Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to achieve food sovereignty in the country.

He, therefore, called on global stakeholders to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in rebuilding sustainable and inclusive food systems across Africa, saying true national sovereignty is incomplete without food sovereignty.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said the Vice President spoke during a panel on Country Perspectives: Government-led Strategies and Regional Frameworks during the UN Food Systems Summit +4 (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Shettima noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has designed a comprehensive strategy to address food security challenges, which mostly impact vulnerable citizens in conflict-affected regions.

He noted that President Tinubu’s bold national strategy, including the declaration of a state of emergency on food security and the rollout of systemic reforms, was aimed at transforming agriculture into a resilient, youth-driven, market-based engine of economic growth.

“Our target is to attain food sovereignty. So long as a nation is not independent in the area of food sovereignty, it remains a non-sovereign nation,” the VP said, recalling that when President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, the administration met a fragile food system worsened by insecurity, climate shocks, and inflationary pressures.

“His Excellency President Tinubu declared a State of Emergency on Food Security, not out of fear, but out of genuine concern for the welfare of our people, especially in conflict-driven environments like the North East, where Boko Haram was sowing seeds of discord and destruction,” he stated.

VP Shettima explained that with 25 million vulnerable people across fragile regions, the government adopted coordinated policy measures, including the creation of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), not to displace existing institutions, but to harmonise all food security interventions.

“We have also initiated food support mechanisms in the North East and North West. But we believe charity is not the answer. In Africa, we say that when you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach him to fish, you empower him for life. In our displaced people’s camps, we’re encouraging food production for dignity and resilience,” he added.

The Vice President stressed that Nigeria’s agricultural transformation strategy must be market-driven, powered by entrepreneurship and innovation.

“Our belief is that agriculture should be market-driven. The whole mantra is about increasing yields. Entrepreneurial capitalism is embedded in the psyche of the average Nigerian,” he noted.

To achieve this, he said the government is investing in improved seeds, extension services, climate-resilient farming, and mechanisation.

“We are reinforcing our extension services so that our farmers can get up-to-date information on rainfall patterns and how to manage the climate shocks ravaging our part of the world,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the margins of the summit, Vice President Shettima held high-level bilateral meetings with top executives of key global food and development agencies, including the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), QU Dongyu; President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Álvaro Lario, and Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Cindy McCain.

In his meeting with the FAO DG, Shettima sought the organisation’s partnership in reviving the Lake Chad region, enhancing all-year farming, and supporting the Green Revolution Project of the Federal Government.

“The revival of the Lake Chad region, which is being threatened by multidimensional challenges such as environmental degradation, climate change, humanitarian crises, and conflict, requires a multi-pronged approach, development initiatives, conflict resolution, regional cooperation, and large-scale infrastructure,” VP Shettima said.

He emphasised the region’s enormous agricultural potential, urging FAO to play a central role in supporting its recovery.

FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, praised the political will of the Tinubu administration, describing it as a clear demonstration of committed leadership to transform Nigeria’s food systems. He pledged enhanced FAO partnership and technical support.

In a similar meeting with IFAD President, Álvaro Lario, VP Shettima underscored the administration’s resolve to empower smallholder farmers, especially youth and women, with access to finance, mechanisation, and modern inputs.

“We are focusing on increased productivity, resilience, and commercialisation, not handouts,” VP Shettima noted, adding that Nigeria’s plan includes scaling up existing IFAD-supported projects to reach more rural communities.

The Vice President also held talks with WFP Executive Director, Cindy McCain, during which he commended the organisation’s longstanding humanitarian interventions in Nigeria.

He, however, reiterated the administration’s shift toward sustainable solutions.

McCain pledged WFP’s continued commitment to working with the Nigerian government in areas such as school feeding, nutrition, and support for displaced communities.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-07-31

The White House did not outline how UAE investments would reach $1.4 trillion, with some of the deals unveiled as part of the framework having already been announced.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-05-16

Amidst speculations about the health of President Bola Tinubu,and concerns about the spate of insecurity,in Nigeria,the Presidency has said the President,continues to direct the affairs of state from Europe, despite being outside the country for nearly two weeks.

It also said the President will return on Monday, April 21, after the Easter holidays.

