The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • PDP: Can the centre still hold?

    PDP: Can the centre still hold?

    By Ntakobong Otongaran

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), once the mighty tree whose shade sheltered much of the nation’s political landscape, now groans under strain. Torn by ambition, rebellion, and betrayal, the PDP echoes Umuofia’s unraveling. Its yam barns, once full and fortified, now echo with emptiness.

    On April 23, the party suffered a rupture of historic proportions: the defection of the entire Delta State PDP structure—including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, commissioners, local government chairmen, and party executives—to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement, made after a tense six-hour meeting in Asaba, marked the end of a 26-year hold on the oil-rich state and sent tremors through the PDP’s national hierarchy. But even more jarring was what proceeded it: the bitter fallout over Atiku Abubakar’s failed merger talks with opposition figures, a desperate move seen by many as the last grasp of a general long abandoned by his troops.

    Atiku’s lonely crusade

    Like Okonkwo, Atiku Abubakar is a man of pride and mission. A perennial standard-bearer, his drive to become president seems etched into his very bones. Yet, as Achebe warned, “when a man is at the top, he should not forget that the ground is slippery.” Atiku’s insistence on leading the PDP’s charge in 2023, ignoring Nigeria’s north-south rotational principle, fractured the party’s foundation. His ambition, once a beacon for party faithful, has become a burden.

    In a bid to salvage both his legacy and the PDP’s sinking ship, Atiku reportedly initiated merger talks with leaders from the Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and other opposition blocs. But instead of galvanizing the base, the talks drew fierce backlash from within. Several PDP governors—including those from states still holding the line—openly criticized the initiative. “How can we build our house with strange materials when our own walls are cracking?” asked governor Makinde of Oyo state. They saw the talks as a self-serving maneuver designed to position Atiku as the ultimate unifier, even if it meant burning the very bridge he stood on.

    The opposition from the governors was swift and biting. Atiku, in a moment of unusual candor, lashed out at party leaders for failing to defend the PDP from what he called orchestrated raids by the APC. In an interview following the Delta defection, he warned of “political wolves” devouring the PDP, lamenting that the party had become “a beautiful bride left alone at the altar. Yet, his critics within the party argue that he invited the wolves by overstaying his welcome.

    A Dagger from the South: Delta’s fall

    The defection of Governor Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa—Atiku’s running mate in 2023—was not just a betrayal; it was a political earthquake. Once considered a bastion of PDP strength, Delta’s collapse signifies a deeper rot. The fact that this blow came from Okowa, who failed to deliver Delta in the 2023 presidential elections despite being on the ballot, exposes the fragile loyalties at play.

    The mass exodus not only weakened Atiku’s 2027 prospects—it gutted them. His response on X (formerly Twitter), cloaked in diplomacy, masked the humiliation. He spoke of “freedom of association” and “respect for democratic choices,” but the undercurrent of isolation was undeniable. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga’s retort was unrelenting: “A loser again. A leprous group that no serious ally will go near.”

    Oborevwori, a loyal disciple of Okowa and the PDP’s future in the South-South, hailed Tinubu’s leadership as a factor in his decision to join the APC. The move emboldened rumors of a wider Southern exodus. Akwa Ibom’s Governor Umo Eno and Cross River’s Bassey Otu are whispered to be weighing their options. “This is not a ripple,” one party chieftain warned. “This is a wave, and we’re not swimming—we’re drowning.”

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    Wike’s reckoning: The serpent’s dance

    Enter Nyesom Wike, the ever-strategic minister of the Federal Capital Territory. If Atiku is the prideful Okonkwo, then Wike is Obierika with a dagger under his robes. His role in the PDP’s unraveling is both overt and cloaked in plausible deniability. As leader of the G-5 governors—a rebellion against Atiku’s 2023 candidacy—Wike has walked the PDP tightrope while flirting openly with the APC. His fingerprints are suspected in many of the defections, and his voice has not wavered.

    Reacting to the Delta exodus, Wike praised the move, calling it “a signal of the growing appeal of Tinubu’s inclusive governance.” For many in the PDP, that statement was treason in a tailored suit. Yet Wike remains untouchable, his sway over the political landscape unshaken. Even as his feud with Governor Siminalayi Fubara deepens, his shadow continues to loom large over Rivers State’s political trajectory.

    “The PDP is now a stage, and Wike is both director and actor,” said one party strategist who doesn’t want his name in print. “He wants to write the script for 2027, even if it means tearing up the current one.”

    The APC’s opportunism:

    Like the colonial District Commissioner at the end of Achebe’s novel, the APC has mastered the art of taking notes while the old world burns. With Delta now under its control, the APC inches closer to a full southern stronghold. Tinubu, long underestimated in opposition circles, now appears the chess master in a room full of checkers players.

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo called the Delta defection “the beginning of the end for the PDP.” South-South APC Vice Chairman Victor Giadom welcomed the defectors with open arms, promising collaboration and political inclusivity. Each handshake, each photo-op, is a nail in the PDP’s coffin.

