The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • ‘Why Nigerians will re-elect Tinubu in 2027’

    ‘Why Nigerians will re-elect Tinubu in 2027’

    Bolaji Rilwan Raji, a Fellow of the Institute of Negotiators, Community and Social Development, is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Oyo State. He explains to reporters in Lagos why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves re-election in 2027

    Why do you think President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves second term?

    The President should make history again in 2027. Nigeria is blessed with opportunities, and this President encourages self-sustainability. For the first time in years, Nigerians did not experience the usual December petroleum scarcity, and surprisingly, petroleum prices and transportation costs decreased during the festive period. The renewed hope agenda is clearly underway, and we must continue its growth towards a prosperous future.

    My contributions were crucial to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s success. Seyi Tinubu, the Okanlomo of Yoruba land, can verify this. Notably, I initiated the integration of Southern Kaduna people into the APC and brought Senator Danjuma Lar, then a PDP senator, to support the President. Senator Lar, Femi Gbajabiamila, Hon. Femi Bamishile and Seyi Tinubu can all attest to this. This was just one of many strategies I implemented.

    How can the President and his government erect legacies that will outlive him?

    Having achieved success in education, wealth, influence, family, and health, the president now likely seeks to solidify his legacy. As a dedicated, behind-the-scenes contributor to his administration’s effective governance, I anticipate showcasing our achievements, as all will be evaluated on their merits. My primary hope is for the completion and release of Jim Obazee’s special investigation, which I initiated early in the administration, as it would greatly enhance the president’s legacy.

    What is your assessment of the President’s team?

    This is a sensitive issue due to its potential negative consequences. Nigeria’s federal system, as enshrined in the Constitution, requires each state to nominate individuals for ministerial appointment. While the President is bound to select from these nominees, regardless of their suitability, the National Assembly then screens them. Consequently, the President’s choices are limited by constitutional constraints, preventing unilateral decisions that could be construed as dictatorial.

    Who are the appointees that have underperformed, in your opinion?.

    A more informed assessment will be possible by the end of 2031. Instead, I’ll highlight the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. As a mariner, I can attest to its advanced ICT and rapid progress. It has resolved unfavourable IMO issues and will surpass even the Ministry of Petroleum in the coming months. This progress has occurred in under three years. Honourable Minister Adegboyega Oyetola has established a sustainable template for investors, both local and foreign. The Ministry of Interior, being led by Olubunmi Ojo, has successfully upgraded the passport issuance process, significantly reducing collection times through commendable ICT implementation. The minister is advised to consider proposals from the major passport producer, Thales.

    Regarding ministerial performance, it’s the president’s prerogative to address any underperformance, based on their assessment. External factors can also contribute to a minister’s perceived performance.

    Read Also; Shettima: Enduring legacies must be built on discipline, consistency, strength of character

    FCT Minister Wike, “Mr Projects,” is a reliable and high-capacity leader whose achievements in infrastructure and service delivery are widely applauded, even by critics. His tenure has been a success story for the FCT. Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, known for his concrete road concept, has significantly improved road quality nationwide. We should all monitor the performance of these appointees. In my state, The Game Changer Group is tracking the impact of political appointees at the community level, gathering feedback to assess their effectiveness and sharing scorecards. We operate in all 36 states and Abuja.

     As an insider in the corridors of power, how will you describe political leadership, governance and job delivery in Nigeria?

    Nigeria’s political leadership evolved from pre- and post-colonial eras. After independence, Chief Obafemi Awolowo (AG, South West), Sir Ahmadu Bello (NPC, North), and Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe (NCNC, East) emerged as key figures. These leaders ushered in the First Republic, with Azikiwe as ceremonial President, Balewa as Prime Minister, and Awolowo as opposition leader. Each region prioritised different policies: the South West focused on education, agriculture, and infrastructure; the South East on agriculture, commerce, and infrastructure; and the North on agriculture and infrastructure. Healthy developmental rivalries led to job creation. However, political tensions escalated, contributing to the collapse of the First Republic in the 1966 military coup. Subsequent military rule stagnated political development, hindering leadership and governance. Currently, President Bola Tinubu’s leadership has revitalised political leadership, governance, and job creation.

