The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • One-party state not possible in Nigeria, says Gambari

    One-party state not possible in Nigeria, says Gambari

    Former Chief of Staff to late President Muhammadu Buhari and founder Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD), Professor Ibrahim Gambari had ruled out the possibility of Nigeria turning into a one-party state.

    He spoke in Abuja during a media interactive session on the activities of his 11-year-old centre for policy research, dialogue, advocacy, and training in key areas of diplomacy, democracy and development.

    Reviewing political development in the country ahead of the 2027 general elections and alleged fears by the opposition parties of the country turning to a one-party state, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs said he is not nursing the fears of the opposition, arguing that all indices are still in favour of the country’s multi party system.

    According to him: “I’m not at all worried about this country becoming a one-party state. You know what? You can quote me. It will not happen if history is any guide. You know, we don’t even know our own history.”

    Reminiscing on the political evolution of the country,  Gambari noted the ruling party was not the first dominant party in Nigeria 

    “This administration is not the first to try to have a dominant party in Nigeria. Right from the beginning, the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC)  was a dominant party in the First Republic. They were not the ones who caused the crisis in the main opposition, but they didn’t discourage it. In fact, they took sides. Where has that led us? It didn’t lead us to peace or development; it led to chaos.

    “The National Party of Nigeria (NPN) was next. They became so confident they felt that they would be there forever. What happened to that? In the end, it didn’t work. Third one, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), not long ago, they were boasting that they would rule for 60 years. Where are they today? So any effort to make this country one party will not work.”

    Advancing reasons further for the non-viability of the concept, the former United Nations Under-Secretary General argued that most political elites in the country are too ambitious for the ambition to be contained within one political party. 

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    He, however, said that the political class has failed to learn from history and the negative consequences of previous attempts, insisting that the country would “continue to repeat history’s mistakes.”

    Proffering solutions on how to avoid past experiences,  the season diplomat stressed the need for building and promoting a formidable political party system

    “We must pay attention to how political parties are organized in this country because if we have strong political parties, nobody will even try to make a one-party state. It will not be possible. But because we have no organized political parties, our political parties have become just vehicles to gain political power. That’s all. Because our constitution does not allow for independent candidates, you have to belong, so it’s a party of convenience.

    “Political parties are flags of convenience. You know, when you look at ships, you can have an American ship flying a Panama flag. So political parties are just carrying flags of convenience to gain power, not organized based on ideology or perspectives that make one distinct from the other. 

    “In the First Republic, if you crossed from NPC to NCNC or Action Group, it was a big deal. There were clear differences. But today, because there is no real distinction, you can move—as I jokingly say—you can be APC in the morning, PDP in the afternoon, and APC again the next day, no questions asked, because there are no consequences.

    “In some other systems, if you move after being elected under one platform, your seat is declared vacant, and you have to contest again because otherwise you are living under false pretenses. We elected you under one pretense, and now you have decided to dump it.”

    Stressing  for effective citizen participation in governance, Gambari maintained: “History is not on the side of a one-party state in Nigeria or anywhere else. But it will not happen by itself. Multiparty democracy requires commitment and organization, and we all have roles to play.”

  • ‘How to resolve Rivers crisis’

    ‘How to resolve Rivers crisis’

    Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose spoke on the protracted political crisis in Rivers State and how the face-off between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike can be resolved. Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU reports

    What is your reaction to the face-off between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike?

    In my meeting with Fubara, I said to him, Your Excellency, Governor Fubara, you’re here by the grace of your brother, the former governor and today you are the governor of the Rivers State. I was able to remind him that it’s better for him to seal all his windows because patronizers will soon come. People who lead people astray will soon come; seal your door, don’t wait for people to come by and say things to your ears that will destroy your relationship with Wike.

    I further admonished him that in the first four years and ultimately for eight years; if you open these doors, you’ll begin to see spirits and don’t follow a trend and fight with Wike because if you do so, by Wike’s antecedents, these problems will continue indefinitely. It’s quick to forget what life is all about.

    I was a different person during my first term as governor. The youthful exuberance of getting yourself can put you into so many troubles. It doesn’t have to be said it’s spiritual but it’s an advance warning. Also, by telling him that there’s a window, there’s an ample opportunity for you to close this and solve this problem.

