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Category: Politics

  • Gov Sani defending Tinubu for N150bn selective reimbursements, interventions, grants – El-Rufai

    Gov Sani defending Tinubu for N150bn selective reimbursements, interventions, grants – El-Rufai

    Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has said that his successor, Governor Uba Sani, sycophantically defends President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    Both members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sani and El-Rufai have been at loggerheads since the former took over governance in Kaduna from the latter.

    El-Rufai, blocked by the Senate in 2023 from becoming minister for security reasons, has recently become a vocal critic of the APC and Tinubu’s administration. According to him, the party encourages poor leadership.

    In an interview on Monday on TVC, Sani addressed his feud with El-Rufai, saying his predecessor’s criticism against Tinubu was for selfish reasons. He also challenged politicians who were confident of defeating Tinubu in 2027 to get prepared.

    “Most of these politicians that came out and say they are coming as coalition, they are politicians that were in government only less than two years ago,” Sani said.

    “What did they do when they were in government? They were only fighting for power, not because they could do anything better.”

    “Of course, I also want to make it clear here that if you ask me, when a democratic dispensation, and we have virtually just two and a half years to the next election, and any politician who feels he is popular or he can defeat Bola Ahmed Tinubu or APC —I think they need to go and work very hard and present themselves in the next election, which will be 2027,” he added.

    Replying in a Tuesday morning post on X, El-Rufai said: “Every day I see this governor embarrassingly and sycophantically rambling, I used to wonder why? However, confirming that Federal Government ‘reimbursements, interventions and grants’ in excess of N150bn have been given selectively to Kaduna by Tinubu, in the last 18 months, now explains everything.

    “By all means, defend Asiwaju for the conditional cash transfer. Asiwaju has earned it, coming from you. The people of Kaduna State will judge at the right time and place.”

    In another post, El-Rufai quoted former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as saying sometime ago: “And in a developing nation, where people struggle to put food on the table, go to school, get rudimentary healthcare, eke out an existence not a career, (social services) delivery can be the difference between life and death; or at least the difference between a life with hope and one without it.

    “They (citizens) want the problems impacting their lives solved or at least mitigated. They want a higher standard of living, a better quality of life, improved healthcare and education, security.”

  • Speakership: How 20 Lagos West lawmakers sealed deal for Meranda

    Speakership: How 20 Lagos West lawmakers sealed deal for Meranda

    The Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) convened an emergency meeting on Monday with members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to address the ongoing leadership crisis.

    The crisis began when the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, was removed in absentia on January 13, 2025, by 32 out of 40 Assembly members over allegations of financial misappropriation, misconduct, and high-handedness. He was replaced by his former deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, as the substantive Speaker. The move sparked conflicting reactions among GAC members, party faithful, and the public.

    Following Obasa’s removal, divisions within the GAC deepened.

    The crucial meeting, which began around noon, took place at Lagos House, Marina—the official residence of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. It was chaired by Pa Tajudeen Olusi, leader of the GAC, the apex decision-making body of the APC in Lagos.

    The GAC had previously held a similar meeting two weeks earlier at the same venue to discuss developments at the state Assembly.

    During the hours-long session, which saw widespread attendance from GAC members and Assembly lawmakers, there was overwhelming support for Meranda’s continued leadership despite opposition.

    The key issue discussed was the need for regional balance in the Assembly leadership. With both the current Governor and newly elected Speaker hailing from Lagos Central, some GAC members advocated ceding the Speakership to Lagos West. However, this proposal did not gain traction.

    Lawmakers from Lagos West, comprising about 20 members, stood firm in their support for Meranda, rejecting the GAC’s proposal and effectively solidifying her position as Speaker.

    It was gathered that Obasa enjoys backing from influential members of the Tinubu family and caucus, who had been pressuring the GAC to take action.

    Despite this, Meranda retained her position as Speaker, prompting jubilant celebrations among lawmakers and Assembly staff.

