The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Ex-NOA officer makes case for state police

    Ex-NOA officer makes case for state police

    • •Unveils four books in Lagos

    A former Chief Programme Officer, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Stephen Oluwatosimin Awosanya, has called on the government to adopt a state police system.

    He spoke on the sidelines of the launch of his four books at the Centre for Management Development (CMD), Magodo, Lagos.

    The books are ‘’Feeding Bottle Federalism’’, ‘’Promoting Democratic Culture’’, ‘’The Prevailing Grace and ‘’Flakes of Nigerian Politics’’.

     Awosanya canvassed support for the ongoing national discourse on state police, saying it would help solve the problem in the system. He argued that since indigenes know their terrain very well, a policeman from the area would excel in that it would be easy for him to do his job as ‘’a son of the soil’’.

    He does not agree that the present police system should continue, noting its many failures. He wondered how a police officer from the south could do well in the North in view of their peculiar cultures, among others.

    Also, Awosanya, who sought support for the implementation of true federalism, as it is a good system of government, however, does not agree with those calling for the creation of more states, despite their reasons. He recalled that the only state created by a civilian government, the Mid-Western Region, was in 1963 and that others were by military administrations. Not only was the process cumbersome, but the objective would also not yield the desired results.

    The Akarigbo, Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, Ogun State, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, praised the author, who he noted was his secondary school mate, for writing the books, which he said was no feat. The monarch said: I am here to solidarise with the author. He is very close to me. He is very deep and reflective,’’ adding: You will write many more books and win prizes.’’ He launched the books with N1million which would cover the copies he would buy for all kings in Ogun.

    Read Also: First Lady donates ₦1bn, relief items to Niger flood, fire, banditry victims

    A co-launcher, Dr. Segun Philips, also praised Awosanya for his efforts in writing the books. He however lamented the poor reading culture among Nigerians, saying that reading is dying. He called for attitudinal change.

    Philips, who is the Managing Director, Sabreworks Real Estate Investment Limited, while seeking support for the books, said they are the gateway to getting knowledge. He also said democracy had come to stay, enjoining Nigerians to support it. Noting that the problem with our democratic system is the leaders, he urged Nigerians to be patient, adding that with time it would mature. He launched the books with N1million.

    Chairman of the occasion, Sir Tope Tokoya, a former governorship candidate, also congratulated the author for rolling four books at a go. He donated an undisclosed amount.

    NOA Director, Lagos State, Dr. Mustapha Tukur, who described the author as his former boss, warned against electoral apathy as exhibited in the last local government election in Lagos. He said this was not good for the growth of democracy, especially as council is the closest government to people, he urged Nigerians to register and vote during elections to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

    Also, he said continued apathy would thwart national growth and development.

    He decried misinformation and disinformation as they lead to fake news. He urged the public to tackle the menace with enlightenment. ‘’Ät NOA, we communicate good information and inculcate the right values in people,’’ he informed.

    Tukur agreed with the author who condemned godfatherism, saying it robs us of good leaders and the commodification of politics.

    The books’ reviewers, Prof Idowu Adegbite of the Faculty of Law, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State; Prof Adeleke Oduwaye of the Urban and Regional Planning Department, University of Lagos, Dr Tukur, and Director, Corporate Affairs, Supreme Mandate Publisher Publishers, Mr. M. A. Jinadu, gave the author a pat for publishing excellent books. Specifically, Adegbite and Oduwaye commended the author for his simple language, excellent writing style and being on top of his game.

  • 2027: SWAGA begins mobilisation for Tinubu

    2027: SWAGA begins mobilisation for Tinubu

    The leader of Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), a socio-political group, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, spoke with reporters in Lagos on plans for mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.

