The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Akpabio, Eno receive ex-PDP National Legal Adviser into APC

    Akpabio, Eno receive ex-PDP National Legal Adviser into APC

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, have formally received the former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Emmanuel Enoidem into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    At a rally in Utu Etim Ekpo, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio likened the defection of Enoidem who had served as a Commissioner in his administration as Governor to the Biblical story of a Shepherd who left 99 sheep to go in search of one which had gone astray.

    Akpabio commended Eno for reuniting Enoidem with him and said the move would ensure a rancor free electioneering not only in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District but Akwa Ibom State as a whole. He said with the defection of the former PDP chieftain, APC would coast home to victory easily in the 2027 elections.

    A statement by the Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong, quoted Senator Akpabio as saying: “This rally is like connecting me to one of my political mentees. I want to tell everyone that I am happy to receive Enoidem into the APC.

    “Today’s event signals the return of peace to Akwa Ibom State. And you know that peace drives  progress and development in any community.

    “I must put on record for the people of Etim Ekpo that despite the fact that Enoidem contested against me in 2023, you voted overwhelmingly for me. So now that he is back with us, we anticipate rancour free elections in 2027,” Akpabio said.

    Through a voice vote administered by Senator Akpabio, the people indicated their intention to support the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno.

    On his part, Governor Eno acknowledged that Enoidem had played a key role in his emergence as Governor of Akwa Ibom State and appreciated him for hearkening to the voice of reason and joining the APC in the overall interest of the State.

    Read Also: Ex-PDP National Legal Adviser joins APC in Akwa Ibom

    Eno disclosed that even while he was in PDP, Enoidem had assured him of his support for his reelection and that of Senator Akpabio but he had reasoned that it would serve the interest of the State better if he joined the APC.

    The former PDP chieftain, Enoidem said he was defecting from the PDP to join the APC in the interest of Akwa Ibom State since all politics are local and majority of the people have indicated their preference for the ruling party instead of being in the opposition.

    The event was attended by political stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, State House of Assembly members, State Executive Council members, local government chairmen, party leaders, traditional and religious leaders, among others.

    The State Chairman of APC, Obong Steven Ntokekpo presented party symbols and paraphernalia to the new entrant.

  • Adamawa ADC gets harmonised executives after prolonged crisis

    Adamawa ADC gets harmonised executives after prolonged crisis

    The Adamawa chapter of African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sworn in new executives after months of leadership crisis.

    The new executives are coming as products of reconciliation after a long internal rancour when different factions functioned as leaders of the party in the state.

    The new Executive Council has Yohannah Shehu as chairman, with Mohammed Suleiman as Deputy, Zubairu Ishaq as Secretary, and Japhet Pamassa as Assistant  Secretary.

    A caretaker chairman before now, Malam saidu Komsiri was sworn in as the new organising secretary, with Yakubu Hamza to assist him, while Alhaji Ali Muhammad is treasurer and Mrs Alheri Hycent is the deputy treasurer.

    The 44-member ADC Adsmawa State Executive Council also includes Sadam Bororo as financial secretary, Aisha Dambo as assistant financial secretary, Moses Thakur as publicity secretary with Yusuf Abdullahi to assist him, as well as Hassan Isa as legal adviser, among other executives.

    In a vote of thanks on behalf of the new Exco during the Harmonization and Swearing-In of the new ADC Adamawa State Executive Council in Yola, the organising secretary Komsiri recalled that the ADC in the state went through “a very challenging period” but that it has now come to “this moment of reconciliation, unity, and renewed strength.”

    Komsiri said the new Exco appreciates the party’s national leader, Atku Abubakar for his fatherly

    intervention and the role he played in the reconciliation process.

    Expressing optimism that the conflict in the ADC state leadership has now been settled, Komsiri said, “The understanding agreement reached and signed by all parties is a testament that ADC Adamawa has chosen reconciliation over rancor, unity over division, and progress over personal interest.”

    Some of the new Adamawa ADC executives at the swearing-in ceremony
  • Kano residents laud Yusuf’s resignation from NNPP

    Kano residents laud Yusuf’s resignation from NNPP

    A cross section of Kano residents on Saturday praised Gov. Abba Yusuf for his decision to resign from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

    Alhaji Abubakar Isa of Unguwar Wanbai, Gwale Local Government Area, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Governor’s political move would allow him to concentrate on delivering all his campaign promises without undue interference from any godfather.

    According to him, the governor will now be free to appoint Commissioners, Special Advisers and Heads of government’s agencies at his discretion, thereby ensuring the proper execution of government’s programmes.