    “The attempt to replace Meranda as Speaker failed. The discussions mainly focused on balancing the leadership between senatorial districts,” a source disclosed.

    “The attempt to replace Meranda as Speaker failed. The discussions mainly focused on balancing the leadership between senatorial districts,” a source disclosed.

  • Edo gov poll tribunal: PDP, Ighodalo close case with 19 witnesses

    Edo gov poll tribunal: PDP, Ighodalo close case with 19 witnesses

    Satisfied with the evidence of 19 witnesses they produced to testify before the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, on Monday, closed their case.

    The petitioners are challenging the declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as winner of the gubernatorial contest held in the state on September 21, 2024.

    At the resumed proceeding in the matter before, lead counsel for the petitioners, Mr. Robert Emukpoeruo, SAN, informed the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member panel tribunal that they have concluded their case.

    The application came shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, produced five additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, machines that were used for the election.

    The electronic devices, which were tendered by a Senior Technical Officer in the ICT Department of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mr. Anthony Itodo, were admitted in evidence, though all the Respondents in the matter objected, saying they would give their reasons in their final written addresses.

    It will be recalled that the tribunal had earlier admitted in evidence a total of 148 BVAS that were used in 133 polling units where results of the election are being disputed by the PDP.

    Meanwhile, the tribunal has fixed Wednesday for INEC to open its defence.

    INEC had declared that Okpebholo of the APC secured a total of 291,667 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ighodalo of the PDP, who got a total of 247,655 votes.

    Aggrieved by the outcome of the poll, the PDP and its candidate approached the tribunal, praying it to nullify INEC’s declaration of the APC and Okpebholo as winners of the contest.

    The petitioners, among other things, contended that the governorship election was invalid by reason of alleged non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act.

    They equally argued in the petition marked EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024 that Governor Okpebholo of the APC did not secure the highest number of lawful votes that were cast at the election.

  • PDP crisis: Anyanwu resumes office as National Secretary

    PDP crisis: Anyanwu resumes office as National Secretary

    ABUJA: Senator Samuel Anyanwu has resumed office as National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He drove into the party’s National Secretariat at Wadata House through the service gate located behind the building without fanfare.

    Anyanwu then exchanged pleasantries with the handful of secretariat staff available before proceeding into his office.

    This is coming barely 48 hours after he petitioned security agencies to come to
    his aid to stop what he described as an attempt by the party’s 12 governors to cause chaos with their decision to recognize Hon. Sunday Ude-Okoye, another claimant to the position.

    The Governor Bala Mohammed-led 12-member PDP Governors Forum had in a communique issued after their monthly meeting in Asaba, the Delta State capital on Friday, recognized Ude-Okoye as National Secretary basing their decision on an Appeal Court Judgement.

    However, Anyanwu who said he was in possession of a valid stay of execution order insists on remaining in office until his pending appeal at the Supreme Court is dispensed with.

    Meanwhile, normal activities are going on at the Secretariat. Regular policemen and women attached to the Secretariat complex can be seen at their duty posts.

    …Details later

  • Persistent crisis in PDP our joy – APC’s National scribe

    Persistent crisis in PDP our joy – APC’s National scribe

    The National Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Ajibola Basiru has described the persistent crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as a joy for the ruling party.

    Speaking at the inauguration of unit, ward and local government canvassers under the Alubarika movement of the party in Osun State on Sunday, he said the APC is not scared of a vibrant opposition.

    According to him, the goals some individuals wanted to achieve is the reason behind the crisis in the PDP and not the doings of the ruling party as being alleged.

    “Ambition of a few individuals is what is causing the rift within the opposition party and it is to the joy of us as a ruling party if they don’t get their house together. It is not our job to help them put their house in order”.

    Speaking on whether 2026 can create division within the party in Osun State, he said the party would organise a credible primary election, but quickly added that candidate may even emerge through a consensus arrangement within the party.

    His words, “The primary election will be free and fair but I can assure you that the candidate may emerge from consensus arrangements by leadership of the party.

