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  • Why Abdulquawiy Olododo Stands Out as the Best Choice for the House of Representatives

    In every election cycle, politicians make promises. But very few candidates enter the race with a public record people can actually point to.

    That is what separates Abdulquawiy Abdulganiyu Olododo from many others seeking the Ilorin East/Ilorin South House of Representatives seat.

    Before declaring for the House, Olododo served in key positions within the Kwara State government, including the Ministry of Works, one of the most demanding and result-driven offices in the state. Unlike positions built around ceremonies and speeches, the Works portfolio is judged by visible results. Roads either get done or they do not. Projects either move or they remain abandoned.

    Under his leadership, Kwara witnessed an aggressive push in road construction, rehabilitation, and rural infrastructure development across several communities. Major projects connected to his tenure included the Owu Falls Road project, Ajase-Ipo–Oke Iya Road, Arandun–Esie–Oro Road, rural road rehabilitation projects under RAAMP, and several urban renewal projects across Ilorin and other parts of the state.

    What makes this important is not just the number of projects, but what they represent.

    They show that Olododo understands how government works beyond politics. He understands budgets, project execution, procurement, supervision, and accountability. He has worked inside one of the largest capital-spending ministries in Kwara State and has managed projects worth billions of naira.

    That experience matters deeply for the House of Representatives.

    The National Assembly is not only about speeches or media appearances. A serious lawmaker must understand budgeting, oversight, constituency development, and how to attract meaningful projects back home. This is where Olododo appears stronger than many traditional politicians because he already has practical administrative experience in handling large-scale public responsibilities.

    Another major strength working in his favor is his ability to build political trust and consensus.

    During the APC primary process, several aspirants reportedly stepped aside in support of him before the final contest. Eventually, he defeated the incumbent lawmaker in the primary election. That outcome was not accidental. It reflected growing confidence in both his political structure and his performance record.

    Beyond politics, many supporters also see him as part of a younger generation of leaders who combine technical understanding with grassroots accessibility. His background across agriculture, social investment, solid minerals, and public works gives him wider exposure than someone whose experience exists only inside party politics.

    Most importantly, Olododo’s appeal is built around visible evidence, not empty branding.

    There are published budget reports tied to his ministry. There are publicly announced contracts. There are measurable projects. Some communities can physically point to roads and infrastructure connected to the administration he served in.

    That does not mean perfection. No public office holder avoids criticism completely. But leadership is ultimately measured by output, pressure management, and the ability to deliver under responsibility.

    On those grounds, Abdulquawiy Olododo enters the House of Representatives race with one of the strongest cases among the contenders.

    At a time when many voters are tired of recycled promises and symbolic politics, his candidacy offers something more concrete: administrative experience, visible delivery, political momentum, and a proven understanding of how development moves from paper to reality.

    For many supporters across Ilorin East and Ilorin South, that is exactly why they believe he is the best candidate for the House of Representatives seat.

  • APC Names Fubara, Other Governors as Coordinators for Presidential Primary Election

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has named Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, alongside other serving and former governors, as coordinators and collation officers for its upcoming presidential primary election.

    The party also confirmed that it has adopted the direct primary mode, allowing all registered members across the country to participate in the exercise.

    Primary to Hold Across 8,809 Wards

    According to a document released by the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, the direct primary election is scheduled to hold across all 8,809 wards nationwide on May 24, 2026.

    The APC explained that appointed state coordinators and collation officers will oversee the conduct of the exercise in their respective states and collate results from local government areas before presenting them to the presidential primary election committee in Abuja.

    “The organisation and conduct of the direct primary in each of the 36 states and the FCT shall be the responsibility of the State Coordinator and Collation Officer, who shall also collate the results of all the local governments in the state and present the same to the Presidential Primary Election Committee in Abuja, FCT on 24 May, 2026,” the document stated.

    The circular was signed by the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru.

    Fubara’s Role Draws Attention

    Fubara’s inclusion comes amid his long-standing political tensions in Rivers State involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

    The rift between both men had earlier escalated into a major political crisis in the state, leading to intervention by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a subsequent peace arrangement that helped stabilise the situation.

    Party Pushes Ahead With 2027 Preparations

    The APC said its guidelines for the conduct of the primaries, earlier submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, will guide the exercise across all states.

