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  • Adeleke won’t defect to APC – Osun PDP caucus

    Adeleke won’t defect to APC – Osun PDP caucus

    The Osun caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says Gov. Ademola Adeleke will contest the Aug. 8, 2026 governorship election on the platform of the party.

    The PDP leadership emphasised that the governor would not defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    This is contained in a communique issued at the end of the PDP caucus meeting held at the Government House on Monday in Osogbo.

    The communique was made available to journalists by the spokesperson to the governor, Malam Olawale Rasheed, on Tuesday.

    The PDP leaders stated that majority of the APC members in Osun were opposed to the idea of Adeleke defecting to the APC, “which did not originate from the governor in the first instance.”

    The communique also alleged that some APC leaders, “based on entrenched interests”, have demonstrated “hostility and resentment” towards the governor.

    The caucus said that the majority of PDP members in the state were not happy with the idea of the governor joining APC, but only reluctantly agreed to follow him to wherever he goes to show their love, support, and loyalty to his leadership.

    The PDP leaders said that the party recognised the fact that Osun is the ancestral home of President Bola Tinubu, “which makes him the son of the State.”

    The PDP caucus, however, adopted and endorsed the President for re-election in the 2027 general elections.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Adeleke, Osun PDP endorse Tinubu for 2027

    The leaders of the party also endorsed Adeleke’s re-election bid on the platform of the PDP, directing all members in the state to remain in the party.

    According to the caucus, the state government and the PDP, as a political party, remain very popular and acceptable above all other political parties in the state.

    The PDP leaders urged the governor to forge ahead with governance and implementation of his administration’s five-point agenda.

    The caucus also directed members to disseminate the resolution to all structures of the party in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the communique was signed by Adeleke, his deputy, Kola Adewumi, a former governor in the state, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuf, among others.

    (NAN)

  • Ekiti APC should foster equity, says group

    Ekiti APC should foster equity, says group

    Some aggrieved leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ado-Ekiti Local Government of Ekiti State have petitioned the national chairman over ‘‘unconstitutional directives by Acting State Chairman, Sola Elesin, and Ado-Ekiti Local Government Chair, Mike Akinleye.’’

    In a letter by Chief Tajudeen Gidado and Falaj Doy, the stakeholders accused the two party officials of violating APC Constitution and attempting to stifle internal democracy ahead the governorship poll.

    They claimed that following release of the election timetable by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),  Elesin had directed stakeholders to support only one aspirant and threatened to sanction any member who associates with other aspirants.

    Read Also: 2027: APC will take over Enugu, says Minister Nnaji

    They alleged the directive was also issued at a meeting with stakeholders in Ado-Ekiti, and subsequently reinforced by Akinleye, who  summoned ward chairmen and mandated them to convert their weekly ward meetings into campaign gatherings for one aspirant.

    Both denied the allegation and reiterated their commitment to party unity, cohesion and internal democracy.

    The aggrieved petitioners described the development as a “gross violation” of APC Constitution, particularly Article 7 (viii) and (ix), which emphasise internal democracy, representative participation, and observance of rule of law.

    “These actions are alien to the culture of APC and can destroy the harmony among members,” the letter said.

    The stakeholders decried attempts to deny members their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association, warning such conduct could create disaffection and portray APC as authoritarian.

    Describing their actions as “antithetical to APC ethos,” it urged the national chairto intervene and call them to order.

  • We remain only credible opposition to APC, says PDP

    We remain only credible opposition to APC, says PDP

    • Party prepares for tomorrow’s NEC meeting

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it has more supporters and followers than any other political party to claim the position of Nigeria’s leading opposition party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Addressing reporters yesterday at the party’s national secretariat at Wadata Plaza in Wuse, Abuja, PDP’s spokesman, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, described the party as the most pro-people among the nation’s leading political parties.

    He said other parties claiming to be “congresses” only cater for elite members’ interests.

    Ologunagba announced that all members of the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and various party organs, including the PDP Governors’ Forum, the National Working Committee (NWC), and others, would participate in the party’s NEC meeting scheduled to hold tomorrow till Friday, July 25.

    The PDP spokesman said the party’s improved strength would soon become obvious to Nigerians.

