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  • Edo APC chair dismisses rift with Oshiomhole ahead of party congresses

    Edo APC chair dismisses rift with Oshiomhole ahead of party congresses

    The acting chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, has dismissed claims of discord between him and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, as well as other party leaders in Edo North Senatorial District.

    Tenebe said there were no divisions within the party leadership ahead of the forthcoming APC congresses, stressing that the party remains united.

    Speaking in an interview in Benin City, he said the Edo APC would retain its current leadership structure at the congresses, describing it as a winning team.

    According to him, the only disagreement he had with Senator Oshiomhole was during the party’s 2024 governorship primaries, noting that both leaders later worked together during the campaign and secured victory at the polls.

    He described reports of a rift between him and Oshiomhole as false, adding that preparations for the congresses were progressing smoothly.

    “Our congress is coming and it will be seamless. After that, there will be a national convention, and the APC will come out stronger,” he said.

    Tenebe also said his working relationship with Governor Monday Okpebholo remains cordial, adding that the administration’s performance has earned broad support within the party.

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    He disclosed that all local government chairmen elected on the platform of the Labour Party, as well as 16 chairmen from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had indicated interest in defecting to the APC within the week.

    According to him, the planned defections reflect growing confidence in the APC and signal a weakening of opposition parties in the state.

    Commenting on Governor Okpebholo’s leadership style, Tenebe said the governor had succeeded in uniting stakeholders across political divides, noting that inclusiveness was essential for sustainable development in Edo State.

    “Some party members want to create conflict between the governor and party leaders because division creates camps, and camps create opportunities for personal gain. But the governor is smart and focused. His goal is unity so that the dividends of democracy can be delivered easily to the Edo people.

    “It is not the duty of the ruling party to protect the opposition. It is the responsibility of the opposition to be formidable. The Constitution guarantees freedom of association. If anyone wants to associate with us, we will accept them. I am not bothered even if all political parties collapse into the APC. If all journalists and even INEC collapse into APC, I will be happy.”

  • Ex-INYA president Umuakpo defects with 1,000 supporters to APC in Delta

    Ex-INYA president Umuakpo defects with 1,000 supporters to APC in Delta

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has received a major political boost following the defection of renowned youth leader and former National President of the Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA), Comrade Ovie Umuakpo, joined the party alongside over 1,000 supporters.

    The high-profile defection, widely described by political observers as a significant realignment in the state’s political landscape, took place recently at Ovrode in Isoko North Local Government Area.

    The event drew top government officials, party leaders, stakeholders, and a large crowd of APC faithful who gathered to formally welcome the influential youth mobiliser and his supporters into the party.

    Among those present to receive Comrade Umuakpo were the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme; the APC Chairman of Ellu/Aradhe/Ovrode Ward 3, Chief Patrick Ferife; as well as other party chieftains and grassroots leaders from across the area.

    Speaking at the event, party leaders hailed the defection as a testament to the growing acceptance of the APC in Delta State, particularly among youths, and expressed confidence that the development would further strengthen the party’s grassroots base ahead of future elections.

    Formally declaring his allegiance to the APC, Umuakpo, who currently serves as Executive Assistant to the Governor on Education Monitoring, said his decision was anchored on loyalty, conviction and confidence in the leadership of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. 

    He stated unequivocally that where the Governor stands politically is where he stands, stressing that he strongly believes in the Governor’s MORE Agenda and its vision for inclusive growth, peace and sustainable development across Delta State.

    Umuakpo urged leaders and people of Ellu, Aradhe and Ovrode wards, as well as Deltans at large, to close ranks behind Governor Oborevwori, whom he described as a visionary, fair-minded and detribalised leader committed to delivering tangible dividends of democracy to all parts of the state. 

    Welcoming the new entrants, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, commended Comrade Umuakpo and his supporters for what he described as a wise and timely decision to join the ruling party, assuring them of full inclusion and equal treatment within the APC. 

    “As you are joining us today, you should know that you are already considered old members of the party,” Onojaeme declared. 

    “In this party, there is no discrimination. When we joined last year, we were warmly and wholeheartedly received, and for almost one year now, we have enjoyed full inclusion without any form of discrimination.” 

    He noted that the APC leadership in the state had consistently carried everyone along, irrespective of when they joined, adding that whatever is due to one person in the party is due to all. 