    The price for peace is cheaper than the consequences of war. If you don’t do it, it’ll only be left in the hands of God because you can’t take away the powers of the House of Assembly. During my first tenure, I inherited the House of Assembly of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State because our election is the off-season election. It was a tough experience. They would have taken me out the second time. I had to use wisdom, carrot and stick. I had to manage everybody for me to survive.

    While is Wiike not concentrating on his job in Abuja and leaving Fubara alone?

    May I say this to you, and to Nigerians. That’s always the beginning. You brought up your child. And somebody says, he wants to marry your daughter. If you have left that girl untrained, ordinary carpenters and people who have no capacity will be chasing her. A man who wants to marry must have capacity. Life is level by level. God has graduated this life like a pyramid.

    The governors, the minister, everybody is at a level. You can’t tell me that a man who is down the ladder wants to marry a queen somewhere

    They will tell him that he doesn’t have the capacity. Let’s go back to the issues. Everybody must have helped everybody in life. But God himself says he hates ingratitude.

    I will only fight with what I have left. You can’t sack Wike from Rivers politics. You can’t sack me from Ekiti politics. I’m not supposed to say what I want to say to you now but I’ll say it to you. This is about equity in politics. I was in this house three years ago.

    The current governor of Ekiti State is of the APC extraction. I’m of the PDP. He told me that he would want to visit. He came here and sat on the chair and said, I want to beg you to come to my support.

    I want you to stand by me in this government. I didn’t go to him. He’s the governor. To him, I still have hands and legs everywhere in the state. Yes, I’m not the governor but that’s a path of wisdom.

    I was taken off my feet. I said to him, whoever has taught you this, has taught you the right thing. And if it’s the leading of God, you’re well led. I’ll give you my support. When the governor was having issues in APC, I stood my ground. I went to Tinubu and said: This is the man that has won the election.

    The governor is doing well. My own position is always clear. Whether Fubara or my governor; all of them got their strength from other people. Like I said, there are a lot of issues between godfathers, and godsons in most states. But it’s wisdom that guides the sitting governor.

    Look at Kogi. Why are they not having issues in the state? Why is the governor of Kogi being very humble? Whatever you say about Yahaya Bello, he doesn’t want to hear it.

    Whenever anybody comes to say something to him about Yahaya Bello, he remembers the day Yahaya Bello gave him that platform. And I told my governor, whatever former Governor Kayode Fayemi must have done to you, remember the day he gave you that platform. Don’t say ill of him. I cooperated with him and he thanked me for such advice.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Ogun again stops kingmakers from process of selecting Awujale 

    The national chairman and secretary of the APC have both said that Fubara is the leader of the party in the state, but Wike says the governor cannot be the leader of the party. Who is the leader?

    When I was governor; if I’m coming, the traditional rulers, the leaders of thought and people that matter in the state will get up. They will rise up and say ‘the governor is here.’ And nothing is called to order except the governor is seated.

    That’s in the office. That’s the difference between the office and 001. What brought about 001? Who gave Fubara the platform to be calling himself 001? Wike gave him the platform. It is a sad narrative for Governor Fubara to be struggling. It is a sad story for my governor to be fighting Fayemi.

    Rather, he should manage the situation. You see, Ekiti people said that those who give you life are the fathers of those who give you money. The person that prevents you from dying is the father of the person that gives you wealth because if you have no life in the first instance, wealth will not come.

    Who is Governor Fubara? I respect him as a governor. A governor goes before the people and prostrate. As a governor, I would go to certain places and prostrate. Did it take anything away from me? Even if Wike says he’s the leader, it’s not for Governor Fubara to be contesting that with him. You didn’t know about Fubara three years ago. You never heard about Fubara three years ago.

    I was supporting Austin Opara. I was sitting by Governor Wike to mull his opinion to support Austin Opara towards the time of the election. In the car, when I was asking who the candidate was, Wike told me ‘Fayose, I know where you belong and I’m not going that way. I’m going to Fubara.’ I never knew Fubara. Let’s call a spade a spade.

    Who is the governor? The governor is the creation of some people. He’s the creation and influence of some people, Wike is the major influence that led to the emergence of Fubara as governor.

    Do you think that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention will make any difference this time aroubd?

    I want to advise Governor Fubara again, Please, Governor Fubara, I’m begging you, go and make an end to this crisis. Your wife can only tell you, after all, I’ve said sorry to you.

    Is that an apology? My wife can tell me, I’ve said sorry to you. How many times will I say sorry to you? There’s what we call in Yoruba, I’m saying it just for me to have peace, not because I want to show remorse.

