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  • APC candidate Oyebamiji, Adeleke trade words over Osun health sector

    APC candidate Oyebamiji, Adeleke trade words over Osun health sector

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2026 election in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), and Governor Ademola Adeleke have engaged in a war of words over the state of the health sector in the state.

    Oyebamiji had earlier promised a total overhaul of Osun’s health sector if elected governor, lamenting what he described as the moribund condition of health facilities across the state. He said the situation constitutes a major setback to development.

    However, Governor Adeleke dismissed the claims as baseless and a deliberate attempt at disinformation, insisting that Osun is ranked first in the South-West in the provision of primary healthcare. 

    He said his administration has renovated over 200 primary healthcare centres across the state.

    Adeleke further alleged that Oyebamiji, while serving under the previous APC administration, was part of a committee that mismanaged a $20 million World Bank grant meant for the renovation of primary healthcare centres.

    “Osun will not return to the days of insensitive leadership,” the governor said.

    Reacting, Oyebamiji, through his campaign movement coordinator, Adebayo Adedeji, insisted that the health sector has deteriorated since Adeleke assumed office.

    In a statement issued on Saturday, Adedeji said attacks on Oyebamiji would not change facts already in the public domain. 

    He cited a report by CheckMyPHC.org, which he said highlighted a critical workforce gap in Osun’s primary healthcare centres.

    According to the report, 73 per cent of primary healthcare centres in the state lack adequate staff to function effectively, with the majority having between zero and one personnel, while 44 per cent reportedly have no staff at all. This, he said, means nearly three out of every four PHCs in Osun State are severely understaffed.

    The report also noted that many PHCs lack access to clean water, functional toilets and basic hygiene supplies, making effective patient care difficult.

    Adedeji further recalled that during the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, under whom Oyebamiji served, over 300 of the state’s 600 primary healthcare centres were renovated. He accused the Adeleke administration of failing to build on that legacy.

    “Adeleke administration chose to play uncharitable politics with the health of the people, sacked health workers employed by the APC government, badmouthed the facilities, which representatives of the World Bank—the donor agency for the project—had endorsed as world-class.

    “The APC government’s contribution to health is eternally commendable. The records are there; therefore, no amount of name-calling can diminish such an outstanding achievement witnessed under the leadership of Oyetola.”

    He added, “About 9,000 health workers needed in Osun, yet the government has not recruited a single worker to replace those sacked out of jealousy and political vendetta.”

  • Osun 2026: Governance is a serious business, says APC candidate Oyebamiji

    Osun 2026: Governance is a serious business, says APC candidate Oyebamiji

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the August 8, 2026 election in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has declared that governance is a serious responsibility that must not be entrusted to mediocre leadership.

    Oyebamiji made the assertion shortly after receiving his Certificate of Return from the leadership of the APC at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

    He said Osun State requires a competent and focused manager to effectively harness its vast human and material resources and deliver sustainable development to the people.

    According to the governorship candidate, the APC is determined to reclaim Osun State in the 2026 governorship election and also secure victory in the 2027 presidential election.

    “The business of governance is serious. Osun State is blessed with enormous human and material assets, and we need a serious manager to drive those assets. That serious manager is Bola Oyebamiji,” he said.

    “Now that I have the support of the leaders and members of the party to represent the APC at the polls, we will carry that mandate forward. Come 2026 and 2027, we will deliver Osun for the APC at both the governorship and presidential elections. We will win massively to return the progressives to the Bola Ige House in 2026 and renew the mandate of Mr President in 2027.”

    The former Osun State Commissioner for Finance described the issuance of his Certificate of Return as the beginning of a renewed journey to reposition the state on the path of progress, inclusive governance and accelerated development.

    He pledged to build on the legacies of past progressive administrations while opening new frontiers of prosperity across critical sectors of the state’s economy.

    “The journey ahead is clear. The task of reclaiming Osun is not just a campaign, but a calling. Today marks the beginning of a renewed march to restore our state to progress, inclusive governance and rapid development,” he said.