    The Commissioner also lauded Governor Oborevwori’s leadership style, describing him as focused, fair and inclusive, with a development philosophy that cuts across ethnic and geographical boundaries. 

    “The Governor is doing excellently well. He has performed creditably for all of us. The least we can do for him is to come together as one, and that is exactly what we are doing here today,” Onojaeme said. 

    He stressed that politics should not be driven by selfish or personal interests but by the genuine desire to deliver meaningful development to the people, pointing to ongoing infrastructure projects across the state as clear evidence of the administration’s balanced approach. 

    Citing the recent groundbreaking of the Uromi Junction flyover project in Agbor being executed by Julius Berger, as well as similar projects inaugurated earlier in Warri, Onojaeme said the spread of development across Delta State underscores the power of unity and inclusive governance. 

    He further admonished party members to uphold respect, discipline and unity, warning against divisive rhetoric or speaking ill of leaders. 

    “Nobody should speak ill of any leader. If anyone calls on me to condemn a leader, I will instead call on that leader,” he said, urging party faithful to maintain harmony at all times. 

    The defection of Comrade Umuakpo and his large support base is widely seen as a strategic gain for the APC in Isoko North and Delta State at large, reinforcing the party’s grassroots strength and consolidating support for Governor Oborevwori’s administration ahead of future political engagements.

  • Minister empowers 4,064 APC women leaders, others in Kano 

    Minister empowers 4,064 APC women leaders, others in Kano 

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, has distributed various empowerment items to 4,064 All Progressives Congress (APC) women leaders and vulnerable citizens across the 44 local government areas of Kano state.

    Speaking at the mega empowerment programme held in Kano, Mahmoud acknowledged that the event was to acknowledge their loyalty, sacrifices, and role as mobilisers, peacemakers, and agents of change.

    She described the gathering as a symbol of hope, inclusion, and the pathway to sustainable development through empowering women and vulnerable citizens.

    The minister, however, commended the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, especially its women leaders, for their dedication, resilience, and grassroots mobilisation, which have strengthened the party and deepened democratic participation.

    She emphasised that the programme went beyond the mere distribution of empowerment items, aiming to restore dignity, unlock potential, and ensure no one was left behind. 

    The minister said, “Women formed the backbone of families, communities, and political structures,” adding that empowering a woman empowered an entire household and society at large”.

    She said, “Rooted in the APC’s progressive ideals of social justice, inclusive growth, and shared prosperity, the initiative addressed economic challenges by promoting self-reliance over dependency, stimulating local productivity, bolstering household incomes, and enabling beneficiaries to contribute to economic and community development”.

    Mahmoud further noted that the distributed items would serve as stepping stones to self-reliance and economic activity.

    She, therefore, urged beneficiaries to use the resources wisely as symbols of trust, responsibility, and opportunity, expanding their impact beyond immediate households. 

    The minister praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for prioritising social investment, women inclusion, youth empowerment, and vulnerable Nigerians’ welfare, aligning the programme with this people-centred vision.

    According to a statement issued by her Special Assistant, Media, Austin Elemue, the minister called for building bridges of cooperation, promoting peaceful coexistence, and working collectively for a prosperous Kano State and stronger Nigeria.

    In his welcome remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to FCT Minister of State on Administration and Strategy and Chairman of Working Coordination Committee, Abdullahi Kauranmata said that the event was a powerful demonstration of the shared commitment to uplifting lives, strengthening livelihoods, and building a more inclusive and prosperous Kano State.

    According to him, “This programme has been carefully designed to provide practical support, skills, and opportunities that will empower our people, especially women and vulnerables, to become self-reliant, productive, and economically resilient.” 

    He applauded the leadership, vision, and collaboration of all stakeholders whose dedication has made this programme a reality. 

  • APC chieftain urges 2027 aspirants to emulate Akande’s Awoist ideals

    APC chieftain urges 2027 aspirants to emulate Akande’s Awoist ideals

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ila-Orangun Federal Constituency, Hon. Adeniyi Ismail Oluwatosin, has urged aspirants for political offices ahead of the 2027 general election in Osun State to model their ambitions on Chief Bisi Akande’s Awoist ideals of service, integrity, and people-centred governance.

    He cautioned against propaganda, populism, and what he described as empty political rhetoric.

