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Category: Politics

  • More woes for LP as chieftain dumps party in Imo

    More woes for LP as chieftain dumps party in Imo

    A former House of Representatives member, Tony Nwulu, has announced his resignation from the Labour Party (LP) in Imo State.

    Nwulu, who served as the party’s deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 Imo gubernatorial election, made this known in a resignation letter addressed to the party’s state chairman on January 30. The letter was received by the party’s Administrative Secretary, Tijani Sandra Ayomide.

    In the letter, Nwulu stated, “I write to formally resign my membership from the Labour Party, effective immediately.

    “This decision comes after careful consideration, and while I appreciate the opportunities and experiences gained during my time with the party, I believe it is in my best interest to move in a different direction at this time.

    “I remain grateful for the vision and commitment of the party to social justice, democracy, and good governance. I extend my best wishes to the leadership and members as they continue working towards these goals.

    “Kindly update your records accordingly and confirm the processing of my resignation.”
    Nwulu is regarded as one of the most vibrant political youth leaders in Imo State, known for his dynamic engagement and advocacy for youth inclusion in governance.

    During his time as a lawmaker representing Oshodi-Isolo II Federal Constituency in Lagos, Nwulu played a key role in advocating for youth participation in politics.

    He sponsored the historic Not Too Young To Run Bill, which led to constitutional amendments in sections 65, 106, 131, and 177, reducing the age requirements for elective positions in Nigeria: House of Assembly & House of Representatives, from 30 to 25 years; Senate & Governorship, from 35 to 30 years; and presidency, from 40 to 30 years.

    The bill also introduced provisions for independent candidacy in Nigeria. It was eventually signed into law by then-President Muhammadu Buhari on May 31, 2018.

  • PDP crisis: Why Wabara should take the blame for BoT fracas – Apugo

    PDP crisis: Why Wabara should take the blame for BoT fracas – Apugo

    A South East Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Chukwudi Apugo, has said the Party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, should be held liable for the fracas which marred the 78th meeting of the board in Abuja.

    In a chat in Abuja yesterday, Apugo alleged that the BoT Chairman’s decision to invite the second claimant for the position of National Secretary, Hon. Sunday Udo-Okoye, to the meeting set the stage for the confusion that followed Wednesday’s meeting.

    Apugo, a two-term member of the Abia State House of Assembly, wondered why the BoT Chairman invited Ude Okoye into the meeting when the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, was already seated and discharging the functions of his office.

    He said, “If Wabara did not have a sinister motive, at what stage did it occur to him to invite Sunday Ude-Okoye, who is not a member of the party’s Board of Trustees, to the meeting?”

    According to Apugo, the BoT secretariat prepared a list of persons expected to attend the meeting, and to the best of his knowledge, this list didn’t include Ude-Okoye’s name.

    Later, another list signed by Wabara containing Ude-Okoye’s name was forwarded to the gate for security clearance.

    Apugo further explained that “In the amended list Wabara forwarded, Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s name was listed as number 46 with National Secretary as his designation, and on the same list Sunday Ude-Okoye’s name appeared number 47 with the same designation as National Secretary.” Only Anyanwu was listed as

    Secretary in the original list prepared by the secretariat.

    “Senator Wabara’s action amounts to contempt of Court because the Court of Appeal has granted Senator’s motion for a stay of execution while pursuing his Appeal against the earlier judgments Ude-Okoye is relying on, and Wabara is well aware of these facts.

    “Since the Court of Appeal presided over by its President issued a directive, it is incumbent on all law-abiding citizens to respect that order of the court.”

  • Aregbesola’s next move: What’s at stake for Osun politics ahead of 2026?

    Aregbesola’s next move: What’s at stake for Osun politics ahead of 2026?

    The expulsion of Rauf Aregbesola, and the exit of his Omoluabi group, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State have added a new strong force to the dynamics of Osun politics ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

    While Aregbesola and his supporters are yet to disclose their destination, APC members in the state have described his expulsion/exit as long overdue.

    Although the ex-minister said his group is open to any progressive political party, Vanguard gathered that different political parties have been visiting the former governor to woo him into their folds.

    One such political party is the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, whose Chairman, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, pleaded with Aregbesola and his group to join the party to return the state to good governance.

