…vows to resolves lingering disputes among members
In a bid to strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation has commenced work, pledging to address lingering disputes and emerging threats within the party.
The committee, chaired by former APC National Caretaker Chairman and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, held its inaugural meeting on Monday night at the chairman’s lodge in Abuja.
The body was inaugurated last December by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The meeting focused on outlining strategies for carrying out the committee’s mandate, which centres on conflict resolution, reconciliation and mobilisation across the party’s structures nationwide.
Those in attendance included Governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Uba Sani (Kaduna) and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti). Others were Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello; Senator Adamu Aleiro; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Masari; and former APC National Legal Adviser, Muiz Banire, who serves as secretary of the committee.
Governors Bassey Otu (Cross River), Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara) and Umar Namadi (Jigawa), who are also members of the committee, were absent from the meeting.
Although no official communiqué was issued after the meeting, the Director-General of Press and Media Affairs to the Yobe State Governor, Mamman Mohammed, confirmed that the meeting took place.
At the committee’s inauguration in December, Buni had assured party leaders that the panel would diligently execute its assignment to ensure that the unity and stability of the APC are preserved ahead of future electoral contests.
According to the chairman, “the committee will adopt strategic engagements and wide consultations to develop an all-encompassing and productive results that will stand the test of time to give both the old and new members, especially aggrieved parties, a sense of belonging and inclusion, with a renewed hope”.
He added that “the committee will consider proactive measures and solutions to potential threats in our conflict resolution approach.”
He urged members “not to allow personal interest and sentiments to override the general interest and purpose for which this committee is constituted.”
The governor has already left the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) on which platform he was elected in 2023, having parted ways with his political leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Yusuf met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Aso Villa.
It was learnt that he also met with APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda last night.
The governor, who last week removed the NNPP flag from the Government House in Kano, arrived the Presidential Villa shortly after 4pm.
He immediately went into a meeting with the President having being led into his office by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.
Details of the meeting were not shared by the Presidential media team.
The governor also left the Villa without dropping any hint for reporters.
But it was learnt all discussions focused on putting finishing touches to his defection.
A source close to Yilwarda said the party chair was preparing a smooth transition for the governor from NNPP to the APC.
It was further gathered that Yilwatda has been working hard behind the scene to find a resolution to the crisis in Rivers State.
“He is a hands-on chairman, whose approach to politics is pragmatic. He is rallying the party behind the President for the overall goal of achieving victory in next year’s presidential election”, a top party official said last night.
Youths and gender inclusiveness dominated memoranda submitted by APC members at the North-East public hearing on the party’s constitutional amendment in Maiduguri on Monday.
Declaring the hearing open, Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum, commended the APC National Executive Committee for creating a platform to strengthen internal democracy.
Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, Zulum endorsed greater gender inclusiveness and emphasised increased youth participation in political activities at all party levels.
He described the proposed amendment as timely and strategic, aimed at strengthening internal democracy, enhancing transparency, and improving grassroots mobilisation.
“Central to these reforms are decentralisation of power, improvement of candidate selection, and increased representation of women and youths, the driving force of the party,” Zulum said.
The governor urged participants to prioritise transparency, inclusiveness, credibility, and fairness in candidate selection and all party processes.
Zulum also advocated mandatory regular local elections, consultations, and engagements to sustain the party’s vitality at the grassroots.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the constitution review followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to accommodate Nigerians’ diverse interests within the party.
Represented by Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Bukar Dalori, Yilwatda assured that all memoranda submitted would be carefully considered.
Similarly, APC National Legal Adviser, Murtala Aliyu Kankiya, expressed optimism the review would produce a transformative constitution rooted in justice, fairness, equity, and democratic ideals.
Kankiya said the amendment would address administrative lapses and strengthen the party’s internal mechanisms.
In his presentation, Constitution Review Committee Chairman and Yobe Governor, Mai Mala Buni, said the review aimed to ensure fairness in democratic processes.
Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, Buni said the amendment was inspired by President Tinubu’s performance across various development sectors.
He expressed confidence that state-level party executives and stakeholders had scrutinised the constitution and submitted necessary amendments.
Buni urged party executives to strictly adhere to rules during congresses to avoid unnecessary litigation.
He also proposed amending sections denying party executives and State Working Committee members the right to vote for aspirants during primaries.
