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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s popularity, strength threat to Bello, Kogi APC leaders, says PDP Chieftain

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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s popularity, strength threat to Bello, Kogi APC leaders, says PDP Chieftain

 

· Accuses APC of making Kogi State torture, kidnapping and killing chambers

· Urges Buhari to call Yahaya Bello to order

· Calls Safiu Governor Yahaya Bello’s loyalist

· Says PDP ready to take campaign against violence in Kogi State to Europe and America

· Insists on adequate security

 

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi, Chief Otenyiete Otuhuo, said the popularity and strength of the party’s senatorial candidate in Kogi Central had thrown Governor Yahaya Bello and other All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in the state into panic mode.

 

‘’What they are seeing is the beginning of PDP’s victory in 2023. APC should be ready to move out of Kogi State. We do not want war. It is time that the APC realized that it has failed Kogi State people politically’’

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

 

He also condemned APC leaders for making Kogi State some sort of torture, kidnapping and killing chambers.

 

Okene Local Government Chairman, Hon Abdulrazak Yusuf, a few days ago gave one week notice to PDP in the local government area to vacate its party secretariat. Safiu, a loyalist of Governor Yahaya Bello and a man on the pay roll of Abdulkarim Asuku, Chief of Staff to Bello, was abducted for renouncing violence and dumping the ruling party in the state. There is a video online where a top government official in Kogi State vowed to send Safiu to where he brought him from.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

In a statement in Lokoja, the PDP leader accused Bello and other top government functionaries of employing all kinds of tactics and blackmail to harass, intimidate and members of the opposition.

 

Quoting from a petition to the Chief of Naval Staff, the PDP chieftain said Hon Musa Adelabu, a PDP chairman of Okene Local Government Area was abducted/kidnapped on the 10th day of August 2018 from his residence.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

According to Shedrack Demaki, Principal Partner, Demaki and Demaki, Rufai Jimoh was abducted/kidnapped on the 27th day of January 2021 along old Ageva Secretariat on the Lagos Highway while Mr Hadi Abdulmaliki was abducted/kidnapped on the 3rd day of January 2022 at Ihiima.

 

‘’Mr Kasim Ismaila was also kidnapped on the 21st day of December at Agaminana. Ismaila Momoh was abducted from is house by gun men. Mr Monday Idowu was abducted on the 10th day of January 2022 by the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Abdulraheem Ohiare at Ihima. Abdulazeez Salami was abducted by Abdulheem Ohiare on the 10t day of July 2019’’

 

 

 

Particularly Ohuhuo criticized Bello for his undemocratic conduct and breach of the peace in Kogi State.

‘’Series of kidnapping and abductions were orchestrated and carried out by government officials”

 

 

 

 

He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call Yahaya Bello to order.

 

‘’Despotism and flagrant abuse of power represent the basic fabric from which the Yahaya Bello led APC administration is woven today. Something should be done to curtail the excesses of Kogi government officials and military personnel in the state’’

 

 

 

He also urged the police and navy to arrest Kogi State APC officials for crimes against humanity.

 

‘’Kogi APC officials have steadily kidnapped, harassed and beaten individuals that have been critical of Yahaya Bello’s policies.’’

 

 

 

The PDP stalwart commended Bello for exposing APC tactics to Kogi electorate, who now fully understand how the party wants to execute its 2023 political plan in the state.

 

‘’Governor Yahaya Bello and his co-travelers are not intelligent enough. Rather than face PDP squarely, they are looking for cheap distractions. Their efforts to cause more divisions and confusion among Kogi people are becoming new sources of strength and urgency to dislodge them in 2023’’.

 

 

 

 

The statement underscored rallies and seminars held by different groups to condemn thuggery and violence in Kogi State.

He also praised Kogi people for creating and sustaining a culture of resistance.

 

 

 

 

‘’Our people are eager to take the crusade to Europe and America. That is the next option if they continue to harass, intimidate, kidnap and kill members of the opposition’’

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Third Term Resumption: Ajadi Launches Back-to-School Support for 200 Pupils in Ibadan

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Third Term Resumption: Ajadi Launches Back-to-School Support for 200 Pupils in Ibadan

 

A leading governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the education sector as part of efforts to build a better future for the next generation.

 

Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Ajadi said his administration, if elected in 2027, would focus on harnessing grassroots talents while providing support for vulnerable and underprivileged children.

 

He announced plans to launch a “Back-to-School Initiative” on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, across the seven geopolitical zones of the state, in commemoration of the 2025/2026 third term resumption.

According to him, the programme aims to support over 200 vulnerable pupils with school uniforms, socks, sandals, and other educational materials.

 

He noted that the initiative would complement ongoing efforts by the administration of Seyi Makinde in addressing the challenge of out-of-school children.

 

The initiative, he added, is being implemented in partnership with the Catch Them Young Campaign Initiative to ensure that support reaches pupils in government-owned primary schools across the state.

 

In Ibadan, the first phase of the programme will cover selected schools, including Ode Aje Primary School, Kumapayi Primary School, Olodo; IDC Primary School, Odo-Ona; L. A Special School, Gate; and St. Luke’s Demonstration Basic School, Molete.

 

Ajadi further disclosed that the initiative would be extended to other zones of the state in the coming weeks.

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Zamfara APC Stakeholders Unanimously Endorse Tinubu, Lawal for Second Term

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Zamfara APC Stakeholders Unanimously Endorse Tinubu, Lawal for Second Term

 

Stakeholders of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State have thrown their full weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal for a second term in the 2027 general elections.

