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Osun 2026: We’ll resist rigging against APC — Oyebamiji

The candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has vowed that the party will resist any form of rigging during 2026 election slated for August 8th.

Oyebamiji, alleged that APC was rigged out during 2022 Osun state governorship election, asserting that the party will take over the governance in 2026.

The guber candidate speaking at APC state secretariat, Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo, Osun State, on Sunday during a meeting with the youth arm of the party, tasked members to commence door-to-door awareness.

Addressing the youths, he said, “I want to assure you that 2026 will not be like 2022 when we were rigged out of office. We should work hard. For this forthcoming election, all governments across the world will stand with us.

“Many people who are seeing what President Tinubu is doing are willing to join the course. We must deliver, you must work, this government will be for the youths, we are going to programme a system that will reward the youths.”

He admonished the youths not to be lackadaisical about the forthcoming election, saying “We are eager to take over but we have yet to work towards it. God has given us a goal post and set us up to play penalty on an empty net, despite this, we should work assiduously.

“We must go back to start doing house-to-house, door-to-door awareness about the forthcoming poll. Our opponents have started lying to the Osun people, you must break these lies.”

He lauded President Bola Tinubu, Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, pioneer National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande for making the party viable despite being out of government since 2022.

Earlier, the State APC Youth Leader, Olagoke Akinwemimo, said “the choice of Oyebamiji is perfect which has shattered the expectations of the opposition, who predicted division and failure within our party.”

He assured that Osun APC youth structure remains the most formidable in the struggle to reclaim the mandate, adding that “Since 2022, when we were denied victory through orchestrated electoral irregularities, our youths have remained resilient, active, and well-organised under the leadership of our party.”

January 11, 2026
Southeast APC leaders launch massive e-registration drive ahead of 2027

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southeast have announced an intensified party registration and mobilization drive across the zone as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Izu Umunne gathering of Southeast APC critical stakeholders and elders, held in Enugu, where leaders from the five states reviewed national developments and the political future of the region.

According to the communiqué, read out by the party’s national vice chairman for the southeast, Dr. Ijioma Arodiogbu, the APC leadership in the region resolved to scale up voter education, digital registration, and party structure strengthening to ensure mass enrolment of members and supporters into the party’s e-registration platform.

The move, they said, is aimed at consolidating the party’s base, boosting participation at the grassroots, and delivering bloc votes in 2027.

The leaders urged all sons and daughters of Igboland, both at home and in the diaspora, to embrace the APC and immediately key into the ongoing e-registration exercise, stressing that a strong, unified membership register is critical to the region’s bargaining power and effective political participation.

They also directed party leaders, governors, and stakeholders to mobilise political, traditional, and business networks to drive registration across the five Southeastern states, noting that the era of fragmented political engagement in the region must give way to coordinated action.

Reaffirming their political alignment, the stakeholders declared total support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the APC’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 polls, pledging to use the e-registration drive as a foundation for unprecedented mobilisation and voter turnout.

The communiqué further expressed full alignment with the leadership of the Southeast Governors Forum and the Progressive Governors Forum, under the chairmanship of Hope Uzodimma, commending the governors for their role in strengthening the party and defending the interests of Ndi Igbo.

The Southeast APC leaders concluded by committing to deploy all available human and material resources to ensure widespread e-registration, party unity, and effective mobilisation, describing the exercise as central to the region’s quest for greater political relevance and development within the ruling party.

January 11, 2026
APC chieftain calls for Adeleke’s resignation over alleged payroll fraud

…as Osun government dismisses allegations

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Surulere Constituency II of Lagos State, Hon. Quassim Shittu, has called for the resignation of Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, following allegations of a payroll fraud estimated at ₦13.7 billion.

Shittu, who addressed journalists on Saturday in Lagos, also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter, insisting that the claims require independent scrutiny to safeguard public funds.

The allegations stemmed from findings presented by a, a Lagos-based forensic audit firm engaged by the Osun State Government in April 2023 to conduct a comprehensive verification and validation of the state’s payroll.

