Politics
3rd Force, coalition partners shortlist presidential candidates •Agbakoba, Balewa, Col. Umar, Duke, Utomi, Ezekwesili in contention
Legal icon and human rights advocate, Dr Olisa Agbakoba SAN, is under intense pressure to join the race for the office of the president in 2019 on the platform of the newly formed Grand National Political Coalition initiated by the Nigeria Intervention Movement (NIM), otherwise known as Third Force.
We reliably gathered that this became evident following the meeting of the steering committee of the rainbow coalition in Lagos on Wednesday, March 28th, 2019 where the leadership profile of about five high-ranking presidential aspirants were X-rayed by the leadership of the grand coalition in a bid to shortlist the most suitable and popular among them for the movement.
Some of the aspirants being considered by the movement are those who are said to have been wooing and making overtures to NIM, an emergent political convergence considered to be the beautiful bride of the Nigerian political configuration for the 2019 elections because of its growing membership strength, which hit five million plus during the 2018 Grand National Political Summit held last week in Abuja.
An inside source at the Wednesday meeting attended by the national and zonal arrowheads of the coalition being touted as the “ANC” of Nigeria, informed News Express that the meeting which dragged into late hours of Wednesday, could not reach a consensus on the candidate to choose, due to NIM’s stringent measures as well as focus on giving the country a fresh breed political leadership.
The shortlisting, said our source, has been adjourned till another two weeks when the committee will meet in Abuja to take a final decision on the matter as well as on the issue of which coalition party to adopt, endorse or use for elections in both Ekiti and Osun states later this year.
News Express was however reliably informed that different interests within NIM and its newly formed coalition, comprising 35 political parties, labour and civil society movements, have been pressurising Agbakoba to take up the challenge of running as their candidate in the 2019 general elections. The legal icon and former president of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) was said to have asked for some time to consult his bar constituency as well the human rights community and so yet to make up his mind as at the time the Wednesday screening ended.
A top official of NIM who spoke on the condition of anonymity told News Express: “Agbakoba is certainly highly respected across board in Nigeria and also among majority of the new breed political forces in the country, especially among the youth, tagged ‘Youth with PVC’. He belongs, in ideas and perspectives, to the Nigerian youth and to the emerging political order of the fresh breed political leaders.
“He is not part of the entrenched corrupt political system of Nigeria, in actual fact, he has always fought it and he fully understands NIM’s agenda of giving the country a new breed leadership.
“If Agbakoba agrees to run, then he may have to square up with the likes Alhaji Dr Abduljahlil Tafawa Balewa, former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, Col Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, Prof Pat Utomi, Dr Obby Ezekwesili, among others being touted by the fresh breed across the country.”
When News Express contacted NIM’s Deputy Director-General, Mallam Naseer Kura, on phone this morning to comment on the development, he said the movement was yet to agree on a particular presidential candidate or coalition party to be adopted for the prosecution of the fresh breed agenda for “electoral revolution” in the 2019
“It’s true we are yet to reach a consensus on this matter (presidential candidate) at the last steering committee meeting on Wednesday, but that will be done before the governorship primary in Ekiti. Though we are still shortlisting materials for the 2019 elections, the names already with us are currently being screened. We are more concerned about the individuals, what they can offer the country and their detachment from the corrupt old brigade. We want to make sure that any candidate we endorse will go down well with the majority of Nigerians,” said Kura.
On the likely endorsement of Agbakoba, Kura said: “I have said that the screening is not over yet. And no party, whether Labour Party, Accord, Alliance for New Nigeria, Advance Democratic Party, KOWA or Social Democratic Party among others has been endorsed as our coalition party for 2019
“I am aware that some forces within our movement, mostly the youth and women are routing for Agbakoba, but all I can say is that any of the aspirants, be it Balewa, Col Umar, Duke, Utomi and so on, who meets the criteria and standard of NIM by April 2018, will be adopted as our preferred candidate to run for the presidency in 2019 on our endorsed coalition party, which will be moulded in the spirit of African National Congress, ANC of South Africa.”
Politics
APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition
*APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition*
The APC National Vanguard has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support a second term in office for Siminalayi Fubara, citing what it described as “impressive and verifiable developmental strides” across Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National President, Dr Gbenga Salam (JP), the group said its position followed an extensive assessment tour of key infrastructure and public service projects executed under the Fubara administration.
The APC National Vanguard said the appeal was based strictly on performance, arguing that governance outcomes should outweigh partisan considerations, particularly in a state as economically significant as Rivers.
“We respectfully urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to support the continuity of Governor Siminalayi Fubara beyond his current tenure, in recognition of his commitment to development, prudent resource management, and people-focused governance,” the statement read.
