The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • APC, Osun First Lady clash over Remi Tinubu’s business grant support to women

    APC, Osun First Lady clash over Remi Tinubu’s business grant support to women

    No fewer than 200 businesswomen across the 332 wards in Osun State benefitted from the business grant of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to boost their means of livelihood. 

    The gesture conveyed under the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady was in partnership with The Tony Elumelu Foundation to empower the grassroots women across the country. 

    During the presentation of the grants to the Osun Women at Tinubu/Shettima campaign office, Osogbo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Women Leader, Mrs Kudiratu Fakokunde, applauded Remi Tinubu for the initiative, stressing that it will go a long way toward encouraging women to be active contributors to their families’ livelihoods.

    However, she lamented that they were short changed by Osun First Lady, Mrs Titilayo Adeleke, who allegedly deliberately reduced their slots despite pleas that it should be increased to 250/300. 

    She said: “When I went to meet the First Lady of Osun State at Government House, she first said she would give us 100 slots against 300 that ought to be given to us, I opposed the proposal, until we were given 200. Even they she still short changed us. That is not fair.”

    A former aide of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Folake Olaniyan, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and wife. 

    Read Also:  What does Remi Tinubu want?

    She however said: “We want to appeal to them, that they should monitor the programme closely because it is not done equitably. From the previous ones that were done, I noticed that it is not done equitably. The other party is benefiting more than the APC.”

    The Local Government Chairman of Atakunmosa East, Princess Foluso Adekoya, imformed each beneficiary received N50,000 to boost their business. 

    But Chief Press Secretary to Osun First Lady, Adeleke Adewale, denied the claim, saying, “They were never short changed. The empowerment is for 500 people and they were given 200. We use to carry them along for all grants or gesture from the Federal Government.”

  • Rivers LG poll: APC candidate votes, says election free, fair 

    Rivers LG poll: APC candidate votes, says election free, fair 

    The chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Confidence Deko, has described the ongoing local government election in the state as the freest, fairest and the most credible poll in the state in recent time.

    Deko, spoke shortly after voting at his Barako unit in Gokana Local Government Area of the state.

    Read Also: Rivers LG Poll: Roads, streets deserted in Port Harcourt 

    The Barako community witnessed massive turnout of voters at the units 12 to 22, Ward 11 where youths, chiefs, women and elders gathered to vote at the poll.

  • Oborevwori, Nwoko laud Igbo unification movement

    Oborevwori, Nwoko laud Igbo unification movement

    Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has commended the Igbo Unification Movement (IUM) with a promise to always encourage all socio-cultural organisations in the state.

    The Governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Erijo Johnson, gave the commendation at the

    Ogbako-Igbo Zara Igbo Oru na Ndida organised by the Igbo Unification Movement in collaboration with Ndi Na asu BIA Social Cultural Organisation held in Asaba, the state capital.

    Oborevwori noted that the Igbo people play a very key and significant role in the nation, adding that the social-cultural organization would further unite the Igbo people wherever the language is spoken.

    Oborevwori said: “The Igbo people  play a very key and significant role in our nation, Nigeria, today. This cultural organization seeks further to unite Igbo people wherever the language is spoken, and it is heartwarming.

    “The group coming together to bring all Igbo speaking people together in another body is highly commendable and encouraged.

    “I am glad that the Senator representing Delta North is here among you today, and the Delta State government will always ensure to provide and encourage all social cultural organizations in our state.”

    Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) thanked the convener of the event, saying that the Igbo Unification Movement is in line with his philosophy for Anioma State creation.

    Senator Nwoko emphasized that Igbo unity is a core value and sometimes wonders why the Delta Igbo is separated from the others.

    He said discussions are ongoing among stakeholders to create an additional state for the Igbo as a matter of equity. 

    He suggested Anioma as a prime candidate for the proposed state, citing its historical significance in the region.

    He noted the Anioma State creation was the dream of the forefathers, and called for unity irrespective of political affiliations to achieve the dream and also support the state governor.

    Nwoko stated: “We are Igbo wherever we are; we must work together to achieve the Anioma state, and I am supporting the governor  hundred per cent.”

    Supporting this call, keynote speaker Prof. Timothy Uzodinma Nwala endorsed the unification movement and the creation of Anioma State. 

    He stressed the need for inclusive recognition of all Igbo-speaking communities, asserting that unity in identity and purpose is vital for the progress of Ndi Igbo.

  • Rivers LG Poll: Roads, streets deserted in Port Harcourt 

    Rivers LG Poll: Roads, streets deserted in Port Harcourt 

    The Port Harcourt Capital City was devoid of its hustling and bustling on Saturday following the local government elections in Rivers State.

    Apart from regular patrols  by security agencies especially the police and persons on essential duties, other vehicles avoided the roads.

    The ever busy Port Harcourt Slaughter road, Ada George, Elekahia and other areas were deserted.

    All markets, malls and other business areas were shut down.

    Youths were seen playing footballs on most major roads deploying used tyres to create goalposts.