According to the firm, its audit reduced the state’s monthly payroll from ₦4.48 billion for 37,456 workers and 17,918 pensioners in January 2023 to approximately ₦3.34 billion for 29,004 workers, with pensioners unchanged. It further alleged the discovery of 8,452 ghost workers, translating to purported monthly savings of ₦1.14 billion and an annual savings estimate of ₦13.7 billion.

Condemning the alleged findings, Shittu described Osun State as endowed with significant potentials that require leadership anchored on transparency and accountability. He asserted that the allegations, if proven true, should compel Governor Adeleke to resign.

“What we have been reading in the news about the Osun State Government under Ademola Adeleke is disturbing. If these allegations are true, the governor ought to have resigned by now,” he said.

He urged residents to consider the APC’s candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, in the 2026 governorship election, describing him as a credible alternative capable of repositioning the state.

Shittu maintained that Oyebamiji’s experience as a former Managing Director of NIWA equips him with the integrity and vision required for reforms.

However, the Osun State Government has firmly rejected the allegations, describing the audit firm’s claims as an attempt to impose a faulty and potentially fraudulent report on the state.

In a statement issued on Friday, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said the figures presented by Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited were inflated and prompted a re-verification exercise that revealed significant discrepancies.

According to the government, many individuals listed as ghost workers appeared physically during the re-verification, confirming their status as legitimate employees.

The government stated that it had offered to provide the firm with proof of the existence of the affected workers but noted that the company did not request such documentation or issue an acceptance letter for payment based on the 1,316 workers who were genuinely unaccounted for.

The statement further alleged that the consultant’s fees were tied to the amount purportedly saved for the state, raising concerns over financial motives. It also accused the firm of excluding legitimate staff during the audit and engaging in conduct that undermined the process.

While reaffirming its commitment to sanitising the payroll system, the government insisted it would not remove legitimate employees or endorse an audit report that could inflict further financial harm. It added that gaps and inconsistencies in the firm’s report necessitated the constitution of a verification committee before any implementation.

The Osun State Government maintained that it remains accountable to its workforce and citizens and would pursue reforms grounded in accuracy and fairness.

January 10, 2026
APC South-south slams Rivers lawmakers over plot to impeach Fubara

The All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Group and lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly have expressed contrasting positions on recent developments involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the implementation of the 2026 budget process.

The APC South-South Group, speaking on Friday in Port Harcourt, reacted to comments by some lawmakers who claimed that the governor had not fully adhered to the peace agreement brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resolve ongoing political tensions in the state.

Addressing journalists, the group’s coordinator, Comrade Freedom Amadi, said the issues currently generating concern were linked to disagreements over the budget and governance priorities.

He maintained that the governor’s decisions were within his administrative authority and called for continued dialogue to preserve stability.

According to him, the presidential peace accord was designed to restore calm and ensure that all institutions in the state functioned without friction.

He added that mutual respect for constitutional roles remained essential for sustaining the progress achieved since the agreement was reached.

Lawmakers, however, have insisted that certain actions recently taken by the governor were inconsistent with the terms of the agreement and argued that the House of Assembly would continue to exercise its constitutional responsibilities.

The APC South-South urged all parties to avoid actions or statements that could escalate tensions, stressing that collaborative engagement was necessary to uphold democratic order.

The group also called on both the Rivers State House of Assembly and relevant federal institutions to maintain restraint and prioritise measures that reinforce peace, institutional harmony, and public confidence in the governance process.

January 10, 2026
Ekiti APC mobilises members for e-registration

The Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged its members to participate actively in the ongoing national electronic registration exercise.

The coordinator of the APC e-registration exercise in the state and Commissioner for Youth Development, Gold Adesola Adedayo, made the call during a meeting with senatorial coordinators and local government supervisors in Ado-Ekiti.

Adedayo said the exercise, initiated by the Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda-led National Working Committee, commenced last year with the training of ward-level agents, noting that it was critical to strengthening the party’s structures ahead of future elections.

