Politics

Accord Presidential Candidate Explains Why Tinubu Will Win in 2027

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  Prof. Christopher Imumolen, the presidential candidate and National Chairman of a faction of the Accord Party, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu is on course to win the 2027 presidential election, citing his administration’s reforms, leadership style and increasing support across the country. Imumolen stated this at a news conference in Lagos on Friday, where he formally announced his withdrawal from the 2027 presidential race and endorsed Tinubu for a second term. He said the decision followed extensive consultations with the party’s leadership and members. Imumolen said that national interest should always take precedence over personal ambition and partisan considerations. According to him, Tinubu’s re-election is inevitable because Nigerians are beginning to appreciate the long-term benefits of the administration’s reform agenda despite prevailing economic challenges. “Tinubu will win because of his people-oriented programmes and the massive support he has received from different parts of the country. “There is focus. Let us forget about the challenges of inflation and security. There must be progress. “If another person comes in 2027, he will have to start all over again. “There must be continuity. He has identified the challenges, and we need to move from where we are to the next phase. That is why we are supporting him, and he will win. My support is total,” Imumolen said. He said the President’s reform agenda closely aligned with his own manifesto, especially in economic transformation, education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, industrialisation and national development. Imumolen said the party endorsed him for ten reasons, after reviewing the administration’s performance and Nigeria’s future development needs. He said the first three reasons were Tinubu’s courage in implementing difficult economic reforms, demonstrated leadership capacity and commitment to progressive governance through continuity of development projects. According to him, the fourth, fifth and sixth reasons were deliberate youth empowerment, bridging generational leadership and appointing competent individuals into strategic public offices. He said the seventh, eighth and ninth reasons were placing national interest above personal ambition, ensuring policy continuity, political stability and sustained reforms, and demonstrating transparency through the party’s early endorsement. Imumolen said the tenth reason was the party’s conviction that collaboration in the national interest would strengthen democracy and accelerate national development. “Over the last four years, I was one of those who criticised the President. However, I have also witnessed his leadership style and the progress his administration has made,” he said. He said no opposition presidential candidate, including those of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and National Democratic Congress (NDC), possessed a stronger prospect than Tinubu. Imumolen commended the administration for appointing young Nigerians into strategic positions, saying the President had demonstrated confidence in the country’s younger generation. According to him, the appointments have created opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to governance and national development. “I believe President Bola Tinubu is uniquely positioned to provide a seamless transition between Nigeria’s founding democratic leadership and the emerging generation of transformational leaders,” he said. Imumolen reiterated that his political aspiration had always been driven by service to Nigeria rather than the pursuit of public office. “My aspiration has always been to serve Nigeria and not merely to occupy political office. “Whenever the national interest is better served through unity and strategic collaboration, I will always choose Nigeria above personal interest,” he said. He said continuity in governance remained essential for attracting investment, creating jobs, strengthening institutions and sustaining ongoing reforms across the country. “These are some of the reasons our party has collectively resolved to stand behind President Tinubu in the forthcoming election. “There is no hidden agenda. Our only objective is to support what we believe is good for Nigeria and secure a better future for ourselves and our children,” he said. Imumolen said the party announced its endorsement ahead of the election to demonstrate openness and provide clarity to its members and supporters. He dismissed claims that the endorsement resulted from weak political structures, insisting the decision was based entirely on performance and national interest. “Our party evaluates leaders based on their performance. We have assessed Mr President’s record and believe supporting him is in the national interest,” he said. Imumolen explained that the party deliberately declined to field a presidential candidate because it believed continuity would consolidate the reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration. He assured supporters that the presidential endorsement would not affect Accord Party’s participation in governorship, legislative and other elections across the country. (NAN)

