The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • APC, Accord, ADC, and permutations ahead of Osun 2026 race

    APC, Accord, ADC, and permutations ahead of Osun 2026 race

    After party primaries ended on December 15, 2025, as set by the INEC, preparations began for the August 8, 2026, off-cycle governorship election in Osun State. Correspondent Toba Adedeji gives an overview of the political contest.

    The selection of governorship candidates in Osun State has changed the landscape ahead of the 2026 election. As a result, stakeholders and supporters are now forming alliances and building grassroots support for what looks to be a closely contested race to decide who will lead from the Bola Ige House for the next four years.

    Meanwhile, in 2025, major opposition parties in the state, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Allied Peoples Movement (APM), began seeking credible candidates to represent them in the election, a move that sparked political stirrings.

    APC and emergence of Oyebamiji:

    Within the APC, calls grew stronger to zone the governorship ticket to the Osun West Senatorial District, especially if the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, chose not to run again. Political leaders and groups from the district pushed hard for this consideration.

    Oyetola later withdrew from the race, which allowed nine aspirants to compete for the party’s governorship ticket.

    Those who aspired for the APC ticket include: Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, former Managing Director of NIWA (Ikire, Osun West); Iyiola Omisore, former Deputy Governor (Ile-Ife, Osun East); Prince Dotun Babayemi (Gbongan, Osun West); Benedict Alabi, former Deputy Governor (Ikire, Osun West); Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, insurance magnate (Ile-Oogbo, Osun West); Kunle Adegoke, SAN (Osogbo, Osun Central); Senator Babajide Omoworare (Ile-Ife, Osun East); Dr Mulikat Jimoh, former Osun House of Assembly member (Ikirun, Osun Central); and Babatunde Hareter Oralusi (Ile-Ife, Osun East).

    After the screening, only Oyebamiji and Dr Mulikat Jimoh, the only female aspirant, were cleared to contest the primary. This caused tension within the party until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened.

    Eventually, a consensus was reached, and Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (popularly known as AMBO) was presented as the APC governorship candidate on December 13, 2025.

    Since Oyebamiji became the candidate, the party has experienced some tension. Omisore openly expressed his dissatisfaction, accusing Oyetola of supporting Oyebamiji and utilising party resources to aid him.

    Later, party leaders held a reconciliation meeting at Chief Bisi Akande’s home in December 2025. All aspirants were told to join forces within the APC to help the party win. The State Working Committee also encouraged the eight aspirants to unite and work together before the election.

    The party said that Oyebamiji’s selection unsettled the ruling party. Through the Director of Media, Chief Kola Olabisi, and APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, they praised the aspirants for accepting the result without bitterness.

    Lawal also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Akande, Alhaji Oyetola, the Agba Osun Caucus, and other stakeholders whose interventions ensured a seamless primary.

    Olabisi said the peaceful primary proved wrong those who predicted problems and showed the party’s unity. He also said that aspirants who put the party first would be remembered well in the party’s history.

    He encouraged party members to work together as a strong, united team in the August 8, 2026, election, aiming to win back power from Governor Ademola Adeleke.

    Read Also: Tinubu laying strong foundation for long-term prosperity – Information Minister

    Strengths of the APC:

    One of the APC’s main strengths is its unity since losing power in 2022. Except for former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who was expelled with his allies for alleged anti-party activities, the party has not lost any major figures to the ruling party.

    On the contrary, APC has gained prominent politicians from the PDP, including Senators Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central); House of Representatives members, Oluwole Oke, Sanya Omirin, and Taofeek Ajilesoro; and former PDP National Deputy Chairman, Chief Shuaib Oyedokun.

    The party also boasts influential leaders across the nine federal constituencies, including Senator Ajibola Basiru, APC National Secretary; Engr. Olalekan Badmus in Osogbo; Kayode Oduoye in Ikirun; Oyetola in Iragbiji; Chief Akande and Fadeyi in Ila-Orangun; Babayemi in Gbongan; and Oyebamiji in Ikire.

    APC’s weaknesses:

    A main concern for the APC is that reconciliation may not be complete, especially with disqualified aspirants like Omisore, who may not fully support the party’s success.

