Politics
Kwankwaso lobbying Tinubu ‘secretly’ to defect – Kano APC chieftain
The former Governor of Kano State and the National leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was lobbying secretly and in subtle manner to defect to the All Progressives, APC.
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This was according to a chieftain of the APC in Kano State, Musa Ilyasu, saying Kwankwaso was lobbying Tinubu, so that when he defects, he could achieve his interests.
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Ilyasu maintained that Kwankwaso want to use the opportunity of trying to move to APC to achieve his political purpose by securing a second term for his political godson, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in 2027.
“We are quite aware of the serial efforts of Kwankwaso to have the ears of President Tinubu to allow him to decamp to APC to enable his political godson, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to have a smooth ride for a second term in office,” he said.
Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, a former Commissioner in the state and presently the Executive Director (Finance) Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, urged President Tinubu not to allow Kwankwaso into the APC.
He also said that all the members of House of Representatives who won their seats on the platform of the NNPP which has Fruits as its logo, are merging with the APC, soon.
This, according to the APC bigwig, would shrink the Kwankwasiyya political movement led by Senator Kwankwaso.
“And this will be a good development for the APC as the party strategizes to recapture Kano in the 2027 general elections,” Iliyasu added.
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Politics
Benue APC elders back Governor Alia, President Tinubu, counsels Senator Moro to be focus
The Elders’ Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, has expressed its confidence and support in the dynamic leadership of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirming its commitment to their shared vision for the progress and development of the state and nation.
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The Forum made their stand public at a press briefing in Makurdi, on Saturday, February, 22nd, 2025.
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Led by its Chairman and former Senator representing Benue North-East Senatorial District, Senator Barnabas Gemade, the Forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the good steps he is putting in place for the overall good of the country, expressing its unwavering confidence in the ability of the Alia led administration to improve the welfare of the citizens and enhance the state’s fortunes.
They commended the Benue State House of Assembly for performing their oversight function without fear or favour, praising them for their recommendation for the removal of the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, amidst serious allegations of mismanagement and abuse of office.
The Forum’s statement read in part, “After a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese’s removal, it is clear that the Benue State House of Assembly acted within the constitutional framework outlined in Section 292(1)(a)(ii) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“We stand in solidarity with the Assembly on this decision, especially given the serious allegations that necessitated such action including mismanagement of the sum of N666,984,687.20k in less than one year and manifest abuse of office by acting outside the scope of his work as the Chief Judge evidenced in granting a waiver of Section 76 of the Benue State Electoral law duly pass by the Benue State House of Assembly and assented to by the Executive Governor of Benue State amongst other grievous misconduct.
They expressed their solidarity with the leadership of the State Assembly for holding its 13 members accountable for attempting to discredit the same decision they were part of.
“We further commend the State Assembly for promptly sanctioning their erring members who attempted to ridicule the serious business of the house when in one breath they voted along with their colleagues for the removal of the Chief Judge and in another breath stepped outside the house Chambers and immediately addressed a press conference castigating the same decision they had just supported by a more than two-thirds majority vote.”
Commenting of the motion by Senator Aba Moro, calling on the National Assembly’s intervention in the case against Justice Ikpambese, the APC Elders’ Forum described Senator Moro’s call as a misguided attempt to override the independence and collective decision of the Benue State House of Assembly, cautioning him to focus on the affairs in his party, the PDP, as well as prioritize the welfare of his constituents over his apparent quest to undermine the APC administration in Benue State.
“We wonder why Sen. Moro who, as a leader in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has turned a blind eye to the monumental crises affecting the Rivers State House of Assembly where the PDP controlled State Government has chosen to recognize and deal with a three member faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“As Elders in his state, we urge Sen Moro to focus on providing quality representation to his constituents rather than his desperate attempt to destabilize a performing APC administration in his home state.”
In a clarion call for harmony in the overall interest of Benue State, the Forum urged all stakeholders to put aside their differences and work together with Governor Hyacinth Alia, advising those opposed to the government to adopt a more constructive approach of criticisms, which the governor can build on, rather than criticising and condemning everything he does in the state.
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Politics
APC NEC passes vote of confidence on President Tinubu as party zones National Chairmanship position to North West
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu during a meeting held at the party’s headquarters on Wednesday.
