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  • Ekiti APC dismisses controversy over deputy governor’s WAEC certificate

    Ekiti APC dismisses controversy over deputy governor’s WAEC certificate

    Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressive Congress has dismissed as baseless and politically motivated the controversy trailing the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) certificate of the Deputy Governor and APC deputy governorship candidate, Mrs Monisade Afuye, ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

    The controversy followed the release of particulars of governorship candidates and their deputies by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which showed that Mrs Afuye sat for the WAEC examination in June 1978 at Amoye Grammar School, Ikere-Ekiti.

    The deputy governor obtained credits in Literature-in-English and Economics, and passed in History and Mathematics.

    The Ekiti APC Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, dismissed the allegations as a desperate attempt ploy by opposition parties to gain relevance ahead of the election.

    The party spokesman accused PDP and ADC of sensationalising the issue to undermine public confidence in the ruling party, insisting that Afuye met all constitutional requirements to contest as deputy governor.

    Dipe said Afuye’s academic credentials were duly screened and cleared by the party and relevant authorities, stressing that the deputy governor had served the state diligently since assuming office.

    He added that the APC would not be distracted by the antics of PDP and ADC, urging the opposition parties to focus on presenting their alternatives to Ekiti voters rather than resorting to what he termed smear campaigns and recycled allegations.

    However, the development has continued to attract criticism from the opposition parties.

    The South-West PDP Publicity Secretary, Chief Sanya Atofarati, in a statement on Sunday, described the development as embarrassing and a “slap” on Ekiti State, which he said was widely regarded as a centre of academic excellence.

    “This is a source of embarrassment for all Ekiti people. A state widely celebrated for academic excellence and intellectual prowess deserves better. It is disheartening that the APC is presenting a candidate with such a record for the sensitive office of deputy governor.

    “Imagine someone who today submits a low-level and unconvincing school certificate being expected tomorrow to represent a governor at meetings of professors and technocrats. What exactly does such a person have to offer?”

    “Ekiti is known nationwide as a state of scholars, a state with one of the highest concentrations of professors. It is often said, jokingly but truthfully, that almost every household has a professor. Is it not dehumanising for such a people to be represented by a mere school certificate holder?” he queried.

    Similarly, Ekiti State Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Gboyega Aribisogan, also faulted the O-Level result submitted by Mrs Afuye to INEC, citing what he described as unresolved doubts about its authenticity.

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    He said that Ekiti state,, regarded for its academic reputation, should not be led by people with questionable credentials and low education, recalling that similar concerns were raised in 2022 when she emerged as APC deputy governorship candidate.

    He said, “This is not the first time these questions have come up. As far back as 2022, when she was announced as a deputy governor’s candidate of the APC, even members of her own party openly discussed the doubts surrounding her qualification.

    “At one point, a group of people went to the archives to verify whether she truly sat for the GCE. What later emerged was that she did not complete her education at Amoye Grammar School, Ikere-Ekiti, which she claimed to have attended.

    “Her colleagues from school reportedly said she did not finish there. Rather, she sat for the GCE outside the school, and that is where the problem of a doubtful certificate started.

    “Many of our professionals and alumni spoke out against her nomination then, but because of the dictatorial tendencies within the APC party structure at the time, the issue was swept under the carpet, and she was imposed as deputy governor.

    “As we head into another governorship election, our people are talking again. At the appropriate time, people will do the needful, and this could lead to another round of litigation that may truncate the ambition of both the governor and the deputy governor, he added. 

  • Stop dropping NSA’s name, group tells Adamawa APC governorship aspirants

    Stop dropping NSA’s name, group tells Adamawa APC governorship aspirants

    A group, Emmanuel Musa Awareness Forum, has asked all governorship aspirants under All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State to pursue their aspiration on individual integrity.

    The group, which speaks for a top governorship aspirant, Dr Emmanuel Musa, asked all aspirants to the office of Governor to desist from trying to gain political mileage by dropping the name of National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

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    Chairman of the forum, Annas Balla who led his members to a press briefing in Yola Saturday afternoon, said aspirants using Ribadu’s name are dragging the NSA into the mud and heating up the polity. 

    “He is the Leader and father to all of us in the Progressive fold in Adamawa State, so we must accord him respect that he deserves and defend his name for our collective good,” Balla said. 

