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Category: Politics

  • Ogun APC ward exco dares NWC, says Daniel remains suspended 

    Ogun APC ward exco dares NWC, says Daniel remains suspended 

    The Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ward 4 in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, has insisted that Senator Gbenga Daniel remains suspended from the party, despite the National Working Committee (NWC) declaring that the former Ogun State Governor is still a bona fide member.

    This reaffirmation came amid controversy surrounding Daniel’s purported suspension, with the NWC directing the Ogun State APC chapter to cease further correspondence on the matter pending a thorough investigation by the party’s national leadership.

    Addressing journalists at the Ward Secretariat in Sabo, Sagamu, Ward Secretary Hon. Oluwole Aduroja said the decision to suspend Daniel followed due process after he repeatedly failed to honour invitations to defend himself against allegations of anti-party activities.

    Speaking on behalf of the 19-member executive committee — including the Ward Chairman, Hon. Adebayo Ismail — Aduroja said their clarification was necessary in response to a statement issued by MJS Partners, the law firm representing Senator Daniel, following the November 17 letter from the APC National Secretariat.

    He explained that the ward executives unanimously agreed to suspend Daniel after he refused to appear before an investigative panel probing petitions accusing him of conduct deemed detrimental to the party.

    Aduroja traced the senator’s alleged misconduct to the last general elections, claiming that Daniel worked against the interest of the APC and its candidates in Ogun State.

    “Beyond the elections, he further attempted to obstruct and frustrate the course of justice during the Election Petition Tribunal sittings through actions and interventions that were directly hostile to the interest of the APC and its candidates. These and many more remain the unchallenged anti-party activities of the suspended senator,” he said.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    Responding to the position of APC National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Bashiru, as contained in the November 17 letter, Aduroja argued that the party’s constitution empowers executive committees at all levels — ward, local government, state, zonal or national — to initiate disciplinary action against erring members.

    He added that although Article 21(5)(vii) gives the NWC authority to suspend members, it does not invalidate the disciplinary powers of other executive bodies, nor does it place their decisions under NWC review.

    “On the contrary, any disciplinary action taken by an Executive Council, including suspension, is subject only to appeal as outlined in Article 21(4). For emphasis, no provision of Article 21(4) subjects the decision to suspend the senator to the oversight of the National Working Committee,” he stated.

    Aduroja reaffirmed Ward 4’s commitment to upholding discipline, fairness and due process within the APC, insisting that “the suspension of Senator Gbenga Daniel remains in full effect.”

  • LGs have no excuse not to deliver, says Lagos guber aspirant

    LGs have no excuse not to deliver, says Lagos guber aspirant

    A 2027 Lagos state APC governorship aspirant, Dr Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (Jandor), has said that local governments now have no excuse not to perform following improved funding by President Bola Tinubu.

    Adediran, the Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, stated this on Wednesday at the 100 days in office celebration of Oto-Awori LCDA chairman, Mr Abiodun Kareem

    The 2023 PDP governorship candidate said the council’s achievements showed what effective use of unrestricted funding could deliver within a short period.

    “We must thank President Bola Tinubu for increasing local government funds. Local Governments have not reason not to perform again. 

    “We appreciate the wonderful works chairmen of various councils are doing here in Lagos,” Adediran said.

    He added that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu deserved praise for releasing full allocations to all councils in Lagos State to ensure implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu at the grassroots.

    He praised the chairman for completing a legislative building and donating patrol vehicles to security personnel in the LCDA.

    Adediran also presented a N5 million cheque donated by Kareem to the G12 Women Development Fund Cooperative.

    He said councils across the state were performing better because funds now reach them without deductions.

    Also speaking, Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, said improved grassroots funding had strengthened local government achievements.

    Read Also: Jandor inaugurates road project contructed by Egbe-Idimu LCDA boss

    He noted that Oto-Awori LCDA completed its legislative building within 100 days because resources were now available.

    Ojelabi urged youths to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and use them to support continued development across the state.

    In his remarks, Kareem said he met infrastructural decay in schools, health centres, roads and drainages on assumption of office.

    He said the council had begun addressing the challenges despite limited resources and competing demands.

    Kareem listed the legislative building, patrol vehicles and N250,000 support for 100 beneficiaries as major accomplishments within 100 days.

    The event was attended by party leaders, council staff, residents and youths from the LCDA.