    SWAGA ‘s second ‘missionary’ journey

    • Membership across the political divides
    • Mission is to project good governance to the people
    • Committed to drumming support for Tinubu’s re-election bid
    • His achievements have vindicated us
    • Not campaigning for any political party because it is not yet time
    • Membership is increasing with leaps and bounds
    • Ready for collaboration with stakeholders on Tinubu’s second term

    Three years ago, the Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), a socio-political group, drummed support for the presidential ambition of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ahead of the 2023 polls.

    Many did not take the group seriously. But it achieved its goal. Following the success of its first mobilisation drive, it has now unfolded plans for the second phase, ahead of 2027 poll.

    SWAGA leader, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, said the group is coming out again because the president has performed; he has behaved as a statesman, and not a politician, and he has has demonstrated courage, patriotism and candour.

    He told reporters in Lagos that the group decided to come out to mobilise for the president so that he can complete what he has started. 

    Adeyeye was accompanied by other group leaders, including Deji Jakande, Suraj Adekunbi, Yinka Odufuwa, Nukaila Musa, Gani Onaluka, Niyi Olabiyi,Adetilewa Sijuwade, Yinka Olaiya, who represented Bolanle Akinyemi-Obe, Garuba Fatai, Julius Oloro, Gani Dauda, and Bosun Oladele, the publicity secretary.

    During its lunch on December 15, 2020 at Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, the group agitated for power shift to Southern Nigeria, especially the Southwest after the tenure of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Then, Adeyeye told Nigerians that only Tinubu could lead the country on the path to self rediscovery.The mission took SWAGA to the Southwest states and later, Delta, Imo, Cross Rivers, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, Benue and other states, visiting  over 400 palaces to meet traditional rulers, chiefs, and community leaders.

    Also, the group made over 300 sensitization stops, visiting workers, market women and men, artisans, students and youth organizations and other interest groups.

    The group initiated the sensitisation and mobilisation walk in Akure, Ondo State capital, before other campaigners followed suit.

    Reflecting on the initiative, Adeyeye said: “Our slogan: Vision Passion Action, which summarises and encapsulates the personality and philosophy of Asiwaju resonated with the people. When he finally came out to commence his consultations and campaign tours, we went round the country with him. As they say, the rest is history and to God be the glory.

     “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not disappointed those of us who believed in his vision for Nigeria and his capability to drive the mission.”

    Adeyeye, chairman of the board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), listed the achievements of the president, saying that they are invontrovertible.

     He said: “His prompt removal of the corrupt, crippling and evil fuel subsidy that has fleeced the country for decades and robbed it of legacy developmental projects whilst enriching a few and impoverishing the multitude.

    Read Also: First Lady donates ₦1bn, relief items to Niger flood, fire, banditry victims

    “The results are visible in more money to the state coffers and the Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the country. It is noteworthy that every notable Presidential candidate in the last election pledged to remove fuel subsidy but we in SWAGA knew that the only person bold enough among them to hit the ground running about this was Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We were vindicated.

     “He floated the Naira and stopped the reckless printing of currency and corrupt borrowing through the unpopular “ways and means” to defend it against the U.S Dollars thus ensuring stability in its value with increased inflow of Foreign Direct Investment aided by confidence in Nigeria’s economy. (Global rating Institutions like Fitch has upgraded Nigeria to “B”. Moody upgraded Nigeria to “B3 while S&P upgraded Nigeria to “B”. Most of these rated Nigeria negatively before now).

    “Tinubu has introduced the legacy Student’s Loan scheme through the establishment of NELFUND. This provides students with yearly tuition fee and monthly upkeep allowances. Funding will no longer be a challenge to the tertiary educational hope of any Nigerian Student again.

     “The Federal Government has built and is still building across the country thousands of homes for citizens under its renewed hope housing scheme.

     “The administration under President Tinubu introduced CNG and invested over N250Billion into it. This has reduced the impact of fossil fuels on our environment whilst providing cheaper transportation alternatives for commuters and motorists and further creating jobs for technicians.

