Politics

It’s time for North to pay Tinubu back, says Shettima

Published

3 years ago

September 4, 2022

Senator Kashim Shettima and Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The vice presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Kashim Shettima, says it is now time for the north to repay the electoral support which the party’s flag bearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has given the region over the years.

Shettima, speaking yesterday in Abuja during the unveiling of the Tinubu/Shettima Door-To-Door grassroots mobilisation campaign vehicles donated by the Northern APC State Assembly Speakers, said the APC presidential candidate had always given his all to the North.

He cited Tinubu’s role in helping to provide platforms for the presidential ambitions of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2007, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu in 2011 and President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

“In 2007 when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dehumanised and chased former Vice President Atiku Abubakar out of the party, it was Asiwaju Tinubu who offered him the platform of the Action Congress (AC) on which he contested the 2007 presidential election,” Shettima said.

He added: “Similarly, in 2011, Asiwaju offered Nuhu Ribadu the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to contest for president.

“In 2014, if not that Asiwaju Tinubu mobilised the entire APC Southwest delegates for him, President Mohammadu Buhari would not have won the APC presidential ticket to contest in 2015.

“Tinubu stood firmly for justice, equity and fairness with his endorsement of Northern presidential candidates at various times in the past.

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“So the 2023 election provides the opportunity for Northern Nigeria to pay back the goodwill and support that Tinubu had extended to them at different election circles.”

Shettima also recalled how Tinubu played a key role in checking what he called PDP’s rigging machine in the Southwest states of Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states in the 2007 general election.

He said if voted into office in next year’s election, Tinubu would build a new Nigerian nation that every citizen would be proud of as he is endowed with the intellect, capacity and ability to deliver.

The former Borno State governor thanked the speakers for their gesture, which he said would go a long way in making the APC campaign easy.

He also took a swipe at the PDP, saying: “They spent 16 years forgetting what the railway can do for the country. I wonder how the PDP still exists as a political party.

“They are still fighting over the leadership of their party. We are not like them. We are smarter. We know the road better than the Poverty Development Party.

“We are a party of progressives. We are thinkers and doers. We have the courage, the determination, the perseverance and the foresight to identify Nigeria’s problems and tackle them for the benefit of our children’s tomorrow. The journey has started already.”

Tinubu enjoined the APC Northern state Speakers to co-opt their counterparts in the South in the campaign initiative.

Director General of the APC presidential campaign council and Plateau State Governor, Mr. Simeon Lalong, said as leaders of the legislative arms of government in APC controlled states in the North, the speakers and other legislators occupy a unique position to not only connect with the people at the grassroots but also mobilise the people for Tinubu’s election and educate them on what he stands for.

Lalong said: “Our Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima come along with wonderful records of achievement that are a clear signal to the journey towards a greater Nigeria.

“They are focused on building the economy, uniting the nation, tackling insecurity and addressing education and health challenges among others in a way that meets the yearning of Nigerians.

“As we get set to work for the success of our Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, I wish to remind you that there is so much that the APC has done at the federal, state and local government levels that will speak for us.

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“It is therefore our duty to highlight these achievements just to remind Nigerians that our party has done a lot to change Nigeria for good in various ways.”

Deputy Campaign DG North and Governor of Jigawa State, Abubakar Badaru, praised the Speakers for coming together to deploy their grassroots structures towards delivering the Tinubu/Shettima ticket at the elections in 2023.

He advised them to carry along the councillors of their various constituencies to deepen their reach out and consultations across the North.

Chairman, Northern APC Speakers Forum and Speaker Kaduna State Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani assured Tinubu that they had resolved to ensure the success of the APC by reaching out to the grassroots.

Vehicles donated for the mobilisation and Campaign by the Northern Speakers Forum were unveiled and distributed to coordinators at the ceremony.

The parties are scheduled to commence their presidential campaigns on September 28 ahead of the February election.

Tinubu, best presidential candidate for Nigeria, says Kwara senator

Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, at a separate forum yesterday urged Kwarans to reciprocate Tinubu’s kind deeds to them in the past by voting for him in February.

He described the APC candidate as the best hand for the job.

Senator Oloriegbe, who failed in his bid to get the party’s ticket to represent Kwara Central for a second term in the National Assembly, expressed disappointment at the outcome of the state congress.

He labeled it a ‘selection’ process.

But Oloriegbe, who spoke on the sidelines of a prayer session organised by his family and supporters, said he remained a member of the APC because of Tinubu and the interest of the party.

