The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Ogbia people urge Tinubu to seek re-election in 2027, pledge total support

    Ogbia people urge Tinubu to seek re-election in 2027, pledge total support

    …commends inclusive leadership, urges President to run for second term in 2027

    …hails NDDC interventions, lists Ogbia’s historic sacrifices for Nigeria’s unity

    …seeks more federal attention, backs Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

    Ogbia Kingdom in Bayelsa and Rivers states on Wednesday formally called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to contest the 2027 presidential election, pledging the full political backing of the kingdom in appreciation of what they described as his inclusive leadership and tangible development interventions in the Niger Delta.

    The call was made at the State House, Abuja, during an official thank-you visit led by the paramount ruler of Ogbia Kingdom, Obanobhan III, King Dumaro Charles Dwaba.

    In a speech read on behalf of the delegation by one of the traditional rulers on the entourage, King Collins Daniel, Ogbia Kingdom pledged the unalloyed support of its people for the success of the President’s efforts at building a greater Nigeria, lauding him for his commitment to inclusive development.

    “In light of the above, we firmly believe that Mr. President has served us well. As such, we cannot help but reciprocate your kind gesture by inviting him to contest the next presidential election, backed by the full support of the Ogbia Kingdom. Mr. President, we are behind you.”, King Daniel said.

    The delegation said it had come to express appreciation for President Tinubu’s leadership style and the confidence he had reposed in sons and daughters of Ogbia through key national appointments, which it said had rekindled hope and reinforced faith in his administration.

    “We have come first and foremost to express our heartfelt appreciation for your inclusive leadership and the confidence you have reposed in our sons and daughters through their recent appointments and re-appointments into key national positions,” the delegation stated, describing the appointments as “a powerful affirmation of our people’s faith in your administration.”

    Read Also: Supreme Court verdicts not military decrees, says Lagos APC

    Those acknowledged include Justice Moore Abraham Aseima Adumein of the Supreme Court; Dr Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); Sir Tonye Okio, Federal Character Commission commissioner representing Bayelsa State; and Barrister Fernandez Marcus-Obiene, Special Assistant to the President on Justice Reform and ICT/Digital and Innovative Technology.

    The Ogbia leaders singled out the performance of the NDDC under Dr Ogbuku, noting that since his appointment on August 29, 2023, communities across Ogbia Kingdom and the wider Niger Delta had witnessed “unprecedented infrastructural and human capital development.”

    “Suffice it to say that virtually every community in Ogbia Kingdom and in the Niger Delta now enjoy solar lights at night, which has significantly illuminated the Niger Delta and boosted economic activities,” the delegation said, adding that the interventions had “to a large extent curbed insecurity in the Kingdom and the entire region.”

    They listed road construction, ecological projects, upgraded health facilities and youth empowerment programmes such as Project HOPE in technology, agriculture, arts and green energy as part of the NDDC’s achievements, describing President Tinubu’s choice of Dr Ogbuku as “not misplaced.”

    “Your appointment of Dr Samuel Ogbuku sends a clear message of your confidence in indigenous leadership and reinforces the trust of the Niger Delta people in your Renewed Hope Agenda,” the delegation said.

    The Ogbia people also commended ongoing federal projects in their area, including the Oloibiri Oil Museum and Research Centre, the rehabilitation of the Ogbia section of the Ogbia–Nembe–Brass Road, and the construction of the Otuogori–Otuegwe Bridge along the Ekole River.

    Recalling the kingdom’s historical contributions to Nigeria, the delegation described Ogbia as “the cradle of Nigeria’s oil industry,” noting that crude oil was first discovered in commercial quantity at Oloibiri in 1956, an event that “fundamentally transformed Nigeria’s economic destiny.”

    Beyond oil, they said Ogbia had made defining sacrifices for national unity, citing the 1959 pre-independence political alliance led by Chief Melford Okilo and the 2015 concession of defeat by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “Those critical moments clearly demonstrated that the people of Ogbia have consistently believed in, and sacrificed for, one indivisible Nigeria. Our contributions to the Nigerian project have been profound and enduring”,” the visitors said.