 

The endorsement came on Saturday, April 25, 2026, during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened at the Government House in Gusau. The gathering drew all four former governors of the state, elected officials, elders, and representatives of youth and women from all 14 local government areas.

 

Speaking at the event, Governor Lawal described the meeting as timely, noting that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections are about to intensify.

 

He explained that his decision to join the APC was not merely political but a strategic move to reposition Zamfara, strengthen collaboration with the federal government, and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda. He thanked stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout the transition process.

 

Lawal urged party leaders to manage public expectations with maturity and fairness, acknowledging that not all political aspirations can be met immediately. He stressed that leadership goes beyond positions and that political relevance comes from service and contribution to development.

 

He further assured that fairness, equity, and justice would guide his administration’s decisions, and called for discipline and loyalty to the party.

 

In a communiqué read by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Bello Matawalle, himself a former governor, the stakeholders declared their full support for President Tinubu and Governor Lawal. The communiqué also covered discussions on party unity, governance coordination, security challenges, and preparations for the 2027 elections.

 

All four former governors of Zamfara Ahmed Sani Yarima, Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi, Abdul’aziz Yari, and Bello Mohammed Matawalle were present and made clear commitments to the APC and the re-election bid of the president and the governor.

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Ajadi Gains Fresh Support from PDP Stakeholders Across 11 Ibadan LGAs yesterday 

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Ajadi Gains Fresh Support from PDP Stakeholders Across 11 Ibadan LGAs yesterday 

 

The leading governorship aspirant in Oyo State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has reiterated his commitment to sustaining the achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde, stated that his ambition is driven by a desire to consolidate good governance as he believes that humans are not animals and need to be governed well rather than pursuing personal gain.

 

Ajadi made this known on Thursday, April 23, 2026, during a strategic meeting with PDP stakeholders drawn from all 11 local government areas in Ibadan, where he formally sought their support ahead of the party’s gubernatorial primary election.

 

Addressing the gathering, Ajadi commended the Makinde administration for what he described as impactful governance across critical sectors, stressing that his aspiration is rooted in continuity of good governance, emphasizing that the promised Omituntun 3.0 is sacrosanct and he remains the initiator of Omituntun 3.0, the continuity of Governor Seyi Makinde’s legacy.

 

“If Omituntun reaches 40.0 in the future, nobody should be surprised that what started from 1.0 got to that level because good governance needs to be in continuity till eternity,” he said.

 

“The government of Governor Seyi Makinde has done well in all ramifications. That is why I have come forward to sustain his good governance for the benefit of our people,” he said.

 

He dismissed insinuations that his ambition was financially motivated, emphasizing his longstanding commitment to humanitarian service.

 

“I am not in this race to loot public funds. I have always been a philanthropist, and I intend to replicate that character through people-oriented governance that will uplift lives across Oyo State,” Ajadi added.

 

Earlier, the PDP Senatorial Chairman, Hon. Dayo Opatokun, described Ajadi as a stabilizing force within the party, noting that his engagements have contributed significantly to unity among members.

 

“Ambassador Ajadi is one of the aspirants who have kept the party united. His approach to leadership and inclusiveness is commendable,” Opatokun said.

 

Also speaking, Hon. Mufutau Ogunremi, Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to Governor Makinde, insisted that Ajadi should not be regarded as a political outsider within government circles.

 

“Ajadi should not be seen as a visitor in any government parastatal. He is a key stakeholder who has strengthened the PDP in Oyo State through consistent engagement with party executives at ward, local government, and state levels,” Ogunremi stated.

 

He further praised Governor Makinde’s leadership style, adding that Ajadi possesses similar qualities.

 

“Governor Makinde has shown exemplary leadership, and Ajadi has demonstrated the capacity to replicate that model. His relationship with party members is built on trust, loyalty, and sincerity,” he said.

 

The PDP Party Chairman in Lagelu Local Government Area, and Chairman of Local Government PDP Chairmen in the state, Femi Falowo, commended Ajadi’s humanitarian efforts and leadership qualities, expressing confidence in his ability to succeed Makinde.

 

“Many may be afraid to speak, but I will say it—Ajadi has done well in emulating humanitarian service. He understands governance and has what it takes to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde,” Falowo declared.

 

He urged the aspirant to remain steadfast in his philanthropic engagements and party unification efforts.

 

“I encourage you to continue your good work and never stop uniting members of the party,” he added.

 

On her part, the Senatorial Women Leader, Hon. Aduke Okewusi, called for greater inclusion and empowerment of women in Ajadi’s political structure.

 

“Women play crucial roles during elections, yet they are often relegated to the background. We want to be actively involved and empowered beyond mere political mobilization,” she said.

 

Okewusi urged Ajadi to honour his commitment to gender inclusion if elected.

 

“You have promised to carry women along. We expect that this promise will be fulfilled,” she added.

 

Similarly, the Youth Leader of Ona-Ara Local Government, Nureni Morakinyo Azeez, emphasized the need for youth empowerment, noting the critical role young people play during elections.

 

“Youths are always at the forefront during campaigns. We are appealing to you to prioritize youth empowerment and create opportunities that will secure our future,” Azeez said.

 

The meeting, which drew party leaders and grassroots mobilizers from across Ibadan, is seen as part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations aimed at consolidating support within the PDP as the race for the 2027 governorship election gathers momentum.

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