Politics

Tinubu, Osinbajo Adamant As S/West Elders Intensify Consensus Effort

Published

4 years ago

June 6, 2022

The moves by the South West elders to come up with a consensus presidential aspirant for the region seem to have hit the rock as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are said to be adamant, Daily Trust gathered from credible sources.

Political leaders from the South West geopolitical zone on Sunday continued with their moves to present a common front ahead of the presidential primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) slated for Tuesday.

Promoters of the consensus move in the South West including former APC Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, and former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, had met with the aspirants at the residence of Chief Osoba.

The meeting, which was attended by the aspirants from the South West, governors and elders of the region ended without them reaching a consensus.

The duo of Akande and Osoba had last month met with the aspirants in Lagos, where it was agreed that they should conduct their electioneering campaigns devoid of hostility, free of rancour and in an amicable manner.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on Saturday urged presidential aspirants of the APC to consult, build consensus and come up with a formidable candidate ahead of the party’s presidential primary. The directive of the president came around the same time when northern governors asked him to source for his successor from the southern part of the country.

The President’s consultations continued yesterday with the National Advisory Council of the party.

The meeting, held at the State House, Abuja, was attended by Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Akande, his successor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, and some governors including those of Borno, Babagana Zulum; Plateau, Simon Lalong; Zamfara, Bello Matawalle and David Umahi of Ebonyi State.

In a statement last night by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, Buhari had appraised the series of consultations held so far towards getting a widely acceptable presidential standard bearer and said they were on the way towards winning their third straight victory since 2015.

The president said, “I am optimistic that the outcome of this consultation with the National Advisory Council will in addition to sharpening our focus, help to fortify the positive democratic principles, practices and culture that already exists within the party system.

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“In the course of these consultative processes, I have already met separately with the Progressive Governors and with all our eminent members who are aspiring to become the presidential flag bearer for our party during the 2023 elections.

“I am pleased to inform you that those meetings have been fruitful and indicative of a party that is prepared and marching towards a third straight victory since 2015, at the presidential polls.”

Daily Trust learnt that the meeting was convened to consider the possibility of coming up with a consensus presidential candidate among the 23 aspirants.

Multiple sources told our correspondents that while the meeting was ongoing yesterday, the duo of Osinbajo and Tinubu were not ready to shift grounds as they have continued to intensify their consultations and engagements with delegates.

The aspirants from the South West region include Osinbajo, Tinubu, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, Ogun State Governor, Chief Dapo Abiodun, Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice and Pastor Tunde Bakare.

Sources said while some of the aspirants were ready to shift grounds, Osinbajo and Asiwaju are not.

“We expect both Asiwaju and VP to slug it out as efforts to persuade one of them to step down have not yielded results as of now,” a source who does not want to be named, hinted.

The duo of Akande and Osoba, who have been making efforts to arrive at a consensus among aspirants from the South West, have rejected several efforts to comment on the move.

The Director of Media & Communications, Tinubu Campaign Organisation, Bayo Onanuga, said the party is looking forward to a free and fair contest at the convention.

“We are going into the convention for a free and fair contest. Everybody is looking out for a delegates’ election,” he said.

Protest in North, jubilation in South over govs position

Mixed reactions have continued to trail the statement of the northern governors across the country. While they are being applauded in the South, their action is receiving condemnation in some quotas in the North.

The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide yesterday said that the accord to cede the presidential ticket to the southern region by the ruling party was a true demonstration that the party had the concept of national unity than the PDP.

The apex socio-cultural group, however, reminded the leadership of APC, Mr President and the stakeholders of the need to choose the presidential aspirants of Igbo extraction, noting that one of their sons in the person of the former Minister for Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, was the first to conceive and bear what today is known and called APC.

Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro made this known while briefing journalists at the end of their meeting held in Abakaliki on Sunday.

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“We shall forever be grateful as said earlier to Mr President and the northern governors including the leadership of the party for yielding to their voices of Nigerians,” he said.

However, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) expressed displeasure with the northern governors, describing what they did as treacherous.

The group’s spokesperson, Abdul-aziz Suleiman, in a statement, said the decision was also clearly a brazen breach of the standard democratic practice by what he called “The selfish northern governors who see power as an end in itself.”

He said, “For the APC governors from the North to take such a weighty decision at the expense of the collective interest and future of the North, amounts to arbitrary treachery and blatant abuse of privilege.

“The move, aimed mainly at serving the vice-presidential ambitions of the state governors, without minding its unforeseen consequences on the future of the larger population of the North, is not only undemocratic but a betrayal of the region’s past leaders who toiled and paid with their lives to ensure a strong, prosperous region,” he said.

Similarly, a coalition of northern youth groups under the APC has disagreed with the decision of the governors, insisting that the presidency should be retained in their zone.

