Politics Archives - Page 11 of 19

2027: Atiku Denies Plan To Step Down for Anyone

October 2, 2025 by admin

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports suggesting that he intends to step down for another presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 elections. In a statement issued on Thursday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku described such claims as a misrepresentation of his recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service. Ibe explained that a careful review of both the video and transcripts of the interview showed that Atiku never said, suggested, or implied that he intends to step down for anyone. The statement reads, “After a thorough review of both the video and transcripts of the interview – in the original Hausa and the English translation – it is evident that at no point did the former Vice President expressly state, suggest, or even imply that he intends to step down for anyone. “What Atiku Abubakar clearly and unambiguously said was that young people, as well as other prospective presidential aspirants, are free to enter the contest. He further stressed that if a young candidate were to emerge through a competitive primary, he would readily support such a candidate without any hesitation. “While interpretative journalism is a legitimate aspect of reporting, stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged. “For the record, therefore, the insinuations attributed to Waziri Adamawa from his BBC Hausa interview are inaccurate and do not reflect what he actually said.” PUNCH Online earlier reported that Atiku, in an interview with BBC Hausa, said he will withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if a younger aspirant defeats him to clinch the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket. The former vice president also noted that he would support and mentor such a candidate. “If I run for office, and a young man defeats me, I will accept that. The party we have joined now prioritises youth and women,” he had said.

Beating Atiku in Primaries Will Be Harder, Says Shehu Sani

October 2, 2025 by admin

Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has reacted to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s statement that he would step aside from the 2027 presidential race if a younger aspirant defeats him in the African Democratic Congress primaries. PUNCH Online earlier reported that Atiku, in an interview with BBC Hausa, stated that he would withdraw from the race and support a younger candidate if he was defeated in the ADC primaries. The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party added that he would support and mentor such a flagbearer. “If I run for office, and a young man defeats me, I will accept that. The party we have joined now prioritises youth and women,” Atiku had said. The former presidential candidate, however, could not confirm whether he would contest the presidency again. “This is only the beginning. Our priority is to establish the party and gain a strong following,” Atiku said. Sani, in a post via his official X handle on Thursday, said it would be extremely difficult to defeat the former vice president in a party primary. He wrote, “His Excellency the Waziri reportedly said he would step aside if a younger candidate wins the primaries… The keyword here is PRIMARIES… It’s easier for a camel to pass through the hole of a needle than to beat the Waziri in primaries. Party delegates are a special breed of people.”

Fubara Sacks Commissioners, Others

October 1, 2025 by admin

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sacked all commissioners and public officers serving under his administration. Fubara, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday evening by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, said the sacking was with immediate effect. The governor said the decision followed the recent Supreme Court judgment. Meanwhile, Fubara thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the State in the last two years. He made the commendation during a valedictory session he held with his cabinet to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary in Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday. The statement reads, “Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the State in the last two years. The governor highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s Independence, and called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all.” Fubara also reiterated his commitment to serve the State with renewed vigour, while thanking all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary. “Furthermore, the Governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgement of their appointments with immediate effect, ” the statement added. Recall that the immediate past Administrator of the State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rted) had, on assumption of office, suspended all commissioners, Special Advisers and Special Assistants to Fubara, who was suspended by President Bola Tinubu following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. Ibas also dissolved all boards and suspended heads of parastatals he met on the ground in the state. Until Ibas exited the State on September 18, the fate of Fubara’s Commissioners and other appointees had been hanging in the balance.

I’m Not One of You Again, Olubadan Tells Atiku

September 30, 2025 by admin

The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, revealed that he had withdrawn from active politics to focus on his role as monarch. Oba Ladoja stated this when Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside a former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu, ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), and other prominent politicians, paid him homage at his private residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, following his coronation. He stated, “I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house. “Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in any other than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.” Recounting his political journey with Atiku, he explained, “We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in the Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create an identity, I went to the Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back. “All the religious leaders said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people—Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice.” Citybuzznews reports that Ladoja was officially presented with the staff and instrument of office last Friday by Governor Seyi Makinde, who cut short his annual leave to personally attend the historic event. The event marked the grand finale of activities celebrating former Oyo State governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja’s ascension to the revered throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland. The coronation concluded a week-long celebration that featured a cultural day, a coronation lecture, a praise and worship service, and the monarch’s 81st birthday, which was celebrated in grand style at Liberty Stadium The new Olubadan ascended the throne following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90.

