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Category: Politics

Defections: I’ll laugh last, says Kwankwaso

Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has boasted he will laugh at last in the ensuing defection crisis between him and Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Yusuf, who was elected on the platform of Kwankwaso’s NNPP, has decided to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

But Kwankwaso, an ex- Governor of the state, has disapproved the move, insisting that the Governor should relinquish his position if he must defect.

The disagreement between the two gladiators has polarised the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement –the umbrella body of all NNPP members in the country.

As the crack deepens in the NNPP, Kwankwaso, in a viral video, called on his loyalists to engage in massive mobilisation of people from all nooks and cranny of Kano State to join the Movement.

Kwankwaso, who has reportedly opened a loyalty register, stated this while addressing visiting support groups from various local government areas still loyal to the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

Read Also: Why I carried out labour reforms – Obasanjo

While urging supporters to go back to the grassroots and mobilise people, Kwankwaso noted: “This is the most important thing before you as some people are defecting.”

Kwankwaso, who is being speculated to be interested in joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC), lamented that some people were mocking him and calling him a dying politician, citing the current gale of defections.

He however, assured his followers that he would laugh at last.

He said: “As leaders and representatives of the people, when you go back home, ensure you meet with our supporters and let them know what is before us.

“I have heard some people mocking at me, calling me a child in politics. I want to assure them that they will see the work of the child soon when the time comes.

“We have so far received about 21 organisations from across the state and there are others that are going to join us soon. Therefore, you go back home and receive them.”

Governor Yusuf, who insists defection is his political right based on consultation with the electorate and party stakeholders, returned to the state after his birthday celebration in Abuja, to formally register and obtain his APC membership card.

Before then, Yusuf will meet with the power bloc of the Kano chapter of the party, led by immediate past Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, it was learnt.

Already, Ganduje has sent an official invite to Yusuf, assuring him of maximum cooperation.

January 12 has been fixed for the much talked-about defection ceremony -a strategic decision expected to strengthen the APC’s position while weakening the NNPP in Kano State and striping it of its only governorship seat and potentially reducing its influence and viability as a national party ahead of 2027 general polls.

January 7, 2026
Court okays interim forfeiture of N213.2b 57 assets by Malami, sons

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered interim forfeiture of 57 assets by a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN) and two sons.

The sons are Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru—Rahman Malami,

The assets are valued at N213,234,120,000.

It has, however, given Malami and the sons or any other claimant a 14-day leave to show proof that the assets were legally acquired.

Failure to present legitimate claims within 14 days may lead to the permanent loss of the assets to the Federal Government.

The Court’s order was based on the invocation of Non-Conviction Asset Forfeiture

Clause in the EFCC Establishment Act.

The EFCC had applied to the Federal High Court to seize the suspicious properties in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and Birnin-Kebbi in Kebbi State.

A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC,Mr. Dele Oyewale said the properties were linked to Malami and two others.

The statement reads: “A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities linked to a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) and two of his sons, Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru—Rahman Malami, to the Federal Government.

“Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order following an ex-parte motion moved by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ekele Iheanacho (SAN).

“The multi-billion naira landed properties , valued at N213,234,120,000 are located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna States.

“In granting the order, Justice Nwite ruled that, “It is hereby ordered that an interim order of this honourable court is hereby made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the properties described in Schedule 1 below which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities”

“The judge also directed the publication of the interim order of forfeiture in any national daily “inviting any person(s) or body (ies) who may have interest in the properties listed in the schedule to show cause, within 14 days of the publication, why a final order of forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria of the said assets and properties, should not be made.”

He, therefore, adjourned the matter until January 27, 2026, for a report of compliance.

Read Also: Aggrieved ex-police officers seek Tinubu’s intervention over court-order reinstatement

Malami, his wife, Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, are currently facing an alleged N8.7 billion money laundering charge before Justice Nwite.

The interim forfeited properties include: Rayhaan University Buildings, Agro allied factory buildings, machines, hotels, pharmacy, supermarket, primary and secondary schools, oil and gas filling stations, shops and other buildings.

Some of them are:

●Luxury Duplex at Amazon Street, Plot No. 3011 Within Cadastral Zone, A06 Maitama; File No: AN enhancement 11352, which was purchased in December 2022 at N500, 000, 000.00 (value after enhancement at N5,950,000,000).

●Two Winged Large Storey Building Situate at No. 3, Onitsha Crescent, Area 11,Garki, Cadastral Zone, A03, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels Limited), FCT, which was purchased Dec. 2018 at N7,000,000,000.