  • Security agencies in show of force ahead of Rivers LG poll

    Security agencies in show of force ahead of Rivers LG poll

    Security agencies in Rivers State have carried out a show of force to reassure residents of safety ahead of the local government elections. 

    The  Police, Army, Navy, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other allied agencies, were seen patrolling  the major streets of Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor during the exercise.

    Read Also: Rivers LG poll: Police vow to deal with cultists, troublemakers

    The exercise kicked off at the Rivers State Police Command Headquarters on Moscow Road and featured a convoy of patrol vehicles showing their  readiness to maintain peace and order during the election.

    Rivers Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, earlier reeled out comprehensive security measures to ensure a free, fair, and credible exercise.

  • SDP vows to strengthen democracy in Ondo

    SDP vows to strengthen democracy in Ondo

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has pledged to deepen democratic governance in Ondo State for the benefit of its citizens.

    State Chairman of the party, Gbenga Akinbuli, made this known on Friday while receiving the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Akure, the state capital.

    Akinbuli said the opposition party is working with other political groups to promote unity and provide a credible alternative for the people.

    “Our focus remains on building a credible alternative for the people of Ondo State and ensuring that democracy works for everyone,” he stated.

    He also commended the IPAC delegation for their solidarity visit and assured them of the party’s continued support for the council’s programmes.

    Read Also: Ondo SDP sacks state secretary overalleged misconduct, financial impropriety

    In his remarks, the IPAC Chairman in the state, Hon. Olaoluwa Adesanya, noted that the SDP is steadily gaining ground in the state’s political landscape.

    He stressed that IPAC’s mandate is not to oppose government blindly but to offer constructive criticism while acknowledging genuine achievements in governance.

    “We recognize the steady growth of the SDP and the contributions of Barrister Akinbuli to deepening democracy in Ondo State. His induction into the council is a step in the right direction,” Adesanya added.

  • Why I’ll back Tinubu over Obi in 2027 – Adeyanju

    Why I’ll back Tinubu over Obi in 2027 – Adeyanju

    Human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has declared that he would vote for President Bola Tinubu if the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the opposition coalition, decides to field Peter Obi as its candidate in the 2027 presidential election.

    Adeyanju made the remark on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief when asked if his criticisms of Obi were an attempt to discredit the former Anambra Governor.

    “God forbid that I support APC. If the opposition presents Peter Obi, I will vote for Tinubu,” he said.

    The rift between Adeyanju and Obi recently escalated into a legal matter after the 64-year-old politician, through his legal team, threatened to sue the activist for alleged defamatory comments on social media and in interviews.

    Adeyanju dismissed the legal threat, saying he was eager to face Obi in court.

    He also accused Obi of promoting what he described as a toxic political culture, pointing to the conduct of some of the “Obidient” supporters during the last election cycle.

    “We cannot have a man who leads a mob that terrorises people online and cannot tolerate criticism, who calls people all sorts of names. Anybody who cannot support their candidate is seen as an enemy of Nigeria or has been paid to do so. That is not democracy,” Adeyanju said.

    Questioning Obi’s democratic credentials, the activist argued that the Labour Party leader had not made sacrifices comparable to those of other Nigerians who fought for the country’s democratic survival.

    “What sacrifices has he made for democracy? Many of us have put our lives on the line at great personal cost. We must sanitise our polity. We cannot have a country where people who terrorise others online dictate the tone of political discourse,” he said.

    Reflecting on his past choices at the polls, Adeyanju insisted that he had always voted based on principle.

    “In my opinion, I have never voted for a bad candidate. In 1999, I voted for Olusegun Obasanjo. In 2011, I voted for Goodluck Jonathan. 

    “In 2015, I voted for Jonathan again, against the so-called lovers of democracy who wanted Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.

  • INEC dismiss ADC claim on CVR pre-registration exercise

    INEC dismiss ADC claim on CVR pre-registration exercise

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alleging possible manipulations of the online pre-registration exercise for the continuous voter registration.

    Chief Press Secretary boy the Chairman of the Commission, Rotimi Oyekunmi dismissed the claims by the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC that number of pre-registrants in Osun State defies “historical patterns and demographic realities”, saying “Nothing can be further from the truth”.

    He said if the party had been careful enough to do due diligence on available records, they would have realised that Osun state had always led the online pre-registration exercise since it was first introduced.

    Rotimi said: “The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been drawn to a press statement attributed to the spokesperson of a political party on the data published by the Commission on the online pre-registration of voters. In particular, the statement claimed that the number of pre-registrants in Osun State defies “historical patterns and demographic realities.” Nothing can be further from the truth.

    “It will be recalled that the Commission rolled out the online pre-registration of voters on 18th August 2025, followed by in-person registration on 25th August 2025. In its usual tradition, the Commission released the data of online pre- registrations from 18th to 24th August, totalling 1,379,342.

    “In the figures released, Osun State led the pack with 393,269, followed by Lagos State – 222,205. The Federal Capital Territory was third with 107,682.

