Category: Politics

  • 500 NNPP supporters defect to APC in Kano

    500 NNPP supporters defect to APC in Kano

    No fewer than 500 members of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) from Fagge and Ungogo Local Government Areas of Kano State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Managing Director of the Hadejia-Jam’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Engr. Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, who received the defectors, said their move reflects the ingenuity and growing confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and APC’s progressive vision.

    Bichi noted that APC’s development-oriented policies were attracting Nigerians, citing defection of some governors as testament to the party’s strength.

    He assured the new members of equal opportunity and integration into APC, saying no member would be marginalised.

    Bichi highlighted APC-led government’s visionary policies on food security and economic growth, noting that Hadejia-Jam’are River Basin’s modern irrigation techniques align with Tinubu’s food security agenda.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, Fashola, Ambode lead Lagos APC to endorse Tinubu for second term

    Former APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, represented by Kano APC Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, commended the defectors for joining APC, assuring them of sustainable development commitment.

    Kano Central APC Chairman Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Ungogo said Tinubu’s policies had boosted Nigeria’s economy, restoring public confidence in APC.

    The new comers cited APC’s developmental strides and commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians as reasons for dumping NNPP.

  • INEC Chairman may be sworn in Thursday

    INEC Chairman may be sworn in Thursday

    There are indications that the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan may be sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday. 

    Amupitan, whose nomination by the President to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu was approved by the National Council of State, was screened and cleared by the Committee of the Whole Senate at its plenary as against the usual practice of referring such to standing Committees. 

    He is scheduled to arrive the commission headquarters in Abuja after the inauguration around 1.30 pm for inaugural meeting with Directors and other senior officials of the Commission. 

    Read Also: INEC to begin PVC distribution, conduct mock accreditation Wednesday

    He is expected to be briefed on preparation for the November 8 off cycle governorship election in Anambra Dtate, preparation for the February 25, 2026 FCT Area Council elections as well as the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise among others. 

    Acting Chairman of the Commission and other National Commissioners are expected to be in attendance at the meeting. 

  • Olawepo-Hashim meets Saraki, Sango, rallies North Central PDP

    Olawepo-Hashim meets Saraki, Sango, rallies North Central PDP

    In a bold step to reposition the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of its next National Convention, former presidential aspirant, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has embarked on a reconciliation mission across the North Central zone.

    Hashim, known for his advocacy for political reform and national unity, met with key PDP figures, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki and ex-Minister of Sports Hon. Damishi Sango, as part of efforts to rebuild trust and cohesion within the party.

    During a meeting in his Abuja office, Hashim hosted Sango, who was accompanied by Mr. Sam Habu, a longtime aide to the late Chief Solomon Daushep Lar, the revered founding chairman of the PDP and former Governor of old Plateau State.

    “We were both mentees of Chief Solomon Lar, the Emancipator. Our discussion centered on reconciling leaders in Plateau and across the North Central zone,” Olawepo-Hashim said.

    Continuing his bridge-building effort, Hashim also held talks with Saraki over the weekend in what insiders described as a “strategic political conversation” focused on rebuilding the PDP’s structures and strengthening its national outlook.

    “We agreed to work together for the greater interest of Nigeria—to rebuild the PDP in the North Central zone and the nation at large. To God be the Glory,” Olawepo-Hashim stated.

    Political observers view Hashim’s latest engagements as a renewed consolidation of the PDP’s North Central bloc, long regarded as the moral conscience of the party. His outreach to influential figures like Saraki and Sango signals his emergence as a unifying force and consensus builder in opposition politics.

    As the PDP works to reclaim lost ground and redefine its national strategy, Gbenga Hashim’s reconciliation drive is fast becoming a rallying point for leaders seeking to restore the party’s unity and strength ahead of the next political cycle.

  • Delta women endorse Tinubu, Oborevwori for 2027

    Delta women endorse Tinubu, Oborevwori for 2027

    Delta women, under the aegis of Unique Ladies for Sheriff (ULF), on Wednesday, endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as sole candidates for the 2027 elections, insisting that there is “no vacancy” in Aso Rock and Government House, Asaba.

    President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori will be seeking a second term in office, and the women, with large followership at the grassroots, have declared their total support to return the duo to office unopposed.

    The declaration was made during a colourful event at the Cenotaph, Asaba, with women representatives from all 25 local government areas of Delta State in attendance.

    Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of Unique Ladies for Sheriff, Dame Nkem Patience Okwuofu, in her keynote address themed, ‘Touching the Grassroots,’ said the gathering marked a defining moment for Delta women to reaffirm their support for Governor Oborevwori’s leadership and the MORE Agenda.

