Politics Archives - Page 8 of 19

I was Never Tinubu’s Friend — El-Rufai

February 10, 2026 by admin

A former Kaduna State Governor and ex-Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed claims of a personal fallout with President Bola Tinubu, stating that he never had a personal relationship with the President in the first place. Speaking during an interview on Trust TV on Monday, El-Rufai said his support for Tinubu’s 2023 presidential bid was driven by party loyalty and political arrangements, not friendship. “I was never Tinubu’s friend. We never had a personal relationship like the one I had with General Buhari of blessed memory,” he said. The former governor explained that his involvement in Tinubu’s emergence as president followed consultations within the All Progressives Congress and broader political considerations ahead of the election. “I was approached by certain Islamic stakeholders from the southwest to support the emergence of a southwest Muslim presidential candidate. That is how the discussions started,” El-Rufai stated. He added that the zoning understanding within the APC after President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure made a southern presidency inevitable. “As governor of Kaduna and one of the founders of APC, I knew there was an understanding that after eight years of Buhari, power would return to the south. It wasn’t about Tinubu; he was merely an accidental beneficiary,” he said. El-Rufai noted that once Tinubu secured the party’s ticket, he committed himself to the campaign in line with his personal principles. “It is a principle of mine to fight for the candidate of my party in every election, whether I like the candidate or not. The fact that he emerged as the party’s candidate meant I would give everything to ensure he won.” However, he said fundamental disagreements surfaced after the election, rooted in differing philosophies of governance and public service. “We didn’t fall out; we didn’t find areas of agreement. I am in government to serve the public and deliver results, not to enrich myself or appoint cronies,” El-Rufai said. According to him, the governing approach of the current administration sharply contrasts with his own values. “The philosophy of this government is contrary to everything I’ve been taught as a Muslim, a northerner, and a Nigerian. They came to govern the cake, to enrich themselves. We are different people, parallel lines that will never meet,” he said. El-Rufai further disclosed that his decision to reject a ministerial appointment from President Tinubu was based on those same principles. “If I had accepted the ministerial position that was publicly offered to me, I would have resigned shortly after. Our fundamental philosophies of governance are worlds apart,” he added.

Why I Attended N’Assembly Protest with my Son — Amaechi

February 10, 2026 by admin

A former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has explained why he attended the “Occupy the National Assembly” protest alongside his son. Speaking with reporters on Tuesday in Abuja, Amaechi said he came with his son, who is a medical doctor, as a precaution in case the demonstration turned violent and participants sustained injuries. The former Rivers State governor also said his decision reflected his belief that leaders should be physically present during major protests and stand with the people, rather than watch from a distance. He called on Nigerians to rise up, urging opposition political parties to take to the streets to protest the Senate’s decision. Amaechi further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of opposing the electronic transmission of election results out of fear of losing elections. “I believe that the opposition parties should come out—PDP, ADC, everybody should be out—to protest against the attempt of one party,” he said. “If we come out and they say the opposition has hijacked the protest, what is the APC doing? Are they not hijacking? What are they afraid of? I thought they said they have 31 governors. Tinubu is not Jonathan. The only way a good politician will know he has done well is by the people,” Amaechi added. He added that opposition parties and civil society organisations would continue the protests, even if Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Tinubu look the other way. Amaechi also juxtaposed current living conditions with what obtained during the Muhammadu Buhari administration he served in. He said, “It is worse now than it was then. In Buhari’s time, at least, even though we were planning to remove the subsidy, we had better plans for citizens.” The former minister further alleged that corruption has spiked under Tinubu. Asked whether he believed Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election, Amaechi said: “Let’s wait and see”, adding that it would be impossible for the incumbent to win the poll. “The will of the people must prevail,” he said. The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Monday, joined the protesters, lending his voice to calls for electoral transparency and credibility. The protest comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding the amendment of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly over whether the Independent National Electoral Commission should be mandated to transmit results electronically in real time from polling units. While many Nigerians have called on lawmakers to make real-time electronic transmission compulsory, the Senate have argued that the provision should remain discretionary, citing logistical and infrastructural concerns. The Senate also issued explanations claiming it did not scrap electronic transmission entirely, while protesters insist that removing “real-time electronic transmission” creates loopholes that could be exploited.

