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Adelabu meets APC leaders, stakeholders in Ogbomoso, Oyo

The Minister for Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has met All Progressive Congress (APC) leaders and stakeholders in Ogbomoso and Oyo zones of Oyo State.

According to him, the meeting was part of his consultations across geopolitical zones in the State towards realisation of his gubernatorial ambition in 2027.

Adelabu, who was accompanied by leaders of the party from Ibadan, also visited the tomb (Masouleum) of former Governor late Adebayo Alao-Akala in his Ogbomoso residence to pay respects.

Speaking in Ogbomoso at the residence of one of the leaders of the party in Ogbomoso zone, Sen. Ayoade Adeseun, Adelabu sought the support of members towards realisation of his gubernatorial ambition.

He pleaded for forgiveness from aggrieved members, saying they should be concerned of how the party will come back to power in 2027.

He said: “I’m here to tell you that i want to contest for governor of Oyo State in 2027, I’m ready to put to test all experience I’ve gathered from the past two elections. I’m not against other zones becoming governor of Oyo state, all I know is that God time is the best.

“Ogbomoso is very important in Oyo State election, I’m here to seek for your support and backing, i’m happy to see that all the factions in Ogbomoso are now one.”

Adelabu also called on people in the zone to support the re-election of President Tinubu’s for more dividends of democracy.

“This is another turn of Yoruba’s to sever their two terms as President of Nigeria, Nigeria has a lot to benefit if Tinubu is re-elected.

“Ogbomosho has benefited a lot from Tinubus government, Zacheus Adedeji, one of your sons was appointed by President Tinubu as FIRS chairman, Sunday Dare was also appointed as a Special Adviser on Strategic Communications to the President, Bolaji Tunji was also appointed by me as my Special Adviser on Media and Strategic Communications, Tinubu will do more if allowed to serve his two term.”

Adeseun and son of former Governor Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala urged members of the party to come together and ensure emergence of APC in 2027.

The duo said members of the party needs to prepare, ready, and work to ensure that APC come back to power in the state in 2027.

Speaking with APC leaders, stakeholders and members in Oyo town, Adelabu pleaded for their support, saying he will run all inclusive government where everybody will be involved in governance of the state and no one will left behind if he become governor of the state in 2027.

“I’m here for people to know that no one can impose anybody, I want to work and prove to our party members that I’m up to the task, I want to show them that I can withstand and survive competition and come out victorious.

Read Also: Adelabu meets APC leaders, stakeholders in Ogbomoso, Oyo

“Oyo is like a second home to me, my supporters, followers, associates and allied are all here, they have been supporting me in the past and they are ready to support me again.

“I will give what is due to Oyo, Oyo zone deserve better treatment because it is symbolic, Oyo is historical, symbolic and blessing to the entire state.”

The lawmaker representing Afijo/Atiba /Oyo East /Oyo West Federal Constituency, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, said Adelabu is determined to fight for the governorship ticket, which is why he is reaching out and consulting across the State

July 5, 2025
Comic coalition of confusion (1)

It all started with the diminutive former governor of Kaduna State for eight years, Mallam Nasir ‘El Rufai, bitterly resigning his membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP) amid a flurry of media interviews in which he stridently denounced the President Bola Tinubu administration, which he accused of being the most incompetent and corrupt in the country’s history and inflicting hardships on the Nigerian people through its economic reforms. Coming from a man who as Director- General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) under the former President Olusegun Obasanjo administration was implicated in the corruption -ridden privatization of public enterprises at give away prices to political cronies and hangers on; as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) exposed residents of Abuja to mindless hardship in the name of implementing the city’s master plan and as Kaduna State governor has been accused by the succeeding government of financial recklessness leading to the state’s huge debt burden, alleged misappropriation of funds and rampant human rights abuses, his accusations against the Tinubu administration were utterly laughable to large numbers of Nigerians.

Many people were thus quick to conclude that El’Rufai’s real grouse against the administration was President Tinubu’s failure to appoint him into his Federal Executive Council (FEC) as he had promised due to unfavorable security reports during the screening of prospective Ministers. Although El’Rufai is now quick to assert in his increasingly boring media interviews that he never sought to be a Minister under Tinubu, it is instructive that he put off his announced plans to pursue his PhD programme after his tenure as governor in the expectation that he would be offered an appointment. Urging disgruntled politicians within and outside the APC to join him in the SDP to pursue the project of unseating Tinubu and the APC from power at the centre in 2027, El’Rufai was disappointed that the response to his call was hugely underwhelming. Beyond this, in a Kaduna State where he sat astride the apex political authority for eight years, he left the APC like a solitary orphan as no notable member of the party followed in his footsteps.