    “We are committed to building on the legacies of progressive leaders before us and charting new paths of prosperity in education, healthcare, job creation and security for all residents of Osun.”

    Oyebamiji called for unity within the APC, urging members and supporters to work together with discipline and purpose ahead of the polls.

    “Let this moment serve as a clarion call to every APC member and supporter. Our collective mission to return Osun to the path of progress has begun. With unity, discipline and passion, we will mobilise our people, earn the confidence of every community and write a new chapter of hope and transformation for Osun,” he said.

    The former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) commended other aspirants for rallying behind him as the party’s consensus candidate, describing their support as a demonstration of confidence, faith and commitment to the APC’s ideals.

    He also expressed appreciation to party leaders, elders and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) for their support.

    Oyebamiji specifically thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Chief Adebisi Akande; national leaders of the party; members of the APC National Executive Council led by the National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and leader of the APC in Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola; the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru; the APC State Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal; as well as party leaders and members at both the national and state levels for their unwavering backing.

  • APC stalwart hails Mutfwang’s defection, says Plateau now in political mainstream

    APC stalwart hails Mutfwang’s defection, says Plateau now in political mainstream

    A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Yakubu Dati, has welcomed the decision of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to officially defect to the party during its 14th National Caucus meeting in Abuja.

    Dati said the announcement by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, confirming Governor Mutfwang’s movement into the party ended months of speculation over his political future.

    According to him, the governor’s decision signalled Plateau State’s resolve to move away from what he described as politics of sentiment and align fully with the mainstream of Nigeria’s politics.

    He described the defection as a form of homecoming, noting that several states had already discovered that alignment with the centre offers renewed hope and tangible benefits.

    “And this action by Governor Mutfwang, while clearly aligning Plateau with the ruling party at the federal level, will unlock greater access to resources, accelerate development projects and enhance national policy influence,” Dati said.

    He added that the realignment would help reduce partisan friction, ensure smoother governance and enable faster implementation of infrastructure and security initiatives across the state.

    Dati cited the examples of former Ebonyi State governor, Dave Umahi; former Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade; and former Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle, who, he said, embraced similar political realignments for the benefit of their states, noting that Delta and Akwa Ibom states were already enjoying such dividends.

    “Alignment with the centre, especially under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, provides political stability and comfort to deepen development through leadership capacity and strategic negotiation,” he said.

    He further observed that defections often come with lawmakers, commissioners and local government officials, a development he said strengthens the ruling party and consolidates its position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    According to Dati, Governor Mutfwang’s defection is necessary for the sustained development of Plateau State.

    Looking at the broader political implications, Dati said that with Mutfwang’s defection, the entire North Central region is now governed by the APC, a development he described as a sign of cohesion that would enable greater consolidation across the zone.

    Dati said, “As an indigene of Plateau State I cannot but say Eureka to this development with the epiphany that my state has realigned not just with the centre but with its siblings in the North Central zone giving our dear state a stronger identification and sense of belonging.

    “The North-Central occupies a strategic space in Nigeria’s power map. Frequently courted during elections, it, however, struggles to convert relevance into sustained Federal attention. 

    “In 1983 under the 2nd Republic, Plateau was the only state that chose to be different in party affiliation with its closest neighbours as Benue, Bauchi, Gongola and Kaduna all belonged to the ruling party at the centre.

    “But the consequences were glaring as there was no synergy between the state and the center to complement the drive of our father, Chief Solomon Lar who would have achieved much more with the support of the party at the centre.

    “Before Thursday when Mutfwang defected, Plateau reminiscent of the old order, was the only odd one out with Benue, Kwara; Niger; Nasarawa and Kogi all belonging to the ruling party.” 

     Dati further said, “There are definitely going to be challenges occasioned by this action as some would feel it would dampen their influence on the party. But such considerations are selfish and not forward looking.

    “Gov Mutfwang will therefore face the challenge of uniting other members with those who are moving to the APC with him as there are entrenched party factions and rival ambitions. 

    “Plateau’s APC, long in opposition, carries its own internal tensions hence success for the party will require discipline, inclusion, and strategic clarity to gain from federal alignment and stabilise governance.

