The Nation Newspaper

Tag: APC

  • JUST IN: Abia Assembly speaker defects to APC, dumps PDP 

    JUST IN: Abia Assembly speaker defects to APC, dumps PDP 

    Former speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bishop Kennedy Azubuike Njoku has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State.  

    Rt. Hon. Njoku, who previously represented Osisioma Ngwa North State Constituency in the 7th Assembly, resigned his position as Speaker after the PDP reached a compromise to allow Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, the son of Abia’s former governor, to assume the role. 

    Addressing supporters at his country home in Mbutu Nta village, Osisioma Local Government Area, Njoku explained that his decision to leave the PDP was made after extensive consultations with constituents and stakeholders across the state.  

    “I am grateful to the PDP for the opportunities they provided me and wish them well in their future endeavours,” Njoku said. 

    He, however, called on his supporters to join him in the APC, emphasizing that only those ready to work hard would be rewarded, quoting the adage, “Onye ruo, ya erie” (He who works, eats).  

    The former lawmaker expressed appreciation for the support he has received from the people of Osisioma Ngwa North, Osisioma Ngwa LGA, and Abia State as a whole. He assured them that his move to the APC was driven by a vision to secure a brighter future for the local government area and the state at large.

    Read Also: 2026: Oyetola’s ex-aide cautions APC members against agitation to zone guber ticket

    Prominent stakeholders, including Comr. Odimegwu Aruru, Chief of Staff to the Bishop Campaign Organization; Comr. Emmanuel Nduagu, former president of the Osisioma Ngwa Youth Congress; and Hon. Austin Uruakpa, former leader of the Osisioma Ngwa Legislative Council, expressed full support for Njoku’s defection.  

    They urged his supporters to obtain APC membership cards from their respective wards and emphasized that the move signals hope for the masses.  

    In a vote of thanks, Comr. Oliver Christian, a youth leader from Isiala Osokwa Ward 6, commended Rt. Hon. Njoku’s decision pledged full support and prayed for God’s blessings on him and his supporters.  

  • APC chairmanship candidate commends conduct of Ondo LG polls

    APC chairmanship candidate commends conduct of Ondo LG polls

    The chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure South Local Government Area (LGA), Dr Gbenga Fasua, has commended the conduct of the ongoing Ondo State Local Government Election.

    Fasua, who stated this on Saturday after casting his vote at Ward 10, Polling Unit 5, Oja Oshodi, Akure, said that the election at Akure South LGA, was free and fair in all ramifications.

    The candidate also noted that there was no intimidation, and applauded Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for the peaceful, and fair conduct of the election.

    According to him, there is relatively good turnout contrary to the opinion of some people that voters might not come out.

    “People thought there would be voter apathy but you can see that people are coming out to vote.

    “There is peaceful conduct of the election and everything is orderly.

    “In this election, I am sure of victory and when declared winner, I will change the narrative. I am experienced enough to occupy the position,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • 2026: 6,000 APC members deployed to Osun grassroots for mobilization

    2026: 6,000 APC members deployed to Osun grassroots for mobilization

    No fewer than 6,000 members of the All Progressives Congress have been deployed to grassroots across 30 local government areas of Osun State to mobilise support for the party.

    The members under the auspices of Osun Progressives People’s Forum (OPPF) held a prayer session for President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola on Friday at Tinubu/Shettima campaign office attended by State Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal and other big wigs of the party.

    The coordinator of the group, Remi Abass said” “The reason for the creation of the group is to galvanize the party ahead of the election. We discovered that after we lost the 2022 gubernatorial election, our members were busy apportioning blame but we must raise past that if we want to win subsequent elections.

    Read Also: 2026: APC deploys 6,000 members to mobilise grassroots support in Osun 

    “We have deployed 6,000 members to our grassroots across the state to canvass for the party and win at least one soul into our fold before the 2026 governorship election.”

    The former Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly,  Timothy Owoeye said: “In 2026 we are going to unseat PDP as a party and Senator Ademola Adeleke as the governor. We are going to unseat all of them in 2026 and 2027, looking at the level of our preparedness.”