    “We are reaching out to young girls, farmers, artisans, and businesswomen — the true heartbeat of Delta State. We must continue to communicate the governor’s development strides and strengthen our grassroots structures,” Okwuofu said.

    The ULF national coordinator appreciated Governor Oborevwori and his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, for their commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots development. 

    She urged the women to key into government programmes, participate actively in voter enlightenment, and promote community development initiatives.

    Wife of the Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, represented by the wife of the Chief of Staff, Mrs. Ewoma Erijo, commended the unity among the women.

    She assured them of continued support from the First Lady’s office.

    The Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, in his goodwill message, commended the women for their strong presence and active political engagement.

    “Let every woman be a virtue in her community. Participate fully in the programmes of government and ensure that interventions are channeled to the right quarters,” he said.

    Funkekeme thanked the women for their continued support for Governor Oborevwori and emphasized the importance of women’s roles in advancing government initiatives at the grassroots.

    A motion for vote of confidence was moved by Princess Pat, reaffirming the group’s support for both President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori.

    “By virtue of what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori have achieved, we, the Unique Ladies for Sheriff, pass a vote of confidence in them. Come 2027, both leaders will return unopposed,” she declared.

    The motion was seconded by Irene Imilar, who echoed the group’s confidence in the leadership of both leaders to continue steering the nation and state toward progress.

  • Stop unwarranted attacks on Senate President – Akwa Ibom lawmaker

    Stop unwarranted attacks on Senate President – Akwa Ibom lawmaker

    The lawmaker of Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal constituency, Dr Patrick Umoh, has demanded an immediate halt to what he branded a “shameful charade” of online defamation targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Mrs. Patience Ibanga Akpabio.

    Umoh’s statement, dated October 20, accused the Essien Udim-based woman—identified as a member of the wider Akpabio family—of waging an “unprovoked and dishonourable campaign of character assassination” through inflammatory social media posts that he said lacked any factual basis.

    “Enough is enough,” Umoh declared, warning that the tirades not only damage the Senate President but also tarnish the Akpabio family name and the reputation of Essien Udim, one of the three local government areas he represents in the House of Representatives.

    The lawmaker, who served as Akpabio’s Senior Legislative Aide and later as Special Assistant during the latter’s stint as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, invoked shared cultural values of respect for elders and sanctity of truth. 

    He urged Mrs. Akpabio to “reflect soberly on the consequences” of her actions.

    Umoh praised Akpabio’s eight-year governorship (2007–2015) as a transformative era that turned Akwa Ibom into a “model of progress and modernity,” citing landmark projects in roads, schools, and healthcare. 

    He added that Akpabio’s leadership of the 10th Senate continues to exhibit “rare capacity and statesmanship” at a critical juncture for Nigeria.

  • Reps move to enhance operational efficiency of Armed Forces

    Reps move to enhance operational efficiency of Armed Forces

    The House of Representatives is seeking to improve the service efficiency of the Nigerian Armed Forces through the amendment of the Armed Forces Act to strengthen the command structure, improve operational efficiency, and enhance accountability within the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    The House passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the Armed Forces Act, Cap. A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 sponsored by Aminu Balele (APC, Katsina), Midala Usman Balami (PDP, Borno) and Daniel Asama (APC, Benue

    Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill Balami said that the proposed legislation aims to “clarify the roles, responsibilities, and command structure of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, ensuring effective coordination, discipline, and operational efficiency.”

    He said the passage of the amendment was crucial to modernising Nigeria’s military laws in line with constitutional provisions and global best practices.

    He explained that the proposed changes will promote operational efficiency, constitutional compliance, civilian oversight, and enhanced accountability in the military.

    He said further that the bill seeks to reaffirm the President’s role as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, with the Chief of Defence Staff exercising “general superintendence” over the military’s command and coordination.

    “The Bill delineates the roles and responsibilities of the Forces Council, the Minister of Defence, and the Service Chiefs, while clarifying the delegation of operational use of the Armed Forces, ensuring that the President’s authority is maintained. 

    “The proposed amendment to the Armed Forces Act is essential for enhancing the operational efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. 

    “I therefore urge my respected colleagues to support that this Bill be read for the second time and referred to the relevant committee for further legislative action.”

  • Lagos APC decries deteriorating state of opposition

    Lagos APC decries deteriorating state of opposition

    Lagos State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) says it has observed with concern, the deteriorating state of the so-called opposition parties, as the country gradually approaches the 2027 general election.

