeola.

According to Hon. Koiki, the gathering was convened to harmonise positions ahead of party primaries and present what the group described as the best choices to the public.

“President Tinubu has done a lot and is still doing his best. He deserves a second term to enable him to continue the good work he has been doing for Nigerians. We must continue to mobilise and drum up support for his re-election in the interest of national development,” he said.

He further explained the importance of the Ogun East Senatorial seat and the governorship to APC stakeholders in the district, stating that Governor Abiodun is best suited for the Senate, while Senator Adeola is the most qualified to govern the state.

“I have no doubt that Prince Dapo Abiodun’s years as Governor of Ogun State have prepared him to effectively deliver dividends of democracy to Ogun East if given the opportunity to serve in the Senate,” Koiki said.

On Senator Adeola, he described him as a proven performer whose impacts are evident both in Ogun West Senatorial District and across the state.

“Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as YAYI, has demonstrated capacity, commitment and leadership. He is widely known for his contributions and service to Ogun State, and we have no regret in supporting him at all levels,” he added.

Other speakers at the gathering, including Hon. Dr. Samuel Adejare, Otunba Adewale Oshinubi (Chairman, Wesco Lotto), and several party leaders, also jointly endorsed the candidates, urging members to remain committed and united ahead of the 2027 elections.

Dr. Adejare said members must follow party leadership and direction, expressing confidence that President Tinubu would secure a second term, Governor Abiodun would succeed in his senatorial bid, and Senator Adeola would emerge Governor of Ogun State.

“This is my stand and my assurance that remaining steadfast will give us the opportunity to work together and benefit more when given the chance to serve,” he said.

The event was attended by numerous APC members and party chieftains from Ogun East Senatorial District, including the Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Local Govt. & Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Razaq Daddah, former Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Kunle Otun, former House of Reps member, Hon. Deko Onamusi, former Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Hon. Emilola Gazal, Otunba Adewale Oshinubi and former Commissioner for Sports/ Wealth Creation & Tourism in Lagos State, Hon. Uzamat Akinbile Yusuf among others.

Caucus 7202 is a progressive political group with membership drive of over 300,000 and has 1,500 subgroups across the 20LGs of Ogun State.

In a major political shift in Kebbi State, former National Women Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Hajiya Maria Waziri, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Waziri formally announced her defection on Monday at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, where she led a delegation of supporters to join the APC.

She was received by the Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, who described her decision as “timely and commendable”.

Governor Idris assured the defectors of full integration into the party, stressing that the APC remains committed to inclusive politics and people-oriented governance in the state

Hajiya Maria is my younger sister, and at the same time, my elder sister by marriage. I know her capacity and what she is capable of contributing to the progress of Kebbi State,” the governor said.

He further reaffirmed that his administration would continue to deliver dividends of democracy to the people and support all residents of the state, regardless of political background.

Also speaking was the Kebbi State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru, who welcomed Waziri and her supporters, assuring them of fairness and equal opportunities within the party.

Our governor has done a lot for the people of Kebbi State. Your decision to join the APC is a good one, and you will be treated equally like every other member of the party,” he stated.

In her remarks, Waziri said her defection was driven by the performance of the APC-led administration in Kebbi State and at the national level, marking her first political cross-carpeting in two decades.

“I have been in opposition for the past 20 years and have never defected to any other party. Today, I am joining the APC because of the positive changes I have seen in Kebbi State and Nigeria at large,” she said.

Her defection is seen as a significant boost for the APC in Kebbi State, particularly among women and grassroots political structures, as the party consolidates its influence ahead of future political contests.

Culled from punch

Leaders of the Action Democratic Party have said their meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was aimed at exploring areas of collaboration to strengthen democracy.

The ADP National Chairman, Yabagi Sani, along with another party leader who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly on the issue, disclosed that the meeting could be linked to preparations ahead of the 2027 elections.

Atiku held a private meeting with the ADP leaders in Abuja on February 1.

Following the meeting, there has been growing speculation that Atiku may be positioning the ADP as an alternative platform in case he does not secure the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the next election.

Leaders of the Action Democratic Party have said their meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was aimed at exploring areas of collaboration to strengthen democracy.

The ADP National Chairman, Yabagi Sani, along with another party leader who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly on the issue, disclosed that the meeting could be linked to preparations ahead of the 2027 elections.

Atiku held a private meeting with the ADP leaders in Abuja on February 1.

Following the meeting, there has been growing speculation that Atiku may be positioning the ADP as an alternative platform in case he does not secure the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the next election.

Explaining the purpose of the meeting, Sani said the engagement with Atiku was aimed at strengthening and sustaining the country’s multi-party system in order to provide a credible challenge to the APC-led government of President Tinubu.

Yabagi said, “The meeting was largely about strengthening democracy and protecting democratic pluralism, ensuring that Nigeria’s multi-party system is sustained and that opposition parties have the stability needed to function effectively.

“The focus is on creating an environment where opposition groups feel reinforced and encouraged, especially amid concerns that the ruling APC is attempting to weaken and discourage opposition participation.”

The ADP chairman disclosed that the meeting with Atiku, alongside planned engagements with other stakeholders, was aimed at ensuring that opposition leaders had viable alternatives in their efforts to challenge the APC.

He continued, “The ongoing consultations are not limited to one individual or party but involve a broad range of opposition groups, political stakeholders and youth organisations, including dynamic civic platforms such as the National Youth Alliance. Engagements are continuing with various opposition parties to explore collaboration and build a united front that can strengthen democratic competition.

“Part of the strategy under discussion includes developing a ‘Plan B’ — ensuring that if one platform faces disqualification, litigation or technical challenges, alternative platforms remain viable so the broader opposition movement is not derailed. The intention is to avoid last-minute surprises or situations where parties are left with no option but prolonged court battles that weaken their electoral prospects.”

The other ADP official noted that the meeting was held to explore how like-minded opposition leaders could work together to challenge and provide an alternative to the APC.

He said, “We met largely to discuss areas of collaboration and how we can work together ahead of the 2027 election. Opposition parties are trying to work together. In our case, we are not going to be part of any coalition, but we are engaging with leaders beyond Atiku.

“We are also speaking with others to see how we can create more options for opposition leaders and like-minded individuals who are willing to come together to rescue the country from the All Progressives Congress.

“The conversation is centred on democracy, how to sustain it, how to develop the country, and how to address the issues affecting our nation. That is simply the essence of it.”

A former senator representing Ogun Central, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, has ruled out a return to the Senate. She also declared that her political focus is now on a possible bid for the Ogun State governorship.

Obasanjo, daughter of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, made this known on Saturday during an interview on 103.7FM Eagle7 Sports, where she also confirmed her return to active partisan politics and recent membership of the All Progressives Congress.

She said, “So moving ahead, I’m not going to be Commissioner. Like I said, I’m not even going back to the same party because I think that’s old and I don’t see the use of it. And I’m not going to go back to the Senate.

“Like the American would say, there’s no need. And this is what I told my associates, when this all started. I said, the only thing I’ll come back to do is the governorship.

And we have started that journey. We are going to see it through. And so that’s the journey I’m on. And we are very serious about it. I mean we are very dedicated to it.”

The former Ogun State Commissioner for Health said her return to politics followed sustained pressure from supporters who had been mobilising for her comeback.

Like I told you, a group of people who I did not bring together, have been working, I think, for two years now. And then they started talking to me about a year ago, saying, ‘Look, we think you are the best candidate. We want you back,’” she added.

Obasanjo recently participated in the APC’s e-registration exercise, formalising her membership of the ruling party.

PUNCH Online reports that her registration with the APC was confirmed by a former chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government and ally, Hon. Biodun Ajayi, who said she completed her online registration as member of the party at Ibogun Ward 11 in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State. A former House of Representatives member also corroborated the report.

The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party also said it wished her well following reports of her registration with the ruling party.

Her return comes about 15 years after leaving frontline politics following her tenure as senator between 2007 and 2011.

Obasanjo previously served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health before her election to the Senate, after which she relocated to the United States to pursue an academic career.

A former two-term PDP National Ex-Officio, Mr David Vaughan, says the party’s founding fathers and the Board of Trustees (BoT) must urgently intervene in the lingering leadership crisis threatening its survival ahead of 2027.

Vaughan, who was also a PDP governorship aspirant in Lagos State in 2023, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lagos.

He warned that unresolved internal disputes and factional struggles could further weaken the party and jeopardise its chances in elections.

“Political problems are better settled politically because politics may take a lifetime, but the life span of an event in political calculation can be very short.

We don’t even have the time in PDP to ignore or do otherwise. The time we have now is for us to find a way around our current leadership problems.

“The board of trustees has a strong hold; they should find a way to come together since they always have a mechanism for solving their internal problems.

“The board of trustees should rise above inducements and wade in and intervene with honesty. We cannot continue like this. The BoT should wake up from sleep,” Vaughan said.

According to him, the same people who joined hands to work against the party b under the G-5 in 2023 are the ones still fighting among themselves now .

Vaughan said the party’s failure to manage its crisis politically cost it victory in the 2023 presidential election.

According to him, the divisions between camps loyal to Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had continued to polarise members.

“When this thing started, we warned both sides that it would not augur well for the party. Elections are here again.

“The truth is that all factions and leaders must come together and iron things out, prioritising party interest above personal interests.

“Elections are won through unity of purpose, not division. PDP is too big for one man. We need everybody; we must not ostracise anybody,” he added.

The PDP chieftain lamented that many loyal members had defected to other parties due to the internal wrangling, while some long-standing leaders had refused to step aside to allow fresh ideas.

According to him, reconciliation at the national leadership level would naturally attract aggrieved members within and outside back at the grassroots.

Once we settle at the top, it is easy for members at the grassroots to come together and return from where they defected.

“If the two gladiators are not ready to bury their hatchets, the founding fathers and mothers of PDP, and leaders at the Board of Trustees, should rescue the party.

“We must stop driving people away with this. History and posterity will not be kind to us. The Ibadan National Convention of the party was completely one-sided, and we should not continue this way. The party is bigger than that.

“The one being planned by Wike camp again in March should not go ahead because it will also be completely one-sided. The party is bigger than that. We must have our house together,” Vaughan said.

He stressed that the PDP could still be repositioned to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, if leaders adopted sharper strategies and embraced alliances.

Vaughan expressed confidence that a united opposition coalition could defeat the APC, saying many Nigerians still had affection for the PDP at the grassroots.

If all opposition parties unite in a sincere coalition, the ruling APC will spend so much money and still be dazed by the results.

“PDP should be open to alliances ahead of time. Let us have a winning mentality and a new political culture that does not depend on immediate gratification.

“There is no way you can win an election if people are not on board. Let us have a winning mentality, a new political culture that doesn’t depend on immediate gratification.

“We should not neglect anybody; let everybody come on board. If we build a new direction and put credible programmes in place, Nigerians will see we are serious again,” he said.

While calling on defected PDP leaders to return and rescue the party, Vaughan, however, said that the party could still build new people to win.

Vaughan recalled that as the party’s Director of Operations and Mobilisation in 2015, the PDP won several legislative seats through focused leadership and grassroots mobilisation.

He maintained that with sincerity, discipline and unity, the party could still stage a strong comeback in 2027 and other elections.

NAN

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group has said it welcomed the defection of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress, describing it as a major boost to the party’s national strength and unity.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Arabinrin Aderonke MNIPR, Director of Media and Publicity, BAT-IG, the group said the governor’s decision reflects the growing confidence in the leadership, vision, and progressive ideology of the APC under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Quoting the popular proverb, the group said: “In the multitude of people lies the king’s honour. The expanding membership of the APC is a clear indication that Nigerians trust and accept the leadership and vision of our party.”

On the impact of Governor Yusuf’s defection, BAT-IG stated: “With the combined electoral strength of both political blocs, the party is now better positioned for greater victories and sustained political stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

The group also commended the APC leadership for promoting inclusiveness and reconciliation, adding: “Efforts to ensure unity and collaboration within the party will pave the way for a smoother and more successful journey toward 2027.”

BAT-IG further noted that the governor’s defection signals increasing confidence in the APC and its progressive ideology across the country. The statement highlighted that the party’s growing membership demonstrates public trust in its leadership and policies.

The group, which stressed that it is dedicated to advancing the political ideology, vision, and values of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisted that it is committed to building leaders who embody these principles while countering misinformation and shallow criticisms that often distort the party’s achievements.

Culled from punch

Yakasai spoke on TVC’s Politics On Sunday while reacting to the ongoing debate over the ADC’s 2027 presidential ticket and the possible roles of key opposition figures ahead of the polls.

Asked what would happen if Atiku prevented Obi from securing the ADC ticket, Yakasai dismissed the suggestion, describing the former Vice President as a leader and father

Atiku Abubakar is a leader, he is a father. He will not even join in that shenanigan,” he said.

According to him, the former vice-president has the right to contest but could also choose to support another candidate if that would improve the party’s chances.

“He has the right (to contest) but he also has the right to anoint somebody. He can, it is within his fundamental human rights as a father who wants to win.

“Winning does not mean I have to be the one, winning can be me taking you and say go and win for us, I know you are capable. It is possible,” Yakasai added.

The remarks come amid growing discussions within opposition circles over the presidential ticket of the coalition-backed party as Obi’s supporters continuously call on the party leaders to present their principal as their 2027 presidential candidate. 

Meanwhile, the ADC has cautioned its members and supporters of presidential hopefuls against rhetoric capable of dividing the party.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, issued the warning during a live audio conversation on X, formerly Twitter, on the state of the nation and the political climate.

Abdullahi urged party supporters to shun divisive narratives ahead of the party’s primary in June.

culled from vanguard

Abia State Governor and leader of the Labour Party, Dr Alex Otti, has described the exit of the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as highly regrettable, admitting that his departure represents a major loss to the party amid its lingering leadership crisis.

Otti spoke in Abuja during a meeting with members of the party’s Board of Trustees, leaders of the National Caretaker Committee and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.

The meeting came barely 24 hours after the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party faulted the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise the Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee, describing the move as hasty, and prejudicial, adding that it aimed to sabotage the party’s leadership.

Speaking about Obi’s exit, Governor Otti said the Labour Party regretted losing its former standard-bearer but wished him well in his future political endeavours.

He said, “We regret the exit of the former leader of the party and former presidential candidate of the party. While we regret his exit, we wish him well.

“We have also decided that the party should come together and become a stronger force. We have also lost a few members to defection, including some members of the National Assembly.

But despite all that, this party remains strong.”

Otti also disclosed that following the party’s recent court victory, the new leadership had resolved to pursue reconciliation and rebuild internal cohesion.

According to him, a reconciliation committee would be set up to engage aggrieved members, including the ousted national chairman, Julius Abure, but warned that such efforts would only succeed if party rules were strictly observed.

He said, “We have decided there is a need to set up a reconciliation committee. The interim NWC will advise us on when to set up that committee. The entire idea is to reconcile everyone who is waiting and desires to return.

“We want to appeal to Julius Abure and his team to sheathe their swords and come back to the party. If they’re able to abide by the rules of the party, we will be happy to see them back.

“We also want to tell those who want to join the party that our doors are open to receive them. Finally, we regret that we’ll not be able to participate as a party in the forthcoming FCT council elections.”

When asked whether the Labour Party planned to join the emerging opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections, Otti dismissed the idea, insisting that the party already represented a coalition of its own.

According to him, the party is a coalition on its own comprising Nigerian workers and people of progressive minds.

Labour is already a coalition. This is the coalition of Nigerian workers and people who are progressive and like-minded.

“So, I know when people talk about joining another coalition. We have no such plans,” he said.

The governor also commended INEC for complying with the judgment of the Federal High Court by replacing the Abure-led executives with the Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee on its portal.

“I am happy INEC also obeyed the court judgment by uploading the names of the leadership of the national caretaker committee on its portal.

“The major matters discussed today included the organisation of congresses from the ward to the zonal level, culminating in the national convention. I have also been notified that very soon the congresses will follow.

“The other major issue discussed is the revalidation of membership and registration of new members. The committee has been set up. We plan to prepare very soon for the congresses that will start in March,” he assured.

The report that Obi formally defected to the African Democratic Congress at an event held at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu State.

The former Anambra State governor had called on Nigerians and opposition forces to unite under a broad national coalition to “rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity and democratic decline.”

Obi also accused the current political leadership of state capture, economic mismanagement and the systematic erosion of democratic values.

Despite the defection, Otti maintained that Obi’s absence would be deeply felt within the Labour Party.

Congress hold March

Meanwhile, the party has said its congresses will hold in Marchand to begin the revalidation of its membership as well as the registration of new members.

The party also expressed regret over the exit of its presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Abia State Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the resolutions were reached at a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee and the Interim National Committee held in Abuja on Saturday.

The meeting was chaired by Otti.

The statement said the meeting resolved “to set up a timetable for the Labour Party congresses from the ward, local government, state and zonal levels, culminating in a national convention.” It added that the congresses are scheduled to begin in March 2026.

It also resolved “to begin the revalidation of membership and the registration of new members, with a committee set up to drive the exercise.”

The meeting further agreed to constitute a reconciliation committee to engage aggrieved members willing to return to the party, while calling on the former National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, and his team to “sheath their swords” and rejoin the party.

The party also called on Nigerians to join the Labour Party.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Governor Otti thanked the Independent National Electoral Commission for recognising the Interim National Committee of the Labour Party and for uploading the names of its leadership on the commission’s website in compliance with a court order.

According to the statement, Otti said the party’s leadership regretted the exit of its former leader and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, wished him well, and urged members to close ranks in order to build a stronger political force.

It said, “The NEC acknowledged that the party had lost some members, including those elected on the party’s platform to the National Assembly, as well as some caretaker committee officials who were replaced, but maintained that the party remains strong.”

The party also regretted that it would not be able to participate in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory election.

The statement concluded that Governor Otti thanked supporters of the party and assured them that the Labour Party would emerge stronger.

Culled from punch

The African Democratic Congress, has called on the National Assembly to urgently pass the Electoral Bill 2025, warning that continued delays could undermine critical electoral reforms and threaten the credibility of the 2027 elections.

ADC Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement on Saturday, said the party accused the APC-led Senate of delaying the bill and warned against weakening or stalling key reforms like electronic voter accreditation and results transmission.

On Thursday, the Senate inaugurated a seven-member ad hoc committee to review, harmonise, and streamline senators’ contributions to the proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, as part of renewed efforts to fortify Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The move followed a three-hour closed-door executive session during which lawmakers examined the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill currently under consideration by the National Assembly.

Announcing the development, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the committee will consolidate lawmakers’ positions and resolve outstanding issues in the amendment process. The panel is headed by Niyi Adegbonmire, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

Reacting, the ADC expressed strong concern over what it described as ongoing delays by the National Assembly on the 2025 Electoral Bill, warning that the slow pace suggests the APC-led legislature may be stalling key amendments meant to curb election rigging.

ADC stated, “The ADC also notes that some of the proposed amendments have introduced new compliance and eligibility requirements that need to be properly understood and met by political parties. Failure to allow sufficient time to understand the provisions of the new law, beyond what is publicly available as proposals, has serious consequences for both political parties and the INEC. Lack of clarity regarding the electoral guidelines would not only serve as booby traps for opposition political parties but also make it difficult for the INEC to prepare adequately and set clear guidelines within the stipulated time.

For example, the provision requiring INEC to publish election notices not later than 360 days before the general election remains extant. The implication is that even now, there is very little room for maneuver.

“The ADC therefore calls on the National Assembly to promptly pass the bill. Any further delays pose a serious risk to the integrity of the 2027 general elections and undermine the integrity of the entire electoral process well in advance. Nigeria cannot afford the cost of another acrimonious or dubious election.

“The ADC also urges civil society organisations, international partners, and all political parties committed to accountable democratic governance to pressure the National Assembly to act swiftly, as Nigerians cannot afford another election cycle without these critical safeguards in place.”

Culled from punch

At 7:21 a.m. on Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja, a battered Toyota Carina II taxi crawled toward the Federal Secretariat. The radio crackled through the traffic hum as the morning news broke: another governor had defected.

Inside the car, civil servants stared ahead in silence. No one looked surprised.

For Musa, a senior aide to one of Nigeria’s remaining opposition governors, the announcement carried weight far beyond politics.

Each defection quietly shifts the line between safety and vulnerability, leaving aides, commissioners and political appointees to face an uncomfortable reality, their futures now hinge on a single question: does their principal stay outside federal power, or cross over and submit to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)?
Across many states and the FCT, political defections have become almost ordinary; no lengthy speeches, no ideological battles. Most happen quietly, sealed with a letter, a closed-door meeting at the State House Aso Villa, and a short post on social media.

Since the start of the year, this steady trickle has tilted the balance of power. The APC now effectively controls about 29 states, boosted by a wave of defections, including Kano’s recent shift. What remains is a small, and steadily shrinking, circle of governors still standing outside the ruling party’s embrace.

A Narrowing Circle

Those still standing are Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Alex Otti of Abia, Ademola Adeleke of Osun and Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra.

Their continued resistance comes amid political isolation, internal party turmoil and mounting pressure from the centre, raising questions about how long opposition politics can survive at the state level.

Bala Mohammed: Opposition Under Siege

In Bauchi, opposition has become personal. Governor Bala Mohammed, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, now governs under heightened federal scrutiny. Investigators recently filed charges against the state’s finance commissioner and other officials, developments allies describe as sustained pressure on the administration.

Despite this, Mohammed has remained in the PDP, positioning himself as a rallying point for what remains of organised opposition among governors, even as scrutiny of his administration intensifies.

Seyi Makinde: Power Built at Home

In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde’s refusal to defect is rooted in political self-sufficiency. Investments in infrastructure, education and healthcare have strengthened his local legitimacy, reducing the incentive to seek protection through realignment.

Sources say Makinde’s electoral strength makes defection a liability rather than an advantage, particularly in a state where performance has translated into rare cross-party support.

Dauda Lawal: A Mandate at Risk

Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal governs in a state shaped by insecurity and deep public distrust of political elites. His victory, breaking APC dominance in 2023, was widely interpreted as a rejection of entrenched political arrangements.

Analysts note that defection would likely be seen by supporters as a betrayal of the mandate that brought him into office, especially in communities that viewed his election as a political rupture rather than routine succession.

Ahmadu Fintiri: Stability Over Alignment

In Adamawa, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has chosen caution over confrontation, prioritising agriculture, education and political balance.

Aides describe his continued loyalty to the PDP as a calculated effort to preserve stability in a politically sensitive state, where abrupt realignments could fracture fragile alliances.

Alex Otti: Governance as Shield

In Abia, Governor Alex Otti’s insulation comes from governance. Economic reforms that restored regular salary payments and revived investor confidence have earned his administration credibility beyond party lines. That performance has reduced the urgency to align with the ruling party, strengthening Otti’s political position ahead of 2027.

Ademola Adeleke: Outside Power, Still Standing

Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke has remained outside the APC despite months of speculation last year that he would defect. Elected in 2022 after defeating the ruling party, Adeleke has leaned on populist appeal, entrenched local structures and visible governance initiatives to sustain support.

Although he resigned from the PDP in late 2025 following internal disputes, he has stopped short of joining the APC, leaving Osun outside the ruling party’s control.

Chukwuma Soludo: Cooperation Without Defection

In Anambra, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has drawn a clear distinction between cooperation and defection. While publicly supporting aspects of federal economic policy, he has remained loyal to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), framing the party as an expression of regional political identity.

Public Voices, Competing Readings

Public reaction to the shrinking opposition has been divided. “Let me tell you an open secret: some of the remaining non-APC governors are APC in blood. Adeleke was blocked by the Osun State APC. Soludo has declared support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. Alex Otti has not hidden his admiration for Tinubu. Seyi was part of the PDP G-5 governors that ‘worked’ for Tinubu in 2023,” said Ahmed Kayode, an archivist.

The PDP Governors’ Forum rejects that interpretation. Shehu Ahmed, its Head of Media, said: “Bala Mohammed has remained constant in opposition to the sustained effrontery of the current APC government against democratic order… In December last year, the EFCC went after his administration by filing against the Bauchi State Finance Commissioner, Yakubu Adamu and three other officials, terrorism financing and money laundering charges.”

Others dismiss defection narratives as political mischief. Adelani Adekanmbi, a professional athlete.l, said: “If you listen to APC propagandists without questioning their claims, you might be misled. But it’s all lies. The APC and its supporters will be put to shame in Yorubaland come 2027.”

Holding the Line

As the APC keeps welcoming new political converts, aides like Musa return to their desks each morning unsure of what headline the day will bring.

For now, Nigeria’s remaining opposition governors carry on under intense pressure. Their survival depends on performance, grassroots legitimacy, and the political price of defecting. In a season defined by constant movement, they are choosing, for now, to stand their ground.

culled from vanguard

Akande stated this on Wednesday in Osogbo, the state capital, while featuring on ‘The Frontliners,’ a media interactive programme organised by a group called Veteran Journalists Association in Osun State.

But in a swift reaction, the Osun PDP Caretaker Secretary, Seyi Bamidele, described Akande’s claim as “a joke taken too far.”

The Accord Party chairman, who dismissed the claim that another faction of the party was in existence in the state, added that those demanding deregistration of AP should be disregarded.

“To the best of my knowledge, the umbrella (PDP logo) is not going to be on the ballot paper on August 8th, 2026.

