The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • ADC committee list: Igbuzor rejects inclusion, affirms loyalty to APC, Tinubu

    ADC committee list: Igbuzor rejects inclusion, affirms loyalty to APC, Tinubu

    Civil society activist and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Otive Igbuzor, has condemned the unilateral inclusion of loyal APC members in committees constituted by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as an affront to the party’s commitment to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC’s victory in 2027.

    Speaking with The Nation in Abuja at the weekend, Igbuzor expressed outrage over the inclusion of his name in the ADC’s “Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee,” constituted by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) late last week.

    He stressed that he was neither consulted nor did he give consent to be listed, insisting that he remains a committed member of the ruling APC with no intention of joining any other political party.

    “I am not just a loyal APC member; I am a founding member of the party. I have never contemplated joining ADC or any other political party, so you can imagine how surprising it was to see my name on that list,” he said.

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    Igbuzor added that he would not honour the ADC’s invitation to be part of the 50-member committee.

    “I was surprised to see my name among the 50 Wise Men and Women to draft the manifesto and policy documents for ADC. Although the party’s Publicity Secretary later explained that the committee includes both party members and others selected based on pedigree, I want to put it clearly on record that I am not a member of ADC and I did not consent to be included,” he stated.

    While noting that he has written extensively on party manifestos and national development as a public intellectual, Igbuzor maintained that such contributions do not translate to membership of, or affiliation with, the ADC.

    He further highlighted his political background, noting that he was a governorship aspirant on the platform of the APC in 2015 and served as Chief of Staff to an APC chieftain who was Deputy President of the Senate between 2019 and 2023.

    “I have never considered joining any other political party, and I am not considering doing so now,” he emphasized.

    Earlier, former Executive Director of Enough is Enough (EiE), Yemi Adamolekun, and former KOWA Party presidential candidate, Prof. Remi Sonaiya, had also publicly objected to the inclusion of their names in the ADC committee, which is expected to provide policy direction ahead of the 2027 general election.

    In a statement, ADC spokesman, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that the 50-member Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee was approved by the NWC to harness the members’ experience in governance, economic management, social development, security, and democratic reform.

    The committee will be chaired by former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, with Prof. Pat Utomi as Deputy Chairman, while Salihu Lukman will serve as Secretary. It is scheduled for formal inauguration in Abuja on Monday, February 2.

  • 2027: RTEAN to mobilise members for Tinubu’s re-election

    2027: RTEAN to mobilise members for Tinubu’s re-election

    Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for another term.

    The organisation pledged a nationwide grassroots mobilisation, logistics support, and the activation of its structures across the 774 local government areas in the country for the president’s re-election.

    President of RTEAN, Musa Maitakobi, made the declaration when members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Jagaban Squad paid him a courtesy visit, where he was formally crowned Life Patron of the group.

    As part of its commitment, Maitakobi announced that the association would donate a fully branded bus to the Jagaban Squad to enhance its visibility and mobility within Abuja.

    According to him, the bus would be branded with the Jagaban Squad identity and photographs of President Tinubu, himself, and the Abuja-based Coordinator of the group, serving as a mobile platform to showcase the squad’s activities.

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    He disclosed that discussions were already ongoing with key APC stakeholders on the possibility of securing additional buses to strengthen nationwide outreach ahead of the 2027 election.

    Maitakobi described RTEAN as one of the most organised political support structures in the country, noting that the association has functional leadership in all local government areas.

    He said, “RTEAN chairmen in every state are fully committed to ensuring victory for the APC. Once the campaign officially begins, our mobilisation efforts will be intensified.”

    He added that the association plans to convene a national convention to publicly reaffirm its political direction and support for the President.

    Recalling RTEAN’s early endorsement of Tinubu ahead of the 2023 elections, Maitakobi said members of the association openly identified with the APC candidate at campaign rallies across the country.

    “At the presidential campaign rally in Jos in 2023, we were present in our uniforms. We were also seen in Kano, Ogun, Jigawa, and many other locations across the country,” he added.

    He revealed that his loyalty to the APC had come at personal cost, including the demolition of his house in his home state.

    Looking ahead to 2027, he assured that RTEAN’s efforts would surpass previous campaigns.

    “By the grace of God, our focus is now on 2027. Compared to what we did in the past, our efforts this time will be doubled and even multiplied. Those who honored me as Patron of the Jagaban Squad are determined to show the world that we stand firmly with Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

    Maitakobi also commended the Tinubu administration for what he described as transformative initiatives in the transport sector, particularly the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles and filling stations across parts of the country.

    He noted that transport unions, including RTEAN and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), as well as labour centres, have benefited from the distribution of CNG vehicles.

    The RTEAN president expressed optimism that a Transport Bank, similar to the Bank of Industry and the Bank of Agriculture, would be established to support operators in the sector.

    He disclosed that RTEAN has over five million registered members nationwide, pledging continued loyalty to the Tinubu administration.

    In his remarks, National Coordinator of the APC Jagaban Squad, Adekunle Alebiosu, appreciated RTEAN for its partnership and support, describing the association as a formidable organisation capable of boosting grassroots mobilisation for the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

    He commended the RTEAN leadership for the donation of the bus and other planned logistics, describing the association as an integral part of the APC family.

