The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Sage, Pa Awolowo,lives on

    Sage, Pa Awolowo,lives on

    • By Bamidele Atoyebi

    As a man who was born on the night Awolowo passed, my parents’ Igbo neighbour said to my Dad; Awolowo has returned back to us. This single statement has made me to be very conscious of who I am as an Awoist, spiritual, body and soul.

    Awolowo was a main issue in Nigeria’s politics, says former president Ibrahim Babangida and still a main thing till now. Whether free or incarcerated, every political decision in Nigeria till date revolves around Awolowo’s personal political theories.

    When Awolowo died, many people who believe in his political Ideology thought it’s over for them and Nigeria, yet, they didn’t know that he invisibly lives among us daily through his various political theories that some top politicians and decision makers still practice today.

    Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man who’s a walking carrier of Obafemi Awolowo political spirit. So you can’t love Awolowo and hate Tinubu. They’re both siamese twins. Many who claimed to love him didn’t even know the Ideology he practiced.

    Awolowo is of the school of thought of Democratic Socialism,  that’s his Ideology,  Kwame Nkruma of Ghana was his political mentor.

     Kwame Nkruma had said; the freedom of Ghana is not yet complete until all Africa is free, so Awolowo sent some of his young mentees to Ghana to go and understudy Kwame Nkruma style of politics.  Part of those young people was Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

    So my question is why did Baba Ayo Adebanjo hate Bola Ahmed Tinubu till his death and supported Peter Obi, an Igbo man and a man who doesn’t represent any political school of thought at all? Maybe it was beef or a superiority complex. He feels he should be the one to enjoy the political control in the Southwest that Bola Ahmed Tinubu is enjoying. Actually, I was speaking as a prophet when I wrote in an opinion article that one of the enemies Tinubu has was those that feel he shouldn’t be their political leader since they ate and dined with Awolowo and he  did not. Aside from the fact that Tinubu was not part of the people directly around  Obafemi Awolowo, he is far younger than PA Ayo Adebanjo of blessed memory. So the hatred is understandable but very unnecessary.  Many people around politicians and big men always feel a sense of entitlement to automatically become leader immediately the leader exits. It happened even to Jesus, Salome had told him to make his two children to occupy the highest seat of power in his kingdom but Jesus turned her down and told her his kingdom is not about power but about service. Actually this is why many politicians block people from coming close to them till today, they always see a newcomer as a threat to taking their role or space especially when the newcomer has more to offer than them. Let me not digress for too long, that’s not where I am going.

    Many people don’t know that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu practices Democratic Socialism as Ideology. He’s everything Awolowo was,  so everyone who was an Awolowo fan or followers should queue behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Well, I knew this earlier, this was why I started following him from the age of 12. Tinubu believes in everything Awolowo believed in; in short, he advanced more than him in politics because he understands Awolowo political limitations and strengths, so he added what Awolowo didn’t have to his political ethical practice. He bends some of his principles for greater goals; he actually tapped that from Ladoke Akintola.

    Read Also: Nigeria on ‘healing journey’ to $1trn economy by 2030 – Presidency

    Awolowo was combative in nature while Akintola was pliable. That was their political difference but Asiwaju combined both which is why he is president Today. Awolowo was a very courageous leader, so is Asiwaju,  Awolowo believed in Taxing rights, so is Asiwaju. Yes, you don’t need to look further to know that he learnt taxing the wealthy and corporations more than taxing the poor in  society from Awolowo. That’s where the new tax reform emanated from. That was the same place he got his knowledge of reforming Lagos tax system then that moved Lagos from a six hundred million dollar economy to three billion naira economy.

    Awolowo founded Action Group (AG), Asiwaju founded Alliance for Democracy (AD). Awolowo believed in free education and  free Healthcare care for children up to the age of 18, Asiwaju believes so strongly in the same. NELFUND,  TIVET, and subsidzed dialysis, health fellow program among other free Medical care ongoing. When he was the Lagos State governor, he initiated Iera Eko, free Healthcare for those born with deformity among others.

    Awolowo believed in bridging the financial gap between the wealthy and poor, same as President Tinubu. The fact is not far- fetched “let the poor breath don’t suffocate them”. He backed this up with several initiatives like credit corp, N10 million interest-free loans for lecturers, minimum wage increment, signing and immediate implementation of FG ASUU 2009 agreement, conditional cash transfer for households and market women, and farmers cooperative loan among others.

