₦airaland Forum

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES SUPER FALCONS ON WAFCON VICTORY

President Bola Tinubu congratulates the Super Falcons of Nigeria on their victory at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, securing their record 10th continental title.

President Tinubu says, "The Super Falcons' spectacular performance tonight in Rabat, coming from behind to beat a spirited Moroccan side playing in front of a passionate home crowd, exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit."

"With hard work, dedication, and tenacity, you have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. The nation looks forward to welcoming our champions. Congratulations! Nigeria celebrates you."

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President,
Information and Strategy
June 26, 2025

With the choice of a young professor as the national chairman of the biggest political party in Africa, many political observers have posited that President Bola Tinubu deserves his flowers.

It was like a thunderbolt. Not many people saw it coming.

However, beneath the routine nature of Thursday’s confirmation of the National Executive Committee lies a complex matrix of power balancing, ethnic and religious realignments and 2027 succession politics.

One of the unspoken tensions in APC’s zoning arrangement had been the precarious situation of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who hails from Borno State in the North-East.

Before Nentawe’s emergence, the acting APC National Chairman, Ali Dalori, was also from the same geopolitical zone — a configuration many insiders believed could complicate Shettima’s political viability in 2027, should he seek to remain as running mate or emerge as a presidential contender.

The appointment of Nentawe, who hails from the North-Central zone (Plateau State), neutralises this zoning conflict.

It effectively removes the threat of regional redundancy at the top party echelon, a concern that could have tilted the balance against Shettima when high-level succession plans come under scrutiny.

By reassigning the powerful office of national chairman away from the North-East, the APC appears to have restored a delicate regional equilibrium — one that could keep Shettima’s 2027 prospects alive, or even strengthened.

However, there are growing concerns within political and insider circles that another influential stalwart of the APC from the North-East, and the current National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is being quietly positioned as a potential replacement for Vice President Shettima ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

Ribadu, a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, is reportedly enjoying strong backing from a shadowy network of power brokers and inner-circle figures close to the Presidency.

These individuals are believed to be plotting a dramatic reshuffle that could upend the existing power structure within the APC.

Despite the increasing speculation and whispers in Abuja corridors of power, Ribadu has consistently avoided addressing the matter directly. He has tactfully deflected or declined to respond to such insinuations at public functions and in private discussions, fuelling further speculation about whether his silence is strategic or coincidental.

The Christian factor

More subtly — but just as significantly — Nentawe’s Christian faith provides a much-needed religious counterbalance within the APC, especially following the Tinubu-Shettima Muslim-Muslim ticket that drew strong criticism in 2023.

For a party that needs to regain the trust of Christian voters across the Middle Belt and Southern Nigeria, this is more than symbolic.

Nentawe’s emergence may help pacify concerns about marginalization, particularly in the North-Central region where religious plurality often shapes political loyalty.

As the son of a reverend and a respected technocrat with wide appeal among Christian communities, Nentawe brings a moral and cultural nuance the party desperately needs.

His Christian identity, coupled with Shettima’s Islamic background, subtly rebuilds a narrative of inclusion — and could become a selling point for the APC in regions previously alienated by its ticket choices.

The North-Central zone had previously held the APC chairmanship through Senator Abdullahi Adamu before he was replaced by Kano-born Abdullahi Ganduje in a move that attracted internal criticism. The return of the chairmanship to the zone can be interpreted as a strategic peace offering — and a bid to re-secure the allegiance of a region that has oscillated in its loyalty since 2015.

Governor Hope Uzodimma, who moved the motion for zoning the chairmanship back to the North-Central and nominated Nentawe, perhaps articulated the party’s intent: to reengage and reenergize its base in the Middle Belt. Nentawe’s close relationship with former Plateau Governor Simon Lalong further reinforces this political realignment.
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Technocrat turned politician

Nentawe brings more than zoning comfort to the table. His pedigree as a university professor, digital governance expert, and former INEC commissioner gives him a unique technocratic edge. His extensive work with international partners like the UN, World Bank, and EU adds global credibility to his portfolio. Moreover, his previous role as Director of ICT at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, and as Plateau’s 2023 APC governorship candidate, underscores a dual identity as both scholar and strategist.

While some may see his loss to the PDP in the Plateau gubernatorial election as a blemish, others view his court challenge and ultimate respect for the Supreme Court’s ruling as evidence of democratic maturity — a trait increasingly scarce in Nigeria’s high-stakes political landscape.

Win for Shettima’s camp?

As one of the state coordinators of the Tinubu/Shettima campaign in 2023, Nentawe is no stranger to the current ruling bloc.

[b]His loyalty to the Tinubu-Shettima ticket and his grassroots influence in the North-Central make him a valuable ally for the vice president.

Some analysts believe that should Tinubu decide not to seek re-election in 2027 — either for personal or political reasons — Shettima’s path to the ticket would be heavily influenced by internal party dynamics.[/b]

Having an ally at the helm of the party’s national structure could prove decisive.

Even if Tinubu runs for a second term, having a Christian national chairman from the North-Central may shield the party from some of the polarization that plagued its 2023 campaign, especially if Shettima is retained as VP.

In Nigerian politics, every major party appointment is rarely what it seems on the surface. In Nentawe’s case, the APC appears to have killed multiple birds with one stone: regional balance, religious inclusivity, internal realignment, and technocratic competence.

Whether this move will eventually translate into electoral gains remains to be seen. But for now, it’s fair to say that with Nentawe as chairman, the APC is rearming itself structurally and ideologically. And for Kashim Shettima, it might just be the clearest signal yet that his political future within the ruling party is not only secure — but looking increasingly promising.

APC chieftains react

Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, praised Nentawe’s emergence, describing him as a brilliant academic.

On whether he believes the new chairman can hold his own against governors and heavyweights in the party, Shittu said he doesn’t see Nentawe as a pushover.

“There is no doubt that the governors are gods. There’s no doubt about that. But not being in politics for too long does mean he can’t operate with common sense.

“But I pray that he will be able to impress now that he has an opportunity. For as long as he administers the party well and listens to concerns raised by members with a view to addressing them, he will get it right.”

Shittu also issued a caution against any attempt to drop Shettima ahead of 2027.

“I think the president ought to stabilise the government hierarchy. If he attempts to remove Shettima, the likelihood is that our people and party supporters in North-East are likely to rebel.

“It is still in the realm of speculation though. I don’t see him doing that. You know that Shettima is a brilliant man and also very loyal. He has always represented the President admirably.”

Another party chieftain from the North-Central, Dominic Alancha also weighed in. He warned against underestimating Nentawe.

He said, “Obviously, people don’t know Nentawe. He has been a grassroots person. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have emerged as a governorship candidate and our flag bearer in the 2023 election for our party.”

Alancha dismissed age-related criticisms, noting that many past Nigerian leaders took power in their youth.

“Those saying he is too young to become APC national chairman should tell us what age was Yakubu Gowon when he became the President… Again, what age was the likes of Obafemi Awolowo when he became a force to reckon with? We can name a whole lot of them.”

He added: “What we have been advocating for is to mainstream young people into the leadership position of the party. So Nentawe’s emergence is a plus for APC. He is going to galvanize Nigerian youth into the party. Many people are of the view that if you must be a political party chairman in Nigeria, you must be a former governor.”

On whether Nentawe’s emergence can end talks of replacing Shettima, Alancha deferred to the president’s prerogative but emphasized that the North’s ethnic minorities should no longer be overlooked.

“The truth of the matter is that in a short while, we are going to demystify the idea that if you are not a Muslim, you cannot deputize a southerner or the belief that the vote that makes Asiwaju the president is the Muslim vote. No, that is not true. Northern ethnic nationalities play a very vital role.”

“What I am saying is that whether his running mate is from North East, North Central or anywhere, it is the prerogative of the president to decide.”

“Some people from the North West are even saying that they have not even seen the impact of the Muslim-Muslim ticket. It is all about governance. That is where our attention should be,” he argued.

With Nentawe now steering the APC, a new chapter may be unfolding — one that could reshape internal dynamics, reframe the party’s national outlook, and potentially brighten the path for Kashim Shettima in 2027.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee has shortlisted a total of 57 candidates for consideration for the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Among those shortlisted are 56 legal practitioners and one academic, as stated in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja and authored by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Akanbi.

The statement noted that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, at the 169th Plenary Session held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, approved the elevation of the 57 candidates to the esteemed rank.

The SAN rank is conferred as a mark of professional excellence on legal practitioners who have demonstrated exceptional distinction, either as courtroom advocates or as academics who have made significant contributions to legal scholarship.