    Also, if the party does not choose a strong deputy governorship candidate from important towns like Osogbo or Ile-Ife, its chances could be hurt.

    The APC may also face challenges in Ede North and South, Governor Adeleke’s hometown, and in local governments such as Egbedore, Orolu, Iwo, Ayedire, Odo-Otin, and Ola-Oluwa, where the current governor has invested heavily in infrastructure.

    Adeleke’s chances:

    In the lead-up to its planned primary in 2025, PDP chairman Sunday Bisi said internal problems made it impossible to hold the event. He explained that Governor Adeleke’s participation would depend on whether the crisis was resolved within INEC’s timeline, which shaped the party’s immediate strategy.

    Consequently, Adeleke left the PDP for the Accord Party, taking with him members of his cabinet and political appointees. As the only aspirant, he became the Accord Party’s governorship candidate and promised to seek a second term.

    Accord’s strengths:

    The Accord Party’s main strength lies in its successful merger with the PDP structure. Furthermore, while Adeleke has revived the party, Accord also benefits from its position on the ballot, which comes before the APC.

    Adeleke’s position as governor, his influence in the civil service, focus on workers’ welfare, promotions, and payment of salary arrears have made him more popular. His work on infrastructure in Ede, Ilesa, Osogbo, Ila-Orangun, Iwo, and other areas is also likely to win votes.

    Most PDP members remain loyal to Adeleke, and he also has support from Senator Lere Oyewumi, six House of Representatives members, and 23 state lawmakers. This further improves his chances.

    Accord’s weaknesses:

    A big weakness is that many voters, especially in rural areas, do not know much about the party’s ideology. Many still link Adeleke to the PDP and may not be aware that he has switched parties.

    The party’s weak grassroots structure is another challenge, so it must depend on the PDP networks it inherited. Some PDP loyalists may also refuse to back Adeleke because of their loyalty to the party.

    Aregbesola’s ADC:

    At the same time, former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, now the ADC’s National Secretary, is another key player in the race. He and his allies left the APC in 2025 after being expelled for alleged anti-party activities, adding a new dynamic to the competition.

    The ADC has been mobilising support with figures such as former Speaker Najeem Salam, former SSG Moshood Adeoti, Senator Adelere Oriolowo, and former APC chairmen Razaq Salinsile and Adelowo Adebiyi.

    However, the ADC faced a setback when Adeoti left, citing dissatisfaction with the group’s internal governance. He left after reports that Salam had been selected as the preferred candidate in a mini-election among the group’s leaders in Lagos, where he received 11 out of 15 votes.

    Adeoti’s exit could weaken the ADC due to his political influence and past support for Aregbesola’s victories. Still, Salam became the party’s governorship candidate.

    PDP as a potential game-changer:

    Even after Adeleke left, the PDP chose Adebayo Adedamola, an ally of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, as its governorship candidate. If INEC accepts this nomination, the PDP could split votes that might have gone to Adeleke, making the race more complicated.

  • PDP mulls membership dues for funding

    PDP mulls membership dues for funding

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is planning to return to members at all levels to raise money as a way of stopping god fatherism that  has crippled the party.

    National Publicity Secretary of the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the party, Comrade Ini Ememobong, stated this at the weekend. 

    He said the party was going through a rebirth process, while aiming to reclaim power from the All Progressives Congress(APC) in 2027.

    Ememobong said: “Life is a curve; you go from the bottom to the apex and back down again. We started from zero in 1998, ruled for 16 years, and then began a descent. We have reached the bottom of the valley, and now we are heading back up. This is a rebirth process, which is always painful. We are analyzing our mistakes and successes.

    “We have both “qualitative” and “quantitative” voices in the party. While the qualitative voices (the elite) are important, democracy is a game of numbers. We are balancing these while navigating the court process. Simultaneously, we are using a “poly-opportunity strategy”—fighting in court while conducting grassroots mobilization and stakeholder engagement.

    “The strategy is simple: go back to the people. You need funding to entice people, but when people are with you voluntarily, they fund the cause. In 1998, people brought small contributions to fund the party, and that gave them a voice. 

    “When Governors took over the funding, the people were pushed aside. We are returning to that voluntary model. If 60 million Nigerians give ₦10,000 each, that is a huge sum. We are seeing this mass movement already in states like Plateau and Akwa Ibom”.

