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  • Borno Assembly passes vote of confidence on Tinubu, Shettima

    Borno Assembly passes vote of confidence on Tinubu, Shettima

    The Borno State House of Assembly (BOSHA) presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan on Thursday passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima, on the presidential ‘Renewed Hope’ initiative aimed at tackling security challenges in parts of the North East and the country as a whole.

    The House equally gave its unwavering support and stood firmly behind Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on his 10-point agenda, which focused on restoring peace, stability and resentment of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.

    This also raised the alarm over the renewed Boko Haram attacks on several communities, urging the government at all levels and the military to be proactive in addressing it.

    These were disclosed after Thursday’s plenary and Notice of Motion sponsored by the member representing Marte Constituency, Hon. Engr. Mohammed Gambomi Marte, on ‘The Need To Address The Resurgence of Boko Haram Terrorists and Islamic State In West Africa Province (ISWAP)” in some parts of Borno and its environs.

    The Motion, which was co-sponsored by other honorable members, received a unanimous endorsement on the floor of the house after deliberations, during which ten (10) resolutions were reached.

    Earlier, according to Hon. Marte, “the alarming rate of the resurgence of terrorism orchestrated by Boko Haram/ISWAP after enjoying relative peace in the last two to three years calls for serious concern, as Guzamala and Abadam local government areas remained under Boko Haram control with no civil authority in any of its communities.

    “Likewise, some parts of Monguno, Hawul, Biu, Bama, Gwoza, Damboa Chibok, Kala Balge, Mafa, Dikwa, Kukawa, Ngala, Dikwa, Askira- Uba and Marte local government areas among others remained frequently hit places by terrorists in recent times.” He lamented.

    Also contributing, members representing Hawul, Dikwa, Damboa, Biu, and Nganzai local government areas, Mohammed Kwajaffa, Mohammed Zakariya, Wakil Korede, Yakubu Kimba, Mohammed Ali Gajiram and two other co-sponsors, argued that Borno people and the entire North East region had witnessed relative peace; unfortunately, the resurgence of activities of terrorists in Wulgo, Damboa, Sabon Gari, Wajiroko, Izge, Ngoshe, Tarfa, Ngohi, Kautikari, Damasak among other communities have dashed out the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, as unspecified number of troops and civilians were killed and injured in the renewed onslaught.

    Reading out the 10 Resolutions, Speaker Lawan said: “As you are aware, the Borno State Government recently voiced alarm over the increasing attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP in the state, similarly the Federal.

    The government acknowledged the challenges posed by these insurgent activities. The president condemned the act as a desperate move by terrorists facing mounting pressure.

    “In light of these developments, the Borno State House of Assembly has expressed its vote of confidence in President Bola.

    Ahmed Tinubu (Grand Commander of the Federal Republic) and the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima (Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger) administration on the presidential

    ‘renewed hope’ initiative aimed at tackling security challenges in the country.

    “Equally, the Borno State House of Assembly gave its unwavering support and stood firmly behind Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, FNSE, the Governor of Borno State, on his 10-

    Point agenda focused on restoring peace, stability and resettlement in the state and repose 100% confidence in him and

    His administration in restoring Borno’s lost glory as a home of peace.

    “We also passed a vote of confidence on the military and other security agencies, including our Civilian Joint Tasks Force, local hunters and vigilantes, for their sacrifices.

    “These collaborative efforts between the state and the federal authorities underscore unified commitment to addressing the Security challenges in Borno State and the broader North East region.

    “This Honorable House, therefore, resolved as follows:-

    1. Called on the Executive to initiate a comprehensive review of our security frameworks and allocate adequate resources to bolster local security architecture and the need to adapt social intervention programs that address youth unemployment, social inequality, and the underlying grievances that often fuel unrest.

    “2. Called on the Federal Government to urgently deploy additional security forces and equipment to affected areas and ensure improved coordination among all branches of the security forces.

    “3. Called on the executive to increase funding and logistical support for the security architecture within the affected regions to rebuild public confidence and restore normalcy.

    “4. Encourage strategic intelligence-sharing, border surveillance, and regional cooperation among the countries.

    That bordered our states to contain the spread and influence of these terrorist groups.

    “5. Called on the relevant security agencies to intensify their

    Operations improve intelligence gathering and enhance community policing efforts.