     “There has been substantial increase in local production of refined petroleum products with the Dangote refinery and other modular and smaller refineries in operation. Favourable government policies are encouraging unprecedented investment in this sector and, Nigeria is on the way to becoming a net exporter of refined petroleum products. This is a great leap from the economy crushing position of total importation of these products.”

     The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain alluded to the multi-billion naira investment by the Federal Government towards ensuring food security through NALDA. with an initial purchase of 2000 tractors and 10 implements attached to each of them.

    He also pointed out that an agreement has been signed to establish a tractor and farm implements assembly centre in the country.

     Adeyeye said the President has directed the establishment of the National Credit Guarantee Company to ensure that eligible Nigerians all have access to credit.

     Also, the Federal Government has cleared forex backlog claim by foreign airlines, thus crashing the hitherto high cost of tickets for flights from Nigeria. In his view, this has greatly increased the confidence of foreign operators in our aviation sector.

     He also said that “Nigeria now exports more than import as evident in the recent trade surplus of about 209.6% amounting to a whopping N18.86. Trillion for 2024.”

     Adeyeye added: “Mr President has, apart from paying wage award to civil servants across the country, increased the National minimum wage for workers and even the members of NYSC.

     “There are game changing road construction works on going across the country from the iconic Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project to Badagry- Sokoto expressway and numerous others undergoing reconstruction etc.

     “At least, the establishment of 11 new universities have been signed into Law by President Tinubu between 2024 and 2025 thus improving and expanding access to tertiary education.

    “The launch of youth-centric 3MTT (Three Million Technical Talents) program has opened doors for Nigerian youth into training on the use of innovation and technology in providing solutions to modern day challenges.

     “Abuja, the Federal Capital city that has stagnated in terms of development for decades has witnessed unprecedented infrastructural transformation in the last two years.”

     Adeyeye said President Tinubu has introduced a very dynamic and robust tax reforms  excusing the lower income earners from tax payment while bringing more organizations and hitherto evasive individuals into the tax net.

     He pointed out that the security situation has improved tremendously especially in places like Kaduna State and the Northeast that were hitherto the hotspot of ethno-religious killings and cleansing.

     He stressed: “There has been relative calm in the Niger Delta region leading to unprecedented increase in oil production and sales thus earning more income for the country.”

     The SWAGA leader noted that the capital market has stabilised as one of the global top performers with increased investor confidence in the economy. Also, he said that electricity generation is now peaking at about 13 Megawatts while the distribution is becoming steady and regular across the country.

     He added: “Increased revenue sharing to states and local governments have enabled them to undertake development projects while paying increased salary to workers thus reducing labour restiveness across the country.”

     SWAGA listed 14 ongoing legacy road projects under Tinubu led administration. These are:  9th Mile-Oturkpo-Makurdi Road, Sokoto-Badagry Highway, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, Abuja-Lokoja-Benin Road,  Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Benin – Asaba Super Highway, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and, Oyo -Ogbomoso Expressway.

    Others are:   Bose Saadu – Kaima-Kosubosu Road, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway

    Bodo-Bonny Road, Lagos – Ibadan Expressway, and the Second Niger Bridge Access Road.

    Adeyeye said: “It is on record that this is the only federal government that has made it a policy to use rigid concrete for the construction of these and other roads in Nigeria.”

    The SWAGA leader recalled that in 2020, the group urged President Tinubu to contest. It also sensitised Nigerians to his leadership qualities as  the right person to lead the country back to the path of abundance and prosperity.

    Adeyeye said: “We hereby make bold to say that since 1999 till date, no Nigerian president has come into office with the kind of preparation, vision and passion that President Tinubu has displayed.”

    He added: “We are of the firm conviction that if a government in Nigeria has been able to achieve so much within just two years in office in terms of projects and policies, then Nigerians are in for better and brighter future in four years and ultimately more will be done and the country will experience exponential development and growth in eight years under the visionary and courageous leadership of President Tinubu.”

