Politics

I will turn Bayelsa into an industrial hub – Tinubu

Published

3 years ago

December 2, 2022

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Bayelsa State residents yesterday defied the heavy downpour to receive the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential campaign train, led by its candidate, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Tinubu, who addressed party faithful and supporters at Ox-Bow Lake Pavilion, venue of the rally, promised to turn Bayelsa State into an industrial hub.

He said Bayelsa will attain its potential as one of the country’s largest producers of oil. Tinubu said Bayelsa would not be what it is today, if oil was not first discovered in the state.

He lamented Bayelsa’s under development, urging the people to vote for the APC to ensure its upliftment.

Tinubu commended former President Goodluck Jonathan, who hails from Bayelsa, for ensuring a smooth transition of power in 2015 after the APC won the presidential election.

He also lauded his his efforts to fostering peace and democracy in West Africa.

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He said: “On behalf of the entire nation, may I say thank you Bayelsa for all that you have done for Nigeria.

“You have played a critical and leading role in the development of our national economy.

“Now, I am a man of fairplay. I believe a person, a state and even a nation should be repaid for the good and positive things they have done.

“It is high time that Bayelsa was duly acknowledged for its role in national development and even more fairly paid back in kind for that positive role.

“The entire world knows that Bayelsa is rich in oil and is among Nigeria’s largest producing states. The revenue from these things has been the backbone of government income and foreign exchange earnings.

“But what the world often forgets is that Bayelsa is more than just pipelines and oil installations. It is a community of decent and good people, proud of the culture and traditions, yet hopeful of what the future holds.

“You are fishermen and boat operators of great skill and reputation. You are farmers, businessmen, market women, teachers, students and professionals in all fields.

“If you vote for me and my team, that unfair day will surely end. We will reconstruct and maintain vital federal roadways such as the Mbiama-Yenagoa-Nembe-Brass highway. We will work with willing and capable private sector partners to build a comprehensive network of swamp bridges that connect swamp settlements with upland areas and the wider world.”

Tinubu said his government would make the safety and security of the people of the state its priority.

He said he would take the necessary measures to address security challenges on the waterways by winning the fight against kidnapping, oil theft and piracy in the Niger Delta region.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, said Tinubu would sweep the state.

He described Tinubu as a great personality, who has a good track record of achievement that nobody could beat.

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Sylva, who is the leader of the party in the state, added: “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a track record that nobody can beat. And today when they ask me why I am so sure that Tinubu will win and is going to be the next president, I ask them, who is contesting with him because I don’t know anybody that is contesting with him.

“And then they say it is Peter Obi that is contesting with him. I say ehh, and then they say there is an Atiku that is contesting with him, and I say it is very clear that those people are no match for our candidate because we have to look at the record of a candidate.

“What did Obi do in Anambra State? Anambra State is a great state, a technological miracle waiting to happen. Obi was there for eight years and Anambra State is in no way an extraordinary state. But we can say after eight years of our presidential candidate in Lagos State, we have Lagos that is extraordinary.

“Obi prides himself as a frugal man who saves money, that he doesn’t spend money; he prides himself that he is a stingy man. But governance is not about stinginess, it is also not only about prudence. It is about creating the opportunity for you the youths.

“Today, Nigeria has a youth population that is largely unemployed. Who is going to produce those opportunities? Who is going to expand the economy to be able to accommodate these people that we are producing everyday?

“Today, our population is about over 200 million. In 2025, our population is going to be about 250 million people and in 2050, the projection is that our population is going to be about 400 million people. It is not only about prudence, it is about creating opportunities. And if you read the Bible very well, it is very clear about creating opportunities and also about prudence. In the parable of the Talents, it said 10 talents were given to one; five were given to another and one talent was given to another.

“The man that was given the five talent increased the opportunity, invested it and created more opportunities and doubled the talents, so, when the master came back, the master was very happy with him that he had doubled the opportunity.

“The second man also doubled the opportunity and the master was also happy with him and the third man called Obi, buried his own talent and said he was a very prudent man and that he buried it because he did not want to lose it. He brought it out and gave to the master and the master said you are a very wicked man. You can see that it goes beyond prudence; it goes beyond not spending shishi.