During the session, the Committee also considered three petitions submitted against certain applicants.

Upon thorough review, all the petitions were found to be without merit and were accordingly dismissed, the statement revealed.

In line with the directives of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, all shortlisted SAN candidates are required to attend and successfully complete the Pre-Swearing-In Induction Programme, which is a mandatory prerequisite for the formal conferment of the rank.

The statement added, “In line with Paragraph 25(1) of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Guidelines and the provisions of Rule 39(3) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, 2023, all shortlisted conferees must refrain from publishing or encouraging the publication of advertisements, congratulatory messages, or goodwill notices relating to their nomination or conferment.

“Any breach of these provisions may attract sanctions for violations of statutory or ethical rules as expressly stated.”

The Swearing-In Ceremony for the 57 successful candidates is scheduled to hold on Monday, 29 September 2025.

The statement also listed the names of the shortlisted Senior Advocate-designates for the 2025 conferment exercise, in order of seniority at the Bar, as follows:

Theophilus Esan, Fedude Zimughan, Ernest Ikeji, Victor Esiriakpoguma, Leslie Njemanze, Akintunde Adewale, Preye Agedah, Omamuzo Erebe, Hannibal Uwaifo, Olumide Ekisola, George Ukaegbu, Oromena Ajakpovi, Tairu Adebayo, Bawa Ibrahim, Suleh Umar, Emeka Akabogu, Godwin Ogboji, Godwin Idiagbonya, Adeolu Salako, and Adetunji Oso.

Others include: Achinike William-Wobodo, Shuaib Mustapha, Adizua Okoroafor, Olanrewaju Akinsola, Amaechi Iteshi, Adakole Inegede, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, David Ogebe, Aminu Gadanya, Oluseun Adeniyi, Ikechukwu Uwanna, Ayodeji Ademola, Kelechi Nwaiwu, Lawal Hudu, Ibim Dokubo, Luka Abubakar Musa, Shakeer Oshodi, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, Mubarak Adekilekun, and Chinyere Ekene Moneme.

The remaining candidates are: Shuaibu Labaran, Kingsley Udeh, Augustine Audu, Ali Zubairu, Adeyemi Pitan, Habeeb Oredola, Abdulakeem Labi-Lawal, Victor Agunzi, Nkwegu Ogbagaegwu, Bidemi Ademola-Bello, Temilolu Femiadamolekun, Abdulkarim Maude, Adedayo Adesina, Usman Zaiyanu, Taiwo Hassan, Olufemi Oyewole, and the only successful academic applicant – Professor Chima Ubanyionwu.

The political landscape in Osun State became charged on Tuesday as Governor Ademola Adeleke, alongside former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and key leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, openly declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The decision, announced in a communiqué issued after a high-profile stakeholders’ meeting, also confirmed Adeleke’s resolve to remain in the PDP, shelving speculations of his defection to the All Progressives Congress.

The development, however, drew sharp criticism from the African Democratic Congress, which accused Adeleke of political indecision and insisted that his backing of Tinubu would not save him from defeat in the next Osun governorship election.

On Tuesday, the governor’s decision to back Tinubu while remaining in PDP was revealed in the communique made available to journalists at the end of the meeting of PDP chieftains in the state.

The rollcall at the meeting included ex-Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, the lawmaker representing Osun East Senatorial District, Lere Oyewumi, Osun PDP chairman, Sunday Bisi, ex-PDP National Secretary, Prof Wale Oladipo, among others.

The stakeholders resolved, “The PDP in Osun State recognises the fact that Osun State is the ancestral home of President Bola Tinubu, which makes the President the son of Osun State.

“Therefore, the PDP in Osun State hereby adopts and endorses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.”

The meeting also declared support for Adeleke’s sole candidature of the party for the Osun governorship election in 2026.

“PDP in Osun State reaffirms its adoption and endorsement of Governor Ademola Adeleke for re-election in the 2026 governorship election on the platform of the PDP.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke and all members of the PDP in Osun State should remain in the PDP. The leadership of the PDP in Osun State is directed to disseminate the resolution to all structures of the party in the state,” the communique read.

Reacting to the development, the Osun State chairman of the ADC, Charles Omidiji, said Adeleke’s refusal to join the APC may not eventually save him from defeat.

Omidiji subsequently declared that ADC, a party that has ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola as its Interim National Secretary, would win the next Osun governorship poll.

“If he doesn’t join the APC again, it will only reduce the margin of the loss awaiting him at the poll.

“If he had defected, that would have been the end of both the APC and PDP in Osun. But whatever happens, ADC will produce the next Osun governor,” he said.

Giving reasons for Adeleke’s decision not to join the APC, despite months of speculations, the communique read, “The majority of the members of the APC in Osun State are opposed to the idea of the defection of Governor Adeleke to the APC, which did not originate from the governor in the first instance.

“Some APC leaders, based on entrenched interests, have demonstrated hostility and resentment towards Governor Ademola Adeleke. Some went on social media and national television to call Governor Adeleke all kinds of unprintable names.

“The majority of PDP members in Osun State are not happy about the idea of the defection of Governor Adeleke to the APC, but reluctantly agreed to follow Governor Adeleke to whichever party he goes to show their love, support and loyalty to his leadership.”

Pastor Tunde Bakare, presiding Overseer of the Global Community Citadel Church, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the state burial given to the former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He also paid a glowing tribute to the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona who died on the same day with late President Buhari.

“Without Awujale’s pivotal intervention, APC would not have emerged as a political party,” he said.

“Kabiyesi convened a key meeting at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island and brokered the agreement that led to the formation of the APC.

“Even at that, Kabiyesi was non-partisan, supporting any course he thought would facilitate good governance, strengthen the national interest, foster peace and further the course of building a united Nigeria.

“He remained, to the very end, an elder statesman, a patriot, a mentor, a loyal friend, and a rare gift to this nation.”

Bakare reiterated that the merger that formed the APC was the first time there would be a handshake between the progressive North and the progressive South which had not materialised in the past.

He said the passing of the two great man signified a shift which only a few could discern.

defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) described Buhari as one of the most tolerant and fair-minded individuals he ever met who opened door for many Nigerians especially the clergymen like him to be involved in the political process.

He recalled that Buhari insisted him on retaining him as his running mate.

He said, “We must awake to the handwriting on the wall. President Muhammadu Buhari and Oba Sikiru Adetona left a legacy that reads loud and clear – The giant of Africa cannot stand on one leg.

“We cannot build Nigeria as a one-party state. The intersection of these two men played a critical role in the emergence of a virile political landscape with a strong enough opposition party to challenge the then-ruling party.

“We can only build on their legacy by ensuring that both the ruling party and the opposition are strong enough to guarantee good governance in the interest of the ordinary Nigerian.

“Their legacy also reminds us that we cannot stabilise our beloved nation on divisiveness. We cannot build a truly virile nation unless we build an inclusive nation. Where we have been divided as a nation, let us remember the religious tolerance of a man who, for years, was wrongly labelled with the toga of religious fundamentalism when indeed, he was one of the most tolerant and fair-minded Muslims to walk this earth, twice opening the doorway for Christian leaders – Pastors to be specific – in politics and governance.”

He recalled that late President Buhari “left a legacy of an Electoral Act that opened the doorway for Nigerian youth and persons with disabilities, positioning them to shatter glass ceilings through the Not Too Young To Run Act and the Disability Act.”

“Where we have, in the past, polarised the political system and undermined political opponents, let us remember the virtues of a man who would rather present his case to the electorate than descend into the politics of mudslinging.”

Barr. Omosede Igbinedion and Hon Joseph Ikpea have emerged candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for next month’s by-election to fill vacant seats for the National Assembly.

The primary was conducted in Ovia Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives and Edo Central senatorial district.

Igbinedion was the sole candidate of the party for Ovia Federal constituency as other aspirants stepped down for her but Hon Ikpea defeated Mr. Glory Momodu with a wide margin for the Edo Central senatorial seat.

Members of the APC queued behind their preferred aspirants as the party opted for the direct mode of primary and was affirmed by elected delegates of the party.

Chairman of the primary election committee for Ovia Federal Constituency, Barr. Lucky Ajokperiniovo, said Omosede won the election after results were collated in 23 wards.

He said: “It was a free and successful election. The party worked hard for aspirants to step down. The turnout was impressive and they conducted themselves in orderly manner.

Chairman for Edo Central, Stanley Uzoamaka, said the exercise was conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.

He affirmed that Ikpea won the election.


Edo APC Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, thanked the committee for ensuring a peaceful primary.