    Musa Ibrahim of Shagari Quarters, said they for the first time, Yusuf appeared to be independent and would be able to fulfil his role as a democratically-elected leader.

    He described the development as “the best thing that had happened to the political growth of Kano State.”

     Yusuf has widely been commended for demonstrating political maturity by honourably resigning NNPP, a move described as a bold step toward genuine independence.

    Mr Muhuyi Magaji told NAN in Kano  that the resignation would open the way for substantial political development in the state.

    He explained that by leaving the party, the governor can now pursue development plans without interference from any godfather, thereby helping to restructure Kano’s political landscape for optimal growth.

    Magaji added that the governor’s decision to choose independence would propel the state to greater heights, enabling him to shape policies and projects free from undue external influence.

    Malama Hadiza Mohammed of Hotoro Quarters said the governor’s departure from the NNPP had already altered the political narrative in Kano, creating expectations of positive contributions from the federal government, including appointments that could foster the state’s growth.

    She said that  Yusuf had placed the state’s interest at heart by resigning and, potentially, by joining the All Progressives Congress, a move she believes would serve the common good of Kano.

     Dr Abubakar  Salihu of the Department of Public Administration, Bayero University Kano,commended  Yusuf for resigning from NNPP.

    Salihu described the governor’s decision as a positive development for the state’s political landscape and “one of the best things that has happened to the political growth of Kano.”

    He added that should Yusuf align with the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kano could expect improved access to federally‑funded infrastructure projects, stronger bargaining power in budgetary allocations, and strategic appointments for Kano elites within key national institutions.

    According to Salihu, such an alignment had historically translated into accelerated development in many states, citing examples such as road construction, water projects and an expanded security presence.

    He added that the move could maximise both the governor’s personal influence and the state’s perceived advantage, resulting in an increase in state and federal government projects without undue interference from political godfathers.

    Mr Innocent Okafor of Sabon Gari, Fagge Local Government, lauded the political maturity demonstrated by Yusuf, highlighting that he left the NNPP without any conflict with his former political leader.

    He said, “Gov. Yusuf is a political class to be reckoned with.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Yusuf, eight Reps members, 44 council chairmen, others resign from NNPP

    “He entered politics through the NNPP and recognised that the state would be better served by aligning with the centre, and he did so without any political rancour. This is truly commendable.”

    Kabiru  Musa from Bunkure Local Government also commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for resigning from NNPP and for his potential move to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the good of Kano State.

    He said, “We in Bunkure Local Government already see the impact of the Federal Government through projects in agriculture, delivered by the Hadejia‑Jamaare  River Basin Development Authority, and through educational initiatives such as the Air Force Secondary School in Rano.”

    Musa added that these federal interventions, already evident in the area, demonstrated that the governor’s decision wad “the best thing that has happened to Kano State.”

    NAN reports that the governor’s resignation was accompanied by 21 members of the State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and 44 local‑government chairmen across Kano State.

    (NAN)

  • Senator Arise lauds Tinubu’s reforms, says tough policies laying strong economic foundation 

    Senator Arise lauds Tinubu’s reforms, says tough policies laying strong economic foundation 

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ayodele Arise, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms saying he has surpassed those of previous administrations and are already laying a solid foundation for sustainable national growth.

    Arise, who represented Ekiti North Senatorial District in the Senate between 2007 and 2011, spoke with journalists in Abuja, insisted that the President’s bold initiatives have begun to yield measurable results despite criticism from opposition figures.

    He said the removal of fuel subsidy, though initially unpopular, has freed public funds previously captured by a privileged few and redirected them to critical sectors of the economy for the benefit of the wider population.

    “From my own position as a businessman, I can say that the decisions of Mr President have benefitted a lot of Nigerians and have moved our economic growth in a positive direction,” Arise said.

    He recalled how the fuel subsidy regime was abused through fraudulent importation claims, adding that ending the practice required uncommon political courage.

    “Stopping that racket took a lot of courage, and the President stood firmly by his policy,” he noted.

    He cited official statistics showing a moderation in inflation and increased fiscal capacity, which, he noted, made the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) possible.

    According to him, NELFUND has expanded access to tertiary education for indigent but promising youths who might otherwise have been denied the opportunity to further their studies.

    “The President does not want any Nigerian to say he or she could not go to school because of fees. NELFUND has come to the rescue of many students who would not have been able to start or complete tertiary education,” he said.

    Arise also attributed the improved stability in the university academic calendar to the Tinubu administration’s engagement with staff unions, noting that prolonged disruptions previously contributed to brain drain.

    “Before now, students spent six or seven years on four-year courses. Since President Tinubu came in, attention has been given to the grievances of ASUU, NASU and others.