National Deputy Women Leader, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, submitted a memo seeking to reposition women for greater political participation.
Meanwhile, Gombe State did not submit a memo, citing confidence in the review committee’s integrity and competence.
Taraba called for a constitutional provision requiring defectors seeking readmission to secure endorsements from at least two-thirds of ward members.
Similarly, Bauchi State urged firm measures against defections, proposing that defectors should not contest elective offices immediately after joining the APC.
In a significant turnaround, the embattled former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Alphonsus Ogar Eba, has accepted the decision of key party stakeholders removing him from office.
Eba has also withdrawn the lawsuit he filed to challenge his removal, explaining that he took the step in the interest of peace, unity, and the overall progress of the party.
In a statement released on his official Facebook page and obtained by our correspondent, the former chairman expressed appreciation for the support he received during his tenure and acknowledged the appeals from party leaders, associates, and family members to end the legal dispute.
“From this moment, I cease to be addressed as the APC Chairman of Cross River State. Nonetheless, I remain a dedicated member of the party. In that spirit, I have revalidated my membership of the APC, and I urge both existing and prospective members to revalidate and register accordingly,” he said.
Eba also announced his return to full legal practice and agricultural pursuits, disclosing plans to concentrate on revitalising the natural rubber sub-sector. He currently serves as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Rubber Research Institute, Benin.
Reaffirming his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yiwaltda, and Governor Bassey Edet Otu, he appealed to party members to support the new state leadership and participate actively in forthcoming party activities.
His withdrawal brings an end to a month-long legal tussle, as the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) prepares to determine the next steps for the party in the state.
Leaders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Adamawa State under the aegis of Adamawa Progressive Elders Council have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for second term.
The endorsement was contained in a communiqué by Vice Chairman of the council, Senator Abubakar Girei, and the Secretary, Mrs. Olvadi Madayi after the council meeting at the Muna Hotel, Yola.
The Elders said the decision followed extensive consultations aimed at strengthening internal cohesion within the party while positioning the APC for victory in the 2027 general elections
They noted the council, constituted in line with the recommendations of the APC Reconciliation Committee, was set up with the mandate to address internal disagreements and forge a united front among party stakeholders in the state.
They pledged to work towards resolving all lingering disputes within the party and mobilise support for Tinubu and other APC candidates in the general polls.
According to them, supporting President Tinubu’s second-term ambition aligns with their mandate to build a strong and united APC capable of delivering electoral success at all levels.
They expressed gratitude to President for appointing Adamawa indigenes into strategic positions in his administration, including the appointment of the party’s state leader to sensitive national office.
The elders announced plan to organise a grand rally and reception in honour of all the federal appointees from the state to demonstrate their gratitude to President Tinubu.
To deepen its impact at the grassroots, the APC elders also resolved to take it’s reconciliation and mobilisation activities to the local government and ward levels with the aim of resolving disputes and preventing divisions.
They further reaffirmed their stance that any member aspiring to elective office must step aside from the council to preserve its neutrality and impartiality.
The elders announced the constitution of four committees with Chief Joel Madaki named as Chairman of the Contact and Mobilisation Committee; Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN, appointed to head the Conflict Resolution Committee while Mrs. Olvadi Bema Madayi was appointed as Chairman of the Finance and General Purpose Committee, and Ahmad Sajoh, named Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee.
The meeting was attended by key party figures, including a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, former Governors, serving and former ministers, as well as experienced legislators.
The gathering also received a goodwill message from the party’s leader in Adamawa State, delivered by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Edo State has begun its e-registration of members across the 18 local government areas.
Governor Monday Okpebholo flagged off the exercise at his Irrua hometown, Esan Central local government area.
The Edo Governor was officially registered as a bona fide member of the APC and received his registration card as the first member of the party in the State.
Expressing satisfaction at the exercise, Governor Okpebholo called on members of the APC and others to freely join the party in its membership drive ahead of next year’s general elections.
Governor Okpebholo appealed to members to come out en masse and register to become members of the party in the State.
“I want to appreciate the APC e-registration team for the exercise. I am delighted with this e-registration exercise, which is so easy and simple.
“It’s easy for members who have all the required criteria to register. These criteria include your NIN, Voter’s cards, amongst others. I urged every Edo citizen and those who are interested in joining the party to register to become members. It can also be done online without having to go to their community and wards.