In a statement signed Thursday, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained that the President, who travelled from Paris to London at the weekend, “remains fully engaged in Nigeria’s governance” and is in “constant communication with key government officials.”

Onanuga added that the President had given “directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.”

The statement was titled ‘Statement On President Tinubu’s Return To Nigeria.’

Tinubu’s absence, the Presidency noted, “is temporary and in line with the communicated time frame of approximately two weeks.”

He is expected back in Abuja after the Easter holidays, which end on Monday, 21 April.

“The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership,” Onanuga said, urging the public to remain calm and assuring citizens that “governance proceeds without interruption.”

“The President left Paris for London at the weekend and has maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.

“His return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday.

“We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption,” the statement read.

Although the Presidency did not specify the purpose of Tinubu’s stay in Paris and London, it follows a pattern of working visits the President has undertaken since assuming office nearly two years ago.

Thursday’s statement was ostensibly in response to criticisms by the opposition, who questioned Tinubu’s stay abroad while the country was bleeding from killings, particularly in Plateau and Benue states.

The concerns were raised by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, who questioned Tinubu’s absence while the country grapples with heightening insecurity.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-04-18

The Nigeria's embattled opposition party,may now the getting its ass together,as the  National Executive Committee of the party,has finally fixed the party elective national convention to elect new national officers for Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 in Ibadan,Oyo State.

The NEC disclosed this in a communique issued after its 101st meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who read the communique, said that the PDP national chairman and national secretary had been directed to formally notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the national convention.

“Accordingly, NEC approved the membership composition of the National Convention Committee as well as the membership composition of the National Convention Zoning Committee to ensure a successful, transparent, and credible elective national convention,” he said.

Ologunagba further stated that NEC also directed the National Working Committee (NWC) to take immediate legal action to recover the seats of all serving members of the National and State Assemblies elected on the party’s platform but who had defected to another political party.

“By virtue of the self-executory provisions of Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), such defectors have irredeemably lost their seats, there being no division or merger with regard to the PDP.

“The NEC expresses serious concern and frowns at the reported participation and involvement of some party members in the activities, meetings, and gatherings of another political party.

“The NEC calls on these members to reconsider their actions and show loyalty and commitment as members of the PDP, especially as the law does not permit membership of two political parties at the same time.

“The NEC reassures such members of the successes recorded so far towards addressing their concerns on issues relating to our party,” he said.

Ologunagba added that the NEC reassured party members and Nigerians that PDP remained a strong, united, and focused political party, repositioned to effectively play its leading opposition role in galvanising all efforts toward rescuing power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

He also disclosed that the NEC’s 102nd meeting had been fixed for Aug. 25. (NAN)

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-07-28

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, on Wednesday, announced the release of N50 billion by the Federal Government to the academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities for the settlement of earned allowances, as promised by President Bola Tinubu.

This development was disclosed in a statement titled “FG Releases N50bn Earned Allowances to Varsity Unions, Tinubu Reaffirms Education Priority”, issued by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education.

Boriowo stated that the move “stands as yet another testament to Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector. It reflects the administration’s bold resolve to transition
the nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and human capital.”

According to the Minister, “This intervention is not just a financial transaction—it is a reaffirmation of our President’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youth and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them.

“By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education.”

The Minister expressed President Tinubu’s heartfelt appreciation to both academic and non-academic unions for their sustained trust in his administration and for fostering an atmosphere of peace and cooperation across Nigeria’s federal institutions.

“Notably, the country is currently experiencing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history—a feat attributed to the mutual understanding and shared commitment between the government and the university community,” the statement added.

The President reiterated: “The youth are the heartbeat of our country. Their future is extremely important to me and my administration. Keeping our children in school is not negotiable. It is my commitment that strikes
in our institutions will soon become a thing of the past.”

Recall that university-based academic unions have been at loggerheads with past governments over the failure to release earned allowances, among other demands.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-04-23

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar led a delegation of prominent politicians on a courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Kaduna on Friday.

However, Atiku clarified that the visit was primarily for Sallah celebrations and not for any discussions on the planned coalition of political parties aimed at forming a stronger opposition.

The visit was seen as significant, particularly in the context of the 2027 general elections.

The delegation included former governors of Kaduna and Sokoto states, Nasir El-Rufai and Aminu Tambuwal, among other notable politicians.