“There is no internal wrangling in our party. Before Senator Ademola Adeleke joined our party, we never had any faction. Those who are claiming factions, where are their factions? We have had primaries in Ekiti and Anambra states recently, where was the faction was there then?

“Why is it that it was when Ademola Adeleke joined the party that a faction came up? We know quite well those who are behind those so-called factions because one of their leaders came out openly, when they knew that their plans had failed,” Akande said.

Asked why the Accord Party seems the preferred choice of many notable politicians whenever they leave their first choice party, Akande, who is also the Osun State chairman of Inter-party Advisory Council, said “You cannot describe the Accord Party as a non-performing party.

“Sometimes in the past, former governor Rashidi Ladoja (now Olubadan of Ibadan), came to our party to contest and he won four House of Representatives and 18 House of Assembly. Now we have an incumbent, the state Governor in our party. How can you say such a party is a non-performing party?”

Speaking on the party’s plan ahead of the governorship poll, he said Accord has inaugurated grassroots mobilisers that will take Adeleke’s reelection campaign to every corner of the state.

He said, “We have set up a grassroots mobilisation committee that will reach out to every nook and corner of Osun State. We are doing everything within our capacity to make sure that every person in Osun State votes for Ademola Adeleke, the performing governor.”

Reacting further during a chat with The PUNCH, Bamidele declared that PDP will appear on the ballot for the poll, as the party has met all conditions to be among those that would be cleared to participate in the election.

“Saying that a party that has structure across the board will not have a candidate in the August 08 gubernatorial election? I want to tell you boldly that the PDP will have a candidate and will be on the ballot. We have met necessary conditions to be on the ballot.

“People believe in our party, they are going to vote for us and we are going to win the election,” Bamidele said.

reports that after Adeleke had emerged as the Accord Party governorship candidate on December 10, 2025, another faction of the party held another primary in Osogbo, which produced Clement Bamigbola as the candidate.

However, the Accord Party national leadership, led by Mr Maxwell Mgbudem, had insisted that Adeleke remains the authentic candidate of the party in the Osun governorship poll.

Before pitching a tent with the Accord, Adeleke had recused himself from the PDP, his former party, a few hours before its primary.

The PDP, however, went on to hold the exercise and Adebayo Adedamola was elected as the party’s flagbearer in the forthcoming election.

Abba Atiku, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, on Monday, formally joined the ruling All Progressives Congress, declaring that no political party can defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Abba, who first announced his defection to the APC on January 15, picked his APC membership card at Gwadabwa Ward in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, where he openly pledged to support Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Speaking shortly after his registration, Abba said his decision was driven by what he described as the “best economic and human reformations” under the Tinubu administration.

“I want to make it very clear: nobody or any political party can stop President Bola Tinubu from returning to Aso Rock in 2027,” he said

Nigerians have seen his good work. He is not a tribalist. He does not make appointments based on religion or region. His decisions are purely on merit.”

He said he was particularly impressed by what he described as massive human capital and infrastructural development across the country, adding that Tinubu deserved broad national support beyond party lines.

“The President needs your support to continue with the good work. We should mobilise more people, irrespective of party affiliations, to support our President,” Abba said.

Presenting the APC membership card to Abba, the party’s Zonal Vice Chairman for Adamawa Central, Alhaji Isa Bagalti, said the defection had put to rest speculations about the ruling party’s chances in 2027.

“With this development, it is now clear that there is no political party or presidential candidate in Nigeria that can face our President in the 2027 election,” Bagalti said.

Also speaking, a top APC chieftain in Adamawa State, Alhaji Jamilu Yusuf, said President Tinubu had no rival ahead of the next presidential poll, describing other aspirants as “wishful thinkers.”

“Most of those claiming they want to contest see politics as a trade fair, where people come to buy and sell,” Yusuf said.

“I advise such people to invest their money in profitable ventures because the office of President is no longer for the highest bidder, but for competent people like President Tinubu.”

Abba’s defection adds a new layer of political irony to Adamawa politics, as Atiku Abubakar remains a presidential aspirant under the African Democratic Congress, with none of his sons in the party.

Another son of the former Vice President, Adamu Atiku, remains a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party and currently serves as Commissioner for Works and Energy Development under Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri

Abba had earlier announced his defection on January 15 at the National Assembly in Abuja, where he was formally received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside key APC leaders from the North-East.

“My name is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, but everyone calls me Abba,” he said at the event.

“I am here today to formally announce my exit from my former party, where we worked in 2023, and my decision to join the APC.”

He said his decision was influenced by the leadership style of Senator Barau Jibrin and pledged to work with him to secure Tinubu’s second-term bid.

“With this development, I will work with Senator Barau to actualise the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,” he said.

“To this effect, I am directing all coordinators of my association to join the APC and work for President Tinubu.”

Welcoming him into the party, the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, described the defection as symbolic and far-reaching.

Today is one of my happiest days,” Salihu said. “We are looking beyond old social and political cleavages. This young man has seen the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration and decided to align with them.”

However, reacting to his son’s defection, Atiku Abubakar said the decision was purely personal.

“The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal,” Atiku said.“In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.

“As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”

Culled from punch

The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has officially rejoined the All Progressives Congress.

Yusuf defected to the ruling party on Monday at the Coronation Hall of the Kano Government House.

He was made received into the party by former National Chairman of the APC and ex-Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; the Deputy President of the Senate; the Senator representing Kano South, Senator Barau Jibrin; the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata; and other party leaders.

The governor said his return to the APC was anchored on the need to work more closely with the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

Recall that Yusuf, who was elected on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in 2023, reigned from the party alongside several members of the Kano State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives.

More to come…

The Peoples Democratic Party, Kaduna State chapter, has reaffirmed its unwavering loyalty to the party and declared its readiness to win all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.

The State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mrs Maria Dogo, made this known while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the party’s Expanded Caucus Meeting held on Monday in Kaduna.

Dogo said the meeting was well attended by party leaders, stakeholders, elected and former office holders including party members from across the state.

According to Dogo, the meeting was convened to review the state of the party, brief the members on the ongoing efforts at the national level to reposition and strengthen the PDP.

He also said that the meeting provided an opportunity for the members to express their concerns and expectations ahead of future political engagements.

She said, “Party leaders at the meeting briefed members on concrete steps being taken nationally to address internal challenges and reposition the party for future electoral contests, adding that members were given ample opportunity to air their views.

“The caucus noted with satisfaction that the engagements helped to allay fears, restore confidence, and reinforce belief in the future of the PDP.

“The caucus unanimously resolved to remain united, steadfast, and committed to building a stronger and more cohesive PDP in Kaduna State and across the country.

“The caucus, also, reiterated that the PDP, as Nigeria’s leading opposition party with strong grassroots structures, was fully prepared to mobilise its members and emerge victorious in all elective contests in the 2027 general elections.”

According to the spokesperson, the party also resolved to remain open to strategic collaboration with other like-minded political parties and stakeholders with a view to “ending APC-led governance beyond 2027 and rescuing Nigeria through credible and people-oriented leadership.”

Dogo said the caucus encouraged all qualified party members to freely declare interest in contesting for any elective office, assuring them of fairness, inclusiveness, and adherence to internal democratic principles.

She added that the caucus further resolved that regular meetings should be held at all levels of the party structure to strengthen unity, communication, and grassroots mobilisation.

The meeting, she said, ended on a note of renewed hope, unity, and collective determination to reposition the PDP as a credible alternative capable of delivering good governance to Nigerians.

(NAN)

A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Foluke Stella Osafile, has defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Osafile, who represents Amuwo-Odofin Constituency I, is a first-time lawmaker and currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Wealth Creation. She is the only opposition lawmaker in the 40-member Assembly.

The lawmaker is expected to formally announce her defection to the ADC during plenary in the coming days.

Confirming the development to BusinessDay Osafile said, “Yes, it is true. I have defected to the ADC.”

However, she declined to disclose the reason for her defection. When asked when she would officially notify her colleagues on the floor of the House, she said, “Don’t worry, I will announce it during plenary soon.”

Osafile was elected into the Assembly in 2023 on the platform of the Labour Party, defeating the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Folorunso Olaitan Segun, by a wide margin.

Her victory was later challenged by the APC at the Election Petition Tribunal, which initially ruled in favour of the APC candidate. However, Osafile approached the Court of Appeal and successfully reclaimed her seat, bringing the legal battle to an end.

Culled from BusinessDay

The African Democratic Congress has cautioned supporters of its presidential aspirants against insisting on a “must-be-my-candidate” mindset, warning that such divisive loyalty could undermine the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.

Speaking during the virtual ADC Coalition Hours on Saturday, the National Publicity Secretary, Bola Abdullahi, urged supporters to back all aspirants collectively, stressing the importance of unity in strengthening the party’s presidential bid.

In July 2025, the ADC became the coalition platform adopted by opposition figures seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

Since then, under the leadership of former Senate President, David Mark, as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary, the party has been strengthening its structures nationwide and working to gain the trust and support of Nigerians.

Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, joined the ADC in July, followed by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, in November, and Peter Obi on December 31, all signalling their intention to contest for the party’s presidential ticket.

Beyond these three, additional aspirants are expected to announce their candidacies in the coming weeks.

As a result, supporters of the declared ADC presidential hopefuls have expressed differing views on zoning, with many Obi supporters calling for the ticket to go to the South, while most Atiku supporters advocate an open contest.

The National Publicity Secretary disclosed that he had met with coalition stakeholders to emphasise the need for unity, focus and collective commitment to secure victory in the upcoming elections.

According to Abdullahi, “I spent time talking to His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, who have indicated interest in vying for the presidential ticket of our party, as well as the likes of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to strengthen our party and unite it. The general consensus is that we have a job to do to make this country a better place

Our leaders are all aware of the task ahead, and every one of them is committed to ensuring that we win this election.”

Speaking on the timing of the 2027 election, Abdullahi said, “Whether the elections take place this year or next year, it will be double work for us and could also work against us. It will work against us because, as an opposition, we need time to heal wounds after our primaries, as we cannot afford to go into bruised primaries and then quickly put ourselves together for the elections. On that note, we prefer next year.

“On the other hand, holding an election now has the advantage that people are already tired of this administration. But in all of this, we are not in a position to decide when the election will hold.”

He added, “Those supporting this divisiveness among supporters of any of the aspirants should stop what they are doing because they are clearly working to the advantage of the APC and President Bola Tinubu.

“Saying it is either this candidate or nothing is not helpful because getting the ticket alone means nothing. What is important is winning the election, and we cannot carry this divisiveness and expect to win.”

Abdullahi said the party would begin efforts to reinforce cohesion and encourage ADC leaders to promote unity among themselves.

He continued, “We believe that all our aspirants are eminently qualified, and vilifying anybody or any region is not helpful and will only make things more difficult. We are going to commence the process of strengthening unity and having our leaders speak with one voice.

“We are going to ignore people creating a sense of exceptionality and focus on what we are doing because we want to win this election.

“Those shouting ‘Peter Obi or nothing’ are equally not helping him. They are preaching division, and they are not selling him. They are not providing room for people from other places to support him. They should stop making others take hard stances because everyone needs to be on board for us to win this election.”

Called from punch 

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party, alongside 21 members of the State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and 44 local government chairmen in the state.

Yusuf announced his decision in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Diso-Chiranchi Ward of the NNPP in Gwale Local Government Area, with the resignation taking effect from January 25, 2026.

More details later

Baba-Ahmed, a former spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum, made the remarks during an appearance on Arise News Television’s programme, The Morning Show, on Thursday.

He argued that Atiku’s decision not to run in 2027 would send a strong message to Nigerians that a new political culture is possible, instead of recycling familiar political figures.

“And of all those things, it has to be something that Atiku could do. One of them is not to keep insisting that he has to run. And I will give you my reasons,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed added that Atiku stepping aside would be a decisive move entirely within the former vice president’s control and could reshape opposition politics ahead of the next general election.

While urging Atiku to reconsider his presidential ambition, Baba-Ahmed also described the former vice president as the most qualified candidate among the Allied Democratic Congress aspirants to emerge through the party’s convention.

He said Atiku’s experience, national spread, strong structures, and loyal support base place him above other contenders within the ADC.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has the experience, the spread, better structures, and more loyal people, and he understands the mechanics of internal party dynamics better than the others. The ADC’s ticket is up for grabs, but it will be a very difficult task for anybody to get it other than Atiku Abubakar,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed also criticised calls for the party’s ticket to be reserved for a particular individual, describing such demands as contrary to democratic principles.

“Those saying the ticket must be given to a particular individual are going against democratic processes,” he said.

Despite highlighting Atiku’s advantage within the party, Baba-Ahmed urged the former vice president to reconsider his presidential ambition.

“The most important thing that ADC can do, and the single most important commitment that Atiku can make to this country after all his years of labour and striving to build the democratic process in this country, is to decide not to run for president in 2027.

“You’ve got to do something that is so dramatically outside the box that Nigerians can sit up and say, ah, these are not just another recycled politician trying to replace Tinubu,” he added.

Baba-Ahmed’s comments add to the ongoing debate about the future direction of the opposition and the possibility of fresh leadership in Nigeria’s political landscape as the 2027 election approaches.

The Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the APC in Enugu State, Dr Ben Nwoye, dismissed the claims while speaking to journalists during the revalidation of membership of the party’s immediate past state chairman, Chief Ugochukwu Agballah, at Udi/Agbudu Ward in Udi Local Government Area on Tuesday.

According to Nwoye, the ongoing revalidation and registration exercise across the state has been voluntary, massive and far above expectations, attracting party members and supporters without any form of compulsion.

“Look at what is happening here today, do you see anyone being forced? Nobody here is under pressure. People are participating freely,” he said.

The opposition will always come up with propaganda. When you don’t have progressive ideas, the easiest thing is to spread false stories. No government worker is being forced to register with APC,” he added.

He added that verifiable data from the party’s registration dashboard shows Enugu State currently leading the South-East zone in the ongoing exercise, with Udi Local Government Area ranking first among the 17 local government areas in the state.

Nwoye attributed the development to unity within the party and growing support for the administration of Governor Peter Mbah.

He noted that although some registration figures were still being uploaded due to network challenges in rural areas, available records already place Enugu at the top in the region.

Earlier, while revalidating his membership, Agballah urged party members to remain loyal to the APC and its leadership, stressing that party discipline and inclusiveness were critical to electoral success.

He emphasised the importance of massive registration, describing party membership as a key determinant of victory at the polls.

“The registration is critical to our victory. If we have two million registered members, that means two million votes,” Agballah said, calling on party supporters and sympathisers to mobilise people at the ward level.

He reaffirmed his support for the current APC leadership structure in the state and praised Governor Peter Mbah for what he described as inclusive leadership and effective conflict resolution within the party.

The revalidation event was attended by several party stakeholders, including state lawmakers, local government officials and party leaders, underscoring what APC officials described as renewed unity and momentum ahead of future elections.

Online had reported that the APC had intensified its Electronic membership Registration exercise in Benue, Ekiti, and Enugu states as part of efforts to strengthen its grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The All Progressives Congress has dismissed speculation that the defection of Abba Atiku could destabilise the ruling party, praising former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for what it described as a mature, hands-off response.

The APC also insisted that the ruling party remains too structured and disciplined to be infiltrated.

The party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, made the position known in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH while reacting to the political debate and suspicion that followed the younger Atiku’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC.

Duru said the APC respected Atiku’s public stance on the matter, noting that the former Vice President had clearly distanced himself from his son’s political decision and refrained from imposing his views, a move he said reflected democratic values.

He said, “It’s very difficult to discuss father and son relationship. What happens in the family stays in the family. Again, I believe that His Excellency Atiku Abubakar has issued a statement in this respect.

He does not impose on his family, children, or Nigerians.

“We should hold him to that and respect the views that he has expressed, with respect to the fact that one of his own sons, instead of joining the ADC, decided to pitch his tent withthe APC.

We commend him, as always, for his mature response to what many may consider to be adversarial to his interests, and then hope that Nigerians will respect his views, with respect to his response to this defection, as well as the view of his son, who has decided, instead of ADC, to be part of the APC.”

Responding to speculation in some quarters that Abba Atiku could be entering the ruling party as a mole, Duru dismissed such fears, insisting that the APC’s internal discipline and organisational structure were strong enough to withstand any individual influence.

“We welcome all shades of opinion, categories of people that would have seen the overwhelming machine that the APC represents. It is impossible for one man or a person to come into the APC and disrupt the organisation and the discipline for which the APC is noted.

“APC is a political party that is anchored on several pillars. One of such pillars is around discipline, the other is on hierarchy, and then, more importantly, focus on providing leadership at the party level and also as a vehicle for ushering in a Nigeria that all of us can be proud of,” he stated.

Duru’s remarks followed the public reaction of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, who distanced himself from his son’s defection, describing it as a personal decision.

Atiku broke his silence on Thursday via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, hours after Abba formally defected from the PDP to the APC and pledged to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

He wrote, “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.

As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”

The former Vice President, however, reiterated his criticism of the APC-led Federal Government, linking the development to what he described as governance failures.

“What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.”

He added, “I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”

Abba announced his defection on Thursday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside other APC leaders from the North-East.

He pledged to support President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid, citing the leadership style of Senator Barau and the policies of the Tinubu administration.

He also directed members of his political structure, the Haske Atiku Organisation, founded in 2022, to join the APC in support of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Following the defection, the group announced it had been renamed the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, signalling full alignment with President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign

Culled from punch

Abubakar announced his defection on Thursday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, alongside other APC leaders from the North-East.

He pledged to support President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid, citing the leadership style of Barau and the policies of the Tinubu administration.

The defection, which has drawn nationwide political attention, comes at a time when opposition parties are struggling to build a united front against the APC amid internal disagreements, leadership tussles and ongoing realignments

Speaking in separate interviews with Sunday PUNCH, spokespersons for the New Nigeria People’s Party, Labour Party and African Democratic Congress offered contrasting interpretations of the political significance of the move and its possible implications for Atiku’s presidential ambition.

The National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, said the defection raised political questions but ultimately remained a personal decision.

“We don’t really know if there’s anything there. The bottom line is that the gentleman has a right to forge his own way in politics or life, and if he has decided to do so, so be it

On the other hand, some will wonder how his father can convince people to support him (in 2027) when he hasn’t convinced his own son. It’s a double-edged sword depending on what people feel and see. Of course, it’s allowed in politics. Once he is an adult, he has freedom of association,” Johnson said.

For the Labour Party, while the defection was also viewed as a legitimate personal choice, it was accompanied by sharp criticism of both the APC and ADC.

The LP spokesman, Obiora Ifoh, said, “I do not think there is anything wrong with the young man deciding his own political fate. I’m not aware that he has held any political position before now.

“However, I would have preferred him to come to the Labour Party or stay put in the PDP because the ADC is a conglomeration of failed, vendetta-seeking politicians. It is not a place where young politicians can grow and make an impact.”

Ifoh argued that the move demonstrated political independence, drawing parallels with Nigeria’s pre-independence political history.

“It wouldn’t be the first time this has happened. I listened to an analysis where it was said that before the 1960 election, Ivan Ikoku and his son contested the same position on different platforms, and his son defeated him.

“I think it shows how independent the young man (Abba) is in deciding his own political destiny, and it should be applauded. We want more young Nigerians to leave the cocoon and umbrella of politicians who have added no value,” he said.

He, however, faulted Abba Abubakar’s choice of the APC over the Labour Party.

The only problem I have is that the young man is going to the APC instead of the Labour Party. LP is the party that is good for young, growing leadership cadres. It offers them a fresh beginning—something they will not get in these so-called big political parties, where they must struggle to get any position.

“We are preparing the Labour Party for younger generations with leadership in mind to harness their potential to win voters and transform the nation. Before the 1960s, most of those who led this country were in their 30s and 40s—those were impressionable years,” Ifoh added.

The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, however, downplayed the political weight of the defection, insisting it had no bearing on the party.

“This is not really an issue because he is not even our member. It is his personal choice. Secondly, he has been an advocate of President Bola Tinubu for a long time.

“I don’t know if you saw the picture where Tinubu attended his wedding, whether in Dubai or elsewhere. I don’t think it is something serious. Again, it is not new for a father to belong to one party while his son belongs to another.

“It doesn’t mean anything. A son does not need to follow his father’s political path. A father can choose to be a Muslim and his son a Christian—it does not mean they cannot coexist,” Abdullahi said.

Atiku had earlier distanced himself from his son’s defection, describing it as a personal decision.

Meanwhile, the Atiku Haske Organisation, a political support group loyal to the former Vice President, has expelled Abubakar.

In a statement shared via X by its National Secretary and Coordinator, Nagge Bakari, the group announced Abubakar’s expulsion, rejecting an alleged directive from him to force the group into the APC.

The statement said Abubakar lacked the authority to determine the organisation’s political affiliation or ideological stance, stressing that he neither founded nor formally registered the group.

“The Atiku Haske Organization was founded by us. Abba was merely invited to join the group. He has neither contributed one naira to the organisation nor does he possess its certificate of registration. We are therefore under no obligation to adhere to any directive from him,” the group stated.

According to the statement, Abubakar is subject to the rules and internal resolutions of the organisation and has acted in clear violation of its principles and collective decisions.

“His actions are contrary to our collective decisions, and he is hereby expelled from the Atiku Haske Organisation,” the group declared.

Bakari clarified that the Atiku Haske Organisation was not defecting to the APC or any other party aside from the African Democratic Congress.

ABUJA: The All Progressives Congress APC has disclosed that more than two million Nigerians have been digitally registered and verified as members of the party within one week of the commencement of its nationwide membership registration and revalidation exercise.

It expressed confidence that the figure could rise to between eight and nine million by next week.

National Secretary of the party, Senator Ajibola Basiru, who addressed journalists after Monday’s meeting of the National Working Committee NWC on Monday in Abuja, said the rapid uptake underscored the seriousness with which party stakeholders were approaching the assignment and the effectiveness of the new digital registration platform.

Basiru explained that the meeting, presided over by the National Chairman of the party, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, reviewed the progress of the exercise and reinforced the directive of the National Executive Committee NEC mandating that all APC members be digitally identified before the end of January.

According to him, data-driven membership was critical to the operational efficiency of a modern political party, adding that the NEC, which he described as the second most powerful organ of the party, had given clear instructions for the exercise to be conducted properly and timeously.

He said; “As of today, just a week into the exercise, with many states yet to even start fully, Nigerians who are registered members of the APC are already in excess of two million, digitally verified, with their names and voter identification numbers captured. When we make another assessment next week, we should be in the region of about eight or nine million members, by the grace of God.”

Basiru said the digital nature of the exercise allows the party to assess data in real time, enhances transparency and integrity, and eliminates multiple or fictitious registrations, stressing that registration is impossible without verifiable personal details linked to a phone number and voter identification number.

He added that the platform also captures demographic details such as age, gender and occupation, which would strengthen planning, mobilisation and internal party democracy.

Basiru noted that the NWC had been empowered to take corrective measures, including replacing state coordinators, where the exercise was found to be lagging, adding that challenges identified in some states had been addressed and that further interventions would be made where necessary.

He commended party stakeholders at the state and ward levels for committing time, energy and resources to ensure the success of the exercise, describing the registration drive as foundational to building what he called an “organic party” capable of mobilizing Nigerians in support of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Responding to concerns about accessibility, Basiru said registration teams had been deployed in all political wards across the country, with several personnel assigned per ward depending on size, to ensure grassroots participation.

He added that in areas affected by insecurity or poor internet connectivity, particularly parts of the North East, members would be registered manually, with data uploaded later in locations with network access, to ensure that no member was disenfranchised.

He dismissed fears about factional exclusion, insisting that the party’s leadership had made it clear that no group or tendency would be denied the opportunity to register, explaining that the exercise was strictly about membership and not about legitimising or disqualifying any faction.

He also declined to provide a state-by-state breakdown of the registration figures, describing such details as internal party data, while maintaining that the APC remained a pan-Nigerian party with strong presence across all regions of the country.

Culled from vanguard

Loyalists of the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Daniel for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was made under the banner of the BATOGD Political Movement during a well-attended gathering held at Luwera Hotel Arena, Oke-Owa, Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State on Sunday.

The venue was filled to capacity with thousands of supporters who openly declared their support for the senator and the president ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The event served as another mobilisation tour of the BATOGD movement across Ogun East Senatorial District and attracted several dignitaries, including traditional rulers such as the Onirete of Irete Ijebu, Alaye Aba of Aiyepe Ijebu, Alakan of Ilakan Aiyepe, Ayanyelu of Ijesha Ijebu, and the Sapenuwa of Odojobore, alongside chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Odogbolu Local Government and across Ogun East senatorial district.

Addressing the gathering, Senator Daniel disclosed that the visit marked the seventh engagement tour of the BATOGD movement in recent months. He urged party members and supporters to participate actively in the ongoing APC online registration exercise.

“The e-registration process for the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced. I urge all citizens, young and old, men and women to take full advantage of this opportunity so that we can collectively support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our senatorial re-election bid".

Speaking on the ongoing agitation for the creation of Ijebu-Remo State, the former Ogun State governor called on Ijebu and Remo indigenes to speak with one voice, stressing that the process of state creation is demanding and requires unity.

“In the current circumstances confronting Ijebuland, the last real hope for accelerated and sustainable development lies in the creation of a new state from the old Ijebu Province,” Daniel stated.