    While insinuations abound that Aregbesola and his Omoluabi caucus may join the Ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, the group’s spokesperson, Oluwaseun Abosede, disclosed that the PDP is never an option for the group.

    His words: “To join PDP? No. Never. We are not considering joining the PDP at all.

    “We are too popular to join the PDP; the rumour is being peddled by APC members who felt our not working for former Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s re-election bid was the reason the PDP won the 2022 poll in the state.

    “Presently, we are not in any party. Although many political parties, including NNPP, LP, PDP, and like-minded persons in the APC, have been coming to ask us to join them, the group will decide at the right time.”

    On whether the group would join others to form a third force, Abosede said, “We are too big to be known or called a third force. We are the most popular and grassroots-oriented political group in the state. We are the force to be reckoned with by everyone.”

    However, the APC spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, said Ogbeni Aregbesola’s expulsion from the party is a long-overdue decision.

    According to him, Aregbesola and his Omoluabi Progressives have been playing an opposition role within the party since 2019.

    “We, in the Osun State APC, shall be happy to miss the political irritants and deviants who had since left the party by way of body and soul before the 2022 governorship election in the state.

    “You cannot be saying you are in our party and be working against the interest of the same party. You are agents of the PDP in Osun State, and you are still of service to the state’s ruling party. What we are seeing, with the benefit of hindsight, is that the hand is proverbially that of Jacob while the voice is identifiable to Esau.”

    The battle for 2026

    The state’s political events are not unconnected with the battle for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s job in 2026. While the APC believes Aregbesola’s exit would allow it to have a proper perspective and prepare to take over government in the state, the Omoluabi caucus maintained that its grassroots presence would win the governorship ticket for whichever candidate it decided to field for the poll.

    But the APC spokesperson disagreed with this, saying the Aregbesola group’s decision to form a new party or join an existing one would amount to political suicide for the group and its principal.

    Olabisi said, “The recent announcement of your either forming or joining another party is the imminent beginning of your political funeral, which will end up in your final burial through the 2026 governorship election.

    “Osun APC is waxing stronger by the day. Our message to the frustrated Omoluabi Progressives handlers is that whoever wants to bury his elder brother nakedly should take along his younger brother in order to show the latter how he, too, would be buried at the end of his journey of life.

    “We shall be ready for the antics of the political renegades in 2026,” he said.

    However, Abosede insisted that the Omoluabi group is not bothered by the APC and the PDP, adding that neither party has what it takes to contest its popularity in the state.

    “We are a strong force and possibly the strongest in the state. So, for us, whatever the two parties (come up with) is inconsequential to the group.

    “As I said, members from these parties have been coming to us in a bid to join. So, we will get ready; we will be too formidable for them to handle”, he said.

    Despite acknowledging Aregbesola’s grassroots popularity, the PDP’s Director of Publicity, Bamidele Olabamiji, believes the developments within the APC have no consequence for the PDP.

    “We are indifferent to happenings within the APC, although the former Minister of Interior, who is also a former governor of the state, is a grassroots politician but has never been a member of the PDP, and we have been winning elections even when he was governor. We wish them well, but whatever decision the group decided to take has no effect on us as the ruling political party in the state”, he said.

    2026 and possible candidates

    While it is certain that the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, will run for a second term in office, the APC is faced with the choice of either zoning its ticket to the Osun-West senatorial district or opening it up for a competitive primary election.

    The two frontline candidates for the party’s ticket are the present National Secretary, Dr Basiru Ajibola, and Mr Bola Oyebamiji, a former commissioner for finance under former governor Gboyega Oyetola.

    It is not clear yet if Oyetola, the immediate past governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, wants to run for a second term in office. If the president’s cousin decides to run again, Ajibola and Oyebamiji may have to wait another four years.

  • PDP Crisis: Bode George explains why he fell out with Wike after spiting Atiku

    PDP Crisis: Bode George explains why he fell out with Wike after spiting Atiku

    Chief Bode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and member of the party’s Board of Trustees, has explained why he fell out with Nyesom Wike, whom he supported to spite Atiku Abubakar during the build-up to the 2023 presidential election.

    George, who attributed the unresolved crisis in the PDP to the outcome of the party’s national convention in 2022, said he temporarily supported Wike and his group during the build-up to the 2023 general election because the party’s top positions were zoned to the northern region.