    The Hollow Circle

    The PDP’s elders, once towering voices of reason, now speak in murmurs. Iyorchia Ayu’s suspension as National Chairman remains a ghost in the party’s corridors. Acting Chairman Umar Damagum has responded with caretaker committees and vague declarations, but there’s little to show for it. His reaction to the Delta collapse—“sad and unfortunate”—echoed more like a mourner than a leader.

    Senator Bukola Saraki’s call for “those who want to leave, to leave now” sounded less like a rallying cry and more like a resignation. The truth is, the PDP lacks a center, a compass, and perhaps even a future. Like Umuofia’s elders, the PDP’s leadership has failed to read the winds of change, let alone command them.

    A Final Proverb: Will the Mask Dance Again?

    Achebe once wrote, “The world is like a mask dancing. If you want to see it well, you do not stand in one place.” The PDP has stood too long in one place—on legacy, on pride, on old victories. It has refused to dance with the times, and now, the music may be ending.

    Still, all is not lost. Atiku’s overtures to Obi and even Nasir El-Rufai, though poorly received, hint at a willingness to think beyond himself. Wike, for all his machinations, remains a political asset if reined in. Damagum, if he chooses to lead rather than react, could rally the base.

    But time is scarce. More defections loom. More silence from the PDP will mean more triumph for the APC. Nigeria’s democracy demands an opposition that reflects the people’s pain, not one preoccupied with personal ambitions.

    “When the center cannot hold,” Achebe warned, “things fall apart.” The PDP must decide whether to pick up the pieces—or become, like Okonkwo, a footnote in a story it once authored.

  • Nigeria will remain great, says Oyo APC aspirant

    Nigeria will remain great, says Oyo APC aspirant

    An All Progressive Congress (APC) stalwart and one of the aspirants for the forthcoming House of Representatives by-election in the Ibadan North Constituency, Ademola Alalade, strongly believes that Nigeria’s greatness depends on both leaders and citizens.

    Alalade, who stated this in Ibadan, noted that the nation’s future depends on leadership and the people’s attitude towards national development.

    Alalade’s words, “Nigeria will be great again — not by chance, but by the choices of her people. Patriotism is the fuel that drives progress.”

    He noted that when Nigerians act with integrity, show love, respect the rule of law, and uphold the values that strengthen unity, there will be meaningful steps towards national rebirth.

    He encouraged Nigerians to show love for their country through honesty, community support, and a commitment to positive change.

    Alalade stressed that every citizen has a role in rebuilding the country and that sustainable growth can only be achieved through unity and shared responsibility.

    On his aspirations as a member of the House of Representatives, Alalade emphasised that his decision to join the race stems from a deep-seated desire to give his community a voice that genuinely represents its values, addresses its challenges, and harnesses its vast potential.

    He stressed the importance of having a representative who understands the people’s needs and is also ready to work tirelessly to bring about meaningful change.

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    Alalade stated that his approach will be guided by the principles of integrity, transparency and an unwavering commitment to practical and sustainable solutions—solutions that will positively impact people’s daily lives.

    He believes leadership is about service and is ready to lead with honesty, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility.

    Reflecting on his previous accomplishments, Alalade pointed out that his track record speaks for itself.

    From community development initiatives to advocacy efforts that have improved the welfare of his constituents, he said his actions have consistently demonstrated his dedication to progress.

    He affirmed that, if elected, he would work to ensure that Ibadan North is well represented and strategically positioned for greater growth, development, and recognition across the state.

  • Oborevwori’s defection and the changing political map

    Oborevwori’s defection and the changing political map

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) signals deepening cracks in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) strongholds in the South-South and beyond, writes Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI

    It was a day of back-slapping and celebration for the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, and a broad swath of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leaders—from state officials to ward executives—were officially welcomed into the “broom” political family at a rally in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

    Oborevwori’s defection from the PDP to the APC marks a seismic shift in Delta State’s political landscape. It also reshapes the national balance of power, accelerating the realignment of forces already underway ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Delta State has long been a PDP stronghold. Since the return to civil rule in 1999, the PDP has dominated Delta and much of the South-South region, providing a critical counterweight to the APC’s influence in the North and Southwest. Oborevwori’s defection cracks that regional stronghold—and could open the floodgates for further defections across the South-South. Already, two of the six states in the region, Edo and Cross River, had embraced the APC family before now.

    Oborevwori’s move is an immediate strategic win for the APC. Delta State, a bastion of opposition since 1999, now delivers a sitting governor into the ruling party’s camp—a rare political prize. Historically, control of more states often translates into decisive influence during presidential elections, making this defection a significant boost to the APC’s expanding national footprint.

    At the state level, Oborevwori’s defection is likely to trigger political realignments. Some Delta PDP stakeholders may feel betrayed, while the APC, previously consigned to opposition status in the state, now has an unprecedented opportunity to consolidate power by absorbing defectors, strengthening local structures, and reshaping the political narrative ahead of 2027.