    “Students are now graduating on time, and this has helped to significantly arrest brain drain,” he added.

    On grassroots development, the former senator commended the President’s insistence on full financial autonomy for local governments, describing it as a major step towards rural transformation.

    Read Also: Senator Arise urges Tinubu to consider military option for Nigerian soldiers in Burkina Faso

    He said ensuring that local government funds go directly to councils would enhance accountability, stimulate job creation and accelerate development in rural communities where the majority of Nigerians reside.

    “The President has been very clear: let local governments have their money. With increased resources from subsidy removal, the funds have now become meaningful and can be used for roads, primary schools, healthcare and other services at the grassroots,” Arise said.

    Arise further said the administration is positioning the solid minerals sector as a new revenue frontier, with plans to establish refineries to support miners and boost exports.

    “There are many things this administration has done to expand revenue and deepen economic impact. If we are beginning to see improvements, people should speak up and acknowledge that things are getting better,” he said.

  • Youth-led dialogue charts path for restoring trust in Nigeria’s elections

    Youth-led dialogue charts path for restoring trust in Nigeria’s elections

    In a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections, iLEAD AFRICA has convened the Future for Democracy Policy Dialogue in Abuja, themed “Rebuilding Trust in Nigeria’s Elections through Youth Participation and Civic Innovation.”

    The one-day forum brought together youth leaders, civic actors, policy experts and media practitioners to develop practical strategies for rebuilding public confidence in the country’s electoral institutions.

    Speaking at the opening session, iLEAD AFRICA Chief Executive Officer, Yusuff Liadi Abiodun, emphasised that young Nigerians must move beyond being mere voters to becoming co-owners of democratic governance. 

    He called for deeper youth inclusion in political and decision-making processes.

    A key outcome of the dialogue was the proposal for a 50/50 representation framework between youth and adults in political and governance structures, aimed at addressing long-standing youth marginalisation in Nigerian politics.

    Participants identified major barriers to youth participation, including weak political organisation, financial exclusion, limited civic awareness and voter apathy. 

    To address these challenges, stakeholders recommended strengthening youth political blocs, introducing early civic education, encouraging active party engagement, and simplifying voter registration processes.

    Technology-driven civic engagement featured prominently in the discussions. iLEAD AFRICA’s iMonitor platform was highlighted as a strategic tool for reporting electoral incidents, tracking government projects and supporting youth-led election observation. Recommendations included securing INEC accreditation for the platform, expanding regional observer mapping, deploying USSD and barcode-based reporting for low-connectivity areas, and amplifying advocacy through digital influencers.

    The forum also underscored the importance of election security, stressing the need for observer neutrality, early detection of violence risks, and proactive voter education to reduce electoral tensions. Experts further called for evidence-based mapping of electoral hotspots and closer collaboration with INEC to ensure the safe deployment of sensitive election materials.

    In closing, iLEAD AFRICA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting electoral integrity, noting that rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s elections requires more than procedural reforms. 

    The organisation stressed that youth leadership, credible civic innovation and sustained collaboration between institutions and citizens are critical to strengthening democratic accountability and safeguarding the electoral process.

  • APC UK exco inspects ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal road

    APC UK exco inspects ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal road

    • …‘Renewed Hope Agenda is alive’

    ‎Three members of the executive of the United Kingdom Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC UK) have inspected part of the ongoing Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road.

    The inspection formed part of their effort to promote the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, even as the electronic registration of APC members is ongoing across Nigeria.

    ‎The publicity secretary of the APC UK Chapter, Tunde Ajisola, commended President Tinubu for translating the long-held vision into reality, saying he was impressed with the level of progress recorded so far on the project.

    ‎“This enduring vision reminds me of 1959 when the M1 was constructed in the UK. People from all over the world came to see the beautiful road and expressed delight.

    ‎“This project takes us back to that era because the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road is an economic corridor that will run across the southern states of this country, with a planned linkage to the Sokoto–Badagry corridor as well.

    ‎“For me, it is money well spent, and we say a very big thank you to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making us proud with this project,” he said.

    ‎In his remarks, the Deputy Secretary of the APC UK Chapter, Hon. Ayokunle Agunbiade, said he was glad to be part of the team that carried out the inspection.

    ‎He described the road as a testament to the vision of a President who is ready to unify the country.

    According to him, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road is a milestone achievement that will enhance economic integration and infrastructural development across the southern coastline.

    ‎“This is a massive project that will bring synergy and closeness among the southern states. It will stimulate economic integration and create investment opportunities for Nigeria and Nigerians.

