Category: Politics

  • Tinubu Tells Nigerians ‘Dark Tunnel Is Over’ in 2026 Eid-el-Kabir Message

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country is gradually overcoming its economic and security challenges, declaring that “the walk through the dark tunnel is over” in his 2026 Eid-el-Kabir message.

    The President made the remarks in a statement released on Tuesday to commemorate the Muslim festival of sacrifice.

    Tinubu Speaks On Sacrifice And National Renewal

    Tinubu congratulated Muslims across Nigeria and around the world on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, describing the occasion as a reminder of faith, obedience, sacrifice and compassion.

    According to him, Nigeria is currently undergoing a difficult but necessary period of reconstruction and renewal through ongoing reforms introduced by his administration.

    “As a nation, we are on a journey of reconstruction and renewal. The reforms we have undertaken are challenging but necessary to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria for future generations,” he said.

    The President added that the sacrifices made by Nigerians over the past three years were beginning to produce positive economic outcomes.

    “Just as sacrifice brings reward, I am happy that the sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination that will drive job creation and economic growth,” he stated.

    ‘The Light Is Here’

    Tinubu further expressed confidence that the reforms pursued by his administration would continue to improve security and create more opportunities for citizens.

    “The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here,” the President declared.

    He also acknowledged ongoing insecurity challenges in some parts of the country despite efforts by security agencies.

    “I am aware that, despite the best efforts of our security and intelligence agencies, heartless terrorists and bandits still attack some communities. I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil,” he said.

    Calls For Prayer, Unity And Compassion

    The President urged Nigerians to use the Eid celebration to pray for peace, national unity and wisdom for leaders.

    He also encouraged citizens to support the less privileged and strengthen the spirit of brotherhood across religious and ethnic lines.

    Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in security, infrastructure, agriculture and human capital development.

    He concluded by wishing Muslims a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

  • Ned Nwoko Cries Out After APC Primary Defeat in Delta North, Alleges Broken ‘Automatic Ticket’ Promise

    Senator Ned Nwoko has expressed disappointment following his defeat in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta North senatorial primary, alleging that he was earlier promised an automatic ticket before joining the party.

    The primary election was won by former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who polled 113,309 votes. Nwoko reportedly scored 2,612 votes, while Maryam Ali polled 40 votes.

    Nwoko Rejects Result, Alleges Irregularities

    Reacting to the outcome, Nwoko dismissed the result, insisting that the process was flawed and did not reflect internal agreements he believed were in place before he joined the APC.

    He claimed there were assurances of a power-sharing arrangement within the party structure, including the dissolution of the state executive and strategic nominations to accommodate new entrants.

    According to him, those agreements were not honoured.

    ‘I Was Promised Automatic Ticket’ — Nwoko

    Speaking during an interview on Prime Time, the senator alleged that he was promised an automatic ticket prior to joining the APC.

    “I certainly was told before I came into the party that there would be automatic ticket for me,” he said.

    He added that he would not have left his previous political platform without assurances of a secured political position.

    Nwoko also alleged that the party leadership later required him to participate in a competitive primary, contrary to earlier expectations.

    Claims of Victory in Wards

    Despite the official results, the senator maintained that he had evidence of strong performance across multiple wards.

    “We won in 98 wards,” he claimed, insisting that discrepancies existed in the collation process.

    He further argued that the result announced in favour of Okowa did not reflect the true outcome of the exercise.

    Political Tensions Deepen in Delta APC

    The development highlights growing tensions within the APC in Delta State as key political figures continue to dispute the conduct and outcome of internal primaries ahead of future elections.

  • Court Clears Goodluck Jonathan To Contest 2027 Presidential Election

    A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that former President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election.

    The judgment followed a suit filed by Johnmary Jideobi, who sought an order restraining Jonathan from presenting himself as a presidential candidate in the next general election.

    Court Rejects Suit Against Jonathan

    The plaintiff had asked the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting, processing or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate for 2027.

    Jideobi also requested the court to determine whether Jonathan remained eligible to seek the office of president again under Sections 1(1), (2), (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution.

    However, delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu held that the former president could lawfully participate in the election.

    The ruling effectively clears the way for Jonathan to seek the presidency again if he decides to contest.

