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Tag: APC

  • LG election: Lagos APC announces date to unveil candidates, commence campaign

    LG election: Lagos APC announces date to unveil candidates, commence campaign

    The APC in Lagos State says it will officially commence its campaign for the July 12 Local Government Elections on Tuesday with the presentation of candidates with party’s flags.

    The APC Publicity Secretary, Mr Seye Oladejo, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, said that the flags handing over  ceremony would hold at the APC State Secretariat, Ogba.

    Oladejo said: “The campaign has been decentralised along the three Senatorial districts of Lagos East, Central and West which has been broken into two because of its size.

    “The flag-off ceremony will be witnessed by party chieftains , elected and appointed officials of the party across the three tiers of government.

    “The party had earlier directed its leadership in the local governments to put in place Local Organizing Committees – LOC- to take the campaign to all the nooks, crannies and corners of the state to ensure effective and massive mobilisation.”

    According to him, the APC campaign will focus on the various unprecedented landmark achievements of the out-going governments in the councils, the numerous timely social interventions and the promise to do more in tandem with the party’s progressive philosophy.

    The spokesman urged all voters to endeavour to perform their civic responsibility on the day of the elections.

    “The campaign will end a day before the elections in accordance with the extant laws,” he added.

    Recalled that the APC Chairmanship, Vice Chairmanship and Councilorship Candidates in the 20 Local Governments Councils, 37 Local Council Development Areas and the 377 wards emerged during its primaries on May 10.

  • Musbau Ashafa: APC, Jandor mourn Lagos LG chairman

    Musbau Ashafa: APC, Jandor mourn Lagos LG chairman

    The APC in Lagos State has expressed sadness  over passing of Prince Musbau Ashafa, the Executive Chairman of Oto Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

    Ashafa, who served as  Chairman of the old Ojo Local Government during the military regime of Gen. Sani Abacha, passed away on Friday after a prolonged illness.

    He was serving his second term as council chairman of of Oto Awori LCDA before his death, and was a former APC Chairman in Otto-Awori LCDA.

    The State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, in a statement on Saturday, described Ashafa’s death as painful.

    “The news of your passing, dear Hon. Musbau Ashafa, has left me with a heavy heart. As a fellow party member and brother, your departure is a painful loss, not just for me, but for our entire party.

    “As Chairman of Oto-Awori LCDA, you played a pivotal role in shaping grassroots politics, leaving an indelible mark on our community.

    “Your dedication, passion, and leadership inspired countless individuals, and your legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” Ojelabi said.

    The APC boss said he had the privilege of working alongside Ashafa since his tenure as chairman of Ojo Local Government.

    He added: “Your tireless efforts, unwavering commitment, and selfless service earned you the respect and admiration of us all.

    “Your ability to bring people together, foster unity, and drive development will be deeply missed.

    “It’s particularly tragic that you’ve left us at a time when your expertise and guidance are needed most, with local government elections just weeks away.

    “You would have completed your eight-year tenure soon, and your absence will be felt deeply.

    “As State Party Chairman, I am hit hard by this sudden loss. However, we must submit to the will of God, who knows best.”

    Ojelabi commiserated with late Ashafa’s family, friends, and loved ones and the APC family. He prayed to God to grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

    “May your soul rest in peace, dear Ashafa. Your contributions to our party and community will never be forgotten.

    “May Almighty God comfort your family and grant them the fortitude to navigate this difficult period.

    “May your legacy continue to inspire us, and may your memory remain a blessing to our party and community,” he said.

    Jandor mourns Lagos council chairman, Ashafa

    Meanwhile, Dr Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (Jandor), Visioner, Lagos4Lagos Movement, has described the death of Prince Musbau Ashafa, the Executive Chairman of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area as a big blow.

    Adediran, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a statement on Saturday by his Spokesman, Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye, expressed deep sadness over the news of the passing of Ashafa.

    Ashafa who is the son of Onijanikin of Ijanikin kingdom, Oba Momodu Ashafa, died  on Friday, after a protracted illness.

    Adediran described Ashafa as a dedicated public servant, who gave his all to the development of his community.

    He lauded his commitment to grassroots governance and the welfare of the people of Oto-Awori.

    “The death of Hon. Ashafa is a painful loss, not just to his family and the people of Oto-Awori, but to the entire state.

    “I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Oto-Awori community. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanah Firdaus,” Adediran said.

