'We'll Meet at The Field' – Amaechi Replies Tinubu, Vows to Match Ruling Party's Campaign Tactics - Newstrends
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‘We’ll Meet at The Field’ – Amaechi Replies Tinubu, Vows to Match Ruling Party’s Campaign Tactics

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2027: Amaechi Recalls How APC Defeated PDP, Orders ADC Mobilisation
Vice Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election, Rotimi Amaechi

‘We’ll Meet at The Field’ – Amaechi Replies Tinubu, Vows to Match Ruling Party’s Campaign Tactics

The Vice Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election, Rotimi Amaechi, has responded to President Bola Tinubu’s recent remarks that anyone seeking to remove him from office must be ready to “wrestle” him until the end, declaring that the opposition is prepared to meet the President “at the field” and match whatever the ruling party brings to the electoral contest. Amaechi made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today while reacting to the controversy surrounding comments by the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan. The former Minister of Transportation, who contested against Tinubu for the APC presidential ticket in 2022 before defecting to the ADC, dismissed the President’s confidence, stating that the real test will be at the ballot box. “Let the president continue to tell the public that he would win the election at all cost until we get to the field. Whatever the president wants us to do at the field, we will do it. I’m not worried about what he wants to do. We will meet at the field,” Amaechi declared.

Members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria had on Tuesday last week met President Tinubu at the State House. During the meeting, Tinubu reaffirmed his determination to seek re-election in 2027, insisting that politics was a contest in which everyone had equal opportunities. “I asked for this job. I’m in it. Those who will take it from me will try. They will try. All is fair in politics, and it’s equal opportunity,” Tinubu said. He also defended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as neutral, and added: “I’m ready, but I won’t give them a red carpet. I won’t offer them the leash to tie me and rope me. No, we wrestle each other to the finishing point.”

Amaechi took issue with Tinubu’s assertion that “all is fair in politics,” questioning whether the President’s remark undermines the credibility of the electoral process. The ADC chieftain argued that Tinubu should have used the opportunity of the meeting with the Catholic bishops to reassure Nigerians of a free and fair election rather than making ambiguous statements. “Look at the president’s statement that all is fair in politics. If a thug takes a gun and shoots me where I’m voting, is it fair?” Amaechi asked. “When the president has said to you all is fair in politics, when the Catholic Church is crying about the possibility of having an election that may not be fair, all the president needs to do is to reassure the country that APC, PDP, and ADC will slug it out on an even field, that it will be a free and fair election, let the best team wins.”

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In a further show of political combativeness, Amaechi warned that his camp would be prepared to match any attacks from the Tinubu administration during the campaign season. “By the time we start the campaign, we will abuse anybody who is ready to abuse anybody. We will descend as low as they want. The president said all is fair in politics; we will descend to that level if that is what they want,” the former Rivers State governor declared. However, Amaechi added that he is currently focused on mourning his late mother and suspended his period of mourning to address what he considered disrespectful comments directed at the Catholic Church by officials of the Presidency. “I came here simply to say, please ask the President to stop insulting the Catholic Church, to stop insulting Christians. They should respect God and respect the Christian faith. They should stop insulting Christians,” Amaechi said.

The ADC vice presidential candidate also came to the defence of Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, who recently came under fire from presidential aides after revealing details of the bishops’ closed-door meeting with Tinubu. Amaechi accused the Presidency of showing disrespect for the Catholic Church and the Christian faith by deploying what he called “attack dogs” to intimidate Cardinal Onaiyekan. “What the president and his men are doing is insulting my faith. They are insulting the Catholic Church,” Amaechi said. He further argued that the Tinubu administration would never have reacted the same way if the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, had made similar remarks. “If the Sultan had confronted the President, would they have insulted him? We’ve been insulted because we are Christians,” Amaechi asserted. Amaechi maintained that Cardinal Onaiyekan was not aligned with any political party but was genuinely concerned about poverty, corruption, and the welfare of Nigerians. “Cardinal Onaiyekan himself supports nobody. The only thing that pains him is the level of indiscretion and poverty in the country and corruption. He worries about that,” Amaechi said.

