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Category: Politics

  • By-election results proved no mandate was stolen- Okpebholo 

    By-election results proved no mandate was stolen- Okpebholo 

    Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has said that last Saturday’s by-election results showed that he won last year’s governorship election.

    Okpebholo said the results represented a reflection of the love of Edo people for the All Progressives Congress.

    The Edo Governor spoke when he received the House of Representatives member-elect for Ovia Federal Constituency, Hon. Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion, who was led by her predecessor and Edo Deputy Governor, Hon. Dannis Idahosa on a thank you visit.

    He said the results showed the people freely voted for the APC and that no mandate was stolen.

    According to him: “This by-election results show that Edo people have spoken. They cried that we stole their mandate. I waited for this election to really know if we actually stole their mandate. 

    “See the results that came from Edo Central by-election. They show that their mandate was never stolen at all as APC won 51 wards out of 51 wards. This shows that the people gave their mandate to APC. No mandate was stolen.

    “The candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the past election, chairman of past election along side the candidates in this present election all lost their wards and units. This shows that the people never voted for them at all. 

    “This by-election is a reflection that Edo is APC and APC won the election as the election results show that PDP lost.

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    “Edo is APC, and we love President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and our promises of securing 2.5 million votes is a task that must be accomplished. We would not sleep but continue to work hard to achieve our goals.”

    Hon. Idahosa explained that he came to present his successor to the Governor.

    According to him: “There was a by-election at the Ovia Federal Constituency on Saturday, the 16th of August 2025, and a winner has emerged, and she will now be representing the people of Ovia.

    “She is my successor, and I am here to present her to you today and also thank you for showing purposeful leadership, and the people of Ovia Federal Constituency have asked me to thank you.”

    Barr. Igbinedion assured the Governor that she would represent the people well.

    She said: “The people should expect that I would hit the ground running. I am not new to the National Assembly and will bring my experience to bear as I embark on projects that will benefit my people.

    “The vote we got in Ovia Federal Constituency was a combination of so many factors but one thing I must say is that, the Ovia people recognized the hard work you have put in not to the development of Ovia Federal Constitucy alone but to the State as a whole where the entire State is feeling your impact.”

  • Ex-PDP chairman, LP leaders defect to APC in Ondo

    Ex-PDP chairman, LP leaders defect to APC in Ondo

    An erstwhile chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Alaba Arogunmolase, with some prominent leaders of the Labour Party (LP), on Monday officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. 

    Other notable defectors include Chiefs Odeja, Giwa, Bolaji, Ojo Akinniyi, and Prince Adeniyi Olanipekun, as well as all PDP ward chairmen in Akoko North-West.

    The defectors said their decision to join the APC was influenced by the leadership style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the grassroots mobilisation drive of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

    Speaking at the defection rally at the Motor Park in Oke Agbe-Akoko, the defectors lauded Dr. Tunji-Ojo for his outstanding contributions to Akoko land, especially Oke Agbe, which they described as a source of pride to the people of the area.

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    Receiving the new members, the Ondo APC Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin assured them of equal rights and privileges within the party. 

    Adetimehin was joined by members of the State Executive Committee, the local government APC chairman, Hon. Kehinde Obanla and Olumuyiwa Asagunla, who represented Dr. Tunji-Ojo at the event.

    Asagunla, who also serves as the Director General of the Asiwaju Mandate Group, welcomed the new entrants on behalf of the Interior Minister, promising them a level playing field in the APC.

    He said, “What we are witnessing today is a demonstration of faith in the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, is already delivering tangible dividends of democracy to Nigerians. 

    “The APC is a home of progress, development, and inclusiveness, and your decision to join us is a step into a brighter and more rewarding political future.”

    Remarking, Adetimehin urged the defectors to spread the message of the APC’s renewed hope agenda and remain steadfast in their support for the party to ensure a stronger outing in the 2027 elections.

    The rally attracted party leaders, community stakeholders, youths, and women from across the Akoko axis, signalling the growing popularity of the APC in Ondo State.

  • Oyo: APC must work harder for 2027 after Ibadan North defeat — Fagade

    Oyo: APC must work harder for 2027 after Ibadan North defeat — Fagade

    The Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade, has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s loss in Saturday’s by-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency is a clear signal that the party has more work to do ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Fagade made the remark on Monday during the commissioning of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term campaign office in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State.