Even more dishearteningly for him, the founding leadership cadre of the SDP were clearly unenthusiastic about the prospects of their party being hijacked for the purpose of ganging up against Tinubu or anybody although they had also been critical of the APC government’s performance in office. Thus, El’Rufai found himself joining other aggrieved politicians like former Vice-president Atiku Abubakar, former two-term Rivers State governor and Minister of Transportation for eight years, Rotimi Amaechi, among others pursuing the efforts to register a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as the platform to actualize their obsession with unseating President Tinubu at the next election. Not being adept at the back-breaking hard work involved in the formation, nurturing and organization of a new political party, that effort floundered and this week, the group described by the APC as comprising Internally Displaced Politicians (IDPs), at last found a political party willing to be hijacked and thus landed in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) the leadership of which they promptly dislodged and took over.

Those described as ‘political heavy weights’ by sections of the media that converged at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja to announce their membership of the ADC with funfare include Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi of still indeterminate party identity, Nasir El’Rufai, hungry Mr Rotimi Amaechi, former Edo State governor and National Chairman of the APC, Chief Odigie Oyegun, former President of the Senate and a key actor in the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by the late Chief M.K. O Abiola, Mr David Mark, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation in the Buhari administration, Alhaji Abubakar Malami, former governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, former governor of Cross River State, Mr Liyel Imoke, former Minister of Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung, General Tunde Ogbeha (rtd), former National Chairman of the PDP, Mr Uche Secondus, former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi, Senator Dino Melaye and two-term governor of Osun State and Minister of the Interior also in the Buhari administration, Ogbeni Rauff Aregbesola. General David Mark became the Interim National Chairman of the emergent, still inchoate coalition, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola its interim National Secretary and Bolaji Abdullahi its protem Publicity Secretary.

The swan song of virtually all the speakers at the event was their determination to oust President Tinubu from power at the next polls in 2027, which is apparently the only issue on which they are united. But even then, the architects of what is difficult to differentiate from a hostile takeover of the ADC by the anti-Tinubu coalition do not appear to have undertaken a thorough due diligence of their new preferred party platform before their invasion and capture of the party. For, the presidential candidate of the ADC in the 2023 presidential election, Chief Dumebi kachukwu, and a number of the Party’s State Chairmen have condemned the arbitrary emergence of the new national helmsmen of the ADC without adherence to due process, which they describe as a violation of the party’s constitution. The Chairperson of the ADC in Plateau State, Mrs Hanatu Gagara, who supports the new coalition arrangement argued that the former Chairman who stepped down voluntarily for David Mark, Mr Ralph Nwosu, had been the sole financier of the ADC over the last two decades. But does that make the party his private property which he can handover to outsiders at will?

Those who are opposed to the emergent coalition arrangement within the ADC contend that, according to the party’s constitution, a new member cannot contest for party positions except he has been a member for at least two years. They argue further that national party officers can only be elected at a duly convened national convention and that the former party national Chairman, who purportedly voluntarily handed over to Senator David Mark has since ceased to occupy the position since 2022 when his tenure expired. If the aggrieved members of the ADC decide to seek legal redress in court, the complicated and most likely protracted judicial process may have injurious consequences for the coalition right from inception.

Read Also: Ayo Maff’s debut album ‘Prince of the Street’ tops Nigerian Apple Music chart

Even if the feuding ADC members eventually unite behind the new coalition arrangement, there are other possibly impeding factors which the aspiring coalition members must contend with and overcome. There is no doubt that Atiku is the main driving force behind the coalition as he seeks a new platform to actualize his ambition since it is obvious that the PDP are unlikely to concede their presidential ticket to him for a consecutive third election cycle. But Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi also clearly still harbour presidential ambitions as both men have reportedly expressed their desire to contest the 2027 elections promising that they would serve for one term only if elected. Such a pledge many see as the height of deception and reflection of desperation since an incumbent once elected can easily renege on any pledge to serve for one term This has been only too common a story in our political history and experience. The implication is that even if the coalition suceeds in holding together, the ADC will have very contentious presidential primaries ahead of it and the outcome may be as destructive and disruptive for the party as the 2023 presidential primaries was for the now gravely enfeebled PDP.