The youth groups, APC Progressives Youth Elements and North-East Youth Forum of APC, staged protests carrying placards with inscriptions such as: “It’s North or Nothing”, “We are not in support of power shift to South”, “We will not accept the decision of eleven governors”, “It’s in their selfish interest”.

The President of APC Progressives Youth Elements, Alamin Bala Mai’auduga, said that it’s not time for the South to rule the country.

On his part, the leader of the APC North East Youth Forum, Ibrahim Hashim Abdullahi alleged that the governors opted for such an option so that one of them would benefit from being picked as vice president.

In Kano, the concerned APC Youth Group, also staged a peaceful protest condemning the governors’ decision.

Buhari’s consensus request supersedes other decisions – Lawan

Senate President Ahmad Lawan has said that the request by President Buhari that all aspirants should consult among themselves and come up with a formidable candidate supersedes any other decision.

Speaking through Iyke Ekeoma, the spokesperson for Ahmad Lawan Campaign Organisation, the Senate President said until the aspirants reached a consensus, he will remain in the race.

Iyke Ekeoma said: “The statement by President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday urging all the party’s presidential aspirants to consult, build consensus and come up with a formidable candidate suffices and supersedes any other decision.

“It is not a question of whether one person is withdrawing from the race or not. It is up to the aspirants to build consensus among them as requested by the president until that happens.”

Kwara, Yobe govs’ missing in power shift statement

Daily Trust reports that questions are still being asked on why Governors Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State did not append their signatures alongside their northern colleagues on the need to move power to the southern part of Nigeria.

Efforts to speak with Kwara’s Abdulrazaq on why he did not sign the statement issued by his colleagues on the southern presidency yielded no result as there was no response to calls and text messages sent to him.

However, his aide on Political Communication, Bashiru Adigun, explained that the governor was not part of the signatories because he was at a wedding function.

“The governor was at a different occasion, he was at his niece’s wedding in Abuja along with the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

“He was there along with many chieftains of the party. That was why he was not part of the signatories. There is nothing to it,” Adigun added.

It was also gathered that the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni was not part of it because the president and the party have not taken a position on zoning.

A source close to him said it was the agenda of the 11 governors and not that of the party.

“Secondly, he has been in the forefront of Lawan’s ambition and it would not be good for him to abandon the Senate President overnight,” a source close to the Yobe governor, said.

Related Topics:consensus Featured Osinbajo S/West Tinubu

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‘I’m Sorry My Daddy’ — Desmond Elliot Tenders Public Apology to Gbajabiamila

Published

5 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Trends Admin

‘I’m Sorry My Daddy’ — Desmond Elliot Tenders Public Apology to Gbajabiamila

Lawmaker and Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot has publicly tendered an apology to Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over what he described as misunderstandings arising from political engagements within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking during an appearance on TVC’s Your View, Elliot described Gbajabiamila as a political mentor and senior figure who played a key role in his political development.

The apology comes months after political tension linked to the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, which triggered internal disputes within the APC and drew public attention to disagreements among party stakeholders.

Gbajabiamila had earlier revealed that allegations surrounding Elliot’s conduct during the Assembly speakership tussle nearly affected his position in the Presidency after concerns were reportedly raised to President Bola Tinubu. That disclosure added renewed attention to the internal party dynamics behind the controversy.

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Responding to the situation, Elliot stressed that politics often comes with misunderstandings and emotional reactions, adding that any perceived disagreement between them was not intentional.

“I’m not saying, oh, yes, media will come out, oh yes, Desmond begs again. Yes, because he’s my egbon. And I grew up learning everything I knew in politics through him,” he said.

He further emphasised that relationships in politics are not perfect and that forgiveness is an important principle in resolving conflicts.

“To err is human, to forgive is divine. So I’m sorry, my daddy, if I’ve offended you in any way,” Elliot stated.

The lawmaker also extended an apology to a respected figure he referred to as the “matriarch of Surulere,” expressing regret over any actions that may have caused offence.

“To the matriarch of Surulere, mama, I’m sorry if I’ve offended you,” he added.

Despite the controversy, Elliot maintained that his focus remains on strengthening the APC in Surulere and delivering constituency projects to his constituents in Lagos State.

He insisted that his performance as a lawmaker remains visible and verifiable by residents of Surulere.

“But I will keep keeping the party strong. And to all Surulerians, my scorecard is there. You know the things I’ve done to make Surulere a better place,” he said.

The apology has continued to generate political reactions, especially within Lagos APC circles, where observers view it as part of ongoing reconciliation efforts following months of internal disagreements.