He added, “As your senator, we have undertaken significant work behind the scenes on this and other matters. However, the most critical requirement for the actualisation of this state is unity of purpose. If the National Assembly does not perceive that unity among us, success cannot be guaranteed.”

It was a joyful event while some members of the All Progressives Congress went home with empowerment tools from the senator representing the area, those tools were Fertilizers, Refrigerators, Motorcycles, Power Generating Sets, Wheel Chairs, Grinding Machines, and Smart Television Sets.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement as members of the All Progressives Congress went home with various empowerment tools provided by the senator representing the district. The items distributed ranged from fertilizers and refrigerators to motorcycles, power generating sets, wheelchairs, grinding machines, and smart television sets.

- Story from NUJ Ogun-East Independent Chapel 

A former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto North, Aliyu Wamakko, has reaffirmed his commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that Sokoto has benefited significantly from the current administration.

Speaking on Friday at the Government House, Sokoto, during the flag-off of mobilisation funds for the reconstruction of the burnt section of the Sokoto Central Market, Wamakko said the Tinubu administration had demonstrated fairness and inclusiveness in dealing with state governments.

Wamakko said, “President Tinubu has been consistent in ensuring the prompt release of statutory allocations to all states.

“This has helped governors perform better and deliver development to their people. This is something we must acknowledge and appreciate.”

The APC leader further argued that Sokoto had witnessed a wave of federal appointments under the Tinubu administration, describing it as “unprecedented in the political history of our state.”

Wamakko said, “Never before has Sokoto enjoyed this level of federal attention and representation. It shows commitment to fairness, justice and national unity.”

Wamakko, widely regarded as the political leader of the APC in Sokoto, is believed to be a central figure in mobilising support for President Tinubu in the North-West, a zone considered strategic to Nigeria’s electoral calculations.

His latest endorsement comes at a time when political alignments and early preparations for the 2027 polls are gathering momentum within major parties.

Analysts note that Sokoto was a contested battleground in the 2023 general elections, with both the APC and PDP sharing state and federal wins.

Wamakko’s renewed call for alignment is therefore seen as part of efforts to consolidate the APC’s influence ahead of future elections.

The senator also commended Governor Ahmad Aliyu for developmental strides across Sokoto State, especially in infrastructure renewal and economic revitalisation.

“The governor is doing well, and the projects are there for all to see. We will continue to support him to sustain this momentum,” he said.

The Sokoto Central Market, one of the largest commercial hubs in the North-West, suffered a devastating fire in 2021, crippling hundreds of businesses.

The state government recently awarded reconstruction contracts to indigenous contractors, with mobilisation funds flagged off on Friday as part of the rebuilding plan.

Government officials, party leaders, traditional rulers, traders and other stakeholders attended the event, expressing optimism that the reconstruction would restore commercial activity and livelihoods.

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A youth group under the aegis of the Kwara Young Progressives Network has urged the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, Prof Wale Sulaiman, to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

The group made the call on Tuesday during a press conference in Ilorin titled “Youth Clarion Call on Prof Wale Sulaiman to Vie for Governor of Kwara State 2027.”

Addressing journalists, the coordinator of the network, Comrade Ololade Emmanuel, said the decision followed what he described as extensive consultations across communities in the state and within the ruling APC.

“This endorsement of Prof Wale Sulaimon is based on competence, continuity, and capacity, rather than zoning or ethnic considerations,” he said.

According to Emmanuel, the APC constitution provides for open participation and competitive primaries for all qualified aspirants, a principle he said aligns with democratic ideals and the leadership philosophy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq.

“After a careful and objective evaluation of emerging aspirants across the three senatorial districts, we are glad to publicly call on Prof Wale Sulaiman, to join the race and contest for the governorship of Kwara State in 2027,” Emmanuel stressed.

He described Sulaiman as a globally respected neurosurgeon, technocrat, and philanthropist with experience in both the public and private sectors, noting that his credentials stand out on merit and performance.

The group recalled that Sulaiman previously served as Special Adviser on Health Matters to Governor AbdulRazaq, where he contributed to the health sector reforms and played a role during the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

They also cited his current role as Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, saying his leadership had strengthened governance structures, accelerated infrastructural development and facilitated the employment of over 200 Nigerians.

Internationally, the group said Sulaiman had led major healthcare institutions in the United States and managed large organisations with substantial budgets.

These are experiences they believe would translate into effective governance if elected.

The youth network further highlighted Sulaiman’s humanitarian interventions through the RNZ Foundation, including scholarships for students, empowerment programmes for farmers, medical outreaches, and community development projects across Kwara State.

“Prof Wale Sulaiman’s humanitarian footprint is data-backed and verifiable, not campaign rhetoric,” Emmanuel lampposted, even as the

group formally endorsed Sulaiman and called on him to present himself for the APC governorship primary election in 2027, expressing confidence that he would consolidate and advance the progressive legacies of the AbdulRazaq administration.

Meanwhile, the group commended the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for what it described as transformational reforms in infrastructure, education, health, governance and public sector accountability, adding that the achievements had helped to restore public confidence in governance.

It also commended President Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Agenda and urged party members to actively participate in the ongoing APC e-registration exercise.

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The Senator representing Abia North, Orji Kalu, has vowed to withdraw his support for Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying he will henceforth focus on working for the All Progressives Congress in the state.

Kalu, who spoke on Thursday at his country home in Igbere, alleged that he played a key role in Otti’s emergence as governor in 2023 but would not repeat such support in the next election cycle.

The former governor said he was angered by a press statement issued by Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Ocha, who criticised him for declaring that he would support President Bola Tinubu and work to deliver Abia for the APC in 2027.

He said, “I have not for once said anything about the state government, but three days ago I saw where the press secretary of the governor released a statement against me, and there’s no governor who can deny that anything his press secretary said is not the governor’s speaking.

“I consider the governor as my friend, and for two years I’ve never criticised him, I’ve never said anything, and they fired the first salvo, and I replied by telling them, because I said that APC, I’ll work for APC to win. We had work for him to have won in 2023, and we are not going to do that again.

“We’ll work for our party too. What is wrong with that? Is that why I should be insulted? It is not acceptable to me, and I’m going to work for my party.”

Kalu also dismissed claims that Otti had recorded outstanding performance in office, insisting that most of the projects attributed to him were rehabilitation works on roads his administration constructed as governor.

He stated, “I don’t know about Otti’s outstanding performance because you can see that what I did in two years as a governor; the records are there for you to see.

“The money Alex Otti received in four months is what I received in eight years. That is the truth. So, what he has done, because he’s just repenting and rebuilding the roads I built as a governor in 1999 and 2007, I have not seen any new major road taking place as I did.”

Kalu added that as a senator, he had attracted several new rural roads to communities, saying he had yet to see similar intervention by Otti in farmlands and rural areas.

He recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo once described him as an “action governor”, adding that his administration provided free education and healthcare.

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The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, on Wednesday alleged that the party was rigged out of votes in the 2023 presidential election, claiming that its tally was reduced from about 10 million to six million votes.

Abure made the allegation at a rally held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, where the Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, declared his interest in contesting the presidency in 2027.

According to the 2023 presidential election results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the All Progressives Congress scored 8,794,726 votes; the Peoples Democratic Party polled 6,984,520 votes; the Labour Party came third with 6,101,533 votes, while the New Nigeria Peoples Party recorded 1,496,687 votes.

Abure said, “On the night Peter Obi defected, I received a telephone call from our vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed. He said he is not leaving the party because it was the platform upon which he, along with the former candidate, received 10 million votes from Nigerians, which was reduced to six million votes.

We all know what happened.”

Abure’s claim echoes the party’s 2023 petition challenging INEC’s declaration of the presidential election results, which was hinged on allegations of electoral malpractice and voter fraud but was dismissed by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

The tribunal rejected claims by the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, including allegations of fraud, violations of the Electoral Act by electoral authorities and assertions that President Bola Tinubu was ineligible to contest the election.

Speaking further, Abure argued that the party remained intact despite the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Obi, to the African Democratic Congress.

He particularly commended the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and Baba-Ahmed for remaining in the party despite speculations that they might defect following Obi’s exit.

He said, “Only recently, the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, told the world that he joined the party before Peter Obi did — and that is true. Otti also said he was not going to defect with Peter Obi.”

Abure disclosed that Baba-Ahmed personally suggested a meeting of party leaders and members to reaffirm unity within the party.

“In fact, he asked me to organise an event where members can come together. He first suggested that we meet at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel with a few senior members and that he would foot the bill.

“But I suggested that we hold the event here at the party secretariat and invite our members, artisans and ordinary people who truly own the party, and he agreed. That is why we are having this gathering here today.

“The Labour Party is intact; we will not let Nigerians down. We will remain together and provide a genuine alternative for Nigerians,” Abure said.

Addressing party members and supporters, Baba-Ahmed said his decision to contest the presidency in 2027 was not an attempt to follow anyone’s trajectory or step into another person’s shoes.

Baba-Ahmed said, “I have made myself available to contest for the office in 2027. I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes. May I remind you that before His Excellency, Governor Peter Obi, filed for the presidency, I had also aspired to the presidency? The records are there for you to see.”

The former lawmaker recalled his earlier attempt to secure a presidential ticket, noting that he had contested in the Peoples Democratic Party primaries before aligning with Obi in the Labour Party.

“In October 2018, I participated in the primaries of the then PDP in Port Harcourt and walked up to Obi for his vote, and he smiled at me. What a gentleman he was.

“If you heard me well in what I just submitted, I saw a rare opportunity for national unity to have elected Peter Obi in 2023, and that is why I decided to flow with it,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed also addressed concerns about religion and ethnicity, insisting that the Constitution guarantees every qualified Nigerian the right to seek elective office.

“Yes, I am a practising Muslim. But I’m a Nigerian, and the Constitution allows me to contest. You asked about my ethnicity. Yes, I am a Hausa man, and the Nigerian Constitution also allows me to contest. I’m doing this because Nigeria needs help,” he said.

The Peoples Democratic Party (South-South Chairman), Emmanuel Ogidi, has announced that the party will hold high-level meetings with former presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Speaking on Wednesday’s edition of the morning brief on  Channels Television, Ogidi emphasised that these consultations are key to restoring the party’s national influence.

“So we’re doing the rounds. We have already seen a former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, and a former President, IBB.

“So, it’s all about seeing those who are important in Nigeria to tell them that we are alive and we’re moving. I know you’re going to ask me about Obi. Yes, we also have plans to see Peter Obi.

“Even Atiku Abubakar, as the former vice president of the country, we are going to meet him. You see, PDP is the real face of democracy in Nigeria,” Ogidi said on the breakfast show.

Obi and Atiku are ex-members of the PDP, and they flew the party’s flag as vice presidential and presidential candidates, respectively, in 2019.

The former vice president was the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections. But Atiku and Obi have joined the African Democratic Congress.

On Tuesday, members of the PDP National Working Committee met with ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, who served as the country’s leader under the party.

The group was led by the National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, and other party chieftains at his Maitama office in Abuja.

Turaki told journalists, “We have his assurance that he remains an active, card-carrying member of the PDP and feels obliged to support the party; the PDP has done enough for him, and he will try his best to do more for the party.”

He said the former president’s remarks were “very reassuring and encouraging as we prepare for off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun, and the 2027 general elections.”

The PDP, the party that ruled Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, has been embroiled in crisis in the wake of the 2023 elections, which it lost to the All Progressives Congress.

At the moment, two groups are laying claims to the leadership of the party at the national level following the party’s convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, where the PDP expelled bigwigs like FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and ex-governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose.

Culled from punch.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has ruled out stepping down in the race for the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket, while accusing President Bola Tinubu of alleged interference in the internal affairs of the opposition coalition.

Atiku, in a statement released on Tuesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, called on Nigerians to resist efforts by the All Progressives Congress to intimidate and weaken the opposition.

The former Vice President’s comments came amid speculation that he is facing pressure to step aside for a southern candidate to emerge as the ADC’s flagbearer in the upcoming election against President Bola Tinubu.

Recently, former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, formally joined the ADC and there are reports Atiku may be planning a joint ticket with former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to clinch the ADC ticket.

But while rejecting any call to step down from the presidential race, Atiku accused Tinubu of deliberately weakening the opposition parties in order to have a smooth sail in 2027.

He accused Tinubu of misgovernance, labelling his administration  a growing national liability.

He said, “For nearly three years, Nigerians have endured one of the harshest periods in recent history, an era defined by punishing economic policies and shrinking democratic space under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

True to form, this administration has not only inflicted widespread hardship but has pursued a calculated effort to eliminate political alternatives. The objective is clear: a creeping, de facto one-party state.

“Perhaps the Tinubu administration’s most disturbing achievement has been the systematic weakening of opposition parties, leaving the All Progressives Congress—despite its manifest failures—standing alone by default, not by merit. Thankfully, patriotic leaders saw this danger early and chose resistance over silence by rallying around the African Democratic Congress as the nucleus of a credible national alternative.

Predictably, agents aligned with the Presidency are now attempting to destabilise the ADC from the outside, issuing reckless prescriptions about its internal affairs, particularly the choice of a presidential candidate.

“Let it be stated plainly: the ADC is on a national rescue mission. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside other committed patriots, is central to this effort. Any call—overt or covert—for Atiku to step aside is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.”

He added that the ADC is committed to ending the alleged misfortunes brought about by the Tinubu-led APC, stressing that no form of intimidation, manipulation, or sabotage will derail this mission.

“The ADC has consistently affirmed its commitment to an open, transparent, and competitive process for selecting its flagbearer. APC proxies and external meddlers have no standing to intimidate, blackmail, or sabotage this democratic resolve.

“At present, the ADC is focused on building strong ward, local government, and state structures nationwide. Disruptors and infiltrators must allow the party to do this essential work without interference

The party remains open and welcoming to all genuine opposition figures. This inclusiveness—not coercion—is the soul of democracy. When the time comes, all qualified aspirants will present themselves freely. No one is stepping down. If anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu—whose leadership has become a national liability.

“The recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu, the political heartbeat of the Southeast, triggered open boasts by a serving minister and presidential aides about plans to undermine the party. Their fear is evident.

“Let there be no ambiguity: the ADC is determined to end the misfortune imposed by the Tinubu-led APC. No amount of intimidation, intrigue, or sabotage will derail this rescue mission. Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight.”

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Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised Nigeria’s current tax policies, warning that prosperity cannot be achieved by placing heavier burdens on the poor.

In a statement shared on his X handle on Friday, Obi said “prosperity cannot come by taxing poverty,” adding that countries that have achieved lasting economic and social development did so through honest leadership, national consensus and people-focused policies.

Obi said, “If taxation is to function as a genuine social contract, it must be rooted in sincerity, fairness, and concern for the welfare of the people.

“Every tax policy should be clearly explained, including its impact on incomes and its expected contribution to national development.

Without this transparency, taxation becomes a tool of confusion and burden rather than a mechanism for growth and development.”

He argued that Nigeria must rethink its approach to taxation if it is serious about economic growth, national unity and shared prosperity, adding that the purpose of fiscal policy should be to make citizens wealthier rather than merely increasing government revenue.

The former Anambra State governor stressed that empowering small and medium-sized enterprises remained the key to sustainable growth, noting that when small businesses thrive, jobs are created, incomes rise, and the tax base expands naturally.

You cannot tax your way out of poverty — you must produce your way out of it,” Obi added.

He warned that celebrating increased government revenue while citizens grow poorer undermines good governance, insisting that any tax system that worsens poverty violates basic principles of sound fiscal management.

“Nigeria needs a fair, lawful, and people-centred tax system—one that supports production, rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and restores trust between government and citizens. Only then can taxation become a true tool for unity, growth, and shared prosperity,” he concluded.

Obi’s comments come amid public debate over Nigeria’s new tax reform laws, which were implemented from January 1, 2026.

Opposition lawmakers and civil society groups raised concerns over discrepancies between the versions of the tax bills passed by the National Assembly and the versions later gazetted by the Federal Government, leading to questions about their authenticity and constitutional validity.

The National Assembly leadership has directed the release of the certified true copies of the tax bills signed into law to enable public scrutiny. Lawmakers said some controversial provisions in the gazetted copies appeared not to reflect what was passed on the floor, prompting institutional steps to address the concerns.

The President Bola Tinubu administration has maintained that the tax laws will be implemented as planned and has rejected calls to delay their commencement.

He said the laws are intended to support structural reset, harmonisation and growth.

The Federal Government has maintained that the tax reforms are not intended to saddle low-income Nigerians with heavier burdens.

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following Obi’s official defection to the party.

Atiku, in a post on X on Tuesday, described Obi’s entry into the ADC as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s opposition politics and expressed optimism about working together to build a formidable alternative to the ruling party.

Today marks a significant moment in the history of political coalitions in our country, with the official declaration of my brother and associate, @PeterObi, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” Atiku wrote.

It is my pleasure to welcome him officially, as we look forward to a robust working relationship that will foster a virile opposition, one that will ultimately form a government capable of bringing prosperity and peace to our people,” he added

Atiku also used the opportunity to call on other opposition figures to join the coalition movement.

“And as the @ADCNig Coalition train leaves Enugu, the capital of the Southeast region, I hope this inspires other patriots to join the cause with the train headed in their direction,” he said.

Earlier on Tuesday ,Obi announced his Defection to the ADC in Enugu saying the move was part of a broader plan to transform and rescue Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.

“We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026 we will begin a rescue journey,” the former Anambra State governor declared.

Obi also pledged that the opposition would resist electoral malpractice in the next election cycle. “We will resist rigging of election by every lawful means in 2027,” he said.

He further called on opposition leaders to unite under a common platform, urging them to come together “as a family” under the leadership of former Senate President, David Mark, to rescue the country.

The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, has said he has yet to declare interest in the governorship office in Abia State, and invited the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti to formerly join his party, the All Progressive Congress, APC.

 Kalu stated this on Monday in his Bende country home in the Bende Local Governmrnt Area on the occasion of the 2025 Renewed Town Hall Meeting and Christmas Food Distribution, explaining that any move he makes is being misconstrued as declaring his governorship ambition.

 He said, “If I fart, it is governorship. If I change my clothes and wear something nicer, it is governorship. If I say hello to somebody, it is governorship.

“If I visit anybody, it is governorship. If I am doing anything for the president, it is governorship. I want to ask you, am I not fit enough to run for governorship? Let them pray that I don’t come out. People who have declared for governorship, nobody is attacking them. Out of three of people who have declared, nobody is attacking them”.

He said political opponents are attacking him through the social media, stating, “Insult me as much as you can. We don’t have time to reply to you. But at the right time, we will tell you there is no police unit on social media. This is not the first time I was attacked on social media. When I came to run for House of Reps, every social media was filled with attacks. And they gave my opponent 70% and gave me 30% survival.

“If I come to run for governorship, it will be a fast and a quick tough battle. We are still talking to our party. We are still listening to the leader of our party at the national level. And we are waiting for the signal”.

He used called Governor Otti to join the APC

I want to use this opportunity again to invite Governor Alex Oti to join our party. I want to use this opportunity again, publicly, to enjoin him to come to our party. If he comes to our party, we will support him.

Speaking on the occasion where over 15 trailer loads of bags of rice, and cash were distributed to more than 100 churches, traditional rulers, 17 LGAs party faithful, northern community, People Living With Disabilities, pro-groups and support groups, Kalu said, “we are closing 2025, a year that demanded resilience, but also a year that has begun to reveal the fruits of our patience”.

Kalu reviewed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s achievements in the area of economy and financial re-engineering, fuel subsidy and fiscal restructuring, tax reform, power and electricity, education, international relations, security and state police, social protection, agriculture and food security, as well as business, MSMEs and jobs”, stating, “We are not just sharing rice, we have shared infrastructure, we have shared human capacity building”.

Earlier, the Director General, Ben Kalu Foundation, BKF, Trump Eke noted, “How they feel matters so much to him. How they live also matters to him. How they work matters for him. And that is why his engagement has remained consistent, personal, and accountable over two decades. Today’s gathering is very significant for its inclusiveness. It is also a clear commitment here to review hope”.

In their separate speeches, the state Chairman of the APC, Kingsley Ononogbu, the Chairman, South East Development Commission. Emeka Nwogu, and Aba South APC stakeholder, Dame Blessing Nwagba urged for resilience on the part residents, assuring that APC has come to stay to connect the state to the centre

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Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared that he is not willing to serve as anyone’s running mate in the 2027 general election.

Obi made the statement on Sunday night during an X Spaces conversation, where he responded to questions about his political future and leadership ambitions.

His remarks come amid growing pressure from some political stakeholders urging him to consider a joint ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to challenge incumbent President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

The calls intensified following the recent alliance formed by opposition leaders under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In recent weeks, reports had circulated that Atiku had approached Obi to run with him on a joint ticket, with claims that Obi had agreed and was planning to defect to the ADC alongside his supporters in the South-East.

However, the former Anambra State governor firmly dismissed such speculation, stressing that he would not serve as a running mate to anyone.

According to Obi, his years of experience and preparation for leadership go beyond the office of vice president.

“I am not travelling round the world to learn governance to be Vice President,” Obi said.

“I know how to turn Nigeria around. I built my business from scratch and have more experience than any candidate, including the sitting President.

Peter Obi will be on the ballot in 2027. I need your support. I need your prayers.”

Meanwhile, Dele Momodu, a close ally of Atiku told the media last week that the former vice president may explore other options if Obi declines a joint ticket.

Momodu added that Atiku could consider working with other political figures, including former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, ahead of the 2027 election.

Culled from Business Day

In a video circulating online, Obaseki, a cousin of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, was attacked while playing football at Uwa Primary School.

The assailants reportedly abducted him and took him to the Oba’s palace, forcing him to kneel at the palace gate.

The thugs told palace guards that they had brought in an “Oghion (enemy) of Oba.”

Some palace chiefs, speaking in Bini, warned the thugs against causing disturbances, noting that the Oba was en route to the Holy Arousa Cathedral for a thanksgiving service marking the end of the Igue festival.

One chief said, “Today is thanksgiving day at the Holy Arousa. We don’t want any trouble. If there is anybody that counts himself as an enemy of the Oba, allow him and see how he will end up.”

The chiefs eventually took Obaseki inside the palace despite protests from the thugs.

Former Governor Obaseki condemned the attack in a statement, describing it as a “grave violation of fundamental human rights and a reckless disregard for the rule of law.”

He said, “I strongly condemn the violent attack on my cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by armed thugs. Dr Obaseki, a former Managing Director of DAAR Communications and a renowned journalist, was attacked at Uwa Primary School, where he was subjected to physical assault, intimidation, and torture by the armed thugs before being forcefully taken to the palace.”

Obaseki urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.

“A situation where thugs and non-state actors appear to freely take the law into their own hands on behalf of high-profile individuals and those in positions of authority can only result in one outcome, a degeneration into a state of anarchy, which will do no one any good,” he warned.

He further called on human rights organisations, civil society groups, and well-meaning Nigerians to speak out against the injustice and gross violation of human rights.

In response, Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, stated that the situation had been brought under control, noting that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, had met with the parties involved.

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Seventy-four candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections are facing possible disqualification following unresolved leadership crises within the party.

This comes as the Labour Party has been completely shut out of the polls, having presented no candidates on the final list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on September 22, 2025.

With the Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026, INEC documents show that out of the 16 registered political parties, only the LP currently has no candidate cleared for the exercise.

The FCT has 68 elective positions, comprising six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship positions across Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji, and Kwali.

Although the PDP submitted a full slate of 74 candidates — 12 for chairmanship and vice-chairmanship positions and 62 for councillorship seats — the legitimacy of those nominations is now under legal threat.

The LP’s exclusion stems from a protracted leadership tussle between the Julius Abure-led faction and the Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee, backed by the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.

INEC has refused to recognise the national convention held in Nnewi, which re-elected Abure, insisting that his tenure had expired.

Although a court order had directed INEC to issue access codes to enable the party to upload its candidates, the commission has maintained that it only deals with leaders recognised by law, effectively leaving the LP without representation in the FCT elections.

Within the PDP, a leadership battle has erupted between a faction led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki — elected as the party’s national chairman at the controversial national convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16 — and another faction led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, backed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Both factions have exchanged suspensions and filed multiple suits over control of the party’s structure.

Legal experts warn that if the courts eventually rule that the leadership which conducted the PDP primaries was illegal, all nominations made under it could be nullified.

A similar development occurred during the 2019 general elections, when the Supreme Court voided the votes of the APC in Zamfara State and the PDP in Rivers State over irregularities in their nomination processes.

In the FCT, such a ruling would wipe out all 74 PDP candidates, including chairmanship aspirants in AMAC, Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari, and Kwali, as well as the 62 councillorship contenders across the wards.

Commenting on the matter, the Chairman of the Transition Monitoring Group, Auwal Rafsanjani, warned that the exclusion of opposition parties could lead to voter apathy and a lopsided contest.

The risk is that if parties fail to resolve these internal problems, the ruling party will become the only viable option. That weakens choice and discourages voters.

“So, it is important that politicians play by the rules and do everything to resolve their internal crises; otherwise, it would give an opportunity for the ruling party and those who have been recruited to undermine and exclude opposition,” he said.

