LP suffers setback as 21 LG Chairmen join APC in Kogi - Newstrends
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LP suffers setback as 21 LG Chairmen join APC in Kogi

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LP suffers setback as 21 LG Chairmen join APC in Kogi

The Labour Party (LP) on Friday suffered a setback as all its 21 Local Government Chairmen defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defected chairmen joined the ruling APC with scores of their supporters.

They were received by the state APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, at the Lugard House, Lokoja.

The leader of the defectors, Mr Awe Kayode, said that they decided to collapse their structure into the APC in order to support the party’s Governorship Candidate, Usman Ododo, in the forthcoming Nov. 11 governorship poll.

Kayode also said that their defection became imperative when they realised that the LP was no longer viable in state.

“Another reason for our defection is our conviction that the APC candidate, Usman Ododo, has shown that he is a unifier whose nationalist qualities are needed to consolidate on the achievements of Gov. Yahaya Bello.

“I was in APC before I left to join the Labour Party. I am back today with more people and we are ready to add value. LP got more than 76,000 votes in the last presidential election; we still have the same people that worked to achieve that feat.

“The state belongs to all of us and we have decided to jettison ethnic or religious agenda to support the candidate of APC who promotes the Kogi Agenda.

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“Indeed Labour Party structure in the state was a formidable one that delivered massive votes to the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, without inducement or support, but we want to do same to APC and Ododo this time around,” he said.

Kayode added that their decision to collapse the LP structure into the APC was to join forces with the progressives to actualise the ‘Kogi Agenda’ which sought to further unite the people and ensure even development across board.

Similarly, the LP Chairman for Bassa LGA, who doubles as the Chairman of LP Chairmen Forum, Jimba Emmanuel, noted that a political party was just a platform to power.

He added that good governance was about individuals passionate about development and attracting dividends of democracy to the people.

He said that the governorship candidate of the LP lacked the required quality, hence their decision to abandon “the sinking ship”.

According to him, “I and my colleagues here have agreed to mobilise all our structures across the 21 local government areas to deliver massive votes for the APC candidate come Nov. 11.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wemi Jones, commended the leader of the “Obidient Movement” in Kogi, Awe Kayode, for his doggedness and mobilisation ability.

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Jones said that the crowd seen was a testimony of the genuineness of their decision to join the progressives.

He urged the defectors to join forces in canvassing and mobilising for the victory of the APC governorship candidate to ensure sustainability and consolidation of the gains made by the Yahaya Bello’s administration.

Receiving the defectors, the Kogi APC Chairman, Abdullahi Bello, said “APC is a party that believes in development, equality and has good reward system.”

Bello, assured the new members of enjoying all the privileges as other members of the APC, adding that he was glad that the defectors were passionate and reasonable enough to distinguish between right and wrong.

“Your decision to join the APC shows that you appreciated the developmental efforts of Gov Yahaya Bello and his unwavering commitment to the unity, security and wellbeing of the people of Kogi State.

“Aside from the character and leadership qualities of Usman Ododo, who is a critical member of the New Direction Administration, our governor has further equipped him with the needed knowledge and experience to lead the state and consolidate on his achievements,” he said.

He urged members of the APC to disregard noise makers in opposition parties and go all out to ensure massive victory for the APC candidate.

According to him, as far as the Nov. 11 governorship election is concerned, APC has no rival as victory is sure.

LP suffers setback as 21 LG Chairmen join APC in Kogi

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Tinubu Mocks Atiku, Obi, Aregbesola, Says They Need ‘Jigi-Bola Glasses’ to See APC Achievements

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Atiku Abubakar, President Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi
Atiku Abubakar, President Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi

Tinubu Mocks Atiku, Obi, Aregbesola, Says They Need ‘Jigi-Bola Glasses’ to See APC Achievements

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a swipe at opposition figures aligned with the African Democratic Congress, saying they need “Jigi-Bola eyeglasses” to see what he described as the achievements of his administration.

Tinubu made the remark on Thursday at the State House while receiving a delegation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.

“If they don’t want to see the hope and the roads and bridges, and the children we are raising, the economy we are growing, we shall lend them Jigi-Bola eyeglasses,” the President said, defending his government’s performance.

The comment comes amid escalating political exchanges between the Presidency and key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, who are now prominent voices within the ADC coalition.

Tinubu reiterated his commitment to sustaining reforms under his Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly those aimed at improving economic opportunities for vulnerable Nigerians. He argued that ongoing policies are designed to stabilise the economy and drive long-term growth.

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However, opposition leaders have sharply criticised the administration.

Aregbesola recently described Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a “scam,” intensifying tensions within Nigeria’s political space.

Atiku Abubakar, on his part, vowed to reverse all policies introduced by the Tinubu administration if elected president in 2027, stating that the current government represents “the worst administration” he has witnessed.

Similarly, Peter Obi criticised the government’s economic management, citing rising poverty levels and increasing national debt. According to him, key economic indicators have worsened, warning that the country risks deeper crisis without urgent reforms.

Obi also raised concerns about national unity, arguing that divisions have widened under the current administration and calling for collective efforts to rebuild cohesion.

The exchange highlights growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition leaders ramping up criticism while the Presidency continues to defend its policies and achievements.

Tinubu Mocks Atiku, Obi, Aregbesola, Says They Need ‘Jigi-Bola Glasses’ to See APC Achievements

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

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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

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

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Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
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

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