2027: Makinde Sets Clear Expectations For Re-elected Oyo PDP Excos

September 29, 2025 by admin

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged the re-elected executives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to work tirelessly to ensure the party wins comprehensively at all levels in the 2027 general elections, from the presidency down to councillorship seats. Makinde gave the charge on Monday during the PDP State Congress, held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan. At the exercise, Dayo Ogungbenro was re-elected unopposed as the state chairman of the party. The congress brought together PDP members from all 33 local government areas of the state, who gathered to renew the mandate of the party’s leadership team for another four-year term. According to the official figures announced during the congress, a total of 4,050 delegates were accredited, while 4,031 votes were cast. There were 74 valid votes recorded, and 19 delegates were absent. Dayo Ogungbenro was re-elected unopposed as the state chairman, polling 3,957 votes. Wasiu Adeleke was returned unopposed as the deputy state chairman, also with 3,957 votes. Joel Oyelami was re-elected unopposed as the state secretary, securing 3,957 votes. For the position of women’s leader, Toyin Olawunmi was re-elected unopposed with 3,957 votes, while Kazeem Bello was returned unopposed as the youth leader, also polling 3,957 votes. All other executive members were equally re-elected unopposed to continue in their respective positions. In his address to the delegates, Governor Makinde reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the PDP remained the dominant political force in the state and across Nigeria. He stressed the importance of unity and focus among party members, charging the newly re-elected executives to deliver victory for the party at every level of governance in 2027. “Your mandate is to deliver victory for the Peoples Democratic Party, from the presidency to the councillorship and to ensure that we retain our dominance beyond 2027,” Makinde said. The governor described the state congress as a vital step towards strengthening the party’s internal structures and consolidating its gains ahead of future elections. Earlier, the Chairman of the PDP Electoral Panel Committee, Senator Austin Akobundu, urged delegates to exercise their voting rights responsibly. He stressed that their actions would play a key role in shaping the party’s future and positioning it for electoral success. Akobundu praised Governor Makinde for what he described as the “remarkable transformation” of Oyo State under his leadership. He expressed confidence that the PDP was well-prepared to secure victory in the 2027 elections. “Today’s event is of great significance. I am pleased to note that under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, this party has grown from strength to strength. We expect nothing short of total victory from all our elected officers,” Akobundu stated. Several notable party figures also addressed the congress, including former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja and Senator Gbenga Babalola, Federal lawmakers Hon Abass Adigun Agboworin; Member representing Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, Hon Stanley Adedeji Olajide, Ibadan North -West/South-West, Hon Shina Peller former lawmaker at the House of Representatives, all the local government council chairmen, PDP state assembly members, past members of the national assembly on the platform of the party, among others. They described Governor Makinde as a trailblazer and a stabilizing force within the PDP, both at the state and national levels. In his acceptance speech, Ogungbenro pledged to keep the party united and focused, assuring members that the new executives would continue to build on Governor Makinde’s achievements. “We will consolidate on the excellent performance of Governor Seyi Makinde and work tirelessly to keep our party strong and victorious as we prepare for the challenges ahead,” Ogungbenro said. The atmosphere at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex was electrifying, as party supporters celebrated Ogungbenro’s victory with songs, chants, and banners reflecting the themes of unity, continuity, and readiness for 2027

