Politics

Atiku camp moves to pacify G-5 govs

Published

4 years ago

November 12, 2022

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar

Despite his claim that he had moved on after failing to resolve his differences with five aggrieved governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the opposition party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has reportedly informed members of his kitchen cabinet to explore further avenues to resolve the lingering crisis.

Atiku, had in a radio programme last week, claimed that he was moving on without the five aggrieved PDP governors.

However, the tide moved against his presidential bid during the week, when the governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, accused Atiku of undermining his re-election bid next year.

Bala had demanded an apology from Atiku. As at the time of filing in this report, neither Atiku nor his media aides had offered any apology to the governor.

While the controversy over Bala’s accusation was still raging, the five aggrieved governors, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State; Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State; Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; and Samuel Ortom of Benue State, met the Bauchi governor in the state capital.

Though still unconfirmed, there are claims that Bala who is fighting the political battle of his life, may join forces with the G-5 governors to undermine Atiku’s presidential bid.

Saturday Sun gathered that following the raging storm rocking Atiku’s campaign organisation, the former vice president has urged members of his kitchen cabinet to reach out to prominent PDP leaders, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, to intervene.

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A competent source told Saturday Sun that Jonathan’s intervention may prove counterproductive, as Atiku’s key men who are expected to lead the delegation to Jonathan, all worked against Jonathan’s re-election bid in 2015.

The source said former President Olusegun Obasanjo is unwilling to support Atiku, like he did in 2019, claiming that the former President may have covertly given his support to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP).

The source further revealed that Southern PDP leaders and other critical stakeholders expected to prevail on the five governors, are opposed to the emergence of Atiku.

He said the leaders, prior to the primaries that produced Atiku, had insisted that the next president of Nigeria must emerge from the South, after eight years of Buhari’s regime.

He said: “Atiku’s campaign is struggling, even if he might not want to admit it. The support he expected from the people is not coming. He has realised that he needs the governors to win this election.

“He had the chance and missed the opportunity. Now, the five aggrieved governors are recruiting more people to join them. If Atiku doesn’t move fast, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State will join the G-5 governors.

“As I speak, there is no prominent PDP leader from the South who is with Atiku. Those people parading themselves as Southern PDP leaders can’t win elections in their villages.

“The problem now is that, the people who can prevail on Wike and other governors, are those Atiku offended in the past. He has offended Jonathan and even worked against him in 2015.

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“He undermined Obasanjo in 2003. He worked against Odili in 2007. Edwin Clark doesn’t want to even see Atiku for working against Jonathan in 2015. Same thing with Bode George.

“Leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo who worked for him in 2019, can’t openly support him. These people I’ve mentioned are those who can prevail on these aggrieved governors to work with Atiku.

“Atiku may have the support of the North, but he won’t get a landslide victory there. Kwakwanso will drag the votes with him in the North. In the North East where he’s from, the vice presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Kashim Shettima will get votes for his party.

“While Tinubu can boast of 80 per cent of votes from the South West, Atiku can’t do same in the North. With Obi, he has lost the South East. With Wike, he may not win up to 30 per cent in the South South.”

Revealing why Atiku appears to be handicapped, the PDP member said the former vice president is careful not to upset his Northern Muslim support base, who according to the source, doesn’t want him associated with Wike.

He said if Atiku concedes some grounds and positions to the G-5 governors, they’ll support his presidential bid in 2023.

He said while the presidential candidate of APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is willing to concede some cabinet positions to the G-5 governors, Atiku on the other hand is unwilling to commit himself.

Issuing a stern warning, the PDP leader said: “If Atiku’s kitchen cabinet members mean well for him, they need to tell him the truth now. The G-5 governors must be brought on board before the end of November or PDP can just bid Aso Rock goodbye.”

The former Vice President told reporters in Minna on Friday that all issues with the aggrieved governors and others would be resolved before next year’s election.

Related Topics:Atiku Featured G-5 Opposition Ortom Wike

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Politics

City Boy Movement Empowers 1,000 FCT Women, Backs Tinubu’s 2027 Re-Election

Published

1 hour ago

May 18, 2026

Trends Admin

City Boy Movement Empowers 1,000 FCT Women, Backs Tinubu’s 2027 Re-Election

No fewer than 1,000 women in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have benefited from a major empowerment programme organised by the Women Wing of the City Boy Movement (CBM), which also reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The empowerment programme, held in Abuja, focused on women empowerment, grassroots mobilisation, and economic inclusion, with beneficiaries receiving financial support, business tools, and startup assistance aimed at strengthening small-scale enterprises across the FCT.