Following the meeting with the President, Cardinal Onaiyekan had said Tinubu appeared determined to win the 2027 presidential election “by all means” and that the President disagreed with the bishops’ assessment of the country’s economic situation, insisting that conditions were improving despite the hardship being experienced by many Nigerians. According to the Cardinal, Tinubu’s response suggested that those around him were not giving him an accurate picture of the situation in the country. The Cardinal also said the bishops had no intention of engaging in a public exchange with government spokespersons, stating: “We have no response for them. We have spoken, and the only response we are waiting for is whether it is affecting the way they are governing.” He explained that the audience with President Tinubu was initiated after months of waiting for approval and was not intended as an evangelistic mission, but rather an opportunity to present the bishops’ concerns about governance and welfare of Nigerians. “We didn’t go there just as Catholic bishops pushing the Catholic agenda. No. We went there as people who are with the spiritual mandate to speak to anybody in the name of God,” Onaiyekan said.

Amaechi, who served as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was one of the aspirants who contested the APC presidential primary election in 2022, losing the ticket to Tinubu. He later defected to the ADC and was selected as the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who will fly the ADC’s presidential ticket in the 2027 election. The ADC described the Atiku-Amaechi partnership as a “unity and rescue ticket” aimed at offering Nigerians an alternative platform ahead of the next general election. According to the ADC, Amaechi’s emergence followed broad consultations within the party and reflected his strong performance as runner-up in the party’s presidential primaries, as well as his extensive track record of service as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term Governor of Rivers State, and Minister of Transportation. The ADC ticket, which brings together two political heavyweights who were once rivals, is positioning itself as a formidable challenger to President Tinubu and the ruling APC in the upcoming election. Amaechi’s latest comments signal that the opposition is gearing up for a fiercely contested political battle.

‘We’ll Meet at The Field’ – Amaechi Replies Tinubu, Vows to Match Ruling Party’s Campaign Tactics

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2027: ‘Hardest Part Of Economic Reforms Over, Next Tinubu Term Will Be Harvest’ – Shettima

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November 3, 2026

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INEC publishes Tinubu, Shettima’s credentials for public scrutiny ahead of 2027 election

2027: ‘Hardest Part Of Economic Reforms Over, Next Tinubu Term Will Be Harvest’ – Shettima

 

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has declared that the most difficult phase of the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration is over, promising Nigerians a period of economic recovery, growth and prosperity if the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) secures another four-year mandate in 2027.

 

Shettima gave the assurance on Monday in Calabar, Cross River State, while addressing party supporters at the APC presidential campaign rally, where he canvassed votes for President Tinubu, himself, Governor Bassey Otu and other candidates of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The Vice-President described the economic reforms implemented since the administration assumed office in May 2023 as difficult but necessary decisions that had laid the foundation for a stronger Nigerian economy.

 

According to him, the sacrifices Nigerians have endured under the reforms would begin to yield greater benefits in the coming years, insisting that the next four years would be dedicated to translating the government’s economic policies into improved living conditions for citizens.

 

He maintained that the administration had already undertaken the most challenging aspects of its economic restructuring programme and argued that opposition parties lacked the capacity to significantly change the country’s economic direction.

 

“We have rescued the economy, and the road ahead is one of harvest. This second term is one of harvest, for you and all Nigerians,” Shettima declared.

 

He urged Nigerians to renew the mandate of Tinubu and himself, while also appealing for another term for Governor Otu and his deputy, Peter Odey, describing the APC leadership as partners committed to progress, prosperity and opportunities for the people.

 

The Vice-President said the party was seeking another mandate because it believed its administration had more work to accomplish, adding that those entrusted with political authority must return to the electorate with an account of their stewardship and a convincing programme for the future.

 

Shettima, however, acknowledged that citizens had legitimate questions and concerns, stressing that political support should not prevent Nigerians from demanding accountability from their leaders.