    “6. Called on the Federal Government to urgently establish a Brigade (or Regiment) Command for a Large operational unit with combined arms capabilities at Guzamala LGA, which does not have any military formation at the moment to enable return.of displaced Persons within Guzamala and

    Abadam LGAs”. Rt. Hon. Lawan said.

    He continued, adding, “7. The House called on individuals and communities to encourage and adopt Community policing.

    “8. Called on our traditional and religious leaders to intensify prayers.

    “9. Urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

    Other humanitarian bodies should immediately provide relief materials and establish temporary shelter and medical aid for displaced persons.

    “Finally 10. The Honourable House called on the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate and reconstruct all Federal road network linking LGAs in Borno State and other States in the North East sub-region”. The Speaker concluded.

  • Reps reschedule interactive session with Rivers State Sole Administrator

    Reps reschedule interactive session with Rivers State Sole Administrator

    The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight has rescheduled its interactive session with the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), earlier slated for Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM.

    The postponement followed a formal request from Vice Admiral Ibas to shift the meeting to a later date.

    Recall that the committee had initially invited the Sole Administrator to appear for a comprehensive engagement regarding developments in Rivers State.

    In a statement issued by House Spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi, the committee acknowledged the request and is currently working to coordinate a new date for the session.

    “In the spirit of transparent and effective oversight, the committee will promptly inform the public once the rescheduled date is confirmed,” the statement said.

  • 2027: Northern group pledges 2m votes for Tinubu

    2027: Northern group pledges 2m votes for Tinubu

    The Northern Nigeria Youths Union (NNYU), has promised to garner over two million votes for President Bola Tinubu during the 2027 General Elections.

    The Chairman of the union, Abubakar Aliyu, discussed this on Wednesday shortly after the conclusion of a major meeting held in Jos, Plateau.

    “We are speaking after the conclusion of a large gathering of young men and women who have committed themselves to contributing to the journey of Tinubu.

    “This is after seeing how he is implementing a myriad of developmental projects across the country, especially in the Northern parts of Nigeria,” Aliyu said in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna.

    The chairman, who is also the Galadiman Takai, cited Tinubu’s recent inauguration of the construction of the Abuja to Kaduna to Kano Highway.

    Aliyu said, “This is a road that has three lanes on each side, which will attract more developments to the North and the entire country.”

    He also referenced the phenomenal decline in the prices of food stuffs during just-concluded Ramadan’ fast, averring, “everyone glaringly witnessed this feat.

    “The prices of various goods had also nosedived and even the price of fuel had reduced significantly.

    “We in our organisation, the Northern Nigeria Youth Union, assure the president that when the election comes, we will give him more than two million votes.”

    Aliyu stated that the union had registered members, Muslims and Christians, all volunteers in each of the 19 Northern states.

    He added, “It is is not that we were given money from somewhere, we are just volunteers with patriotism.

    “Considering our large membership, when the elections are held, we will also attract the attention of many people to cast their votes for Tinubu.

    ” Therefore, with a large membership of over 65,000 people, and the efforts we will make to get people with voter’s cards, will ensure that we generate the votes for Tinubu.

    “This is a guarantee that this will indeed be done.”

    The chairman, however, called on Tinubu to ensure that all his political appointees were closely monitored.

    “This call becomes necessary so that the people could be properly cared for as per the constitutional provisions,”Aliyu explained.

  • Buhari’s men pass confidence vote on Tinubu

    Buhari’s men pass confidence vote on Tinubu

    ABUJA: Against reports of discontent among members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change CPC, one of the legacy parties which formed the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, leaders of the bloc have passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu.

    The CPC bloc had former President Muhammadu Buhari as its leader before the merger to form the APC.
    Since the defection of one of its members and a former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai to Social Democratic Party, SDP, there had been concerns that the CPC bloc in the APC was feeling marginalized and planning to ditch the ruling party.

    The bloc in a resolution, yesterday, said: “Recent misleading narratives suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders are baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded.

    “We remain a vital part of the APC, fully committed to its leadership and vision.”

    Those who signed the resolutions include a former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Al-Makura, former Governor of Katsina State and ex-House Speaker, Aminu Masari, Mallam Adamu Adamu, Senator Ibrahim Musa, Senator Mustafa Salihu, Farouk Aliyu, Almajiri Geidam, Waziri Bulama, Dr. Nasiru Argungu and Dr. Dominic Alancha.