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    Yet, there are some inherent risks in Oborevwori’s gamble. While reports suggest much of the PDP’s machinery has defected with him, deep-seated loyalties to the “homegrown” PDP brand could spark resistance. Civil society groups, traditional rulers, and youth organisations, historically aligned with the PDP leadership, may not easily follow Oborevwori into the APC fold. To succeed, he must walk a tightrope—leveraging federal backing while fiercely guarding his local legitimacy.

    At the national level, Oborevwori’s move fits a familiar pattern: ahead of every election cycle, politicians switch platforms primarily for survival and relevance. The ease of these shifts underscores a chronic weakness in the country’s party system—a lack of ideological grounding.

    By aligning with the APC, Oborevwori ensures that Delta State stays in the Federal Government’s good graces, potentially unlocking more projects, appointments, and federal attention. However, critics argue that such moves, driven more by expediency than principle, weaken the country’s democratic institutions.

    The PDP, still reeling from its 2023 presidential election loss and internal leadership crises, faces an even steeper uphill battle. Oborevwori’s departure is a psychological and strategic blow. It could set off a domino effect, encouraging other PDP governors and prominent figures to jump ship in search of safer political terrain.

    For the APC, welcoming a sitting governor from an opposition stronghold is a major public relations coup. It bolsters the narrative that the ruling party is the “only game in town,” further sapping the morale of the opposition and strengthening the APC’s positioning ahead of 2027.

    Besides, timing, as always, is critical. With the next general election looming, key players are already repositioning. By defecting early, Oborevwori buys himself time to integrate into the APC, rebuild a political coalition, and negotiate standing within both state and national structures. He also avoids the fate of past opposition governors who, facing federal hostility and restricted resources, saw their influence erode before they could realign.

    Still, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Oborevwori must manage resentment from abandoned PDP loyalists and negotiate acceptance within APC ranks, where long-standing members may view him with suspicion. He will also need to deliver tangible dividends—both developmental and political—to justify his move and counter accusations of self-interest.

    Ethnic and regional dynamics add further complexity. Delta’s delicate balance among its senatorial districts means that Oborevwori must work hard to reassure sceptical blocs, particularly in Delta South and Delta North, that his decision serves the state’s broader interests.

    Finally, legal hurdles cannot be ruled out. Disgruntled stakeholders or the PDP itself could challenge his legitimacy post-defection, and Nigeria’s judiciary has been anything but predictable in such matters.

    All told, Oborevwori’s defection is a watershed moment for him and his new party. It reshapes alliances, weakens the opposition, and strengthens the ruling party’s dominance.

    However, in Nigerian politics, no victory is ever final, and no alliance ever permanent. As 2027 approaches, the real question is not who controls the states today, but who will still command loyalty at the ballot box.

  • Tinubu-Shettima relationship excellent, says Baba-Ahmed

    Tinubu-Shettima relationship excellent, says Baba-Ahmed

    Former Special Adviser on Political Affairs to Vice President Kashim Shettima, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has dismissed speculations that his former boss is being sidelined by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Baba-Ahmed, who spoke on the Television, described the relationship between Tinubu and Shettima as “excellent,” stressing that there is no evidence of a rift between the two leaders.

    Asked directly if President Tinubu was sidelining the Vice President, Baba-Ahmed responded, “No, I didn’t see any evidence of that. The personal chemistry between the president and the VP is excellent.”

    He explained that the Vice President’s level of engagement largely depends on the President’s disposition.

    “The Vice President as officially recognised by the constitution as the number two citizen – how busy he is, what he does and doesn’t do – depends on the disposition of the president,” he said.

    Baba-Ahmed also spoke on Shettima’s unwavering loyalty to Tinubu, saying: “Shettima will defend the president with his life, I know this for a fact.”

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    He added, “Sometimes, on one or two occasions, I have said to him, if he is so good, how is it we see a lot of the wrong things going on?”

    He maintained that Shettima constantly praises Tinubu’s leadership and intentions for the country, despite some public discontent.

    While noting Shettima’s loyalty, Baba-Ahmed suggested that the power dynamics within the presidency are complex.

    “You also need to understand that the Presidency is a lot more than the president and the vice president. There are very powerful aides, other people who can decide if both of them work well or they don’t,” he said.

    “They can decide if the number two is active or not, they can decide if number one is active or not – that’s how powerful they are.”

    On Shettima’s capacity and leadership style, Baba-Ahmed praised the quality of individuals working under the Vice President.

    “Shettima is very good at head-hunting. On his side of the presidency, it’s incredible the quality of people he has there,” he noted.

    He, however, lamented that many of these capable individuals are not being fully utilised.

  • Barau and APC membership drive in Kano

    Barau and APC membership drive in Kano

    In the last two years, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has embarked on an aggressive membership drive for the party in Kano State. Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the impact of his efforts.

    After the 2023 general election, Senate President Jibrin Barau, was locked in sober reflection on the fate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, a state reputed for its high population and formidable voting strength.

