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  • 300 PDP, NNPP members decamp to APC in Kaduna

    300 PDP, NNPP members decamp to APC in Kaduna

    No fewer than 300 opposition leaders and members from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), in Kawo Ward, Kaduna North LGA, have decamped to the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The defection of hundreds of opposition members was coming when former Governor Nasir El-Rufai who is also from Kaduna North LGA, is working with other opposition figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to form a Coalition against the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Speaking at the grand reception of the defectors, Permanent Member, Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Jamilu Haruna said the mass defection into the APC, is a clear indication that, Governor Uba Sani has performed credibly well.

    Haruna, who facilitated the reception ceremony, said Governor Uba Sani has within two years in office delivered good governance to the people of Kaduna state, from infrastructure development to agricultural revolution and rural transformation programmes.

    According to him: “This defection is not a surprise to us because all the genuine members of the opposition have seen the giant strides of Governor Uba Sani in security improvements, educational development, food security and overall wellbeing of the citizens.

    “These achievements have stood our Governor our even among his colleagues and endeared him to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is a clear indication that, Kaduna stands to benefit more from the Federal Government for the overall benefit of the citizens.

    “So, we welcome the decampees to our great party and we are assuring them that they will be respected, valued and they would be given opportunities to contribute their quota to the development of APC and the state at large,” Dr Jamilu Haruna said.

    He also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Staff to Governor, Alhaji Sani Liman Kila towards the success of the programme.

    Receiving the defectors on behalf of Governor Uba Sani, Kaduna North Local Government Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Suleiman Wada Usman expressed appreciation to them for embracing the truth and joining the party that truly cares for the progress and development of the Kaduna State.

    He however assured them of fair and equal treatment in the ruling party, saying that, they would not be treated second class citizens in the Party.

    Read Also: Fresh trouble for PDP as defection fever hits BoT

    Leader of the defectors and for Kaduna Central Senatorial Aspirant of the PDP, Prof. Usman Muhammad, said he led 225 from the PDP in Kawo because they are convinced that Governor Uba Sani who also from their constituency, has so far provided all inclusive governance. 

     He also said that, the PDP had made him and other chieftains redundant despite their level of education and experiences, just as the party had also deeply into crisis before expectation.  

    Muhammad, a professor of Political Science and expert in International Relations however expressed hope that, APC would not make them regret their decision to decamp into the party, just as he called on Governor Uba Sani bring more developmental projects to Kawo.

    Notable among the defectors are; former Aspirant PDP State Legal Advisor, Barr. Aliyu Suleiman, Chairman PDP Kawo Ward, Alhaji Hamza Mati Salihu, former PDP state Assembly Aspirant, Hon. Idris Badamasi Shuaibu, PDP Youth Leader, Kawo Ward, Tasiu Aliyu and Chairman NNPP, Kawo Ward, Comrade Aminu Tanko Musa. 

  • ‘A’Ibom will benefit more if Eno defects to APC’

    ‘A’Ibom will benefit more if Eno defects to APC’

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Vincent Essien has said Akwa Ibom State will benefit more than ever before if Governor Umo Eno defects to the ruling party.

    Essien, a legal practitioner, has averred that apart from the fact that Akwa Ibom will be more connected to the state, the governor’s defection to APC will attract quantum human and infrastructural development to the state.

    “Knowing Governor Umo Eno, and watching his determined focus on elevating the status and development of the state, any  decision he makes will not be driven by mere political considerations,” he said.

    “Just within two years, the governor has in addition to infrastructure and human development, changed the political demographic status of the State into one big political entity devoid of party colouration, something that has never happened since the creation of Akwa Ibom State”. 

    “His open declaration of support for President Bola Tinubu is unprecedented and a clear political masterstroke that will attract massive Federal government presence and development to the State,” he maintained.

    He cited the passionate manner in which the Governor advocated and secured commitment for the reconstruction of the long stalled Calabar-Itu Federal Highway, the collaboration to secure the start of the Coastal High Way from Calabar through Oron in Akwa ibom and the renewed push for the actualization of the Ibom Deep Sea port and many other projects as accelerated benefits that will occur to the State. 

    Essien commended the Governor for his synergy with the Senate President Godswill Akpabio which has also created a unique political energy that can only benefit the state.

