The Nation Newspaper

Category: Featured

Tinubu reunites with class of 1999 governors at State House

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday hosted members of the 1999 Class of Governors at the State House, Abuja, in a symbolic reunion that celebrated their shared political journey at the inception of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

The delegation, led by former Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, met with the President behind closed doors in what sources described as a warm and reflective engagement focused on national unity, good governance and continued contribution to democratic consolidation.

President Tinubu, who himself served as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 under the banner of the now defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), expressed his pleasure at reconnecting with his former colleagues after more than two decades.

The meeting reportedly rekindled old political camaraderie among the former governors, many of whom remain active and influential in national affairs.

Read Also: Education under Renewed Hope Agenda undergoing transformation – Shettima

Discussions were said to have centred on how members of the class could continue to lend their experience to support Nigeria’s governance and nation-building efforts.

The 1999 class of governors is widely seen as a cornerstone in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, having been the first set of elected state executives following the country’s transition from military rule.

Their tenure marked the beginning of the Fourth Republic, setting the tone for democratic governance after years of authoritarian military leadership.

Present at yesterday’s reunion were: Chief George Akume (Benue) who is the current Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Chief James Ibori (Delta); Chief Lucky Igbinedion (Edo);Obong Victor Attah (Akwa Ibom);Senator Sam Egwu (Ebonyi); Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi) and Mr. Donald Duke (Cross River).

The rest were: Mr. Boni Haruna (Adamawa); Otunba Niyi Adebayo (Ekiti); Adamu Muazu (Bauchi);Ibrahim Saminu Turaki (Jigawa);and Mr. Jolly Nyame (Taraba).

July 26, 2025
EFCC warns against suspicious foreign airlines ticket promos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday warned the public against falling victim to ubiquitous foreign airlines’ ticketing discount promos.

The anti-graft agency said it had arrested some suspects.

It said the suspects were using malware to gain unauthorised access to the account information of unsuspecting victims.

The commission, which gave the warning through its Head, Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the fraud scheme is largely driven by an army of young Nigerians offering a paltry payment of between N1500 and N2000.

The statement said: “The EFCC views with great concern a rising fraudulent scheme newly perfected by fraudsters to defraud Nigerians of their hard-earned money and considers it imperative to alert Nigerians to be wary of ubiquitous foreign airlines’ ticketing discount promos.

“The scheme involves the use of malware to gain unauthorised access to the account information of unsuspecting victims.

“Teasers like “Promo”, “Investment Windows” and other baits are usually employed to make their victims volunteer their account information through which fraudsters execute transactions on their behalf by sending their funds to accounts mainly in Fintech institutions.

“Through this access, fraudsters then control and launder the funds through purchase of crypto currencies.

“A case in point was a “Promo” offering the public 50% discount of ticket purchase in a leading foreign airline.

“Victims are led to pay a token of N500 into the account of the airline. The N500 payment, which is now dressed as Charity payment, is the leeway through which the fraudsters gain access to their victim’s personal information.

“The victims were deceived into downloading the App of the airline to be eligible for the discount.

“However, after downloading the App and gaining unauthorised access to their personal details, funds were moved from the victim’s bank account into an account in a microfinance bank.

Read Also: Customs issues 21-day ultimatum to tap defaulters over N379.6bn bond breach

The commission gave further details on how the suspects have been operating.

It said: “It is important to disclose that this fraud scheme is largely driven by an army of young Nigerians offering a paltry payment of between N1500 and N2000 to their victims to make them surrender a copy of their personal information details to them and sell the same information to some Fintech institutions for about N5000.

“These canvassers called themselves ‘Account Suppliers’ or ‘KYC Group’.

“Information available to the commission revealed that the actors are up to 12,000 all over the country, seeking account donors that will surrender their NIN registration slip, BVN, passport photograph and other means of identification for a little fee.

“These information are then used to open accounts with Fintech companies for investment scam and sundry fraudulent schemes.”

Although the EFCC confirmed that it has arrested some suspects, it didn’t give details.

“The commission has made some arrests in this regard and recoveries of money lost to fraudulent promo actors and account suppliers are ongoing.

“Members of the public are enjoined to be wary of these actors and on no account should any Nigerian agree to be an Account Donor for any purpose as this is a threat to national security.

“The EFCC is committed to safeguarding the financial space of the nation in the overall interest of all Nigerians,” it added.