Those opposed to President Tinubu’s re-election for a second term strive to play on people’s emotions by blaming current inflationary spirals on the economic reforms of the administration without stating if there are viable alternatives to these reforms and clearly articulating what these may be. Furthermore, in their various media interviews, the leading lights of the coalition such as Atiku, Obi, El’Rufai and Amaechi assert that the administration has no achievements whatsoever to showcase in its two years in office so far. This is intellectually dishonest. While the gullible may be carried away by such emotional and irrational rhetoric, many discerning members of the electorate will also most certainly be put off by such reckless and fraudulent generalizations.

In its 2025 Article IV Mission with Nigeria released on July 2, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded that “The Nigerian authorities have implemented major reforms over the last two years which have improved macroeconomic stability and enhanced resilience. The authorities have removed costly fuel subsidies, stopped monetary financing of the fiscal deficit and improved the functioning of the foreign exchange market. Investor confidence has strengthened, helping Nigeria successfully tap the Euro bond market and leading to a resumption of portfolio inflows… Growth accelerated to 3.4 percent in 2024, driven mainly by increased hydrocarbon output and vibrant services sector. Real GDP is expected to expand by 3.4 percent in 2025, supported by the new domestic refinery, higher oil production and robust services. Against a complex and uncertain external environment, medium-term growth is projected to hover around three and a half percent supported by domestic reform gains”.

Of course, the IMF acknowledged subsisting challenges and recommended greater efforts to bridge current infrastructure gaps, boost agricultural productivity to address poverty and food insecurity, tackle red tape, boost electricity supply as well as enhance health and education spending. But this is a far cry from claiming falsely that the administration has not achieved anything in two years just for reasons of partisan animosity. In any case, leading members of the emergent coalition have been in critical public offices at the federal and sub-national levels for considerable periods since 1999. They are no less culpable for the grave economic crisis caused by elite corruption, incompetence and lack of vision that the Tinubu administration is trying to tackle. Is there any evidence in their political trajectory that they will offer Nigerians better governance than the Tinubu administration? The answer is clearly in the negative.

July 5, 2025
APC takes tally in House of Reps to 220

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has extended its domination of House of Representatives’ seat with yesterday’s defection of seven lawmakers from Akwa Ibom State in the Green Chamber to its fold.

The PDP members among them joined the APC in solidarity with Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.

This defections have taken the APC tally in 360-member house to 220.

Also the APC has a comfortable lead in Senate with a membership strength of 69 out of 109 members, more defectors from opposition parties expected to increase the tally in the coming days.

As declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the number of senators-elect during the 2023 National Assembly election and their political parties include the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with 56 senators, the Peoples Democratic Party (32), Labour Party (seven), New Nigeria Peoples Party (two), Social Democratic Party (two), All Progressives Grand Alliance (one) and the Young Progressives Party (one). The number of seats declared by INEC at the time 101. Eight seats are yet to be filled.

However, both the APC and PDP later gained more members and also lost some following various court pronouncements and bye elections conducted by INEC in a few Senatorial Districts.

With some senators from opposition parties defecting to the APC, the disposition of political party membership in the 10th Senate at present is as follows: APC – 69, PDP – 30, LP – four, NNPP – one, SDP – two, APGA one and with two vacant seats formerly held by Senator Monday Okpebholo who represented Edo Central, and now Governor of Edo State and the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who had represented Anambra South.

In the House of Representatives, at inauguration in 2023, the APC had about 178 members, but the number has increased with recent defection.

Yesterday, seven members of the House from Akwa Ibom state dumped their parties, the PDP and YPP to join the growing members of the APC in the House.

Thursday’s development leaves the Young Progressive Party with no member in the House, having come into the House with 2 members.

The letters of defection of the lawmakers led by the leader of the Akwa Ibom caucus in the House, Unyime Idem were read at plenary yesterday by Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen.

The members include Alphonsus Uduak, Martin Esin, Paul Ekpo, Okpolupm Ette and Bassey Okon (from PDP) and Emmanuel Ukpong (YPP).

Read Also: House of Reps sympathises with Niger govt over flood in Mokwa

The lawmakers said their decision was as a result of the lingering and unresolved crisis in the PDP and the YPP and after due consultation with their constituents.

In his letter, Unyime Idem who head the House Committee on Public Procurement said he was leaving the PDP after 26 years of membership and having served his state and country on the platform of the party.