 

He assured that the Federal Government would continue to listen to complaints about economic hardship, address neglected communities and correct policies or actions that failed to serve the public interest.

 

A major highlight of his address was the Federal Government’s infrastructure plans for Cross River State, particularly the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which he described as a transformative project capable of opening up the state’s economic potential.

 

Shettima said the decision to embark on the coastal highway was informed by the administration’s determination to connect Cross River and other coastal communities to wider economic opportunities.

 

He explained that the project would facilitate the movement of people and goods, promote tourism, attract investments and generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.

 

The Vice-President expressed confidence that Cross River would become one of the major beneficiaries of the infrastructure-driven economic agenda of the Tinubu administration.

 

He also highlighted the proposed Bakassi Deep Sea Port, disclosing that the project had received Federal Government approval and support.

 

According to him, the administration is committed to ensuring that the long-awaited maritime project becomes a reality and positions Cross River as an important international shipping and commercial destination.

 

He said the deep seaport would attract shipping companies, stimulate industrial development, create employment and provide opportunities for businesses, factories and households through increased commercial activities.

 

Shettima further identified the proposed location of the Gulf of Guinea Commission Secretariat in Calabar as another opportunity to strengthen the state’s international profile.

 

He noted that hosting the regional institution would attract diplomatic and commercial activities, boost hospitality and tourism, create jobs and improve Cross River’s participation in regional economic cooperation.

 

On the longstanding dispute involving 46 oil wells, the Vice-President said the Federal Government recognised Cross River’s littoral status and appreciated the state’s efforts towards resolving the matter.

 

He assured that the government was prepared to work towards a resolution, which he said could strengthen the state’s maritime identity and create opportunities for greater participation in the blue economy, maritime investments and potential derivation benefits.

 

The Vice-President also highlighted the Federal Government’s education intervention programmes, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying Cross River had benefited from the disbursement of funds under the initiative.

 

He explained that the programme was designed to ease the financial burden on parents, prevent students from abandoning their education because of financial difficulties and expand access to higher education.

 

Shettima insisted that no parent should be forced to watch a child’s educational potential go to waste because of a lack of money.

 

He linked the initiative to Project HOPE Education, which he said was aimed at strengthening foundational learning, improving teacher development, enhancing school management and expanding access to quality education.

 

Earlier, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, urged the people of Cross River to support the party at all levels in the 2027 elections, describing Tinubu as a change agent deserving of another opportunity to lead the country.

 

Yilwatda cited the Federal Government’s support for the Bakassi Deep Sea Port, efforts to revive the Calabar Port and the proposed Trans-Sahara Superhighway among the reasons Cross River residents should support the APC.

 

In his welcome address, Governor Bassey Otu praised Tinubu for what he described as the courage and foresight demonstrated in steering Nigeria through difficult economic circumstances.

 

Otu said the President’s policies in agriculture, education, industry and security were laying the foundation for sustainable national development.

 

He expressed confidence that Cross River residents would support Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that the benefits of the administration’s policies were already emerging and would become more evident in the years ahead.

 

Also speaking, the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, declared that Tinubu had performed creditably and deserved a second term.

 

Yari also dismissed suggestions that the North would not support the President’s re-election, expressing confidence in the ruling party’s chances in the forthcoming presidential election.

 

The campaign activities also included a courtesy visit to the palace of the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, where Shettima and other APC leaders paid homage to the traditional ruler.

 

The Vice-President said the visit was intended to familiarise the monarch with the party’s aspirations ahead of the 2027 elections and demonstrate respect for the traditional institution.

 

He commended the Obong for his commitment to preserving the cultural heritage and values of the Efik people, describing his dedication as worthy of emulation by political leaders.

 

Governor Otu also sought royal blessings and support for the APC and the Tinubu-led Federal Government.

 

Responding, the Obong of Calabar thanked the delegation for the visit and commended the President’s willingness to undertake difficult economic reforms, which he said could produce long-term benefits for the country.

 

The monarch also called for greater unity and peaceful coexistence among traditional rulers and residents of Cross River State.