    Speaking on Arise TV on Friday, January 31, 2025, the Lagos-based politician accused the then-national chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu and Atiku, of orchestrating the problem, saying they disrupted the party’s zoning arrangement.

    “The Presidential candidate went to the northern zone, and the chairman of the party also went to the same zone; we said no, it can’t happen like this. That was the basis of the party’s crisis. I didn’t just jump ship to be with Wike or Atiku; I had meetings with both of them and Ayu; they disrupted the system,” he said.

    Before taking sides with Wike, George said he tried to persuade Atiku and Ayu to reason with him, but they didn’t listen to him.

    He said he took sides with Wike because he was disgusted with what Atiku and Ayu did at the convention. He added that he dumped Wike’s group when he realised they wanted to support Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “And when Wike people came, we had a meeting, and they made me a leader. In the end, we had two presidential candidates from the south, and they said they believed that Bola was the better person.

    I told them that if they stepped out of this meeting and talked about it outside there, I would counter you. You guys have no idea who this gentleman is. He had ruled my state, and we know his modus operandi,” he said.

  • Lagos Assembly: DSS detains 2 lawmakers over Obasa’s impeachment

    Lagos Assembly: DSS detains 2 lawmakers over Obasa’s impeachment

    OPERATIVES of the Department of State Services, DSS, yesterday, arrested and detained two members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Messrs Lanre Afinni and Sylvester Ogunkelu at their office in Magodo, Lagos.

    A member of the Assembly, who spoke with Vanguard in confidence, disclosed that the two lawmakers are facing interrogation in connection with the removal of Mr Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker.

    Obasa was removed as Speaker by 35 members on January 13 and replaced with the former Deputy Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.

    In solidarity with their colleagues, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Mojeed Fatai and other lawmakers stormed the DSS office to secure the release of the detained lawmakers.

    Meanwhile, a socio-political group, the Concerned Citizens of Lagos, yesterday, decried the systematic attempt to undermine democracy in the state.

    The group’s reaction followed the alleged arrest and detention of some members of the Assembly.

    The group, in a statement by Mr Murphy Ajibola, on behalf of the group, said: “These actions appear to be part of a broader strategy to pressure the Assembly into overturning the removal of former Speaker.

    “This orchestrated campaign against elected representatives is not just an attack on individual lawmakers; it is an assault on democracy.

    “The Legislature exists to check executive power and represent the people. When lawmakers are intimidated or arrested under questionable circumstances, democracy is at risk.”

  • 2027 gov poll: Lagos groups reject Seyi Tinubu, endorse Alausa

    2027 gov poll: Lagos groups reject Seyi Tinubu, endorse Alausa

    LAGOS—TWO groups including the League of Concerned Lagosians, LCL, and Good Governance Initiative, have declined to endorse Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, as their candidate for the 2027 Lagos governorship election.

    The groups, which opted for the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, claimed that their decision stemmed from the fact that Alausa has the capacity to continue the visionary legacy of President Tinubu in the state.

    One of the groups, the League of Concerned Lagosians, LCL, in a statement by Oladipo Wahab, said Alausa’s extensive background as a Chicago-based medical doctor and his current role as Minister of Education was crucial for realising Tinubu’s vision for Lagos.

    The statement, titled: ‘Alausa: Save Lagos Now,’ said the Minister “possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to attract contemporary developments that would complement Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the state.”

    LCL further commended the President for his ongoing economic reforms, encouraging Nigerians to remain patient as the benefits of these initiatives would soon be reaped.

    In a related development, the General Secretary of the Good Governance Initiative, Mr Wale Olushoga, endorsed Alausa as its candidate, saying the group’s position aligned with LCL.

    Recently, conversations about Seyi Tinubu’s potential governorship bid in Lagos State have become topical, eliciting mixed reactions from stakeholders. Meanwhile, the Association of Arewa Yoruba Youths, AAYY, argued that Seyi Tinubu is constitutionally qualified to aspire for any elective position like any other citizen.

  • Akande’s allegation divisive, #EndSARS movement organic – Obi

    Akande’s allegation divisive, #EndSARS movement organic – Obi

    The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has criticised former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande over his claim that the 2020 #EndSARS protests were orchestrated by Obi’s supporters, known as the Obidient Movement, to derail the presidential ambition of Bola Tinubu.

    Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim while speaking to PUNCH, rejected Akande’s claims, describing them as inaccurate and insensitive to those affected by the protests.