●Plot 683, Jabi District, Cadastral Zone B04, Comprising of a five storey Building (Now Luxurious Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Jabi with 53 rooms/suites), which was purchased in Sept. 2020 at carcass level at N850,000,000 with additional N300,000,000 to take possession (value after completion N8,400,000,000).

●Property No. 3130 within Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, FCT, Abuja, Comprising Terraces, purchased in January 2021 at N360,000,000.

●Property No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja (Meethaq Hotels Limited, Maitama With 15 ROOMS), which was purchased in February 2018 at N430,000,000 (current value after rehabilitation is N12,950,000,000).

●Plot No. 1241B, Asokoro District Zone (No. 11A Yakubu Gowon Crescent) Asokoro District, which was purchased in July 2021 at N325,000,000.

●Shop No. C82 Citiscape — Shariff Plaza, Plot 739 Cadastral Zone A07, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse Il, FCT, Abuja, which was purchased in March 2024 at N120,000,000.

●No. 4 Ahmadu Bello Way, Nasarawa GRA, Kano, which was purchased in December 2022 at N300,000,000.

●Plot 157, Lamido Crescent, Nasarawa, GRA, Kano, purchased in July 2019 with no specific amount stated.

●A Plaza, Commercial Toilets, Laundering, Warehouse Tanks Adjacent

●100 Hectares Of Land Along Birnin Kebbi, Jega Road, which was purchased in 2020 at N100,000,000.

●Four Bedroom Bungalow Gesse Phase, Birnin Kebbi, which was purchased in 2023 at N101,000, 000.

●Shops Nos. A36, B3 Vegas Mall, Wuse 2, Abuja, which was purchased in July 2023 at N158,000,000.

●No. 26, Babbi Drive, Bua Estate, Abuja, purchased in 2022 at N136,000,000.

●No. 27, Efab Estates Avenue, 59™ Crescent, Gwarimpa, Abuja, purchased in January 2016 at N120,000,000.

●Four Bedroom/ 2 Rooms Boys Quarters At No. 10B, Doka Crescent Abakpa GRA, Kaduna, purchased in Jan. 2018 at N40, 000, 000.00.

Plot No. 13, Ipent 7 Estate, Karsana District, Abuja, purchased in June 2018 at N85,000,000.

●A Bedroom Duplex & Boys Quarters At No. 12 Yalinga Street, Off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse Il, Abuja, purchased in Oct. 2018 at N150,000,000.

●Two Warehouse Shops B40 And B46, Wuse Market, Abuja, purchased in July 2020 at N50,000,000.

●Twin Houses At Zone E, Apo Legislative Quarters, Cadastral Zone B01, Plot 14014, Gudu District, Abuja, was purchased between February and May 2017 at N250,000,000.

●Properties acquired by Khadimiyya for Justice & Development Initiative at the Academic Garden City, Birnin Kebbi, sold by the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage namely.

●Others are nine units of three bedroom, bungalow, three units of two bedroom, bungalow, and 5.4 hectares of land, which were purchased between February 2023 and September 2023 at N187,000,000, among other assets listed in the schedule.

January 7, 2026
Oyo APC leaders declare full support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid

Prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency have affirmed their commitment to backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid in the 2027 general elections.

The declaration was made on Wednesday during a unity rally organised by constituency leaders at Moniya, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The event drew key party figures from the constituency, including Chief Kunle Sanda, Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji, Hon. Femi Egbedeyi, Hon. Tayo Oyetunji, Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede, Hon. Abisoye Fagade, Chief Isiaka Alimi and Hon. Adigun Abiodun, among others.

Top APC leaders from Oyo State also attended the rally. They included the state party chairman, Alhaji Olaide Abas; Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Senators Teslim Folarin, Yunus Akintunde, Sharafadeen Alli, and Abdulfatai Buhari; Hon. Aderemi Oseni; Senator Ayo Adeseun; Professor Adeolu Akande; Hon. Bolaji Repete; Hon. Akeem Akogun; and Chairman of Oyo APC’s United Kingdom caucus, Hon. Adebayo Amusat-Gbenla.

Speaking with journalists, Chairman of the Oyo Central Senatorial District APC, Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji, said party leaders across the constituency had reached a firm resolution to work towards President Tinubu’s re-election. He added that state leaders were committed to operating as a unified bloc ahead of the 2027 polls.

Oyebamiji stated that stakeholders in the party had agreed to prioritise collective objectives over personal interests, noting that internal divisions were now a thing of the past.

