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  • APC to FG: don’t release Osun LG allocation

    APC to FG: don’t release Osun LG allocation

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the federal government to withhold allocations meant for local government councils in Osun State until judicially reinstated elected officials assume office.

    The party condemned last Saturday’s local government election in the state, accusing Governor Ademola Adeleke of violating his oath of office by conducting the polls.

    APC also alleged that the governor and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were disrupting peace by refusing to comply with the February 10, 2025, Court of Appeal ruling that ordered the reinstatement of sacked elected local government officials.

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka described the election as “illegal and unconstitutional.”

    According to Morka, “The purported last Saturday’s fresh election conducted by Governor Adeleke and his PDP is nothing but a disgraceful sham, illegal, unconstitutional and violently contemptuous of the valid and subsisting judgment of the Court of Appeal, and of no effect whatsoever. The exercise was a reckless waste of public funds, and an irresponsible  incitement to further violence in an already volatile atmosphere in the state.”

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    The APC spokesman noted that the appellate court in its ruling on February 10, 2025, overturned a Federal High Court judgment that nullified the election of APC-backed local government officials in 2022. 

    The Appeal Court declared the Federal High Court’s decision incompetent and ordered the reinstatement of the sacked officials until their term expires in October 2025. 

    Instead of complying with the ruling, APC accused Adeleke of proceeding with fresh elections in defiance of the court’s order.

    Faulting the governor, Morka said his action was a “flagrant breach” of his oath of office and accused him of “reckless political provocation” that has already led to violent unrest and loss of lives in Osun State.

    APC also frowned at the appointment of the caretaker committees to run local councils after dismissing elected officials in 2022, describing the action unconstitutional and a violation of Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees democratically elected local government councils.

    “Why is it so difficult for Governor Adeleke, who swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, to abide by a valid order of the Court of Appeal?” the statement queried. “Why is the Governor so determined to incite anarchy in Osun State with impunity?”

    The party then called on security agencies in the state to ensure law and order amid rising tensions.

    While reiterating its commitment to the rule of law, the APC challenged Adeleke to seek redress at the Supreme Court instead of taking “unconstitutional shortcuts” that could further destabilize the state.

    The party also urged Osun local government workers to continue their duties under the reinstated chairmen and councillors while calling for immediate compliance with the Court of Appeal’s judgment.

    “In keeping with the rule of law, it is our expectation that the Federal Government will make federal allocation for local governments available only to democratically elected and judicially certified local government officials in Osun state,” Morka insisted.

  • Five aspirants pick APC Anambra guber forms

    Five aspirants pick APC Anambra guber forms

    …sales closes tomorrow 

    With less than 24 hours until the deadline for purchasing the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship nomination and expression of interest forms in Anambra State, only five aspirants have obtained the N50 million forms ahead of the party’s April 5 primary election.

    As of the close of business last Friday, the aspirants who had picked the forms include Hon. Chukuma Michael Umeoji, Prof. Obiora Francis Okonkwo, Nicholas Chukwujeku Ukachukwu, Sir Paul Chukwuma, and Onunkwo Johnbisco Obinna.

    The sale of forms, which commenced on February 10, is set to close tomorrow, February 25, while the deadline for submission of completed forms is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

    However, there are indications that the submission deadline may be extended due to the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for the same day at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. 

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    Sources within the party suggest that the National Working Committee (NWC) may announce an extension as early as today (Monday).

    Additionally, there is speculation that the APC may extend the sale of forms to accommodate new entrants, particularly following last week’s defection of Valentine Ozigbo, a close ally of 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi. 

    Ozigbo, who lost the 2021 Anambra governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is rumored to be considering a bid for the APC ticket.

    A party insider revealed that Ozigbo’s defection is under review, and a waiver could be granted if he decides to contest.

    When contacted, the APC Deputy National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Nze Chidi Duru, cast doubt on an extension of the sale of forms but acknowledged that the submission deadline might be pushed back.

    “The NWC has not met over the issue. But in view of the NEC meeting on Wednesday, we may consider extending the submission deadline by a day or two,” Duru said.

    Regarding rumors of an extension for purchasing forms, he added, “I don’t think so. We are yet to discuss it, and I am not aware of any extension for sales of forms.”

    The APC primary is scheduled for April 5, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the Anambra State governorship election for November 8, 2025.

  • APC chieftain hails Tinubu for approving new varsity in Osun 

    APC chieftain hails Tinubu for approving new varsity in Osun 

    A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Adeniyi Ismail Oluwatosin (AIO) has commended President Bola Tinubu’s bold initiative in establishing the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun state. 