Osun Poll: Davido Calls for Peaceful Election, Rejects Violence

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  Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has called on residents of Osun State to maintain peace and reject all forms of violence and intimidation ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, encouraging them to turn out peacefully and exercise their democratic rights. Speaking during a youth campaign mobilisation event in support of Governor Ademola Adeleke which was shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday, the singer described the governor as one of the best leaders the state has had and expressed confidence that he would secure another term in office. “We’re all here for one reason. It’s for the Executive Governor of Osun State, the only Chief Security Officer of Osun State. One of the best, if not the best, governor to ever have ruled this state. We have our projects to show for it. We have our integrity to show for it, and we have our diligence to show for it,” he said. Davido said he was addressing the public not just as an entertainer but as a representative of the youth. “I speak to you today, not just as Davido, but as one of your own, as a voice for our people. I understand the tension and emotion surrounding this election, but I urge everyone to remain calm,” he said. Expressing confidence in the outcome of the election, he added, “We’ve won this thing twice before. No shaking. We’ve won it twice before and we’re going to win it again for the third time, by the grace of God.” The singer urged voters to reject violence and intimidation during the election. “Let us reject violence. I’ll say it again. Let us reject violence, intimidation, provocation and, most importantly, destruction. To every person in Osun, come out and exercise your right to vote. Do not be afraid or intimidated. Your vote is your voice and your choice must be respected,” he said. Davido also appealed to political leaders to ensure the election remains peaceful. “I’ve heard rumours suggesting that there are moves to interfere in the Osun State election or use the state as a political battleground to prove a point. I do not present these claims as facts, but I appeal to you, sir, to use your influence to promote peace and allow the people of Osun choose their candidates freely,” he said. Referencing his personal ties to Imo State through his wife, Chioma, Davido said, “We have mutual connections, and I have a deep connection to Imo State. My wife, Chioma, is from the state, which makes this appeal more sincere. Please, let Osun remain peaceful.” He concluded by urging all stakeholders to respect the will of the electorate. “Let’s allow democracy take its course and let the people decide. Whatever the outcome is, please do not allow political ambition to put the lives and future of Osun people at risk. “If they choose you, let the victory be through their votes. If they choose someone else, let their decision be respected. Politics is temporary, but Osun will be here forever. No political victory is worth violence, destruction or the loss of a single life,” he said.  

Osun Poll: APC Urges Adeleke to Stop Blaming Tinubu for His Challenges

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  The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to stop blaming President Bola Tinubu and leaders of the ruling party for his political difficulties ahead of the August 15 governorship election, saying he should instead defend his performance in office. APC National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, made the call while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, in response to comments by Adeleke at a campaign rally in Osogbo, where the governor accused political opponents of orchestrating violence in the state and appealed to Tinubu to intervene. Adeleke had alleged that extrajudicial killings were taking place in Osun and urged the President not to turn a blind eye to the situation. “President Bola Tinubu, something is happening in Osun that you have not moved to put an end to. They are killing our people. You are the President; you are the father for all of us. Osun has said they won’t allow rigging,” the governor was quoted as saying. He also warned against any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the election, drawing parallels with the political crisis that engulfed the old Western Region in 1983. “There won’t be rigging in Osun. Remember what happened in 1983. It started in Yorubaland when they cheated Bola Ige and Michael Ajasin. Osun will not agree. We want a free and fair election. President Tinubu, I am passing this message to you. We have endorsed you; why are they still killing us?” Adeleke added. Responding, Bashiru dismissed the governor’s allegations as baseless and urged him to run an issue-based campaign if he believed he deserved a second term. “If Governor Adeleke truly has achievements to present to the people of Osun, he should campaign on them instead of casting aspersions on President Tinubu and leaders of the APC over an election that is still days away,” Bashiru said. The APC scribe said it was surprising that a sitting governor was already raising fears of election rigging nearly two weeks before the poll. “How can a sitting governor be crying about rigging in an election that is still about 11 days away, when in politics even 24 hours is enough to change the dynamics?” he asked. According to Bashiru, Adeleke’s comments reflected anxiety over what he described as the growing popularity of the APC and its governorship candidate, Munirudeen Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO. He argued that the governor should instead account for his administration’s performance, alleging that several roads across the state remained in poor condition while the education sector continued to suffer from a shortage of about 30,000 teachers. “If those roads had been fixed, they would have stimulated economic activities across the state. If the shortage of teachers had been addressed, thousands of jobs would have been created while improving the quality of education,” he said. Bashiru also maintained that Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu’s second-term bid ahead of the 2027 presidential election would not translate into electoral support for the governor. “The endorsement of President Tinubu is not a guarantee that Governor Adeleke will secure a second term. He must face the electorate and account for his stewardship,” he added. He further claimed that the large crowds attending the party’s campaign rallies across the state had unsettled the governor, prompting what he described as attempts to gain public sympathy through allegations against the ruling party. Similarly, the Osun State chapter of the APC accused Adeleke of fuelling political tension and attempting to shift responsibility for the state’s security challenges to Tinubu and former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. In a statement signed by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC described Adeleke’s allegations as “misplaced, frivolous and unsubstantiated.” “The unsubstantiated allegations of Governor Adeleke, who covers his inadequacy by resorting to dancing when an injection of intellect is needed, against President Tinubu and former Governor Oyetola are misplaced and frivolous. They amount to nothing more than an attempt to justify his imminent defeat in the forthcoming governorship election,” Olabisi said. It also accused the governor of granting questionable amnesty to convicted political thugs and appointing some of them to public offices. “The discerning public deserves to know why, just days before the governorship election, the governor has allegedly been granting questionable amnesty to dangerous political thugs serving various jail terms in correctional centres across the state,” the statement read in part. The APC further argued that Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu’s 2027 presidential ambition was voluntary and should not be used as a basis for seeking political concessions. “Why the worry if it is true that Governor Adeleke has performed well? The August 15 governorship election will provide the electorate with the opportunity to assess his claims,” Olabisi added. Osun State will hold its governorship election on August 15, with Governor Adeleke of the Accord Party seeking a second term against the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. The campaign has been marked by accusations and counter-accusations between the two major parties over political violence, security concerns and alleged attempts to influence the electoral process.

