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Adamu: APC’s All Muslim Ticket Positive Development

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4 years ago

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APC Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu

*Party names Lalong, Keyamo campaign DG, spokesman

*I was chosen not as Christian, says Plateau governor

*Shettima asks opposition candidates to name people they mentored like Tinubu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday rose in stout defence of its all Muslim presidential ticket saying it signposts positive development for Nigeria.
This was just as the party also announced the Governor of Plateau state and Chairman of Northern Governors (NGF), Simon Lalong and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo as the Director General and Acting Spokesman of Bola Tinubu Presidential Campaign Organisation respectively.

Speaking with newsmen after a close-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja, APC Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, described the party’s same faith ticket as a “positive development” for the country’s politics.

Adamu, who was flanked at the briefing by APC presidential candidate, Mr. Bola Tinubu, his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima and Governor Lalong, stressed that the dust raised by the same faith ticket would be settled before the February, 2023 presidential poll.
Tinubu’s choice of running mate in July, this year had attracted criticisms across the country especially from the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

Several groups, religious and civil society organisations had argued that floating a Muslim-Muslim ticket does not reflect the country’s religious diversity.
However, commenting on the issue yesterday, the APC Chairman said despite the concerns raised, there were those who see a same-faith ticket as a positive development for the country’s politics.

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“Yes, we have been hearing concerns being expressed. In the APC, we believe very strongly, that no matter what description, no matter what faith you will associate with any one of our candidates, we are first and foremost Nigerians.

“There is no doubt in the fact that we have people who stock trade on some of these religious issues. Just like you have people expressing fears, or concerns about a Muslim-Muslim ticket, there are Christians that welcome it as a positive development, in Nigerian politics. They are Nigerians,” he added.

Adamu also assured that the party recognised the concerns, saying the party would, “put them to rest” before the election which is seven months away.
He said: “We are extremely sensitive to some of these sensitivities of fellow Nigerians or fellow members of our party. But the fact of the matter is, one issue does not determine a candidate or determine victory.

“The party has taken a very careful deep look at the Nigerian situation and the political space. And we believe very strongly that notwithstanding the expression that we’re hearing, we will be working on amicable solutions to the sentiment and we’re very sure by the grace of God we’ll put them to rest before the elections.”

On the purpose of their visit to the President, the APC Chairman announced the party’s choice of Lalong as DG of its Presidential Campaign Organisation saying the APC settled for Lalong because of his “ability”.

Adamu said, “We are here today to see Mr. President Muhammadu Buhari to brief him and to get his buy-in and approval of plans that we are having regarding our campaign outfits. So, we’re on the same page with Mr. President regarding our organogram and the individuals that are going to be playing different roles within the organisation structure in the campaign outfits.

“The person who is going to be the DG the Director-General of the APC presidential campaign organisation is Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State. He will lead the campaign.
“We have a campaign spokesperson in the person of Hon Festus Keyamo. Now, there would be a deputy in his office. The deputy spokesperson will be Barrister Hannatu Musawa.”

Also speaking, Lalong emphasised that the party chose him because of his ability and not as a Christian.
According to him, “I’m not a Christian candidate. I was not nominated as a Christian candidate. The party said I’ve been nominated because of my ability. I’ve been a very loyal member of the party. I joined APC because I believe in APC.

“Second, I’m not only the Governor of Plateau, I’m chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum. So I am able to carry out leadership in any capacity. I only want to express to you that I am surprised that I’m being announced now. I am sure we’ll not disappoint you.”

On his part, Tinubu’s running mate, Shettima, claimed that the same-faith arguments were machinations of a petrified opposition.
Citing the Ribadu-Bafarawa same faith presidential ticket of the Action Congress of Nigerian in the 2011 general elections, the former Governor of Borno state advised Nigerians to focus on issues and not the faith of the candidates.

According to the serving Senator: “In 2011, the presidential candidate and the vice-presidential candidate of the ACN. Both of them were Muslims. Nobody raised an eyebrow. Now, the opposition have seen a winning combination and they are petrified, deep down to the marrow of their bones.
“We will not trade in insults, lies and mischief. We have established a track record of excellence. Let our opponents show what they have done in their respective states.

“How to propel this nation to greatness is much more important than playing on the sentiments of Nigerians. Poverty knows no religion or ethnicity. Insecurity knows no religion or ethnicity.”

He also asked opposition parties’ candidates to make public the number of people they mentored in the course of their political career.
Shettima recalled that Tinubu, since his time as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 had mentored a lot of politicians currently doing well in the nation’s political space.