    He asserted that contemporary politics is a popularity contest in which one’s antecedents speak louder than his name. 

    “Ribadu holds a much revered position which must be protected, especially as he regards everyone as his own irrespective of sentiments of religion, ethnic or other inclinations,” Balla said.

  • 2027: APC set to hold unity rally in Ogbomosho Monday

    2027: APC set to hold unity rally in Ogbomosho Monday

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogbomoso zone will on Monday, January 5, 2026, hold a unity rally aimed at fostering cohesion, reconciliation and renewed collaboration among party members ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The rally, scheduled to be held at Ogbomoso Town Hall, Oja’gbo, is expected to attract a large turnout of past and serving political office holders, federal government appointees, party leaders, stakeholders and party members from across the zone, among others.

    According to the media committee of the event, the rally was designed to strengthen internal harmony within the party and mobilise members towards building a stronger and more united APC in Ogbomoso.

    Read Also: Oyetola, Basiru, APC leaders, group plot winning strategy for 2026 Osun guber seat

    The rally will also serve as a platform to reaffirm the party’s commitment to inclusive leadership, grassroots mobilisation and effective grassroots engagement, while reminding members to place collective interest above personal differences, because unity remains the bedrock of electoral success and sustainable political growth.

    Organisers have assured participants of adequate security and a peaceful atmosphere throughout the event.

    The unity rally forms part of ongoing efforts by the APC leadership in the zone to reposition the party for future political engagements.

  • ‘Yusuf’s defection to APC shifted to involve federal lawmakers’

    ‘Yusuf’s defection to APC shifted to involve federal lawmakers’

    • Uzodimma’s visit to Otti reignites Abia gov’s move

    The planned defection of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC), initially scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2026, has been shifted to January 12.

    Even though the new date is tentative, The Nation gathered yesterday.

     The reschedule is to allow for more consultation by the governor, who was elected on the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), with National Assembly lawmakers from the state and key stakeholders who are yet to fully commit to the move.

    Speculation is also rife in Abia State about the possible defection of Governor Alex Otti to the APC, following the New Year’s Day visit to him by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma.

    Uzodinma, who is the Chairman of both the APC Governors’ Forum and South East Governors’ Forum, has been credited with the recent gains of the party in the South East.

    Political sources said in Kano yesterday that state lawmakers led by Speaker Jibril Isma’il Falgore have joined the majority of the local government council chairmen who have signed the governor’s decamping document.

    The defection is part of a larger political realignment that will enable Governor Yusuf to potentially take on a significant leadership role in the state chapter of the party, and as well seal the governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The move, a strategic decision to strengthen the APC’s position in Kano State, has not been approved by the governor’s benefactor and national leader of the NNPP, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who is speculated to be on his way to joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Yusuf’s planned defection, if it happens, will be a significant blow to the Kwankwaso-led  Kwankwasiyya Movement.

    The former governor had publicly declared that no one betrays the movement and goes free.

    The disagreement between Yusuf and Kwankwaso has already cost Hashimu Dungurawa his position as state chairman of the party.

    Dungurawa is a protégé of Kwankwaso.

    Governor Yusuf has since picked Alhaji Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya as Acting State Chairman of the NNPP in Kano State.

    The national secretariat of the party has described the change in the party’s leadership in Kano as a nullity.

    The APC is treating Yusuf’s defection move as a major political gain.

    Governor Yusuf’s defection to the APC has significant implications for Kano State politics and beyond, including stripping the NNPP of its only governorship seat and potentially reducing its influence and viability as a national party.

    Read Also: APC presents membership card to Senator Katung in Southern Kaduna

    The defection will bolster APC’s dominance in Kano and enhance its chances, including President Bola Tinubu’s, in the 2027 general elections.

     The existing power bloc of the Kano APC, led by the immediate past Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has openly expressed its readiness to work with Yusuf.

    Ganduje and the State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, have invited Governor Yusuf, urging him to feel free to join the ruling party.

    Uzodimma’s visit to Otti reignites defection speculation

     Governor Uzodimma’s visit to Governor Otti came on the heels of the recent statement by the Abia State governor that he would not join Mr Peter Obi in switching to the ADC.