July 26, 2025
How traffickers use online loans, scholarships, others to entrap victims – NAPTIP

The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, has revealed some of the tactics deployed by human traffickers to lure victims.

She said traffickers lure victims with fake job opportunities and scholarships in some destination countries, and also recruit victims as marketing agents for some branded products in order to exploit them.

The NAPTIP boss added that some traffickers also recruit their victims through online loan schemes, baby factories, organ harvesting, and the recruitment of unsuspecting youths for online scams (yahoo-yahoo) within Nigeria, Ghana and some West African countries.

Bello, who described the trend as worrisome, called for joint efforts by all stakeholders to kick traffickers out of Nigeria.

She disclosed the foregoing in Abuja at a press conference to commence the 2025 World Day Against Human Trafficking with the theme: “Human trafficking is organised crime – end the exploitation”.

Bello noted that organised criminal networks use migration flows, global supply chains, legal and economic loopholes and digital platforms to facilitate cross-border trafficking on a massive scale.

On some of the trends by traffickers, she said: “The fight against human trafficking has continued to take new dimensions with emerging trends daily.

“This is coupled with a new destination and further exploitation of victims.

“Some of the disturbing trends that are on the increase are fake job opportunities and scholarships in some destination countries, recruitment of victims as marketing agents for some branded products to exploit them and recruitment of unsuspecting youths for Online scams (Yahoo-Yahoo) within Nigeria, Ghana and some West African countries.”

She identified other baits as online trafficking/sextortion, revenge porn in Nigeria and Ghana, baby factory, organ harvesting and online loan scheme.

“The online loan scheme is a situation where the suspect uses social media handles to lure unsuspecting victims into accepting, but at the end of the day, compels them into prostitution in return for the loan. This is common in Nigeria, Ghana,” she said.

Read Also: Education under Renewed Hope Agenda undergoing transformation – Shettima

She also revealed that the capacity of the Cybercrime Squad of the Agency has been strengthened to respond and address the growing trends of online recruitment and exploitation.

“Our resolve to tackle human trafficking in Nigeria is firm and unequivocal, and we shall continue to scale our strategies to outsmart the traffickers.

“It is our resolve to continue doubling our efforts to outsmart the tactics of the traffickers. The coming months will be very challenging for human traffickers in the country.

“We shall increase our coordination mechanism to empower all state and non-state actors to detect and report issues of human trafficking anywhere in the country,” Bello said.

On the importance of curbing human trafficking, she explained that human trafficking threatens national development and weakens the foundation and pillars of any nation, with women and youth as the main targets.

“We must set aside any rivalry and join hands together and ensure the protection of Nigerians.

“Together, let us kick human traffickers out of Nigeria.”

The Country Representative of UNODC, Mr. Cheikh Toure, who reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to Nigeria in tackling human trafficking, said collective efforts were critical to ending trafficking.

He said: “I reaffirm UNODC’s unwavering solidarity with the Nigerian people in confronting the scourge of human trafficking.

“Trafficking is not an incidental crime but a calculated, transnational enterprise profiting from the vulnerability of our women, children and men.

“As custodian of the UN Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC), UNODC stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the government of Nigeria.

“We must dismantle criminal networks through coordinated, cross-border action, strengthening justice, protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable.

“Policies alone cannot win this fight. Trafficking festers where vulnerability is highest in underserved communities, border regions, and among marginalised youth.

“We must redirect energy and resources to the grassroots: empowering local leaders, traditional institutions and community networks.

“The frontline of this battle is where poverty and desperation are exploited.

“Human trafficking violates every principle of human dignity, destabilises societies and undermines the rule of law.

“UNODC will deepen its partnership with Nigeria working with government, civil society, and survivors to shatter criminal empires, uplift victims and build a future where no Nigerian is bought or sold.”

July 26, 2025
Tinubu reunites with 1999 governors’ class at State House

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday, hosted members of the 1999 Class of Governors at the State House, Abuja, in a symbolic reunion that celebrated their shared political journey at the inception of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

The delegation, led by former Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, met with the President behind closed doors in what sources described as a warm and reflective engagement focused on national unity, good governance, and continued contribution to democratic consolidation.

President Tinubu, who himself served as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 under the banner of the now-defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), expressed his pleasure at reconnecting with his former colleagues after more than two decades.