    Read Also: Uyo agog for Pastor Umo Eno Arise Cup grand finale

    “He should continue to upscale his emphasis on social responsibility of government through his care initiatives across health care,  social security and agricultural investment. 

    “We are all partners in the goal of elevating Akwa ibom state to the pinnacle of all verifiable indices of development,” Essien assured.

    The Eket-born politician called on the Governor to continue in his direction and focus, and prove those who were always confident that he would be more than equal to the enormous responsibility of his executive calling right.

    He further called on Eno to crown his performance by leaving an indelible mark in his adopted home city of Eket, by siting a major project in the city, before the end of his first term.

  • LG poll: Crisis rocks Agege as APC members kick over alleged imposition of party chairman

    LG poll: Crisis rocks Agege as APC members kick over alleged imposition of party chairman

    Some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agege local government area of Lagos state have raised the alarm over what they described as a desperate and undemocratic power play ahead of the party’s local government primaries.

    Controversy flared after the alleged  disqualification of Ganiu Obasa, son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. 

    It was gathered that a leading contender for the chairmanship seat, Ganiu’s sudden exclusion from the race has been widely condemned by party insiders as politically engineered and suspiciously timed.

    As tensions mounted, the incumbent chairman, Alhaji Ganiu Egunjobi, allegedly rushed to the APC state secretariat, to purchase an expression of interest form on behalf of Alhaji Azeez Tunde Disco. 

    The party sources described the move as a clear case of financial manipulation and political strong-arming.

    The situation took a dramatic turn with the emergence of 67-year-old Disco, previously unknown in the race, as a surprise candidate. 

    Currently serving as APC chairman in Agege, Disco’s entry into the contest has sparked accusations of backdoor arrangements.

    Sources claimed that Disco had shown no initial interest in running and was not considered a serious contender until recently. 

    “This is not democracy. This is imposition at its highest level,” a party chieftain said anonymously. “How can someone who never expressed interest suddenly become the chosen candidate?”

    The unfolding crisis has triggered widespread anger among APC aspirants and grassroots members in Agege, who accuse influential power brokers of hijacking the selection process. 

    Many fear the discord could splinter the party and alienate long-standing supporters.

    Read Also: APC forum rejects calls to replace Shettima, backs Tinubu-Shettima 2027 ticket

    Amid growing unrest, party members are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene before the crisis escalates.

    Hailed as the architect of modern Nigerian democracy, they believe only his urgent action can prevent a full-blown political breakdown in Agege.

    “President Tinubu built the foundation of the APC. He must not allow injustice and impunity to tear down the legacy he has spent decades building,” one elder party member warned.

    As the political drama deepens, the path to the APC primaries in Agege appears increasingly rocky—raising questions about the future of internal democracy within the ruling party.

  • Not a level–playing field

    Not a level–playing field

    AbdulGaniyu Obasa, the son of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, is at the centre of an intriguing development in Agege ahead of the July local government elections in Lagos State. He is a member of the ruling party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

    The coordinator of a political group, Agege Youth Vanguard, Ismael Garba, recently announced that its members had contributed N5million “to buy APC nomination form for AbdulGaniyu to enable him to contest the party primary.” They want him to be elected chairman of Agege Local Government. 

    He added that the group was supporting AbdulGaniyu to achieve good grassroots governance, stressing that their backing “is not about personal gain or to make Agege any political leader’s private fiefdom as may be insinuated in some quarters.” He argued: “That his father is the Speaker of the State House of Assembly should not deny the community of a competent leader.”

    According to him, AbdulGaniyu “is well-educated and competent… has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Hertfordshire in England, and a Master’s in Accounting and Finance from Aston University, Birmingham.” He further said he is “a PhD student at Babcock University,” and also “an affiliate member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.”

    He highlighted his work experience, saying he had worked at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Providus Bank Limited, and Parallex Bank Limited, where he served as Head of Performance Management and Strategy.

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    Interestingly, the incumbent council vice chairman and chairmanship aspirant, Oluwagbemiga Abiola, announced his withdrawal from the race, saying “the party has spoken, and I fully agree.” He said the party’s leaders and stakeholders “have asked the Speaker to allow his son to contest, and I respect and support that.”

    Abiola said he “will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. This is the man who made me.” He explained that Obasa “appointed me Special Assistant on Media when he became Speaker in 2015. In 2016, I was appointed Sole Administrator of Agege LGA, thanks to his recommendation to the governor. That appointment made me the youngest council boss in Lagos State at the time.