He said, “We are here for two purposes. First, to tell the whole world and the good people of Oyo State that APC is united. We are now one family, and that is why this is called a unity rally. Second, we are here to express our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. APC in Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency unanimously supports his second-term bid.”

Other speakers echoed the commitment to ensuring the party’s success in 2027.

In his remarks, Senator Teslim Folarin described the APC as the political platform capable of steering Nigeria to progress. State chairman Alhaji Olaide Abas reaffirmed that the party remains united and urged members to work diligently for the victory of President Tinubu and other APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.

January 7, 2026
Taraba: Former FCT director Galadima joins APC

A former Director, Development Control of the Federal Capital Administration (FCTA), Mukhtar Galadima, has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former director registered with the party at the Secretariat in Ibi, headquarters of Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State.

He pledged to work for the party and abide by the APC manifestos.

Mukhtar Galadima retired recently as director of development control and was reappointed as a Senior Special Adviser (SSA) on Development Control to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Galadima disclosed that the idea to join politics was necessitated by the clarion call of the people of Ibi local government area to join politics and the APC as a party because of its manifestos, which are in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Ahmed Tinubu.

He stressed that as an obedient son of the soil, he has no option but to obey the popular will and aspirations of his people.

He highlighted some of his contributions to the People of Ibi and Wukari Local Government Area while in service, which include securing employment for youth, empowerment support programmes to women and youth groups, and provision of solar boreholes to various communities within Ibi/ Wukari Local Government Areas

Others he highlighted were support to Islamic and Christian religious bodies, ongoing construction of a Hospital in Ibi, participation in critical stakeholders’ meetings, which borders on the development of Ibi Wukari, among others.

Read Also: Wike appoints Galadima SSA on development control, planning

In his remarks, the Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC in Ibi Local Government Area, Mallam Shaibu Samaila, expressed gratitude to Galadima for accepting the People’s clarion calls to join politics and for choosing APC as his party.

The APC Chairman said he had made the right choice, as, according to him, the APC today in Nigeria is the most acceptable and populous party in Nigeria and Taraba State in particular.

The APC Chairman solicited the total support and cooperation of the members for the success of the party.

The highlight of the event includes the presentation of the party membership card, chanting of the party slogan, and a rally around the town.

In spite of short notice, hundreds of party loyalists graced the event, while hundreds of people cheered the Mukhtar Galadima convoy as it passed through the major streets during the rally.

January 7, 2026
2027: Senator Agboola, over 50,000 PDP, SDP, ADC members defect to APC in Oyo

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have welcomed former ally of Governor Seyi Makinde, Senator Hosea Agboola (Halleluya), along with more than 50,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), into the APC.

Party leaders described the mass defection as a significant boost that will further strengthen and expand the APC’s political base across the state.

The defectors, drawn from all 33 local government areas, were received in Iseyin by the Oyo State Ambassador of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Senator Teslim Folarin. He was joined by Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu; Senators Abdulfatai Buhari and Sharafadeen Alli; Oyo APC Chairman Pharm. Olayide Abass; Senator Ayo Adeseun; Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle; and Engr. Idris Adeoye. Other notable party figures, including Hon. Remi Oseni, Hon. Olamiju Alao-Akala, Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan, Prof. Adeolu Akande, Hon. Bolaji Repete, Hon. Akeem Akogun, Alhaji Saheed Alaran, Alhaji Wasiu Dauda, and Hon. Yinka Taiwo, were also in attendance.

Addressing the gathering, Senator Folarin described the defection as a clear endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He assured the new members of full integration, noting that the APC in Oyo State has resolved its internal differences and is now united, disciplined, and focused on grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adelabu commended Senator Halleluya and other defectors for their decision, describing it as strategic and courageous, while reaffirming the party’s commitment to peace and collective progress.

Read Also: Why PDP lost Ondo governorship election – Ex-senator

Senator Abdulfatai Buhari added that the influx of opposition members reflects the APC’s expanding influence and increasing acceptance among voters.

Senator Ali echoed this view, stating that renewed public confidence in the Tinubu administration is attracting more stakeholders into the party.

Pharm. Abass assured the defectors of equal rights and opportunities, emphasising the party’s commitment to fairness, discipline, and internal democracy.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Senator Halleluya said their decision followed broad consultations.

He noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda and the unity among APC leaders in Oyo State were key factors in their choice to join the ruling party.