North Will Give 95% of Votes to Tinubu — Uba Sani

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  Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has expressed confidence that the North will deliver at least 95 per cent of its votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, describing the contest as “already concluded.” Sani made the remarks during the flag-off of the 122-kilometre Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road project. The governor said Kaduna residents were satisfied with Tinubu’s performance, particularly the Federal Government’s investment in infrastructure across the state. “We have to be happy with what he has done for us and whether we like it or not, Kaduna is the capital of Northern Nigeria. Everyone is proud of Kaduna. “Kaduna’s development is a development for all the states of Northern Nigeria, so we are happy and grateful to the President for recognising that Kaduna is the heart of Northern Nigeria,” he said. Sani said the North would continue to support Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election. “We will continue to support the President. I have no doubt in my mind that the 2027 election has been concluded, and we are giving President Tinubu at least 95 per cent of the total votes. There is no doubt about that, and I stand to be challenged,” he said. The governor also highlighted ongoing Federal Government road projects in Kaduna State, including the Western Bypass and the planned resumption of work on the Eastern Bypass. “The Western Bypass is ongoing from the Abuja Junction to Kawo Motor Park, and that is also a construction undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Works under the able leadership of Tinubu. “We are resuming the construction of the Eastern Bypass, which is extremely critical for our people. It will resume, according to my conversation with the minister, in the next two weeks, by the grace of God. So all these are things the President is doing for the people of Kaduna State,” he said. Sani maintained that Tinubu had done more for Northern Nigeria than any previous president. “About two weeks ago, I came out boldly and said no president in the history of Nigeria has done what Tinubu did for us here in Northern Nigeria, and I challenge anyone to come up with anything contrary to what I have said. “Tinubu has done a lot. Only now, my brother and friend, Masari, stood here and mentioned most of the projects that Mr President is doing in Northern Nigeria. Again, the minister came up here and confirmed all those projects. “Let me ask a question: Why was it that other leaders were not doing what Tinubu is doing today for Northern Nigeria? Was it that Northern Nigeria was not a priority or that it was not their concern? We thank Tinubu for the love for the North and humanity,” he added.  

Osun 2026: Adeleke Calls for Fairness from Police

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  OSOGBO — Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has appealed to the police authority in the state to be fair and just in the forthcoming August 15th Governorship election in the state. Governor Adeleke who made the remarks at the stakeholders parley with leadership and members of public service held at government secretariat in Osogbo noted that police in the state has taken sides over the forthcoming Governorship election in the state and as such he has lost confidence in the force. The governor who told the workers in the state that he is not under any pressure because of the election but stressed that he is more than prepared. According to him, “I am not under pressure on the coming election because I have God on my side. I also have people. I have told the electorates not to be afraid because this is democracy and Nigeria has chosen to practice it. “As I speak, I don’t trust the police right now. The police has taken sides. My advise to people is that they should not be afraid despite all the intimidation from Osun Police, Osun APC through Oyetola dastardly acts and killings, I only trust on God and the good people of the state. ” I am sure that democracy, the will of God and that of the people shall prevail, just come out and cast your votes. What I’m going to tell them is that they should not be afraid. This is a democracy, and Nigeria has chosen to practise democracy. They should not be afraid, despite all the intimidation that the Osun APC, through Oyetola, has allegedly been carrying out, including the killing of people and other acts. “When they finish voting, they should not be afraid. They should stay with their votes and protect them. While speaking, the State Head of Service, Mr. Tajudeen Aina commended the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke for implementing a N75,500 minimum wage and settled all backlogged salaries and pension arrears totaling over N80billion left over by APC led administration in the state. He also noted that former Governor and now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, Osun APC Guber Candidate, Asiwaju Oyebamiji, Executive Director, Federal Housing Authority, Remi Omowaiye, Adebayo Adeleke otherwise called Banik and other also drawing money of half salaries being paid by the current administration of Ademola Adeleke. He therefore admonished all workers and their relations to compensate Governor Adeleke with their votes during Governorship election in the state.