    PDP Faction Offers Jonathan Waiver

    The development comes days after a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki reportedly offered Jonathan a waiver as the party’s sole presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election.

    The move had intensified political discussions over a possible return of the former president to active electoral politics.

    Jonathan’s Political History

    Goodluck Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president between 2010 and 2015 after completing the tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua before winning the 2011 presidential election.

    He later lost the 2015 presidential election to former President Muhammadu Buhari, becoming the first sitting Nigerian president to lose a re-election bid.

    Since leaving office, Jonathan has remained active in diplomatic and peacebuilding efforts across Africa, while repeatedly facing calls from political supporters to return to the presidential race.

     

  • Peter Obi Meets Thabo Mbeki, Ian Khama During South Africa Visit

    Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has held a closed-door meeting with former South African President Thabo Mbeki during his visit to South Africa.

    Obi also met with former Botswana President Ian Khama as part of engagements held in Cape Town before proceeding to Johannesburg.

    Obi Meets African Leaders

    The development was disclosed in a statement shared on Peter Obi’s official page, where he appreciated both former leaders for their commitment to peace, unity, and African development.

    According to the statement, discussions during the meeting also touched on recent immigration-related tensions within parts of Africa and the need for stronger continental cooperation.

    “Both Mr Khama and Mr Mbeki continue to hold significant respect across the continent due to their remarkable contributions, both during and after their presidencies,” the statement read.

    Africa Day Lecture

    Obi also revealed that he reunited with former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, during the Thabo Mbeki Africa Day lecture organised by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation.

    The event brought together political leaders, intellectuals, and stakeholders from across Africa to discuss issues affecting the continent’s future.

    Photos from the gathering showed Obi alongside Mbeki, Khama, and Fayemi during the engagement.

    Focus on African Unity

    The former presidential candidate praised the elder statesmen for their continued advocacy for peace, diplomacy, and African unity despite leaving office years ago.

    Obi’s visit and meetings have generated reactions online, especially among supporters who described the engagements as important for strengthening regional ties and political dialogue across Africa.

    The former governor has remained active on international and governance-related discussions since the 2023 general elections.

  • Adeleke Endorses Tinubu for 2027, Says ‘He Is Our Father, Leader’

    Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has openly endorsed President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing the president as “our father and leader” while praising ongoing federal projects in the state.

    Adeleke made the declaration after inspecting ongoing construction work on the Ibadan-Ile Ife-Ilesa expressway, where he commended the Federal Government for the pace and quality of work on the road project.

    Adeleke Backs Tinubu

    Speaking during the inspection, the governor said his support for Tinubu was both a moral and development-driven decision that would benefit Osun State and the Yoruba people.

    “As governor of the ancestral birthplace of Mr President, how can I have my own in the saddle and think twice before embracing him?” Adeleke said.

    He described Tinubu as “our own son, father, and leader,” adding that he and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu were privileged to witness a Yoruba leader occupying Nigeria’s highest office.

    Praise for Federal Projects

    Adeleke stated that the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Ile Ife-Ilesa road would improve connectivity across major Osun communities and support economic activities in the region.

    The governor also praised Tinubu for approving other road projects, including the Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo and Gbongan-Akoda highways.

    According to him, his administration has equally invested heavily in infrastructure since assuming office in 2022, including the renovation of several federal roads and reconstruction of more than 300 kilometres of state roads.

    He expressed optimism that the Federal Government would compensate Osun State for roads rehabilitated by the state government.

    Comments on Democracy

    Adeleke further stated that his administration remained committed to free and fair elections in Osun State, while commending Tinubu for supporting democratic values.

    “On August 15, democracy will win alongside God and the people,” he said.

    “The President has consistently advocated for free and fair elections.”

    The governor added that all lawful means would be deployed to guarantee credible elections in the state.

    His endorsement comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections and is expected to generate fresh reactions across Nigeria’s political space.

  • Wike Accuses Fubara of Breaching Impeachment Deal Over Second-Term Move

    Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of violating a political agreement by pursuing a second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

    Wike made the remarks on Monday while inspecting ongoing and completed infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory, including the Renewed Hope City project in Kassara and the City Gate development being handled by Julius Berger.

