2023: Tinubu most popular in Northern Nigeria, will emerge APC candidate in Direct or Indirect Primaries —Jubrin - Newstrends
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2023: Tinubu most popular in Northern Nigeria, will emerge APC candidate in Direct or Indirect Primaries —Jubrin

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5 years ago

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Director-General, Bola Ahmed Tinubu Support Group Management Council, Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin

•He has a large heart, he understands our economy, knows Nigerians; will be a great President

Speculations on whether or not, former governor of Lagos State and All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will be contesting for the office of the president in the forthcoming general elections, ended during the week.

Tinubu had declared his intentions of fulfilling ‘his life-long ambition of becoming the president of Nigeria, during a visit to President Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa.

Barely 24 hours after his declaration, governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State also met Buhari to declare his presidential ambition under the same party. As of Wednesday, the former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, also declared to run for the number one office under the APC.

More politicians are expected to join the competition to know who emerges as the flag bearer of the APC in the coming days but, a former member of House of Representatives and, Director-General, Bola Ahmed Tinubu Support Group Management Council, Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin, is cocksure Tinubu will have landslide victory as these other contenders are no match for him.

 “I’ve said it over and over again that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is going to win the APC primaries however you go about it, whatever mode of primaries you adopt; whether direct primaries,  indirect primaries, a combination of direct and indirect primaries, Asiwaju is going to win,” Jubrin told Arise TV The Morning Show crew during an interview.

Hon Jubrin boasted that “It is not a matter of luck, it is a matter of hard work, pedigree, history; he’s worked so hard, built network, kept his goodwill intact, invested in people and has demonstrated capacity”, adding that “he’s done something like that in the past; we’ve seen what he did in Lagos, laying a foundation that has continued to stand the test of time, over 20 years. “He’s always been the front runner; I don’t see how he will lose the APC ticket.

With his declaration, all party stalwarts will rally around him so, we can have better stability and concentrate on the general elections. But for the primaries, I don’t have any fear that Tinubu is going to win. In any case, even in the secondary election, Bola Tinubu continues to be the front runner”.

He goes further to state his reasons. “He is knowledgeable, understands the economy of the country, understands politics of the country, knows the people, has a large heart, not a religious fanatic, and not an ethnic jingoist. So you see that we are going to have a president that will be able to continue from where president Buhari stops and build Nigeria of our dream”.

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On the issue of the Jagaban’s age and zoning the presidency to the southeast, Hon Jubrin stated that good leadership is not a function of age, insisting that someone can be a young man and be a bad leader and vice versa.

The most important thing he said, “is capacity and competence, and if you have all that, we will support you and in this instance, Bola Tinubu fits in.

“On the issue of the South East, I also sympathise with them; we all do.

The issue is that over the years, traditionally, they have always played centre politics; it is the South West that has been playing regional politics because the South West realised that they have to play central politics just like what late MKO Abiola did.

The South-East will have to put a bit of effort to get to the centre in terms of the overall nature of the politics they are playing. They also have to demonstrate that they are really interested in the presidency. For example, there’s a dominance of the southeastern part of the country in the PDP.

But you rarely see them coming out to show, even when they have competent people to contest. Apart from Pius Ayim who came out a few days ago, nobody is coming out. And they are there debating to zone the presidency to the northern part of the country. You can now see that they are not even pushing as hard as they should for the PDP to take the presidency to the southern part of the country which is in fairness what should happen,” he added.

He advised the southeastern part of the country to re-examine the politics that they are playing, build a strategy around what they want to do, as this is an opportunity for them. Funny enough, he invited south-east politicians to “come in and support Asiwaju Bola Tinubu”, stressing that “It is the best opportunity that they have in the future to have the presidency, and you know why because he is a man of his words. If he gives his word, he is going to do it”.

Referencing some statements credited to former EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu in 2006 and 2007 when he said Bola Tinubu is corrupt, as well as Tinubu’s involvement in the Alpha Beta case, Rufai Oseni inquired whether such allegations of corruption would not hinder Tinubu’s ambition.

“If you punch google now, there is no politician in Nigeria that you will not see one accusation or the other of corruption. So, we’ve reduced it as word of playing politics. The only way you know that a person is corrupt or not is when he is charged to court, the court makes the pronouncement of it.

I do not see anything in that because he is a front runner. Bola Tinubu is an armoured tank, and everybody tries to hit, bomb and bomb, they know that he has a destiny with 2023,” Jubrin defended.

He added that “Asiwaju has a pedigree; he’s worked so hard to build his image, his empire and he is the person that Nigerians want at the moment. I come from the Northern part of the country; anywhere you go in the North is Asiwaju, so it is going to be a landslide, both in the primaries and secondary elections”.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s health has also been a major concern. And so, the crew wanted to know if he is physically fit to lead Nigerians.