The event concluded with the symbolic admission of the defectors into the APC, accompanied by renewed calls for party members to unite and work towards delivering widespread victories for President Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 elections.

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the APC later continued their Federal Constituency Tour at Akinyele/Lagelu, where leaders sustained their message of peace, unity, and grassroots mobilisation in support of President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

January 7, 2026
2027: Obi’s former running mate, Baba-Ahmed, declares presidential ambition

The Labour Party’s Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, on Wednesday formally declared his interest in contesting the presidency in 2027.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party (LP) amid ongoing political realignments.

Baba-Ahmed, 56, was the running mate to former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, made the declaration at a rally held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

His announcement comes barely one week after Obi announced his exit from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

This move has triggered intense debate over the party’s future and the direction of the wider opposition ahead of the next general election.

However, speaking on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Labour Party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed made it clear that he would not follow Obi to the ADC.

He said, “I have made myself to contest for the office in 2027. I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes.

“Can I please remind you that before His Excellency Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I aspired for the presidency before him? The records are there for you to see.”

The former lawmaker recalled his earlier attempt to secure his party’s presidential ticket, noting that he had contested in the Peoples Democratic Party primaries years before aligning with Obi in the Labour Party.

“In October 2018, I participated in the primaries of the then PDP in Port Harcourt and walked to Obi for his vote, and he smiled at me. What a gentleman he was.

“If you heard me well in what I just submitted, I saw a rare opportunity for national unity to have elected Peter Obi in 2023. And that is why I decided to flow with it,” he said.

“Yes, I am a practising Muslim. But I’m a Nigerian, and the constitution allows me to contest. You asked about my ethnicity. Yes, I am a Hausa man, and the Nigerian constitution also allows me to contest. I’m doing this because Nigeria needs help,” he said.

However, Baba-Ahmed noted that while he had made his intention known, he would adhere strictly to party and electoral guidelines.

“However, as a law-abiding citizen and a loyal party member, until the timetable is released by INEC and the leadership of the Labour Party calls for interested aspirants, I will not say anything about it. But remember I told you that Nigerians know the truth,” he stated.

Reacting, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, commended Baba-Ahmed for remaining in the party despite speculations that he might defect following Obi’s exit.

Abure said the development demonstrated that the Labour Party remained intact, adding that several key figures, including the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, had also chosen to stay back.

He said, “Only recently, the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, told the world that he joined the party before Peter Obi did – this is true. Otti also said he was not going to defect to Peter Obi.

“On the night Peter Obi defected, I received a telephone call from our Vice-Presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed. He said he is not leaving the party because it was the platform upon which he, along with the former candidate, received 10 million votes from Nigerians, which was reduced to 6 million votes. We all know what happened.”

Read Also: LP crisis: INEC, Baba-Ahmed present as Abure hosts NEC meeting

Abure further disclosed that Baba-Ahmed personally suggested a meeting of party leaders and members to reaffirm unity within the party.

“In fact, he asked me to organise an event where members can come together. He first suggested that we meet at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel with a few senior members that he would foot the bill.

“But I suggested that we hold the event here at the party Secretariat and invite our members, artisans, and ordinary people who truly own the party, and he agreed. That is why we are having this gathering here today.

“The Labour Party is intact, we will not let Nigerians down. We will remain together and provide a genuine alternative for Nigerians,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed’s declaration has added a fresh dimension to the emerging 2027 presidential contest, as parties begin early positioning amid shifting alliances within the opposition.

January 7, 2026
2027: ADC inaugurates nationwide membership mobilisation committee

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said its nationwide membership drive is aimed at deepening internal cohesion and expanding its national footprint as it positions itself to challenge the ruling party in the 2027 general elections.

The declaration was made on Wednesday in Abuja by the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, during the inauguration of the Membership Revalidation, Mobilization, and Registration (MRMR) Committee.

The committee has been tasked with overhauling the party’s membership base, strengthening grassroots structures, and harmonizing records nationwide.

Speaking at the event, which was attended by some members of the National Working Committee, the National Executive Committee, party chieftains, and other stakeholders, Mark described the exercise as a critical milestone in repositioning the ADC for growth, strength, and internal cohesion.

He noted that the party was founded on principles of justice, equity, accountability, and people-centred governance, adding, “For these ideals to translate into political success, our party must rest on a solid, credible, and verifiable membership base, supported by effective mobilization structures across the federation”.

Mark explained that the decision to inaugurate the MRMR committee was driven by the recognition that no political party can achieve national relevance without a strong, active, and properly documented membership.