    How would you describe the civilian era from 1999 to this time?

    The transition from military dictatorship to democracy in 1999 presented numerous challenges, particularly as Chief Olusegun, a retired military general, assumed the presidency. This context initially fostered the potential weaponisation of democratic institutions. However, the current government is taking commendable steps to reshape democratic values. Recognising the independence of local governments, a sensitive issue requiring decisive leadership, and establishing regional development zones to foster regional growth are crucial initiatives, akin to removing oil subsidies. Reforming political institutions, including electoral bodies, the judiciary, and law enforcement, requires dedicated effort. The president’s focus on local governments is a positive step, and capable individuals must support and continue this progress. The transition from military rule to democracy was marred by weaponisation and monetisation of democratic institutions. Many genuine democrats and progressives were exhausted, impoverished, or had even perished. The few remaining were revitalised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, offering renewed hope amidst a depleted movement. This vacuum allowed individuals with questionable backgrounds – the wealthy, former officials, and those involved in illicit activities – to infiltrate politics, treating it as an investment. 

    We have been inundated with the word ‘Cabal’. Do they genuinely exist within the Nigerian government, and how have they contributed to development and good governance?

    A cabal, defined as a small, secretive group plotting for political power or private interests, inherently undermines democracy, which is government by and for the people. While I’ve heard talk of a cabal in this administration, I commend the president’s ability to identify and dismantle such groups. Ideally, we should have disciples who emulate the president’s positive actions rather than pursue selfish interests. However, the failure of some in power to replicate the President’s good deeds fuels the perception of a cabal. I urge the President to reevaluate the performance of certain key assistants.

    Can you tell us about some of them, and how their actions and inactions have affected the country?

     The formation of a cabal hinges on a leader’s understanding of power dynamics, specifically the distinction between sharing and controlled delegation. Olusegun Obasanjo, for example, favoured controlled delegation, preventing any potential cabal leaders from gaining significant influence. Yar’adua’s tenure was cut short by ill health and death, but figures like Bukola Saraki and James Ibori were prominent. In contrast, Goodluck Jonathan, despite his patriotism, entrusted significant power to aides who sometimes abused it, leading to the rise of competing power blocs and a formidable cabal. Under President Buhari, this phenomenon reached unprecedented levels, with a cabal becoming the de facto ruler. As someone married into the Buhari family, I have witnessed this firsthand. Initially, the cabal consisted of two individuals, but President Buhari’s ill health and the death of Chief of Staff Abba Kyari led to the emergence of multiple cabals, the primary one being “G5+1” with various subsets. Similar cabals also formed within the National Assembly, including a “Yoruba cabal.”

    We were told of several intrigues in the run-up to the 2023 election. Can you let us in on it?

    Internal power struggles and conflicting agendas plagued the lead-up to the election. The G5 + 1 faction initially favoured Atiku Abubakar or former President Goodluck Jonathan, while a cabal within the National Assembly and party leadership pushed for Ahmed Lawan. The Yoruba cabal supported Yemi Osinbajo. A member of the G5 + 1, secretly vying for the vice presidency, attempted to bring Jonathan into the race. When this failed, he rejoined the G5+1  in supporting the PDP candidate. The other +1 to make G5+1 +1, which was meant to include a top security official (+1), ultimately faltered, perhaps due to the official’s awareness of President Buhari’s preferences. The Yoruba cabal, misled by the G5, encouraged Osinbajo to contest against the eventual winner, believing Buhari would not support Asiwaju – a ploy to weaken Yoruba chances. Despite the cabals’ machinations, President Buhari remained steadfast in his integrity and commitment. Sensing the situation, I contacted the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu and took him to a close confidante of President Buhari, his sister, Hajia Rakiya, to appeal to the President. Evidence supports this account.

