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  • APC predicts landslide for Tinubu in Ondo

    APC predicts landslide for Tinubu in Ondo

    The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Ade Adetimehin, has predicted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure the most decisive and overwhelming electoral victory ever recorded in the history of the Fourth Republic when voters go to the polls in 2027.

    Speaking yesterday at a colourful ceremony where some members of other parties defected to APC in Akure, Adetimehin described the current political reality in Ondo State as one of total APC dominance, with the opposition effectively “wiped out.’’

    “The opposition in Ondo State is finished, completely dead and buried.

    “Virtually everyone from other political parties has crossed over to join us in the APC. In 2027, President Tinubu will record the greatest landslide victory ever seen in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and it will start right here in Ondo State.”

    The high-profile event drew thousands of enthusiastic participants, as several powerful trade unions and artisan associations formally defected en masse to the ruling party.

    The groups, which pledged loyalty to President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda, included Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycles (ACOMORAN), Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), Nigeria Union of Tailors (NUT), Tricycles Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) and Barbers Association.

    Comrade Akinlolu Olumorin, ACOMORAN state coordinator, said every member of the association, irrespective of previous political affiliation, had unanimously resolved to register with the APC and work for Tinubu’s re-election.

    “We are not disappointed. Honestly, President Tinubu has performed far beyond our expectations,” he said.

    “Many of us feared he might bow to political pressure and fail to deliver on his campaign promises.

    ‘’Instead, he has confronted the nation’s security challenges head-on and delivered remarkable infrastructure improvements that have even won the admiration of his fiercest critics.’’

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    Olumorin singled out Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for special praise, describing him as “a wonderful and exemplary representative of Ondo State at the federal level,” whose efforts had been instrumental in bringing the associations into the APC fold.

    “This is a cause we are totally committed to,” he said.

    “Under the leadership of Dr. Tunji-Ojo, we will mobilise every member across the 18 local governments to register electronically with the party, attend ward meetings and ensure President Tinubu records a landslide victory in Ondo State in 2027.”

    Other union leaders echoed similar commitments, vowing to deliver a decisive margin of victory for the President.

    Otunba Agboola Kelly, the state coordinator of the APC Elders Movement for Tinubu 2027, who is the facilitator of the defections, lauded Tunji-Ojo, the source of empowerment for the groups supporting President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election in the state.

    He urged the new members to complete their registration and participate in ward activities, to further consolidate the party’s grassroots structure.

  • Delta North APC coalition calls for fair inclusion of founding members

    Delta North APC coalition calls for fair inclusion of founding members

    • …urges Yilwatda to introduce transparent harmonisation framework

    The Delta North APC Coalition for Equity has called on the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure fair and inclusive integration of foundational party members in Delta State.

    The call was made in a communiqué issued after the coalition’s expanded general stakeholders meeting held in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

    The communiqué was signed by the Chairman of the Coalition, Barrister Alex Ikpeazu, and the Secretary General, Hon. Kemmer B. Emina.

    The meeting was attended by delegates and representatives from all nine local government areas of the Delta North Senatorial District.

    In the statement, the Coalition expressed concern over what it described as the growing marginalisation of long-standing and foundational APC members in the state following recent political developments.

    The group acknowledged and welcomed the defection of the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, described it as a development that strengthens the party.

    However, it warned that party unity must be built on fairness and recognition of loyalty.

    According to the Coalition, most government appointments and key decision-making positions are currently dominated by the Governor’s former PDP political structure, leaving out many APC members who remained loyal during the party’s difficult years.

    “These foundational members stood by the APC through intimidation, repeated electoral losses, and political isolation,” the communiqué said, adding that the current situation has caused widespread dissatisfaction at the grassroots level.

    The group noted that such exclusion contradicts the principles of inclusiveness, equity, and reward for loyalty promoted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the Coalition stressed the need for urgent corrective measures to prevent internal discontent and strengthen party unity in the state.

    As part of its demands, the Coalition called on the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to introduce a transparent harmonisation framework that will ensure: fair and meaningful inclusion of foundational APC members in government appointments, boards, and agencies; balanced integration of the governor’s political structure with the existing APC party machinery in Delta State.