  • APC’s beautiful policies galvanized defections – Hon. Jonathan

    APC’s beautiful policies galvanized defections – Hon. Jonathan

    Hon. Ukodhiko Jonathan, representing Isoko North and South Federal Constituency of Delta State, has rubbished concerns that Nigeria is sliding into a one-party state under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    Speaking in commemoration of Democracy Day, on Thursday, shortly after President Bola Tinubu Joint sitting with members of the Senate and House of Representatives, Hon. Jonathan attributed the gale of defections to the APC’s progressive reform policies and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “What is happening is that because of the progressive reform policies of the president and the APC government, a lot of people are now seeing the promise land and they see the need to join them,” Hon. Jonathan explained.

    “People like us, we know that the Renewed Hope Agenda is one of the best that have ever happened to the people of Nigeria, and that is why a lot of people are actually defecting and joining the party.”

    Hon. Jonathan emphasized that the decision to join the APC is driven by citizens’ perception of progress, rather than coercion. “It’s not that the president or APC is coercing anybody to join them, people are seeing the progress,” he said.

    He allay fears of One-party state, saying “Nigeria can’t become a one-party state, and from President Tinubu’s address, it shows he is not in favor of a one-party state, and he is not holding the leaders of other parties from doing what they can do to put their house together,”

    He pointed out that the president has not stopped the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from registering new political parties, highlighting the existence of various parties such as the Labor Rights Party (LRP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The lawmaker also commended the working relationship between the legislature and the executive, describing it as crucial for the country’s growth and development.

    “As you can see without being told, you can see that the legislature and the executive, they are working together, and it is very crucial for the growth and development of this country,” Hon. Jonathan said.

    Hon. Jonathan also praised the enduring democratic values of freedom of speech, choice, and lawful liberty in the last 26 years,contrasting them with the restrictive era of military rule. “During the military regime, were you free? Can you say anything? Can you criticize government? The answer is no,” he noted.

    In a bold endorsement of the APC-led administration, Jonathan applauded the government’s “painful but necessary” decisions aimed at moving the country forward. “The APC government is taking a lot of difficult decisions to try to move this country forward… without those decisions, the country cannot move forward,” he said.

  • INTERVIEW: Expect massive change as more defectors are coming to APC before 2027-Jimoh Ibrahim

    INTERVIEW: Expect massive change as more defectors are coming to APC before 2027-Jimoh Ibrahim

    …as you know change is inevitable

    …only a dead man cannot change

    … TInubu cannot build another party

    Aftermath of President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy day address, Senator Ibrahim Jimoh a
    Nigerian lawyer, politician, businessman who is the senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District since 2023, highlighted some of the outcomes of his address and issues surrounding the ruling party All Progressives Congress, APC, nin this interview,excerpts.

    That he will not help them build their own house. Tell me how you feel about that?

    Well, that’s fine. It’s true. He can’t build another party, that will be disloyalty. He cannot leave APC to go and build PDP, that will be disloyalty, he cannot leave APC to go and build SDP, so it’s been fractured, and I think it’s like as usual a liberalist so to even come to say the shortcomings of where the opponents are, I think it’s liberal of him otherwise he could keep quiet and say nothing, and they keep going to some discomfortable zones. He was being realistic and he must be commended for that.

    He also spoke a lot about his economic reforms. Do you think we are in good hands with the President?

    Yeah, I think he talked about investment of money in the infrastructure for security, technology, and that’s what we’re talking about the last time, that look, the security will be powered by technology, not manpower or that, not that we are going to turn away manpower, but we are going to put more money into technology, you know, distillment of technology instruments in stopping insecurity. And I think that is really a good focus. And you remember in the budget last year, he put about 5 trillion on security, and now we are able to achieve 1.8 million barrel a day in OPEC meeting our quota for the first time. I think this is very, very communicable, and GDP has grown from by 3.6% I think these are areas that I think Nigeria will be very happy.

    On the national honours, what do you think about the President’s list?

    Well, it’s very good to have a national honour. I have been honoured twice by two different Presidents. I have an OFR and a CFR. So seeing people coming on that list is quite amazing, and I think it’s a real privilege and honour. And the kind of people that are honoured, they really deserve it.

    There’s a particular one I want to ask, Humphrey Nwosu, you stood against that when the National Assembly or the Senate was asking..

    I think the President is doing exactly what I said should be done at the floor of the Senate. I said, you cannot name INEC after Humphrey Nwosu, the INEC building cannot be named after him but you can give him a national honour. Today what has happened? He gave him a national honour rather than naming the whole and if you name the INEC building after him, what about Jega? What about Yakubu when they finish in the next few months, there will also be agitation from different areas where they come from that they should name this thing after them. So what are you going to name? How many buildings are going to name after them? So give national honour to who deservesit. Humphrey Nwosu deserves a national honour, not the naming of the INEC building and that was why we took that bill into silence.