‘I’m Sorry My Daddy’ — Desmond Elliot Tenders Public Apology to Gbajabiamila

Politics

APC Primaries: Tinubu Issues Stern Warning Against Rancour, Do-Or-Die Politics

Published

13 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Trends Admin

APC Primaries: Tinubu Issues Stern Warning Against Rancour, Do-Or-Die Politics

Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to prioritise unity, fairness and sportsmanship as the party commences its nationwide primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, even before the first ballots are cast, the exercise has been marked by a last-minute schedule change, growing resistance to consensus arrangements in several states, and allegations of intimidation in at least one senatorial district. In a personally signed statement released on Thursday, President Tinubu described the primaries as “a referendum on our unity, resilience and strength as a party” and “an opportunity to renew the bond and ideals that we share.” The President noted that the APC, which he co-founded on “the firm principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, and personal devotion and sacrifice,” is now entering its fourth election cycle.

In a development that emerged shortly after the President’s statement, the APC National Secretariat announced the postponement of the House of Representatives primary election, initially scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, confirmed in a late Thursday statement that the exercise will now hold on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The party did not provide an official reason for the adjustment. However, multiple reports indicate that logistical challenges and ongoing disagreements over consensus arrangements in various states contributed to the decision. The revised timetable is as follows: House of Representatives on Saturday, May 16, 2026; Senate on Monday, May 18, 2026; State House of Assembly on Wednesday, May 20, 2026; Governorship on Thursday, May 21, 2026; and the Presidential primary on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The party confirmed that all other previously announced dates remain unchanged.

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President Tinubu acknowledged ongoing consultations among party leaders aimed at producing consensus candidates in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and the APC constitution. He described the consensus option as “commendable” and one that would help “in reducing rancour and bad blood among party members.” Noting the “impressive progress” made in consensus arrangements, the President encouraged party members to “make the most of this window to ensure a seamless process and a more unified party.” However, he cautioned the party’s National Working Committee, governors and state chapter executives against the imposition of favoured candidates, insisting on a level playing field for all aspirants.

Despite the President’s endorsement of consensus, reports indicate that the arrangement is facing widespread rejection across multiple states, potentially forcing the party to conduct direct primaries in several regions. In Yobe State, a consensus arrangement reportedly endorsed by Governor Mai Mala Buni and former Senate President Ahmed Lawan has been strongly opposed by other governorship aspirants, including Kashim Musa Tumsah, former Inspector-General of Police Usman Alkali Baba, and Senator Ibrahim Bomai. Tumsah insisted that consensus must strictly comply with Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires the written consent of all cleared aspirants for a consensus candidate to emerge. “Consensus does not mean one or two people sitting in a room to select whoever they want as the party’s candidate,” Tumsah declared. Similar resistance has been reported in Benue, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Gombe, Kwara, Oyo, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, and Bauchi states, where aspirants have rejected proposed consensus arrangements and are insisting on direct primaries. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has defended the consensus provision, noting that “the law is rigid; even a single dissenting voice can nullify a consensus agreement and trigger a full direct primary.”

Where consensus arrangements fail, President Tinubu urged all participants to approach the primaries with maturity and discipline. “Election is an essential ingredient of democracy. Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters,” he stated. The President warned that the party could not afford “rancorous conduct or the debasement of our democracy and party unity,” adding that all participants “must keep the peace and be ready to play as sportsmen and women in the overall interest of the party and our country.” Offering counsel to both winners and losers, Tinubu said: “In every contest, there will be a winner and a loser. I urge the winners not to gloat in victory and the losers to show sportsmanship by taking things in their stride and preparing for another time.” He further warned against a return to “the do-or-die politics that we have put behind us,” stressing that “politics should never be a zero-sum game.” The President called on winners and party leaders at all levels to reach out to those who did not succeed “with olive branches” and to prioritise reconciliation to strengthen internal cohesion. He noted that losers who feel aggrieved have the opportunity to appeal to the party’s committees set up for redress. In a pointed warning to party members, President Tinubu stated: “Our opponents are waiting for us to be against each other; we should disappoint them. The ultimate winners are those who don’t choose to wreck the boat but rather work to prepare for another round.”

President Tinubu issued a clear directive to the party leadership, governors and other leaders to ensure fairness throughout the primary process. “You must rise above sentiment to offer all aspirants a level playing field that guarantees participation without let or hindrance,” he directed. He added: “While only one person will win for every seat contested, we should give eventual losers the satisfaction of a fair contest.”

The President made a special appeal for greater inclusion of women and youth in politics, urging delegates and leaders to give them special consideration during the primaries. “The inclusion of women and youth is dear to my heart. I appeal to voters in the primaries and leaders at all levels to give special consideration to our women and youth in the contest,” he said, adding that the APC “cannot afford to relegate the two significant demographics of our population.” This appeal aligns with similar commitments made by state governors. In Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma recently assured that women and youths would receive priority consideration during the primaries in line with United Nations recommendations advocating broader inclusion in governance, while clarifying that such concessions would not come at the expense of male aspirants.