    “The good thing is that with the alignment, the cooperation of notable party leaders in the state like Hon Idris Ahmed Wase ,the Deputy Speaker of the 9th Assembly will be secured to give APC the needed push to navigate the political landmines.

    “In a region long sensitive to political neglect, Gov Mutfwang has done well and taken the right decision to move Plateau State forward.”

  • JUST IN: Tinubu, Shettima, Yilwatda attend APC 15th NEC meeting in Abuja

    JUST IN: Tinubu, Shettima, Yilwatda attend APC 15th NEC meeting in Abuja

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, are attending the party’s 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

    The session commenced at 6:05 pm with the arrival of the President and followed the APC National Caucus meeting held on Thursday.

    The meeting is being moderated by Prof. Yilwatda, who was elected National Chairman at the party’s NEC meeting of July 24, 2025.

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    Opening prayers were offered by the Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, who led the Christian prayer, while the National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Arugungu, offered the Muslim prayer.

    In attendance are Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; and other principal officers of the National Assembly.

    Also present are six governors who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara; Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah; Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno; and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas.

    Details shortly….

  • Osun APC begins reconciliation drive after Oyebamiji’s emergence as guber candidate

    Osun APC begins reconciliation drive after Oyebamiji’s emergence as guber candidate

    The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced a reconciliation process aimed at preventing internal wrangling following the emergence of former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2026 election.

    In a statement, the APC chairman in the state, Tajudeen Lawal, said arrangements have been concluded to reconcile party members who may be disenchanted by the outcome of the exercise.

    Lawal explained that an unforeseen official working visit to Abuja had delayed the commencement of the reconciliation process.

    “Further reconciliation meetings with anyone who may be aggrieved over the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji as the governorship candidate of the party will be handled by the State Working Committee (SWC),” he said.

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    He stressed that the reconciliation effort would be carried out by the state leadership of the party rather than by any individual member.

    The chairman also commended party delegates for their peaceful conduct during the successful consensus governorship primary election held in Osogbo last Saturday under the chairmanship of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.

    The release stated, “the strength of the party has been the continuous unity of its members which has recorded so many successes for it despite the fact that we are in the opposition in the state”.

    Lawal charged the members of the party not to relent in their efforts within the constitutional purview to ensure that “we chase out the state Governor Ademola Adeleke out of the Bola Ige House through our votes on the 8th of August, 2026.”

  • Court stops APC, INEC from enforcing resolution against Cross River chairman

    Court stops APC, INEC from enforcing resolution against Cross River chairman

    The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has restrained the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other defendants from giving effect to a resolution allegedly aimed at removing or sidelining the Cross River State Chairman of the party, Hon. Alphonsus Ogar Eba.

    Justice J. E. Obanor issued the interim orders on December 18, 2025 while sitting at Court 26, Jabi, Abuja, in a suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/5197/2025, filed by Eba against the APC, Mr. Ekum Ekok Ojogu, Mr. Patrick Asikpo Okon and INEC.

    The claimant approached the court through a motion ex parte,filed by his counsel, Ayotunde Ogunleye (SAN)  seeking protection from what he described as an unlawful resolution dated November 26, 2025, which allegedly sought to prevent him from carrying out his duties as the APC chairman in Cross River State.

    In granting the application, the court restrained the defendants, either by themselves, their agents or privies, from giving effect to or continuing to give effect to the said resolution, particularly any action that would prevent Eba from performing his responsibilities as the state chairman of the APC pending the determination of the substantive motion before the court.

    Justice Obanor also barred the defendants from stopping the claimant from attending the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2025, as well as any other party meetings he is entitled to attend during the subsistence of his tenure or any extension granted by the party’s NEC.

    In a further order, the court restrained the second defendant, Mr. Ekum Ekok Ojogu, or any other person, from parading himself as the Acting State Chairman of the APC in Cross River State while the tenure of the claimant subsists.

    The court also directed all the defendants to refrain from initiating, deliberating upon or taking any action or decision capable of adversely affecting Eba’s position or rights as the duly recognised chairman of the party in the state pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    Justice Obanor, after reviewing the processes filed before the court, held that there was sufficient reason to grant the interim reliefs sought by the claimant.