ADC Demands El-Rufai’s Release, Declares him ‘Prisoner of Conscience’

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  The National Executive Committee of the African Democratic Congress has demanded the immediate release of Nasir El-Rufai, describing the former Kaduna State governor as a “prisoner of conscience.” The demand formed part of the resolutions reached at the party’s 101st National Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja on Saturday, where party leaders also ratified the outcome of its recent primary elections and approved major organisational changes ahead of the 2027 general elections. In the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the NEC unanimously recognised El-Rufai as a victim of political persecution and called for his freedom. “The NEC recognises Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai as prisoner of conscience and calls for his immediate release,” the communiqué stated. The resolution is likely to heighten political debate over El-Rufai’s situation, particularly given his prominence in national politics and his recent association with opposition political forces seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections. A prisoner of conscience is someone detained or punished for their beliefs, identity, or peaceful expression, without having used or promoted violence. Beyond the demand for El-Rufai’s release, the party’s highest decision-making organ outside its national convention also moved to strengthen its internal structures as preparations for the next electoral cycle gather momentum. According to the communiqué, the NEC approved the results of the party’s recently conducted primaries for State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, governorship and presidential elections across the country. However, the approval excluded contests where appeals were still pending as of May 29, 2026, as well as primaries yet to be concluded. “NEC approved the results of all recently conducted primaries for State Houses of Assembly, the National Assembly, State Governors, and the Presidential elections; except those with pending appeals as at May 29, 2026, and those yet to be concluded,” the party said. The decision comes amid complaints and petitions from some aspirants over the conduct of primaries in parts of the country. During the NEC meeting, party leaders stressed the need to preserve internal democracy while ensuring that disputes arising from the nomination process are resolved through established party mechanisms. The committee also approved a one-year extension of the tenure of the National Working Committee, effectively retaining the current leadership to oversee the party’s affairs through a critical period leading up to the 2027 polls. “NEC approved the extension of the tenure of the National Working Committee (NWC) for a period of 12 months from the expiry of their current tenure,” the communiqué stated. The extension is expected to provide continuity in the party’s leadership as it seeks to consolidate its structures, expand its membership base and position itself as a major opposition platform. In a related decision, the NEC approved the constitution of caretaker committees at the zonal, state, local government and ward levels for a period of 12 months. “NEC approved the constitution of the Caretaker Committees at the Zonal, State, Local Government and Wards for a period of 12 months,” the communiqué added. The move is seen as part of efforts by the party leadership to reorganise and strengthen grassroots structures across the federation ahead of future electoral contests. The NEC meeting came barely hours after the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, urged members to remain united and focused on presenting the ADC as a credible alternative for Nigerians dissatisfied with the current state of affairs in the country. Mark had told party leaders that Nigerians were increasingly searching for a political platform capable of addressing the nation’s security and economic challenges, stressing that the ADC must not fail to meet those expectations. With the ratification of most of its primary election results and the extension of its leadership structures, the ADC appears to be consolidating its internal organisation as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum. However, the party’s demand for the release of El-Rufai is likely to attract significant attention, potentially adding another dimension to the evolving political landscape as opposition parties seek to build alliances and expand their influence ahead of the next general election.  

Makinde Clinches APM Presidential Nomination

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  Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has been announced as the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement for the 2027 general election. Makinde emerged at the party’s presidential primary held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Saturday. In his acceptance speech, the governor said his ambition was driven by the need to restore hope and rebuild confidence in the country. He said, “I stand before you today (Saturday) with deep humility and a profound sense of responsibility as I accept the nomination to serve as the Presidential Candidate of the Allied People’s Movement for the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “I believe that we possess the capacity to rebuild our economy through honesty, discipline and practical reforms. When I speak of practical reforms, I mean reforms that directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.” The governor promised reforms in the oil and gas sector, saying Nigerians should benefit more from the country’s natural resources. “Nigerians must benefit from the fact that we are an oil-producing nation, just as citizens of other resource-producing countries benefit from their natural wealth. “The NNPC must be reformed into a lean, efficient and commercially driven institution through proper corporate restructuring, stronger partnerships and institutional reforms,” he stated. Makinde also identified agriculture as a key area for economic growth, stressing the need to improve production, processing, storage and agricultural logistics. Makinde explained that his campaign would focus on competence and solutions rather than empty promises. Speaking at the event, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Mohammed Jatau, endorsed Makinde’s candidacy and described him as a leader capable of moving Nigeria forward. “We are here on behalf of the government and people of Bauchi State to support, endorse and celebrate the emergence of our dear distinguished brother, Oluwaseyi Makinde, as the Presidential Candidate of the Allied People’s Movement,” he said. Also speaking, APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle described the primary as peaceful and transparent.

JUST IN: PDP Faction Declares Jonathan Presidential Candidate in Absentia

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  The decision was taken at a special national convention held at the faction’s national secretariat in Area 10, Garki, Abuja. Jonathan was not present at the event where his nomination was formally ratified, but his Certificate of Return was received on his behalf by Bayelsa lawmaker, Fred Agbedi. The development was announced during the gathering attended by delegates and party stakeholders aligned with the Turaki-led group.   More details later…

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