  • Obi and politics of empowerment

    Obi and politics of empowerment

    • By Seye Oladejo

    The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) notes widely circulated list titled “Peter Obi’s Donations for Social Interventions — Jan–July 2025.”

    While the document aims to portray Mr. Peter Obi as a generous and socially conscious individual, a closer inspection reveals patterns that are both politically strategic and regionally skewed. More importantly, it raises legitimate questions about selective philanthropy dressed as nationalism.

    Let us be clear: there is nothing inherently wrong with private citizens or politicians making donations. In fact, philanthropy should be encouraged. But when such acts are carefully curated and loudly publicized in ways that reinforce regional loyalties, exclude key demographics, and serve partisan narratives, they cease to be neutral gestures—they become tools of subtle political engineering.

    •Glaring Regional Bias

    A breakdown of the N596 million total disbursed between January and July 2025 shows that over 70% (N415 million) was spent in the South East. The rest of the country received crumbs by comparison:

    •South West (SW): N0.00

    •North East (NE): N6 million

    •North Central (NC): N60 million

    •North West (NW): N60 million

    •South South (SS): N35 million

    We ask: How does one lay claim to national leadership while completely ignoring the South West—the most economically vibrant and politically significant region of the country? Lagos alone, with its sprawling urban poor and overburdened public health system, did not receive a single kobo.

    Is this oversight or a deliberate snub? Either way, it tells a troubling story.

    •Political Targeting in the Name of Charity

    The states and institutions selected for Obi’s donations are not random—they are carefully chosen to reinforce his core base in the South East and to make inroads into Christian and minority communities in the North Central and North West. Of the N60 million given to Kaduna, for example, not a single kobo went to state-run institutions or Muslim-majority areas without religious overtones. Rather, the donations went to almajiri schools and Christian medical colleges—undoubtedly important, but also carefully symbolic.

    This is not nation-building. It is brand-building.

    •Philanthropy Is Not a Substitute for Leadership

    Peter Obi supporters often confuse generosity with leadership. Leadership is about policy, institutional reform, and vision—not just doling out money. The challenges in Lagos—traffic congestion, housing deficits, healthcare pressure, youth unemployment—require policy-backed solutions, not periodic handouts.

    Read Also: 2025 Flood: 191 dead, 94 missing, 134,435 affected in 20 States – NEMA

    Let it be known: Lagos APC and the Tinubu-led federal government are investing in long-term systemic solutions. Lagos is benefiting from federal infrastructure, improved rail and port systems, and social investment programs reaching thousands of households—not for headlines, but for impact.

    •Obi’s Donations Raise More Questions Than They Answer

    We must also ask:

    •Where is the source of these hundreds of millions?

    •What legal and transparency frameworks govern this “philanthropy”?

    •Why are public institutions rarely the recipients—while private, religious, and mission-based institutions dominate?

    A leader aspiring to govern a pluralistic, diverse Nigeria cannot afford to behave like a regional benefactor or a sectarian patron.

    •To Lagosians: Don’t Be Fooled by Optics

    Some may laugh off the exclusion of Lagos and the South West as a “strategy,” but we must treat it for what it is—a calculated marginalization of regions outside his narrow political comfort zone. Lagosians are not second-class Nigerians. We refuse to be treated as spectators in a nation we helped build.

    We urge all well-meaning Lagosians—and indeed all Nigerians—to interrogate the motives behind this carefully publicized generosity. Don’t be swayed by press releases and symbolic gifts. Ask deeper questions. Hold would-be leaders accountable not just for what they give, but why, where, and how they give it.

    Conclusion

    While Peter Obi is free to donate as he pleases, let no one mistake targeted philanthropy for national leadership. Nigeria deserves a president who is pan-Nigerian in thought, action, and empathy—not one who doles out favors along familiar lines while ignoring major regions like the South West.

