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Category: Politics

  • Badaru, security and ignorant critics

    Badaru, security and ignorant critics

    • By Osita Okechukwu

    A few days ago, the Nigerian media were agog with a syndicated report that pressure was being mounted on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack the Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar. The said sponsored report was allegedly credited to a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi and one inconsequential youth group, which if thoroughly investigated may not be members of the revered Afenifere Youths.

    Apparently it seemed that the spurious report, serially spewed has not attracted the expected attention of the Commander-in-Chief, and in their scarcity mindset, all that was needed to add life to it was the emergence of Gagdi who is the lawmaker representing Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke Constituency of Plateau State.

    Also ethnic card was considered relevant hence the Afenifere Youths addition to raise the ante of the choreographed propaganda that Badaru was unfit to manage the country’s worsening security.

    The group supported the lawmaker, who behaved as if he is unaware of the humungous investment Mr President has committed to upgrade our security infrastructure, the gallant efforts and sacrifice of our officers and men, all of which for security reasons one cannot disclose publicly.

    Hon. Gagdi, who as a federal lawmaker has all the access to obtain relevant information from either Defence Headquarters or Ministry of Defence in less than constructive criticism; personalised his criticism of the Defence Minister on the floor of the House. He cited recent terrorist attacks, particularly in Borno State, where insurgents reportedly overran military base, carting away 40 tanks and military platforms. This, in Gagdi’s opinion, nullifies all the giant strides and gains made in the gruesome and intractable asymmetrical warfare.

    As someone who knows the antecedents of Badaru in managerial affairs before and after his appointment as the Defence Minister, I shuddered at the crass exhibition of ignorance or mischief by those campaigning for his removal. President Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, is aggrieved as Gagdi and co, aware of the weaponry and strategies being deployed on the frontline to turn the table. He knows the managerial capacity of Badaru and made a deliberate choice in his appointment as the Defence Minister, not based on political loyalty as his detractors want the public to believe.

    Let us recall that prior to Badaru appointment as a Minister, he served for eight unbroken years as the Governor of Jigawa State in the North West geo-political zone of Nigeria, from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023. Notwithstanding that fate made Jigawa one of the poorly secured border states of Nigeria to other countries, throughout the period that Badaru was in office as the Governor, it was the safest state among the 19 states of Northern Nigeria.

    While bandits ran riot in other North West states of Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina, they found Jigawa a hard nut to crack during Badaru’s tenure. As the Chief Security Officer, he deployed an internally driven approach to guarantee safety and peace in the 27 Local Government Areas of Jigawa State. The facts speak for themselves.

    Since President Tinubu appointed Badaru, an accountant by profession, as the Defence Minister in August 2023, efforts have been intensified to end terrorism, banditry, insurgency, kidnapping and other forms of violent criminal activities in the country. Undoubtedly, the military offensive ordered by the President has been yielding fruits.

    For instance, the Lakaruwa bandits have been feeling the heat of the military offensive in Kebbi, Sokoto and other North West states. Many bandit leaders have been neutralised. Those who are alive, such as the notorious Bello Turji, terrorizing Zamfara and neighbouring states, have been on the run. Early this year, Turji’s son and scores of his foot soldiers were neutralized by the military Special Forces.

    Similarly, peace has considerably returned to the southern part of Kaduna State, which used to be one of the epicentres of banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria before the Tinubu government came into office. Today, a military operational formation exists in the much neglected Southern Zaria axis, which has boosted military operations beyond the area. It never existed until the current administration came into office.

    In Plateau State, the home state of Hon. Gagdi, where ethnic violence has claimed countless lives, the Tinubu administration has also extended military frontiers to contain the epicentres of the violence in the state. This happened under the watch of the same Badaru who Gagdi and his co-travelers asked the President to sack.

    Read Also: Sponsored allegation against Defence Minister Badaru won’t stand – NANS

    Also, the capacity of the secessionist groups in the South East of Nigeria has been largely degraded, with kinetic and non-kinetic strategies like the hope raised by the establishment of South East Development Commission (SEDC). In the fullness of time SEDC with huge budget will assure the people their days of marginalization is over. Succour some said is coming from unexpected quarters.

    Simultaneously oil theft in the Niger Delta region has been reduced substantially, more via non-kinetic approach, thus safeguarding the economy of the country from the ruinous activities of economic saboteurs stealing crude, either for illegal exportation or refining. These grounds were gained under President Tinubu, the Commander-Chief of the Armed Forces and Badaru, his Defence Minister.

    Hence, it baffled me to hear a ranking federal lawmaker calling to question the nation’s defence capacity over recent terrorist attacks in the country. I thought that somebody who is a ranking federal lawmaker ought to understand the complexities of Nigeria’s security challenges, which could be likened to guerrilla warfare.

    Guerilla or asymmetrical warfare is different from conventional warfare. The terrorist, bandits, insurgents and kidnappers live amongst us. At times, it is even difficult to identify the enemy. This is why a guerilla warfare in any part of the world often lasts longer than the conventional war.

    The insecurity in Nigeria today, started almost a decade and half before President Tinubu came to power. Successive governments no doubt did their best and all that is needed today is for all hands to be on deck, as hauling blame games gladden the bandits, insurgents and terrorists. And President Tinubu, being someone not given to offering excuses, has shown enormous political will to bring it to an end, going by the huge defence spending of his government, which is not something to be discussed in the media.