    The move signals intensified preparations by the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections, with key political figures taking strategic roles in the process.

  • Sharafadeen Alli Floors Adelabu to Win Oyo APC Governorship Primary

    Oyo South senator, Sharafadeen Alli, has emerged as the winner of the Oyo State All Progressives Congress governorship primary election ahead of the 2027 governorship poll.

    According to reports, Alli secured 578,143 votes to defeat former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who polled 19,193 votes. Another aspirant also participated in the exercise.

    Adelabu Raises Alarm Over Primary

    Adelabu, who recently resigned from his ministerial position to contest the governorship seat, had earlier alleged that the primary election process was manipulated in some areas of the state.

    Speaking with journalists after voting at his ward on Thursday, the former minister claimed reports reaching him indicated several irregularities during the exercise.

    “I must sound this note of warning that it is not this way in a lot of other wards,” he said.

    “Reports reaching me state that there are a lot of gross misconducts in the other wards, ranging from various forms of infractions.

    “In some wards, they conducted the election hours before the appointed time and wrote the figures they liked.”

    APC Eyes Return To Agodi Government House

    The victory now positions Alli as the APC candidate expected to challenge the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.

    The APC last governed the state during the administration of late former governor, Abiola Ajimobi, before Seyi Makinde of the PDP assumed office in 2019.

    Makinde has since announced a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in the state as preparations for the next governorship election intensify.

  • APC Halts Kwara Governorship Primary Amid Tension Over AbdulRazaq’s Preferred Successor

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has abruptly postponed its governorship primary election after the exercise had already commenced across parts of the state.

    The postponement was announced on Thursday by the state publicity secretary of the party, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Babatunde.

    Party members and supporters had earlier trooped out in large numbers for the exercise before the sudden suspension was announced.

    APC Announces Fresh Date

    In a statement issued by the party, the APC said the governorship primary earlier scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, would now hold on Friday, May 22, 2026.

    “The APC Governorship Primary earlier scheduled to hold today, Thursday, 21st May 2026, has been postponed,” the statement read.

    “The new date for the Governorship Primary is now Friday, 22nd May 2026.”

    The party advised aspirants and members to take note of the development.

    Tension Over AbdulRazaq’s Endorsement

    The postponement comes days after Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, publicly endorsed Ambassador Yahaya Seriki from Kwara Central as his preferred successor.

    Although the governor stated that other aspirants were free to contest the primary, the endorsement reportedly created tension within the party.

    Sources quoted by LEADERSHIP alleged that some aggrieved aspirants influenced the decision to halt the exercise after voting had already started.

    Seriki Allegedly Leading Before Suspension

    According to findings, Yahaya Seriki was reportedly leading in several voting centres before the primary was disrupted.

    There were also indications that some aspirants from Kwara South were considering forming alliances to challenge Seriki’s emergence.

    The development has since triggered political reactions within the state as party stakeholders await further directives ahead of the rescheduled exercise.

  • “APC Will Suffer” — ‘Radical Brother’ Explodes After Losing Oyo Primary, Fires at Senator Alli

    Former Oyo State lawmaker, Olusegun Olaleye, popularly known as “Radical Brother,” has stirred reactions online after launching into an emotional outburst following his defeat in the All Progressives Congress House of Assembly primary election.

    Olaleye, a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ibadan North II Constituency, was seen in a viral video openly attacking the APC and Senator Sharafadeen Alli after losing the party’s ticket.

    The video, which surfaced online on Wednesday, showed the politician angrily addressing people around him while making several gestures and expressing frustration over the outcome of the primary election.

    Tension After APC Primary Defeat

    Reports claimed Olaleye was first spotted at the APC secretariat in Oke Ado, Ibadan, before he was later seen around the residence of former Oyo State governor, Rashidi Ladoja.

    During the outburst, he reportedly declared that Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s political future had ended while also warning that the APC would face consequences over the primary process.

    The former lawmaker was heard making several remarks believed to be directed at party leaders and individuals involved in the exercise.

    Video Sparks Reactions Online

    The development quickly triggered reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians debating the level of tension and internal crisis within the Oyo APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Some users mocked the former lawmaker over the public display, while others alleged that frustrations from party primaries often expose deeper disagreements within political camps.