  • Fed Govt will rescue Kebbi abducted school girls, bring culprits to Justice — Shettima

    Fed Govt will rescue Kebbi abducted school girls, bring culprits to Justice — Shettima

    The Federal Government has vowed to deploy every instrument of State to secure the release of the abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the law.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima gave the assurance on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi while conveying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sympathy to families of the kidnapped schoolgirls and relatives of the late Brigadier-General Musa Uba and the slain vice principal of the Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga.

    “This government will not relent. We will use every instrument of the state to bring these girls home and to ensure that the perpetrators of this wickedness face the full weight of justice. Kebbi, you are not alone. Nigeria stands with you. And we shall not rest until your daughters return to your warm embrace,” Shettima declared.

    In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said the President is “deeply troubled” by the abduction and killings, describing the attack as an assault on the nation’s collective conscience.

    “Kebbi’s pain is Nigeria’s pain. When one child is taken, every home in this nation grieves. When girls in the safety of their classroom are seized by criminals, our collective conscience is assaulted,” he said.

    He added that President Tinubu sent him to assure the affected families that the government is united, resolute, and singular in its priority: ensuring the safe return of the abducted girls.

    “This is not a moment for politics. This grief transcends party lines, geography, and identity. Our daughters must return home safely,” he said.

    The Vice President paid tributes to Brigadier-General Musa Uba, describing his death as a sacrifice that “touches a part of our collective soul.”

    “We also honour the ultimate sacrifice made by some of our brave officers. To the family of the late Brigadier-General Musa Uba, we say: his sacrifice will never be forgotten.

    Read Also: Illegal mining: Reps C’ttee summon minister, DG mining cadastre, others 

    “When a soldier gives his life in defence of this nation, a part of our collective soul is touched. We will honour him, his family, and all who pay the supreme price in service to Nigeria,” he stated.

    He also pledged Federal Government support for families of all victims, including the slain vice principal and others killed by the attackers.

    Shettima applauded Kebbi Governor Muhammed Nasir Idris, community leaders, traditional rulers, local vigilante groups, civil society partners, and all stakeholders for rallying together in the moment of distress.

    “Your cooperation, your vigilance, and your unity are indispensable to the search for our girls and to the safety of our communities,” he said.

    He also commended the gallant officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and all paramilitary and intelligence agencies for their gallantry in the face of security challenges confronting the nation.

    “Your courage, your tirelessness, and your sacrifices—often unseen and unsung—remain the backbone of our nation’s security. You stand on the frontlines so that the rest of us may sleep with hope. The nation appreciates you,” he told them.

    Also present at the event were the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nantawe Yitwada; Deputy Kebbi Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Iman Suleiman Ibrahim; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Bernard Fori, and Minister of State, Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Tanko Sununu Yusuf.

    Others are members of the National Assembly; members of the State House of Assembly; former Governor of Kebbi State, Usman Saidu Nasamu Dakingari; Senator Bala Ibn Na Allah; Director General of NEMA. Hajiya Zubaida Umar; Secretary to Kebbi State Government, Yakubu Bala; other members of the state Executive Council; senior government officials, as well as heads of military and para-military.

  • Sen. Gbenga Daniel remains APC member, says NWC

    Sen. Gbenga Daniel remains APC member, says NWC

    The National Working Committee ( NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed that the Senator Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East) remains a bona fide member of the party.

    The position of the party’s highest administrative organ was conveyed to the Ogun party Chairman in a letter dated November 17 by APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru.

    Sources within the party in Ogun State confirmed that the contention for the party’s ticket for Ogun East senatorial district ahead of the 2027 between Governor Dapo Abiodun and Daniel may have been responsible for the alleged indefinite suspension of the former Governor.

    But the national leadership of the party in the letter (a photocopy sighted by our correspondent) said the statutory body saddled with the responsibility to look into such matters was yet to deliberate or investigate any alleged anti-party activities against Daniel.

    Read Also: CAF Awards 2025: Homeboy Hakimi tipped to edge Osimhen, Salah

    The NWC declared that Daniel remains a member of the party and directed organs of the party in the state not to issue any correspondence until such a time that the highest administrative organ would have investigated and deliberated on the alleged suspension.

    The statement partly reads: “I bring you compliments from the National Secretariat of our great party and write to inform you that the Party has been inundated with the recent notice of suspension of the Distinguished Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Sen. Otunba Olugbenga Daniel.

    “Please take note that the NWC is yet to deliberate on this matter as provided in Articles 21.3(d & e) of the party constitution.