    He said the gale of defections from the PDP and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike’s vow to mobilise for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 are not potent threats to the party.

    Ologunagba stressed that the party would not be bothered by what a few individuals chose to do.

    Read Also: 2027: APC will take over Enugu, says Minister Nnaji

    “Of course, we are concerned that some people left. We won’t play the ostrich, but the strength of this party is not in individuals. That’s why it is Peoples Democratic Party, and that is why it’s not a congress.

    “The PDP is not a congress. Our political party belongs to the people; a ‘congress’ thinks about itself and its elite interests. But a political party like the PDP thinks about the people,” he said.

    Ologunagba also spoke about PDP’s efforts to reposition for the tasks ahead.

    “The PDP is now recalibrating and, in the next few days, you will see all the party organs coming out with strength as we conduct another NEC meeting this week. So, we are working on our repositioning; we are working upon what we achieved in the past. That is something to reflect upon,” he said.

  • 2027: APC will take over Enugu, says Minister Nnaji

    2027: APC will take over Enugu, says Minister Nnaji

    The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has declared that nothing will stop the All Progressives Congress (APC) from taking over Enugu State Government House from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 general elections.

    Speaking on Sunday at Ogurute in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, where over 500 defectors from the PDP, Labour Party (LP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) formally joined the APC, Nnaji criticised the state government over what he described as the indiscriminate demolition of markets and shops without prior notice or compensation.

    He said such actions were worsening the hardship faced by traders and had led to the death of several victims within the past year.

    The minister, who led the APC in Enugu State, condemned the demolition of businesses under the guise of developing modern motor parks, stressing that it was unjust to destroy people’s livelihoods without alternatives or support.

    He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, a native of the area, as Chief of Naval Staff. Nnaji thanked the people of Igbo-Eze North for their growing support for the APC.

    Accompanied by top party figures, including the APC State chairman, Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah, 2023 deputy governorship candidate, Barr. George Ogara; and Comrade Fidelis Edeh, Pro-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, the minister assured that the party would lawfully do everything within its power to unseat the PDP administration led by Governor Peter Mbah in 2027.

    Nnaji also condemned an alleged attempt by Igbo-Eze North local government officials and PDP leaders to stop the mini-rally, describing it as a misuse of power and a sign of political intolerance.

    “We heard that some people were trying to abuse their authority by attempting to stop this gathering today, to the extent that we have to move from the original venue to this place. What we have come today is more of liberating our people.

    “An average Igbo man is a trader, so if you keep on destroying the markets, demolishing the markets without compensation, without providing an alternative, I don’t know how our people are going to survive and that is why we have brought out ourselves, come rain, come shine, that we are going to fight, we are going to do everything humanly possible and within the ambit of law to make sure that come 2027 our people will start rejoicing again.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu knows that we are here; he knows we are doing all these things for the state and him and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He knows and he has our support 101 percent, and he is behind us. we are APC. We are not running away anywhere for anybody’s sake.

    “We will remain here and we will welcome anybody who wants to enter. Anybody who wants to enter, we’ll welcome them, but we’ll make sure we defeat him. If anybody enters, we’ll welcome him and defeat him, and throw him away. So we are waiting for people to come to this party. We want many people to come in; there is no preferential treatment. When they come in, we’ll defeat them.

    “And we thank the president and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for appointing Vice Admiral Ogalla, who is from Igbo-Eze North, to make him the Chief of Naval Staff. We’ll keep thanking him for this,” the Minister stated. 

    Read Also: Binani dumps APC for ADC, set to team up with Atiku in Adamawa

    The State Chairman of APC, Agballah, who described the influx of new members as a ‘rainbow movement’, thanked the defectors for joining APC, saying that the disadvantage of belonging to small parties is that they won’t be able to protect their votes.

    “You know that in the last election, Labour Party won in Igbo-Eze North, LP won the House of Assembly, won the House of Rep, won everything, but they were rigged out. Do you know why they were rigged out? It’s because they were in a one-man show. One-man-show parties don’t go far. Politics is like a market; one person does not constitute the market.”