    Another parallel between Asiwaju and the late sage was in their play of opposition. Asiwaju drew straight from how Awolowo played opposition politics by putting the legs of ruling regimes to the fire by constant constructive criticism as well as taking policies and programmes of his opponents to the cleaners no matter how good they were. That is a signature approach to making the electorate feel he always has better leadership to offer. Both of them did that with precision and capped it with infiltrating the ranks of their opponents and planting informants to have adequate knowledge of how to keep them on their toes. Even today, opposition to APC is adopting the same template thereby giving the impression they can do better than Asiwaju whereas the truth remains they can’t scratch his successes. Awo practised it, Tinubu adopted it and even the opposition today is copying from it.

    So, you can’t love Awolowo and possibly hate Tinubu. Awolowo never died, he lives on.

    •Comrade Atoyebi is the Convener of BAT Ideological Group, National Coordinator of Accountability and Policy monitoring and a publisher at Unfiltered and Mining Reporting.

  • The future of Imo: From Hope to Success

    The future of Imo: From Hope to Success

    • By Austin Iwuamadi

    Imo State has always been a crucible of political drama, a place where the interplay of personalities, zones and parties produces a theatre of shifting allegiances and contested visions. Yet in the past six years, under the stewardship of Governor Hope Uzodimma, the state has experienced a recalibration of its political and developmental trajectory. His Renewed Hope Agenda, built on the pillars of reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery, has sought to restore confidence in governance, rebuild infrastructure, and re‑establish Imo as a state capable of delivering prosperity to its people. 

     As the calendar moves inexorably towards 2027, the question of succession looms large. It is here that Chief Barrister Obioma Success Akagburuonye enters the frame, not as a disrupter but as a logical continuum, a man whose private sector achievements and humanitarian disposition can translate Uzodimma’s hope into success. The narrative, compelling in its symmetry, is aptly captured in the phrase: From Hope to Success: Imo Agenda Faces Fulfilment.

    Governor Uzodimma’s tenure has been marked by a determination to confront decay and restore dignity. Roads long abandoned have been reconstructed, connecting communities and stimulating commerce. His administration has completed over a hundred major roads, including strategic arteries linking Owerri to Orlu and Okigwe, thereby easing mobility and trade. 

    Healthcare has been advanced through initiatives such as the establishment of Nigeria’s first Robotic Surgical Centre in Imo, a bold step towards technology‑driven medicine. Security challenges, which threatened to destabilise the state, have been met with compassion and resolve, exemplified by his donation of six hundred million naira to families of fallen heroes and victims of insecurity. Fiscal management has been stabilised, investment attracted, and confidence in governance restored. These milestones, recognised nationally with awards for good governance, embody the essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda: that governance can be both compassionate and competent, visionary and practical. 

    Uzodimma’s achievements are not merely projects; they are groundwork. They are foundations upon which his successor must build. And it is here that Chief Success Akagburuonye’s profile dovetails naturally.

     Success’ life story is itself a testament to resilience. Born into modest circumstances in Uvuru, Aboh Mbaise, he rose through determination and enterprise to become a lawyer, engineer, businessman and philanthropist. His wealth has been deployed not in ostentation but in service: churches erected, homes built for widows, scholarships endowed for youth, security outfits established to protect communities. 

    The Noah’s Ark Church, which he single‑handedly constructed and which was dedicated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, stands as a monument to faith and philanthropy. The Lion of Judea security outfit illustrates his responsiveness to the anxieties of ordinary citizens. These are not abstractions; they are bricks, mortar and lives touched. In the calculus of political credibility, they weigh heavily. 

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 10 African countries with largest military aircraft fleet as of January 2026

    His humanitarian disposition has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, The Sun Newspaper honoured him with the Humanitarian Icon Award, recognising his sustained commitment to community development and human capital investment. It was not a token accolade but a national acknowledgement that philanthropy, when consistent and impactful, becomes a form of governance. 