    Therefore, all that Badaru, the military and by extension Mr President needs is prayers for the good work they are doing in defense of our dear fatherland. Ordinarily any public officer expects hauling of stones from some quarters, both constructive and less than constructive from one or two mischievous lawmakers out of 360 members of the House of Representatives. This is the juice of democracy with its attendant freedom of speech and association.

    So far, the Defence Ministry under Badaru has lived up to expectation. Contrary to the claim of Gagdi and his co-travelers, the Defence Minister has significantly demonstrated the competence and commitment required to secure the country. Indeed, I find it quite incomprehensible that somebody with a thinking faculty could open his mouth wide and say that “since the minister’s appointment, he has focused more on consolidating personal business interests than addressing security threats.” This disinformation orchestrated by the said youth organisation. I will, if am Badaru, challenge this in court of law, but knowing him as a devout muslim, he will most likely throw it into the dustbin of history.

    The world knows that Badaru has been working relentlessly to realise the mandate given to him by the Commander-in-Chief to wipe out all undesirable elements, threatening the stability, security and peace of the country. It is an overstatement to say that the security architecture under him has collapsed.

    The President understands that security is the backbone of Nigeria’s safety and economic development, that is why he works day and night to reduce insecurity in the country to the barest minimum. Badaru is equally doing a yeoman’s job as the Minister in charge of Defence. Nigerians should see those calling him “a contractor in a camouflage ministry,” for what they are-hired goons want to undermine the efforts of the government, using a destructive campaign of calumny against the Defence Minister.

    Every informed Nigerian knows the transparent mindset of Badaru, especially in a scenario where contracts award have many layers and not one man show. All contracts, including defence contracts are taken to the Federal Executive Council (FEC), where they are carefully considered before approval is granted. Accusing Badaru of being a contractor shows the magnitude of the ignorance and distorted mentality of his detractors. Thank God they did not say that Badaru used money meant for equipping the military to buy SUV car for his daughter who finished secondary school.

    Even more preposterous is the claim by the youth group that Badaru contributed to equipment shortages and intelligence failures in military operations. The claim is not only baseless, but also unfounded. It shows that they know nothing about the security architecture of the country. The Defence Ministry is a collegiate system and the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence is to supervise the Defence Headquarters, namely Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as the Services institutions and parastatals.

    At 63 years, Badaru is not too old or out-of-touch to head the Defence Ministry, as alleged by his detractors. He should be ranked among the youngest Defence Ministers of our time. He is concentrating fully on his job.

    He has not shown any ethnic bias in recruitment, procurement, and strategic decisions or whatsoever as they claimed. It is on record that the armed forces have the enviable tradition of meritocracy both in recruitment and promotion. To claim that he heavily favours individuals aligned with his 2027 presidential ambition is a figment of the imagination of his critics. As an administrator, Badaru takes every information given to him seriously and never responds with propaganda.

    In conclusion, the call for Badaru’s removal is misguided. Nigerians have confidence in the President’s ability to secure lives and property. The President knows why he chose Badaru to serve as his Defence Minister and he has so far not been found wanting in his duties.

    • Mr Osita Okechukwu is a foundation member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and a former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON). He wrote from Abuja.
  • Osun 2026: What is Durodoye up to?

    Osun 2026: What is Durodoye up to?

    A Professor of Mathematics, Raifu Durodoye, has joined the Osun State governorship race. He says he has all it takes to run the State of Living Springs. Olalere Fagbola writes

    Unlike in the past when they shunned politics, many professionals and academics are now involved in the game. They say they are people with ‘a second address’ who are not like others who live and feed on politics.

      As the tribe of professionals in politics increases, a professor of mathematics based in the United States (US), Raifu Durodoye, has indicated interest in the governorship race of Osun State. Durodoye believes it is time for him to return home and contribute to the growth of his state and improve the wellbeing of his people.

      Known among friends and family members as ‘’Duro”,  he had long dreamed of giving back to his country and particularly, his state. Worried by what he sees as “squandering the legacies and laying waste a generation of potential geniuses”, he argues that

    the educated should not use their knowledge almost exclusively for personal gain as man’s development should not strictly be an internal matter. It cannot be divorced from the social, economic and political life of the society in which he lives; not even when the whole world itself has shrunk into a global community, he added. Durodoye is stunned by

    the way of life of many youths. He submits that they are living lives bereft of idea and meaning. An opportunity to live his dream came when he facilitated Nigeria’s membership of the Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE). He promptly set the stage for the sustenance of education reform in the country and the development of a roadmap for future generations of scientists. According to him, he did not attain this height by sudden flight but through  the education he received and the right approach given to the teaching of mathematics by his teacher who he identified as impacting him tremendously.

    Read Also: Sponsored allegation against Defence Minister Badaru won’t stand – NANS

      “I credit my high school teacher, Mr. Akinola, who taught mathematics straight from memory, with no reference to textbooks except for reinforcement and assignment”, he said, adding:

    “ We are blessed with a good system of education in Nigeria as the knowledge and the training we underwent provided solid foundation to compete anywhere in the world. My background at Saint Charles High School, Osogbo and the University of Ibadan, gave me easy and smooth academic ride at the Marshall University in America.