    The Nation reports that President Tinubu had assented to two separate bills establishing Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State, alongside the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State.

    Reacting, Hon. Adeniyi said: “I am both delighted and deeply honored by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold initiative in establishing the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State. 

    “This landmark development is a powerful testament that the people of Osun have not been forgotten, and it stands to transform our state’s educational landscape for the better.

    “The creation of this specialized university will provide immense benefits to Osun State. It will serve as a critical hub for training professionals in agriculture, science, and technology—fields essential for driving economic growth, innovation, and self-sufficiency in our region. 

    “Our youth will now have access to world-class education and research opportunities, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to compete in today’s global economy.

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    “I extend my sincere gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the progress of our people. His leadership continues to open doors of opportunity, and the youth and citizens of Osun stand solidly behind him, ready to support his vision for a better and more prosperous Nigeria.

    “At this pivotal moment, I call on Governor Ademola Adeleke to work closely with the President in ensuring the success of this institution. Now is the time for governance, not politics—we must focus on collaboration and progress. 

    “The future of our state depends on decisive action, and all hands must be on deck to ensure this university becomes a beacon of excellence for generations to come.

    “Together, under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu and with the steadfast support of the people of Osun, we will usher in a new era of educational excellence and economic empowerment in our beloved state.”

  • Why I dumped Labour Party for APC, by Obi’s ally Ozigbo

    Why I dumped Labour Party for APC, by Obi’s ally Ozigbo

    A former governorship aspirant of the Labour Party(LP) in Anambra, Valentine Ozigbo, has explained why he officially dumped the Labour Party (LP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ozigbo, formally registered with the APC at his ward in Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area.

    He said his decision was driven by his belief in progressive governance and the need to align with forward-thinking leaders.

    Ozigbo was a close ally of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, and had previously contested the 2021 Anambra governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party but lost to the eventual winner, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    Read Also: FG, Osun flex muscles over Local Govt Elections

    In a statement, The Valentine Ozigbo Campaign Organisation said: “During his interactions with party leaders, Mr Ozigbo outlined his grand vision for a brighter and better Anambra State, emphasising his unwavering commitment to transformational leadership, economic development, and people-centred governance,” the organisation added.

    “He also pledged to contribute significantly to the growth and success of the APC in the state.

    “Mr Ozigbo’s decision to join the APC is driven by his deep-rooted belief in progressive governance, his desire to work alongside forward-thinking leaders, and his determination to champion policies that will uplift the people of Anambra and Nigeria at large,” it said.

    Speaking on his next steps, Ozigbo stated that he would issue a formal statement after meeting with the national leadership of the APC in the coming days.

  • APC holds Caucus, NEC meetings next week

    APC holds Caucus, NEC meetings next week

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed the party’s National Caucus for Tuesday February 25 and the National Executive Committee (NEC) for Wednesday February 26, 2025.

    This was contained in a notice signed by the National Secretary of the party, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Bashiru in Abuja on Friday night.

    According to the notice, the National Caucus meeting is billed to hold at tbr Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa by 6 pm prompt on Tuesday.

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    The notice also fixed the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for 10 am on Wednesday at the party’s National Secretariat on 40, Blantyre Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

    The two meetings were summoned in pursuant to Articles 12. 5 and 12.3 of the party’s constitution.

    The Nation learnt that the dates for the two meetings have been approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    According to a dependable source in the administrative organ of the party, “the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Gabduje secured the dates for the two crucial meetings on Thursday night.

  • NNPP Rep dumps party for APC

    NNPP Rep dumps party for APC

    A member of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the House of Representatives, Yusuf Shittu Galambi, has dumped the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Galambi is the NNPP member representing Gwaram Federal Constituency of Jigawa State and the first member of the party in the House to join the ruling APC.

    This brings to 11 the number of House of Representatives members in the opposition parties that have defected to the ruling party in the last six months.

    Announcing his defection yesterday at the National Assembly in Abuja, Galambi said his action was informed by the lingering crisis in the NNPP, which he said had led to litigations and leadership faceoff that have continued to affect the activities of the party.

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    The lawmaker said his constituents asked him to leave the NNPP and join the APC because of their disenchantment with the leadership of the party.

    The NNPP has been factionalised and the party’s founding fathers, many of whom have been expelled, have been laying claim to its leadership. Also, those loyal to former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso have also been battling for the soul of the party.

  • Okonkwo picks APC form for Anambra primary

    Okonkwo picks APC form for Anambra primary

    All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant in the November 8 Anambra State governorship, Prof. Obiora Okonwko, has said he is on a rescue mission to salvage the state from being plunged further into the abyss.