“Asiwaju has mentored a lot of people right from Vice President to Works Minister and several governors and ministers.  He mentored all of them,” he said.
He, therefore, asked the opposition candidates to, “tell us who they have mentored in the country.”
“So, we are waiting to hear or see the list of people they have mentored,” the vice presidential candidate further said.

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ADC Raises Alarm as Court Delays Release of Lifu’s Judgment Despite Payment

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14 hours ago

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November 9, 2026

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ADC Raises Alarm as Court Delays Release of Lifu’s Judgment Despite Payment

 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised fresh concerns over the handling of its leadership crisis, accusing the Federal High Court in Abuja of delaying the release of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of a judgment that nullified the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the party.

 

The party’s Presidential Campaign Council said the continued delay had denied affected parties access to the full details of the judgment, despite the payment of the prescribed fees for obtaining certified copies.

 

In a statement issued on Monday, November 9, 2026, the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, said lawyers representing some of the defendants had formally applied for the certified judgment but were yet to receive the document.

 

According to the council, counsel to the third defendant submitted an application on November 5, the day Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment, while counsel to the first defendant filed another application on November 6.

 

The council maintained that both applications carried the Federal High Court’s official ‘PAID’ stamp, indicating that the required fees had been settled.

 

Shaibu questioned why the certified judgment had remained inaccessible despite the judge’s reported declaration in open court that copies were ready.

 

He argued that the delay was particularly troubling because the judgment directly affected the leadership and future of the opposition party, as well as the political interests of its members.

 

The ADC campaign council maintained that without the certified copy, affected parties could not properly establish the precise orders made by the court or fully determine the appropriate legal steps to challenge them.

 

It described the situation as a denial of access to justice, insisting that litigants should not be subjected to unnecessary difficulties in obtaining official copies of judicial decisions affecting their rights.

 

The council also recalled its earlier objection to Justice Lifu presiding over the case, saying its National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, had previously raised concerns about the judge’s impartiality.

 

It further questioned the timing of the judgment, which was delivered days after the ADC’s campaign activities in Sokoto, alleging that the circumstances surrounding the ruling and the subsequent delay in releasing the certified copy had heightened suspicions among party members.

 

The ADC had earlier rejected the November 5 judgment and announced plans to challenge it through the appropriate judicial channels.

 

In the controversial ruling, Justice Lifu nullified the Senator David Mark-led leadership structure and invalidated actions taken by the disputed executive, including decisions connected to the party’s 2027 presidential nomination.

 

The ruling also recognised the position of Nafiu Bala Gombe in the leadership dispute.

 

The ADC has vowed to pursue every lawful avenue to challenge the judgment, while demanding an immediate explanation for the delay in releasing its certified copy.

 

As of Monday, November 9, there was no reported official response from the Federal High Court addressing the campaign council’s latest allegation.

 

 

ADC Raises Alarm as Court Delays Release of Lifu’s Judgment Despite Payment

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Tension in Delta as Task Force Members Protest Over Colleague’s Killing at NDC Rally

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14 hours ago

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November 9, 2026

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One Killed, Five Injured as Violence Disrupts Obi-Kwankwaso Rally in Delta

Tension in Delta as Task Force Members Protest Over Colleague’s Killing at NDC Rally

 

ASABA, DELTA STATE – Tension has heightened in Asaba, Delta State, following a protest by members of a task force over the killing of their colleague during Saturday’s violent political clash involving supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

 

The protest reportedly took place on Monday, November 9, 2026, two days after violence erupted during a political procession organised by the Obedient/OK Movement in support of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

 

According to reports, the task force members took to the streets to express their anger over the death of their colleague, who was reportedly among those affected by Saturday’s violence.

 

The protest came amid growing tension over the circumstances surrounding the deadly confrontation, which left one person dead and several others injured.

 

The incident occurred along Nnebisi Road, Asaba, at about 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, during the political procession.

 

The Delta State Police Command confirmed the death and disclosed that five other people sustained varying degrees of injuries.

 

The police said they had received intelligence suggesting a possibility of violence before the procession and subsequently invited the organisers to a security meeting.

 

According to the command, the organisers were advised against holding an open-road procession and encouraged to conduct their political activities at a designated venue where adequate security could be provided.

 

However, the police alleged that the organisers ignored the advice and proceeded with the procession.

 

Following the violence, the command announced that it had commenced a full-scale investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the clash and identify those responsible.

 

The Delta State Government also condemned the incident, describing the loss of life as unacceptable and calling on the police to ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.

 

The development has further heightened concerns over political violence and public safety in Delta State as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The circumstances surrounding Monday’s protest, including the full identity of the deceased task force member and the extent of the protesters’ demands, were not immediately clear.