    Some of the defectors, including Hon Ikechukwu Ogbugo, a former executive Vice Chairman, Igbo-Eze North LGA under PDP; Hon. Barr. Osita Ugwuoke, Hon Festus Ayogu of PDP (Bravo), Chief Oliver Idoko (Ego Amaka Transport), Hon Emmanuel Itodo (E-Gas) and Prof. Onyeke A. Onyeke, former House of Assembly member under old Enugu state, stated that they were joining APC because of the appointment of their brother as Chief of Naval Staff as well as neglect by their former parties over the years. 

  • LG chair woos opposition parties

    LG chair woos opposition parties

    The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area , Lagos, Princess Surah Animashaun and winner of the chairmanship election in the just concluded local government elections, says opposition parties should work with her to govern the council area.

    The Lagos state Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) declared Princess Animashaun, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the winner of the poll.

    Speaking after receiving the Certificate of Return (CofR), Princess Animashaun said she would run a participatory government and prioritise the welfare of the people.

    “As your chairperson, I promise to continue to run an inclusive and participatory government where every citizen has a voice and an opportunity to contribute to our collective progress.

    “We will continue to prioritise the welfare of our people, foster economic growth, and ensure that our local government remains a beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come.

    Read Also: Presidency slams ADC over Buhari’s burial remarks

    “Now that the elections are over, it is time to re-dedicate ourselves to the service of our dear LGC area. I, therefore, want to extend a hand of fellowship to the opposition parties and invite you to collaborate with us in the onerous task of building a better Epe Council for the overall good of our people.

    “Let us put aside our differences and work together to create a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our communities.”

    Animashaun said she would not fail on all her promises, noting that the people of Epe trust her.

    “They believe that whatever we say is what we will do. We will not tell them what we cannot do. We will do all that we have promised within the limited resources available to us,” she said

  • Igbinedion, Ikpea win APC tickets for Edo by-election

    Igbinedion, Ikpea win APC tickets for Edo by-election

    Barr. Omosede Igbinedion and Hon Joseph Ikpea have emerged candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for next month’s by-election to fill vacant seats for the National Assembly.

    The primary was conducted in Ovia Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives and Edo Central senatorial district.

    Igbinedion was the sole candidate of the party for Ovia Federal constituency as other aspirants stepped down for her but Hon Ikpea defeated Mr. Glory Momodu with a wide margin for the Edo Central senatorial seat.

    Members of the APC queued behind their preferred aspirants as the party opted for the direct mode of primary and was affirmed by elected delegates of the party.

    Read Also: Atack on Buhari’s state burial insensitive, unacceptable, APC slams ADC

    Chairman of the primary election committee for Ovia Federal Constituency, Barr. Lucky Ajokperiniovo, said Omosede won the election after results were collated in 23 wards.

    He said Omosede polled a total vote of 5819.

    He said: “It was a free and successful election. The party worked hard for aspirants to step down. The turnout was impressive and they conducted themselves in orderly manner.

    Chairman for Edo Central, Stanley Uzoamaka, said the exercise was conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.

    He affirmed that Ikpea won the election.

    Edo APC Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, thanked the committee for ensuring a peaceful primary.

    He assured that the party would mobilise the masses for maximum

  • Atack on Buhari’s state burial insensitive, unacceptable, APC slams ADC

    Atack on Buhari’s state burial insensitive, unacceptable, APC slams ADC

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has berated the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) for accusing President Bola Tinubu-led administration of exploiting the state burial accorded the late President Muhammadu Buhari for political gains. 

    The opposition party, in a statement on Friday, picked holes in the state burial organized in honour of Buhari, describing it as an exploitative venture. 

    APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, in a reaction on Saturday said the opposition party must have been shocked by the dignified state burial and the show of compassion and support for his bereaved family by the government and the people, describing the ADC’s criticism as “spooky, unconscionable,” and a reflection of its “duplicity and insensitivity.”

    Dismissing the criticism Morka said: “ADC has showcased itself to be without any understanding of customary state practice, and lacking empathy and essential humanity. It has cut its own portrait as a party of mindless political dregs, a dump of Nigeria’s internally displaced politicians, ready to do or say anything in chase of attention but sinking itself deeper in quicksand of ignominy. 

    “That the ADC is blowing up over the state burial of the late President only reflects the party’s duplicity and insensitivity. What would the ADC have had President Tinubu do? Deny the late President Buhari the honour of a befitting state burial? Withhold empathy and support for the bereaved former first family? As a party that can begrudge the dead, the ADC must surely disdain the living.