    He spoke yesterday at the APC Secretariat in Abuja after collecting the N50 million nomination and expression of interest forms.

    The forms were bought for him by a group under the aegis of Anambra Coalition for Progressive Change.

    The Chairman of the United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited declared himself as a frontline runner in the off-season poll.

    “I am from Anambra Central, the votes are domiciled in Ndemili North I am leader of Ndemili North and South. So, the votes are guaranteed,” he said

    Okonwko who said since he declared his intention to contest the governorship, the incumbent Governor Charles Soludo is afraid of his aspiration, because  according him, “he (Soludo) knows I am the candidate to beat.”

    Read Also: JUST IN: APC reinstated chairmen take control of 30 Osun LGAs

    He alleged that the governor has embarked on series of moves to stop him from picking the APC governorship ticket.

    Elated by the gesture of the coalition in purchasing the nomination forms, Okonwko appreciated the group and promised not to disappoint them, the party and the people of the state, if he wins the November election.

    He said: “You have just presented to me a great gift of N50 million. As you can see, I am full of smiles. I would have said, I wasn’t expecting this but knowing that I am not in this race alone, there are a lot of people who have mind up their minds that whatever is happening in Anambra State isn’t the way to go, particularly with the issue of insecurity.

    “I am encouraged. If there is any doubt, I now know these people are going to match their words with action. They are beside me. With what you have done today, you are those who are beside me. I thank you very much for what you have done. Where this fund came, may God replenish you.”

    “For those who haven’t joined this coalition, this is a wake-up call. We will do justice to rescue Anambra from a man who knows all, who takes no advice.”

    Okonkwo said he was impressed by their gesture which he noted was an affirmation of their confidence in his capacity to govern the state.

    “We are aware of the huge amount being thrown around to ensure that I don’t get the ticket. He (Soludo) knows he can’t square up with me on Election Day. I have picked the form, I am prepared for the battle.

    “To all traditional institutions, religious leaders, the time is now. We may not have the control of having the ticket but we know that with the ticket in our hands, we will secure landslide victory for APC.

  • APC reinstated chairmen take control of Osun councils

    APC reinstated chairmen take control of Osun councils

    • PDP alleges assassination attempt on Adeleke

    Reinstated council chairmen and councillors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday took control of local government secretariats in Osun State.

    There are 30 local governments. On Monday, the reinstated Chairman of Irewole Local Government, Ikire, Remi Abbas, was gruesomely murdered by suspected hoodlums in front of the council while trying to gain access to the office.

    The APC council executives were elected in the last days of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s administration.

    In November 2022, following the inauguration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, the chairmen and councillors were pronounced sacked, following a court order by Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel that voided their election.

    The Court of Appeal upturned that judgment on February 10, when it okayed all the reliefs sought by the APC.

    On the strength of this, the APC moved to reoccupy the office on Monday, an attempt that was greeted by violence, leading to the death of six, including Ireowole Council chairman.

    Feelers from across the state indicated that the reinstated chairmen took over Boripe, Boluwaduro, Ila, Ola-Oluwa, Ifelodun, Ilesa West, Ilesa East, Olorunda, Ede-South, Ede North and Odo-Otin.

    APC spokesman Chief Kola Olabisi confirmed this. He said: “As at 2pm today (yesterday), we have taken over 26 councils. Our chairmen have issued a warning to local government workers to resume duties.”

    Subsequently, the state Secretary of APC, Kamorudeen Alao, said: “We have taken over all the 30 local governments in Osun State. We took over peacefully no fight, no violence.”

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    Amid the APC taking over councils,  Speaker of Osun State Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, kicked and berated the role of security operatives in taking over the local governments.

    He said: “This crisis stems from a coordinated, illegal attempt to forcefully seize control of our local government councils by individuals who have no legal or constitutional right to those offices.

    “Today, members of the opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC), forcefully broke into local government secretariats across the state. This unlawful invasion is not only a direct attack on our democratic institutions, but also a clear violation of the rule of law and a threat to public peace and order.”

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Sunday Bisi, alleged that there was a plot to assassinate Governor Adeleke amid control of the councils’ tussle.

    He alleged that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was a conspirator of the violence, which had engulfed the state.

    Bisi said: “Mr Egbetokun’s deliberate deployment of Special Forces under him to escort some miscreants into the local government councils in the state was nothing but a blatant coup and one out of the many mapped out plans to assassinate the governor, Senator Adeleke, whose instruction is to restore peace and order as the Chief Security Officer.”

    He disclosed that Adeleke had been interfacing with Egbetokun, to ensure peace after the fatal fracas on Monday.

