Politics
Kashim Shettima, most suitable running mate to APC presidential candidate – Bashir Ibrahim

A notable grassroots politician and All Progressives Congress (APC) member in Borno State, Hon Dr. Al-Bashir Yahaya Ibrahim has said that former Borno State Governor, Senator Kashim Shettima has the knowledge and experience having governed Borno state for 8 years as Governor and served as State Commissioner of Finance, Education and Local Government & Chieftain y Affairs apart from his banking experience is much suitable to be the Vice President of whoever may emerge as the APC Presidential flag bearer in the 2023 general elections.

Bashir who is also a one time Councillor of Bayo LGC of Borno state and presently, the Special Assistant to the Minister of Police Affairs,Alhaji Mohammed Maigari Dingiyadi disclosed this to journalists in Maiduguri today.

Bashir said Senator Shettima who has governed Borno state for eight years amidst Boko Haram challenges has done wonderfully well to the people of the state and the north east in general, pointing out that, during Shettima’s tenure as Governor, he has united members of the APC as a one family, and commended his successor, Professor Babagana Zulum for his continuous efforts in rebuilding the state.
‘”if Senator Shettima said he is backing Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu or Vice President Yemi Osibanjo to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari, he is in full support of Kashim becoming the running mate other Chief Nola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I am in his support and have no option than for Kashim to become VP. I call on all his supporters to rally round to ensure anyone who became the presidential flag bearer emerged as President salvage the country from the ills of banditry, terrorism and the current dwindling socio-economic system.
“Senator Kashim during his tenure as governor from 2011 to 2019 has brought about infrastructural developments in the area of education, health and other social sectors, as roads, schools hospitals were constructed.
“In addition to reconstruction and rehabilitation of critical infrastructures and houses destroyed by insurgents as well as resettlement of thousands of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs across the 27 council areas, despite paucity of funds with attendant decrease of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.
“These and many more developmental efforts recorded under Shettima’s 8- years administration earned him the respect and confidence from all members of the ruling party, hence, he deserve the support and full backing at all times.
“In view of the forthcoming 2023 general elections, I want to join other well meaning Nigerians and supporters of our great party, and fully behind who ever Senator Shettima support to emerge as APC presidential candidate”, Bashir said.
He however appealed to all and sundry to continue give maximum support to the government of Governor Zulum and the security agencies who are doing good enough in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP, as peace is gradually returning to the state which has led to execution and implementation of over 556 people oriented projects and Programmes across the state in the last three years of Governor Zulum .
Baahir added that the emerging peace has tremendously and impressively resulted in several basic infrastructures presence all over the places including first of it’s kind flyover commissioned by President Buhari, mega schools, vocational training centers, hospitals and doctors staff quarters full furnished and provided with all the basic facilities and amenities, recruitment of teaching and health workers, civil service improvement and payments of regular salaries a d allowances as well as pensions and gratuities among many others within the few years that he is in office.

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.

Politics
CPDPL accuses Adeyanju of orchestrating smear campaign against FCT Minister Wike

The Concerned PDP League (CPDPL) has raised the alarm over what it describes as a calculated and deliberate smear campaign against the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.

According to the group, the campaign is aimed at setting President Bola Tinubu against the Minister.