He said he was, leaving the party as a result of the escalating crisis in the leadership of the party, especially regarding the office of the National Secretary, adding that he was leaving in line with section 68(1g).

Martin Esin said he formally resigned from the PDP in the 17th of June and joined the APC in line with the yearning and aspirations of his constituents.

Other defectors also attributed their decision to join the APC to the unresolved crisis in the PDP and the need to join the President in providing the dividends of democracy to their people.

However, Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda expressed concern about the direction the nation’s democracy was heading, adding that while the members have the right to choose which political party to belong under section 40 of the Constitution, there are implications to such actions.

He said the Constitution also spelt out what needed to be done when an elected person decide to exercise his rights under section 40, asking the Speaker to do the needful and declare the seats of the lawmakers vacant.

July 4, 2025
APC dismisses ADC coalition self-obsessed merchants of vendetta

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the opposition coalition leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as selfish egotistical individuals for whom power and patronage are the oxygen on which their lives depend.

National Publicity Secretary of the governing party, Felix Morka in a statement in Abuja on Thursday in reaction to the unveiling of ADC as opposition platform ahead of 2027 general election noted the leaders paraded by the coalition are nothing but “a roll call of Nigeria’s me-or-nothing politicians.”

Faulting the composition of the unveiled opposition leaders, Morka said: “It was an unveiling of a coalition of hoaxers and self-obsessed merchants of vendetta, a roll call of Nigeria’s me-or-nothing politicians, who equate their selfish interest with the interest of Nigerians, who cannot bear to be out of the corridors of power and patronage, who are desperate to grab power for themselves by guile and subterfuge, who lay claim to an immoral birthright to power, even while draped in odious record of betrayal of public trust, and rapacious public service.”

Picking holes in the acceptance speech of Senator David Mark, the interim ADC National Chairman, the APC said it was not surprised as the address lacked substance and depth.

Read Also: APC Rep membership rises to 220 as party consolidates hold

According to Morka: “The speech delivered by Senator David Mark, the alleged National Chairman of ADC, was disgracefully vacant, without substance or purpose, nothing but stitches of untruths, diatribe, and regurgitated and baseless allegations against the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“From beginning to end, Senator Mark said nothing about the purpose of the so-called coalition other than a loud declaration of desperation for power. What value does the coalition bring to Nigerians? Why should any Nigerian be concerned about a coalition of a bunch of egotistical maniacs for whom power and patronage are the oxygen on which their lives depend?

“One would have expected that, after months of vacillating between the devil and the deep blue sea, in search of a host platform, Senator Mark and his co-travelers would take Nigerians seriously enough by telling them what their coalition would do differently regarding the administration’s bold economic and sectoral policy reforms.

“What key alternative policy approaches would the coalition implement, and with what prospects of success compared to the high value and transformative impact of the administration’s reform policies? What exactly is the philosophical or ideological leaning of the coalition or its new party, aside from desperation for power at all cost, by all means necessary and unnecessary?

“Senator Mark’s speech was loud in its silence to these questions because himself and his coalition partners are disgracefully clueless, without a care or concern about Nigeria and Nigerians, only filled with wolfish quest for power for their own mendacious end.

“They must think Nigerians to be gullible and uncritical. Quite to the contrary, Nigerians are highly perceptive and discerning and will not be taken in by the coalition’s grand folly.”

Berating the opposition leaders, the governing party argued that they remaind blind to the massive structural transformation of the country’s economy that has earned the praise and admiration of local and global economic experts.

The APC maintained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration is now “delivering improved living conditions and benefits to our people – with GDP growth rate of 3.4%; with external reserves from $4billion in 2023 to excess $24billion in 2024; cleared backlog of forex debt and CBN ways and means; debt service-to-revenue ratio from about 99% to 40%; with initial reform-induced inflation spike upwards of 31% in 2024 now tampered to 22% in 2025 and still declining; with rapidly declining prices of basic commodities; and with our farmers earning more than they have ever earned.

“And even with our oil exports at an all time high; with unprecedented quarter on quarter trade surpluses; with vast stability in foreign exchange market; with states and local governments enjoying vastly increased revenue allocation; with unprecedented access to student loan; and with stable academic calendars free from strike disruptions; with massive uptake in delivery of modern road and other transport infrastructure; with thousands of health care facilities built, revamped and upgraded; with determined war on terror and banditry that has yielded the neutralization and arrests of nearly 40,000 fighters; with many notable achievements in power, interior, aviation sectors; and with implementation of new minimum wage and significant impact of various social investment programmes, these opposition elements would stop at nothing to denigrate the success and transformative impact of reform policies for their own base interests.”