    “ I was a Part two student at the University of Ibadan when I was offered scholarship, but with the right counselling from my academic father, Prof B.B. Adeleke, I transferred to Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia to complete my Bachelor’s degree, Masters at Texas A&M University, Commerce, TX and Doctorate at the National American University.”

     Durodoye’s dream is to replicate his American experience at home for the betterment of his state and the people. To him, the future belongs to the patient and diligent who are willing to learn and grow. As professor of mathematics at North Lake College in Texas, USA, Durodoye has seen how an organised and well planned society works. Over the years, he has deployed GLOBE as a vehicle for reshaping Nigeria’s education in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education. Durodoye utilised a grant he received from Allied Consulting and Educational Partnership of Texas to organise workshops in which teachers from Nigeria participated, at the University of North Texas in 2002 and in 2005. Former Minister of Education, Prof Babalola Borisade, who once worked with Durodoye, said he had used the GLOBE initiative to impact the world, and thanked him for helping Nigeria to become a GLOBE partner. “My main objective in everything that I do is to make life comfortable for people”, Durodoye explained. He said he facilitated Nigeria’s membership of GLOBE to enable him work with boys and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), beginning from Osun State, which he described as his origin. One, he added, should never forget his origin. As our fathers say, the stream that forgets its source will dry up. I do not want that to be my case. I want it to be a case of charity begins at home. This is why I want to be the governor of Osun so as to move our state to the next level, using the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC)”.

    • Fagbola, is a journalist wrote from Lagos
  • Tinubu, Obasanjo, Abdulsalami, others hail Sule Lamido’s political forthrightness

    Tinubu, Obasanjo, Abdulsalami, others hail Sule Lamido’s political forthrightness

    Political heavyweights across the party lines took turn in Abuja on Tuesday to eulogies the former Jigawa State Governor and ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sule Lamido during the public presentation and launching of his autobiography – “Being True to Myself”.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his goodwill message hailed the former Jigawa State Governor as a bold, consistent, and principled politician whose personal journey mirrors the story of Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

    Represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the President noted that despite being a member of the opposition and a critic of his administration, Lamido remain “one of the strong pillars of Nigeria’s political evolution.”

    President Tinubu through the Minister reaffirmed his belief in a democratic culture where opposition is not enmity but a contest of ideas, stressing that “every citizen, regardless of party affiliation, has a seat at the table of national discourse.”

    Describing the book’s decade-long development as a labour of resilience, the Minister praised Lamido’s effort in preserving political memory. He encouraged other political veterans to emulate this example by documenting their experiences for future generations.

    He noted that the book “aptly reflects the man Sule Lamido and his reputation as a principled and blunt politician and statesman. I will recommend this book to students, scholars, journalists, and fellow politicians, who will find it instructive for many years.

    “Just like the author, President Tinubu is always true to himself and to the most important ideals of Nigeria, which are anchored on truth, justice, peace, and shared prosperity.”

    Reflecting on the administration’s achievements as Nigeria approaches the 26th anniversary of the Fourth Republic and the second year of the Tinubu presidency, the Minister emphasized that the government’s ongoing reforms, though bold and sometimes painful, are beginning to yield positive macroeconomic outcomes.

    “Are we saying that we are where we need to be and that there isn’t room for more work to be done? Certainly not. What we are saying is simple: that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated uncommon audacity and vision to set Nigeria on the path of true growth and development. And, after a somewhat rocky start, owing to the toughness of the inevitable reforms, we are now entering an era of intended beneficial outcomes, underlined by macroeconomic stability,” he said. 

    Read Also: Insecurity: Diaspora group urges Tinubu to sack underperforming security heads

    On national security, Idris assured that President Tinubu is leaving no stone unturned in his efforts to protect our citizens and the nation’s territorial integrity from terrorist elements. 

    “We want to therefore emphasize the need to appreciate the sacrifice of the Nigerian military in this regard,” he stated.

    The Minister said the Tax Bills, initiated by the President, are aimed at growing revenues for governments at all levels, to foster national development, while also taking care to not impose additional burdens on taxpayers.

    “President welcomes constructive criticism at all times, in the spirit of freedom of speech and democratic engagement, but he will also never allow himself to be distracted from doing what is right for Nigeria,” the Minister said.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo who in his keynote address described Lamido as an indispensable sage, whose unique efforts as the Minister of Foreign Affairs saw to the acceptance of Nigeria into the international community, after many years of military rule that gave the country a pariah status among the commity of nations. 

    Recalling the role Lamido played during the early days of the 4th republic, Obasanjo said, “To remember, Nigeria had become a pariah state. So we had a lot to do, both inside and outside. But Sule Lamido was the agent of the outside. And any time he went out, I wanted to know what the reaction was, what impact we were making, how we were changing or not changing the impression of the outsiders about Nigeria.

    “He (Lamido) did such a magnificent job, such a magnificent job, that within the three years of our coming to government, the Queen of Britain and the Queen of the Commonwealth actually came to Nigeria to participate in the CHOGM that we had.

    “That was actually the greatest indication that we had now been accepted—no matter what the past was—that we have now been accepted by the international community: in Africa, in the Commonwealth, in the United Nations, and everywhere.”

    Commending the author in his opening address, the immediate past Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar who was represented by Professor Attaihru Jega noted that Lamido should be commended for deepening the knowledge of Nigerian through his latest literary work.