According to the group, its delegation visited multiple project sites across the state, observing ongoing and completed works spanning road construction, urban renewal, and public infrastructure upgrades.
It noted that the scale and distribution of these projects reflect a deliberate effort by the state government to extend development beyond traditional urban centres and into underserved communities.
“Our findings from the tour reveal a government that is not only active but intentional in its development agenda. The execution of capital projects across various parts of Rivers State demonstrates a clear understanding of the needs of the people and a commitment to addressing them,” Dr Salam said.
The group particularly commended what it described as prudent financial management by the administration, noting that the projects reviewed showed evidence of careful planning and efficient allocation of resources.
“At a time when economic pressures are evident across the country, it is commendable that the Rivers State government has managed its resources in a way that delivers visible and impactful development without signs of fiscal recklessness,” the statement added.
The APC National Vanguard further observed that despite political tensions in the state, the Fubara administration has maintained focus on governance, ensuring continuity in project execution and service delivery.
The group argued that such stability is critical for sustained development and should be encouraged rather than disrupted.
“Leadership must ultimately be judged by results. In Rivers State, there is clear evidence of progress—projects that are not only announced but executed, and policies that translate into real benefits for citizens,” Dr Salam noted.
The group warned that discontinuity in leadership could stall ongoing projects and reverse gains already recorded, stressing the importance of allowing a performing administration to consolidate its achievements.
“Rivers State is at a pivotal stage where continuity will allow for the completion of ongoing initiatives and the deepening of development gains. Supporting Governor Fubara for a second term is, therefore, a decision in the best interest of the people,” the statement said.
In addition to its call on the APC leadership, the group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu, expressing confidence in his administration’s broader economic and governance reforms.
The APC group urged Nigerians to remain supportive of efforts aimed at stabilising the economy and strengthening public institutions.
“We reiterate our endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to national development. With sustained support, the administration can consolidate its reform agenda for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Dr Salam added.
The APC National Vanguard concluded by calling on political actors to prioritise development and public interest over partisan divides, insisting that governance should always be guided by performance and accountability.
“Where leadership demonstrates prudence, delivers development, and remains focused on the welfare of the people, it deserves continuity. This is the position we have reached after a careful and independent assessment of Rivers State,” the statement added.
Politics
Renewed Hope Ambassadors Shift to Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of 2027
*Renewed Hope Ambassadors Step Into the Next Phase
Fresh from the successful APC 2026 National Convention, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National, Zonal, and State leadership gathered in Abuja over the weekend, for its fourth strategic meeting, setting the tone for nationwide grassroots activation ahead of 2027.
Chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma (Imo State) the Director General and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, alongside Deputy Director-General, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State as Secretary, the session reinforced one clear direction: One Party. One Message. One Mobilization whilst also laying out a strategic roadmap for the activation of the network across all communities in Nigeria.
Backed by the strength of 31 APC-led states, the Renewed Hope Agenda is taking Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of progress and reform to every corner of Nigeria.
From bold economic restructuring to initiatives like NELFUND, the increase in the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, and strategic investments in critical sectors, including PNiCGI, the mission remains clear: helping Nigerians understand both the purpose and the progress of the Renewed Hope vision.
This is coordination at scale. This is grassroots engagement with purpose. This is the next phase of Renewed Hope with One Party, One Message, and One Mobilisation framework
#RenewedHopeAmbassadors #APC #WeAreAPC
Politics
Governor Bago Inaugurates APC Digital Media Sub-Committee Ahead of National Convention
Governor Bago Inaugurates APC Digital Media Sub-Committee Ahead of National Convention.
Governor Umaru Bago has inaugurated the Digital Media Sub-Committee for the forthcoming National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), scheduled to hold on March 27 and 28, 2026 in Abuja.
Chairing the sub-committee, Governor Bago tasked members with the responsibility of effectively communicating the party’s manifesto to the public.
He emphasized the need to leverage social media platforms to highlight the achievements and ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that communication gaps have posed challenges that must now be decisively addressed.
The Co-Chair of the sub-committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, echoed the Governor’s position, urging members to project the activities of both the party and the government to a broader audience.
He called for a deliberate and coordinated effort to showcase the party’s achievements and policy direction, stressing the importance of shaping a compelling and consistent narrative across all digital platforms.
Delivering a presentation to the committee, Otega Ogra, SSA to the President on New Media, who serves as Secretary of the sub-committee, outlined strategic focus areas to guide the team’s operations.
His presentation highlighted communication priorities and actionable steps to achieve the committee’s mandate and strengthen the party’s digital engagement.
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