Governor Makinde Casts Vote As Oyo PDP Commences Congress

September 29, 2025 by admin

The Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commenced its state congress in Ibadan, the Capital city of the state, with Governor Seyi Makinde casting the first vote to kick off the electoral process. Governor Makinde, who serves as the number one delegate from Ibadan North East Local Government Area, was among the early voters in the peaceful and well-organised exercise. Delegates from all 33 local government areas of the state are currently participating in the congress. The congress marks the culmination of the party’s internal electoral process, following successful ward and local government congresses held across the state. The exercise is aimed at electing new state executive officers who will steer the party’s affairs over the next four years. In his address, Governor Makinde urged the newly elected executive members of the party to deliver the party from the presidency to the counsellorship position. He said, “Congratulations to you all, I salute your courage for standing firm in your party, your responsibility is beyond 2027. “Your mandate is very clear: deliver PDP from the Presidency to the counsellorship position in the 2027 general elections. The event attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of the State, Barrister Adebayo Lawal a former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido; the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; and several federal lawmakers such as Hon. Abass Adigun Agboworin (Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency), Hon. Stanley Adedeji Olajide (Ibadan North-West/South-West), and Hon. Shina Peller, a former member of the House of Representatives. Also in attendance were all the local government council chairmen across the state, party stakeholders, and supporters who witnessed the congress proceedings. The outcome of the congress is expected to shape the direction of the PDP in Oyo State as it prepares for future electoral contests.

Aare Olayinka Segelu Hails Ladoja’s Coronation, Says New Olubadan’s Reign Will Usher Prosperity

September 28, 2025 by admin

Governorship hopeful and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Aare Olayinka Segelu, has congratulated His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on his coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. In a statement issued on Sunday, Segelu, a Germany-based businessman and philanthropist, described Oba Ladoja’s ascension to the revered throne as a fulfilment of destiny and a monumental blessing to Ibadanland, Oyo State, and the Yoruba nation at large. He recalled the monarch’s enviable track record as a former Senator and former Governor of Oyo State, noting that his wealth of experience in governance, politics, and business would guide him in his new role as custodian of Ibadan tradition and culture. “Oba Rashidi Ladoja has always been a man of the people, a leader who combines wisdom with compassion. His reign as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland will undoubtedly usher in peace, unity, and prosperity for our land. Ibadan is blessed to have a king whose legacy of service to humanity already speaks volumes,” Segelu said. He prayed for God’s continued guidance, good health, and strength for the new monarch, while urging the people of Ibadanland to rally round Oba Ladoja to ensure a successful and impactful reign. Segelu also expressed confidence that the new Olubadan’s reign would further strengthen Ibadan’s role in Yoruba history and Nigerian politics, describing the coronation as “a new dawn for Ibadanland.”

Rivers APC Ready to Work With Fubara, Says Okocha

September 2, 2025 by admin

Ahead of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s reinstatement to office on September 18, the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State has declared its readiness to work with him when he is reinstated. The APC said collaborating with the governor will not stop the main opposition in the state from holding Fubara accountable on issues of governance. The state APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, made the declaration during a news briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, on Tuesday. Okocha assured all that the APC would continue to consolidate on its membership base while also offering constructive criticism of the Fubara administration after his return. He said, “The governor who was suspended will return to office on September 18. The APC will work with him when he returns. “There are states where the governor and assembly members are in different parties, so we are going to work with him. “However, that will not take away our right to criticise him when he does wrong. But for us, the LG chairmen will work with him, except that we will not agree to vicious policies.” Okocha described the just-concluded local government elections in the state as an introduction to the 2027 general elections, noting that the APC deliberately chose not to field candidates in strongholds of the Peoples Democratic Party but concentrated on areas where it had a comparative advantage. “The Rivers State LG election is a prelude to what will happen in 2027. “Whilst we were campaigning, I told our people that there is a need for us to believe in the centre and leave the periphery. “We did not field candidates in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGAs because we do not have the strength in those areas. “It was our own calculated strategy not to field candidates in those LGAs and concentrate only where we have a comparative advantage. Remember that Rivers State was a PDP state,” Okocha explained. He expressed optimism about the party’s growing influence, contrasting its position in the 2023 elections with its current status. “In 2023, APC in Rivers State had no shoes. Now we are wearing psychedelic shoes. “We are going to double and redouble our membership for the President. As far as my party is concerned, we will be fielding him for a second term in 2027,” he said. Okocha took a swipe at the PDP, saying the party was collapsing and its members were defecting in droves to the APC, which he said now calls the shots. He stressed, “PDP is in tatters and people are leaving them in droves for other parties, and we’re privileged to have them. “We’ll continue our pleas for the PDP members, particularly the FCT Minister, to come over to the APC and have peace. The PDP is in tatters.” Recall that Fubara was suspended from office by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, after he declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following rising political tensions in the state. Tinubu had based his action on the attack on oil facilities in the state by militants who were allegedly sympathetic to the governor, accusing Fubara of not doing anything to stop the threats to cause mayhem. The President then appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as Administrator of the state for an initial six-month period. Last Saturday, while speaking to newsmen after casting his vote in the just concluded local government elections, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said that with the poll, the ‘coast’ was now clear for Fubara to be reinstated. Punch