“Membership is the lifeblood of any democratic organization. It determines legitimacy, strength, reach, and ultimately, electoral victory,” he said.

Among others, the committee’s terms of reference include overseeing the registration of new members nationwide to ensure inclusiveness, transparency, and adherence to party guidelines.

It will develop a nationwide membership mobilization strategy with emphasis on the grassroots at polling units, wards, local governments, and state levels, while implementing both electronic and manual registration systems.

Mark added that the committee will also harmonize existing membership records with State chapters, conduct a comprehensive revalidation exercise across all States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), integrate new members into party structures, and liaise with State and local leadership to ensure smooth implementation and promote unity and discipline.

Charging the committee, Mark said, “The responsibility placed on you is both demanding and historic. You are expected to discharge your duties with integrity, fairness, transparency, and a deep sense of patriotism to our party. You must approach this assignment without bias, favouritism, or exclusion.”

The committee has 30 days to submit its interim report.

The committee chairman, Kashim Imam, in his acceptance speech, pledged to execute the mandate diligently, stating, “Our mission is to return the ADC to the average Nigerian. We will ensure that the party is owned by the grassroots, giving the people a voice and responsibility in the party.

“We will work tirelessly, registering members across towns, rural communities, and remote areas.”

He added that the exercise would begin immediately, with an interim report due to the National Working Committee within 30 days.

The 20-member committee, chaired by Kashim Imam, includes former House of Representatives member Hon. Sekonte Davies, Nollywood actress Mina Horsfall, Professor of Pure and Applied Mathematics Festus Arunaye, Obidient Movement spokesman Tanko Yusuf, activist and Obidient Movement chieftain Aisha Yesufu, and Labour Party former governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, among others.

January 7, 2026
ADC coalition built on contradictions, personal ambitions — Alawuje

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Honourable Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, has faulted the emerging political activities around the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the much-touted coalition as a political experiment riddled with contradictions and driven by personal ambitions.

Alawuje, in a statement on Wednesday, said what is being presented to Nigerians as a “coalition” is merely an aggregation of unresolved ambitions, political frustration and historical inconsistencies, rather than a serious platform for national leadership.

He argued that there is no credible indication that the ADC or its promoters genuinely believe they can defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election, insisting that the real motive is political positioning ahead of future calculations.

According to him, Nigerians are politically mature and will not be deceived by attempts to repackage familiar political actors under a new platform, stressing that records, identities and past legacies cannot be erased by convenience.

Alawuje noted that the ADC is largely populated by dissatisfied elements drawn from the PDP, Labour Party, ANPP and other parties, who, he said, failed to build consensus in their former platforms and are now united more by grievance than vision.

He maintained that a coalition formed on anger rather than ideology lacks the moral and structural capacity to offer credible national leadership or inspire public confidence.

The APC stalwart pointed to what he described as conflicting ambitions within the coalition, citing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s long-standing presidential aspiration and contrasting it with the alleged singular focus of other actors to unseat President Tinubu in 2027.

“These are not complementary ambitions; they are competing agendas,” he said, adding that coalitions without unity of purpose, ideology and destination rarely survive, let alone govern.

Alawuje also criticised the group for what he called persistent attacks on President Tinubu’s reforms without presenting a clear, coherent and practical alternative policy blueprint for governance.

He defended the Tinubu administration’s reform agenda as deliberate and necessary, aimed at correcting long-standing structural distortions in the economy and governance system, and positioned toward long-term national stability and institutional renewal.

Alawuje concluded that Nigeria deserves a responsible, policy-driven opposition, warning that coalitions built on resentment, personal grievances and ideological emptiness cannot successfully challenge what he described as President Tinubu’s disciplined, strategic and reform-oriented leadership.

January 7, 2026
‘Tinubu’s tax reforms not against poor Nigerians’

The Oyo State leader of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Senator Teslim Folarin, has said the new tax law were not designed to impose additional hardship on Nigerians.

He urged Nigerians to remain calm, informed, and supportive of the tax reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking during continuation of the 14 Federal Constituency tour across the Irepo/Olorunsogo/Orelope Federal Constituency and the Atisbo/Saki West/Saki East Federal Constituencies, Folarin described the new laws as critical measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s revenue base and ensuring sustainable national development.

According to him, the reforms were focused on improving efficiency, blocking revenue leakages, and reducing Nigeria’s long-standing overdependence on oil revenue.

He noted that Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains among the lowest globally, limiting government capacity to adequately fund critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security without excessive borrowing.