    He said, “RTEAN is a formidable organization with a strong nationwide structure. Its support will significantly boost grassroots mobilization for the APC ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    “We are confident that this partnership between RTEAN and the Jagaban Squad will yield positive results and contribute immensely to the success of President Tinubu and the APC in the coming election cycle.”

  • Rivers APC chief praises reforms in interior ministry, revalidates membership

    Rivers APC chief praises reforms in interior ministry, revalidates membership

    Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Darlington Nwauju, has praised the transformation in the Interior Ministry under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Nwauju spoke at the weekend after participating in the ongoing e-registration exercise of the APC at Obiohia Ward 3 Polling Unit 17 in Omuma LGA, Rivers State.

    He urged party members across Omuma LGA and beyond to take advantage of the one-week extension and participate in the e-membership registration exercise.

     Nwauju said he decided to revalidate his membership to re-echo his much-publicised support for the policy of verifiable transformation recorded since August 21, 2023, when Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo took over the Interior Ministry under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He said, “Without ambiguity, Nigerians across different strata can agree with me that all four paramilitary agencies under the Interior Ministry have witnessed textbook reforms.

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    “These reforms are improved border management, checking smuggling/trafficking activities via the use of advanced technological platforms, prioritizing staff welfare/wellbeing with the promotion of over 75,202 officers across all four paramilitary agencies, increment in feeding allowance for inmates at correctional centres nationwide, clearing a backlog of 204,332 passports, standardization of our international passports, introducing centralized data capturing at the NIS, introduction of contactless e-gates to cut down travel time and improve security checks, modernization of fire stations among others.”

    Nwauju, who is a founding member of the APC, served as a member of the Interim Committee 2014, LGA party agent for the 2019 Presidential elections, LGA Caretaker Chairman of APC 2020/21, before his election into the State Executive Committee of APC during the October 16, 2021, nationwide congresses.

    He further appealed to the leadership of the APC in Nigeria not to underestimate the potency of pending litigations involving the party in Rivers state to avoid the 2019 experience”.

  • Pantami, associates donate ₦45m to support APC e-registration in Gombe

    Pantami, associates donate ₦45m to support APC e-registration in Gombe

    Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami and his associates have donated ₦45.25 million to boost the All Progressives Congress (APC) grassroots activities in Gombe State.

    The support is targeted at strengthening the party’s ongoing electronic membership registration and revalidation exercise across the state’s 11 local government areas and 114 political wards.

    The initiative follows the official launch of the digital registration drive by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on January 13, 2026, as part of efforts to modernise party administration through technology.

    The funds were presented on January 31 at the APC Secretariat in Gombe by prominent figures, including Alhaji Ahmad Abubakar Walama, ex-Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Dr. Abubakar Sa’idu Yagi, ex-Chief Medical Director, Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe.

    Others were Dr Umar Bello Akko of the Federal University Kashere, Mrs Abigail Abubakar, Alhaji Hassan Ali Pantami (Sintalin Pantami), Hon. Muhammad Buhari Dalhatu, Hon. Maigoro Saleh, Alhaji Isyaku Salihu Dan Makayo, and Alhaji Umar Ibrahim.

    The delegation also included Alhaji Nasiru Ahmad Pantami, Malam Muhammad Abdullahi, Pantami Social Media Groups led by Comrade Abba Sani Pantami, and other stakeholders throughout Gombe, underscoring cross-generational participation.

    The financial contribution was received by the APC State Chairman, Mr. Nittel K. Amangal, alongside the State Secretary and all 11 local government party chairmen.

    The leaders expressed appreciation for the donation, described as timely aid that will deepen the party’s reach at the grassroots level, consolidate organisational strength, and digital capacity ahead of future political cycles.

    According to officials, the funds will facilitate logistics, digital infrastructure deployment, and mobilisation efforts to ensure smooth implementation of the e-registration exercise, particularly in underserved communities.

    “The support by Pantami and associates will reinforce the push for a transparent, data-driven, and verifiable membership database that aligns with global best practices in digital identity systems,” an APC member said.

  • Otti: No coalition with opposition political parties

    Otti: No coalition with opposition political parties

    …to hold congresses next month

    …sets conditions for Abure, others to return to the party

    Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has ruled out the participation of the Labour Party in any coalition to oust the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from power in 2027.

    Otti said this during the first stakeholders’/ National Executive Council (NEC) meeting after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognised the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman, the Interim National Chairman of the party.

    The meeting, which was held in Abia Governor’s Lodge, Abuja late on Saturday, had in attendance representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, Senator Usman, and other members of the party’s Interim National Working Committee.

    The Abia state governor said that the Labour Party was already a coalition on its own, comprising the Nigerian workers and people of progressive minds.

    Otti said, “Labour is already a coalition. This is the coalition of Nigerian workers and people who are progressive and like-minded.

    “So, I know when people talk about joining another coalition. We have no such plans.”

    The governor also expressed the party’s regret over the defection of its 2023 Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as well as several lawmakers in the National Assembly to the African Democratic Congress.

    Added, “We regret the exit of the former leader of the party, Peter Obi. While we regret his exit, we wish him well. We have also resolved that the party should come together.

