The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Diri and politics of national integration

    Diri and politics of national integration

    By Jonah Okah

    The 15th of October 2025 marked a watershed in the political history of Bayelsa State when Governor Douye Diri announced his bold and historic decision to switch political allegiance from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All-Progressives Congress (APC).

    The announcement, made during an expanded State Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Yenagoa, was witnessed by the Speaker and majority members of the State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Local Government Chairmen. It was the culmination of an extensive period of consultation aimed at charting a new political course for Bayelsa and, by extension the Ijaw Nation ,  particularly a state that had remained under PDP control for 26 years since the return of democracy in 1999.

    Governor Diri’s decision was not a personal whim, but one rooted in collective interest. It reflects a strategic understanding of the historical and political realities of the old Rivers State, from which Bayelsa was carved. The region has always maintained strong connections to politics at the national level, championed by visionary leaders such as late Chief Harold Dappa Biriye and late Chief Melford Okilo of blessed memory  who recognized the importance of “handshakes across the Niger”,  alliances that once led to the establishment of the 13% derivation for oil-producing states.

    Since the fall of the PDP from power at the centre in 2015, Bayelsa had found itself in the opposition. Many Bayelsans have been worried and argued that remaining isolated from the ruling party has deprived the state of vital opportunities for development and integration. With all major South-South states now aligned with the APC, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a Southerner seeking re-election, it became imperative for Bayelsa not to be left behind. Yes, some claim he was the mastermind behind the ouster of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and are now urging Jonathan to return the favour by challenging President Tinubu in a bid for revenge. Fascinating as it is perhaps; but where then lies our sense of providence which once smiled on the people of the state? Also, where is the place of forgiveness?

    While a few diehard PDP loyalists may resist change, clinging to a party now gasping for political survival, the vast majority have no hesitation in seeing the wisdom in aligning with the centre. Governor Diri’s move is not about personal gain but the future of the Ijaw Nation over the benefits of national political integration. After all , Senator Diri as a second-term governor,  has nothing to lose politically. Rather, it is an act of statesmanship; a forward-looking decision intended to reposition the Ijaw Nation within the framework of national integration and progressive politics.

    From a broader perspective, Diri’s realignment reflects the collective aspirations of the Ijaw people spread across Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States , being the governor of the Ijaw capital, he bears the responsibility of steering the Ijaw Nation into a new era of constructive engagement with the centre politics which is not defined  by partisanship, but by development purposes.

    Read Also: Bridging Nigeria’s Healthcare Divide: Linking Informal Healthcare Providers to the Formal Health System

    Critics may however differ, but the majority of Ijaw stakeholders stand firmly behind this vision. The Diri administration is currently undertaking audacious infrastructural projects across all three senatorial districts, many of which require federal partnership. Encouragingly, President Tinubu had already demonstrated goodwill by supporting the completion of the long-awaited Nembe–Ogbia Road, a project that had lingered on the drawing board for over four decades.

    Other critical roads such as the Sagbama–Ekeremor–Agge Road, the Yenagoa–Oporoma–Ukubie Road, and the Polaku–Sabagreia Road, all demand federal intervention due to their capital-intensive nature. These projects are vital arteries of economic growth for the state.

    Clearly, Bayelsa cannot afford to remain on an island of opposition while development beckons on the mainland of collaboration. As former Military President Ibrahim Babangida once said, “Do not be afraid of taking a decision; history will forgive you for taking a wrong decision but history  will never forgive you for not  taking any decision at all.”

    Governor Douye Diri’s decision to steer Bayelsa out of the straitjacket of partisan rigidity into a new era of progressive partnership is courageous, selfless, and timely. Having been a prominent voice in the Ijaw National Congress and a committed advocate of pan-Ijaw unity, his move reflects a deep understanding of what is best for his people. This is not merely a change of political platform, but a defining statement of purpose that politics must transcend personal ambition and serve the collective good. In doing so, Governor Diri has etched his name in the annals of progressive politics, thereby giving the Ijaw Nation a renewed sense of pride in the unfolding “national handshake” across the Niger and beyond.

    This is not just a political shift, it is a defining moment of purpose. It reaffirms that politics must be about the collective good, not personal ambition. In doing so, Governor Diri has etched his name in the annals of progressive politics and has given the Ijaw Nation a renewed sense of pride in the unfolding “national handshake” across the Niger, and indeed, across the Sahara. As it is always said,

    History will always remember those who saw beyond party lines to place their people on the path of national relevance. That is certainly the judgement  of history beckoning on governor Douye Diri.      

    Jonah Okah , a lawyer /Journalist wrote in this piece from Yenagoa.

  • Enugu political twists and turns

    Enugu political twists and turns

    In politics, as in business, there is no such thing as eternal friendship or enemy. Relationship changes, depending on potential benefits. Furthermore, lying is the second nature of spies, just as changing camps is the second nature of Nigerian politicians. The latest political developments in Enugu State vis-a-vis the political recalibration with the state governor as the major gladiator captured the political twists and turns in the state.

    In the build up to the 2023 general elections, there were fragmentations among the two major political parties (APC and PDP). The state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi PDP, collaborating with the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike under the aegis of G-5 Governors worked against PDP Presidential candidate in favour of APC Presidential candidate. Some notable PDP figures in the state also worked against the PDP Presidential candidate in favour of APC Presidential candidate. At the time of the governorship election, notable APC members worked against the APC governorship candidate, Chief Uche Nnaji in favour of PDP candidate, Dr. Peter Mbah. The APC group that worked against the APC governorship candidate were labeled renegades and ostracized from the party. However, the renegades were unperturbed, maintaining their resolve as members of APC, running a parallel administration to Ugochukwu Agballah lead APC.

    Nigerian democracy has witnessed a series of indiscriminate political defections, with politicians criss-crossing from one political party to another. There is nothing wrong with cross carpeting, simpliciter, if predicated upon well-articulated principles and unimpeachable political ideology. In fact, cross carpeting—within certain precincts—is a fundamental and constitutional right. Nevertheless, with the current trend of cross carpeting being enacted in the Nigerian political landscape, principles, scruples, ideology, and the like, have all been jettisoned for greed, self-interest, and opportunism. Though the legality of the current Nigerian species of cross carpeting may be entrenched, the morality is not. The current spate of cross carpeting, that has become commonplace, whittles down the respected concept of trust; reveals the abject dearth of political ideology; and impinges the entire society negatively. When morality is lost, in a society like Nigeria, then the fabrics of the law and its enforceability are grossly weakened.