He assured that the party would mobilise the masses for maximum

Chidibe212:
News have been flying round that Pro Yemi Osibanjo will join ADC Coalition.

https://www.thisdaylive.com/2022/04/12/2023-adc-chairman-tells-nigerians-not-to-be-deceived-by-osinbajos-declaration/

Although the Link above doesn't say so but it will be a great addition Pro Yemi Osibanjo joins this ADC coalition. Let's Collectively tag him on X to join the ADC coalition.

Let's Go!!

Former President Goodluck Jonathan is among eminent Nigerians said to be making a case for suspended Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State, behind the scenes, to be returned to his position on or before June 12.

Jonathan, according to sources, has engaged President Bola Tinubu in at least one telephone conversation on the need to reinstate the suspended governor on or before June 12 in the spirit of Democracy Day.

The president will, according to tradition, address the nation in a broadcast on June 12.

Tinubu had, on March 18, suspended Fubara from office for six months, but many people described the action as unconstitutional as, according to them, there is no part of the Constitution which empowers the president to suspend/remove an elected governor in the event that emergency rule imposition becomes inevitable in any part of the country.



It had been speculated that Tinubu could lift the suspension on May 29 when the nation celebrated the second anniversary of his administration, but, as that did not happen, many people are banking on June 12 reinstatement.

Four days from today, June 12 precisely, Nigeria will celebrate another Democracy Day, marking 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999.


By September 18, it will be six months since Ibas took over Rivers State by fiat of Tinubu.

As the president leads the country to mark another June 12 anniversary on Thursday, it will be three months next Wednesday, June 18, that Ibas took over as sole administrator of Rivers State, with Fubara, the elected governor, outside the Government House, Port Harcourt.

Will Tinubu end the state of emergency he imposed on Rivers State six days before its complete three months on June 18?

Or will the travesty that he and others fought against continue under his watch?

Only the president knows his unpretentious plan for Rivers State. While there are indications that Fubara is likely to return to his position, it is difficult to predict when this will happen.

New realization
Unlike the days before his suspension, he is now playing the same game with Tinubu.

He has come to understand why his colleague in Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and why his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Governor Umo Eno, has also abandoned the PDP for the APC.

Unmistakably, the politics of Rivers State in recent times has transformed into a pragmatic chessboard game, giving vent to various conjectures by keen observers.

Before May 29, the second anniversary of the present elected government officials, many had thought Fubara would be reinstated to his position as governor.

But with May 29 gone, optimists say Tinubu may reinstate the governor on Democracy Day, June 12, ahead of June 18, when it will be a full three months of emergency rule in the state.

London consultation

As a man desperate for a lasting peace and true reconciliation in the face of daunting fiery darts unleashed on him by political opponents, Fubara shocked everyone when he made a trip to the United Kingdom via Germany to meet with Tinubu, who was in London in April.

The private meeting, which lasted more than three hours, centered on restoring peace in Rivers State, the possible return of Fubara, and the entire gamut of the suspended democratic institutions.

Sources confided that the London parley offered the president a first-hand opportunity to observe the chemistry of the suspended governor at close range.

Follow-up session in Lagos

Nigerians were again awed when Fubara met with Tinubu in Lagos State last Tuesday.

The picture of Tinubu and Fubara that hit the media space showed men posed in a manner signifying that something positive may be in the offing.

The Lagos meeting gave credence to Fubara’s earnest appeal-cum-warning to his supporters six days before the Lagos meeting with Tinubu to “thank Mr. President for his timely intervention to salvage the situation…”

The embattled governor also warned his loyalists not to cast aspersions on the president and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as doing so could jeopardize the ongoing peace process.

One major reason Fubara embarked on the peace voyage to Bourdillion was, it was learnt, to reassure Tinubu of his commitment to work with him.

There were speculations that Fubara may want to take his pound of flesh from Wike by aligning with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 presidential race.

More so, with the former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, being touted to lead the pack of the new coalition opposition parties, the fear of losing Fubara was feverish, as Amaechi and Fubara are purportedly secret allies.

To show his level of commitment, Fubara had ordered an immediate end to all forms of protests in Rivers.
He encouraged everyone who sympathised with him to follow his example of leadership by remaining calm during the crisis.

Recall requirements

A reliable source suggested that Tinubu is facing a two-pronged strategy to solidify his power in Rivers, illustrating how the adage “there is no peace without a price” is being applied to politics in the state.

First, if Fubara is a sitting governor, the president can work with him to win a second term in the 2027 presidential election.

The president will have a falling out with his super FCT Minister if this is done.

In a media chat last Monday, Wike had declared that he would personally spearhead Tinubu’s 2027 campaign in Rivers.
In the eyes of many Nigerians, the hypothesis is preemptive.

The source claimed that Fubara switching from the PDP to the APC is the second possibility.

In either case, every rational observer is left vulnerable to Frederic Forsyth’s timeless work, “The Devil’s Alternative.”

As a political move, the president has personally presented the state’s N1.4 trillion budget to the National Assembly, protecting the governor from potential impeachment by Wike’s hated lawmakers in the House of Assembly should they be recalled.

As a result, one of the primary causes of the crisis has been deliberately removed.

Stakeholders hopeful

Prof. Benjamin Okaba, the National President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), the umbrella group of the Ijaw nation, told Sunday Vanguard, “All the hypotheses have now been tested, and they are in favor of Fubara.”

Okaba believes that Tinubu has no reason to delay the reinstatement of Fubara as governor.

“Mr. President is a democrat. He was a governor. He, now, knows that the Rivers people love their governor. He also knows that terrible lies were told about the governor to make people despise him and get him out of office through impeachment”, he said.

Former presidents mount pressure

External forces have, it was learnt, exerted pressure on Tinubu behind the scenes beyond the major gladiators in the crisis.

Among them, according to a source, is former President Goodluck Jonathan, who allegedly engaged in a long telephone conversation with the president.

“That is besides the concern expressed by two other former presidents,” the source revealed.

According to him, the two visits by Fubara came as a result of secret instructions by these forces, and “by the president’s body language, the governor may be returned sooner than the six months earlier announced by the president.”

Members of the All Progressives Congress in Osun and Anambra states have been unsettled by President Bola Tinubu’s ties with their state governors, findings by Sunday PUNCH have revealed.

The aggrieved members argued that Tinubu’s open show of support for Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun) and Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra) could jeopardise the chances of the party’s candidates in the respective governorship elections.

In Osun, some APC leaders, especially those loyal to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, were unhappy with Adeleke’s recent visit to Tinubu at his Lagos residence.

On June 3, Adeleke, alongside his billionaire businessman brother, Dr Deji Adeleke, and his nephew, Afrobeat star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, met Tinubu in Lagos.

Earlier, on May 20, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, after delivering the maiden annual lecture at the Osun State University, Osogbo, also visited Adeleke at the Government House.

The visitation to Tinubu fuelled reports of the purported move by Adeleke to join the APC amid the defection of PDP governors to the party.

Both Adeleke and APC supporters also took to social media to debate the possibility of the governor joining the ruling party.

Sunday PUNCH noted that some of Adeleke’s supporters, who were known for criticising Tinubu and the APC, switched to rationalise the purported move by the governor to join the party after he visited Tinubu.

In a sharp reaction to the development, some of Oyetola’s loyalists criticised the visit.

They expressed fear of a repeat of what happened in Oyo State, where Tinubu pitched his tent with an opposition governor, Seyi Makinde, against the governorship candidate of the party in the 2023 election, Teslim Folarin.

In a press conference addressed by the APC leaders, led by the former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, the APC members declared that Adeleke was not welcome in the APC and that the party’s ticket was not for sale.

The APC leaders claimed that Adeleke was afraid of defeat, hence his “desperate move” to dump the PDP and join the ruling party.

“I want to tell you that if not for the fear of the unknown that is disturbing the Adeleke family and the PDP, they wouldn’t have been showing the intention of coming to the APC,” Owoeye said.

Also speaking to one of our correspondents, the Osun APC spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, insisted that Adeleke was unsure of his victory in the next governorship election if he contested on the platform of the PDP.

Olabisi, who said Osun APC was not bothered about the governor’s meeting with Tinubu, added that all the factors that worked in favour of the incumbent in the 2022 governorship poll were no longer available.

He said Adeleke was making moves to join the APC at all costs to rob the party of its victory.

Olabisi said, “We spoke against Adeleke because it is on record that he told the whole world that he has nothing to do with the APC. Why is he hobnobbing with the national leader of the APC if he has nothing to do with the party?