    “The NEC acknowledged that the party has lost some members, particularly those elected under its platform into the National Assembly, as well as some caretaker committee officers who have since been replaced. However, it maintained that the party remains strong.”

    He also said the party would hold congresses from March 2026 and begin a nationwide revalidation of its membership, alongside the registration of new members.

    Otti said, “The National Working Committee and other stakeholders are to organise congresses from the ward to zonal level till the national convention. The timetable has been drafted, and INEC has been notified. Very soon, the congresses will happen, and the national convention will follow.

    “The other issue is the revalidation of membership, and a committee has been set up for congresses to start in March.”

    The meeting further agreed to establish a reconciliation committee to engage aggrieved members willing to return to the party.

    He called on the former National Chairman, Julius Abure, and his team to sheath their swords and return to the party, while also urging Nigerians to join the Labour Party.

    He added, “We also decided that we need to set up a reconciliation committee; the Interim National Working Committee will advise us on it. The whole idea is to reconcile everyone who is willing and desires to come back.

    “I call on Julius Abure and his people to sheath their swords and come back to the party. If they are willing to abide by the rules of the party, we will be happy to take them back.”

    Otti thanked INEC for recognising the Interim National Committee and uploading the names of the party’s leadership on its website in compliance with the Federal High Court of Abuja order.

    The party also regretted that it would not be able to participate in the February 21 Federal Capital Territory area councils election.

    The Abia governor also thanked supporters of the party and assured them that the Labour Party would emerge stronger and more united.

    Otti equally expressed regret that the party would be unable to participate in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections because of circumstances beyond its control, but expressed confidence that the party would be ready for subsequent elections.

  • ADC alleges coercion of civil servants in APC e-registration drive

    ADC alleges coercion of civil servants in APC e-registration drive

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over reports that civil servants and government workers in several states are being pressured to register for the All Progressives Congress (APC) as part of the ruling party’s ongoing electronic membership registration exercise.

    In a statement on Sunday, the opposition party said it had received what it described as consistent and widespread reports suggesting that public servants were being compelled to register for the APC under threats linked to job security, career progression or access to livelihoods.

    The ADC described the alleged practice as unacceptable and warned that compelling citizens to join a political party amounts to a violation of their constitutional rights.

    According to the party, freedom of thought, conscience and association are guaranteed under the Constitution and cannot be abridged by any government or political organisation.

    The party argued that the APC’s e-registration exercise was increasingly resembling coercion rather than voluntary political participation, noting that genuine party support should not require pressure or intimidation.

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    It also warned that the development could undermine the neutrality and professionalism of the civil service, which it said is expected to remain non-partisan and loyal to the state rather than to any political party.

    The ADC said turning civil servants into what it described as partisan hostages risks eroding public trust in governance and weakening institutional integrity.

    The party further questioned the political value of any membership database compiled through coercion, arguing that inflated figures do not necessarily translate into electoral support.

    “A digital register does not translate to genuine political support. Databases do not vote; citizens do,” the statement said.

    The ADC called on relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, labour unions, civil society organisations and the international community, to pay attention to what it described as a potential abuse of power and possible violations of data protection and human rights.

    It urged that public servants be allowed to exercise their political choices freely, without fear of or pressure from outside influences.

  • 2027: Seyi Makinde at the crossroads

    2027: Seyi Makinde at the crossroads

    Amid defections, internal conflict within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and strained relations with Abuja, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde faces significant challenges in Nigeria’s political landscape, writes Deputy Political Editor Raymond Mordi

    Politically homeless

    On January 22, 2026 (penultimate Thursday), at the Aso Rock Villa, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde met privately with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. After the meeting, reporters asked if Makinde intended to defect, given the recent trend of opposition governors joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Makinde responded, “No, I’m comfortable in the PDP,” and emphasised that his visit focused on governance, not party politics. Once a key figure in the G-5 group that influenced the 2023 presidential election, he is now the only opposition governor elected on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) platform in southern Nigeria and is politically isolated within a divided party.

    With the 2027 general election approaching, Makinde faces internal conflict within the PDP, threats to his political relevance, and pressure to secure his developmental legacy in Oyo State. His situation highlights broader challenges in Nigeria’s democracy, where principle often competes with political survival.

    House divided against itself

    Makinde’s isolation is primarily due to internal PDP conflict rather than APC growth. The party, which held 16 states in 2015, now controls only four: Adamawa, Bauchi, Oyo, and Zamfara. This decline has intensified the personal and ideological dispute between Makinde and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.

    The conflict became public in December 2025. In an interview with reporters in Ibadan, Makinde claimed that during a private meeting with President Tinubu, Wike volunteered to “hold the PDP down” for the President’s 2027 re-election. Makinde called this a betrayal of the opposition’s purpose and warned of the risks of a one-party state, stressing the need for bipartisan solutions.

    Wike’s supporters responded by accusing Makinde of disloyalty and self-interest. Lere Olayinka, Wike’s aide, alleged that Makinde has never been loyal to any party or individual and referenced claims that Makinde opposed PDP’s Ademola Adeleke in the 2022 Osun governorship election to maintain his position as the sole PDP governor in the Southwest.