    And that of Ken Saro Wiwa and Wole Soyinka.

    Ken Saro Wiwa deserves national honour, he fought for this nation. It’s nice that the President gave pardon to some of the areas where people have some shortcoming. I think the President should be commended for this but it is not nothing surprising, because this is how liberals behave. They always like cooperation and collaboration in distilment of democratic peace theory, you know, generally. And I think this is where, Asiwaju probably, you know, making some win among the African leaders.

    We…defection.
    When ID said it that people are coming to APC a year ago and you people said no, it’s not possible. And I will tell you more are still coming.

    So you think the wave is coming.
    Change is inevitable, and it’s the only thing that is permanent. The only thing that’s permanent in human existence is change. Any human being that refuses to change is a dead person. The only person that cannot be changed is a dead man. The living man can still change. And then, of course, you change political system, you change economic decision, you change social decision. You see women even leaving one marriage to another and they get better. Or men leaving one marriage to another and get better. Social decision, religious decision. You can be Muslim today, you can be Christian. Christian can be Muslim. You can be a Catholic, you can become an Anglican. You even change location, you can reside in Abuja and from Abuja to London and London back to Abuja, change is inevitable for those who are living, but for those who are dead regrettable and unfortunately, they cannot change anything not even their corpse.

  • 2027: Why is Senator Omo-Agege playing the ostrich? – By Matthew Kwode

    2027: Why is Senator Omo-Agege playing the ostrich? – By Matthew Kwode

    By Matthew Kwode

    As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, Delta State’s political landscape is now charged with renewed hope and strong optimism for victory of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Delta State.

    The recent defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the entire structure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC has dramatically reshaped the state’s political dynamics, sparking optimism among APC faithful. This seismic shift was widely hailed as a unifying force, with the potential to reinvigorate the party’s fortunes.

    Under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, the APC has made notable gains in grassroots empowerment, positively impacting over 10,000 individuals across Delta’s 270 wards. Initiatives targeting the welfare of more than 8,100 widows further underscore the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.

    These efforts have fostered a spirit of collaboration between long-standing and newly integrated APC members, earning Oborevwori widespread acclaim as a transformative leader. Supporters have expressed gratitude, offering prayers for his continued success alongside that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the coming elections.

    However, despite these strides, internal cracks threaten the cohesion of the APC, with Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, former Deputy Senate President, emerging as a key source of discord.

    To bridge the widening gaps, the party convened a series of unity meetings, culminating in a landmark gathering on June 8, 2025, at the Wetland Hotel in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area. Attended by top leaders and critical stakeholders, the meeting was praised as a major political event in Delta Central, comparable in scale and impact to a presidential rally.

    Yet, the conspicuous absence of Senator Omo-Agege cast a shadow over the occasion. Reports indicate that not only did he deliberately skip the meeting, but he also allegedly instructed his loyalists, including key figures from Ughelli North Constituency 1, Udu, and the Ethiope Federal Constituency, to boycott it. This move has fueled speculation about his motives and raised serious concerns about his commitment to the APC’s collective agenda ahead of 2027.

    Political observers suggest that Omo-Agege’s absence was a calculated act, possibly designed to undermine the APC’s growing momentum in Delta State. A similar pattern was noted during the 2023 elections, when allegations emerged that his faction adopted a “trade-by-barter” strategy, mobilizing support for the Labour Party at the presidential level while backing APC candidates for legislative positions, particularly in the Ethiope Federal Constituency. This dual-track approach, replicated across various LGAs, is believed to have contributed to President Tinubu falling short of the 25% threshold in Delta.

    Omo-Agege’s tendency to prioritize personal ambition over party unity has long drawn criticism. During the APC’s 2023 presidential primaries, he was reportedly opposed to Tinubu’s candidacy, aligning instead with rival aspirants. Critics now warn that he may be reviving similar tactics, potentially jeopardizing the APC’s efforts to secure a decisive victory in 2027. His reluctance to align with Oborevwori, whose leadership has united most party factions, further isolates him within the party structure.

    The APC in Delta State stands at a pivotal crossroads. Internal resistance, particularly from figures like Omo-Agege, risks undermining the party’s hard-earned gains. The leadership must act decisively to reconcile differences and reinforce cohesion. Governor Oborevwori’s strategy, rooted in grassroots engagement, inclusive governance, and coordinated messaging, offers a proven template for consolidation. His defection has injected renewed strength and direction into the party, with the vast majority of members rallying behind his leadership. Only Omo-Agege’s faction remains conspicuously aloof.