Kano Emirship Tussle to be Resolved Soon– Commissioner

January 29, 2026 by admin

The Kano State Government has assured residents of the state that the lingering emirate tussle in the state would soon be resolved. The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, gave the assurance on Thursday while addressing newsmen in Kano, saying concrete steps have already been taken to restore lasting peace and stability. He said the administration of Governor Yusuf remains committed to dialogue with all stakeholders, stressing that the emirate matter will not be allowed to continue generating tension or undermining governance in the state. “The Kano emirship tussle will soon be resolved amicably because the state government is committed to dialogue with stakeholders,” Waiya said. He explained that the government’s approach is guided by respect for the rule of law, traditional institutions, and the collective interest of the people of Kano State. Recall that Muhammadu Sañusi II was reinstated as the 16th Emir of Kano in May 2024 following the removal of the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, after Yusuf signed the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024. The law repealed the Kano State Emirates Council Law of 2019 and dissolved the emirate councils created under the previous administration. Speaking on the recent defection of Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress, the commissioner described the move as one that would bring significant benefits to Kano State. According to him, closer alignment with the Federal Government would attract more interventions, projects, and development initiatives in key sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, and social welfare. “The defection opens more doors for Kano. With stronger collaboration with the Federal Government, residents should expect more dividends of democracy,” Waiya said. On the political future of the deputy governor, who has not defected alongside the governor, Waiya said the decision remains a personal choice. He emphasised that the state government remains focused on governance, unity, and development, urging residents to remain calm and supportive as efforts continue to resolve outstanding issues and move Kano forward. The commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transparency, peace, and inclusive governance, assuring that the interests of the Kano people will always remain paramount.

Governors Don’t Win Election, Aregbesola Tells Tinubu

January 27, 2026 by admin

ABUJA – FORMER governor of Osun state, Rauf Aregbesola has taken President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government to the cleaner over the insinuation that defection of governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will guarantee their winning the 2027 election. Speaking at the public book launch of Bola Abdullahi titled “The Loyalist,” the former governor of Osun state, who said it’s people that win election and not defecting governors, added that harvesting governors from the opposition will not guarantee APC winning the 2027 presidential election. He said that loyalty to a cause is better than loyalty to individual. Details later……

Ekiti 2026: Court Nullifies PDP Primaries, Orders Fresh Exercise

January 13, 2026 by admin

A Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, on Tuesday, ordered the Peoples Democratic Party to conduct a fresh governorship primary poll to elect its candidate. The judge, Justice Babs Kuewumi, gave the order after he nullified the PDP primaries, which was held on November 8, where Dr Wole Oluyede emerged the party’s candidate. An aspirant in the primaries, Funso Ayeni, dissatisfied with the outcome of the polls, had approached the court seeking, among others, cancellation of the exercise, citing failure to meet the party’s guidelines and constitution. Ayeni had, through his counsel, Kola Kolade SAN, approached the court in a suit marked FHC/AD/CS/29/2025, saying that “the party (PDP) failed to present the original and authentic list of statutory and ad hoc delegates used for the exercise”. The plaintiff argued that the absence of the original delegates’ list constituted a fundamental breach of the PDP guidelines and the Electoral Act, thereby rendering the primary election invalid. In his judgment on Tuesday, Kuewumi held that “the conduct of the primary election did not comply with the provisions of the law and the party’s constitution. “Consequently, the primary election is hereby nullified,” he declared, ordering the PDP in conjunction with the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a fresh governorship primary election in strict compliance with the law and relevant guidelines.” Kuewumi directed that all eligible aspirants be allowed to participate in the fresh primary election to ensure transparency, fairness, and internal democracy within the party. Reacting to the judgment, counsel to Oluyede, Owoseni Ajayi, who expressed dissatisfaction with the court verdict, said that the judgment would be appealed, adding that Oluyede would file for a stay of execution. Recall that Oluyede’s name was excluded from the list of governorship candidates for the June 20 governorship election published by INEC on December 29. Oluyede had vowed that he would challenge the situation and explore all available means to ensure his name was restored to the list so that he could participate in the election and win.