“I want to thank the e-registration team, and also thank our Senatorial leader of APC, Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe, for being present to monitor the process.
“I am a fully registered member of APC now with my registration card. Every APC member should go and register to become a full member of the party,” he concluded.
Coordinator e-registration exercise in Esan Central, Otoanyenlen Eugene Osedebamen, said the e-registration exercise would give equal opportunity and right to members of the party, urging them to register in their polling units.
“We are in Irrua to kick start the All Progressive Congress (APC) e-registration exercise. This exercise will give equal opportunity to all party members, and we urge all party members to go to their polling units to register.
“We are here today at the hometown of the first citizen of Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo, to register him and use the opportunity to thank him for what he is doing for Edo people, assuring him that we are right behind him to support his administration.”
Political leaders and stakeholders of Obinagu community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State on Saturday gathered at the Obinagu Civic Centre to mobilise residents for the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) e-registration exercise, declaring the ward firmly aligned with the party at both state and national levels.
Speaking at the event, veteran politician and Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Charles Egumgbe, said the mobilisation was aimed at ensuring Obinagu keyed fully into the development vision of the APC government in Enugu State.
He noted that Governor Peter Mbah’s decision to align the state with the federal leadership would make development easier at the grassroots.
Egumgbe commended the leadership style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing progress in addressing economic, security and infrastructure challenges.
He stressed that it was the responsibility of community leaders to mobilise residents to register as APC members and support the shared vision of the state and federal governments.
Also addressing the gathering, the immediate past Chairman of Udi LGA, Nze Philip Okoh, described Udi as a formidable political bloc whose election results often make a decisive difference across Enugu State.
He said the political awareness of the people was reflected in the pace of registrations already recorded in Obinagu.
Okoh disclosed that registration had begun even before the official commencement of the exercise, following a unified meeting of leaders from different political backgrounds who agreed to build a strong APC structure in the community.
According to him, the consensus was that the APC best served the interests of the people under the current national realities, with support for President Tinubu and Governor Mbah identified as a collective mandate.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Power, Joe Aneke, said the large turnout demonstrated that Obinagu was solidly behind the APC.
He praised what he described as the inclusive leadership approach of President Tinubu, adding that it had encouraged many to identify openly with the party.
Aneke also acknowledged the role of Governor Mbah in creating an environment conducive for political mobilisation.
The Chairman of Udi LGA, Hyginus Agu, reaffirmed the ward’s commitment to the APC, stating that over 600 residents had already been registered.
He emphasised that formal registration was essential for members to benefit from party and government programmes, urging participants to take the message back to their respective village meetings.
Agu further noted that security had improved in recent months across Udi, attributing the development to the responsiveness of both the federal and state governments to the concerns of the people.
In his remarks, the State Coordinator of the APC e-registration programme, Flavour Eze, said the visit to Obinagu followed a review of registration data which showed the community had the capacity to do even better.
He encouraged leaders to intensify mobilisation to surpass current figures.
Eze also highlighted the presence of federal projects in Obinagu, attributing them to effective representation at the national level by the party’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, a son of the community.
He expressed confidence that with leaders like Egumgbe in the APC, the party’s position in Obinagu would be firmly consolidated.
The event concluded with renewed calls for sustained mobilisation to ensure maximum participation in the APC e-registration exercise across Obinagu ward.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the 2018 party’s national chairmanship contestant, Chief Ibrahim Bamidele Emokpaire, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, tolerance, and calm in the New Year.
Bamidele, who was the chairman and convener of the Progressives Solidarity for Asiwaju (PSA), and former Secretary and Chairman of the APC United Kingdom Chapter, reminds Nigerians of their dynamics, forged through national unity, shared sacrifices, tolerance, and enduring resilience.
He called on Nigerians to embark on self-reflection, retrospect on the difficult journey thus far faced by the nation in recent years.
The human rights and justice legal beagle, while recounting memories of the covid pandemic, EndSars protests, and the gory activities of religious extremists ravaging communities; commended the leadership of the party, under the auspice of the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his resilience, focus, and unwavering determination to deliver on the very tenets of democracy amidst the face of difficulties.