    Others were Ayuba Balami, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, Lucy Ajayi, Captain Bala Jibrin, Uche Ufearoh, Alh. Yusuf Salihu, Abubakar Maikudi, Engr. Mutallib Badmus, Alh. Muhammed Datti, Muhammed Etsu, Chief Jerry Johnson and Alh. Alkali Ajikolo.

    Part of the resolutions read: “We, the undersigned leaders and dedicated members of the former CPC, instrumental in the historic merger that birthed the APC, issue this statement to reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to our great party and express our strong solidarity with the administration of President Tinubu.

    “Recent misleading narratives suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders are baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded. We remain a vital part of the APC, fully committed to its leadership and vision.

    “We categorically state that we have neither left the APC nor do we intend to leave. The CPC bloc remains one of the APC’s foundational pillars, and we are resolute in our commitment to the party and its progressive ideals.

    “As a legacy party within the APC, we take pride in the sacrifices made to build a platform that fosters national unity, justice, and development. We will not allow individuals to dismantle the party we helped build through years of tireless dedication.

    “Attempts to sow disunity within the party and the country do not reflect the will or position of genuine CPC core members and are wholly unacceptable.

    “We fully endorse the economic and governance reforms led by President Tinubu. While these policies may present challenges, they are crucial steps toward rebuilding our economy and securing a prosperous future for all Nigerians. We urge patience and collective support as their benefits unfold.

    “We acknowledge that some members may feel sidelined, but such concerns are not unique to any one bloc. We encourage those affected to seek redress through established constitutional channels within the party, rather than resorting to negative public agitation or hasty exits.

    “At this pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, all APC members, especially those deeply rooted in the party’s formation, must work together to preserve its legacy and consolidate Nigeria’s democracy. Actions that undermine our unity and national stability must be avoided.

    “We urge APC leadership to increase engagement with members at all levels. Strengthening internal communication will foster inclusiveness, reduce tensions, and enhance support for the party’s programs. Party unity must be continuously nurtured to sustain past gains and secure a prosperous future.

    “We therefore reaffirm our loyalty to the APC and our steadfast support for President Tinubu. The CPC family remains a crucial pillar of the APC and will continue to play a responsible role in its growth and in Nigeria’s progress.”

  • 2027: Atiku’s coalition, PDP govs clash over fronting for Tinubu

    2027: Atiku’s coalition, PDP govs clash over fronting for Tinubu

    ABUJA—THE decision of the governors, elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, not to be part of the planned coalition did not go down well with the organisers as the anti-Tinubu coalition, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, accused the PDP governors of playing the spoiler for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

    The anti-Tinubu coalition also accused the PDP governors of usurping the powers of other organs of the PDP and killing the opposition.

    This came on a day the former Vice President noted that the coalition of opposition forces, he is championing, would adopt any platform that ensures good governance in its bid to unseat the President in 2027.

    Recall that the PDP Governors’ Forum, at its meeting on April 14, resolved that it would not be part of any coalition with opposition political parties, politicians and other groups.

    PDP Govs killing opposition — Atiku’s coalition

    Reacting to the PDP governors’ position, spokesman of the coalition, Salihu Moh. Lukman said the coalition is a viable option to not only defeat the All Progressives Congress, APC, and President Tinubu but also to rescue Nigeria’s democracy from imminent collapse.

    Lukman, in the statement, said: “For more than 10 years that the PDP had been out of power, Nigerians had waited for the party to dust itself up and provide the viable opposition that Nigeria needs. Instead, the party went into suspended animation until the rampaging Tinubu-led APC found a willing undertaker to finally put it to rest. The governors know that the virus that afflicts the PDP has no cure. They are only grandstanding. They know that Nigerians cannot accept this PDP as the alternative because it is clear to all discerning Nigerians that the ruling party has hijacked its soul.

    “Nyesom Wike is the untouchable super minister in Asiwaju’s government not because of the sterling job he is doing in the FCT, but because he has done a great job of ensuring that the PDP is not able to present a presidential candidate to challenge Tinubu for power in 2027.

    “However, with the growing coalition, that mandate has been adjusted in recent weeks. The new agenda is to revive the PDP to stand as a counterforce to the coalition and present a candidate that would split the vote in 2027. This PDP Governors’ Forum is wittingly or unwittingly, playing Asiwaju’s spoiler game and they expect Nigerians to take them seriously.”