    Imo politics is entering a new phase. The Charter of Equity has crystallised into a demand that cannot be ignored. Since 1999, Orlu Zone has dominated the governorship, with Okigwe enjoying a brief four‑year tenure, while Owerri has been relegated to a mere seven months in office. By 2027, Orlu will have held power for 24 years, Okigwe for four, and Owerri for less than one. This imbalance has hardened into a demand that 2027 must be Owerri’s turn. 

    Success, as a son of Owerri Zone, embodies that principle. But beyond zoning, leadership must be about capacity, compassion, and credibility. His record of philanthropy and resilience positions him not merely as a candidate of equity but as a candidate of fulfilment.

    The symbolism of succession is compelling. Governor Uzodimma’s tenure has been defined by hope. Success’s candidacy offers fulfilment. Hope rebuilt Imo; Success can consolidate. Hope restored confidence; Success can deliver prosperity. Hope reconstructed; Success can humanise.

    For Uzodimma, contemplating succession, the imperative is not rupture but reinforcement. Success offers precisely that: alignment with the APC, grassroots credibility, equity fulfilment, and symbolic continuity. His NGO, Hope Rising for Imolites, already positions him as a bridge between Uzodimma’s Renewed Hope and the fulfilment of that agenda in lived experience. 

    As he turns 60, Success is not merely celebrating; he is acting. On 22 February, alongside thanksgiving and the launch of his biography’ Me and My God,’ he will flag off the Owerri Airport Road project. The symbolism is profound: infrastructure as a gift to the people, philanthropy as a form of governance, and birthday as a platform for service.

    The event is expected to be flagged by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, underscoring the international dimension of his vision. It is not just a local project but a statement that Imo’s development must be connected to broader networks of solidarity and recognition. 

    The permutations of 2027 place Success ahead of other contenders. Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, though experienced, is associated with an unfinished tenure. Dr Stanley Amuchie, the banker, is technocratic but lacks grassroots resonance. Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, though savvy, has faced questions of loyalty through party switches. Dr Ejike Chukwu and Dr Chima Amadi, though accomplished, lack the breadth of philanthropy and political maturity. 

    Success, by contrast, combines equity mandate, humanitarian record, resilience narrative, and party alignment. His recognition by The Sun Newspaper as a Humanitarian Icon is not merely an award but a validation that his service is visible, credible, and impactful.

    Imo politics is at an inflexion point. The Charter of Equity demands justice. The electorate demands service. The party demands continuity. In this shifting landscape, Chief Success Akagburuonye has emerged as a major force, not by accident but by the convergence of history, service and strategy. 

    Uzodimma’s tenure has been transformative, embodying the Renewed Hope Agenda. As Imo faces 2027, Success’s candidacy offers logical succession: his private sector successes and humanitarian disposition can translate hope into success. The narrative is compelling: Hope rebuilt Imo; Success will fulfil Imo.

    As he marks his 60th birthday, flags off the Owerri Airport Road project, and launches his biography, Chief Success stands at a crossroads. He can continue as a philanthropist and private sector leader, or he can yield to the push and translate his vision into public office. Either way, his life remains a beacon of divine grace and resilience, a story worthy of emulation. Yet the clamour grows, the equity mandate beckons, and the people whisper: will Success answer the call? 

    •Dr Iwuamadi writes from UNN

  • APC gains momentum in Kano as Doguwa welcomes commissioner, ex-NNPP leaders

    APC gains momentum in Kano as Doguwa welcomes commissioner, ex-NNPP leaders

    House of Representative member Alhassan Ado Doguwa on Saturday received hundreds of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) members to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.

    The move is a significant boost for the APC and a show of support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration.

    It is also a clear indication that the reelection chances of the Governor and President are bright. 

    Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, led an inclusive APC registration exercise and welcomed prominent NNPP defectors, including Kano Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, and other government officials.

    Read Also: Police arrest 10 suspects over murder of four villagers in Ebonyi

    The lawmaker alongside the defecting NNPP members also conducted their APC membership E-registration and held a rally during which he launched the President Tinubu/Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf second term campaign.

    “We all pledged to work for the overall interest of the APC under His Excellency President Bola Tinubu at the centre, and the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the sub-national level, as clearly reflected in our party’s constitution and in compliance with the tenets of constitutional democracy.

    “We have all embraced this development in good faith and believe that same can be seen as a WIN-WIN situation for all party members. We are now co-drivers of the governor’s political project called “KANO FIRST”.

