My Blog

Category: Politics

  • Quit former parties – ADC directs coalition members

    Quit former parties – ADC directs coalition members

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has directed members of the national coalition yet to resign from their former political parties for their formal recognition as members of the party.

    The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi disclosed the directive after the party’s caucus meeting held in Abuja.

    “Though final order has been given to all members to resign membership of other political parties, the caucus was silent on the timeline,” he said.

    Abdullahi also disclosed that all the party’s presidential aspirants for 2027 had agreed to support whoever wins the primaries election.

    He added that the party denied any interest in registration or otherwise the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) seeking to be registered as a political party.

    He noted that the National Working Committee of ADC would announce date for primaries to elect its candidates for Osun and Èkìtì States off-cycle governorship elections.

    Abdullahi said that the meeting was attended by ADC National Chairman, David Mark, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, National Secretary, Rauf Aregbeshola, former Kaduna State Gov. Malam Nasir el-Rufai.

    Others at the meeting include former Sokoto State Gov. Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, former Rivers Gov. Chibuike Amaechi among others.

    He said that National Leader of Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi sent apologises, but gave his commitment to decisions took at the meeting.

  • 2027: Friendship Won’t Stop Me from Opposing Tinubu – Lamido

    2027: Friendship Won’t Stop Me from Opposing Tinubu – Lamido

    The former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido has declared that his longstanding friendship with President Bola Tinubu will not prevent him from working against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

    Lamido, in an interview with the BBC, emphasized that politics and friendship must remain separate, insisting his loyalty lies with Nigeria’s progress and the survival of the opposition.

    “Tinubu and I know each other very well, but we haven’t met in a while.

    He told me, ‘Sule, I love you because you are trustworthy.’ We laughed and left. But that doesn’t change politics. My duty is to unite Nigerians in opposition to his government,” Lamido said.

    The comment came after Lamido and Tinubu were seen laughing and exchanging pleasantries at the wedding of former Zamfara Governor Abdulaziz Yari’s son in Kaduna, fueling speculation about their political alignment.

    Lamido dismissed the speculation, stressing that his commitment is to mobilize opposition forces against what he described as the APC-led government’s failures on insecurity, economic hardship, and national unity.

    He further reiterated his loyalty to the PDP despite recent high-profile defections, including that of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). “Atiku and I formed the PDP.

    We are still talking to many Nigerians who were once with us but are now scattered. What we are doing is for the people, not ourselves,” Lamido said.

    The former governor added that the PDP is working to resolve its internal crises and strengthen unity ahead of 2027.

    “We are constantly engaging, reaching compromises where needed, and ensuring dialogue continues. Nigeria must move forward, and we will hold Tinubu accountable,” he noted.

    Meanwhile, the Lagos State APC dismissed opposition claims, including suggestions that President Tinubu would serve only one term.

    APC spokesman Seye Oladejo described such comments as “wishful thinking from political lightweights,” insisting Tinubu is laying the foundation for long-term transformation.

    With Lamido maintaining his opposition stance and the PDP struggling to reorganize, the 2027 elections are already shaping up to be a fierce political contest.

  • Fubara resumes today as Tinubu Ends controversial emergency rule in Rivers state

    Fubara resumes today as Tinubu Ends controversial emergency rule in Rivers state

    Suspended Rivers state Governor Siminalaye Fubara resumes duty today as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced an end to the controversial six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.

    The president’s pronouncement paves the way for full democratic governance as the state assembly shall also reconvene today.

    In a nationwide address on Tuesday, Tinubu recalled that the emergency rule, declared on March 18, 2025, was necessitated by a constitutional deadlock that affected governance in Rivers State.

    According to him, the crisis had pitted Governor Siminalayi Fubara against 27 members of the State House of Assembly loyal to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, leaving only four lawmakers on the governor’s side.

    “The paralysis of governance, vandalisation of critical oil assets, and the inability of the governor to present an appropriation bill brought the state to a standstill,” Tinubu said. “Even the Supreme Court affirmed that there was no government in Rivers State.”

    READ ALSO: Civil Society groups backs Ojulari, slams attacks as baseless

    The President explained that after interventions failed to reconcile the two camps, he invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to suspend the governor, his deputy, and members of the state assembly for six months, a move later approved by the National Assembly.

    Acknowledging opposition from some groups who challenged the proclamation in court, Tinubu maintained that the action was necessary to prevent anarchy and restore order.

    “The power to declare a state of emergency is a constitutional tool to safeguard public order and safety. It would have been a colossal failure on my part not to have acted,” he stated.

    READ ALSO: Fubara, Amaewhule to resume on Thursday as Tinubu ends emergency rule in Rivers state

    Tinubu, however, said intelligence reports now show a “new spirit of understanding” and “potent enthusiasm” among stakeholders in Rivers State for reconciliation and peaceful governance.