 

Prominent political figures at the rally included Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Monday Okpebholo of Edo and Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, alongside members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and party leaders from across the South-South and other parts of the country.

 

The rally forms part of the APC’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the party seeking to consolidate its political support across the country and secure a fresh mandate for the Tinubu administration.

 

 

2027: ‘Hardest Part Of Economic Reforms Over, Next Tinubu Term Will Be Harvest’ – Shettima

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Tinubu’s Re-election: Osun APC Leaders Reject Oyebamiji-Led Campaign Council

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November 3, 2026

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Tinubu's Re-election: Osun APC Leaders Reject Oyebamiji-Led Campaign Council
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Bola Oyebamiji
Tinubu’s Re-election: Osun APC Leaders Reject Oyebamiji-Led Campaign Council

A fresh crisis has emerged within the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general election, as some members of the party’s State Executive Committee have rejected the newly constituted presidential and parliamentary campaign council led by its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

The aggrieved party officials described the 168-member campaign council as flawed and non-inclusive, alleging that its composition violated established party guidelines, due process and the principle of inclusiveness.

The disagreement followed the announcement of the council by the Osun APC chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, on Monday, with Oyebamiji appointed as Director-General and Lawal as Deputy Director-General.

The development has further exposed disagreements over who should coordinate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign in Osun, following the earlier appointment of Governor Ademola Adeleke as the state’s presidential campaign coordinator.

In a joint statement, four members of the State Executive Committee — State Publicity Secretary Wole Adunola, Welfare Officer Deaconess Adesola Ayangbile, Assistant Organising Secretary Rasheed Adeniji and Ex-Officio member Abiola Ololade — expressed dissatisfaction with the composition of the new council.

They argued that several members of the State Working Committee, who should be statutory members of the campaign structure, were left out of the list.

The officials said the exclusion raised concerns about consultation, due process and respect for the party’s established leadership structure.

“We therefore reject the list in its present form,” they declared.

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They also questioned why another campaign structure had emerged despite an earlier presidential directive reportedly naming Adeleke as Director-General of the Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council in Osun State.

The signatories recalled that Adeleke had subsequently inaugurated a broad-based campaign team following the directive, making the emergence of another presidential campaign council without adequate clarification a source of confusion.

They questioned whether the newly announced structure was intended to replace the governor-led campaign council or operate alongside it.

The officials suggested that the arrangement would be more understandable if the new list was intended for the parliamentary campaign rather than the presidential election.

They warned that having two competing structures could create confusion, duplicate responsibilities and generate unnecessary friction among party stakeholders.

The disagreement dates back to October 22, when Adeleke inaugurated a 344-member Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council in Osogbo after being appointed to coordinate the President’s re-election campaign in the state.

The governor’s appointment had generated controversy within the APC, particularly because several influential party figures, including former governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Oyebamiji and Lawal, were absent from the inauguration.

Although Adeleke pledged to work for Tinubu’s re-election, he made it clear that his support would not extend to APC candidates seeking election into the National Assembly and the Osun State House of Assembly.

The state APC subsequently announced its separate 168-member presidential and parliamentary campaign council, with Oyebamiji as Director-General.

The new council also includes Oyebamiji’s running mate, Benjamin Adereti, and Kehinde Olamolu as assistant directors-general. Other prominent members include former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Foluke Etteh; former deputy governors Iyiola Omisore, Titi Laoye-Ponnle, Adegboyega Alabi and Adeleke Adewoyin; retired General Alani Akinrinade; and Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode.

The three APC senatorial candidates and nine House of Representatives candidates in the state were also included.

The protesting officials insisted that the State Executive Committee remained an important part of the party’s organisational structure and should not be sidelined in decisions concerning a state-wide campaign council.

They called for an immediate review of the list through consultations involving relevant stakeholders, particularly APC National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, and the state campaign Director-General.

According to them, the party needs a campaign structure that respects established leadership arrangements, accommodates critical stakeholders and promotes unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

Despite their objections, the four officials reaffirmed their commitment to the APC and Tinubu’s re-election bid, insisting that their concerns were aimed at preventing internal disagreements from weakening the party’s campaign.