    To garner support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I reached out to various people, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, whom I visited through his nephew, Abila. I must acknowledge President Jonathan’s remarkable humility and dedication to Nigeria’s betterment. He provided the venue and time, but Seyi, the president’s son, with whom I was to go, was delayed and could not relay the information for over two hours due to unforeseen circumstances. To my surprise, President Jonathan was still waiting patiently. Upon my arrival, instead of anger, he simply smiled and advised, “Bolaji, learn to manage your time well,” and even offered me a drink through Abila.

    Without that kindness, I doubt I would have found the courage to discuss my mission, given the impression that President Tinubu opposed his second term. I prostrated before him, but he insisted I stand. I passionately pleaded with him not to be offended by my request to support my uncle. He asked who my uncle was, and I nervously replied, “Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” His expression shifted, and after a moment of reflection, before he could speak, I acknowledged his position as a PDP leader. Surprisingly, he responded that he was now ‘a statesman, and if supporting Asiwaju would bring growth, development and security to Nigeria’, he would support it. His wisdom gave me hope, and I left with joy. I thank him for his support.

    Before these events, Dele Momodu sowed discord in the villa during Buhari’s first term. On a flight from Lagos to Accra, Momodu, after drinks, boasted about his upcoming meeting with Buhari and declared his intention to undermine Asiwaju, fearing Asiwaju would dominate the government. He cited Asiwaju’s alleged blocking of Bukola Saraki’s Senate presidency and criticised Asiwaju’s perceived lack of generosity compared to the owner of Glo World, who gave him an Audi car and $100,000 for his 50th birthday. Momodu even showed a photo of himself with Asiwaju in London during their exile, disparaging Asiwaju’s stature. Momodu’s actions instigated the animosity toward Asiwaju within the villa. Now that Asiwaju is president, Momodu should accept the divine will that elevated him to leadership.

    Is it true that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was not the preferred candidate of the power that was in the run-up to the 2023 election? Who are the favoured and how do they fall by the wayside?

    Despite not being favoured by key power brokers who respectively preferred Atiku or Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Lawan, and Yemi Osinbajo, Asiwaju’s success was due to divine intervention, President Buhari’s support, the influence of Hajia Rakia (Buhari’s sister), and his own political acumen. Hajia Rakia’s role should be acknowledged with a kind gesture. Appreciation is also due to the Emir of Katsina. Asiwaju’s ability to positively engage even those who betrayed him is remarkable, and his legacy of uplifting others despite their disloyalty is unmatched.

  • Kano APC to mobilise for e-registration

    Kano APC to mobilise for e-registration

    The Kano chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday called for massive mobilisation to strengthen the ongoing e-registration of party members.

    The party said the move was a strategic step towards securing a decisive victory at next year’s general election.

    The strategy was adopted during a marathon meeting that ended on Tuesday.

    Former APC National Chairman of APC Abdullahi Umar Ganduje highlighted that the e-registration exercise was vital for building a comprehensive, credible and verifiable membership database, which would significantly enhance the party’s electoral performance nationwide.

    Following detailed briefings from Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas and the Kano e-registration coordinator Shafi’u Darma, the meeting resolved that, given the party’s substantial grassroots support in Kano, every member should ensure they are registered and actively encourage others to register.

    The meeting further stressed that the e-registration exercise will strengthen the party’s prospects, building on over one and a half decades of loyalty and organisational influence in the state.

    Read Also: Ex-governor Segun Oni rejoins APC

    Stakeholders called for sustained and effective mobilisation, noting that “accurate registration is instrumental in reinforcing the party’s political structure, expanding voter outreach and maximising electoral performance in the coming elections.”