    The party in a statement yesterday by its spokesman, Seye Oladejo, said rather than serve as credible watchdogs, policy challengers, or intellectual counterweights to the ruling party, the opposition had degenerated into a coalition of desperation, confusion and hypocrisy – the  bane of democratic growth.

    The statement further said: ‘’The health of any democracy is measured by the quality, depth and seriousness of its opposition – its ideas, organisation and consistency. Sadly, Nigeria’s opposition has failed woefully on all counts. It lacks leadership, cohesion and a binding political philosophy. The nation has watched in disbelief as individuals who once claimed to stand for ideological purity, now leapfrog from one platform to another in search of personal relevance. The opposition’s moral compass has been completely eroded, leaving behind a band of opportunists united only by their lust for power.

    ‘’This chaotic and rudderless reality stands in sharp contrast to the opposition years under the visionary leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who as a master political strategist and democrat, built a formidable coalition rooted in principles, ideas and structure. Asiwaju’s opposition politics was defined by clarity of purpose, ideological direction and consistency of engagement.

    He offered Nigerians a credible alternative founded on progressivism, good governance and national unity.

    READ ALSO: A new leaf?

    ‘’It was that brand of purposeful and issue-driven opposition that gave birth to the All Progressives Congress (APC) – a product of strategic coalition, political discipline and intellectual depth – which Nigerians overwhelmingly voted into power in 2015. ‘’The APC of today is a testament to what visionary and responsible opposition politics can achieve when driven by patriotism rather than personal ambition.

    ‘’While President Tinubu’s administration continues to pursue the Renewed Hope Agenda with courage and clarity – implementing tough but necessary reforms to reposition the economy and restore national pride – the opposition of today is preoccupied with propaganda, bitterness and blind ambition. At a time when the government is working to stabilise the economy, empower citizens and strengthen national unity, the opposition remains fixated on divisive rhetoric and self-serving noise.

    ‘’APC finds it troubling that none of the opposition parties has presented any coherent roadmap for the economy, security, education, or social development. Their default strategy remains to demonise government policies, while offering no credible alternatives. Such an unserious and visionless opposition can only undermine the progress of democracy by reducing public discourse to noise and confusion.

    ‘’Indeed, the absence of credible alternatives has become one of the major reasons for the growing voter apathy witnessed during elections. Nigerians are fast losing interest in a political opposition that neither inspires confidence nor offers any hope of genuine change. Democracy thrives on choice – and when one side of the political divide consistently fails to evolve, citizens naturally disengage from the process.

    ‘’Let it be known that democracy thrives not just on the conduct of elections, but also on the quality of engagement between the ruling party and a constructive opposition. Unfortunately, what we have today is a fragmented assemblage of self-appointed messiahs and expired politicians, who mistake social media noise for national relevance.

    ‘’Lagos APC therefore calls on Nigerians to see through the facade of this rudderless opposition. The coming 2027 elections will not be a contest between the ruling APC and any formidable alternative – it will be a referendum on performance, vision and national stability. On all these fronts, APC stands head and shoulders above the rest.

    ‘’APC remains committed to building a prosperous, secure and inclusive nation under the leadership of President Tinubu. The opposition, if it truly wishes to contribute to democratic progress, must first learn the basic art of leadership, discipline and sincerity of purpose. Until then, it will remain the biggest threat to the deepening of democracy in Nigeria.’’

  • Faleke urges grassroots mobilisation for voter registration

    Faleke urges grassroots mobilisation for voter registration

    The State Coordinator of the Presidential Coalition Committee, Hon. James Faleke, has charged newly inaugurated street captains to intensify efforts in mobilising Nigerians at the grassroots to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the forthcoming elections.

    Faleke made the call during the Inauguration of Structures and Street Captains organised by the Presidential Campaign Council, at the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos.

    Addressing the large crowd of participants, Faleke said the exercise was not a political campaign but a strategic grassroots activation aimed at ensuring eligible voters are registered and prepared to participate in the democratic process.“

    “We are not here for campaign. We are here to inaugurate you, the street captains, to move out in your streets and call out all those who have not registered. Encourage them to go and register and collect their PVCs — that is the essence.”

    He noted that with over 40,000 street captains across wards and local governments, the committee was confident of driving voter participation at the community level.

    “Go out and call those who have turned 18 in your homes and on your streets so that everyone can have a PVC. Each of you must bring at least five people to register and bring the slips to the office,” Faleke urged.

    “Without a PVC, you cannot say anything. So, go all out, go to every home, every street, and make sure people are ready to vote”, he said.

    Chairman of the Planning Committee of the Presidential Coalition Committee, Barrister Kolade David Alabi, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to economic reform, inclusive development, and strengthening of democratic institutions.