    According to Abubakar, “He made a courageous effort of putting pen to paper in the tedious process of producing a book worthy of the name, which adds remarkable value to our understanding of not only his background and experiences but also to our enriched understanding of the dynamics as well as the trials and tribulations of politics and governance in Nigeria.

    “It is my hope that in the points of view it conveys, in the facts it presents—or that people may say misrepresents—in the controversies, if any, it may generate, ‘Being True to Myself’ would inspire many other actors and activists in the Nigerian political and governance spaces to also write and publish more books, which would enable us as citizens to have a clearer understanding of what is the true nature and character of our politics and governance, what the key challenges are requiring serious attention, and how best to collectively apply our energies and resourcefulness to addressing these.”

    The high-profile event which held the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja had in attendance former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, who reviewed the 500-page book.

    Among dignitaries at the ceremony are former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Pius Anyim, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; Governors Muhammadu Yahaya (Gombe), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau).

    Other attendee were former governors Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Liyel Imoke (Cross River), former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai, Gen. Ibrahim Gusau, former Head of Service of the Federtion,Alhaji Yayale Ahmem, Hajiya Najatu Mohammed among others.

  • Agege APC leaders deny imposition of candidates in party’s primary 

    Agege APC leaders deny imposition of candidates in party’s primary 

    Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agege and Orile-Agege have dismissed allegations that chairmanship and councillorship candidates for the upcoming Lagos council elections were imposed on the party.

    The clarification followed growing controversies over the APC primaries held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the party’s state secretariat. 

    The primaries, which covered all 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs), produced candidates through delegate voting and consensus. 

    However, some of the announced results, excluding those for Yaba LCDA and Mainland LCDA, have been mired in disputes over alleged imposition and manipulation in favour of preferred aspirants.

    Agege and Orile-Agege, where Alhaji Tunde Azeez and Idowu Akinola emerged as chairmanship candidates, have not been exempted from such claims.

    In response, the APC leadership in both councils issued a communiqué on Tuesday after a meeting at the Agege Local Government Secretariat, rejecting the imposition narrative and affirming the legitimacy of the candidates.

    The communiqué was signed by key party figures including Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashir Obasa; state lawmaker for Agege 02, Alhaji Jubril Kareem; House of Representatives member, Hon. Dr. Wale Ahmed; Special Adviser to the Governor, Hon. Afolabi Tajudeen; Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Hon. Afolabi Ayantayo; APC apex leader, Alhaji Safari Adaranijo; and the first executive chairman of Agege LG, Alhaji Genius Owolabi Dada.

    Others are: Executive Chairman AGEGE LG, High Chief Ganiu Kola Egunjobi, Executive Chairman Orile-Agege LCDA, Hon Sunday Johnson Babatunde,

    Ex-Chairman, LAHASCOM, Hon. Richard Akin Osungboye, Former APC Party chairman, Alhaji Ayoni Shittu, APC AGEGE LG Chairman, Alhaji Tunde Azeez, APC ORILE-AGEGE LG Chairman, Hon. Salau Olaniyi, Former council Chairman and former Member House of Assembly, Hon. Rotimi Adeshina, APC LEADER, Elder Sunday Ajide and Former House of Assembly member, Hon. Ashimiu Adebayo.

    Read Also: Police confirm abduction of APC chairman in Ondo

    The leaders in their statement said those faulting the process that led to the emergence of APC candidates for the chairmanship and councillorship in all the 13 wards abandoned the party and the communities long ago.

    “As far as we are concerned, the primary elections were free and fair; and suggestion by some elements that the candidates that emerged were imposed on them is misleading.

    “Those making this false claims are sore losers; and for years ostracised themselves from APC and our communities.

    “To put it in context, the likes of MD of Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, ex-House of Representatives member, Dr Samuel Adejare, and three-time House of Assembly member, Oluyinka Ogundimu have moved out of Agege for years in terms of residence and are not involved in the activities of the party in both councils.

    “In the same boat is Biodun Ogunji, a chairmanship aspirant in Agege who lives in the UK with his family but weeks back came down to Nigeria for the purpose of his aspiration.

    “Same thing with his fellow-failed aspirant, Bukola Sofidiya, aka Gidado, a US-based Agege politician and Sola Osolana who is based in the UK and was the chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Agege in the last council election in the state.

    “It is a general knowledge that the leadership of the party in the state in their wisdom adopted consensus or delegate voting for the primaries with party local government excos as the voters.

    “In Agege and Orile-Agege, excos members were constituted about four years ago when the aforementioned persons distanced themselves from the party in both council areas and its activities; as well as stayed away from our dear communities.

    “In that context, it’s only people with limited education and obscurity of positions that would consider themselves as contenders and not pretenders in the just concluded primaries,” the Comminique partly read.

  • City Boy Movement rallies youth behind Tinubu’s reform agenda

    City Boy Movement rallies youth behind Tinubu’s reform agenda

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not assume office merely to manage Nigeria but to lead a fundamental and sustainable transformation of the nation, according to the Director General of the City Boy Movement, Oluwatosin Shoga.

    Shoga said the vigour and sense of purpose driving the Renewed Hope Agenda across the country’s sociopolitical, security, and economic spheres demonstrates that President Tinubu came to transform, not just manage, Nigeria.