    The dispute escalated into an institutional split when, in November 2025, a Makinde-backed faction held a national convention in Ibadan, expelled Wike from the party, and appointed Taminu Turaki as the new leader of the National Working Committee (NWC). The Wike faction rejected this as an “illegal convention” and maintains a separate structure. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not recognised the Turaki leadership due to ongoing court orders.

    This legal dispute is Makinde’s most immediate challenge. With five court cases pending, including two key appeals, the PDP’s ability to field candidates in 2027 is at risk. INEC has already rejected the Makinde-backed candidate for the June 2026 Ekiti governorship election, setting a concerning precedent for future national elections.

    A senior official in the Turaki-led NWC acknowledged the seriousness of the situation: “With what INEC has done… our chances of having candidates for the 2027 general election are very slim.” As a result, factions are considering contingency plans, and the Makinde bloc is reportedly exploring an alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to support its candidates.

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    Calculus of defection

    In this environment, many view Makinde’s refusal to defect as unusual. Since 2025, several PDP governors, including Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), have joined the APC. Motivations include access to federal resources, electoral security, and concerns about the PDP’s decline. The APC now has 29 governors, and Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule has predicted more defections.

    Makinde is now one of only two governors in the Southwest not affiliated with the APC (Osun’s Adeleke has joined the Accord Party). Critics, including former minister Adebayo Shittu, have called him an “ingrate,” claiming his 2023 alignment with Tinubu helped secure his (Makinde’s) re-election. The recent meeting with Tinubu has increased speculation about his political future.

    Makinde frames his position as a commitment to democratic principles, emphasizing the importance of a strong opposition in Nigeria.

     Osun-based activist Comrade Waheed Saka notes that widespread defections to the APC could have long-term adverse effects, describing Makinde’s choice as risky but principled, while acknowledging the PDP’s current weakness.

    Makinde’s decision also reflects strategic considerations. Joining an APC that has seen many recent southern defections could reduce his influence. By remaining in the opposition, he maintains a distinct political identity, which could benefit him if the PDP recovers or if he seeks a national role grounded in principle.

    From rising star to political limbo

    Before the PDP’s current crisis, Makinde was widely regarded as a rising star in Nigerian politics. Alongside Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, he was seen as part of a new generation of governors with technocratic leanings and national ambition.

    That trajectory has since stalled. Uzodimma operates comfortably within the ruling APC. AbdulRazaq has consolidated his regional influence. Makinde, by contrast, appears stranded between a ruling party that does not trust him and an opposition party that cannot organise itself.

    “Once his colleagues began defecting, his bargaining power collapsed,” said a former PDP National Assembly member. “Politics is about blocs. Makinde now leads a bloc of one.”

    Performance versus politics

    In Oyo State, Makinde is focused on delivering results before his tenure ends in 2027. His performance will be evaluated on both political actions and tangible achievements, though some controversies remain.

    At the state’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, Makinde presented a long-term vision focused on economic growth, job creation, and institutional development. He cited his experience with Chief Bola Ige’s free education policy as an influence. His administration’s ‘Omituntun 2.0’ initiative highlights achievements, including the completion of an 11 MW Independent Power Project and securing a $100 million investment in a gas pipeline.

    Key governance achievements

    · Infrastructure development: Completion of phases of the 110 km Ibadan Circular Road, a long-envisioned project to decongest the city.

    · Human capital & welfare: Early implementation of improved salary structures for workers ahead of federal directives.

    · Economic foundations: Commissioning of a gas master plan and attracting private investment into energy infrastructure.

    · Institutional focus: Passage of an Electricity Regulation Commission Bill to create a sub-national electricity market.

    Comrade Saka offers a positive assessment, stating that Makinde has performed well in infrastructure development compared to other governors. “Fundamentally, when you talk about development, Makinde has done well in terms of infrastructure,” he said. “The circular road is a testament to his long-term vision. He has also excelled in human capital development and workers’ remuneration. Even before the Federal Government announced an increase in salaries, he had already committed to paying Oyo workers more.”

    However, he cautions that the state’s financial health will only be clear after Makinde’s tenure ends.

    This caution relates to ongoing allegations affecting Makinde’s legacy. Former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose has accused Makinde of mismanaging N50 billion in federal relief funds for the 2024 Bodija explosion, a claim Makinde denies, stating only N30 billion was released and properly used. Although unproven, such allegations can affect the reputation of outgoing governors.

    2027 endgame

    With the PDP in disarray, Makinde’s influence is diminishing. His ability to shape succession in Oyo State is at risk. Although he pledged to name a preferred successor by January 2026, he has not done so, mainly due to the party’s instability. Without a functional party structure, selecting a successor is ineffective.

    Makinde’s national ambitions are also limited. Once considered a potential presidential candidate, that opportunity is now closed. His regret over supporting Tinubu in 2023 and his decision not to repeat this have strained relations with the presidency. Within the PDP, his faction remains one side of a deep internal conflict.

    Makinde’s grim scenarios for 2027

    · The PDP fails to resolve its legal issues, INEC does not recognize its candidates, and the party cannot contest effectively in Oyo or nationally. Makinde could become a governor without party support, losing political influence.

