Politics

National Assembly Leadership: Tinubu, APC leaders meet lawmakers-elect in Aso Rock

Published

3 years ago

March 13, 2023

Tinubu, Shettima Visit Buhari In Katsina

Coalition backs North-Central Senate presidency
calls for Adamu’s resignation

Barring any last-minute change, the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will meet with the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima; senators-elect and members of the House of Representatives-elect on its platform, today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

This was disclosed by the APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, in an invitation sent to Tinubu, Shettima and the lawmakers-elect.

While the meeting is scheduled for 2:00p.m., invited guests were directed to be seated before 12noon, two hours before commencement of the parley.

The guests were also urged to come alone and with the Certificates of Return issued to them by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after they were declared winners in the February 25 polls.

“The meeting is strictly on invitation. All invited guests are expected to arrive early to allow for screening and be seated before 12noon,” the notice stated.

Though agenda of the meeting was not stated, a source who craved anonymity, said the meeting is connected with the leadership of the 10th National Assembly that will be inaugurated in June.

Also to be discussed are issues of zoning of the Senate presidency, Speaker of the House of Representatives and other offices in the National Assembly, such as the Deputy President of the Senate; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and eight principal positions in both the upper and lower chambers.

The source explained that APC is trying to avoid a situation that played out in 2015, where Senator Bukola Saraki emerged as Senate President against the party’s wish.

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Saraki, who represented Kwara Central Senatorial District in the eighth Assembly, emerged as Senate President when 51 APC senators were at the International Conference Centre waiting for a truce meeting reportedly called by the leadership of the party and President Muhammadu Buhari.

He was elected unanimously by 57 senators present at the session and sworn into office on June 9, 2015 with Senator Ike Ekweremadu of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Deputy Senate President.

Meanwhile, indications have emerged that ahead of the zoning of offices of presiding officers for the National Assembly, crisis may be looming in the ruling party as calls for the immediate resignation from office by the National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, heighten.

A group under the aegis of Civil Society Organisations of Conference of Nigeria Civil Rights Activists (CNCRA) has asked Adamu, to, as a matter of urgency, obey calls for his resignation in the interest of equity, fairness and justice, just as it said that his resignation would assuage the feelings of Christians.

The group, in a statement signed yesterday in Abuja by its convener, Pastor Ifeanyi Odili, and Secretary, Sina Akadiri, it said Adamu’s exit, as APC National Chairman, would ensure power balancing in the incoming Tinubu-led administration.

According to the group, Adamu’s resignation would also be a great opportunity for APC to assuage the feelings of Christians towards the same faith arrangement of the party in the recently concluded presidential election.

The group also hailed the National Vice Chairman, Northwest of APC, Salihu Mohammed Lukman, on his call for power balancing in the incoming APC-led government and his call for the resignation of Adamu.

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Recall that Lukman had at the weekend advocated for the replacement of Adamu with a Christian, as part of measures to balance the incoming administration of Tinubu.

As the jostle for allocation of National Assembly leadership gets intense ahead of May 29 inauguration of the new government, the President-elect is being prevailed upon to support the Southeast for the Senate presidency.

Tinubu is billed to table the issue of ceding the seat to the Southeast geopolitical zone at the parley with APC leadership and lawmakers-elect today.

Among those touted to occupy the seat is former Abia State governor and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

APC founding member, Osita Okechukwu, who confirmed the development, argued that the move was in tandem with the need to entrench equity and fairness in the polity.

Two other APC Senators-elect, Osita Izunaso (Imo) and outgoing Ebonyi State governor, Dave Umahi, are billed to contest the seat with Kalu, notwithstanding his ranking status in the upper legislative chamber.

He said: “It’s strategic to zone the President of the Senate to Southeast, based on equity, fairness and natural justice. Nigeria is on a tripod and since Southeast didn’t get the president or vice, it becomes strategic to start a process of reconciliation and recovery with the zone.

“Agreed, Southeast didn’t vote for the APC; however, the leadership must think of tomorrow. Luckily, we have three Senators-elect, two of whom are in the ranking cadre – Kalu and Izunaso. Let’s choose one of them.

“At least, nobody will blame us that it’s because we did not have any Senator, which was the case in 2015. We, the foundation members of APC, need to be accommodated by our brothers and sisters in other geopolitical zones.” Guardian

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Politics

Dabiri-Erewa Warns Obidients Could Hurt Peter Obi’s 2027 Ambition

Published

6 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM)

Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa

Dabiri-Erewa Warns Obidients Could Hurt Peter Obi’s 2027 Ambition

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has sparked widespread reactions after criticising supporters of Peter Obi, describing some of them as “monsters” and warning that their conduct could undermine his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.

The controversy followed a post shared by Dabiri-Erewa on her verified X (formerly Twitter) account, where she highlighted her recent visit to Silicon Valley in California, United States. During the visit, she met with Nigerian professionals in the tech industry and experienced a ride in a driverless car, which she described as impressive and forward-looking.

In the post, she expressed appreciation to Nigerian architect and designer Kunle Adeyemo for hosting her during the tour. However, the update quickly drew backlash from some social media users who criticised her for praising technological advancement abroad while, in their view, supporting political structures at home that do not reflect similar progress.

Some of the reactions were sharply critical and, in certain instances, abusive, with users accusing her of hypocrisy and questioning her political stance. The exchange quickly escalated into a heated online debate.