The party assured Nigerians that whole the coalition members remain preoccupied swimming in mud and throwing bricks, APC and President Tinubu remain undisturbed and focused on using all available bricks to building a stronger, enduring and more prosperous nation for this and future generations of Nigerians.

July 3, 2025
APC Rep membership rises to 220 as party consolidates hold

The All Peogreasives Congress (APC) has taken controllable lead in the House of Representatives, increasing the membership strength to about 220.

Also the APC has a comfortable lead in Senate with a membership strength of 69 with more defectors from opposition parties expected to increase the tally in the coming days.

As declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the number of senators-elect during the 2023 National Assembly election and their political parties include the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with 56 senators; the Peoples Democratic Party (32); Labour Party (seven); New Nigeria Peoples Party (two); Social Democratic Party (two), All Progressives Grand Alliance (one) and the Young Progressives Party (one). The number of seats declared by INEC at the time was 101. Eight seats are yet to be filled.

However, the APC and PDP later gained more members and also lost some following various court pronouncements and bye elections conducted by INEC in a few Senatorial Districts.

With some senators from opposition parties have decamped to the APC, the disposition of political party membership in the 10th Senate presently is as follows: APC – 69, PDP – 30, LP – four, NNPP – one, SDP – two, APGA one and with two vacant seats formerly held by Senator Monday Okpebholo who represented Edo Central, and now Governor of Edo State and late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who had represented Anambra South.

In the House of Representatives, at inauguration in 2023, the APC had about 178 members, but the number has increased with recent defection of members.

On Thursday, seven members of the House from Akwa Ibom state dumped their parties, the PDP and YPP to join the growing members of the APC in the House.

Read Also: Seven Akwa Ibom Reps dump PDP, YPP for APC over lingering crisis

Thursday’s development leaves the Young Progressive Party with no member in the House, having come into the House with 2 members.

The letters of defection of the lawmakers led by the leader of the Akwa Ibom caucus in the House, Unyime Idem were read at plenary on Thursday by Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen.

The members include Alphonsus Uduak, Martin Esin, Paul Ekpo, Okpolupm Ette and Bassey Okon (from PDP) and Emmanuel Ukpong (YPP).

The lawmakers said their decision was as a result of the lingering and unresolved crisis in the PDP and the YPP and after due consultation with their constituents.

In his letter, Unyime Idem who head the House Committee on Public Procurement said he was leaving the PDP after 26 years of membership and having served his state and country on the platform of the party.

He said he was, leaving the party as a result of the escalating crisis in the leadership of the party, especially regarding the office of the National Secretary, adding that he was leaving in line with section 68(1g).

Martin Esin said he formally resigned from the PDP in the 17th of June and joined the APC in line with the yearning and aspirations of his constituents, attributing his decision to the lingering crisis in the PDP.

Other defectors also attributed their decision to join the APC to the unresolved crisis in the PDP and the need to join the President in providing the dividends of democracy to their people.

However, Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda expressed concern about the direction the nation’s democracy was heading, adding that while the members have the right to choose which political party to belong under section 40 of the Constitution, there are implications to such actions.

He said the Constitution also spelt out what need to be done when an elected person decide to exercise his rights under section 40, asking the Speaker to do the needful and declare the seats of the lawmakers vacant.

With the development, the APC now have a comfortable lead in the House, leaving the opposition with about 140 members spread across 6 political parties.

Standing

APC-220 up from 178

PDP-90- down from 113

LP- 26 down from 35

NNPP-16-down from 19

APGA-6- up from 5

ADC-1-down from 2

SDP-2

YPP-O- down from 2

However, there are five vacant seats in the House left by the death of four members of the APC and One member of the Labour Party.

July 3, 2025
APC Rep membership rises to 220 as party consolidates hold

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strengthened its control of the House of Representatives, boosting its membership to about 220 following the defection of seven lawmakers from Akwa Ibom State on Thursday.

At the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in 2023, the APC held 178 seats, but recent defections have steadily increased the party’s dominance in the lower chamber.

The defectors, who dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP), cited lingering and unresolved leadership crises in their former parties. Their defection was announced during plenary by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, who read their letters of resignation.

Those who defected include Alphonsus Uduak, Martin Esin, Paul Ekpo, Okpolupm Ette, Bassey Okon (all of PDP), and Emmanuel Ukpong (YPP). The move leaves the YPP with no representative in the House, having entered the Assembly with two seats.