Organisers said the initiative was designed to reduce poverty, boost household income, and expand women participation in economic and political activities at the community level.

Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator for Women Affairs of the CBM Women Wing, Hon. Ummusalma Rabiu, described women empowerment as a critical pillar for sustainable development, stressing that women remain key drivers of grassroots democracy and community development.

She said empowering women translates directly into stronger families, improved livelihoods, and increased political awareness at the local level.

The FCT Women Affairs Coordinator of the group, Dr. Ene Adugba, who hosted the programme, said the initiative also aimed to sensitise beneficiaries on the policies and achievements of the Tinubu administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to her, the current administration has continued to implement reforms targeting economic stability, infrastructure development, and improved access to social intervention programmes despite prevailing economic challenges.

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She added that ongoing government initiatives such as student loan schemes, agricultural support programmes, transportation infrastructure development, and enterprise funding were gradually repositioning the economy.

Also speaking, the National Principal Secretary of the Women Wing said the administration’s policies have demonstrated strong focus on job creation, youth empowerment, food security, and economic diversification.

He noted that sustained reforms would help strengthen long-term national development and improve investment opportunities across sectors.

Beneficiaries received empowerment packages including cash support and business materials to help expand their trades and improve financial independence.

Organisers explained that the beneficiaries were selected from different communities within Kuje Area Council, with emphasis on vulnerable women and small business owners engaged in petty trading and artisan work.

Dr. Adugba also used the occasion to reaffirm the group’s political position, declaring continued support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid, saying continuity would ensure the consolidation of ongoing reforms across critical sectors.

She maintained that sustained policy implementation would further strengthen infrastructure development, security coordination, agricultural productivity, education reforms, and economic revitalisation.

The organisation called on women, youths, and other stakeholders to support initiatives that promote peace, unity, democratic participation, and national development ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political observers note that the City Boy Movement has increasingly combined empowerment programmes with political mobilisation across the country as preparations for the next general elections gather momentum.

City Boy Movement Empowers 1,000 FCT Women, Backs Tinubu’s 2027 Re-Election

Politics

Lagos Council Chairmen Endorse Hamzat For 2027 Governorship Race

Published

3 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Trends Admin

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat

Lagos Council Chairmen Endorse Hamzat For 2027 Governorship Race

The race for the 2027 Lagos governorship election gathered momentum on Sunday as Conference 57, the umbrella body of council chairmen in Lagos State, officially endorsed Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat as its preferred candidate for governor.

The endorsement was announced during a strategic meeting of local government chairmen held in Ikeja, where party stakeholders and grassroots political leaders pledged support for Hamzat’s anticipated bid under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Conference 57 comprises chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state, making it one of the strongest grassroots political blocs in Lagos.

Speaking at the meeting, Conference 57 chairman, Sesan Olowa, said the decision followed consultations with President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and leaders of the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC).

According to Olowa, the council chairmen unanimously agreed that Hamzat possesses the experience, loyalty, and leadership qualities required to sustain Lagos’ growth and development.

“Our appreciation goes to President Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu and GAC leaders for choosing Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat,” Olowa said.

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“We are proud of this decision and convinced it will move Lagos closer to its megacity aspirations.”

He noted that Hamzat had served Lagos State diligently for years and played strategic roles in different administrations, contributing significantly to governance, infrastructure development, and policy implementation.

Olowa added that the endorsement reflected the confidence grassroots political leaders had in the deputy governor’s capacity to lead Africa’s commercial capital.

Conference 57 spokesman, Olasoju Adebayo, also described Hamzat as an experienced technocrat and administrator with deep knowledge of governance and public service.

According to him, Hamzat’s tenure as commissioner in previous administrations helped lay the foundation for several technological and infrastructural reforms in Lagos.

“Dr Obafemi Hamzat is an astute administrator with wide experience across government institutions,” Adebayo said.

“When he served as commissioner, he laid foundations for technological and infrastructural advancement.”

Adebayo assured the deputy governor of widespread grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship election, stressing that many Lagos residents already trusted his leadership capacity.