In response, Dabiri-Erewa defended her position and took aim at a segment of Obi’s supporters, popularly known as the Obidient movement, accusing them of engaging in toxic and aggressive online behaviour.

She wrote that Obi had “raised monsters” and warned that if such behaviour continued unchecked, it could ultimately harm his chances in future political contests, particularly the 2027 presidential race.

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Dabiri-Erewa further suggested that the same supporters could become a liability to Obi, even if political power eventually rotates to the South-East region, where Obi hails from.

Doubling down in subsequent posts, she reiterated that the conduct of some supporters reflects poorly on the former Labour Party presidential candidate and stressed the need for him to call them to order.

She also rejected criticism that her status as a public official should prevent her from engaging online critics, insisting that her social media account is personal and that she has the right to respond to attacks directed at her.

The remarks have since generated mixed reactions across Nigeria’s political space, with critics of Obi aligning with Dabiri-Erewa’s position, while his supporters argue that her comments are unfair and politically motivated.

Supporters of Obi maintain that the Obidient movement is largely grassroots-driven and issue-focused, adding that online excesses by a few individuals should not define the broader movement.

As of the time of filing this report, Peter Obi has not issued an official response to the NiDCOM chair’s remarks.

Political analysts say the episode highlights the growing influence—and risks—of digital political movements and online activism in Nigeria, especially as the country gradually shifts toward the 2027 election cycle.

Dabiri-Erewa Warns Obidients Could Hurt Peter Obi’s 2027 Ambition

Politics

BREAKING: ADC Names Atiku, Peter Obi, Others for Tuesday Convention Planning

Published

8 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

BREAKING: ADC Names Atiku, Peter Obi, Others for Tuesday Convention Planning

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has nominated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi to play key roles in the party’s upcoming National Convention.

The convention is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, April 14, and is expected to bring together party leaders, delegates, and political stakeholders from across Nigeria as the ADC seeks to reposition itself ahead of future elections.

According to party arrangements, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke has been appointed as Chairman of the 126-member National Convention Planning Committee, which will oversee logistics, accreditation, and coordination of the convention process.

Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal was named Deputy Chairman of the planning committee, while other prominent political figures were also included to strengthen the convention’s organisational structure.

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Among those listed as members of the committee are former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, alongside other national stakeholders drawn from different geopolitical zones.

Party insiders say the inclusion of high-profile political figures reflects ADC’s attempt to build a broad-based coalition and increase its visibility within Nigeria’s opposition space.

The convention is expected to focus on internal restructuring, leadership coordination, and strategies aimed at strengthening the party’s national presence ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.

Political observers note that the presence of influential figures such as Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, and Amaechi on the planning structure signals increased political realignment discussions within Nigeria’s opposition landscape.

Although the party has not officially confirmed whether the individuals will attend in person or serve in advisory capacities, preparations for the convention are reportedly in advanced stages.

Security and logistics arrangements are being finalised as the ADC prepares to host a large gathering of delegates and party stakeholders for the high-profile event.

BREAKING: ADC Names Atiku, Peter Obi, Others for Tuesday Convention Planning

Politics

Kano APC Stakeholders Endorse Murtala Garo for Deputy Governorship Position

Published

9 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Murtala Sule Garo

Kano APC Stakeholders Endorse Murtala Garo for Deputy Governorship Position

Key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State have reportedly endorsed former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Murtala Sule Garo, as the leading contender for the vacant deputy governorship position in Kano State. The endorsement followed a late-night strategy meeting held on Sunday, where influential party figures and key blocs within the APC allegedly reached a broad consensus in support of Garo, with insiders claiming he secured about 90 per cent backing from participants. The meeting is part of ongoing political consultations aimed at filling the vacancy created by the resignation of former Deputy Governor Abdussalam Aminu Gwarzo, as stakeholders work to maintain stability and unity within the party structure.

Murtala Sule Garo

Former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, was among the prominent stakeholders at the meeting and strongly advocated for Garo’s consideration. He described Garo as a loyal, experienced, and grassroots-oriented politician, urging political leaders to support his emergence in the interest of stability and effective governance in Kano State.

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Although three names were initially considered—including Rabiu Suleiman Bichi and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum—sources said discussions gradually shifted in favour of Garo during the meeting. Party insiders noted that deliberations eventually produced near-unanimous support for him, citing his political experience, acceptability, and long-standing involvement in Kano politics as key factors.

Several prominent APC leaders were reportedly involved in or aligned with the endorsement, including former Kano State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Deputy Governor Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, Senator Garba Lado, and other influential party stakeholders. Others said to have shown support include APC chieftain AA Zaura, Hon. Hamisu Chidari, Hon. Abdulhamin Jibrin Kofa, and Hon. Abdullahi Sani Rogo.

Stakeholders attributed Garo’s strong backing to his extensive political experience, which includes serving as PDP Organising Secretary in 2007, Special Adviser under former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Chairman of ALGON, and a two-term commissioner in Kano State. He also served as the APC deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, a factor insiders say strengthens his suitability for the position.

Party sources say Garo’s possible emergence could help reinforce APC unity in Kano State and provide political stability during a sensitive period of leadership transition. They also noted that his current lack of a government position could ease his appointment without disrupting administrative structures. However, the endorsement is not final, as party leaders are still engaged in consultations before a formal decision is reached.