He explained that the registration would hold daily from 8 am to 6 pm across the state’s 177 wards for members aged 18 and above who possess valid Permanent Voter Cards and National Identification Numbers.

The commissioner urged supervisors to intensify mobilisation at the ward level and provide necessary guidance to ensure smooth participation, adding that sustained membership drives were vital to the viability of any political party.

Read Also: UK Oyo APC caucus backs Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid

Adedayo noted that the exercise would enable the APC to ascertain its true membership strength and support base ahead of the 2027 general elections, while also contributing to the re-election bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the June 20, 2026, governorship poll.

“This exercise will strengthen our party structures and ensure proper documentation of members at the grassroots,” he added.

Also speaking, the Ekiti APC Chairman, Sola Elesin, who registered during the exercise, called on party members to emulate his example, stressing that participation reflected loyalty and readiness to contribute to the growth of the party.

“As loyal and committed members, we must all come out and participate actively. APC is moving forward,” Elesin said.

January 10, 2026
Ekiti APC mobilises members for e-registration

The Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged its members to actively participate in the ongoing national electronic registration exercise.

The coordinator of the APC e-registration exercise in the state and Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Gold Adesola Adedayo, made the call during a meeting with senatorial coordinators and local government supervisors in Ado-Ekiti.

Adedayo said the exercise, initiated by the Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda-led National Working Committee, commenced last year with the training of ward-level agents, noting that it was critical to strengthening the party’s structures ahead of future elections.

He explained that the registration would hold daily from 8 am to 6 pm across the state’s 177 wards for members aged 18 and above who possess valid Permanent Voter Cards and National Identification Numbers.

The commissioner charged supervisors to intensify mobilisation at the ward level and provide necessary guidance to ensure smooth participation, adding that sustained membership drives were vital to the viability of any political party.

Adedayo added that the exercise would enable the APC to ascertain its true membership strength and support base ahead of the 2027 general elections, while also contributing to the re-election bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the June 20, 2026, governorship poll.

“This exercise will strengthen our party structures and ensure proper documentation of members at the grassroots,” he added.

Also speaking, the Ekiti APC Chairman, Barr. Sola Elesin, who registered during the exercise, called on party members to emulate his example, stressing that participation reflected loyalty and readiness to contribute to the growth of the party.

“As loyal and committed members, we must all come out and participate actively. APC is moving forward,” Elesin said.

January 9, 2026
FCT council poll: APC will win – Minister

Following next month’s Area Council elections, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, on Friday declared that the cohesion in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is a clear indication that the party is coasting to victory.

Mahmoud made this declaration at the flag off of the APC e-registration exercise at Apo Community Town Hall, Abuja.

While addressing stakeholders, Mahmoud expressed delight over the exercise, describing it as a milestone in the party’s commitment to inclusiveness, innovation, and democratic consolidation.

She commended the APC leadership for launching the e-registration initiative, which she said demonstrated the party’s resolve to embrace technology, enhance transparency, and make participation more accessible, particularly for youths ahead of the general elections.

The Minister reiterated that the APC is founded on progressive ideals, emphasizing broad-based participation, internal democracy, and responsive governance.

Mahmoud stated that the e-registration was not merely about increasing numbers but about strengthening party structures, updating the membership database, and ensuring every member had a voice in shaping the party’s and nation’s future

She highlighted the FCT’s unique role as the seat of government and a cultural melting pot.

The minister encouraged all eligible voters, including men, women, youths, and persons living with disabilities, to register as new members or update their records via the seamless process, as their involvement would strengthen the party and deepen democracy.

Mahmoud, therefore, reaffirmed the party’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing the need for unity, dynamism, and a people-oriented approach.

She emphasised that a strong party relied on grassroots involvement, with the e-registration marking a key step forward.

In his remarks, the FCT chairman of the APC, Abdulmalik Usman, revealed that the exercise in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu commenced the e-registration exercise of all members across the Federation.