“As for Atiku, his only mission, according to him, is that he wants to sell NNPC. He sold others before and he discovered he did not sell the NNPC. So, all he wants is to sell the NNPC. That is why he is saying doesn’t even want more than one tenure. So, why are we going to vote for people like that?

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“We must vote for the man that will create opportunities for our youths, we must vote for the man that will create work for you, we must vote for the man that knows the way.”

Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong and Director-General of APC Presidential Campaign Council, said Tinubu will rescue the country.

He said: “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the only way. Tinubu understands the problem of Nigeria. All we are saying is that with Tinubu, we have a renewed hope in Nigeria. Everywhere we go, the song is that Tinubu is a winner and he will win.”

The Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, said Tinubu is a tested and trusted man who deserved to be President of Nigeria.

He said: “Tinubu has religious tolerance. He has developed men and women of consequence and deserves our votes. No other man deserves our votes. He is a man to vote for. The cap fits him and he should be the one to wear it.

“I am suggesting that those who we running should run on their records unless of course they have no record to run on. This is a consequential time in Nigeria and we need somebody who has a good track record of achievement and that person is Tinubu.”

Former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, said: “Our Presidential candidate will be the next president and Commander-in-Chief of Nigerian Armed Forces. Let me appreciate his running mate, a man who in the face of all challenges still brought hope to the great people of Borneo State.

“This election is particularly crucial to the people of Bayelsa State. I have hope and I know it to be the truth because when I was the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, I came to Bayelsa and saw how farmers’ farms were destroyed, how fisherman can no longer fish, how you dry your clothes outside and because of pollution, it changes colour.

“For you the people of Bayelsa, the issue of restructuring is important for you? Let it not be said that you are the proverbial fish who is in the river, but cannot drink the water because the river is polluted and poisonous.

“Our presidential candidate has the capacity and potential to deliver the country. Tinubu is insisting that Nigeria should not be run like a unitary system of government. He has courage to insist that in a true federal system, states, not Federal Government should be responsible for the creation of local governments. He didn’t just say it, he went ahead and created new local government areas in Lagos State. And what happened, he was punished by the PDP.”

On arrival in Yenagoa, Tinubu and his entourage paid a courtesy call on the Ibenanaowei of Ikpetiama Kingdom and Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers in the state, King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada 1V.

The traditional ruler reeled out a lot of demands, including the construction of major roads linking the state capital, revamping of Peeremabiri Rice Farm, of Aggeii Deep Sea Port and Brass LNG.

The APC presidential candidate promised to uplift the state as a major oil producer.

But he told the royal fathers to urge their people to vote APC. Alluding to a Yoruba proverb, Tinubu said: “a woman that has not experienced a second husband will not know the difference between the two.”

The Wife of the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and chairman of the Tinubu/Shettima Women Presidential Campaign Team, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said that the former governor of Lagos State will promise the welfare of Nigeria if elected in next year’s elections.

She urged eligible voters, especially women and youths, to vote for APC candidates.

Senator Tinubu gave the assurance at the flag off of the North-West rally of the Tinubu/Shettima Women Presidential Campaign, at the People’s Square, Katsina, Katsina State capital.

A statement by the Media Office of the Campaign Team in Abuja said the rally was attended by Hajiya Nana Shettima, the Minister, Hajiya Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed and Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, wife of the Kebbi State Governor and North-West Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Women Campaign Team; the first ladies of Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Zamfara and Lagos states.

Also at the rally were Asabe Vilita Bashir, national coordinator of the APC Women Campaign Team and her deputy, Lauretta Onochie, who has recently been nominated as chairman of the board of the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Also present were Zahra Buhari-Indimi and Hanan Buhari, daughters of the First Lady and grand patron of the APC Women Campaign Team, Dr Aisha Buhari.

On arrival in Katsina, the delegation paid a courtesy call to the Emir of Katsina, and the Governor Aminu Bello Masari.

