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Osun 2026: APC Inaugurates 292-Member Campaign Council, Declares Victory a Must

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Osun 2026: APC Inaugurates 292-Member Campaign Council, Declares Victory a Must

Osun 2026: APC Inaugurates 292-Member Campaign Council, Declares Victory a Must

National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda describes the August 15 poll as a litmus test and rehearsal for the 2027 general elections

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, on Tuesday inaugurated a 292-member National Campaign Council for the party’s Osun State governorship election campaign, describing the upcoming poll as a critical litmus test that will determine the party’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Transcorp Hilton Event Centre in Abuja, formally launching the APC’s campaign machinery for the Osun off-cycle governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026. The council, chaired by Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma, brings together the party’s top leadership in a comprehensive bid to reclaim Osun State from the ruling Accord Party.

Addressing the team at the inauguration, Professor Yilwatda emphasised the strategic importance of the Osun election, noting that it would be the only governorship election preceding the next general elections. He described the poll as a rehearsal for the political machinery the party is preparing for 2027, stressing that winning the Osun election is non-negotiable for the APC. “Today’s exercise is one of our major tests. Coming to the South-West, this is the last governorship election before the 2027 general election. This will be our litmus test. It will measure our level of preparedness for 2027,” Yilwatda declared. “This will be our practice ground. It will be our rehearsal for the political machine we are preparing for 2027. That is why winning the Osun election is a must for the APC. The party will mobilise resources, coordinate our people, and move into Osun in large numbers after this inauguration.”

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The APC National Chairman further explained that members of the campaign council were carefully selected across geopolitical zones to enable the party to reach out to prospective voters in Osun State across ethnic divides. He outlined a comprehensive grassroots strategy involving governors from the South-West, South-South, and South-East taking responsibility for one senatorial district each, alongside National Assembly members, House of Assembly members, and local government chairmen conducting person-to-person campaigns across the state. Governors from the North were also expected to join with their respective local government chairmen and legislators to intensify grassroots engagement.

Yilwatda emphasised the importance of house-to-house campaigns, stating that every resident of Osun State—whether indigene or non-indigene—has an APC member who can personally persuade them to support the party. He noted that the committee was carefully selected to represent all tribes, languages, and shades of opinion, from polling units to every stakeholder represented. He also called on the Directorate of Women Affairs to intensify efforts in mobilising women door-to-door to secure victory in the election.

In his remarks, Governor Hope Uzodimma thanked the APC National Working Committee for the confidence reposed in the team and assured that they would work diligently to regain Osun State for the APC. The PGF Chairman declared that the campaigns would be issue-based and evidence-driven, resting on the achievements of the APC-led Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the enduring performance of progressive governance across states. Uzodimma appealed to party leaders to bury their individual differences and work together with the party candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, to ensure victory. “Public responsibility is not a declaration; it is a covenant demanding sacrifice, discipline and measurable results. We therefore accept this assignment as a solemn obligation to our great party, to our democracy and to the good people of Osun State,” he stated.

According to the campaign council chairman, the assignment is clear: to listen to the people of Osun State, speak to their hopes and aspirations, earn their confidence and convince them to vote for the APC and its governorship candidate. “He is a tested, competent and people-centred candidate whose vision is anchored on prudent leadership, inclusive prosperity and renewed confidence in government,” Uzodimma said of Oyebamiji.

The party candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, vowed that he was in the race to win, declaring that the people of Osun State could not afford another four-year tenure for the incumbent, Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party. Oyebamiji reported that across engagements with traditional rulers, private sector operators, market men and women, students, artisans, religious leaders, women and youths, one message had been consistent: the people of Osun State can no longer endure another day of the current administration beyond November 27, 2026. “With less than two weeks to the election, I am delighted to report to our leaders that the people of Osun State have received our prosperity message with uncommon excitement. The state is ready for the All Progressives Congress to complete the rescue mission and return Osun to the path of progressive governance, responsible leadership and sustainable development,” Oyebamiji declared.

The National Campaign Council is composed of eminent party leaders, governors, members of the National Working Committee, principal officers of the National Assembly, ministers, federal and state legislators, and other key stakeholders drawn from across the country to drive the party’s campaign towards victory. Serving as co-chairmen alongside Uzodimma are Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Kabir Masari, serves as Deputy Chairman, while Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, is Secretary of the Council.