    Lukman insisted that rescuing Nigeria’s democracy, which is about rebuilding trust between citizens and politicians, is the main objective of the coalition.

    According to him, the coalition has also become necessary if the integrity of political institutions, especially political parties in upholding and promoting political competition in the country is to be restored.

    He said nothing represents the sad reality of the destruction of Nigeria’s democracy than the party that ruled Nigeria for 16 years and arrogantly boasted of ruling for 60 years, the PDP.

    He said: “The mere fact that the NEC meeting of the party has not been held for two years and no Nigerian can confidently tell who is really in charge of the party is evidence of this collapse. This should be the concern of leaders of the party, including its Governors.

    “Unfortunately, all we have seen of the PDP Governors is the flagrant usurpation of the powers assigned to the organs of the party. This is wrong. It is also a clear demonstration that if left alone, the PDP Governors will only continue the path of destroying democratic institutions in the country.

    “As it is, all patriotic Nigerians who are committed to rescuing Nigerian democracy should recognize that the challenge facing us as a nation is beyond the romantic affiliation to so-called political parties such as the PDP, with many of its leaders operating as Trojan horses to the APC and President Tinubu’s government. It makes no sense to invest energy and resources in a party whose leaders are either appointees of the APC Government or undercover supporters. Otherwise, how can anyone justify the way PDP and its leaders are mismanaging themselves and practically putting themselves on the path of self-destruction and political irrelevance?

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the coalition is fundamentally about rebuilding Nigerian democracy. Leaders of the coalition recognize this and more importantly, recognise all the challenges ahead. Resolving these challenges and building the confidence of Nigerians is about restoring the value of political negotiations as critical and fundamental to guaranteeing the survival of democracy. Over the years, both the PDP and APC have demonstrated contempt for political negotiations and to that extent disrespected agreements in various ways.

    “The survival of Nigeria and the future of democracy largely depends on how political actors seek to reverse this ugly reality. This is what leaders of the coalition have been painstakingly working on. The coalition is working hard to finalise negotiations towards unveiling the coalition, along with its structure, and programme of action for rescuing Nigeria. The expectation is that all political actors, including leaders of PDP would recognise the danger facing the country and join the coalition as a necessary and perhaps strongest response towards rebuilding Nigerian democracy.

    “This has not happened. However, even as the PDP Governors and some leaders of PDP express opposition to joining the coalition, we extend hands of fellowship to all political actors in the country to join us to rescue Nigerian democracy.”

    We’ll ride any vehicle that guarantees good governance—Ex-VP

    Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed that the coalition of opposition forces he is championing would adopt any platform that ensures good governance in its bid to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

    Atiku made the declaration on Tuesday during a meeting with a delegation of National Opinion Leaders.

    In a video of the meeting shared on his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, he assured that the “coalition train has left the station and would have multiple stops to bring on board Nigerians of all shades.”

    Reacting to the PDP Governors’ Forum’s position on any planned coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections, Atiku said the coalition train had left the station.

    While addressing the youth-dominated delegation of National Opinion Leaders, the former VP urged them to remain focused and not be swayed by short-term inducements.

    His words: “Don’t be disrupted by people giving you pennies or kobos here and there, and nairas here and there, and then abandon your future, and the future of your children.

    “Now, because of that, that’s why a number of us leaders from the parties I have mentioned—APC, PDP, Labour, and others—have come together to say we are going to have what I call in Hausa Sabuwar tafiya, which in English means a new path, a new pathway to a new Nigeria.

    “And we have been meeting, and by the grace of God, very soon, we will announce, and we hope and we appeal to you all to be part of this movement.”

    The former Vice President said the primary objective of the coalition was to ensure good governance.

    He said: “Whatever vehicle that will give us good governance in the future of our children and grandchildren that is the vehicle we are going to ride on.”

    While he urged the delegation to start planning and mobilising support, he said: “Get to planning and working together and getting as many Nigerians as possible to get converted to this new pathway.”

    They’re delusional— PDP govs

    Reacting to the allegations of acting as spoilers for the President, the PDP governors described the coalition as being delusional.

    Speaking on behalf of the forum, Director-General of the PDPGF, Dr Agbo Emmaneul said: “The PDP governors cannot dignify such over the bloated image of some self-delusional characters with unbridled sense or entitlement with any response.”