    Members were also urged to remain united and rally behind the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The meeting, chaired by Ganduje, was attended by many APC chieftains, including the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin; Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, (Kano South); Hon. Kabir Abubakar Bichi, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and Hon. Murtala Sule Garo, APC gubernatorial and deputy gubernatorial candidates in 2023.

    Others are Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata and Dr. Mariya Mahmud Bunkure, Ministers of state for Housing Development and Federal Capital Territory respectively; Alhaji Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo, former deputy governor and former Minister of Housing Development; Party elder, Alhaji Nasiru Aliko Koki

    Others are Managing Director, Hadejia Jama’are and River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi; Director General, National Productivity Centre, Hon. Baffa Babban Dan’Agundi, Arch. Aminu Dabo; Bashir Maisango, deputy state secretary; Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya, Hon. Ma’aruf Maiwake, Hon. Nasiru Aminu Bala Ja’oji and Comrade Muhammad Garba.

  • INEC begins preparation for 2027, reaffirms commitment to electoral integrity

    INEC begins preparation for 2027, reaffirms commitment to electoral integrity

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has begun early strategic preparations for the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 general elections,  reaffirming commitment to strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.

     Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan disclosed  this on Tuesday while speaking  at a Leadership Workshop organised by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) for the leadership of the electoral umpire in Lagos.

    Amupitan, who described the workshop as timely, said  the Commission was navigating a critical period of leadership transition marked by changes at the top and the retirement of several directors and senior management staff after years of distinguished service to the nation.

     He said institutional continuity must be anchored on clarity of purpose, integrity of leadership and unity of vision, rather than the mere preservation of structures, adding that continuity does not imply sameness but the ability to faithfully carry forward INEC’s constitutional mandate while adapting to emerging realities with insight and resolve.

    Speaking specifically on the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 general elections, the INEC Chairman said Nigerians expect an electoral management body that is independent in thought and action, transparent in its processes, professional in conduct and credible in its outcomes. 

    Read Also: INEC: why LP can’t participate in FCT Area Council polls

    According to him, these expectations informed the Commission’s ongoing induction and strategic retreat aimed at setting a clear direction for 2027 and beyond.

    He said  despite significant reforms recorded between 2015 and 2023, public confidence in the electoral process remains fragile and  warned that democracy cannot thrive without trust, noting that misinformation and disinformation have increasingly undermined confidence in elections.

    “In an era where fake news travels faster than the truth, INEC is often compelled to defend its integrity against orchestrated falsehoods even before the first vote is cast,” he said.

    Amupitan said under his leadership, the Commission remains firmly committed to delivering free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections in strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines. He added that rebuilding public confidence is a daily operational responsibility that guides every decision of the Commission.

     IFES Regional Director for Africa and Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Seray Jah, said the workshop marks the early strategic phase of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 General Election, stressing that the credibility of elections is largely shaped by decisions taken early in the electoral cycle.

    He said IFES has partnered with INEC since 1998 in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system through support for strategic planning, election operations, technology deployment, institutional reform and inclusion.

    According to him, the workshop provides INEC’s leadership with an opportunity to reflect on emerging challenges, including increasingly complex logistics, the responsible use of technology, misinformation and AI-driven risks, internal coordination, and public confidence in a highly polarised environment.

    Jah reaffirmed IFES’ commitment to supporting INEC throughout the 2027 electoral cycle and beyond, while also acknowledging the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in promoting electoral integrity and democratic governance in Nigeria.

    The three-day workshop brought together INEC National Commissioners, senior management staff and international partners to deliberate on strategic opportunities and challenges in electoral administration, with a focus on leadership, institutional resilience and public trust.

  • Architect of half-salary in Osun is now your chief economic adviser — Oyebamiji replies Adeleke

    Architect of half-salary in Osun is now your chief economic adviser — Oyebamiji replies Adeleke

    The candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming governorship election in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has said the architect of half-salary the state is now serving under the government of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

    The Nation recalled that Adeleke had berated the APC candidate that presenting him as youth-friendly is a mockery because he was an architect of half salary, hence he should seek forgiveness.