    Read Also: Bridging Nigeria’s Healthcare Divide: Linking Informal Healthcare Providers to the Formal Health System

    The latest political shenanigan in Enugu State was precipitated by the state governor’s bid to join the APC, while the state chapter of the APC stood against that, insisting the governor should remain in PDP. However, the national leadership of APC wanted Governor Mbah in the party, and were therefore, at cross purposes with the state executive. Though the disagreement between the state and national executive of the APC in respect of Governor Mbah’s move was not in the public domain, the torrent of events in the past two weeks confirmed the cold war was on.

    The PDP intra-party crisis which started after the Presidential primaries of 2022, escalated, becoming a hydra-headed monster, threatening the ambitions of the party members including Peter Mbah’s second term ambition. In that vein, members including Governor Peter Mbah choose to decamp, abandoning the crisis-laden PDP. He set his sights on APC, notwithstanding the fact that Enugu State APC is equally experiencing turbulence, as there are two camps. Going by the unwritten codes of Nigerian political parties, the highest ranking political office holder in any state is automatically the Party leader. So, Chief Uche Nnaji, the Honourable Minister of Innovation Science and Technology was the APC leader in Enugu State and his camp is chaired by Ugochukwu Agballah, and supported by the national executive. Chief Uche Nnaji who lost to Peter Mbah in the 2023 election has the intention of contesting again in 2027 on the platform of APC. On that note, the expectation was that Peter Mbah and Uche Nnaji will engage in political negotiations to decide who flies the party flag in 2027 or contest the party primaries to choose the gubernatorial candidate of the party in the state. However, events of the past two weeks changed the political configuration in the state; as Uche Nnaji was thrown under the bus and the APC structure handed over to the opposing camp, through the formation of a caretaker committee headed by Dr. Ben Nwonye, former chairman of the state executive and key figure in the anti-Uche Nnaji camp. 

    One thing is certain, Uche Nnaji, Peter Mbah and Ben Nwonye are Nkanu men, so their rivalry could be described as sibling squabble. Do I hear you say, I’m trivializing a serious issue? Remember, the positions they are contesting are transient and there is life after politics. Do I hear you, again, saying the actions were unfair? Sometimes, discussing equity and fairness with Nigerian politicians seems like discussing law and order with a crime boss. My advice, therefore, is that the political game should be played with caution, making provision for the morning after. Their followers should be cautious, avoiding actions and utterances capable of complicating matters. We are all people of Enugu State and should be our brother’s keeper. Say No to politics of bitterness.

    Political parties in this Republic are besieged with the crisis of internal management. Parties are run by ‘Big Men’, godfathers or in most instances holders of executive power at both central and state levels. The parties, which are important instruments of democracy, are themselves undemocratic. The principles of fairness, transparency and internal democracy, which are core in the evolution and development of political parties, are flagrantly undermined by party leaders and their collaborators. In particular, party conventions and candidate selection processes are characterized with corruption, imposition and confrontations of various sorts. In essence, candidates for both party positions and general elections are not allowed to compete freely and fairly as provided for even in the constitutions of the parties. This trend makes parties in Nigeria a major source of confrontational politics.

     Richard Vengrolf (1993) asserted that: Whether or not a party system significantly contributes to the political process of a country is linked to the several factors, including the development and the maintenance of strong party organization with the depth and breadth necessary for their operations, and the degree of the institutionalization of the party as indicated by its historical roots, longevity, and survival and continuing support. The ability to meet these conditions is indicative of their strength, their future survival and success and their potential contribution to the institutionalization of democratic government.

    •Onovo, an engineer sent this from Lekki, Lagos. jekwuonovo@gmail.com

  • Lagos APC to Momodu: no room for ethnic politics

    Lagos APC to Momodu: no room for ethnic politics

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, Dele Momodu, to stop playing the ethnic card ahead of 2027.

    It said Momodu had masqueraded political showmanship as a strategy, adding that the magazine publisher lacked the credentials to offer strategic counsel to the opposition on how to get power.

    Lagos APC described Momodu as a serial political tourist, who has suddenly anointed himself as a strategic adviser to a confused opposition.

    The Publicity Secretary, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, said in a statement that it was wrong for Momodu to ask the opposition to play the ethnic card since, in his own words, “Jonathan and Obi can’t defeat Tinubu.”

    The statement reads: “While we thank him for finally admitting the obvious – that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains politically unstoppable – we must question the audacity and credentials of a man whose own political history is nothing but a long tale of experiments, misadventures, and failed auditions for relevance.

    READ ALSO; MC Mbakara, wife open up on daughter’s nine-year cerebral palsy struggle

    “What moral or strategic authority does Dele Momodu possess to lecture anyone about political strategy? A man who is literally attached to the apron strings of a career presidential aspirant. A presidential candidate whose electoral outing was so embarrassing that even his polling agents couldn’t locate his tally on the result sheet?

    “If anything, Momodu should be the last person to speak on winning strategies. His own record reads like a manual on how not to win in politics – loud on commentary, empty on substance, and perpetually chasing validation from political heavyweights who never take him seriously.

    “It is, therefore, sheer comic relief that a man whose entire political relevance is confined to social media timelines now presumes to dictate the opposition’s roadmap to 2027. Nigerians know better. They know that leadership is earned through vision, performance, and consistency – not through editorials written from the sidelines of social gigs.

    “Let it be known that the days of weaponising ethnicity as a shortcut to power are long gone. The Nigerian electorate has evolved. They are now focused on who can deliver results, not who can divide the nation.

    Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is being rebuilt on the foundation of equity, inclusion, and reform. From infrastructural renewal to economic stabilisation and social investment, this administration is proving that leadership is about ideas, not identity.

    “Mr Momodu should therefore focus on rediscovering his own political direction before attempting to offer others advice. If the opposition is truly desperate for guidance, perhaps the first counsel they should heed is to stop listening to those who have never won anything, not even a councillorship election.