    The viral clip also reignited conversations around alleged irregularities, imposition, and power struggles during party primaries across different states.

    Political Battle Ahead of 2027

    Olaleye, who previously served two terms in the Oyo State House of Assembly, has remained active in Oyo politics and was seeking another return to the Assembly under the APC platform.

    The incident comes as political alignments continue ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Oyo State, where Senator Sharafadeen Alli has emerged as one of the prominent figures within the opposition party.

    As of the time of filing this report, neither the Oyo APC leadership nor Senator Alli had officially reacted to the viral video.

  • Amaechi Says He Will End Identity-Based Politics if Elected President

    Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said he would end identity-based politics in Nigeria if elected President, insisting that governance must be based on citizenship rather than ethnicity or religion.

    The former Rivers State governor made the remarks in a video, where he criticised what he described as deepening divisions in Nigeria’s political system, saying they continue to shape elections and weaken national unity.

    “Citizens first, not tribe or religion”

    Amaechi said Nigerians should be treated equally regardless of background, adding that leadership should not be defined by ethnic or religious identity.

    “If I become President, there will not be this issue. There will be citizenship first and foremost, citizens of Nigeria,” he said.

    He argued that politicians often rely on ethnic and religious sentiments to mobilise voters, a trend he said must change.

    “All these, I’m from the West, North or East, and they are calling people to vote for you based on religion,” he added.

    Federal character under scrutiny

    The former governor also questioned the effectiveness of the federal character principle, saying it was designed to promote fairness but has in some cases contributed to inefficiency in governance.

    He suggested that Nigeria must rethink structural arrangements that encourage division instead of unity.

    “If it is because the system is unfair, one way to manage the system is to say give shares to areas,” he said.

    Linking insecurity to unemployment

    Amaechi also linked insecurity in the country to unemployment and weak governance systems, arguing that crime reduces when people are meaningfully engaged.

    “If everybody is employed… you won’t have time to rob,” he said.

    “You are at work by 6am and close by 6pm; you are too tired to carry a gun,” he added.

    Call for merit-based leadership

    He urged Nigerians to focus on competence and track record when choosing leaders, rather than identity-based considerations.

    Amaechi said Nigeria must move towards a system where performance, not ethnicity or religion, determines leadership selection.

  • Desmond Elliot Withdraws From APC Primary After Drama at Lagos Venue

    Lawmaker and Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot has officially withdrawn from the APC Lagos House of Assembly primary for Surulere 1 following tension and controversy at the polling venue.

    Elliot announced his withdrawal on Wednesday after arriving at the Paddington Mini Stadium alongside his supporters and political associates.

    Supporters allegedly denied entry

    Speaking to journalists at the venue, the lawmaker alleged that several of his supporters were prevented from gaining access to the polling area despite repeated appeals to electoral officials.

    According to him, attempts to resolve the situation peacefully were unsuccessful, leading to growing tension around the exercise.

    The election was eventually disrupted as protests broke out over the alleged exclusion of some party members from the process.

    Desmond speaks on withdrawal

    In a video that later surfaced online, Elliot said he decided to step down from the race to avoid violence and protect lives.

    “I want to officially announce my withdrawal from this particular race, good luck, thank you, and God bless you,” he said.

    His supporters were also seen leaving the venue peacefully alongside him.

    Fresh controversy after apology to Gbajabiamila

    The development comes hours after Elliot publicly apologised to Femi Gbajabiamila during an interview on TVC’s Your View.

    The apology followed recent comments by Gbajabiamila, who revealed that President Bola Tinubu nearly sanctioned him over intelligence reports linking Elliot to the Lagos Assembly speakership crisis involving Mudashiru Obasa.

    Gbajabiamila stated that he denied the allegation at the time.

    Tension rocks APC primary venue

    Wednesday’s primary election was eventually stalled as tensions escalated at the venue over complaints of intimidation and alleged exclusion of party loyalists.

    Elliot maintained that he would not allow any political contest to lead to violence or loss of lives.

  • Peter Obi Clears NDC Presidential Screening, Emerges Sole Flagbearer for 2027 Election

    Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has been screened and cleared by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The screening exercise held on May 19, 2026, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, where officials reviewed his academic certificates, NYSC documents, age declarations, and his broader vision for national leadership.