    A rolling stone may gather applause, but it doesn’t build nations. We in Lagos APC remain focused on policies that uplift all, not PR stunts that divide.

    •Mogaji (Hon) Seye Oladejo.

  • 2027: Performance should determine re-election, says Ondo Senator Ipinsagba

    2027: Performance should determine re-election, says Ondo Senator Ipinsagba

    As political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, the senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Jide Ipinsagba, has said that lawmakers seeking re-election should be assessed based on their performance and contributions to their constituencies.

    Speaking with journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Senator Ipinsagba emphasised that the true measure of a legislator’s worth lies in the impact made through legislative work and constituency interventions.

    “Constituents who are direct beneficiaries of various intervention programmes and developmental projects are in the best position to determine who deserves another term. Performance should be the yardstick,” he stated.

    The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Affairs, also threw his weight behind the stance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that ruled out automatic tickets for lawmakers in the 2027 elections.

    He debunked reports suggesting that the party had concluded plans to grant automatic return tickets to serving members of the National Assembly.

    “As a procedural person. Anything that is not written, I don’t believe in it. It’s an insinuation. People are thinking ahead of things. Well, if it is the thought of the people, who am I to fault it? There is no place where such a decision was taken,” Senator Ipinsagba said.

    Ipinsagba’s position align with a statement issued in June by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, who dismissed reports about automatic tickets for the National Assembly members as ‘false’.

    Although Mr Morka did not rule out possible considerations in the future.

    Reflecting on his two years in the Senate, Ipinsagba highlighted key achievements across the six local government areas of his district, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

    Read Also: 2025 Flood: 191 dead, 94 missing, 134,435 affected in 20 States – NEMA

    “My constituents remain my top priority. I’m in its development. We have made strides in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, but there is still more work to be done, coupled with the already ongoing ones,” he assured.

    He also disclosed that the proposed Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre in Ikare-Akoko would soon receive final approval, noting that the project is expected to bolster digital literacy and skill development among youth in the region.

    However, Senator Ipinsagba expressed his support for the proposed creation of Ose State.

    He noted that the bill, which has already passed its first reading in the House of Representatives, would receive thorough consideration when presented before the Senate.

    “The bill (Ose State) is still in its early stages, but once it reaches the Senate, we will ensure a robust debate that reflects the interest of the people,” he said.

  • 2027: Ogun PDP affirms support for Tinubu

    2027: Ogun PDP affirms support for Tinubu

    …says APC candidate stands no chance in Remo bye-election

    The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has clarified that its recent endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is strictly for his 2027 re-election bid and not an endorsement of Governor Dapo Abiodun or the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the August 16 Remo Federal Constituency bye-election.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, PDP Publicity Secretary, Arc. Kayode Adebayo, said efforts by individuals believed to be loyal to Governor Abiodun to misrepresent the party’s position were deliberate attempts to mislead the public.

    Adebayo emphasized that the endorsement of Tinubu should not be misconstrued as support for the APC’s candidate in the forthcoming bye-election, insisting that the PDP remains firmly behind its candidate, Asiwaju Bolarinwa Oluwole.

    “The bye-election has no connection whatsoever with Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign,” he stated. “Our endorsement of the president does not translate into backing the APC in the August 16 poll.”

    He accused the APC of twisting the narrative surrounding the PDP’s campaign flag-off, saying it was a desperate attempt to distract from Governor Abiodun’s alleged poor performance and waning popularity in the state.

    Adebayo also cited Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) records from the 2023 elections, which showed that Governor Abiodun lost both his polling unit and ward to the PDP, as evidence of the APC’s declining influence.

    Read Also: Tinubu signs insurance reform bill into law to boost financial sector, drive $1tn economy vision

    He dismissed any attempt to link Tinubu’s endorsement to the local bye-election as “a political mirage,” and called on the ruling party to focus on credible governance rather than propaganda.

