The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has officially joined the Accord Party, days after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party.

The governor made the announcement on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in the presence of national and state leaders of the party.

According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor also revealed his intention to seek re-election for a second term on the platform of the “Thumb-Up” party.

The governor added that he joined the party more than a month ago.

He said, “I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely on November 6, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders.

“Stakeholders and residents of Osun State are aware of why we are taking this important decision. We intend to pursue a second term in office on the platform of the Accord Party to complete the ongoing delivery of good governance and democratic dividends, which have been applauded at home and abroad.”

Adeleke stated that he opted for the party because its mission of welfarism aligns with his administration’s focus on citizens’ and workers’ welfare.

He added, “I welcome our party leaders into the Osun State Government House. You are now part of us, as I am also now part of you. We are united in progress and good intentions for the good people of Osun State and Nigeria at large.

“At this historical point, our task is to sustain a united front as we prepare for the elections. We have a duty to ensure inclusive leadership where the interests of all groups are considered. Our party, Accord Party, is here to take over Osun governance and sustain the delivery of good governance in our dear state.

“Since I joined the party more than a month ago, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great party. The focus on people’s welfare should always be at the heart of public leadership. The primary essence of government is the welfare and well-being of the people.

“As a governor, I have prioritised the welfare of our people, from workers to the entire citizenry. Day and night, we implement policies and programmes to elevate the well-being of our people. From infrastructure to social services, Osun has never had it so good in governance and service delivery.”

“Today, we unveil the new platform for the good people of Osun State. From Osun West to Osun East to Osun Central, this is our party, our new platform for victory come August next year.

“From Igbomina to Ijeshaland to Ifeland, to Osogbo, to Iwoland, to Modakeke, to Gbongan, to Igbajo, to Ikire, to Ikirun, to Ede, and other lands of Osun State, we must ‘thumb up’ according to our collective desires for good governance.

“Osun voted for good governance in 2022, and they will support continuity in 2026. The mass of our people are for continuity, and Accord is our party for victory next year.

“In accordance with the will of our stakeholders and to accord deep respect for the wishes of the Osun people, I hereby declare for the Accord Party,” he added.

Recall that the governor formally announced his resignation from the PDP on December 1, citing persistent leadership turmoil at the party’s national level.

In a statement shared on his Instagram page, Adeleke confirmed that he submitted his resignation to party officials in Sagba Abogunde, Ward 2, Ede North Local Government, on November 4, 2025.

He said, “Due to the ongoing crisis within the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (#OfficialPDPNig) at the national level, I officially conveyed my resignation letter as a member to the party leadership in Sagba Abogunde, Ward 2, Ede North Local Government on November 4, 2025.

“I thank the party and its many members and supporters for the opportunities they have provided me, first as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and now as Governor of Osun State.”

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

 

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)

 

 

 

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.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced rescue of the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State and 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State.

President Tinubu made the announcement in his official X handle @official ABAT on Sunday.

While commending the security forces for the feat achieved in the two North Central states, President Tinubu assured Nigerians that security of lives and property will be guaranteed under his watch.

He also confirmed the recovery of 51 of the 303 students and school staff members abducted in a separate attack in Niger State.

The president said he cancelled his planned trip to the G20 summit in South Africa to coordinate national security efforts.

“Let me be clear. I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety. Under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people,” he said.

The announcement aligns with an earlier statement issued by the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who reported on Sunday that the abductees had regained freedom following sustained military, police and intelligence operations.

The governor’s spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the success resulted from a coordinated response ordered by the president.

According to Mr Ajakaye, the president’s directive led to heightened deployments, including four specialised police units and additional troops.

He said the governor thanked the Office of the National Security Adviser, the State Security Service, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency, the Nigerian Army and the Police for what he described as “many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives.”

The worshippers were taken when gunmen stormed their church during a midweek prayer session.

The attack occurred a day before the mass abduction in Niger State and days after another case in Kebbi, widening concerns over coordinated kidnapping rings operating across the North Central and North West regions.

The Eruku abduction had drawn nationwide attention after the attackers killed three people and took away the 38 worshippers, mostly women and children.

The state government responded by imposing temporary school closures in parts of Kwara and convening a security council meeting where commanders reviewed air missions, arrests and ground operations.

Further details about the rescue, including the location and condition of the victims, are expected to be released after official debriefings.

 

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.

 

 

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.

Former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has reacted to his suspension by the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, stating that he has yet to receive any formal notification.The senator’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, said on Wednesday that Daniel had not been served any letter regarding the alleged anti-party activities he was accused of, or the reported suspension. If you recall,days back,in a statement signed by the party’s Director of Publicity, Olufemi Nuberu, noted that the meeting was presided over by the State Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, on Tuesday. He explained that the 16 members present at the meeting considered the reports of the Disciplinary Committees investigating allegations of misconduct and anti-party activities against the two members in Ward 4 and Ward 6 of Sagamu Local Government Area, respectively. It was gathered that Ward 4, Sagamu, constituted a Disciplinary Committee to probe the alleged misconduct bordering on anti-party activities committed by Senator Gbenga Daniel. Similarly, Ward 6, Sagamu, set up a Disciplinary Committee on allegations of gross misconduct and anti-party activities allegedly committed by Hon. Kunle Folarin. According to the statement, the committees wrote to the members under investigation, inviting them to appear before the panels for a fair hearing and to defend themselves against the allegations.   However, both Daniel and Folarin reportedly failed to respond to the invitations, failed to submit written defences, and also failed to attend the disciplinary sittings where they were expected to present their cases. The statement reads, “In view of their deliberate and unexplained absences, the Committees deliberated as scheduled, heard from the available witnesses, considered the available documentary evidence, and deliberated on the allegations. “In addition to the above, the Committees received notice that the members under investigation had been harassing party members and warning members against cooperating with the Committees, and further that the members under investigation had been using their statuses within the party to pressure party members to withdraw the petitions against them.  “In view of this development, the Committees resolved to protect the integrity of the disciplinary process and to eliminate interference by the members under investigation.   “Upon due consideration, the Committees suspended the members indefinitely, pending further investigation and the outcome of the Committees’ inquiry. Copies of the letters of indefinite suspension had been sent to the State Chairman for consideration and approval of the State Working Committee. “The suspensions were based on the members’ failure to cooperate with the investigation and their attempts to pressure party members to withdraw petitions against them. “The SWC has ratified the suspensions. The meeting demonstrates the party’s commitment to maintaining discipline and upholding its constitution.”

 

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.”

 

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.