    On that basis, the kingdom said it deserved “greater attention, recognition and development support, not as a favour, but as a just acknowledgment of our place in Nigeria’s history,” and presented specific requests to the President, including the establishment of an Institute of Energy and Petroleum Studies in Ogbia, partnership on the Akaba–Emadike Road, and shoreline protection for coastal communities threatened by erosion.

    The delegation concluded by assuring President Tinubu of its “unalloyed loyalty and support,” inviting him to visit Ogbia Kingdom and praying for wisdom and strength as he leads the country.

    “May God Almighty continue to grant you wisdom, strength and good health as you steer the affairs of our great nation,” the delegation said.

  • Alaafin to confer chieftaincy titles on Seyi Tinubu, ex-Zamfara Governor Yari

    Alaafin to confer chieftaincy titles on Seyi Tinubu, ex-Zamfara Governor Yari

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, will on Sunday confer chieftaincy titles on the son of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi and a former governor of Zamfara State, Abubakar Yari.

    This was confirmed in a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye.

    READ ALSO: Turaki-led PDP begs Nigerians for another chance

    According to the statement, Senator Yari will receive the chieftaincy title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland, representing love, compassion, justice and a bridge between physical and spiritual realms, while Seyi Tinubu, a business magnate, will receive Okanlomo of Yorubaland title, symbolising a custodian of Yoruba values, unity and cultural heritage.

    The statement concluded that both titles come with responsibilities such as promoting Yoruba culture, advising the Alaafin, fostering unity and advancing education and social welfare.

  • Oyo Assembly passes N892 billion Budget

    Oyo Assembly passes N892 billion Budget

    • Govt gves priority to infrastructure, accountability

    Oyo State House of Assembly yesterday passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, approving a total budget of N892,085,074,480.79. 

    The bill was passed following the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Finance, Appropriation and State Economic Planning. 

    The Nation reports that Governor Seyi Makinde had on November 24 proposed a total of N891,985,074,480.79 Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year before the House of Assembly.

    The figure was against the N684 billion approved by the lawmakers in the outgoing 2025 fiscal calendar.

    The passed bill is about N100million more than the amount presented by the governor.

    The figure was passed by the lawmakers less than one month after it was presented by him, building on the assembly’s legislative culture of budget passage before the commencement of a new calendar year.

    Speaking shortly after the passage, Olasunkanmi Babalola, the member representing Egbeda State Constituency and chairman of the Committee on Finance, Appropriation and State Economic Planning, described the moment as “historic,” emphasising the assembly’s commitment to fiscal discipline, infrastructure development and timely governance.

    READ ALSO: Turaki-led PDP begs Nigerians for another chance

    “It was a total exercise across all ministries, departments and agencies. We identified areas where funds could be better utilised, leading to a strategic reallocation of N2 billion from overhead to capital expenditure.”

    This adjustment, according to him, reduced the overhead budget from N389 billion to N387 billion, while increasing capital expenditure to over N504 billion, signalling a deliberate shift toward developmental projects and long-term investments in the state’s infrastructure.

    Babalola, the deputy leader of the house, assured citizens that the 2026 budget reflected the priorities of the people of Oyo State and would continue to deliver the dividends of democracy.

    “We are the representatives of our people, and we are committed to ensuring this budget translates into real impact across all constituencies. Our house committees will embark on comprehensive oversight functions across all MDAs to ensure transparency and accountability.”

  • NEC sets up committee to fast-track livestock development

    NEC sets up committee to fast-track livestock development

    • Enduring solution to farmer-herder crisis key to food security — Shettima

    The National Economic Council (NEC) has constituted a high-level committee on livestock development to accelerate the implementation of reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector and resolving the long-running farmer-herder crisis.

    The committee was set up during the 155th meeting of NEC, held virtually, as Vice President Kashim Shettima said only a practical, enduring and nationally accepted solution to the farmer-herder conflict would guarantee food security in the country.

    The Livestock Development Committee is made up of one representative from each of the six geo-political zones: Bauchi State for the North-East, Niger State for the North-Central, Ondo State for the South-West, Imo State for the South-East, Cross River State for the South-South, and Kebbi State for the North-West.

    The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, will chair the committee.