“Why did he visit the pioneer National Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, whom he met some months ago? There cannot be smoke without fire. We are sure of our facts, but there is information we can’t disclose yet.”

“He is making moves to join the APC, but the coast is not clear. He has been meeting a brick wall. If he is sure of his party’s popularity, why is he after ours?”

However, the state PDP spokesperson, Oladele Bamiji, said APC members in the state were naive and arrogant for claiming sole ownership of the President.

He added that Osun APC expected Tinubu and Adeleke to fight, forgetting that both, as leaders of the entire federation and a prominent unit of the country respectively, would have reasons to meet and discuss governance and political issues.

The PDP spokesperson further said the APC was unwilling to work but hoped to dislodge Adeleke through the support of the President.

“For us in Osun PDP, I don’t see any big deal in the governor meeting the President. Apart from the ongoing festival, I don’t understand why a governor visiting the President should be an issue, regardless of their political differences.

“Perhaps, some people have promised Osun APC members that Adeleke will never see the President. Maybe some feel Adeleke’s meeting with the President has ruined their chances. Maybe because they are lazy and have already ruined their own chances ahead of time. They may be afraid of their own shadow.

“Perhaps because they know that under normal circumstances, they cannot win any election in Osun State in a free and fair contest. All they want is for the President to use whatever power he has to rig the 2026 governorship election in their favour.”

A chieftain of the APC, who spoke to Sunday PUNCH on condition of anonymity, said it would be unfair for Tinubu to accommodate Adeleke at the expense of loyal party members in the state.

He said the party leadership was uneasy about Tinubu’s friendship with Adeleke, adding that they were uncertain about the President’s stance on the 2026 governorship election.

“The President is someone to be cautious about. You can’t predict his political moves. Look at how he manoeuvred in Oyo State against his own party in 2023. We don’t want that to happen in Osun.

“We don’t want Adeleke to join the APC. He wants to steal the fruit of our hard work. We have remained steadfast and have won over many PDP members before now. We don’t need Adeleke to win the election.”

The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 6, 2026, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Why Adeleke visited Tinubu

One of Adeleke’s senior aides, who spoke to Sunday PUNCH on Friday, revealed that the governor met Tinubu as part of efforts to find a political solution to the ongoing local government crisis in the state.

Governance has been paralysed in the 31 LGs due to workers’ withdrawal of service amid the dispute over control of councils between the PDP and APC.

The PDP and APC have been contesting control of the LGs following an Akure Appeal Court judgment, which the APC claimed reinstated the sacked chairmen and councillors elected on October 15, 2022.

The state government and the PDP, however, maintained that the court did not rule in APC’s favour, as the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission held a fresh election on February 21, 2025, resulting in a new set of LG officials.

Tinubu not in alliance with Soludo – APC


Just as in Osun, a similar situation is unfolding in Anambra State following President Tinubu’s visit to the state on May 8 to inaugurate projects executed by Soludo.

Some APC members, according to findings, were unhappy with Tinubu’s visit, particularly as members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance viewed the visit as an endorsement of Soludo’s second term.

The development sparked controversy in the state, with the APC insisting the visit was not an endorsement of Soludo’s second term.

The Chairman of the APC in the state, Basil Ejidike, said the party’s governorship candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, had met Tinubu to dispel rumours of an alliance with Soludo.

“Our candidate met the President at the Villa, putting an end to the lies being spread. Weeks ago, they mocked us about an alliance, but now it is clear there is no alliance between APGA and President Tinubu. We are marching to the Government House,” he said.

Similarly, the state Deputy Publicity Secretary of the APC, Chief Osita Ibeh, urged caution, stating that Tinubu never endorsed Soludo.

He said, “We can categorically state that contrary to insinuations, President Tinubu has not entered into any alliance to support Soludo. There is no alliance between the APC and the ruling APGA in Anambra State.

“APC is Tinubu and Tinubu is APC, so APGA and Soludo should not deceive the people into believing they are in alliance with us. We are the APC; it is our party, we will win, and we are not partnering with anyone.

Just as in Osun, a similar situation is unfolding in Anambra State following President Tinubu’s visit to the state on May 8 to inaugurate projects executed by Soludo.

Some APC members, according to findings, were unhappy with Tinubu’s visit, particularly as members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance viewed the visit as an endorsement of Soludo’s second term.

The development sparked controversy in the state, with the APC insisting the visit was not an endorsement of Soludo’s second term.

The Chairman of the APC in the state, Basil Ejidike, said the party’s governorship candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, had met Tinubu to dispel rumours of an alliance with Soludo.

“Our candidate met the President at the Villa, putting an end to the lies being spread. Weeks ago, they mocked us about an alliance, but now it is clear there is no alliance between APGA and President Tinubu. We are marching to the Government House,” he said.

Similarly, the state Deputy Publicity Secretary of the APC, Chief Osita Ibeh, urged caution, stating that Tinubu never endorsed Soludo.

He said, “We can categorically state that contrary to insinuations, President Tinubu has not entered into any alliance to support Soludo. There is no alliance between the APC and the ruling APGA in Anambra State.

“APC is Tinubu and Tinubu is APC, so APGA and Soludo should not deceive the people into believing they are in alliance with us. We are the APC; it is our party, we will win, and we are not partnering with anyone.

Following the formal defection of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, to the All Progressives Congress on Friday, there are indications that more governors may soon defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC.

Eno, after his defection, became the second PDP governor in the South-South region, after Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, to join the APC in less than two months.

With the latest defection, there are 23 states with APC governors, 10 states with PDP, and one state each controlled by the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Labour Party, and the New Nigeria People’s Party.

The spotlight is now on Governors Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, and the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Fintiri was reported to have met with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, recently, with the governor no longer enjoying the camaraderie he once had with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the state.

Atiku recently met with Fintiri’s opponent in the 2023 election, Aishatu Dahiru Binani, who had also fallen out with the leadership of the APC in the state.

The Enugu State chapter of the PDP has continuously defended Mbah against rumoured defection to the APC, with the state chapter of the party also rejecting him.

However, the same situation played out in Delta State before Oborevwori’s final defection to the APC alongside his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

While the governor’s aides kept debunking the planned defection, the Delta State APC also rejected his planned move.

Oborevwori eventually joined the party at a ceremony witnessed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the National Chairman of the APC, Dr Umar Ganduje, alongside party governors.

Fubara was reported to have met the President in the United Kingdom during his last foreign trip, while a photo of the suspended governor also surfaced online on Sunday after a meeting with Tinubu in Lagos.

Earlier, at a meeting with some stakeholders in the state on May 29, Fubara lauded the President for his “legendary move” to save Rivers.

The President, on March 18, 2025, declared emergency rule in the state, as he suspended Fubara, his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, and state lawmakers.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also caused a stir after visiting the President at his Lagos residence, sparking debates between the APC and PDP over his rumoured defection.


At the national summit of the APC held on May 22, 2025, Tinubu said the defection of prominent political figures from the opposition parties to the ruling APC was in order, as they were exercising their constitutionally approved democratic rights.

The President also debunked concerns that the action could lead Nigeria toward a one-party state, noting that the defections instead demonstrated the democratic preferences and ambitions of the populace.

“I’m glad about what we have, and I’m expecting more to come. That is the game. We’re in a constitutional democracy.

“Don’t forget that the freedom of movement and the freedom of association are not criminally punishable. Welcome to the progressives. Sweep them clean,” he said.

Akpabio, nine APC govs welcome Eno

Eno, on Friday, officially dumped the PDP for the ruling APC.

The declaration ceremony was witnessed live by President Bola Tinubu on television, while the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, was represented by his wife, Unoma Akpabio.

A video shared by the official APC account on X.com (formerly Twitter) captured the President watching the live transmission on TVC News.

The Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, led eight other APC governors to the ceremony.

The governors were Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), and Oborevwori (Delta).

Also present were the former governor of Kebbi State and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, state APC chairmen, and other notable dignitaries.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that all the erstwhile PDP state assembly lawmakers joined the governor, alongside members of the National Assembly caucus, to join the APC.

However, the Commissioner for Information and Special Duties & Ibom Deep Sea Port, Ini Ememobong, resigned from his position at the State Executive Council following the defection

Eno, on April 30, 2025, first hinted at a possible defection ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking at the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency town square meeting held at QIC Central School, Ikot Akpankuk, Eno likened the PDP to a faulty aircraft.

“If you wanted to travel with Ibom Airline and, on the verge of taking off, it developed a fault that won’t enable it to fly, won’t you board the next available plane to take you to your destination?