    “Consequent upon this, you are hereby requested to allow the National Working Committee to investigate the matter and take an informed decision on the suspension before issuing any further public correspondence on this matter. Until then, Sen. Otunba Olugbenga Daniel remains a bona fide member of the party.”

  • Rivers APC women pushes for stronger political inclusion

    Rivers APC women pushes for stronger political inclusion

    …endorse Tinubu for 2nd term in 2027

    The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for stronger participation for women in politics and leadership.

    The politicians have also reiterated their overwhelming supports for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

    They spoke at a one-day Summit in Port Harcourt, the State capital to reaffirm their loyalty and endorsement for Tinubu in next general elections.

    The theme of the conference was, “The Effectiveness of Women in Politics: the growing commitment to strengthen women’s roles in governance “.

    The summit drew hundreds of APC women from the 23 council areas and over 350 wards of the state together to reflect on the subject matter.

    In her opening remarks the State Women Leader, M/S Darling Amadi said that the summit was designed to empower women with the knowledge and confidence required to contribute meaningfully to national development.

    Amadi emphasised that women remain central to building stronger communities, boosting economic growth and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “Women must continue to play active role in shaping progress within the communities. We are here to equip the women with knowledge, confidence and support needed to participate in governance.

    “Drive economies growth and strengthen the community’s development. By empowering our women today, we invest in a stronger future where every woman can live and contribute meaningfully to the Renewed Hope agenda. Let us as Fender, together mesh through the unity and the formidable alliance

    “Recognizing the position for women will promote our own inclusive and ensure we take our rightful places in decision making in the process.

    On her part, the APC national Woman Leader, Mary Idele , lauded Tinubu’s policies which she said favour women and elevated
    them.

    Idele noted that Tinubu administration has consistently demonstrated commitment to women’s progress through economic renewal, education, security and social investment.

    She reaffirmed nationwide mobilisation for 2027, urging women to participate actively in politics.

    “President Bola Tinubu have shown through policy, through opportunity, through action that APC is a party where women are not only welcome but valued and elevated.

    “We also celebrate, our beloved mother of the nation, the First Lady of the Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the Renewed Hope Initiative, which has brought empowerment, which has brought compassion, opportunities for women across the country.

    “Going into the 2027 we are mobilized are we not? we are ready are we not? we are prepared are we not? and we will deliver 2027 my dear women the time for hesitation is over the time for stepping back is gone our joyous days have come we must be more politically active.

    “not as spectators, but as participants, not as followers, but as leaders, not as divisive spheres of power, but making our voice heard in the matters of affairs as it concerns us. Our voice matters in every world. Our voice matters in every local government. Our voice matters in every constituency. Your voice matters in every election”.

    She also voiced strong support for the “Special Seat for Women Bill” before the National Assembly, describing it as a matter of justice, representation and securing the future of the next generation of girls.

    “I also stand here to declare our support for the special seat for women bill which is currently before the National Assembly. The bill is not just about politics. Please listen to me. The bill is not just about politics. It’s about justice. It’s about representation.

    “It is about the future of our daughters. It’s about the future of our sisters.We desire the seat at the table where decisions about lives are made.

    Delivering the keynote address, former Rivers state Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Inime Aguma, who spoke on the theme of the conference, noted that democracy cannot thrive when half of its population remains underrepresented.

    Aguma highlighted global and local statistics showing the low participation of women in Nigeria’s political leadership: pointing out 4 women of 109 senators, 17 of 360 House of Representatives members, and about 13 percent representation in the Federal Executive Council.

    “no democracy can truly prosper when half of its population is underrepresented. My eyes are tied with the chairman of APC in Rivers State, Tony okocha as I speak these truths, the world has come to recognize what Africa has always known: that when women rise, nations rise.”

  • Abducted Kebbi students: Kefas postpones defection to APC ceremony

    Abducted Kebbi students: Kefas postpones defection to APC ceremony

    Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, on Wednesday postponed indefinitely his planned defection ceremony from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Dr Kefas said his decision was in solidarity for the kidnapped Kebbi students, declaring prayers for them.

    Kefas, who was at the Taraba House of Assembly to present the 2025 budget, took time to pray for the abducted girls before the presentation.

    “In light of the deeply troubling incident of the kidnapping of innocent school girls in Kebbi State, I have taken the solemn decision to postpone my scheduled declaration and movement to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “At a moment when our nation is once again confronted with the painful reality of insecurity, solidarity and compassion must rise above politics.