Responding to the endorsement, Hamzat thanked the council and LCDA chairmen for their support and described local government officials as critical stakeholders because of their closeness to residents at the grassroots level.

“I thank all local government and LCDA chairmen for this endorsement. They have assured me of their support for Mr President and APC candidates in 2027,” Hamzat said.

The deputy governor also stressed the importance of long-term planning as Lagos continues to experience rapid population growth and urban expansion.

“Our party understands Lagos geography, its challenges and the solutions required,” he added.

The endorsement is expected to further strengthen Hamzat’s political standing within the Lagos APC, especially following recent reports that the Governance Advisory Council had adopted him as a consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

Political observers believe the backing of Conference 57 could significantly boost Hamzat’s grassroots support across the state as the succession battle gradually takes shape within the ruling party.

Lagos Council Chairmen Endorse Hamzat For 2027 Governorship Race

Politics

Governors Tighten Grip As APC Reps Lose Return Bids (Full List)

Published

16 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Trends Admin

Governors Tighten Grip As APC Reps Lose Return Bids (Full List)

Several serving members of the House of Representatives have lost their bids to return to the National Assembly after failing to secure tickets during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries conducted across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The primaries, held in various states over the weekend, produced major political upsets as influential lawmakers were defeated by challengers backed by governors, party stakeholders, and zoning arrangements.

One of the most prominent casualties was the House Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, who lost the APC ticket for Owan Federal Constituency in Edo State.

Ihonvbere, who sought a third term in the House of Representatives, was defeated by former Edo State Commissioner for Mining, Andrew Ijegbai.

Political sources within the party linked his defeat to an existing zoning arrangement between Owan East and Owan West local government areas, which reportedly favoured a power shift.

The outcome has been described as one of the biggest surprises of the APC primaries, considering Ihonvbere’s influence within the House leadership and the ruling party structure.

Also in Edo State, Eseosa Iyawe, representing Oredo Federal Constituency, failed to secure the APC ticket after losing to former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu.

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Iyawe was originally elected into the House under the Labour Party before defecting to the APC during the ongoing wave of political realignments in the National Assembly.

His defeat is seen by political observers as a setback to his efforts to consolidate his political base within the ruling party.

In Imo State, four incumbent lawmakers were denied the opportunity to return to the House under the APC platform.

Those who lost out include Matthew Nwogu, representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency; Miriam Onuoha of Okigwe South Federal Constituency; Harrison Nwadike, representing Isu/Njaba/Nkwerre/Nwangele Federal Constituency; and Emeka Martins Chinedu of Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency.

The Imo primaries reportedly witnessed intense lobbying and influence from major political blocs loyal to Governor Hope Uzodimma, with several party leaders backing new entrants over incumbent lawmakers.

In Kwara State, Ismail Kayode, who currently represents Ifelodun/Oyun/Offa Federal Constituency, also lost his return ticket.

Kayode was defeated by Rafiu Ajakaye, a former Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Party insiders said Ajakaye enjoyed strong support from the state political structure and key stakeholders within the APC.

A similar scenario played out in Kebbi State where Mansur Musa Jega lost the APC ticket for Jega/Gwandu/Aleiro Federal Constituency.

The lawmaker was edged out following a consensus arrangement that produced former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Jafar Ahmed Jega, as the party’s preferred candidate.

The use of consensus arrangements in several states has continued to generate controversy within the APC, with some aspirants accusing party leaders of imposing candidates.

Jigawa State also recorded significant casualties during the exercise as four serving lawmakers failed to clinch tickets.

The affected lawmakers include Muktar Muhammad of Kazaure/Roni/Gwiwa/Yankwashi Federal Constituency, Ibrahim Usman Auyo representing Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency, Sa’adu Wada Taura of Ringim/Taura Federal Constituency, and Yusif Sa’idu Miga, representing Jahun/Miga Federal Constituency.

Political analysts say the outcome of the primaries reflects growing internal power shifts within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, with governors and influential party figures tightening their grip on candidate selection processes.

In several states, aggrieved aspirants and their supporters reportedly protested the conduct of the primaries, alleging manipulation, imposition of candidates, and lack of transparency.

Despite the controversies, the APC leadership has insisted that the primaries were conducted in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

The ruling party is expected to conclude appeals arising from the primaries in the coming days as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.