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Six controversially suspended members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have announced their defection from the  Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, citing alleged constitutional breaches, internal crises within the legislature, and disenchantment with the PDP-led state government.

The lawmakers announced their defection late on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, in Gusau, the state capital, after a meeting in which they accused the leadership of the Assembly of undermining legislative independence and acting as an extension of Governor Dauda Lawal’s office.

They alleged that the legislature had been reduced to a “rubber stamp,” with decisions taken without due process and in violation of constitutional provisions.

The defectors, who submitted separate letters of defection to the factional Speaker, Bashar Gummi, said they had been illegally suspended for nearly two years, a situation they claimed had deprived their constituents of representation.

According to them, the suspensions compelled them to form a parallel House of Assembly through which they have been challenging what they described as illegal actions by both the recognised faction of the legislature and the executive arm of government.

The lawmakers, who defected, are Bashar Gummi (Gummi I State Constituency), Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North State Constituency), BashirMasama (Bukkuyum North State Constituency), Bashir Bello (Bungudu West State Constituency), Amiru  Keta (Tsafe West State Constituency), and Muktar Kaura (Kaura North State Constituency).

They alleged that the current faction of the Assembly had been passing bills and taking key decisions without forming the constitutionally required quorum, insisting that such actions were null and void.

The lawmakers called on the National Assembly to intervene by investigating the situation and ensuring that constitutional order and the rule of law are restored in the Zamfara State legislature.

Explaining their decision to join the APC, the defectors said they were attracted by what they described as the party’s commitment to justice, inclusiveness, and good governance, adding that the move would enable them to better serve their constituents and contribute to the development of the state.

After receiving the defection letters, the factional Speaker, Gummi, congratulated the lawmakers on their decision to join the APC, describing it as a bold and strategic move.

“This marks a new political era in Zamfara State, where members of the ruling party are defecting to the opposition,” he said.

Gummi also accused the PDP of being riddled with internal crises at both state and national levels, alleging that the party had deviated from its founding principles.

The lawmakers further expressed concern over the state government’s handling of insecurity, accusing Governor Lawal of neglecting the fight against banditry while engaging in political battles ahead of the 2027 elections.

They said their defection was carried out in line with the provisions of Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which permits legislators to defect under certain conditions.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the spokesperson for the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Bello Kurya, were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off.

A text message sent to him was yet to be responded to as of the time of filing this report.

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Six members of the House of Representatives from Rivers State, elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress on Tuesday.

The defected lawmakers include Robinson Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Hart, Victor Obuzor, Blessing Amadi, and Felix Nwaeke.

Reading their letters of defection to the APC, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, cited “divisions and unresolved political crisis in the PDP.”

While acknowledging that the crisis in the PDP had made it impossible for them to pursue their political aspirations, the lawmakers pledged to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu

With their defection, the PDP, which previously had 12 members, now has only two representatives in the Rivers State caucus of the House.

Last week, the party lost three more members to the APC, following the defection of Boniface Emerengwa, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, and Boma Goodhead.

The two remaining PDP lawmakers in Rivers State are the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, and Kelechi Nwogu.

Details later….

The Ambassador of Vietnam to Nigeria, Bui Hung, has said Nigerian political parties, including the All Progressives Congress, can draw lessons from the nearly 100-year history of the Communist Party of Vietnam, particularly in people-centred governance, discipline and internal democracy.

The envoy spoke on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing journalists on the history and development of the Communist Party of Vietnam ahead of its forthcoming national congress.

He said the first lesson was that a party’s mandate and mission must be focused on the people, noting that the Communist Party of Vietnam was formed nearly a century ago by ordinary citizens rather than the elite.

According to him, discipline was another key factor in the party’s longevity, adding that it maintained strong internal discipline despite starting with a small membership.

When we formed our party nearly a hundred years ago, the party members were only a few hundred and later a few thousand. But we maintained very strong discipline because we had our party theory.

“The Communist Party is socialist, but the core of that theory is centred on people and discipline. We therefore built a well-organised party structure at different levels, from top to bottom,” he said.

The ambassador also identified internal democracy as an important lesson, stressing the need for open debate within political parties and responsiveness to citizens’ needs

We have to listen to each other and allow people to speak out and engage in wide debate within the party. We also have to listen to the people—their comments, wishes and aspirations—so that our agenda remains relevant to their needs,” he said.

He urged Nigerian political parties to adopt clear mandates that prioritise the welfare of citizens over elite or partisan interests.

The envoy also called on both ruling and opposition parties to focus on economic cooperation, openness to trade and investment, and tackling insecurity as part of efforts to drive growth and development.

“I would like to suggest not only to the ruling party, APC, but also to opposition parties such as the PDP, LP and ADC, that they should have clear mandates focused on the people, not on interest groups or elite interests. People should be the centre of development, the main drivers of development and the beneficiaries of its outcomes,” he said.

The remarks come amid ongoing debates over governance, internal democracy and ideological direction within Nigeria’s political parties.

The Communist Party of Vietnam, founded in 1930, has remained in power for nearly a century and is credited with leading Vietnam through independence, post-war reconstruction and economic reforms that lifted millions out of poverty.

Nigerian political parties, including the ruling APC, continue to face criticism over internal cohesion, discipline and their ability to deliver people-focused governance.

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Some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party on Saturday met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo as part of moves to reposition the party for a possible return to power in the 2027 general elections.

The factional Chairman of the party, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki, SAN, led other members of his executive to the penthouse residence of the former president at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The closed-door meeting with Obasanjo lasted for 40 minutes.

In the entourage of the new PDP leadership were the Board of Trustees Chairman and former Senate President, Sen Adolphus Wabara; the National Secretary and former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja; two former governors of Niger and Plateau states, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu and Sen Jonah Jang; the party’s governorship candidate for the forthcoming gubernatorial elections, and Dr Wole Oluyede, among others.

after the meeting, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Ini Ememobong, said Obasanjo urged the leaders to maintain strict discipline within the party to safeguard its future.

He noted that the former president emphasised the importance of discipline as the foundation of effective party administration.

“It was a consultative meeting where we looked at the state of the nation, the state of democracy and the state of affairs. We had very fruitful discussions, and he tasked us to carry on and soldier on, but we should keep discipline as the core of our party administration.

He practically and particularly said that we can’t allow indiscipline; that indiscipline destroys everything,” Ememobong said.

He explained that the party leadership assured the ex-president that it would take his counsel seriously, strengthen internal discipline and ensure that all members adhered to the rules and values of the PDP to safeguard the party’s unity and credibility.

“As you can see, the party is already on the path of discipline. If people act in ways that do not conform with discipline, we draw their attention to it because indiscipline is a destroyer,” Ememobong said.

Speaking shortly after the meeting, Turaki said they visited Obasanjo to get his support and guidance ahead of what he described as “the gargantuan task” of dislodging the All Progressives Congress in 2027.

Turaki described the former president as a highly experienced elder statesman whose legacy of building strong institutions helped to strengthen democratic growth in the country.

The former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs under former President Goodluck Jonathan said having just been given the opportunity to serve, the new leadership of the opposition party thought it wise to visit Obasanjo to draw from his wealth of wisdom and seek his blessings and support for the success of the new administration.

Turaki said although the task of sending the APC government packing in 2027 due to incompetence and maladministration might not be a tea party, the frank discussions the opposition leaders had with Obasanjo inspired them that the task ahead was not impossible.

Turaki stated that the PDP was battle-ready for 2027, adding that this would be evident when the party reclaimed power in Ekiti and Osun states.

He said, “PDP is battle-ready for 2027, and as a mark of our readiness, we shall take over Ekiti State and follow it up with Osun State.

“By the time we win these two states, we shall leave no one in doubt that the PDP is once again on the move and on the rise to chase out the APC government with all its incompetence and maladministration in 2027.”

Addressing party members later at the state secretariat, Turaki urged PDP members globally to support the new leadership, saying the era of impunity and shenanigans was over in the party, as members would be allowed to pitch their tents with their preferred candidates during elections.

He said, “The truth is that the PDP is back and on the rise to take its rightful place in the democratic process of the country.

“Nigerians can see that since our convention in Ibadan, the APC is now more worried than ever. They know the equation has changed and that the PDP is ready to send them packing in 2027.”

The National Secretary of the party, Arapaja, and the BoT Chairman, Wabara, in separate interviews, also urged party members to remain united and begin massive mobilisation

Speaking with journalists at the event, the Ogun State chairman of the party, Abayomi Tella, said members were happy to be the first state to receive the new leadership after their election in Ibadan about three weeks earlier.

Tella said the opposition was battle-ready to defeat the APC in 2027, warning that the people would not tolerate harassment and intimidation as witnessed in recent elections in the state.

He said, “For 2027, the election will be about the people versus political parties. It doesn’t matter whether it is APC or PDP. The people of Ogun State have tasted water and palm oil, and they know the difference.

“It is the people of the state, with the support of the PDP, who will take the mantle of leadership in 2027.

“It’s not about us alone. Everyone is tired of this government, enough of maladministration and bad governance under the APC.

“So, together with the people, we are battle-ready for 2027. What happened in 2023 will not repeat itself. What happened during the Remo Federal Constituency by-election in August will not repeat itself.

“We are all indigenes and residents of this state, and we have the right to vote and be voted for. You cannot chase people away from voting for a party. We won’t allow that to happen in 2027.

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The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Adeleke emerged as the candidate of the party during its congress on Thursday in Osogbo.

Adeleke, who announced his defection to Accord Party on Tuesday, resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, earlier in December citing party’s leadership crisis.

Oladeji, in a statement on Saturday in Osogbo, described Adeleke’s candidacy within the party as the “refining stage that forms the fine cut of a diamond.”

According to him, the fusion of Adeleke and Accord Party is the answer to the people’s prayer for a good leader.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke, a confirmed socio‑economic welfarist on a pro‑people platform, will deliver the best governance that is unprecedented in the last two decades in Osun State.

“He will also set an enviable governance template for the country,” he said.

Also in the statement, Adeleke said he was challenging his opposition candidates to a campaign based on governance records.

Adeleke said his campaign would not be about promises, as is the norm in Nigeria’s political space, but about his three years of governance and a new level of social infrastructural development.

The governor also said he would leave a trail of major, monumental project inaugurations throughout his campaign.

“My governance in the past three years has earned me commendable monikers from the people of the state, such as “Mr Project”, “talk‑and‑do”, “the new Awo”, and “the man of the people,” he said.

Adeleke reiterated his choice of Accord as his new party, which he described as a perfect alignment and synchronisation of his people‑centered policies with the party’s people‑focused ideology.

“It is the fission of two pro‑people entities, and the people of Osun State, as well as the democratic history of Osun State, will be the better for it,” the governor said.

(NAN)

Governor of Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has explained that he dumped the crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to return the favour President Bola Tinubu did in stabilising the state.

Fubara added that there was need to align the state with power at the centre – the Tinubu-led Federal Government.

Governor Fubara gave the explanation during his reception by APC at the State Government House, Port Harcourt, today.

At the event, Sir Fubara filled out the APC membership form and other party documents, and was handed the party slip and membership card.

The APC delegation was was led by the state APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo.

‘We’re now in one flat’

Speaking after receiving his card, Sir Siminalayi  said: “I took this decision as my return of favour; my own clearing the bush to ensure that his (Tinubu’s) re-election come 2027 will be easy and smooth in this state.

“Now that we are all in one party – I know we have always supported, but from different flats – we are inside one flat. The job is now easy to fulfil what we have promised the President.”

Also, Governor Fubara promised that he would take all necessary steps to strengthen the APC in the state.

“Let me thank the National Executive. The state chairman, representing the national chairman, I want to assure you that we will do everything to keep APC as the main and active progressive party in Rivers State.

We will not stop there. It is my duty from this minute to ensure that the party is properly taken care of. I will assure you here that every need of the exco and the party becomes my responsibility.

“We have a task ahead. To preach the news of Mr President. To soften every strongman in this state and to make sure that at the end it would be a smooth sail in Rivers State.”

The Labour Party in Sokoto State on Saturday held its state congress, electing a new executive team and renewing calls for unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Supervising the congress, Mr Yemi Adeyemi, a member of the party’s National Planning Committee, urged members to remain united and committed as the party works to strengthen its base across the state.

“I call on all members to stay united ahead of the forthcoming general election. A united party is the foundation for electoral victory,” Adeyemi said.

The state leader of the party, Mr. Ifeanyi Ezeagu, described the congress as a crucial step toward repositioning the Labour Party for success in the state.

He said, “This congress is to elect those who will lead the party to victory in Sokoto. The people of the state know the situation. We won elections, but they didn’t give us the opportunity. Nigerians know what happened; we all witnessed it…”

Ezeagu urged members to intensify mobilisation at the grassroots as part of efforts to rebuild trust and expand the party’s presence ahead of the 2027 polls.

“We all know the situation of the country today. I urge you to go back to your wards and mobilise for the party. The leaders we have today are running a government that enriches friends and family members. Don’t be disturbed about defections into the ruling party; many go there for selfish reasons,” he said.

He added that the Labour Party in Sokoto is “back on track” and committed to helping reclaim the country from leaders who, he said, have pushed it into hardship.

Outgoing state secretary of the party, Alhaji Umar, commended delegates from all 23 local government areas for turning out and conducting themselves peacefully throughout the congress.

Newly elected state chairman, Abubakar Yawale, pledged to run an inclusive and transparent administration.

“I will ensure leadership without sentiment or bias. We are working toward taking over the Sokoto State Government House in the 2027 general elections. I call on all members to support our team in achieving this objective,” Yawale said

The congress was conducted peacefully, with delegates expressing optimism about the party’s renewed direction in Sokoto State. 

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Sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), with Speaker Martin Amaewhule leading the move.

The Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, defected along with 16 other members of the House on Friday, citing the crisis within the PDP as the reason for their decision.

Other lawmakers who dumped the PDP include Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol (Gokana), Major Jack (Akuku-Toru), Linda Stewart (Okrika), Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt 3), Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt 2), Enemi George (Asari-Toru 2), and Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1).

Also among the defectors are Igwe Aforji (Eleme), Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru 1), Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru 2), Peter Abbey (Degema), Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo), Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche), Gerald Oforji (Oyigbo) and Ofiks Kabang (Andoni).

With the defection, the APC now has 17 members in the House.

The 10 remaining PDP members have appointed Sylvanus Nwankwo of Omuma constituency as Minority Leader.

Culled from Tribune

Online reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially registered as a member of the ADC in Adamawa State, signalling a major development in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development generated reactions in the political circles as some insinuated that the former Vice President is likely to be the candidate of the ADC for the 2027 presidential poll.

However, the Ondo group, under the auspices of the BTO4PBAT, said with or without Atiku in the ADC. President Bola Tinubu would win the presidential poll.

The Director General of BTO4PBAT, Adesuyi Adojutelegan, declared in a statement that the ADC posed no threat to Tinubu’s reelection, describing him (Tinubu ) as a strong performer.

Adutelegan, who had earlier inaugurated the ward and local government coordinators of the group in Okitipupa, emphasised the need for APC members to intensify efforts for Tinubu’s reelection across the Ondo South Senatorial District.

He said, “It is clear that ADC cannot dislodge the APC. We know the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has joined them now; we are not worried, even if he becomes their presidential candidate, Tinubu will still defeat him.

To be honest, Tinubu has no opposition for this coming election in 2027. The President’s performance speaks for itself.

“He is actively addressing our security challenges as everyone can see it and I am confident he will make Nigeria safer for everyone to live without any fear or intimidation.”

Adojutelegan, who described the ADC as a party of aggrieved politicians trying to undermine Tinubu’s achievements, maintained that President Tinubu remains Nigeria’s best option with numerous achievements over the past two years, particularly in infrastructure development with extensive road construction nationwide.

He added that Tinubu is making significant strides in various sectors, citing economic policies and initiatives like the student loan program that enhance educational access for underprivileged students.

The group’s coordinator also commended the Minister for Interior, Mr Tunji-Ojo, for his invaluable support and called on the newly inaugurated coordinators to launch vigorous campaigns to promote President Tinubu’s achievements across the state.

“I encourage you all to engage in aggressive campaigning across the wards in the six local government areas of the southern senatorial district”, he emphasised.

culled from punch 

A former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, on Friday stated that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has not left the party.

Speaking to journalists after the party’s National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, which was observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Baba-Ahmed dismissed reports suggesting that Obi had dumped the LP.

“To the best of our knowledge, our brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, is still a member of the Labour Party. Nothing has changed. If he were here now, I would have shifted my seat to the left for him,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed maintained that the party had survived its internal troubles, adding that the development signalled better days ahead

He also described INEC’s attendance at the meeting as a major boost.

“The Labour Party has not reduced in any way. We have only increased in numbers. But with the submission of our leader, the National Secretary, we have gone through rough times, as is usual with political associations, and have emerged from it.

“The highlight and major turning point of this NEC meeting is the presence of INEC, which validates this sitting and justifies our presence here. As law-abiding citizens, we strictly go by what the law provides.

This is a renewed drive for reconciliation, and I am here as a loyal party member to continue to open our arms to embrace new and existing members, to come back and reconcile with the party for the national assignment ahead of us,” he stated.

Commenting on rising insecurity in the country, the LP chieftain recalled that they had warned Nigerians that such outcomes were likely if they failed to elect the right leadership.

He said, “Only two days ago, a state of national emergency was declared in Nigeria. If you recall, we warned Nigeria and the world that this was likely to happen — and it is happening.

“Nigerians voted en masse for change, and something else happened. The result is what we saw two days ago: school abductions in hundreds, senior army officers killed publicly.

“These would never have happened if the Labour Party had formed the government of Nigeria.”

He added that the LP remained committed to workers’ welfare.

“It is the birthright of LP, among all political parties, to ensure decent and realistic living wages for all workers. This will play a key role from now until 2027 and beyond.”

Friday’s NEC meeting, chaired by National Chairman Julius Abure, was part of ongoing efforts to resolve the leadership tussle triggered by the controversial 2024 national convention in Nnewi, which split the party into rival camps backed by top figures, including Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti.

culled from punch 

The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has thrown its weight behind the creation of state police as a means of addressing the spate of insecurity in the country.

The ruling party urged members of the National Assembly to set aside political and ethnic affiliations and pass the bill in the interest of national peace and tranquillity.

This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the state Director of Media and Publicity of the Ondo APC, Mr Steve Otaloro. The statement is titled, ‘APC Ondo to NASS: Rise above politics and pass the state police bill’.

In the statement, the party expressed deep concern over the escalating security challenges confronting Nigeria and called for urgent legislative action to address them.

The statement read, “From persistent rural banditry, violent herdsmen attacks, kidnapping, and urban criminal activities, to the growing infiltration of extremist groups across national borders, the country is experiencing a new and dangerous phase of insecurity that demands urgent and innovative solutions.

“We commend the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for its intensified efforts in combating these threats. The enhanced deployment of security personnel, acquisition of modern hardware, improved intelligence operations, and stronger cooperation with state governments reflect a renewed commitment to national safety. These efforts have yielded notable progress in stabilising several flashpoints and restoring hope to affected communities.

“However, it is increasingly clear that the Nigeria Police Force, despite its dedication and sacrifices, cannot fully secure every community across the federation without structured support from state-level policing systems. The ongoing debates across the federation and in the National Assembly on the creation of state police show that the nation has reached a consensus point: Nigeria needs a multi-layered policing framework to respond to today’s realities.”

The APC recalled the efforts of the former governor of the state, the late Rotimi Akeredolu, whose advocacy for the decentralisation of policing “laid the groundwork for a new security paradigm” through the creation of the Amotekun Corps

Akeredolu foresaw the dangers of unchecked banditry, cross-border terrorism, and widespread attacks on farmlands at a time many underestimated the severity of these threats. His response led to the establishment of the Amotekun Corps, a regional security network designed to complement federal security agencies.

“Despite stiff resistance from the Federal Government at the time, including legal obstacles from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, he stood firmly on constitutional principles. His determination ensured that Amotekun did not die at inception but became a model for effective community policing across the Southwest.”

The APC also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his involvement in the strategy sessions, legal consultations, and operational planning that birthed Amotekun while he was deputy governor.

“His first-hand knowledge of the security architecture has enabled him, upon assuming office, to strengthen and modernise the corps through enhanced training and retraining programmes, improved operational equipment and logistics, expanded intelligence-gathering capacity, better welfare packages for operatives, and closer collaboration with federal security agencies.

“In view of the present security realities and the ongoing debate across the country on the creation of state police, the APC Ondo State calls on National Assembly lawmakers to speed up deliberations and pass a comprehensive bill allowing states to create and manage their own police structures.

“We therefore urge the National Assembly to rise above political differences, partisan calculations, and ethnic jingoism, and unite behind this patriotic legislation. This is a moment for national leadership, not division,” the APC stated.

The call comes as the National Assembly continues deliberations on the constitution amendment bill seeking to allow states to establish and manage their own police structures.

The proposed legislation, which has passed key stages of debate, aims to move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, enabling decentralised security operations across the country.

Many members of the Peoples Democratic Party across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State, on Tuesday, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Among the defectors were members of the state branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, who said they were tired of their former party and ready to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Receiving the defectors at the APC Secretariat in Akure, the state capital, APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, urged them to return to their wards and begin mobilising for the President’s re-election.

Adetimehin said the ruling party had no opposition in the state, adding that Tinubu’s performance in Ondo attracted more people to the party.

He said, “I want to welcome you to our great party. This is the party of victory.

“In APC, we don’t discriminate; there are no old members, there are no new members. We are all equal. That is why we are winning every day.

“Also, I want you to go back to your respective wards and local governments to work.

It is your capacity that will determine your reward in APC. We give everyone equal opportunities. You are welcome.”

Speaking on the federal interventions in the state, Adetimehin said, “President Tinubu has done well for us in this state. We can all see what he is doing.

“His Renewed Hope Initiatives are favouring us, with appointments for our people and work on new road construction in Ondo State. We must work hard to give him a landslide victory here.”

The leader of the defectors under the Asiwaju Transport Movement, Mr Ojo Adewole, said their defection was inspired by the federal interventions in the state, particularly in road rehabilitation and construction.

Adewole said the defection of over 1,000 members from the 18 local government areas was encouraged by the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who he described as a true leader.

He said, “Why do we defect? We were encouraged to join APC by our minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. We thank him for the opportunity, and we will not disappoint him nor the party.

“What we saw is that road projects started under the immediate past administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari were continued by President Bola Tinubu.

We are NURTW members, and we know the importance of good roads. This is part of what President Tinubu is doing in this state.

“The dualisation of the Benin-Ilesa Expressway, the Ore-Ondo-Akure road expansion, the Akure-Ado Ekiti Expressway, and the coastal highway are all ongoing.

“We are delighted with these projects, which are part of why we support President Tinubu for a second term.”

It was earlier reported that the only PDP member from Ondo State in the National Assembly, Mr Festus Akingbaso, and the three remaining PDP members in the state House of Assembly recently defected to the APC, leaving the state effectively a one-party state.

A former lawmaker representing Jos South/East Federal Constituency, Dachung Bagos, says he sees no indication that the Peoples Democratic Party is on the path to recovery ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Appearing on Channels Television’s breakfast programme on Monday, Bagos argued that the party’s lingering internal crises and its failure to follow due process have left many aspirants uncertain about their political future.

He faulted the PDP for issuing only one nomination form for the chairmanship contest, an action later voided by the court for violating due process.

According to him, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang remains the state’s political leader, whose guidance they will follow if the PDP fails to resolve its challenges before the elections.

Bagos urged members and aspirants to carefully examine the situation and consult widely, cautioning that the party’s current direction does little to inspire confidence.

He said, “But I can tell you for now, the leader of the ‘Plateau Peoples Party’ is His Excellency Barr. Caleb Mutfwang. We are waiting for his direction to see which of the registered parties to move to, if the PDP fails to fix itself before the election. Definitely, we will hear from him. But for now, you see, we must tell ourselves the truth.”

Bagos also criticised the expulsion procedures carried out during the party’s convention, noting that the leadership acted without first setting up a disciplinary committee.

For now, I don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel for the PDP coming towards the general election, especially for anybody that will contest elections, because how can two things happen just within three weeks or one month?

Number one, you sold only one form, just for the chairmanship election. The court said there wasn’t due process. Number two, there was supposed to have been a disciplinary committee before suspending or even expelling someone. But it was just a voice vote within the convention.

“So, when you see due process is not being adhered to, you, those who are contesting for election, should be able to think very well, look at and analyse issues, consult with your people, and look for a way forward.

“We shouldn’t be political with the truth. For me, I’ve always told my people the truth. So for now, as it is, I don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.

As earlier reported, the PDP, at its 2025 National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday, elected the former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki, as its new National Chairman, and a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Taofeek Arapaja, as the new National Secretary.

The party also expelled several high-profile members, including the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike; suspended National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; former National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade; former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose; Imo PDP Chairman Austin Nwachukwu; among others over alleged anti-party activities.

The motion for their expulsion was moved by former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Bode George, and seconded by the Bauchi State PDP Chairman, Samaila Buga.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, later put the motion to a voice vote, which delegates overwhelmingly endorsed, signalling the party’s renewed resolve to confront internal dissent and stamp out anti-party conduct within its ranks.

The National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Umar Iliya Damagum, has arrived the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, venue of the party’s 2025 Elective National Convention.

