Politics
I’ll address agitations in South East –Tinubu
Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, yesterday solicited the votes of the people of the South East, promising that his administration would address issues fueling agitation in the zone.
He spoke at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, when he led members of his campaign team to officially flag off APC campaign in the state.
He promised to revive the economy of the zone and make it the Taiwan of the country using the rich human resources which he said abound in great quantity.
He noted that his achievements as governor in Lagos remained an eloquent testimony of his capacity to lead the country alright, saying he deplored best the hands from all parts of the country to develop the state.
He reminded the people of the failures and disappointment they suffered during the 16 years government of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) and urged them not to vote for the opposition party.
He commended Governor David Umahi for joining the APC, stressing that his decision was for the best interest of the people of the state and the zone in general.
“In the PDP 16 years of governance, there is no blinker of electricity anywhere in this country. Should they come back to power? No. How will they come back? We don’t want to go backwards, we are progressives. We will move the country forward. We will make the South East the Taiwan of Nigeria. We will do it. It is a matter of rightly deploring the right intellectual which abounds here. We will embark on economic restoration and empowerment. We will ensure electricity and end the extortionist electricity billing. We will address the issues of agitations in South East by bringing agitators to a round table for discussion because we believe that addressing societal challenges does not demand conflict.”
In his remark, Governor Umahi said the APC government under President Muhammadu Buhari has helped the South East more than any other administration before it. He assured the APC candidate that achievements of APC government, both at the federal and state level, would speak for him and ensure his victory in the state and the entire South East in 2023.
At another forum in Abakaliki, Tinubu pledged to review the nation’s reward system to encourage productivity.
The APC flagbearer, who interacted with stakeholders, said it was time to ensure that individuals who contributed to the success of any process benefitted.
“The people of Ebonyi will benefit for their loyalty and commitment to this cause. Together, we would benefit, practice democracy, develop our country and offer our children better days. Ensure that your friends and relations collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and vote on election days.”
He said the country needed friendliness and brotherhood to surmount the numerous challenges confronting it.
“It is the same cooperation that Ebonyi stakeholders gave Umahi that made him record several achievements in office. The same support and loyalty made him jump a sinking ship to join the APC. When one enters this state Executive Council chambers for instance, he or she would think it is the United Nations chambers,” he said.
Governor David Umahi assured him of total support.
“The APC campaigns in Ebonyi will be easy because we have performed wonderfully in office and exceeded people’s expectations. The people are obedient to Tinubu and the APC and are not bothered about the noise on the social media.” HRH Charlse Mkpuma, chairman of the state’s Traditional Rulers Council, led other traditional rulers to confer the title of ‘Dike di ora mma’ (Great man loved by the people) on Tinubu.
Meanwhile, the National Youth Mobilisation North Central of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), has promised to ensure Tinubu sweeps 70 per cent votes in the geopolitical zone.
It argued that Tinubu’s capacity, experience, not his age or health status placed him above the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, respectively.
Director of the group, Mike Msuaan, at a press conference after meeting with party stalwarts in Abuja yesterday, cited Tinubu’s antecedents as governor of Lagos State to buttress his assertions.
“We didn’t see Asiwaju contesting with Atiku and Peter Obi. We know what Atiku did to this country. He threw the youths of North Central and this country to the streets. The privatisation exercise that he mishandled drove youths into joblessness. We are still in darkness. Is that the person that should rule us? Or are we talking of Peter Obi who has zero record in Anambra State?
“We are equal to the task. We have somebody who is competent, whose antecedents have been speaking for him and would speak for him. This is somebody other states still copy his economic plan. The two of them are nowhere comparable to Tinubu. Under Tinubu, there would be total liberation for the youths and wealth creation.
“The president of the United States of America is as old as Tinubu. It is not about age, it’s about what you have upstairs. Tinubu has experience better than all of them. The right thing the president would do is to assemble the best hands for the country. He has been tested and trusted. He did it in Lagos and he is going to do it for Nigeria.”
On whether APC is comfortable with the use of BVAS and electronic transmission of election results, he responded: “Why should the APC be afraid of BVAS and electronic transfer of results when the youths are strongly behind us? Why should we be afraid? I told you that if election is conducted tomorrow APC is going to win. They are the ones running after us. We have already given them more than 30 per cent gap ahead. And by tomorrow if elections are conducted we would give them more than 50 per cent. We are very comfortable with the arrangement made by INEC.
“We are going to win with that because that has taken care of the manipulation of those who want to do yahoo yahoo on election day. Asiwaju is the next president of this country by the grace of God,” he stated emphatically.
SUN
Politics
Defection Talks Collapse as Bala Mohammed, APC Disagree on Power-Sharing Formula
Defection Talks Collapse as Bala Mohammed, APC Disagree on Power-Sharing Formula
The proposed defection of Bala Mohammed from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stalled following a disagreement over control of party structures in Bauchi State.