    The event, held at Iyana Church, Ibadan, was attended by APC chieftains including Senator Hamzat Ademola Adeseun, former Lagelu LG Chairman Chief Timothy Kunle Sanda, Hon. Remi Adebayo, Alhaji Bashiru Akanbi, Chief James Ajuwon, Hon. Sikiru Adebayo, and Mr. Gafar Oyebade, among others.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Folajimi Oyekunle, had defeated APC’s Adewale Haastrup Olatunji and other contenders in the by-election.

    Speaking with journalists, Fagade said the outcome of the poll showed that the APC must reassess and strengthen its strategies. He stressed that the party had learned its lessons from the defeat and assured that it would come back stronger in future elections.

    He said, “Let me comment on what happened in Oyo State on Saturday. What happened in Oyo State on Saturday shows that we still have a lot of work to do. 

    “And we have been doing it. This one shows that we are serious. With what happened on Saturday, it shows that we will come back stronger. This is my local government and there is no way they will do something of this nature that I will not be there”. 

    Read Also: Group hails Matawalle for APC’s strong performance in Zamfara bye-election

    Adeseun, while speaking, noted that Tinubu’s second term is non-negotiable.

    He used the opportunity to appeal to Nigerians to support the second term of Tinubu. 

    He said, “So, this is our best chance, we have to use it maximally. Tinubu’s second term is non-negotiable. If you look at the results of the Saturday’s bye-election across the country, we had 16 bye-elections, APC won in 12, other political parties shared 4. 

    “That is an indication that is telling us where Nigerians are going. All the people making noise, they are just deceiving themselves. Yoruba will spend eight years”. 

    Coordinator of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu second term campaign team in the local government area, Hon. Sikiru Adebayo while speaking, said that Tinubu is already clearing the mess left behind by his predecessors. 

    He advised Nigerians to give him more time to take Nigeria to the Promised Land. 

    He said, “We had some issues before Tinubu came and he is settling it. We want to be sensitive to the need to give Mr President enough time to right the wrong.” 

  • All South-East Govs backing Tinubu for 2027 – Umahi

    All South-East Govs backing Tinubu for 2027 – Umahi

    The Minister of Works David Umahi has declared that every Governor in the South-East is fully behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

    In a video shared on Sunday by @peopleofebonyi_, Ebonyi 1st Choice News Media, Umahi said: “All the governors of the South-East are supporting the president for 2027, and there’s no governor in the South-East that is not supporting the president.

    “Governors are in charge of their states. You see Anambra, you see Enugu, you’ve seen Ebonyi, you’ve seen all that the governor is doing, you’ve seen Abia, you’ve seen Imo, so we are very confident that we’ll write our history.”

    Positioning himself as a key figure in the region’s political future, Umahi insisted that when the presidency rotates to the South-East, he should be at the forefront because of his achievements both as governor and minister.

    “When the presidency comes to the South-East, I should be at the forefront because of my performance.

    “I’ve asked for a debate with anybody who feels otherwise. I created something out of this state. God used me to do it.”

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    He further argued that his record outshines others in the region.

    “We compare governor to governor, time to time, and compare what you have done for the South-East. I beat my chest and say ‘Listen, God has used me, President Tinubu has used me, to better the lot of the South-East.’ You can tell when we last had it this good.”

    Umahi also advised the South-East to avoid sentiment in its quest for the presidency.

    “My advice for our people is to re-engage. We can’t get to the presidency by sentiment. We have to re-engage; we have to support other regions. And at the time of God, nobody will stop it. It will come to us. And who knows whether, at that time, it will be the man standing by the honourable minister.”

  • Group hails Matawalle for APC’s strong performance in Zamfara bye-election

    Group hails Matawalle for APC’s strong performance in Zamfara bye-election

    The Zamfara Good Governance Group (ZGGG) has praised the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for ensuring that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains a strong political force in the state following the recent bye-election.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, the group’s president, Murtala Abdullahi, commended Matawalle for his role in sustaining the APC’s grassroots strength even after leaving office as governor two years ago. 

    Abdullahi said the results collated by independent observers so far were a testament to the minister’s enduring political influence and commitment to his party.

    “Despite not holding the reins of state government, Matawalle has shown uncommon leadership and loyalty to the APC. The bye-election has once again demonstrated his firm connection with the people and his ability to inspire confidence in our great party. Zamfara remains firmly rooted in the APC because of the structures and trust he built during his tenure,” Abdullahi said.