    During a recent podcast hosted by broadcaster Edmund Obilo, Akande claimed that the protests were a coordinated effort by Obidients, supported by foreign funding, to prevent Tinubu’s rise to the presidency.

    “The Obidients were behind the #EndSARS. It was manufactured in America and brought in just to stop him (Tinubu). I said the Obidients, I didn’t say Obi,” Akande alleged.

    “They came from America to do the #EndSARS and later became a movement to form a party. They couldn’t form a party. It was well planned and organised with a lot of money from America,” he added.

    Reacting, Obi’s media aide dismissed Akande’s remarks as an attempt to distort history, emphasising that such claims were not only misleading but also insensitive to the memory of #EndSARS victims.

    “The allegations are not only misleading but also divisive. It is unfortunate Akande would suggest that the Obidient Movement was behind the #EndSARS protests, and even more astonishing that he would imply it was orchestrated to prevent a particular individual from becoming President,” Ibrahim stated

    “Well, let me be clear: the movement is a grassroots phenomenon that emerged organically, driven by the passion and dedication of Nigerians who are committed to creating a better future for our country. It’s a

    movement that transcends partisan politics and is focused on promoting good governance, accountability, and inclusive development.

    “The #EndSARS protests, on the other hand, were a spontaneous response to the widespread discontent and frustration among Nigerian youth regarding issues of police brutality, corruption, and economic inequality. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of our young people, who are demanding a more just and equitable society.

    “To conflate these two distinct phenomena is not only inaccurate but also unfair to the millions of Nigerians who are genuinely committed to creating positive change. We urge former governor Akande to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims that can only serve to further polarise our society.”

  • Nigeria needs stability, reforms — Abdulsalami, Anyim, IPAC, others

    Nigeria needs stability, reforms — Abdulsalami, Anyim, IPAC, others

    ABUJA – Some eminent political leaders have stressed the urgent need for political stability, adherence to party ideologies, and electoral reforms to strengthen the country’s democracy.

    They warned that without these measures, the nation risks ongoing instability, weak governance, and developmental setbacks.

    This call to action was made at the launch of the book ‘100 Years of Political Parties Evolution in Nigeria (1923 – 2023)’, which took place in Abuja on Thursday.

    The event was organised by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and featured notable speakers, including former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (represented by General Abdulrasheed M. Aliyu), former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu (represented by Mr. Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner for Election and Party Monitoring).

    General Abdulsalami Abubakar commended Nigeria’s democratic resilience, noting that despite past military interventions, the country has sustained 26 years of uninterrupted democracy—the longest in its history.

    He emphasised that democracy must be continuously nurtured and strengthened, urging political parties to focus on internal democracy, ideology-based governance, and strict adherence to party manifestos.

    He also called for ongoing electoral and constitutional reforms to address systemic flaws and ensure credible elections.

    He stated, “Despite military interventions, democracy has come to stay in Nigeria. There is no substitute for the government of the people, by the people, and for the people, which democracy represents, as sovereignty resides with the people. Our democracy has been tested and shaken by reactionary forces and has survived. This is a testament to citizens’ belief in and resilience towards representative governance. It is imperative to explore political parties’ development priorities to consolidate the nation’s democracy and create an environment conducive to successful elections and political stability, in line with the IPAC mandate.”

    Former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim stressed that political instability remains one of Nigeria’s most significant challenges.

    He argued that successive governments have failed to transform Nigeria into a stable nation-state, leading to weak governance and insecurity. Anyim warned that unless leaders address mutual suspicion among ethnic and political groups, Nigeria’s progress and stability will continue to be jeopardised.

    Anyim urged political actors to take responsibility for uniting the country and fostering national cohesion.

    He remarked, “By documenting Nigeria’s experiences in political party formation, evolution, and management over the last 100 years, IPAC has demonstrated leadership and commitment to finding solutions to the persistent problem of political instability in our beloved country. An unstable polity weakens the authority of government and constrains its ability to guarantee security and development. Without overcoming mutual suspicion, every other factor affecting our progress and stability stems from our inability to effectively manage our plural composition. The responsibility is ours, and I dare say, the burden is on this generation. If I may borrow the words of Gen. Yakubu Gowon: ‘This is a task that must be done.’”