“Everybody falls sick. Asiwaju was ill, it was a public matter, went to the hospital- it was a public matter, if he had wanted, he would not have allowed people to visit him while he was ill. And he got well, came back to the country and continued his activities. This man is fine, healthy and well, travelling all over the place, organising his preparation for when the lord will permit us to start a campaign and people are busy talking about his health.

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2023 presidency: We’ve been and remain kingmakers — Northern Elders

Today, look at president Buhari, how healthy he looks, he is even becoming healthier. He was sick, went to the hospital, told the country he was ill, came back and continued his work. For one day, President Buhari has never collapsed. We should stop playing politics with matters like this,” Hon Jubrin responded.

Again, from Oseni, another question begging for an answer is, “how did he make so much wealth that he can afford a bullion van prior to an election, in his home- a staggering colossal amount of wealth, how did that wealth come about…?”

“At this point, we’ve gotten to, our emphasis should be on the pedigree of this candidate, what he has demonstrated that he has done, what he has achieved, how he has changed the revenue of Lagos State, put a long term plan to implement the infrastructure. Etc,” Jubrin stated.

Feeling unsatisfied with that shallow response, Oseni queried, “How did Bola Ahmed Tinubu make his money…? In response, the honourable said “These are all trash from the internet that people put together and we will not elevate such conversations but when campaigns commence, we will bring out facts and figures and put before Nigerians”. Refusing to accept the bullion van issue as trash, Rufai maintained, “How is this trash, Bullion Van was found in his home, the pictures went viral, and there’s been no denial.

So, how is it trash that we want to know how the person that will lead Nigeria made so much wealth and also, the declaration of him being richer than Osun state…how did he make his money and how old he is?”.

Well, Jubrin insisted that they will not elevate such conversations, describing Rufai’s refusal to accept his answer to the question about Tinubu’s source of wealth and age as unfair.

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Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke, Says Osun Victory Affirms Nigeria’s Democratic Progress

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38 minutes ago

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August 16, 2026

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Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State

Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke, Says Osun Victory Affirms Nigeria’s Democratic Progress

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the August 15 governorship election, describing the outcome as a strong assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in Nigeria.

 

The President, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said he personally called Adeleke earlier in the day to congratulate him on his re-election.

 

Tinubu said Adeleke’s victory had once again demonstrated the confidence the people of Osun State reposed in his leadership.

 

“I called Governor Ademola Adeleke earlier today to congratulate him on his election victory in Osun State. His victory once again confirmed the confidence the people of Osun State have in him,” the President said.

 

He urged the governor, who has secured another term in office, to use his renewed mandate to unite the people of the state irrespective of their political affiliations or choices during the election.

 

According to Tinubu, the governor’s immediate responsibility is to bring the people together and mobilise them towards achieving greater development, stability and prosperity in the state.

 

“I wish him great success as he prepares to lead the state for the next four years. Now that he has won, Governor Adeleke must unite the people of Osun State and rally them for growth, stability, and social and economic progress, regardless of the political choices they made at the election,” he said.

 

The President also commended other candidates who contested the election, praising what he described as their courage and discipline throughout the electoral process.

 

He said their participation had contributed to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic culture, adding that the outcome of the poll represented the decision of the electorate.

 

“I salute the courage and discipline displayed by other contestants in the election. Their participation deepened and enriched our country’s democratic culture,” Tinubu said.

 

He added that the result of the election reflected the will of the people of Osun State and provided further confidence in the survival and growth of democratic governance in the country.

 

“The outcome of the election reflects the will of the people and is a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in our land,” the President stated.

 

Tinubu further commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for its role in conducting the election, as well as the security agencies deployed for the exercise.

 

The President described the election as peaceful and transparent, noting that the process produced a clear winner.

 

His commendation comes after Osun voters went to the polls on Saturday to elect the governor who will lead the state for another four-year term.

 

Adeleke’s victory means the incumbent governor will continue in office for another term, giving his administration an opportunity to consolidate on its programmes and policies while addressing the developmental challenges confronting the state.

 

The President’s statement also appeared to emphasise the need for political reconciliation following the election, urging the governor to extend his leadership to all residents of Osun State, including those who voted against him.

 

Tinubu’s congratulatory message further underscored the importance of accepting electoral outcomes and ensuring that political competition does not undermine governance, unity and development after elections.

 

The statement was signed by Onanuga on August 16, 2026.