    “It is unacceptable for the ADC to politicize a solemn moment of national grief, more so, as its senseless statement was issued during the week of national mourning for the late President. 

    “The party’s reference to heartfelt gestures and activities of the government in honour of the late President as “exploitation” is beyond the pale.  It falls far outside the widest and wildest stretch of justifiable opposition politics. Clearly, the party and its villainous leaders have allowed their humanity to be corroded by desperation for inordinate and self-serving power.”

    Eulogising Buhari, the ruling party said the late President lived a life of illustrious service to country as a soldier, military Head of State, a two-term democratically elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

    The party stressed that “just a human being, a father, survived by a loving but grieving family worthy of our collective empathy and support at this difficult time. 

    “President Bola Tinubu showed compassion and a deep sense of loss of a friend, close political associate, and predecessor. He demonstrated patriotism and leadership by overseeing and participating in honouring the late president who gave so much to our dear nation.”

  • APC, NNPP supporters welcome Tinubu to Kano

    APC, NNPP supporters welcome Tinubu to Kano

    Mammoth crowds consisting All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters and New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) members on Friday gave President Bola Tinubu a rousing welcome to Kano state.

    The president was in the ancient city to pay condolences to the family of business icon, Aminu Dantata, who died recently.

    Tinubu landed at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) and was received by Governor Abba Yusuf, Deputy Senate President, Barau Ibrahim Jubrin and others

    From the airport, the President’s long convoy proceeded to Koki Quarters -the heartbeat of Kano city, to the Dantata’s family house.
    
    He  described the late Dantata as a titan of integrity, humility, and generosity, whose life was dedicated to service, philanthropy, and devotion to others.

    Condoling the family of the late business tycoon, Tinubu said the deceased had embodied the highest values of public service and human compassion.

    Dantata, a renowned industrialist who hailed from Kano, passed away at 94 on Saturday morning, June 28, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

    He was buried at the Baqiyya Cemetery in Madina, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to fulfill his wish.

    “This is a deeply personal visit for me. I came to condole with the Dantata family and the good people of Kano. He was not just a respected figure; he was part of my family,” the President said.

    Tinubu recalled the counsel and prayers he received from Dantata during the 2023 presidential election campaign.

    “I came to him for prayers before the election, and he gave me his blessings. I promised to come back and thank him, but instead of me visiting, he came to Abuja. That was the kind of man he was: humble, simple, and sincere,” the President noted.

    Read Also: Tinubu Gail’s Dantata’s humility, service at Kano visit

    He praised the late elder statesman for his unwavering honesty, compassion, and generosity, describing him as a man who lived for others.

    “If friendship and goodwill continue into the hereafter, Dantata will be there in the marketplace, feeding the hungry and comforting the sick. He gave so much of himself to the service of our country and its people,” he said.

    The President extended heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, the government and people of Kano State, and the entire nation.

    “We have lost a titan. We have lost the conscience of our country. May Allah, in His infinite mercy, grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” he prayed.

    A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information an Strategy, Bayo Onanuga added that President Tinubu also offered prayers for peace, strength, and solace for the bereaved family and all those mourning the departed elder.

    Speaking on behalf of the government and people of Kano State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his compassion and unwavering support during the mourning period.

    He recalled that following the elder statesman’s passing, the President dispatched a high-powered federal delegation to Saudi Arabia, led by the Minister of Defence, to attend the funeral rites.

    The Governor also led a state delegation, alongside his Jigawa State counterpart, to join the federal delegation at the burial in Medina.

    “The entire process was seamless and successful, thanks to your leadership and support. We also know your appeals to Saudi Arabia and Dubai leaders, which facilitated the necessary arrangements. For this, we remain grateful,” Governor Yusuf said.

    He commended the President for previously sending the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and another federal delegation to condole with the family before personally taking time to visit despite his demanding national schedule.

    “We pray Allah (SWT) grant our father and elder statesman eternal rest. We also pray for your continued strength and good health, so that you may continue to deliver on your commitment to building a better Nigeria,” the Governor added.

    The eldest son of the deceased, Alhaji Tajudeen Aminu Dantata, thanked the President for honouring the family with his presence and support.