    Meanwhile, in his sermon, a Muslim cleric, Uztas Ibrahim Akeusola harped on the need for party members and leaders to unite ahead of the poll.

    “You must jettison in-fighting, love your party, and rally support for it. Both members and leaders must work in unison and your journey back to power would be seamless.”

  • Don’t blame Tinubu, APC for recent stampedes – Mumuni tells Nigerians

    Don’t blame Tinubu, APC for recent stampedes – Mumuni tells Nigerians

    A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ambassador Nurain Mumuni, has urged Nigerians not to attribute the recent stampedes in parts of the country to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or the ruling party.

    Mumuni made this statement on Thursday through his Media Aide, Rasheed Abubakar, in a release shared with journalists.

    He was reacting to the tragic incidents in December last year, where stampedes occurred in Ibadan, Okija in Anambra State, and Maitama in Abuja, claiming the lives of over 50 people.

    The APC chieftain emphasized that the unfortunate events were not connected to the present administration or any political figure. 

    According to Mumuni, stampedes in the country often result from a variety of factors unrelated to politics or government.

    He called on Nigerians to exercise caution in assigning blame and focus on addressing the root causes of such occurrences.

    Read Also: Governors back Tax Reform Bills, seek adjustment to VAT

    “Stampedes in Nigeria have occurred due to various factors, often during large gatherings, religious events, political rallies, and public celebrations. 

    “Which basically has nothing to do with T-Pain or whatsoever politicians will tag it to be, until we all mind our utterances for peaceful union in Nigeria, Here are some notable instances:

    “2014 Makurdi Stampede: A stampede occurred during the distribution of food and relief materials in Benue State, resulting in several deaths and injuries. Thousands of people surged forward when they heard the words “food distribution,” leading to chaos.

    “2019 Muslim Pilgrimage Stampede: During the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Nigerian pilgrims faced a deadly stampede, with reports of Nigerian nationals being among the casualties. This incident highlighted the dangers associated with large religious gatherings.

    “2017 Ibadan Stampede: A stampede occurred at a political rally in Ibadan, where several people were killed and many injured when a crowd rushed toward an appearance by a prominent politician.

    “2018 Abule Egba Stampede: During a major religious procession in Lagos, panic ensued when the crowd rushed towards a narrow exit, causing many to be trampled.

    “2021 Jos Stampede: At an event in Jos, Plateau State, a stampede broke out during a church program, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries as people scrambled to exit the venue.

    “These incidents often stem from poor crowd control, lack of security measures, and the unpredictability of large gatherings, emphasizing the need for better planning and safety protocols to prevent future tragedies”.

  • Lagos Mainland APC appeals to Ganduje over alleged unconstitutional dissolution of executive council

    Lagos Mainland APC appeals to Ganduje over alleged unconstitutional dissolution of executive council

    The executive committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area has urged the party’s national leadership to intervene promptly in addressing its alleged unconstitutional dissolution.

    Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Saturday, the acting chairman of the committee, Tony Fasanmi, said the appeal to the national body became necessary due to the perceived biased handling of the issue by the State Executive Council of the party

    Fasanmi claimed that the committee members were duly elected through congresses in accordance with the party’s constitution, saying that their mandate remains valid from Lagos to Abuja.

    He called on the national leadership of the APC to uphold justice and fairness in resolving the matter to avoid setting a dangerous precedent within the party.

    “We conducted all the elections in this Mainland LGA from that of the House of Assembly, National Assembly, Governor and Mr. President, the records are there and evident enough to prove that we deliver all.

    “If we are not duly recognised them who else? We are the authentic exco what I observed however, is that now that we are approaching the council elections some people are now claiming that the executives are not authentic and that they will dissolve it.

    “But we are not afraid because we are sure, we remain the authentic one, go to national level of the party and confirm it there in their list of authentic exco in Mainland, you will see it there.

    “It is funny because our tenure has not yet lapsed, we still have less than a year to go, but through out the Lagos state there is nothing like exco dissolution except in Mainland, we wonder why this selective ill treatment is being meted out on us?

    Fasanmi stated that they decided to intensify their efforts after exhausting all available channels of communication to seek justice, which ultimately yielded no results.