    “The safety of our children — the most vulnerable and precious members of our society — is far more important than any political activity or ceremony.

    READ ALSO; Emir of Ilorin condemns Eruku Church attack

    “Today, my heart is with the families of the abducted children, with the Government and people of Kebbi State, and with every Nigerian who feels the weight of this tragic incident.

    “As a father, as a leader, and as a governor whose administration has prioritized security, education, and the protection of the vulnerable, I believe it is morally right and nationally responsible to suspend all major political events until the situation receives the urgent attention it deserves.

    “This is not a time for celebration. It is a time for reflection, prayer, unity, and collective action,” the governor stated in his state broadcast.

    He called on all security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of the girls and also called on Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, prayerful, and united in this difficult moment.

  • Ekiti 2026: ADC picks Bejide as governorship candidate

    Ekiti 2026: ADC picks Bejide as governorship candidate

    …vows victory

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Ambassador Dare Bejide, has expressed confidence in defeating the incumbent ruling party in Ekiti State, citing the current state realities as the basis for his assurance.

    Bejide, promising victory in the June 20, 2026, Ekiti governorship election, made the pledge on Wednesday in Abuja during the presentation of his nomination certificate by the party’s National Chairman, Sen. David Mark, who expressed confidence in Bejide’s ability to win.

    Represented by the Deputy National Chairman (North East), Babachir Lawal, Mark called on Ekiti people to rally round Bejide so that the fortune of the State will be transformed.

    In his acceptance speech, Bejide, who expressed confidence in the party’s chances, stressed that the current administration in Ekiti has failed to meet public expectations.

    “At the moment, the Ekiti state government is not doing well for the people, and they are looking for a change, a change in respect of provision of infrastructure,” he said.

    He noted that travellers entering the state from neighbouring areas begin to face the ordeal of bad roads, “So, the people are looking for somebody who will solve their situation, and that is why our position is very relevant,” he added, insisting that voters were ready for leadership that could address their challenges.

    He promised a focused and competitive campaign, “We are going to win, we are going to run a good campaign in Ekiti state. We are going to run a good campaign, and we are going to win.

    READ ALSO; Emir of Ilorin condemns Eruku Church attack

    “We are not just contesting for the purpose of it, we are contesting to win the election, and I can assure you we are going to do well,” he said.

    Bejide, who has been a political elite in the state and has held several party and official positions including Secretary to the State Government, Ambassador to Canada since the days of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC) and the aborted 3rd Republic, said this background prepared him for the governorship.

    “I believe that experience is enough for me to be governor of the state,” he said, while outlining his priorities if elected, including infrastructure development, transparency, value restoration, agriculture, and public service reform.

    “I’m bringing on board good infrastructure. I’m bringing on board transparency in governance. I’m also bringing on board the area of revival of the old values of Ekiti people,” he added.

    Asked why he chose the ADC as the platform to pursue his ambitions, he said the party offered stability and integrity.

    “If you look at the matrix of the party, the party stands for transparency, the party stands for democracy, and the party stands for good governance.

    “Those are the attractions. If you look at the other parties as of today, they are either fragmented, divided, or factionalized, but our party stands firmly on solid ground. We conducted a primary, which has resulted in my emergence as the candidate of the party. Up till today, the other parties are in court,” he said.

  • Kano lawmakers endorse Barau Jibrin for 2027 governorship race

    Kano lawmakers endorse Barau Jibrin for 2027 governorship race

    …say he is most marketable candidate

    A coalition of serving and former members of the Kano State House of Assembly has declared support for the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, urging him to contest the 2027 governorship election.

    The group, numbering over 200 lawmakers who have served in the Assembly from 1999 to date, was led by former Speaker Rt. Hon. Abdulaziz G. Gafasa (2007–2011) during a courtesy visit to Senator Barau.

    They described the senator as the most marketable candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, citing his decade-long performance in the National Assembly and his impact across all three senatorial districts.

    Gafasa said their support was anchored on Barau’s contributions to the people, his consistent support for the APC, and his personal outreach to lawmakers regardless of district.

    Although Senator Barau, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, has not formally declared his interest in the race, APC stakeholders in the state continue to rally behind him.

    A serving lawmaker, Hon. Garba Yau Gwarmai of Ghari/Tsanyawa Constituency, pledged grassroots mobilisation for Barau ahead of 2027.

