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  • What I am more interested in than becoming president – Atiku

    What I am more interested in than becoming president – Atiku

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has disclosed that he is more interested in a better Nigeria than becoming president.

    Abubakar made the disclosure while speaking at an affirmation ceremony for new defectors in the African Democratic Congress(ADC) on Saturday in Lagos State.

    Some PDP and Labour Party bigwigs proclaimed their membership of ADC at the ceremony.

    Abubabar, who was the guest speaker at the programme,was  represented by Prof. Ola Olateju of  the Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State,

    The former PDP candidate, along with some like-minded opposition politicians, recently resigned his  membership of the party  to join  ADC,

    Abubakar said  he was not desperate to lead the country, but  was very eager  for a better, secure and  prosperous country.

    “Atiku Abubakar ‘s plan is to build a better Nigeria. So, it’s not about him being the president. It’s about having a better government, a good government,  that will be able to deliver for Nigerians.

    “It’s not a personal thing for him and that’s why some of us are with him. It’s not about Atiku must be president at all costs.

    “ADC, to us, is not a political party. It is a movement, a movement of  Nigerians for a better Nigeria,” Olateju saud  on behalf of Abubakar.

    He said that the movement in ADC was for repositioning  of the country and taking  it to great heights.

    “It’s no longer politics as usual. It’s a new beginning. It is a new journey, a new beginning, We need a new beginning in Nigeria and that’s what Atiku is championing.

    “It’s not about a personal thing that he must be president, No, it is not a matter of must. The must there is for him to see Nigeria deliver as wished by all. We are expecting a better Nigeria.

    “We want Nigeria to be able to deliver. We want Nigeria to be able to take care of Nigerians,” he added.

    Claiming that Nigerians were facing challenges  with the removal of fuel subsidy and  attendant inflation, Abubakar said that a better Nigeria was possible with good leadership.

    He said that God was ready to use the coalition  members to bring about a change in the country.

    On who would likely emerge the ADC presidential flagbearer in 2027, Abubakar said that this would be determined by the  people in the party.

    “It is not a thing we can pre- determine. Whoever emerges through free and fair contests, we are all going to support.

    “Everybody has a right to contest, we are going to rally round anyone that emerges. We are not imposing anyone on the people.

    “The point is better Nigeria, not Atiku for President at all costs, not Obi for president at all costs.

    “Whoever picks the ticket shall be the representative of Nigeria people and will represent the collective voice and aspiration of Nigeria,” he added.

    The defectors include PDP Board of Trustee member, Dr Abimbola Ogunkelu,  former chairmen of Lagos PDP, Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Retired Capt. Tunji Shelle; PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), and a former PDP Youth Leader ,Mr Tai Benedict, among others.

    They were  received by ADC national chieftains ,including the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Sen. Kolawole Ogunwale, and Mr George Ashiru, the State ADC Chairman.

  • ADC are deceiving us, I still want Obi to return to LP – Datti Baba-Ahmed

    ADC are deceiving us, I still want Obi to return to LP – Datti Baba-Ahmed

    The 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said that the African Democratic Congress-led coalition of opposition is a form of deception.

    Baba-Ahmed disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.

    When asked about his position on the ADC coalition, he said, “They are deceiving us.”

    Baba-Ahmed distanced himself from the group, insisting that he remained a Labour Party member.

    “I am a Labour Party man, for God’s sake. I am Peter Obi’s man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest in 2027,” he said.

    Speaking on the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 polls, Baba-Ahmed stated that there was a need for credibility and competence in the commission.

    He accused the current leadership of subverting the constitution during the 2023 presidential election.

    According to him, electoral fraud is the root of Nigeria’s national crises.

    “Not somebody who clearly read what the constitution provides—25 per cent in at least two-thirds of states of the Federation and the FCT—but went ahead to breach it and put Nigeria in what it is today.

    “The electoral fraud is right now the single most important fact to be addressed in our life as a nation, even beyond insecurity. Insecurity is derived from electoral fraud. Corruption is aggravated by the kind of electoral fraud that we have,” he stated.

  • ADC fires member, suspends three executives

    ADC fires member, suspends three executives

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Gombe State has expelled one member and removed three officials from their positions over alleged anti-party activities.

    The decision, made public on Thursday night, followed investigations and recommendations by party organs.

    Those affected include Nafiu Bala, who was expelled after declaring himself the National Chairman of the party, along with State Deputy Chairman Nasiru Lawan, State Secretary Danladi Ya’u, and State Youth Leader Abdulkadir Sa’idu, also known as Digiri.

