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  • Abiodun, Ogun APC commiserate with minister over mum’s death

    Abiodun, Ogun APC commiserate with minister over mum’s death

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commiserated with the Minister of State for Health, Mr. Isaaq Salako, over the death of his mother, Alhaja Fadilat Anike Salako, at the age of 95.

    Abiodun, who described the passing on of the matriarch of the Salako family at a ripe old age as a testament to the grace of God in her exemplarily well lived life, said he recognised the fact that the death of one’s precious mother was always a painful event.

    He, however, urged the minister to take consolation in the fact that the deceased left highly accomplished sons and daughters as well as grandchildren, who would carry on her legacy for generations to come.

    All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has also commiserated with the minister.

    A statement by the state Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, quoted APC state Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, as taking consolation that the matriarch of the Salako family not only died at the ripe age of 95, but also passed on in the holy month of Ramadan, an occurrence that was considered spiritually positive and much-wished for by aged Muslims.

    Read Also: Abiodun to traditional rulers: emulate Ologere

    “The death of one’s loved ones, especially a mother, even at an advanced age of 95, is always very painful and emotionally exerting,” Sanusi said.

    “It is on this note that we are not only sympathising with you, but also asking you, as a devout Muslim yourself, to take solace in the fact that from Allah we all came from and to Him we shall all return,” he added.

    “Mama has left a good legacy in good offspring, including your honourable self, who continues to serve our nation diligently and selflessly. “

  • Anambra 2025: APC to pick governorship candidate through indirect primary

    Anambra 2025: APC to pick governorship candidate through indirect primary

    • INEC warns parties against non-adherence to scheduled activities

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted the indirect mode of election for the party’s April 5 governorship primary election in Anambra State, ahead of the state’s November 8 poll.

    The party’s NWC took the decision at a crucial meeting yesterday in Abuja.

    APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru announced the decision while addressing  reporters after the meeting at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. He said the party’s leadership would provide a level-playing filed for the seven aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket.

    The seven aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket are: Chukuma Michael Umeoji, Prof. Obiora Francis Okonwko, Nicholas Chukwujeku Ukachukwu, Sir Paul Chukwuma, Johnbosco Obinna Onunkwo, Valentine Ozigbo, and Chief Edozie Madu.

    Announcing the outcome of the meeting, Basiru said: “Our (NWC) meeting considered the processes in the ongoing Anambra State governorship election, which is scheduled to be held on November 8, 2025.

    “The National Working Committee of the party took cognisance of the fact that advertisement had been made and it seems the advertisement was seemingly projecting that the NWC had adopted the direct mode of primary, but in actual fact no positive resolution of the NWC had been taken before today (Thursday) as to the mode of primary.

    “At the NWC today, it was put into consideration. Now, it was formally decided that the mode of emergence of the candidate for that election will be through indirect primary…”

    Also, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties participating in the Anambra State’s off-cycle governorship election to adhere strictly to their proposed schedules of primaries.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by the National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, INEC said only 12 of the 19 politics parties in the country have submitted their schedule of activities to the commission, as required by law.

    Read Also: JUST IN: APC adopts indirect mode for Anambra guber primary election 

    The statement reads: “The commission held its regular weekly meeting today, Thursday, March 6, 2025. Among other issues, the commission reviewed its preparations for the forthcoming off-cycle governorship election in Anambra State, scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.

    “The public may recall that in line with the provision of Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, the commission published the Notice of Election on November 13, 2024, over 360 days before the date fixed for the election.

    “By the provision of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election, the conduct of primaries for nomination of candidates by political parties commences in the next two weeks, that is, March 20, 2025 and ends on April 10, 2025.

    “So far, 12 of the 19 registered political parties in the country have submitted the detailed schedules of their primaries.

    “As agreed at our last consultative meeting with political parties held in January, doing so early will enable the commission to plan for the effective monitoring of the primaries in line with the provision of Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022. The seven parties that are yet to submit the required information are hereby reminded to do so in earnest.

    “Furthermore, we urge political parties to adhere strictly to their proposed schedules.

    “Sudden changes to the dates, venues and modes of the primaries lead to avoidable demobilisation and remobilisation of our monitoring staff, thereby disrupting the commission’s workflow.

    “This also adds to the cost of monitoring primaries and the overall conduct of elections and electoral activities.”

  • JUST IN: APC adopts indirect mode for Anambra guber primary election 

    JUST IN: APC adopts indirect mode for Anambra guber primary election 

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted indirect mode of election for the party’s April 5, 2025 governorship primary election, ahead of the November 8 Anambra State Governorship election.

    Decision to this effect was reached on Thursday at a crucial meeting of the party’s highest administrative organ in Abuja.

