Politics

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

Published

4 years ago

January 16, 2022

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”.

READ ALSO:

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.

READ ALSO:

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.

Vanguard

Related Topics:2023 APC Direct Featured Indirect northern nigeria primaries Tinubu ubrin

Up Next

APC chairmanship: Security agencies compile security report on aspirants

Don't Miss

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

Politics

Cubana Chief Priest Loses APC House of Reps Ticket in Imo

Published

32 minutes ago

May 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Popular celebrity businessman and nightlife entrepreneur Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest

Cubana Chief Priest Loses APC House of Reps Ticket in Imo

Popular celebrity businessman and nightlife entrepreneur Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has failed in his bid to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency of Imo State ahead of the next general election.

Cubana Chief Priest, who currently serves as the Imo State Coordinator of the pro-Tinubu City Boys Movement, had formally declared his intention to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives under the APC platform earlier this year.

His political ambition generated widespread reactions across social media and political circles, with many describing it as a major transition from entertainment and nightlife business into mainstream politics.

The celebrity businessman had campaigned on promises of youth inclusion, empowerment and what he described as “clean politics,” while also encouraging greater participation of young Nigerians in governance.

However, despite his popularity and strong social media influence, the outcome of the APC primary election did not favour him, as another aspirant reportedly emerged with the party’s ticket for the federal constituency.

READ ALSO:

Although official detailed results of the primary have yet to be fully released publicly, sources within the APC in Imo State confirmed that Cubana Chief Priest did not secure enough support from delegates to clinch the ticket.

The development has since triggered mixed reactions online, with critics mocking the socialite’s defeat while supporters argued that political success requires more than celebrity status and online popularity.

Many political observers noted that the outcome reflects the realities of Nigeria’s grassroots political structure, where local alliances, party loyalty, delegate influence and long-term political networks often play more significant roles than fame.

Cubana Chief Priest had announced his political ambition in February through social media posts and public engagements, declaring his readiness to represent the people of Orsu, Orlu and Oru East Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.

At the time, he positioned himself as part of a new generation of politically active youths willing to contribute to national development beyond entertainment and business.

His association with the APC and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 election campaign also increased his visibility within the ruling party.

The celebrity socialite was among several entertainers and influencers who publicly backed Tinubu’s presidential ambition through campaigns, rallies and social media mobilisation.

Despite the setback, political analysts believe Cubana Chief Priest may still remain active within the APC and youth mobilisation structures, especially given his strong influence among young Nigerians and his close ties with political figures in Imo State and beyond.

The businessman has yet to officially react in detail to the outcome of the APC primary election.

Cubana Chief Priest rose to prominence through Nigeria’s hospitality and entertainment industry, becoming one of the country’s most recognised nightlife personalities and celebrity influencers.

Over the years, he has built a massive following on Instagram and maintained close relationships with top Nigerian entertainers, politicians and business figures.

His failed House of Representatives bid has now added to growing discussions about the increasing intersection between celebrity culture, youth influence and politics in Nigeria.

Cubana Chief Priest Loses APC House of Reps Ticket in Imo

Politics

Osogbo Community Leader Sues for Peace as Political Rivalry Divides Odekilekun Family

Published

8 hours ago

May 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Osogbo Community Leader Sues for Peace as Political Rivalry Divides Odekilekun Family

OSOGBO— A serious political rift has emerged within the prominent Odekilekun family of Isale-Osun, Osogbo, as two brothers—sons of the renowned industrialist Asiwaju Olatunde Badmus (Tuns)—have pitched their tents with opposing political parties ahead of the upcoming elections, triggering pockets of violence in the state capital. The brewing tension escalated over the weekend at the popular Better Life Junction in Isale-Osun, where a campaign office belonging to the younger brother, Azeez Badmus of the Accord Party, was systematically vandalized. According to reports, political thugs descended on the facility, tearing down Accord Party banners, destroying campaign materials, and defacing the property. Ironically, the targeted office sits directly adjacent to the campaign headquarters of his elder brother, Olalekan Badmus, who is a stalwart and candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The incident has sent shockwaves through the ancient town of Osogbo, sparking widespread concern over the rising tide of political intolerance and the erosion of family values for political gain. Reacting to the ugly development, a prominent community leader, Hon. Adejumobi Akeem Abiola (popularly known as Mascot), issued a strongly-worded statement calling for immediate calm and psychological reflection among the actors involved. Hon. Adejumobi stated that differences in political affiliation among family members are not new in Osun, nor in Nigeria, emphasizing that democracy guarantees every citizen the right to association. He maintained that what should never change because of party colors is the bond of blood and the peace of our community. Expressing deep worry over the proximity of the two campaign offices and the subsequent violence, Adejumobi noted that turning political differences into physical destruction only breeds a politics of bitterness that yields no developmental dividends for the populace, builds no roads, and feeds no families.