    He discovered that for another electoral defeat to be averted, the party needed to put his house in order and embarked on membership drive on a grand scale.

    Barau swung into action. He started wooing many notable New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) chieftains at the grassroots. He expanded the scope of his empowerment programmes. He also sentitised the people to the need to suport the Tinubu administration so that more dividends of democracy would be attracted to the state.

    Barau, described as the people’s General by the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has galvanised the chapter and offered hope.

    His efforts paid off. Many opposition members started defecting to the party, holding on to the promise to guarantee effective harmonisation and sense of belonging. In a short time, the growing influence of the Deputy Senate President put the NNPP and the Kwankwsiyya Movement on edge. ahead of 2027 politics.

    Despite the influence of the NNPP as the ruling party in the commercial centre, Barau has refused to be intimidated. Although NNPP won the governorship and presidential elections, fought a good fight in Kano North, winningvhis senatorial seat and delivering the district to the president.

    Due to its defeat, APC was boxed into the opposition. Undettered by the blow of fate, Barau decided to stay in the gap. Since then, he has been the leading figure in maintaining the APC machineries.

    Apart from keeping the party’s soul together with the support of the national chairman, the state chairman, and other leaders, Barau has succeeded in wooing thousands of NNPP and Kwankwsiyya Movement top figures to the APC, to the surprise of their leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

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    To observers, the foundation laid by the Deputy Senate President paved the way for the defection of Senator Kawu Sumaila, Representatives Kabiru Rurum (Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure) and Abdullahi Sani Rogo (Karaye/Rogo), and former Secretary to Kano State Government, Dr Baffa Bichi.

    Others defectors are former House of Representatives members Badamasi Ayuba (Danbatta/Makoda) and Sha’aban Sharada (Kano Municipal); former state lawmaker Zubairu Hamza Masu; and two former commissioners in the NNPP government, Muhammad Diggol and Abbas Sani Abbas.

    According to analysts, if Barau has not made his strategic interventions, Kano APC’s chance of survival  would have remained slim slin the state it governed for eight years.

    In a major political realignment, the 2023 Vice Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP),  Yusuf Buhari, an engineer, and the Kano State governorship candidate, Bala Mohammed Gwagwarawa, members of the Kano State Working Committee, 38 local government chairmen and secretaries, 13 house of assembly and 6 house of representatives candidates have defected to the APC.

    The defection of the SDP’s chieftains was facilitated by Barau The event was held at the REIZ Continental Hotel, Abuja, on Tuesday.

    The move marked a major setback for the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, who recently defected to the party.

    Barau said: “ Let me start by saying those who have been moving around, going around the country, trying to woo people to SDP, and thinking that their effort will give birth to a platform that will challenge the APC in the next election, the idea is confirmed to be dead on arrival.

    “Why do I say that? People have rejected that invitation. People have said no, we are not coming to your party. The former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, and others, who have been mentioned have said no.”

    He commended the decampees for recognizing the progresses that are being recorded under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Ganduje assured the defectors that they will be availed of all rights and privileges accorded all party members.

    Represented by the Deputy National Chairman (South),  Chief Emma Eneukwu, Ganduje described the defection as a transition “from darkness to light,” underscoring APC’s role as a beacon of transformative leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    He described them as “political heavyweights” with deep grassroots connections, and praised them for aligning with a party dedicated to national renewal.

    He emphasized President Tinubu’s bold reforms across economic, social, and governance sectors, expressing confidence that Nigeria will emerge as one of the world’s most developed nations by the end of his tenure. 

    “APC is a party of inclusion, where every member enjoys equal rights to contest elections and contribute to nation-building,” Ganduje said.

    Former Kano State Governor Kabiru Gaya, said the SDP was already empty by the time El-Rufai joined it.

    “The party is dead because the Vice Presidential candidate is here, the Governorship Candidate of SDP is here, and all other stakeholders of SDP are here. So I’m sure today we are celebrating the burial of that party.

    “ I would say kudos to the Deputy Senate President for your effort to bring these important and heavyweight politicians to our party.”

    The former vice presidential candidate of the SDP, Yusuf Buhari, said the defectors were motivated to join the APC by the successes being recorded under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “ The fact of the matter is that everything is very clear. When this government came into power under the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there were a lot of problems on the ground.

    “But after two years, we have started to see that these economic policies are yielding some fruits. The foreign exchange is beginning to stabilize. Prices of goods are coming down. Insecurity is being addressed by our military, by our brave armed forces. So hopefully, a lot of our men and women, especially in the rural areas, are going to go back to their farmlands, which is going to further reduce the cost of good prices,” he said.

    Also speaking, the former gubernatorial candidate of the SDP in Kano, Bala Muhammad Gwagwarwa said they decided to return to APC because the outstanding performance of President Tinubu in about two years.

    He thanked the Deputy Senate  President for laying the foundation for their defection.