    Professor Mahmood Yakubu highlighted the pivotal role of political parties in strengthening democracy, stating that they are foundational to any electoral process.

    He urged these parties to embrace internal democracy, transparency, and reforms that promote free and fair elections.

    He also called on IPAC to continue its advocacy for democratic consolidation and serve as a bridge between political parties and electoral institutions.

    Yakubu said, “Internal party democracy is the foundation upon which credible general elections are built. We recognise that electoral reforms are not the sole responsibility of INEC or the National Assembly. I encourage IPAC to continue its advocacy, strengthen its role as a bridge between political parties and the electoral process, and remain a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”

    IPAC National Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, described the book as a landmark documentation of Nigeria’s political history.

    He noted that it serves as a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of political parties and their impact on governance. He also announced an upcoming international documentary titled ‘UNBROKEN: TWO AND A HALF DECADES’, which will commemorate 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.

    The documentary is set to be broadcast on major local and international platforms, including CNN, Al Jazeera, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, to showcase Nigeria’s democratic journey to a global audience.

    “This is the era of the screen revolution; audio-visual documentation is now trending,” he added.

    The speakers collectively emphasised that Nigeria’s democracy is at a critical juncture and requires urgent reforms. They called for strong institutions, adherence to democratic values, and a commitment to governance that prioritises national interests over personal or sectional gains.

    IPAC urged Nigerians to support efforts aimed at deepening democracy through education, strategic communication, and active participation in political and electoral processes. The council stressed that preserving Nigeria’s political history and learning from past challenges will help build a more stable and prosperous democracy for future generations.

  • Trump reiterates BRICS tariffs threat

    Trump reiterates BRICS tariffs threat

    US President Donald Trump reiterated Thursday his threat to place 100 percent tariffs on BRICS nations, as the deadline loomed for him to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

    Trump had previously threatened 100 percent tariffs on BRICS nations — a bloc including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — if they create a rival to the US dollar, which he doubled down on Thursday night.

    “The idea that the BRICS Countries are trying to move away from the Dollar, while we stand by and watch, is OVER,” he posted on his Truth Social platform.

    “We are going to require a commitment from these seemingly hostile Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs,” he continued.

    Trump’s comments on possible BRICS tariffs came days before a February 1 deadline he set shortly after taking office whereupon he would place 25 percent tariffs on neighbors Canada and Mexico unless they cracked down on illegal migrants crossing the US border and the flow of deadly fentanyl.

    Trump has separately threatened China — a member of the BRICS bloc — with an additional 10 percent levy on goods as soon as February 1 due to a trade imbalance and its alleged role in the US fentanyl supply.

  • Nigerians suffering, FG’s economic policies not working – Fintiri

    Nigerians suffering, FG’s economic policies not working – Fintiri

    The governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, on Thursday, stated that Nigerians are suffering, as the Federal Government’s economic policies are not working.

    Read Also: Telecoms tariff hike: NLC writes affiliates, state councils over Feb 4, protest

    Fintiri said the President Bola Tinubu-led government’s policies are imposing severe hardship on Nigerians.

    Governor Fintiri said these at the meeting of the National Reconciliation Committee of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, with governors from the North-East and other key stakeholders in Bauchi.

    At the meeting were the governors of Bauchi and Taraba, as well as the acting PDP National Chairman.

    Onyilola…

    Also speaking at the meeting, the committee’s chairman, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, said the party was ready to address its challenges for effective repositioning to enable it to wrestle power in the 2027 general election.

    He said: “The main purpose of the committee is to reach out to the aggrieved members and those having issues, to re-establish a formidable political party in the country.”

    Nigeria’s bleeding – Fintiri

    Agreeing with Oyinlola, Fintiri described the reconciliation committee as timely, considering the lingering problems bedevilling the party.

    On the nation’s leadership, Fintiri expressed frustration with the economy.

    He said power is a divine privilege, so it must be wielded with trust and responsibility.

    “Nigeria is bleeding. We are suffering, there is too much anger, and the economic policy is not working.

    “That is why we always call on the Federal Government to reconsider some of these economic policies that are only putting hardship on Nigerians.

    “Whatever will make us cry must not be part of your policy because the country belongs to us. It does not belong to the World Bank, IMF, or the international community.”

    He urged the Federal Government to focus on policies that do not bring further pain to Nigerians.