    · His bloc formalises an alliance with the ADC or another party. This would allow candidates to contest but would require Makinde to negotiate from a weaker position within a new coalition.

    · A last-minute reconciliation between the Wike and Makinde factions. Even if achieved, trust would remain low, the party’s reputation would be damaged, and Makinde would need to share power with former rivals.

    In Nigeria, outgoing governors often maintain influence by supporting loyal successors. Makinde risks losing political relevance after leaving office. The “strong institutions” he prioritises over “physical infrastructure” have not provided the expected support.

    High cost of standing alone

    Governor Seyi Makinde’s situation reflects broader issues in Nigeria’s democracy. It underscores the lack of clear ideology, the use of parties for personal ambition, and the vulnerability of institutions to legal and personal conflicts. These challenges often distract from effective governance.

    Makinde aims to uphold the principle of strong opposition, even as his party struggles with internal division. In Oyo, he may be remembered for his development achievements. In contrast, nationally, he could be remembered as the last opposition governor to warn against a one-party system, but he was unable to prevent it.

    As 2027 approaches, Seyi Makinde is fighting for both his political future and a vision of Nigerian democracy. The outcome will depend on developments in the coming months. The primary concern is that ongoing political struggles may divert attention from the development work he has promoted. His ultimate challenge will be to ensure his legacy endures despite current political uncertainty.

  • Yusuf’s defection, Kwankwaso and the 2027 Kano election

    Yusuf’s defection, Kwankwaso and the 2027 Kano election

    • By Tunde Rahman

    Kano State, the bastion of progressive politics in Northern Nigeria, is going through a turbulent time. This turbulence has caused a tectonic shift in the state’s political map. Mallam Abba Kabir Yusuf, nicknamed Abba Gida-Gida by his numerous supporters, the only governor elected on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and a key lieutenant and protégé of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso – leader of both the party and the Kawankwasiyya Movement – quit the NNPP and the movement. His departure is a big blow to Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya Movement. The seismic shift perhaps presents the biggest challenge to the godfather’s hegemony.

    For Kwankwaso, former Minister of Defence in the President Obasanjo’s administration, the disappointment is difficult to mask. He has described Monday, January 26, 2026, the day Abba Gida-Gida formally enlisted in the governing All Progressives Congress, as one that should be marked in the world as a day of ‘betrayal’.

    Cloak-and-dagger politics has never been the exception in Kano’s political culture. Over the years and across several republics, Kano has witnessed bitter disagreements among its political leaders that engendered acrimonious parting of ways. In the Second Republic, the late Abubakar Rimi’s disagreement with his mentor, Malam Aminu Kano, led to a rift that split down the line Aminu Kano’s People’s Redemption Party that brought him to power as governor in 1979. Rimi eventually pitched his tent with the defunct Nigeria Peoples Party, founded by Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, to seek re-election in 1983.  Sabo BakinZuwo, propped by PRP to contest the Kano governorship election in 1983, would later defeat his opponent, Alhaji Aminu Wali of the National Party of Nigeria, in a closely contested election. However, his tenure was short-lived. The military coup of December 31, 1983, removed him from office.

    It has been no different in the Fourth Republic. Dr Umar Ganduje had a bittersweet relationship with his political friend and principal, Rabiu Kwankwaso, leading to the two parting ways. Such was their initial bond that, even after Ganduje served as Kwankwaso’s deputy during his first governorship term from 1999 to 2003, he tapped him again as deputy when he returned as governor for a second term in 2011, after the eight years of Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau.

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    Defection is normal and part of Nigeria’s politics. The question arising from today’s wave of defections is whether the motive is ideological or for political survival and whether defection is motivated by conflicting political ideas, as was the case in the earlier period referenced, particularly in the case of Rimi and Aminu Kano.

    Abba Gida-Gida says his decision to defect to the APC was not self-serving, but was made in the interest of the people of the state to align with the party at the centre and drive more development to Kano. “Our return to APC is anchored on the need to work closely with President Bola Tinubu to advance social welfare, infrastructure and inclusive economic development in Kano. This decision was not driven by personal ambition, but by stability, progress and well-being of Kano people,” he had said during his declaration.

    Governor Yusuf seemed at pains to leave the NNPP and part ways with his political leader. It’s instructive that, despite the widespread talk of his defection, it took him quite a while and a few postponements before he eventually joined the APC and pitched his tent with the Ganduje political camp he defeated in the 2023 Kano governorship election.

    On January 20, 2026, when Governor Yusuf came to the Presidential Villa for a strategic meeting with President Tinubu, apart from addressing his defection concerns, one other issue that dominated discussions was his plea to the President to renew discussions and negotiations with Kwankwaso, persuade him to re-join APC and consider the possibility of working with him.

    However, as correctly reported by a national newspaper over the weekend, Kwankwaso appears inflexible and unrealistic in his demands and conditions for enlisting in the governing party, allegedly seeking commitments for the 2031 presidential position – five years away!

    Kwankwaso was thrown into shock and disbelief by Abba Gida-Gida’s defection. Still reeling from shock days after, he swore that Yusuf would regret his decision. His tough stance should be understandable. Governor Yusuf is his son-in-law, former Commissioner for Transport and one of his closest associates.