    According to the state leadership, Bala was found guilty of gross misconduct, factionalisation, and acts considered harmful to the unity of the party.

    He had been invited to defend himself before a disciplinary committee but failed to appear.

    The committee later recommended his expulsion, which was endorsed by the State Executive Committee and forwarded to the national leadership for ratification.

    The ADC chairman in Gombe said the action was meant to show that indiscipline and disloyalty would not be tolerated.

    He assured members that the party remained united and focused on its goal of winning more seats in the 2027 elections despite recent setbacks.

  • ADC kicks as FG damns outrage, implements new salaries for political office holders

    ADC kicks as FG damns outrage, implements new salaries for political office holders

    Despite outrage, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has commenced a review of remuneration packages for political, public and judicial office holders across the country.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by Mrs Maryam Yusuf, Head, Information and Public Relations Unit of the RMAFC.

    According to Mrs Yusuf, Mr Mohammed Usman, Chairman of RMAFC, disclosed this at a retreat organised by the commission in Kano.

    Usman said that the importance of the assignment was for the growth of Nigeria’s governance structure.

    According to him, the review is aimed at harmonising reports in the bid to review the remuneration packages for political, public and judicial office holders across the country.

    “The effort is also a significant move towards the implementation of one of the commission`s core mandates,’’ he said.

    The committee chairman said that the 1999 constitution as amended empowered the commission to determine appropriate remuneration for political, public and judicial office holders at all levels.

    He noted that the commission had earlier taken some steps toward the review of the remuneration package to reflect prevailing economic realities.

    “The RMAFC carefully considered a wide range of perspectives, including memoranda from stakeholders, public hearings and ministerial submissions, while also drawing from economic indicators and remuneration practices in other countries.”

    He explained that the review process was not only about figures but also about sustainability and affordability.

    He added that the commission has equally analysed the capacity of government to implement the review package, ensuring that recommendations remain fair, realistic and sustainable.

    Usman said that the committee was directed to harmonise the earlier report and subsequent addendum into a single document, to provide a clear and comprehensive framework for implementation.

    He appealed to members to bring their diverse experience and knowledge to bear, adding that the retreat would produce outcomes that were balanced and beneficial to all.

    “I implore everyone to contribute towards achieving the purpose of our gathering, given our varied knowledge and wealth of experience.

    “The retreat is expected to set a sustainable framework for political, public and judicial office holders’ remuneration in line with the mandate of the commission,” he said.

    ADC rejects proposed salary increase for political office holders

    Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the proposed salary increase for political office holders in the country.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi, made the position of the party known in a statement in Abuja, saying that such move should be suspended.

    Abdullahi said that such a substantial pay increase was unfair at a time when millions of Nigerians were grappling with the effects of inflation, rising fuel costs and inadequate minimum wage.

    The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) had proposed a review of the salaries to the President, Vice President, governors and other top officials.

    “We are aware of the commission’s constitutional mandate to periodically review relevant emoluments of political office holders in the country.

    “However, proposing such review at a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with soaring food inflation, high cost of fuel, inadequate and largely unpaid minimum wage would indicate a total disregard for the people,” he said.

    Abdullahi noted that the attempt by the chairman of RMAFC to justify the proposed increases was not acceptable.

    He said that the salaries of the political office holders were already supplemented with sundry bogus allowances and other discretionary funds, far exceed what ordinary Nigerians earn, with N70,000 minimum wage per month.

    Abdullahi said unlike the public office holders, most Nigerians do not receive additional allowances or emoluments to cushion the effects of the rising costs of living.

    “In the light of these developments, the ADC demands that the plan be suspended immediately.

    “No such increase should be implemented while ordinary citizens are grappling with extreme financial hardship.

    “Government should focus on improving the lives of the people rather than improving the salaries of the President and other political office holders who already live in affluence.

    “Government has no moral right to demand sacrifice from ordinary citizens while they focus on making lives easier for themselves.

    “Political office holders cannot be insulated from economic hardships, while the everyday-Nigerian suffers,” he said.

    Abdullahi said that the ADC believed that rather than further enriching political elites, all government policies at this time should prioritise raising the minimum wage to a living standard.

    He added that government should ensure timely and fair salaries for our civil servants and strengthening Nigerians social welfare programmes to reach the most vulnerable Nigerians.