    Other members include the Ministers of Livestock Development; Agriculture and Food Security; Budget and Economic Planning; as well as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness in the Office of the Vice President.

    NEC directed the committee to work with relevant stakeholders to review the recommendations of the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee (PLRC) and proposals submitted by the Ministry of Livestock Development, as well as identify states willing to participate in the implementation of the programme.

    READ ALSO; Farouk Ahmed: A challenge for EFCC

    The move follows a directive by President Bola Tinubu at FEC meeting of December 10, 2025, mandating NEC to collaborate with the Ministry of Livestock Development to produce a clear roadmap for transforming Nigeria’s livestock industry.

    The ministry subsequently developed a proposal presented to the council for endorsement, with the goal of repositioning the livestock sector as a modern, peaceful and profitable engine of national development.

    In his opening remarks, Vice President Shettima, who chairs NEC, said food security was a moral obligation to Nigerians but stressed that it could not be achieved without addressing the root causes of farmer-herder violence.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Office of the Vice President Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “we must acknowledge with absolute regret the deep distrust created by this violence, born out of a trade and an ancestral practice that ought to have remained a central pillar of our food security and rural economy.

    “The loss of lives, the destruction of homes, and the devastation of farmlands must end”, he said.

    According to him, mismanagement of long-standing tensions between farmers and herders had fuelled conflicts that have spread across the country.

    “What started as a challenge of coexistence gradually hardened into cycles of violence that were allowed to persist for far too long without a durable solution.

    “Today, that violence respects no geography. It has become a shared nightmare that has scarred every region, disrupted livelihoods, and eroded trust between neighbours who once relied on one another for survival,” the Vice President said.

    Shettima commended President Tinubu for what he described as a bold initiative to integrate livestock production into the national economy, noting that the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development underscored the administration’s commitment to the sector.

    He urged state governors to take the livestock development presentations by the ministry and the PLRC seriously, saying the sector offered major opportunities for economic transformation, conflict resolution and the restoration of peace in affected communities.

    “The presentations before us today offer critical insight into responses designed to confront these realities. They speak directly to stabilising our food systems, restoring confidence in rural economies, and reducing the security pressures that flow from competition over land, water, and livelihoods.

    “At their core, these presentations seek to dispel the false choice between agriculture and security by demonstrating that both are inseparable pillars of national stability,” Shettima added.

    He assured that the recommendations of the PLRC and the Ministry of Livestock Development would receive priority attention from the Tinubu administration, while calling on sub-national governments to support efforts to fully harness the vast potential of the livestock sector.

  • Kalu objectively assessed, adjudged by Faculty Board, examiners

    Kalu objectively assessed, adjudged by Faculty Board, examiners

    • By Professor Michael P. Okom

    My attention has been drawn to an article by one Professor Abiodun Ojo of ABUAD on the subject:THE NEW CERTIFICATE CRAZE:HOW POLITICIANS ARE QUIETLY ERODING ACADEMIC STANDARDS IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES.

    The write up is making ignominious rounds on Social Media. The author made a couple of false allegations about the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin O. Kalu, with respect to his PhD, recently obtained in the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, his Alma Mater. 

    By raising doubt about Dr. Kalu’s PhD, he invariably casts aspersions on those who superintended over his academic attainments. In addition, he has also impugned, lampooned and besmirched the integrity and reputation of the senior academia who run the Graduate Programme of the Faculty. Ipso facto, it behoves this writer, as one of those involved, to visit this space and set the records straight.

    To start with, it is supremely intriguing and optimally preposterous for a professor to so flagrantly and hastily go public with such grave and weighty allegations (with serious implications), without doing as much as a scintilla of verification, which would have provided him with all the information that would have saved him the embarrassment of espousing such hideous falsehood in the public domain. By the way, if the professor was as punctilious as he would want us to believe, why did he not do what any academician would naturally do; conduct some basic research/findings?

    This writer taught Dr. Kalu at the LLB, LLM and PhD levels and supervised his LL.M thesis. He (this writer), has been Head of Department twice, Dean of the Faculty, immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, and currently, Director of Alumni Affairs (which particularly gives him sound locus standi to issue this riposte in defence of Dr.Kalu, a distinguished and stellar Alumnus. The writer is also an ordained clergyman of the Church of God in Christ, Memphis, Tennessee, actively involved in the work of the Gospel.