    The battle line now seems clearly drawn between the godfather and the godson. Can Kwankwaso recover from the shock of what he called treachery by a man he helped into office as governor? Can the former minister regain his stranglehold on Kano politics and his awesome control of the levers of power in the state? What does Governor Yusuf’s defection portend for his re-election? I will attempt to answer these critical questions shortly.

    One crucial point is the fact that Abba Gida-Gida defected from a position of strength. He crossed over to APC with a formidable arsenal: eight National Assembly members, 22 state assembly members and 44 local council chairmen. The APC has also given him an automatic ticket to contest for re-election in 2027. Leading APC gubernatorial aspirants in the state, notably Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, have already dropped their ambitions, opting to support the governor in 2027. This is a significant decision, particularly by Barau, who had been quite resolute in his preparation for the governorship race, and a demonstration of his humility and loyalty to party leadership.

    Will Abba Gida-Gida suffer the same fate in next year’s election as late Abubakar Rimi in 1983? It is yet uncertain.

    As indicated earlier, Governor Yusuf has strong supporters in his corner, and his administration is said to be truly pro-people in its governance programmes and infrastructure projects. In his home-base of Gwale Local Government and Kano Central Senatorial District, Abba Gida-Gida, a member of a royal family, is well-liked and has a strong following, even though Senator Rufai Hanga of NNPP, who represents the senatorial zone in the National Assembly, had refused to defect with him.

    Senator Barau undoubtedly has a formidable presence in his Kano North, along with Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, who is from Hagagawa Village. Also for APC in this zone are former deputy governor in the state and former Minister of State for Housing, Abdullahi Gwarzo, and APC deputy govenorship candidate in the last election, Murtala Sule Garo. APC is strong enough there to secure Kano North for Abba Gida-Gida, while Senator Kawu Sumaila, who had earlier in April 2025 defected from NNPP to APC, may do a similar thing for the governor in Kano South, among other things.

    A lot, however, will depend on how Governor Yusuf carries on from now till the election, in terms of his relationship with the Kano people and the seriousness of the leaders both in Kano and Abuja, who are with him, to deliver him. There is also the issue of who Kwankwaso’s NNPP will present to slug it out with Abba Gida-Gida, who is yet unknown. That choice too will be a key factor in the election.

    Meanwhile, Kwankwaso has begun a recalibration of his fractured NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

    Fortunately for him, Yusuf’s deputy, Samaila Gwarzo, has refused to join the governor in the defection to the APC. However, his fate hangs in the balance as the governor and his associates mull his impeachment. The governor has an overwhelming majority in the House to carry this through.

    Also, some commissioners and a few top functionaries have resigned from Abba Gida-Gida’s government to demonstrate their loyalty to Kwankwaso. This will give initial comfort and strength in his efforts to rebuild his broken political group.

    In summary,  though seemingly down now, Kwankwaso cannot be ruled out in Kano’s political equation. It will amount to political naivety to contemplate otherwise.

    •Rahman is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties.

  • ‘Our agenda for Ogun West governorship candidate’

    ‘Our agenda for Ogun West governorship candidate’

    As next year’s governorship election draws near, a group, Ogun West Professionals, works towards cohesion and unity of purpose among major political players within the zone. In this interview, the Chairman of Steering Committee of the group, Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, the Executive Secretary of Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), bares his mind why the zone should produce the next governor. He speaks with Bola Olajuwon

    What is the group, Ogun West Professionals, all about?

    Most of the professionals came together as a group of individuals from various disciplines. I’m not one of the visionaries. I was only saddled with the responsibility of steering or planning the group’s media chat, which is one of their various programmes; maybe because I belong to the media profession. Later, I was co-opted into the administration.

     The primary intention of this group, as I understand, is to ensure that there is coherence among the people of Ogun West, I mean Ogun West Senatorial District.

     The Ogun West Senatorial District has not been fortunate enough to occupy the number one position in Ogun State since the state was created in 1976, most especially under this democratic dispensation. And this has been largely alluded to the fact that the people from the zone, most especially the politicians, have not been speaking with one voice. So, the Ogun West Professionals identified lack of unity, one voice and coherence among the people as militating against their desire to win the governorship seat.

    The professionals are indigenes of various towns and villages across the zone; that is, we have them from the Awori, the Yewa, the Anago, the Ketu, etc in all the Ogun West’s five local governments: Ado-Odo Ota, Imeko Afon, Ipokia, Yewa North and Yewa South. We want to correct this mistake

    The hidden agenda of the group is to present a common front before 2027. But the senatorial district is known for divisions. Do you think the professionals can break the jinx and unite the people?

    In all these local governments, we have these professionals full of determination this time around. They want to find a way of making sure that there is unity among the people; so that with that unity from the internal, then we can sell our unity to the external – that is to the two remaining senatorial districts in Ogun State (Ogun Central and Ogun East). That is the primary focus of the group, to break the jinx of not being able to produce a governor since Ogun West was created in 1976.

     So, the part the group is charting is to look around and then look at the various political aspirants, those that have been showing interest that they are going to contest and they are looking for the right platform.

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     Are your members and other groups reaching out to other interests from other zones and the zone itself?