    Reacting to the development, Oyebamiji, through AMBO Media Front, through its coordinator, Adebayo Adedeji, denied plotting a half-salary scheme during the administration of Rauf Aregbesola, saying he assumed office as Finance Commissioner in May 2017, while half salary started in June 2015.

    According to him, “Let it be stated clearly and emphatically that Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji was not part of the half-salary experiment. Historical facts do not lie. The modulated salary regime commenced in June 2015, whereas Oyebamiji was appointed Commissioner for Finance in May 2017 — a clear 23 months apart.

    “How then does one become an “architect” of a policy that was already in force nearly two years before his appointment? Only a spokesman who has made falsehood a profession could advance such an illogical claim.”

    He noted that “More instructively, just a few months after Oyebamiji assumed office as Commissioner for Finance, the half-salary regime was discontinued and Osun civil servants began to receive their full salaries, despite the acute paucity of funds facing the state at the time. That achievement alone speaks volumes about his financial prudence, worker-friendly disposition, and capacity for humane economic management.”

    Adedeji stressed, “For the avoidance of doubt, the real architect of the half-salary regime in Osun State is not AMBO. Ironically, the architect of half-salary in Osun is today the one advising Governor Adeleke on economic matters as his Chief Economic Adviser. It is therefore hypocritical and dishonest for the Adeleke government to attempt to hang the past failures of his chief economic adviser on AMBO.”

  • Release Sowore’s passport now— Gbenga Hashim urges tinubu

    Release Sowore’s passport now— Gbenga Hashim urges tinubu

     …says Nigeria is worth fighting for

    Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately order the release of the international passport of activist and former presidential candidate, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, describing its continued seizure as an abuse of power and a threat to democratic freedoms.

    Hashim made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving Sowore, who paid him a courtesy visit during a meeting with PDP chairmen in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The meeting was also attended by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Kamaldeen Adebayo Sanni, and the National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Abdulrazaq Hamzat.

    Speaking during the interaction, Hashim recalled their shared pro-democracy struggles dating back to 1989, when Sowore was one of his protégés.

    He said the meeting was not a nostalgic exercise, but a reminder of the sacrifices that secured Nigeria’s democratic space.

    According to Hashim, Sowore’s courage, consistency, and refusal to bow to intimidation have made him a symbol of principled resistance and a rallying point for young Nigerians demanding a new political order.

    Read Also: 2027: Kano support groups vow to support Gbenga Hashim’s presidential ambition, renew strategies

    “Nigeria is worth fighting for, and meaningful change is possible, no matter how difficult,” Hashim said.

    He condemned what he described as the sustained persecution of Sowore for speaking truth to power, noting that the continued seizure of his passport has effectively punished him without conviction and denied him the basic right to family life.

    Hashim warned that democracies collapse when dissent is criminalized, stressing that the protection of opposing voices is a non-negotiable pillar of democratic governance.

    He therefore called on President Tinubu to act decisively by ordering the immediate release of Sowore’s passport in the interest of justice, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights.

    The meeting also provided an opportunity for Sowore to reconnect with longtime comrades, as participants reflected on defining moments that shaped their lifelong commitment to democracy, civic courage, and accountable leadership.

  • Ekiti 2026: Court nullifies PDP primaries, orders fresh exercise

    Ekiti 2026: Court nullifies PDP primaries, orders fresh exercise

    A Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, has nullified the governorship primary of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    The PDP conducted its governorship primary on November 8, 2024, during which Dr Wole Oluyede emerged the winner after defeating Dr Funso Ayeni and Mrs Funmilayo Ogun.

    However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) omitted Oluyede and his running mate, Deji Ogunsakin, in the provisional list of candidates published on December 29, 2025 ahead of the June 20 governorship poll.

    Aggrieved by the outcome of the primary, Ayeni approached the court through his counsel, Mr Kola Kolade (SAN), seeking the nullification of the exercise on the grounds that it failed to comply with the party’s constitution and guidelines.