Meanwhile, the Kebbi State chapter of PDP has announced its decision to boycott the party’s Ibadan national convention.

Also, at the venue, governors of Oyo, Adamawa,  Zamfara and Bauchi states, Engr Seyi Makinde, Ahmadu Fintiri, Dauda Lawal, Bala Mohammed, respectively, have arrived.

On their entourage are scores of the party members. They were ushered in by drummers and retinue of security aides. 

Equally in attendance are Senators Uduaghan, and Abba Moro.

The programme has started behind the 4 p.m. schedule. But as soon as the governors arrived, the programme commenced with a rendition of National Anthem. 

Also, accreditation is almost completed which will be followed by voting of delegates from each of the 36 states.

The Kebbi boycott

On the Kebbi State chapter of PDP boycott, its Publicity Secretary, Sani Dododo, said it was due to the candidacy of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, who is seeking the position of national chairman.

The chapter questioned Turaki’s legitimacy as a party member, citing his suspension in April 2023 for alleged gross misconduct, anti-party activities, and failure to pay party dues.

The suspension, issued by his Nasarawa 1 Ward, also affected seven other members, including former gubernatorial candidate Gen. Bello S. Yaki.

In a petition dated October 25, 2025, the Kebbi State PDP formally notified the chairman of the screening committee for the national convention of its rejection of Turaki’s nomination based on these issues.

The petition, jointly signed by Chairman Alhaji Usman Bello Suru and Secretary Abubakar Bawa Kalgo, included a list of signatures and phone numbers from both state working committee and non-working committee members, all expressing their opposition to Turaki’s candidacy.

The Kebbi PDP chapter warned that anyone presenting themselves as a delegate from the state would be doing so without the party’s authorization.

All delegates from Kebbi State are reportedly remaining at home in protest.

Despite the boycott, the national convention is expected to proceed with various stakeholders and delegates in attendance.

The latest imbroglio has deepen crisis and widen division in Kebbi state opposition people’s democratic party as 2027 closes on.

Women under the aegis of the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) in Ondo State have declared that the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will guarantee him a smooth path to re-election in the 2027 presidential contest.

Speaking during a women’s mobilisation programme held in Ondo town, the Coordinator of AMG’s women wing in the state, Yetunde Adeyanju, praised the President for driving equitable growth, reviving the economy, and giving women strategic roles in governance.

Adeyanju, a former commissioner, said the President’s strides in human capital development and infrastructure have positioned him strongly for a second term.

“His achievements so far to move the nation forward will give him the second chance to govern the country successfully,” she stated.

She said the group is mobilising support across the 18 local government areas of the state, pledging to deliver massive votes for Tinubu in 2027.

“Our mandate is to go to all local governments in Ondo State, mobilize our women, educate and sensitize them,” she said.

“The programme is put together by the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to highlight the achievements of our President. The mandate given to us is to ensure every woman in Ondo State votes for Bola Tinubu in 2027 on the APC platform.”

Adeyanju also projected continued economic improvement, noting falling food prices.

“Two years ago, we were buying rice between N180,000 and N200,000. With the trend in the market now, within the next two years, we will be buying rice for less than N20,000. I’m convinced about it,” she said.

Director-General of AMG, Olumuyiwa Asagunla, also addressed the crowd, saying the group has intensified grassroots mobilization to ensure overwhelming support for the APC and President Tinubu.

He highlighted ongoing government programmes, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and urged Nigerians to acknowledge the administration’s efforts.

“What we are out for is to sensitize our people about the good works of our President through the Renewed Hope Agenda so that he can continue,” Asagunla said.

He added that the government has delivered improvements across sectors, appealing to electorates to support what he described as a “better government.”

The group reaffirmed its commitment to mobilizing women across the South-West to secure a resounding victory for President Tinubu in 2027

The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party has stated that the wave of crisis rocking the party is self-inflicted, noting, however, that the party’s national convention scheduled for Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, will go on as planned.

The Chairman of the BoT and former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the presentation of the report of the BoT Reconciliation Committee.

According to him, the party remains a formidable force and is focused on repositioning itself in readiness for future elections.

“It is absolutely practicable for us to go to the convention. All the organs of the party—the Governors’ Forum, the National Working Committee, and the Board of Trustees—have agreed that we will proceed. Our last communiqué also made mention of it,” Wabara stated.

He, however, noted that the party would obey any lawful court order that may affect the convention’s schedule.

“If we are stopped by the courts, we are a law-abiding party. We will obey the law or obey the last order, as the case may be,” he said.

Reacting to claims that the BoT’s intervention came too late, Wabara dismissed the notion, insisting that the PDP’s troubles were “self-inflicted” and a product of conflicting personal and political interests.

There is actually no crisis. All these problems we have in the PDP are self-inflicted. In politics, it’s all about interests. Some people want the party dead now so they can resurrect it in 2031 for their own purposes,” he declared.

He pledged the Board’s commitment to preserving the unity and survival of the party, saying, “I am not thinking of contesting for anything. Our decisions will always be in the interest of the PDP and Nigerians. The PDP remains a party for the people.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the BoT Reconciliation Committee, Amb Hassan Adamu, said the committee, inaugurated on November 5, 2025, immediately began consultations with key stakeholders to ensure a smooth and credible convention.

“We have spoken to various segments of our party—the leaders, the Governors’ Forum, and others—and we have now come up with our recommendations for a hitch-free convention. It has been a challenging task, but we have done our best,” Adamu said.

Presenting the report, Secretary of the Committee and former Chief of Staff to the President Goodluck Jonathan, Mike Oghiadomhe, disclosed that the panel held extensive engagements with major stakeholders, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, members of the Governors’ Forum, the NWC, and suspended national officers.

“We met with the Minister of the FCT, the Governors’ Forum, and the NWC led by the Deputy National Chairman in the absence of Ambassador Damagum. We also met with the suspended National Secretary, Sam Anyanwu, the National Organising Secretary, and the National Legal Adviser,” Oghiadomhe said.

He added that the committee also consulted former Senate President Bukola Saraki and other senior party figures before compiling its report and recommendations.

We believe that we have addressed all the key issues troubling our party. Our recommendations provide a clear roadmap for sustainable and effective party administration at this critical time,” he concluded.

Six copies of the reconciliation report, along with annexures containing supporting documents, were submitted to the BoT.

The board is expected to deliberate on the recommendations and chart the next course of action ahead of the PDP’s much-anticipated convention, where new leaders will emerge.

The convention is facing an uncertain fate owing to the division in the party.

Although the party National Secretary, Sam Anyanwu; National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade and National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, remain suspended, the trio are the architects of a new faction led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.

This group is backed by the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.

The Damagum-led NWC is banking on the support of the governors, the BoT and other organs of the party.

Culled from punch

The Chairman of the African Democratic Congress in Adamawa State, Shehu Kambile, has resigned as Special Assistant to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.

Kambile announced his resignation in a statement on Wednesday in Yola, the state capital.

According to him, the decision was strategic and would enable him to fully channel his energy towards strengthening the ADC as the state’s leading opposition party.

“My appointment was facilitated through the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) framework, designed to foster national cohesion.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Gov. Fintiri but have to step aside and focus on my primary mandate of building a robust and effective opposition.

We crave an opposition that can provide a credible alternative for the people,” he said.

Kambile commended former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his commitment to promoting inclusive and democratic engagements within the ADC.

He urged all ADC members to unite and work together to steer the party to success.

The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream) and Member representing Kano Municipal Federal Constituency, Hon. Sagir Ibrahim Koki, has resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party.

Koki shared his resignation on his official X handle on Wednesday, citing persistent leadership crises at the party’s national level.

In a letter addressed to the Zaitawa Ward Chairperson, he wrote: “By virtue of the right conferred upon me by Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Article 7.1 of the NNPP Constitution and all other relevant extant laws, I do hereby resign my membership of the NNPP effective from Tuesday, the 11th Day of November, 2025.”

Hon. Koki, who joined the NNPP ahead of the 2023 general elections, won the Kano Municipal Federal Constituency seat, reflecting the party’s growing influence in Kano’s urban areas.

Explaining his decision, he said: “My decision to exit the NNPP becomes necessary because the internal crisis in the party leadership at the centre has made it difficult, if not impossible, for me to continue discharging my duties and provide my people, the good people of Kano Municipal, with the desired representation in the House of Representatives.”

He also expressed gratitude to the party, adding, “I thank the party most sincerely for the opportunity accorded me to serve under its platform. The support, trust and experience I have gained during my reign as a member have been invaluable, and I remain deeply grateful to the leadership and members of the party at all levels.”

reports that Koki’s resignation follows closely after Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi left the NNPP to join the Peoples Democratic Party, describing his move as “a strategic and patriotic step toward rebuilding Nigeria’s unity and hope.”

Senator Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North Senatorial District, officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, notifying the Senate in a formal letter.

As aired on NASSTV on Tuesday, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, read Jarigbe’s resignation, in which the senator cited deep-seated internal divisions within the PDP as the reason for his defection from the PDP.

“I rise to formally notify you and the distinguished leadership of the Senate of my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party on whose platform I was elected to represent the good people of Cross River North Senatorial District,” Jarigbe said.

“The decision has been taken after a deep and thoughtful reflection on the current state of my former party. It is a profound regret that I cite the prevailing deep-seated and irreconcilable differences, as well as the persistent and deliberate factions within the party at both the national and state levels, as a primary reason for my departure.”

Jarigbe added that the APC offers a more stable and progressive platform for serving his constituents.

In the light of the foregoing, and in the best interests of my constituents, and my continued pursuit of effective representation, I have decided to join the ranks of the All Progressives Congress.

I believe that the APC, under the leadership of our President, His Excellency Bola Tinubu, and your own steady leadership of the National Assembly, provides the stable and progressive platform necessary to effectively deliver on the mandate and the democratic dividends expected by the people of Cross River North,” he said.

Jibrin welcomed the senator to the new party, saying, “You are most welcome. Please welcome him,” as members of the Senate applauded Jarigbe’s decision.

The defection comes amid renewed turmoil in the PDP which has been split into two warring factions following a leadership tussle within its National Working Committee. Each faction has suspended the other in a further escalation of hostilities.

Online report on November 2 that the crisis erupted barely 24 hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja halted the party’s planned national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The split largely pits loyalists of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum against a bloc aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, deepening the rift within the opposition party.

The candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has been declared the winner of the Saturday, November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election by the Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Edoba Omoregie.

Soludo, who polled a total of 422,664 votes, defeated his closest rival, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Nicholas Ukachukwu, who scored 99,445 votes, while the candidate of the Young Progressives Party, Sir Paul Chukwuma, came third with 37,753 votes.

According to INEC, a total of 16 candidates from various political parties participated in the election.

The state had 2,788,864 registered voters, out of which 598,229 were accredited. A total of 595,298 votes were cast, while 11,244 votes were rejected across the 21 local government areas.

From the results announced, Soludo of APGA won in all 21 local government areas of the state in a landslide victory.

Announcing the results at the INEC headquarters in Awka on Sunday, Omoregie said, “The number of registered voters was 2,788,864, while accredited voters were 598,229. The total valid votes stood at 584,054, rejected votes were 11,244, and the total votes cast amounted to 595,298.”

He added, “After collating the results as tallied into Form EC8E, it is now my privilege to declare the figures each candidate scored according to their political parties.

There were a few areas affected by incidents, leading to cancellations in some wards across Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka South, and Onitsha South LGAs, amounting to 10,481 affected votes. However, the margin of lead between the top candidates did not affect the overall outcome of the election.

“I, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, Returning Officer for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election, hereby declare that the election was peaceful. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, having scored 422,664 votes — the highest number of valid votes cast and having satisfied the requirements of the law — is hereby declared the winner and returned elected.”

Breakdown of results:

Total registered voters: 2,788,864

Total accredited voters: 598,229

Total valid votes: 584,054

Rejected votes: 11,244

Total votes cast: 595,298

Votes by political parties:
A – 224
AA – 1,145
AAC – 292
ADC – 8,208
APC – 99,445
APGA – 422,664
APM – 892
APP – 73
BP – 126
LP – 10,576
NNPP – 525
NRM – 36
PDP – 1,401
SDP – 241
YPP – 37,753
ZLP – 453

The All Progressives Grand Alliance candidate, Chukwuma Soludo, continues to dominate the Anambra State governorship election, taking a commanding lead in 19 local government areas declared so far.

The Independent National Electoral Commission began collating results at its headquarters in Awka, the state capital, following the completion of counting in most polling units across the state.

Results from 19 LGs announced so far indicated that APGA polled 389,789 votes, followed by the All Progressives Congress with 91,592, Labour Party with 10,366, and the Peoples Democratic Party with 1,230.

With two LGAs remaining to be collated, APGA’s candidate maintains a comfortable lead and is on track to secure a second term in Anambra State.

The collation exercise, presided over by the State Returning Officer at INEC’s headquarters in Awka, is expected to continue until all 21 local government areas have been announced.

Below are the results declared after 19 LGAs

APGA: 389,789
APC: 91,592
LP: 10,366
PDP: 1,230

Dunukofia LGA

APGA: 14,892

APC: 3,284

LP: 71

ADC: 232

PDP: 16

Njikoka LGA

APGA: 22,213

APC: 5,687

ADC: 236

LP: 311

PDP: 47

YPP: 1,661

Awka North LGA

APGA: 15,895

APC: 3,661

LP: 299

ADC: 815

YPP: 308

Aguata LGA

APGA: 35,559

APC: 4,125

LP: 124

YPP: 2,746

ADC: 36

Orumba South LGA

APGA: 19,818

APC: 2,828

LP: 16

YPP: 877

ADC: 361

Orumba North LGA

APGA: 24,664

APC: 2,615

LP: 131

YPP: 1,519

ADC: 115

Oyi LGA

APGA: 18,882

APC: 5,118

LP: 3,641

YPP: 2,093

ADC: 167

Anambra East LGA

APGA: 14,665

APC: 3,108

LP: 304

YPP: 6,153

PDP: 207

Anyamelum LGA

APGA: 13,340

APC: 7,478

LP: 117

YPP: 2,500

ADC: 470

Nnewi North LGA

APGA: 20,320

APC: 541

LP: 1,140

YPP: 1,100

ADC: 553

Nnewi South LGA

APGA: 17,286

APC: 9,281

LP: 73

YPP: 562

ADC: 127

Ogbaru LGA

APGA: 22,803

APC: 3,768

LP: 347

YPP: 2,268

ADC: 465

Onitsha North LGA

APGA: 24,225

APC: 4,677

LP: 500

YPP: 2,419

ADC: 514

Onitsha South LGA

APGA: 15,742

APC: 4,156

LP: 615

YPP: 638

ADC: 231

Anaocha LGA

APGA: 20,118

APC: 5,956

LP: 483

YPP: 1,223

ADC: 255

Idemili North LGA

APGA: 25,498

APC: 638

LP: 1,275

YPP: 613

ADC: 722

Idemili South LGA

APGA: 7,224

APC: 6,015

LP: 276

YPP: 476

ADC: 213

Ekwusigo LGA

APGA: 18,749

APC: 2,973

LP: 194

YPP: 915

ADC: 261

Awka South LGA

APGA: 27,896

APC: 5,038

LP: 520

YPP: 1,201

ADC: 1,726

The Peoples Democratic Party in Ebonyi State has dismissed reports claiming that some of its top leaders, including the 2023 governorship candidate, High Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, have been suspended from the party.

reports that the purported suspended leaders are the 2023 governorship candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, the Deputy governorship candidate, Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu, Solomon Onwe, the South-east National Vice Chairman, Goodluck Chidiebere Egwu, the Immediate past PDP Ebonyi State Legal Adviser, Chief Mudi Erhenede, Mr Moses Idika, among others.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Director of Media and Publicity of the Anyi Ga Emeya Movement, Moses Idika, described the report as the handiwork of a “faceless individual” posing as the party’s Publicity Secretary.

He urged the public to disregard the statement, stressing that the Ebonyi PDP currently has no State Working Committee (SWC) and, therefore, cannot make any decision on behalf of the party.

The statement read, “For the avoidance of doubt, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ebonyi State currently has NO STATE WORKING COMMITTEE (SWC), and therefore, cannot take any decision on behalf of the party.

“It will be recalled that the kangaroo congress organised by the former Southeast zonal Chairman of the party, Chief Ali Odefa, has since been nullified via and quashed via a well-considered judgement on suit no: FHC/AI/CS/183/2024 on Monday, November 11, 2024.

“It is also instructive to note that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, while ruling on suit no: FHA/ FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 on Friday, October 31, 2025, further affirmed the nullification of the purported congress as well as the expulsion of Ali Odefa from the PDP.”

Idika said the party is currently working with the National Working Committee (NWC) to set a new date for congresses in line with the court’s directive.

“We, therefore, call on the general public to ignore the purported suspension of leaders of the PDP Ebonyi State, as the faceless individual has no locus standi nor any form of standing in the PDP,” the statement added.

In a statement signed by its chieftain, Gani Salau, the group urged residents to disregard Fayose’s comments, describing him as a “conditional member” who would soon be shown the way out of the party.

Responding to Fayose’s claim that the PDP was moribund in Ekiti, Salau said the former governor was only expressing frustration after losing control of the party’s structure.

He added that the PDP had been repositioned to win the 2026 governorship election, noting that the party’s primary would hold on Saturday to elect its candidate.

Fayose, in a chat with journalists in Ado Ekiti on Monday, described the PDP as “dead” in the state, insisting that the party’s four governorship aspirants were “fooling themselves.”

He had asked, “Where is the PDP in Ekiti? Where are the party members? Where are PDP meetings being held? The party is totally moribund… There is no hope. The PDP is dead here in Ekiti.”

Fayose further declared support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress, saying the governor was the preferred choice of the people until 2030.

But the Ekiti PDP Progressives condemned the former governor’s remarks as reckless, noting that the PDP provided the platform through which Fayose became governor twice.

The group asked Fayose to apologise to God for disparaging the party that, according to it, “lifted him and gave his life meaning.”

Salau explained that Fayose’s anger stemmed from his failure to influence the party’s recently concluded congresses.

“He is bitter, having realised that the party is no longer in his custody as before, when he allegedly used it as a bargain to siphon from members,” Salau said.

He described Fayose as “a political orphan who is naked without any reputation, going from pillar to post in the name of survival,” urging the public to ignore his “ranting and vituperation.”

Salau further accused the former governor of turning himself into “an executive beggar” in Oyebanji’s government in exchange for monthly stipends.

He also referenced a reported remark by former Governor Kayode Fayemi, who once described Fayose as “ìrú wa, ògìrì wa” (an all-comer), noting that Fayose did not respond to the comment.

As the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State intensifies preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, the state chairman of the party, Ade Adetimehin, has urged members to work in unity to secure victory for President Bola Tinubu and the APC at all levels.

Adetimehin, who spoke in Akure on Sunday, said the party had continued to attract new members due to the performance of the Tinubu administration, adding that both old and new members must prioritise unity and discipline to ensure electoral success.

The APC chairman made the call two days after receiving hundreds of defectors from the Action Alliance, led by the party’s state chairman, Comrade Alfred Akinuli.

Adetimehin said the Ondo APC remained strong and well-structured enough to accommodate new members, stressing that the party’s internal mechanisms and grassroots network made it capable of managing large membership without crisis.

Our party has the capacity to absorb as many members as possible because there’s an established mechanism for running it,” he said. “But what we need most now is unity and hard work to win the state for President Bola Tinubu.

“We believe in the welfare of the people — that’s what makes us progressive. Politics is played at the polling units. Any leader who cannot win his unit is not worthy of leadership. Once you can deliver your unit, you are a true leader,” Adetimehin added.

On the defection, Akinuli said their decision to join the APC was borne out of a collective resolve to align with President Tinubu’s progressive ideology and contribute to national development through the ruling party.

According to him, the defectors included two former state chairmen of the Action Alliance, several local government chairmen, and a former deputy governorship candidate. He said the movement followed wide consultations among party stakeholders.

“We decided to join the APC because we believe this is the time to move forward, particularly in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Akinuli said. “We want to align with the progressives. For us to deliver massive votes, the best way is not to waste our votes in the opposition but to join forces with the APC.”

He described the ruling party as “progressive and well-structured,” adding that the new members were committed to contributing meaningfully to its success in 2027.

Several opposition members, including figures from the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, Action Alliance, and the Social Democratic Party, have defected to the APC in Ondo State ahead of the next general elections.

Among the recent defectors is a member of the House of Representatives representing Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency, Festus Akingbaso, who recently dumped the PDP for the APC.

The crisis battling the PDP at the national level further deteriorated following a court order stopping its national convention, as well as the suspension and counter-suspension of its national officers by two factions in the party.

Some party members in the state lamented over the development, expressing worry that the crisis may affect the proper nomination of the Governor for re-election next year.

A State party chieftain who confided in Vanguard at the weekend disclosed that the current crisis may affect the chances of the governor’s nomination, especially if another person should attempt to vie for the ticket with him.

“Our worry is that some people may eventually sponsor someone from the other faction to contest for the party ticket which may lead to another litigation again. The party in Osun cannot afford another round of litigation like it witnessed in 2022”, the chieftain said.

Meanwhile, a party stalwart in Osogbo, Mr Yusuf Adewale, expressed concern that the Barrister Nyesom Wike faction may rise against the Governor Adeleke re-election, especially now that both faction have engaged in an open war at the centre.

“We are afraid that the Wike-led faction may go all out against Governor Adeleke’s proper re-nomination against the 2026 governorship re-election. The present situation is making the opposition in the State to spread negative narrative against the governor and the PDP”, he added.

Meanwhile, in a swift move to douse the tension, the Osun PDP in a statement issued by its Chairman, Sunday Bisi, called on the party’s members to remain calm in the face of the present crisis.

“The recent court development is being handled with the maturity and institutional experience for which the PDP is known. The national leadership of our party has already initiated appropriate legal and administrative measures to address the matter without delay.

While those steps are ongoing, the Osun PDP enjoins all members, supporters, and stakeholders to continue their mobilisation and grassroots engagements toward ensuring a resounding victory for the party in the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for August 8, 2026”, the statement added.

ABUJA–The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from going ahead with its planned national convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16.

The court, in the judgment that was delivered by Justice James Omotosho, upheld a case that was brought before it by three aggrieved members of the party.

The court held that evidence adduced before it established that the party failed to comply with provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as well as its own Constitution.

It stressed that the party failed to conduct valid state congresses before it moved to hold the convention to elect its national officers.

Consequently, the court directed the PDP to go back and put its house in order, and equally send the statutory 21-day notice before it could proceed with the proposed convention.

The plaintiffs- Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman) and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South, had in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, urged the court to halt the planned convention.

Cited as defendants in the matter were: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); PDP; the National Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; the National Organising Secretary of the party, Umar Baturrle; two national officers of the party, Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi, as well as the NWC and NEC of the party.

The court dismissed preliminary objections the defendants filed yo challenge its jurisdiction to meddle in what they insisted was an internal affair of a political party.

More details soon…

The ruling All Progressives Congress on Thursday further strengthened its political dominance following the defection of five members of the Enugu State caucus in the House of Representatives to the party.

Also, the member representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, Daniel Asama, also left the Labour Party for the APC.

With the latest defections, the APC now holds a commanding majority of 243 members in the lower chamber, constituting more than two-thirds of the membership of the Green Chamber, while the Peoples Democratic Party has been reduced to 72.

The Labour Party’s representation has dropped to 21 members, while the New Nigeria People’s Party and the All Progressives Grand Alliance retain 15 and five members, respectively.

The Social Democratic Party has two members, while the African Democratic Congress and the Young Progressives Party have one member each.

This development places all eight federal constituencies in Enugu State firmly under the APC banner.

Recall that in the 2023 National Assembly election, the LP won seven seats, while the PDP secured one, leaving none to the APC despite President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the presidential election.

The trio of Paul Nnamchi, Chimaobi Atu, and Sunday Umeha had earlier defected from the LP to the APC, while Dennis Agbo and Mark Obetta left the LP for the PDP a few weeks ago.

On Thursday, Agbo and Obetta dumped the PDP again for the APC, while Nnaji, the only lawmaker elected on the platform of the PDP, also joined the defection train.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, and the APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, witnessed the defection on the floor of the House.

Addressing journalists after the event, spokesman of the defecting lawmakers and member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Nnaji, said they decided to join hands with Mbah to move Enugu forward.

“Today, we stand before you filled with joy, conviction, and purpose. With your blessing and in line with our collective decision to stand firmly with our visionary governor, Dr Peter Mbah, we will formally announce our defection to the APC.

“This is not just a political move; it is a bold step into the future, a step borne out of courage, clarity, and our shared determination to reposition Enugu State for greatness.

For too long, our dear Enugu State has remained in opposition, watching from the sidelines as others shaped the destiny of our nation and accessed opportunities that could have transformed our people’s lives.

That era is over. We refuse to remain spectators when we can be key players in Nigeria’s progress,” he said.

Nnaji further said that by aligning with the APC, the party steering national transformation, they were connecting their constituency to the heartbeat of national development.

“This alignment will bring more projects, more jobs, better infrastructure, and greater empowerment for our youths, women, and communities.

“This decision wasn’t made on impulse. It comes from deep reflection and a burning desire to see our people rise above limits and take their rightful place in the national spotlight.