The latest development adds another dimension to the political contest within the Osun APC, as party leaders struggle to harmonise the different campaign arrangements ahead of the 2027 general election.

Tinubu’s Re-election: Osun APC Leaders Reject Oyebamiji-Led Campaign Council

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2027: ‘Oyebanji Seized Our Phones’ – Sowore Accuses Ekiti Gov of Withholding Recovered Devices

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November 3, 2026

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2027: ‘Oyebanji Seized Our Phones’ – Sowore Accuses Ekiti Gov of Withholding Recovered Devices
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore
2027: ‘Oyebanji Seized Our Phones’ – Sowore Accuses Ekiti Gov of Withholding Recovered Devices

African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has accused Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji of taking possession of mobile phones and other devices stolen from members of his team during an attack in Ado-Ekiti.

Sowore alleged that the governor personally instructed the commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), identified as Ogidan, to hand over the recovered devices to him instead of returning them to their owners.

The activist made the allegation in a statement posted on his verified X account on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, describing the reported development as an attempt to interfere with evidence connected to the October 30 attack.

According to Sowore, his team had been informed that Oyebanji directed the RRS commander to transfer the recovered devices to him on Monday.

“We have been informed that Governor Biodun Oyebanji personally instructed the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Commander, Ogidan, to hand over our recovered devices to him yesterday. Why would the governor take possession of evidence connected to the brutal attack on us?” he queried.

The latest allegation follows an earlier claim by Sowore that some of the mobile phones stolen during the incident had been electronically tracked to locations around the Ekiti State Government House in Ado-Ekiti.

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He had specifically alleged that one of the stolen phones was traced to the Governor’s Lodge, while other devices were located around the state capital.

The AAC presidential candidate had subsequently called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to release the CCTV recordings from Tawakalitu Restaurant, where he and members of his team were attacked.

He also accused the police and the DSS of remaining silent despite releasing videos purportedly showing individuals involved in the attack.

“Since we released the chilling videos exposing the faces of members of the armed gang that tried to kill us on October 30, the Ekiti State Governor, Commissioner of Police, and DSS have all suddenly gone silent!” Sowore stated.

He further alleged that key individuals linked to the attack had not been arrested, despite their alleged appearances at meetings relating to President Bola Tinubu’s forthcoming campaign activities in Ekiti State.

The October 30 incident occurred at Tawakalitu Restaurant in Ado-Ekiti, shortly after Sowore attended a radio interview at MIDAS FM 90.5.

Sowore and members of his entourage reportedly came under attack by a group of men, who allegedly assaulted members of his team and stole personal belongings, including mobile phones, wristwatches and shoes.

The activist described the incident as an assassination attempt, while the Ekiti State Police Command initially characterised it as an altercation involving Sowore and some individuals at the restaurant.

The police subsequently announced the arrest of 11 suspects in connection with the incident. Items reportedly recovered included 13 mobile phones, two walkie-talkies, seven ATM cards, eight international passports and other materials.

Sowore, however, has continued to demand the arrest of those he considers the masterminds behind the attack, insisting that the investigation should go beyond those already apprehended.

The controversy has also extended to the CCTV recordings from the restaurant. Sowore alleged that police officers and DSS operatives took possession of the surveillance equipment and that the recordings were subsequently erased before the equipment was returned.

He has called for the release of the footage and an independent investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Government had earlier denied any involvement in the attack, describing the allegations against it as unfounded and urging the police to conduct a thorough investigation and bring anyone found responsible to justice.

As of Tuesday, November 3, the governor had not publicly issued a specific response to Sowore’s latest allegation that he directed the RRS commander to hand over the recovered devices to him.

The allegations against Oyebanji and other individuals named by Sowore have not been independently established.

2027: ‘Oyebanji Seized Our Phones’ – Sowore Accuses Ekiti Gov of Withholding Recovered Devices

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