    “APC cannot be divided over primary election in Osun state. Our party is a party of leadership and as I said, everybody that is a member of the party has legitimate desire to ensure that we have a candidate that will be able to deliver and defeat the PDP.

    “In Ondo state for instance, there were 16 aspirants and we were able to get the right candidate that was able to deliver for the party. The same thing in Edo, we have more than 16 there and we resolved the matter.

    “In Ondo state for instance, there were 16 aspirants and we were able to get the right candidate that was able to deliver for the party. The same thing in Edo, we have more than 16 there and we resolved the matter. Everybody has the right to aspire to any position in the party”.

  • We’re enjoying the entertainment — APC mocks crisis-ridden PDP

    We’re enjoying the entertainment — APC mocks crisis-ridden PDP

    Amid the leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All ruling Progressives Congress (APC) has described the opposition party as an entity that cannot manage anything.

    The APC said the PDP mismanaged the country and left rots behind after ruling Nigeria for 16 years, adding that the party would going into extinction.

    While speaking in an interview, the National Publicity Director of the APC, Bala Ibrahim, said the PDP is not good at managing itself, adding that the ruling party is enjoying the entertainment.

    “Nigeria was still suffering from the rot of the 16-year misrule of the PDP. That party is gone. Are these the clowns people are taking seriously to rule this country again? Believe me, this is just the beginning. We at the APC are enjoying the entertainment.

    “The party is not good at managing anything, including itself. What is happening has shown that God came to the rescue of Nigerians by pushing them out of power.

    “There are more to come if you go into the nitty-gritty of the problems in that party. They should come and learn how to play politics in our APC Progressive Institute set up by the National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje. They will be taught how to play politics without bitterness.”

    Reacting to the claim by PDP members that the APC is responsible for their unresolved crisis, Ibrahim said, “How is the APC responsible for the crisis that is happening at Wadata Plaza (PDP headquarters in Abuja)? We are not even staying close. So, how can they blame us for their woes? What does APC have to do with having two different secretaries and two chairmen or whatever they seem to have?

    “They simply don’t know how to administer anything and they cannot. Who among the protestants is a card-carrying member of the APC? Who among the people causing the crisis is claiming allegiance to APC? None. It is within them.”

  • I don’t know how to pretend — El-Rufai

    I don’t know how to pretend — El-Rufai

    Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has reiterated his no-nonsense approach to governance, stating that he doesn’t belong to the class of politicians who engage in pretentious behavior.

    Comparing such public officeholders to Nollywood actors, El-Rufai made the remark in response to a social media post that praised his straightforward style.

    This comes shortly after the former governor, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), affirmed that if he were still part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, his critical stance on governance would remain the same.

    On Friday, an X user, Ira Habib, shared his admiration for El-Rufai, saying that reading the ex-governor’s book Accidental Public Servant revealed his genuine character.

    “The day I read El-Rufai’s book Accidental Public Servant, I concluded that no politician would want #ElRufai in their cabinet unless they genuinely intend to develop this country. He doesn’t know how to pretend,” the user tweeted.

    Acknowledging the praise, El-Rufai responded: “Truly, I don’t know how to pretend. Being a Nollywood actor in governance is for some others, not some of us.”

    In another tweet, he quoted former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, saying, “In opposition, it matters what you say. In government, it matters what you do. And saying is a lot easier than doing.”

    El-Rufai has been vocal about issues within the APC, recently criticizing the party’s lack of internal democracy and inactive structures.

    “I no longer recognize the APC. No party organ has met in two years—no caucus, no NEC, nothing. You don’t even know if it’s a one-man show or a zero-man show,” he said.

    His comments prompted a response from Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communications to President Tinubu. Bwala urged El-Rufai to abandon what he termed a “vengeance mission.”

    “These statements are not borne out of patriotism but a desire for vengeance. The opposition sees that as a tool for recruitment,” Bwala tweeted

    He advised El-Rufai to resolve his grievances amicably, saying, “I still think you don’t need all these melodramatic activities. Come back and address your issues like the dignified man that you are.”