“Whether Ibom Air or Air Peace, board the flight that is ready to take you to your destination. Board the flight and forget the name of the airline,” he said.

On May 23, 2025, the governor directed all his commissioners and appointees to either defect with him to the APC or resign from their positions.

Giving the directive during the State Executive Council meeting, he said, “It’s no more news that I’m moving party. If you don’t know that by now, I don’t know what else you know.”

No comment now – PDP

The state chapter of the PDP, when contacted, said there was no comment.

The state chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan, said the party had no comment for now concerning the governor’s defection but would definitely react in future.

“We don’t have anything to react to now, but we will definitely react. You can call me tomorrow. I don’t have anything to say now,” he said.

By Luminous Jannamike

IMAGINE the vibrant chaos of Lagos’ Oshodi market, where traders pause mid-bargain and their voices drop to hushed tones as they trade rumours of a political earthquake. From Kano’s bustling streets to Port Harcourt’s lively waterfronts, Nigerians are abuzz with one question: Will the North’s audacious push for a North Central president in 2027 heal a fractured nation or ignite a fierce battle for power?


A formidable coalition of Northern leaders has rallied behind this plan, driven by frustration with President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, particularly his Muslim-Muslim ticket, which many see as skewing Nigeria’s delicate regional and religious balance.

For everyday Nigerians; traders, teachers, civil servants, and students navigating economic hardships and political divides, this move sparks both hope and scepticism. Is it a genuine call for fairness, or a calculated bid to reclaim control? As North and South stand at odds, Nigeria teeters on the edge of unity or deeper division, with the future of its democracy hanging in the balance.

A nation torn apart

Nigeria is a kaleidoscope of cultures, ethnicities, and faiths, woven together by a shared dream of prosperity but strained by a history of regional rivalry. For decades, power has oscillated between the North and South, guided by an unspoken pact to balance representation. Yet, Southerners have long argued that the North holds an unfair advantage—more federal appointments, more infrastructure projects, more political clout. President Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, pairing him with a Northern vice president, has poured fuel on this smouldering discontent. To many in the South, it’s a ‘scam,’ a betrayal of Nigeria’s commitment to inclusivity that sidelines Christians and marginalises entire regions.

“One of the major concerns raised by Northerners is the perceived ‘scam’ of a Muslim-Muslim ticket, which suggests that the current administration is not representative of the entire country,” an insider said.

The North, however, is not backing down. In a striking display of unity, Northern leaders have coalesced to champion a candidate from the North Central region for the 2027 presidential election.

This region, comprising states such as Benue, Plateau, and Kogi, has never produced a president since Nigeria’s democratic return in 1999. The choice is bold and unexpected, raising questions that ripple across the nation: Why North Central? Who is steering this coalition? And is this a genuine effort to bridge Nigeria’s divides, or a strategic countermove against Tinubu’s growing support within the All Progressives Congress, APC? For Nigerians juggling rising costs and political uncertainty, the answers could shape their future.

Tensions rise, voices clash

The South’s grievances are deeply rooted, etched in decades of perceived inequities. From the allocation of oil revenues to the distribution of federal jobs, many Southerners believe the North has long enjoyed disproportionate influence. The Muslim-Muslim ticket has amplified these frustrations, seen as a symbol of exclusion in a nation where religious and regional balance is sacrosanct.

“Nigeria deserves leaders who mirror its diversity,” a Southern politician declared, capturing the sentiment echoing through Lagos, Enugu, and Port Harcourt. For many, Tinubu’s leadership feels like a step away from the rotational presidency that once promised fairness.

“For years, there has been a growing sentiment among the Southern part of Nigeria that the North has been favoured in terms of political representation and development. This feeling has only been amplified by recent events and decisions made by the government,” a key Northern leader said.

The North, however, sees a different story. Rather than retreating under Southern criticism, Northern leaders have doubled down, framing their push for a North Central candidate as a commitment to equity.

“We hear the South’s complaints, but fairness means every region must have its turn,” a Northern stakeholder explained.

North Central, with its rich ethnic tapestry: Tiv, Igala, Nupe, and more, and its lack of presidential representation, is a strategic choice. It’s a region often overshadowed by the North West and North East, which have produced multiple presidents, from Umaru Yar’Adua to Muhammadu Buhari.

By elevating the North Central, the coalition signals a desire to reshape Nigeria’s political narrative. But is this a sincere gesture of inclusivity, or a clever tactic to rally Northern votes while deflecting accusations of dominance? For Nigerians grappling with soaring fuel prices and unreliable power, the question cuts deep: Will this bring a government that serves all?

Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a respected Northern voice, steps forward, his words sharp and unwavering.

“In the next six months, the North will decide where it stands. If the rest of the country wants to join us, fine”, he noted.

The North Central’s diversity, spanning states with varied ethnic and religious identities, makes it a potent symbol of unity, a potential bridge across Nigeria’s fractured regions. It’s a direct challenge to Tinubu’s camp, which is mobilising the APC’s formidable machinery for his re-election bid.

The coalition’s choice is both strategic and symbolic, aiming to counter perceptions of Northern dominance while addressing the South’s cries for fairness. But unanswered questions linger, gripping the nation: Who will this candidate be? Can they rally a divided country where trust is a rare commodity? For Nigerians; market traders, civil servants, and students, the stakes are personal. They yearn for a leader who understands their struggles, from paying school fees to navigating economic hardship. This moment leaves Nigeria poised between transformation and turmoil, with every region and voter weighing their next move.

The coalition’s declaration sends shockwaves across Nigeria, sparking a whirlwind of reactions. In the North, many celebrate, seeing it as a triumph of fairness.

Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, a North Central APC leader, hails the move as a step towards justice but also calls on Tinubu to prove he’s a leader for all Nigerians:

“This has not only been agitating the people’s mind, but the members of the APC as well, and it is not good for the wellbeing of the party as the Nation counts down to the 2023 general election,” Zazzaga said.

Yet, not all Northerners are on board. Hardliners from the North West and North East, regions accustomed to wielding presidential power, question whether North Central is ready for the spotlight. “It’s a bold but risky choice,” a Kano-based politician said.

“Can they hold the North together?” In the South, reactions are sharply divided. Some see a glimmer of hope. “If the North is serious about inclusivity, this could change things,” a Lagos-based lecturer noted. Others remain unconvinced, viewing the coalition as a rebrand of Northern dominance.

Tinubu’s allies mount a swift defence

Senator Shehu Sani, a vocal supporter, argues that the South deserves to complete its term.

Sani said: “In the interest of equity, the South should be allowed to complete the eight-year presidential term.”

Governor Abdullahi Sule echoes this, urging Nigerians to give Tinubu time to deliver on his promises. The pushback underscores a deeper tension: the North’s move challenges the South’s claim to an eight-year presidency, a principle rooted in Nigeria’s rotational tradition.

For Nigerians facing daily challenges, like rising food costs and power outages, the debate is more than political, it’s about whether the next leader will address their struggles. The coalition’s plan risks deepening Nigeria’s divides even as it promises unity. Will it inspire cooperation, or fuel a fiercer battle for power?

A vision for a united Nigeria

As the political storm subsides, Nigeria confronts a pivotal question: Can it rise above its historical divides? The North’s push for a North Central president is a bold attempt to rewrite the nation’s story, giving a voice to a region long sidelined.

North Central clerics including Bishop David Usman and Imam Aliyu Rabiu Lawal capture this aspiration.

“They argued that there was the need for other parts of Nigeria to consider the call for the North Central to produce Nigeria’s next president in the interest of fairness and equity,” a statement from the clerics shared.

A former Senate Leader and lawmaker representing Borno South, Senator Ali Ndume, has commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing several Northerners to key positions within federal agencies, calling it a step towards inclusive governance.

In a statement personally signed and issued in Abuja on Saturday, Ndume praised the President for responding to earlier concerns over regional imbalance in government appointments.

His comments followed Friday’s announcement of 12 new appointments from the region into strategic national positions.

Among the new appointees are Yazid Shehu Danfulani (Zamfara) as Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation, Hamza Baba (Kano) as Programme Manager of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, Abubakar Jarengol (Adamawa) as Executive Director of Operations at NAIC, and Sama’ila Audu (Katsina) as Executive Director of Administration at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund.

Others include Prof. Musa Tafsiri (Kebbi) as Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, and Isa Aremu (Kwara) as Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies.

Ndume, who had previously criticised the administration for marginalising the North in appointments, referenced Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates fair representation of Nigeria’s diverse regions. He had earlier warned that any continued imbalance could deepen discontent and foster opposition against the administration.