    Those people are misleading Governor Fubara but if he goes down today, they’ll run away. People who were saying I should fight back in those days, they were not there when I was isolated and when I was alone. That’s all I will say. In this current situation, the President that I know hates ingratitude. The President that I know controls Lagos from the palms of his hands.

    For instance, the Speaker of the Lagos State Assembly was impeached and somebody else took over. The President, without saying a word, caused the system to restore that speaker because it’s an affront to the President, who’s the leader there. Do you want to tell me that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is the leader in Lagos?

    Let him announce it. Let Governor Sanwo-Olu come out and say ‘I’m the leader in Lagos.’ There are certain things that are said to cause aesthetics. Don’t let it get into your head.

    The emergency rule was all-winning for Governor Fubara. By now, he would have been history because the moment you’re impeached, you’re out of the way.

    You can’t contest. If you read the text of President Tinubu, it took Governor Fubara to the cleaners. So, it’s time for Governor Fubara to learn the way I learnt after my first tenure. And let me explain to you: Will the President remove the office of the lawmakers; will he say the lawmakers cannot do their assignments? I don’t think so.

    How would you be running a government without sending names of appropriate people for clearance with the House of Assembly? How would you be spending public funds? Even if it’s for a photo-trick, it’s supposed to follow due process. These are matters of the constitution. The constitution gave Rivers people the power as members of the House of Assembly.

    Where does this leave the people of Rivers State; the people who voted?

    They should wait for another time to vote. Americans have conceded their powers to President Donald Trump. Trump is using his powers today. For them to say a word about Trump, they should go back to an election.

    And may I say to you, the same people of Rivers State voted for their House of Assembly members. They’ve transmitted their powers to that House of Assembly. And let me run that up for you to tell you very clearly.

    I’m not here to tell you the people of Rivers State are with Fubara or with Wike but I’ll not tell you they’re with Fubara. Wike has been going around, drawing crowd. Fubara has the resources of his state, let him go around too. People who have power of creation can have power of taking out. And to the House of Assembly, they have a mandate.

    No matter the narrative, the House of Assembly removed me in Ekiti. Whichever hand is behind it, that time, it was President Olusgeun Obasanjo’s hand, it was a lot of elite’s

    hand, but they accomplished it. I was removed; I became history, and went on exile. If not for God, I wouldn’t have returned.

    Is Nigeria sliding into a one-party state?

    I have said that I have always supported President Tinubu even when I was a sitting governor. I was part of the G5 that supported him. I was one of those who told Governor Wike to stay with Tinubu against Atiku who is not a promise keeper, he’ll come back for you when he wins the election.

    By the grace of God I was among the people who went to Port Harcourt with Fayemi, late Rotimi Akeredolu, Sanwo-Olu and about two other people to consummate the relationship.

    There was no time that we admitted that it was our fault that caused the exodus. We must be honest. When you’re weak, tendencies are there for you to fall in front of the stronger side.

    The challenges in the PDP are not the fault of Tinubu. How many out of about eight governors who have defected have you seen a trace of oppression, suppression, like we’re saying? Money was given to Governor Seyi Makinde. Remember that Oyo is a PDP state; it’s not an APC state. So, in what way was he suppressed? They had issues with their own party. And as governors, they want to survive at all costs.

    They took that path. It’s not their fault, probably not, but let me help you to round it up. There are two dominant parties at a given time. Are we saying the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is not dominant? Recently, Peter Obi moved into to the party, and I’ve said it, Obi is the life in the ADC. I’ve never said the other people there are not human beings. I’m saying they are likely spent forces.

    Let Obi not go to ADC, let Obi go to another party, you will see the effect. Let’s say Obi is in Accord, the party would become alive, I’m saying that Obi is the only traction, Obi is the only meaning, Obi is the only factor, Obi is the only person in the ADC that matters. And if Obi had not gone to ADC, you would have seen the difference.

    When Obi went to Labour Party, the Labour Party that would never have won elections had members in the National Assembly and so on. I’m not saying Obi will win the election. I’m not saying Obi will not win this election, but I’m telling you, if ADC fails to field Obi, their case will be worse than their coming together.

  • 2027: APC chieftains back Ashiru for governor

    2027: APC chieftains back Ashiru for governor

    All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains in Kwara state have backed the Senate Deputy Majority Oyelola Ashiru for governorship.

    The stakeholders made their position known in a communique at the end of a consultative meeting in Ifelodun local government area of the state.