    Reaffirming the PDP’s stance, he said: “Asiwaju Bolarinwa Oluwole remains our candidate. No amount of propaganda, threats, or misinformation will deter the people of Remoland from making their voices heard on August 16.”

    Adebayo concluded by warning against any use of state power or intimidation during the election, urging Governor Abiodun and his supporters to allow a free, fair, and credible process to unfold.

  • 2027: Tinubu will have landslide victory, says SWAGA

    2027: Tinubu will have landslide victory, says SWAGA

    A socio-political group, Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), on Tuesday said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would have a landslide victory in the 2027 election.

    The group said it had been vindicated by the achievements of the president across the sectors of the economy, adding that he has lived up to expectations.

    SWAGA leader, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, who spoke with reporters in Lagos on what he described as the group’s second missionary journey, said there is no obstacle to the way of a second term.

    Accompanied by other chieftains, including Bosun Oladele, Adetilewa Sijuwade, Julius Oloro, Muniru Hakeem Abiodun, and Deji Jakande, he said it is evident that Nigerians never voted for President Tinubu in vain in 2023.

    Adeyeye dismissed the tricks of other rival aspirants who are trying to woo Nigerians with a joker of one term, saying that they are jesters.

    He also faulted the argument of subjective observers who think that the North would not vote for president in 2027.

    Adeyeye said those peddling the falsehood are not in tune with reality, stressing that the thinking in the North is that President Tinubu should be re-elected.

    He said, “President Tinubu will have a landslide victory in 2027. Some aspirants are talking about one term. One term is deceitful. There is no certainty in it. Nobody would leave certainty for uncertainty.

    “What can they do in one term of four years? That means they want power for themselves only.”

    Adeyeye also dismissed the lie about the Yorubanisation of public appointments, saying that the president has been fair to the six regions.

    Highlighting the achievements of the president, he said the feats would recommend him to Nigerians for re-election.

    Adeyeye said, “President Tinubu has not disappointed us who believed in his vision for Nigeria and his capability to drive the mission.”

    Adeyeye, chairman of the board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), said the President’s prompt removal of the corrupt, crippling and evil fuel subsidy that has fleeced the country for decades and robbed it of legacy developmental projects whilst enriching a few and impoverishing the multitude.

    Read Also: Tinubu approves N4.2bn as grant for research

    He added, “The results are visible in more money to the state coffers and the Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the country. It is noteworthy that every notable Presidential candidate in the last election pledged to remove fuel subsidy, but we in SWAGA knew that the only person bold enough among them to hit the ground running about this was Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We were vindicated.

     “He floated the Naira and stopped the reckless printing of currency and corrupt borrowing through the unpopular “ways and means” to defend it against the U.S. dollars, thus ensuring stability in its value with increased inflow of Foreign Direct Investment aided by confidence in Nigeria’s economy. (Global rating Institutions like Fitch have upgraded Nigeria to “B”. Moody upgraded Nigeria to “B3 while S&P upgraded Nigeria to “B”. Most of these rated Nigeria negatively before now.

    “Tinubu has introduced the legacy Students’ Loan scheme through the establishment of NELFUND. This provides students with a yearly tuition fee and monthly upkeep allowances. Funding will no longer be a challenge to the tertiary educational hope of any Nigerian Student again.”

  • By-election: APC deepens campaign, woos voters in Ovia

    By-election: APC deepens campaign, woos voters in Ovia

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has intensified its campaign activities in the Ovia Federal Constituency ahead of next week’s by-election.

    With elections set to hold in seven local government areas of Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency, the APC campaign train stormed Uhen and Isiuwa communities to rally support for its candidate, Barr. Omosede Igbinedion.

    Addressing enthusiastic supporters, Igbinedion urged the electorate to vote APC, stating that only a representative from the ruling party could attract meaningful projects and development to the area.

    She reaffirmed her commitment to inclusive representation, grassroots empowerment, and sustainable development if elected.