“We salute our governor, Peter Mbah, for his courage, foresight, and leadership. He has shown us that true progress demands bold choices,” he added.

He lauded Mbah for his transformational leadership, changing the face of Enugu in less than three years.

“We have decided to team up with our amiable and dynamic governor, who has, through his transformational leadership, changed the face of Enugu State in just two years.

Through Governor Mbah, Enugu State has become the reference point for good leadership.

“We, therefore, commend Governor Mbah for his developmental exploits in education, aviation, science and information technology, and indeed all areas of human endeavour.

“Today, there is security of lives and property, and investors are flooding into Enugu State to take advantage of the fertile environment provided by the governor,” he added.

The lawmaker stressed that politics should not divide the people, but should rather empower them to serve better.

“With the defection, we open the gates of a new dawn, a dawn of hope, inclusion, and prosperity; a dawn where Enugu State takes its rightful place in the story of Nigeria’s progress,” he said.

The defection was announced on Thursday by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, who read the lawmakers’ letters of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party during plenary.

The event was witnessed by the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah.

The defectors said they decided to dump their former political platforms due to what they described as unresolved internal crises threatening the stability of the opposition parties.

After the 2023 general election, the Labour Party won seven of the eight House of Representatives seats in Enugu State, while the PDP secured one.

With this development, the APC now controls the entire Enugu caucus in the House of Representatives.

Addressing journalists after their defection, the spokesman of the defectors and member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Nnolim Nnaji, said their decision was influenced by the need to align with the project-oriented administration of Governor Mbah.

He said, “Just come to Enugu and see what is happening there. The governor is doing a lot for our people. We also want to bring our state to the centre.

This is not just a political move — it is a bold step into the future! A step borne out of courage, clarity, and our shared determination to reposition Nkanu East and West for greatness.

“For too long, our dear Enugu State has remained in opposition, watching from the sidelines as others shaped the destiny of our nation and accessed opportunities that could have transformed our people’s lives. That era is over! We refuse to remain spectators when we can be key players in Nigeria’s progress.

“By aligning with the APC — the party steering national transformation — we are connecting our constituency to the heartbeat of national development. This alignment will bring more projects, more jobs, better infrastructure, and greater empowerment for our youths, women, and communities.

“This decision wasn’t made on impulse. It comes from deep reflection and a burning desire to see our people rise above limits and take their rightful place in the national spotlight.”

The six defectors at Thursday’s plenary include Martins Oke, Anayo Onwuegbu, Nnamdi Agbo, Nnolim Nnaji, and Mark Obetta.

In a related development, the member representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, Daniel Asama, also dumped the Labour Party for the APC.

..Details later..

The All Progressives Congress, Lagos State chapter, says the Federal Government’s $1 billion investment in the Lagos ports is part of a nationwide modernisation blueprint.

The APC spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, in a statement on Tuesday, said this while reacting to opposition parties’ criticism of the project.

Oladejo said that the investment was designed to transform Nigeria into West Africa’s premier maritime hub.

He described the opposition’s commentary and claim that President Bola Tinubu had neglected Warri, Calabar, Onne, and Port Harcourt ports, while concentrating investments in Lagos ports, as laughable.

Oladejo said, “This reckless statement only exposes, yet again, the opposition’s chronic ignorance of basic economics and governance.

“Their loud opinions are rarely backed by facts, figures, or even a faint understanding of national policy direction. The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is not ‘neglecting’ any port.

“It is not a Lagos project – it is a Nigeria project, attracting foreign direct investment from China Harbour Engineering Company and Singapore’s Tolaram Group, both of whom saw in President Tinubu’s vision a business environment worth their billions.”

He said that contrary to the criticisms, the same administration had been executing some projects in One, Calabar, Port Harcourt and Warri Ports.

According to him, Tinubu’s administration is executing the Onne Port modernisation, including equipment upgrade and digitalisation, while also dredging the Calabar Port to increase draft depth and accommodate larger vessels.

He said that work on the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Port complex, under a new concessionary framework, and the Warri Port corridor expansion, with new rail link integration to ease inland cargo movement, were ongoing.

But of course, the opposition wouldn’t know this – they’re too busy tweeting ignorance and recycling talking points from the political dustbin,” he said.

According to him, the $1 billion Lagos Port investment is not “sabotage,” it is economic foresight.

“It is about creating jobs, boosting exports, and ending decades of inefficiency that have made Nigerian ports some of the most expensive in Africa.

“The Lekki Deep Sea Port, Nigeria’s first fully automated port, is already redefining port management, increasing turnaround time, and boosting revenue to government coffers.

t is the kind of progress that threatens those whose only skill in politics is complaining without contributing,

“The only sabotage here is the opposition’s attempt to weaponise regional sentiments against national progress,” he said.

He said that Tinubu’s renewed hope remained a national agenda, and not a regional favour, saying “this administration’s commitment is holistic, inclusive, and nationwide.”

Oladejo said that governance is driven by strategy, not sentiment.

He said that Tinubu and the APC remained focused “on building a Nigeria that works – one port, one project, and one policy at a time.”

NAN

t 

The All Progressives Congress, Lagos State chapter, says the Federal Government’s $1 billion investment in the Lagos ports is part of a nationwide modernisation blueprint.

The APC spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, in a statement on Tuesday, said this while reacting to opposition parties’ criticism of the project.

Oladejo said that the investment was designed to transform Nigeria into West Africa’s premier maritime hub.

He described the opposition’s commentary and claim that President Bola Tinubu had neglected Warri, Calabar, Onne, and Port Harcourt ports, while concentrating investments in Lagos ports, as laughable.

Oladejo said, “This reckless statement only exposes, yet again, the opposition’s chronic ignorance of basic economics and governance.

“Their loud opinions are rarely backed by facts, figures, or even a faint understanding of national policy direction. The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is not ‘neglecting’ any port.

“It is not a Lagos project – it is a Nigeria project, attracting foreign direct investment from China Harbour Engineering Company and Singapore’s Tolaram Group, both of whom saw in President Tinubu’s vision a business environment worth their billions.”

He said that contrary to the criticisms, the same administration had been executing some projects in One, Calabar, Port Harcourt and Warri Ports.

According to him, Tinubu’s administration is executing the Onne Port modernisation, including equipment upgrade and digitalisation, while also dredging the Calabar Port to increase draft depth and accommodate larger vessels.

He said that work on the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Port complex, under a new concessionary framework, and the Warri Port corridor expansion, with new rail link integration to ease inland cargo movement, were ongoing

But of course, the opposition wouldn’t know this – they’re too busy tweeting ignorance and recycling talking points from the political dustbin,” he said.

According to him, the $1 billion Lagos Port investment is not “sabotage,” it is economic foresight.

“It is about creating jobs, boosting exports, and ending decades of inefficiency that have made Nigerian ports some of the most expensive in Africa.

“The Lekki Deep Sea Port, Nigeria’s first fully automated port, is already redefining port management, increasing turnaround time, and boosting revenue to government coffers.

t is the kind of progress that threatens those whose only skill in politics is complaining without contributing,

“The only sabotage here is the opposition’s attempt to weaponise regional sentiments against national progress,” he said.

He said that Tinubu’s renewed hope remained a national agenda, and not a regional favour, saying “this administration’s commitment is holistic, inclusive, and nationwide.”

Oladejo said that governance is driven by strategy, not sentiment.

He said that Tinubu and the APC remained focused “on building a Nigeria that works – one port, one project, and one policy at a time.”

NAN

The Peoples Democratic Party has announced the postponement of the screening of aspirants for its 2025 Elective National Convention, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, the exercise was put on hold due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

Fintiri noted that a new date for the screening would be communicated to all aspirants and party members in due course, adding that the committee regretted any inconvenience the postponement might have caused.

“A new date will be communicated once fixed. The NCOC regrets any inconvenience caused by the postponement.

“All aspirants and members of our Party should note the foregoing and be guided accordingly,” the statement added.

He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to conducting a credible and hitch-free national convention.

Report that the party will hold its 2025 Elective National Convention between November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

PDP, in a statement issued on October 25, 2025, named a 13-member National Convention Screening Committee to vet aspirants for national offices ahead of the convention.

According to the statement by the party’s National Convention Organising Committee and signed by its Chairman, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who is also the Governor of Adamawa State, the screening exercise will take place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

The committee will be chaired by a former Ondo State governorship candidate and respected legal luminary, Eyitayo Jegede, SAN.

The postponement comes a few hours after a key member of the party and former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, declared his intention to contest for the position of national chairman.

This was even after the northern PDP stakeholders had earlier endorsed former Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as their consensus candidate for the chairmanship role.

But some factions of PDP, including those allied to Lamido and another senior leader, Nyesom Wike, have rejected Turaki’s endorsement, arguing that the process lacked proper consultation, indicating growing tensions within the party, which has, over the month seen its key members resign.

The lingering crisis rocking the Labour Party has taken a fresh twist as loyalists of the embattled National Chairman, Julius Abure, and the faction backing Abia State Governor Alex Otti, clashed again over the question of former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to pick the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress coalition ahead of the 2027 election.

The disagreement, which underscores widening cracks within the opposition party, was reignited by renewed verbal exchanges between both camps over whether the LP should enter into such an alliance in its bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu.

Factional National Publicity Secretary loyal to Obi and Otti, Prince Tony Akeni,said in an exclusive interview that Tinubu’s administration can be defeated.

The spokesman also warned that the president’s focus on political realignment instead of governance would be his major undoing as he heads into the next poll.

What should be conveyed to Tinubu and his brinksmen is sympathy. Let him know that we of the Labour Party sympathise with him because he is carrying, with this decamping domino, a nest of soldier ants,” Akeni said.

He also urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to shelve his presidential ambition and back Obi if the opposition truly intends to rescue Nigeria from “the agony of misrule.”

“If Atiku can go deep inside his soul and demonstrate that he truly loves this country by standing up to support Obi for the presidency, he can then choose anybody of his choice, even if it is his lastborn, as the vice presidential candidate,” he stated.

Akeni maintained that only a united opposition could defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027, describing Obi as a disciplined reformist capable of replicating Singapore’s transformation under Lee Kuan Yew.

However, the Abure-led faction swiftly dismissed talks of any merger or coalition with the ADC, insisting that the party remains independent and strong enough to contest and win future elections without external backing.

Factional National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said that the LP “has not had any discussion with anybody,” stressing that “politics is dynamic, but today, the Labour Party is solely standing on its own because we believe that any candidate we field can win the election in 2027.”

“We did that in 2023, and we can do it again. However, there is no automatic ticket for any aspirant,” he said.

Reacting to the wave of defections to the APC, Ifoh accused politicians of “self-preservation, greed and fear,” arguing that ordinary Nigerians—not defectors—will ultimately decide the outcome of the next elections.

“Some are defecting because they want to win their re-election. Some because they want to stay clear of prosecution when they leave office. But Nigerians will decide who will be president, governor or senator in 2027, not these individuals,” he added.

He warned that the growing concentration of political power in the APC could endanger Nigeria’s democracy, describing it as a “gravitational pull” that fuels impunity.

As the 2027 race gathers momentum, the Labour Party’s deepening internal rift raises questions about whether the once-vibrant Obidient Movement can remain a cohesive opposition force—or become another casualty of Nigeria’s fractious party politics.

He also advised them to exercise restraint in their use of social media, cautioning against using digital platforms to spread false information or engage in smear campaigns that could damage the reputation of others.

Ogunnaike made this appeal on Friday during the 3rd Legislative Convergence of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, held in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Speaking on the theme, “Building a Responsible Generation: How Parental Guidance Shapes Youth Involvement in Politics,” Hon. Ogunnaike emphasized the importance of personal responsibility, urging young people to embrace ethical participation in politics and to shun violence or being used as political thugs.

He further stated that politics, in itself, is not inherently dirty; rather, it is the conduct of those who engage in it that taints its image. He cautioned the youth against using political opportunities or power for negative or self-serving purposes.

Ogunnaike also called on politicians to take responsibility for their actions and to uphold ethics in the practice of politics. He urged them to treat other people’s children with the same care and compassion they would desire for their own.

He affirmed that the present administration in Ogun State, under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, is a youth-friendly, responsible, and responsive government; one that welcomes constructive criticism and contributions from the citizenry. He therefore called for meaningful engagement and collective action to drive sustainable development across the state, rather than wasting productive hours on needless arguments or hurling abuses at those in positions of authority.

"Whatever you do in your political engagement efforts, be ethical, be considerate, be responsible, and be ready to take responsibility for your actions know that nothing goes for nothing. Everything that you do today will come back to you somehow, either back on your own head or to your children or to your generation unborn, someone, somewhere will reap the fruit of your actions somehow."

Furthermore, he emphasized that this call has become imperative as the 2027 political season draws near. He urged the youth to recognize the enormous power they wield as the majority voting bloc in the nation’s population. Ogunnaike encouraged them to mobilize their peers en masse to register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the ongoing INEC Continuous Voter Registration exercise and to be discerning in their choice of candidates in the next electoral cycle.

In his words: “If you have pigs in politics, of course, you can’t expect anything but dirt. That is why responsible and professional individuals must also get involved in the political process, because that is the only way to clean up the mess and achieve accelerated economic growth and development.”

"As youth, it's time for us to take ownership of our politics, and deploy our exposure, technology expertise and innovative ideas into the process and practice of politics in the nation.”

“As young people, we are often driven to participate in politics for the right reasons; to make a difference, to serve our communities, and to drive meaningful change. But let’s be honest, politics can easily descend into a dirty game if we are not careful. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and allure of power, but it is crucial that we remain grounded and never lose our values in the process.”

"So, to all the young leaders out there, I want to remind you that you are not just fighting for your own future, but for the future of an entire generation. Do not allow anyone to use you as a tool for their selfish ambitions. Remember that every action carries consequences, whatever you do today will either come back to haunt you or bless you in the future,” he cautioned.

He added, “Let us be responsible, ethical, and considerate. Let us refuse to be instruments of violence, injustice, or oppression. We have the power to shape the future, and the time has come for us to take that responsibility seriously and put the nation first.”

In his remarks, the National Speaker of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Rt Hon. Famoyinbo Oluwasegun, also corroborated that youth are the agents of change in any nation, urging them to be reasonable and responsible in all their engagements.  

He emphasised the need to be creative and shun all forms of social vices, including using social media to create division of voices, Internet fraud, and others, while encouraging the prioritisation of academics. 

The chairman of Ogun State, Oniyitan Akinbode, commended the state government for not turning a deaf ear to the demands of youth in Ogun at any point of need. 

He declared that the youth will always root for a good course in Ogun to ensure constructive engagement at the time. 

The highlight of the event was the induction of Honorables across the three Senatorial Districts in Ogun and the investiture of Barrister Geseire Temile as matron of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria in Ogun.

As the 2027 governorship election draws closer in Ogun State, the Yayi Progressive Movement (YPM) has unveiled a comprehensive grassroots mobilisation strategy aimed at galvanising support across the state for the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (popularly known as Yayi) as the next governor.

YPM, described as a political support organisation, is dedicated to promoting the progressive ideals of Senator Adeola and working toward the realisation of his gubernatorial ambition in 2027.

Speaking during a press briefing held on Friday in Abeokuta the Ogun State capital, the General Coordinator of the movement, Comrade Akeem Akilo, commended the group’s convener, Hon. Abidemi Bada popularly known as 'Empress' in Ogun political circle for her unwavering commitment and leadership.

Akilo described Bada as a visionary and passionate leader whose dedication to the state’s development inspired the formation of YPM. He emphasised that the movement’s vision and strategic direction stand out among similar political platforms in the state.

While acknowledging the outstanding performance of the incumbent Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON in infrastructure and economic development, with special mention of the Gateway International Airport project, Akilo noted that Ogun State needs a competent and visionary successor to sustain and expand these achievements.

“As 2027 approaches, we believe Ogun State deserves a tested and capable leader who can build on the solid foundation laid by the present administration. That is why YPM stands firmly behind Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as the best choice to lead our dear state into a new era of growth and development.”

He further outlined the movement’s strategic objectives, which include the establishment of active YPM structures in all local government areas and wards by December 2025, and achieving 40% youth and women inclusion in leadership positions by 2026.

“We will also intensify political education and voter sensitisation across the state, while promoting capacity-building and mentorship programmes to groom future leaders,” he added.

At the event, several political stakeholders present delivered goodwill messages commending the movement’s structured approach and its emphasis on grassroots inclusiveness.

The meeting concluded with a collective call for coordinated mobilisation, active participation in the ongoing voter registration exercise, and unity among all progressive forces in Ogun State.

- Sonibare Oluwatosin, Abeokuta.

The Labour Party has reignited debate over opposition unity ahead of the 2027 general election, with a faction loyal to Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti insisting that only a united front can unseat President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking in an interview with our correspondent, the LP’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Prince Tony Akeni, urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to shelve his presidential ambition and throw his weight behind Obi if he genuinely seeks to rescue Nigeria from “the agony of misrule.”

“If Atiku can go deep inside his soul and demonstrate that he truly loves this country by standing up to support Obi for the presidency, he can then choose anybody of his choice—even his last born—as the vice-presidential candidate,” he said.

“Tinubu will be the easiest incumbent in the world to defeat in 2027. The only thing that can prevent that is if Atiku insists that he must be president at all costs.”

Akeni described opposition unity as the only antidote to what he termed “the tragedy of divided ambition” that had repeatedly handed victory to the ruling party.

He also said Tinubu’s administration was “overloaded with greed and defections,” warning that the ruling All Progressives Congress was heading for implosion.

“I have no fear about a one-party state. What should be conveyed to Tinubu and his brinksmen is sympathy. Let him know that we of the Labour Party sympathise with him because he is carrying, with this decamping domino, a nest of soldier ants into his scrotum,” Akeni said.

When the crash comes, he should remember that we said so and accept our sympathy in advance. What he is doing is overloading his boat, which hunger is already tearing apart in the country.”

Akeni also praised Obi’s leadership qualities, likening him to Singapore’s late Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, who transformed his country through discipline, meritocracy, and national vision.

“If Obi is able to assemble patriotic Nigerians whose spirit embraces the entire country, not ethnic lines, he will make a difference,” he added.

However, Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party and finished second behind Tinubu, has in recent interviews ruled out stepping down for Obi or any other opposition candidate.

Instead, the former vice president has proposed a broad coalition among opposition parties ahead of 2027, saying leadership should be determined through consultation rather than personal sacrifice.

Reacting separately, the LP’s Deputy National Chairman, Ayo Olorunfemi, dismissed fears of a looming one-party state or the collapse of democracy before 2027.

“If there is no election, then there is anarchy. What we are seeing is not anarchy; it’s simply politics. People are responsible for their choices. If they decide to give everything to APC, that is their choice—and they will live with the consequences,” Olorunfemi said.

The political landscape of Plateau State is witnessing renewed turbulence as prominent members of the two leading political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), continue to resign their membership, citing disillusionment and a loss of confidence in Party structures

In the latest development, a PDP stalwart, Nde Isaac Wadak, resigned from the party in a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Kabwir Pada Ward in Kanke Local Government Area, Mr. Kichime Kassam.

Similarly, Chief Robert Taple, a chieftain of the APC, announced his resignation in a letter submitted to the State Secretariat of the Party at Kalwa House, Jos, through the Chairman of his Lankan Ward in Pankshin Local Government Area.

In his resignation letter, Wadak lamented the erosion of the PDP’s founding values and internal democracy, and stated, “I have watched as the ideals and philosophy on which the Party is founded are being eroded. Trust and loyalty are being sacrificed at the altar of mediocrity, while sycophants and rent-seekers are being rewarded.”

Wadak, who described himself as a loyal member of the former Governor Jonah Jang’s Redemption Team and a contributor to Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s 2023 electoral victory, said his decision was driven by conscience and conviction, as the Party was “gradually sliding into irrelevance.

On his part, Taple explained that his decision to quit the APC was to remain apolitical “to freely advise and work for the progress of Plateau and Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the APC has constituted a committee led by Elder Pam Gyang to receive returnees on October 30, even as the National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, disclosed that his phone rings daily with calls from individuals expressing interest in joining his party.

Culled from vanguard 

The ranks of the Peoples Democratic Party was further depleted on Tuesday as Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, and three members of the House of Representatives from Kaduna State dumped the party for the  All Progressives Congress.

Speaking to journalists after formally joining the APC, Mbah said his defection was driven by the desire to advance the collective interests of the South-East and strengthen the region’s voice at the federal level.

“I think it is high time we stopped fragmented politics in the South-East,” Mbah said. “My decision to move to the APC was for the greater interest of Ndi-Enugu and the South-East at large.”

The governor dismissed insinuations of coercion, saying the decision was “carefully considered for the best interest of Ndi-Enugu.” He added that his move to the ruling party reflected his commitment to building a “visionary partnership” capable of driving transformative development for Enugu State and Nigeria

This decision was not taken lightly,” he said. “We share a vision that transformation must be disruptive. I have found in His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a partner in purpose — a man with the courage to look beyond today and make the tough choices that secure lasting prosperity for tomorrow.”

With his defection, Mbah becomes one of the most prominent leaders from the South-East to join the APC, sparking hopes for greater regional unity and progress.

Addressing party supporters at the Government House, Enugu, where he was accompanied by his immediate predecessor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as well as some state and federal lawmakers, Mbah said the move was a collective decision by his political family in the state.

e thanked the PDP for its past support, noting that despite the South-East’s loyalty to the party, “our voices were too often disregarded.” He expressed optimism that his new alliance with the APC would bring greater development and visibility to the region.

Meanwhile, the PDP caucus in the House of Representatives from Kaduna State also lost three members to the APC on Tuesday.

The defectors — Abdulkarim Ahmed (Kaduna South), Aliyu Mustapha (Ikara/Kubau), and Sadiq Ango-Abdullahi (Sabon Gari) — announced their decisions in separate letters read by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary.

Kaduna has witnessed a recent wave of defections to the ruling party, including the return of Senator Shehu Sani and Amos Magaji, amid growing speculation of efforts to weaken the opposition in the North-West state.

In their letters, the three lawmakers cited the lingering internal crisis within the PDP and the need to align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as their reasons for leaving the party

In his resignation letter addressed to the PDP Chairman, Makera Ward, Kaduna South Local Government Area, Hon. Ahmed wrote, “The constant internal conflicts and factionalism within the PDP, which have climaxed into elongated party crises, are undesirably impacting my ability to effectively represent my constituency and accomplish my obligations optimally.

“In view of the enduring situation, and after wide consultations with my constituents, key stakeholders, and political allies, I have come to the tough but necessary decision to resign my membership of the PDP.

This decision is driven by my commitment to continue serving my good people of Kaduna South Federal Constituency beyond partisan lines, ensuring that all my constituents benefit from purposeful, inclusive, and effective representation.”

He thanked the PDP for the opportunity to serve under its platform, describing the experience as “priceless,” but maintained that joining the APC was in the best interest of his people.

APC hails Mbah

The APC  commended  Mbah, for his “courageous and visionary” decision to join the ruling party, describing the move as a strategic step that will accelerate development and deepen good governance in the state.

In a statement on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC expressed confidence that Mbah’s defection to the progressive platform would consolidate ongoing reforms and position Enugu as a key beneficiary of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The All Progressives Congress warmly welcomes the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, other members, leaders, and stakeholders to our great party,” Morka said.

“We congratulate Governor Mbah for his courageous decision to join Nigeria’s preeminent and progressive party. We are confident that this deft political move will consolidate and accelerate development and good governance in Enugu State.

It will bolster Governor Mbah’s leadership and impressive record of achievement, for which he has been recognised with several local and international awards, including the 2025 Presidential GovTech Award for innovation and technology-driven public service delivery.”

Morka added that Mbah’s defection represented a strategic alignment with President Tinubu’s vision of inclusive national growth.

“The Governor’s decision to join the APC and align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a smart repositioning of Enugu State as a strategic partner, participant, and beneficiary of the massive economic transformation currently underway in our nation,” the statement continued.

“Our great party assures His Excellency and teeming new members of its fullest support, accommodation, and seamless integration into the APC family.”

Meanwhile, the senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, said the APC would not depend on political defections to secure victory in the 2027 presidential election, expressing confidence that President Bola Tinubu will record significant success in the South-East.

Speaking on TVC’s “Journalists’ Hangout” on Monday, Kalu, who chairs the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission, said the APC’s growing strength in the region is the result of “consistency, sacrifice, and hard work,” rather than opportunistic defections.

“We are not relying on defections to win,” Kalu said. “We are relying on hard work. Politics is about commitment and results, not noise. We are on ground and determined to ensure that President Tinubu and all APC candidates perform well in 2027, especially in Abia and across the South-East.”

Kalu, a former Senate Chief Whip and former governor of Abia State, expressed strong confidence in President Tinubu’s reform agenda, describing it as a necessary process that will yield long-term benefits despite current economic hardship.

“Reforms come with the good, the bad, and the ugly,” he noted. “Nigerians are feeling the pains now, yes, but these pains will lead to long-term gains. I have sponsored a bill on social welfare and investment to reduce poverty, and I’ll meet the President to fast-track it. We must show Nigerians that we have them in our hearts.”

culled from punch 

The Peoples Democratic Party has postponed its 103rd National Executive Committee meeting, earlier scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

The party announced the postponement in a statement posted on X on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.