However, in his latest statement, the senator commended Tinubu’s response, describing the recent appointments as a reflection of the President’s openness to feedback and commitment to national unity.

“President Tinubu is someone who surrenders to constructive criticism. I have known him to be a fair-minded, cosmopolitan person. No one is infallible,” Ndume said.

He continued, “When our leaders in the North, including myself, expressed concern over the lopsided nature of previous appointments, it wasn’t to attack but to highlight an important constitutional issue. This move by the President shows his ability to listen and adapt.”

Ndume emphasised that while he remains committed to holding the government accountable, he supports President Tinubu’s broader vision for Nigeria and believes in his capacity to deliver on democratic promises.

He congratulated the new appointees and urged them to justify the trust placed in them, warning that the expectations of Nigerians remain high.

Ndume pledged his continued loyalty to the President, reiterating that his criticisms would always be guided by patriotism and the national interest.

Lsofty promises allegedly by the Presidency and the national headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are some of the reasons why legislators, high ranking elective office holders and chieftains of other political parties are defecting to the ruling party, Daily Trust learnt.

In most of the instances, the defectors cite internal party wrangling or performance of the ruling government as reasons for dumping their political parties, under whose backs they rose to power.

Though political defections are not new in Nigeria’s democratic landscape, the rate and scale at which they have swept through the ranks of the opposition in recent months—less than two years into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration—have triggered growing concerns.

Many observers are now questioning the motives behind the wave of cross-carpeting, especially amid worsening economic conditions.
These concerns have been amplified by the belief that, given the severe economic crisis following President Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira, and the worsening security situation, opposition leaders would rally together to present Nigerians with a viable alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yet, instead of strengthening the coalition efforts championed by former vice president and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, the reverse has been the case.

Apart from the defection of the former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai and a few others from the ruling APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which is being touted as the potential vehicle for the coalition, the APC has been harvesting defections from the PDP and other opposition parties at an alarming rate.

The gale of defections has permeated the political terrain as already a serving governor has moved to the APC and others reportedly only marking time.

Besides, many legislators at the national and state levels have moved to the APC, while the number of ex-governors, deputies, former legislators, among others has continued to swell.

But beyond citing the problems in their parties, Daily Trust learnt from multiple sources that some of the defectors were allegedly approached with mouth-watering offers to defect.

The essence, according to our sources, is to improve the chances of President Tinubu to get a second term in 2027.

The carrots being offered

There are allegations that a lot of money is being shared to opposition politicians especially in the Senate and House of Representatives to defect to the APC.

The allegation is the same against some politicians seen as powerful in their constituencies even though they don’t hold any political office, either elective or appointive.

Daily Trust could not independently verify this claim, as the presidency, the APC and those who have defected have denied the allegation.

Besides alleged financial inducements, there are accusations that most of the legislators that have defected so far have been assured of automatic ticket to return to the National Assembly in 2027, irrespective of how long they have been in the hallowed chambers, or the level of their performance.

It was suspected that the same offer has been made for some first-time governors from the opposition parties.

So far, only the governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has dumped the PDP, under whose back he rode to power in 2023, and joined the APC.

It is not clear whether the remaining opposition first-term governors would defect to the APC or not, but the actions and utterances of some of them showed that they are favourably disposed to what President Tinubu, and by extension the ruling party, are doing.

The first-time governors include Alex Oti (Labour Party, Abia), Umo Eno (PDP, Akwa Ibom), Peter Mba (PDP, Enugu), Abba Kabir Yusuf (NNPP, Kano), Caleb Mutfwang (PDP, Plateau), Siminalayi Fubara (PDP, Rivers), Agbu Kefas (PDP, Taraba) and Dauda Lawal (PDP, Zamfara).

Specifically for legislators at the National Assembly who are popular in their states, it was alleged that they are also being wooed with multi-billion naira projects, in addition to promises for automatic tickets for return.

But when contacted, some of them denied the allegations while others refused to talk at all. In retrospect, many of them during the announcement of their defections alleged that their former political parties were incurably enmeshed in crises and they have no option but to move on to the APC.

For instance, Senator Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South in the Senate under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), is one of those who recently migrated to the APC.

Soon after his defection, rumours were rife that he defected to the ruling party because he was given a project worth over N90 billion to reactivate some dams in Kano under the Ecological Fund.

When asked during an exclusive interview with the Daily Trust to comment on this allegation, Kawu Sumaila said the projects approved for his senatorial zone were true, but that they were awarded long before he and other legislators from Kano defected to the APC.

He also said there was no any condition attached to their movement to the APC or the dam projects in question.

He added that the contract, which was approved by the federal government to the tune of over N90 billion, was not influenced by him alone, or awarded directly to him, saying they worked together with some members of the House of Representatives to attract the project.

“We influenced it (the constituency project) for our people. I am not a journalist. I am a representative of the people. I made promises during my campaign—one of them being to revitalise the agricultural and irrigation systems in Kano South. Our region has three major dams—Tiga and Challawa among them—which are among the largest in West Africa. These dams even support irrigation in parts of Kano Central, Yobe, Bauchi, and up to Maiduguri

“For instance, Challawa in Karaye has been idle for 34 to 35 years after its completion. Reactivating it would impact at least 30,000 people.

“So, as a responsible representative, should I reject that kind of opportunity just because of political party differences? Should I say no to a project that benefits my people simply because of alphabetical differences in party names?” he asked.

In Katsina State, the only three members of the House of Representatives elected on the platform of the opposition PDP have defected to the ruling APC.

They are Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri, representing Mashi/Dutsi federal constituency; Abdullahi Balarabe Dabai, representing Bakori/Danja, and Hon. Aliyu Ilyasu, representing Batsari/Safana/Danmusa federal constituency.

Both Dabai’s and Ilyasu’s phone numbers seem to be on call forwarding for days, such that they could only receive calls from the numbers they have saved. And the messages of inquiry sent to them yesterday on the allegations that they were influenced with either financial inducement, contracts, or automatic tickets, were not replied as at the time of filing this report.

For Hon. Majigiri, who picked up his call yesterday, he said he was about to collect his membership card of the APC at his political ward and would not be able to respond to the inquiry.

However, a former PDP ward chairman, Manawa ward of Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State, Sani Muhammad popularly known as “I know”, told our reporter that he dropped his leadership position in the APC and defected with his house member.

“Actually, he (Hon. Ilyasu) defected to the APC before even consulting us, but the moment he called me to intimate me about the move, I decided to move with him, so I defected also.

“It is indeed the crisis in the PDP, especially in Katsina State, that forced him to leave. He is not the kind of person who likes crisis. We have not heard of any inducement, but we know that the APC were calling them to join them, so he decided to join,” he said.

In Kebbi, prior to the defections of Senators Adamu Aliero, Dr. Yahaya Abdullahi and Musa Mai Doki to the APC at the floor of the Senate Chambers in Abuja, plans for their movement started last year in Birnin Kebbi when Senator Aliero nominated some known political figures considered as his foot soldiers to dialogue with the APC-led administration under Governor Nasir Idris on alleged sharing formula for elective and appointive offices.

The group, led by his junior brother, Alhaji Abba Aliero, had met with Governor Idris and other APC chieftains at the Government House chambers in Birnin Kebbi where they discussed the modalities for their defection to the ruling party.

After coming out of the meeting, Abba Aliero said they were invited for a tete-a-tete, and the public would be informed of whatever decision was reached later.

He said “We, the supporters of Senator Aliero were summoned to a friendly discussion with His Excellency, Governor Idris, which we obliged. We sought for time to return to our constituencies for further consultations with our grassroots supporters before deciding on the best course of action.”

An elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, has said at the moment, nobody has better chances of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Yakasai stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

He also said that as a key member of Arewa Consultative Forum, he was not aware of any forum where a position was taken by the north supporting a candidate from the zone for the 2027 presidential election.

“I haven’t heard anybody making any proposition about the 2027 presidential election from Arewa Consultative Forum.

“What is tagged the Arewa Consultative Forum or Northern Elders Forum’s position is mere individual opinions, because all sections of the north have not taken a stand on this,” he said.

Yakasai said that Nigerians should wait until the northerners meet and officially take a position.

” In Nigeria today, Bola Tinubu is the president. He has his ministers and governors who are backing him.


“Who else has all what it takes to move into the contest with the kind of stamina and strength to be more successful comparatively with Tinubu?” he asked.

Yakasai said that aside the ruling All Progressives Congress controlling majority of states, there are some other governors from the opposition parties still supporting Tinubu.