Atiku explained that he had been unable to pay visits during the Sallah celebrations due to his commitments in Adamawa State, where he stood in for the Lamido Fombina (Adamawa), HRH Dr. Muhammadu Musdafa.

Speaking with journalists, Atiku described the visit as a courtesy call to greet former President Buhari during the Sallah festivities.

“We came here on a courtesy and Sallah greetings visit to President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-04-12

Mixed reactions have continued to trail Thurdday's emergence of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as the substantive national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),as there has been permutations, over the political calculations that led to his selection.

Nentawe, who currently serves in the federal cabinet as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, became the party’s fifth substantive national chairman during the APC’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

However, multiple party sources have offered differing accounts of why the minister was ultimately chosen.

The APC’s National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, in a telephone interview with Daily Trust, said Nentawe’s emergence reflected a deliberate shift from the tradition of appointing former governors as party chairmen.

“What I understand is that they wanted a technocrat—something different from the previous tradition, where each time they pick a former governor as chairman. They wanted someone who could steer the party towards the convention. But the politicking itself is best known to the politicians,” he said.

Asked whether the decision was also aimed at pacifying the North Central and balancing religious sensitivities, especially amid persistent criticism of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, Ibrahim said, “It’s possible. Those factors may have played out.”

On whether the new chairman has the capacity to deliver for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in 2027, he added, “He was the Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign in Plateau in 2023, and while the state didn’t vote APC, they did their best.”

Insiders also hinted that President Tinubu and his team are strategically targeting states that did not vote for him in 2023, with some of his recent appointments in the North seen as politically calculated moves to win support ahead of 2027.

Following Ganduje’s resignation, the party’s Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, held the position in an acting capacity until Nentawe’s emergence.

Commenting on the development, political analyst Jackson Lekan Ojo said Nentawe was picked because Tinubu wanted a loyal party leader ahead of the 2027 general election.

“The main reason they brought him is that they were looking for somebody who can be loyal to President Tinubu. Somebody they can use. Somebody who can’t betray Mr. President,” he said.

“Al-Makura would have been good, Senator Sani Musa from Niger State would have been good – they’re all from the North Central. But these are people that are independent-minded.”

On the religious angle, Ojo added: “It was accidental. That never was in their calculation.”

He said the political permutations that produced the minister as chairman were far-reaching, possibly part of a broader plan to reclaim Plateau State in the next presidential election.

According to him, Tinubu’s political calculations are often difficult to predict, and there could be a pact with Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State to deliver the state for the APC in 2027, while the governor remains in office on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Thursday’s NEC meeting was attended by key APC stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC governors, state chairmen, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and others.

Nentawe resumes, says door open to Kwankwaso, others

Shortly after his emergence, Nentawe resumed duties at the APC national secretariat in Abuja.

Addressing members of the NWC, party supporters, and other stakeholders, the new chairman pledged to work with party leaders to consolidate the APC’s electoral dominance and strengthen democracy.

He declared that the party’s doors were open to new members, including governors and lawmakers, and expressed confidence that the 2027 elections were already in the bag.

“Like I said in my acceptance speech, all of us here, especially the NWC, we are the mechanics; the party is the vehicle. We will fix it, we will drive it, we will work it and ensure that we get to the destination.

“It’s our collective effort, and I’m sure by the time we put our hands on the deck collectively, this party will be great. This party will be the joy, the pride and the light of the entire nation, and that’s what I look forward to this party becoming under our collective leadership.

“I appreciate Nigerians supporting APC, standing by APC. Our doors are open to welcome new members. We look forward to having more governors, more National Assembly members, more local government chairmen into our party. We will expand beyond bounds. By God’s grace, I’m sure the 2027 election is a done deal for APC,” he said.

In a later interview with Channels Television, Nentawe confirmed that discussions with key opposition figures, including the leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, were ongoing. He said defections would happen naturally when the time was right.

“I told you our doors are open,” he said when asked about Kwankwaso’s rumoured return to the APC. “When everybody’s time is due, it will manifest itself. And that’s what’s going on for everybody who has come back to APC. It’s just giving time to people.”

Nentawe said many politicians were increasingly drawn to the APC due to the party’s policies and the performance of the Tinubu administration.