    With the sustenance of the momentum generated by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s leadership through stakeholder collaboration and with him as captain of the APC’s ship, the party is surely sailing to victory. No man can stop the APC from overwhelming victory in 2027.

    Therefore, it is in the best interest of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and his tendency to fall in line and work in harmony with others for the victory of the APC in 2027.

  • What Tinubu actually said about welcoming Wike to APC

    What Tinubu actually said about welcoming Wike to APC

    President Bola Tinubu says the All Progressives Congress (APC) is ready to welcome Mr Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), whenever he decides to join the party.

    The President stated this at the commissioning of Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way), connecting Ring Road 1 (Nnamdi Azikiwe Way) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way), along with accompanying interchanges and feeder roads in Maitama District, Abuja, on Wednesday.

    The Wike-led FCT Administration executed the projects, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement.

    Commending Wike for his dedication and collaborative approach to governance, the President said: “He could not achieve this alone without your full cooperation as a team builder and player. You have proved that teamwork is the hallmark of good leadership.”

    Tinubu acknowledged the support of traditional rulers and local communities, especially in ensuring the smooth relocation of residents affected by the development:

    “I commend the Minister for relocating the local communities affected by the development, with peace and good compensation. The government has played its part. I urge you to protect this infrastructure and use it wisely.

    “He’s not a member of my party, not yet. But the day he changes his mind and registers with the Progressives, we will welcome him because we will enjoy him singing as ‘e dey sweet us,” Tinubu said.

    He described the project as more than a stretch of road: “It affirms our commitment to transformation under our Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “What was once a missing link is now a modern, functional, and durable infrastructure, an artery fully realised through the leadership of the FCT Administration under the Honourable Minister, Barrister Wike.”

    He noted that the corridor had remained underdeveloped for years despite being an integral part of the Abuja Master Plan.

    “This road will ease traffic congestion around Central Abuja and improve connectivity to developing districts such as Katampe, Jahi, and Bwari.

    “It will stimulate housing and business growth while serving as a foundation for future city integration,” he added.

    President Tinubu reiterated that infrastructure development was essential to Nigeria’s progress, saying: “Infrastructure is the bedrock of national competitiveness, growth, social integration, and economic opportunity.

    “There is no way industrialisation will flourish without good roads. We invest in roads, rail, power, healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure.

    “We can only unlock Nigeria’s full potential through this coordinated and integrated development. I promise you, we will.”

    Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue delivering results regardless of political distractions.

    “We will continue to build and serve the people, no matter how much the lesser minds pursue their politics,” he said.

    Wike commended the President for restoring public trust in government and boosting contractor confidence, which has led to the accelerated completion of key infrastructure in the FCT.

    “This road was awarded by the administration. It is not one of those projects we inherited,” he said, noting that the Federal Executive Council approved the project in September 2023 and it was flagged off the following month.

    He admitted initially being sceptical about the contractor CGC Nigeria Ltd. until he observed their performance on another project.

    “Companies and contractors are competing among themselves to have jobs awarded to them, and they are ready to mobilise to the site without the government paying them for the initial mobilisation.

    “That is confidence-building, and that’s what you’ve created.

    “No contract awarded by you in the city was abandoned. By the time you do your third anniversary next year, you will see that virtually all the contracts you awarded as the President will have finished, to the glory of God,” he said.

    The minister emphasised the importance of the newly completed road, saying it connected critical judicial and administrative zones.

    “It leads to the judges’ quarters, the Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court, and the Federal Capital Territory, and the judges’ court is almost ready,” he said.

    Wike added that the Tinubu administration’s visible impact had neutralised opposition efforts under the ‘coalition’ movement.

    “Your good works have defeated the coalition. I have instructed my people to ensure that every national television station must hook into the inauguration of projects.

    “They will see what is happening on national television every day on every television channel. They have no choice but to watch Mr President for the next 17 days,” he said.

    Presenting a technical brief, Mr Richard Dauda, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), explained that the completed Arterial Road N16 starts from Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway (Ring Road One) near Transcorp Hilton and extends to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way).

    “The corridor integrates Maitama, Katampe, Utako, Jahi, and surrounding districts, providing critical linkages for residents and commercial users.

    “The scope of work includes the construction of an interchange with two bridges, a flyover with interconnecting loops that link Ring Road One, and a flyover over the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway.

    “The arterial N16 is a six-lane dual carriageway with covered parking lanes, effectively making it an eight-lane road,” he said.