    “I led an all inclusive approach of the APC membership E-registration exercise in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano state, where I received among others, prominent members of the defunct NNPP into the ruling APC.

    “The Commissioner of Water Resources Kano State and former APC state Chairman Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, Engr. Ado Ibrahim Doguwa and the Chairman Doguwa Local Government, Abdul Rashid Doguwa, and his entire executive, legislative teams and a host of others decamped from the NNPP who are mostly government officials under the leadership Governor Yusuf,” Doguwa said.

    Their defection comes after Governor Yusuf officially joined the ruling party.

    Yusuf defected after his meeting with President Bola Tinubu, which was believed to have resolved issues surrounding his defection, including governorship ticket which the former APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje reaffirmed, urging all aspirants to step aside for the governor.

    The APC has welcomed Yusuf’s move, while NNPP’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed concerns about the defection, calling it a betrayal.

  • Defection: Governors remain leaders of APC in states, Tinubu declares

    Defection: Governors remain leaders of APC in states, Tinubu declares

    President Bola Tinubu has declared that governors under the All Progressives Congress (APC) remained leaders of the party in their respective states.

    Tinubu made the declaration on Saturday at the Official Reception of Gov. Agbu Kefas into the APC held in Jalingo.

    Represented by Sen. Kashim Shettima, Vice President, Tinubu announced that Gov. Kefas has assumed the leadership of the party in Taraba by the virtue of his defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC.

    He expressed his determination to support the governor and his cabinet to bring development to Taraba.

    He noted that the governor was  making efforts to unite the state and harmonise the diversities in the state to attain unity.

    The president urged the people of the state  to rally behind the governor and support him to succeed.

    He expressed satisfaction with the defection of a governor in the North East geopolitical zone, calling on both Adamawa and Bauchi to join the party at the centre.

    Earlier, Prof. Nentawe Yelwatda, National Chairman of the APC commended Kefas for being courageous by decamping to the ruling party.

    Yelwatda said that Kefas did not make a mistake by leaving the sinking PDP to the APC.

    He described the decision as a big achievement as it would enable the governor to get the economy of the state and the youth and women of the state to be productive.

    According to him,  the state will now be a part and parcel of the winning party in 2027.

    He assured all the members of the APC, both old and new of equal opportunities in the activities of the party, advising the governor to stand for everybody as one.

    He further advised  the governor to unite the party and not descriminate.

    In his remarks, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate congratulated the people of Taraba  and the governor, saying the defection would benefit the state more development and enhancement of infrastructure including the strengthening of security.

    Read Also: 2027: Tinubu will surprise the naysayers in north – Ganduje

    Represented by Sen. Barau Jibril, Deputy Senate President, Akpabio said that the decision of the governor to defect to APC would enable the state to enjoy equal opportunities in all spheres of governance at the national level.

    ‎Gov. Kefas said that the event was to shape the future of Taraba, encouraging all in attendance and everybody  not to dwell in the past but focus on the future.

    He said the move was for the people of Taraba not for his personal interests.

    “The move is to bring jobs for the jobless and business for entrepreneurs. To serve the state and be committed to the people and show results and fulfillment through discipline and patriotism,” he said.

    ‎The governor thanked APC for the opportunity and handing him the broom to sweep away division, poverty, tribalism and insecurity.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Kefas won under PDP in the 2023 governorship election.

    He decamped to APC in 2025 and secured his membership registration card.

    (NAN)

  • Nwifuru sacks all political appointees, monarchs, community leaders in Ebonyi community

    Nwifuru sacks all political appointees, monarchs, community leaders in Ebonyi community

    Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru has dissolved the entire political and traditional leadership structure of Amasiri Community, Afikpo local government area 

    This followed a violent attack on Okporojo Village,  Oso Edda Community in Edda Local Government Area on Thursday during which four persons were reportedly beheaded.

    The attack has been blamed on the people of Amasiri who the Okporojo people have been having boundary dispute.

    Houses and properties worth millions were also destroyed in the area.

    The Governor announced the sweeping sanctions on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okporojo village where he addressed residents, community leaders, security agencies and government officials.

    Visibly saddened by the incident, Nwifuru described the attack as “most unfortunate” and said he never expected such a level of brutality to occur in the state. 