“Nigeria has bled from multiple stabs, and yet ventured this far without fainting – let us also unwrap a deeper truth – that our nation’s peace depends on the daily choices we make, the tolerance we practice, and the kindness we extend to one another regardless of religious, political party affiliations, tribes, or geopolitical differences. We are first Nigerians by birth,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to support the ongoing reforms of the presidency, and work together to restore socio-economic balance across the country. “This is the time to reflect on our shared history and recommit to the values of justice, peace, tolerance, and development.”
According to him, 2026 presents a new opportunity for growth if Nigerians remain united and focused on rebuilding.
“Though we have seen dark moments, we have also witnessed the unbreakable spirit of the Nigerian people. As a nation, we have survived because of our collective resilience. This New Year is not just a date change; it must be a change in mindset,” he stressed, adding that political and community leaders must lead by example, prioritising service over self-interest.
As a recognised voice of reason within the party and national affairs, Emokpaire reaffirmed his belief in Nigeria’s greatness.
He called for continued support for President Tinubu’s reforms and urged all stakeholders to build bridges across religious, ethnic, and political divides.
His message ends on a note of hope: “Nigeria will rise, not by chance, but by the courage of its people and the wisdom of its leaders.
Calling on citizens to embody the values of humility, service to others, and mutual respect, which represents its core national values, and urging political leaders to lead with empathy and sincerity, adding, “we assure Nigerians that the APC-led government remains committed to addressing the nation’s challenges. Let 2026 be the year we recommit to building the nation we all desire”.
Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikeja Local Government, Adekunle Dally-Adeokun has completed his e-registration for the party.
Dally-Adeokun, who is also the Chairman of the Conference of APC LG Chairmen in Lagos State, registered at the registration centre in Ward D, Ikeja Federal Constituency.
He thereafter received his e-Membership slip with Membership ID no: APC241104- 000001.
He urged all members and party faithful to actively participate in the exercise.
According to him, the ongoing registration provides ample opportunity for all eligible members, old and new, to be duly captured in the party’s digital register.
After party primaries ended on December 15, 2025, as set by the INEC, preparations began for the August 8, 2026, off-cycle governorship election in Osun State. Correspondent Toba Adedeji gives an overview of the political contest.
The selection of governorship candidates in Osun State has changed the landscape ahead of the 2026 election. As a result, stakeholders and supporters are now forming alliances and building grassroots support for what looks to be a closely contested race to decide who will lead from the Bola Ige House for the next four years.
Meanwhile, in 2025, major opposition parties in the state, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Allied Peoples Movement (APM), began seeking credible candidates to represent them in the election, a move that sparked political stirrings.
APC and emergence of Oyebamiji:
Within the APC, calls grew stronger to zone the governorship ticket to the Osun West Senatorial District, especially if the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, chose not to run again. Political leaders and groups from the district pushed hard for this consideration.
Oyetola later withdrew from the race, which allowed nine aspirants to compete for the party’s governorship ticket.
Those who aspired for the APC ticket include: Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, former Managing Director of NIWA (Ikire, Osun West); Iyiola Omisore, former Deputy Governor (Ile-Ife, Osun East); Prince Dotun Babayemi (Gbongan, Osun West); Benedict Alabi, former Deputy Governor (Ikire, Osun West); Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, insurance magnate (Ile-Oogbo, Osun West); Kunle Adegoke, SAN (Osogbo, Osun Central); Senator Babajide Omoworare (Ile-Ife, Osun East); Dr Mulikat Jimoh, former Osun House of Assembly member (Ikirun, Osun Central); and Babatunde Hareter Oralusi (Ile-Ife, Osun East).
After the screening, only Oyebamiji and Dr Mulikat Jimoh, the only female aspirant, were cleared to contest the primary. This caused tension within the party until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened.
Eventually, a consensus was reached, and Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (popularly known as AMBO) was presented as the APC governorship candidate on December 13, 2025.
Since Oyebamiji became the candidate, the party has experienced some tension. Omisore openly expressed his dissatisfaction, accusing Oyetola of supporting Oyebamiji and utilising party resources to aid him.
Later, party leaders held a reconciliation meeting at Chief Bisi Akande’s home in December 2025. All aspirants were told to join forces within the APC to help the party win. The State Working Committee also encouraged the eight aspirants to unite and work together before the election.
The party said that Oyebamiji’s selection unsettled the ruling party. Through the Director of Media, Chief Kola Olabisi, and APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, they praised the aspirants for accepting the result without bitterness.