    “We have written letters to the various cadres within the party’s structure, seeking a redress on the matter, the state chairman of the party was communicated but he clearly ignored our stance on the matter.

    “We later took our matter to the APC Chairman Southwest Zonal Executive Committee but also to no avail.

    Read Also: 2027: Ganduje, others urge unity in Kano APC

    “As the case stands, we await the party at the national level to intervene and restore peace in Mainland because that is what we were known for, up until they decided to bring up a sham in the name of parallel exco led by an impostor one Mr. Abiodun Fagba.

    “We want to state emphatically that the deliberate attempt to factionalise the party in Lagos Mainland portends grave consequences if not curtailed promptly by our party at the national level.

    “We are peace loving people all we are saying is that they allow the tenure lapse seeing that things had been fine with us ever since, before they manufactured their parallel exco to divide our ranks. But we will toe all paths necessary to restore sanity in Mainland polity”. Fasanmi said.

    Meanwhile, efforts to reach the APC Chairman in Lagos, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, for clarification on the matter were unsuccessful.

  • LG polls: Ondo council boss solicits votes for APC

    LG polls: Ondo council boss solicits votes for APC

    Mr Akinrinwa Igbekeke, Transition Chairman, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, has urged electorates to come out enmasse for Saturday’s Local Government (LG) elections across the state.

    Igbekele made the appeal while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Okitipupa.

    He also urged residents to vote massively for All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship, deputy chairmanship and councillorship candidates across the 13 political wards in Okitipupa.

    The chairman lauded residents for the victory of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the Nov.16 governorship election, and urged them “to repeat the feat for all APC candidates in Saturday’s polls”.

    “We thank you for the turnout and massive votes for Aiyedatiwa last year, we urge you to repeat the same feat at the forthcoming LG polls.

    Read Also: APC Youth League appoints director

    “We appeal to you to cast massive votes for APC chairmanship, deputy chairmanship and other councilorship candidates across the 13 political wards in Okitipupa for them to be victorious.

    “This can only be achieved with your support and robust cooperation.

    “We promise, as a government, to transform your support to renumeration of development and welfare of our people,” Igbekele said.

    (NAN)

  • APC, PDP trade blames on Edo election tribunal shooting

    APC, PDP trade blames on Edo election tribunal shooting

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have traded blames on the shooting incident at the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal in Benin, on Wednesday.

    A statement by the APC Chairman in Edo, Jarret Tenebe, described the incident as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable act of violence that undermined the sanctity of the judicial process.”

    Tenebe accused supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of carrying out what he described as the distardly act.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some gunmen suspected to be political thugs disrupted proceeding of the tribunal shouting “give us our mandate” while shooting sporadically.

    The shooting caused panic with lawyers, members of the tribunal and others at the proceedings fleeing for safety.

    Tenebe, in the statement available to the NAN, described the tribunal as a sacred space where justice was meant to be administered impartially.

    “Any act of violence within its walls undermines the very foundation of our legal system and threatens the safety of all involved.

    “Regardless of political affiliation, resorting to violence to resolve disputes is never justifiable.

    “We must all condemn such actions in the strongest possible terms.

    “Violence has no place in a civilised society, and those responsible for this heinous act must be brought to justice swiftly and without exception,” the chairman said.

    Read Also: EFCC denies involvement in Edo governorship tribunal witness arrest

    However, in a counter-statement, the PDP in the state disassociated itself from the shooting incident.

    The PDP chairman, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, described the incident as yet another in the series of clandestine efforts by the APC to frustrate the legal process and tarnish the image of the opposition party.

    “The APC in Edo, who are clearly scared of justice, have continued their devious ploy to frustrate our party from reclaiming the mandate duly given to us by the good people of Edo in the last governorship election at the tribunal.

    “They have now resorted to deploying thugs disguised in PDP-branded attire to disrupt the legal process, while pointing accusing fingers at our party,” Aziegbemi said.

    (NAN)

  • How to win council poll, by Lagos APC chairman

    How to win council poll, by Lagos APC chairman

    The Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, has urged members to remain united and love one another to enable the party  win the upcoming 2025  local government election in the state.