Chairman of the Turaki-led PDP faction in the state, Sama’ila Burga, disclosed this on Saturday while addressing journalists in Bauchi, stating that negotiations between the governor’s camp and the APC ended in a deadlock.
According to Burga, the crisis stemmed from the APC’s rejection of a proposed 60/40 power-sharing formula, which would have allowed the governor’s camp to retain majority control of the party structure in the state. He noted that similar arrangements had been adopted in previous defections involving sitting governors.
“The discussions have been closed. You cannot expect a government bringing its structure from ward level to the state not to have significant control of the party,” Burga said.
He further revealed that the talks were initiated through engagements involving the APC’s national leadership and key stakeholders, including the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, who reportedly visited Bauchi to persuade Mohammed to join the ruling party.
Despite the collapse of negotiations with the APC, Burga said the governor and his supporters remain open to exploring alliances with other political platforms. He added that consultations were ongoing from the ward level up to the state level to determine the next political direction.
The development highlights the growing political realignments ahead of future electoral contests, particularly as governors and influential blocs seek strategic positioning within Nigeria’s shifting party landscape.
Burga insisted that the APC’s stance demonstrated its unwillingness to fully accommodate the PDP structure and the existing state government framework, ultimately leading to the breakdown of the talks.
Defection Talks Collapse as Bala Mohammed, APC Disagree on Power-Sharing Formula
Politics
“Is It Working Today?” — Tinubu Takes Swipe at Atiku’s Privatization Legacy
“Is It Working Today?” — Tinubu Takes Swipe at Atiku’s Privatization Legacy
Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a fresh swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, questioning his record on privatization and criticizing his political maneuvers.
Speaking in a remark that has since stirred political reactions, Tinubu described Atiku as the “head of the calabash,” a phrase often used to depict a leading figure within a coalition. He used the comment to cast doubt on Atiku’s past role as chairman of Nigeria’s privatization council, particularly pointing to the steel industry.
The president questioned the outcome of the privatization exercise, asking whether the sector is functioning effectively today, in what observers see as a direct critique of Atiku’s economic legacy.
Tinubu did not stop at economic issues. He also took aim at Atiku’s political history, alleging that the former vice president attempted to “privatize another man’s political party,” but was resisted. Though he did not mention specifics, the comment is widely interpreted as a reference to past internal party struggles involving Atiku.
The exchange highlights the deepening rivalry between the two political heavyweights, as alignments and coalition talks continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of future elections.
Political analysts say Tinubu’s remarks are part of a broader effort to challenge Atiku’s credibility on governance and reform, while reinforcing his own administration’s stance on economic management and political leadership.
“Is It Working Today?” — Tinubu Takes Swipe at Atiku’s Privatization Legacy
Politics
Amaechi Rejects Consensus Candidate, Demands Transparent ADC Primaries
Amaechi Rejects Consensus Candidate, Demands Transparent ADC Primaries
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has called for a transparent and credible primary election within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning against any attempt to impose a consensus presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, stressed that democratic principles must be upheld within the party, insisting that members should be allowed to freely choose their flag bearer through a fair voting process. He rejected the idea of backroom agreements, saying party leadership must emerge through due process.
On the possibility of Atiku Abubakar emerging as the party’s presidential candidate, Amaechi said he would support the former vice president if he secures victory in a transparent primary. However, he maintained that no aspirant should be handed the ticket without undergoing a credible contest.
He described Atiku as qualified to contest for the presidency, noting that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to seek the country’s highest office, regardless of ongoing debates over zoning and power rotation.
Amaechi dismissed arguments centred on North–South power rotation, arguing that competence and capacity should take precedence over regional considerations. According to him, Nigeria requires a leader with the energy, strength, and responsiveness needed to confront the country’s mounting challenges.
Drawing comparisons with global political trends, he pointed to the emergence of younger leaders in other parts of the world, emphasizing that effective leadership demands alertness and the ability to respond swiftly to national issues.
He added that the presidency requires someone who can actively engage citizens, understand their problems firsthand, and work consistently toward practical solutions.
The former minister also cautioned Nigerians against voting along religious or ethnic lines, blaming such considerations for the country’s current difficulties. He argued that economic realities cut across all divides, affecting citizens irrespective of faith or background.
Amaechi further criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying economic hardship has worsened nationwide. He noted that rising costs of fuel, transportation, and basic commodities have left many Nigerians struggling to meet daily needs.
“Today, they have discovered that the market does not know Christians or Muslims. The market does not know that. The market understands just one language, Naira and Kobo. It doesn’t understand any other language. Now, everybody is suffering. Everybody is looking for food to eat,” he said.
He concluded that leadership at all levels should prioritise economic recovery and citizens’ welfare over identity politics, urging political actors to focus on policies that directly improve living conditions across the country.
Amaechi Rejects Consensus Candidate, Demands Transparent ADC Primaries
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