Aregbesola’s loyalists join APC in Osun - Newstrends
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Aregbesola’s loyalists join APC in Osun

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Rauf Aregbesola

Aregbesola’s loyalists join APC in Osun

Supporters of Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of Osun, under the banner of the Omoluabi Progressive Group, have severed ties with his political camp and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ejigbo local government area of the state.

The defection, which took place over the weekend at Ilupeju Multipurpose Hall in Ejigbo, also included scores of members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), signaling a major political realignment ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

Receiving the defectors, Mudashiru Husain, a former senator and leader of APC in Ejigbo, described the development as a boost to the party’s strength at the grassroots.

Husain, who is eyeing the APC governorship ticket for 2026, said the mass defection was a result of deliberate, inclusive leadership by progressives in the area.

“The number of people joining us from the PDP and the Omoluabi group is proof that our style of leadership is resonating with the people,” he said.

He described the APC as the only party committed to real economic growth, social welfare, and human development.

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Husain said the influx of new members would help position the APC for victory in the next election cycle, and urged the defectors to remain committed to the party’s progressive values.

On his ambition, Husain said his governorship bid is not a desperate move, stressing that he would follow the rules and traditions of the APC.

His words: “I am qualified in experience, loyalty, and grassroots appeal. If given the mandate, I will lead the APC to reclaim Osun and correct the policy failures of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration.”

In separate remarks, local APC leaders including Ayegbayo Gbolahan, chairman of Ejigbo LGA; Olayanju Kolapo of Ejigbo West LCDA; and Lateef Adegoke, chairman of the party in Ejigbo, pledged their full support to the new members and reaffirmed their commitment to party unity.

Speaking on behalf of the Omoluabi group, Wole Olajire said their return to the APC was based on a clear decision to rejoin the mainstream progressive fold and ensure electoral victory in 2026.

On his part, Kareem Mubarak, who led the PDP defectors, criticized the ruling party for what he called a breakdown of internal democracy and failure in governance.

He said the APC’s track record of purposeful leadership and development-focused policies made it a natural choice for those seeking real change.

Aregbesola’s loyalists join APC in Osun

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City Boy Movement Receives Bus Donations from Zenco, Obi Cubana for Tinubu’s Campaign

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City Boy Movement Receives Bus Donations from Zenco, Obi Cubana for Tinubu’s Campaign

City Boy Movement Receives Bus Donations from Zenco, Obi Cubana for Tinubu’s Campaign

Prominent business leaders and influencers have donated buses worth millions of naira in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, signalling a growing grassroots mobilisation effort by his backers across Nigeria.

The donations were led by Cletus Uzoezie Oragwa, founder of Zenco Oil, alongside Chief Christian Okonkwo of C-Energy Oil and popular nightlife entrepreneur Obi Cubana. The buses were handed over to CityBoyMedia, an affiliate of the City Boy Movement, a youth-driven grassroots support platform actively engaging communities in the Southeast and beyond to strengthen Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

During the presentation ceremony, the donors emphasised that the buses would enhance the movement’s logistics, voter mobilisation, and outreach efforts in key regions, particularly rural communities. The initiative underscores the role of private sector support in bolstering campaign infrastructure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Obi Cubana, who has previously been prominent in civic engagement and social advocacy, signalled stronger political alignment with the Tinubu-led administration. In recent events, including hosting Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, in Abuja, Cubana reaffirmed his commitment to youth mobilisation and inclusive political participation through the City Boy Movement.

Also present at the event was social media personality Cubana Chief Priest, who expressed support for the administration and reiterated his opposition to former presidential candidate Peter Obi in the upcoming 2027 elections.

The donations coincide with a wider surge in pro-Tinubu mobilisation activities nationwide, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and allied groups intensify efforts to consolidate support and ensure a strong grassroots presence. Political observers note that contributions from private citizens and business figures play a key role in sustaining momentum for the campaign.