    Otti was elected on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), the same platform on which Obi contested the 2023 presidential election.

    Otti said he would try to save the LP from going under but would consider other options if his efforts in the end yielded no positive results.

    He was originally in the APC and crossed only to the LP ahead of the last election after failing to win the APC governorship ticket.

      Uzodimma’s visit to Otti was the first since 2023.

      Uzodimma told journalists during the visit that it had nothing to do with politics.

    He said: “My visit is a courtesy call on the Governor, who I have also seen is doing very well. 

    “I wished him a happy New Year and prayed with him so that the Almighty God will give us enough strength to continue to serve our people better and better. That is why I am here.”

    The Imo State Governor said that the Southeast Governors are determined to develop the region, and would do that through collaboration.

    “We in the South East, we are determined to develop the region. And the only way we can do this is through collaboration.

     “And as the Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, I have a responsibility to touch base with them, to discuss with them, share ideas, and agree on how best to help the people of the region to survive.

    “The five of us, Governors of the South East, have decided to make sure that the South East is part of Nigeria. And that is what we are working on,” Uzodimma assured.

     Uzodimma, who doubles as the Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the South East and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, commended Governor Alex Otti for the good governance he is delivering in Abia State.

     Otti thanked his guest for the visit and explained that the visit was not politically motivated.

    He said that belonging to different political parties should not be misconstrued as opposition.

    “This is not necessarily a political visit, but because we are all politicians, there is no way we can’t discuss politics,” he said.

    “But then, I think what is most important from what he has said is that the government is one. You have the national, the sub-national, and then the local governments. And I made the point that you can’t be opposition in a government that you are part of.

    “So, when people mistake an issue of different political parties as opposition, they miss the mark. 

    “You can disagree, and there are forums for disagreement. But once a decision has been made, you are part and parcel of that decision.”

  • Osun 2026: Oyetola, Basiru, APC leaders strategise for governorship polls

    Osun 2026: Oyetola, Basiru, APC leaders strategise for governorship polls

    Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, have outlined strategies aimed at winning the August 8, 2026 governorship election.

    The strategy session, organised by the APC Progressives e-Group, was held at Alubarika House, Alekuwodo, Osogbo.

    In a statement issued by the National Coordinator of the group, Prince Abiodun Collins, the meeting was aimed at strengthening internal cohesion, promoting issue-based political engagement and mobilising support for the governorship aspiration of Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji.

    Oyetola, who was represented at the event by the Executive Director, Projects Implementation at the Federal Housing Authority, Oluremi Omowaiye, urged party members to remain united, disciplined and focused ahead of the election.

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    He expressed confidence in the APC’s ability to reclaim power in Osun State, declaring that the party was fully prepared to defeat the incumbent administration. According to him, the APC remains a formidable political force in the state.

    Also speaking, Deputy Editor and Head of Politics at The Sun Newspapers, Ismail Omipidan, who served as Chief Press Secretary to Oyetola, attributed the party’s defeat in the 2022 governorship election to complacency, internal sabotage, leadership shortcomings, weak media engagement, poor election management, indiscipline and unresolved intra-party disputes.

    Omipidan outlined key steps for the party’s return to power, including total reconciliation and unity, full integration of new members, coordinated and professional media engagement, issue-based campaigns, youth inclusion, strategic voter-targeting committees, strict party discipline and credible election logistics.

    He warned that internal disunity remained the APC’s greatest threat, adding that victory in the 2026 governorship election would significantly boost the party’s prospects in the 2027 general elections due to the advantage of incumbency.

    Similarly, the APC Media Director, Chief Kola Olabisi, said unity, reconciliation, inclusion, effective candidate branding and grassroots mobilisation would form the pillars of the party’s strategy for victory in 2026.

    Several party leaders and stakeholders at the meeting also reinforced the APC’s strategic direction, including Senator Ajibola Basiru; gubernatorial aspirant, Prince Dotun Babayemi; Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to President Bola Tinubu, Ambassador Issah Niniola; Hon. Taiwo Olukemi Oluga; Hon. AbdulRahman Olalekan Badmus; and Pharmacist Leke Ogunsola, among others.