    He assured the affected community that the state government would decisively deal with those responsible, stressing that the lives lost would not be in vain.

    “I am very pained by this development. As a careful leader, when you are angry, you speak less. But I want to assure you that the government of Ebonyi State will show the perpetrators what it truly means to be a government,” the Governor said.

    He urged residents to remain calm and embrace peace, warning that retaliatory violence would only worsen the situation. 

    According to him, government actions would be firm but guided by the need to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

    Nwifuru pointed out the conflict had lingered for years despite several reconciliation efforts, including boundary agreements between the affected communities, lamenting that such agreements were not respected. 

    He noted that his visit was a “strong signal” that the state would no longer tolerate lawlessness or disregard for the rule of law.

    While commending security agencies for their swift response, the governor disclosed that security operatives had trekked long distances to track the perpetrators and had assured him of the safety of lives and property in the area. 

    He pledged the full support of the state government to security agencies to restore lasting peace.

    Turning to the role of Amasiri Community in the crisis, Nwifuru issued a stern warning, stating that violence would never lead to a meaningful resolution. 

    He cautioned that the situation was fast approaching “a point of no return” if provocations continued.

    He announced the immediate dissolution of the Amasiri Town Development Union and its executive members.

    He also ordered the withdrawal of the traditional ruler’s certificate and the removal of all village heads in Amasiri autonomous community.

    He also ordered the sack of all political appointees from Amasiri Community, from members of management committees up to commissioners serving in his administration.

    “For the time being, all these structures are dissolved. We will do more, and we will show everyone why we are a government,” Nwifuru declared.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring permanent peace in Edda LGA and promised that by next year, the community would witness tangible improvements resulting from government intervention.

  • PDP State chairmen back Turaki-led faction

    PDP State chairmen back Turaki-led faction

    The Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its weight behind the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee(NWC) of the party elected at the National convention in November.

    In a statement in Abuja, the Forum drawn from 30 States of the Federation, said despite the judgement of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, the Turaki led Executive remains the legal leadership of the party, pointing out that the judgement was only one of several distractions the party is facing and will soon overcome.

    The statement was signed by the 

    Chairman of Forum of PDP State Chairmen &

    Chairman, PDP in  Edo State, Tony Aziegbemi and the Secretary of the Forum and Chairman of Kaduna State Chairman, Chief Edward Masha

    The statement reads: “The Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), comprising the Chairmen of the Party in 30 States of the Federation, has carefully reviewed the judgment delivered today by the Federal High Court, Ibadan, as well as the official position of our great Party as articulated by the National Chairman, His Excellency, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.

    “We wish to unequivocally express our total solidarity and unflinching support for the National Chairman and the entire National Working Committee (NWC) as constituted by the Ibadan National Convention.

    “The Forum notes with concern that the judgment in question declined the relief of mandamus sought by the Party, while proceeding to grant reliefs that were neither prayed for nor canvassed by any of the parties before the court. 

    “We further note that the said judgment stands in material conflict with subsisting judgments and orders of courts of coordinate jurisdiction on the same subject matter.

    “It is therefore reassuring that the Party has already exercised its constitutional right of appeal and filed the appropriate motions for stay of execution, in line with established legal principles and democratic norms.

    “We align fully with the position of the National Working Committee under the leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) that this judgment represents only one step in an ongoing judicial process, especially as the substantive issues are already before the Court of Appeal for determination.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the Forum of PDP State Chairmen affirms that the National Working Committee produced by the Ibadan Convention remains the lawful, recognised, and operational leadership of our Party, and continues to enjoy the confidence and loyalty of PDP structures across the 30 states of the Federation.

    “We urge all party members, supporters, and stakeholders nationwide to remain calm, focused, and united. There is no vacuum in the leadership of our Party, and there is absolutely no cause for panic.

    “The PDP has weathered difficult moments in the past and has always emerged stronger. This moment is no exception. What we are witnessing is merely one of the judicial turns in our democratic journey — not the destination itself.

    “The Forum remains fully committed to the REBIRTH and rebuilding of the Peoples Democratic Party, and we reaffirm our collective resolve to strengthen party unity, deepen internal democracy, and reposition the PDP as the credible alternative capable of rescuing Nigeria.