    The coalition also demanded zoning of the next APC State Chairmanship position to the Delta North Senatorial District, to be occupied by a long-standing APC member, citing the fact that Delta South and Delta Central had produced past and current state chairmen; development of a sustainable party structure based on unity, equity, inclusiveness, and shared ownership.

    It further demanded formal involvement of the Delta North APC Coalition for Equity in discussions and decisions affecting appointments and party restructuring in the Delta North.

    The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to the success of the APC in Delta State and Nigeria at large but insisted that lasting stability and electoral success could only be achieved through fairness, mutual respect, and inclusive governance.

  • APC faults opposition’s criticisms of Tinubu’s Europe trip

    APC faults opposition’s criticisms of Tinubu’s Europe trip

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged opposition parties to raise the quality of their engagement and stop ” meaningless noise-making” over President Bola Tinubu’s trip to Europe.

    The APC made the call in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos by its Lagos State Spokesman, Seye Oladejo, while reacting to criticisms of the trip by African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Oladejo said the opposition’s comments reflected a poor understanding of modern governance and international diplomacy.

    “The latest outburst by the ADC over President Tinubu’s Europe trip is a familiar dance of ignorance and desperation.

    “When confronted with serious governance, strategic leadership and results-driven diplomacy, the opposition predictably resorts to noise, misinformation and pedestrian politics,” Oladejo said.

    He said Nigeria could not be governed in isolation in a highly interconnected global environment.

    “Nigeria is not governed from a village square. Serious leadership entails constant engagement with global partners, investors, development institutions and strategic allies,” he said.

    According to him, President Tinubu’s Europe trip is aimed at advancing Nigeria’s economic interests, strengthening bilateral relations, attracting investment and reinforcing the country’s standing in the comity of nations.

    “This trip is not about sightseeing, as the opposition would like Nigerians to believe, but about purposeful engagement to reposition the country,” he added.

    Oladejo said it was misleading to suggest that governance was limited to the President’s physical presence within national borders.

    He said: “Only the intellectually lazy assume leadership is confined to being physically present at home.

    “The President governs with intent, structure and continuity. The machinery of government remains in motion through clear policy direction, delegated authority and strong institutions.”

    The APC spokesman said the opposition’s fixation on presidential travels exposed what he described as its lack of concrete ideas.

    “Having no roadmap, no credible economic alternative and no security blueprint, the ADC has resorted to monitoring flight schedules and issuing press statements rooted in envy and ignorance,” Oladejo said.

    He noted that many of those criticising current foreign engagements had remained silent during past administrations’ trips that produced little value for the country.

    “Under President Tinubu, international engagements are clearly aligned with Nigeria’s economic recovery agenda, foreign direct investment drive, energy transition goals and infrastructure financing,” he said.

    Oladejo said Nigerians could distinguish between leadership focused on national repositioning and opposition politics driven by distraction.

    “Nigerians are not deceived. They see the difference between a President working tirelessly, both at home and abroad, and an opposition trapped in cheap headline-chasing,” he said.

    He advised opposition parties to urgently improve the quality of their contributions to national discourse.

    “As the year winds down and Nigerians look ahead with renewed hope, the opposition must up its game. Serious times demand serious alternatives, not recycled outrage and shallow theatrics,” Oladejo said.

    He reaffirmed the APC’s confidence in President Tinubu, saying the Renewed Hope Agenda is a practical and ongoing process requiring both domestic reforms and purposeful international engagement.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly in charge, decisive, deliberate and globally engaged, for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Group seeks end to smear campaign

    Group seeks end to smear campaign

    A professional group under the aegis of All Progressives Congress (APC) Lawyers Network for Bola Ahmed Tinubu (LANBAT) has called for restraint on how Nigerians criticise the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of his cabinet.

    The group, in a statement signed by Wuyep Mantim Nandom, co-convener, North-Central and Ogunbona Akinpelu, national secretary, described the Tinubu administration as the best youth-friendly government since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

    It said President Tinubu deserved commendation for appointing youths into his cabinet.