According to the statement, the decision was taken by the National Working Committee at an emergency meeting held in Abuja.

Ologunagba said, “Distinguished members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) may recall that the 103rd NEC meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, 15th October, 2025.

However, in view of recent developments in the party, the National Working Committee (NWC) in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 29 (2)(b) of the Constitution of the (as amended in 2017) has at its emergency meeting on Monday, 13th October, 2025 approved the postponement of the 103rd NEC meeting to a new date that will be communicated to members in due course.”

The party urged all NEC members to take note of the change and await further communication from the national secretariat.

Recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress have put pressure on the party.

In response, figures like the PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed have publicly vowed resilience.

Mohammed declared that neither political defections nor any external force can stop the National Convention of the PDP slated to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, between November 15 and 16.

Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor),  Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement ,has urged Former President Goodluck Jonathan not to heed calls to contest for presidency in 2027.

Adediran, the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, gave this advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

He said Jonathan would be taking a political risk by contesting, predicting he would be reduced to a minnow by President Bola Tinubu at the polls.

Adediran urged Jonathan to stay in retirement, saying those telling him to run against Tinubu were deceiving him.

He said Tinubu is ” a master in the game of politics,”who, according to him,  cannot be defeated by Jonathan or any other figure in 2027.

“I disagree with people calling on Jonathan to re-contest, people saying Jonathan is the only person who can challenge Tinubu,citing his popularity and experience.

“It was this same man (Tinubu) who defeated him (Jonathan) from the outside. So, they are not the same.

“If you accidentally found yourself at the Aso Villa as President, it is different from somebody who gave his all to get there.

“It is different from somebody who, against all odds, got there. They did all sorts for him not to get there, and he got there.

“Such a man, cannot be put side by side with somebody who just slept and woke up and found himself on the seat of President.,” he said

According to him, it will amount to a waste of time for Jonathan to attempt to  dislodge Tinubu in 2027.

Adediran urged Jonathan to listen to his wife, Patience, who had also urged him not to contest the 2027 Presidency.

He said that Tinubu’s personality, popularity and experience were ” intimidating” ,and that  Jonathan  should not risk ” a humiliating defeat” in 2027.

He said the President had done well for Nigeria and would be  re-elected in 2027.

Applauding Tinubu for his economic reforms, Adediran called for continued support for the President.

He said that the reforms were beginning to yield unprecedented benefits for the people at the state and local governments.

“We are not saying all is well, but at least the President has shown the courage to take our common patrimony from the pocket of the few in the name of fuel subsidy and return it  to the country, state and the local government.

“Now the allocation is tripled; not that the money is collected and retained it at the centre, the state and local governments now have enough money to impact lives.

“This has put to rest what we witnessed during late President Muhammadu Buhari’s time when states would go to a Abuja for FAAC meeting and resurne with zero allocation,” he said.

Adediran added that the President had also stabilised forex, rescuing Nigeria from the dubious practices due to discrepancies between official rates and parallel markets.

That is no longer the issue now. We can’t have a billionaire overnight through corrupt practices in foreign exchange. This man put a stop to that.

Acknowledging   reforms had brought some inconveniences, Adediran challenged  state and local governments to deploy the huge allocation to alleviate the suffering of the people at the grassroots.

“If the state and local governments are  doing what they are supposed to do, now that they have enough money, it will cushion the effects of some of the reforms.

“At the macro level, the economy has taken a corner, undoubtedly, but the micro, of course, it takes time before it trickles down,” he said.

Adediran called on the Nigerian Armed Forces to assist the President in addressing all security challenges facing the country.

Cupped from Vanguard.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has announced his intention to contest the 2026 governorship election in Osun State on the platform of the APC.

Omisore, a former deputy governor of the state, made the declaration in a post on his X handle on Saturday, saying the formal announcement would take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Osun APC Secretariat in Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo.

The declaration, themed “Fix the Broken, Restore Our Dreams,” is scheduled for 10 am on the slated day.

“My beloved people of Osun State, after deep reflection and wide consultations, I have decided to formally declare my intention to contest for the Governor of Osun State in 2026 under our great party, the All Progressives Congress,” Omisore wrote.

e added that his campaign would focus on restoring hope, strengthening governance, and delivering a brighter future for the people of the state.

“This is not just my mission, it is a collective one. I humbly invite you to join me as we take this bold step towards the Osun Rescue Mission 2026,” he said.

Omisore, who contested the 2014 governorship election in Osun on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party before later joining the APC, is expected to be among the frontline aspirants in the ruling party’s race for the governorship ticket

Omisore, who served as deputy governor of Osun between 1999 and 2003 under the Alliance for Democracy, later became a senator representing Osun East from 2003 to 2011.

He was also the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee during his time in the National Assembly.

He contested the 2014 Osun governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party but lost to the then-incumbent governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

After a brief stint with the Social Democratic Party, under which he contested the 2018 election, Omisore later joined the APC in 2021 and emerged National Secretary just thirteen months later at the party’s national convention in Abuja, after his main opponent stepped down.

Cupped from punch 

The Peoples Democratic Party  National Working Committee has approved the formation of a Caretaker Committee to oversee the affairs of its Cross River and Akwa Ibom State chapters.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, announced this in a statement on Tuesday, explaining that the decision was taken in line with the party’s constitutional provisions (as amended in 2017).

Although the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, informed the Independent National Electoral Commission on September 25 about the postponement of the congresses in Cross River, Plateau, and Kebbi States, the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, stated in a separate letter that the Cross River congress would proceed as planned on September 27.

While some individuals did assemble in Calabar on Saturday, Ologunagba clarified on Monday that no congress actually took place in the state.

In the recent statement,  Ologunagba explained that the NWC’s action to set up a Caretaker Committee the state,  “Follows the expiration of the tenure of the State Executive Committee of the Cross River State Chapter having been elected four years ago.

He continued,  “The Caretaker Committee is to manage the affairs of the Party in Cross River State from Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 for a period not exceeding 3 months, or until such a time a new State Executive Committee will be elected in the State.

“The members of the Cross River State PDP Caretaker Committee are: Bassey Eko Ewa (Chairman), Bassey Joseph (Acting Secretary). Other members include Joe Ekpe Edet, Udie Mike, Lynne Bassey, Etim Okon, Ankot Cohbom, Ofana Raphael Odo, Onun Inyang Unoh, Ebaye Akunjom, Godswill Obindim, Edem Ekong, Raymond Abo, Moses Bisuakefe, Agabi Dominic Oko, Walter Nandi Esom, Ekpo Asuquo, and Victor Erig Takon.

The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Cross River State to remain united and continue to work together for the progress of the Party.”

Ologunagba also stated that the NWC approved the dissolution of the Akwa State Executive of the Party.

He added, “Consequently, the NWC approved the composition of a Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of our Party from today, Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 for a period not exceeding 3 months, or until such a time a new State Executive Committee will be elected in the State.

“The members of the Akwa Ibom State PDP Caretaker Committee are; Igwat Umoren (Chairman), Harrison Ekpo (Deputy Chairman), Borono Bassey (Secretary) Bar. Ewa Okpo (Publicity Secretary), Emman Mbong (Organizing Secretary), Aniekan Asuquo (Youth Leader)

Mary Silvia Abara (Woman Leader), Barr. Enoch Enoch (Legal Adviser),

“Other members of the committee include; Aniebiet Cornelius, Udim Peters, Mrs. Ayanime Obot, Ofon Michael, Esther Bassey Effiong, David Umanah, Usenmfon Ibanga, Unwana Assam, Obong Francis Akpan Ogbuji, Ndianabasi Udom, Emibana Ubolum, Gregory Ekpo Etim, Iberedem Asamamnyie, Mfom Ben, Iniobong Ukwak, Emmanuel Umah, Ekaette Philips, Effiong Asuquo Bassey, Ekpong Edem, Ime Matthew Okwong, Kate Atabia, David Ubanga, and Ukoette Etukudo Ukoette.

“The NWC calls on all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Akwa Ibom State to remain united and continue to work together for the progress of the party.”

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, on Sunday, confirmed that the Federal Government had released the withheld six-month allocations for the state’s local government areas.

The APC, however, denied that the funds were paid into the private accounts of council chairmen elected on the platform of the APC in October 2022.

It said the funds were paid “into the local government councils’ accounts.”

However, the ruling PDP, which said it was not aware of the payment, demanded that the APC disclose the details of the accounts the funds were paid into.

The PDP wondered how the Federal Government would release the funds into bank accounts unknown to the state’s accountant general, auditor-general for local governments and the ministry of local governments.

The clash between the two parties comes after the National Union of Local Government Employees accused the Federal Government of illegally releasing the withheld six-month allocation to the APC.

Speaking on behalf of the union on Sunday, NULGE Chairman, Dr Nathaniel Ogungbangbe,  said the union had confirmed that the Federal Government paid the March–August 2025 allocations into accounts illegally opened by the APC chairmen and councillors despite pending court cases.

He specifically accused the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; the Accountant-General of the Federation, Babatunde Ogunjimi; and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), of abusing their offices by facilitating the release.

“Today, we have it on good authority that these three principal officers of the Federal Government have released the Osun State Local Government Councils’ allocations for the month of March 2025 to August 2025 to the illegal bank accounts opened by court-sacked APC chairmen and councillors,” Ogungbangbe said.

“We find this development very scary and alarming.

Paying Local Government allocations into privately opened and illegal bank accounts of politicians is unbelievable, bizarre and unprecedented in the history of public administration in Nigeria.”

Ogungbangbe recalled that a Federal High Court had on May 15, 2025, ordered parties to maintain the status quo, an order he said was acknowledged by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which initially withheld payment.

“The Attorney-General cannot assume the role of the Supreme Court by setting aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the sacking of the APC politicians by the Federal High Court. The Attorney-General is not above the law,” he declared.

He also accused the APC of trying to destabilise the state.

Their ultimate goal is to cause anarchy and use it to call on the President to declare a State of Emergency in the state so that they could loot our resources,” he alleged, adding that council workers would not return to duty posts until the issue was resolved.

But the Osun APC dismissed the allegations, describing them as lies designed to favour the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, the APC said: “It is not true that the said federal allocations are paid into the account of any of our local government council chairmen or any of the APC members or chieftain but into the local government councils’ accounts.”

Olabisi further argued that NULGE had no authority to interpret court rulings.

“We want to, as a party which believes in the rule of law, make it abundantly clear that it is not the duty of the NULGE to interpret any court judgment. The Court of Appeal judgement of the 10th of February, 2025, which reinstated the APC local government council chairmen and their councillors, is still in force as there is no record anywhere that it was appealed against.”

He accused the NULGE leadership of pursuing selfish interests and acting as an appendage of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

“The NULGE needs not weave up a series of lies in respect of the payment of the federal allocations… The sing-song of the NULGE before now was that some agencies of the Federal Government were withholding the accumulated federal allocations. Now that the logjam has been laid to rest, what would be their next excuse?” he asked.

The party also urged security agencies to remain on alert.

“We plead with the NULGE to shun brigandage, as Osun, being a subset of the country, is being governed by the rule of law,” the statement read.

Reacting to the revelation and the admission by the APC, Osun PDP called on the APC to disclose the accounts into which the allocations were paid and the signatories of the accounts.

In a statement on Sunday by its Chairman,  Sunday Bisi, the PDP described the release of funds to the APC as a crime against the people of Osun State.

The PDP said rather than attacking NULGE, the APC should “come clean before the people of Osun State by publicly disclosing the exact bank accounts into which the local government allocations were paid and the signatories to those accounts. The APC should also disclose the amount in each of the accounts.”

The PDP said, “We demand these details because all the statutory officers of all the 30 local governments who should be aware of the payment are not aware of it. These officers manage all the accounts of the local governments. They have not seen a dime in any of their local government accounts. Also, none of the state accountant general, the auditor-general for local governments and the ministry of local governments is aware of the payments or where they were paid into.

“The Osun PDP wishes to remind the APC that hurling insults at labour unions cannot change the reality that the people of Osun are demanding answers. The questions are simple: into which accounts were the allocations paid, and who are the signatories?”

The PDP said the APC must urgently provide answers, “or we will conclude that the APC and its leaders have staged the greatest heist in the history of Nigeria by diverting over six months of allocations of all local governments in Osun State.”

“The PDP assures the people of Osun State that under Governor Ademola Adeleke, transparency and accountability will continue to be the guiding principles in the management of public funds. No amount of intimidation or blackmail by the APC will derail this resolve,” Bisi added.

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and immediate past Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has said if Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso and his followers defect to the party they will be welcomed as madmen who returned to their vomit.

Ganduje also took a swipes at Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. He described their politics as inconsistent and their governance style as “directionless”.

According to a BBC Hausa report monitored in Kaduna on Saturday, Ganduje spoke during a stakeholders’ meeting of APC leaders in Kano on Thursday. The meeting is the first of its kind since his exit from office. Ganduje dismissed speculations that Kwankwaso might defect to the APC.

According to him, Kwankwaso lacks consistency to return to the ruling party after repeatedly ridiculing it.

“We too have heard these rumours, but we don’t take them seriously. In democracy, there’s little difference between a fake cleric and a thief. Kwankwaso once said only a madman would join APC.

“He even mocked President Tinubu when he was contesting, claiming Tinubu only developed Lagos. Now they want to return. If they come, we’ll welcome them as ‘madmen who swallowed their vomit,’” Ganduje said.

On the possibility of reconciling with Kwankwaso and former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, Ganduje said it was not out of place, stressing that all three of them have governance experience to guide the current administration if unity becomes necessary.

Turning his fire on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Ganduje described his successor’s administration as “government of vendetta and cluelessness,” accusing it of wasting resources and lacking governance capacity.

When I took over power, I never wasted time probing my predecessor. Governance doesn’t end with one administration. But Abba Yusuf started his government with probes. Tell me, what have they uncovered?

They’ve received more money in six months than my administration saw in eight years. Yet what have they achieved?” Ganduje queried.

He continued: “This government has no grip on governance. It’s like comparing a messenger with a permanent secretary. Theirs is a government of bandits, clumsy and confused. They spend recklessly on projects without value for money.”

On his removal as APC National Chairman, Ganduje said it was purely a matter of zoning and political rotation.

“The President did not wrong me. Leadership is by God’s will; He gives it to whom He wants at any time,” he said.

Ganduje further dismissed claims that APC was shrinking, insisting that despite a few defections, the ruling party remains the largest platform in Nigeria.

Neither Kwankwaso nor Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has responded to Ganduje’s comments as of press time.

Cupped from Vanguard.

A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Democratic Party in Ogun State and South-West Chairman of The Alternative Movement, Olusola Salau, on Monday announced his defection alongside his hundreds of supporters to the ruling All Progressive Congress.

Salau announced his defection on Monday, in a statement personally signed by him and made available to journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.

The PDP chieftain, while lamenting the low turnout of residents and the result of the recently concluded Remo Federal constituency by-election, said that “there is nothing more for Ogun State PDP, I have finally made up my mind to dump the party.

“An experienced politician like me must know that in Ogun State and the entire Southwest, there is nothing more for the PDP, and I have told the leadership of the party, enough is enough”

He noted that he, alongside his large number of followers, would be joining forces with the ruling party to make it stronger and help make the state better.

Salau clarified that while he decamps to APC, he remains the Southwest chairman of The Alternative, a national opposition movement coalition focused on revitalising and reorienting Nigeria’s democracy towards ideological clarity, integrity, and transparency.

The statement partly read, “I want to make an official declaration that I am no longer LADO, I am no longer a PDP member.

I was the first strong mobilisation expert for LADO’s  House of Representatives election. I was the first person with God’s support who started LADO for Governor.

“As a political analyst, I  have told my followers that we are done with PDP and we are moving in large numbers to join His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun in our next political movement, and we shall be joining other progressives to make APC stronger than it used to be in the past”.

Last week Thursday, former chairmanship candidate of the opposition party for Yewa North Local Government during the 2021 local government elections, Kehinde Olaniyi Akinde had equally resigned from the party.

Akinde in a statement expressed deep disappointment with the current state of the PDP, both at the national, State and local government levels citing injustice and unending internal wranglings among others.

It will be recalled that the former state chairman of the party, Dr Sikirulahi Ogundele and the 2023 deputy governorship candidate of the party, Abdulkabir Akinlade, had also recently, in Abeokuta led hundreds of their supporters to defect into the ruling All Progressives Congress

Both Ogundele and Akinlade had accused the 2023 governorship candidate of the party, Oladipupo Adebutu of high-handedness and hijacking the control of the party as if it were his personal business empire.

The ruling All Progressives Congress has further consolidated its dominance in the Senate following the defection of Senator Ahmed Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West, from the Social Democratic Party.

With his return, the APC now commands 72 out of the 109 seats in the upper legislative chamber, tightening its grip on the National Assembly and leaving the Peoples Democratic Party with 28 senators.

The Labour Party retains five seats, while the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the Social Democratic Party have one each.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance, on the other hand, has two senators.

Wadada, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, had initially left the APC in 2022 to pursue his political ambition on the platform of the SDP, where he won his senatorial election in the 2023 elections.

After his resignation from the SDP, the senator formally communicated his return to the APC in a letter addressed to the party chairman in his Tudun Kofa Ward.

The letter, dated September 2 and titled “Notification of my return to the APC,” read, “I am writing to inform you of my decision to return to our great party (the All Progressives Congress).

After careful consideration, I have decided to rejoin the party to contribute to its growth, development, and success.”

His switch also comes on the heels of recent defections that have steadily weakened the PDP in the Senate.

Just two months ago, four senators — Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Oluwole Olubiyi (Osun Central), Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), and Samson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South) — crossed over to the APC, citing deep divisions within their former party.

Their resignation letters, read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, highlighted frustrations with the PDP’s internal crisis.

Bassey, while invoking Sections 40 and 68(1)(g) of the Constitution, wrote that his decision was “deeply considered” and “imperative.”

“This decision has become imperative in view of the prevailing political developments both in my constituency and within the party structure, which has been fractured beyond redemption,” Bassey said, while thanking the PDP for past opportunities.

Senator Ekong also justified his move by pointing to political realignments in Akwa Ibom State.

Politics is a game of interest, and if I may add, circumstances. In Akwa Ibom State, the earth has moved with the convergence of principal political players on the APC platform. My people have high hopes for commensurate reward systems from the APC power matrix,” he said.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the wave of defections as a sign of things to come.

“I sincerely welcome our colleagues to the All Progressives Congress. This cannot be the end — more are coming,” he said.

Meanwhile, there are indications that with 72 senators now firmly under its fold, the APC may have attained a formidable majority that gives it stronger legislative control and the leverage to influence key decisions in the National Assembly.

In view of the high expectation for the return of democratic institutions and the lifting of the emergency rule in Rivers state on September 18, the All Progressives Congress, APC, Rivers State chapter has declared its readiness to work with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

APC however said collaborating with the Governor upon his return to office will not stop the main opposition party in the state from holding him accountable to governance.

Making this declaration in a news briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the State APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, assured that the APC would continue to consolidate on its membership base while also offering constructive criticism of the Fubara administration after his return.

“The governor who was suspended will return to office on 18th of September. APC will work with him when he returns. There are states where the governor and assembly members are in different parties.

We are going to work with him. However, that will not take away our rights to criticize him when he does wrong. But for us, the Local Government Area Chairmen will work with him except that we will not agree to vicious policies”, Okocha said.

The APC chairman described the just-concluded local government elections last Saturday in the state as an introduction to the 2027 general elections, noting that the APC deliberately chose not to field candidates in strongholds of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, but concentrated on areas where it had comparative advantage.

“The Rivers State Local Government election is a prelude to what will happen in 2027,” he explained. “Whilst we were campaigning, I told our people that there is a need for us to believe in the centre and leave the periphery.

“We did not field candidates in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGAs because we do not have the strength in those areas. It was our own calculated strategy not to field candidates in those LGAs and concentrate only where we have comparative advantage. Remember that Rivers State was a PDP state,” Okocha explained.

He expressed optimism about the party’s growing influence, contrasting its position in the 2023 elections with its current status.

In 2023, APC in Rivers State had no shoes, now we are wearing psychedelic shoes,” he boasted. “We are going to double and redouble our membership for the President. As far as my party is concerned, we will be fielding him for a second term in 2027.”

Okocha took a swipe at the PDP, saying the party was collapsing and its members were defecting in droves to the APC, who he said now calls the shots.

He stressed, “PDP is in tatters and people are leaving them in droves to other parties and we’re privileged to have them. We’ll continue our pleas for PDP members, particularly the FCT Minister, to come over to APC and have peace. PDP is in tatters.”

According to the party, no action can be taken against him or any member without a formal petition supported by evidence.

PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barrister Okechukwu Osuoha, disclosed this in Abuja, noting that although the party has established a disciplinary committee, no member has so far been prosecuted or punished because no formal petitions have been submitted.

“At our NEC meeting, we set up a disciplinary committee headed by Chief Tom Ikimi, an elder statesman, with Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) as secretary. They were mandated to address any infraction or anti-party activity by any member of the party, no matter their position, and to bring such persons to book.

“But up until today, no one has been prosecuted or sanctioned. People often ask me specifically about the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike — why don’t we discipline him, why don’t we take action? I tell them it is not enough to merely say someone has committed an offence. A formal petition has to be submitted to the disciplinary committee,” Osuoha said.

He stressed that anyone presenting a petition must also be willing to testify and provide evidence when the accused is invited.

“When that petition is written and presented, the petitioner must also be ready to come and testify. If the person accused is invited, you must come with your evidence. It is not enough to make general allegations,” he added.

Osuoha further explained that the difficulty in pursuing disciplinary cases to conclusion was not peculiar to the PDP but reflected broader challenges within Nigeria’s governance system.

“This is the same problem with our wider Nigerian system. It is not just about pointing out anomalies; the challenge is following them up to a conclusion,” he said.

The African Democratic Congress in Ekiti State has berated the governing All Progressives Congress in the state over alleged politically motivated violence and attacks on the opposition party members in a bid to silence them ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

ADC State Chairman, Ilesanmi Omolayo, in a statement in Ado Ekiti, on Sunday, accused the APC of desperation, saying that the ruling party was pushing the state towards chaos ahead of the election.

But the APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, countered ADC’s allegations as “noise of attention-seeking starters who are green to Ekiti politics” and accused the opposition party of importing insecurity into the state and attempting to create an atmosphere of artificial crisis.

Dipe said, “APC is a peaceful party, peaceful association, and we are not desperate. We are on the ground, and we are formidable. ADC is unknown to Ekiti, so how can they be complaining of being intimidated?

“This is a dangerous path that must be stopped immediately. We call on security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, civil society groups, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to act swiftly before the situation degenerates. ”

Omolayo, who called on residents to reject the culture of violence and embrace peace, unity, and progress, said, “Ekiti people must see clearly what is happening. APC has no ideology beyond violence and selfish ambition. Our state deserves a future founded on stability, vision and hope, not fear and bloodshed. ”

He said that ADC remained the credible alternative, stressing the party’s commitment to “people-oriented ideology anchored on peace, inclusiveness and development.”

But the spokesperson of the ruling party, Dipe, who said that Governor Oyebanji had been doing good job in the area of security so much that Ekiti was rated as the most secured state in Nigeria, said, “So anybody coming in, out of desperation, to import insecurity into Ekiti or create an atmosphere of artificial crisis in Ekiti should discourage himself or herself from doing so.

“This is because the security operatives are on hand, and they are ready to nab such people and take appropriate legal action against them.

“There is no sparing anybody when it comes to creating an atmosphere of crisis or creating war where there is peace. Nobody will be spared.

“Nobody is disturbing them from parading themselves as starters, but to say that APC is threatening them or is creating a crisis, they are only trying to create artificial problems for themselves and crying wolf where there is none. If there is anybody who has attacked them, they should look out for those people and pick them up.

More so, since they don’t know how political parties operate, if you want to have any gathering or grouping, inform the police so that they can provide security for you.

” By so doing, there won’t be a need for you people to start attacking yourselves, there won’t be a need for you to be shouting that you are being threatened or you have been attacked,” Dipe advised ADC.

The All Progressives Congress candidate, Mrs Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji, has been declared winner of the Remo Federal Constituency by-election held on Saturday in Ogun State.

Ayoola-Elegbeji secured victory across the three local government areas of Sagamu, Ikenne and Remo North.

The Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Kazeem Bello, announced the results in the early hours of Sunday at INEC Collation Centre, Ikenne.

Bello declared the APC candidate winner after polling 41,237 votes against her closest rival, Bola Oluwole of the Peoples Democratic Party, who recorded 14,324 votes.

The African Democratic Congress managed only 289 votes.

Breakdown of results

Ikenne LGA
Accredited voters: 17,477
APC – 10,227
PDP – 5,595
ADC – 73

Remo North LGA

Accredited voters: 9,374

APC – 8,052

PDP – 992

ADC – 37

Sagamu LGA
Accredited voters: 32,574
APC – 22,958
PDP – 7,737
ADC – 179

Announcing the final results, Prof. Bello said, “The APC candidate, Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji, having fulfilled all requirements of the Electoral Act and having secured the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner of the by-election to fill the vacant seat of the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal constituency of the House of Representatives.”

Other returning officers who took part in the collation process were Prof. Richard Abayomi Sobayo (Sagamu), Dr. Akeem Adekunle Makinde (Ikenne), and Dr. Matthew Wheto (Remo North).