    They added that the governorship position should not be an exclusive preserve of any bloc, group, or senatorial district in the state.

     Chairman and Secretary of the communique drafting committee, Pastor Elisha Odenike and Mr. Oluwasogo Lawal signed the communique.

    The communique said that all three senatorial districts in the state possess capable and competent progressives.

    “In this regard, the meeting expressed strong confidence in leaders such as the Deputy Majority Leader of the 10th Senate, Senator Lola Ashiru, and strongly encouraged the people to offer themselves for higher service”.

    The people also urged the APC leadership at the state and national levels to guarantee fairness, equity, inclusiveness, and internal democracy in the process leading to the selection of the party’s governorship flag bearer.

    The chieftains, which affirmed that the 2027 general elections present a possible victory for the APC in Kwara state, (both at the governorship level and in legislative contests), added that Kwara South, like the other senatorial districts, is endowed with tested, competent, and progressive leaders whose experience and track records qualify them for higher responsibilities at both state and national levels.

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    The stalwarts frowned at distractions anchored on alleged self-serving narratives, including the so-called “lgbomina Lokan” agitation, saying, “the campaign is a calculated attempt to marginalize credible aspirants of the Ifelodun extraction, particularly in the House of Representatives race to pave way for their own candidates from two local government areas.

    “Notably, these same “Igbomina Lokan” propagandists have dominated the other Kwara South federal constituency for over 25 years to the exclusion of Ekiti and Oke Ero local government areas and now seek to extend such dominance to the Senate seat through political maneuvering. This agenda is unacceptable and will be firmly resisted.

    “We, therefore, call and encourage all credible and competent progressives from the Ifelodun local government area to contest the Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency seat come 2027.

    On party loyalty and commitment, the meeting reaffirmed its unalloyed loyalty to the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, and pledged unity, discipline, and strategic mobilization in strengthening the party, while legitimately and confidently advancing the political interests of Kwara South and Ifelodun local government in particular.

    The chieftains also expressed sympathy with communities in Ifelodun local government over the losses and displacement suffered as a result of banditry in the last 18 months, while commending the efforts of the federal government.

  • NNPP gives Yusuf green light to leave, demands resignation letter

    NNPP gives Yusuf green light to leave, demands resignation letter

    Factional chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Mas’ud Eljibril, has urged Kano Governor Abba Yusuf to formally notify the “legally recognised” NNPP in writing before he joins the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The court ruled last year that the faction which uses a basket with fruits as its logo, being chaired in Kano by Senator Eljibril, is the authentic NNPP.

    Speaking at a press conference in Kano, Eljibril presented several court judgments to journalists, asserting that his faction is the authentic NNPP in Nigeria and Governor Yusuf remains his bona-fide member.

    “Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is still a bonafide member of the NNPP that has a basket with fruits as its logo. 

    “Secondly, we are calling on INEC to respect the judgments of all the courts that were delivered last year on this issue.

    “Lastly, I want to reaffirm that Abba Kabir Yusuf is still a member of the NNPP and we owe him respect. But if he wants to leave, he has the legal right to leave, but he has to formally tender his resignation to the party, which we are yet to receive formally.

    “We are still waiting for his formal resignation from our party. To be a member of any political party is an individual decision. If he decides to leave the party, it’s his choice but he has to do that according to the rules and regulations to the party,” Eljibril stated.

    The factional NNPP called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to also respect the court rulings.

    The party threatens that: “Ignoring this requirement will have future legal consequences, especially if a Supreme Court decision later confirms this legitimacy.”

    The rival NNPP faction that uses books as its logo on the other hand is facing its own internal battle that has led to the emergence of two state chairmen.

    As a consequence of the deepening crisis over Governor Yusuf’s defection to APC, the former NNPP Chairman Hashimu Dungurawa –a pro-Kwankwaso was sacked at the prompting of the Governor, who swiftly appointed Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya as replacement. 

  • Abure faction to appeal Judgement sacking him as national chairman of LP

    Abure faction to appeal Judgement sacking him as national chairman of LP

    The faction of the Labour Party led by Julius Abure has announced plans to immediately appeal the judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which sacked him as the party’s national chairman.

    The judgment, delivered on Wednesday by Justice Peter Lifu, recognised the Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee as the authentic leadership of the party.