    National Secretary of the party, Senator Ajibola Bashiru who disclosed this to newsmen after the meeting at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, assured that the party leadership would provide a level playing ground for the seven aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket.

    Bashiru debunked an earlier advertisement that projected that the NWC had adopted direct mode of primary. He clarified that no such decision was taken in respect of the party’s shadow election Anambra state.

    The seven aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket are Hon. Chukuma Michael Umeoji, Prof. Obiora Francis Okonwko, Nicholas Chukwujeku Ukachukwu, Sir Paul Chukwuma, Engr. Johnbosco Obinna Onunkwo, Valentine Ozigbo and Chief Edozie Madu.

    Disclosing the outcome of the meeting, the Secretary, “Our (NWC) meeting considered the processes in the ongoing Anambra governorship election which is scheduled to be held by November 8, 2025. The National Working Committee of the party took cognizance of the fact that advertisement had been made and it seems the advertisement was seemingly projecting that the NWC had adopted direct mode of primary but in actual fact no positive resolution of the NWC had been taken before today (Thursday) as to the mode of primary. 

    “At the NWC today it was put into consideration, now formally decided that the mode of emergence of the candidate for that election will be through indirect primary. 

    “In order to carry along all stakeholders, a stakeholders meeting with the State Working Committee (SWC), state caucus and the aspirants will hold at the national headquarters of the party by 1: pm on Tuesday next week to carry them along. And correspondence to this effect will be made to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 

    “There will be supplementary advertisement and public sensitisation as to the mode of primary and the new timetable adjusted in line with that decision.”

    The APC National Secretary also said that the NWC considered its proposition to begin engagement with government appointees on their achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu immediately after the Ramadan fasting.

    He stressed that the initiative was to ensure that there was engagement between the party and government officials to x-ray the progress and challenges faced by different Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.

    Basiru also said that the NWC reviewed the ongoing membership e-registration exercise of the party, adding that the consultants handling the project had been mobilised and that necessary equipment and software were also being put in place to ensure that the exercise was seamless.

    “Our commitment is that before the next election, we would have a register that has integrity and will also be useful for the purposes of accessing the demographics within the party,” he said.

  • Osun new council chairmen, NULGE sue APC, ‘sacked’ executives, IGP over invasion

    Osun new council chairmen, NULGE sue APC, ‘sacked’ executives, IGP over invasion

    The newly elected Osun State local government chairmen, who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have sued the All Progressives Congress (APC), its ‘sacked’ council executives, Inspector General of Police (IGP) and others over control logjam.

    It will be recalled that APC council executives, who were elected on October 15, 2022 were later sacked, but thereafter reinstated by the Court of Appeal. They took over the councils, which led to killings when they were resisted by PDP supporters.

    Read Also: Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan and politics of allegations

    Another council poll was held, which the PDP candidates won.

    Amid the control of council crisis, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) took APC to the state High Court in Ikirun, praying the court to restrain the reinstated executives from imposing themselves on the 30 councils.

    Also, Sharafadeen Awotunde, Rotimi Adeyenuwo and others on behalf of the newly elected chairmen of PDP in a suit filed before the High Court in Ilesa, against the reinstated chairmen, IGP, Director General DSS and others, prayed the court to stop the defendants from obstructing them from assuming office.

    They also prayed the court to order security operatives to stop aiding the reinstated council chairmen from taking over the councils.

  • Pro-Natasha protest: APC forum backs Akpabio

    Pro-Natasha protest: APC forum backs Akpabio

    The North-Central All Progressives Congress (NC APC) Forum has dismissed the sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it a political ploy by opposition parties to destabilise the government. 

    During the plenary on Wednesday, Akpabio denied the allegations, saying he has never harassed any woman.

    The forum warned against what it described as an attempt to incite unrest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    It called on protesters supporting Akpoti-Uduaghan to end their demonstrations immediately or face a counter-protest in support of Akpabio. 

    Following the “Akpabio Must Go” protests at the National Assembly and parts of the FCT, the NC APC Forum, in a statement by its Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, a member of the APC presidential campaign council in the 2023 election, issued a 24-hour ultimatum for protesters to leave the streets. 

    The Forum described the allegations against Akpabio as an attempt to blackmail him and discredit the APC government, insisting that no evidence supports the claims.

    The group also questioned the timing of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations, noting that she remained silent until she was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges for breaching Senate rules. 

    “Does it mean that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan would have kept silent on the purported sexual harassment if Senate President Godswill Akpabio had not referred her for investigation?” the Forum asked. 

    Commending Akpabio’s leadership of the Senate and urging Nigerians to dismiss the Kogi senator’s accusations, the Forum highlighted his role in fostering executive-legislative harmony, enabling President Tinubu’s transformative reforms.