    “In 2017, I became Secretary to the Local Government, and in 2021, Vice Chairman — all through the party’s and Speaker’s support. So, why would I oppose a man who built me politically and helped me grow in experience and influence?”

    It is easy to see that Abiola is more politically experienced than AbdulGaniyu Obasa. Why do the backers of the younger Obasa consider him a better man for the job? The narrative that his father’s influence is not a major factor behind the scenes is hard to believe. Would he have been the preferred candidate if there was a level playing field?    

  • APC forum rejects calls to replace Shettima, backs Tinubu-Shettima 2027 ticket

    APC forum rejects calls to replace Shettima, backs Tinubu-Shettima 2027 ticket

    The North-Central All Progressives Congress (NC APC) Forum has rejected calls for President Bola Tinubu to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    In a statement on Wednesday, the forum’s chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, dismissed suggestions made by the North-Central Renaissance Movement that the Vice Presidency should be zoned to North-Central, insisting that the region remains committed to the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.

    “The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum rejects calls for President Bola Tinubu to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate in 2027.

    “These calls are not emanating from stakeholders within the APC in the North-Central zone. We disassociate ourselves from such suggestions and hereby emphasize that our endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 election extends to Vice President Kashim Shettima,” the Forum affirmed.

    Zazzaga, who was a member of the APC’s 2023 Presidential Campaign Council, said the Forum was satisfied with Shettima’s performance and urged President Tinubu to “Disregard the antics of individuals and groups attempting to derail his administration.”

    “We are pleased with the role played by Vice President Kashim Shettima in President Tinubu’s administration. We also commend the harmonious working relationship between the President and Vice President, a collaboration envied by the opposition, who are now attempting to sow discord in the APC government,” the Forum stated.

    Reiterating its commitment to the President’s re-election bid, the Forum reaffirmed its promise to deliver six million votes for Tinubu in 2027, citing broad satisfaction with the administration’s performance in the North-Central zone.

    “We also reaffirm that the six million votes we promised Mr President remain intact. We are pleased with the appointment of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, ministerial portfolios, and other positions allocated to the North-Central, as well as the infrastructural projects being implemented in the zone,” the statement added.

    The Forum went further to list the region’s representation in key Federal Ministries, including the Ministry of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Kwara State; Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Niger State; Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Plateau State; Ministry of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Nasarawa State; Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo, FCT; and Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, Benue State, among other Federal institutions.

    The Forum highlighted that its endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term, initially made in December 2024, was grounded in the administration’s developmental strides and inclusive governance style.

    “The Forum evaluated the Federal Government’s programmes and initiatives, and it is evident that, since the advent of democracy in Nigeria, no other President has provided as many opportunities for the North-Central as President Bola Tinubu,” Zazzaga stated.

    He added that Tinubu’s government had launched more infrastructural projects in the region than any previous administration and praised the President’s economic reforms, which he said were already yielding tangible benefits.

    “The economic policies introduced by President Tinubu are already yielding results, as evidenced by the recent strengthening of the Naira in the foreign exchange market, increased oil production, and a rise in foreign reserves, among other achievements,” the Forum stated.

    They also cited progress in petroleum sector reforms, which they said had eliminated fuel scarcity and laid the groundwork for eventual price reductions, with positive implications for inflation control.

    Read Also: Shettima charges RMAFC on improved revenue generation to boost FG’s economic reforms

    “The North-Central APC Forum believes President Tinubu deserves a second term to oversee the continuation of these reforms, which are already bearing fruit. We call on all Nigerians to support his administration to improve the country’s situation further,” the Forum said.

    Emphasizing its resounding endorsement of the President’s leadership, the Forum affirmed, “After extensive deliberations, the North-Central APC Forum has given the President a commendation for his achievements in areas such as security, appointments, infrastructure, and economic management.

    “We firmly stand behind President Bola Tinubu, whose bold leadership has brought significant progress to our region.

    “We urge all Nigerians to rally behind the President and support his bid for a second term, enabling him to deepen the gains of his reform policies.

    “As we did in 2023, the North-Central APC Forum assures President Tinubu and his supporters that we will work tirelessly for his re-election in 2027.”

  • Remain committed to nation’s productivity, APC chieftain urges Nigerian workers

    Remain committed to nation’s productivity, APC chieftain urges Nigerian workers

    A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Dr. Musa Kolawole, popularly known as ‘MKO’ has urged Nigerian workers to remain committed towards nation’s productivity.