    Ojelabi made the appeal at the Victory Celebration and Thank you visit organised by the Coordinator of Badagry Independent Campaign Council (ICC), Mr Ibrahim Layode, the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs.

    According to him, with the banning of Mandate and Justice Forums groups  in the  Lagos APC by President Bola Tinubu, members should be united to work for the progress of the party.

    “If you look back, since you have joined the party, no candidate has secured a ticket under Justice or Mandate Forum.

    “It is through the party that members secured tickets. Let us, therefore,  embrace one another, be truthful and shun segregation. That’s why President Tinubu asked us to ban the groups.”

    According  to him, the  Lagos APC  will be setting up a  disciplinary committee, and those who  cannot abide by the party’s rules and regulations  are free to withdraw their membership.

    Read Also: Simon Ekpa’s arrest has reduced tension in southeast, says CDS Musa

    “You can’t tell us how to run our party,” he said.

    The party chairman urged members to always attend ward and local government area meetings of the party, adding that they remained the only approved APC meetings.

    He urged members who had not registered for voters card or lost it to do so.

    Ojelabi, however, assured members that the party would create a level playing ground for them in the upcoming Lagos  council poll.

    ” I want to assure you that whoever emerges winner in the primaries will be announced once the result is submitted,” he said.

    On the victory and thank you ceremony, the chairman commended members who had contributed to the  party’s success in the  2023 general elections.

    “I’m happy Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has rewarded you for voting for APC through infrastructural development in Badagry,” he said.

    Commissioner for Home Affairs and coordinator of ICC, Ibrahim Layode, said the event was to celebrate the amazing contributions of the ICC  members to  APC victory in the  2023 general elections.

    “This is just to rejoice together and give glory to God and also to buckle our belts for the coming election, we don’t want to wait until then ,” he said.

    Layode also emphasised the importance of unity amongst party members, adding that the ICC had become a movement in Badagry.

    A lawmaker, representing Badagry in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Bonu Solomon,  urged the  ICC members to build synergy and unity amongst themselves to enable the party succeed in the  upcoming  council election.

    ICC Secretary, Emmanuel Kappo,  urged APC members in Badagry to continue to work together to guarantee  dividends of democracy.

  • 2027: Nigerians will beg Tinubu to govern till 2031 – APC chieftain 

    2027: Nigerians will beg Tinubu to govern till 2031 – APC chieftain 

    Abdulhakeem Alawuje, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu’s performance will impress Nigerians so much that they will urge him to extend his tenure beyond 2027.

    In a statement to journalists, Alawuje appealed for patience from Nigerians, assuring them that the current hardships are temporary and will soon give way to better times.

    He further stated that President Tinubu’s leadership will usher in significant positive changes, prompting the public to seek his continued leadership.

    “This prediction is based on the assumption that the president’s policies will yield tangible results, earning him widespread support and admiration.

    “It’s worth noting that my comments may be seen as speculative, as they’re based on my personal opinion and faith in President Tinubu’s administration. 

    “However, the statements reflect the optimism and enthusiasm of some Nigerians regarding the president’s potential to drive positive change in the country”. He said.

    Alawuje tackled individuals not supporting President Tinubu’s progress, instead seeking to discredit him and disconnect him from his supporters across the country.

    “Nigerians should  support the President, regardless of regional or ethnic affiliations, and prioritise the country’s progress over personal or regional interests. This sentiment is particularly relevant given the diverse nature of Nigeria’s population and the need for inclusive leadership.

    “All progressives minds in Nigeria must indeed learn from the past to build a better future. The All Progressives Congress (APC) was formed in 2013, born out of the merger of several opposition parties, including the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    “The APC’s historic victory in the 2015 presidential election, which saw Muhammadu Buhari defeat incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, marked a significant turning point in Nigeria’s political history. However, the country’s progress has been hindered by regional sentiments and divisions.

    “To move forward, Nigerians must come together, putting aside their differences and learning from past mistakes. As emphasised in the APC’s vision for a new Nigeria, the country can and must do better.  By embracing unity, progress, and collective growth, all progressives minds can help shape a brighter future for Nigeria.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government has made significant progress in its first year, despite facing notable challenges. The administration’s efforts to reform the economy, develop infrastructure, and improve education and healthcare are commendable.