READ ALSO:

To prevent the situation from degenerating into a full-blown reprisal crisis, stakeholders are moving swiftly to restore order before the local political landscape fractures further. Hon. Adejumobi has formally laid out a three-point peace agenda aimed at de-escalating the friction. First, he urged the leadership of both the APC and the Accord Party in Osogbo to immediately rein in their members and supporters to halt further hostilities. Secondly, he publicly counseled Olalekan and Azeez Badmus to look past their immediate political ambitions, sit down as brothers, and resolve their differences to protect the dignity of the Odekilekun family. Finally, he issued a stern warning to political youths and foot soldiers against being used as tools of destruction, reminding them that political parties are transient, but community remains.

As security agencies keep a close watch on the Isale-Osun axis, local residents are hoping that the Badmus family can de-escalate the friction and set a positive example for the state. The consensus among community elders is that Better Life Junction should ultimately serve as a symbol of democratic tolerance—where two opposing party offices can stand side-by-side in peace—rather than a battleground of brotherly conflict. While neither Olalekan Badmus (APC) nor Azeez Badmus (Accord Party) has released an official statement regarding the weekend’s vandalism, political analysts predict that how the brothers handle this crisis will heavily influence the peace of the electoral ward moving forward.

Osogbo Community Leader Sues for Peace as Political Rivalry Divides Odekilekun Family

Politics

Senate Denies Akpabio’s “North Must Vote for Tinubu or Be Expelled” Threat

Published

12 hours ago

May 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio

Senate Denies Akpabio’s “North Must Vote for Tinubu or Be Expelled” Threat

Abuja, Nigeria – The Office of the President of the Senate has firmly dismissed as “completely false” and “malicious” the viral claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio threatened northerners over the 2027 presidential election, allegedly warning that the North must vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or risk being expelled from Nigeria. The denial comes amid rising political tension ahead of the next general election cycle, with the Senate President’s office accusing an individual of deliberately fabricating the story to stir ethnic division.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, Jibril Tafida (also referred to as Jibril Lawal Tafida in some reports), the Senate President categorically denied ever making such inflammatory remarks. “We wish to state clearly and unequivocally that the President of the Senate never made such a statement. This claim is completely false, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension,” the statement read in part. According to the statement, the viral content was part of a wider attempt to drag the Senate President’s name into political controversy and stir ethnic division across the country. The office warned that the increasing spread of misinformation and inflammatory political content could threaten national unity if left unchecked, especially as political activities intensify ahead of 2027.

READ ALSO:

The Senate President’s office specifically identified and called for the immediate arrest of Garus Gololo, the individual featured in the circulating video. The office challenged Gololo to provide concrete evidence supporting his allegations and described his conduct as part of a recurring pattern of attacking President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for political reasons. “We therefore call on the security agencies in Nigeria to arrest Garus Gololo immediately and compel him to provide evidence of where and when the President of the Senate made such a statement,” the statement added. The office also condemned what it described as repeated insults and disrespectful comments directed at Akpabio and other public officials, describing such conduct as “gutter language” that undermines respect for public office and democratic institutions. The office further accused Gololo of consistently attacking President Tinubu and the APC to satisfy what it called “paymasters in the name of opposition politics.” “Garus Gololo has developed a pattern of insulting President Bola Tinubu and the APC in order to satisfy his paymasters in the name of opposition politics. This must stop,” the statement said.

The Senate President’s office urged Nigerians, particularly stakeholders in the northern region, to disregard the allegation and avoid statements capable of creating ethnic or political tension across the country. The office reaffirmed its commitment to responsible communication and cautioned against the spread of unverified political claims on social media, noting that the allegation has no basis in fact and urging the public to dismiss it entirely.

The denial comes amid heightened political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections. Senate President Akpabio has previously made statements regarding the upcoming polls. In April 2026, he alleged that opposition elements were sponsoring bombings and insecurity across parts of the country to distract President Bola Tinubu and weaken his administration ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking at the inauguration of the Nigeria Revenue Service headquarters in Abuja, Akpabio said, “You’re seeing insecurity today, and it’s even increasing because the election is coming. As soon as election is over, for the first two weeks you will not hear a single bomb blast because people are sponsoring it to distract you.” Those remarks were widely criticized by editorial boards and commentators, with some describing them as “scandalous,” “deeply insensitive,” and “patently reckless” given the daily toll of insecurity on Nigerian citizens. Meanwhile, the APC has consistently dismissed rumors of northern conspiracy against President Tinubu’s re-election bid. In July 2025, APC National Secretary Ajibola Bashiru described such claims as “a lie from the pit of hell,” insisting that northern support for Tinubu remains unwavering. The current denial from Akpabio’s office appears aimed at quelling the latest controversy before it escalates further into ethnic and political divisions as the 2027 election cycle approaches.