    Screening Process in Abuja

    The exercise was chaired by former governor Sam Egwu, who led the committee responsible for evaluating all aspirants and engaging them on their policy direction for the country.

    Party officials said Obi was taken through a detailed review process before being cleared after meeting all requirements set by the party.

    Sole Aspirant for Presidential Ticket

    Following the exercise, Obi was cleared and issued the presidential nomination form, becoming the only aspirant who purchased and completed the screening process.

    Party officials subsequently confirmed him as the NDC presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, positioning him as the party’s flagbearer ahead of the primaries.

    Political Realignment Ahead of 2027

    Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, is now aligned with the NDC following reported opposition realignments ahead of the next election cycle.

    His clearance has already triggered political reactions, with supporters describing it as a major step in his presidential ambition.

    He ended his post with his signature slogan: “A New Nigeria is POssible. – PO”

    The development adds to early political momentum as parties begin formal preparations for the 2027 general elections.

  • Makinde-Backed PDP Faction Declares Jonathan Sole Presidential Candidate for 2027

    A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared former President Goodluck Jonathan as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

    The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja during the party’s presidential screening exercise, where senior member Babangida Aliyu confirmed that Jonathan had been granted a waiver from appearing before the committee.

    Jonathan Cleared Without Screening

    Aliyu explained that the decision was based on Jonathan’s extensive political experience, noting that his previous roles made additional screening unnecessary.

    According to him, Jonathan had served as deputy governor, governor, vice president and later president, making him automatically qualified for the party’s consideration.

    “In other words, he had been declared and cleared as the candidate of the PDP for the presidential election and that is President Jonathan,” Aliyu said.

    The development effectively positions Jonathan as the faction’s consensus flagbearer ahead of the 2027 polls.

    Screening Waivers Extended to Other Aspirants

    The committee also granted a waiver to Taofeek Arapaja, a member of the Interim National Working Committee, who is contesting the Oyo State governorship seat.

    Other governorship aspirants screened and cleared include Myebangara Andrew (Adamawa), Ikenya Danlami (Taraba), Etanabene Benedict (Delta), and Abdullahi Sheriff (Yobe).

    Faction Moves Signal Internal Realignment

    The announcement highlights ongoing internal realignments within the PDP as different blocs position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    While the faction insists its process follows party guidelines, the declaration is expected to further intensify political debates within the opposition party.

  • Shettima Reveals Alleged Plot to Turn Tinubu Against Him, Shares Details of Early Presidency Tensions

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima has revealed that some individuals allegedly attempted to create distrust between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu just three months into their administration in 2023.

    He made the disclosure at the public presentation of “My Life of Duty and Allegiance”, the autobiography of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, where he reflected on early political tensions within the presidency.

    Alleged plot within early months of government

    Shettima said the individuals, whom he did not name but claimed were from Borno State, allegedly informed President Tinubu that he was planning to assassinate him and take over power.

    He explained that the President personally confronted him after receiving the claims but chose not to believe the allegations after reviewing the situation.

    “Three months into our swearing in, some people told Tinubu I was planning to kill him to take over power,” Shettima said.

    He added that Tinubu called him over the issue and expressed concerns raised by the unnamed individuals.

    Tinubu’s reaction and trust stance

    According to Shettima, the President dismissed the allegations after assessing the claims and finding inconsistencies in the story presented to him.

    He noted that Tinubu referenced their relationship before the election, stressing that trust played a key role in his decision to ignore the reports.

    “Shettima’s clothes” remark also referenced

    Shettima also recounted a separate incident in which the same individuals allegedly tried to discourage Tinubu from associating closely with him.

    He said they told the President to stop wearing clothing associated with him, claiming it carried sinister intentions, an allegation Tinubu also reportedly dismissed.

    “The President said their story did not add up,” Shettima said, adding that Tinubu later wore the outfit again, describing the President as someone who does not believe in superstition.

    Call for unity among Nigerians

    The Vice-President used the platform to urge Nigerians to embrace unity and avoid actions that deepen political or ethnic divisions.

    He emphasised the need for citizens to act as one community rather than allowing misinformation and distrust to shape national relationships.

    The event, which also had former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, and other top political and military figures in attendance, was held in honour of General Gowon’s contributions to Nigeria’s history.