“We should all wait and see if the picture will change drastically, otherwise for now, the odds are in his (Tinubu’s) favour because I have not seen anything that will prevent him from winning the next election.

“He hasn’t done anything against the north in my understanding and the north alone cannot decide who becomes the president of the country,” he said.

According to him, the crisis rocking some of the major opposition parties has further softened the grounds for Tinubu to win in 2027.

In terms of assessment of the administration in the last two years, Yakasai said that he would not do so, for now.

He, however, advised Nigerian politicians to always have the interest of the masses at the centre of their actions and plans.


“Our politicians should see politics as a dynamic game and what I will advise is for them to play the game on the basis of ideology and programmes.

“Let them envision the way they want the country to be and not targeting to be ministers, governors and president.

“After becoming all these and nothing is done in the interest of the country, we will not get better.

“They should eschew politics of ethnicity and religion because not making our country the focal point of our politics has held us down for so long,” he said.

On the factors he could attribute his longevity to, Yakasai who would turn 100 years in December said it was a gift from God.

He said that his father died at the age of 107 years and that his mother died at almost 100 years, adding that the combined effects of the two might have equally contributed to his longevity.

“My children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are more than 80 and still expanding. I give glory to God for these,” he said.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is currently at a political crossroads following the failure of his recent defection to the Social Democratic Party, SDP, to gain traction across the North-West region.

On March 10, 2025, El-Rufai formally announced his resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, citing what he described as a growing “misalignment between his values and the direction of the party.”

In his statement, El-Rufai publicly pledged to rally opposition leaders and political parties into a formidable bloc capable of unseating the APC in upcoming elections.


“Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027, by the Grace of God,” El-Rufai stated shortly after his move to the SDP.

But two months later, DAILY POST has observed that those promises appear to have fallen flat. Despite a series of closed-door meetings and tireless efforts, the former FCT Minister has been unable to convince any major political player in the North-West to align with the SDP.

At the moment, the SDP has no structure in any of the northwest states, including: Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.

Sources familiar with the developments told our reporter that El-Rufai had made “frantic efforts” to win over governors in the key North-Western states of Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and Kebbi, but all such attempts were “fruitless.”

“He reached out to key players, especially governors and sitting senators and reps, but none gave him a positive response. Not even a state assembly member,” a source who was privy to some of the discussions told our reporter.

“He was even the first person who approached Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi and Garba Maidoki in Kebbi State but they all turned him down. They didn’t just reject his offer; they chose to move into the APC instead,” the source added.

The former governor also reportedly attempted to woo the Governor of Nasarawa State into joining the SDP movement. However, that effort too ended in disappointment.

According to the same source, “All his attempts failed. This is because people simply don’t see the SDP led by El-Rufai as a viable alternative at this point.”

Currently, the SDP has only two members in the National Assembly: Senator Godiya Akwashiki, representing Nasarawa North and Hon. Abubakar Sarki Dahiru from Nassarawa Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency.

Despite this weak presence, El-Rufai had hoped to galvanise new energy around the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“There’s a general perception in the North that the SDP still carries the legacy of President Tinubu, who won the 1992 Lagos West senatorial election on the same platform.

“That belief is making many politicians suspicious of the party. It’s a hard sell for El-Rufai,” another source told DAILY POST.

“There’s a perception that El-Rufai’s move to the SDP is not genuine, that it’s a plot to fracture the opposition or that he’s still in Tinubu’s camp somehow,” said another political insider in Kaduna. “People are suspicious. The trust deficit is huge.”

In the midst of the political cold shoulder, El-Rufai is said to be growing increasingly frustrated. With no clear path forward and bridges behind him already burnt, his political options appear limited.

A source disclosed that former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, recently met with El-Rufai in Abuja and advised him to return to the PDP.

“Atiku told him it’s not too late to come back to the party that made him.

“But El-Rufai, in turn, asked Atiku to join him in the SDP, arguing that the PDP is dealing with too many internal crises with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike hell bent on destroying the party,” the source said.

That conversation ended without resolution, leaving El-Rufai caught in a widening dilemma: forging ahead with a lonely crusade or staging a humbling return to a crisis-ridden PDP.

The source said, “He’s boxed in. Moving forward with the SDP feels like pushing a dead horse. But going back to APC is another battle entirely. But he is still considering a possible return to the PDP.”

In the absence of big political names joining his movement, the only notable figure El-Rufai has so far managed to attract is comedian Obinna Simon, popularly known as MC Tagwaye, famous for mimicking former President Muhammadu Buhari.

While MC Tagwaye’s comic career brought him national recognition, his political value is seen as largely irrelevant.

“Convincing a comedian is not the same as convincing political leaders. It shows how bad things are,” another source added.

El-Rufai’s current predicament has roots in the very alliance that brought the APC to power in 2015.

He was once a staunch ally of President Tinubu and played a strategic role in consolidating northern support for his 2023 presidential bid even though the APC lost Kaduna State to the PDP while El-Rufai was still governor.

But the relationship soon crumbled after the elections when El-Rufai’s name appeared on the list of ministerial nominees, only for his screening to be stalled due to an adverse security report.

While the details were never officially disclosed, it was widely rumoured that the Department of State Services (DSS) raised concerns over some of El-Rufai’s past comments and relationships.

“That moment marked the beginning of El-Rufai’s political isolation. He felt betrayed. He believed Tinubu didn’t push hard enough to defend him,” a source familiar with the developments told our reporter in Kebbi.

In the South, El-Rufai’s image is also tainted by his controversial religious remarks, particularly during the 2023 general elections when he openly championed the Muslim-Muslim ticket and dismissed concerns from various Christian groups.

His comments triggered outrage and resentment that still linger in many quarters till now.

“El-Rufai is struggling for acceptance in the South. He’s seen as too polarising, especially among Christian communities. That’s why his SDP message isn’t catching on either,” Adamu Maiyama, an APC chaiftian from Maiyama LGA of Kebbi said.

For Nasir El-Rufai, what was once a calculated leap toward leadership of a new opposition front now appears to be a lonely gamble with diminishing returns.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party has faulted Rabiu Kwankwaso for describing members of the Kwankwassiya Movement, who defected to the APC, as betrayers, insisting that Kwankwaso is the real betrayer.

Recall that Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, slammed some key members of the NNPP in Kano State, who recently defected to the APC, describing their actions as a betrayal of trust.

Kwankwaso stated this at his Miller Road residence in Kano on Friday evening, when some caucus members of the Kwankwasiya movement from Takai Local Government Area of the state visited him on invitation.

Senator Abdulrahman Kawu, who represents the Kano South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, recently defected to the APC along with some federal lawmakers from Kano State.

In a statement released on Monday in Lagos, the NNPP National Chairman, Dr Agbo Major, said that Kwankwaso cannot speak for the party.

“Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso have been expelled from NNPP and, together with his followers, led by Dr Ahmed Ajuji,” he said.

According to Major, the Kwankwasiya movement is not a political party but a group admitted into the NNPP in the wake of the 2023 presidential elections, where their leader became the flag bearer of the party.

Major stated that the NNPP found it funny that Kwankwaso would be calling out some members of the movement who joined the APC as betrayers of the party.

“The NNPP has long severed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kwankwaso and his Kwankwasia movement after the presidential elections in 2023; hence, members of the movement, as Nigerian citizens, are legally free to join any political party of their choice.

“The same Kwankwaso who betrayed the trust reposed in him by the NNPP when he tried to hijack the party is the one calling others betrayers.

“Nigerians have the constitutional right to join and belong to any political party of their choice.

The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, on Tuesday, led 17 local government chairmen, numerous councillors, and several notable members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Speaker said the move was aimed at aligning with Governor Monday Okpebholo to fast-track development across the State.


Receiving the defectors on behalf of the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, assured them of equal opportunities within the APC, emphasising the significance of their defection as a milestone for the party’s consolidation in Edo State.

Among those who defected alongside the Speaker were Hon. Sunny Ifada; Hon. Yekini Idiaye, former Deputy Speaker; Hon. Roland Asoro, former House Majority Leader; Hon. Nosa Nosayaba, and former PDP State Secretary Gabriel Oloruntoba, among others.

Governor Okpebholo welcomed the new entrants into the APC fold, promising that the State was on the path to accelerated growth with the full backing of President Bola Tinubu.

“Edo is witnessing unprecedented development because we have a president who believes in our people. From roads to flyovers, education, youth employment, and agriculture, we are investing massively to ensure food security and economic stability,” the governor stated.


He further declared that Edo would play a leading role in ensuring President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. “We will lead the South-South in supporting Mr. President. We have the structure and the momentum, and we will launch this mission from Edo State,” he affirmed.