“People are seeing the manifesto of the party, seeing the performance of the government, seeing also the tough decisions the president has taken,” he said.

He described the APC as the strongest political platform in the country and vowed to further unite and expand the party.

“Our job is to unite the party, expand the party, and bring more governors in. If Nigerians feel strongly that APC can meet their political needs, why not? We are not saying that we want a one-party state. Never. We want to drive this party as the most preferred party in Nigeria,” he explained.

The APC chairman dismissed the recently formed opposition coalition—comprising members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), under the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—as posing no real threat to the ruling party.

“There is no opposition for now,” he said. “Zero fear at all. We will win. I can assure you. The by-elections in the last two years were all won by the APC, most of them by a landslide. We welcome their criticism because it helps us to improve our performance.”

He also highlighted what he described as key achievements of the Tinubu administration, including increased government revenue and rising oil production.

“Wait and listen,” he said. “We are improving revenue, and the government is celebrating it. Even the opposition governors are celebrating that there’s improvement. Crude oil production has risen from less than one million barrels per day to 1.5 million, and now hitting two million barrels per day. Is that not direction?”

On the security front, Nentawe said the situation had improved significantly, citing the return of over 30,000 Nigerian refugees from Chad and Cameroon.

“Places that were taken over by Boko Haram, that people could not access, are now safe,” he said. “Security has improved. We invited the UN and IOM, and they confirmed these improvements.”

He urged Nigerians to keep faith with the APC-led government, assuring them that the “renewed hope” agenda was beginning to yield results.

“My message to Nigerians is that there’s already light at the end of the tunnel, and all of us can work together to achieve greater things for this country,” he said. “The sacrifice we’re making is for the absolute benefit of all of us as a country.”

Meanwhile, following the resignation of Festus Fuanter (also from Plateau) as deputy national secretary, the party announced new appointments. National Legal Adviser Prof. Abdulkarim Kana (Nasarawa, North Central) was moved to deputy national secretary, while Murtala Kankia (Katsina, North West) became the new national legal adviser.

His emergence will boost our chances – Plateau APC

Reacting to the development, acting spokesperson of the APC in Plateau State, Shittu Bamaiyi, said Nentawe’s emergence would boost the party’s chances in the state and increase the likelihood of reclaiming Plateau from the PDP in 2027.

He said: “For President Tinubu to have opted for Prof Nentawe among other contending interests and political juggernauts from the North Central zone is not only instructive, but reflects the absolute trust and confidence the president has in the minister to effectively pilot the affairs of the APC in the face of daunting political challenges.

“Indeed, the choice of Nentawe is in recognition and appreciation of his capacity and competence. In the same vein, the choice of Prof Nentawe marks a watershed and an inspiring awakening of confidence in the people of Plateau State, which requires reciprocity from the people of the state.”

Bashir Musan Sati, a former APC secretary and stakeholder in the party, also hailed the appointment, saying it would strengthen the APC in Plateau and across the country.

Nentawe is fit for the job – Lalong

Similarly, former governor of Plateau State, Senator Simon Lalong, considered the new chairman’s political mentor, described his emergence as a source of joy and inspiration, stating that he brings fresh leadership experience and the capacity to lead the “biggest political party in Africa.”

In a statement by his media aide, Makut Simon Macham, Lalong said Nentawe is “very suitable” for the job, noting his vast experience as a technocrat, politician, and public servant.

The former governor said the new assignment was a clear endorsement of Nentawe’s influence as APC governorship candidate in 2023 and reflected the wide acceptability and visionary leadership qualities he possesses.

He’s no threat to us – Plateau PDP

Meanwhile, the Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the emergence of Nentawe as APC national chairman poses no threat to its 2027 electoral chances.

The state organising secretary of the PDP, Yakubu ChoCho, told Daily Trust that the party remains unshakable and confident of victory.

“While I congratulate Nentawe as the new chairman of the APC, his emergence will not change the popularity of the PDP. Of course, he was nominated to pilot the affairs of the party nationally. But coming back to Plateau, where he belongs, the people of Plateau have their voice.

“The people of Plateau always elect people who align with their heritage. That is why people choose PDP—because the party is in their blood. Nentawe coming on board will never change what is happening in the state.