    Since he became the number five citizen, the Deputy Senate President has expanded his intervention programmes to the 44 local government areas. The 70 beneficiaries of his foreign scholarship scheme are from the three senatorial districts. Another 300 graduates were recently selected from the three senatorial zones for domestic postgraduate scholarships.

    The programme offers opportunities for academic growth, research and human capital development in the various fields of science and technology.

    Stakeholders lauded the senator’s determination to provide the youth with the needed education to compete favourably in the modern world, education being the sine qua non for meaningful development.

    Lauding the initiatives, Abbas said they have rescued the Kano APC and put the NNPP on the edge.

    Speaking during the distribution of  61 cars and 1,137 motorcycles to APC leaders across the councils, the state chairman highlighted Barau’s role in sustaining the party since it was displaced by the NNPP.

    “Barau is the senator for all in Kano State. He represents Kano North, but he is for the people of Kano Central, Kano South and everybody. Let me tell you that today, this man is the one sponsoring the party ever since we lost the election in Kano,” he said.

    Barau facilitated the defection of the ‘Coalition of Atiku Support Groups in the 19 Northern States’ during the 2023 general election. The feat earned commendation from Ganduje, who thanked him for encouraging people from other political parties to join APC.

    ”We have seen that distinguished Senator Barau is going beyond Kano. He is liberating those people, especially those who are committed to democracy. He is convincing them to join our party, not only from Kano State, but also in the northern part of this country, and the whole country. So, the distinguished Senator Barau is a real general. We assure you, Allah will order your steps,” he said.

    An APC chieftain, Abdulmajid Danbilki, said  Barau has succeeded in taming the NNPP in Kano, adding that it explains why its leaders’ quest to switch camps to the APC.

    “Senator Barau is the only politician from the North capable of challenging Kwankwaso and the NNPP. He has consistently confronted them through various interventions and policies.

    Danbilki described Barau as a man of high political rating, saying: “IIf anyone picks a candidate for the Kano governorship seat in 2027 other than Barau, we will not win.”

     “No one can deliver Kano like Senator Barau. He is a grassroots politician who understands the intricacies of politics at all levels. The entire northern Nigeria is proud of him,” he added.

  • APC chieftain knocks Akpoti-Uduaghan over ‘satirical apology ’

    APC chieftain knocks Akpoti-Uduaghan over ‘satirical apology ’

    The South South Zonal Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Blessing Agbomhere has carpeted suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her letter of apology addressed to the National Assembly.

    Agbomhere “mocked the satirical letter of apology,” stating that the lawmaker’s lamentation has only just begun an hour into a journey of two years.

    In a statement on Wednesday, he urged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to consider joining Nollywood, as letter writing will not be of much help to her in her journey of mischief.

    He said that the lawmakers’ mudslinging habit targeted at the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the National Assembly as an institution will never yield her expected results.

    Agbomhere described the satirical letter as “laughable and meaningless to those who believe in the sanctity of the most important arm of government – the legislature, and those who love the number three citizen of Nigeria, Senator Akpabio, a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger and the Uncommon President of the Nigerian Senate.”

    He said the Kogi Senator’s continued unpatriotic actions since her suspension should be condemned by every well meaning Nigerian rather than being “encouraged, as being done by charlatans and unpatriotic elements who find fulfillment in destroying the image of their own country.”

    Agbomhere stated: “The most pitiable part of the whole national nuisance is that Senator Natasha is married to an idiot who cannot stop her from self destruction.”

    The APC South South zonal organising secretary reminded Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of the oath of office she took while being sworn in as Kogi Central lawmaker which among other things includes the protection of the sanctity of the National Assembly.

    Agbomhere wondered why the lawmaker “vigorously fought to enter the Senate through the judgement of the Court of Appeal, when she knew that she did not possess the gravitas, finesse and temperament required to belong to the hallowed Chamber.”

    He stated: “Senator Natasha was suspended by the Senate for gross indiscipline, rather than do the needful by apologising or clearing her name in a court of law, she has elected to whip up sentiments against the Uncommon Commissioner, Governor and Architect of Modern Akwa-Ibom State, the Uncommon Minister of Infrastructural Development in the Niger Delta Region, and the uncommon, patriotic, unbeatable and infallible Senate President, the amiable and adorable Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, the National Assembly as an institution and the government, led by a reformer and visionary President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “Senator Natasha’s behavior I dare say, amounts to treason. How on earth can a supposed Distinguished member of the Nigerian Parliament make it a stock in trade to break protocol and de-market the most important arm of government in her country just for the sake of clout chasing? I encourage the necessary security agencies to bring her to book forthwith.”

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    Agbomhere who is also the Director General, Door to Door For Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidency, a campaign organisation dedicated to President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, alleged that Senator Akpoti – Uduaghan was in cahoots with individuals such as Martin Vincent Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan, Barrister Deji Adeyanju and Omoyele Sowore, all of whom claim to be advocates for the masses and working restlessly with the opposition to mislead gullible citizens from appreciating the gains of the President Bola Tinubu and APC led administration, while behind closed doors are lobbying and begging to be engaged to work for the re-election of President Tinubu come 2027.