    Truth be told, political realists have accepted the defeat of the opposition, come Year 2027, individually and collectively.

    “The 2027 election will be a referendum on competence and performance, not on ethnicity or nostalgia. And in that contest, Dele Momodu’s brand of political showmanship will have no place.”

  • How Sokoto gov achieved peaceful coexistence in state – Commissioner for Religious Affairs Sani

    How Sokoto gov achieved peaceful coexistence in state – Commissioner for Religious Affairs Sani

    Dr. Jabir Sani has been entrusted by Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto with the responsibility of overseeing the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Sokoto State. The ministry, among other responsibilities, manages religious affairs, and ensures peaceful coexistence among the different religious groups within the state. Maihulla holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, an LLM in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies from the University of East London, UK, a B.A. in Hadith and Islamic Studies from the Islamic University of Madinah, among others. Before his appointment by the governor, he was Head of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Sokoto State University and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies at the same institution. In this interview, Maihulla speaks about his crucial assignment, the challenges of working in government, and the achievements recorded so far by the ministry.

    Your ministry is not particularly new. The only difference is that Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto has matched his words with action. Can you, in a nutshell, talk about the mandate of your ministry?

    The ministry, as you rightly observed, is not a new one. His Excellency, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, the former governor, first established the ministry during his tenure. Being a highly religious person, he institutionalized religion by creating the ministry because Islam is a way of life. The Islamic religion is considered a complete way of life because it encompasses all aspects of human existence. It’s not just about religious rituals—it also provides guidance for living and addresses spiritual, social, economic, and political issues.

    For example, in personal conduct, it emphasizes ethics, morality, hygiene, and spiritual development. In social relationships, it guides interactions with non-Muslims and promotes social justice. The same applies to economic matters—wealth distribution, principles of trade, etc. So, by investing in religious affairs, the governor is addressing many issues. Take personal hygiene: a Muslim who is hygienic and keeps his environment clean will hardly need to go to the hospital. A true Muslim will not cheat or overcharge. If we provide water at the mosque, we are killing two birds with one stone—water for worshippers to perform their rituals and for the community to use.

    So, the mandate of the ministry is to touch the lives of the people, and I pray that our father, Senator Wamakko, and the governor will be rewarded for their services to Islam. His Excellency has shown the political will by reviving the ministry and ensuring that it functions. To show that he means business, it’s one of his 9-Point Smart Agendas on which he campaigned for the governorship election in 2023. The governor truly deserves commendation.

     To ensure the ministry functions effectively, he appointed a technocrat. In the past, politicians ran the ministry. With all modesty, I was a lecturer in Islamic Studies at the university and a Chief Imam of a mosque and I also studied religious affairs in the United Kingdom.

    So, if we’re talking about tolerance—I understand that, having studied in a multicultural and multi-religious society. I have lived and studied in secular societies, so I understand that visitors and non-indigenes deserve to live in peace. My background has helped in driving the ministry in the right direction.

    So your mandate is all-inclusive?

    Yes, but basically, it is to manage everything religious in the state: to ensure religious harmony and mutual coexistence among all people, and to make sure that places of worship are decent and the welfare of the people—regardless of their faith—is catered for. It might interest you to know that people of all faiths come to us for assistance, and we do assist them. We work hand in hand to manage crises. The reason those crises haven’t escalated is due to the good relationship that we maintain with all stakeholders as part of our mandate. So, one of the key mandates of the ministry is to manage religious affairs and ensure peaceful coexistence among the different religious groups within the state.

    READ ALSO; MC Mbakara, wife open up on daughter’s nine-year cerebral palsy struggle

    Why is a religious affair one of Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s 9-Point Smart Agenda items? Being the seat of the Caliphate and the home of Usman Dan Fodio, people shouldn’t really be surprised?

    You’ve made a fundamental point—one that, unfortunately, is lost on many people. Sokoto State, being the seat of the Caliphate and the home of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio, is a state where Islam is a way of life, and that’s no fluke. People shouldn’t be surprised. In everything, the people give religion utmost priority.

    Islam, being a way of life, allows the governor to address several issues at once. For instance, by rehabilitating mosques and providing them with water and solar power, the governor is not only enhancing the worship experience but also addressing health, water, and sanitation issues. You don’t go to the market every day, but if you are a Muslim, you must pray five times a day, which means coming into contact with many people and potential health risks. So, by ensuring that mosques are in hygienic condition, we are helping to ensure that our people remain healthy.

    Our investment has several benefits across various sectors. We’ve eliminated diseases that usually spread from unsanitary mosque toilets. So, religion being part of the Governor’s 9-Point Smart Agenda goes beyond worship—it touches on many aspects of life. In some other countries, the ministry is called the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Guidance. We also engage in guidance, but in Sokoto State, the name of the ministry remains ‘Religious Affairs.’

    Would it be fair to conclude that this is not about politics, and that the governor’s decision reflects the wishes of the people of Sokoto State?

    The Governor making religious affairs one of his 9-Point Smart Agenda priorities is certainly not about politics. But for those who insist it is, my response is that this is good politics. During Ramadan, for instance, we fed the people. We also launched a campaign against traders hiking the prices of commodities. The Zakat Agency is doing fantastic work—sponsoring orphans and less privileged students in higher institutions. They are able to do this from the proceeds donated by wealthy individuals.

    The campaign for people to live holy lives and to worship in a conducive environment is not politics. If it were politics, His Excellency would have appointed a politician to lead the ministry—but he chose someone who is apolitical. And politics, after all, is about what the people want. The people of Sokoto State have made it clear that they want the government to pay attention to religion. The governor vigorously campaigned on the 9-Point Smart Agenda and won, meaning the people accepted it.

    Again, if it were politics, there are mosques that openly campaigned against the governor during the 2023 elections. These Imams opposed Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, but we are still working with them because their worshippers are our citizens and are included in our welfare packages. If it were purely political, we would have sidelined them. But that’s not our approach.

    So how has Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto achieved peaceful coexistence?

    Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto has achieved peaceful coexistence in several ways. First, he has been fair to everyone—including those who didn’t vote for him—and has treated all parts of the state justly. For instance, he has concentrated development in the Sokoto metropolis and has constructed roads in areas inhabited by so-called non-indigenes. That’s what true leadership is, and it makes everyone feel included.

    As a matter of policy, the government of Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto pays WAEC/NECO fees for all students, without discrimination. That sense of belonging is very important. When the United States Ambassador to Nigeria visited Sokoto, he commended the administration for how it has managed religious diversity. Believe me, since Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto came on board, there hasn’t been any religious tension between the adherents of the two main religions in the state.

    So the governor has made your job easier?

     Yes, he has—by being fair and just in the distribution of projects and by carrying everyone along. At the end of the day, the most important thing is good governance, justice, and equity.

    Even in upholding Islamic Sharia law, the rights of people of other faiths are protected. No one is forced to appear before a Sharia court. Even for Muslims, it’s optional. It’s just like Islamic banking—not every Muslim subscribes to halal banking. That’s their choice. Some prefer conventional banks, and they are comfortable with those. It’s the same with the Sharia courts—nobody is forced against their will to appear before them.

     If I understand the governor correctly, your ministry has the responsibility to ensure that all areas of modern life comply with Islamic principles. This likely informed the re-establishment of Hisbah as part of efforts to arrest the moral drift. So far, is Hisbah on track?

     First, a few clarifications. The fact that we have a mandate to arrest moral decline doesn’t mean Hisbah will go around flogging people or infringing on their rights. While we believe Hisbah can play a role, we are also mindful of legal boundaries and the fact that the law presumes everyone innocent until proven guilty.

    So, what we’ve done is to focus on enlightenment campaigns through town halls, mosques, and electronic media—programmes moderated by experts in Islamic jurisprudence. People must be informed.

    For example, we collaborated with the Saudi Arabian government to train Imams and muezzins on delivering Friday sermons. Saudi Arabia is a model of religious tolerance. Have you ever heard of religious violence there, despite the presence of different sects? There, an Imam doesn’t just climb the pulpit and say whatever suits him. There’s a committee that vets sermons.

    The training was enlightening and comprehensive. They asked the Imams: what is the purpose of your Friday sermon? Is it to insult the government, the people, or other religions? Or is it to guide the people on peaceful coexistence and the hereafter? They also advised adding discussions about health and business to sermons.

    Even the call to prayer has etiquettes. I’m glad our participants were exposed to all of that. Social media influencers, media owners, representatives of the NBC, and university professionals also participated in the training. The central message was: use your platforms to build, not to destroy. Simply having a platform doesn’t give anyone the license to lie or incite violence.

    We also organized training for butchers—educating them on the slaughtering of animals according to Islamic principles, ensuring that the animals are healthy, and not tampering with scales. During Ramadan, we ran an extensive campaign promoting accurate measurements. We even bought and distributed proper measurement tools.

    Only when people violate the law does Hisbah step in. Guidance is another major part of the ministry’s mandate—guidance toward doing what is right. Hisbah is more like community policing. That’s why they are unarmed and operate based on reconciliation. They don’t detain people. When the governor launched the corps, he made it clear that they are not in competition with the police, but complementary to them.

    The board includes representatives from all security agencies, the Sultanate Council, and the Ministry of Justice. Hisbah is a legally authorized peacekeeping body representing the people. To date, they have no court cases against them—something some criticize as a sign of weakness. But it simply shows that they operate within the law. There have been no reports of them violating anyone’s rights.

     So what steps have you taken to prevent potential human rights violations by Hisbah? The governor himself promised that your ministry would ensure there are no abuses like we’ve seen elsewhere.

     We have taken several concrete steps. First, we are deliberate in recruiting people who are passionate about service and who are educated. In Sokoto State, we’ve ensured that the composition of Hisbah includes representatives from law enforcement agencies—the State Security Service, the Nigerian Police Force, the Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Bar Association, Local Government representatives, and the Sultanate Council.

    This means that before any decision is taken, there is a consensus guided by law, tradition, and due process. Secondly, Hisbah members are constantly trained. For example, in Sokoto State, the law prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol, but Hisbah doesn’t simply go around confiscating alcoholic beverages. They must first obtain a court order. This shows how committed we are to the rule of law. We ask the court: do we have the legal right to destroy this alcohol? Once we get a judgment, we carry out our duty accordingly.

     What is the current strength of the Hisbah corps?

     I may not be able to give the exact current number because we recently conducted a new recruitment exercise. The first batch consisted of about 230 members.

     Let’s talk about the Zakat and Waqf Agency. Has the agency made the desired impact—touching the lives of ordinary people?

     God bless our father and leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, who established the Zakat Agency out of love for the people and his deep understanding of Islam. The agency focuses on the welfare of the people. Basically, it collects contributions from wealthy individuals and distributes them to the poor and less privileged. The government also contributes financially, and the agency receives funding from international donors.

    It also engages in income-generating activities like farming and real estate. The agency is doing fantastically well, and the people are very happy. Most of the farmhands employed are orphans, who not only get paid but also have their education funded from the proceeds. Some of their students are currently studying in Malaysia in courses relevant to the development of Sokoto State.

    The agency uses what we call the Productive Zakat Model—it doesn’t just give handouts. It invests in businesses, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship.

     Two years down the road, what are your ministry’s major achievements?

     My first achievement is the successful revival of the ministry, which had practically died. The previous administration killed not just this ministry, but many others, along with many vital projects. The Ministry of Religious Affairs only functioned during major Islamic celebrations—basically to share foodstuffs and animals during Sallah—then it would go dormant.

    Today, the ministry is completely transformed. We have defined our responsibilities under five key areas: Infrastructure: We’ve engaged in the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and outright construction of mosques and Islamic schools. The governor believes that places of worship should be beautiful and conducive for worshippers. We’ve also invested in securing cemeteries and constructing proper drainage systems. We pay allowances to those maintaining the cemeteries to prevent them from being accessed by people with evil intentions. So far, we’ve built or reconstructed 65 mosques across the state. Every local government has at least one mosque, and some have two. We also install solar power and boreholes in many of these locations.