“The voice of Plateau speaks for PDP. You can equate Plateau with Anambra, where APGA dominates politics. So, PDP is the party to beat in Plateau.

“I am assuring you that the people of Plateau State will vote PDP from top to bottom despite the emergence of Nentawe. Plateau has already decided to continue supporting PDP,” he said.

Tinubu charges govs to deliver change, build new party secretariat

Speaking during the NEC meeting, President Tinubu emphasised the need for increased community engagement and responsiveness to citizens’ concerns.

“Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots,” the president said. “To you, the governors, you must wet the grass more and deliver progressive change to Nigerians. May God bless our democracy and grant us more fertile lands.”

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to food sovereignty and urged his team to continue working towards national development.

“To those working with me to achieve food sovereignty for our country, we will continue to work hard for you, Nigerians, and to listen to everyone to achieve the national goals,” he added.

The president reiterated the APC’s inclusive posture, stating that the party remains open to new members and fresh ideas. He dismissed the opposition as “a coalition of confusion” and urged progressive-minded Nigerians to join the APC and support its developmental vision.

“Our doors are still open, and we should wholeheartedly embrace those who join us,” Tinubu said.

He urged the new national chairman to form a committee of NWC members to visit states and ensure that new members are properly registered and integrated into the party.

The president also thanked Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the former national chairman, for his contributions to the party’s development and ideological clarity.

Tinubu further charged APC governors to work collectively to build a permanent party secretariat in Abuja, urging them to leave behind a lasting legacy.

“We should leave a legacy of development. The governors are here—23 of them—to help identify a land, along with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. We should establish a committee of progressive governors to identify suitable land and construct the secretariat,” he said.

While acknowledging ongoing economic challenges, Tinubu highlighted progress under his administration. He cited the N14.9 trillion in revenue collected by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in the first half of the year—a 43 per cent increase from the same period in 2024—as evidence of improvement.

The president and other NEC members also paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who recently died in London and was buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-07-25

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the immediate past governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and all members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Delta State have defected to the All Progressives Congress.

The announcement was made on Wednesday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, by Senator James Manager, shortly after a meeting that lasted over six hours at Government House, Asaba.

Manager stated, “All PDP members in the state, including the governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, all the local government chairmen and others, have agreed to move to the APC.

“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.

The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniagwu Charles, officially confirmed the governor’s defection and the collective decision of Delta PDP leaders and stakeholders to join the APC.

“There is a need for us to adjust our drinking patterns. And in adjusting that drinking pattern, we needed to make a decision that would further help to cement the development in our state, to build the court of law that has existed in our state, to further advance the cause of security and the welfare of our people, and, to a large extent, ensure that development in Delta is not truncated,” Aniagwu stated.

He continued, “In taking that decision, we concluded that leaving the PDP was very necessary for us to be able to collaborate and build a state that every Deltan will be proud of. We believe that what is happening, and the state of the PDP, is akin to that palm wine whose taste has changed — and there was a need for us to change the drinking party.”

Charles added that the decision was unanimously made by party leaders and stakeholders, hinting at a formal public declaration soon.

“By the grace of God, on Monday next week, we will be able to make a very big statement confirming that we are moving into the APC,” he said.

The move marks a significant turning point in Delta State politics, signalling a broader political recalibration that could reshape party dominance in the South-South region.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-04-23

The ancient city of Ibadan,has once again been thrown into mourning,one of its prominent sons,Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, is dead.

The  former  Deputy National Chairman (South) and governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Oyo State,reporttedly  died in Ibadan on Friday after a brief illness.

Reacting to the passage of the Ibadan born politician, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde described it as the end of a glorious political era.

Makinde stated this in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Friday in Ibadan.

The governor, who described the late elder statesman as one of the last men standing, expressed his condolences to his family and PDP.

While commiserating with the PDP family in the state, Makinde prayed God to grant the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss.

“Baba will be greatly missed by the PDP family where he has been our leader and icon for over two decades.

“His death will also leave a vacuum in our great state and Nigeria because Baba gave his best to serving our state and the nation. 

Adeojo contested the 1999 Oyo State governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but lost to the late Alhaji Lamidi Adesina of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

One of his sons, Sherif Adeojo, currently serves as the chairman of Ido Local Government.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-04-04

Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, says coalition politicians are only “hungry for power” and “united by their hatred for Tinubu”.