    Wike Speaks On Impeachment Agreement

    According to the former Rivers governor, an understanding had earlier been reached that impeachment proceedings against Fubara would be halted on the condition that the governor would not pursue another term in office.

    Wike claimed Fubara breached the agreement by obtaining governorship nomination forms.

    “In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form because the agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not talk about a second tenure,” Wike said.

    “With collecting form first, he didn’t show sign of gentlemanship.”

    He further stated that repeated interventions by Bola Ahmed Tinubu had helped calm the political crisis in Rivers State.

    Backs Kingsley Chinda

    Wike also endorsed Kingsley Chinda as a strong candidate, praising his political experience and legislative record.

    “A good product markets itself. Everybody knows that Kingsley Chinda is the material,” he stated.

    The minister added that Chinda’s profile and influence made him a respected political figure across party lines.

    Projects Ready For Commissioning

    During the inspection tour, Wike commended contractors handling several FCT projects and said many of the developments were nearing completion and ready for inauguration.

    He specifically praised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for conceptualising the City Gate project, describing it as one of her signature initiatives.

    According to him, Julius Berger assured the administration that the project would be delivered by the end of May or early June.

  • Atiku, Amaechi Battle For ADC Presidential Ticket As Primaries Hold Nationwide

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi have participated in the presidential primaries of the African Democratic Congress amid growing internal rivalry over the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.

    The exercise, which took place simultaneously across 8,809 wards nationwide, comes as opposition figures intensify efforts to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Atiku Casts Vote In Adamawa

    Atiku disclosed through his X account that he voted at the Ajiya Ward Polling Unit in Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State.

    The former presidential candidate described the exercise as a demonstration of democracy and a major step towards rebuilding Nigeria.

    “This is democracy at work. The election taking place simultaneously in 8,809 wards in Nigeria is a major step in our quest to recover our beloved country and set it on the path of prosperity,” Atiku wrote.

    Amaechi Votes In Rivers

    Amaechi also participated in the exercise from his hometown in Ubima community, Rivers State.

    A video shared by ADC Vanguard showed the former Minister of Transportation arriving at the polling venue to cast his vote.

    The latest development further highlights the growing power struggle within the ADC coalition as several opposition leaders seek control of the party ahead of the next presidential election.

    Amaechi Targets Atiku’s Electability

    Amaechi recently stated during an interview on Trust TV that Atiku could lose the ADC presidential primary despite his long history of winning party tickets.

    According to him, the major issue before delegates should be electability rather than how many primaries a candidate has won in the past.

    “I listened when they said former Vice President said he never failed primary before. I hope this will be the first time he will fail primary,” Amaechi said.

    “But that’s not even the issue. The issue is that at all times that you have passed primary, you have not won election. So it’s about electability.”

    The former governor also questioned what Atiku still had to offer Nigerians after several presidential attempts.

    ADC Crisis Deepens

    The ADC had earlier postponed its presidential screening exercise following disagreements among stakeholders over moves to adopt a consensus candidate.

    The internal disagreements reportedly involve Atiku, Amaechi, and former presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

    The party has recently emerged as a platform attracting opposition politicians seeking to challenge Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.

     

  • Full List Of Tinubu’s Nearly 11 Million Votes In APC Presidential Primary Across States

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recorded a sweeping nationwide victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary, amassing nearly 11 million votes across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

    The results, collated from ward-level voting across the country, show a wide margin of dominance for the president, reinforcing his stronghold within the ruling party.

    Below is the full breakdown of votes across states:

    1. Lagos – 814,988
    2. Adamawa – 644,149
    3. Kaduna – 618,914
    4. Imo – 582,960
    5. Kano – 500,852
    6. Katsina – 467,003
    7. Gombe – 450,517
    8. Borno – 414,988
    9. Delta – 407,646
    10. Akwa Ibom – 389,197
    11. Enugu – 383,382
    12. Benue – 374,787
    13. Ogun – 322,485
    14. Zamfara – 321,579
    15. Kwara – 310,990
    16. Sokoto – 301,000
    17. Kebbi – 292,972
    18. Nasarawa – 285,436
    19. Rivers – 280,082
    20. Yobe – 253,804
    21. Plateau – 241,720
    22. Bayelsa – 227,192
    23. Ebonyi – 207,579
    24. Jigawa – 206,520
    25. Kogi – 197,370
    26. Taraba – 183,698
    27. Ondo – 181,996
    28. Niger – 175,487
    29. Abia – 161,005
    30. Bauchi – 156,541
    31. Oyo – 142,754
    32. Edo – 121,098
    33. Cross River – 113,911
    34. Osun – 100,888
    35. Ekiti – 85,340
    36. Anambra – 43,034
    37. FCT – 36,103