    Addressing participants at the Imo State Youth Stakeholders’ Security Summit held over the weekend in Owerri, Shoga highlighted President Tinubu’s sustainable approach to tackling insecurity, alongside a strong commitment to meaningful youth empowerment.

    He said the President has made it clear that no threat or personal interest would be allowed to compromise the safety of Nigeria or its human and material resources.

    Noting that the summit’s theme, ‘Imo Safety: The Youth Responsibility’, aligns with President Tinubu’s vision, the youth leader emphasised that Nigeria’s security is non-negotiable, adding that the safety of Imo State and the nation remains a central pillar of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “We’re not talking about just any form of empowerment. When young people acquire skills, have access to finance, and gain the knowledge needed to run their own businesses, they become builders, not destroyers. More importantly, they are less vulnerable to social vices,” he said.

    He, however, called for a collective response to the security challenges, noting that government efforts alone are not enough, saying, “Government cannot win this battle alone.

    “We need traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, market associations, and women’s organisations to help raise awareness for peace.

    “In this battle against insecurity, retreat is not an option, surrender is off the table. The path to peace may be challenging, but with unity, determination, and faith in the Renewed Hope agenda, we shall overcome.”

    In his remarks, the Imo State Commissioner for Youth and Talent Hunt, Mandella Ukaegbu, said the summit was part of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s initiatives to ensure lasting peace and security in the state.

    He noted that the governor has launched several programmes to encourage youth participation in state affairs, particularly in promoting safety and security.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu swears in INEC commissioners, CCB board members

    “The governor has empowered the youth through numerous initiatives, and this summit provides a platform for them to actively contribute to securing the state,” Ukaegbu said.

    He added that the governor’s approach has instilled in the youth a strong sense of responsibility to build and not destroy, saying, “The message is clear, the youth understand that building the state and the nation is far better than destroying it.”

    Representatives of various security agencies at the summit urged Imo youth to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals within their communities.

    They cautioned that criminals often act more swiftly than official responses, emphasising that security should never be taken for granted.

    The officials also warned against cultism and illicit drug use, describing them as major contributors to social unrest.

    Individuals were honoured at the event with awards for their exceptional contributions to peacekeeping in the State.

  • 2027: Group warns opposition against smear campaign against Tinubu’s ministers

    2027: Group warns opposition against smear campaign against Tinubu’s ministers

    The Citizens Forum for Transparency and Integrity (CFTI) has called for heightened vigilance and unity as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections.

    In a statement released in Lagos on Monday, the group expressed concern over attempts by certain political figures to sway public opinion and government institutions in ways that could destabilise the country, especially President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    CFTI highlighted recent political activities, including meetings with key opposition leaders, including a former anti-graft agency chairman, which they believe may signal early efforts to influence the political landscape ahead of the elections

    The group stressed the importance of safeguarding state institutions from political interference and urged all stakeholders to prioritise the national interest and democratic principles.

    CFTI also called for support for President Tinubu’s administration and urged Nigerians to remain committed to peace, unity, and good governance.

    CFTI also alleged that the former anti-graft official recently met with opposition figures in London, where discussions reportedly centred on targeting four ministers in Tinubu’s cabinet.

    The group claimed this was part of a broader strategy to undermine the government and diminish public trust in preparation for the upcoming electoral cycle.

    “We have it on good authority that the man, who is still nursing bitterness over his removal from office, has now found a new political mission to work with the opposition to paint this administration as corrupt and compromised,” the statement read.

    The group said it is deeply concerned that the opposition is planning to use state institutions to launch politically motivated probes against top officials of the federal government.

    “From what is available to us, we can confirm that four ministers have been deliberately selected for this smear campaign,” said Gidado.

    “Three of them are former governors — David Umahi, Atiku Bagudu, and Bello Matawalle — while the fourth, Festus Keyamo, is a former minister under the Buhari administration who now holds a strategic portfolio in Tinubu’s cabinet as minister of aviation and aerospace development.”

    Gidado claimed that in exchange for his role in this operation, the man has been promised a return to public office as National Adviser on Anti-Corruption, a newly proposed position that would oversee the EFCC, ICPC, and the Code of Conduct Bureau if the opposition succeeds in 2027.

    “We find it extremely dangerous that a man who once occupied such a sensitive position is now being positioned as a political tool in the hands of those desperate to hijack power,” Gidado said.

    The forum called on security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), to investigate the meeting held in London and monitor all back-channel activities aimed at weaponising anti-corruption institutions for political vendetta.

    “This is not just about politics. It is about protecting our democratic institutions from manipulation and abuse. He may be out of office, but his network remains embedded within the system. We cannot allow such an infrastructure to be turned against loyal public servants whose only offence is their allegiance to the current government,” the statement noted.

    CFTI also warned that the growing desperation in opposition ranks is a signal that the 2027 elections may be marred by coordinated blackmail, character assassination, and institutional sabotage if urgent steps are not taken to counter these schemes.

    “We are watching a dangerous script unfold. The opposition is not preparing for elections; they are preparing for subversion. They know they can’t win at the ballot, so they’re trying to destroy from within,” Gidado stated.

    He further noted that President Tinubu’s cabinet has, despite challenges, made significant progress in stabilising key sectors and attracting foreign investments — achievements he said some politicians are determined to frustrate for selfish reasons.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu swears in INEC commissioners, CCB board members

    “Is it not curious that the same ministers driving reforms in infrastructure, industrial policy, defence, and aviation are the ones being targeted? This is not a coincidence. It is a pattern of sabotage,” he added.