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The endorsement saw party leaders express strong support for the administration’s policies, economic direction, and governance. In a significant move, the NEC also zoned the party’s National Chairmanship position to the North West, signaling the emergence of new leadership within the party.
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President Tinubu expressed his gratitude for the continued support from the party leadership and assured them that his administration would continue to drive progressive changes. He also commended the National Working Committee (NWC) for their efforts, urging them to intensify efforts in reconciling aggrieved members and fostering unity within the party.
“The National Working Committee is doing a good job, and I am happy with their efforts. Across all states, let us set up reconciliatory committees to engage with these aggrieved leaders. I appeal to them to remain calm,” President Tinubu stated.
The National Chairman of the party, Dr. Umar Ganduje, highlighted some of the party’s achievements over the past 18 months, including victories in gubernatorial elections in Imo, Kogi, Edo, and Ondo. He expressed confidence that similar successes would be achieved in Anambra and Osun states.
“In line with our promise to take the party closer to the grassroots, the National Working Committee has introduced a new, people-centered approach to campaign administration. Unlike the previous method of inaugurating national campaign councils in Abuja, these councils are now inaugurated in the respective states, allowing for greater participation from party members and other stakeholders.
This has ensured effective campaigning and delivery in these states,” Ganduje explained.
He further emphasized the party’s focus on the upcoming elections in Anambra and Osun, revealing that preparations were already underway for the Anambra governorship primary in April, in accordance with the timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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Politics
No vacancy in Aso Rock for 2027 – APC’s Bankole declares
A member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aare Hon. Tolu Bankole, has told opposition parties interested in the 2027 presidential election to save their money, as there will be no vacancy in Aso Rock.
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Bankole, in a statement he personally signed and released on Tuesday, proclaimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will serve out his constitutionally mandated eight-year tenure.
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According to him, the President remains steadfast in his commitment to Nigeria’s transformation and sustainable development and, therefore, needs to complete his two terms to achieve this.
Hon. Bankole, however, urged opposition parties to channel their resources and energy into constructive engagements rather than futile attempts to discredit the legitimacy of President Tinubu’s administration.
“Save your money and energy; there will be no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027,” Hon. Bankole declared.
He highlighted that President Tinubu’s administration has implemented far-reaching economic reforms, setting Nigeria on a path of renewal and long-term prosperity. While acknowledging the initial challenges associated with these policies, he emphasized that they are necessary for the nation’s long-term growth and self-sufficiency.
Hon. Bankole reassured Nigerians that President Tinubu’s leadership will continue to bring infrastructural development, revitalize key sectors, and elevate Nigeria’s status in the global economy.
“President Tinubu is fully committed to transforming Nigeria into a global economic and political powerhouse. His policies, vision, and leadership are already yielding results, and his second term will consolidate these gains,” he asserted.
On the ongoing debate surrounding the North-South rotational presidency, Hon. Bankole reaffirmed that the principle remains sacrosanct. He stated that power will return to the North after President Tinubu’s eight-year tenure, maintaining political stability and national equity.
“Those who fantasize about truncating this established order are either ignorant of Nigeria’s political history or are deliberately sowing discord for selfish gains,” he remarked.
Taking a swipe at opposition figures who relied on unverifiable claims during the last election, Hon. Bankole described their rhetoric as clownish, unpatriotic, and divisive. He noted that the Nigerian people now see through their pretenses, recognizing their lack of preparation and commitment to national unity.
“Their misplaced and undeserved pseudo-appeal during the last election has been exposed as nothing more than a series of comical, whimsical, and outrageous political schemes,” he added.
“As the 2027 presidential election approaches, it is evident that President Tinubu will secure a resounding victory over any opponent. His remarkable commitment to Nigeria’s transformation speaks for itself. Those considering contesting should rethink their ambition, as there is no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027,” Hon. Bankole asserted.
He further stressed that Nigeria cannot afford a reversal of the significant gains made under Tinubu’s administration.
“The nation is on a path to renewed and sustainable glory under President Tinubu, and the vision for a prosperous Nigeria is becoming clearer for all to see,” he said.
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