    According to her, “If you send somebody who is not an APC person to Abuja, that person will not be able to bring anything back to you.

    “I was picked because of my ranking. The more you stay in the House, the bigger project you can attract to your people.”

    Read Also: 2027: APC has no opposition, says Uzodinma

    On his part, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, said he would resign from politics if candidates of other political parties win their polling units.

    He described Omosede as a true daughter of the constituency and called on supporters to mobilise voters for her victory.

    “We’re not here to joke. This is her home, and she deserves full support. We’re united now to make Ovia better,” he said.

  • ADC chairmen want INEC to resist illegal change of leadership

    ADC chairmen want INEC to resist illegal change of leadership

    The Concerned State Chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)  has urged the 

    the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resist any pressure to recognise what it called any illegal change of leadership in the party. 

    The chairmen at a briefing in Abuja condemned the orchestrated political coup allegedly being perpetrated by the coalition led by Senator David Mark and  some others.

    Led by Elias Adokwu and Godwin Alaku as publicity Secretary, the group said  the  clandestine and unconstitutional hijack of our party, orchestrated through manipulation and backdoor dealings, represents not only a desperate power grab but also an aberrations of democratic norms and a grave assault on our collective political values as a nation.

    “We must make it abundantly clear: this is not a realignment of political ideology, nor is it an internal resolution of party differences. Rather, it is a blatant and reckless subversion of the ADC platform by a group we describe as a civilian junta, a self-styled cabal attempting to seize control outside the bounds of legal and democratic process.

    “It is ironic, and indeed tragic, that many of these individuals, who now presume to hijack the party, played no part in Nigeria’s hard-fought return to democracy. On the contrary, they have consistently exhibited disdain for constitutional governance. 

    ,”Nigerians must not forget in a hurry the notorious warning from one of the ringleaders of this group, who declared during the 2011 elections that “if peaceful change is not possible, violent change is inevitable.” 

    “This dangerous mindset is once again rearing its head, now cloaked in the garb of a political coalition. It is only by the grace of God that our democracy survived then, and we must not allow such reckless adventurism to thrive now.

    Read Also: INEC sets August 18 for nationwide voter registration ahead of 2027 elections

    “The Concerned ADC State Chairmen views this attempted takeover as an insult to all those who believe in and have labored for democratic governance in Nigeria. It is illegal, illegitimate, and unacceptable. Their objective is to fracture the democratic process, using selfish ambition and extra-party inducements to destroy a political platform they neither built nor believe in.

    “Let it be known: the African Democratic Congress (ADC) remains a party committed to democratic principles, the rule of law, ideological clarity, and peaceful political engagement. We have never and will never be a platform for political mercenaries or ideological impostors. If the coalition led by Senator David Mark and their agents of subversion are determined to pursue their sinister ambitions, they are advised to create their own party or look elsewhere. The ADC is not for sale, not for hijack, and certainly not a dumping ground for discredited power brokers.

    “This forum also challenges these so-called coalition leaders to disclose their actual contributions to the growth of democracy in Nigeria. What electoral value or ideological clarity do they bring? When and how did they earn the moral authority to determine the future of a political party whose founding values they have never defended?

    “We, the legitimate custodians of the ADC structure across all states of the federation, reject this illegitimate junta. We consider it our patriotic duty to defend the soul of the ADC and protect the sanctity of democratic structures in Nigeria.

    “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resist any pressure to recognize any illegal change of leadership in ADC.

    “The Nigerian public, civil society organizations, and international observers to monitor and resist this creeping authoritarianism.

    “Law enforcement agencies to investigate all unlawful attempts to disrupt political order under the guise of coalition arrangements.

    “In conclusion, the concerned ADC State Chairmen stands firm in defense of democracy. We will not be intimidated, coerced, or silenced by those who seek to impose themselves through undemocratic means. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and its democracy must be preserved, protected, and strengthened, not undermined by political desperadoes masquerading as reformers.