    The group urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and to reject any narrative designed to weaken confidence in public institutions or derail the government’s momentum.

    “This country belongs to all of us, and no one, not even a former EFCC chairman, should be allowed to turn anti-graft agencies into tools of political warfare. We owe our democracy more than that,” Gidado said.

    “We are citizens with no political affiliation. Our only loyalty is to truth, justice, and national stability. And we will not hesitate to speak out against those plotting in the shadows.”

    CFTI concluded by pledging to continue monitoring political developments and exposing any conspiracy against the current administration or democratic order.

  • APC group demands review of Lagos LG primary election result, alleges fraud

    APC group demands review of Lagos LG primary election result, alleges fraud

    A group of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, the Ebony Campaign Team, has urged party leaders to revisit the outcome of the recently declared local government primary election.

    The group alleged widespread fraud and injustice, claiming that available evidence shows its candidate, Ìdòwu Daramola, won the primary for the Odi-Olowo-Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area.

    In a statement by its spokesperson, Morufdeen Bello, the team accused some party elements of plotting to impose an unpopular candidate, warning that such moves could damage the party’s chances in the area.

    The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) to urgently intervene, noting that the situation is already heightening tensions in the community.

    “The recently conducted APC primary election of Odi-Olowo /Ojuwoye LCDA at the APC Lagos state office premises in Acme is a display of electoral malpractices of the highest order. 

    “It is disgraceful, shameful, unprecedented and a brazen attempt to impose an unpopular aspirant on our people. 

    “The announced results is a predetermined outcome far from the realities of the day and the true outcome of the election. This illogical, day light fraud is unacceptable and undemocratic 

    “Declaring that Hon. Idowu Daramola (Ebony)scored zero is not only laughable and a reverse of the truth, it is totally unacceptable. 

    In a statement by Morufdeen Bello, Spokesperson, Ebony Campaign Team, the group questioned: “How can Hon. Idowu Daramola who scored 17 votes out of 25 was said to score zero?, adding that the question begs for a logical answer.

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    “Scoring Hon. Idowu Daramola zero is a travesty of justice, an affront to logic, and an insult to the intelligence of the good people and delegates of Odi-Olowo /Ojuwoye LCDA . 

    ‘That the delegates in their majority rejected the one who has been in office for eight years is a testament to Hon. Idowu Daramola’s popularity, acceptance and the desire of our people for a new dawn. 

    “This disgraceful and shameful display of repeated desperation must stop in Odi-Olowo /Ojuwoye LCDA. 

    “When will our people have a government of their own, when will this imposition and illegality stop in Odi-Olowo / Ojuwoye LCDA?

    According to Bello, the same people who undermined the electoral value of Daramola and plotted to silence him, are now sending emissaries to him.

    To the campaign team, this is nothing but betrayal and suppression of the people’s will. 

    “In truth, they are the betrayals. They deny our people their rights, they don’t fulfill promises, they have an history of not following agreements and they practice winner takes all. 

    “And now that the people pay them back by voting an honest, diligent, popular and acceptable Hon. Idowu Daramola, they are now crying about like bush babies. 

    ‘This electoral fallacy have shown utter desperation to silence Hon. Idowu Daramola aspirations, it is intended to crush the will of his supporters and delegates, and to undermine a democratic process. We refused to be silenced! We will not be intimidated! We will not be deterred! We will not relent until justice is served and seen to have been done! 

    Bello added that there are facts that 17 delegates voted for Daramola, alleging that the announced result was nothing but fraud.

    “Scoring him zero is a testament to their desperation. This is a clear case of electoral manipulation, designed to impose a predetermined outcome.

    “We have our delegates who are willing and ready to prove that zero to Hon. Idowu Daramola was allotment and not the actual votes. Rather, he won the election.”  

    Appealing to party leaders, the team said: “We therefore appeal to our national leader who doubles as the President of the Federal Republic, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the GAC leaders to prevail on the electoral committee to investigate what happened behind close doors before the counting of ballots. 

    We call for the

    “We also want Immediate reversal of the primary results

    “There should be immediate announcement of the original results where Daramola won the primaries election. 

    “We appeal that the party do all it can to flush out electoral fraud and its promoters from our party at all cost. The continuos embarrassment of our party must stop.”

    The group vowed to fight on until justice is served.

    “Until justice is served, until Hon. Idowu Daramola’s right as the winner is recognized, and until the will of the people and delegates is upheld, we will agitate, and we will demand justice.

    “Our voices must be heard and our outrage and anger against this day light and disgraceful act must be seen! 

    “This time around, we won’t relent. The party leaders must not only do justice but must be seen to have done it.”

  • Tinubu is a listening, pragmatic leader — Senator Girei

    Tinubu is a listening, pragmatic leader — Senator Girei

    President Bola Tinubu has shown himself to be a listening and pragmatic leader nearly two years into his administration, according to Senator Abubakar Girei, a prominent politician and public affairs analyst in Adamawa State.

    Speaking to journalists at his residence in Yola, Girei noted that many of the president’s decisions reflect a willingness to act on sound advice aimed at advancing the country’s interests.