    “With regard to Osun State, the pattern is similar to what occurred in June 2021 when the Commission launched the online pre-registration for the first time. Within the first 24 hours of launching the portal on 28th June 2021, 59,331 accounts were created. By the second week on 12th July 2021, a total of 456,909 accounts were active.

    “Interestingly, Osun state led with 154,893 pre-registrations at the time. In the third week, 752,011 persons had pre-registered and Osun State was at the front with 232,880.

    “By the eighth week on 23rd August 2021, 2,215,832 persons had pre-registered with Osun State still leading with 365,412. In the 11th week of the exercise on 13th September 2021, 2,953,094 individuals had pre-registered, with Osun State still in the lead with 402,619.

    “By 18th April 2022, a total of 8,271,647 Nigerians had pre-registered, and Osun was ahead of all States with 708,782 registrations. If the party were proactive enough, a simple search of past records already in the public domain would have revealed these facts.

    Read Also: Benue, Plateau killings: DSS charges nine with terrorism, unlawful arms possession

    “The Commission was upfront during the last CVR exercise by releasing the data on a weekly basis, until it was concluded in 2022. Besides, all persons who pre-registered online were required to physically visit a designated centre to complete their registration process during which their biometrics were captured.

    “Throughout the last CVR exercise which lasted over four quarters, the Commission paused after each quarter to display the preliminary voters’ register for claims and objections, to enable citizens draw attention to any individual not qualified to be on the register.

    “At the same time, the Commission applied its robust Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) to detect and isolate double registrants. After all the processes and due diligence, over 14 million Nigerians were added to the National Register of Voters for the 2019 General Election, pushing the figure from almost 70 million to 84,004,084 voters.

    “In the same manner, after the 2021/2022 CVR, over 9.4 million new voters were added to the Register, totalling 93,469,008 for the 2023 General Election.

    “While it is not in the Commission’s place to develop conjectures on why any state has more registrants than others on our CVR portal, our duty as a Commission, which we take seriously, is to ensure that only real persons, who meet the criteria stipulated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2022 are allowed to register.

    “The Commission will continue to make information available to the public on the progress of the current online and in-person CVR. We appeal to all well-meaning citizens to be circumspect in going public with information based on sheer conjecture when they can rely on authentic and verifiable data available from our official repositories for both ongoing and historical record of our activities”.

  • Atiku hands over Yola property, former Adamawa PDP secretariat to ADC

    Atiku hands over Yola property, former Adamawa PDP secretariat to ADC

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has handed over one of his many houses in Yola to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its Adamawa State Secretariat.

    The house in view, which is located at a choice area of Jimeta near famous Mubi Roundabout, once served as Adamawa State Secretariat of the PDP and remained in PDP colours up to the time of concluding this report Thursday evening.

    The allocation of the personal property for the use of ADC has come as part of the latest significant moves of Atiku towards making the ADC a major party in Adamawa State.

    Read Also: Akpabio lauds Tinubu over approval, release of funds for constituency projects

    He made one of his boldest statements about his inclination towards the ADC last month when he resigned from the PDP and was quickly followed by the defection of high profile associates of his into the ADC.

    The associates who have swelled the ranks and fame of the ADC include the Adamawa governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023, Senator Aishatu Ahmed (Binani) and APC Governor between 2025 and 2019, Senator Jibrilla Bindow.

    A national official of the ADC and ardent Atiku supporter, Umar Jada, who also happens to be of the same Jada descent as Atiku, has described Atiku’s property gift for Adamawa’s ADC use as a leap towards strengthening ADC’s presence in Adamawa.

    Jada, who is the Assistant National Organising Secretary/Zonal Organising Secretary of the ADC, said the facility will provide the party with a befitting work environment.

    The Chairman of the ADC in Adamawa State, Hon Shehu Yohanna could not be reached for comment on the new ADC State Secretariat but another state official of the party who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Atiku had indeed handed the Mubi Roundabout property for use of the ADC.

    The official said the house had not been painted in ADC colours only because PDD is yet to remove its assets from inside the house.

  • Plank sellers association endorses Tinubu for second term

    Plank sellers association endorses Tinubu for second term

    The Plank Sellers Association of Nigeria has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for second term in office.

    The association endorsed Tinubu during its meeting at Oyo town sawmill.

    Speaking at the meeting, the National President of the association, who is also the chairman, Lagos State Plank and Building Materials Market Association, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Adelodun, hailed Tinubu’s performance in his first two year’s as President of Nigeria.

    Read Also: Akpabio lauds Tinubu over approval, release of funds for constituency projects

    He stated that Tinubu has performed exceptionally well and deserves another term to fulfilled his promises.

    He highlighted key achievements of the President which according to him include progress on the 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and upgrades of Apapa and Lekki ports.

    Others are naira appreciation, student loans benefiting over 500,000 students and an $800 million cash transfer program for vulnerable Nigerians among others.

    Adelodun urged Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and ready for the 2027 polls.

    The endorsement from this key stakeholder group bolsters Tinubu’s re-election campaign.