    The exercise, according to party officials, reflects a strong endorsement of Tinubu’s leadership and the Renewed Hope agenda ahead of future electoral contests.

  • “If You’ve Lost Weight, I’ve Lost Some Too” — Tinubu Speaks On Hardship After APC Primary Victory

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has admitted that he personally feels the hardship caused by the economic reforms introduced by his administration since taking office in May 2023.

    The president made the remarks in Abuja after emerging victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election held nationwide on Saturday.

    “I’ve Lost Sleep Too”

    Speaking after the exercise, Tinubu acknowledged the difficult realities Nigerians are facing while insisting that rebuilding the country requires sacrifice and painful decisions.

    “I know what it takes to reform this nation we met in tatters,” he said.

    “If you lost sleep, I’ve lost some too. If you’ve lost weight, I’ve lost some too. But I’ve always remembered one thing: in 2022, I asked for this job. You all supported me and I got it. So I must do it,” the president added.

    His comments have since generated widespread reactions online as Nigerians continue to debate the impact of subsidy removal, inflation, and rising living costs across the country.

    Tinubu Secures Massive Victory

    Tinubu recorded an overwhelming victory in the APC presidential primary, polling 10,999,162 votes.

    His sole challenger, Stanley Osifo, reportedly secured 16,503 votes in the direct primary conducted across the country’s 774 local government areas and 8,809 wards.

    Party leaders and supporters described the outcome as a strong endorsement of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Mixed Reactions Trail Statement

    While some APC supporters praised the president for acknowledging citizens’ struggles, critics argued that many Nigerians are experiencing deeper hardship due to inflation and the rising cost of living.

    Since the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023, economic conditions have remained a major topic of national discussion, with labour unions, opposition figures and civil society groups repeatedly calling for stronger relief measures.

  • Tinubu Floors Sole Challenger as APC Direct Primary Produces Massive Ward Victories

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recorded massive victories across multiple wards nationwide in the ongoing presidential primary of All Progressives Congress.

    The direct primary exercise, held across the country’s 8,809 wards on Saturday, saw Tinubu dominate early results against his sole challenger, Stanley Osifo Osayamen.

    Massive Ward Results Emerge

    Early tallies showed the president securing overwhelming support from party members in several states.

    In his Ikoyi ward in Lagos State, Tinubu reportedly polled 4,996 votes, while Osayamen failed to record a single vote.

    Similar results also emerged from parts of northern Nigeria, including a polling unit in Kebbi State where Tinubu reportedly secured 5,652 votes.

    Party leaders and top government officials were also seen participating in the exercise, with APC supporters describing the turnout as a strong endorsement of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

    APC Members Celebrate Outcome

    Many party faithful hailed the primary as proof of unity within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Supporters also described the exercise as a grassroots validation of Tinubu’s leadership and economic policies despite growing criticism from opposition groups.

    However, some critics online questioned the competitiveness of the process and raised concerns over the absence of strong opposition within the APC.

    Presidency Reacts

    Reacting to the early results, the Presidency expressed appreciation to APC members nationwide for what it described as overwhelming support for the president.

    In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, the Presidency described the outcome as “a resounding endorsement” of Tinubu’s leadership.

    “The massive ward victories recorded by Mr. President today reaffirm the confidence of Nigerians in his ability to continue steering the country towards greater prosperity, security, and economic stability,” the statement read.

    The Presidency also commended party members for conducting what it described as a peaceful exercise across the country.

    Final Declaration Expected

    Final collation of results is expected to take place in Abuja on Sunday, with political observers already predicting Tinubu’s emergence as the APC presidential candidate for the 2027 election.