Category: Politics

…calls for equity and internal dialogue

A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Professor Rukevwe Akpedeye-Ugwumba, has expressed strong reservations about the recent endorsements of Senator Ede Dafinone and Hon. Francis Waive for the 2027 elections by the U3 Forum, urging party stakeholders to consider issues of equity, inclusion, and internal justice.

Professor Akpedeye-Ugwumba, a former House of Representatives aspirant and a long-standing advocate for grassroots political fairness, described the endorsements as hasty and potentially disruptive to the party’s zoning arrangements and internal cohesion. 

She argued that such decisions should emerge from broad-based consensus rather than endorsements by groups she referred to as “new entrants” to the party fold.

The U3 Forum, a political bloc composed largely of former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who have since joined the APC, had publicly thrown its support behind the two lawmakers in anticipation of the 2027 elections. 

However, Akpedeye-Ugwumba questioned both the source and timing of the endorsements, citing the need for reflection on the party’s core values and collective vision.

“This endorsement process appears to exclude long-standing and loyal members of the APC who have worked tirelessly over the years to build the party’s strength in Delta Central. Such moves risk creating tension within the ranks and could undermine the inclusive spirit we need as we move forward”, she said. 

Akpedeye-Ugwumba, who currently serves as a professor of family medicine in Canada and previously held the position of Special Adviser on Health to former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, noted that APC’s internal democracy must remain anchored on equity and rotation among the various constituencies.

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Citing representation history within the Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency, she observed that by 2027, Ughelli South would have occupied the House of Representatives seat for 16 years, compared to Ughelli North’s 8 years and Udu’s 4 years. She emphasized that fairness demands attention to such disparities.

“Our party constitution, particularly Article 20(vi), supports geopolitical balancing in elective positions. We cannot afford to overlook the principle of rotational representation if we want to maintain unity and earn the trust of all communities involved”, she said. 

On the senatorial race, she raised concerns over the potential renomination of Senator Dafinone, who hails from the same federal constituency as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. 

She argued that allowing both the governorship and senatorial seats to remain concentrated in the Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie axis would diminish broader Urhobo representation within the Delta Central Senatorial District, which is made up of 27 kingdoms.

“It’s essential that all parts of Delta Central feel adequately represented. Zoning ensures that power circulates fairly and helps to foster a sense of inclusion and belonging within the party and the region”, she stated. 

Akpedeye-Ugwumba also referenced the political precedent set by Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, who voluntarily stepped aside in 2023 to allow for a smooth zoning arrangement. 

She urged current officeholders to emulate such examples in order to maintain harmony and avoid political friction.

While calling on party stakeholders in Udu, Ughelli North, and Ethiope to engage actively in the party’s pre-election deliberations, she emphasized the importance of encouraging new aspirants and fresh voices. 

“A vibrant democracy thrives on inclusion and renewal. It’s time we give others a chance to lead,” she said.

Akpedeye-Ugwumba, the only female aspirant from Ughelli North to have contested the House of Representatives seat under the APC in 2019, has long championed political equity and inclusivity in Delta State politics. 

Her comments come at a time when the APC is preparing for its next electoral cycle and reflect broader concerns about candidate selection processes and internal power dynamics.

Though her tone was firm, the professor’s message largely called for reflection, dialogue, and renewed commitment to the party’s foundational values. 

Her intervention is expected to prompt serious discussions among Delta APC stakeholders as they navigate a politically sensitive pre-2027 landscape.

By Muhammad Garba

The Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, recently played host to a historic national gathering as the All Progressives Congress (APC) convened a high-level summit which was more than a celebration of accomplishments but was a deliberate platform for reflection, evaluation, and strategic alignment for the future of Nigeria under the APC-led administration.

The summit, beyond its rich discussions, also witnessed a historic political moment-the unanimous endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by party stakeholders as the APC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Coming at a critical time in the life of the ruling party and the nation, the summit brought together a rich convergence of political leadership, youth and women groups, and party loyalists under one roof to chart a transformative path for inclusive governance and sustained national development.

The summit witnessed the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his Deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajuddeen Abbas, and members of the National and State Assemblies, the Progressives governors, ministers, former governors and deputies, former national leaders, youth and women groups and grassroots mobilisers.

The event, themed “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far,” was both reflective and aspirational, marking a significant milestone in the present administration’s efforts to redefine governance, reinvigorate national confidence, and project a clear direction for Nigeria’s transformation.

The summit served as a critical checkpoint in the national policy trajectory since the inception of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration. With the Renewed Hope Agenda as its ideological compass, the event focused on assessing the accomplishments, challenges, and prospects of various sectors under the current government. It was not a typical political gathering; it was a sober, high-level national dialogue convened at the very heart of power, signaling the seriousness of purpose and commitment to open governance.

The summit was masterfully organized under the leadership of the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, whose vision and political acumen were evident throughout the process. Alongside the National Working Committee (NWC), Ganduje demonstrated deep organizational insight and strategic clarity, ensuring that the summit was not only successful in logistics but transformative in substance. The APC, under his stewardship, is evolving into a national institution driven by performance, policy, and grassroots connection.