READ ALSO: FG applauds Owolabi Salis as first Nigerian to travel to space and return

The meeting reportedly rekindled old political camaraderie among the former governors, many of whom remain active and influential in national affairs.

Discussions were said to have centred on how members of the class could continue to lend their experience to support Nigeria’s governance and nation-building efforts.

The 1999 class of governors is widely seen as a cornerstone in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, having been the first set of elected state executives following the country’s transition from military rule.

Their tenure marked the beginning of the Fourth Republic, setting the tone for democratic governance after years of authoritarian military leadership.

July 25, 2025
JUST IN: Gunmen kill scores in Imo communities as police blame IPOB/ESN for brutal attack

Scores of youths were reportedly killed on Thursday night in a brutal attack by gunmen in Umualaoma, Ndiakunwanta, and Ndiejezie communities of Arondizogu, Ideato North Local Government Area, Imo State.

The horrifying assault, which occurred between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., has plunged the affected communities into fear and mourning.

Eyewitnesses said three unidentified gunmen riding on a motorbike opened fire indiscriminately, targeting residents gathered in shops and public spaces.

Victims included shop owners, their customers, and others relaxing outside in the night breeze. In Umualaoma, the attackers shot at youths playing a board game known as draft, leaving a trail of blood and lifeless bodies in their wake. Panic and sorrow gripped the community as residents wailed over the carnage.

While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, community members are calling on the authorities to urgently restore peace and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Reacting to the incident, the Imo State Police Command condemned the killings, which it attributed to members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

READ ALSO; $3B Eastern Rail line: Tinubu unlocking prosperity of South East – Kalu

“The senseless assault, which claimed the lives of over seven persons and left several others critically injured, was carried out by members of IPOB/ESN,” said the Command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, in an official statement.

He described the attack as “barbaric, inhumane, and totally unacceptable,” and assured the public that adequate intelligence and operational resources have been deployed to apprehend the perpetrators.

According to Okoye, Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma has personally led tactical units in a thorough combing operation of the affected areas. He said the situation is now under control and that proactive security measures have been taken to prevent further attacks.

The Commissioner expressed deep sympathy to the families of the deceased, offering prayers for the repose of the victims and a speedy recovery for the injured. He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies during ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, civil society organisation Stand for Humanity Foundation has also condemned the killings. Its founder, Chidiebube Okeoma, described the incident as “provocative and barbaric,” and called for an immediate end to the spate of killings and violence in Imo State and the wider Southeast region.

He extended condolences to the bereaved families, urging government and security agencies to step up efforts to protect innocent lives and ensure lasting peace.

July 25, 2025
Presidency counters Kwankwaso’s criticism, lists dozens of Tinubu-era projects in North

The Presidency has strongly rebutted recent claims by former Kano Governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is concentrating federal projects in the South at the expense of the North.

In a detailed post on his verified X handle, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Mr. Sunday Dare, described the allegations as “wrong,” stressing that Northern Nigeria has benefitted from an expansive slate of federal projects under President Tinubu’s administration across sectors such as roads, rail, energy, health, agriculture, and education.

“Senator Kwankwaso. You are wrong. North not neglected. President Tinubu has the North covered,” Dare declared in the Friday post, which was accompanied by a comprehensive list of ongoing and completed projects across the northern geopolitical zones.

Among key infrastructure efforts cited are major expressways including the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway; Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina expressway; and sections of the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway. Several roads linking key northern towns — such as Zaria, Funtua, Gusau, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Lafia, and Gaya — are either under construction or undergoing rehabilitation.

In the agriculture sector, Dare highlighted programmes such as the $158.15 million Agriculture Value Chain Programme targeting nine northern states, the Kolmani Integrated Development Project in Bauchi and Gombe, and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), a World Bank–backed environmental initiative.

He also referenced the revitalisation of irrigation schemes like the Kano River Project, which was commissioned in 2023 and is fully operational under the Tinubu administration.

READ ALSO; $3B Eastern Rail line: Tinubu unlocking prosperity of South East – Kalu

The health sector also featured prominently in the rebuttal, with Dare naming teaching hospitals and diagnostic centres in Zaria, Jos, Katsina, Sokoto, Ilorin, Bauchi, and Yobe, among others.

According to him, more than 1,000 primary health centres across the North are also being reinvigorated as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

On energy and gas infrastructure, the statement underscored the 614km Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, the Gwagwalada Power Plant in the FCT, and the proposed 50MW ABIBA Solar Power Station in Kaduna State.