    He added that the 3.7-kilometre road was delivered with complete engineering infrastructure, including underground surface water drainage systems, box and pipe culverts of various sizes, foul sewer and water supply networks, telecommunication ducts and modern street lighting systems.

    “The work has been practically completed and is ready to be used. The completion of this project has provided the much-needed circulation and connection within the city, especially linking the 21 districts of Maitama, Utako, Jahi, and others,” Dauda said.

  • Omo-Agege: Time to move on, APC’s train already left the terminus – By Akpomieme Johnson

    Omo-Agege: Time to move on, APC’s train already left the terminus – By Akpomieme Johnson

    By Akpomieme Johnson

    “A winner listens, a loser just waits until it is their time to talk” – Lazio

    Former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege was a force to reckon with in the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. As number six person in Nigeria, he held sway, not only among his peers in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, but importantly in the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Omo-Agege’s word was not only law, he practically called the shots. And through deft manipulation and strong arm tactics, he was able to wrestle leadership from the duo of Chief O’tega Emehror and Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru, who, hitherto were in charge. He similarly brushed aside a serving Minister of the Federal Republic, Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN.

    Not only did the former DSP take charge, he exploited the enormous power that he wielded to ensure that he emerged the gubernatorial candidate of the APC for Delta State in the 2023 general elections. He was practically on a roller coaster ride in a boisterous display of unchallenged leadership.

    Fast forward to the 2023 governorship election that he failed so woefully. Omo-Agege won only four out of 25 local governments in Delta State. He was roundly defeated by the then candidate of the rival Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, now Governor of the state.

    It is on record that Oborevwori effectively trounced Omo-Agege with over 100,000 votes difference. He also humiliated the former DSP and his cohorts at the courts. The Governor surmounted 38 cases lodged against him by the opposition led by Omo-Agege and other traducers. The climax of the uphill challenge was the landmark decision by the Supreme Court affirming Oborevwori as the duly elected Governor of the state.

    Since the historic victory of the Governor at the polls, his administration has witnessed a wider acceptance among the people. His legacy projects and prudent management of resources, coupled with a principled resolve not to borrow money to run the affairs of the state, has made him a darling of many, far beyond the electorate. He has received accolades outside the state.

    It is therefore no surprise that the Presidency considered Oborevwori a beautiful bride and took definite steps to woo him into the APC family. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saw in the Governor a worthy partner and did not waste time in welcoming him into the progressive camp in Nigeria.

    In return, the immediate past Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and by far the longest to have held such a position, caused a major tsunami when he collapsed the entire political structure in the state into the APC. Oborevwori, his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, members of the House of Representativess, incumbent Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor and members of House, the 25 local government chairmen and their Councillors, and all political appointees defected from the PDP and joined the APC in one day.

    Of course, many have described the defection of Oborevwori as proof of his unwavering admiration and support for President Tinubu’s programmes and policies. It is an undisguised show of respect and solidarity of the Renewed Hope agenda. No wonder, it did not need any rigorous task to transit to Renewed Hope for MORE mantra, a fusion of the APC manifesto and Governor Oborevwori’s agenda.

    However, it remains a sad commentary that Omo-Agege has not come to terms with the reality that his main rival, who also floored him at the polls has become leader of the APC in the state, a position publicly stated by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was in Asaba on April 28, 2025, as representative of Mr President when the tsunami took place.

    The well attended ceremony, attended by APC governors across the country, including chairman of the progressive governors, Senator Hope Uzodinma, national chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje and other bigwigs, saw the confirmation of leadership on Governor Oborevwori. Same position has since been affirmed by the State Exco of the APC led by Elder Omeni Sobotie.

    Even though Omo-Agege joined hands in raising the hands of Governor Oborevwori as leader of the party at the said defection ceremony, it would seem as though the tsunami took him by surprise and did not also go down well with him. The former DSP has tactically withdrawn and absentee himself from subsequent activities of the party. He has also reportedly stayed off all state functions.

    Apparently, he is not at peace with the fact that the Governor has upstaged him as leader of the party. Matters are not helped by Oborevwori’s said rejection of Omo-Agege’s bid to return to the Senate, having failed in 2023 to win the governorship position. In return, he has not hesitated in deploying arsenals or proxies against the Governor and his well articulated programmes.

    The latest tirade against the Governor, was the feeble attempt in casting aspersions on the unity meeting organized by Delta Central Senatorial District of the APC. Omo-Agege was obviously not happy that the ceremony was successful and attended by top politicians across all spectrum of the zone.