    “Since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, youth participation in government has steadily expanded. Under the current administration, that involvement has reached an unprecedented level.

    “While youth inclusion has not been without challenges, particularly on allegations of corruption in some quarters, the present government deserves commendation for assembling competent, upright and results-driven appointees tasked with delivering the dividends of democracy,” the group added.

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    LANBAT, citing the Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as one of the good representatives of youths in the Tinubu administration that had attracted unwarranted attacks, expressed great concern that some of the attacks were coming from the ruling party.

    “Rather than celebrate performance, certain opposition elements both outside and, regrettably, within the ruling party appear bent on undermining progress. Their strategy has been consistent: discredit any appointee whose performance reflects positively on the administration. A recent example was the attempt to tarnish the reputation of a Professor of Law, Joash Amupitan, appointed as INEC chairman, by alleging he lacked an ‘O’ Level certificate—an allegation widely viewed as spurious.

    “The Minister of Interior has been a prime target of similar campaigns. The attacks have followed a predictable pattern: first, questions about his NYSC certificate; then, his academic qualifications; and when these failed for lack of evidence, a renewed fixation on his ‘O’ Level results even after former schoolmates publicly identified him as the Head Boy of his secondary school in Akure during their time.”

    It described as most troubling, the willingness of the critics to ignore measurable achievements in favour of relentless smear, saying “under a ‘business unusual’ reform agenda focused on efficiency and accountability, the Ministry of Interior has recorded notable milestones: modernisation of passport services through backlog reduction and contactless renewals; increased internally generated revenue; enhanced border security using technology such as the Advance Passenger Information (API) system; humane reforms in correctional services including inmate surgeries and increased female participation in recruitment with a 35 per cent allocation among others.”

    To end the unwholesome attacks, the group called on President Tinubu and the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to investigate the matter and put a stop to the ‘blackmail’ of the president’s cabinet members by party faithful.

    “We urge the President and the APC national chairman to closely examine these internal and external machinations, investigate those engaged in persistent blackmail, and apply appropriate sanctions where necessary. Above all, capable hands within the cabinet who are delivering on the promise of Renewed Hope must be protected. The continuous attacks on performing officials must be halted for the sake of stability, progress and national interest.”

  • Osun LG crisis deepens as APC, PDP clash over allocation of funds in 2026

    Osun LG crisis deepens as APC, PDP clash over allocation of funds in 2026

    The lingering crisis over the control of local governments in Osun State has deepened as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) continue to trade claims of legitimacy, with the ‘reinstated’ APC-backed local government executives indicating readiness to allocate council funds in the 2026 fiscal year.

    The APC and PDP had been at loggerheads since February 10th, 2025, after the Appeal Court reinstated APC council executives who had been sacked by the Federal High Court in 2022. However, another election was held which the PDP won all the seats.

    Subsequently, APC and PDP had been laying claim to the control of the councils. But the Federal Government directed the APC chairmen to open accounts on behalf of the councils, whose allocations were paid into the accounts.

    The state government kicked against the move, saying that only civil servants should be signatories to the account of councils and not the APC ‘sacked’ executives nor any appointed treasurer.

    Meanwhile, the PDP council chairmen had presented their 2026 fiscal year budget before the Osun State House of Assembly, while the APC chairmen presented their budgets before the Local Government Legislative Council.

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    The APC factional Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, Hon. Abiodun Idowu, declared that there was no legal or administrative impediment preventing local government executives from accessing and utilising their statutory allocations from 2026 without interference from the Osun state governor.

    Efforts to speak with the media aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Olawale Rasheed, were abortive as his phone number was not available as at the time of filing this report.

    A source, however, said: “We have a peculiar situation in Osun State. The PDP chairmen are the ones legally recognized executives, and Governor Adeleke is ready to give thema  free hand to operate, but APC illegality is affecting the implementation.”

  • Osun local govt crisis escalates as APC, PDP clash over 2026 budgets

    Osun local govt crisis escalates as APC, PDP clash over 2026 budgets

    The long-standing dispute over control of local governments in Osun State has intensified, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) trading claims of legitimacy, as the ‘reinstated’ APC-backed council executives signal readiness to access and allocate 2026 fiscal year funds.