    Welfare: The governor disapproved of the idea of Imams begging for money. In the past, due to poverty, some people used to “buy” Imams to serve their interests. Today, we pay allowances to Imams and render other assistance as needed. This has helped restore their dignity and independence. We also support individuals on compassionate grounds—after proper verification. The allowances approved for mosques now allow them to employ cleaners.

    Morality and Sanity: This is where Hisbah plays a vital role. Our society is facing serious challenges such as drunkenness and indecent dressing. While we don’t enforce a dress code, we do engage the youth in meaningful conversations on decent dressing. We also resolve disputes—between neighbors and even between mosque committees and worshippers.

    These are the core areas we have structured our activities around, and the transformation is visible across the state.

     You interact with the public daily. What’s the general feedback on Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s performance?

     Whenever I meet people—both within and outside Sokoto—the message is always one of appreciation for the governor. His accomplishments are clear. We have weekly programmes on many television stations across the country, so people are able to follow the government’s projects. I’ve personally delivered many appreciation letters and plaques from various organizations to the Governor.

    People are constantly praying for him. Sokoto people are good people. Once you work for them sincerely, they will support and pray for you. I’ve become something of a courier of goodwill messages to the Governor because people can see his numerous projects and his dedication. I’m happy to be that errand boy.

     Give us your honest assessment of Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s implementation of his 9-Point Smart Agenda.

     I think he has done fantastically well. I’m not a politician, so I can afford to speak honestly to the people of Sokoto State—and to Nigerians at large.

     The opposition has tried to paint Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto in a negative light. You work closely with him—do you believe he is capable of harming anyone?

     Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, whom I’ve come to know and work with, cannot hurt a fly. He is a God-fearing, a  man of integrity, and a firm believer in the rule of law and due process. While he is a politician by definition, his politics is not a ‘do-or-die’ affair. The opposition has resorted to name-calling only after they realized he had politically outperformed them. They are dazed by his numerous achievements. Let’s not forget—they squandered their own opportunity and they now want to blame the Governor for their failures.

    If Governor Ahmad were intolerant, I would know. For example, if he were vengeful, he would’ve discouraged me from assisting Imams who campaigned against him during the 2023 elections. But he’s done nothing of the sort. I meet opposition members regularly, and they’ve openly admitted that they will continue to harass him, hoping something negative might stick. That’s just the ugly side of politics.

     Can we take it for granted that his second term is guaranteed?

     We hope and pray so—for the good of the people of Sokoto State. We want him to consolidate on his achievements. For restoring the people’s confidence in governance and embarking on impactful projects, Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto certainly deserves a second term.

     So where do you hope to see Sokoto State after Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto completes eight years in office?

     At the end of our dear governor’s impactful eight years, I hope to see a prosperous and peaceful Sokoto State. My prayer is that the next governor will be just as committed and passionate about the state’s development as Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto.

    I trust our elders to identify a worthy successor. Our father and leader, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, deserves praise for recognizing Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s leadership qualities and believing in him when others doubted his capacity. I’m extremely proud that the Governor hasn’t disappointed us.

    My loyalty is to Sokoto State. So, whoever can improve Sokoto State better than the current Governor will have my unflinching support.

  • Diri’s resignation from PDP and implications for Bayelsa, Jonathan, APC

    Diri’s resignation from PDP and implications for Bayelsa, Jonathan, APC

    Bayelsa is the latest state in the Southsouth geopolitical zone inching closer to joining the All Progressives Congress (APC). In fact, the defection is concluded. The state Governor, Senator Douye Diri and almost his entire Peoples Democratic Party’s political family will soon hoist the APC’s flag at the Creek Haven, sobriquet for the Government House located at the Onopa area of Yenagoa, the state capital.

    They have already taken the first step. Governor Diri translated the process from a dream to a reality when he formally announced his resignation from the PDP during the recent state executive council’s meeting. It was a bold move. All his cabinet members aligned immediately with the decision. The entire eight local government chairmen of the state joined him in dumping the party.

    The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, who has been leading the second arm of the government since June 6, 2023, as the seventh Speaker in the Assembly’s history, was in attendance when Diri announced his resignation.

     Ingobere and 13 other members of the House toed a similar path and immediately abandoned the PDP. In fact, 14 members of the PDP and two members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)  in the House of Assembly also resigned the membership of their parties. The Bayelsa House of Assembly already has five members of the APC, who also accepted the decision of the governor.

    READ ALSO: Military debunks report of alleged coup to overthrow Tinubu

    Therefore, out of the 17 PDP lawmakers in the House, only three persons, identified as Godbless Oyinke, Ted Elemoforo and Wisdom Fafi, reportedly refused to follow the body language of the governor. They are said to be staunch loyalists of Diri’s predecessor, Henry Seriake Dickson, who is also the incumbent Senator representing the Bayelsa West Senatorial District.

    Of course, as expected, Dickson and Senator Benson Agadaga, who represents Bayelsa East Senatorial District, where the former President Goodluck Jonathan hails from, held tight to the PDP. But Kombowei Benson, who represents the Bayelsa Central Senatorial District of Diri, took his action a step further. He did not just resign his membership of the PDP; he also immediately announced his defection to the APC, and his letter was read on the floor of the Senate.

     Indeed, there is no need to doubt the political destination of Diri and his intimidating number of followers. They are heading for the APC, internal harmonisation to fully admit them in the party, which is currently conquering unbelievable territories, is ongoing. Before his resignation, it was gathered that Diri was asked by the national APC to inform Dr Samuel Ogbuku of his plan to join the party.

    Unknown to many, Ogbuku, who is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is seen by Villa as the leader of the APC in the state. He currently holds the yam and the knife. The pioneer leader of the party and former Governor Timipre Sylva has since been displaced from his roles as the Bayelsa party leader following his failures to resolve his differences with the Presidency and the national party.

     Sylva was reportedly caught pants down working against the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Sylva, who was the Minister of State for Petroleum as at the time Tinubu was the candidate of the APC was accused of joining the failed grand plot and conspiracy to frustrate the chances of the party at the poll by among other actions creating artificial petroleum scarcity the same way the former Central Bank of Nigeria’s Governor, Emefiele enabled nationwide naira scarcity through his naira redesign policy.