 

Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke, Says Osun Victory Affirms Nigeria’s Democratic Progress

 

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Ataoja Congratulates Adeleke on Osun Governorship Election Victory

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1 hour ago

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August 16, 2026

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Osun election: Àtàọ́ja should stop running joro-jara-joro
Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Abidemi Larooye II

Ataoja Congratulates Adeleke on Osun Governorship Election Victory

 

The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Abidemi Larooye II, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the August 15, 2026, governorship election.

 

The monarch described Adeleke’s victory as a reflection of the confidence reposed in him by the people of the state, while commending the electorate for exercising their democratic rights peacefully.

 

In a statement issued by the Media Unit of the Ataoja’s Palace, Oba Larooye also urged all candidates, political parties and their supporters to accept the outcome of the election in the spirit of democracy.

 

The monarch advised anyone dissatisfied with the result to seek redress through lawful and constitutional channels, stressing the need to preserve peace and stability in the state.

 

The Ataoja expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for respecting the democratic process and acknowledging the outcome of the election.

 

According to him, allowing the will of the people to prevail remains essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and promoting peace and stability.

 

Oba Larooye further acknowledged the cordial relationship between the people of Osogbo and the Adeleke family, urging the governor to reciprocate the goodwill by sustaining his commitment to the development of Osogbo and Osun State.

 

He called on Adeleke to prioritise developmental projects, improved infrastructure, economic opportunities and programmes capable of improving the living standards of residents across the state.

 

The monarch also urged the governor, following the conclusion of the election, to extend a hand of fellowship to citizens across political divides and govern with maturity, fairness, inclusiveness and compassion.

 

He prayed that Almighty Allah would grant Adeleke wisdom, good health, strength and divine guidance to utilise his renewed mandate for the peace, unity, prosperity and sustainable development of Osun State.

 

“Congratulations, Your Excellency, Asiwaju Dr. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, on your renewed mandate. May your second term bring greater development and prosperity to the good people of Osun State,” the monarch said.

 

The statement was signed by the Media Unit of the Palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo Land.

 

Ataoja Congratulates Adeleke on Osun Governorship Election Victory

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Breaking: Adeleke Crushes APC’s Oyebamiji, Wins Second Term in Osun

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8 hours ago

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August 16, 2026

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Osun election: Adeleke widens lead as Oyinlola, Omisore lose polling units

Breaking: Adeleke Crushes APC’s Oyebamiji, Wins Second Term in Osun

OSOGBO — Governor Ademola Adeleke has secured a second term in office after defeating his closest challenger, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Oyebamiji, in the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

Adeleke, who contested the election on the platform of the Accord Party, polled 511,067 votes to emerge victorious, defeating Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes. African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate and former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, finished a distant third with 17,180 votes.

The result, announced in the early hours of Sunday by the State Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, at the collation centre in Osogbo, gave Adeleke another four years at the helm of affairs in the state.

The incumbent secured the highest number of votes in 19 of Osun’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won in the remaining 11 LGAs, in a closely watched contest that effectively became a two-horse race between the Accord candidate and his APC challenger.

Adeleke recorded victories in Ede North, Ede South, Ejigbo, Iwo, Egbedore, Ife North, Ife East, Ife Central, Oriade, Ifelodun, Orolu, Ayedaade, Ayedire, Odo Otin, Boluwaduro, Ilesa West, Ifedayo, Osogbo and one other local government area.

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Oyebamiji, on the other hand, secured victories in Irewole, Isokan, Olorunda, Atakunmosa East, Atakunmosa West, Ilesa East, Boripe, Irepodun and Obokun, with the remaining two LGAs reflected in the final collation accounting for his 11-LGA tally.

Announcing the final figures, Ogunwole said 1,005,800 votes were cast in the election. Adeleke’s 511,067 votes represented the largest share, followed by Oyebamiji’s 444,815 votes, while the remaining candidates shared the balance.

After the agents of the participating political parties signed the results, the Returning Officer formally declared Adeleke the winner.

“That Ademola Nurudeen-Jackson Adeleke, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner of the August 15 Governorship election and returned elected,” Ogunwole declared.

The victory marks another major political milestone for Adeleke, who took office in November 2022 after defeating the then-incumbent APC governor, Gboyega Oyetola. His re-election means he will remain governor of Osun until 2030.

The 2026 election also produced a significant political shift, with Adeleke winning the governorship under the Accord Party, the first time the party has captured the Osun governorship since its creation in 2006.

With the final declaration, attention now turns to Adeleke’s second-term agenda and whether the governor can consolidate his electoral victory by translating the mandate into broader economic development, infrastructure delivery and improved welfare for the people of Osun.

 

Breaking: Adeleke Crushes APC’s Oyebamiji, Wins Second Term in Osun

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