    The plaintiff contended that the PDP did not present the original and authentic list of statutory and ad hoc delegates used for the primary election, describing the omission as a fundamental breach of the party’s guidelines and the Electoral Act.

    Read Also: Ekiti 2026: Ex-governor Segun Oni rejoins APC

    In his judgement delivered on Tuesday in the suit marked FHC/AD/CS/29/2025, Justice Babs Kuewumi held that the conduct of the primary election did not comply with the provisions of the law and the PDP constitution.

    The court consequently nullified the governorship primary and ordered the PDP, in conjunction with INEC, to conduct a fresh primary election in strict compliance with the law and relevant guidelines.

    Justice Kuewumi further directed that all qualified aspirants be allowed to participate in the fresh exercise to promote transparency, fairness, and internal democracy within the party.

    Reacting to the ruling, counsel to Oluyede, Mr Owoseni Ajayi, expressed dissatisfaction with the judgment, stating that steps had already been taken to appeal the decision, including filing an application for a stay of execution.

  • Impeachment: Group urges Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers

    Impeachment: Group urges Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers

    A coalition of concerned citizens, Rivers Grassroots Movement (RGM) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the impeachment proceedings initiated by the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu.

    The group’s convener, Jackrich Sobomabo emphasised that Rivers State’s stability and the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s national structure remains a top priority.

    The RGM dismissed allegations that Governor Fubara failed to present the 2025 budget, noting that President Bola Tinubu transmitted the Rivers State Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly during the state of emergency regime, and it was passed into law on June 25, 2025.

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns Oba Akran of Badagry

    He said, “Rivers State operates under a valid fiscal framework that remains fully operational,” Egberipapa stated, noting that “Section 122 of the 1999 Constitution allows the governor to authorize expenditure for up to six months where an Appropriation Act has not been passed. The 2025 budget passed in June means the fiscal year runs until August 2026.”

    The group further commended Governor Fubara’s management of state resources and focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.

    “Governor Fubara has demonstrated exemplary prudence and transparency in managing state resources, delivering dividends of democracy to the grassroots even in the face of adversity,” Egberipapa said.

    The group declared their support for Fubara and his deputy, urging them to seek re-election in 2027.

    “Rivers State deserves peace, progress, and prosperity. We stand united for a better future,” the statement concluded.

  • Lagos APC to Tambuwal: rise above political theatre

    Lagos APC to Tambuwal: rise above political theatre

    Lagos State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it has taken note of the alarmist remarks credited to former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, wherein he declared that “Nigeria is in peril and needs urgent salvation.”

    The party in a statement yesterday by its spokesman, Seye Oladejo, in Ogba, said: ‘’We consider this intervention a classic case of misplaced moral outrage by a principal actor who, when entrusted with responsibility, failed to deploy the very “salvation” he now theatrically advertises.

    ‘’At moments like this, statesmanship demands introspection and restitution-not grandstanding. Nigerians remember the years when Tambuwal occupied strategic positions in government and the dividends of leadership expected at those times. Sadly, rather than offering a candid reckoning with his record or apologising for missed opportunities, he has chosen to sermonise from a pedestal of selective amnesia.

    ‘’More instructively, his recent 60th birthday colloquial presented a rare lifeline to truly confess, seek forgiveness and embrace restitution from a nation that gave him so much but received next to nothing in return. It was an auspicious occasion that should have lent itself to sober reflection and an honest recap of stewardship. Instead, that opportunity was cleverly sidestepped. Tales of sainthood ring hollow when public service records and recent legal tussles over graft remain unresolved footnotes that were conspicuously omitted.’’

    READ ALSO: Trump govt revokes over 100,000 visas amid crackdown on immigrants

    The statement added: ‘’Nigeria still bleeds from years of exploitation and poor leadership by individuals who once occupied positions of trust. To now speak of “peril” without acknowledging one’s role in deepening the nation’s wounds is not courage; it is convenience.