    “We recommended increased funding for security, and he delivered. He also allocated N1.5 trillion for agricultural revitalization through the Bank of Agriculture. That’s a listening president,” Girei said.

    Girei, who represented the Adamawa Central Senatorial Zone in the National Assembly from 1999 to 2003, said he is confident that the president will, in no long time, review many of his policies that Nigerians currently complain about. 

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    He said, “There’s hardship—no doubt. I’m personally affected; I can’t even turn on my AC due to high electricity tariffs. That policy needs immediate reversal, among others like the exchange rate and fuel price. I am sure he will address these things. By 2027, many changes will happen, and APC will secure another victory—especially in Adamawa.”

    Addressing the emergency rule that the president declared in Rivers State, Girei said it is a decision that many Nigerians condemn but which was inevitable and could only have come from a pragmatic president.

    “Declaring a state of emergency and removing the governor is unconstitutional in my opinion. However, without it, the Assembly—whose members had defected and should have lost their seats—would have impeached Fubara and it could have caused chaos. So perhaps there was no better alternative at the time,” he said.

  • Who becomes APC chairman in Ondo?

    Who becomes APC chairman in Ondo?

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State is set for congresses to elect party officers at the ward, local government, and state levels. The contest for the position of the state chairman will be tough for many reasons. This is particularly because the incoming party leadership is expected to play a crucial role as preparations for the 2027 general election get underway. Correspondent OSAGIE OTABOR reports

    Barring any last-minute change of mind, the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership will release the timetable for congresses to elect the party’s executives from ward, local government and state levels in Ondo State.

    The forthcoming congress is the first to be conducted under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and it is crucial for those seeking to contest for elective positions during the 2027 general election.

    Moreover, it also presents an opportunity for Governor Aiyedatiwa to take control of the party structure by putting his loyalists at the helm of affairs.

    The Ondo APC has solidified its hold on power in the Sunshine State. It is the first party to continue in power beyond eight years, after winning three governorship elections consecutively. It defeated all the opposition parties in all 18 local governments. The party has an overwhelming majority of seats in the state House of Assembly, and occupies three senatorial seats and eight out of the nine in the House of Representatives.

    Ade Adetimehin has been the Ondo State chairman for the past eight years. His leadership style helped to stabilise the party. For instance, the party secured an overwhelming victory during the two governorship elections conducted under his leadership. Adetimehin ensured the unity of all party stakeholders ahead of every election.

    As a result, his exit might present some challenges to the party, as the void left may be too big for his successor to fill. They said Adetimehin ensured a cordial relationship between the party and the government. He also co-opted members of the opposition party leaders to work for the APC. Under Adetimehin, bigwigs of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), including the former Governor Olusegun Mimiko bloc within the PDP, joined the APC. He also helped to manage the post-election crisis, which had the potential of splitting the party.

    Former Deputy Governor Lasisi Oluboyo described Adetimehin as one of the best state chairmen as far as the APC was concerned.

    Olubayo, “There is no crisis in the Ondo State APC. So if somebody tells you he has something to fix, he is being economical with the truth; you cannot fix what is not broken. The only option left is to maintain the status quo and ensure continuity. That’s why I give kudos to our present and past leaders, including Ade Adetimehin, the present APC chairman.

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    “That man has done a yeoman’s job. He is the best chairman when it comes to the membership drive. Check all people who joined the APC during his time, he integrated everyone seamlessly into the fold. That is why, when the election came, there was not much opposition. People who are supposed to be in party B are already in party A. Their impact will be in the present party they are in.”

    The contest to become the next Ondo APC chairman is likely to be a tense one. For one thing, the 2027 general election is already around the corner. As it stands, the amended constitution bars Aiyedatiwa from seeking another term in office. Some APC leaders believe the governor may not support many incumbent lawmakers in getting a return ticket to the National Assembly and the House of Assembly. They insist the governor would want to get total hold of the party structure by ensuring his loyalists get elected. Having a stronghold on the party would give the governor a smooth ride to back those he is rooting for to win the party primary ahead of the general election.

    Political analysts argue that many PDP leaders who defected to the APC before the last governorship election would be part of the new Ondo APC leadership. This is because many of the PDP chieftains now in the APC came purposely to support Aiyedatiwa’s election.

    Those interested in replacing Adetimehin as chairman are Victor Olabimtan, former Deputy Governor Oluboyo, former member of the House of Representatives, Kolawole Babatunde (a.k.a. Amechie), Prince Akingbade Amodeni and Mr. Jide Owoka.

    Adetimehin hails from Ondo Central, and the party has zoned the position to the Ondo North Senatorial District. However, no date has been fixed yet for the congresses.

    Those in the good books of power brokers are Olabimtan, Amodeni, Babatunde and Oluboyo. Olabimtan is the current chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). He was a former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly. A seasoned politician, he is reputed to be a politician who knows how to play his cards well. He is a man who is well acquainted with party members across the state. Olabimtan is believed to have the support of notable APC leaders, and his emergence would see a good working relationship between the party and the state government.

    Alhaji Oluboyo was the deputy governor under former Governor Mimiko and commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources. He is currently a director in Wemabod, a subsidiary of Odua Investments, a multi-million-dollar company. Oluboyo believes he is more experienced than other aspirants.