    For the avoidance of every shred of doubt, it is sublimely expedient to let the public know that Dr. Kalu was admitted into the PhD Programme of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar in the 2022 session. He concluded his course work at the end of that session, after writing the first and second semester exams.

    Read Also: Federal Govt builds stronger economic fundamentals despite revenue shortfall

    This writer taught his class International  Economic Law, and I hereby attest that he submitted his first and second semester written seminar papers and duly made his oral presentations, under my watch. During the second year of his PhD programme, he made his Mini Proposal and Main Proposal defences. During his third session, ( 2024/25) he made his Internal and External defences. His External Examiner was a Rev. Father professor of impeccable academic credentials and moral rectitude. Furthermore, it is pertinent for the public to know that the University of Calabar has a well established and unimpeachable international reputation. 

    As for the Faculty of Law UNICAL, it does not bend rules for anyone.

    In view of the foregoing, this writer hereby asseverates thus:

    1) Rt. Hon. Benjamin O.Kalu did this PhD in three academic sessions. He did not skip any seminars or exams and he has course mates who are alive and can be contacted.

    2) His PhD thesis was supervised by a most erudite and cerebrally endowed professor of international repute, who recently served as a Justice of the Gambian Court of Appeal.

    3)The Faculty of Law UNICAL Graduate Board has a well known reputation for its “NO SACRED COWS” stringent policy, which has been consistently upheld and was applied a few sessions ago when a serving Governor did his LLM in the Faculty, when this writer was Dean. In fact, some furore ensued in the University when the Governor came for lectures with his convoy and Social Media went agog.

    It is pertinent to assert that during his PhD programme, Dr. Kalu was objectively assessed on his seminars and defences and was adjudged by the Faculty Board and examiners to be a sound  scholar, deserving of a PhD. He is definitely not a laid-back armchair or cavalier budding academic because in addition to his seminars and LLM/PHD theses, he has 11(eleven) publications in local and international journals to his credit. All his seminars, exams and defences were done in personam and there are no lack of witnesses to this.

    As the Director of Alumni Affairs of the University, yours truly hereby states that the University and the Faculty are proud of Dr. Kalu. In fact, the University is so proud of him that he was invited to deliver the Keynote lecture at the University’s 50th anniversary celebration earlier in the year.

    By virtue of all that has been stated so far, it ought to be beyond conjecture that the allegations by Professor Ojo are not only false but also redolent with caprice and crass disregard for the prudence, objectivity and forensic veracity that academicians are known for. As the reader may have observed, specific details as to names and dates have been excluded for the simple reason that this is not a response to an official or judicial inquiry. The details and evidence are available should the matter come to that juncture.

    In conclusion, when false statements are made while the truth is just a handbreadth away, it stands to reason that malice might be the sole motive. Disseminating information for malicious purposes does not serve any useful purpose in the society. As the Bible has pungently stated in Matthew 7:12, do unto others what you want others to do unto you. (Paraphrased).

    Professor Michael P. Okom

    Former Vice Chancellor (Administration), former Dean, Faculty of Law and Currently, Head of Alumni, University of Calabar Wrote In This Piece From Calabar, Cross River State in Defence of the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR.

  • Fufeyin gives man N30m to bury mum

    Fufeyin gives man N30m to bury mum

    Founder of Mercy City/Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, has given a man struggling to bury his mother a cash gift of N30m. 

    The gesture took place as the preacher prepared to bury his 104-year-old mother in Delta State. 

    According to reports and eyewitness accounts, while finalising burial plans for his mother, Prophet Fufeyin encountered a fellow Christian brother struggling desperately to lay his own late mother to rest with dignity. 

    Moved with compassion and led by what many are calling the “Spirit of Mercy,” Prophet Fufeyin splashed over ₦30 million to ensure that the man’s mother would be honored, buried, and celebrated with excellence — the same way he intended to honor his own.

    Witnesses recounted how Prophet Fufeyin, despite handling his own heavy emotional and financial responsibilities, focused first on the pain of another.