He added that his support for Tinubu stemmed from the fact that the APC presidential candidate possesses the qualities lead the country aright.

He said: “In spite of all that happened to me at the primaries in the state, I remain a member of APC. Since 2010, my focus has been the progress of Kwara and I have been in that struggle.

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“I believe that I have to stay in APC to join forces together in correcting what is happening in the party in the state.

“More importantly, shortly after the primaries, I had a meeting with Asiwaju Tinubu and his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima. We analysed what happened at the primaries and we agreed to put that behind us.

“I am a stakeholder in the Nigerian project. At this particular time, if you look at capacity and ability to a change, Asiwaju Tinubu is the best candidate. As such, I along with my supporters will mobilise and work for Tinubu and Senator Shettima at the 2023 elections.

“Asiwaju Tinubu has been supporting our cause in Kwara. In 2011, I was an Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) senatorial candidate and Tinubu was our leader. In 2018/2019 he was a major supporter of the Oto ge movement and I am a beneficiary of the struggle. Why will I now say whatever has happened to me personally because of the primaries, I will leave Asiwaju because of selfish interest? Never.

“My support for Tinubu is based on his capacity and ability. I am also supporting him for the benefit of my state because if Nigeria is good, Kwara will be good. It is not borne out of ulterior motive.”

It’s sure ticket to Nigeria’s development – Group

Also yesterday the South-South Movement for Tinubu/Shettima (SSMTS) described the APC presidential candidate and his running mate as a sure ticket to massive development across Nigeria, particularly the South-South region.

A group, in a communiqué at the end of a meeting in Warri, enjoined Nigerians to shun campaigns of calumny by those it called desperate and drowning politicians.

It asked stakeholders in the geopolitical zone to “embrace the ticket to guarantee a prosperous Nigeria,” adding that “sincere and concerted efforts should be made to return the region fully into mainstream national politics in order to ensure meaningful and accelerated development”.

It said the PDP which the region has been supporting since 1999 has failed to attract the much-needed development to the area, and expressed optimism that the Tinubu/Shettima ticket would return the country and in particular, the oil-rich region, to the path of sustainable peace, socio-economic growth and development.

The communiqué was signed by the National Coordinator, Besidone Samuel Eyengho; Dr. Emem Wilcox Wills, National Secretary; Chief ThankGod Deizigha, National Organising Secretary; Barr. Nwulu Charles Uche, National Publicity Secretary; George Ogaga, State Coordinator and Abu Momodu.

Related Topics:Featured North Shettima Tinubu

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2027 Elections: IPOB Vows to Resist APC Godfatherism in Abia

Published

4 hours ago

February 23, 2026

Trends Admin

2027 Elections: IPOB Vows to Resist APC Godfatherism in Abia

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stern warning to the All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged plans to impose candidates in Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections, vowing to resist any action that undermines the will of the people in the South-East.

In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, IPOB said political imposition was dangerous, undemocratic, and capable of triggering political tension and instability in the region. The group warned that it would not remain silent if attempts are made to hijack the electoral process in Abia or any other South-East state.

The statement, signed by IPOB’s Southeast Welfare Coordinator, Osinachi Obi, accused some APC leaders of attempting to control political structures in Abia State through what it described as undemocratic and manipulative methods.

According to IPOB, it is closely monitoring political developments across the South-East and will not allow any political party or individual to force candidates on the people, insisting that leadership must emerge strictly through free choice and popular mandate.

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“We have noticed the irresponsible behaviours linked to these individuals concerning the upcoming 2027 elections, and IPOB will not allow them to create chaos in Biafraland in the future,” the group said.
“IPOB will never tolerate any imposition of candidates by APC in any South-East region, particularly in Abia State.”

The organisation directly accused the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, of allegedly working to instigate political unrest in Abia State for personal political gain. IPOB warned that any attempt to manipulate the state’s political process would be strongly resisted.

IPOB also named Chris Nkwonta, the lawmaker representing Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency, accusing him of promoting division within his constituency to secure political advantage ahead of 2027.

“The worldwide family and movement of the Indigenous Biafran people is closely monitoring the actions of APC in the South-East and will not accept any attempt to undermine the citizens’ choice,” the statement said, alleging that some politicians were attempting to install political puppets through coercion and division.

The group stressed that Abia State does not recognise political godfatherism, warning that any attempt to use former governors or influential figures to influence election outcomes would be rejected by the people.

IPOB further accused some APC politicians of deliberately instigating conflicts in local government areas to weaken unity, polarise communities, and make elections easier to manipulate.