     Therefore, Ogbuku, who has warmed himself into the hearts of the Presidency and the national party, was said to have assumed the leadership of the party in Bayelsa. Everything coming from the APC to Bayelsa reportedly passes through him. He earned the ears of the President through his performance and his unique political engagements. While Sylva has never had direct contact with the President since he assumed office, Ogbuku has maintained constant touch with Tinubu and the leadership echelon of the APC.

     Without mincing words, Ogbuku holds the key to Diri’s move to the APC, and with the door already opened for him by the NDDC boss, the governor and his entourage will soon take their rightful place in the broom party. It was gathered that while Sylva has played no part in the ongoing major political event in his party, Ogbuku is said to be harmonising positions of leadership in Bayelsa APC with the governor.

     After the ongoing internal harmonisation, the national APC is expected to dissolve the already factionalised Bayelsa APC and set up a technical committee which will midwife a fresh APC Congress in the state. Diri is expected to announce his defection to the APC after the dissolution, which sources said was a matter of days.

     Why will Diri abandon the PDP? While some persons, especially the critics of the governor, keep asking the question, others choose to ask: why won’t he dump the PDP? In fact, there are compelling reasons the governor should follow his colleagues in the geopolitical zone, such as Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, to jump ship.

     PDP is currently a sinking ship. It has been torn apart by a prolonged internal crisis, and its leaders do not seem to have a solution to the imbroglio. The leaders of the PDP, out of selfish interest, egoism and lack of personal sacrifices, allowed the empire of their party to crumble.

     Those, considered the pillars of the party,  who should have murdered sleep to seek an end to the crisis, are busy groping around and seeking other platforms to actualise their political ambitions in 2027.

     Besides, with the party engulfed in endless legal battles, people are afraid that the party may be barred from contesting the forthcoming 2027 general election; a similar scenario played out in Rivers State against the APC in 2019.

     It was gathered that Diri’s decision to join the APC was borne out of his desire to protect the political and economic interests of his state, especially as the festering PDP crisis has crept into his state. George Turnah, an ally of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, has been dragging the leadership of the PDP with the governor’s camp casting anxieties and uncertainties in the state.

     Even the governor captured the reason for his resignation when he declared: “Today, I have formally resigned from the PDP for very obvious reasons”. Most people believe that the governor’s veiled reference to “very obvious reasons”, was only pointing to the intractable raging dispute in the PDP that has defied all possible solutions and has rendered the party impotent, hopeless and helpless.

     Undoubtedly, Diri’s resignation and his ongoing move to join the APC will affect the political trajectory of the state.  Bayelsa has been governed by the PDP since 1999, when the late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha took over the mantle of leadership. It ranks as the only PDP state in the South-South that has secured the highest political position in the country under the party. It produced Dr Goodluck Jonathan first as the Vice-President and later as the President of the country.

     But despite the fortunes the state enjoyed on the platform of the PDP in terms of political positions, Bayelsa remained grossly underdeveloped. Jonathan’s presidency brought no tangible development to the state.

     The Senatorial roads never received significant attention; the capital city, Yenagoa, was so underdeveloped that Dickson, who was the governor for eight years, described it as a “forest capital”. The number of local government areas was not increased as it remained eight under Jonathan.

     The state was so underdeveloped that even Jonathan, as a President, then had no good road to access his Otuoke village and other communities in his Ogbia Local Government Area. Dickson was so pissed with the woeful performance of Jonathan that he referred to Jonathan’s Presidency as wasted six years. While addressing his people on one of the days designated to commemorate the feats of the late Isaac Adaka Boro, a governor, Dickson said: “Ijaw wasted six years at the Presidency”.

     But observers discovered that some form of tangible development has crept into the state since Diri’s second term, following the economic policies of the APC national government led by President Tinubu. Tinubu has also incorporated inclusivity and political engagement of stakeholders in his government, dealing fairly with all the governors in terms of revenue and resource redistribution.

     With more money accruing to the governors, Diri has been able to confront the Senatorial roads from all fronts; build new Yenagoa city and take advantage of the decentralisation of the power sector by Tinubu to embark on an ambitious 24-hour power generation project through turbines, among others.

     Therefore, with his administrative style of accommodating all interests, Tinubu is said to have made the APC attractive to all, especially the governors.

     In fact, Diri’s resignation from the PDP has dealt a deadly blow to the rumoured plot to enrol Jonathan into the forthcoming presidential race. There is no doubt that Jonathan’s popularity has waned since he left power in 2015 and preferred his global ambassadorial peace roles to taking an active part in politics.

     With no home political support base, general perceptions of his failures when he was the President, as well as Diri’s looming move to join Tinubu in the APC, it becomes a political suicide to venture into any presidential electoral contest.

     To avoid embarrassment, such a move could tarnish his image, many well-meaning leaders from his state have been calling on him to bury the dream. Immediately after Diri dumped the PDP, a former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Israel Sunny-Goli, told Jonathan to bury the thought.

     He said: “People have been speculating about him contesting the next election. I believe Jonathan will not make the mistake of contesting for the 2027 elections as speculated by political jobbers because the odds are against him. “

     Jonathan’s rumoured ambition was reportedly said to be the reason why High Chief Government Ekpomoupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, visited him in Yenagoa at the weekend. Though Jonathan said the visit of Tompolo, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL) in charge of pipeline surveillance contract in the Niger Delta, was to discuss some issues arising from the operations of the company, it was gathered that Tompolo came to give him reasons why he should not think of returning to the Villa much less contesting against Tinubu.

     Besides, Diri’s dumping of PDP will soon turn the state into an APC-controlled state, with whatever is left in the PDP and other parties acting as the opposition. Hitherto, the APC was the only party providing opposition in the state. Other parties have been the appendage of the ruling PDP. Diri’s movement to the APC will temporarily destroy every form of opposition in the state, pending their regrouping in another party.

     If the PDP survives the legal battle in court and defeats Wike’s faction, then the likes of Dickson and others still left in the PDP may rebuild it, while the faction loyal to Wike’s group may decide to join Diri in the APC, making the party numerically stronger. But if the PDP loses to Wike’s faction, Dickson and others may decide to join any other party, likely the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar may choose as his political platform for the 2027 Presidential election.