He stressed that the emphasis of the reforms is on broadening the tax base rather than increasing tax rates across the board, adding that low-income earners remained protected through existing income thresholds and statutory exemptions.

Folarin assured that greater tax responsibility would rest on higher-income earners, large corporations, and sectors with weak compliance records.

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Beyond the tax reforms, the Renewed Hope Ambassador conveyed Tinubu’s appreciation to party members and the people of for their support during the 2023 presidential election.

He further disclosed that the Oyo State chapter of the (APC) is targeting at least a 35 per cent improvement on its 2023 electoral performance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Calling for continued public support, Folarin said institutional reforms are taking firm root, outcomes are beginning to manifest, the economy is stabilising, and confidence is steadily being restored.

Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Senator Ayo Adeseun, Senator Hosea Agboola, and Pharm. Olayide Abass charged APC members to uphold discipline and strengthen internal cohesion.

Also speaking were former deputy governors in Oyo State, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, Chief Moses Alake, and Engr. Rauf Olaniyan; as well as Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Engr. Idris Adeoye, Mrs. Hanna Ogunesan, Prof. Adeolu Akande, Hon. Tajudeen Kareem, Hon. Olaide Muhammedah, Hon. Olamiju Alao-Akala, Hon. Remi Oseni, Barr. Adebayo Shittu, Rt. Hon. Muraina Ajibola, Hon. Bolaji Repete, Hon. Akeem Akogun, and Hon. Bosun Oladele.

The leaders called on APC members to remain disciplined and united, stressing that success in the 2027 elections would depend on cooperation, cohesion, and collective commitment rather than internal rivalry within the party.

January 7, 2026
LP will end Kalu’s re-election to Senate, Otti vows

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has said the Labour Party (LP) will end the ambition of Abia North Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to win a re-election to the Red Chamber in 2027.

Otti was reacting to a statement credited to Kalu during his vivit to Ebonyi State, where he promised to ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) record a landslide victory in the 2027 general election.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, the governor said he did not need Kalu’s support to be re-elected in 2027.

The statement said: “Ordinarily, we wouldn’t have bothered to respond to Senator Kalu over whom he chooses to work with or for, since it’s within his constitutional and democratic rights, but because he drew the name of Governor Alex Otti into it once again, we thought it appropriate to respond and put the records straight.

“First, Governor Otti has never gone to Senator Kalu to appeal to him to support his re-election bid; neither has he ever made any attempt to convince him to work against his party, the APC, or their would-be governorship candidate in 2027.”

“Senator Kalu’s penchant for consistent emphasis on not supporting Otti against his party and would-be candidate, has, to say the least, become pedestrian and ludicrous.

“If Senator Kalu’s repeated statements are geared towards issuing subtle threats to Governor Otti, then he is committing a calamitous blunder of costly consequences, because threats toughen rather than frighten or weaken Governor Otti.

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“Again, those who genuinely want to support their party and candidates do not make unnecessary noise about it, rather they show it through hard work and sincere dedication.

“At this point, we challenge Senator Kalu to produce his unit and ward results in the last governorship and presidential elections.

“The results from INEC show clearly that the APC lost woefully both in the governorship and presidential elections at the polling units and wards of all the APC candidates in the 2023 election in Bende Local Government Area where Senator Kalu hails from.

“The question is: if he truly worked for the President and his party, why did the President lose in his constituency while he won in the election conducted on the same day?

“Again, if Governor Otti could convince the people to so unanimously vote for him and the LP in the last election when they supported him merely on the strength of his character, capacity to serve, excellent antecedents and sound campaign manifesto, which were just promises and which saw him emerge the only LP governor in the country, how does Senator Kalu think that the people would not support and vote massively for Governor Otti and any other candidate or party he directs them to vote for, having seen the enduring transformation he has brought to the state in less than three years as governor?

“It would be strange if Senator Kalu has yet to realise that Abia people see Governor Otti as their best political party, and his re-election as a divine project that must be executed with courage, passion and precision.

“Finally, we congratulate Senator Kalu for drafting his younger brother into the 2027 governorship race. We need to remind him that this same brother of his was in the race for the 2023 governorship election as the flag bearer of APP where he placed last at the end of polls.

“It must also be noted that at the moment, four capable and formidable senatorial aspirants have indicated their intention to run for the Abia North seat under the Labour Party and whoever amongst them wins the primaries will receive massive support from the governor to win the elections come 2027.”

January 7, 2026