  • INEC Chairman, Yakubu, urges youth to champion peaceful elections

    INEC Chairman, Yakubu, urges youth to champion peaceful elections

    ABUJA: Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has asked African youths to lead the charge in promoting peaceful and credible elections across the continent.

    Yakubu spoke on Tuesday while delivering a lecture on “Democracy and Peaceful Elections in West Africa” to students of International Affairs and Diplomacy and those of Peace and Conflict Studies at the Civil Service University in the Republic of The Gambia.

    The INEC Chairman who was a guest of the University, also urged the youths to actively engage in the electoral process with a positive mindset, shun electoral malpractices, and uphold democratic values.

    Highlighting the indispensable role of young people in the electoral processes, the INEC Chairman noted that elections in Africa cannot succeed without youth participation.

    He said; “Young people form the backbone of election duty staff,” he said, pointing out that Election Management Bodies EMBs lack the manpower to conduct elections without recruiting youths as temporary or ad hoc staff.

    “Beyond logistics and staffing, he emphasized that youths also make up the largest segment of the voting population. His words: “Before the elections, they are involved in voter registration, one of the most critical stages of the electoral cycle. It is a duty that must be undertaken with sincerity, patriotism, and a sense of responsibility.”

    Yakubu further urged the youths to be upright and law-abiding, saying; “If you want peaceful elections, play your part for God and country. Do the right thing. Obey the laws and regulations. That’s how we make every vote count.”

    He also drew attention to the role of youths as political party agents, cautioning against misrepresenting facts or feeding political stakeholders with false information which, he warned, could trigger violence and undermine public trust in the process.

    Turning to the influence of digital media, Prof. Yakubu warned against the spread of fake news, particularly during election periods. “Don’t be among the fake news merchants. If it’s not verified, don’t share it. As citizen reporters, you have a duty to report elections truthfully and responsibly,” he said.

    He encouraged young people not to lose faith in democracy or withdraw from civic engagement.

    “This is the system we have chosen. It is ours to nurture, defend, and improve. Every young African must play a role in deepening and strengthening democratic institutions”, he stated.

  • No apology from Fubara yet – Wike replies Tompolo

    No apology from Fubara yet – Wike replies Tompolo

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has rejected calls for reconciliation from former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, stating that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has not approached him for forgiveness.

    In a statement issued by Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, the minister made it clear that forgiveness requires an acknowledgment of wrongdoing and a direct plea for pardon, neither of which Fubara has made.

    Tompolo had earlier called for Wike to temper his anger and reconcile with Fubara for the sake of peace in Rivers State. The Niger Delta leader said, “And just like I will not accept rebellion from my son, I will also not cause more problems. Wike is angry, but he has to bring his temper down for the good of all. We will have a dialogue and resolve all lingering issues, and again Fubara will return to his seat.”

    When asked about Tompolo’s appeal, Wike’s camp responded with scepticism.

    “There is no offence. It is when somebody has offended you personally that you are talking about the person seeking forgiveness or whatever. As Christians, let’s now assume that Fubara has offended the minister, do you forgive someone who has not come to you to seek forgiveness?

    “The person who has wronged you must first agree that in his mind he has wronged you. Let’s assume that Fubara has offended the minister, has he come to seek forgiveness? I’m not saying there is an offence and there should be forgiveness, but he has not even come for forgiveness.”

    Olayinka explained that Wike’s concerns were rooted in governance principles, rather than being of a personal nature.

    “The minister has never said that Fubara offended him personally. He only said that Fubara should govern in accordance with the rule of law and that Fubara should not throw away those who risked their lives and resources—and that is not too much to ask. He said, ‘Those who worked to make you governor, don’t throw them away like that’. So, that is not about forgiveness. If there is one person Fubara would say he has offended, it should be the president.

    “He is the one to go for soul-searching because throughout the time he was working with this same Wike, throughout the time Wike was facing the bullet for him, Wike was not a bad person then. So, at what point did Wike become a bad person to him? He should ask himself. When did Wike become somebody that Fubara would be so bold as to tell him that he would deal with him? At what point?”

    Concluding with a proverb, Olayinka said, “It’s like asking a doctor to prescribe medicine for a sick person, but not convincing the sick person to take it. What’s the result?”

  • Court nullifies Obasa’s removal as Lagos Assembly Speaker

    Court nullifies Obasa’s removal as Lagos Assembly Speaker

    Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court has declared the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly illegal and unconstitutional.