    “Finally, i urge Nigerians to disregard the baseless allegations made by Ralph Nwosu and to see them for what they are – a desperate attempt to salvage his own political reputation, and if anything happens to me or any other Distinguish Chairmen of Our great Party the ADC, Nigerians should Not look far,”they said

  • We’re behind Tinubu for 2027 – Ogun PDP  

    We’re behind Tinubu for 2027 – Ogun PDP  

    Ogun chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) has thrown its weight behind the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

    Ogun PDP chairman , Hon. Abayomi Tella, made this known on Monday at the inauguration of the campaign council and official campaign flag off  of its candidate for House of Representatives, Remo Federal Constituency bye-election August 16.

    The Remo Federal Constituency became vacant following the death of Deputy Chief Whip, Hon Adewunmi Onanuga, last January. 

    Tella who unveiled Hon. Bolarinwa Oluwole as the candidate, noted that the South West PDP is unanimously disposed to support the President Tinubu to actualise his re- election bid. 

    He described President Tinubu as the ‘father of the nation,’ saying this also informed the propriety of rallying round him to retain the reins of power till 2031.

    Tella urged party faithful to come out en mass to participate in the bye-election, and not to succumbed to intimidation or harassment by anybody or group throughout the electoral process.

    Read Also: Why PDP can’t displace APC, by Oladejo

    “We are not going to submit to any harassment or intimidation on Saturday.  The election is a win win for the party. This constituency is our stronghold and this was evident in the outcome of the 2023 election. Our party defeated the seating governor in his ward. They will record defeat as far as this election is concerned,” he said. 

    National Vice Chairman, Hon Kamorudeen Ajisafe, before presenting the party’s flag to Oluwole, said the Southwest Zonal Secretariat has momentarily been moved to Ogun State for the purpose of mobilising support the party candidate in the bye-election. 

    The governorship candidate of the party in 2023, Hon Oladipupo Adebutu, said the party is supporting Tinubu’s reelection to ensure that the bye election is free,fair and credible. 

  • 2027: Performance, not automatic tickets, should determine lawmakers’ return — Senator Ipinsagba

    2027: Performance, not automatic tickets, should determine lawmakers’ return — Senator Ipinsagba

    As political realignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, Senator Jide Ipinsagba, who represents Ondo North Senatorial District, has insisted that lawmakers seeking re-election should be judged strictly on their performance and service to their constituencies.

    Speaking to journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Senator Ipinsagba emphasised that constituents, as direct beneficiaries of projects and programmes, are best positioned to decide who deserves another term.

    “Performance should be the yardstick. It’s not about noise; it’s about results and visible impact,” he said.

    The lawmaker, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Affairs, also endorsed the position of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which ruled out automatic return tickets for serving legislators in 2027.

    He dismissed reports suggesting otherwise as mere speculation.

    “As a procedural person, I don’t believe in things that aren’t documented. There’s no official decision anywhere granting automatic tickets,” Ipinsagba clarified.

    His remarks align with a June statement by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, who described similar reports as false, though he did not rule out future considerations.

    Read Also: APC Senator denies defection report

    Reflecting on his two years in the Senate, Senator Ipinsagba highlighted key interventions across the six local government areas of his district, particularly in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

    “We’ve recorded significant progress, but there’s still more work to do,” he said, adding that the development of his constituency remains his top priority.

    He also announced that a proposed ICT Centre in Ikare-Akoko is nearing final approval. Once completed, the centre is expected to enhance digital literacy and create skill development opportunities for youths in the region.

    On national restructuring, Ipinsagba expressed support for the proposed creation of Ose State.

    He noted that the bill, which has passed its first reading in the House of Representatives, would be given thorough legislative attention when it gets to the Senate.

    “It’s still early days, but when it gets to the floor of the Senate, we’ll ensure that the voices and interests of the people are well represented,” he assured.