    He ruled out collaborating with other parties to win the forthcoming Ara Council elections, saying “the FCT is historically PDP territory at the local government level. We are reaching the “500 people” directly rather than through one elite “gatekeeper.” 

    “Regarding Ekiti, our candidate emerged cleanly. We are going to court to ensure INEC recognizes that process.

    “As for a merger, the time for that hasn’t matured. We are in an “embryonic stage” of collaboration. We have an understanding among the opposition because we face a common adversary—the ruling party—which won with less than 40% of the vote. We refrain from attacking other opposition parties like the Labor Party or ADC because we are focused on the larger goal.

    Speaking on the expected outlook for 2026 regarding security and the economy, he said “the outlook is gloomy. We are seeing a “normalization of insecurity” where feeling unsafe is the standard. 

    “We need comprehensive, sustainable solutions, not makeshift ones like using NYSC camps for police training. The best ambassadors to change the narrative aren’t PR firms in Washington, but the citizens in Benue, Plateau, and Borno who live these realities every day.”

  • Obaseki’s kinsmen hail Okpebholo on road construction

    Obaseki’s kinsmen hail Okpebholo on road construction

    Kinsmen of former Governor Godwin Obaseki have jailed Governor Monday Okpebholo for fulfilling his promise to construct the 14 kilometres Eguaholor-Iguomon-Uvbenisi-Oza Road with a spur to Ohe community.

    They said the road which linked Uhunmwode and Orhionmwon local government areas was neglected by their son.

    The former Edo Governor kinsmen spoke when Okpebholo inspected the road project which connected several agrarian communities.

    Mrs. Oyenmwen Igbinedion said they were happy that they could now take their farms produce to the market.

    She said: “Okpebholo has rescued us from darkness and it shows that the All Progressive Congress (APC) is a party to be trusted and this have shown that Governor Okpebholo’s administration is delivering practical governance to Edo people”.

    The counsellor representing Isi North in Uhunmwode local government area, Hon. Friday Agbonze, said the people suffered a lot due to the abandoned road.

    He said the construction has helped to boost economic resources of the people of the area.

    “Before now, we made several attempts to reach the former governor, Obaseki who is from this our community and he did nothing to help us. Thank God in just one year, governor Okpebholo has brought road to us and opened up our community. We are so very happy”.

    Speaking to journalists, Okpebholo said: :This is Obaseki’s Community, you can see the excitement on the faces of the people, how they have all come out to welcome us. Obaseki was governor of Edo State for eight years and never remembered his people.

    “When I came during my campaigns, i promised them that when I win the elections I will come and do this road. The road then was completely bad and inaccessible. This is my second time coming here. The first time was when I came to flag off this road and the second time now is to inspect the progress of the job done so far”.

    Okpebholo stated that construction of the road attested to the support of President Bola Tinubu in Edo’s Infrastructure and agricultural revolution drive.

    He expressed optimism  that the benefitting residents would appreciate President Tinubu with maximum votes in 2027.

    “The people are happy as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is demonstrating practical governance in Edo State, delivering the dividends of democracy to Edo people.

    “When we are talking about 2.5 million votes in Edo, people think we are joking. Edo people will not vote for another person because they have experienced growth and development in the State. 2027 is settled because it’s the judgement day and no matter the party they shall all be defeated in Edo State.

    “Our work is speaking for us as long as the President keeps giving us money, we will continue to use it to work for Edo people and develop the State and ensure the people  keep smiling”.

  • Ogunbiyi collapses structure for Oyebamiji, declares senatorial ambition

    Ogunbiyi collapses structure for Oyebamiji, declares senatorial ambition

    A former governorship aspirant and Chairman, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Akin Ogunbiyi, on Saturday collapsed his political structure for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) ahead of the 2026 election. 

    The Ile-Ogbo-born politician also declared intention to contest the Osun West Senatorial seat on the APC ticket. 

    The Nation recalls Ogunbiyi, who christened his political movement ‘Idera De’, was among the eight contenders for the APC guber ticket which Oyebamiji later clinched through a consensus arrangement. 