    The Forum said: “What is playing out in the Senate at the moment is a script by the opposition to destabilize the National Assembly and, by extension, the administration of President Bola Tinubu by derailing the fruitful working relationship between the executive and the legislature.

    “We urge all members of our party and well-meaning Nigerians to rise up against this sinister plot, which should not be allowed to succeed.

    “The North-Central APC Forum is also calling on the Senate, and the National Assembly as a whole, not to be distracted by the antics of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her co-travellers whose motive is to destabilize the system for their selfish political interests”.

    The Forum alleged that the controversy was part of a broader scheme to destabilize the government, stating, “What is playing out in the Senate at the moment is a script by the opposition to derail the productive relationship between the executive and the legislature and, by extension, the administration of President Bola Tinubu.” 

    The group called on party members and Nigerians to oppose what it described as a sinister plot that must not be allowed to succeed.

    The Forum also called on the Senate to remain focused on governance and not to be distracted by the “Antics of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her allies, whose motive is to create instability for their selfish political interests.” 

    Read Also: Akpabio denies sexual harassment allegations by Natasha

    Although Akpoti-Uduaghan represents Kogi Central in the North-Central region, the Forum distanced itself from her actions, noting, “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is from our zone, but as stakeholders of the North-Central, we disown her actions, which we believe are not in the best interest of our region or the country as a whole.”

    The Forum cautioned the protesters against disrupting public peace, stating that security agencies have been notified and will take necessary action if the protesters fail to comply.

    “We are putting the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies on high alert over this plot to cause anarchy and unrest in the FCT. 

    “We are giving the protesters and their sponsors 24 hours to vacate the streets. As stakeholders of the North-Central, which includes the FCT, we cannot stand by and watch as hoodlums and anarchists attempt to disrupt the peace and stability that has been maintained since President Bola Tinubu took office. 

    “If they fail to vacate the streets, we will mobilize our people to counter them,” the Forum warned.

  • Anambra gov election: APC stakeholders reject imposition of candidate, indirect primaries

    Anambra gov election: APC stakeholders reject imposition of candidate, indirect primaries

    Some stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State have rejected alleged attempts to impose indirect primaries on the party ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

    They argued that such a plot will encourage corruption and manipulation. 

    The stakeholders under the umbrella of Anambra APC Stakeholders Forum (AASF) in a release on Tuesday urged all genuine aspirants to engage in issue-based campaigns rather than resorting to criminal acts of bribery and electoral fraud. 

    In the release signed by the Convener of the group, Chief Hycinth Okonkwo, the stakeholders noted that the APC must not become a party where money determines leadership, saying “integrity, competence, and the will of the people must always prevail.” 

    Okonkwo said: “We have received credible intelligence that a certain governorship aspirant within our party has attempted to subvert internal democracy by offering a staggering $3million bribe to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC in a bid to impose indirect primaries for the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Anambra State. 

    “This desperate move is aimed at rigging the process in his favour, manipulating party structures, and denying the people of Anambra the opportunity to choose their candidate freely and fairly.

    “This individual has boasted openly that the APC NWC is now on his side due to the illicit funds he has deployed. That the National Chairman will not conduct any delegate election but will use his delegate list to deliver him as the governorship candidate of APC. 

    “The Anambra APC Stakeholders Forum categorically rejects these criminal tendencies and will not allow the soul of our party to be sold to the highest bidder. We insist that such an aspirant should be disqualified immediately from the race, as his actions are a direct affront to the integrity of the APC and the democratic principles that our great party stands for.

    “We call on the APC National Leadership, President Bola Tinubu, and all well-meaning members of our party to resist this attempted coup against democracy and ensure that the primaries in Anambra State are conducted transparently, through a direct or consensus process that reflects the true will of party members.

    “Furthermore, we warn that any attempt to impose indirect primaries as a result of corrupt inducement will be vehemently resisted by party members and the good people of Anambra. We shall mobilize to ensure that Anambra APC does not become a playground for corruption and manipulation.

    “In conclusion, we urge all genuine aspirants to engage in issue-based campaigns rather than resorting to criminal acts of bribery and electoral fraud. The APC must not become a party where money determines leadership —integrity, competence, and the will of the people must always prevail.”

  • Delta South APC  mourns Clark, celebrates his legacy

    Delta South APC  mourns Clark, celebrates his legacy

    The Delta South APC 3Is Forum, representing the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Isoko ethnic groups, has paid tribute to Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, hailing his lifelong service to Nigeria and his people in the Niger Delta.

    In a statement by Chief Lucky Jerry Esigie, Chairman (Isoko); Amb. Felix Datuowei, Co-chair man (Ijaw); and Prince Evans Omatsoguwa, Co-Chaiman (Itsekiri), the group described Chief Clark’s passing at the age of 96 as both a moment of thanksgiving and sorrow.