    “Having gone through all the processes before the court and being satisfied as to the need to grant the interim orders sought, Motion No. M/16959/2025 is hereby granted, and the orders are made as prayed, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice,” the judge ruled.

    The judge subsequently adjourned to January 22, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.

  • Fubara loyalists, LP member defects to APC

    Fubara loyalists, LP member defects to APC

    Three loyalists of Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and a member of the Labour Party, on Thursday, announced their defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the prolonged crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The members who defected from the PDP to the APC are Boniface Emerengwa, Boma Goodhead, and Awaji Nombet Abiante from the PDP and Manuchin Umezuruike from the Labour Party to the APC.

    The letters of defection of the four lawmakers were read at plenary on Thursday by the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen.

    Abiante and the other two members, who are close associates of Rivers state Governor, said they were leaving the PDP to join the APC as a result of the protracted and unresolved crisis in the PDP.

    Umezuruike, on his part, said he was leaving the Labour Party due to the lingering litigations, adding that it is not as a result of personal interest, but the interest of his people.

    This will bring the number of members on the APC platform to about 250

  • ADC vows to unseat APC, take over Delta in 2027

    ADC vows to unseat APC, take over Delta in 2027

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that it possesses the political strength and organisational capacity to dislodge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State and take over Government House, Osadebe House, in the 2027 general elections.

    Leaders of the party said Delta State is long overdue for a change in political leadership.

    Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Asaba on Tuesday, members of the ADC Transition Committee, Hon. Ozegbe Emeka Lawrence and Mr Omonigho Anthony, said the state’s political landscape had reached a point where a new party and a fresh leadership direction had become inevitable.

    They said the ADC is positioning itself as the platform to drive the desired change, stressing that the party is approaching the 2027 elections with a clear and determined objective of winning power in the state.

    According to them, the party is not entering the race quietly but is “coming strong” with the resolve to form the next government in Delta State.

    The party’s Secretary, Hon. Ozegbe Lawrence, also compared Delta State with Akwa Ibom State, noting that although both states were created on the same date, they have recorded markedly different development trajectories over the years.

    “Anyone who travels through Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Eket, and other major towns in Akwa Ibom, and then compares them with Warri, Asaba, Agbor, and other commercial centres in Delta State, will agree that Akwa Ibom is far ahead,” he said.

    He questioned how long Deltans would continue to “sit in a cocoon and watch the fortunes of the state being diminished,” adding that Delta State has no shortage of human resources, political sophistication, or globally accomplished professionals.

    “From the Itsekiris, Ijaws, Urhobos, Isoko, Aniocha, and Ndokwa people, Delta State has produced world-class professionals, especially in finance and banking. With all these resources, this is where we still are after over two decades,” he lamented.

    The ADC leader said this reality had motivated what he described as “healthy-minded and conscientious politicians” to pursue a change in leadership, calling on all Deltans to embrace the ADC as a platform for renewal and relief.

    He announced that the party would commence revalidation of existing members and registration of new members from December 19, noting that the exercise had already begun in some areas.

    “The purpose of this meeting is to identify key coordinators and assign them responsibilities for an aggressive membership drive across the state,” he explained.

    Responding to questions on whether former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is a member of the ADC, he said the ADC is a coalition platform that includes the Labour Party.

    “If the Labour Party is part of the coalition that adopted ADC as a vehicle to redirect Nigerian politics, then by extension, Peter Obi is part of that movement in principle,” he stated.

    On the party’s chances against the ruling APC and PDP in Delta State, he described politics as dynamic, recalling how political alignments had shifted rapidly in recent months.

  • Kogi APC Renaissance Forum backs Tinubu’s anti-corruption drive

    Kogi APC Renaissance Forum backs Tinubu’s anti-corruption drive

    A leading political group in Kogi State, the Kogi APC Renaissance Forum, has expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fight against corruption and corrupt practices in Nigeria.