    “As we have always known, facts may be distorted, but truth is constant- and it will surely prevail. We stand firmly with the National Chairman, the National Working Committee, and the millions of Nigerians who continue to believe in the ideals of our great Party”.

  • Rivers, Wike’s Renewed Hope family clash over alleged denial of venue

    Rivers, Wike’s Renewed Hope family clash over alleged denial of venue

    • We did no such thing, stadium under construction, says the govt

    Rivers State Government and the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA), led by the Minister of Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Chief Nyesom Wike, have disagreed over the group’s claim that the government refused to approve the Yakubu Gowon Stadium located in Port Harcourt for the RHA’s inauguration in the state.

     The RHA, which is the main campaign movement for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term, alleged that the denial of the Governor Siminalayi Fubara-led government forced it to hold its inauguration at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic on Friday.

     The Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Desmond Akawor, while addressing the mammoth crowd that attended the event, first accused the government of denying the group access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.

     Wike reinforced the allegation and dared Fubara to lock up the stadium again and see what would happen.

     The minister said the organisers had applied to use the stadium for the event, but that the governor refused to approve it.

    READ ALSO: The Economist: Nigeria’s economy moving from the brink

     He threatened that they would force themselves into the facility if the governor repeated a similar action.

     He said:  “We had called (applied) to the state government for the General Gowon Yakubu Stadium. They refused us. Let me say next time they do this, if you don’t approve it, we will break it by force. So the coordinator of the state wrote again to the state government and chose a day to inaugurate the ward level; I want to say it for everybody to hear. Enough is enough.

     “We are all from Rivers State; nobody can deny us the facilities of the state. If you don’t agree to give us, we will do the needful. And we will take it by force. Heaven will never fall. Even when heaven falls, everywhere will be at peace.”

     A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was inaugurated as the Coordinator for Rivers West; the Executive Director, Finance, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Boma Iyaye, Rivers East;  While the Executive Director, Projects of the South-South Development Commission, Chief Marcus Nle-Eji, would coordinate Rivers South-East.

     Wike said Rivers was the first state to inaugurate the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ coordinators, adding that other states would follow in no distant time.

     He said: “Let me thank the coordinator of the state of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors for what you and your members at the local government level have done and the senatorial districts led Boma Iyaye (Rivers East Senatorial District), Marcus Nle-Eji (Rivers South-East) and Felic Obuah (Rivers West) for thus massive mobilization that you have done today, by inaugurating the coordinators of Renewed Hope Agenda in Rivers State.

     “This is the first in this country. We challenge any state to come and do the same thing we have done. I know after today, each state is coming to inaugurate their state chapters. Rivers State will always lead the way.”

    Wike, “Support is not by mouth. You have shown commitment. You don’t have your governor with you, yet you said you’re supporting Mr President and you will do everything humanly possible to return Mr President by special grace in 2027.”

     He referred to the N600billion left in the state coffers by the immediate past Administrator of the State, Ibok Ete-Ibas, but said the people under the Renewed Hope Family, with their little resources, would deliver President Tinubu in 2027

     He said: “Look at the vehicles there, you don’t need N600billion. You don’t need it. All you need is commitment, and you have shown it. What you have done today, let me remind you, will bring a lot of envy, will bring a lot of hatred. Don’t mind that. Be committed and continue to support Mr President.”

     He urged the people to support the candidates who emerged in the last APC primary elections ahead of the state constituency poll.

     He said, “It has never happened in any state. No matter what we are doing, we have led the way as usual. Let me thank Mr President for supporting the Joint Coalition to produce the candidate for the February 2026 state constituency election.

     “Mr President has given the Joint Coalition to make sure in Khana Constituency 2 we support Mrs Burabari Loloo. In Ahoada State Constituency 2, we support Napoleon Okadikpe.

     “These are the candidates of the joint coalition. Anywhere you are, these are the candidates you will support for the February 2026 election.”

     He recalled that when he visited the various local government areas on a thank-you visit, he told them politics would start in January.

     “Now the time has come, and we have started the politics. Everybody go home, whether you’re in PDP, APC, or you don’t belong to any political party, but remember the Joint Coalition. Go and vote for our two candidates in the February constituency election 2026,” he said.