The Nation

Related Topics:Bayelsa Featured industrial hub Tinubu

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ADC Expels Nafiu Bala, Leke Abejide, Ratifies David Mark-Led Leadership

Published

16 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Trends Admin

ADC convention ratifies David Mark-led NWC

ADC Expels Nafiu Bala, Leke Abejide, Ratifies David Mark-Led Leadership

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expelled its former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, and House of Representatives member, Leke Abejide, following decisions taken at its national convention held on Tuesday, in a major restructuring aimed at resolving internal leadership disputes and repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party also expelled Kenneth Ehiator, Abia State chairman of the ADC, Stella Chukwu, and Elias Adiukwu, with officials stating that the move was part of efforts to restore discipline, unity, and organisational stability within the party structure.

At the same convention, the ADC ratified a new National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark, alongside former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal as Deputy National Chairman (North East), and Bolaji Abdullahi as National Publicity Secretary.

The leadership changes come amid prolonged internal disputes over legitimacy and control of the party structure, with Nafiu Bala previously insisting he remained the rightful national chairman of the ADC, while Leke Abejide aligned with his faction and participated in protests at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) demanding recognition.

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Party insiders said the expulsion of key figures was necessary to end parallel leadership claims and unify the party ahead of its political roadmap toward the 2027 elections, where it plans to field candidates across all elective positions.

The ADC also confirmed that it had duly notified INEC ahead of the convention and would proceed to submit its official report in line with electoral guidelines.

Chairman of the convention media sub-committee, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the party complied with legal requirements, stressing that INEC’s physical presence at the event was not mandatory for the validity of the convention.

According to him, what matters under the law is proper notification and submission of post-convention documentation, which the party says it has fulfilled.

With the convention concluded, the ADC said it is now shifting focus to preparations for its primaries, where it will select candidates for the 2027 general elections, including its presidential flagbearer.

Political sources within the party said the newly established leadership structure would guide negotiations among aspirants, with discussions expected on whether to adopt direct primaries or a consensus arrangement.

The 2026 Electoral Act allows political parties to determine their method of primary elections, either through direct voting by members or consensus among stakeholders.

Sources further noted that managing multiple high-profile aspirants remains one of the biggest challenges facing the party as it prepares for the presidential contest.

Political analysts say the ADC’s evolving structure could reshape opposition politics in Nigeria, especially with the reported involvement of prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

However, analysts also warn that internal competition for the presidential ticket may become a major test of unity for the party as it attempts to position itself as a strong opposition force ahead of 2027.

Despite the tensions, the ADC insists that its convention marks a turning point in its restructuring process and a significant step toward its participation in the next general elections.

ADC Expels Nafiu Bala, Leke Abejide, Ratifies David Mark-Led Leadership

Politics

2027: Pro-Jonathan Group Launches Campaign Urging Goodluck Jonathan to Run

Published

17 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

2027: Pro-Jonathan Group Launches Campaign Urging Goodluck Jonathan to Run

A new political movement, the Goodluck Presidential Support Campaign Group, has officially launched a nationwide mobilisation calling on former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election, amid growing political conversations over leadership direction and national stability.

The group made its position public during a press conference on Wednesday, stating that Nigeria is at a critical point that requires experienced leadership to address economic hardship, insecurity, and declining public confidence in governance.

According to the group, the decision to rally support for Jonathan followed wide consultations across different regions of the country, with stakeholders agreeing that his return to active politics could help restore unity, stability, and economic confidence.

Speaking at the launch, the Director General of the group, Jeff Okoi, said the initiative was driven by national concern rather than political sentiment, stressing that Nigeria needs a leader with proven governance experience.

Okoi described the moment as “a defining period in Nigeria’s democratic journey,” adding that the country is currently facing serious challenges that demand urgent and credible leadership intervention.

He explained that the group is made up of Nigerians committed to national unity, economic recovery, and political stability, insisting that Jonathan’s track record in office remains a key reason for the call.

He said Nigeria is currently battling insecurity, economic pressure, and weakening global confidence, adding that only experienced leadership can reposition the country for growth and development.

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The group further stated that it has begun establishing mobilisation structures across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones to build wider support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Okoi also noted that the campaign is not about personal ambition but about what he described as a “national rescue mission” aimed at restoring stability and shared prosperity.