    ‘’It bears restating that Nigeria’s challenges did not materialise overnight, nor were they authored by the present administration alone. Many of those now brandishing megaphones of despair were active participants-if not architects-of the policy inertia, political brinkmanship and economic drift that constrained national progress for years. To proclaim peril without accepting culpability is to insult the intelligence of Nigerians.

    ‘’At 60, the transition into the realm of elder statesmanship beckons-a stage where only the truth suffices and where legacy begins to matter more than noise. It is not too early to start thinking about an enduring legacy built on honesty, accountability and service, rather than revisionism.

    ‘’Nigeria is not without leadership nor direction. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, difficult but necessary reforms are being undertaken to stabilise the economy, strengthen security and restore institutional credibility. These efforts require patience, sincerity and collective responsibility-not apocalyptic rhetoric designed to harvest fleeting relevance.

    ‘’We therefore urge Tambuwal and his cohorts to rise above political theatre. If salvation is truly the concern, it should begin with humility, restitution and support for reforms that move the nation forward. Anything short of this is noise-loud, convenient and ultimately hollow.’’

  • Ex-governor Segun Oni rejoins APC

    Ex-governor Segun Oni rejoins APC

    Barely five years after he left All Progressives Congress (APC) for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later Social Democratic Congress (SDP), former Ekiti State Governor Segun Oni has rejoined the party.

    Oni, who governed Ekiti State between 2007 and 2010 on the platform of PDP, was the governorship candidate of SDP in 2022 election, emerging second behind Oyebanji.

    The ex-governor registered with APC at his country home in Ifaki-Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government, yesterday amid jubilation by supporters and loyalists.

    Speaking after his registration, Oni said his return to APC was a homecoming and a carefully considered decision taken in the interest of Ekiti people.

    “I have returned to APC to join hands with Governor Biodun Oyebanji and other stakeholders to further strengthen peace, unity and development in Ekiti State,” he said.

    The ex-governor said Ekiti’s political stability must be sustained beyond partisan differences, adding that he was impressed by the current administration’s inclusive governance style and commitment to grassroots development.

    Reacting to Oni’s return, the Coordinator of the APC e-registration exercise in Ekiti State, Gold Adedayo, described the development as a major boost to the party’s e-registration drive and a significant political gain.

    READ ALSO: Trump govt revokes over 100,000 visas amid crackdown on immigrants

    He said Oni’s return would strengthen APC ahead June 20 governorship election, noting that the former governor remained a respected figure with strong grassroots appeal across the state.

    The serving Commissioner for Youth Development said: “Today, we registered former governor Segun Oni as a member of our great party. This significant political move will help the ongoing online registration of our members in Ekiti.

    “When it comes to grassroots politics, former governor Oni is a respected individual in this aspect. He is well loved at the grassroots and the intention of our registration is to attract more people into APC. Having individual like former governor with us at this crucial time is a big plus.

    “We are happy with the spate at which we are going in the online registration exercise and we know that APC is poised for greatness and victory as we look up to future elections”.

    The commissioner urged the party leaders not to rest and be complacent in their mobilisation efforts, saying more concerted actions are required to strengthen the party’s numerical strength at the grassroots.

  • Register every member or be removed, Yilwatda directs APC membership registration coordinators

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

    • Over 2m members registered within one week

    The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has directed all state coordinators of the party’s ongoing nationwide electronic membership registration to register all party members or face removal.

    The national chairman urged the registration coordinators to fulfill their responsibilities.

    Yilwatda spoke yesterday during an interaction with all the state registration coordinators at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

    The national chairman’s directive followed an announcement by APC’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, that the party had registered over 2 million members within one week of the take-off of the nationwide exercise in some states.

    The ongoing registration is scheduled to end on January 30.

    Yilwatda told the coordinators that no member of the party should be left unregistered, warning that any coordinator who fails would be replaced.