  • FAAN: Appointment of Ganduje, well-deserved — Former Rep member Babatunde

    FAAN: Appointment of Ganduje, well-deserved — Former Rep member Babatunde

    A former member of the House of Representatives, Kolawole Babatunde, has described the appointment of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as the Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as well-deserved.

    Babatunde, who was a two term cabinet member in Ondo State, said this in a congratulatory message to Alhaji Ganduje.

    According to him, ” This appointment is a testament to your rich background as a seasoned scholar, an accomplished administrator, an astute technocrat, and a distinguished public servant.

    ” With your vast expertise, I am confident that you will bring about the much-needed transformation in the management and operations of our aviation sector.

    “I am confident that under your leadership, FAAN will witness remarkable improvements that will enhance efficiency, safety, and service delivery in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

    “Once again, congratulations and wishing you a successful tenure. “

  • Senator Ned Nwoko’s defection sparks controversy in Delta

    Senator Ned Nwoko’s defection sparks controversy in Delta

    Constituents of Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North (Anioma) have said his decision to quit the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, was in the paramount interest of the Anioma people.

    Tonnie Oganah, a legal practitioner; Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu, and others who spoke to Sunday Vanguard in Asaba said the lawmaker consulted widely before ditching the PDP for the All Progressives Congress, APC.

    But a PDP leader and Chief Strategist to the Governor of Delta State, Dr Festus Okubor, advised Nwoko to resign his seat in the Senate and run a fresh election because he got the position on the PDP platform.

    He consulted extensively and astutely – Oganah

    Oganah said, “Prince Nwoko’s movement to the APC is about wanting the best for our people because the APC is fully supportive of the Anioma State creation and direct empowerment of all local government areas with the allocation of monies straight to the local government areas, the closest tier of government to the people.”

    “He consulted widely and wisely before leaving PDP for APC, and the people approved. Anioma supported PDP for years with little to show, and it is hoped that the APC will create a state for all our people to benefit, regardless of educational status, local government origin, or financial ability.

    “A new state brings new jobs, contracts, and opportunities for all, as no person can occupy more than one position at a time. Nwoko will also retain his seat because our constitution allows legislators to move to another party if their old party is divided at the national level like the PDP is today. Nwoko’s defection is life

    more abundant for Anioma people at all levels.”

    Expecting official declaration for APC— Odogwu

    Odogwu, on his part, asserted: “Senator Nwoko gave cogent reasons for his resignation in his letter to the Chairman of the PDP in Aniocha North. He said that he could not in all good conscience continue to represent our people and fulfil his promises to his constituents under the current divisive and politically polluted environment of the PDP both at the national and state levels.”

    “As an Anioma stakeholder who strongly believes in the strategic leadership of Nwoko, I do not doubt that his decision is in the best interest of Anioma people, and I will continue to support him to deliver the dividends of democracy to Ndi Anioma under the umbrella of any party of his choice.

    “For him and me, it is always about what is best for our people. I, therefore, look forward to his formal declaration for the APC.”

    Votes for PDP took Nwoko to Senate — Okubor

    Firing at Nwoko, Okubor, the Chief Strategist to the State Governor, stated: “We are practicing party-based democracy; there is no room for indiscipline. Nwoko should be humble enough to act with integrity by resigning from the Senate and going for a fresh election in his new party. The votes that took you to the Senate belong to the PDP, as the Supreme Court. had long decided.”

    The Supreme Court also clarified what it means for a party to be factionalized. PDP is not factionalized. It has only one National Executive Council. It will amount to dishonor to attempt to go with the votes of the PDP. Drop it and prove your popularity. Act honourably.”

    Vacate NASS seat—Imonina, ex-APC spokesperson

    A former APC spokesman in Delta State, Sylvester Imonina, said: “While I concede to the fact that Sen. Ned Nwoko has the right to associate with anyone, group of people, and/or political group of his choice, his defection is an affront to Section 68 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.”