    The group noted that the electoral process was marred by attempts from the current deputy governor, chief of staff to the governor, some commissioners, and other senior government officials to tilt the contest, but praised APC supporters for standing their ground in defence of their votes.

    “Zamfara people stood tall in the face of undue pressure. Supporters of our party displayed courage, resilience, and faith in democracy. Their determination to protect their choice is commendable and has ensured that the APC continues to show dominance in Zamfara’s political space,” Abdullahi stated.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the bye-election inconclusive due to irregularities in some polling units and announced that a new date for the supplementary poll would soon be fixed. 

    The ZGGG urged the commission to maintain transparency in the process and guarantee that the final outcome reflects the will of the people.

    “Democracy must be defended at all costs. We call on INEC to ensure that the supplementary election is free, fair, and credible. The people of Zamfara have spoken, and their voice must not be silenced by manipulation or malpractice,” Abdullahi added.

    The group also highlighted the importance of Matawalle’s continued involvement in the affairs of Zamfara despite his national responsibilities as Minister of State for Defence. 

    Abdullahi said the minister’s accessibility and grassroots engagement had kept the APC united and motivated.

    “Matawalle’s presence is still strongly felt in Zamfara. His ability to balance his role at the federal level with his commitment to his home state has kept the party machinery active and formidable. This is why, even in a challenging electoral environment, the APC continues to perform strongly,” he noted.

    The ZGGG further urged APC members and stakeholders to consolidate on the momentum by closing ranks and working for the collective interest of the people. 

    Abdullahi emphasised that internal unity and focus on service delivery would strengthen the APC ahead of future elections.

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    Abdullahi concluded by reaffirming the ZGGG’s support for Matawalle and the APC, insisting that the minister’s contributions to the party and the state would remain a reference point in Zamfara’s political history.

    “The legacy of resilience and commitment that Matawalle represents is the reason Zamfara continues to stand with the APC. We are confident that the final result will confirm the people’s choice,” Abdullahi said.

    The group also called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for voters during the supplementary poll, stressing that the courage displayed by citizens in the initial exercise must not be undermined.

    “Zamfara people deserve a credible electoral process that reflects their will. We trust that INEC will soon announce a date for the supplementary election and that the voices of our people will ultimately prevail,” Abdullahi added.

  • APC, NNPP share victories in Kano Assembly by-election

    APC, NNPP share victories in Kano Assembly by-election

    The Kano State House of Assembly by-election held on Saturday ended with both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) recording victories.

    The NNPP secured victory in the Bagwai/Shanono State Assembly rerun, while the APC triumphed in the Ghari/Tsanyawa constituency by-election.

    At the Bagwai INEC collation centre, the Returning Officer, Professor Hassan Adamu Shitu, declared NNPP candidate, Ali Lawal Al-Hassan, winner of the Bagwai/Shanono seat after polling 16,198 votes to defeat APC’s Abdullahi Ahmed Muhammed, who garnered 5,347 votes.

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    The outcome reflects the intense competition between the ruling NNPP and its major opposition, the APC, in Kano State politics.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Suleiman Muhammad Lawan, polled 159 votes to come third position, out of the 11 candidates fielded by different political parties in the contest.

    The Bagwai/Shanono constituency became vacant following the death of the former member, Hallilu Kundila, who was an APC member.

    Meanwhile, an APC candidate, Ya’u Garba Gwarmai, on Saturday defeated his closest rival and NNPP candidate, Muhammed Yusuf Ali, to reclaim the Ghari/Tsanyawa seat at the state House of Assembly.

    Announcing the results at the state INEC headquarters collation centre for the constituency, in the early hours of Sunday, the INEC returning officer, Professor Mohammed Yusuf Waziri, declared the APC candidate winner with 31,472 votes, saying the NNPP candidate polled only 27,931 votes.

    The Ghari/Tsanyawa seat in the Kano State Assembly became vacant after the general election, which produced the NNPP candidate was declared inconclusive.

  • 2026: Osun PDP urges residents to draw inspiration from Oyo by-election victory

    2026: Osun PDP urges residents to draw inspiration from Oyo by-election victory

    The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on residents of the state to take inspiration from the party’s recent victory in Oyo State as preparations for the 2026 governorship election gather momentum.

    In a statement on Sunday, the Osun PDP chairman, Sunday Bisi, congratulated the Oyo State chapter for its success in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, where the PDP candidate, Folajimi Oyekunle, secured 18,404 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Adewale Olatunji, who polled 8,312 votes.