Major rail projects such as the 203km Kaduna–Kano rail line, the 285km Kano–Maradi railway, and a ₦100 billion allocation for a Kaduna Light Rail System were also presented as evidence of federal investment in northern transportation.

Also listed were the ongoing rehabilitation of the Abuja Metro Line and development of inland trade infrastructure through the Trans-Sahara Trade Corridor linking Calabar through Nasarawa and the North.

Dare further pointed to national programmes and institutions like the reinvigorated National Agency for the Great Green Wall and the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), both of which are focused on environmental challenges peculiar to the North.

“These are just samplers — tangible evidence of a government actively developing all regions without bias,” the presidential aide said.

The statement concluded with a pointed reminder that all the listed projects have either commenced or progressed significantly within the first two years of President Tinubu’s tenure.

July 25, 2025
SDP disowns El-Rufai, says ex-Gov not a member

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disowned former Kaduna Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, accusing him of impersonating the party and parading himself as its representative without membership or mandate.

At a briefing in Kaduna on Friday, the SDP North West Zonal Secretary, Alhaji Idris Inuwa, declared that El-Rufai is “not a member of the SDP and has never been,” warning stakeholders and the public to disregard his recent appearances under the party’s banner.

“Let it be made unequivocally clear — Mallam El-Rufai is not authorised, mandated, or recognised by the SDP in any capacity. His actions amount to grave impersonation and reputational sabotage,” Inuwa said.

The party described as “brazen and false” El-Rufai’s claim at a recent political gathering where he allegedly spoke on behalf of the SDP, flanked by what the party termed “a band of meddlesome, failed politicians.”

According to Inuwa, El-Rufai has been appearing at public functions, stakeholder meetings, and policy dialogues purporting to represent the SDP—actions the party said were carried out without the consent or knowledge of its national leadership.

He emphasised that the former Governor has never been registered in the party, never participated in its strategy sessions, and has no record in its database. “Our party operates a transparent system of membership and delegation. There is no trace of him in our books,” he added.

READ ALSO; $3B Eastern Rail line: Tinubu unlocking prosperity of South East – Kalu

The party further urged all media outlets, development partners, and political actors to ignore any representation or statement made by El-Rufai in the name of the SDP, insisting that only the national leadership, including Acting National Chairman, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe; National Secretary, Chief (Dr.) Olu Agunloye; and 2023 Presidential Candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo could speak for the party.

In addition to disowning El-Rufai, the Kaduna North SDP executives also called for the immediate suspension of Dr. Umar Ardo, accusing him of using the SDP platform to promote another political party, the African Democratic Alternative (ADA), in what they described as “desperate and fraudulent political brinkmanship.”

“We pass a vote of no confidence on Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. He is a self-serving individual whose jobless meanderings under our name are pathetic attempts at relevance. He has no connection to our party,” the zonal secretary stated.

The party concluded with a stern warning that continued impersonation by either El-Rufai or Ardo would lead to the constitution of a special committee by the National Executive Committee (NEC) to investigate and publish their misdeeds across all platforms.

July 25, 2025
First Lady celebrates African women, girls

The First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has joined millions around the world in commemorating the International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent, paying glowing tribute to their resilience, courage, and accomplishments despite enduring historic and systemic challenges.

In a statement marking the occasion on Friday, the First Lady praised African women and girls globally for their contributions to families, communities, and society at large, while reaffirming pride in their enduring spirit and growing impact across sectors.

“Today, I join millions of Nigerians as we commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent, a day that honours the strength, resilience, and courage of African women and girls everywhere,” she said.

Highlighting the continued success of women and girls of African heritage across the globe, Senator Tinubu noted that their progress is particularly remarkable given the barriers they have had to overcome.

“Across the world, women and girls of African descent continue to excel despite facing historical and systemic barriers,” she said.

The First Lady expressed deep appreciation for their daily sacrifices, especially in family life, and acknowledged the vital role they play in keeping the African identity and values alive.

“We use this day to celebrate you as you take care of your families and continue to excel. I say well done. You have all come a long way. We are proud of all your achievements as you keep the African spirit alive”, she declared.

READ ALSO; $3B Eastern Rail line: Tinubu unlocking prosperity of South East – Kalu

Senator Tinubu concluded her message with a resounding tribute: “Long live women and girls of African descent.”