    The forum, in a statement by its spokesperson, Adejo Emmanuel, said the current anti-corruption campaign under the Tinubu administration is not targeted solely at opposition figures, noting that members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are also being prosecuted.

    He cited the case of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, who is currently facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of diversion and misappropriation of state funds, among other cases involving party members.

    Emmanuel described corruption as a major governance challenge with far-reaching implications for democracy, electoral integrity, social cohesion, and economic growth, noting that it has consistently undermined Nigeria’s development despite previous anti-corruption efforts.

    He said the entrenched nature of corruption in Nigeria, particularly among politically exposed persons, requires a more drastic and robust approach.

    According to him, President Tinubu has demonstrated a strong commitment to tackling corruption by clearly separating partisan politics from governance and ensuring that offenders are held accountable through diligent prosecution.

    He added that appropriate punishment remains essential in addressing corruption and deterring future abuses.

    “The fight against corruption in Nigeria requires a paradigm shift and bolder actions to effectively address its deep-rooted and multifaceted nature,” Emmanuel said.

    The forum urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s renewed anti-corruption drive, warning that individuals who engage in corrupt practices should desist or face the full weight of the law.

  • Bafarawa dispels APC defection rumours, says he remains elder statesman

    Bafarawa dispels APC defection rumours, says he remains elder statesman

    Former Sokoto State Governor and one-time presidential candidate, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has dismissed reports suggesting that he has joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that he has retired from active partisan politics and now operates strictly as an elder statesman.

    Bafarawa, who had last year publicly renounced membership of any political party, said he was reacting to rumours circulating across news and social media platforms claiming that he had defected to the APC.

    Speaking in Sokoto on Wednesday night, the former governor said he had made his position clear since leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    “Since quitting the PDP, I announced my retirement from active politics and distanced myself from taking any political appointment,” he said.

    Bafarawa, who holds the traditional title of Garkuwan Sokoto (Shield of Sokoto), explained that his current role is limited to offering advice and opinions on issues affecting the unity and prosperity of the country.

    “I am now an elder statesman who only gives and airs opinions on issues that border on the country’s prosperity,” he stated.

    He clarified that while he has thousands of supporters across Sokoto State with political ambitions, he has consistently told them that he is no longer involved in active politics.

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    “They sought to know where my focus is, and I told them clearly that I am no longer in active politics. When they insisted and, based on their own convictions, decided to join the APC, I told them that wherever they choose to be politically, I would always wish them well,” Bafarawa explained.

    The former governor added that he supports their decision and stressed that he would not oppose Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, citing the governor’s loyalty and respect toward him.

    “I am willing and ready to support their choice and will be the last person in the state to oppose Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for his loyalty to and respect for me as a father,” he said.

    Bafarawa further noted that he would continue to protect his fatherly relationship with the governor while supporting the political decisions of his followers.

    Reflecting on his political journey, he recalled his role in mentoring several leaders who later became governors of Sokoto State, including Yahaya Abdulkareem, Aliyu Wamakko, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and the incumbent, Ahmed Aliyu.

    “At one time, I was a founding member and chairman of the ANPP, which gave Muhammadu Buhari the presidential ticket in 2003. I chaired the constitution drafting committee of the APC, mentored and supported Tambuwal to become Speaker of the House of Representatives, and brought Wamakko into political limelight, among others,” he said.

    “What else do I need again than to thank God and await my last destination in paradise by Allah’s wish? Therefore, I remain an elder statesman whose principles believe in the unity and prosperity of Nigeria,” Bafarawa added.

    Meanwhile, Chairman of the Bafarawa Akida Movement in Sokoto State, Professor Muhammad Hamza Maishanu Yabo, said loyalists of the former governor had collectively decided to join the APC in support of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration.

    He said the decision followed extensive consultations among elders, youths and women loyal to Bafarawa, who view the governor as a true democrat.

    “This decision was taken because of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s resilience in delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Sokoto and the dignity and humility with which he treats our principal,” Yabo said.

    According to him, the supporters resolved to back the state government, noting that Bafarawa himself was a key co-founder of the APC and that his followers were acting in line with that legacy.