Responding to the victorious outing,  Ayoola-Elegbeji expressed profound gratitude to the electorate for the overwhelming mandate.

She promised to deliver effective representation, building on the solid achievements recorded by her predecessor and late occupant of the seat, Mrs Adewunmi Onanuga, fondly called Ijaya, who died on January 15 after a brief illness.

Ayoola-Elegbeji pledged to focus on youth empowerment, job creation, and infrastructural renewal that would directly impact the lives of the people in the constituency.

The state INEC’s Returning Officer, Mustapha Sa’ad, declared the results on Sunday.

Sa’ad announced, “Having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes, I hereby declare Abner Shittu of the All Progressives Congress winner of the Karim 1 State Constituency by-election.”

Shittu polled 5,901 votes to defeat his closest rival, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Hon. Ali Kanda, who garnered 5,527 votes.

The African Democratic Congress scored 2,069 votes, while the Social Democratic Party managed 106 votes in the keenly contested election held on Saturday.

The vacancy in the constituency followed the resignation of Mr Mike Dio Jen, who left his seat in the State Assembly to take up an appointment as a commissioner in the Taraba State Executive Council.

Mr. Adewale Olatunji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, on Saturday, lamented the low voter turnout during the exercise.

Olatunji, who cast his vote at 11:25 a.m. at Ward 10 Unit 27, Bodija Police Station near Oyo State Housing Corporation, described the electorate’s apathy as discouraging.

He noted that while voting has been simplified, by-elections in Nigeria often record poor turnout. Olatunji urged residents to come out in large numbers before polls close.

“If you are sending us out to represent you, then you must come out and do your part,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Folajimi Oyekunle, also voted at the same unit.

Oyekunle described the election as peaceful, based on his experience at the polling unit.

“As far as my polling unit is concerned, I have cast my vote, and everything is going on well,” he said.

Meanwhile, voter turnout at Ward 11, Units 17, 18, and 42, Abadina, University of Ibadan, was more substantial. A voter, Mr. Sunday Unabo of Unit 17, noted that INEC officials arrived early, even before voters.

“The election is going smoothly. The only issue is that some voters had their polling units changed by INEC without prior notice,” he said.

Similarly, an impressive turnout was reported at Ward 4, Unit 12, beside NTA Ibadan

Nigeria’s two dominant political parties — the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress — have condemned a ruling by a Federal Court of Canada classifying both as terrorist organisations.

The June 17, 2025 judgment by Justice Phuong Ngo upheld an earlier decision of the Immigration Appeal Division denying asylum to Nigerian national Douglas Egharevba over his decade-long affiliation with the PDP and APC, recent media reports indicated.

Court records show Egharevba was a PDP member from 1999 to 2007 before joining the APC until 2017, when he relocated to Canada and disclosed his political history.

According to Canadian court filings, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness argued that the two parties were implicated in political violence, democratic subversion, and electoral bloodshed — citing, among other incidents, the PDP’s alleged conduct in the 2003 state elections and 2004 local government polls, which reportedly involved ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and the killing of opposition supporters.

The IAD concluded that party leadership benefited from the violence and took no action to stop it, meeting Canada’s legal definition of subversion under paragraph 34(1)(b.1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

Justice Ngo affirmed that under paragraph 34(1)(f) of the IRPA, “mere membership of an organisation linked to terrorism or democratic subversion” could trigger inadmissibility — even without proof of personal involvement.

Verdict ‘Misinformed, Biased, and Lacking Evidence’ – PDP

Meanwhile, the PDP described the classification as “misinformed, biased, and lacking evidence,” calling for it to be dismissed outright.

According to Vanguard on Thursday, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, stated, “Nigeria and Canada are both democracies. And I’m sure those who make such statements enjoy their right to freedom of speech.

“But again, when having freedom of speech, one should be circumspect about unguarded and unnecessary statements. There’s nothing to show, there’s nothing on text to show that even the malfunctioning APC is a terrorist organisation or the PDP, which is a credible institution.”

Osadolor added: “If they wanted to say that some individuals in the government, particularly the APC government, have traces to terrorism… they will have a case. But to say an entire political party is a terrorist organisation is wrong.”

Former NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye warned of the precedent the ruling could set: “If democratic nations don’t push back on this kind of overreach, they may one day find their own politics on trial in a foreign court.”

He said the decision signals “heightened scrutiny, denied visas, and rejected asylum claims… not only in Canada but potentially in other Western democracies that may follow suit.”

Soneye cautioned that labeling established political parties as terrorist groups “undermines their legitimacy at home and abroad… Once such a label is applied, it can be wielded… to silence opposition, suppress political participation, and erode civil liberties.”

‘No Jurisdiction, No Legitimacy from a Foreign Bench’ – APC

Similarly, the APC dismissed the ruling as baseless, with its National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, describing the presiding judge as “an ignoramus” and insisting the party was “a credible democratic political organization” that “does not seek legitimacy from a foreign bench and under a law that has no extra territorial application.”

Bashiru, according to The Nations, argued, “The court has no jurisdiction to determine the status of a Nigerian recognised political party not to talk of declaring it as a terrorist organization… The so-called judgment was obviously delivered from a jaundiced perspective and within the narrow confines of determining eligibility for asylum by an applicant.”

He further lamented: “It is unfortunate that some desperate and unpatriotic Nigerians will allow the name of the country to be brought to unpalatable commentary by racist judges on account of self contrived application for asylum.”

Both parties have urged Canadian authorities to focus on individual accountability rather than sweeping classifications that, in their view, threaten diplomatic relations and risk distorting Nigeria’s democratic image abroad.

The Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress on Thursday accused the police of disrupting its campaign in Sagamu for Saturday’s Remo Federal Constituency by-election, allegedly to favour the ruling All Progressives Congress.

ADC state chairman, Femi Soluade, said the party—led by its National Secretary and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola—had secured police approval for the rally, but its “campaign train was violently disrupted, canopies removed, chairs broken, musical instruments seized, and an armoured tank stationed to intimidate our candidate, leaders and supporters.”

Soluade alleged that the Divisional Police Officer in Sagamu, joined by the Area Commander, later blocked Aregbesola, the party’s South-West chairman, Rasaq Eyiowuawi, himself, and other senior leaders at Isale Oko, ordering them to turn back to Abeokuta.

“They gave the flimsy excuse that Governor Dapo Abiodun and his APC members were occupying every nook and cranny of the area—as if public space belongs to the ruling party!” Soluade said.

The party condemned the alleged bias as “shameful and undemocratic,” vowing not to be intimidated.

“No amount of harassment, broken chairs, seized instruments, or armoured tanks will silence the voice of the people,” Soluade declared. “To the police, your loyalty should be to the Constitution, not politicians. ADC has come to stay.”

Efforts to reach the state Police Commissioner, Lanre Ogunlowo, and spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, for comment were unsuccessful as of press time

Meanwhile, the APC wrapped up its campaign for the same by-election with a show of confidence.

The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, speaking at the Gateway International Airport in Sagamu after attending the party’s grand finale rally, described Ogun as “our terrain, our state, our environment.”

“Anyone who votes for any other party aside from the APC is wasting their vote,” he said, praising the airport as a “game changer” that will open Ogun to global investment.

In his speech, Governor Dapo Abiodun assured voters of “adequate security” and warned against election violence.

“If you are not planning to go out and vote peacefully, stay at home… we will deal with you decisively,” he warned, vowing a “landslide victory” for APC candidate Hon. Adesola Elegbeji.

Saturday’s poll will decide who replaces the APC’s former House of Representatives member for the constituency, with both parties accusing each other of intimidation ahead of the vote.

Represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Department of Logistics and Supply, A. A. Hamza, the IG spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the first joint forensic conference and the public presentation of a book titled “Fraud Unmasked”, authored by Dr. Preal Ogbulu.

“For every crime that is prevented, for every crime you don’t see happen, a lot of efforts are put into it. The Constitution and Section 4 of the Nigeria Police Act mandate the Nigeria Police Force to prevent and detect crime. Most importantly is preventing crime. It is cheaper, it is faster, and it reduces victimisation to victims.”

He noted that public assessment of the police often focuses on crimes that occur, overlooking the successes in prevention

Egbetokun said, “So for every crime we prevent, we are not seen as doing anything. But when we are actually rated is when crimes that take place. Even at that, we are given the responsibility as Nigeria Police Force to prevent, detect crime, and prosecute offenders.”

Egbetokun commended the author for addressing issues of forensic investigation, which he said are essential in both preventing and prosecuting crimes.

He said the book aligns with the core mandate of the Nigeria Police Force and underlines the importance of partnerships in tackling crime.

One of them is that the book pointed out that no agency can do it alone. So we must have collaboration. Having collaboration is what Olukayode Egbetokun has stood for,” he said.

He added that inter-agency synergy had improved in recent times.

“We’ve not had it so good like now that we’re having very perfect inter-agency collaboration. And we’re making a lot of efforts and some successes,” he said.

On the value of forensics, the IGP noted that “the book has told us what forensic for. It is a science that helps prosecution. Digital forensic or forensic of fraud generally should aid prosecution.”

Speaking at the event, Ogbulu said, “The conference and book presentation focused on strategies to address fraud in Nigeria.

This conference and book presentation is on how we can tackle fraud in our society. Fraud is not just a legal problem but a national crisis, and it has robbed us of our opportunity and everything we stand for. We have brought together experts from various organisations into one room so that we can further collaborate on how we can tackle fraud, ” she said.

In a goodwill message to ADC candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly, Mark called on INEC to deliver an election process that would rebuild public confidence in the electoral system.

He made the call in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Paul Mumeh.

The statement read, “The ADC will field candidates in Senatorial, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly bye-elections in Anambra, Edo, Oyo, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Niger, and Ogun States.

Describing the ADC as a child of necessity born out of the genuine desire to offer Nigerians an alternative and better governance, Senator Mark appealed to the electorate to give the party an opportunity to prove its worth.

“He reminded INEC that all eyes are on the Commission to correct past errors that have tarnished its public image, stressing that a truly free, fair, and credible election on Saturday could help redeem its reputation.

“The former Senate President commended ADC candidates for their courage and dedication, urging them and their supporters to comply with electoral laws while remaining vigilant against manipulation or intimidation

Senator Mark also called on security agencies to guarantee a level playing field for all participants, ensuring that the will of the people is allowed to prevail without interference.”

A former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige, has warned the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, against using his name to campaign for votes.

Ngige frowned at his photograph, which was used alongside that of Ukachukwu and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, in their campaign posters, saying such action is aimed at misleading the public.

The former governor of Anambra State stated these in a press statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media Affairs, Hyggy Obialo, and made available to journalists on Tuesday.

Obialo said Ngige is on “sabbatical” from active partisan politics for now and should not be disturbed as he is taking his well-deserved rest after 25 years of active partisan politics and public service.

The statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to the online poster in circulation with the photograph of our principal, His Excellency, Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige, ‘Onwa-na-etiliora’, featuring together with the Anambra State APC governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and his deputy, Senator Uche Ekwunife.

“We want to use this medium to inform the general public that neither the consent nor approval of our principal was sought and/or obtained, respectively, before the said publication was disseminated to the general public.

“We further wish to inform the general public, that Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige, a former Governor of Anambra State (2003-2006), former Senator who represented Anambra State Central Senatorial District in the seventh Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2011 – 2015), and a two term Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment(2015 -2023), is on sabbatical from active partisan politics for now as he is taking his well-deserved rest after 25 years of active partisan politics and public service.

We, therefore, advise the perpetrators to respect the wishes of our principal, who has indicated in many fora that he is out of partisan politics for now.”

The Ogun-East Assembly for Yayi, a political group in Ogun State, has endorsed President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term and Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola popularly known as 'Yayi' for the governorship race in the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement took place on Sunday at a grand-celebration held at Omo-Ilu Open Ground, Ijebu-Igbo, to mark Senator Adeola’s 56th birthday and to formally declare support for his governorship ambition.

The Convener of the Ogun East Assembly Political Family, Hon. Samuel Adejare while delivering the opening speech, described Senator Adeola as a political leader whose influence cuts across divides having went through political tutelage under President Bola Tinubu who remains a great mentor to both of them.

He praised Senator Yayi’s dedication to the people of Ogun State and Nigeria, stating that his achievements have earned him widespread admiration:

Adejare said, “Senator Adeola’s journey is a shining testament to his unwavering commitment to the growth and development of Ogun West in particular, and Ogun State in general. His tireless efforts have empowered countless people, leaving a lasting impact and an indelible mark on our society.”

He added that Senator Adeola’s leadership is characterized by integrity, vision, and compassion, inspiring a new generation of leaders and shaping the future of the nation.

Also speaking at the event, the former Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Gbenga Kaka congratulated Senator Adeola on his 56th birthday and prayed for greater successes in his political and personal life.

“Fifty-six years on earth is no small feat. Many of his contemporaries are no longer with us. We are happy that he is alive and well, and we rejoice with him and his followers in the Ogun-East Assembly,” Senator Kaka said.

Hon. Taofeek Buraimo, a former member of the House Representatives, Remo Federal Constituency while speaking to Journalists at the event, eulogized Senator Adeola for demonstrating commitment to the growth and development of the nation., stating that his tireless efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians, particularly in Ogun State, have earned him widespread encomium, recognition and admiration.

He described YAYI as a seasoned politician and statesman who has championed numerous initiatives that have positively impacted the lives of countless individuals. 

The well organized event, which drew a mammoth crowd was attended by top members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, including Senator Lekan Mustapha, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Hon. Femi Ogunbanwo (Omo-Iwa), Hon. Funmi Afuwape (Ogun State Commissioner for Special Duties).

Others were Hon. Abudu Balogun, Hon. Otun (Kope), Hon. Olaseni Koiki (DG, Caucus 7202), Hon. Segun Kaka (Member, Ogun State House of Assembly), Hon. Razaq Daddah (Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs), Giwa (Dr.) Niyi Osoba, Otunba Adewale Oshinubi (Chairman, Wesco Lottery and Bet), Hon. Olusegun Ogunleye, former chairman, Ikenne Local Govt, Ms. Bukky Onabanjo, Hon. Onamusi, and Hon. Tele Ogunjobi, Prince Akin Onalaja, Alhaji Mutiu Adenuga among other notable leaders of the Ogun-East Assembly Forum.

ABUJA — In a bid to ease internal tensions and strengthen its prospects ahead of the 2027 elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has agreed to key demands from former Rivers State governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike

Highly placed party sources told Vanguard in Abuja last night that the decision formed part of a wider strategy to unify the party and address lingering grievances within its ranks.

Wike, a major powerbroker in the PDP, had insisted on zoning of the party’s presidential ticket to the South, the appointment of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, and strict adherence to the South-South and South -Sast zoning convention.

According to insiders, the party leadership has now accepted these demands, removing what they say is any justification for Wike to continue opposing its direction.

“The party has sat down and agreed to address everything Wike wants. He wants Anyanwu as the secretary of the party, to allow it to proceed. He wants a declaration from the party leaders that the presidential ticket will be zoned to the South.

‘’The party has accepted this. So, on what basis will Wike now fight the party? There’s no basis,” a senior party source disclosed.

The development comes amid growing unease over factionalisation within the PDP, following the reported collapse of the G5, a bloc of governors who opposed the party’s leadership under Senator Iyorchia Ayu and its 2023 presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, before the last general elections.

The G5, also known as the Integrity Group, emerged in the build up to the 2023 presidential election to push for leadership changes within the party.

Initially comprising five governors: Wike (Rivers), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo), the faction has now gone down to three, leaving Wike increasingly isolated.

The G5 was initially a strong force, but it’s now a G3. Makinde left first, then Ortom. Wike is now left with Ugwuanyi and Ikpeazu, but their influence has significantly diminished. Even if they still call themselves the G5 or G3, they are no longer a formidable force politically,” another source explained.

Party insiders see the move to placate Wike as a calculated step to prevent further defections and shore up support in the South-South and South-East, where he retains considerable influence.

This is seen as important, ahead of PDP’s November convention, when zoning and leadership questions will be settled.

Meanwhile, the PDP is keeping a close eye on the possible political return of former President Goodluck Jonathan, whose hesitation in declaring his intentions for 2027 has left the party guessing.

Some believe Jonathan’s candidacy could reshape the political landscape, especially if paired with a running mate such as former Kano governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Jonathan can destabilise the PDP if he enters the race. But if he stands up and says, ‘Kwankwaso is my running mate for 2027,’ that would be the end of it.

‘’You can’t stop them. Jonathan has no issues in the South-Sast and South-South, even with Obi. He’s the only one who can truly influence Obi not to run,” a party insider noted.

A senior party figure also highlighted what he described as a structural advantage enjoyed by the Northern political bloc.

“The Hausa-Fulani political bloc is far more sophisticated than others. Nigeria is one of the few countries in the world that holds elections on a Saturday, a practice that has significant strategic implications.

‘’Most nations conduct elections on weekdays, such as Tuesday or Thursday, but our Saturday voting allows key political blocs, particularly in the north, to hold crucial decision-making meetings on Fridays.

This tradition has given the northern political bloc a distinct advantage, as they enter elections armed with the outcomes of these Friday meetings, prepped and ready to execute their strategies. This has been their practice for years, and it’s one of the reasons they’ve maintained such a stronghold on power,” he said.

cupped from vanguard.

The group is renowned for its unwavering commitment, regular empowerment programmes for members, and strong grassroots mobilisation in support of Senator Adeola’s political aspirations. 

Over the years, it has actively pursued initiatives and policies aimed at improving the quality of life for constituents. Its consistent outreach efforts have placed it among the leading political movements championing Senator Adeola’s 2027 campaign.

According to the group’s convener, Hon. Jenriyi Osinowo, their empowerment drive is anchored on three core pillars: namely authority, autonomy, and tools. He explained that genuine empowerment involves delegating decision-making authority, fostering self-reliance through autonomy, and providing essential tools to enable success. Osinowo reiterated his commitment to programmes that bring tangible benefits to members and the wider community.

Speaking to journalists in Ijebu-Igbo on Sunday, one of the group’s leaders, Bishop Ademola Peter, described Senator Adeola as a pillar in the current Ogun political space, adding that Ogun State is blessed to have him at this time.

According to him, “We thank God for the life of our principal, Senator Solomon Adeola, and we appreciate our leader and convener, Hon. Jenriyi Osinowo, for his steadfastness and dedication to our cause. We pray that God crowns our efforts towards the 2027 general elections.

"Our principal is running for the governorship, while our own 'Otunba-Imole', Hon. Jenriyi Osinowo, is contesting for the House of Representatives. This is our stand, our wish, and our prayer; that God grants success to these two leaders who have achieved uncommon feats in Ogun State and beyond,” Peter said.

In the same vein, Mrs. Ademola Ramota in her reactions praised both Senator Adeola and Hon. Osinowo for their dedication and impacts in Ogun politics.

She said, “No one can deny the contributions of Senator Adeola Yayi and Hon. Jenriyi Osinowo. I have witnessed Osinowo’s leadership excellence for many years; he is a true champion and a humanitarian who has followed in the footsteps of our principal. I pray for God to reward them greatly,”.

- Oluseun JOSHUA, Abeokuta.

THE battle for Edo Central Senatorial District intensified yesterday as the PDP vowed to floor APC in the August 16 bye-election.

Speaking at the flag-off of its campaign in Uromi, headquarters of Esan North East local government area, governorship candidate of the PDP in last year’s governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, said it was the turn of Uromi to produce the senator.

He urged the people to disappoint the party’s opponents, especially in the APC by voting for candidate of the PDP, Prince Joe Okojie.

Ighodalo said since 2023, Edo Central has not got the adequate representative in the Senate and saying it is tine to change the situation. “Esan has been known for people of intellectual capability and strength. We don’t want the world to see Esan land as a place where we don’t go to school,” he said.

“We must get the best person to represent us as Esan people. The time has come for us to tell the world we will not make the same mistake. Esan people know what is best, what is proper and what is good. Collect their money and vote for what is right.

“We must get the best person to represent us as Esan people. The time has come for us to tell the world we will not make the same mistake. Esan people know what is best, what is proper and what is good. Collect their money and vote for what is right”.

Director General of the Campaign Council, Joe Edionwe, said Esanland would suffer if the opponent were voted to the Senate.

Candidate Okojie, on his part, said he would emerge victorious at the polls.

Leaders of the PDP that were at the rally included Senator Clifford Ordia, Senator Odion Ugbesia and Joe Edionwe.

ABUJA — The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned prominent members of the party who are openly endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027 to retrace their steps or they would face severe sanctions for anti-party activities

The decision comes amid deepening internal rifts fuelled by high-profile defections and public displays of support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the NWC stressed that such conduct breaches Section 10(6) of the PDP Constitution, which forbids members from aligning with other parties or groups in ways that undermine the PDP.  

Offenders, it warned, must withdraw their comments or face tougher disciplinary measures.

Quoting the party’s constitution, the NWC said: “No member of the party shall align with other parties or groups to undermine the party or any of its elected government.” The warning follows a string of public endorsements for Tinubu from key PDP figures.  

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike publicly backed Tinubu in June, calling himself an asset to the president’s campaign while retaining his PDP membership.

Last month, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke and the Osun PDP caucus also declared support for Tinubu, describing him as a ‘proud son of Osun’ after consultations with stakeholders.  

In Ogun State, former governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu and the entire state chapter endorsed Tinubu’s re-election.

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has likewise thrown his weight behind the president, even appearing at an APC rally while still a PDP member. The NWC warned that such acts have fuelled division, disaffection, and a ‘heavy haemorrhaging’ of members,   risks it says could damage the PDP’s electoral prospects if unchecked. 

Citing Section 59(1) of the constitution, it issued formal reprimands and demanded retractions. 

It urged all members to stay united ahead of the PDP National Convention, set for 15–16 November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

“The NWC charges all members of the party to remain loyal, focused, and work assiduously towards the successful conduct of the PDP National Convention,” the statement added.

Cupped from Punch.

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Chief Ude Oko-Chukwu, has resigned as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.

In a letter signed by the former deputy governor and addressed to the PDP chairman, Ndi Elu ward Nkporo Ohafia Local Government Area, which was sighted by our correspondent on Friday, Oko-Chukwu stated that his resignation was for personal reasons.

Although the former deputy governor did not give any hint about his next political move, he however, noted that the decision to leave the party was a difficult one for him to make, adding that it was the best course of action for him.

The letter read in part, “You may wish to note that I am resigning due to personal reasons, while it was a difficult decision to make, it is the best course of action for me at this time.

I am grateful for the opportunity the party availed me to serve at various levels and appreciate the experience and knowledge gained during my membership of the party.

“Thank you for your understanding and support in this matter even as I wish you the best for the future.”

Oko-Chukwu who is also a former speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly also contested for tickets of PDP ticket for the 2023 governorship election in the state but lost to Chief Okey Ahaiwe.

It was observed that the letter was equally received and signed by one Ama Nwoke Ibe on behalf of PDP Ndi Elu ward Nkporo.

Speaking with journalists in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Osinowo, a native of Ijebu-Igbo and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), affirmed that Yayi is the most qualified candidate to lead Ogun State after Governor Dapo Abiodun’s tenure ends.

Adding that Senator Adeola’s candidacy is not just a political aspiration, it is a divine call to serve the good people of Ogun State, Osinowo said.

According to him, it is the turn of the Yewa region to produce the next governor, and Senator Solomon Adeola stands head and shoulders above other aspirants from the zone. He praised the senator’s extensive political influence across the South-West, citing his consistent and impactful track record.

"I admire Senator Adeola because of his selfless and visionary approach to politics. He exemplifies true leadership. He did wonders in Lagos, and I’m glad he’s back home to replicate the same success here in Ogun.

“I was a pioneer member of the Yayi group in my constituency. At our ward meetings, we had a slogan; ‘Yayi ni Jenriyi joo’. Unfortunately, due to irreconcilable political differences with the then-governor, the dream didn’t materialize at the time,” he noted.

Describing Yayi as a committed public servant, Osinowo highlighted his progressive journey through the ranks from the Lagos State House of Assembly, to the House of Representatives, then two terms in the Senate representing Lagos West, and currently the senator for Ogun West.

"It’s rare in Nigerian politics for one individual to be elected consistently across different states and levels. That speaks volumes about his credibility, and it's only natural that the next step is the governorship," he asserted.

Osinowo, known as 'Otunba Imole' in Ogun’s political landscape is a development and economic expert. He previously contested under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2019 and later under the APC in 2023. He has now declared his intention to contest in the forthcoming 2027 elections for the House of Representatives seat.

On his ambition, Osinowo emphasised the importance of continuity and development for his constituency.

"A nation without history is lost. My past contributions are visible, and I’m committed to doing even more. The Ijebu-East, North and Ogun Waterside federal constituency deserves the best representation, especially in this age of rapid technological advancement," he said.

He concluded by reaffirming his support for Yayi’s gubernatorial bid and called on the people of Ogun State to rally behind them both.

“Senator Adeola has a remarkable political record, unbroken success from the House of Assembly to the Senate. It’s a testament to his impact and leadership. Ogun State is ready for him, and I am also ready to serve my people once again,” Osinowo said.

- Oluseun JOSHUA, Abeokuta.