    Ogunbiyi, while addressing supporters across the state during a debrief meeting with members and leaders of his campaign structure in Osogbo, commended them for their steadfastness. 

    According to him: “We are very happy because I am from the West and we want the governorship candidate to emerge from the Osun West. We are grateful to God that one has happened. 

    “As for my belief and vision to govern the state. That has become a secondary issue now that a candidate of the party has emerged. So I have come to brief my supporters across the state that there is no more grouping. Just like all of us, aspirants, nine of us, we all agree to work for the party.

    “Everyone of us had a meeting and we resolved that everyone of us will work. We will do everything within our respective constituencies to ensure that Bola Oyebamiji emerges as the governor of Osun State from August this year.”

    He expressed confidence that Oyebamiji will emerge winner on August 8, 2026. 

    He said: “Our leaders have individually and collectively mentioned to me that I will pick the senatorial ticket. I don’t have any reason to doubt them. So I’m putting on record to my supporters that we have not lost anything.

    “The most important thing is for Bola Oyebamiji to emerge as the elected governor. If that happens, by the grace of God, I, Akin Ogunbiyi, from Iwo Federal constituency, by the special grace of God and the support of our leaders, I will emerge as the senator of the West.”

    Subsequently, he officially disbanded his political structure, charging them to work tirelessly for Oyebamiji’s emergence as the governor of Osun State. 

    “Before I came to do this today, I had all my caucuses, we had all met and resolved that the party’s candidate is the ultimate that we have to work for. That has been done. We may not be too happy that they didn’t give us the governorship, but that doesn’t mean that we are still not going to work for the party. 

    “We have 170,000 votes in Iwo, and I am telling everybody that by the special grace of God, progressives should count on Iwo, as we have always done in the past, we will still deliver for Oyebamiji and we will deliver for APC.”

  • Senator Akwashiki buried amid tears

    Senator Akwashiki buried amid tears

    The remains of Senator Godiya Akwashiki were laid to rest on Saturday at his private residence in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

    Akwashiki, who died on December 31 2025 at an Indian hospital, was buried amid tears and tributes from dignitaries, friends, political colleagues and family members.

    Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North on the platform of the SDP, chaired the Senate committee on Air Force died in India.

    The Archbishop of Jos, Most Reverend Dr Mathew Ishaya Audu, who presided over the burial mass at St Williams Cathedral Lafia describe Akwashiki’s death as a lesson to the living, emphasising the importance of leadership and exemplary life to be remembered after one’s passing.

    He described the death of the Senator as a great lost to the Christian community, the state and the nation.

    Read Also: Tribunal dismisses PDP’s petition against Senator Akwashiki

    In his preaching, Vicar General, Lafia Diocese, Very Reverend Father Mathew Ofoku said Akwashiki lived a righteous life, contributed immensely towards the development of Christianity, empowerment of his people and the development of the state.

    He said the legislator would be remembered for years to come for the legacy he left behind such as support to the church and empowerment programmes that touched the lives of many people.

    He called on believers to have the fear of God and always remember the last day and live a righteous life. 

    Rev. Mathew urged faithfuls to pray for the nation stability, peace and security and to overcome its numerous challenges.

    Dignitaries in attendance were Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro and many serving senators.

    Governors Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa) and Caleb Muftang (Plateau) also attended. 

  • Ndokwa youths endorse Okowa for Senate, vow to buy nomination forms

    Ndokwa youths endorse Okowa for Senate, vow to buy nomination forms

    Youth leaders from Ndokwa Nation have thrown their weight behind former Delta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, urging him to declare for the 2027 Delta North Senatorial seat.

    They described the former Delta Governor as the district’s most credible and unifying political asset.

    Operating under the auspices of the Ndokwa Youth Leaders Assembly (NYLA), the group made the call in a recent statement in Ogume, Ndokwa West Local Government Area. 

    They said their appeal was based on what they described as Okowa’s tested competence, administrative depth, bridge-building capacity, and visible investments in human and infrastructural development during his tenure as Governor.

    According to the youths, Delta North urgently needs a senator with both national influence and deep local relevance—qualities they insist Okowa already possesses.

    Read Also: Okowa upbeat as AFN sets the pace for a blockbuster season

    “Delta North cannot afford another ceremonial occupier of the Red Chamber,” the group warned. 