    A statement by Kolawole’s personal assistant on media and publicity, Olawale Ebenezer, in commemoration of this year’s Worker’s Day celebration emphasized on significance of workers to nation building.

    According to him, workers are indispensable to the socio-economic creation of the nation.

    He commended NLC and TUC, led by Com. Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, respectively, for standing tall behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed Hope Agenda.

    Read Also: Ex-Gov Ibori will join APC very soon – Oborevwori

    The 2027 Oyo State House of Assembly hopeful, who applauded workers nationwide, urged them to be more committed, dedicated, hopeful and resilient, saying only through this, more wealth will be created.

    Kolawole, who lauded the open door policy of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to the workers, describing assurance of minimum wage renegotiation with workers’ every two years, as unprecedented.

    He called on governors across the country to prioritize the welfare of their workers for an indelible support and productivity.

    The aspiring state lawmaker, however, urged the workers to have one voice, prioritize their health and remain focused on achieving more wealth and renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

  • APC best positioned to win 2027 elections, says chieftain 

    APC best positioned to win 2027 elections, says chieftain 

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) is emerging as the most organised and strategically positioned party to secure victory in the 2027 presidential elections, according to Hon. Dauda Adamu, a prominent APC chieftain and Director-General of the Tinubu National Alliance for 2027.

    Speaking in Abuja, Adamu stated, “If the 2027 presidential election were held today, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is clearly the most organised and strategically positioned party to win.”

    This assertion comes amid a series of high-profile defections from opposition parties. The latest, and perhaps most significant, is the defection of the entire Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure in Delta State led by the sitting governor, who has joined the APC and pledged to mobilise additional governors to follow suit.

    Adamu credited the wave of defections to the leadership of APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the appeal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said has reignited national confidence in the ruling party.

    “These strategic realignments signal a growing recognition across political divides of the APC’s strength, unity, and clear vision for Nigeria’s future,” Adamu added.

    With an expanding grassroots base, increasing support across the six geopolitical zones, and a structured developmental plan, the APC appears poised to dominate the political landscape as the 2027 race gains momentum.

  • You won’t regret joining APC, party assures Adediran

    You won’t regret joining APC, party assures Adediran

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has assured the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, that his return to the ruling party will not be regretted.

    Chairman of the Lagos APC, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi gave the assurance on Tuesday, as Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, formally visited the party’s secretariat with members of his Lagos4Lagos movement to meet the State Executive Committee.

    “I am pretty sure that the step taken today, April 29, won’t be regretted. We have accepted his reunion into the party. I bet you, you won’t regret the step taken.” Ojelabi assured.

    Welcoming the former PDP stalwart, Ojelabi described Adediran as a founding member of the APC, adding that the party was large enough to accommodate him and his political structure.

    “We were together, driving this party and growing this party before; it was just a matter of conviction that led to what happened. Realising that he has a role to play as an indigene of the state, now that we approach the 2027 general elections, he has decided to be part of us,” the chairman said.

    Read Also: 2027: Oyo APC endorses Tinubu for second term

    The chairman also revealed that the party had put machinery in place to integrate Adediran and his followers fully into the APC, noting that a stakeholders’ meeting would soon be held to formally announce their return.

    Describing the development as historic, Ojelabi said: “We can see the calibre of people that accompanied him. I actually restricted the number, and to us, it’s a welcome development to have Jandor back home.”

    Speaking earlier, Adediran said his visit marked his first official appearance at the APC secretariat since announcing his return to the party.

    “After my resignation from PDP and announcement of joining the APC, today is my very first official visit to the party secretariat to meet the state executive committee. We are happy to come back to the winning family.”

    He added that plans were underway for a mass declaration rally, saying: “This is not our declaration proper, this is just to come and formally inform you of our decision to return home and to the APC family.”

    The former PDP candidate emphasised that his political ambition remained intact, but clarified that he was not rejoining the APC to dislodge anyone.

    “We have come to join our numerical strength to that of the existing party strength to ensure that we keep winning for Nigerians. We are ready to submit ourselves to the party’s constitution,” he said

    He also pledged full support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urging Lagosians to remain hopeful and committed to the APC’s developmental agenda.