    Delivering judgment on Wednesday, the court nullified the proceedings and resolutions of the Assembly held on January 13, 2025, during which Obasa was ousted from office.

    Obasa had filed a suit challenging his removal, naming the House of Assembly and the newly appointed Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, as defendants. The suit, filed on February 12, 2025, through his counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), argued that his removal was carried out while the Assembly was on recess and he was outside the country.

    He contended that the sitting during which he was removed was unlawfully convened, lacking proper authority or any formal delegation of power from the Speaker’s office.

    Obasa’s legal challenge was anchored on nine grounds, relying on provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Rules and Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    The court’s ruling effectively reinstates Obasa as Speaker and renders null all decisions taken during the contested session.

  • Atiku, others’ coalition talk is joint venture bound to fail – Ganduje

    Atiku, others’ coalition talk is joint venture bound to fail – Ganduje

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has dismissed speculation over a potential opposition alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling it a “joint venture” bound to fail.

    Ganduje made the remarks on Friday during a press briefing after leading members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) on a Sallah visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Kaduna State.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar earlier on the same day met with Buhari. Among those who accompanied Atiku on the visit were former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Minister of Communications Isa Pantami and also former governors Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa) and Achike Udenwa (Imo).

    While Atiku confirmed there is an ongoing effort to form a strong opposition bloc, he clarified that the visit to Buhari was not related to those plans.

    Asked about the recent wave of consultations among key opposition leaders— most notably Atiku —Ganduje expressed confidence in the ruling party’s dominance.

    “We are not worried at all,” he said. “This is just history trying to repeat itself. They went on a joint venture, which will not work because from what we have seen, there are just some particles that cannot come together. It is a game, and we will not reveal our technicalities on how to handle it, but we assure you, we are equal to the task.”

    Ganduje boasted of the APC’s control of 21 states and described it as “still the strongest party in West Africa.” He added that the party is focused not only on maintaining power but also on expanding its reach before the next elections.

    “We are eyeing other states that will come into our fold. Either the governors themselves will come, or we go for election and defeat them to increase our tally. We are comfortable, but we are not resting. We shall continue,” he stated.

  • Lagos LG election: IPAC faults LASIEC on release of guidelines

    Lagos LG election: IPAC faults LASIEC on release of guidelines

    The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Lagos State has faulted the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) on the release of guidelines for the 2025 Local Government election in the state.

    IPAC, in a statement jointly issued by Mrs Temilade Akinade, its Chairperson and Mr George Ashiru, its Public Relations Officer, on Saturday, said the commission erred in the way it released the guidelines.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)reports that LASIEC had on Friday announced July 12 as the date of the election in 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas(LCDAs)

    Reacting, IPAC, the umbrella body of all 19 registered political parties in the state, said LASIEC disregarded established communication protocols in the release of the guidelines.

    The council criticised the commission for not engaging political parties on important issues on the election, prior to releasing the guidelines.

    IPAC also accused LASEIC of shrouding so many things about the election in secrecy.

    The council said: “Critical questions and issues remain unresolved as regards the appropriate interpretation of the Supreme Court’s pronouncements on LG autonomy and how that will impact the 37 LCDAs established by the state government.

    “IPAC only recently learned that a revised LASIEC law empowering the agency to conduct executive elections into 57 LG/LCDAs was approved on Jan. 9 and signed into law on Jan. 10 by the governor.

    “This took IPAC by surprise. Such critical legislation should be in the public domain. The information was not made public on any platform and copies of the new law are  yet to be made available to IPAC for distribution to political parties”

    The council said the new LASIEC board, led by Retired Justice Mobolanle Okikiola-Ighinle, had not done much to foster a transparent relationship between the commission and IPAC or provide a platform for the council to make input on plans for the election.

    According to IPAC, the new board has only met with representatives of political parties once since January and the meeting was at the request of IPAC.

    IPAC said  LASEIC  should have called a series of meetings with political parties to properly explain the provisions of the new law as they affect the election.

    “LASIEC has a lot to learn from INEC in Lagos State about the need for continuous engagement, communication, and transparency to have a smooth, free and fair election.

    “The constant late release of guidelines close to when the electoral cycle begins and the lack of continued engagement with the political parties is an error.

    “This will make political parties and their members misinterpret the actions of LASIEC as driving in the direction of a predetermined outcome.