    “The proviso to the said section does not help him in any way because PDP does not have factions at the state or national levels; PDP does not have a different state, National Working Committee, or executive committee. The only issue at the national level is political differences between two people laying claim to the position of the National Secretary of the party.

    “The Court of Appeal had given legal imprimatur to the removal and/or cessation of the former secretary; now that Ned Nwoko has defected to the APC, the honorable thing for him is to vacate his seat at the National Assembly.

    “The votes that took him there belong to PDP, not APC. If he does not vacate the seat, I urge PDP to put machinery in motion for his removal. The action of Ned Nwoko is against constitutional democracy, and the same should not be allowed to stand.

    “Also, what he had done is a political coup’ d’état against the majority of his constituents who believe in PDP

    programs and leadership style.”

    Toxic, good riddance—Prof. Muoboghare, Chief Magege

    A former Commissioner for Education in the state, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, muttered, “Some people defect from one party to infect another party; some defectors are very toxic.” Chief Olori Magege, a political leader, pointed out that his exit was “good riddance.”

    Delta APC welcomes defected senator

    Meanwhile, APC in Delta State welcomed Nwoko into its fold. The publicity secretary, Mr. Valentine Onojeghuo, said in a statement, “The state chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, on behalf of the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State, warmly welcomes the news of the defection of Senator Ned Nwoko from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to our great party.”

    “This significant move underscores a growing recognition of the APC as the party of choice for progressive and forward-thinking leaders in Delta State and throughout Nigeria.

    “Senator Nwoko’s decision to join the APC is a testament to his commitment to the development and welfare of our people. His extensive experience, exemplary leadership, and dedication to public service will undoubtedly strengthen our party and enhance our collective efforts to bring about meaningful transformative change in Delta State.

    “As we prepare for his official entry into our party, we are confident that Senator Nwoko’s contributions will strengthen our party and help drive the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, promoting good governance, accountability, and economic development in Delta State.

    “We look forward to working collaboratively with him and all our party members to achieve our common goals. We call on all members of the APC and our supporters to join us in welcoming Senator Ned Nwoko to the party.”

  • Ondo Governorship Election Tribunal begins sitting

    Ondo Governorship Election Tribunal begins sitting

    Chairman of Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Justice Benson Ogubu, has assured all parties in the November 16 governorship election of fair hearing and justice.

    Justice Ogubu gave the assurance at the inaugural sitting and pretrial conference of the tribunal in Akure, the state capital.

    Other members of the tribunal include Justice Daurabu Sikkam and Imelda Etiape.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), are to present 149 witnesses before the tribunal.

    All their lawyers agreed to call 149 witnesses.

    Of the figures, PDP would call 43, INEC 19, and Aiyedatiwa 32.

    APC and Adelami would call 20 and 35 witnesses, respectively.

    Candidate of the PDP in the November 16 governorship election, Agboola Ajayi, and the party, through their counsel, Ishaka Dikko, filed a petition against the election that produced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC as the winner.

    Other political parties that filed petitions include the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Chairman of Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Justice Benson Ogubu, has assured all parties in the November 16 governorship election of fair hearing and justice.

    Justice Ogubu gave the assurance at the inaugural sitting and pretrial conference of the tribunal in Akure, the state capital.

    Other members of the tribunal include Justice Daurabu Sikkam and Imelda Etiape.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), are to present 149 witnesses before the tribunal.

    All their lawyers agreed to call 149 witnesses.

    Of the figures, PDP would call 43, INEC 19, and Aiyedatiwa 32.

    APC and Adelami would call 20 and 35 witnesses, respectively.

    Candidate of the PDP in the November 16 governorship election, Agboola Ajayi, and the party, through their counsel, Ishaka Dikko, filed a petition against the election that produced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC as the winner.

    Other political parties that filed petitions include the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Speaking to newsmen after the sitting, Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated his confidence in the credibility of the election, stating that the people of Ondo State voted overwhelmingly for the right candidate.