  • 2027: APGA is dead in Abia, we’ve moved into ADC “- Charles Nwanyanwu declares

    2027: APGA is dead in Abia, we’ve moved into ADC “- Charles Nwanyanwu declares

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance,APGA,in Abia South senatorial zone,Abia State,has collapsed its structures into the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in the state.

    The party led by the Abia South zonal chairman,Chief Charles Nwanyanwu,who was flanked by the six local government chairmen of the party in the zone, announced this during a meeting with the ADC State Chairman,Don Norman Obinna ,in Aba.

    Nwanyanwu disclosed that the decision to join ADC was informed by what he described as the death of APGA in Abia State,following the leadership crisis that has enveloped the party in the state.

    He added that plans have been concluded for APGA structures in Abia North and Abia Central senatorial zones to also collapse into the ADC.

    Nwanyanwu explained that the decision to join ADC was also supported by over 5,000 members of APGA in Abia South zone.

    He said; “We have left APGA for ADC.We have officially declared for ADC,there’s no more APGA in Abia South,it is decision of all APGA members in Abia South to join ADC. It is our choice.We can’t continue with the crisis in APGA, let them continue with their crisis. ADC is the party to join and we are happy to be here. We saw other parties but ADC is our choice. We are aware that many politicians in Abia are already in ADC. Others are on their way to the party.

    “APGA has died a natural death in Abia state. This is a party that made name in 2015 ; winning not less than 14 House of Assembly seats. In 2019, we won some,but today, APGA doesn’t have a single member in the state House of Assembly. The party is dead and the leaders have not done well.”

    Asked whether the Senator representing Abia South district on the platform of APGA,Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, is aware of their decision to defect to ADC, Nwanyanwu said; “Senator Abaribe doesn’t have a commanding voice over any APGA member in Abia South. He is there doing his own thing,while we are here doing our own job as party people. We don’t bother about Abaribe. We haven’t seen anything Abaribe has done in APGA unless he will come over to ADC and say, our people,let’s work together.”

    Receiving the former APGA members, State chairman of the ADC,Mr. Don Norman Obinna, said the ADC is open to accommodate members from other political parties.

    He stated that ADC is the party to beat in Abia, stressing that any politician who fails to join the ADC will lose election in the state.

    He said;”There is nothing happening in APGA, the party is dead. You can’t even see their offices or branded vehicles anywhere in Abia.

    These people declared for ADC because they believe in our project for good governance and what I have done in the past as an advocate of good governance for which I was victimized and jailed.

    “People are tropping into ADC because they know we can’t sabotage them. This means that our people are beginning to accept the message of hope and good governance which ADC stands for. It takes only 200,000 votes to win the governorship poll in Abia,but as at today,we already have over 300,000 registered members in ADC,and this tells that we are on course.

    “Any politician who fails to join the ADC will lose election in 2025 including Governor Alex Otti, the senators and Members of the national and state Houses of Assembly.Already, they have been pleading for accommodation in ADC

  • ADC reacts to poor bye-election results, says performance don’t define coalition’s strength

    ADC reacts to poor bye-election results, says performance don’t define coalition’s strength

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has stated that the results of the by-elections held on Saturday, August 16, across 13 states and 16 constituencies do not accurately reflect the strength of the coalition.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi stated this in a statement released on Sunday.

    The ADC expressed serious concerns regarding the conduct of the by-elections, claiming that the elections were marred by widely reported instances of violence, vote buying, manipulation, and other administrative issues.

    The party asserted that this election process highlighted the decline of Nigeria’s electoral integrity under President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    According to Abdullahi, the ADC did not field candidates for most of the positions contested in the by-election, hence, the outcome can’t be used to judge the influence of the party going into the 2027 elections.

    “What Nigerians witnessed in yesterday’s by-elections is yet another reminder that under the current administration, democracy itself, just like the economy and our national security, continues to decline under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC.

    “When elections are marred by widespread violence, when ballots are openly and brazenly exchanged for money, when opposition candidates are excluded without explanation, and when the very institutions entrusted to safeguard democracy become complicit, then the vote of the ordinary Nigerian ceases to have meaning.

    “In some states, nearly 300 thugs armed with rifles, knives, and cutlasses were arrested on election day. Is this democracy—or banditry disguised as voting?

    “In some states, whole polling units were cancelled due to ballot box snatching and the open intimidation of voters. If citizens cannot go to the polls without fear of assault, then the most basic covenant between the state and its people has already broken down.

