Atiku leads Tambuwal, El-Rufai, others to Buhari as 2027 election draws near

Former Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, ex-Governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal paid a visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his Kaduna house.

According to a video seen by our correspondent on X, other politicians who visited Buhari on Friday included former Minister of Communications Isa Pantami, former Governor of Imo State Achike Udenwa, former Governor of Benue State Senator Gabriel Suswam, and former Governor of Adamawa State Jibrilla Bindow, among others.

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Atiku, who took to his verified X page on Friday to disclose the visit, described it as a “wonderful time” with the former president.

Atiku wrote, “As the Waziri Adamawa, I was obligated to be in Adamawa during the Sallah celebrations. I held forth for the Lamido Fombina (Adamawa) in some of the activities of the Sallah celebrations.

“Today, I had the opportunity to pay a post-Sallah visit to His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2015-2023.

“It was a wonderful time with him. As usual, he cracked me up (to the extent that my ribs were hurting) with his peculiar humour.”

The PDP chieftain, however, did not disclose the details of the meeting’s agenda and its outcome.

You will enjoy APC, Okpebholo assures defecting PDP lawmakers

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has welcomed lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state’s House of Assembly.

Okpebholo assured them of a conducive environment to operate and collaborate for the state’s development.

The governor gave the assurance when he received Hon. Kaycee Osamwonyi, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, who defected to the APC.

Osamwonyi, representing Uhunmwonde State Constituency, was received into the party by the Chairman of the APC Edo State chapter, Jarrett Tenebe.

Governor Okpebholo commended the lawmakers for joining the APC, stating that their defection has strengthened the party.

He expressed his desire to collaborate with them to drive development and improve the lives of Edo people.

“We congratulate you on returning home. Your coming is a plus for the party, as we have five of you who have joined, and you have made our party stronger.

“A lot of people from other political parties are ready to join our party, and soon there will be a carnival. I seek your help to drive development, and together, we will develop the state and make life better for our people.

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“Uhunmwonde Local Government is very special to me, and together we can develop the area and open it for growth and development.

“The next election, especially the 2027 presidential election, we are ready in Edo State. We have kick-started our own campaigns for the president in 2027. We have to mobilise the youth in our state, and you are part of the youth. I promise you that you will enjoy our party, as you have chosen to join us,” he said.

The governor highlighted his administration’s developmental strides, aiming to boost the state’s economy and enhance the lives of its citizens.

He specifically mentioned Uhunmwonde Local Government, stating his commitment to its growth and development.

Okpebholo also announced the kickoff of the campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, calling on the youth to join the party’s efforts.

Also speaking, Tenebe stated that the party is now in full control of the State Assembly, as it now has the majority of the members in the house.

“Hon. Osamwonyi joined the party following the developmental strides your administration has achieved in the few months you have led the state,” he said.

Osamwonyi, on his part, said his decision to join the party was a result of the disunity in his former party, the PDP, from the national to unit level, as well as the achievements of Governor Okpebholo in a very short time in office.

“The division in my party, the PDP, made me join the APC. For me, it is a homecoming, as I was once in the APC. Your developmental strides attracted me back home, as I want the best for my people.

“The several projects captured in the budget for the Uhunmwonde people are impressive. I had no choice but to join the party for the development of my people,” he said.

You will enjoy APC, Okpebholo assures defecting PDP lawmakers

Lamidi Apapa Announces Takeover as Labour Party National Chairman

Alhaji Bashiru Lamidi Apapa has declared himself the Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling as justification for his takeover.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Apapa cited the Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 4, 2025, in Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/1217/2024 and Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1271/2024, which he claims validates his position.

According to him, the apex court ruling invalidates all decisions and actions taken by Barrister Julius Abure since April 4, 2023.

“The Supreme Court lambasted the two lower courts for exceeding their jurisdiction,” Apapa said during the briefing. “They rightly noted that issues regarding the internal leadership of a political party are non-justiciable and outside the jurisdiction of the courts.”

Relying on Article 14(2)(a)(b) of the Labour Party Constitution, Apapa asserted that, as the most senior Deputy National Chairman, he is now constitutionally empowered to assume leadership in an acting capacity. Alongside his announcement, he named Alhaji Farouk Umar Ibrahim as the Acting National Secretary of the party.

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Apapa also revealed that the National Working Committee (NWC), as constituted in 2022, will convene on Monday, April 14, 2025. At the top of the agenda is a new strategic roadmap for the party, including plans to zone the National Chairmanship to the North and the Secretary position to the South.

“We are also taking proactive steps to resuscitate the moribund Board of Trustees and make it functional again. The time has come for real internal democracy and inclusion in our great party,” Apapa declared.

He disclosed that preparations are underway for fresh congresses at all levels—ward, local government, state, and national—aimed at re-establishing grassroots participation and internal legitimacy. According to him, only financial members will be eligible to vote or contest.

It should be recalled that a separate faction loyal to 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti convened a National Executive Meeting earlier today.

Lamidi Apapa Announces Takeover as Labour Party National Chairman