The United Nations designated July 25 as the International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent in 2021 to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black women and girls worldwide, as well as to spotlight the unique challenges they face in achieving equality and justice.

July 25, 2025
FCCPC, Police, traders clash at Lagos market

A team of Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) officials, accompanied by armed police and reporters, yesterday faced resistance from traders at the Daleko market in Mushin, Lagos.

Relying on intelligence reports, the FCCPC team had aimed to crack down on traders allegedly rebaging rice in various brand names and reproducing rice bags from firms that have left Nigeria since 2015, including Royal Stallion and Caprice rice.

The FCCPC alleged that rice bagged in the names of Royal Stallion, Mama Gold and Caprice companies were still being sold

FCCPC said: “Our surveillance has revealed this deceptive practice is potentially misleading consumers and violating consumer protection law.”

Read Also: FCCPC launches market sensitisation drive to combat unfair trade practices, protect consumers

Despite evidence of alleged offences, the traders refused to cooperate with FCCPC officials, citing lack of notification to the market leader.

The resistance highlighted tensions between regulators and market stakeholders.

But, despite the resistance, the FCCPC team sealed a shop involved in the reproduction.

FCCPC Lagos Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Mrs. Magret Aboluwade, expressed disappointment at the illegal activities and vowed that the law would take its course.

Mrs. Aboluwade emphasised the commission’s commitment to protecting consumer rights, adding: FCCPC will continue to perform its duties, ensuring compliance with consumer protection laws.”

Similarly, the FCCPC sealed 10 shops in Abuja recently over rebagging of local rice as foreign brands and over unfair pricing .

According to the Commission, this practice is not only exploitative but also infringes on consumer rights and undermines economic integrity.

The FCCPC warned consumers to avoid purchasing these products as they are either expired or deceptively rebagged local rice sold at exorbitant price.

July 25, 2025
Tinubu: APC will receive more governors, coalition members

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) would continue to enlarge its coast by receiving more opposition governors, lawmakers and other coalition members.

He explained that the priority accorded to defectors to the ruling party had compelled the shifting of the national convention till December.

Urging party chieftains to widen the space to accommodate the new members, the President emphasised the need to give them a sense of belonging.

President Tinubu spoke on the prospects of more defections to the APC during the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

At the meeting, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, was unanimously elected as National Chairman.

The Plateau State-born technocrat succeeded Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned last month on health grounds.

Yilwatda, who accepted the challenge of leadership, promised to embark on a mission to reposition the party.

Exuding pride and confidence, President Tinubu, who expressed delight at the APC’s rising profile, said: “More governors are still coming. That’s why we shifted our convention to December.

“Our doors are wide open, and we must accommodate them all.

“They must be allowed to jump out from a wrecking ship and a coalition of confusion.

“Today, we have 23 governors, and very many more are still coming. We must accommodate them all.

“Our doors are still open, and we should embrace them wholeheartedly.

“With the space that you have created to allow the aspiring people to join us, before the end of this meeting, we might form a committee to move around the states and ensure that those who have joined us enjoy the registration and membership of our party without any difficulty.

“I urge all the members of our great party, APC, to develop a spirit of inclusion and accommodate all those willing to join our party. It is necessary. Our door must remain open.”

President Tinubu paid tribute to Ganduje for his service to the party, adding that he still has unfinished tasks.

He said: “I gave him an assignment on the formation of a progressive doctrine – the progressive institute.

“I think the National Secretary will help to revitalise that and coordinate.

“We can still take him as a consultant to work with the new chairman to do that.”

Speaking further on the fate of defections into the ruling party, President Tinubu added: “One of our ardent critics at the earlier part of this administration reported the stride in the revenue—43 per cent achievement by now.

“I’m proud to say that the team is working. With peace and stability, we will do more.”

Justifying the defections, the President said it was “not a bad idea to abandon a sinking ship and be absent from a coalition of confusion.”

He thanked the APC governors for their support and endorsed a motion to extend the party’s structures and timeline for congresses to accommodate new entrants.

President Tinubu added: “I want to thank and pray for the governors of our party. Today, counting, I think we have 23, and still counting. More members are still coming.”

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to national development and economic recovery, saying the economy he inherited, which was “wobbling” and “confused,” has now been stabilised.