    ‎“With this achievement, I urge members of the APC to continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for continuity and the full realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria,” he said.

    Read Also: ‘APC will sweep Kwara elections’

    ‎Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairman (South) of the APC UK Chapter, Hon. Olumuyiwa Adesua, explained that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road had become a reality because of the courage of President Tinubu.

    ‎He noted that history shows the implementation of the coastal road had remained on paper for years, with successive administrations lacking the political will to execute it until the advent of the Tinubu administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    ‎“Going through the road, I see a project that will connect the economy of southern Nigeria to the rest of the West African coast.

    ‎“The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road is not just about Nigeria because from here one can travel to the Republic of Benin or Togo, which is massive.

    ‎“The economic front of the Nigerian economy is being opened through this road, and I believe many Nigerians will begin to think ahead about how to create businesses along this corridor and how to engage Nigerian youth.

    ‎“We are using Nigeria’s money to execute this project, and Nigerians are actively engaged in the work.

    ‎“I have worked in the transport sector in the UK for years, and I know that the transport sector is one of the biggest employers of labour, and this is also evident here.

    ‎“There is a need for the National Assembly to enact legislation for the maintenance of projects like this, as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road is not only for our generation but also for generations yet unborn,” he stated.

  • Ex-PDP National Legal Adviser joins APC

    Ex-PDP National Legal Adviser joins APC

    The immediate past National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State.

    Enoidem thanked Governor Umo Eno for facilitating reconciliation with his former political leader and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    Akpabio also commended Governor Eno for what he described as growing political unity in Akwa Ibom, noting that peace and cooperation among political actors would accelerate development in the state.

    Akpabio spoke when the Governor led a high-powered delegation of political leaders to formally notify him of Enoidem’s decision to join the APC.

    Enoidem served for eight years as commissioner during Akpabio’s tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom and later became National Legal Adviser of the PDP. He contested against Akpabio in the last senatorial election for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District.

    Receiving the delegation at his residence in Uyo, Akpabio said unity and peace were essential for the progress of the state, stressing that political engagement should go beyond electoral contests.

    Read Also: ‘APC will sweep Kwara elections’

    A statement by the Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong, quoted Akpabio as saying that efforts aimed at preventing conflict and fostering harmony were worthwhile and beneficial to the state.

    Eno said the delegation was in Uyo to inform Akpabio of Enoidem’s decision to align with the APC, describing the move as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen political cooperation in Akwa Ibom.

    He added that stakeholders in the state had resolved to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and work together to promote stability and development.

    Enoidem described Governor Eno as a unifying figure and expressed appreciation for his role in reconciling him with Akpabio.

    He said that despite past political differences, Akpabio remained his leader and affirmed his readiness to work with him.

    Enoidem is expected to be formally received into the APC at a rally in Utu Etim Ekpo, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, on Friday, January 23.

  • PDP crisis deepens as ex-spokesman resigns in Ondo

    PDP crisis deepens as ex-spokesman resigns in Ondo

    The leadership crisis rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State deepened on Thursday following the resignation of the party’s former Publicity Secretary, Ayo Fadaka.

    Fadaka, who formerly served as the spokesman of the opposition party in the state, announced his resignation in a letter submitted to the chairman of Ward 8, Oke Aro, in Akure South Local Government Area and obtained by The Nation, in Akure.

    In copies of the letter addressed to the state chairman and the National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the PDP, Fadaka said his decision was not taken lightly but was necessitated by what he described as persistent internal crises threatening the survival of the party.

    “I am writing to notify you of my decision to resign from the Peoples Democratic Party forthwith,” he stated.

    According to him, the PDP had become a victim of individuals who rose to prominence through the party but later turned against it.

    “The PDP is a victim of ill-bred individuals who unfortunately rose to very lofty heights through it and eventually turned around to stab it mercilessly,” he said.

    Fadaka further accused some party leaders in the state of lacking integrity and using the party purely for personal gain.

    Read Also: 2027: North Central PDP chairmen back Gbenga Hashim

    “Another thriving group of rent-seeking and privilege-taking individuals, to whom the party remains a meal ticket, are ever ready, without conscience, to compromise its interests,” he added.

    The former spokesman said he had realised that his commitment to the party was no longer sustainable under the prevailing circumstances.

    “In view of the above, I have since realised that my seemingly irrevocable commitment to the party can, after all, be revoked. Therefore, my membership in the PDP is hereby terminated. I wish the party well,” he stated.

    Fadaka’s resignation is the latest in a series of developments highlighting the deepening internal wrangling within the PDP in the state.