    He said: “The whole world must warn and prevail on Egbetokun to desist from being an enabler of orchestrated attempts on the life of our governor.

    “We are not unaware that the desperation of Mr Egbetokun and APC cohorts is ultimately to prevent the local government election from holding in Osun State on Saturday.”

    APP in Osun State expressed readiness to participate in the forthcoming local government election fixed for Saturday.

    The party described reinstated chairmen of APC, who took control of councils, as looters and imposters.

    APP through its state Chairman, Mr Titus Odesola, noted that the resumption of APC members at the councils across the state was illegal.

    The Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Abiodun Idowu, addressing reporters at Ilerioluwa campaign office, declared that the accounts of the local governments had been frozen to curb illegal transactions.

    He said the reinstated council executives would work with Governor Adeleke for the development of the state.

    According to him, “following our official resumption of office in 26 local governments, each one of us has ordered the immediate frozen of various council accounts. This will curb any form of illegal transaction.

    “We assure Governor Adeleke of our cooperation to ensure the development of the state and create wealth for our teeming youths and unemployed population”, he said.

    The Chairman of APM, Adewale Adebayo, speaking with The Nation, said: “Our members will cooperate with the reinstated council bosses.”

  • Osun LG poll: APC, APM criticise OSIEC boss over alleged relocation of voting materials

    Osun LG poll: APC, APM criticise OSIEC boss over alleged relocation of voting materials

    …claim untrue, we deployed non-sensitive materials — OSIEC chair

    The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) have criticised the chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC), Hashim Abioye, for allegedly relocating voting materials for the Local Government poll to Government House, Oke-Fia, Osogbo, on Wednesday.

    Jamiu Olawumi, an ex-aide to Adegboyega Oyetola, representing the APC, stated, “We have it on good authority that all the voting materials for the illegal council election fixed for February 22, 2025, have been moved to Government House.”

    “The action of the OSIEC chairman confirmed that Osun State has shifted from democracy to dictatorship governance. The popular practice is to move the sensitive materials to either the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or the Police Station.”

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    “This also confirmed that Abioye who was former Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Special Adviser to Governor Adeleke on legal matters was sent to ruin democracy at our councils.”

    He held that taking the material to government houses confirmed that the election would be rigged on Saturday, “the material will be thumbprint before Saturday, the election is illegal, we have taken over all the councils.”

    Also, APM through its state chairman, Hon Adewale Adebayo said, “Moving sensitive materials to the government house this afternoon has justified our earlier claims that Abioye cannot conduct a free and fair elections.

    “This action is an insult to all the residents of Osun State. I want to urge the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to boycott this illegal election, hence they are culpable.”

    However, the OSIEC chairman, Abioye denied all the allegations, noting that they only deployed non-sensitive materials to where they were needed before Saturday’s election.

    He said: “We did not move any material to Government House. Nothing of such, we only deployed non-sensitive materials to where they are needed.”

  • Eno’s new cabinet full of ‘expired politicians’ says APC

    Eno’s new cabinet full of ‘expired politicians’ says APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has expressed concerns over Governor Umo Eno’s newly constituted State Executive Council members, describing it as “a second chance for failure.”

    The party, in a statement  by the APC Media Network, chaired by Otuekong Iniobong John, said the new exco members as nominated by the Governor, was “a war council and a recipe for disaster.”

    According to the APC, the council is comprised of those it claimed have failed in their previous roles, alleging their appointments were based on “political compensation for friends and cronies” rather than merit.

    The party stated that “former National Assembly members, former Council Chairmen, former House of Assembly members, and former Commissioners, who performed woefully in the past, have now been refurbished and given another opportunity to fail.”

    The APC specifically highlighted the appointments of Aniekan Umanah and Anthony Luke, wondering  how these appointments align with the Governor’s  “Peace Sustenance” agenda.

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    The party said: “Except for a few appointees from academia and one from the health sector, the list would have been entirely populated by yesterday’s men and women who have failed to justify the confidence placed in them in bygone years.  

    “One would have thought that after serving out their tenures in previous offices, they would quietly return home to avoid further infuriating the populace. Instead, they have returned with aplomb to fail us once again. 

    “Furthermore, as Gov Umo Eno promotes his much-hyped “Peace Sustenance” agenda, we must point out that the appointments of Hon. Aniekan Umanah and Hon. Anthony Luke (Aluko) to the State Executive Council deviate from this policy.  

    “Such appointments, in our view, do not align with the principles of inclusivity, integrity, and effective governance.”

    Furthermore, the APC condemned the alleged marginalisation of Oro Federal Constituency, which has only two commissioners representing five Local Government Areas while Eket LGA on its own, had two nominees.