    So, the media chat is being organised in Ilaro, where the attendance is expected to be over 2,000 because the professionals themselves – a platform of a little close to a thousand members – are reaching out to other formidable groups, formidable clubs and the artisans across the state.

    They have been contacted to ensure that they are part of the programme. The primary intention is that we are looking at everything that we can do to harmonise opinions, to bring people together so that a formidable team and a formidable voice can emanate from Ogun West Senatorial District so that we can get the buy in of Ogun Central Senatorial District and Ogun East Senatorial District in terms of support, so that come 2027, we’ll be able to get the nod for it. So, I think the body is equally looking at who is likely and who is more favorable within the ranks of the politicians that are clamouring to contest.

    So, these are the things that I know about it: we want to bring unity and allow coherence to happen among the politicians. Certainly, we cannot get 100 per cent support for any particular candidate because as long as we have different political parties, there will be different interests and there could be different candidates. But this time around, I think part of what the Ogun West Professionals are clamouring for is to make sure that aspirants from the zone in key political parties ensure that they are made the flag bearers of their parties so that the people of Ogun West Senatorial District can eventually determine whom they wanted.

    What is your February 1 media chat all about?

    The Ogun West Professionals are having a media chat with Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, in Ilaro on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Frontiers Hotel, Ilaro, Ogun State. He is the senator representing the district. The event is purely organised by the professionals who came together to contribute funds to organise the programme.

    The attendance is expected to be over 2,000 because the professionals themselves – a platform of a little close to a thousand members now – are reaching out to other formidable groups, clubs or the artisans across the state to be part of the agenda.

    The professionals said let’s have a media chat with Senator Adeola to hear from him directly and to let him tell the world what he has on the table to ensure that Ogun West can win the governorship election in 2027. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, is slated to be our guest speaker at the media chat.

  • How Epe Division can be an industrial hub, by Dada

    How Epe Division can be an industrial hub, by Dada

    • ‘We want to honour our leaders while alive and not after their passage’

    Chief Olayemi Dada, a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), is the President of Epe Club. He spoke with Emmanuel Oladesu and Chinyere Okoroafor in Lagos on the challenges confronting Epe Division, the aspirations of the people for development and why the organisation is honouring the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, divisional leader and Apase of Epeland, Chief Shakiru Akanni Seriki-Bamu, at a reception in Lagos next week.

    What is the place of the Epe Division in the development of Lagos State?

    The Epe Division is very vital to the development of Lagos State. Out of the five divisions in the state, Epe stands out because of its unique features. First, it is largely surrounded by water, giving it a strong aquatic advantage. It is also close to the commercial nerve centre of Lagos and sits at the end of the Lekki Peninsula. In addition, Epe is home to some of the most vibrant indigenes in Lagos State. Historically, Epe was the education hub of the state. That is why many of the early Commissioners for Education in Lagos State were from Epe. This reflects the presence of a highly educated and enlightened elite. Today, Epe Division hosts major developments such as the Dangote Refinery, the seaport and deep seaport projects, as well as several other ongoing investments. The Federal University and the Federal Medical Centre are also located within the division. Clearly, Epe Division is central to the present and future growth of Lagos State.

    Epe is becoming more urbanised. What are the challenges confronting the environment?

    One of the most obvious challenges is insecurity. Another major issue is infrastructure development, which is not keeping pace with the rapid growth in the division. There is also a significant population surge, as many people are relocating from the Lagos metropolis to Epe. Unfortunately, amenities have not grown at the same rate as the population. Power supply is another major challenge. For any area to develop industrially and economically, stable power is crucial. From what we have gathered, the Lagos State Government is looking into this issue very critically, and we have received assurances that solutions are on the way. Power remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the Epe Division.

    We believe the government alone cannot solve all these problems. What are indigenes doing to help?

    The government alone cannot solve all problems. In fact, the government itself is made up of people, which means we must all take part in addressing these challenges. Several clubs, associations, and groups are actively complementing government efforts. For instance, the Premier Club of Epe Division intervenes in areas such as health, security, communal issues, and even economic development. In the past, committees were set up to develop a blueprint for the economic growth of Epe. Various groups and individuals have also come together to form advisory bodies and pressure groups that engage the government constructively. Among these, Epe Club has emerged as the champion of many supportive and developmental initiatives across the division.

    How are leading figures fostering peace and harmony in a town known for having multiple traditional rulers?

    The Epe Division has many traditional rulers, and their coexistence has spanned decades. The monarchs crowned from the two sides of Epe town are prominent members of the Epe Club. This provides a strong platform for dialogue. At different levels, there are forums where issues of peaceful coexistence and security are discussed collectively. There has never been a problem arising from the presence of two monarchs. This is largely because Epe town has distinct cultural and historical backgrounds, which explain the existence of the two traditional institutions. At the highest level, both monarchs come together and work peacefully for the good of the community.

    Is Epe Club restricted to Epe town, or does it cover the entire division?

    Epe Division stretches from Abijo in Ibeju-Lekki to Agbowa towards Ikorodu, extends to the Lekki Free Zone, and ends at Ise, which is the boundary between Lagos and Ogun states. Prominent individuals from all these areas are members of the Epe Club.

