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Ekiti Guber Poll: We are united to win Ekiti For APC, says Tinubu

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Ekiti Guber Poll: We are united to win Ekiti For APC, says Tinubu

Ekiti Guber Poll: We are united to win Ekiti For APC, says Tinubu

….canvasses support for Oyebanji

…As APC governors, leaders storm Ekiti for Oyebanji

By Olorunfemi Adejuyigbe

 

 

Ekiti Guber Poll: We are united to win Ekiti For APC, says Tinubu

 

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said the party is united to ensure victory for its governorship candidate, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, during Saturday’s election in the state.

Asiwaju Tinubu said all quarrels and squabbles in the APC family had been resolved and the party is approaching Saturday’s governorship poll and next year’s general elections as a united house that is ready to crush the opposition.

 

 

 

Speaking in Ado- Ekiti, Tuesday at the APC mega rally held ahead of the June 18 governorship election, Asiwaju Tinubu, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, said the Ekiti poll is an opportunity to make a statement that the Yoruba is ready for the Presidency next year.

The entry of Asiwaju Tinubu into the arena at 1.40 pm enlivened the crowd who greeted the presidential candidate with deafening ovation and applause to the admiration of the guests.

 

 

Ekiti Guber Poll: We are united to win Ekiti For APC, says Tinubu

 

 

The APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who led other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) to the rally, presented the governorship flag to Oyebanji who was joined by his running mate, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye and the wife of the candidate, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji.

The rally which was witnessed by a mammoth crowd was attended by all APC Governors: Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) who were all introduced by the host Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

 

 

 

Ekiti Guber Poll: We are united to win Ekiti For APC, says Tinubu

 

 

Asiwaju Tinubu, who had arrived the state on Monday, had prior to the rally, presented Oyebanji to the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, HRM Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, during a courtesy visit to the palace. in company with Dr Fayemi, Oyebanji and other APC leaders.

He told the crowd pf supporters that President Buhari asked him to bring the message of newfound love, stability, oneness and unity in the party to its members and electorate in Ekiti to achieve total victory on Saturday and general elections in 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Going down the memory lane, Asiwaju Tinubu recalled the developments that led to the formation of the APC in 2013 with the merger of legacy parties which successfully dislodged the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) which he described as “Poverty Development Party” from power at the 2015 general elections.

The presidential flag bearer said Nigerians further trusted the party by re-electing it to continue in power in the 2019 general elections commending Buhari for supporting the clamour for return of power to the South in 2023 with him (Tinubu) as the symbol for the unity of the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The former Lagos State Governor threw his weight behind the election of Oyebanji noting that internal rancour within the party has now become a thing of the past and it is now united to achieve victory on Saturday to signpost its readiness to retain power at the centre in 2023.

Asiwaju Tinubu urged Ekiti Kete to re-elect APC to show their readiness to support the party that has entrusted its presidential ticket to a Yoruba candidate next year urging them to forget the grievances of the past and support the party in elections ahead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He said: “President Buhari is a man of integrity, honour is better than riches. He has said we (APC) are going back to South for the next President of Nigeria and he has kept that promise for us and it is now left for us to work for the progress and unity of Nigeria.

“There is no house where we don’t have quarrels, democracy is full of twists and turns, hills and valleys. We will have quarrels but we will not burn down the house. I am a builder, a successful builder for that matter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Those of us that said we are fighting, you are lying. We have settled our quarrel. This is the first step in the elections ahead. The President has said I should be involved in this (Ekiti) election and we are going to succeed.

“I have not failed in any elections before; four years ago, myself, (Governor) Bagudu and others were here and you listened the us and we succeeded in that election.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking earlier, the National Chairman, Senator Adamu said the Ekiti rally was the first outing of the party since the conclusion of the national convention which produced Asiwaju Tinubu as the presidential flag bearer.

The former Nasarawa State Governor who was impressed by the huge crowd that thronged the rally assuring that Oyebanji would succeed Dr Fayemi as the next Ekiti Governor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The National Chairman urged voters in Ekiti to vote Oyebanji whom he described as humble and service inclined candidate to prove a point that Ekiti is an APC state.

He said: “This Saturday will be historic and we thank Ekiti people for coming out en masse to welcome us. I have come to this state three times, I have not seen a crowd like this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“We saw the vote returned during the election of Governor Fayemi but next Saturday, we want to see the double of that. Come out on Saturday and show all that Ekiti is an APC state.”

The former Interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, urged those who are still aggrieved with APC to forgive the party ahead of the Saturday election.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giving a word of admonition to the party faithful and the electorate in the state, Chief Akande who spoke in Yoruba said to err is human and to forgive is divine urging the aggrieved to forgive the party, it’s candidate and whoever that might have offended them.

The Chairman of the National Campaign Council for Ekiti governorship election and Kebbi Governor Bagudu urged voters in Ekiti to retain APC in power for good governance to continue in the state

 

 

 

 

 

 

Governor Bagudu said he and other fellow governors had visited the state within the last four years to commission key projects and witnessed the launch of the Rice Pyramid in Ekiti noting that the state must remain in the APC fold for such laudable policies and projects to continue.

The rally was a big carnival that attracted APC members from all the 16 local government areas who wore colourful attires with Oyebanji’s portraits as a mark of solidarity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ace Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal and other artistes entertained the crowd during the rally.

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Lagos Deserves Leaders Like You, UNILAG Tells Speaker Meranda

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Lagos Deserves Leaders Like You, UNILAG Tells Speaker Meranda

– institution pledges support for Lagos Speaker

 

A team from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has promised the institution’s support to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.

Professor Abraham Osinubi Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies of the institution, who led the delegation on a courtesy visit to the Speaker on Thursday, described Princess Meranda’s emergence as a triumph for vision and integrity.

