Politics

I Now Understand Meaning of “I Belong To Nobody and I Belong to Everybody”; Tinubu writes Buhari

Published

4 years ago

June 18, 2022

Presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and President Muhammadu Buhari

Presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has written to President Muhammadu Buhari to say that he now understands more than any other time, we the meaning of Inauguration Day statement made where he said “I Belong to Nobody and I Belong to Everybody.”
A statement by the presidency on Saturday which was made available to the NPO Reports quoted a letter where the presidential candidate said he now understands the meaning of the 2015 statement with the way he allowed a level playing field at the primaries of the party.

The statement revealed that Tinubu expressed appreciation towards the president saying he has seen him as a true leader.

Read the Letter Below:

Dear Mr President,

DEEP APPRECIATION

I bring you sincere fraternal greetings and congratulations on the successful conclusion of the special Presidential Convention of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

On behalf of my wife, Oluremi, and my entire family, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the very special and personal congratulatory letter you sent to me. I am deeply honored. Your words in that letter were reassuring, reenergizing, and reinvigorating.

Your Excellency, one must admire the sense of purpose, composure, and maturity you demonstrated in the weeks and months preceding the primary elections of our great party. As aspirants and party leaders, we all pleaded with you to “choose” your successor.

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Naturally, this is expected especially in African democracy. Up until the 6th of June, 2022, the day of the APC Presidential primaries, the whole of Nigeria, including myself, was waiting for you to announce your preferred candidate. All of us thought and believed this was a very simple matter.

However, it was only as the primary went into the night and as the candidates walked up to the podium and spoke that I fully and truly appreciated your position and stance to be neutral and non-aligned to any of us. As the first person to speak, I also had the special vantage point to carefully hear, without any distraction, what the other candidates had to say.

As the hours rolled by that evening, it became clear to me that all of us were your preferred candidates. As you captured it aptly in your letter to me, the “spirit” of 2013 and 2014 when we created and built APC was there for all to see.

In your letter and in our many meetings over the years, you fondly reminisced on fraternal attitude in the days and months before and after formation of the APC, when we all worked day and night to create, sustain and nurture our nascent movements into a credible opposition party and ultimately, become the ruling party. That time, no one spoke about tribe; no one spoke about religion. That was not what drove us. We were driven by a common desire to save and transform Nigeria.

One by one, I saw my colleagues and partners stand on the podium, full of the same passion and patriotic zeal they had in 2013/2014, presenting their ideas on how to build on your successful legacy. Back then, as it is now, we were from all parts of the country, all tribes, and all religions. We all had deep personal and strong bonds with you. We were together back then and our bonds remained strong up till now.

Mr. President, as the night of 6 June turned to morning of 7 June, I fully understood and appreciated your stance. “You belonged to everybody in the party and you belonged to none of the individual candidates of the party.” A true leader, brother and friend.

Mr. President, the delegates from all over the country nominated my humble self to be their candidate. I must acknowledge that my nomination would not have become a reality without your support and that of the party leaders across the country. Indeed, as I reflect on my political journey, most of the 2022 APC presidential aspirants, members of the Progressive Governors Forum and National Assembly leaders and members all had a role to play in my successes and achievements thus far.

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I will forever be grateful to them for shaping my political journey over the decades. I want to assure you that I will continue to work with them going forward. My emergence as a candidate is also a victory for them.

I have met most of them in the past few days and will continue these engagements as we plan for the general elections. Mr. President, APC is united and will remain united as we move towards the general elections.

I have taken note of the message you sent to all Presidential Candidates in your Democracy Day speech to the nation on the 12th June, 2022. Our country is going through a very sensitive period and no one should put their personal desires above and beyond the nation’s peace and prosperity. As you said, the “message we set at the top will be replicated in our followers.” At this point, I will take this opportunity to assure Your Excellency of my commitment to running an issue focused campaign as we move into the general elections. I will personally engage the candidates from other political parties to urge them to do same. Voters should elect us based on our policies, programmes, and projects. By the grace of God, we as candidates will avoid having divisive, destructive and disruptive campaigns.

I will conclude by once again thanking you for being there for all of us. By the grace of God and with your leadership, guidance and support, I am confident that we will lead our great party, the APC, to victory in the February 2023 general elections. We will ride on the back of your successes. We will build on the foundations of transparency and integrity which you have laid.

Mr President, together, side by side, in the spirit of 2014, we will win and Nigeria will move forward to a progressive, peaceful and prosperous future.

Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu

APC Presidential Candidate

Politics

2027: Atiku Signs $1.2m US Lobbying Deal to Engage Trump

Published

19 hours ago

April 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and US President Donald Trump

2027: Atiku Signs $1.2m US Lobbying Deal to Engage Trump

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has sealed a $1.2 million US lobbying deal as part of efforts to boost his international image and counter narratives linked to the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

Documents filed under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act show that Atiku engaged Washington-based firm Von Batten-Montague-York in an agreement signed in early March 2026. The contract was executed by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, alongside Fabiyi Oladimeji, who represented Atiku.

The Atiku US lobbying deal is aimed at strengthening his standing within American political and policy circles while projecting his leadership vision to key stakeholders. A major component of the engagement is to counter Nigerian government lobbying narratives in Washington and reshape perceptions about Nigeria’s opposition politics.

Under the agreement, the lobbying firm will facilitate high-level meetings between Atiku and influential U.S. figures, including members of Congress, congressional aides, and officials within the executive branch. The outreach is also expected to include engagement with Donald Trump and other senior policymakers, underscoring the strategic importance of U.S. political influence.