In a post published via X on Thursday, Onanuga said the coalition politicians who defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) left the ruling party “years and months ago”.

On Tuesday, opposition politicians met with some ADC leaders and adopted the party as the coalition platform for the 2027 election.

The coalition appointed former Senate President David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, ex-governor of Osun, as interim national chairman and secretary, respectively.

On Wednesday, the official unveiling of the ADC as a coalition platform took place at an event in Abuja.

Politicians at the event included former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the LP in 2023; Aminu Tambuwal, former governor of Sokoto; Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation; Solomon Dalung, ex-minister of sports; and Odigie Oyegun, the former national chairman of the APC.

Others are Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice; Dino Melaye; Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine; Eyinnanya Abaribe; Gabriel Suswan; Ireti Kingibe; Elisha Abbo; Uche Secondus; Tunde Ogbeha; Victor Umeh; Lauretta Onochie; Liyel Imoke; Bolaji Abdullahi, among others.

Speaking on the development, Onanuga said Nigerians should not be deceived about the relevance of erstwhile APC members who joined the coalition platform.

The presidential spokesperson said the ruling party will not “mourn” their departure.

“Rotimi Amaechi’s soul left the APC in 2022 after losing the presidential primary to President Tinubu,” he said.

“Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General, has never hidden his estrangement from the APC since Tinubu assumed leadership and since he lost the governorship bid in Kebbi.

“Hadi Sirika, now with the ADC, is facing trial for contract splitting and other allegations.

“The renegade Rauf Aregbesola committed anti-party in the last Osun election and was expelled as an unfit APC member.

“Kashim Imam and the octogenarian Chief John Odigie Oyegun are among the disgruntled politicians posturing as would-be saviours of Nigeria.

“Imam abandoned the APC after failing to secure the vice-presidential ticket in 2022. Chief Oyegun, a former party chairman, also lost interest in the APC and has been a foundational member of this coalition since its inception.

“My advice to Nigerians: Shine your eyes very well. A political party with no clear agenda or ideology — whose members are united only by their hatred for President Tinubu — can not be good for our country. It will only set us back by decades.

“These politicians are desperados, hungry for power — not for the benefit of Nigerians but for themselves.”

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-07-04

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after a working visit and retreat in France and London lasting 18 days.

The presidential 001 aircraft conveying the President landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 9:50 p.m on Monday, the State House media office disclosed.

Tinubu was received by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, among others.

Tinubu departed Nigeria on Wednesday, April 2, spending some time in Paris, the French capital, before he reportedly proceeded to London two weekends ago.

The Presidency said while away, Tinubu maintained contact with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some states.

In Paris, the President held talks with the United States Department of State’s Senior Advisor for Africa, Mr. Massad Boulos.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the discussions included deepening bilateral collaboration aimed at enhancing regional security and promoting sustainable economic development across Africa.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-04-21

The sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has suspended all political office holders in the south-southern state.

Mr Ibas, a retired vice admiral and former chief of naval staff, announced this in a statement issued by his chief of staff on Wednesday evening.

The statement said the suspension takes immediate effect.

The suspension affected all the political appointees of the now suspended Governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara.

The affected appointees included the secretary to the state government, chief of staff, commissioners, chairpersons and members of all boards, councils of agencies, commissions, institutions, and parastatals; and special advisers, special assistants and senior special assistants.

The suspended officials were asked to hand over to the permanent secretary or the most senior director where there is no permanent secretary.

“This is pursuant to the powers conferred on the administrator of Rivers state, His Excellency, Vice-Admiral (RTD) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, by the President, His Excellency, Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR),” the statement reads.

Background
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Tinubu, on 18 March, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The president also suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all the House of Assembly members for an initial six months.

The president consequently appointed Mr Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.

He cited the recent “disturbing” incidents in the state, including explosions and vandalisation of petroleum pipelines linked to the political crises in the state, as the basis for his action.

The disturbing incidents also included the political crises in the South-southern state triggered by a rift between Mr Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is the minister of the FCT.

Nigeria’s House of Representatives, on Thursday, approved the declaration of a state of emergency in the south-southern state.

The Senate would later follow suit, approving the emergency rule with minor changes.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2025-03-26