  • APC presents membership card to Senator Katung in Southern Kaduna

    APC presents membership card to Senator Katung in Southern Kaduna

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally presented its membership card to Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, the lawmaker representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, following his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The presentation was carried out by the APC Chairman of Madakiya Ward in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Mr. Alfred Diriya, who welcomed the senator into the ruling party.

    Speaking at the event, Senator Katung said his decision to join the APC was aimed at re-energising the party and strengthening its electoral fortunes in Southern Kaduna.

    “Our intention is to add value and ensure we win all forthcoming elections for the party,” Katung said, describing the APC as an inclusive party that has come to stay.

    Read Also: Kaduna South Senator Katung dumps PDP for APC

    He said his defection was influenced by the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly policies and interventions he said had positively impacted Kaduna South Senatorial District.

    Katung called on residents of Southern Kaduna to join the APC and work collectively toward the development of the area, stressing the need for unity and collaboration to move the region forward.

  • Former PDP House candidate Gujungu defects to APC in Jigawa

    Former PDP House candidate Gujungu defects to APC in Jigawa

    A former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the House of Representatives in Ringim/Taura Federal Constituency, Jigawa State, Hon. Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Gujungu announced his defection at a well-attended ceremony in his hometown of Gujungu, Taura Local Government Area.

    Receiving him on behalf of the Jigawa State Government, Governor Malam Umar Namadi, through the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing people-oriented policies under the APC-led administration. 

    He noted that the policies were translating into economic growth and improved welfare for Nigerians, stressing that Jigawa State was aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda to accelerate development.

    The Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, who represented the governor, formally welcomed Gujungu into the APC fold, describing the defection as a significant boost to the party’s strength in Ringim/Taura Federal Constituency. 

    He recalled that Gujungu had been a key figure in the PDP, contesting the House of Representatives seat in both the 2019 and 2023 general elections.

    Speaking at the event, Gujungu said his decision to join the APC was motivated by a desire to contribute to and benefit from the developmental strides being achieved by APC-led governments at both state and federal levels. 

    He cited the leadership style and development-focused policies of President Tinubu and Governor Namadi as key inspirations for his return to the party in the interest of his constituents.

    The defection ceremony drew top government officials, party leaders, local government chairmen, and other prominent stakeholders from across Jigawa State.

  • APC holds Ogbomoso ‘Unity Rally’ Monday

    APC holds Ogbomoso ‘Unity Rally’ Monday

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogbomoso zone will on Monday, January 5, 2026, hold a ‘Unity Rally’ aimed at fostering cohesion, reconciliation and renewed collaboration among party members ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The rally, scheduled to hold at Ogbomoso Town Hall, Oja’gbo, is expected to attract large turnout of past and serving political office holders, federal government appointees, party leaders, stakeholders and party members from across the zone, among others.

    According to the media committee of the event, the rally is designed to strengthened internal harmony within the party and mobilise members towards building a stronger and more united APC in Ogbomoso.

    The rally will also serve as a platform to reaffirm the party’s commitment to inclusive leadership, grassroots mobilisation and effective grassroots engagement, while reminding members to place collective interest above personal differences, because unity remains the bedrock of electoral success and sustainable political growth.

    Read Also: Bello seeks support for Tinubu as Kogi APC kicks off e-registration

    Organisers have assured participants of adequate security and a peaceful atmosphere throughout the event.

    The unity rally forms part of ongoing efforts by the APC leadership in the zone to reposition the party for future political engagements.

  • Bello seeks support for Tinubu as Kogi APC kicks off e-registration

    Bello seeks support for Tinubu as Kogi APC kicks off e-registration

    In compliance with the directives of the National headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Kogi State chapter of the party has begun its electronic membership registration .

    The exercise was kicked off by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

    Former Governor Yahaya Bello, was electronically registered at his Agasa Ward in Okene Local Government Area, at an event that attracted a large turnout of loyalists, including the Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Bello.

    Speaking shortly after his registration, Yahaya Bello described the exercise as timely and commendable. 

    He  noted that it would strengthen internal party cohesion and improve direct engagement between the party and its members.

    He described the APC as a party for all Nigerians and hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ‘ongoing efforts to reposition the country for sustainable growth and development.’

    Bello applauded the President’s resolve to make Nigeria globally competitive, particularly in the areas of economic development and human capital advancement.