    And like a sour loser, that he has become, the Orogun, Ughelli North party chieftain has deployed surrogates to question the unanimous resolution of those who attended the meeting. He has also sought, albeit unsuccessfully, to put a wedge between the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN and the incumbent senator for the district, Senator Ede Dafinone. It is definitely a clear case of crying more than the bereaved or  seeking to be more Catholic than the Pope.

    Highlights of the unity meeting included the endorsement of Tinubu and Oborevwori as sole candidates for the 2027 presidential and governorship elections respectfully. Leadership of the senatorial district was also conferred on Keyamo. No dissenting voices were heard on that occasion.

    The adoption of Tinubu and Oborevwori of agreement by was the culmination of agreement by political gladiators and party faithful from the Federal, State and Local Government Levels who reaffirmed their support for the President and Governor.

    Rt. Hon. Francis Waive, representing Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency, who moved the motion for the adoption of  President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori, praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms and Governor Oborevwori’s astute leadership and performance. The motion was seconded by a former member of House of Representatives, Hon. Halims Agoda.

    Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central, put the motion to a voice vote, which was unanimously adopted, showcasing the party’s strong backing for President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori.

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo, in his remarks, noted that the meeting was aimed at strengthening the bond of unity among party leaders and faithful, describing President Tinubu as the most astute economic manager of the nation’s resources.

    Keyamo highlighted the synergy between the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu and the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori, stating that their partnership was for the common good of the people. He added that in the anals of the history of the State, the political class were for once, united and speaking with one voice.

    He said; “when a few us in the leadership put together the idea that we need to solidify the base of our Governor, take note this meeting is is not just an ordinary meeting we knew it would be a resounding success. This is “Ukodo” base. No other senatorial district should have taken this initiative away from us.

    “Since 1999, there has been no time that the Urhobo nation; Delta Central has been so united than today. And since 1999 we have not delivered 100% in Delta State to one party and I want to bet with everything I have that for the first time, Delta State will return APC 100%”.

    State Chairman of the APC, Elder Sobotie who highlighted the significance of the meeting tagged “All Progressive Congress, Delta Central Unity Meeting”, appreciated supporters for their commitment and commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Keyamo for their leadership in fostering unity within the party.

    Chairman of the party in Delta Central Senatorial District, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, noted that the State was witnessing a new dawn under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership and commended him for joining the APC. Chief Akpeki said; “The decision has reshaped the political landscape of Delta State”.

    Other notable speakers, including the 2015 APC gubernatorial candidate, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Executive Director, NEXIM Bank, Chief Stella Okotete, Chief Adviser to the Delta State Governor, Senator Ighoyota Amori, and Chairman Ughelli North Local Government, Chief Jaro Egbo, reaffirmed their commitment to unity and pledged to work together for the party’s success in the 2027 elections.

    Sadly, it would seem that the outcome of that landmark meeting did not go down well with Omo-Agege who was conspicuously absent. It was obvious that he was not missed by the throng of leadership that converged in Ughelli North, his supposed home base for the epoch ceremony.

    Allies of the erstwhile DSP have continued to query Oborevwori’s claim to the leadership of the party in the state. They have also openly lampooned Keyamo for allegedly also claiming to be leader of the APC in Delta Central. “How could the Minister claim leadership, when Dafinone, the substantive Senator representing the area has not left the party,” they asked.

    Last we checked, Senator Dafinone who was physically present at the meeting and presided over the motions moved did not object to the decisions reached. Neither has he flayed any reference to the minister as leader. How come it is the Omo-Agege camp that raising dust about the resolutions of the meeting? Is it not a case soured grapes?

    It is about time Omo-Agege comes to grips with the reality that he has lost our in the power game in Delta Central and the entire state. He cannot muster up to half of the votes garnered in Ughelli North in 2023. At best, he may get sprinkle votes in Orogun, his village in 2027. It’s about time he wakes up from a fools dream.

    But, Senator is at liberty to hope against hope, even though in this case, it will only end up a pipe dream. As noted by the philosopher, Lazio, winners listen to profound declarations, while noting that losers wait until the end to voice out their frustrations. It is understandable if the former DSP decides to cry following the avalanche of endorsements for Tinubu and Oborevwori for 2027 general elections. It is what all losers must do.

     

    Akpomieme is a rabid APC analyst based in Agbarho, Ughelli North

  • Delta Central APC: Bond of unity confounds enemies within – By Matthew Odiete

    Delta Central APC: Bond of unity confounds enemies within – By Matthew Odiete

    By Matthew Odiete

    The mega unity meeting of the Delta Central APC held on June 8 in Ughelli was not only hugely successful but has sent a strong signal of the strong bond and resolve of the leaders and faithful, old and new, to keep together.