 

 

Tension in Delta as Task Force Members Protest Over Colleague’s Killing at NDC Rally

 

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Hamzat, GRV Clash Over Housing, Transport, Governance at Lagos Debate

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1 day ago

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November 8, 2026

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Hamzat, GRV Clash Over Housing, Transport, Governance at Lagos Debate
Hamzat, GRV Clash Over Housing, Transport, Governance at Lagos Debate

The Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, and his African Democratic Congress (ADC) counterpart, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, have presented contrasting development plans for Lagos State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The two candidates outlined their policy priorities during the 2026 Lagos State Governorship Debate held in Lekki on Sunday, November 8, with particular attention to housing, transportation, infrastructure, security, healthcare, waste management and accountable governance.

Hamzat, who described the debate as a job interview, relied heavily on his experience in public service, arguing that his professional background and previous appointments had prepared him for the responsibility of governing Lagos.

He said his experience as a teacher, case manager in New York and systems manager, alongside his years in the Lagos State Government, had equipped him with the knowledge required to manage the state’s affairs.

The APC candidate recalled his time as Commissioner for Science and Technology, during which he said he led the development of the state’s residents and structural database.

He also highlighted his tenure as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, citing his involvement in the delivery of major infrastructure projects, including a cable bridge described as the first of its kind in West Africa and the second in Africa.

Hamzat said effective governance required a leader who understood the people, the state and the responsibilities attached to public office.

Presenting his development blueprint, tagged Jacob’s Promise, he said it was structured around seven pillars, seven broad areas of action and 100 pledges.

He identified respect for citizens, hard work and truthfulness as the principles that would guide his administration, adding that government should prioritise actual delivery over public announcements.

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According to him, residents should evaluate candidates based on their experience, the substance of their programmes and their ability to translate promises into tangible results.

In contrast, Rhodes-Vivour argued that Lagos needed a different approach to governance, accusing successive administrations of prioritising the interests of wealthy residents and privileged communities over those of ordinary people.

The ADC candidate said his political activities and manifesto had consistently focused on improving the living conditions of ordinary Lagos residents.

He maintained that the state needed an integrated development strategy capable of addressing interconnected challenges in housing, transportation, healthcare, education, waste management and urban planning.

On housing, Rhodes-Vivour promised to deliver 100,000 housing units within his first four years if elected.

He proposed funding social housing through luxury taxation, developing the eastern foreshore and intergenerational areas, and decentralising housing development across the state.

He also promised to expand Lagos’ railway network, saying his administration would connect the state’s rail lines within two and a half years through a private-sector-driven arrangement.

He said the proposed approach would be transparent, equitable and cost-effective, with the objective of improving connectivity and opening up more communities for development.

Rhodes-Vivour further argued that the state’s high internally generated revenue should translate into improved living conditions and better public services for residents.

He cited communities such as Makoko while criticising what he described as development policies that displaced ordinary residents in favour of elite interests.

The ADC candidate also pledged to address traffic congestion, flooding, waste management and the activities of street touts, popularly known as agberos.

OTHER CANDIDATES PRESENT THEIR VISIONS

The debate also featured governorship candidates of other political parties, including Funso Doherty of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Deji Doherty of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Funso Doherty criticised the state’s revenue and taxation system, arguing that Lagos residents continued to face multiple levies without receiving public services commensurate with the revenue generated by the government.

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He maintained that Lagos was operating below its potential despite its substantial internally generated revenue.

The NDC candidate, who said he had spent about 30 years in the private sector, promised a new direction for the state, particularly in healthcare and essential public services.

He urged residents to hold his party accountable if elected.

Deji Doherty, on his part, highlighted the need to improve electricity supply and create more economic opportunities for residents.

He said his experience as a technocrat and industrialist had informed his decision to seek the governorship position.

On housing, the PDP candidate cautioned against making unrealistic promises, arguing that the cost of land and building materials must be considered before setting ambitious construction targets.

He also raised concerns about gaps in primary healthcare delivery, particularly in some island communities.

DEBATE AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTION

The Lagos governorship debate was organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, a coalition of media organisations comprising Channels Television, TVC News, The PUNCH, TheCable and Vanguard.

The exercise is part of a series of debates scheduled ahead of the 2027 general elections, aimed at giving candidates a platform to explain their programmes and respond to questions on issues affecting Nigerians.

The organisers said the debate was designed to promote issue-based political engagement, democratic accountability and informed electoral choices.

The participating candidates were expected to address major concerns affecting Lagos residents, including the economy and cost of living, transportation and infrastructure, flooding and the environment, healthcare and social welfare, security and accountability.

The February 6, 2027 governorship election will determine who succeeds Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the next governor of Lagos State.

Hamzat, GRV Clash Over Housing, Transport, Governance at Lagos Debate

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