     Apart from the foregoing, Diri’s looming defection will nearly complete the political unification of the Southsouth geopolitical zone ahead of the 2027 general election. With Edo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, and now Bayelsa states in one APC, it was gathered that the process of bringing the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to the broom party has commenced.  Already, 20 out of the 23 local government areas in Rivers are under the administration of the APC. Observers believe that the plan to make the zone speak in one voice in the 2027 election is a done deal.

     Beyond the one-party rhetoric of Dickson as his reason for criticising Diri’s move, it was gathered that the former Governor believes that his political future will be more guaranteed as an opposition leader in the state. Dickson was a master of opposition politics in the state before he joined the PDP, and former President Jonathan foisted him on the people as their governor.

     Already, his ambition to remain in the Senate is being threatened by the zoning formula in his senatorial district, which comprises Sagbama and Ekeremor local government areas, and any attempt to join the governor in APC amidst many contending interests may finally bury the ambition.

     In fact, the general acceptance of Diri’s dumping of the PDP and his looming move to the APC showed that the governor did his homework well. He consulted widely. The slogan of most political bigwigs in the state, such as a former member of the House of Representatives, Warman Ogoriba, is “where the governor go, we will go”.

     Both factions of the PDP in the state have since congratulated him. The Wike’s faction, controlled by George Turnah, bemoaned the development but accepted the resignation of Diri, saying the move was guaranteed by the fundamental human rights enshrined in the constitution. Turnah immediately summoned a meeting of members of the PDP caretaker committee in the state.

    The other faction of the PDP, led by its state Chairman, Solomon Agwanana, immediately called an emergency meeting of its state executive committee and accepted the resignation of Diri. The committee acknowledged the democratic credentials of Diri, but affirmed its loyalty to the ideals of the party, insisting that its structures across the state were intact.

     A former President, Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, who welcomed the resignation of Diri from PDP and his moves to join the APC, warned against sidelining Sylva from the process.

     Eradiri, who is also a chieftain of the APC in Bayelsa, appealed to Diri to first call a stakeholders’ meeting and use his influence and position as a governor to resolve the internal crisis rocking the APC in the state.

     The former Commissioner for Youths and later Environment in Bayelsa, specifically asked Diri to unite the camps of former Governor Timipre Sylva and the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri.

     Eradiri warned Diri against succumbing to any pressure to sideline Sylva, the pioneer leader of the APC in Bayelsa, positing that leaving out the former governor in the ongoing negotiations would be counterproductive.

     He said Diri was expected to bring his peaceful demeanour to the APC and to manage the differences in the party the same way he worked amicably with all the interests in the PDP.

    Addressing the governor, Eradiri said: “I believe that your coming to APC is to come and also manage this emotion to the point where we will have one strong party because the day you join the APC, you will become the leader by the Constitution of the party.

    “Former Governor Sylva has contributed immensely to the development of APC. All those people throwing stones at Sylva today were not there when Sylva was toiling and building this party. We were in the PDP, and we fought him to ensure that we had our way. But that strengthens the APC we have in the state today.

    “Heineken Lokpobiri became minister, and he allowed these people to push him around, and he wants to assert leadership. It won’t work. There must be seeming respect for the man who had toiled and suffered for the foundation of this party. Sylva has supported a lot of people, including the Minister. You can’t just push him aside.

    “We expect that you bring your peaceful demeanour to come and override these interests and lead it as a peaceful house. Bayelsa has a lot of benefits to derive from the APC if we are a strong, united family.

     “We don’t want a situation where you come in and these individuals will begin to push you on one side to undermine Sylva and others, who hold the structure of the party. I am appealing to you to call a stakeholders’ meeting, engage Sylva, the Minister and bring this party together before your formal defection”.

  • Only united APC can defeat PDP in Oyo – Adelabu

    Only united APC can defeat PDP in Oyo – Adelabu

    The 2027 All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has said only united party can defeat the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the State.

    The Minister urged members to set aside individual differences and embrace unity so that the party can come back to power in 2027.

    Speaking during a special visit and consultation to leaders, stakeholders and members of the party in Ibarapa region, the Minister of Power called on members of the party to open a new chapter, adding that Oyo State is a progressive state and must return to progressive fold in 2027.

    Ibarapa consists of seven towns, including Eruwa, Lanlate, Igboora, Idere, Ayete, Tapa and Igangan.

    Adelabu said:”No party can compete with APC in this state, we are progressive, our party must remain one and united.”

    Adelabu, while reacting to comment of party members in attendance, said the region will begin to see improvement in electricity supply because his Ministry has secured fund for completion of the three substation in the region.

    Read Also: Oyo 2027: Adelabu seeks support of TAMPAN, OAPs

    According to him: “Electricity in Ibarapa region is a major concern to me, I will complete the three substation before the expiration of my tenure as Minister of Power. Work will start on the substation in the next one week.

    “I have given Solar powered street light to the region and I will find solution to bad roads in the region if I become the Governor of the state.”

    Adelabu urged residents in the region to continue to support administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying Tinubu loves the nation and doesn’t want any pains for Nigerians.

    Some members of the party pledged support towards the gubernatorial ambition of Adelabu, saying APC will win in the State come 2027.

  • FULL LIST: Political parties control across Nigeria’s geo-political zones

    FULL LIST: Political parties control across Nigeria’s geo-political zones

    In the past few weeks, several Governors elected under the main opposition the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the country heads towards the 2027 general elections.

    The gale of defections has exposed the cracks in the camp of the opposition.

    Meanwhile, the development has strengthened APC’s foothold in Nigeria, particularly in the South-East, weakening the PDP in its otherwise strongholds ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Last week, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State defected from the PDP to the APC alongside the members of the State Executive Council.

    Barely 24 hours later, another PDP governor, Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, resigned his party membership.