    “With effect from midnight today, the emergency in Rivers State shall end,” he declared. “Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly will resume work in their offices from September 18.”

    The President urged state governors and lawmakers nationwide to learn from the Rivers crisis and prioritise harmony between the executive and legislature.

    “It is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy,” Tinubu said.

  • INEC finally recognises Mark-led ADC leadership

    INEC finally recognises Mark-led ADC leadership

    It was victory at last for members of the Sen. David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as it finally secured the recognition of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

    The Nigerian Anchor reports that the commission updated its website on Wednesday to reflect the names of Sen David Aleichenu Bonarventure Mark and others as the new members of the NWC of the party.

    Among those listed to replace the former Raph Nwosu-led NWC was Mr Rauf Aregbesola, who now serves as the party’s National Secretary.

    Also published on the website were Mani Ahmad as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.

    The outgoing National Chairman, Raph Nwosu, had on July 2 announced the appointment of David Mark as interim chairman and Aregbesola as interim secretary.

    The development serves as a morale booster to the leadership and membership of the party as it puts pay to months of meddlesome interference by some disgruntled members of the party, following its adoption as the party of choice by members of the opposition coalition.

  • Wike spoils for a fight with old friend, Tambuwal

    Wike spoils for a fight with old friend, Tambuwal

    In his ever expanding list of enemies, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has vowed to take on his former friend, former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal.

    Over the weekend, Mr. Tambuwal appeared on Channels TV’s “Politics Today” where he was alleged to have made statements considered offensive to Mr. Wike and President Bola Tinubu.

    Not someone reputed for shying away from fights, Wike vowed to square up to Tambuwal in no distant future.

    Mr Lere Olayinka, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, made this known in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

    Olayinka assured that the FCT minister would not allow Tambuwal’s  aspersions  against him and the President, to go without appropriate responses.

    Tambuwal had said on Channels Television’s “Politics Today”, on Friday, that his political choices had always been guided by principles of leadership and not by personal relationships.

    The former governor also said that he would support former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over Wike, if he had to make a choice on who should lead the country.

    Olayinka said that he had been inundated with calls, especially from journalists, seeking the minister’s reaction to Tambuwal’s comments.

    “Apart from what he said against the minister, Tambuwal also cast aspersions on President Tinubu and such will not go unresponded to.

    “Therefore, what I can say is that the minister will respond accordingly. He will definitely tell Nigerians what a betrayal is and what it means to have integrity.

    “Till then, let’s keep our fingers crossed,” he said.

  • Marafa’ll bury himself in shame – Zamfara APC Chairman

    Marafa’ll bury himself in shame – Zamfara APC Chairman

    Alhaji Tukur Danfulani, the Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Zamfara, has described recent political comments against President Bola Tinubu by Sen. Kabiru Marafa as unfortunate.

    Danfulani, in a statement he issued in Gusau on Thursday, described the comments by Marafa as an action of selfish motives.

    He said: “We, therefore, call on Marafa to come to Zamfara and reassess his popularity among the electorate, I believe he will bury himself in shame.

    “Marafa’s unguarded utterances are just out of frustration of loosing election and his inability to secure appointments in President Bola Tinubu administration.

    “Ordinarily, if not because Marafa touched Mr President in his uncivilised manner, we would not have responded to a lower and rejected politician like him.”

    According to Danfulani, the State APC leadership had listened to the recent interview granted by Marafa, threatening to reduce one million votes from Tinubu’s 2023 votes.

    “I would like to address that by telling the Nigerian public that apart from being disgraced from the Senate by his constituents in 2019,  he has not recovered from his dementia.

    “Even in the 2023 polls where he made uncorroborated  calls on the 2023 elections, it should be noted that Marafa could not even win his constituency in the same elections.

    “Talk less of securing the votes which largely came through the faith the electorate have in the party and in Matawalle, Yari and other respected party leaders in the state,”the chairman said.

    Danfulani recalled that Matawalle, the present Minister of State for Defence now, served as the Coordinator of Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council for the whole of North-West and initially to doubled as the Zamfara Coordinator.

    “Matawalle honourably suggested that the Zamfara coordination should be given to Marafa but unfortunately, he, Marafa did not merit it.

    “Having lost everywhere, Marafa who insisted he be given a high ranking position in the government, began to create one problem or the other.

    “He sometimes used alliances with other trouble makers who would also leave him immediately they discovered his selfish motives,” he added.

    Danfulani said that the APC supporters in Zamfara had grown wiser and more loyal to political leaders like Matawalle, Yari and many others who were carrying them along.