El-Rufai Denies 2027 Presidential Comments, Calls Allegation Fake

December 15, 2025 by admin

The former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed as false a viral claim alleging that he stated which region of the country should produce the President in 2027. Reports making the rounds on social media claimed that the African Democratic Congress chieftain stated that it is the turn of the South to produce the president in 2027. The reports also suggested that El-Rufai may be backing the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, instead of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. In a statement issued on Monday via his official X handle, El-Rufai described the trending report as “untrue” despite its wide circulation. He clarified that at no time did he make such remarks in any of his speeches, media interviews or on his verified social media platforms. “My attention has been drawn to a trending fake news item alleging that I specified which region of the country should produce the president in 2027. “This claim is untrue, despite its virality. I did not make such a statement in any of my speeches, interviews or social media posts. I maintain verifiable social media platforms where I speak my mind and express my personal views directly. “It is also wrong and improper to attribute to me opinion articles written by other authors, even when I share such articles on my platforms as contributions to the national conversation. “These clarifications are crucial as we confront both irresponsible politicking and the deliberate misuse of social media for the spread of fake news. “The wilful attribution to me of claims I did not make by fake news platforms is no justification for treating such platforms with any seriousness.” He urged media professionals and the public to always verify information before publication or sharing, warning that society suffers when media leaders and influencers fail in this responsibility. El-Rufai also called on all stakeholders to act responsibly in order to curb the spread of fake news and irresponsible politicking. “In this age of turmoil and falsehood, the obligation to verify information before posting or publishing has become more important than ever. In this instance, it appears that some senior editors ignored this duty. “Society stands to lose when media leaders align with the most irresponsible actors on social media in what can only be described as the unedifying Olympics of fiction and fakery. Everyone must live up to their responsibility. “I wish to reiterate that no views should be attributed to me unless I have explicitly expressed them on my official social media platforms or during interviews with reputable media organisations,” the statement added.

Accord Party disowns Imumolen, Backs Adeleke’s Candidacy

December 15, 2025 by admin

The National Coordinator of the Accord Party, Rev. Isaac Adeniyi, has distanced the party from a statement credited to its former presidential candidate, Chris Imumolen. On December 3, a faction of the Accord Party launched a legal action before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking to void the party’s forthcoming Osun State governorship primaries and to affirm the suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem. The suit, filed on December 3, 202,5 and marked FCT/CV/4955/2025, was instituted by Oliver Bitrus, who listed the Accord Party, Mgbudem and the Independent National Electoral Commission as the first, second and third defendants. Bitrus, represented by counsel Daniel Edeachi, contends that Mgbudem and his deputy, Chief Okey Nwosu, were duly suspended by a faction of the party over alleged anti-party activities. He added that the faction subsequently appointed Prof. Chris Imumolen as a replacement, relying on a Federal High Court judgment they claim recognises him as the lawful national leader. Imumolen described the defection of the Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, as a “back door entry,” declaring it invalid. Imumolen faction of the party also conducted another primary, but the Independent National Electoral Commission accepted the result of the primary that threw up Adeleke. However, Adeniyi, in a statement in Benin on Monday, backed Adeleke’s candidacy while dissociating the party from the statements credited to Imumolen. The statement reads, “The Accord Party, attention has been drawn to a statement credited to one Chris Imumolen criticizing Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for defecting to our great party. “Accord disassociates our party from the reckless statements of the said Imumolen. Let it also be known that in trying to display his ignorance to challenge the legitimacy of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory at the Accord Party’s primary, Imomulen hurriedly went to organize a Kangaroo primary elsewhere in Osun State, unknown to the public, proclaiming himself as National Chairman and his disguised National Working Committee members. The actions of Imumolen are illegal, null and void. “The General public is warned not to associate themselves with Imumolen’s group as he and his group do not represent the party in any capacity whatsoever. We equallycall on the INEC to discountenance this group.” Adeniyi said the Accord Party commended INEC for recognising Adeleke as the legitimate candidate of the party. Adeniyi added, “Governor Ademola Adeleke was duly registered at his ward as a member of the Accord party, and he collected the nomination form. “The party’s primary was conducted and witnessed by INEC officials, as he was subsequently elected as Accord flag bearer. Also, the Accord constitution stipulates that the party ticket should be given to a sole candidate in the absence of any other contestants. “Finally, we congratulate Governor Adeleke for emerging as the Governorship candidate of the Accord party. Those sponsoring Imumolen know for sure that Governor Adeleke will emerge victorious in the forthcoming Osun Governorship election. “The other political parties should put their leaking umbrella and the scattered broom in Osun State in order. There is no killing the beetle, Imole is sure of victory.”

Segelu Applauds Akeem Abas, Describes New NUJ Chairman as a Model of Integrity and Quality Leadership