Senator Bashiru, standing in for Ganduje, commended Governor Okpebholo for his leadership, particularly for ensuring regular salary payments and infrastructural renewal such as the ongoing road projects in Ekpoma. He noted that the wave of defections signifies a shift in political tides and reflects growing confidence in the APC-led administration.


Former Edo State governor and Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, hailed the Speaker’s return to APC as a homecoming, describing Agbebaku as one of the original builders of the party in the state.

“This defection is a testament to the governor’s impressive performance. Out of 24 Assembly members, APC now holds 18 seats, providing the needed legislative support to move the state forward,” Oshiomhole said.

He expressed optimism that the governor’s achievements would earn him a second term in 2028, just as Edo State would deliver for President Tinubu in 2027.


Edo State APC chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, attributed the wave of defections to the visible development strides under Governor Okpebholo. “The governor’s performance speaks volumes, and his results are drawing others back to the party,” he said.

Speaker Agbebaku, in his remarks, praised the governor’s developmental focus, citing the construction of Uhonmora Secondary School and three major roads in Owan West LGA as signs of inclusive governance. “We are here to support the governor and the president to move Edo forward,” he declared.

APC State Woman Leader, Betty Okoebor, described the PDP as a “sinking ship,” stating that the mass defection proves that APC is now the dominant force in the state.

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU ISSUES NEW DIRECTIVES ON SECURITY, SAYS "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH"

President Bola Tinubu has directed an immediate and comprehensive overhaul of national security strategies, demanding urgent action to end the escalating violence in Borno, Benue, Plateau and Kwara states.

The President, who met with security chiefs at the State House in Abuja for more than two hours, said the killing of innocent people in Borno, Benue and Plateau States must cease.

"Enough is enough," President Tinubu declared as he once again condemned the senseless targeting of innocent Nigerians.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, told newsmen that the service chiefs briefed the President on all the attacks in the states, the death toll, and the destruction of properties.

The NSA said President Tinubu ordered a new approach to tackling the insecurity problems.

Ribadu noted that President Tinubu was also actively monitoring and giving instructions during his work visit to Paris and London.

"Mr President gave us the chance to come and brief him again. It lasted very long. We gave him an update on what was going on.

"Even when he was out there, he was constantly in touch, giving directives and following developments.

"Today, we had the opportunity to come and brief him again, and it lasted hours. It was a very detailed briefing, and it was exhaustive.

"We listened, and we took instructions from him. He gave us new directives. The fact is that Mr President is insisting that we work harder to restore security in the country.

"We gave him information on what has been happening and assured him of our commitment.

"We had carried out his instructions. We went to places with incidences of insecurity, such as Plateau, Benue, and Borno States.

"We went to those particular three states. We gave him feedback because he had directed us earlier to go and meet with the political authorities there," he added.

The NSA said the President highlighted the need to involve the local councils and state governments more in tackling insecurity cases.

"The issue of insecurity often is not just at the higher levels. It involves the subunits. They are the ones who are directly with the people, especially when some of the challenges border on community problems.

"We need to work with the communities. We need to work with the local governments, and we need to work with the governors.

"The President directed that we work more with governors," he said.

Ribadu noted that the President was "very worried and concerned" at the meeting.

"He said, 'Enough is enough'. We are working to ensure that we restore peace and security. We were all at the meeting with the President, armed forces, police, and intelligence community."

The NSA said the attackers usually target innocent citizens by planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and targeting ungoverned areas.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

April 23, 2025

The entire membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in Borno state has passed a vote of confidence on the leadership style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima, and pledged its total loyalty ahead of the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

This was contained in a communique jointly signed by Honourable Bello Ayuba, APC Borno State Chairman and the Secretary, Barrister Mustapha Loskuri, on Sunday.

The critical stakeholders meeting was attended by the APC Deputy National Chairman North, Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; Senator representing Borno North and Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Tahir Monguno; Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan; members of House of Representatives, former governor, Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan; former Nigerian Ambassador to China, Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda and former Nigerian Ambassador to Pakistan, Ambassador Dauda Danladi.

Others include the Speaker and members of the Borno State House of Assembly, former deputy governors and members of the national and state assemblies, the APC state chairman and other executive members of the party.

Also in attendance were the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, Commissioners, Special Advisers, local government chairmen, other government appointees, and other APC stakeholders.

“The 10- Point Resolutions of the meeting are:

1. The Meeting expressed total and unalloyed loyalty and support to the Federal Government of Nigeria under the able leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The Meeting also endorsed the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu Administration. The meeting wished Mr President and VP God’s guidance and protection and a successful tenure.

“2. The Meeting also commended the commitment of the Vice President, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, to the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The meeting called on Vice President Shettima to remain loyal to his Boss, Mr President, and continue to serve diligently to promote the laudable policies of Mr President. The meeting prayed for Mr President to retrain His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima as his VP for his second term.

“3. The Meeting expressed total confidence in the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum CON, mni, FNSE, FNIAE, and charged the Governor not to be distracted in his noble campaign of recovering Borno from the shackles of insurgency, terrorism and criminality.

“4. The Meeting resolved that Borno State remains a progressive state under the APC and urged the people of Borno to remain committed to the progressive ideals that have served the people of Borno since independence. The meeting reaffirmed that the APC shall remain the indisputable platform for democratic politics in Borno State. It would be counterproductive to deviate from the principles and manifesto of the APC, and therefore, the party faithful should remain firmly faithful and resolute in promoting the APC governments at the state and federal levels.

“5. The Meeting resolved that Borno shall remain in APC with no Merger or change of political party.

“6. The meeting called on party faithful not to engage in actions that will dent the image of the APC. Since Nigeria’s independence, the progressive spirit that has influenced Borno politics should be sustained consciously and in unity and solidarity.

“7. The meeting called on APC leadership to strengthen party machinery and internal democracy so that the party can continue to wield power in Nigeria.

“8. The party called on faithful to discontinue the ongoing moves by some elements within the party to cause disunity in the ranks of the APC. The party in Borno State is not ready for any such moves in the meantime.

“9. The meeting called on the federal government, under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to continue supporting programmes that promote development, security, and development in Borno State.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has charged members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) to adopt a citizen-centric approach to governance, saying leadership presents both a challenge and opportunity and balancing the two will significantly advance national progress.

The ex-president, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, expressed confidence in the progress being made by the governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and reiterated his call for continued dedication to the nation’s progress.

The former president, who spoke while playing host to the APC governors at his residence in Kaduna, also said leaders should accord importance to the welfare of the people, not themselves.

He cited his personal example of leaving office in 2023 with the same physical assets he had before becoming president in 2015.

Buhari thanked the Tinubu government for renovating his home in Kaduna, explaining that while the building looked very much the same externally, so much improvement was made inside.

He thanked the governors for the visit, saying that while he had worked with several of them, some others were new to him.

Earlier in his speech, Chairman of the PGF and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, said their visit was to greet the former president on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr and “convey our heart-felt expression of gratitude and enduring respect for your immense contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and strengthening our party”.

According to him, “Many of us recall with pride the principled role you played in the founding of the APC. That legacy continues to shape our party’s identity direction.

“We are especially gratified, only a few weeks ago, to hear your public affirmation that the APC remains your party of choice. That declaration could not have come at a better time. It reaffirmed your place as a pillar of our movement and provided reassurance to members of our party. Mr. President, you are pan-Nigerian.

“Your Excellency, your legacy in Nigerian history is secure. You remain the only opposition candidate in our nation’s history to have defeated an incumbent. You did not only win power, you governed with calm resolve and handed over, with honour, to another APC president. For this, we are extremely grateful.

“Your administration gave expression to our party’s core principles through your focus on security, economic recovery, and anti-corruption. Your efforts reclaimed territory from insurgents, extended social investment programmes like the Conditional Cash Transfer and School Feeding Programme, and ushered in the road and rail revolution that is still bearing fruit. Programmes such as the Anchor Borrowers Scheme directly impacted food security. You taught us to produce what we eat and eat what we produce. You brought dignity to governance and deepened the progressive ethos of our party.

“Today, APC is being renewed and repositioned under your worthy successor, President Bola Tinubu. His leadership is bold, reform-driven, and unshakably committed to progress. Your public endorsement of him in your recent birthday message was a powerful symbol of continuity and humility.

“Your Excellency, today we honour you, not just for your past service but for the enduring values you represent. We ask you to continue to support and guide us as we take the next steps to deepen progressive politics across the nation and ensure that APC continues to be in power for a more prosperous Nigeria.”