    “What the district needs now is results-driven negotiator who commands respect at the national level and remains accountable at home.”

    In an audacious move, the youth leaders announced plans to embark on a district-wide signature mobilisation tour as part of a coordinated effort to formally draft Okowa into the race.

    They further pledged to bankroll the purchase of his nomination and expression of interest forms, describing the initiative as a grassroots-driven push aimed at restoring transparency, credibility, and accountability to legislative representation.

    The group also called on traditional rulers, opinion leaders, professional associations, women groups, and political blocs across Delta North to rise above ethnic sentiments and rally behind a candidate whose competence and credibility, they said, are already well established in Senator Okowa.

  • Umahi’s son picks APC chairmanship form in Ebonyi

    Umahi’s son picks APC chairmanship form in Ebonyi

    Osbourne Umahi, son of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Friday picked the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship nomination and expression of interest form for Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    Osbourne, the first son of the Minister, was escorted to the party’s state secretariat in Abakaliki by a crowd of supporters.

    At the secretariat, he was received by members of the party’s state executive council led by the chairman, Stanley Okoro-Emegha.

    Okoro-Emegha hailed Umahi, describing him as an intelligent and capable young politician and businessman with the capacity to take the local government area to greater heights.

    Speaking to reporters, Osbourne Umahi thanked the people of Ohaozara for nominating him to contest for the position and promised not to disappoint the confidence they have reposed in him.

    On what to expect from his administration if elected, Umahi said his main focus would be youth empowerment, noting that young people remain the backbone of development.

    He also pledged to sustain the legacy of his father in infrastructure development across the local government area.

    The party’s local government primaries comes up on January 25 and if the younger Umahi wins, he will be stand for the local government election against other parties’ candidates in August this year. 

  • Akwashiki planned to step down in 2027, says SDP National Chairman 

    Akwashiki planned to step down in 2027, says SDP National Chairman 

    The. Acting National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Sadiq Gombe has disclosed late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who died penultimate week, had signified intention not to seek re-election in 2027 following his failing health.

    He made this revelation on Thursday night in Lafia, Nasarawa State, capital during a special night of tributes organised by the party in honour of the former Senate Committee Chairman on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs.

    Addressing the solemn occasion which attracted political leaders across the party lines, the SDP National Chairman recalled that shortly before his death, Akwashiki had expressed concern that his failing health might affect his ability to serve effectively and had even contemplated stepping aside.

    This, Gombe said, was to ensure quality representation for his people—an action he described as a rare demonstration of responsibility and patriotism.

    The federal lawmaker died penultimate week at an Indian hospital at 52.

    Gombe described Akwashiki as a rare example of integrity, selfless service, and principled leadership whose impact would remain deeply rooted in the political history of Nasarawa State.

    The Chairman noted the late lawmaker lived a life defined by honour, compassion, and the fear of God, which earned him respect across political, ethnic and religious lines. Adding that his leadership style was anchored on service, accountability, and deep commitment to the welfare of his constituents.

    Read Also: 2027: Senator Agboola, over 50,000 PDP, SDP, ADC members defect to APC in Oyo

    Eulogising Akwashiki,  the SDP leader said: “While we mourn his departure, we are grateful to Almighty Allah for a life well spent. True leadership is measured not by years or titles but by the legacy one leaves behind. Senator Akwashiki’s legacy speaks for itself.”

    He prayed for the emergence of leaders who are God-fearing, accountable, and genuinely committed to public service.

    At the tribute night, other speakers, including Senator Suleiman Adokwe, Nasarawa State Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, SDP leaders at national and state levels, elected officials, traditional rulers, and members of other political parties, highlighted the late senator’s dedication to dialogue, integrity, and grassroots development.

    They recalled his role in executing impactful constituency projects across communities in Nasarawa North Senatorial District, noting that he was widely regarded as one of the most effective lawmakers the state has produced since 1999.

    Special prayers were offered for the repose of his soul.

    Born in Angba Iggah, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, the late senator was first elected into the Senate in 2019 and re-elected in 2023. He earlier served as a member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, where he rose to become Majority Leader and later Deputy Speaker.