    “Senator Natasha has satirically realised that the Nigerian Senate, like the British House of Lords, and the Senate of the United States of America, is an institution that has the powers, without fear of blackmail, to reprimand its erring members. Senator Natasha has satirically accepted the Senator Godswill Akpabio remains the uncommon, infallible and unbeatable President of the Senate who will continue to act as such, unshakable and committed to the good governance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Whether by Satire, Idiom or Innuendo, She has a choice to either apologise sincerely for her indiscipline, malicious falsehood, and treasonable actions or remain suspended and keep missing out from those beautiful working-visit pictures she loves to take with the Handsome, Uncommon and Adorable President of the Nigerian Senate.

    “I encourage the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio to continue to work hand-in-hand with the Executive Arm of the Federal Government to succeed, and no amount of blackmail and grandstanding by the opposition will stop President Bola Tinubu from returning to Aso Rock in 2027.” the statement added.

  • LG poll: Crisis rocks Agege as APC members kick over alleged imposition of party chairman

    LG poll: Crisis rocks Agege as APC members kick over alleged imposition of party chairman

    Some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agege local government area of Lagos state have raised the alarm over what they described as a desperate and undemocratic power play ahead of the party’s local government primaries.

    Controversy flared after the alleged  disqualification of Ganiu Obasa, son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. 

    It was gathered that a leading contender for the chairmanship seat, Ganiu’s sudden exclusion from the race has been widely condemned by party insiders as politically engineered and suspiciously timed.

    As tensions mounted, the incumbent chairman, Alhaji Ganiu Egunjobi, allegedly rushed to the APC state secretariat, to purchase an expression of interest form on behalf of Alhaji Azeez Tunde Disco. 

    The party sources described the move as a clear case of financial manipulation and political strong-arming.

    The situation took a dramatic turn with the emergence of 67-year-old Disco, previously unknown in the race, as a surprise candidate. 

    Currently serving as APC chairman in Agege, Disco’s entry into the contest has sparked accusations of backdoor arrangements.

    Sources claimed that Disco had shown no initial interest in running and was not considered a serious contender until recently. 

    “This is not democracy. This is imposition at its highest level,” a party chieftain said anonymously. “How can someone who never expressed interest suddenly become the chosen candidate?”

    The unfolding crisis has triggered widespread anger among APC aspirants and grassroots members in Agege, who accuse influential power brokers of hijacking the selection process. 

    Many fear the discord could splinter the party and alienate long-standing supporters.

    Read Also: APC forum rejects calls to replace Shettima, backs Tinubu-Shettima 2027 ticket

    Amid growing unrest, party members are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene before the crisis escalates.

    Hailed as the architect of modern Nigerian democracy, they believe only his urgent action can prevent a full-blown political breakdown in Agege.

    “President Tinubu built the foundation of the APC. He must not allow injustice and impunity to tear down the legacy he has spent decades building,” one elder party member warned.

    As the political drama deepens, the path to the APC primaries in Agege appears increasingly rocky—raising questions about the future of internal democracy within the ruling party.

  • ‘Katsina has endorsed re-election of Tinubu, Radda’

    ‘Katsina has endorsed re-election of Tinubu, Radda’

    Katsina-based activist Hajia Mohammed Zainab Sadda has endorsed the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dikko Umar Radda in 2027. 

    Sadda, in a chat with The Nation Newspaper in Katsina, said the opinion polls and political survey conducted by groups in the 34 LGAs, revealed an overwhelming supports for the re-election of the duo

    She said: ”The people are satisfied with the performance of President Tinubu at the local, state, and federal governments levels and the various projects carried out for them. 

    ”The clamour by the opposition through a gang up again the re-election of President Tinubu has failed from the beginning, Nigerians have written off Atiku Abubakar,Peter Obi and co.  Katsina people don’t know them either.”

    Read Also: Education a priority to Katsina, says Radda

    On Radda,the female activist, who is also nursing Senatorial ambition for Katsina Central, said: ‘’I want to assure Katsina people that Governor Dikko Radda remains committed to granting full autonomy to local governments and firmly believes that allowing them to function independently is not a burden on his administration but rather an opportunity for grassroots development. 

    ”By empowering local councils, they will have the resources and authority to effectively serve their communities and ensuring that projects and services reach the people directly.”

  • Farewell Adebanjo, an iconic brand with great conviction

    Farewell Adebanjo, an iconic brand with great conviction

    By Emmanuel Ajibulu

    In a literally painful manner, the rank of Nigeria’s founding fathers was depleted further, as Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere on Friday, February 14, 2025, bade farewell to activism, politics, controversy and other worldly and notable pursuits.

    At 96, he went the way of all mortals, 38 years after the demise of his beloved leader and mentor, Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo, and living 18 years above the 78 years allotted to Awo by God – Pa Adebanji’s father was above 100 years when he died.

    Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s death remarkably marks the end of an era. He was a journalist, lawyer and deputy leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere. He left behind a struggling country that has not attained a true federal structure and a divided Yoruba mouthpiece which he found extremely difficult to unite – try as he did.

     The Awoist left behind a peaceful nuclear family. But, he also left behind many unfinished assignments in national politics.

    Although he was in politics for 76 years, there is no record to show that he ever stood for an election. Neither was he at any point in time appointed as a member of any state or federal executive council. He derived contentment in being referred to as an associate of the sage, Awolowo, and a fighter for democracy.

    In his last years, he derived satisfaction in speaking truth to power as he took on successive administration because of perceived acts of bad governance.

    Since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999, no other Nigerian had demonstrated consistency regarding an abhorrence of graft in governance and the failure to enthrone fiscal federalism hinged on restructuring.

    He was a great nationalist, urbane, disciplined, forthright, accommodating, professional, family man, honest, and duty personified.

    He became a household name in Nigeria by positively touching lives of the defenseless in addition to offering valuable advice to those in positions of authority.

     His dispositions, finesse, actions, and contributions to national debates were well respected and often cherished.

    Whereas some disagreed with him and even went all out to denigrate him, Pa Adebanjo was least perturbed or disturbed about such.

    Without contradiction, his significant contributions to the nation’s democratic journey evidently and eloquently captured the essence of his life and legacy. The exit of this iconic figure could also be likened to the loss of an institution. He was known for advocating for a more equitable and progressive Nigeria, Pa Adebanjo’s persistent but arguably dissenting voice proved him to be a resolute and principled leader who was fearless, dogged, irrepressible and consistent, until his final days.

    Pa Adebanjo’s pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape can never go unrecognized. Similarly, his involvement in crucial historical moments, including his service as the Organizing Secretary of the Action Group and his leadership in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) during the despotic military era, marks him an individual genuinely committed to and highly invested in the vision of a better nation.

    With no shred of doubt, he was a living ladder that connected Nigeria to the foundational struggles of her constitutional democracy, which undisputably crystallized his unwavering commitment to the nation’s progress.

    His legacy equally resonates deeply in the hearts of Nigerians.

    His limitless commitment to justice, equity, and good governance inspired countless individuals. He will be remembered for his bold stance, principled activism and his courageous defense of democratic ideals.

    His advocacy extended across various social and political spheres, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s ongoing struggle for social justice and political reform.

    Not all members of the progressive bloc agreed with his latter-day style of politics at the twilight of life, particularly his romance, not with the conservative Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) per se, but with some selected chieftains of the opposition party during critical electioneering.

    He stood as a beacon of hope with dignity and integrity, whilst also reminding many that the struggle for a better Nigeria is a continuous process.

    Read Also: Nigerian parents don’t scold, advise breadwinners – Rema

    His passing serves as a stark reminder that the fight for social justice, fair governance and an equitable distribution of resources requires constant vigilance, citizens’ participation and steadfast commitment.

    His legacy extends far beyond his political career. He remains an inspiration for future generations of activists and political leaders, a reminder that the pursuit of justice and true federalism is a journey worth undertaking, even amidst adversity.

    His tireless efforts in the face of challenges cemented his position as a beacon of hope and a champion of the Nigerian people.

    He was a strong man, strong in intellectual articulation and elocution, a strong robust physique, strong vocally in his emphatic tone and very, very strong in his convictions.  With him, there was no ambivalence, no ambiguity; he took a reasoned stand and stuck with it. He lived a frank, unpretentious and fulfilling life. 

    He believed in life’s transient nature and had always jokingly reminded people of his imminent passage. He used to say: Ayo Adebanjo has done his bit; it is left for others to carry on.

    He ran a good race and ended well. He left a legacy of political fidelity and firmly stood in furtherance of Nigerian  brotherhood, peace, unity, prosperity and greatness.

    Even in death, Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s voice continues to echo, a testament to his enduring influence on Nigeria’s political landscape. His legacy will be etched in the hearts of millions, and generations to come will continue to study his tireless struggle for equity and fairness.

    His memory will inspire countless Nigerians to continue the fight for a more just and equitable society. The vacuum left by his passing can not be easily filled. His commitment to democratic ideals is a testament to a lifetime devoted to improving the lives of Nigerians especially the disadvantaged and vulnerable segments of the society.

    This great icon would be greatly missed and may his soul continue to rest in perfect peace.

    • Ajibulu is the publisher of Veracity Desk, a thriving online medium

  • AMBO 2026: Oyebamiji is the answer

    AMBO 2026: Oyebamiji is the answer

    By Sulaiman Gafar

    In the pages of Nigeria’s modern political history, few names carry the quiet authority of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji. Where others rely on noise, he speaks through action. Where many seek attention, he delivers impact. Today, as Osun State stands at the edge of a pivotal decision, the case for Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji—strong, strategic, and rooted in a legacy of results—is not just compelling. It is urgent.