    Here’s a breakdown of political parties control across Nigeria’s geo-political zones: 

    South-south

    1. Delta: APC 

    2. ⁠Akwa Ibom: APC

    3. ⁠Edo: APC

    4. ⁠Cross River: APC

    5. ⁠Rivers: PDP

    6. ⁠Bayelsa: No party 

    ——————

    South-east

    1. ⁠Enugu: APC

    2. ⁠Ebonyi: APC

    3. ⁠Imo: APC

    4. ⁠Abia: LP

    5. Anambra: APGA

    ——————–

    South-west

    1. Lagos: APC

    2. ⁠Ekiti: APC

    3. ⁠Ogun: APC

    4. ⁠Ondo: APC

    5. ⁠Oyo: PDP

    Read Also: Alleged contempt: Judge queries INEC’s neutrality in political parties’ internal affairs

    6. ⁠Osun: PDP

    —————

    North-central

    1.  Benue: APC

    2. ⁠Niger: APC

    3. ⁠Kwara: APC

    4. ⁠Nasarawa: APC

    5. ⁠Kogi: APC

    6. ⁠Plateau: PDP

    ——————-

    North-east

    1. Borno: APC

    2. ⁠Yobe: APC

    3. ⁠Taraba: PDP

    4. ⁠Gombe: APC

    5. ⁠Adamawa: PDP

    6. ⁠Bauchi: PDP

    ——————–

    North-west 

    1. ⁠Katsina: APC

    2. ⁠Jigawa: APC

    3. ⁠Sokoto: APC

    4. ⁠Kebbi: APC

    5. ⁠Kaduna: APC

    6. ⁠Zamfara: PDP

    7. Kano: NNPP

  • Oyo 2027: Adelabu seeks support of TAMPAN, OAPs

    Oyo 2027: Adelabu seeks support of TAMPAN, OAPs

    The 2027 governorship aspirant of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has requested for the support of members of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) and On Air Personalities (OAPs) towards realisation of his gubernatorial ambition in 2027.

    He said their support became necessary being one of major influencers of opinions, noting that development and progress of Oyo State is a collective effort which has been a major concern to him.

    Speaking while playing host to TAMPAN members and AOP’s at his Iyaganku, Ibadan residence, the Minister said the role TAMPAN and OAP’s played in shaping the polity and moulding opinions of the electorates can not be overemphasized.

    Adelabu, who clarified that the gathering was not a political gathering, but a solemn assembly between him and those in attendance stated that he was not arrogant nor inaccessible as against believe of some people in the state.

    He said: “I’m one of the most accessible politician in this state and I’m not arrogant as some people said used to say, some people said I’m arrogant and not accessible, that is not true.

    “I’m not stingy, people who move close to me can testify to this, I believe nobody is perfect except God, I called this meeting to have harmonious working relationship with you for us to get to the desired destination.”

    The Minister urged APC members across the State to work in unity so as to wrestle power from PDP come 2027.

    He said PDP wouldn’t have won the 2019 and 2023 governorship election in the state, if not for disunity in the party.

    He said members of APC in the state must unite, speak with one voice and desist from what can divide the party but foster unity so as to come back to power in 2027 in the state.

    He however urged Nigerians, particularly people in the State to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC, adding that though things might seems to be tough now, but assured that their pains will soon turn to gain.

    In their separate remarks, some of the TAMPAN members and OAPs pledged support for Adelabu, assuring him of their contributions towards the success of his gubernatorial ambition.

  • No plans to join APC, says Lawal

    No plans to join APC, says Lawal

    Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal has denied rumours on social media that he is set to decamp to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

    His Senior Special Adviser on Media, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, stated this in a special announcement on the Facebook handle of the Governor’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Mugira Yusuf on Friday.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria to add about 130 million people by 2050, says World Bank

    According to him: “The rumor was corcorted by mischief makers and this is not the first, over a year such an insinuation is going on but outrightly it’s not true.”

  • APC strong enough to manage defections, expectations – Otu ‎

    APC strong enough to manage defections, expectations – Otu ‎

    ‎Cross River Governor Bassey Otu, has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the most formidable political platform capable of managing the wave of defections and the expectations of new entrants and long-standing members ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    ‎Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the quarterly meeting of the APC Governors’ Forum in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Otu attributed the growing attraction to the ruling party to what he described as “the steady and deliberate revival of Nigeria’s economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    ‎“The attraction is simple. The economy is growing, and it’s very clear that His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, is doing the right things. Everyone who truly desires progress and the growth of Nigeria is naturally gravitating toward that direction. People can now see a clear path of economic recovery and stability,” he said. 

    ‎The Governor dismissed insinuations of internal tension within the party, assuring that the APC has the structure and maturity to harmonise interests between its founding and new members. 

    “From the day you join APC, you have equal rights. The machinery put in place is such that there will be no issue. Our main agenda is not about internal politics but about delivering to Nigerians the dividends of good governance,” he stated. 

    Read Also: Ondo APC group pledges 400,000 extra votes for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid

    ‎According to him, the focus of the APC under President Tinubu remains the transformation of the national economy, deepening democratic governance, and ensuring that citizens feel the tangible benefits of reforms being undertaken at both federal and state levels. “It’s not about who came first or last,” he emphasized, “it’s about uniting to build a country that works for everyone.”

    ‎Responding to questions on the 2027 elections, Otu said the performance of the administration and the trajectory of its policies already provide strong grounds for optimism. 

    “The policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda are delivering real results. This meeting is for retrospection, alignment, and collaboration, to ensure that as governors, we are all moving on the right path of sustainable development.”

    ‎The Cross River Governor expressed satisfaction with the pace of progress being recorded nationwide, citing improvements in key sectors. 

    “From the indices and the physical results, we are doing very well. The country is moving in the right direction. There’s visible improvement in almost all areas, and if you check today, agriculture has contributed even more than oil. That is a testament to true diversification,” he said. 

    ‎Otu maintained that the APC government’s economic reforms were not only stabilising the macroeconomic environment but also promoting inclusivity across the federation.

     “Nigeria is on the proper path to recovery,” he reiterated. “It’s good for inclusive governance, and that’s why everyone should come together to deliver on this collective agenda.”

    ‎He called for confidence and unity, urging Nigerians to sustain their faith in the Renewed Hope project. 

    “We are actually doing it,” Otu declared. “The results are showing, and with continued collaboration, we will deliver the Nigeria of our dreams.”