    “That was why the party won the just- concluded Kaura Namoda South State House of Assembly by-election with a wide margin against the runner up (PDP).

    “This was without any input from the likes of Marafa who tried to sabotage APC’s chances of winning through anti-party maneuvers that didn’t work for them.

    “It’s laughable that Marafa who couldn’t win even his ward of Yandoton Daji or his local government of Tsafe or his central constituency, could boast of reducing one million votes out of President Bola Ahmed’s votes of 2023.”

    “The question is, from where Marafa will get these votes, because the entire Zamfara votes in 2023 were not close to one million votes, except if he is going to use his bragging nature.

    “So, I want the public to consider Marafa as just a l@me dog that can only bark but without any tooth to bite,”Danfulani added.

    He said that what was expected from Marafa during the interview was to tell the world how many votes he secured himself and that of his opponent in the last election.

    “He should have done this before talking about reducing President Bola Tinubu’s votes while peddling lies and propaganda that are dead on arrival,” Danfulani further said.

  • Nigeria a killing field: APC disagrees with Peter Obi

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State chapter, has dismissed the statement attributed to Mr Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of Labour in 2023, that Nigeria is now a killing field.

    Mr Obi, in a post on his official X handle on Monday, said that more than 10,000 lives have been lost to terrorists, bandits and other criminal gangs in just two years.

    According to Obi, the figure was released by the Amnesty International.

    But in a swift reaction, APC Lagos State Spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, said that there were evidential proofs that Tinubu’s administration had made significant progress in securing Nigeria.

    Oladejo said: “APC utterly rejects and condemns the allegation by Mr Peter Obi that Nigeria is now a killing field with more than 10,000 deaths under Tinubu’s watch.

    “These sensationalist claims are not only baseless they are a disgraceful distortion of reality made in bad faith to score political points.

    “Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria’s Armed Forces have delivered extraordinary successes, dismantling terror infrastructure and restoring stability to previously threatened communities.”

    According to him, from the hard data, (not hype) the defence ministry midterm report (Aug. 2023–April 2025) revealed that 9,415 terrorists neutralised, more than 3,159 suspects arrested while 5,449 hostages rescued.

    He added that the data from the defence headquarters’ two-year summarised that 6,260 terrorists killed, 14,138 terrorists and criminals apprehended while 5,365 civilians rescued.

    He said that the data showed that N83 billion worth of stolen crude recovered.

    On military operations across the zones, Oladejo said that in the North-East (Operation Hadin Kai), no fewer than 1,246 terrorists killed, 2,467 arrested, 1,920 civilians rescued.

    According to him, in the North-west (Operation Fasan Yamma), data showed that 1,374 bandits killed, 2,160 surrendered or arrested, while 3,288 hostages rescued.

    “These are not statistics they are lives saved, communities secured and terrorists dismantled.

    “Just recently, the military air strikes in Katsina freed 76 hostages, including children some kidnapped during a mosque attack that claimed at least 50 lives.

    “One child, tragically, died during the rescue, illustrating both the danger and the bravery involved.

    Additionally, air strikes eliminated 35 militants in the same region.

    “In Borno, precision air strikes killed 35 militants, restoring critical ground communications and stabilising the area.

    “A week-long operation in Borno earlier this year neutralised 76 extremists, arrested 72 suspects and rescued eight hostages,” he added.

    On the technological and structural strengthening of the military, Oladejo said that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Nigerian Air Force had been transformed with modern acquisitions.

    He listed these to include purchase of 24 M 346 attack jets, 10 AW 109 Trekker helicopters, among others.

    According to him, the Nigerian Army and Navy have also received cutting-edge hardware from tactical vehicles to patrol vessels strengthening ground and maritime security effectiveness.

    “Local defense manufacturing is booming: DICON has produced more than 4.6 million rounds of ammunition, 53 MRAPs, 14,040 PPE units and even drones, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers,” he said.

    He said that the administration had also received credible recognition for the remarkable progress Tinubu’s administration had made in the fight against banditry and terrorism.

    According to him, the Coalition for Human Rights and Freedom (CHRF), has commended the armed forces’ performance, citing that more than 13,500 terrorists and criminals were neutralised and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued under coordinated operations.

    “These are tangible, verifiable successes, adding that nothing like the exaggerated sensationalism offered by Mr Obi.

    “The Nigerian Armed Forces, under this administration, are not only standing tall, but they are also striking back aggressively, saving lives and securing our nation.

    “The Lagos APC stands firmly behind the leadership of President Tinubu and our military heroes on the frontline.

    “We invite Mr Obi and others to acknowledge the progress made or risk being left behind in baseless political dramatics.”