December 11, 2025 by admin

Governorship hopeful and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Hon. Olayinka Segelu, has congratulated the newly elected Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Comrade Akeem Babatunde Abas, describing his emergence as a symbol of integrity, competence, and quality leadership for the media community. In a statement issued by his media aide, Kazeem Awojoodu on Thursday, Segelu said Abas’ victory at the polls was not only well -deserved but also a reaffirmation of the confidence Oyo journalists have in his experience, temperament, and longstanding commitment to ethical reporting. According to him, “Comrade Akeem Abas stands out as a thoroughbred professional whose career in journalism has been marked by truth, balance, and public-interest reporting. His emergence is a strong affirmation that integrity still commands respect in our media space.” Segelu, who has been vocal about the central role of the media in strengthening democracy, noted that Abas’ ascent to the NUJ leadership comes at a crucial time for Oyo State and Nigeria, when the public increasingly relies on journalists for clarity, accountability, and responsible information-sharing. He said, “Journalists remain the backbone of democratic societies. Their work shapes public understanding and ensures leaders are accountable. With Abas at the helm, I am confident that the Oyo NUJ will experience a renewed era of vibrant, principled, and people-focused journalism.” The PDP chieftain also praised the entire NUJ Congress for conducting a peaceful, transparent, and credible election, commending all contestants for displaying maturity and sportsmanship throughout the process. He added, “The peaceful conduct of the election speaks volumes about the unity and professionalism within the Oyo NUJ. Everyone who contested contributed to strengthening internal democracy. What we have witnessed is a family choosing one of its finest to lead.” Segelu urged the new chairman to build on the achievements of the outgoing leadership, particularly in the areas of journalist welfare, press freedom, safety, and professional development. He pledged his continued support for initiatives that enhance responsible journalism and deepen collaboration between media institutions and public leaders. “As Oyo State charts a path toward progressive governance, the media must remain a strong, independent partner. I look forward to working with the new NUJ leadership in fostering transparency, civic engagement, and development across our state,” he stated. Segelu also extended his congratulations to the newly elected executive members of the union, wishing them a productive tenure and praying for wisdom and unity as they begin their leadership mandate. He concluded by expressing optimism that Comrade Akeem Abas will lead the Oyo NUJ into what he called “a bold new chapter of integrity-driven journalism and professional excellence.”

Segelu Counters Ajadi’s ‘Restore Development’ Claim, Says Oyo’s Growth Is on Track Under Makinde

December 4, 2025 by admin

Gubernatorial hopeful and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Aare Olayinka Segelu, has issued a strong but measured response to comments made by fellow aspirant, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, during his recent visit to the His Imperial Majesty, Ikú Bàbá Yèyé, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1. Ajadi, while seeking royal blessings for his 2027 governorship ambition, had stated that he was embarking on a mission “to restore development, unity and prosperity to our people.” But Segelu, in a statement on Wednesday, said such a comment does not reflect the true situation in Oyo State, as development under the current PDP administration is not lost, it is thriving. Segelu, who acknowledged Ajadi’s recent entry into the PDP, commended his visit to the Alaafin but emphasized the need for aspirants to communicate with accuracy, fairness and responsibility. “While I commend my brother, Amb. Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, for his consultation with the Alaafin and for offering himself for service, it is important that we communicate our aspirations with clarity and fairness,” Segelu said. “In Oyo State today, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, development is not something waiting to be restored, it is already happening, visible, measurable and widely acknowledged across all zones of the state.” Segelu highlighted the transformation achieved by the Makinde administration across critical sectors, infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, energy, workers’ welfare, industrial growth, and security, insisting these gains cannot be downplayed for political soundbites. According to him, PDP aspirants should project continuity, consolidation and expansion, not narratives that suggest a reversal or decay. “As aspirants on the same PDP platform, our responsibility is to assure the people of Oyo State of continuity and deepening of the remarkable progress already delivered by this administration,” he stated. “We are not restoring development; we are advancing it.” Segelu reaffirmed that his own governorship ambition is rooted in strengthening Makinde’s legacy, not rewriting it. “My vision is to build on Governor Makinde’s achievements, strengthen state institutions, expand youth empowerment, accelerate economic growth, and ensure that every community feels the impact of government,” Segelu said. “This is the message of unity, progress and responsible leadership that our great party, the PDP, stands for as we move towards 2027.” He urged all PDP aspirants to maintain cohesion, discipline and factual communication, noting that the 2027 elections will demand a united party backed by performance, truth and continuity.

El-Rufai Officially Joins ADC

November 27, 2025 by admin

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress, months after leaving the All Progressives Congress. The former governor registered with the ADC and collected his membership card at the party office in U/Sarki Ward, Kaduna State. The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory was accompanied by his loyal supporters, including former appointees and local government chairmen. Recall that on March 10, El-Rufai cited a widening disconnect between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as the primary reason for his defection. In his resignation letter, El-Rufai openly criticised the APC’s leadership, accusing the party of abandoning the progressive ideals upon which it was founded. “Developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party,” he had stated. He revealed that he had repeatedly raised concerns about the party’s trajectory, both privately and publicly, over the past two years, but his warnings were ignored by the APC leadership. El-Rufai, who was instrumental in the 2013 merger of opposition parties that led to the formation of the APC, lamented that the party had lost its original vision. More to come…