  • Owan APC leaders rule out third term for Ihonvbere

    Owan APC leaders rule out third term for Ihonvbere

    All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders from Owan West and Owan East have ruled out another term for House of Representatives leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, who represents the Federal Constituency.

    The leaders resolved, at a meeting in the residence of the party’s apex leader in both local governments, Reverend Peter Obadan in Ovbiokhain, that there has never been a third term for a House of Representatives member from the district.

    They, therefore, called on the Owan East local government area to get ready to present a candidate for the seat in 2027.

    Prof. Ihonvbere, also of the APC, is from Owan West and is in his second term in the House.

    “The House resolved that Owan East should start scouting for a House of Representative candidate as there will be no third term for any individual from Owan West,” a communique issued after the meeting read.

    The leaders unanimously endorsed Obadan as the Apex Leader of Owan Nation and vowed to advance his candidateship as the leader of Edo North.

    High Chief Lucky Ohimai (TAREX) was endorsed as the Owan West Leader.

    Obadan told the House that at the last meeting, a committee of two – Alhaji Abdulganiyu Lawani and High Chief Ohimai – was set up to liaise with the state government on appointments.

    Read Also: Council poll: Lagos APC appoints Ogala as Election Committee chair

    Lawani informed the House that talks with the government had advanced towards bringing infrastructural development to Owan Nation.

    Obadan congratulated the Governor Monday Okpebholo on the affirmation of his victory by the election tribunal.

    He lauded him for the groundbreaking efforts on rural and urban road construction across the state and fixing of dilapidated schools.

    The apex leader thanked the governor for appointing Owan sons to his government, adding: “We look for more”.

    Victor Ohiosimuan raised the issue of having an APC Speaker in the State House of Assembly, having secured the majority.

    He urged those concerned to ensure the position does not elude Owan.

    Members were unanimous in supporting a more frequent meeting instead of the one in three or more months.

    Members sought to know the status of an Owan West Commissioner.

    Obadan informed the House that the position had been filled and is awaiting the governor’s announcement.

    A minute’s silence was observed for the the mother of Chairman APC Owan West Local Government Area, Frank David, and Dr. Afolabi Umakhihe whose father also passed on.

    Also at the meeting were Eric Okaka (Edo State House of Assembly member), Ojo Victor Asein  (Edo State Independent Electoral Commission members), Reginald Okun (Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission member), and Andy Uadia (Edo House of Assembly Service Commission member).

    Others were Austin Evien (Edo Oil and Gas Producing Area Development Commission member), Macdonald Obasuke, Victor Ohiosimuan, Frank David (Owan West APC Chairman), Abdullahi Isah (Owan East APC LGA Chairman), Joy Ohonyon (Owan West Council Chairman), Arunah Mohammed (Owan East Council Chairman), Ehigimetor Ohimai, Enahoro Aikpokpo, and Igbarago Ohis.

    Also present were Tony Ishanvbode, Angelina Aigbokhai (Edo North Senatorial Women Leader), Mrs. Margaret Imorein, Isewede Ovbude, George Ohioma, Saliu Momoh, Ahmed Mahmood, Shola Unuigbe, Odion Omogbai, Rev. Raphael Oizimede, and Lugard Alukpe.

    The rest are Kekere Amu, Madam Ahokhai Blessing, Stephen Jonah, Kerimu Shehu Kelly, Samuel Ohimai, Tunde Ogoigbe, Raymond Osumah, Stephen Imoukhuede, Godwin Aigbokhaode, Pope Oisamaye and Abdulahi Isah.

  • Council poll: Lagos APC appoints Ogala as Election Committee chair

    Council poll: Lagos APC appoints Ogala as Election Committee chair

    As preparations hot up towards the July 10 local government election into the 57 local government chairmanship offices and 376 councillors in the legislative arm, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has appointed a former national legal adviser of the party and one-time member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Babatunde Ogala, as the chairman of the Electoral Committee. Mr. Babarinde Nurudeen was appointed as the secretary.

    Read Also: El-Rufai: SDP not interested in merger, high profile politicians

    The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Seye Oladejo, said the committee was empowered to oversee the activities and processes leading to the conduct of elections into the grassroots positions.

    He said: “The party has considered the immense experience of the gentlemen in making the appointment. We have no doubt that they will deliver on this important assignments.

    “We urge all and sundry to give the requisite support and cooperation to ensure our collective success.”