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     Many have said that this level of generosity, shown in a moment of personal loss, reveals the true essence of leadership — caring for others at the very moment one is hurting.

    A Mercy City elder who witnessed the moment shared: “Prophet didn’t even hesitate. His heart was moved. He said no family should suffer alone. It was emotional. People around were in tears. This is love in its purest form.”

    Across social media, users responded with admiration, describing the prophet as a rare light in challenging times. 

    For years, he has been celebrated for philanthropy — from helping widows, to paying school fees, to rescuing families from poverty — but many say this particular act stands out.

    A trending comment reads: “True kindness is when you give even in your pain. Prophet Fufeyin has shown the world what real Christianity looks like.”

    Many Christians are calling it a prophetic representation of love without borders, while others see it as a call for unity in the body of Christ.

  • Fed Govt dismisses 38 senior officers from NSCDC

    Fed Govt dismisses 38 senior officers from NSCDC

    No fewer than 38 senior officers, including an Assistant Commandant-General (ACG) of  the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have been dismissed by the Federal Government in the outgoing year.

    The officers were dismissed for various offences, including gross misconduct, insubordination and violation of laws. The dismissal followed approval by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) under the Ministry of Interior.

    According to the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, a total of 76 senior and junior personnel in the Corps faced various disciplinary measures for acts unbecoming of the officers in the year.

    He said 20 junior officers were dismissed from Service, while three personnel were demoted by one rank and seven others issued warning letters.

    Babawale said two Senior officers were demoted by two ranks, another officer was demoted by a rank and five officers were issued warning letters.

    He said the Commandant-General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, expressed the administration’s commitment to revamping and repositioning the Corps through Training and Re-training of its operatives and would not tolerate acts capable of tarnishing the image of the Service.

    READ ALSO: Turaki-led PDP begs Nigerians for another chance

    Speaking further on the measures taken by the administration within the year, Babawale said: “Various offences were attended to and 76 personnel involving Senior and Junior Staff had various disciplinary measures meted on them to serve as deterrent to others.

    “As directed by the Civil Defence Correctional Fire and Immigration Service Board; CDCFIB, Disciplinary action have been meted on some senior officers as recommended by the NSCDC Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee: about 38 Senior officers, including Assistant Commandant-General (ACG) have been dismissed on account of gross misconduct, insubordination and acts unbecoming of a superior officer, according to the Public Service Rules (PSR).’’

    He added that the Junior Staff Disciplinary Committee of the Corps also considered 30 cases involving job racketeering, extortion, aiding and abetting illegal dealings in petroleum products, fraudulent practices, gun running, AWOL and acts unbecoming of a personnel according to NSCDC Standard operating procedures, Code of conduct and the Public Service Rules.

    “After the sittings of the Junior Staff Disciplinary Committee on about 30 cases involving various degree of gross misconduct; 20 personnel have been dismissed from the Service, three personnel were demoted by one rank while seven personnel were issued warning letters as recommended by the NSCDC Junior Staff Disciplinary Committee (JSDC),” the PRO said.

    He said the NSCDC boss charged officers and men to remain focused on discharging the Corps’ Statutory mandate, most especially with the enormous task given to the Corps by the government.

  • Fufeyin buries 104-year-old mother in Delta community

    Fufeyin buries 104-year-old mother in Delta community

    The ancient Niger Delta community of Ojobo came to a complete standstill as crowds gathered to honour Mama Asetu, the mother of popular preacher, Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, who passed on at 104.

    From the early hours of the morning, the atmosphere in Ojobo shifted into one of deep reverence.

     Roads were filled with mourners, supporters, church members and community leaders who travelled from across Nigeria to pay their respects to the matriarch whose influence touched generations.

    Read Also: Fed Govt dismisses 38 senior officers from NSCDC

    Mama Asetu, fondly regarded as “the Great Matriarch of the Ancient Niger Delta,” was celebrated not only for her longevity but for the values she instilled—strength, humility, and unwavering faith.

    Fufeyin, visibly emotional yet composed, led the final rites with dignity.

     The ceremony reflected a blend of cultural tradition and spiritual solemnity, symbolising the profound love he had for his mother.