The President urged the party leadership to build on the administration’s achievements and leave a lasting legacy of national development.

He urged the APC governors to work with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to secure a befitting site for a new party secretariat.

He said: “We should leave a legacy of development. And the governors are here—23 of them—to help identify, with the Minister of FCT, an appropriate land for a befitting secretariat.

“I think we should do that. I believe, without hesitation, the motion and the suggestion are carried.”

Yilwatda will perform, says Ganduje

Ganduje, who said his successor would live up to expectations, promised to support him to succeed.

He said his choice was strategic, noting that it came at a critical period in the life of the party.

Ganduje expressed confidence in the capacity, intellect, maturity and administrative competence of the new chairman.

He commended the NEC and other organs of the party for ensuring a transparent and consensus-driven process that led to his emergence.

Ganduje urged Yilwatda to build on the solid foundations and legacies he laid during his tenure, recalling that he also built on the efforts and achievements of his predecessor.

He thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their statesmanlike roles and wisdom in guiding the party through the transition process.

Ganduje said: “Our President and Vice President have once again shown maturity and far-sightedness in the affairs of our great party.

“Their commitment to ensuring cohesion and stability within the APC is commendable, and I urge all stakeholders to rally around the new leadership to deliver on the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Ganduje enjoined the National Working Committee (NWC), state chapters, youth and women wings, and other stakeholders to offer their full cooperation and unwavering support to the new chairman.

He said unity, discipline, and loyalty should remain the cornerstone of the party under the new leadership.

Ganduje added: “As I bow out with a sense of fulfilment, I wish to assure Prof. Yilwatda of my unflinching support, counsel, and brotherly solidarity.

“I urge all our leaders, governors, lawmakers, and faithful party members across the federation to queue behind him and give him the necessary backing to consolidate on our party’s vision of building a united, progressive, and inclusive political platform for all Nigerians.”

Northcentral APC hails Tinubu

The Northcentral APC Forum, which had intensified agitation for the slot, hailed President Tinubu, describing him as a listening and responsive leader.

The zonal forum also commended the President for demonstrating fairness, political will, and a deep sense of justice in resolving the long-standing leadership imbalance in the party.

The chairman of the forum, Saleh Zazzaga, said in a statement: “We sincerely thank President Tinubu for listening to our calls.

“His decision has proven beyond any doubt that he is a listening President—one who respects party members and values equity.

“He has again demonstrated sound political judgment.”

Read Also: $3bn Eastern rail line allocation proof of Tinubu’s commitment to southeast — Kalu

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, described Prof. Yilwatda as a distinguished academic and a visionary leader.

He has no doubt in the ability of the Plateau State-born scholar and politician to succeed in taking the party to more enviable heights.

The governor cited the new Chairman’s intellect, brilliance, expertise, integrity and his unwavering commitment to excellence as some of the qualities that will draw more admiration and attract more support and love for the ruling party across the country.

Lagos APC, Lalong, Obasa hail chairman

Former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Simon Lalong; Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa and Lagos APC congratulated Yilwatda, urging him to justify the trust and confidence reposed in him.

A statement by the Lagos APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, said: “Yilwatda’s elevation to this critical leadership position is a well-deserved recognition of his unwavering commitment to the party’s ideals, his impressive credentials as a technocrat and public servant, and his long-standing contributions to democratic governance in Nigeria.”

It added: “As a party deeply rooted in progressive values and national development, we are confident that under Prof. Yilwatda’s leadership, the APC will experience renewed unity, strategic direction, and grassroots re-engagement — all of which are crucial for consolidating the gains of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.”

Lalong, who represents Plateau South District in the Senate, said Yilwatda is very suitable for the job because of his vast experience as a technocrat, politician and public servant.

He said in a statement by his media aide, Dr. Makut Macham, that the new chairman was groomed for leadership.

Lalong said the new appointment is a great pride to the people of Plateau State, which last held the leadership of a ruling party during the tenure of Chief Solomon Daushep Lar, who was PDP national chairman.

Obasa said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Dave Agboola, that Yilwatda is fit for the job.

He added: “Prof. Yilwatda’s commitment to reforming public service through technology aligns squarely with the APC’s mission to uplift communities and drive national progress.

“I have full confidence that your technocratic and political leadership will unite our great party, strengthen our popularity and growth, and chart a bold course for our party as we prepare for 2027.”

July 25, 2025