    Urging party members to participate actively in the e-membership registration , Bello explained that the initiative would directly connect registered members to government interventions and empowerment programmes under the Renewed Hope administration of President Tinubu.

    “Let me commend everyone for turning out for this exercise today. I want to assure you that our leader and President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has good plans for the people of this great nation and he will continue to do more for the people.

     The requirement of the National Identification Number (NIN) in the e-registration process shows that members are directly linked to the party leadership and can be reached without intermediaries for empowerment and other benefits.

     I urge you to encourage members of your families to participate in this exercise,” he said.

    Bello  urged members to take forthcoming elections seriously, reiterating that the APC remains the dominant political party in Kogi State. He called on the people to sustain the party’s political fortune by voting APC candidates at all levels in future elections.

    He acknowledged that development often comes with challenges, urging Nigerians to be patient and to continue supporting the President’s reform agenda, which he described as well-intentioned and focused on long-term national progress.

    Read Also: Group raises concern over misleading online content to malign Ododo, Yahaya Bello 

    Bello also expressed gratitude to party stakeholders in the state for their continued support. He praised the state party executive, local government chairmen, grassroots leaders, party ambassadors, and all committed supporters of the APC across the state.

    Earlier, the APC Chairman  Abdullahi Bello, informed the gathering that following the registration of the Governor and the former Governor, the e-registration  would continue across all the 21 local government areas.

    He appealed for cooperation, understanding, and prompt participation by party members to ensure the successful completion of the exercise within the timeframe set by the party’s national leadership.

    The event was witnessed by party executives, local government chairmen, local government party chairmen, and numerous party loyalists from across the area.

    Bello and the registration officer displaying his card.

  • Ekiti State PDP candidate fingers APC for exclusion from INEC list

    Ekiti State PDP candidate fingers APC for exclusion from INEC list

    • Blame your crisis not us, ruling party tells Oluyede

    The governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Dr Wole Oluyede, has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is behind his exclusion from the provisional list of candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the June 20 governorship election.

    Addressing reporters yesterday in his Ikere-Ekiti country home, Oluyede said his omission from the list came as a surprise, stressing that his emergence as the PDP candidate was monitored and supervised by INEC.

    But Ekiti State APC Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, dismissed the allegations, describing the claim as baseless and a diversionary tactic aimed at covering internal crises within the PDP.

    Oluyede said although there had been legal suits challenging the party’s primary election, INEC officials had sworn affidavits in court affirming that he was the duly elected candidate of the party.

    “In fact, there have been suits against the election and INEC came to swear affidavit that I was the candidate of the party. I am not aware of any reason that should preclude me from the election,” he added.

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    He said there was no court injunction or order restraining him or the party from participating in the election, arguing that INEC lacked the power to determine who emerged as a party’s nominee.

    “As far as I know, there is no court injunction; there is no court order that should preclude me from the election. I don’t think INEC is in a position to determine who should be the nominee of a party. They haven’t been doing that before and I don’t know why this is happening,” he said. Oluyede said he had begun consultations with party stakeholders and would also engage the electoral body formally to demand explanations for the action.

    Reassuring his supporters across the state, the PDP candidate urged them not to panic, hoping he would participate in the governorship poll and feature on the final ballot.

    “I want to reassure my supporters that I am going to be the next governor of Ekiti State, which means I am going to be on the next ballot. This is a normal process of elections. People will play games, but it is a game of futility that will not go anywhere,” he said.

    He warned against attempts to exclude candidates through what he described as political manoeuvres, noting that elections should be based on the will of the people.

    “My advice to those trying to preclude others from contesting is that it is not the right way. Elections are meant to give people the opportunity to choose their government. If you are confident in your performance or capacity to govern, then you should have the confidence to face the electorate,” Oluyede said.

    Ekiti State APC spokesman Dipe dismissed the allegations, describing the claim as baseless and a diversionary tactic aimed at covering internal crises within the PDP.

    He said APC had no control over INEC and could not interfere with its constitutional responsibilities, arguing that PDP’s omission was a result of internal leadership crises and ongoing court cases within the opposition party.

    Dipe advised the PDP governorship candidate to seek redress through legal means, rather than making what it described as “wild allegations” against political opponents.