Politics

I and my running mate, Kashim will take Nigeria to greatness, Tinubu vows

Published

3 years ago

October 22, 2022

Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Friday promised that he and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, were more than ever ready to hit the ground running from day one if elected Nigeria’s President.

Tinubu made the solemn pledge at the State House Banquet Hall during the unveiling of his campaign policy document and the inauguration of APC Presidential Campaign Council by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

While describing himself as a veteran in nation-building, Tinubu restated that the country needed an “experienced torchbearer” to unlock the doors of security, prosperity and greatness.

According to him, his experience as Lagos State Governor where he transformed the state to one of the leading economies in Africa places him in the best position to help achieve this with his running mate.

He said, “This Plan is not only a roadmap to a prosperous future, it serves as notice to the Nigerian people that, if elected, Senator Shettima and I shall work tirelessly to reach that promised future from the first moment of the first day we enter office.

“The doors to security, prosperity and greatness are open to us. We must step through these portals, guided by a torchbearer with the experience and mettle to shoulder the task ahead. Nothing short of this will suffice.

“I seek to become the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because I know the way. My experience and past performance assure that. It will be through collective effort and national endeavour that we join hands, cross divides, and achieve our vision,” he said self-assuredly.

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An excited Tinubu told the audience that his campaign roadmap was borne out of interactions with Nigerians whose needs and aspirations he shared in the course of travelling across the country.

This is even as he promised to consolidate on the gains of the president once they are elected into office.

“Based on the foundation established by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, we shall build a Nigeria where sufficient jobs with decent wages create a better life for all and a future of promise for our youth.

“We shall revive our manufacturing industries and place Nigeria back on the path of industrialisation and job creation as well as to generate, transmit and distribute sufficient, affordable electricity to give our people the necessary power to drive their businesses and brighten their homes. Power is key to unlocking the potential of our national economy.

“We also look forward to delivering food security and affordability by continuing to prioritise agriculture and assist farmers and other players in the agricultural value chain through enlightened policies that promote productivity and guarantee robust incomes.

“I ask you to join Senator Shettima and I on this journey. We have traversed every part of our nation, listening to the concerns and yearnings of Nigerians for a more prosperous and equitable society – better able to acknowledge and nurture the dreams of her people. We share the peoples’ desire for a peaceful Nigeria where we all coexist in fairness, prosperity and with balanced representation in positions of authority,” he said.

He said he and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, were more than ever ready to hit the ground running from day one if elected Nigeria’s President.

“It is, therefore, fitting that we are unveiling the Tinubu/Shettima Action Plan for a better Nigeria today. This plan is not only a roadmap to a prosperous future, it serves as notice to the Nigerian people that if elected, Senator Shettima and I shall will work tirelessly to reach that promised future from the first moment of the first day we enter office.

The APC presidential flag bearer said his campaign roadmap was borne out of interactions with Nigerians across the country who shared their needs and aspirations with him and Senator Shettima in the course of their travelling round the country.

“After visiting and meeting our compatriots; young and old, poor and rich, educated and uneducated, Christian and Muslim; we recognize that no Nigerian wants empty answers to hard questions at this hour.

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“The country does not need fancy promises or foreign experiments. Nigerians seek sustained progress and reform through stable governance and proven leadership.

“We need true and innovative solutions that address the specific challenges of each of our 36 states and our over 200 million people. We need our own Miracle on the Niger River,” he added.

This, he said, his administration would achieve by building on the foundation laid by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

He added, “Based on our unshakable faith in our people and standing on the foundation established by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, we shall build a Nigeria where sufficient jobs with decent wages create a better life for all and a future of promise for our youth, revive our manufacturing industries and place Nigeria back on the path of industrialisation and job creation

Meanwhile, President Buhari has said that the APC-led Federal Government has ”managed to make Nigeria stable,” laying a solid foundation for progressive growth despite socio-economic challenges facing the country.

The president, while inaugurating the PCC as well as unveiling the Action Plan of the APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, pledged to be at the forefront of electing the former Lagos State governor as his successor.

He affirmed that electing Tinubu would consolidate the achievements of his administration as the presidential candidate has the capacity, visionary leadership and track record to do more.