    In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Abure faction, Obiora Ifoh, the party argued that the court misinterpreted the April 4, 2025, verdict of the Supreme Court in declaring a former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, as caretaker chairman, describing the decision as inconsistent with the Labour Party Constitution.

    The statement further maintained that Usman is not a registered member of the Labour Party.

    According to the faction, the ruling contradicts the Supreme Court’s position that no court has the authority to appoint leadership for a political party, as leadership matters fall within the internal affairs of political parties.

    The party added that it was encouraged by the fact that the Federal High Court is not the court of last resort, stressing that it would approach the Court of Appeal to challenge the judgment.

    The statement read, “Although we are yet to see the Certified True Copy of the judgment in order to fully make comment about it, our position will become stronger when we see the CTC of the judgement. But generally, from the brief we have gotten so far, it is clear that the party will appeal the judgement. 

    “Before today’s judgment, we have been suspecting that it may go this way because of the body language around the court. When the matter was first filed, it was assigned to Justice Omotosho and suddenly, there was a sumarsult, as another matter was filed which was impari material and the one sent to Omotosho was withdrawn and now sent to Justice Peter Lifu. That was a red flag for us. 

    “Secondly, the court refused us the opportunity to respond to issues raised in the counter affidavit filed by other parties and quickly adjourned for judgement. That was the second red flag. 

    “Our adversaries were all over the place, jubilating weeks before, over a judgement that had not been delivered, telling everyone that they had already won. The jubilation by our adversaries was all over the social media, that come today the judiciary will hand over the party to Dr. Alex Otti. 

    Read Also: Court sacks Abure, orders INEC to recognise Nenadi-led leadership of Labour Party

    “Now coming to look at the judgement itself, Nigerians should remember that the Court of Appeal pronounced Julius Abure’s National Working Committee as the authentic leadership of the party.  That pronouncement was what Nenadi Usman took to the Supreme Court to say that the courts (Federal High Court and Appeal Court) were wrong to have pronounced somebody as the Chairman of the Party. Ironically, today, a Federal High Court has summersulted and pronounced somebody as the Caretaker National Chairman of a party. So what is the judiciary turning into? 

    “To us, that was a clear contradiction against what the Supreme Court said. Secondly, the Supreme Court said that all matters that have to do with the leadership of the political party are internal affairs of the party and that has been the position of the Supreme Court. 

    “The courts have severely declined jurisdiction on matters that have to do with internal affairs of political parties. Looking at the judgement itself, in one breath, the court said the Caretaker Committee was properly set up, in another breath, the court said, it was an internal affair of a political party. In any event, the court was even wrong to be interpreting the decision of the Supreme Court. 

    “Secondly, even the Supreme Court never said that our tenure has expired. The Supreme Court simply declined jurisdiction in entertaining the matter because it was an internal affairs of the party. 

    “In any event, the tenure of the executive had never expired. The tenure of the executive was to expire in June 2024 but the National Convention was held in March, 2024 before the expiration of the then executive, which created the present leadership of the party. So for the court to have stated that the tenure has expired and a vacuum created are all laughable.

    “It is curious at how this court arrived at holding that there was a vacuum in the leadership of the party when it didn’t go into the validity and legality of the national convention of the party held on March 27th, 2024.”

    The party urged its members to remain calm as the leadership will do everything within the laws to ensure that justice is served for the interest of the party. 

    It warned that the party is not for sale and no amount of financial power will make us abdicate our leadership position in the party. 

  • Jigawa governor pledges loyalty to Tinubu, APC

    Jigawa governor pledges loyalty to Tinubu, APC

    Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has reaffirmed his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging continued support for the success of the Tinubu administration.

    The governor made the pledge while receiving members of the National Executive Council of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Dutse following their election at the association’s national delegates’ congress held in the state.

    The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Hamisu Gumel.

    According to the statement, Governor Namadi commended President Tinubu for introducing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the initiative as a timely and far-reaching intervention aimed at easing students’ financial burden and expanding access to higher education nationwide.

    He also noted that the NANS leadership was in Jigawa State for its North-West zonal elections, which involve Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Sokoto and Kebbi states, and expressed appreciation to the association for choosing the state as host.

    “Governor Namadi reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to continue supporting NANS activities and all student-centred engagements,” the statement said.

    The governor stressed that the NELFUND initiative reflects President Tinubu’s strong commitment to education, youth development and social inclusion, particularly at a time when many students are struggling with rising tuition fees.