    “We are united by a shared vision of progress, development, and a stronger democratic Nigeria,” Alabi said. “Under President Tinubu’s visionary leadership, our great party continues to redefine governance, strengthen institutions, and renew faith in the Nigerian dream.”

    He highlighted ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that fiscal and monetary policies introduced by the administration were laying the foundation for a resilient economy.T

    “These reforms are not designed for a privileged few, but to secure a fairer, more inclusive future for every Nigerian,” Alabi said.

    Read Also: Gbajabiamila, Pate call for stronger collaboration for Nigerian health security

    He also commended the administration’s push for true federalism and local government autonomy, saying,“

    By empowering local councils to operate independently, President Tinubu is bringing governance closer to the people and ensuring that development reaches the grassroots. This is the true essence of democracy.”

    Alabi added that the positive impact of the administration’s reforms was already being felt through increased investor confidence, infrastructure growth, digital expansion, agricultural development, and social welfare programmes targeting youth, women, and vulnerable groups.

    The event drew party leaders, community representatives, and grassroots mobilisers from across Lagos State, all pledging their commitment to strengthening civic participation and ensuring citizens’ active involvement in the electoral process.

  • Oluwo, 37 monarchs endorse Ogunbiyi for Osun governorship

    Oluwo, 37 monarchs endorse Ogunbiyi for Osun governorship

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has led 37 traditional rulers in Iwo Federal Constituency to endorse the aspiration of Chairman, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Akin Ogunbiyi for 2026 governorship race. 

    Ogunbiyi is an aspirant within the All Progressives Congress(APC). 

    At the palace of Oluwo on Tuesday, the monarchs prayed for his emergence as Osun Governor in 2026. 

    Oba Akanbi, addressing Ogunbiyi with his supporters, lamented that Iwo land made up of three councils have been marginalised since the creation of the State, lamenting that they have never produced Governor, Deputy, Minister, Ambassador and others before. 

    “I am joining other 37 monarchs of this federal constituency to back the aspiration of our own, Akin Ogunbiyi. He has demonstrated capacity, that is why we decided to present just one person from this constituency for the guber seat. 

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    “We pray that his ambition will come into fruition, good things will happen in Iwo land, he will emerge victorious like Aregbesola, Oyetola and Adeleke as the governor in 2026. We are all going to help him woo other monarchs from other places to support him,” he said. 

    Ogunbiyi said: “it is only in our Federal constituency that we present only one aspirant. Other places have three to four aspirant but here, we speak with one voice. 

    “I have come to here for the prayer of my fathers. Oluwo has the voice, relevance and influence to get anything he so wishes. Anything he laid his hands upon always prosper. I want his blessings  alongside other kings. I also want them to help me work towards it. 

    “Iwo is number three in population, I put my agenda in your hands for us to record success. I want to contest for guber seat, it is the turn of Iwo, you can all help me to consult for us to push Iwo agenda forward. 

    “If we miss this opportunity, it may take us 24 years before this opportunity come to us in Iwo, which will be detrimental.”

  • Abia, Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo lag behind in CVR as Borno maintains lead

    Abia, Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo lag behind in CVR as Borno maintains lead

    Four States- Abia, Edo, Ebonyi and Ondo- have continued to lag behind in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

    While Abia has so far registered about 11,221 eligible voters online since the exercise began, Edo has registered only 11,570, Ebonyi registered 13,979 and Ondo state registered 17,618 after nine weeks of the online registration. 

    However, Borno, Osun, Lagos, Kebbi, Kaduna and Ogun States have continued to maintain impressive turnout of eligible voters to register online for the exercise. 

    Borno, which has overtaken Osun in the online registration, has so far recorded about 826,310 eligible voters followed by Osun with 646,580, Lagos with 604,819, Kebbi with 581,135, Kaduna with 510,490 and Ogun with 510,062.

    Overall, the North West has registered more voters online in the last nine weeks with 2,516,890 eligible voters, followed by the South West with 2,118,036 voters, North East with 1,549,905, North Central with 1,169,693 while the South South and South East brings up the rear with 487,456 and 159,986 respectively. 

    Anambra is not participating in the exercise until after the November 8 governorship election in the state. 

    Data from the Independent National Electoral Commission indicate that about 8,003,196 eligible voters have so far registered online in the dedicated portal for the CVR, while 1,710,450 have so far completed both the physical and online registration after eight weeks. 

    Osun state maintains the lead in the physical registration exercise with 151,593 voters followed by the FCT with 106,858, Kano with 96,280, Imo with 90,469, Sokoto with 86,183, Lagos with 85,831 and Borno with 85,720.