  • Stability beckons as PDP confirms Damagum as chairman

    Nigeria’s own Grand Old Party (GOP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) triumphed its adversity this Monday as it confirmed Umar Damagum as its substantive National Chairman until an elective convention scheduled for November.

    The party which had been managing a debilitating internal strife since its last presidential primary in 2023, took the decision at its 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at its national headquarters, the Wadata House, Abuja.

    The confirmation was one of the key resolutions reached during the ongoing NEC meeting held severally postponed due to wrangling orchestrated by stalwarts who felt cheated shortchanged during the 2023 presidential primary.

    Damagum was administered an oath of office during the meeting by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, in accordance with Article 65 of the PDP Constitution.

    The decision came less than three months before the PDP’s national convention, slated to hold from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    In his acceptance speech, Damagum expressed gratitude to the party’s leadership for the confidence reposed in him and the National Working Committee (NWC).

    “Before now, I thought all we were doing was not being appreciated.

    “This gesture is not just for me, but for the entire NWC. I owe it to them.

    “To have navigated this party this far, we came in at a time when things were very hard, but to the glory of God, we are still intact as one indivisible party,” he added.

    Damagum had assumed the role of acting national chairman on March 28, 2023, following a Benue State High Court order that confirmed the removal of former Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu.

    At the time, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, announced Damagum’s appointment, citing Section 45 (2) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

    Prior to his appointment, Damagum served as the PDP Deputy National Chairman (North).

  • By-Elections: Mark urges INEC to conduct free, fair, credible Polls

    The  National Chairman, African Democratic Congress (ADC) Sen. David Mark, has reminded INEC to uphold the principles of impartiality and transparency in the by-elections on Saturday across the country.

    This is contained in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Mumeh, in a goodwill message to ADC Senatorial, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly candidates.

    Mark urged INEC to conduct a process that will restore public trust in the country`s electoral system.

    The ADC will field candidates in Senatorial, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly by-elections in Anambra, Edo, Oyo, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Niger, and Ogun.

    He described the ADC as a “child of necessity” born out of the genuine desire to offer Nigerians an alternative and better governance.

    Mark appealed to the electorate to allow the party to prove its worth.

    He reminded INEC that “all eyes are on the commission” to correct past errors that have tarnished its public image.

    The former President of the Senate said that a truly free, fair, and credible election on Saturday could help redeem its reputation.

    He commended ADC candidates for their courage and dedication, urging them and their supporters to comply with electoral laws while remaining vigilant against manipulation or intimidation.

    Mark called on security agencies to guarantee a level playing field for all participants, ensuring that the will of the people is allowed to prevail without interference.

  • PDP, Falana, Ojodu berate Lagos Govt over ‘arbitrary’ streets renaming

    The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP ) has faulted the  recent renaming of streets in some local governments areas of the state.

    The recent renaming of streets and public landmarks in the state has sparked angry reactions  and  protests, while others have called the move as unconstitutional, provocative, reminiscent of what they call ethnic or cultural erasure.

    Reacting in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, the PDP Vice-Chairman (Lagos Central), Mr Hakeem Olalemi, who advised the ruling party to tread carefully, alleged  the remaining targeted a section of the society.

    “The Lagos PDP is hereby rejecting in totality the renaming of streets by some council chairmen. We should erase history because of politics.

    “It is against the spirit of unity in diversity and it will certainly affect the image of the state as a cosmopolitan state.

    “We should be seen to be promoting unity and not to give the wrong impression to non-indigenes in the state.

    “We have various ethnic nationalists in our state, who have contributed immensely to the development of our state, hence the reason why some streets were named after them initially.

    “This current action by some council executives should be reconsidered. Most of the streets affected were bearing Igbo names before and this leaves  so many questions in the heart of non Indigenes,.”

    Describing the street remaining as totally unconstitutional, Olalemi said that the decision and consequent reactions showed that some leaders failed to consult widely.

    “The APC should, as a matter of fact, revert to the status quo.

    “If the steps were not reversed, the party could seek legal redress in court in order to preserve the identity of Lagos State as a cosmopolitan state.

    “We cannot erase history in the name of politics. The ruling party should know that this renaming of streets arbitrarily can lead to riot, unrest and serious chaos if care is not taken,” he said.

    Human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, also recently condemned the change of street names as unconstitutional.

    In an article that is now trending in the social media, famous journalist and political scientist, Senator Babafemi Ojodu warns President Bola Tinubu to rein in on his kinsmen if does not wish to further jeopardise his chance of being re-elected in 2027.

    According him, the Tinubu administration had done much harm to itself already by the lopsided nature of appointments and distribution of development projects.

    It is also reported that residents of Ilaje community in Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA in the state had  staged a protest on Wednesday, rejecting the recent renaming of their street ‘Ilaje Road’ to ‘King Sunny Ade Road.’