     He added: “We are not quarrelling with anybody except those who are quarrelling themselves. We are here, we will never disappoint you, and we will tell you the truth. We have not completed this journey. We must go and make sure this is ward-by-ward, unit-by-unit, and we will take a date to make sure we inaugurate them.

     “I have told the leadership of the party. Nobody should be intimidated. We are here to support you. The members of the elders’ council have agreed to make a greater commitment to ensure each ward gets a bus to make sure they campaign for the realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

     Reacting to the allegations, the Rivers State Government described them as false and misleading, explaining that the Yakubu Gowon Stadium was currently undergoing reconstruction and was unsafe for public use.

     The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, who inspected the facility, said the allegation had no basis.

     Sirawoo, who toured the stadium alongside the Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, under the guidance of the site engineer, said the level of ongoing reconstruction made it impossible for any group to use the facility at this time.

     He advised political leaders in the state to place the interest of Rivers State above political ambitions, noting that there is life after politics.

     He added that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remained committed and was at the forefront of efforts to ensure the re-election of President Tinubu.

     Also, the Commissioner for Sports, who also served as the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Christopher Green, said his office did not receive any formal request for the use of the stadium.

     Green described the allegation as baseless, noting that even the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, where the inauguration was eventually held, is a Rivers State Government–owned facility.

     The site engineer, Michael Ebitenye, who led government officials on the inspection tour, said the stadium was currently in a delicate condition, warning that heavy human traffic could damage underground pipes beneath the pitch.

     He also spoke of the serious safety hazards in the VIP sections and other areas under reconstruction.

     He stressed that the contracting firm, Monimichelle, remained committed to the safety of lives and property and would not permit the use of facilities undergoing renovation for any event, regardless of political affiliation.

  • Kano Deputy gov under pressure to resign after refusing to join APC

    Kano Deputy gov under pressure to resign after refusing to join APC

    A stalemate is brewing in the Kano State Government following the refusal of Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo to quit in the aftermath of the defection of Governor Abba Yusuf from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Gwarzo opted to remain in the NNPP and loyal to the party’s national leader, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso.

    The expectation in the APC was that the deputy governor would join some other loyalists of Kwankwaso in government in throwing in the towel as soon as the governor switched camps on Monday.

    He has so far declined to quit.

    He has even received the backing of the Kano State chapter of the NNPP to stay put in government.

    The NNPP insisted on the deputy governor’s right to occupy his position and his critical role in governance, “underscoring the imperative of adherence to constitutional responsibilities.”

    It said Gwarzo’s “continuity in office is essential for the stability and progress of the state’s governance.”

    Spokesman for the NNPP in the state, Engr Ibrahim Karaye condemned call for the resignation of the deputy governor, and said he remains a bona fide member of the party and a key figure in the state’s governance.

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    He pointed out that the Deputy Governor was elected on a joint ticket with Governor Yusuf.

    Besides, he said Gwarzo is constitutionally entitled to continue discharging his duties, and argued that the State Executive Council is a constitutional body that should not be dragged into partisan disputes.

    Kwankwaso’s son – Mustapha- who held the portfolio of Youth and Sports Development in the government has already left.

    Karaye was responding to a statement by Information and Internal Affairs Commissioner Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya who had said it was only honourable for the deputy governor to resign if he could no longer align politically with his principal.

    “What we are hoping for, just as we saw with some commissioners who felt uncomfortable and resigned, is that the deputy governor should also take an honourable step if he is no longer on the same political path with the governor,” Waiya said.

    He added: “If you sit in an Executive Council meeting where people are discussing how to build Kano and there is suspicion about where such discussions may end up, then there is a problem. Governance is about trust.

    “Many people have aspirations, including the ambition to become governor. There is nothing wrong with that. But if personal interests begin to conflict with the direction of government, the most honourable option is to step aside and pursue those goals independently.”

    It was gathered that the government, with a comfortable two thirds majority of the members of the State House of Assembly on its side, may get the deputy governor impeached if he continues to resist resignation dodge functions presided over by the governor.

    However, the challenge in doing that may be finding   offenses that amount to “gross misconduct” against him.

  • APC e-registration hits seven million, rescheduled congresses

    APC e-registration hits seven million, rescheduled congresses

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),  has registered over 7 million members in its ongoing nationwide electronic membership registration exercise.