Usman, thanked the party faithful for their large turnout, stressing that while APC leads, others follow.

January 9, 2026
UK Oyo APC caucus backs Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid

The chairman of the Oyo State caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the United Kingdom, Hon. Adebayo Amusat-Gbenla, has outlined the group’s reasons for mobilising support and resources for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday at a rally organised by party leaders in the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, Amusat-Gbenla said the caucus remains convinced of President Tinubu’s capacity to steer Nigeria toward meaningful national progress.

He stated that this confidence informed their decision to galvanise members and deploy resources in support of his second-term bid.

The rally drew prominent party figures, including Senators Teslim Folarin, Sharafadeen Alli, Abdulfatai Buhari and Yunus Akintunde; the Oyo State APC Chairman, Alhaji Olaide Abas; Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; and Hon. Aderemi Oseni.

Amusat-Gbenla reiterated the caucus’ commitment to aligning with the administration’s programmes and policies, noting that their involvement is driven by a desire to contribute to building a country Nigerians can be proud of.

Amusat-Gbenla said, “We are here to launch the Akinyele/ Lagelu federal constituency APC rally. You will recall that Senator Teslim Folarin was appointed as the leader of Renew Hope Agenda for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Oyo State. We are going round to launch the rally in all the 33 local government areas in Oyo State. So, today is for Akinyele and Lagelu local government areas. That is why we are here.

“This is our home and we believe in the ability of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver. No matter how we stay over there, we will want to come back home.

“So, we want to be part of the progress being made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, hence we are pulling all the resources together to be part of the programme so that we can have a Nigeria we will all be proud of”.

January 9, 2026
APC chieftain gives free medical treatment to Ekiti residents

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Ekiti State, Akeem Bello, has brought relief and joy to residents of Ekiti East Constituency II, with the launch of the second phase of a free medical outreach targeted at elderly citizens and vulnerable residents.

The health care programme, organised under the platform of his socio-political group, AK Movement, was held in Omuo-Oke Ekiti, where hundreds of beneficiaries turned out to access free medical consultations, drugs and basic health screenings.

Bello said the initiative was part of his commitment to improving the well-being of the people and complementing the efforts of Ekiti State Government in providing care for the vulnerable.

He noted that the initiative aligned with the programmes of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, whom he described as a compassionate leader with a strong commitment to peace, development and social welfare.

“We are here to support the good work Governor Oyebanji has been doing in Ekiti State, especially in the area of caring for the less privileged. His administration has recorded impressive achievements and sustained peace and tranquillity across the state.”

READ ALSO; Still on Nigeria’s re-designation as ‘country of particular concern’

Bello urged residents and party faithful to continue to support the governor, calling for widespread backing for his second-term bid in order to consolidate on the gains recorded so far.

The Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government, Alhaji Saka Bello, described the free medical outreach as timely and impactful.

He said Bello was motivated by the developmental strides of the Oyebanji-led administration, noting that the people of Ekiti East would give massive support to the governor in the forthcoming governorship election.

Commending the convener, Chairman of APC Elders Forum in Ekiti East Local Government, Alhaji Shittu Tiwonloju, described Bello as a selfless leader with a deep understanding of the needs of the people.

He said the free medical outreach was a clear demonstration of purposeful leadership and compassion, adding that the initiative had once again shown Bello’s unalloyed commitment to improving the welfare of residents at the grassroots level.

He stressed that the programme had made a significant impact on the lives of beneficiaries, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, who could hardly afford medical care.

January 9, 2026
Kalu to Otti: Tinubu, APC will win Abia

Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, yesterday fired back at Governor Alex Otti on his plan to stop President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s victory in the state in 2027.

He said the President and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) will record landslide victory in the general elections.

Otti few days ago vowed to prevent Kalu from returning to the Senate.

Kalu, who spoke with reporters in his Igbere, Abia State home after the distribution of food items to his constituents and members of his party across the 17 local government areas, challenged Otti and members of his party to electoral contest.

He said that the APC will record huge success in the general elections against the prediction of the governor.