    “Much has been said today about His Excellency’s swift and heartfelt response upon hearing of our father’s passing. We cannot thank you enough. You have demonstrated closeness with him while he was alive, and even in his death, you have proven that he was a dear brother and friend.

    “We witnessed your relationship with him before you became President. We saw how you engaged with him during his lifetime and reacted to his demise. On behalf of the family, we thank you wholeheartedly,” he said.

    Alhaji Tajudeen Dantata assured the President that the family would uphold the values and legacy of their late patriarch.

    “We pray for your continued good health, Your Excellency, and for the courage and tenacity you have shown in your efforts to lead our nation forward. May you succeed in your mission to build a greater Nigeria,” he said.

    ”We wish you the best of health. For the courage, tenacity that you have shown to take the country out of its doldrums, to clear the path to a greater Nigeria, thank you very much. You will be in our prayers always,” he said.

    Among those who accompanied the President on the condolence visit were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmud, Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Minister of State Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata.

    Also present at the condolence visit were the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, a nephew of the late Aminu Dantata, elder statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakassai and Alhaji Mohammed Indimi.

  • Oyo APC guber aspirant Oladele visits Aisha Buhari in Daura over ex-president’s death

    Oyo APC guber aspirant Oladele visits Aisha Buhari in Daura over ex-president’s death

    The Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland and APC guber aspirant in 2027 in Oyo State, Oloye Saheed Oladele, has described former President Muhammadu Buhari as a forthright, honest and patriotic leader whose modest life is worthy of emulation by other Nigerian leaders.

    Oloye Saheed Oladele made the statement when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late former President of Nigeria in Daura, Katsina State.

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari died on Sunday at the London Clinic, where he was receiving treatment, at the age of 82.

    The Oyo APC guber aspirant, who is also Chairman/CEO, Erudite Group of Schools, was received by Her Excellency, the visibly grieving Mrs Aisha Buhari, who thanked him for his condolence visit and solidarity with the family.

    Read Also: APC youth group urges Tinubu, Akpabio to back Sani Musa for national chairman

    Mrs Buhari and other members of the family were impressed when Oloye Oladele narrated how he had been a fervent fan of her husband since 2003 till date, and that he never voted for anyone whenever Buhari was on the ballot.

    While speaking to Daura Television, Oloye Oladele said late President Buhari left a legacy of honesty, patriotism, forthrightness and his unwavering fight against corruption. He prayed to Allah to grant the late president eternal bliss in his grave.

  • Davido confirms Adeleke’s defection rumour to APC

    Davido confirms Adeleke’s defection rumour to APC

    Nigerian Afrobeat singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has affirmed the speculations on the imminent defection of his uncle and Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    It is on record that there is ongoing mass defection and rapid collapse of the PDP structure in Osun.

    This has brought the Osun governor under the spotlight of possible defection, with the APC hinted as his possible destination.

    Rumours of the governor’s defection plot began with his visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during last month’s Eid al-Adha celebration.

    The visit to the President at his Lagos residence alongside his nephew, Davido, and brother, Deji Adeleke, marked the beginning of the speculations on his alleged defection plot.

    While Adeleke and the APC had over time debunked the speculations, a video snippet of Davido’s upcoming single affirmed the possible defection of the governor.

    As contained in the lyrics of the video snippet, Davido could be heard singing “new broom go sweep better” and “from umbrella to broom,” which were references to the logos of the APC and the PDP.

    The APC is renowned for the iconic broom image on its flag, while the umbrella has been the PDP’s insignia since the inception of the party.

    Read Also: People never forget how you made them feel — Davido

    While the singer did not make direct reference to the political parties, with Adeleke’s name also not mentioned, his reference to the APC and PDP logos was a clear indication of further proof of the Osun state governor’s impending defection to the APC.

    However, some chieftains of the APC in Ọsun are uncomfortable with how the governor is going with his plan.

    Former national secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore, who commented on the issue on national television Tuesday night, said the governor couldn’t have defected to the APC through social media.

    “All politics is local. I have never seen a governor trying to bulldoze his way into another party.

    Omisore, who was also a former deputy governor of Osun, added that neither the party leadership nor the elders’ caucus was aware of the governor’s plans.