Dr. Ganduje brought his hallmark style of inclusion and grassroots mobilization to the fore. His remarks at the summit were direct and visionary; emphasizing that the Renewed Hope Agenda is a comprehensive response to Nigeria’s longstanding governance challenges, and that the APC is determined to lead that transformation with measurable results.

The chairman and his team have also been instrumental in party reforms that are vital to sustaining the Renewed Hope Agenda. One of their key interventions has been the digitization of party membership, enabling greater transparency and participation. The new National Digital Membership Register, is a project aimed at democratizing access to party processes and deepening internal accountability. By doing so, the APC is signaling its transition from a purely electoral platform to a policy-driven national institution.

The summit reviewed sectoral achievements of the administration with a keen eye for data and outcomes. Economic indicators showed the early signs of stabilization, while social investment programmes such as the Student Loan Scheme and the Conditional Cash Transfer System were praised for cushioning vulnerable Nigerians. Infrastructure development, especially the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and major expressway upgrades, as well as ongoing railway expansion, was highlighted as evidence of commitment to inclusive growth.

The administration’s efforts in the energy and power sector, including gas utilization, solar deployment, and power grid enhancement, received commendation. Security reforms, including the restructuring of command architecture, improvement in personnel welfare, and acquisition of new assets, were noted as yielding results in previously volatile regions. The renewed push for community-based policing and intelligence gathering was seen as a welcome shift in security strategy. Though challenges remain, stakeholders acknowledged visible progress in the North-East, reduction in attacks on critical infrastructure, and increased community engagement in intelligence gathering.

The highlight of the summit was the unanimous endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the APC’s candidate for the 2027 general elections-a move many credit to Ganduje’s political dexterity.

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With the support of the party leadership, the National Assembly, the Progressives Governors’ Forum, and other stakeholders, Ganduje led the call for continuity under Tinubu. The endorsement formalizes the President’s position as the frontrunner for the 2027 presidential race and demonstrates party unity at the national level, strong internal confidence in his leadership, and strategic early positioning for 2027.

While Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, who announced the decision of the APC governor’s to throw their weight behind President  Tinubu’s re-election bid, Senate President Godswill Akpabio moved the motion for the endorsement of President Tinubu and was seconded by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajuddeen Abbas.

One truth that becomes increasingly evident is that President Tinubu has earned the right—and indeed the need—for a second term in office. Not just for the sake of political tradition, but for the stability, progress, and long-term reform of the Nigerian state.

In the closing session, President Tinubu began his speech by celebrating the resilience and growth of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He hailed the party as the “most potent democratic force” in Nigeria and praised its leaders for maintaining internal discipline and electoral dominance.

He stated: “The APC is not just a party; it is a progressive movement reshaping the destiny of this great nation,” and encouraged members to continue to unite and consolidate ahead of 2027, positioning the party as a “natural home for all who believe in the future of Nigeria.”

A major highlight of Tinubu’s speech was his bold commentary on recent defections from opposition parties, especially the PDP, to the APC and also addressed concerns about Nigeria potentially becoming a one-party state due to a surge in defections to the ruling party. 

In a tone both humorous and assertive, he said: “You don’t blame people bailing out of a sinking ship when they have no life jackets. I’m glad for what we have, and I’m expecting more to come. That is the game. Welcome to progress—sweep them clean.”

This metaphor-laden statement was a clear jab at the internal troubles of opposition parties, while encouraging APC members to embrace defectors and expand the party’s reach.

President Tinubu acknowledged with gratitude the official endorsement of his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election by the APC National Working Committee (NWC), calling it: “A profound vote of confidence that compels me to serve with even greater dedication,” and praised the party’s resolve and unity and assured members that his next term, if successful, would focus more sharply on delivery and national prosperity.

The President took time to address the painful but necessary reforms undertaken by his administration, such as: Fuel subsidy removal, Exchange rate liberalization, and maintained that the strong economic policies were crucial to long-term national growth.  “We did not come into the office to play it safe. We came to correct the fundamentals—no matter how difficult—so the future generation of Nigerians can thrive.”

As the summit drew to a close, what became apparent was that the Renewed Hope Agenda was not merely a slogan-it is fast becoming a doctrine of governance rooted in bold reforms, citizen engagement, and forward planning. The journey so far has not been without obstacles, but the willingness of the government to listen, recalibrate, and stay the course offers a refreshing departure from the past. Nigerians are not being promised miracles-they are being offered a new social contract based on hard choices, transparency, and shared sacrifice.

The summit was not just an assessment of what has been done; it was a declaration of what lies ahead. With renewed energy, clearer vision, and structured follow-through, the Tinubu administration, under the APC, has set a precedent for performance-based politics. The Renewed Hope Agenda is poised to become the pivot on which Nigeria’s long-awaited transformation turns.

Garba is the Chief of Staff to the National Chairman of the APC