    Bisi praised the electorate in Ibadan North for once again affirming that true power resides with the people in a constitutional democracy. He urged Osun residents to emulate the spirit of participation and commitment to democratic values demonstrated in Oyo State.

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    He said, “The victory is a further indication of the deep-seated resentment against the APC, whose only hope has consistently been the deployment of a pyrrhic federal might, plotting to unleash violence on the same people they seek to represent.

    Bisi urged Oyekunle to justify the trust reposed in him by standing firmly with the people, especially in a constituency that was hitherto not considered a stronghold of the PDP.

    “The party equally saluted the leader of the PDP in Oyo State, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for his exemplary leadership and outstanding performance which have cemented the strong bond between the people of Oyo State and our great party, the PDP.

    “I urge the people of Osun to draw inspiration from the victory of their next-door neighbours, that no rigging machinations of few failed politicians can prevail over the collective resolve of the electorate to stand with a Governor who has kept faith with his promises to the people.

    “The party reaffirmed its assurance to the people of Osun State that Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke will continue to pursue people-oriented policies, as to him, governance is about honouring the trust and mandate freely given by the people.”

  • APC’s Bagudu wins Chikun–Kajuru by-election in Kaduna

    APC’s Bagudu wins Chikun–Kajuru by-election in Kaduna

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s candidate, Felix Joseph Bagudu, has emerged winner of the Chikun–Kajuru Federal Constituency by-election in Kaduna State.

    Announcing the result on Sunday, the Returning Officer, Prof. Abubakar Jumare, declared Bagudu winner after securing a total of 34,580 votes across the two local governments that make up the constituency.

    His closest rival, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), polled 11,491 votes, leaving a margin of 23,089 votes between the two candidates.

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    In Kajuru Local Government Area, APC recorded 10,487 votes against PDP’s 6,789, while in Chikun Local Government Area, the ruling party swept 24,093 votes, compared to the opposition’s 4,702.

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) came a distant third with 3,477 votes from the two LGAs, while other parties trailed with negligible figures.

    Prof. Jumare, who announced the final figures at the collation centre, said the election was keenly contested but maintained that the process was generally peaceful across the two local governments.

    With the victory, Bagudu will fill the vacuum created in the House of Representatives from the Constituency, following the death of Labour Party’s Ekene Abubakar Adam’s. 

    Outcome of the Saturday bye-election further consolidates APC’s dominance in Kaduna politics.

  • JUST IN: INEC declares Zamfara by-election inconclusive

    JUST IN: INEC declares Zamfara by-election inconclusive

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the Zamfara State House of Assembly by-election for Kaura-Namoda South Constituency inconclusive.

    Announcing the results at the Kasuwar Daji Collation Centre on Saturday, August 16, 2025, INEC revealed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled a total of 6,999 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured 5,339 votes. 

    This gave the APC a lead of 1,660 votes.

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    Breakdown of results from the six wards showed APC leading in four wards, while PDP won in two.

    Kagara Ward: APC 783, PDP 682

    Saka Jiki Ward: APC 1,021, PDP 359

    Banga Ward: APC 1,163, PDP 1,466

    Kyanbarawa Ward: APC 1,162, PDP 660

    Kurya Ward: APC 983, PDP 1,580

    Dan Isah Ward: APC 1,887, PDP 592

    Despite APC’s lead, INEC declared the election inconclusive, citing the need for a rerun in three polling units of Kyanbarawa Ward and two polling units in Saka Jiki Ward.

    A new date is expected to be announced for the supplementary election.

  • INEC declares APC’s Garki winner of Jigawa by-election

    INEC declares APC’s Garki winner of Jigawa by-election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Alhaji Mukhtar Rabi’u Garki, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the Babura/Garki federal constituency by-election in Jigawa State.

    Announcing the result in Babura town, the Returning Officer, Professor Salisu Ibrahim, said Garki secured 38,449 votes, defeating his closest rival, Alhaji Auwalu Isah Manzo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 13,519 votes.

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    The candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Malam Sabo Salisu, came third with 2,931 votes.

    Professor Ibrahim declared: “I, Professor Salisu Ibrahim, as the returning officer for Babura/Garki federal constituency by-election held on 16/08/2025, hereby declare Alhaji Rabi’u Mukhtar Garki, having fulfilled all requirements and scored the highest votes, winner of the election.”

    With the victory, the APC has retained control of the Babura/Garki federal constituency seat in the House of Representatives.