    Adeniyi, a House of Representatives hopeful, spoke shortly after a meeting with Akande, describing the former governor as his political mentor for decades. 

    He identified integrity and service as the defining pillars of his political journey, stating that Akande remained his foremost influence and moral compass in politics.

    According to him, Akande represents the finest ideals of the Awoist school of politics, where public office is seen as a call to service, accountability, and people-centred governance. He said the former governor symbolises discipline, principle, and selfless leadership.

    He added that true leadership is measured by impact, not noise, and by principles rather than populism, noting that these lessons continue to shape his approach to public service.

    The APC chieftain described Akande as his political father, explaining that the relationship is rooted not in blood ties but in shared values and ideological alignment.

    He stressed that Osun State needs leaders committed to building, protecting, and advancing legacies, rather than merely occupying positions, while reaffirming his commitment to progressive values, including fairness, inclusiveness, development, and service above self.

    “I will never betray the trust of the people and I will remain committed to representing their voice faithfully and serving with all my strength.”

  • APC appoints ex-governor Masari as new head of national Convention committee

    APC appoints ex-governor Masari as new head of national Convention committee

    Ahead of next month’s National Convention, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reconstituted and reshuffled the leadership of its Central Coordination Committee, expanding the panel from 73 to 90 members.

    Former Katsina State Governor and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, has been appointed chairman of the committee.

    Former Senate President Senator Anyim Pius Anyim will serve as Vice Chairman I, alongside the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, while Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq assumes the role of Vice Chairman II. Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has been named secretary.

    Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and initially slated as committee chairman, will now serve as treasurer.

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    Announcing the changes in Abuja on Friday, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said the reconstitution followed consultations with party leadership and national stakeholders, noting that sub-committees under the Central Coordination Committee will be formed and announced in due course.

    The reconstituted committee includes all 27 serving APC governors, former national chairmen—Chief Bisi Akande, Senator Adams Oshiomole, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, and Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje—as well as key national lawmakers, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and Deputy Speaker of the House Benjamin Kalu.

    Other members comprise former Senate Presidents and Speakers, serving and former principal officers of both chambers of the National Assembly, alongside ministers such as Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Planning), Gen. Christopher Musa (Defence), Mohammed Idris (Information and National Orientation), Senator Ibrahim Giadam (Police Affairs), and Interior Minister Hon. Bunmi Tunji Ojo.

  • APC chieftain gives 1,000 free JAMB forms to admission seekers in Osun West district 

    APC chieftain gives 1,000 free JAMB forms to admission seekers in Osun West district 

    No fewer than 1,000 admission seekers in Osun West Senatorial district have benefited from the free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms from a leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Peter Ogundeji. 

    Ogundeji, who hinged his decision on his effort to ease the financial burden on candidates and boost access to tertiary education among grassroots students. 

    The 2027 Senate hopeful during his visit to his hometown, Ola community, Ward 6 in Ejigbo local government area of Osun State for the continuous house-to-house awareness for the guber candidate of the party, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).  

    Chief Ogundeji, stated, “I am giving out free JAMB forms for 1,000 students in this Senatorial district and I pledge to sponsor qualified students from 100 level to final year in tertiary institutions, covering courses such as Nursing, Geometric Survey and other critical disciplines.

    “This gesture is part of my efforts to complement the Federal government effort to increase enrollment of youths in school. The administration of President Bola Tinubu has introduced several initiative for youths like student loans and we as partymen must also help in our own little way.”

    Speaking about the awareness, tagged ‘Apata for AMBO walk-to-live’  he said “the primary purpose of the exercise was to mobilise massive grassroots support for the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the August 8 governorship election.”

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    He urged eligible voters without a Permanent Voters Card (PVC) to promptly visit the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices for registration.

    APC leader in Ola Town, Chief James Oladoye, expressed confidence that if Ogundeji is elected as a senator for the district in 2027, he would do more as he has empowered youths when he was a private citizen. 

    The Olola of Ola, Oba Johnson Oyewale Ajiboye, commended Chief Ogundeji for his positive contributions to community development and assured him of the unwavering support of his subjects, while offering prayers for his success in the upcoming elections.

  • APC plans inclusive congresses, convention

    APC plans inclusive congresses, convention

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday hosted key stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) as part of the ruling party’s preparation for an inclusive congresses and national convention in line with its growth and expanding membership.