    The tussle dates back to February 10, 2025, when the Appeal Court reinstated APC council executives who had been sacked by the Federal High Court in 2022. A subsequent election saw PDP winning all local government seats, yet both parties continue to assert control over the councils.

    The Federal Government directed APC chairmen to open accounts on behalf of the councils, into which allocations were deposited. 

    The Osun State government opposed this, insisting that only civil servants, not the APC ‘sacked’ executives or appointed treasurers, should be signatories to council accounts.

    In a further twist, PDP council chairmen have presented their 2026 budgets to the Osun State House of Assembly, while APC executives submitted theirs to the Local Government Legislative Council.

    Hon. Abiodun Idowu, APC factional Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, maintained that there is no legal or administrative barrier preventing local government executives from accessing and utilising statutory allocations for 2026, independent of the governor’s approval.

    Attempts to reach Governor Ademola Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, were unsuccessful at the time of filing. 

    A government source, however, described the situation as “peculiar,” noting, “The PDP chairmen are the legally recognised executives, and Governor Adeleke is ready to give them a free hand to operate, but APC illegality is affecting the implementation.”

  • Barau boosts APC in Kano with defection of gov’s aide, NNPP organising secretary

    Barau boosts APC in Kano with defection of gov’s aide, NNPP organising secretary

    Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has received two prominent members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)/Kwankwasiyya Movement into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The defectors include Hon. Umar Bala Haruna, Special Assistant to the Governor of Kano State in the Office of the Head of Service and Hon. Muhammad Hussaini, the Organising Secretary of NNPP in Bichi Ward of Bichi LGA of the state.

    In addition to his defection, Haruna also announced his resignation as Special Assistant to the Governor. He based this on his principles of integrity, accountability, and respect for democratic values. In a resignation letter dated December 22, 2025, Haruna, who was appointed in September 2023, informed the Kano governor, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, through the Secretary to the State Government, of his decision to resign.

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    A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, Malam Ismail Mudashir, said the two NNPP/ Kwankwasiyya Movement chieftains announced their defection to the APC during a courtesy call to Senator Barau in Abuja, recently.

    He said the defectors expressed satisfaction with the excellent leadership and people-driven movements of the Deputy President of the Senate, describing him as an icon and beacon of hope for Kano State.

    Responding, Senator Barau welcomed the defectors, describing their decision as a reflection of the growing confidence of Nigerians in the APC-led government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Senator Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, stated that the days of the NNPP are numbered in Kano State, given the growing support the APC is enjoying in the state.

    “You are welcome on board to the people’s party, APC. You joined at a time when our people are queuing up to join our movement to restore the glorious days of Kano, where the government works for all, not just a few individuals and their families, as it is now. Under our watch, Insha Allah, Kano will bounce back for the good of all,” Senator Barau said.

  • APC chieftain to PDP: resolve your differences or merge with ADC

    APC chieftain to PDP: resolve your differences or merge with ADC

    A former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Farouk Aliyu, has advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to resolve its internal wrangling or merge with the All Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Aliyu, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), gave the advice yesterday in an interview on a national television programme.

    “I call on my brothers and sisters in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to put their acts together. In my opinion, the Peoples Democratic Party should merge with the African Democratic Congress,” he said.

    Aliyu noted that if the PDP was truly “dying,” one way to revive it is by merging with the ADC.

     “The way things are going, either amongst themselves they don’t come together to concede, some concession is needed, if they truly want democracy in this country to thrive,” he said.

    The APC chieftain emphasised that some of them need to concede certain things so that the Peoples Democratic Party can come back.

    “Honestly, it’s sad in this country that the Peoples Democratic Party looks to be dying, and I hope the African Democratic Congress gets its act together too, and we need vibrant opposition because we need to oppose the government so that the people will get the best of the system,” he said

    Aliyu said it is not in the place of the APC to make the opposition parties come together.

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    “Remember the All Progressives Congress is a conglomeration of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and so on,” Aliyu said.