This initiative highlights the intersection of political support, business influence, and grassroots mobilisation, reflecting strategic efforts to galvanise youth engagement and strengthen the administration’s electoral prospects.

City Boy Movement Receives Bus Donations from Zenco, Obi Cubana for Tinubu’s Campaign

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Jakande’s servant-leadership mindset remains relevant — Olurode

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Jakande’s servant-leadership mindset remains relevant — Olurode

 

LAGOS — A retired Professor of Sociology at the University of Lagos, Lai Olurode, has described the late first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, as a symbol of ethical and people-centred leadership, saying his “servant mindset” continues to offer lessons for today’s political class.

Olurode spoke in Lagos on February 11, 2026, at a commemorative event marking the fifth anniversary of Jakande’s passing, where he delivered a tribute titled “Jakande’s Servant Mindsets Remain Evergreen.”

Reflecting on Jakande’s legacy, Olurode said the late governor’s decisions were largely driven by public good rather than personal gain.

“An analysis of Jakande’s actions… reveals that his major actions weren’t self-interest driven but motivated by a consuming concern for the enhancement of public goods,” he said.

He noted that Jakande’s tenure expanded access to education, healthcare, roads and employment, with benefits reaching ordinary citizens rather than a narrow political circle.

According to him, the former governor demystified governance by taking it to the grassroots and maintaining close contact with the masses.

Olurode also recalled the period following the 1983 military coup, when praise for Jakande’s achievements continued despite the prevailing political climate, citing an incident where a government official described the ousted governor as a “superstar.”

Highlighting Jakande’s personal style, he said the late leader avoided flamboyance, cut the cost of governance and remained accessible even after leaving office.

“Jakande shunned flamboyance and the wasteful paraphernalia which many Nigerian leaders artificially surround themselves with,” Olurode added.

He urged contemporary leaders to embrace ethical values, inclusivity and accountability, noting that Jakande’s legacy endures decades after his single term in office.

The event also featured reflections on Jakande’s contributions to Lagos State and tributes to his family, including his wife, Alhaja Sikirat Abimbola, and their children.

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El‑Rufai Warns He Could Be Arrested Amid Rising Political Tensions

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Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai
Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai

El‑Rufai Warns He Could Be Arrested Amid Rising Political Tensions

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai has raised alarm that he could be arrested at any time by Nigeria’s security agencies, claiming his outspoken criticism of the federal government and the alleged targeting of political opponents may make him a potential target. In an interview with BBC Hausa, El‑Rufai said that although he has not yet been detained, he believes his arrest is imminent, noting that several close associates have already been picked up by security forces. “About four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested; so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too,” he said, highlighting what he described as political pressure and intimidation of opposition voices.

El‑Rufai alleged that the APC-led federal government is using security and anti-corruption agencies to intimidate dissenting politicians, forcing some to either defect to the ruling party or face punitive action. His remarks come amid heightened political tension in the country and follow the arrest and ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, who faces charges including abuse of office — allegations he describes as politically motivated. Critics say selective targeting of opposition figures undermines democratic principles and escalates mistrust in governance, especially as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. El‑Rufai’s warning has intensified debates about the independence of law enforcement agencies and their role in political matters.

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Once a key figure in the APC, El‑Rufai has become a vocal critic of parts of the current administration. He claims that officials linked to his past administration have faced repeated investigations and detentions without formal charges, alleging these actions are politically motivated. In a confidential memo dated February 10, 2026, he stated that several former aides and associates had been detained and arraigned on what he called “phantom charges” designed to tarnish reputations and limit political competition.

While he insists he has committed no wrongdoing, El‑Rufai has called for due process and transparency, stressing that Nigeria’s political space must remain free from intimidation and unlawful targeting of opponents. His statement underscores growing concerns about political intimidation and the misuse of security agencies, highlighting the need for institutional independence and protection of opposition voices as the country navigates an increasingly charged political atmosphere.

El‑Rufai Warns He Could Be Arrested Amid Rising Political Tensions

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