“Godfatherism is not permitted in the South-East, including Abia State,” IPOB said. “Attempts to ignite conflicts and divide communities for political gain will only undermine the integrity of those involved.”

The group concluded by warning that it would not remain silent if political actors continued what it described as efforts to destabilise the South-East, adding that residents of the region were determined to protect their political space ahead of the 2027 polls.

As of the time of filing this report, the APC and the individuals named had not issued official responses.

2027 Elections: IPOB Vows to Resist APC Godfatherism in Abia

Politics

Tinubu Hails Wike as APC Dominates 2026 FCT Area Council Elections

Published

20 hours ago

February 22, 2026

Trends Admin

President Bola Tinubu and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike

Tinubu Hails Wike as APC Dominates 2026 FCT Area Council Elections

President Bola Tinubu has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his outstanding contributions to the success of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recently concluded 2026 FCT Area Council elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted polls across the six area councils of the FCT — Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali — on February 21, 2026. The APC secured victories in Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, and Kwali, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in Gwagwalada.

In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, Tinubu congratulated all successful candidates and praised the peaceful and credible conduct of the elections, noting the efforts of INEC, security agencies, and voters.

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The President singled out Minister Wike — a member of the opposition PDP — for special commendation, saying his work in the FCT contributed to significant political gains for the APC. The statement read:

“President Tinubu commends the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his remarkable achievements in the territory, which have yielded political dividends to the governing APC. He congratulates the APC national leadership, as well as party structures in Kano and Rivers states, for the victories at the polls.”

Tinubu urged newly elected officials to govern with humility, dedication, and patriotism, emphasizing that their mandates are a sacred trust from the people. He also noted that the elections are a boost to Nigeria’s democratic development, reinforcing democratic institutions and culture.

The statement highlighted the importance of continued electoral reforms, calling on INEC to enhance its processes to ensure even more transparent and credible elections in the future.

While the elections were largely peaceful, FCT officials acknowledged that voter turnout varied, being higher in satellite towns than in city centre areas. Minister Wike praised security agencies and residents for maintaining order during the exercise.

The FCT Area Council elections are seen as a significant indicator for the APC’s performance ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the results bolstering the party’s position in key political zones.

Tinubu Hails Wike as APC Dominates 2026 FCT Area Council Elections

Politics

PDP Heads to Court Over FCT Polls, Cites Video Evidence of Irregularities

Published

23 hours ago

February 22, 2026

Trends Admin

PDP Heads to Court Over FCT Polls, Cites Video Evidence of Irregularities

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to challenge the outcome of the February 21, 2026 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, declaring that it is heading to court with what it described as strong video and documentary evidence of electoral irregularities.

The move follows the conclusion of voting across the six FCT area councils — Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali — with official results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) showing a clear advantage for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to the results, the APC won chairmanship seats in Abaji, AMAC, Bwari and Kwali, while the PDP recorded its only victory in Gwagwalada Area Council.

PDP Sets Up Legal Team

In a statement signed by the party’s spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, the PDP disclosed that it has constituted a special legal team to prosecute all election-related petitions arising from the FCT council polls. The team is headed by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Shafi Bara’u.

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The party urged all its candidates dissatisfied with the election outcomes to immediately submit petitions and supporting materials, warning that delays could weaken their cases at the election tribunals.

Claims of Intimidation and Manipulation

The PDP accused security agencies and other actors of interfering in the electoral process, alleging widespread intimidation, vote suppression, and manipulation at polling units and during result collation.

“We specifically congratulate the Chairman-elect of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mohammed Kasim, and the councillors declared successful by INEC,” the statement said.

“This victory, though fewer than expected, is particularly significant given the background of unprecedented intimidation, high-powered money politics, and brazen executive brigandage witnessed during the elections.”

The party insisted it has visual records allegedly showing armed security personnel carting away result sheets, intimidating voters, and influencing outcomes in several polling units.

Voter Apathy and Electoral Reform

Beyond the legal challenge, the PDP blamed low voter turnout on what it described as declining public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system. The party argued that repeated controversies surrounding elections have weakened confidence among voters.

It warned that the FCT council elections could be a signal ahead of the 2027 general elections if urgent reforms are not implemented.

Call for Intervention

The opposition party called on the President and the National Assembly to urgently intervene by reforming the electoral framework, strengthening transparency, and limiting security interference in elections.

With post-election litigation now looming, political focus in the FCT is shifting from the ballot box to the courtroom as parties prepare for legal battles that could reshape grassroots governance in the nation’s capital.