Leading the defection was Unyime Idem, head of the Akwa Ibom caucus and Chairman of the House Committee on Public Procurement. In his letter, Idem said he was quitting the PDP after 26 years due to escalating leadership crises, particularly the unresolved issue of the party’s National Secretary.

Martin Esin said he resigned from the PDP on June 17 and joined the APC in response to the demands of his constituents, also blaming the ongoing crisis within the PDP.

Other defectors echoed similar reasons, stating their move was to align with President Bola Tinubu’s administration in delivering democratic dividends.

Read Also: Lawmaker urges Ondo APC to examine discrepancies in membership register

Reacting, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda expressed concern over the trend, warning that while lawmakers have the right to associate under Section 40 of the Constitution, their defections come with constitutional consequences. He urged the Speaker to declare their seats vacant, in accordance with Section 68(1g) of the Constitution.

The development leaves the opposition with about 140 members across six political parties, giving the APC a firm majority in the House.

Standing:

APC-220 up from 178

PDP-90- down from 113

LP- 26 down from 35

NNPP-16-down from 19

APGA-6- up from 5

ADC-1-down from 2

SDP-2

YPP-O- down from 2

However, there are five vacant seats in the House left by the death of four members of the APC and One member of the Labour Party.

July 3, 2025
2027: Oyo APC Reps back Adelabu’s guber ambition

All Progressives Congress (APC) members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State have declared full support for the gubernatorial ambition of Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement came during a strategic meeting held at the Minister’s office in Abuja, which was attended by six out of the eight Oyo APC lawmakers. An apology was tendered on behalf of another lawmaker currently outside the country.

Adelabu formally informed the lawmakers of his plan to contest the 2027 governorship election under the APC and solicited their support in what he described as a mission to reposition Oyo State for accelerated development.

In a unanimous response, the lawmakers pledged their total backing, describing Adelabu’s ambition as timely and the most promising route to reclaiming the state from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

They praised the Minister’s performance in the power sector, noting that despite its complexity, he has injected new energy, innovation, and visibility into the Ministry of Power, earning national and international commendation.

The legislators also called for genuine reconciliation among APC stakeholders in Oyo State, stressing that party unity is essential for a successful electoral outing in 2027.

In his remarks, Adelabu expressed gratitude for the lawmakers’ solidarity, reiterating his commitment to people-focused, performance-driven, and inclusive leadership. He echoed their call for reconciliation and pledged to work toward building a cohesive APC in the state.

Read Also: 2027: No plan to impose me as Oyo APC gubernatorial candidate – Adelabu

The meeting concluded with a shared sense of optimism and a commitment to sustained collaboration as the 2027 political season approaches.

Present at the meeting were Hon. Kareem Tajudeen Abisodun, representing Saki West, Saki East and Atisbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, representing Oyo East, Oyo West, Afijio and Atiba Federal Constituency, Hon. Akin Alabi representing Egbeda and Ona Ara Federal Constituency, Hon. Lafioye Wasiu Adefisoye representing Lagelu and Akinyele Federal Constituency, Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala representing Ogbomosho South, North and Oriire Federal Constituency, Hon. Lateef Olaide Muhammed representing Irepo, Ogo Oluwa and Orelope Federal Constituency. The only Female Federal Honourable, Hon. Tolu Shadipe, representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, who is presently out of the country, sent her apology. Also at the meeting were two revered party leaders, Senator Ayo Adeseun and Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle.

The minister confirmed after the meeting that his consultations train continues this weekend to Ogbomosho and Oyo political zones, where he would be meeting key party leaders and other major stakeholders

July 3, 2025
APC youths empower widows

To support and uplift vulnerable women in Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, the Next Initiative for Gender Action Foundation, in collaboration with the Progressives Youth Ambassadors (PYA), Lagos State chapter, an arm of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has empowered over 100 widows at a conference.

The event, organised to commemorate the International Widows Day, had the theme: “Empowering Widows, Building Resilience and Restoring Dignity.”

Executive Director, Next Initiative for Gender Action Foundation, Mrs. Bukola Soaga Bada, emphasised the need to address the challenges that widows face.

She said: “Widows often suffer immense hardships, from economic insecurity and social isolation to cultural stigma and systemic marginalisation. Many lose access to property and shelter after the death of their husbands, leaving them vulnerable and displaced,” said Mrs. Bada, who is also a widow.