    The assemblage had Olorogun Otega Emerhor, a founding father of the party, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus keyamo SAN, the Distinguished Senator representing Delta Central, Ede Dafinone, Ughelli/ Udu Reps member, Rev Ejiroghene Waive, Delta State APC Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, the Senatorial District APC Chairman, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, and the Chief Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Chief lghoyota Amori.

    Others are Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Arthur Akpowowo, Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Hon Solomon lghrakpata, NEXIM Bank Executive Director, Chief Stella Okotete, members of the state executive council from the district, the eight local government Chairmen from the area, Chairmen and heads of various boards and parastatals, and various political appointees.

    The event which culminated in the endorsement of the continued leadership and governance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has brought sleepless nights to the enemies within, and it is no surprise that they have begun, as in their character, to concoct disaffection in a failed bid to inject bad blood within the ranks of the party.

    A recent attempt was the contortion of a false narrative that the person and office of Distinguished Senator Ede Dafinone were disregarded and undermined at the converge.

    Interestingly, as widely reported by leading national news platforms, Dafinone was not only accorded his rightful place, he was visibly at the centre and command of the proceedings.

    The reports were clear that it was Senator Dafinone who presided over the motion that headlined the meeting, the affirmation of support of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori, as moved by Rt. Hon Francis Waive, representing Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, and seconded by Halims Agoda, a former member of the House of Representatives.

    What more is there to add? Obviously, the false report about the treatment of Senator Dafinone was calculated to cause division, but it falls flat in the face of indubitable facts.

    Curiously, even in their shameless and failed disguise, the authors of the falsehood also sought to pursue political capital from their ignoble act by contriving to drag Governor Oborevwori into their falsehood.

    According to Oasis Magazine, “furious supporters of the 2023 APC governorship candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, lashed out, accusing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of clandestinely working to dismantle the party’s structures in the region.”

    They tried to soil the moment by also falsely stating that “the unity meeting was a well orchestrated betrayal to weaken APC’s grip and prepare the grounds for PDP dominance.”

    It is needless to state that those words are as empty as they are unfounded. At best, they amplify the definition of stupidity, a lack of intelligence, good reasoning, understanding, and inability to learn.

    Everyone knows that Governor Oborevwori has long left the PDP and now leads the APC, which he is currently rebuilding unto higher grounds, the Delta Central APC meeting being one of the many effective initiatives.

    The irony, on the other hand, is that Omo-Agege failed to attend such an important meeting of the district aimed at strengthening the bonds of the party, yet his supporters are being quoted as championing falsehood about it.

    Perhaps only him can tell why they have chosen this path of dishonour.

    Odiete writes from Ughelli, Delta State

  • We will win 2026 Ekiti governorship election – APC Chairman

    We will win 2026 Ekiti governorship election – APC Chairman

    The acting Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti, Mr Sola Elesin, says the party has begun aggressive mobilisation and is taking strategic actions to ensure victory in the 2026 governorship election.

    Elesin stated this on Tuesday at a political meeting held in Ado-Ekiti.

    He said that the party’s quick action came on the heels of the release of the time-table for the off-season governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Elesin said that the efforts were targetted at ramping up awareness on the governorship time table released by INEC so that members could begin aggressive mobilisation in their respective domains.

    He expressed confidence that the party would work hard to ensure victory in the forthcoming governorship poll.

    “We invited the women leaders from the three senatorial districts and the 16 local government areas to officially inform them that INEC had released the Ekiti governorship time table, knowing that women are great mobilisers.

    “What we are doing is a prelude to the readiness for political campaign when INEC finally lifts the ban.

    “The election time-table is out. We need to keep our people abreast of the happenings so that we can effectively  mobilise our supporters ahead of the election,” he said.

    On how the party is going to win the governorship election, Elesin said: “Go and do your independent findings, you will see things for yourself.

    “It is something that is visible and you can see who is going to win the election. Our party is firmly on ground and highly acceptable to the populace,” he said.

    The acting chairman said that the governorship primary that was gradually becoming a fait accompli on account of the series of endorsements accorded Gov. Biodun Oyebanji shouldn’t generate any anxiety.

    “Primary is an internal affairs of a political party. You can see the series of endorsements that Oyebanji had received from the three senatorial districts and other interest groups.

    “These won’t create any crisis. When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it,” he said.