    The meeting, which held at the State House, Abuja, had in attendance party’s national leadership, sub-national leaders and the APC Caucus in the National Assembly. It was described as a strategic session to align preparations and ensure synergy among the various arms of government and the party structure.

    Speaking after the meeting, the National Chairman of the APC, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, said the engagement with the President was to review the party’s readiness for the forthcoming congresses and convention.

    “It was just a brief meeting to review the preparations for the convention and the congresses and the synergy between all arms of government so that we can be on one page; the sub-national, the national, the National Assembly and the party,” Yilwatda said.

    According to him, the party leadership also assessed the prevailing political environment and resolved to ensure that the process would be broad-based and inclusive, particularly in view of the influx of new members and governors into the party.

    “Same timetable, the same planning activities, but just to study the environment and review our preparation as a party and ensure inclusivity,” he said.

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    Yilwatda added that the APC was determined to carry all stakeholders along as it expands.

    He said: “Both at national and sub-national, I want to carry everybody along with the party. We have new members who have come in, new governors, new members, the party is expanding every day; we are growing beyond bounds. We want to ensure that in the course of this growth nobody is left behind,” he stated.

    At the meeting were: Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) Chairman, Governor Abdurahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State; Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) Chairman, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; House of Representatives Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere; House of Representatives Chief Whip Usman Bello Kumo; Chief of Staff to the President; Femi Gbajabiamila and the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru.

    On the President’s role in the party’s preparations, Yilwatda said Tinubu was fully supportive, describing his counsel as valuable.

    “Excellent. Mr. President, as you know, is a shrewd politician, very experienced, and his advice was remarkable,” he said.

    He also credited the party’s continued growth to Tinubu’s political experience and leadership.

    “The expansion, the growth, is because of his experience and his depth of knowledge in political cycle,” the APC chairman added.

    The party recently released the adjusted time-table for its various congresses and the National Convention.

    In the reviewed time-table, the ward congresses has been fixed for February 18; the local government congresses are scheduled for February 20; state congresses for March 7; zonal congresses for March 21; and the National Convention to hold between March 27 and 28, all this year.

    The APC is expected to intensify consultations across the federation ahead of the convention and congresses, as the party leadership seeks to consolidate unity and accommodate new entrants within its ranks.

  • APC plans inclusive convention, congresses as Tinubu meets party leaders, N’Assembly heads

    APC plans inclusive convention, congresses as Tinubu meets party leaders, N’Assembly heads

     …we’re reviewing timetable, studying political environment to ensure nobody is left behind – Yilwatda

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday met with key segments of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as the party disclosed plans to organise an inclusive national convention and congresses, in line with its growth and expanding membership.

    The meeting, held at the State House, Abuja, with the party’s national leadership, sub-national leaders and the APC caucus in the National Assembly, was described as a strategic session to align preparations and ensure synergy among the various arms of government and the party structure.

    Speaking after the meeting, the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said the engagement with the President was to review the party’s readiness for the forthcoming convention and congresses.

    “It was just a brief meeting to review the preparations for the convention and the congresses and the synergy between all arms of government so that we can be on one page; the sub-national, the national, the National Assembly and the party,” Yilwatda said.

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    According to him, the party leadership also assessed the prevailing political environment and resolved to ensure that the process would be broad-based and inclusive, particularly in view of the influx of new members and governors into the party.

    “Same timetable, the same planning activities, but just to study the environment and review our preparation as a party and ensure inclusivity,” he said.

    Yilwatda added that the APC was determined to carry all stakeholders along as it expands.

    “Both at national and sub-national, I want to carry everybody along with the party. We have new members who have come in, new governors, new members, the party is expanding every day, we are growing beyond bounds. We want to ensure that in the course of this growth nobody is left behind,” he stated.

    Those at the meeting included the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Governor Abdurahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State; Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State; Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin; Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere; Chief Whip of the House, Usman Bello Kumo; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru.

    On the President’s role in the party’s preparations, Yilwatda said Tinubu was fully supportive, describing his counsel as valuable.

    “Excellent. Mr. President, as you know, is a shrewd politician, very experienced, and his advice was remarkable,” he said.

    He also credited the party’s continued growth to Tinubu’s political experience and leadership.