    His journey into public consciousness did not begin in the campaign circuit, nor was it paved with empty promises. It began in Nigeria’s financial sector, where for over 28 years he earned his reputation not by proximity to power but through excellence in performance. From Wema Bank in the late 80s to senior executive roles at Spring Bank and Enterprise Bank, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji built a career on turning numbers into narratives of growth. He wasn’t just present in the room—he was the one rewriting the rules. Recognitions like the Central Bank’s Star Performer Award and Trans Bank’s Most Profitable Manager citation were no surprises. They were inevitabilities for a man who treated results like a standard, not an exception.

    But while others may have settled into comfortable retirement after such a run, Oyebamiji was destined for harder work. In 2012, a failing state enterprise—OSICOL—was handed to him. It was bleeding cash and credibility. Most had written it off. But where others saw rot, he saw opportunity. He walked in with clarity, reshaped its financial model, installed discipline, and executed with military precision. Within five years, N300 million became N6 billion. He didn’t just revive OSICOL; he redefined what was possible when private-sector insight met public-sector responsibility. What was once a deadweight on Osun’s books became a thriving holding company under the name Omoluabi Holdings.

    Read Also: NUPRC boss Komolafe puts Nigeria on global energy map, earns praise ahead of London awards

    At OSICOL, some of his legacy projects include the construction of the Corporate Headquarters of Omoluabi Holdings at Abere, the establishment of a viable mega Petroleum and Gas Station in Abere, and strategic investments in real estate across highbrow areas of Abuja and Lagos. He also initiated a thriving cocoa plantation in Osogbo and spearheaded the rebranding and standardisation of the Essence Table Water brand, turning it into a household name across Nigeria.

    The transformation didn’t go unnoticed. In 2017, Oyebamiji was tapped once again, this time as Commissioner for Finance in Osun State. It was not an easy season—national revenue was thinning, state debts were mounting, and faith in government was wearing thin. Yet under Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji’s financial stewardship, Osun didn’t sink. It stood. Salaries were paid without drama. Infrastructure continued. Internally generated revenue began to climb.

    When he took over the affairs of the Osun Ministry of Finance in 2017, he reformed the ministry and grew the IGR from N6 billion where he met it, to N24 billion by 2022. Under his leadership, Osun State was commended for the effective implementation of the SLOGOR programme—a European Union–supported reform initiative. These efforts earned the Governor the prestigious ‘Best Governor on Efficiency of Public Expenditure’ award from the World Bank’s States’ Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) program. During the same period, the State also received the Award of Excellence as the top performer in Domestic Revenue Mobilisation.

    Similarly, under his direct supervision, Osun became a strong contender in the World Bank–backed SFTAS programme. It is no surprise that the state was rewarded with millions of dollars in three consecutive years while the programme lasted. During his tenure as Head of the Consolidated Fund (HCF), Oyebamiji also delivered on the SIFMIS programme, strengthened the Treasury Single Account (TSA) regime, and helped nurture the Public Procurement Agency into a cornerstone of financial accountability.

    Then came the national stage. In 2023, when President Tinubu’s administration was looking for a fixer to reposition the National Inland Waterways Authority, the choice was easy. Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji was appointed as Managing Director, and just as he had done before, he got to work. Within months, 15 new operational boats were introduced. An administrative complex and staff clinic were commissioned. A pioneering Waterways Transportation Code was launched to reduce accidents and ensure safety across Nigeria’s neglected inland transport routes. River Marshals were deployed, public-private partnerships began taking shape. He improved staff welfare, commenced child care payments for staff, facilitated local and foreign training for all staff, sustained the payment of 13 months’ salary and other staff entitlements, and in 2024, reduced boat accidents and deaths on Nigeria waterways by 30% and for the first time in decades, NIWA became something more than a forgotten agency. It became a symbol of what efficient leadership can do.

    What makes Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji different isn’t what he says. It’s what he consistently does. While politics has become a theatre of talking heads and empty gestures, he remains a man of substance. His governance style is rooted in capacity, not charisma. In boardrooms, ministries, or federal agencies, he has never chased attention. He has simply earned respect. His blueprint is not theoretical—it exists in the numbers, in the policies he crafted, in the institutions he revived.

    Osun is not a state in need of reinvention. It is a state in need of restoration. A state that deserves to be led by someone who has scaled the learning curve, who understands the weight of governance, and who is prepared not just to serve, but to deliver. Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji represents such without complacency. Reform without recklessness. Leadership without ego.

    As the election season approaches, voters must ask a simple question: do we gamble on rehearsed ambition, continue with the legendary dancer or do we reward proven leadership? Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji is not a stranger to results. He is the architect behind them. He is not here to promise change. He has already executed it—repeatedly, across sectors, at scale.

    The future of Osun cannot be left to chance. It must be entrusted to a man who understands both the heartbeat of the people and the blueprint of sustainable progress. In this critical moment, ASIWAJU MUNIRUDEEN BOLA OYEBAMIJI is not just an aspirant. He is the answer.

    • Sulaiman writes from Osogbo,  Osun State.