    Recalling Jigawa State’s intervention to cushion the impact of increased school fees, Namadi disclosed that the state government had spent close to N700 million to support indigent students through the Students’ Affairs Office as part of its human capital development agenda.

    “I could remember when school fees were increased; many students found it difficult to pay, and some were on the verge of dropping out, which is unacceptable,” he said.

    “So the student loan scheme introduced by President Tinubu has shown clearly that this is a president who genuinely cares about youth education in Nigeria.”

    Read Also: Jigawa governor signs ₦901.84bn 2026 budget, emphasizes people-oriented development

    Governor Namadi also commended the NANS leadership for promoting dialogue, unity and constructive engagement among students, urging them to embrace accountability, transparency and responsible leadership.

    “As future leaders of this country, we must resolve our differences through dialogue and consultation, not conflict,” he added.

    In his remarks, the NANS National President, Comrade Olusola Ladoja, praised both the federal and Jigawa State governments for their student friendly policies, describing the education loan scheme as a groundbreaking initiative that signals a new era of responsive leadership.

    “Since the inception of democracy, this is the first time Nigerian students are truly feeling the impact of governance,” he said.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the first president who listened to Nigerian students and deemed it fit to introduce loans to enable them to go to school.”

    The NANS leadership also lauded Governor Namadi for providing a peaceful and conducive environment that ensured the successful conduct of the zonal elections, while pledging continued collaboration with the Jigawa State Government.

  • 2027: North Central PDP chairmen back Gbenga Hashim

    2027: North Central PDP chairmen back Gbenga Hashim

    Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the North Central zone have declared their support for former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing him as a unifying force committed to rebuilding the party.

    The endorsement was announced on Wednesday at a meeting of the North Central PDP Chairmen’s Forum held in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

    Speaking on behalf of the Forum, the Nasarawa State PDP Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Bako Ningi (Talban Mada), said the zone was solidly behind Hashim due to his sustained support for party structures across the North Central.

    He said Hashim’s interventions have helped PDP state chapters in the zone to hold statutory executive council meetings and strengthen internal administration in line with the party’s constitution.

    “We stand boldly and united behind this visionary leader, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, who has brought inspiration and immense support to our party structures in the North Central and the nation at large,” the Forum said in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting.

    The chairmen added that the zone would stand with Hashim “come rain, come shine” in the collective effort to build a new Nigeria through democratic governance.

    Those present at the meeting included Alhaji Isa Bawa Adamu (Kwara), Hon. Aliyu Mohammed Kauran Borgu (Niger), Chief Raymond Dabo (Plateau), Hon. Ismaila Mohammed Dogara (Federal Capital Territory) and Rt. Hon. Ezekiel A. Adaji (Benue).

    Read Also: PDP will win in 2027 despite legal intrigues against party — Gbenga Hashim

    The meeting reviewed the state of the PDP and prevailing political developments across the North Central zone.

    In a five-point communiqué, the Forum reaffirmed its commitment to party unity, cohesion and internal harmony, describing a united PDP as the strongest platform for reclaiming political leadership and delivering good governance.

    The chairmen expressed confidence that the PDP continues to enjoy strong grassroots support across the zone, urging members to remain steadfast despite current challenges facing the party.

    They also assured current and prospective aspirants contesting under the PDP of a level playing field, encouraging them to remain loyal to the party’s ideals.

    The Forum appreciated party leaders, stakeholders and members for their sacrifices and dedication to the growth of the PDP at both zonal and national levels.

    During the meeting, zonal officers were elected to coordinate the activities of the Forum, with Rt. Hon. Ezekiel A. Adaji emerging as Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Bako Ningi as Secretary, and Hon. Ismaila Mohammed Dogara as Public Relations Officer.

    The chairmen expressed confidence in the newly elected leadership, pledging to work collectively to reposition the PDP for success in the 2027 general elections.

  • 2027: Why APC is confident of Tinubu’s re-election, by Yilwatda, others

    2027: Why APC is confident of Tinubu’s re-election, by Yilwatda, others

    …as party leaders rally North West youths ahead of 2027

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared that President Bola Tinubu is firmly positioned to secure a second term in office, citing youth support, policy delivery, party growth, and data-driven mobilisation as the pillars of the ruling party’s 2027 strategy.

    Yilwatda spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the APC North West Youth Mobilisation Meet and Greet in Abuja, convened by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, where party leaders at the event said that, contrary to opposition narratives, tangible policy gains are restoring public confidence in the ability of the Tinubu administration to reposition Nigeria from decades of decline toward growth and stability.