     The party has also extended the exercise earlier scheduled to round off on Saturday, January 31, 2026, to February 8, 2026, to accommodate the high demand and enthusiastic response from potential and existing members.

     National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, disclosed this to newsmen after the 183rd meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Friday in Abuja

     He said the extension of the registration exercise was a direct response to widespread clamor from party stakeholders.

     According to Morka, “With respect to e-registration, there’s no complicated explanation. We just want more members to register,” adding that, “the extension was in response to the clamour by enthusiastic members who are hoping to register, to afford them more time.

     “As of now, we have crossed the mark of 7 million… By the grace of God, by the time we are closing on the 8th of February, we should have crossed the mark of 12.5 million.”

     Reaffirming that the primary aim of the e-registration was part of the party’s push to digitize its records, ensure data integrity, promote financial inclusion, and align with national legal standards.

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     He proudly noted that the party has become the first major political party in Nigeria to fully digitize its membership register, setting a precedent for internal democracy and modernization.

     Applauding the registration exercise as “tremendously successful”,  APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, maintained that the requests for extension of the exercise came from various stakeholders, including state-level leaders and the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF).

     Basiru said, “The e-registration has been tremendously successful. We have received requests from many states that there are so many members that are still eager to register… Based on that request, particularly by the body of the Governors Forum at the meeting we held with them the day before yesterday, that was why the National Working Committee decided to extend.”

     Morka also announced that Ward Congresses will hold on Wednesday, 18th February 2026, while the National Convention is now scheduled to be held on 27th–28th March 2026.

     He added that Osun and Ekiti States as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are excluded from scheduled Congresses due to upcoming elections, while Rivers State is excluded due to the subsisting tenure of the current executive committees of the Party in the State. 

     The party spokesman further said that details on the adjusted Congress and National Convention timetable and schedule of activities and composition of the National Convention Planning Committee will be announced on Monday

  • Tinubu’s re-election in Rivers sure – Wike

    Tinubu’s re-election in Rivers sure – Wike

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said Rivers State is leading others in mobilising support for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

    Wike stated this during the inauguration of senatorial and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, in Port Harcourt on Friday.

    The event was organised in support of Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    He insisted that Rivers State was setting the pace in political mobilisation and would continue to lead others in demonstrating support for the President.

    “I know after today, other states may inaugurate their own structures, but Rivers State will always lead the way. 

    “Support is not by mouth; we have shown commitment with action,” he added.

    He said that political activities ahead of coming elections had officially commenced, adding that ward-level inaugurations of the ambassadors would follow.

    The Minister, who questioned Governor Simi Fubara’s commitment to supporting Tinubu, said: “You cannot have a Governor in the state while we are openly declaring support for President Tinubu and he is not aligning. 

    “How then do you expect a reward?”

    He argued that political reward is tied to commitment, not financial contribution saying, “You don’t need N600 billion, all you need is commitment. That is what brings reward, even if it brings envy”.

    Wike further explained that the event was a rainbow coalition effort and thanked President Tinubu for supporting the coalition in producing candidates for the February 21 by-elections in khana Constituency II and Ahoada West Constituency II.

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    He urged the electorates to come out enmasse on February 21 and vote for the two candidates irrespective of their political party affiliations.

    “We give out the buses to ensure proper mobilisation for the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he urged.

    Rivers Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors,  Ambassador Desmond Akawor,  thanked supporters of the PDP and APC for coming out in large numbers to show support for the President. 

    Senator George Sekibo,  who spoke on behalf of federal government political appointees assured Tinubu of continued support from Rivers State, thanking him for the laudable appointments and projects in the state 

    According to him, no President has embarked on projects of this magnitude while also appointing Rivers indigenes. 

    “Tell the President we are grateful,” Sekibo said.

    Speaking on behalf of the National Assembly caucus, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, also reaffirmed support for Tinubu and endorsed his re-election bid in 2027.

    “What we did in 2023,  we will do better in 2027. Politics is give and take,” Chinda said.

    Rivers Speaker Martins Amaewhule and former  chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Felix Obuah, also pledged support for President Tinubu, 

    Rivers PDP and APC Chairmen, Aaron Chukwuemeka and Tony Okocha, assured that the party was fully mobilised ahead of the 2027 election.