Lawal also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Akande, Alhaji Oyetola, the Agba Osun Caucus, and other stakeholders whose interventions ensured a seamless primary.
Olabisi said the peaceful primary proved wrong those who predicted problems and showed the party’s unity. He also said that aspirants who put the party first would be remembered well in the party’s history.
He encouraged party members to work together as a strong, united team in the August 8, 2026, election, aiming to win back power from Governor Ademola Adeleke.
One of the APC’s main strengths is its unity since losing power in 2022. Except for former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who was expelled with his allies for alleged anti-party activities, the party has not lost any major figures to the ruling party.
On the contrary, APC has gained prominent politicians from the PDP, including Senators Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central); House of Representatives members, Oluwole Oke, Sanya Omirin, and Taofeek Ajilesoro; and former PDP National Deputy Chairman, Chief Shuaib Oyedokun.
The party also boasts influential leaders across the nine federal constituencies, including Senator Ajibola Basiru, APC National Secretary; Engr. Olalekan Badmus in Osogbo; Kayode Oduoye in Ikirun; Oyetola in Iragbiji; Chief Akande and Fadeyi in Ila-Orangun; Babayemi in Gbongan; and Oyebamiji in Ikire.
APC’s weaknesses:
A main concern for the APC is that reconciliation may not be complete, especially with disqualified aspirants like Omisore, who may not fully support the party’s success.
Also, if the party does not choose a strong deputy governorship candidate from important towns like Osogbo or Ile-Ife, its chances could be hurt.
The APC may also face challenges in Ede North and South, Governor Adeleke’s hometown, and in local governments such as Egbedore, Orolu, Iwo, Ayedire, Odo-Otin, and Ola-Oluwa, where the current governor has invested heavily in infrastructure.
Adeleke’s chances:
In the lead-up to its planned primary in 2025, PDP chairman Sunday Bisi said internal problems made it impossible to hold the event. He explained that Governor Adeleke’s participation would depend on whether the crisis was resolved within INEC’s timeline, which shaped the party’s immediate strategy.
Consequently, Adeleke left the PDP for the Accord Party, taking with him members of his cabinet and political appointees. As the only aspirant, he became the Accord Party’s governorship candidate and promised to seek a second term.
Accord’s strengths:
The Accord Party’s main strength lies in its successful merger with the PDP structure. Furthermore, while Adeleke has revived the party, Accord also benefits from its position on the ballot, which comes before the APC.
Adeleke’s position as governor, his influence in the civil service, focus on workers’ welfare, promotions, and payment of salary arrears have made him more popular. His work on infrastructure in Ede, Ilesa, Osogbo, Ila-Orangun, Iwo, and other areas is also likely to win votes.
Most PDP members remain loyal to Adeleke, and he also has support from Senator Lere Oyewumi, six House of Representatives members, and 23 state lawmakers. This further improves his chances.
Accord’s weaknesses:
A big weakness is that many voters, especially in rural areas, do not know much about the party’s ideology. Many still link Adeleke to the PDP and may not be aware that he has switched parties.
The party’s weak grassroots structure is another challenge, so it must depend on the PDP networks it inherited. Some PDP loyalists may also refuse to back Adeleke because of their loyalty to the party.
Aregbesola’s ADC:
At the same time, former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, now the ADC’s National Secretary, is another key player in the race. He and his allies left the APC in 2025 after being expelled for alleged anti-party activities, adding a new dynamic to the competition.
The ADC has been mobilising support with figures such as former Speaker Najeem Salam, former SSG Moshood Adeoti, Senator Adelere Oriolowo, and former APC chairmen Razaq Salinsile and Adelowo Adebiyi.
However, the ADC faced a setback when Adeoti left, citing dissatisfaction with the group’s internal governance. He left after reports that Salam had been selected as the preferred candidate in a mini-election among the group’s leaders in Lagos, where he received 11 out of 15 votes.
Adeoti’s exit could weaken the ADC due to his political influence and past support for Aregbesola’s victories. Still, Salam became the party’s governorship candidate.
PDP as a potential game-changer:
Even after Adeleke left, the PDP chose Adebayo Adedamola, an ally of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, as its governorship candidate. If INEC accepts this nomination, the PDP could split votes that might have gone to Adeleke, making the race more complicated.