The contract states that lobbying activities will focus on democratic governance, economic growth, regional stability, and US-Nigeria relations, positioning Atiku as a key voice on issues affecting West Africa. In addition to political access, the firm will provide strategic communication services, including message development, narrative positioning, and reputation management targeted at elite audiences in the United States.

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Valued at $1.2 million, the agreement will run for 12 months, with payments structured in six instalments over the duration. Analysts say the US lobbying strategy by Atiku Abubakar reflects early preparations for the 2027 presidential race, where he is expected to remain a central opposition figure.

The development also comes amid internal challenges within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a platform recently adopted by Atiku and other opposition leaders. The party is currently facing a leadership dispute following actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which reportedly withdrew recognition from factions linked to David Mark and Nafiu Bala.

The lobbying firm has indicated it will raise concerns with U.S. authorities over the ADC crisis, warning that INEC’s decision could hinder the opposition’s ability to organise effectively ahead of the next general election. It described the situation as one that could affect political participation and democratic competitiveness in Nigeria.

The firm also called on President Tinubu to ensure that future elections remain credible and reflect the will of the people, highlighting increasing international attention on Nigeria’s democratic process.

Political analysts believe the Atiku lobbying effort in the United States signals a broader trend where Nigerian political actors seek to influence global opinion, attract diplomatic support, and strengthen their positioning ahead of major elections.

2027: Atiku Signs $1.2m US Lobbying Deal to Engage Trump

Politics

Gov Yusuf Pledges Full Support for Tinubu, Declares APC Unbeatable in Kano

Published

2 days ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

Gov Yusuf Pledges Full Support for Tinubu, Declares APC Unbeatable in Kano

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the dominant party in Kano State and reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Speaking on Saturday to a massive crowd of APC supporters at the Government House in Kano, Yusuf praised the president for his leadership and the delivery of dividends of democracy to Nigerians. He highlighted Tinubu’s efforts to improve the economy, enhance infrastructure across the nation, and ensure the equitable distribution of federal resources despite limited time and funding.

“Mr. President has been doing his best for this country; he has improved the economy of this country,” Yusuf said. He also thanked Tinubu, describing him as a dogged leader committed to ensuring dividends of democracy are provided across Nigeria.

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The governor affirmed that the people of Kano State fully support President Tinubu and will back his bid for re-election by 2027. He emphasized that the APC is the only party capable of winning elections at all levels in Kano and across Nigeria.

“The APC is the only winning party in Kano State and Nigeria. There is no other party that can take control of Kano State and Nigeria by the grace of God,” Yusuf stated.

Yusuf also congratulated APC members for the successes recorded during the party’s Northwest Zonal Congress in Kaduna and the National Convention in Abuja, noting that the achievements underscore the party’s organizational strength and grassroots influence in the northern region.

Assuring residents of continued progress, the governor pledged that his administration would sustain the delivery of critical infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, employment, and empowerment programs for women and youth across the state.

The governor’s return to Kano was marked by a grand reception at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, with supporters singing, dancing, and chanting APC slogans. He later led a rally through the state capital, including Katsina Road, Emir’s Palace Road, and Saboda Bakin Zuwo Road, receiving a warm welcome from cheering residents en route to the Government House.

Political analysts note that Kano, historically an APC stronghold, remains critical for the party’s electoral strategy ahead of the 2027 elections. Yusuf’s endorsement of Tinubu underscores a coordinated effort to consolidate support in the state and maintain APC’s dominance in northern Nigeria.

Gov Yusuf Pledges Full Support for Tinubu, Declares APC Unbeatable in Kano

Politics

ADC Crisis Halts Makinde, Bala, Lawmakers’ Defections

Published

2 days ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed

ADC Crisis Halts Makinde, Bala, Lawmakers’ Defections

Strong indications have emerged that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed may be reconsidering their planned defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) due to escalating internal disputes and regulatory uncertainty. The crisis has also affected several lawmakers who were weighing moves to the party, signaling a setback for opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

The uncertainty stems from the recent action of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which withdrew recognition of the ADC National Working Committee (NWC) led by Mark, following a ruling by the Court of Appeal on March 12, 2026. INEC directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the outcome of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, aiming to prevent actions that could influence the court’s final judgment.

Despite INEC’s directive, the Mark-led NWC rejected the decision and insisted it would proceed with the party’s April 14 national convention in Abuja, intensifying internal divisions between factions loyal to Mark and those aligned with Nafiu Gombe. The leadership tussle has created doubts among potential defectors about the party’s legal standing and operational stability.

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Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, had earlier described the ADC as a “preferred destination” amid failed reconciliation efforts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He reportedly held talks with a delegation led by former SGF Babachir Lawal, but his office confirmed he remains a member of the PDP while consultations continue.

Similarly, sources close to Governor Makinde suggested that his interest in the ADC has waned following INEC’s intervention. His media aide, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, dismissed claims that he is planning to leave the PDP, calling the reports “mere rumors.”

The ADC crisis has also left lawmakers in limbo. Mansur Soro, representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency, said consultations are ongoing, while Lagos lawmaker Jesse Onuakalusi declined to comment on his next move amid the uncertainty. Uchenna Okonkwo of Anambra State downplayed INEC’s action, expressing confidence that the dispute would be resolved legally and noting the influence of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi on prospective defectors’ decisions.

Political analysts warn that the combination of internal party disputes, INEC intervention, and leadership uncertainty poses a significant hurdle to opposition consolidation ahead of the 2027 elections. The ADC’s ability to resolve its leadership conflict, secure regulatory recognition, and conduct a credible convention will be crucial for it to attract high-profile defections in the coming months.

ADC Crisis Halts Makinde, Bala, Lawmakers’ Defections