Politics
El-Rufai’s defection a betrayal, but not irreversible – APC Professionals
The APC Professional Network, an umbrella body for professionals within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has described the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as a major betrayal.
Despite his move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the group maintains that the situation is not beyond resolution.
In a statement released on Saturday, the group’s President-General, Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, emphasized El-Rufai’s significance within the APC, stating, “Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has played a crucial role in the APC’s growth and governance objectives. His departure, coupled with his recent comments, is both unexpected and disappointing. It raises concerns about party loyalty, consistency, and the commitment needed to build a stronger APC.”
While acknowledging El-Rufai’s right to political association, Oluwafemi noted the impact of such moves on the party’s integrity and unity.
He reaffirmed the APC Professional Network’s dedication to the party’s core values of good governance, accountability, and development.
“As professionals within the APC, we urge our members and supporters to remain calm, focused, and resolute,” he said. “This development must not derail our collective mission of advancing the party’s agenda for a prosperous and united Nigeria, he said”.
The group further called on party leaders at all levels to reinforce internal cohesion and address concerns that could trigger further defections.
“Now, more than ever, the APC must demonstrate leadership, unity, and resolve,” Oluwafemi stressed.
He assured members that the network remains committed to strengthening the party and ensuring its continued success.
Some leaders from opposition parties in the country have announced the formation of a coalition aimed at removing President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, made the announcement while addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.
The meeting was attended by top opposition figures, including Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who was represented by Yunusa Tanko; former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; and National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Peter Ameh, among others.
It was announced that some notable figures were absent but had taken permission, including former governors of Rivers and Ekiti states, Rotimi Amaechi and Kayode Fayemi, as well as the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Adamu.
When asked if the gathering marked the beginning of a coalition of political parties for the 2027 election, Atiku responded with a clear “Yes.”
A coalition of concerned leaders and political stakeholders in Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
The leaders made this demand during a joint press conference in Abuja on Thursday.
Among those present at the meeting were former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, who was represented by Yunusa Tanko. Also in attendance was former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
Other notable figures, including former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, former Governor of Ekiti State Kayode Fayemi, and former Governor of Rivers State Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, were unable to attend but had formally excused their absence.
Describing Fubara’s suspension and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as unconstitutional and illegal, the coalition urged President Tinubu to reinstate the governor and his deputy without delay.
Furthermore, they called on the judiciary to invalidate the suspension, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent that could be used arbitrarily to remove elected governors in the future.
“Mr. President’s illegal and unconstitutional proclamation was presumably driven by the protracted insidious political crisis in Rivers State, which culminated in the recent ruling of the Supreme Court. Naturally, we expected all parties to the dispute to follow laid-down procedures, and in good faith, to promptly implement the judgment of the highest court of the land. We note that despite provocative statements and the belligerent attitude of his opponents, Governor Fubara had demonstrated goodwill and appeared disposed to implementing the ruling of the Supreme Court,” the leaders said.
They accused President Tinubu of acting out of bias and neglecting his constitutional duty to be fair to all Nigerians.
“However, rather than rise above the fray, the president yielded to petty favouritism and betrayed the oath that he solemnly swore to before God and man, which was to ‘do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.’ If President Tinubu had conveniently disguised his true intentions in the past, his broadcast to the nation on 18th March 2025 betrayed his bias and fell far below the standard of comportment expected from his exalted office,” they noted.
The coalition called on Nigerians to resist what they described as an undemocratic act by the federal government.
According to them, “Rivers State is not a conquered territory, and Nigeria is not a dictatorship requiring the replacement of an ELECTED GOVERNOR with a MILITARY ADMINISTRATOR. We recall that even when a previous administration declared a state of emergency in parts of the country plagued by insurgency and terrorism, the governors of the affected states were not removed from office. This action by President Tinubu, therefore, represents a new low for our country.”
They warned against the potential consequences of political instability in the Niger Delta, reminding the government of the historical unrest in the region.
“Past administrations made great efforts and sacrifices to restore peace and stability to the Niger Delta, which is critical to Nigeria’s economic health. This federal government should not manufacture political crises that could disrupt the fragile stability and return the country to a past that we have all prayed to leave behind for good,” they said.
The coalition insisted that the suspension must be reversed to uphold the rule of law and preserve Nigeria’s democracy.
Politics
Yahaya Bello deceptively arranging recall of Senator Natasha, desperate to replace her – Constituents
Constituents in Kogi Central Senatorial District are agitating the involvement of the former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello in arranging deceptive recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha to that he can replace her in the Senate.
They said Bello is desperate in replacing Senator Natasha, but vowed that Bello and his allies who are initiating recall would not succeed as they will continue to throw their weight behind Senator Natasha despite her travails in the Senate recently.
In a statement issued by the concerned constituents and made available to CAPITAL POST in Lokoja on Thursday, the constituents pointed out that the former governor and his allies disguised a recall process as an empowerment program in Kogi Central Senatorial district and mobilise constituents to avail themselves with voters cards only to ask them to sign register to recall Senator Natasha from the Senate.
The statement said, ‘it was a charade orchestrated in collaboration with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, aims to prevent an investigation into the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Constituents are being misled into participating in this evil, unaware that they are actually initiating a recall process. This is an attempt to settle scores with Senator Natasha, who defeated Bello’s candidate in the last senatorial election.
“We urge the people of Kogi Central to use all legal means to stop this deceptive scheme and continue raising awareness. Senator Natasha has consistently delivered quality representation, and we see no justification for her recall.
“The relative peace we are enjoying in Kogi Central senatorial district must not be jeopardized.
“We call on the Federal government and the APC National to call former Governor Yahaya Bello and the Kogi State government to order and immediately put an end to this charade.
“We are pleased with the quality representation of Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and pass vote of confidence on her.”
CAPITAL POST recalls that Natasha was suspended from the Senate for six months over breach of Senate Rules and Order.
She has also accused the Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio over sexual harassment.
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