    “The expansion, the growth, is because of his experience and his depth of knowledge in political cycle,” the APC chairman added.

    It would be recalled that the APC in late January and early February released its adjusted timetable for its various congresses and the National Convention.

    In the new timetable, the ward congresses was fixed for February 18; the local government congresses are scheduled for February 20; state congresses for March 7; zonal congresses for March 21; and the National Convention to hold between March 27 and 28, all this year.

    The APC is expected to intensify consultations across the federation ahead of the convention and congresses, as the party leadership seeks to consolidate unity and accommodate new entrants within its ranks.

  • 4,500 PDP, NNPP members defect to APC in Jigawa

    4,500 PDP, NNPP members defect to APC in Jigawa

    No fewer than 4,500 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State, attributing their decision to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s 12-Point Development Agenda.

    The mass defection was formalized during a mini-ceremony held at the Manpower Development Institute (MDI), Dutse, led by APC chieftain and philanthropist, Alhaji Adamu Alhassan Indallahi.

    Speaking on behalf of the decampees, former NNPP stalwart and ex-chairmanship candidate of Miga Local Government, Engr. Balarabe Umar, said the move was motivated by what he described as the visionary, people-centered leadership of President Tinubu at the national level and Governor Namadi in Jigawa State.

    Umar noted that the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the 12-point agenda has begun delivering tangible socio-economic benefits, improving livelihoods, creating opportunities for youths, and repositioning governance for inclusive growth in the state.

    “Our resolve is anchored on the visible impact of these policies on the lives of Nigerians and Jigawa people in particular. The direction is clear, and the results are evident,” Umar said.

    He pledged the loyalty of the new APC members to the party and vowed to work tirelessly for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Namadi in the 2027 general elections.

    “I assure the APC leadership of our total commitment. We will work round the clock to ensure the return of President Tinubu and Governor Namadi for a second term in 2027,” he added.

    Earlier, Chairman of the Tinubu/Danmodi Automatic Ticket group, Alhaji Adamu Alhassan Indallahi, formally announced the figure of the defectors during the distribution of empowerment materials to beneficiaries at the same venue on Thursday.

    Indallahi said the initiative was part of sustained efforts to support the re-election bid of President Tinubu and Governor Namadi, noting that their administrations have demonstrated an uncommon commitment to youth empowerment, economic recovery, and social development.

    “We are convinced by the sincerity and focus of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umar Namadi in improving the lives of youths and women through impactful projects and policies. That is why we formed the Tinubu/Danmodi Automatic Ticket group to mobilise support for their second term,” he said.

    He disclosed that beneficiaries of the empowerment programme included orphans under the Tinubu/Danmodi Automatic Ticket Charity Foundation, youth groups, APC media teams, flag bearers, women groups, and Usman Bin Affan Islamiyya School in Harbo SA area of Jahun Local Government.

    “As you can see, cheques amounting to N30 million were distributed. Some individuals and groups received N2 million, while N6 million was allocated to the Islamiyya School as part of our empowerment drive,” Indallahi explained.

    Governor Umar Namadi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Basic Education, Alhaji Yunusa Lawan Danzomo, commended Indallahi for the initiative, describing it as a practical demonstration of support for good governance. He urged other political stakeholders to emulate the gesture.

    In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Ambassador Salisu Seeker, lauded the empowerment programme, saying it would contribute significantly to tackling unemployment, poverty, and insecurity in the state.

    He noted that no fewer than 1,200 youths, orphans, and Islamiyya school beneficiaries had so far benefited from the scheme, urging recipients to utilise the support judiciously while reaffirming his loyalty and support to Governor Namadi’s administration.

  • JUST IN: Two Taraba senators dump PDP for APC

    JUST IN: Two Taraba senators dump PDP for APC

    Two senators representing Taraba State on Wednesday officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the defections during plenary after reading letters submitted by the lawmakers.

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    The senators, Haruna Manu and Issa Shuaibu Lau, in separate letters read by Akpabio, attributed their decision to extensive consultations, internal crises within the PDP, and their determination to better serve their constituents.

    Akpabio subsequently confirmed their defection and directed the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, to formally receive the lawmakers into the APC, a development that further reshapes the political composition of the 10th Senate.

    The defections followed the recent move by Taraba State Governor, Kefas Agbu, who formally left the PDP for the APC last Saturday.