    The internet has been flooded with heartfelt messages as Nigerians join the family in mourning:

    @Marvelous_Asagba said: “Indeed, Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin is a great son. See how he honored his mum’s final moments on earth. This is so touching… chai, life.”

    @Michael_JEJEKU wrote: “Take heart Papa J. We love you.”

  • Turaki-led PDP begs Nigerians for another chance

    The factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, has confessed that the party has realised its mistakes and is ready to turn a new leaf.

    The PDP factional national chairman hoped his apology would enable the party to reclaim the nation’s political leadership in 2027.

    Turaki, who spoke at the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting in Abuja, stated that PDP leaders were waking up from their slumber and ready to correct the mistakes of the past.

    He urged Nigerians to once again trust the party.

    Turaki said: “We have realised the mistakes we made and we are now willing to make amends, not only with our members but indeed with all Nigerians. And so, what we are saying on behalf of the PDP family to Nigerians: you knew us, you trusted us. We made mistakes, but we are waking up from the slumber. We are now ready to correct those mistakes. We call on you to trust us again.

    “We call on you, Nigerians, to give us that benefit of the doubt, and I assure you, on behalf of the new leadership of this party, that we are going to do things differently. We will listen to you. We will understand your body language. And then we will do what you want.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Burkina Faso releases 11 detained Nigerian Air Force personnel

    “In PDP today, there will be no more impunity, there will be no more cutting of corners, there will be no more imposition. Every single process that will be carried out by this leadership will be done fairly and honestly.

    “We’re hoping that as we move along, as we listen and take guidance and advice from our leaders and members, we will ensure that we do not only come back to our winning ways, but that we capture power at the center and at the subnational levels.

    “So, once again, Nigerians will now have a government that will worry about their security, a government that will be worried about their welfare, a government that will be concerned about the things that are troubling them such as Issues of lack of fairness, issues of lack of justice, issues of insecurity, issues of dilapidated infrastructure, issues of decay and decaying institutions.

  • Osun eager for change, says Okpebholo

    Osun eager for change, says Okpebholo

    • Panel submits APC primary election report to Yilwatda

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Osun State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said the “State of the Living Springs” is eager to have the party at the helm of affairs next year.

    Okpebholo, who is also the Edo State governor, said this while submitting the report of his committee to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

    He said: “Osun people are eager for change. They are tired of motion without development. What we saw was a strong desire for real governance.”

    The committee chairman described the assignment as a defining experience, stressing that the committee witnessed overwhelming unity, enthusiasm and popular support for the party’s candidate across Osun State.

    The Osun State primary was conducted by a high-powered committee, underscoring the party’s commitment to transparency, credibility and internal democracy.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Burkina Faso releases 11 detained Nigerian Air Force personnel

    Okpebholo expressed appreciation to the party’s leadership for the confidence reposed in the committee.

    Yilwatda received the report alongside the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; the National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu; and the Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru.

    Yilwatda praised the committee for a job well executed.

    The APC national chairman said the atmosphere during the primary was celebratory and peaceful.

    He assured the committee that the report would be presented to the Party Caucus and the National Executive Committee (NEC) immediately.

    “What you have submitted gives us something cheery to present to NEC. Your sacrifice, even at short notice, is deeply appreciated,” he said.

    The national chairman said the strategic importance of Osun State, calling for massive mobilisation to secure a decisive victory.

    Yilwatda noted the cordial collaboration between APC governors and the party, stressing that such synergy would be key to reclaiming Osun State for the APC.

    Former Kogi State governor and committee member, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, also praised the party’s leadership.

    He described the consensus process as instrumental to the committee’s success.

    The former governor stressed that the Osun State governorship election, being the last major poll before the 2027 general election, is critical to the party’s national momentum.

    “The APC must go to the field and deliver Osun. My support for the party is total and unwavering,” he said.

    Senator Basiru expressed confidence in the party’s victory, declaring that the current Osun administration has been given a “yellow card” and would receive a “red card” at the poll.

    The committee’s secretary is Solomon Maren, while other members include the governors of Ondo, Nasarawa, Delta, and Lagos states.