“Empowering widows is not just a moral obligation; it is an economic and social necessity. We must ensure they have access to education, economic opportunities, and the social support they need to thrive.”

READ ALSO; ROLL CALL: Atiku, El-Rufai, Malami, Tambuwal, others attend ADC coalition unveiling

Mrs. Bada’s passion for empowering widows was inspired by her experience volunteering with a friend’s empowerment foundation, where she witnessed firsthand the many challenges widows face daily.

She used the platform to call on the government at all levels to enact and implement legislation that protects widows’ rights, particularly in areas of housing, inheritance, and economic inclusion.

The financial literacy session was led by Mrs. Bosede Nwachi, an entrepreneur and founder of Akinkanju NGO, based in Osun State. Mrs. Nwachi took participants through essential topics such as investment options, budgeting, and the importance of keeping accurate financial records.

“Being a widow does not mean you have to live in dependency,” said Mrs. Nwachi. “Financial discipline, planning, and record-keeping are crucial to building sustainable businesses. We must learn to live within our means while planning for growth.”

In his goodwill message, Mr. Salu Adetola, Lagos West Senatorial District Chairman, Progressives Youth Ambassadors (PYA), commended the initiative and reaffirmed PYA’s commitment to community development and grassroots empowerment.

“This programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to make a meaningful impact at the grassroots level, particularly for youths and vulnerable groups like widows. We are proud to partner an organisation that demonstrates genuine care and action,” he said.

The widows expressed appreciation for the initiative, many describing it as life-changing and timely. The POS devices and training received are expected to enable them to operate mobile money businesses, generate income, and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.

The Next Initiative for Gender Action Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to bridging the gap in support for widows and other vulnerable women through advocacy, education, and economic empowerment.

July 3, 2025
Barau, APC and 2027
- By Tayo Williams
Unlike his peers, Senator Jibrin Barau, Deputy Senate President, who turned 66 on June 19, covets no vanities and demands no gaudy celebration for his birthday or to glorify his exploits as a man and leader of men. Despite his towering achievements, the soft-spoken senator remains an epitome of modesty, resilience, and transformative leadership.

Though not a landmark birthday that would have occasioned a rousing celebration, it is, however, for Jibrin a resounding testament and poignant reminder of Allah’s (SWT) profound love and abiding grace over his life.

Friends and political associates say that Senator Jibrin is so unassuming because he realised early in life that fate had thrust upon him a huge task of unifying the different interests in the political power play of the Northwest while ensuring that no human was left to suffer any deprivation.

Hence, he takes nothing for granted, and he is a walking embodiment of gratitude to God for the grace and good health to wake up daily without any aches and anxieties.

Blessed with cutting-edge political intelligence and an incredibly fecund mind that is only tempered by unpretentious compassion, Jibrin’s philanthropy is intrinsic and deep-rooted, not contrived or cosmetic.

Despite the widespread impact of his philanthropic activities, the wide-ranging social welfare programs with the objective of being the voice of those who desperately need help, he doesn’t make a song and a dance of them. That is why noiseless but far-reaching philanthropy is his watchword. Senator Jibrin shares in the angst of his people and tries as much as possible to brighten their year with numerous gifts and food items. He is proof positive that the line between politics and philanthropy is thin.

Through the Barau I Jibrin Foundation (BIJF), founded many years ago to provide humanitarian assistance, empower youths, promote academic excellence, and provide educational opportunities, particularly for graduates from the Kano North Senatorial District, Senator Jibrin has touched thousands of lives.

In recognition of the fundamental role education plays in shaping society, the foundation’s scholarship programme is expanding educational access for young Nigerians through fully funded scholarship programs, both domestic and foreign, focusing especially on fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and forensic science, among others.

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Recently, the foundation awarded postgraduate scholarships to 300 students within Nigeria, while postgraduate foreign scholarships in M. Tech. (Information Security & Cyber Forensics), M. Tech. (Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning), and M. Tech. (Robotics Sciences) have been awarded to successful applicants as part of efforts to contribute to the country’s technological advancement.

In furtherance of this, Senator Jibrin sponsored the bill to upgrade the Federal Polytechnic, Kabo, in Kano State into the Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently approved. Upon the transmutation, the polytechnic, established in 2022, now becomes the third federal university in the state, joining Bayero University Kano and the recently upgraded Federal University of Education, now named after the late Yusuf Maitama Sule.