    READ ALSO; Emir of Ilorin condemns Eruku Church attack

    “This endorsement is based on your track record of outstanding service over the years.

    “You have been making a positive impact on the lives of our people.

    “You have done well in all spheres of our state. This is why we want you to govern Kano, our beloved state,” he said.

    Responding, Senator Barau thanked them for their support, saying all must support the quest to rescue and restore the glorious days of Kano State.

    Describing them as grassroots politicians, he urged them to continue to promote the good ideals of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “We have to work hard and make sacrifices to restore the glorious days of our state.

    “It is a thing of joy that you have come together to salvage our state from the ongoing misgovernance.

    “Let us continue to work together to rescue our beloved state,” he said.

  • PRP slams PDP factional chair for “unpatriotic” call for foreign intervention

    PRP slams PDP factional chair for “unpatriotic” call for foreign intervention

    …calls on political leaders to uphold Nigeria’s sovereignty

    The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has issued a strong rebuke to the factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki, over his recent appeal for foreign powers, including U.S. President Donald Trump, to intervene in Nigeria’s political challenges.

    In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Alhaji Bello Falalu, the PRP described Turaki’s remarks as “reckless, dangerous, and unpatriotic,” warning that such calls undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and betray a deep-seated inferiority complex among some political elites.

    According to the PRP, Turaki’s suggestion that foreign governments should “come and save Nigeria” exposes a worrying lack of confidence in the country’s democratic institutions and the resilience of its people.

    The party said the comments were an affront to national dignity and an insult to patriots who have defended the nation’s independence.

    “Such a statement is not only unpatriotic but also exposes an alarming inferiority complex that continues to plague some of our so-called politicians. It reflects a troubling failure to have confidence in Nigeria’s inherent resilience, its democratic institutions, and the collective strength of its people”, the party said.

    The PRP emphasized that Nigeria, as a sovereign republic with clearly defined territories and independent governance structures, must resolve its internal issues without soliciting interference from foreign powers, whom it described as “imperialist states” that may exploit the nation’s vulnerabilities for their own interests.

    The party urged Turaki and the PDP to withdraw the “incendiary and misguided” comments and called on all political leaders to uphold Nigeria’s sovereignty and resist any temptation to invite foreign actors into its internal affairs.

    READ ALSO; Emir of Ilorin condemns Eruku Church attack

    Referencing its ideological foundation, the PRP highlighted its 5th Principle, which calls for total liberation from imperialism, a stance rooted in ensuring that Nigeria’s destiny is shaped solely by Nigerians.

    “Nigeria does not need the interference of imperialist states to resolve its crises; it needs genuine patriotism, unity, and internally driven solutions. Any attempt to undermine this sovereignty in the name of ‘saving democracy’ is a betrayal of our national dignity”, the statement added.

    The PRP reaffirmed that the nation’s future rests securely in the hands of its people, institutions, and their collective determination to build a just and united country.

  • Reps seek reduction in age to contest Senate, governorship seats to 30

    Reps seek reduction in age to contest Senate, governorship seats to 30

    The House of Representatives has taken steps towards amending the 1999 Constitution to further reduce the age for those willing to contest elective positions in the country.

    As part of the efforts, the House passed for second reading a Constitution amendment Bill to reduce the age for qualification for membership of the Senate and Office of the Governor, sponsored by Martin Esin Etim and 24 others.

    The constitution currently sets 35 as the minimum age for candidates wishing to contest the Senate and governorship, while those contesting the House of Representatives seats are pegged at a minimum of 25.

    Leading the debate on the general principle of the bill, the Akwa Ibom lawmaker who represents Offong/Oruko/Udung Uko federal constituency, said the age threshold for higher offices restricts the political advancement of young Nigerians.

    READ ALSO; Emir of Ilorin condemns Eruku Church attack

    The lawmaker argued that the existing half-decade between eligibility for the House and the Senate or governorship limits the progression of young legislators who begin their careers early, adding that many lawmakers who enter the House at 25 and complete two four-year terms would be 33 but still unable to contest for the Senate or governorship.

    According to him, the bill proposes a reduction of the age requirement from 35 to 30, maintaining a five-year gap between eligibility for the House and the higher offices.

    He said, “If a member of this house at 25 years spends two terms in the House of Representatives, he will be 33 years and he will still not be qualified to go to the Senate or to become a governor.

    “So, I think that this honourable house should look into it and we maintain the gap between the office of the governor and senate, as it were, and that of the house for the five years that it has always been.”