    INEC had  recently announced that the governorship elections in Ekiti would hold on the state on Aug. 8, 2026.

  • Massive defection hits Lagos PDP as leaders decamp to APC

    Massive defection hits Lagos PDP as leaders decamp to APC

    Spokesman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Alhaji Hakeem Amode, has dumped the main opposition party in the state for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Amode, along with other PDP chieftains, announced his defection at a news conference on Monday in Ikeja, the State capital.

    Speaking, Amode said he and other defectors were motivated and inspired by the visionary leadership of the 2023 State PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), who had earlier moved to APC.

    “It is with great honour and a profound sense of responsibility that we stand before you today to announce a pivotal decision; one that marks a significant turning point not just for us as individuals, but for many committed political stakeholders who have journeyed with us over the years.

    “Today, we have decided to collapse the entire PDP structure in Lagos State, from ward to the state level to allign with His Excellency Jandor to decamp en masse to the APC.

    “The PDP, both at the national and state level, has lost its way. The party has deviated from the founding ideals that once made it the largest and most respected political platform in Africa.

    “Today, its future is riddled with tension and uncertainty.The PDP is in a coma and may not survive unless urgent measures are taken,” Amode said.

    According to him, the tenure of the defectors within the PDP had been lengthy and eventful, characterised by both achievements and setbacks.

    He said that majority of the defectors  had the privilege of serving PDP in various capacities, worked for  change and did their best  for their former party

    He said: “However, after thorough introspection and extensive consultation, we believe it is time to chart a new course.

    “This decision has not been made lightly. It  reflects our commitment to taking control of our political destinies in order to better serve our people and the loyal supporters who continue to stand by us.”

    Amode said that PDP in Lagos, under the leadership of Mr Philip Aivoji, had been fractured and disunited.

    “Poor leadership and a lack of cohesion have cost us dearly. Today, we, alongside several former PDP candidates at various levels, national, local government executives, ward leaders, and key stakeholders across Lagos, formally resign from the PDP and align ourselves with the APC.

    “We have submitted our letters of resignation to our respective ward chairmen, local government chairmen, and the state leadership of the PDP.”

    Amode ,who noted that the decision to leave PDP was no  driven by personal ambition,said  defecting to APC was to serve the society better.

    “We are determined to work with our new partners in the APC to deliver the true dividends of democracy to every corner of our great state.

    Speaking, Alhaja Safurat Abdulkareem, a two-time State PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, said that the defectors were determined to follow the progressives to make the state better.

    Also speaking, a former  State PDP Deputy Chairman, Chief Ola Apena, said PDP had no relevance in the state anymore.

    “PDP is dead. There is no more PDP. The party is in complete limbo and we don’t know whether it will  be  up,”he said.

    Speaking on behalf of  2023 PDP  State House of Assembly Candidates, Mr Ibrahim Balogun, who flew the party’s flag in Kosofe, said he wasted time by staying in PDP for 18 years.

    “We will work for Tinubu in 2027. We are going en masse into APC. Jandor is a visionary leader to follow because he is a man of the people,” Balogun said.

    Speaking , Adediran, who congratulated the defectors, said, ” We have successfully collapsed the entire structure of the PDP into APC now.

    “There is no point in belonging into a political party that has no determination and purpose of winning elections. PDP is a social club, not interested in winning.

    “Lagos State PDP leadership is ensure that the party does not win and the party had been doing this for over two decades now, wasting people’s destiny.

    “I congratulate these PDP leaders for joining me in APC. PDP is a sinking ship. In Nigeria of today, there is no other viable platform apart from APC,” Adediran said.

    Other PDP leaders, who dumped the party for APC included Prince Rufus Adeniyi, a former PDP Assistant State Organising Secretary (Lagos West) and Mr Jerry Afemikhe (Olori Odo), a former PDP House of Representatives Candidate in Surulere Constituency I.

    Some 2023 PDP Lagos State House of Assembly candidates who dumped the party included Messrs Keshinro Abiodun (Epe 1);Akeem Jinadu, (Eti-Osa 1); Ibrahim Balogun (Kosofe 2).

    Messrs Taofeek Obanikoro (Lagos Island 1); Tunde Pratt (Lagos Mainland 2); Saheed Aregbesola (Oshodi-Isolo State 2), Sulaimon Thompson (Surulere 1)and  Taofeek Kuye ( Ajeromi-Ifelodun State 1) also dumped PDP for APC.

    Mr Adeyemi Kazeem:former PDP Chairman, Ojo Local Government;Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye,media aide to  the 2023 Lagos PDP Governorship Candidate were also among those who defected.