The group specifically pointed an accusing finger at activist Barr. Deji Adeyanju.
In a statement jointly signed by the League’s National Secretary, Alhaji Tasiu Makila Muhammad, and its Acting Director of Publicity, Comrade Justina D. Dashi, the group alleged that Adeyanju has taken over the role of critic from Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, whom they accused of sponsoring baseless press conferences against the FCT Minister.
“Recall that Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere has benefited from sponsorship to fuel his propaganda campaign against the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, by the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Sim Fubara. Since the political tension in Rivers State began, Ugochinyere has exploited the situation for personal gain. However, our apex leader and group have consistently exposed his lies and propaganda, making Nigerians take his press conferences with a pinch of salt. But now, it appears there is a transition from him to Adeyanju.
“We have reliably gathered that Deji Adeyanju, either personally or through a proxy, is preparing to address a ‘State of the Nation’ press conference titled Akpabio vs. Natasha and Other Matters Arising at his Wuse 2 office at 9 AM tomorrow, Friday, March 14, 2025. However, he deliberately excluded the Rivers State issue from the announcement, despite planning to focus on it during the briefing. This is because the Rivers State Governor is allegedly funding the event.
“Nigerians may recall that the FCT Minister previously exposed Adeyanju’s hypocrisy, revealing how he once begged Wike to appoint him as the PDP National Publicity Secretary (NPS). Wike, in his characteristic manner, refused, stating that Adeyanju lacked the capacity for the position. That rejection was a major blow to Adeyanju, and since then, he has been determined to castigate Wike while working tirelessly to turn President Tinubu against him. His upcoming press conference is part of that agenda.
“We want to assure Adeyanju that his planned press conference, which he has misleadingly titled Akpabio vs. Natasha and Other Matters Arising but is actually meant to attack the FCT Minister, will be inconsequential and has already failed.
“Therefore, we urge Nigerians and the general public to disregard Adeyanju’s sponsored press conference tomorrow, which is aimed at tarnishing the Minister’s image before President Tinubu and the public. We also advise the Rivers State Governor that sponsoring propagandists and commercial activists will not improve his situation—one that Ugochinyere, his associates, and newfound allies have placed him in,” the statement read.

Politics
Retired military officer, colonel Gbenga Adegbola, joins APC with 13,000 supporters

A retired military officer, Colonel Gbenga Adegbola, along with over 13,000 supporters from Oyo State, has joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

The new entrants were received by the APC National Working Committee (NWC) at the party headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Receiving the new party members, the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Umar Ganduje, unveiled the party’s blueprint for the South West, which he referred to as the winning formula of “political homogeneity.” He expressed optimism that the APC would take over the South West in 2027.
He said, “Our blueprint for the South West geo-political zone for 2027 is tagged ‘political homogeneity.’ In other words, for the South West, according to our blueprint, we will work hard, and with the help of Allah (SWT) and the people of the state, Oyo will be an APC state in 2027.
“Other states in the zone that are not yet under our control—Osun State, In Sha Allah—will also become APC states. That is what we mean by political homogeneity.”
Addressing newsmen at the media centre shortly after his reception into the party, Adegbola stated that he was ready to leverage his wealth of experience to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the APC.
He expressed his commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ programme and also affirmed that they (the new entrants) would work hard to ensure that Oyo State joins the ruling party by 2027.
He said, “I am wholeheartedly and highly committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. We will do everything possible to ensure that Oyo State becomes an APC state by 2027.
“We will put in all humanly possible efforts, by the special grace of God, to reach every nook and cranny of Oyo State. We have received assurances from the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
“He has given us his word and encouragement. That is why we thank the Almighty God for bringing us this far. In due course, you will be hearing more from us. I also want to thank the Oyo State executives who accompanied me to my reception by the NWC of our party.”
Adegbola was accompanied to the reception by members of the Oyo State Executive Committee of the APC, former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai, former Minister of Communication Barr. Adebayo Shittu, and several party leaders from Oyo North.

-
Politics1 week ago
Benue APC: Support group leaders accuses Benue Chief Judge of interference
-
News1 week ago
Sexual Harassment: Social media abuzz as Natasha hails ex-Gov Fayemi for standing for the truth
-
Opinion1 week ago
Embattled Natasha: Again, where have the elders in Kogi gone?
-
Politics1 week ago
Anambra guber: APC opts for indirect primary
-
Security3 days ago
Nigerian Coast Guard: Citizens warned against extortion as passage of bill is being awaited
-
Crime1 week ago
Edo Gov’t demolishes kidnappers’ hideouts in Ekpoma, Uromi
-
News1 week ago
Anambra Primaries: INEC warns against sudden changes
-
Foreign6 days ago
North Korea: A country not like others with 15 strange things that only exist