    They lauded his contributions to Nigeria’s development, particularly his fearless advocacy for fairness, justice, and the rights of the Niger Delta people.

    “Chief E.K. Clark was an irrepressible, forthright, and visionary leader whose voice resonated far beyond his immediate communities.His life was defined by service, truth, and the common good,”  the forum stated.

    The statement highlighted Clark’s role as a former Commissioner for Education in the old Midwest Region, where he played a key role in establishing the Midwest Institute of Technology—now the University of Benin.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s administration not skewing road projects to South — Umahi

    “Beyond his formal government positions—including his tenure as Federal Commissioner for Information and as a senator before the 1983 coup—Clark was remembered as a bold advocate for national unity, restructuring, and resource control.

    “He spoke with equal conviction against the expropriation of the Niger Delta’s oil and gas resources, the destruction of its environment, and the marginalisation of its people.’’

    “Yet, he was always a man of peace, urging dialogue even when the region’s youth took up arms in frustration,” the group noted.

    The group recalled his willingness to support their cause, citing a recent meeting where he promised to personally appeal to President Tinubu over the marginalisation of the Ijaw, Isoko, and Itsekiri in top political appointments.

    The forum expressed gratitude that the nation recogniized Clark’s impact, with Nigerians from all regions gathering in Abuja to celebrate his 96th birthday.

    “His life was dedicated to service till the very end. While we mourn his passing, we rejoice in his enduring legacy and pray for a Nigeria where truth and justice reign,”  the group added

    It extended condolences to the Clark family, praying for the peaceful repose of the departed elder statesman.

  • Idanre APC stakeholders seek relocation of Owo Poly

    Idanre APC stakeholders seek relocation of Owo Poly

    Stakeholders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Idanre Local Government have urged Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to relocate the state polytechnic to Idanre, following the  conversion of the state-owned polytechnic in Owo to a university.

    This was just as they appealed to Aiyedatiwa to prioritise  the dualisation of Akure-Idanre Road, and extend the township roads in Idanre.

     Speaking at the Idanre APC Stakeholders meeting, they emphasised that the projects  would  enhance connectivity and economic growth of the area.

     The body also congratulated the governor on his recent inauguration for a new term of four years. They wished him a successful tenure and impactful governance.

    Read Also: Tax Reform: All views will be considered, Speaker Abbas assures Nigerians

    A vote of confidence was passed in the leadership of Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye, and he was endorsed to continue as the leader of the “Odatiwa Odirorun” platform in Idanre Local Government.

    The stakeholders appealed to the governor to consider Idanre for strategic appointments in his administration. They claimed that previous administrations  did not deem it necessary to consider the rocky town for key appointments.

    Meanwhile, the stakeholders also felicitated the recently sworn-in executive chairman and councillors of Idanre Local Government Area. The body also expressed confidence in the abilities of the chairman and his councillor to deliver good governance at the grassroots level.

    They thanked Chief Pius Akinyelure for his  support towards the development of Idanre. They thanked him for the ongoing road project in Idanre, which had significantly improved infrastructure of the town.

    The body also resolved to  set up an Advisory Council that would develop a framework for the conduct of the forthcoming party congress.

  • APC alerts security agencies to planned protest

    APC alerts security agencies to planned protest

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has unearthed plans by some agents of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stage a protest in Abuja today.

    APC Edo State Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, in a statement yesterday in Abuja, alerted security agencies as well as the Army to the protest.

    Read Also: Ogun APC condoles with Abiodun, Oyagbola family

    He alleged that the planned protest was to influence proceedings at the Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja.

  • Ogun APC condoles with Abiodun, Oyagbola family

    Ogun APC condoles with Abiodun, Oyagbola family

    • Describes late minister as iconic trailblazer

    All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has commiserated with Governor Dapo Abiodun and the family of the late first female cabinet minister, Mrs. Adenike Oyagbola, over her death.

    The party described the late Oyagbola, a renowned educationist and diplomat, who died at the weekend at the age of 94, as a pathfinder for women empowerment, a consummate and diligent public officer that served the country meticulously and meritoriously, laying foundation for economic planning and prosperity of Nigeria.

    Read Also: Police dismiss viral presence of 79 terrorists in FCT as fake

    In a statement by the Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, the party said Oyagbola, who served as the Minister of National Planning from 1979 to 1983, gave all her best with remarkable imprints on the sands of time.

    “Ogun State has, no doubt, lost one of her revered icons, who served the nation with selfless passion and whose attainment was not only exemplary, but also inspirational.

    “Our party is happy that the late minister lived a worthy life, even as we condole with the governor and people Ogun State in general and Oyagbola family in particular, on this sad incident and pray fervently that Almighty God will repose the soul of the deceased matriarch.”