    “However, it’s essential for the masses to remain vigilant and not allow themselves to be manipulated by politicians with ulterior motives. Tinubu can make mistakes, but his commitment to rescuing Nigeria is evident in his policies and actions.

    “Despite these achievements, the administration still faces challenges like insecurity, inflation, and poverty. It’s crucial for Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable and demand more effective solutions to these pressing issues.

    “President Tinubu’s government has been a mixed bag, with significant achievements and notable challenges. On one hand, his administration has made commendable progress in economic reforms, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs. The removal of the gasoline subsidy, floating the Nigerian naira, and investments in agriculture, manufacturing, and technology are steps in the right direction.

    Read Also: ‘Why Tinubu should intervene in AMCON, firm dispute’

    “However, the government still faces criticism for its handling of insecurity, inflation, and poverty. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently warned that Nigeria is moving towards a total collapse if leaders and citizens don’t change their ways.

    “Despite these challenges, it’s clear that President Tinubu is committed to driving sustainable development and improving the lives of Nigerians. He may make mistakes, but his administration is working to address the country’s pressing issues. The masses must remain vigilant, demanding accountability and transparency from their leaders while avoiding manipulation by politicians with ulterior motives”. Alawuje said 

    Alawuje insisted that those trying to discredit Tinubu will fail, as the president has already demonstrated his capacity to lead Nigeria to the promised land.

    “I am optimistic about the President Tinubu’s ability to drive positive change and progress in Nigeria, and the struggling will continue until success is achieved”. Alawuje added.

  • APC chair to PDP, Ighodalo: no mandate was stolen

    APC chair to PDP, Ighodalo: no mandate was stolen

    The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has declared that no mandate was stolen from seven of the 18 parties that participated in the September 21, 2024 governorship election, which filed petitions at the election petitions tribunal in Benin.

    Tenebe, yesterday in Benin, after the adjournment till tomorrow (Wednesday), at the sitting of the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member tribunal, expressed optimism that Edo APC and its governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, now Governor, would emerge victorious.

    The parties that filed petitions at the tribunal were Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Accord (A), Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Action Alliance (AA), which wanted their candidates to be declared winner of the keenly-contested poll.

    Edo APC chairman said: “We are fully prepared to confront PDP and its standard bearer, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, with authentic facts and figures.

    ‘’The September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State was free, fair, transparent and credible, with the residents of Edo decisively choosing Senator Monday Okpebholo as their governor. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed this by declaring him the winner with 291,667 votes—a clear victory over the PDP and other contenders.

    “Ighodalo’s decision to proceed to the tribunal is his right, but we believe it will amount to nothing more than an academic exercise. We in the APC have no fear. We will still emerge victorious.

    “While lawyers, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), may see this as an opportunity to cash in on the prolonged litigation, Edo APC remains confident that the tribunal will uphold the mandate freely given to us by the good people of Edo State.

    Read Also: Recapitalisation: Bank mergers, acquisitions loom

    “We assure our teeming supporters and well-meaning Edo residents that the tribunal’s distraction will not deter us from focusing on delivering the developmental promises of Senator Okpebholo. APC is ready, and truth will again prevail.”

    The Chairman of the Media and Publicity Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council during the 2023 general election, Prince John Mayaki, has described the petition filed by PDP and Ighodalo as poorly designed, miserable and like someone chasing shadows.

    Mayaki, yesterday in Benin, urged Edo residents and all APC loyalists to remain calm.

    He said: “PDP does not have a case, but merely chasing shadows. APC won the governorship election in Edo State squarely. It is better for PDP and Ighodalo to congratulate the winner, Senator Okpebholo, in the spirit of sportsmanship and join in the task of moving the state forward.

    “I want to thank the good people of Edo State for the resounding mandate they graciously gave to the APC and its candidate, who has done so much in such a very short time. In a little over two months in office, Senator Okpebholo has recorded great feats.

    “Edo governor’s achievements in such a short time indicate that great things will be achieved in the days and years ahead. The leaders and members of our great party worked hard for the victory they are enjoying, and nothing will reverse it, because the PDP has no case in court.”