To ensure seamless coordination and effective execution of campaign activities, the party also constituted 12 specialised sub-committees covering Election Planning and Management; Finance and Resource Mobilisation; Contact, Grassroots Engagement and Mobilisation; Logistics and Campaign Management; Monitoring and Compliance; Protocol; Media and Publicity; Security; Youth Mobilisation; Special Interest (Persons with Disabilities) Mobilisation; Women’s Mobilisation; and Secretariat functions. Governor Hope Uzodimma chairs the Election Planning and Management Committee, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu heads the Finance and Resource Mobilisation Committee. Former Minister of State for Education, Felix Abdullahi, chairs the Media and Publicity Committee, with APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka serving as Secretary. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, was appointed Secretary of the Security Committee.

Political observers regard the Osun governorship election as a major electoral contest capable of influencing political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Saturday, August 15, 2026, for the Osun State Governorship Election. The APC’s comprehensive campaign structure reflects the party’s determination to reclaim the state and use the election as a template for its national campaign strategy in 2027.

Osun 2026: APC Inaugurates 292-Member Campaign Council, Declares Victory a Must

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2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation

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2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation

Student leaders from tertiary institutions across Nigeria’s 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, promising to mobilise students across campuses in support of his candidacy.

The declaration was made in Kaduna at the inauguration of the Students’ Wing of Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A), a support group created to coordinate student mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The organisers said the students’ position was influenced by policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration, particularly in education, student financing, skills development and youth empowerment.

The coordinator of the A4A Students’ Wing and President of the Bayero University Kano Students’ Union Government, Abdulmudallib Sheriff, said the students’ support was intended to translate into an organised mobilisation network rather than remain a symbolic declaration.

Sheriff cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) among the federal government programmes that informed the students’ position, saying the scheme had provided financial support to students facing difficulties funding their tertiary education.

He also pointed to government initiatives in technical and vocational education, skills acquisition and youth development as areas the student leaders considered relevant to young Nigerians.

According to the organisers, the A4A Students’ Wing plans to build a coordinated structure capable of reaching students in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the northern region.

The Kaduna inauguration was attended by student union leaders and representatives of tertiary institutions from different parts of Northern Nigeria.

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Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who addressed the gathering, urged the student leaders to base their political engagement on policies and verifiable records rather than personal attacks against political opponents.

Sani highlighted areas including education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and technical and vocational education, while drawing attention to programmes such as NELFUND and federal TVET initiatives.

The student endorsement comes amid increasing political mobilisation across Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.

Several groups in the region have recently announced support for Tinubu’s second-term bid, including organisations representing Muslim women scholars, preachers and Da’wah leaders. Other groups representing communities and youth interests in the North have also held meetings and launched mobilisation activities ahead of the election.

A separate group representing Igbos living in the 19 northern states and the FCT has also expressed support for Tinubu and pledged to mobilise voters for his re-election.

The growing activity reflects efforts by political support groups to build grassroots structures well ahead of the 2027 poll, with youth and student voters expected to remain an important constituency for political parties and candidates.

The Tinubu administration has made NELFUND one of its prominent education initiatives. The programme provides loans and related financial assistance to eligible Nigerian students in tertiary institutions, with the government presenting it as part of efforts to reduce financial barriers to higher education.

The administration has also promoted technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as part of its broader youth skills-development agenda.

However, the endorsement announced in Kaduna represents the position of the participating student leaders and organisations. It does not necessarily reflect the views of all students, tertiary institutions or young people across Northern Nigeria.

The political development also comes as opposition groups and presidential aspirants intensify their own mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 election.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition political actors are building structures across the country, while presidential contenders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, are also seeking support ahead of the election.

The student leaders backing Tinubu said their immediate focus would be to extend the A4A Students’ Wing to more campuses and strengthen its mobilisation network across the North.

Their declaration adds to the growing series of political endorsements and campaign activities taking place ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as competing political groups seek to attract young voters and build support at the grassroots.

Ultimately, the endorsement remains a declaration by the participating student organisations, while individual voters will make their choices through the electoral process.

2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation

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2027: Court Gives Atiku Seven Days to Serve Tinubu Through APC in Eligibility Suit

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2027: Court Gives Atiku Seven Days to Serve Tinubu Through APC in Eligibility Suit
President Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar

2027: Court Gives Atiku Seven Days to Serve Tinubu Through APC in Eligibility Suit

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar seven days to serve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with a suit challenging his eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the order after granting an application for substituted service, allowing Atiku and the ADC to serve the President through his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, was instituted by Atiku and the ADC against Tinubu, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Atiku is asking the court to determine whether Tinubu is qualified to participate in the 2027 presidential election based on allegations concerning an NYSC discharge certificate allegedly submitted to INEC.