    “In one state, a vote-buyer was caught with N25.9 million intended to procure and corrupt the will of the people. In another, election officials were themselves implicated in similar inducements. This is no longer isolated malpractice; it is fast becoming the political culture of our electoral process under the APC.

    “After so many years, the failure of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in some states has once again raised questions about the Commission’s competence, sincerity, and perhaps, complicity. Nigerians deserve elections that commands the implicit confidence of every citizen and respect of the rest of the world. INEC must not be allowed to turn excuses to a code of conduct.

    “The bigger picture that we must all remember is that for better or worse, these by-elections represent the clearest indication of a dress rehearsal for 2027. If violence, vote buying, candidate intimidation and exclusion, and collusion between security forces and compromised election officials become the new normal, then Nigerians and the international community must brace themselves.

    “The ADC therefore calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rise above his partisan interest and for once, demonstrate genuine leadership by ensuring that Nigerians can cast their votes freely and safely. The President must recognise that no government can claim legitimacy if it consistently presides over elections that citizens and the international community perceive as fraudulent.”

  • How APC defeated PDP, ADC to sweep Edo by-elections

    How APC defeated PDP, ADC to sweep Edo by-elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared Dr Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the Edo Central Senatorial by-election conducted on August 16.

    INEC Returning Officers, Prof. Kingsley Omo-Iwoze, announced the results at the official collation Centre in Ubiaja, Esan South-East Local Government of Edo State.

    Ikpea secured a total of 105,129 votes to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Joe Okojie, who polled 15,146 votes.

    Addressing the media shortly after being declared the winner, the Senator-elect, Ikpea thanked God for his victory and the people of Edo Central, who made his victory a reality.

    Ikpea expressed heartfelt appreciation to the electorate for their overwhelming support, noting that their votes were not just for him, but an expression of trust in Governor Monday Okpebholo and the APC’s developmental agenda for Edo.

    He described Okpebholo as a visionary leader, whose unwavering commitment to grassroots governance and party unity contributed significantly to the electoral success.

    Ikpea also lauded the APC leadership and the by-election campaign council for their coordination, discipline, and tireless efforts.

    The senator-elect promised to prioritise legislation and interventions in infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and strengthening traditional institutions in the district.

    Omosede Igbinedion wins Ovia federal constituency by-election in Edo

    Similarly, INEC declared Barrister Omosede Igbinedion the winner of the Ovia Federal Constituency by-election held on Saturday in Edo.

    The election took place across two local governments of Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East , both forming the Ovia Federal Constituency in Edo.

    Announcing the results early Sunday morning at Iguobazuwa, the returning officer, Clement Ighodaro, declared Igbinedion, the winner with a total of 77,053 votes.

    Her closest rival from the PDP polled 3,838 votes, while the ADC candidate came third with a total of 925 votes.

    In her victory speech, Barrister Igbinedion thanked her supporters and pledged to deliver impactful and effective representation at the National Assembly.

    Igbinedion was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2015 and would now return to represent Ovia Federal Constituency for the second time.

  • Ex-Reps member in Taraba joins ADC

    Ex-Reps member in Taraba joins ADC

    Mr Danji Shidi, a former House or Representative member, representing Wukari/Ibi Federal constituency in Taraba has   joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after he resigned from All Progressives Congress (APC).

    This is contained in a statement he  personally signed and issued on Saturday  in Jalingo.

    “After due deligence, and wide consultations,  I am pleased to announce that we will be charting a new course under the banner of the  ADC.

    “I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude for the love and solidarity you have shown since the day I stepped away from the ruling APC.

    “Your overwhelming support is proof of the strength of our shared vision  that this movement is genuine, resolute, and committed to rescuing the people of Taraba from the grip of bad governance.

    “This will serve as our platform as we actively engage in the democratic process leading into the 2027 elections.

    “I therefore call on all my supporters, sympathizers, and every lover of good governance to rally behind this movement.

    “Let us join hands to liberate the downtrodden, lift our people from poverty, and bring succor to communities in need, by standing firmly with the ADC in every way,” he said.

    Recall that Shidi, a two term  member  house of representatives, contested for Taraba South Senatorial seat on the platform of the APC in the 2023 geneal elections.

    The APC eventually won, but the supreme Court judgement on the party’s internal wranglings went in favour of sen. David Jimkuta.

  • Kebbi ADC suspends State Working Committee leaders

    Kebbi ADC suspends State Working Committee leaders

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi,  says it has suspended some members of its State Working Committee (SWC) leadership.