“Your election is not just a personal victory; it is a triumph for vision, integrity, and commitment to the greater good.

“Lagos State stands at the crossroads of boundless opportunities and challenges, and we are confident that under your dynamic stewardship, the Assembly will enact transformative policies that will elevate the state to even greater heights.

“As a state renowned for its innovation, resilience, and leadership, Lagos needs leaders like you who possess the courage to envision a brighter future and the wisdom to bring that vision to life,” Professor Osinubi said.

The Dean said the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, was excited that the institution had produced the first ever female Speaker of the State’s Assembly.

“As you assume this exalted office, we pray that divine wisdom, strength and clarity of purpose will guide your every decision. May you lead with compassion and fairness and may your tenure be marked by unity, progress, and prosperity for all citizens of Lagos State.

“We also pray that your work inspires future generations to recognise that leadership is a call to service, a sacred trust to uplift lives, and a platform to shape legacies of lasting impact.

“School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lagos, remains committed to supporting visionary leaders like you by providing the intellectual resources needed to address the pressing challenges of our time. We look forward to witnessing the transformational strides your leadership will bring to Lagos State,” Professor Osinubi added.

Responding, Speaker Meranda said the visit was an encouragement and a challenge for her and the House to meet the yearnings of Lagosians through life-changing laws and motions.

Meranda, who had earlier emphasised her commitment to a happier Lagos, promised to continue to be a source of pride to UNILAG.

“I will definitely make you proud by the special grace of God. I will work to ensure that you see me as a source of pride to UNILAG,” she promised.

A lawmaker and alumnus of the institution, Hon. Lanre Afinni, recalled how UNILAG students made Nigeria proud during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, UNILAG students produced portable ventilators which assisted Lagosians.
For all that you have been doing for us, we say thank you,” Afinni said.

Lagos Deserves Leaders Like You, UNILAG Tells Speaker Meranda

Media Office of the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

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Northern Leaders Revolt: No Guarantee Tinubu Gets 2027 Presidency

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Northern Leaders Revolt: No Guarantee Tinubu Gets 2027 Presidency

Northern Leaders Revolt: No Guarantee Tinubu Gets 2027 Presidency

Pro-North socio-political organization, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and prominent voices across the northern region have declared that President Bola Tinubu cannot count on their support for re-election in 2027.

The pushback came after the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, called on northern politicians to step aside until 2031 to allow Tinubu to complete a second term. Ganduje, addressing a delegation at the APC National Secretariat, argued it was only fair for Tinubu to follow in the footsteps of a northern predecessor who served two full terms.

“Our president has come from the south and is going, Insha Allah, for a second term come 2027,” Ganduje said. “After that, it will be the North’s turn.”

However, the ACF firmly rejected Ganduje’s stance. National Publicity Secretary Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba likened Ganduje’s statement to promoting a “cult of personality,” noting voters cannot be coerced. “It’s up to the voters to endorse, reject, or modify what Ganduje said,” Muhammad-Baba remarked. “In 2015, we were sold on anti-corruption. In 2023, ‘Renewed Hope’ turned into a nightmare. What will matter for Tinubu is his policies and their impact.”

Former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai expressed similar sentiments, warning Tinubu could face a political mutiny akin to the “Goodluck Jonathan treatment.” El-Rufai shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) claiming that relations between Tinubu and the North have soured just two years into his presidency.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who has declared his presidential ambition for 2027, dismissed Ganduje’s remarks as “silly.” His commissioner, Maiwada Bello, rallied youths to support Mohammed’s campaign, touting his administration’s record of appointing more youths to key positions than any other governor.

Meanwhile, Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, criticized Tinubu’s policies for turning northern Nigeria into a “refugee camp.” Lawal vowed to help unseat Tinubu in 2027, asserting, “The North is mobilizing with a consensus that Tinubu must give way. If we continue with these policies for another four years, northern Nigeria will collapse.”

Despite Ganduje’s insistence on unity, political fractures appear inevitable. Lawal concluded, “We need a leader who understands one Nigeria. The North and its elites will make sure Tinubu doesn’t have a second chance.”

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Bill For Research Trust Fund Scales Second Reading At Lagos Assembly

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Bill For Research Trust Fund Scales Second Reading At Lagos Assembly

Bill For Research Trust Fund Scales Second Reading At Lagos Assembly

 

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Princess Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, has committed a bill to establish the State’s research trust fund to a sub-committee of the House.

 

Meranda also emphasised the need for tertiary institutions in the state to partake in effective research works for the benefit of the state.

This was as the bill, sponsored by a member of the House, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, scaled second reading on the floor of the House.

The proposed law is aimed at creating a ‘state research trust fund for the allocation, management and administration of the trust fund and for connected purposes’.

Supporting the bill, lawmakers praised the sponsor and noted that it would help advance the state.

Yishawu told his colleagues that the bill was important as it would help drive innovation, economic growth, and technological advancement in the state.

According to him, Lagos, as Nigeria’s economic hub, cannot afford to lag in scientific and technological development.

He argued that a well-structured research and development funding system would enhance governance, stimulate industrialisation, and position the state as a leader in innovation.

He also stressed that the bill, when passed, would touch every facet of Lagos.

Dissecting the bill, some of the lawmakers raised concerns over taxation but agreed that the bill was important.

Hon. Noheem Adams stressed that funding would help to provide a veritable opportunity for researchers to come up with results that help societies.

According to him, when Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, “it would have been difficult to visualize that a day would come when we will all have a handset in our pockets.”

The ad-hoc committee is expected to fine-tune the bill ahead of further processes leading to its passage.

Signed:
Media Office Of The Rt. Hon. Speaker

Bill For Research Trust Fund Scales Second Reading At Lagos Assembly

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