According to the plaintiffs, the disputed certificate bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle”, which they contend raises questions about its authenticity and its connection with the President. Atiku’s case also alleges that the document was presented to INEC as genuine and raises questions about information contained in the electoral documents submitted by Tinubu.

The allegations remain claims before the court and have not been established by a final judgment.

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The plaintiffs are relying on provisions of the 1999 Constitution relating to the presentation of forged certificates to INEC. They are seeking, among other reliefs, orders that would prevent Tinubu and the APC from participating in the 2027 presidential election on the basis of the allegations contained in the suit.

The latest ruling followed a procedural dispute over how the President should be served with the court processes.

When the matter came up earlier in September, Atiku’s lawyers told the court that they had been unable to personally serve Tinubu. Although counsel representing Tinubu indicated that he was prepared to accept service on behalf of his client, the plaintiffs declined, saying they wanted to avoid possible technical objections concerning the validity of service at a later stage.

The court subsequently allowed the issue to be addressed through substituted service.

Justice Ekwo had earlier adjourned proceedings to September 28 following the service dispute. The judge also warned lawyers involved in the case against discussing the matter in the traditional or social media, directing that arguments concerning the case should be presented in court.

Meanwhile, Tinubu and the APC have rejected the allegations and asked the Federal High Court to dismiss the suit.

In their response, the President and the APC denied that Tinubu submitted a forged certificate to INEC for either the 2023 or 2027 presidential elections. They also questioned the legal foundation of Atiku and the ADC’s action and raised preliminary objections to the case.

The defendants have argued that the disputed certificate has not been established as forged and that the NYSC has not disowned the document at the centre of the controversy.

They have therefore urged the court to dismiss the suit rather than proceed to the substantive claims.

INEC has also challenged Atiku’s case and opposed aspects of the plaintiffs’ application to amend their suit. The electoral commission has raised procedural and legal objections, including arguments concerning the competence of the action and the plaintiffs’ standing.

The case has consequently developed into a series of preliminary procedural and legal disputes even before the court determines the central allegations surrounding the disputed NYSC certificate.

Atiku and the ADC maintain that the alleged certificate and information submitted to INEC raise constitutional questions concerning Tinubu’s eligibility for the 2027 presidential election.

Tinubu and the APC, however, deny the allegations and are seeking the dismissal of the case, while INEC has also opposed the action.

The Federal High Court’s latest decision is limited to the method and timeframe for serving Tinubu with the court processes.

It does not constitute a ruling that Tinubu is ineligible to contest the 2027 election, nor does it establish that the disputed NYSC certificate is forged.

The substantive claims, alongside the objections raised by Tinubu, the APC and INEC, remain before the court for determination.

2027: Court Gives Atiku Seven Days to Serve Tinubu Through APC in Eligibility Suit

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“Clash of Egos”: Ayo Fayose Downplays Public Feud Between Wike and APC Governors

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Osun Poll: Fayose Says Federal Might Could Have Swayed Result If Deployed
“Clash of Egos”: Ayo Fayose Downplays Public Feud Between Wike and APC Governors

On Channels Television, the former Ekiti governor says tensions over the ‘Rainbow Coalition’ will not hurt President Tinubu’s 2027 prospects.

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has weighed in on the sharp exchange between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum, characterizing the disagreement as a battle of individual egos rather than a genuine threat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.

Speaking Tuesday night during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Fayose noted that public friction often surfaces when assertive leaders navigate complex multi-party arrangements.

The spat erupted after Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, speaking for the APC Governors’ Forum, announced that party executives would reject any outside alliance or coalition capable of diluting the party’s strength or challenging its candidates in upcoming elections.

Wike responded swiftly during a televised broadcast, describing the governors as politically lazy and clarifying that his “Rainbow Coalition” was created specifically to mobilize cross-party votes for the president rather than fight local battles on behalf of state governors.

Addressing the controversy, Fayose remarked that everyday Nigerians understand Wike’s outspoken personality just as they understand the institutional posture of the Governors’ Forum.

He insisted that the rhetorical crossfire has no direct bearing on the president’s electoral fortunes, observing that political leaders across the spectrum possess strong personal pride that occasionally spills into public view. Fayose maintained that practical grassroots voter mobilization will ultimately outweigh public posturing as the 2027 race draws nearer.

 

“Clash of Egos”: Ayo Fayose Downplays Public Feud Between Wike and APC Governors

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