    Several party chieftains and government officials attended, including the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu; Minister of State of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmud; State of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Tanko Sununu; former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd); APC Youth Leader, Dayo Israel; and several PCC North West members led by the Director Michael Massuan, among others.

    Addressing party leaders, youths, and political appointees, Yilwatda said President Tinubu’s performance and expanding grassroots support have made the APC “the largest political party in Africa,” adding that the party’s acceptance is rising nationwide.

    “Every day we keep on receiving more governors. Every day we keep receiving more national assembly members. We receive market women. We receive farmers. We receive students,” he said.

    He noted that young Nigerians are driving the party’s growth, stressing that “the party belongs to the young people.”

    Stating that 48 percent of APC members in the North West are aged 18–35, he added, “At the national level, people between the ages of 18 and 49 form about 83 percent of our registered members. It means the young people own this party”.

    Yilwatda credited key social policies for boosting public confidence, especially the student loan scheme, saying, “Almost a million young Nigerians now have access to the student loan. At the same time, we support you with N20,000 every month to support you in school, which has prevented students from dropping out due to financial hardship”.

    On healthcare and welfare, he noted, “We are adding over four million people to the health insurance scheme, mostly farmers, traders and rural artisans, while digital transfers have reached six million households in just six months.”

    The APC chairman also said the party’s new electronic registration system would guide targeted campaigns.

    “With this, I can estimate how many votes I will have before the election starts. So far, we’ve hit over three million. We are hopeful to hit ten million,” he said.

    He urged loyalty, stressing, “This party is your biggest asset. The President is our biggest asset. Let us stand by this party.”

    He, however, insisted that political appointees must openly support the party, stressing, “There is no one called technocrats. Once you are given a political appointment, you are a politician”.

    He praised Goronyo as a good example of a political appointee who combines governance with party mobilisation.

    Goronyo, the convener of the meet-and-greet and former Director of Youth Mobilisation for the North West in 2023, said President Tinubu has demonstrated inclusive leadership. He argued that Nigerians would reward the President’s “tenacity and commitment” with broad support in 2027.

    Read Also: Register every member or be removed, Yilwatda directs APC membership registration coordinators

    He cited major infrastructure projects, including the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, Trans-Sahara Highway, and the long-delayed Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, now being executed in sections. He said the spread of the projects reflects a deliberate effort to connect regions and stimulate economic growth.

    Goronyo urged members to support the ongoing registration drive and intensify mobilisation, noting that the North West delivered the largest share of votes in the last election.

    He called on appointees to work as a united force to ensure President Tinubu’s re-election while assuring the youth leaders of support for the task ahead.

    The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said change requires leaders and citizens to think creatively and “outside the box,” adding that criticism of government is normal.

    He said it is the duty of the ruling party to communicate its achievements.

    He described the President as someone who “has the youth at heart,” saying government programmes are designed mainly for young Nigerians, citing education support, stipends, the Nigeria Youth Academy, and youth empowerment initiatives.

    He added that the Ministry is working with agencies under the “Digital for All” agenda and disclosed plans to reform the NYSC to ensure participants gain skills and post-service support.

    While acknowledging the sacrifices Nigerians are making, he expressed confidence that reforms would soon yield results and urged party members to defend the administration’s record.

    On her part, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, urged North West appointees to demonstrate loyalty and unity.

    She said no one should hide behind claims of being a technocrat while benefiting from political appointments, adding that all appointees must actively support the President and contribute to electoral success.

    She said the administration is focused on fulfilling its promises, especially in the North and North West, and called on stakeholders to stand with the President and ensure the delivery of his agenda.

    The highlight of the night was the presentation of awards to deserving youth members in recognition of their dedication, commitment, and outstanding performance.

  • Youth population backbone of APC – minister

    Youth population backbone of APC – minister

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, has observed that the energy, ideas, and mobilization efforts of the youth population have continued to serve as the backbone of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Minister said this while addressing vibrant youth leaders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) North West Zone at the “Meet and Greet” for Asiwaju/Shettima event, held at Ladi Kwali Hall, African Continental Hotel, Abuja.

    Mahmoud commended the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) and APC youth leadership for organizing the gathering, which she described as a vital platform for strengthening party unity, engagement, and resolve.