Wike Meets PDP Secretary, Others in Abuja

September 1, 2025 by admin

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, are currently meeting with the minister at his official residence in Abuja. The meeting, which began at 8.40pm, has entered a closed-door session. Among the top-ranking members of the party present are the National Secretary of the PDP, Sam Anyanwu; National Vice Chairman (South-South), Dan Orbih; and former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom. Others include former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; former Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and former Senator representing Rivers East, George Sekibo, along with other zonal and state party chairmen. More details later… Punch

Extending State of Emergency Beyond September 18 Deadline Will Trigger Unrest In Rivers – Bode George

August 28, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – One of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftains, Chief Bode George has warned that extension of emergency rule in River state beyond September 18 would trigger crisis among the people of the state, just as he also condemned the Emergency Rule declared in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for six months. President Bola Tinubu had invoked the emergency rule following political face-off between the governor and his predecessor- godfather, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The state lawmakers were divided to the stage of plotting impeachment of the governor. Commenting on the scenario, George said that the state of emergency was unwarranted in the first place. He likened the scenario to the crisis that led to the “Wetie” uprising in the Western Region, and the eventual Civil War of 1967 that ravaged the country for three years. Speaking on “Frontline”, a political programme of Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, the former Deputy National Chairman, South, of the party, warned the Federal Government against extending the emergency rule beyond September 18 if it does not want trouble to ensue in the state. He also warned the Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok- Eke Ibas, to tread softly on whatever action he takes, stressing that he would give account after he leaves office. He said, “We have refused to learn from history and we have continued to repeat the same mistake. Even the situation to create a State of Emergency is not in conformity, and it will be an issue for the next general election. If you just think you can wield your power, extraordinary power, without caution, they are telling us there are no rules in this country. Was there violence in Rivers state? Was there violence in Port- Harcourt or at the Bonny? Was there violence in Ekwere land? There was no violence. “They said there was explosion; who saw it? Who died? Who monitored the explosion? The governor resides in Port-Harcourt and you would have seen the humility and the absolute commitment to the Almighty principle demonstrated by him. He has been calm and I want to congratulate the whole people of Rivers that they did not revert to violence or any action that would have projected them as violent people. They were calm. So, why would you now go and impose state of emergency? Just like Fela Anikulapo sang many years ago, trouble dey sleep, yangan go wake am. Wetin you go find? Na palava you go get. “Now within that period,Extending State of Emergency Beyond September 18 Deadline Will Trigger Unrest In Rivers – Bode George a non-elective person is there. He was my junior in the Navy, and so I am advising him to be very cautious. How can a non-elective person run a local government election? On behalf of whom? At the same time, you are setting up certain board. Are you the elected person? You are just there like a spare tyre or a standby generator. It will soon become a national issue. You may be called back to come and explain yourself on some things you have done. “So, my advice to the young man is to be careful. This is civil rule where you need people to behave from zero to infinity. It is unlike in the Military. You need to work with people, no matter what. This is not like in the Military where you are cocooned with certain behaviour. So, he should treat softly”, Chief George, a member of the Board of Trustees of the party warned. On the possibility of President Bola Tinubu extending the emergency rule after September 18, the former Army General, Electronics and Computer Engineer, said, “Never, never! It will be a case of yanga dey sleep, wahala go wake am. The people will not accept because you are shortchanging them. They had an election and they had somebody elected. That young Administrator should just leave and go home. We are pleading because there would be a day after governance. How will you want to be remembered? This thing is not personal”, he said.