He added that Jonathan remains, in their view, a symbol of democratic stability and international respect, particularly for his role in peaceful political transitions during his time in office.

The group also expressed concern over what it described as the narrowing of democratic space in Nigeria, warning that democracy must remain inclusive, competitive, and fair to thrive.

According to the movement, Nigeria needs a leader who understands governance, embraces diversity, and commands both local legitimacy and international respect.

The emergence of the campaign group adds to rising political pressure on Jonathan, as several youth organisations and civic groups have also staged public rallies in recent weeks urging him to consider a return to the presidential race.

However, despite the growing calls, Goodluck Jonathan has not made any official statement regarding whether he will contest the 2027 presidential election.

Political analysts say the increasing mobilisation signals early political positioning ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive election cycle in Nigeria.

2027: Pro-Jonathan Group Launches Campaign Urging Goodluck Jonathan to Run

Politics

2027: Kwara APC Stakeholders Back Bolarinwa as Kwara South Gains Political Momentum

Published

17 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigerian actress, Victoria Inyama

2027: Kwara APC Stakeholders Back Bolarinwa as Kwara South Gains Political Momentum

In the build-up to the 2027 Kwara governorship election, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Isin, Ilorin West, and Ilorin East local government areas have intensified political consultations, declaring that Kwara South senatorial district currently parades some of the most qualified governorship aspirants among over 15 contenders in the race.

The position was made known during separate strategic meetings held in Oke Onigbin, Mandate, and Zango areas of Ilorin, where party stakeholders unanimously endorsed former APC State Chairman, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, describing him as a strong contender capable of sustaining the development agenda of Kwara State.

The endorsement aligns with emerging grassroots realignments within the APC structure across Kwara State, where multiple groups have continued to throw their weight behind Bolarinwa’s governorship ambition, citing his long-standing role in party leadership, political experience, and grassroots influence.

The Isin Progressive Likeminds, led by Kayode Olaoye, said their support for Bolarinwa followed wide consultations, grassroots engagement, and careful assessment of the socio-economic development needs of Kwara State. According to the group, the 2027 governorship contest requires “visionary, inclusive and transformative leadership” capable of uniting different interests across the state. They stressed that the next governor must be able to promote cohesion, equity, and sustainable development, rather than sectional or narrow political interests. The group also resolved to begin full-scale mobilisation across the 11 wards of Isin Local Government Area, including engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, and political stakeholders to strengthen support for their preferred aspirant.

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In Ilorin West Local Government Area, a coalition of APC stakeholders comprising party elders, executives, youth groups, and women organisations also declared support for Bolarinwa. The meeting, convened by Hon. Ayo Obisesan, and supported by APC leader, Professor Yahya Duro Uthman Hambali, brought together stakeholders from across the 12 wards in Ilorin West. According to them, the endorsement reflects a collective decision driven by the need for credible leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections. One of the leaders, Prof. Hambali, said the group’s position represents a shift towards “progress over stagnation and hope over despair,” adding that Kwara State needs a leader with experience and wide acceptability.

Also, in Ilorin East, party stalwarts under the Ilorin East Progressive Caucus reaffirmed their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, while also endorsing Bolarinwa’s governorship aspiration. The endorsement was made through a voice affirmation led by the caucus chairman, Chief Babatunde Asanlu, who praised Tinubu’s administration for what he described as bold economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate reforms, infrastructure development, and the student loan scheme. He said the policies were laying a foundation for long-term national growth, insisting that the President deserves a second term to complete ongoing reforms. On Bolarinwa’s ambition, Asanlu described him as a “tested leader with strong grassroots connection, administrative experience, and wide political acceptance across Kwara State.”

Political observers say the wave of endorsements across Kwara APC structures signals an early and intensifying succession battle ahead of 2027. While some stakeholders continue to push for zoning arrangements within the party, others argue that the governorship ticket should be determined strictly by competence, popularity, and electability, rather than senatorial rotation. The ongoing alignments suggest that the 2027 Kwara governorship race may become one of the most competitive political contests in the state’s recent history.