    She extended appreciation to the youths for their steadfast loyalty to the APC and the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

    According to the Special Adviser Media to the FCT Minister of State, Austine Elemue, the minister on Wednesday said, “Your energy, ideas, and mobilization efforts continue to serve as the backbone of our party’s success and the sustenance of our democratic ideals”.

    Mahmoud reaffirmed the North West Zone’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s political evolution and the APC’s triumphs, urging youth leaders to promote issue-based engagement, peaceful mobilization, and constructive dialogue.

    Read Also: APC e-registration sparks friendly rivalry across Enugu wards

    The Minister congratulated the organizers and participants, expressing confidence that the event would deepen APC unity and energize the youth base in support of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima.

    In his remarks, the Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, who served as the Director, 2023 Youth Mobilization North-West affirmed that the gathering was organized to bring together APC youth leaders from the North-West Zone whom have contributed immensely to the success of the 2023 election victory, while also recognizing their various contributions to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    He further stated that the gathering would re-energize young people for continued support for the current administration.

    Goronyo called for their valued contributions that would further inspire the teeming youths to support the President to achieve his campaign promises to the zone in particular and the nation at large.

    The high point of the event was the presentation of meritorious awards to deserving APC youth leaders from the zone.

  • APC e-registration sparks friendly rivalry across Enugu wards

    APC e-registration sparks friendly rivalry across Enugu wards

    A spirited competition has emerged among communities in Enugu State as the All Progressives Congress (APC) e-registration programme gathers momentum, with wards vowing to outdo one another in enrolment figures and grassroots mobilisation.

    The ongoing exercise was flagged off at Ugbawka Wards 1 and 2 in Nkanu East LGA, Amaechi Ward 1 in Enugu South LGA, and Awgu Ward 2 in Awgu LGA, where leaders, stakeholders and residents turned the registration drive into a show of unity, confidence, and healthy rivalry.

    Speaking at Community Secondary School, Amafor Ugbawka, chairman of Nkanu East LGA, Hon. Sydney Edeh, attributed growing enthusiasm for the APC to what he described as tangible dividends of governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah.

    Edeh, who doubles as the chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), noted that federal roads were receiving renewed attention, the exchange rate had stabilised to the benefit of business owners, and perennial clashes involving herdsmen destroying farmlands in Ugbawka had become a thing of the past.

    According to him, the direct flow of funds to local governments under the current administration has enabled councils to construct kilometres of roads and bridges, adding that incentives would be given to wards and agents that outperform others in the e-registration exercise, an announcement that further fuelled competition among participants.

    “I don’t want to talk about the number of Smart schools and new hospital projects built already on Ugbawka by Governor Mbah or the number of roads projects 

    At Awgu Ward 2, the Managing Director of Fontana Group of Companies, High Chief Francis Osita Nwobi, said mobilisation had been seamless because of the trust the people repose in their leaders. 

    Read Also: Southern Kaduna APC group backs Tinubu, Sani

    He commended Governor Mbah’s performance in office and disclosed that community leaders and members of the diaspora had returned home to encourage mass registration.

    High Chief Nwobi added that the ward had benefited from federal projects facilitated by its elected representatives, reinforcing the community’s resolve to support the APC-led government at all levels. 

    Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Gilbert Onuoha said the large turnout reflected the people’s belief in their leaders and confidence in Governor Mbah’s leadership, while diaspora leader, Barr. Smart Nwobi, described the governor’s achievements as compelling reasons to mobilise total support.

    The competitive spirit was equally pronounced at Amaechi Ward 1 in Enugu South LGA. 

    Former Commissioner, Chief John Egbo, pledged that the ward would not only deliver the APC in the 2027 elections but would also emerge as the top-performing ward in the current registration drive.

    Former APC House of Representatives candidate, Mrs. Juliet Egbo, expressed joy over the influx of new members, describing the alignment of Enugu State with the APC as a strategic move for the future of the Southeast.

    State Coordinator of the APC e-registration programme, Chief Flavour Eze, reminded residents that the exercise was a mandate of the President and disclosed that Governor Mbah had promised rewards for wards with the highest registration figures. 

    He further explained that planned empowerment programmes by the state and federal governments would be accessible only to registered party members, urging residents to come along with their National Identification Number (NIN) and voter’s card details.

    Across the wards, chants, pledges, and declarations underscored a common resolve: to out-register neighbouring communities and prove loyalty through numbers. 

    As the exercise continues, the emerging rivalry is fast becoming a driving force in expanding the APC’s grassroots presence across Enugu State.