    His words: “I’ve served, and I’ve been tested and trusted. So if they give me the opportunity, I will demonstrate all the experience I’ve acquired. We have so many good people, but I’m the best. None of them has served as deputy governor. None of them has acted as a governor of this state. I’ve acted as a governor of this state for six months when my boss was not around. Go and ask them for their pedigree. They will say that I’m the best.”

    Oluboyo said he would work in synergy with the state government for party members to benefit adequately. He said, “I’ve been in government before. I know how the government runs. The most important thing is that I will be loyal to the governor and the leadership of the APC. I’ll assist the present governor in running the day-to-day activities. I will ensure that the party leadership and the government are on the same page. That is important; not that your governor will go this side and you go to the other side.

    “Mind you, there is going to be a primary and competent people will be elected. No exploitation and no imposition. It is not going to be based on cash and carry. I will not take it. Only people who are tested and have delivered will triumph. There’s no stopping. We have competent people. We have people who have served and have delivered. So we are going to make use of them. Look at what is happening in Lagos, where there is continuity in government, much progress and development.

    Babatunde served as a senior legislative aide to Senator Ajayi Boroffice before he was elected to represent Akoko Southeast/Akoko Southwest Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2015 and 2019. He served as a special adviser to the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Rural and Community Development. He has a huge following among party youths. He has promised to foster genuine reconciliation among all warring factions within the party and to uphold the values of loyalty, dedication, and inclusiveness within the Ondo APC.

    Prince Amodeni is an entrepreneur who served as the chairman of Akoko Southeast Local Government between 1999 and 2003 under the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD). He has promised to bring his entrepreneurial spirit into the party leadership. He said, “I tower above others when it comes to the issue of experience, and age is on my side. I am getting older, not younger, and already an elder statesman. I will be able to manage the old and the young.

    “The present crop of leadership, headed by Ade Adetimehin, has done excellently well. But I will improve on what the Adetimehin leadership has done. But by the time I get there, I will improve on what they have done. They have recorded so many firsts. I will add more value to what they have done.”

    Governor Aiyedatiwa holds the aces on who would emerge as the next Ondo APC chairman. He is the leader of the party. However, some party leaders eyeing the governorship may put up a fight.

  • Delta Central APC dispels division rumour, reaffirms support for Tinubu, Oborevwori, Dafinone

    Delta Central APC dispels division rumour, reaffirms support for Tinubu, Oborevwori, Dafinone

    In a strategic meeting on Sunday at the residence of Senator Ede Dafinone, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta Central Senatorial District reiterated support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Dafinone, while calling for unity within the party and dismissing reports of internal disagreement.

    The meeting, chaired by Delta Central APC leader Chief Paulinus Akpeki, attracted top stakeholders from across the district, signalling a renewed focus on party cohesion and strategic alignment.

    Akpeki emphasised discipline and collaboration, urging members to work together to strengthen the party’s presence across Delta State. 

    He described the political landscape as evolving and stressed the need to remain focused and unified.

    Dafinone presented an update on his activities in the Senate and development efforts in Delta Central. 

    He encouraged party members to engage with his office to access available opportunities, particularly federal and state programs.

     He also stressed the importance of involving local party structures in project execution to avoid miscommunication.

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    Addressing speculation of a disagreement with former Deputy Senate President Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Dafinone dismissed the claims, stating: “There is no rift between myself and Senator Omo-Agege. We must not allow baseless rumors to distract us from our collective goals.”

    The senator also noted that with Governor Oborevwori’s defection to the APC, he is now recognised as the party’s leader in Delta State. 

    He encouraged party members to support the governor’s leadership for the benefit of the state and the party’s future.

    Akpeki echoed this sentiment, describing the development as a significant and a game changing moment for the party and encouraging members to embrace it.

    A vote of confidence in President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori, and Senator Dafinone was moved by Delta Financial Secretary Mr. William Deniran, and seconded by Publicity Secretary Valentine Onojeghuo. The motion received unanimous support from attendees.

    Updates on the APC’s membership registration exercise were also provided, with assurances that issues would be addressed promptly.

    Party leaders present included Chief Paulinus Akpeki – Delta State Vice Chairman and Chairman, Delta Central; Senator Ede Dafinone – Senator representing Delta Central; Chief Adelabu Bodjor – Chief of Staff to Senator Dafinone; members of the State Working Committee present were Mr. Mudiaga Okorefe – Special Leader, Valentine Onojeghuo Esq. – State Publicity Secretary, Chief Digbame Ubu – Member, State Executive Committee, M.K. Okpako – Assistant Legal Adviser, Famous Oyibo – Central Youth Leader, Loveth Omeru – Central Woman Leader, Mr. Obakpororo Onoabedje – Chairman, Ughelli North LGA, Engr. Isaiah Kekeje – Chairman, Ughelli South LGA, Mr. Eric Afe – Chairman, Okpe LGA, Mr. Wilfred Ileleji – Chairman, Uvwie LGA, Mr. Efe Anughoro – Chairman, Ethiope West LGA, Chief Julius Ogboru – Chairman, Ethiope East LGA.

    Local Government Party Secretaries present included Man United – Okpe LGA, Gabriel Kpeku – Udu LGA, Mr. Tobore Ovumedia – Ethiope East LGA, and Mr. Ambrose Oyowe – Ughelli South LGA. Also in attendance was Mr. Kevwe Agbroko – Deputy Chief of Staff to Senator Dafinone.