    Jamilu Muhammad, the Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

    He said: “Following a wide range of consultations with critical stakeholders of ADC in Kebbi, the genuine working committee which came through elections via congresses, which equally tailored the party to its present status before the coming of impostors, have unanimously agreed to suspend some members in the leadership of the SWC.

    “The suspended SWC leadership are the Chairman, Engr. Sufiyanu Bala, Junaidu Muhammed Mudi, (Deputy Chairman) and Hawwa’u Muhammed, Secretary.

    “The suspended members are hereby replaced with the following; Abdulrazaq Abubakar Isah Iko, who will serve as the Interim Chairman of ADC in Kebbi, while Adamu Aliyu is the new Secretary of the party,” he said.

    The publicity secretary said the aforementioned leaders allegedly lacked the moral consciousness, transparency and trust to preside over the affairs of the party.

    “The affected members have deviated from the principles and objectives as well as applied wisdom and technical approach to unite and position the party to its glory.

    “We are left with no option other than to suspend Engr. Sufiyanu Bala and his members for the under listed reasons.

    “They took unilateral decisions; they, on several occasions, carried out all official activities and take critical decisions without consultations or input from other members of the executive committee.

    “Others are poor leadership and administrative inefficiency run by them, which has put the party in crisis and backwardness.

    “The chairman (allegedly) engaged in questionable use of funds without the knowledge of other executive members and cannot account for all the funds he has expended in the name of the party,” Muhammad said.

    According to him, the party also rejects selfish and illegitimate hijack of the party by those he described as Abuja nomadic politicians, who seek to dominate the genuine members of the party in Kebbi without recourse to due process and respect for long term sacrifices of the founding members.

    “The party also condemned and rejected the early campaign in the name of ADC as it contradicts and go against the provisions of the law, particularly the Electoral Act.

    “We, therefore, call on INEC and relevant security agencies to take necessary action against the violators.

    “On this note, the party advise members of the public to desist from dealing with the suspended exco members until further notice,” the publicity secretary stated.

    Muhammad said the party resolved that all other members of ADC in the state were still valid and active and advised them to work with the new interim leadership to move the party to greater heights.

  • Fayemi debunks Amaechi’s claim on ADC coalition

    Fayemi debunks Amaechi’s claim on ADC coalition

    The media office of Dr Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti, has dismissed as false a viral claim attributed to Rotimi Amaechi that both men founded the new ADC coalition.

    Amaechi is a former governor of Rivers and former Minister of Transportation under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    This is contained in a statement by the Head of the Fayemi Media Office, Malam Ahmad Sajoh, on Sunday in Abuja.

    Sajoh said there was no credible evidence, including videos or reputable media reports, to suggest Amaechi made the claim.

    He described the report as “possibly fabricated or misquoted,” warning the public against social media-driven misinformation.

    Accordjng to him, Fayemi remains a committed leader of the APC in Ekiti State and has publicly endorsed Gov. Biodun Oyebanji for re-election under the party’s ticket.

    He added that while Fayemi had continued to engage in cross-party conversations on national development, it did not amount to defection from the APC.

    He attributed speculation about Fayemi’s political loyalty to his limited national visibility due to his academic engagement at King’s College London and work at the Amandla Institute.

    He, however, said, Fayemi remains active in APC leadership caucus meetings in Ekiti.

    “In spite of efforts to verify this statement, which has gained traction on social and digital media, we have found no credible evidence to support it.

    ” No video of Hon. Amaechi making these claims or reports from reputable media organisations has been located.

    “In an era where fabricated or distorted statements are often attributed to public figures for malicious purposes, we are cautious about engaging with potentially manufactured controversies designed to provoke or profit.

    “It is possible that Hon. Amaechi did not make the statement or was misquoted.

    “We unequivocally state that these claims lack any basis. Dr Fayemi remains a committed member and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State,” he said.

    According to him, Fayemi had at various public forums in Ekiti and other places consistently affirmed his dedication to the APC, working to address its challenges and advance its progressive ideals for Nigeria.

    “Furthermore, Dr Fayemi has publicly endorsed His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji, Governor of Ekiti State, for re-election, clearly supporting his candidacy for the APC gubernatorial ticket.

    “This underscores his loyalty to the APC.

    “We urge the public to treat any news concerning Fayemi with caution, particularly when it originates solely from social media,” he said.