    In fact, all the monarchs from these communities are patrons of the Epe Club. The club has a unique way of bringing everyone together across the division. For example, I am from Eredo LCDA in Epe Division, I live in Ibeju-Lekki, and I am the president of Epe Club. Even if I later live in Agbowa Ikosi, I would remain active and relevant within the division. This inclusive structure makes it easier to spread supportive programmes and intervene in critical issues such as security, communal disputes, health, and economic development. Epe Club has also been awarding bursaries to indigent students across the entire division for many years, covering students in universities and other tertiary institutions nationwide.

    This is how Epe Club is structured, and we remain grateful to our forebears for establishing it on such a solid and inclusive foundation.

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    How is the association interfacing with the political class to attract more dividends of democracy to the people?

    We regularly organise interactive sessions where political office holders and government representatives visit the club to brief us on their plans and programmes. During these engagements, they outline what they intend to do as part of the ruling government, and we, in turn, share the aspirations and needs of our people, which we expect them to push within government. Our relationship with political leaders is very close. For instance, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly visit Epe Club almost every weekend, not just formally but also socially. We have structured programmes called interactive sessions. At our last meeting, we invited all chairmen of local governments and LCDAs within the division to engage with us. Before that, a commissioner also visited to discuss pressing issues affecting the division, explain government plans, and receive direct feedback from the community. This relationship is built on accountability. During election seasons, those who perform well are openly acknowledged and supported, while those who do not deliver are also told plainly. Through our grassroots membership, feedback travels quickly. When a representative is doing well, the people say so; when they are not, questions are raised. This transparency has sustained both the credibility of the club and its relationship with the government.

    Can you shed light on the Club’s recruitment process, especially regarding youth inclusion? Is it only for retirees or established elites?

    The club is not restricted to retirees or only highly placed individuals. When it comes to recruitment into public service or private-sector opportunities, once we identify openings through our members who occupy strategic positions, we use our grassroots network to disseminate the information across communities. When government agencies or private organisations provide criteria for recruitment, we circulate them widely within the division and collate feedback. Importantly, beneficiaries do not have to be members of the club, nor children of members. Our priority is fairness and community impact. In fact, integrity is key. If we discover that a candidate already has sufficient family support or privilege, we may deliberately remove such a name to give others a fair chance. This principle has helped the club maintain its credibility over the years. The only major requirement is that beneficiaries must be indigenes of the division. Once that is established, we push their cases strongly, and the success rate has been remarkably high.

    Why is the club celebrating its elder statesmen now, and what is the significance of this event?

    This celebration marks a deliberate shift in narrative. Previously, many of our elderly members were celebrated only after they had passed on. We felt it was time to honour our founding fathers while they are still alive.

    This is the first celebration of its kind, and *Baba Bamu* is the first person we recognize under this new approach. Going forward, we plan to hold such celebrations at least once or twice a year. It will not be limited to age alone; members who have made outstanding contributions to the club and the division will also be honoured.

    *Baba Bamu’s* impact cuts across politics, community development, and the economy. Almost everyone in the Epe Division can point to one way or another in which he has touched their lives. Whether it is facilitating industrial investment, mediating with the government, or guiding traditional leadership processes, he is known for speaking truth and standing for integrity. This is why people from diverse sectors and industries will gather to celebrate him.

    How can Epe Division emerge as an industrial hub?

    Epe Division is already on the path to becoming a major industrial hub in Lagos State. In the past, it sat somewhere between an industrial corridor and a residential zone. Today, its strategic location has positioned it clearly for industrial growth.

    We now have critical infrastructure taking shape, the Lekki Free Zone, a proposed airport, and a rail line extending towards the axis. These are the foundations required for industrial expansion.

    What is needed now is for indigenes of Epe Division, especially those running businesses outside the area, to return and take advantage of these opportunities. The government has provided infrastructure; our role as a club is to sensitise our people to these developments and encourage them to invest at home.

    We are also engaging the government through our members in strategic positions to advocate incentives for indigenous investors, such as tax reliefs and reduced levies, to help businesses stabilise before heavy taxation sets in. This approach will encourage more participation and sustainable growth.

    How are you engaging the Diaspora to contribute to development in the division?

    Through Epe Club, we have strong connections with our members and indigenes in the diaspora, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. Many of them remain actively involved in the club’s activities. We understand their concerns, especially around security and the business environment. However, we lead by example. Many of us are running successful private businesses locally without intimidation or threats, and we showcase this reality to them.

    During the recent Christmas and New Year period, several diaspora members visited and spent time at the club. Some are still around and will attend the upcoming celebration. At the club level, we continue to demonstrate that the environment is viable and that they, too, can thrive if they return.

    What is your development outlook for the next five years?

    The government has a clear master plan, and while development projections often span 20 to 50 years, even within five years, Epe Division will experience a remarkable transformation. The government’s role is to provide infrastructure and create an enabling environment for businesses. Already, we are seeing rapid land acquisition, particularly for residential estates. While some worry that this is reducing land available for industry, estates themselves are part of economic development. Housing is essential for the growing population that industrialisation attracts. In five years, Epe will not only be an industrial zone but also a well-balanced environment where industries, housing, and commercial activities coexist. The division will look vastly different, more organised, more developed, and more economically vibrant.