    “However, they came together and formed the All Progressives Congress. So, if the Peoples Democratic Party is dying, why can they go on my advice and join the African Democratic Congress?

    “Those in the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party are respected Nigerians. We respect them. These are people who have contributed in one way or the other for the growth of this country,” Aliyu said.

    The APC chieftain said the ruling party was not afraid of any opposition because “the country belongs to all of us and not to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”.

    He added: “It does not belong to him, not to you, but it belongs to all of us.”

    His comment comes on the heels of defections of key PDP stalwarts, including governors, National Assembly members, and others to the APC.

    The main opposition party is also embroiled in a crisis, with two factions laying claims to the leadership of the party, which ruled Nigeria from 1999 to 2015.

  • APC deputy spokesman preaches peace

    APC deputy spokesman preaches peace

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Publicity Secretary Durosinmi Meseko yesterday urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of love, sacrifice and renewed hope.

    His charge was contained in a goodwill message to Nigerians at Christmas.

    The APC deputy spokesman described Christmas as a season that transcends mere festivities, calling it a “profound reminder of God’s love for humanity.”

    Stressing that the essence of Christmas lies in the virtues of selflessness and peace, Meseko encouraged adherents of the Christian faithful and all Nigerians to use the Yuletide to reflect on the teachings of Christ, which center on compassion for the less privileged and harmony among neighbors.

    The statement reads: “Christmas is a time of joy, but more importantly, it is a time for us to internalise the lessons of humility and sacrifice taught by Jesus Christ.

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    “As we celebrate, let us extend a hand of fellowship to those around us, ensuring that the light of hope reaches every corner of our nation.”

    The APC chieftain also used the occasion to reiterate the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to the Renewed Hope Agenga (RHA).

    He noted that while the country is navigating a period of significant economic reforms, the long-term benefits will lead to a more prosperous and stable Nigeria.

    Meseko urged Nigerians of all faiths to remain united in the face of challenges and appealed for continued patience and prayer for the nation’s leaders.

  • Buni heads APC panel to tackle internal crises ahead 2027 polls

    Buni heads APC panel to tackle internal crises ahead 2027 polls

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated a high-powered Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The panel has the responsibility to resolve internal disputes that may threaten the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The committee was inaugurated yesterday in Lagos as part of party’s moves to consolidate unity.

    Spokesman of the President Mr Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, said the committee draws its membership from APC governors, members of the Federal Executive Council and other key stakeholders across the party.

    Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni is chair of the committee. Former legal adviser Muiz Banire will serve as secretary.

    Other members are Senator Adamu Aliero; Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma; as well as Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta).

    Also on the committee are Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna) and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers); Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

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    Buni thanked President Tinubu and the party leadership for the confidence reposed in him and other members. He pledged that the committee would discharge its mandate with diligence and a strong sense of responsibility.

    He said the panel would embark on wide consultations to design a durable strategy for managing internal disagreements.

    “The committee will engage in strategic engagements and consultations to develop an all-encompassing, productive and result-oriented strategy that will stand the test of time,” Buni said.

    According to him, special attention would be paid to inclusiveness and reconciliation within the party.

    “We shall implement a system that gives everyone, especially aggrieved parties, a sense of belonging and inclusion, with a renewed hope,” he added.

    Buni also noted that the committee would adopt a proactive approach in identifying potential flashpoints.

    “Similarly, the committee will consider proactive measures, solutions, and the potential threats in our conflict resolution approach,” he said, urging members not to allow “personal interest and sentiments to override the general interest and purpose for which this committee is constituted.”

    The inauguration followed President Tinubu’s earlier call for unity at the APC’s 15th National Executive Committee meeting held on December 19 at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, where he underscored the need for cohesion within the ruling party.

    At that meeting, the President reminded party leaders that the APC was founded on progressive ideals, broad-based participation and respect for diversity of opinion, warning that internal intolerance could weaken the party’s democratic credentials.

    “We must continue to be resolute that this democracy that we take in our hands must not fail. We say we are bigger. We are larger and taller. But it should now be in our hearts to be accommodating. That’s the only way we can be resilient; we must be tolerant”, Tinubu said.