“The establishment of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, reflects the President’s commitment to equipping Nigerian youths with essential skills in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity,” he said.

Indeed, Senator Jibrin is one of Nigeria’s most prodigious senators with a robust catalogue of people-centric bills addressing critical areas of our national life, including infrastructure, education, youth and human development, healthcare, etc. The fact that he doesn’t joke with these essential areas of life and the passion and resources he channels into addressing them in Kano and everywhere in between have placed him on a pedestal above his colleagues.

He continually harnesses his political influence and resources to better his people’s lot while evolving into a centripetal force for Nigeria’s most populous geopolitical zone, the Northwest. Beyond that, he has facilitated several projects like the construction of rural roads to enhance connectivity and the installation of solar-powered boreholes for access to clean water in Kano North. His health initiatives include the building or renovation of medical facilities, maternal and child health programs, the distribution of medical supplies, and the equipping of health centres to improve access to essential health services.

Born in Kabo, Kano State, the erudite Senator Jibrin holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a master’s degree in financial management and pricing, another master’s degree in management, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He also holds a degree in Financial Management for Business Decisions from Cornell University, United States. His foray into politics started with his election as a member of the House of Representatives for the Tarauni Federal Constituency in 1999.

His peerless fiscal expertise and experience saw him chair the House Committee on Appropriations. He was also a member of the House Committee on Power. A former chairman of the Kano State Investment and Properties Ltd. and commissioner of science and technology in the state, Jibrin was first elected into the Senate in 2015 and won re-election in 2019 and 2023, respectively. He also served as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations for the 9th Senate.

Though he was the front-runner for the senate presidency in the 10th Assembly, he respected the party’s zoning arrangement and agreed to be deputy senate president. However, that does not in any way detract from the unparalleled wealth of experience that he has acquired as a third-term senator and the highest-ranking senator from the Northwest. Those who should know reckon that for the APC to make any meaningful progress in the Northwest in the 2027 elections, this ‘Birthday Boy’ has a huge role to play.

So pervasive is the impact and influence of Senator Jibrin that he is being touted by some as the presumptive running mate to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election. While acknowledging that the political groups urging the president to adopt him as his running mate mean well, Jibrin advised them to focus on supporting the Tinubu administration instead of engaging in premature politicking.

“Mr President has been working hard to reposition Nigeria and tackle the problems he inherited. He is a kind-hearted and open-minded leader who stood by me when I faced challenges in Kano. When the time comes, we will talk politics. For now, let us face governance and support Mr President to succeed. When he succeeds, we all succeed,” he said.

He added a caveat, though: “Whatever the President asks me to do, I will do it — 100 per cent. He is my political father. If he calls on me to work with him, I will simply say, ‘Thank you, sir,’ and I will do it.”

Of course, for the development of Kano State and Nigeria, Senator Jibrin turns nothing progressive down, except the collar of his shirt.

•Williams is a Lagos-based media executive.
July 3, 2025
APC group insists Usman Alhaji remains Waziri of Gaya despite title withdrawal

The Patriotic Volunteers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have declared that Alhaji Usman Alhaji remains the Waziri of Gaya Emirate, challenging the reported withdrawal of his traditional title by the second-class Emir of Gaya.

Alhaji Usman, who served as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) under the immediate past administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was conferred the Waziri title during the era when Gaya held first-class emirate status.

The title preceded the dissolution of Gaya, Rano, Karaye, and Bichi emirates by the Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf-led government, which demoted them to second-class status through legislative action.

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In a statement issued on Wednesday by the group’s National Secretary, Ibrahim Dan Azumi Gwarzo, the APC Patriotic Volunteers expressed surprise at the news of Alhaji Usman’s title being revoked.

They argued that the ongoing legal dispute over the emirates and their leadership should restrain any such action until the Supreme Court delivers its final judgment.

“It becomes expedient for us to respond, for the benefit of our dear friends, associates, relations and well-wishers, and to satisfy the curious press,” the statement read.

The group stressed that stripping Alhaji Usman of the Waziri title requires due process, including a formal warning, an opportunity for defence, and a valid reason based on misconduct.

“We can’t understand why the Emir of Gaya singled out Alhaji Usman Alhaji,” Gwarzo said, adding, “We give glory to Allah that Alhaji Usman served with distinction as Waziri when the emirate was first-class. He will continue to be addressed as Waziri of Gaya, even after his death.”

The group concluded that they await the Supreme Court’s final ruling on the matter.

July 2, 2025