    Yilwatda stressed that the job of the coordinators is not ceremonial but a responsibility to strengthen the party.

    READ ALSO; Between Wike and Fubara

    “If any coordinator does not get all members registered in his or her state, we will drop you and appoint another person. The position you occupy is an opportunity to make the party better,” he said.

    The national chairman reminded the coordinators that they are the foot soldiers of the party, stressing that when party structures at the state level are strong and functional, the party itself becomes strong.

    He also urged APC state chairmen to cooperate fully with the coordinators to ensure a seamless and successful exercise.

    “Nobody contests elections at the national secretariat. Elections are won or lost at the state, senatorial, constituency, local government, and ward levels. The performance of the party rests squarely on you,” he stated.

    Yilwatda decried a situation where the party claimed millions of members in a state but recorded very low votes during elections.

    The national chairman described such discrepancies as unacceptable.

    He added that the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) had created an environment that was conducive to ensuring the success of all party programmes.

    According to him, party structures at all levels must begin to reflect real membership strength.

    Yilwatda also warned that any State Executive Committee (SEC) member who fails to register before January 30 would be removed from office, stressing that the NEC, the second-highest organ of the party after the convention, has the constitutional authority to enforce compliance.

    The national chairman implored all the state chairmen to support the registration process.

    “It is not negotiable. This warning must be sounded from the state level down to the ward level,” he said.

    Yilwatda condemned sharp practices aimed at blocking or excluding some party members from the registration process.

    “No chairman, no coordinator, and not even a governor has the power to stop any party member from being registered. No one must be disenfranchised,” he warned.

    To ensure speed and efficiency, Yilwatda directed coordinators to use Android phones where tablets are unavailable, adding that no state should delay the exercise with the excuse of waiting for devices.

    The national chairman urged the coordinators to avoid making the exercise unnecessarily expensive for state governments.

    He announced that in his state, Plateau, registration officials were recruited from within their wards to ease logistics.

    Giving an update on the progress of th3 registration, Yilwatda said Delta State is currently leading, followed by Lagos, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Plateau states.

    The national chairman urged other states to emulate their pace and commitment.

    He promised to review the progress of the progress in five days.

    Yilwatda also linked the electronic registration to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing reforms, stressing that the party must reflect the same spirit of modernisation and accountability.

    “We need accurate data to support the President. We must be different from all other parties. We cannot make decisions on faulty premises. This registration must succeed,” he said.

    The national chairman explained that the electronic registration, the first of its kind by any political party in Nigeria, would give APC a credible, verifiable and real-time membership database, as well as enhance internal democracy, improve campaign planning, eliminate fraud, and ensure that party resources are deployed based on real and reliable data.

    Also, barely a week into its nationwide electronic membership registration, the APC said it has recorded over 2 million digitally verified members.

    The party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, announced this yesterday in Abuja after a meeting between the National Working Committee (NWC) and state coordinators overseeing the registration.

    Basiru explained that the exercise was approved by the party’s NEC at its December meeting, which directed that all APC members nationwide must be digitally registered before the end of this month.

    “Despite many states yet to commence the exercise fully, Nigerians who have registered as APC members are already in excess of 2 million. These are digitally verified members with their voter identification numbers, National Identification Numbers (NIN), and telephone contacts,” Basiru said.

    The national secretary noted that with increasing momentum across states, the party expected its digital membership to rise to between 8 million and 9 million by the next assessment scheduled for next week.

    Commenting on the inclusion of members from states with internal factional disputes, Basiru said: “During the last NEC meeting, Mr. President, who is the leader of the party, stated that nobody or group should be denied the opportunity of being registered. Every group, every factional interest, every personal interest is being taken care of.”

    Highlighting the strategic importance of the initiative, Basiru urged party stakeholders at state and grassroots levels to prioritise the registration.

    He described it as the foundation to build a cohesive party structure capable of mobilising support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.