Kalu, who questioned why the governor and his media team would get angry with his decision to work for his party; APC in 2027 general elections said: “You know that I have not for once said anything about the state government.

“I consider the governor as my friend and for two years I have never criticised the governor.

“No governor can deny that he isn’t aware of whatever that his Chief Press Secretary writes.

READ ALSO; Still on Nigeria’s re-designation as ‘country of particular concern’

“Three days ago they shot the first arrow because I said that I will work for the APC to win.

“In 2023, we worked for him to win and we are not going to do that again; We will work for our party to win. What is wrong with that? Is that why I should receive insults? That is not acceptable to me and I am going to work for my party.

“I worked for him (Otti). Even my brother who was running for governor in APP (All Peoples Party), I called him to cooperate with him (Otti) because we were going to support him and that is the truth.”

Assessing Otti’s government in the past two years, Senator Kalu said: “If he has done better, I don’t know about that because the money that I received in eight years is what Alex Otti receives in four months.

“He is just repainting and rebuilding the roads that I built as a governor between 1999 and 2007.

“I have not seen any new major road that he has done.

“I am in the Senate. All the roads that I am doing now are new farm roads. I have not seen him go into farm road.

“Within two years, I had done what people believed in this state which made the then President Olusegun Obasanjo named me “Action Governor “.

“Under my watch in Abia, education was free, healthcare services were free. The truth is that, I have not seen what they have done.

“I know that he has tried rebuilding the road that I did; Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Ohafia road, which stayed for so long (two years) before completion. I don’t know what they have done and why the noise in the social media. This business is not done on social media, it is done at the right time.”

“My support for him is gone. It’s for the APC now.”

On the statement that he will fail in his Senatorial ambition in 2027, Kalu said: “History will show who will fail.

“Otti said that people plans to rig should write their Will. I have never rigged election before. Nobody has ever accused me of that and I don’t do that.

“Even the people that took me to court didn’t say that I rigged election anywhere and I don’t do that and I don’t support that. We want the will of the people to prevail.

“This is two years to the election and I want to tell you that we are very prepared. I can tell you that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win the state. We will win the three Senatorial District seats and you will see it.

“I am on the field. Before, I use to sit in Igbere, but now, I will leave my gate for the general good of the party.”

He refuted the claim that APC in the state was balkanised, stressing that the goal of every member of the APC is to win election.

“I am not sure that Otti is going to join APC. I am not the owner of the party, if he (Otti) joins the party, well, what happened in 2023 will happen again.”

My words to Abians is that, the OUK that they know is back. I am back in the field. They know that when I am in the field, the masses will rejoice. I am back because I want to be back.

On why he was going back to the Senate, Kalu said: “What am I doing in the Senate that other senators are not doing? You can see that the development here is unprecedented.

“I can beat my chest to say that not up to 20 senators out of the 109 have done what I have done there in six years.

“Abia North and Abia will be shortchanging themselves if they don’t send me back to the Senate.

“I am building roads and schools in Isiala Ngwa, I am building roads in Aba and every other place even though I am from Abia North.”

On perceived performance of Southeast political leaders who are not at par with their counterparts in other parts of the country, Kalu said: “The President is the President of all and we are still Senators . We are still running paripasu. The Class of 1999 is so blessed by God. The late President Umar Musa Yar’ Adua was Class of 1999. President Tinubu is Class of 1999. Maybe after this President, another governor from the Class of 1999 will become the President.

On creation of more states, the former Abia governor said: “I cannot talk about state creation because constitutional amendment is a very difficult issue and if the President has the will to do it and members of the National Assembly are united , there will be creation of another state and I support creation of one state out of the existing five states.

“My opinion might be different from others. For me, they should take somewhere in Imo, Anambra and Delta with capital in Oguta. I don’t care what name that they will call it, I have said this times without number. I am a man with fair mindedness and one who speaks the truth at all times. I believe that if the Igbo will come together and pursue the state that I am proposing, it will be viable.

January 9, 2026