President Tinubu also directed the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies deployed for the primaries to remain professional and avoid acting as interlopers during the exercise. “The Police and other security agencies must remain professional and avoid acting as interlopers during this exercise. Your duties strictly centre on ensuring peaceful exercise. Nothing more,” he stated. This directive comes amid concerns raised in Ogun East Senatorial District, where aggrieved party members have petitioned President Tinubu, the APC National Chairman, and the Inspector General of Police over alleged harassment, intimidation, and voter suppression ahead of the senatorial primary scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026. The petitioners accused Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Ogun State APC leadership of orchestrating the alleged intimidation of supporters of Otunba Gbenga Daniel across the nine local government areas of the district. They have called for urgent intervention to prevent a “full-blown crisis” and demanded adequate security presence before, during, and after the primary election.

Meanwhile, the national leadership of the party has cleared all aspirants who purchased expression of interest and nomination forms for the House of Representatives in Lagos, Rivers, Enugu, Ekiti, and other states to participate in the primary election. A party official involved in the screening process confirmed that “no aspirant was disqualified,” describing the approach as “all-inclusive” despite intense lobbying and pressure from political opponents. President Tinubu concluded his statement by wishing all aspirants and party members success and expressing optimism that the eventual candidates would work together to secure victory for the APC in the general elections. “I look forward to working with the victorious aspirants for the success of our great party in the general election,” he said.

APC Primaries: Tinubu Issues Stern Warning Against Rancour, Do-Or-Die Politics

Politics

Why Peter Obi May Struggle to Retain South-East Support in 2027 – Okonkwo

Published

13 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Why Peter Obi May Struggle to Retain South-East Support in 2027 – Okonkwo

Former Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, has said former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi may find it difficult to maintain overwhelming support in the South-East ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Okonkwo, who recently aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, where he criticised the popular “Obi or nothing” slogan associated with some supporters of the former Anambra State governor.

According to him, the slogan contradicts the Igbo cultural philosophy of collective advancement known as “Somadina,” which promotes communal progress rather than individual political dominance.

“Have you not heard of the slogan Obi or nothing? First of all, that slogan is an abomination culturally in Igbo land,” Okonkwo stated during the programme.

Explaining further, the lawyer and actor-turned-politician said the Igbo ideology of “Somadina” emphasises shared success and cooperation.

“Somadina means that I will not be the only person that will thrive. I will not be the only person that will succeed,” he said.

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Okonkwo referenced the political relationship between late nationalist Nnamdi Azikiwe and former Vice President Alex Ekwueme during the 1979 elections, noting that Igbo political leaders traditionally embraced alliances and coalition-building across party lines.

According to him, Azikiwe understood that South-East votes alone would not be enough to secure presidential victory and therefore maintained strategic relationships with politicians from other regions.

“Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe knew that the votes of Ndi Igbo alone would not make him president,” Okonkwo said.

He added that Azikiwe respected Ekwueme’s decision to remain in another political party at the time, stressing that post-election alliances later secured key political offices for the South-East, including the vice presidency and the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“And somebody here is telling me Obi or nothing? That is an abomination in Igbo land,” he added.

The ADC chieftain also reacted to the recent political movement involving Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, who reportedly left opposition coalition talks within the ADC and joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Okonkwo alleged that both politicians avoided participating in party primaries and abandoned coalition efforts aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

“And the reason they went there is because they are scared of participating in primary election,” he claimed.

According to him, Obi and Kwankwaso had initially supported coalition talks as the best strategy to unseat the ruling government before eventually withdrawing from the arrangement.

“They said coalition is the best and the only method to send Tinubu packing by their own words. And on their own, without any reason, they left for NDC. Is that not being a con man?” he asked.

Responding to questions on political defections and coalition disagreements, Okonkwo argued that Obi willingly joined the alliance despite allegedly knowing about existing internal issues.

“And you didn’t know that such association is not aligning before you entered and you didn’t have any reason for going except that he wants power,” he said.

The former Labour Party campaign spokesman also criticised some supporters of Obi, describing them as “toxic followers” and “street urchins,” while admitting he once belonged to the Obidient movement.

“I was. Why did I leave?” he said.

Okonkwo explained that he supported Obi during the 2023 presidential election mainly because he wanted a South-East candidate to emerge as president.

However, he said his opinion changed after the election outcome and subsequent legal battle challenging the results.

“After winning the election, what happened? He could not secure his own victory,” Okonkwo stated.

The lawyer further disclosed that he spent nearly 240 days in court and about two years campaigning because he believed the Labour Party had won the election.

Political observers say the comments highlight growing tensions within Nigeria’s opposition politics as parties intensify consultations, defections and coalition talks ahead of the next general elections.

Despite the criticism, Peter Obi continues to enjoy strong support among many youths and urban voters through the Obidient Movement, particularly in the South-East and parts of southern Nigeria.