”It will be disastrous to allow a situation that will lead to the reversal of the progress our country has made. Let me add that I joyfully accept the position of the Chairman of the campaign council we are unveiling today.

“Our candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is too well known for his capacity and can-do spirit.

”He stands tall in his track records as a democrat, a champion of the rule of law, a man at home in every part of our country, and a truly visionary leader. All you need to do is think of Lagos in 1999 and 2022!

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Politics

Yusuf Buhari, Son of Late President, Declares for House of Reps Seat

Published

8 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Trends Admin

Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari, son of Nigeria’s late former President Muhammadu Buhari

Yusuf Buhari, Son of Late President, Declares for House of Reps Seat

Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari, son of Nigeria’s late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has officially declared his candidacy for the House of Representatives, aiming to represent the Sandamu/Daura/Mai’Adua federal constituency in Katsina State under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform.

The announcement, shared publicly via X by Bashir Ahmad, comes after extensive consultations with local party leaders, elders, and influential stakeholders across the three local government areas in the constituency. Yusuf emphasized that his decision was driven by a commitment to community development, effective representation, and empowerment of local youth.

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In a letter titled “Expression of Interest to Contest for the House of Representatives Seat,” Yusuf Buhari highlighted his intention to focus on infrastructure, education, and human capital development if elected. He also called for the support of residents and party members, urging a collaborative approach to addressing local challenges.

Political analysts note that the Sandamu/Daura/Mai’Adua constituency is a traditional APC stronghold, making the party primary the most critical stage of the election. Yusuf’s entry marks his first major move into active politics, having maintained a low profile during his father’s presidency.

While the announcement has drawn strong attention, some local party stakeholders have stressed the importance of transparent primary elections, warning against endorsing any candidate prematurely. Nonetheless, early meetings reportedly indicate significant grassroots support for Yusuf ahead of the APC primaries.

Yusuf Buhari’s declaration signals the start of a politically active phase for the former president’s son, with observers watching closely how his campaign develops as the 2027 general elections approach.

Yusuf Buhari, Son of Late President, Declares for House of Reps Seat

Politics

Onanuga Denies Tinubu’s Role in ADC Crisis, Criticises Peter Obi

Published

8 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Trends Admin

Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on Information & Strategy

Onanuga Denies Tinubu’s Role in ADC Crisis, Criticises Peter Obi

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga has dismissed claims linking Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.

In a strongly worded statement, Onanuga accused Peter Obi and his supporters of turning the President into a “whipping boy” for internal problems within opposition parties. He insisted that Tinubu has no involvement in the ADC crisis, stressing that the challenges facing the party are self-inflicted.

Onanuga linked the turmoil within the ADC to Obi’s recent political moves, particularly his exit from the Labour Party Nigeria after the 2023 presidential election. He described the move as a “use-and-dump” strategy, arguing that Obi failed to build a lasting political structure within the party.

The presidential aide also criticised Obi’s reliance on the Obidient movement, describing it as largely online-driven rather than a fully developed political organisation. According to him, Obi’s decision to align with the ADC reflects a need for an existing political structure ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Onanuga further alleged that the ADC crisis stems from internal disputes following claims that the party was “hijacked” by political interests linked to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar from party founder Ralph Nwosu. He suggested that lack of due diligence by new stakeholders contributed to the current leadership crisis.

Reiterating his stance, Onanuga said there is “absolutely no connection” between President Tinubu and the ADC’s internal struggles. He urged Obi and other party stakeholders to focus on resolving disputes within their ranks, including reconciling with aggrieved members such as Nafiu Gombe.

The presidential spokesman also downplayed Obi’s chances ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that he remains politically irrelevant without securing a party ticket. He noted that Obi’s third-place finish in the 2023 election does not guarantee future success.

The exchange highlights growing tensions within Nigeria’s opposition space, as parties grapple with leadership crises, shifting alliances, and preparations for 2027. Analysts say the ADC situation reflects broader challenges facing opposition politics, including internal divisions and struggles to build cohesive structures.

Onanuga concluded by defending the Tinubu administration, saying the President, as an incumbent, has achievements to present to Nigerians, and accused critics of attempting to undermine his record with unfounded claims.

Onanuga Denies Tinubu’s Role in ADC Crisis, Criticises Peter Obi

Politics

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

Published

1 day 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.