    He also served in several key capacities in the National Assembly, including Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force.

  • Ex-Senate Minority Leader dumps PDP for APC

    Ex-Senate Minority Leader dumps PDP for APC

    A former Senate Minority Leader, Simon Mwadkwon, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Mwadkwon represented Plateau North in the 10th National Assembly and briefly served as Senate Minority Leader in 2023.

    He announced his defection during a visit to APC elders in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Thursday.

    “I am here to formally announce my entry into the APC and to seek the counsel of party elders at the grassroots,” he said.

    Mwadkwon said his decision followed extensive consultations with constituents, political stakeholders, family members and associates across Plateau North, which comprises Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos North, Jos South, Jos East and Bassa local government areas.

    He described the move as a strategic realignment aimed at strengthening political collaboration and ensuring better representation of his constituents at the national level.

    “This decision is driven by the desire to work more effectively with leaders who share a commitment to improving governance and ensuring that the voices of our people are heard at key decision-making levels,” he said.

    Mwadkwon reportedly told party leaders that his defection was not merely symbolic but part of a broader effort to build and strengthen the APC in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    He also informed the elders of his intention to contest for the Senate seat in the 2027 elections.

    Mwadkwon had won the Plateau North senatorial election in 2023 on the platform of the PDP.

    However, his victory was overturned by the Court of Appeal, which nullified the election and ordered a rerun.

    The subsequent bye-election produced the current senator, Dachungyang Mwadkon, on the platform of the Action Democratic Party (ADP).

    The chairman of the APC Elders’ Council in Barkin Ladi, Solomon Bature, welcomed Mwadkwon into the APC, said the party remained open to all Nigerians willing to abide by its principles.

    Mr Bature urged party members to remain loyal and committed to the growth of the APC, describing the former minority leader’s defection as a positive development for the party.

    Party elders also offered prayers for Mr Mwadkwon and wished him success in his political aspirations.

    He was accompanied by several supporters, including former local government officials and party loyalists.

    Mr Mwadkwon’s defection is expected to boost the APC’s profile in Plateau State as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • Tinubu hails Akande at 87, describes ex-Gov as mentor, moral compass

    Tinubu hails Akande at 87, describes ex-Gov as mentor, moral compass

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday paid glowing tribute to elder statesman, Chief Bisi Akande, describing him as a mentor and exemplary leader whose integrity, honesty and uprightness have continued to inspire Nigeria’s progressive movement.

    In a birthday message to mark Chief Akande’s 87th anniversary, the President said the former governor of Osun State has remained a steadfast believer in values that ennoble the nation, noting that his personal example and moral clarity have shaped generations of leaders.

    Tinubu expressed gratitude for Akande’s inspiration, advice and encouragement over the years, saying they played a significant role in his political journey and eventual emergence as President. 

    He also acknowledged Akande’s continued support for the administration and the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “Having Baba Akande in my corner as a partner and ally has proved tremendously helpful,” the President said, adding that the elder statesman remains strong and unwavering even at 87.

    Tinubu recalled Akande’s long record of public service and political leadership, describing him as a key pillar of Nigeria’s democratic evolution and progressive politics. 

    He noted that Akande’s leadership, industry, wisdom and labour of love contributed immensely to the growth of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the broader democratic project.

    Read Also: Oyetola felicitates Akande at 87

    Akande, an accountant by training, began his professional career with British Petroleum before venturing into public service, inspired by the political vision and ideology of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. 

    His political journey saw him serve as Secretary to the State Government in the old Oyo State in 1979, Deputy Governor during the Second Republic and later Governor of Osun State from 1999 to 2003.

    As the interim national chairman of the APC, Tinubu said, Akande laid the foundation for a political organisation that achieved a historic feat by unseating an incumbent government at the centre in 2015.

    The President further praised Akande as a consistent advocate of democracy, social justice and good governance, noting that age has not diminished his commitment to national ideals or his readiness to stand for what is right.

    “As he marks his 87th birthday, I pray for good health and renewed strength for Chief Akande,” Tinubu said.

    Chief Akande, widely regarded as one of the leading figures of Nigeria’s progressive movement, remains an influential voice in national affairs and a reference point for principled leadership across party lines.