  • ADC lacks direction, unity, political future – Alawuje

    ADC lacks direction, unity, political future – Alawuje

    A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Honourable Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, has described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a coalition that lacks direction, unity, and a clear political future, amid growing internal tensions within opposition ranks.

    In a press statement issued on Thursday, Alawuje said the ADC had become a “political gathering going nowhere,” arguing that the party was gripped by panic, suspicion, and internal unrest.

    He said that although members of the party appeared eager for political movement, they lacked a shared destination, ideological compass, or common vision to guide their actions.

    According to him, what exists within the ADC is not genuine unity but what he called a “forced marriage of incompatible interests,” made up of groups fundamentally opposed to one another but pretending to be allies.

    Read Also: ADC coalition built on contradictions, personal ambitions — Alawuje

    He argued that such an arrangement, in his view, could not deliver peace, stability, or progress, describing the party as a collection of unsettled rivals competing against themselves rather than a coherent political family.

    Alawuje further claimed that none of the party’s leading figures enjoyed real political harmony or ideological compatibility, a situation he said had deepened internal contradictions and weakened cohesion.

    He cited recent developments within the ADC as evidence of confusion, alleging that some leaders were scrambling for relevance following the exit or decline of key political figures, while others were now seeking positions and benefits they had previously opposed.

    The statement said this contradiction had defined the ADC’s politics and exposed what he described as its lack of clarity about its real target, whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an individual or the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a political institution.

    Alawuje said the uncertainty had weakened the opposition’s messaging, strategy, and credibility, while portraying President Tinubu as a resilient and strategic democratic figure and the APC as the most organized and prepared political party in the country.

    He concluded by urging opposition elements, in the interest of national unity and stability, to allow President Tinubu complete his constitutional second term, arguing that internal confusion within the ADC reflected a deeper fear of the APC’s growing dominance.

  • APC support group urges retention of 2022 zoning formula ahead of 2026 convention

    APC support group urges retention of 2022 zoning formula ahead of 2026 convention

    Ahead of the March 2026 national convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a party support group, the Concerned APC Stakeholders Forum, has called for the retention of the 2022 zoning formula that produced the current National Working Committee (NWC).

    Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the forum’s convener, Dominic Alancha, urged the party’s national leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the National Executive Committee to maintain the existing arrangement.

    The group argued that preserving the zoning formula would promote continuity, strengthen party cohesion, and enhance stability, unity, and electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The forum also appealed to party leaders to retain the current National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.

    Explaining the group’s position, Alancha described the zoning formula as a stabilising framework that promotes inclusiveness, fairness, and national balance. He said it has fostered a sense of belonging among the party’s diverse stakeholders across the federation.

    He warned that altering or abandoning the arrangement at a time when national cohesion is critical could trigger avoidable tensions and undermine internal harmony within the party.

    “We therefore call on the National Executive Committee (NEC), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Party elders, and all stakeholders to uphold the existing zoning arrangement in the interest of unity, equity, and justice.

    “On an equal breath, we, however, call on the leadership in various geopolitical zones to look into micro zoning arrangements based on balance and equity to strengthen the party at the state.

    “In the spirit of continuing, the Forum hereby endorses the current National Chairman of our great party, APC Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for continuity.

    “Under his leadership, the party has recorded notable stability, progress in internal party reconciliation, party administration, and membership drive, and strategic repositioning for future election success.

    “Continuity will enable the National chairman to consolidate on existing reforms and policies to stabilize the party, strengthen institutional memory and discipline, and enhance preparedness for upcoming electoral challenges.”

    Read Also: Moves to undermine Tinubu’s re-election will fail, says APC chieftain

    Alancha further said, “It is our firm belief that retaining experienced leadership at the head of our party will clearly give exemplary visibility to the APC as the leading progressive political party in Nigeria.”

    The convener of the forum then declared his intention to contest for the position of National Deputy Publicity Secretary of the party.

    He said the desire was in line with the commitment to strengthening party communication, engagement, grassroots mobilization, and image management in line with contemporary public communication architecture.

    “It is our belief that given this opportunity, I shall do my best in shaping the perception of Nigerians and party faithful through effective communication of our party policy and programme.

    “I therefore solicit your wise counsel and support to achieve this dream and vision.”

    The forum called on all APC stakeholders, party faithful, to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions.

    “By retaining the zoning formula, ensuring leadership continuity, and supporting capable hands like myself (Dr. Dominic Alancha), the APC will emerge stronger, more united, and better positioned to continue delivering good governance to Nigerians through the able leadership of President Bolaji Ahmed Tinubu.

    “We remain steadfast in our belief in the ideals of the All Progressives Congress and reaffirm and pledge our loyalty to the party and its leadership.”