Group Hails Jonathan for Rejecting 2027 Presidential Bid

…says former President remains key Promoter of Asiwaju’s economic blueprint

The Good Governance Advocates Network (GGAN) has praised former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his resolute decision to decline calls to contest the 2027 presidential election, reaffirming his status as a principled statesman dedicated to Nigeria’s progress.

In a statement issued by its Secretary General, Dr. Israel Prince, the group lauded Jonathan for his consistent support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, describing him as a vital ally in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Prince said Jonathan, who has repeatedly endorsed Tinubu’s economic reforms, sees in them a reflection of the transformative policies he championed during his presidency.

The GGAN highlighted that his public backing of Tinubu’s focus on transparency, investment, and sustainable growth underscores a shared vision for Nigeria’s prosperity.

The group commended Jonathan for his integrity and commitment to national unity, emphasising his refusal to be swayed by political overtures.

“For the third consecutive election cycle, Jonathan has rejected calls to run, most recently dismissing efforts by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to lure him into a contest against Tinubu,” Prince added.

“His decision to stay out of the 2027 race reflects a leader who honours agreements and prioritises Nigeria’s stability over personal ambition.

“This selfless act of placing Nigeria first cements his legacy as a peacemaker whose influence continues to inspire hope and unity across the nation.

“His refusal to be swayed by political pressures is a lesson in integrity. Jonathan’s actions demonstrate that leadership is not about clinging to power but about uplifting the nation through principled support for good governance.

“As an elder statesman, he has become a guiding voice, encouraging Nigerians to rally behind policies that drive prosperity, making him a shining example for leaders across Africa.”

The GGAN sharply criticised those behind the campaign to draw Jonathan back into partisan politics, labelling them as self-serving actors intent on disrupting Nigeria’s economic progress.

“These individuals are not champions of the people but obstacles to the nation’s growth,” Dr. Prince said, accusing them of attempting to derail Tinubu’s transformative agenda.

The group urged Nigerians to reject such divisive tactics and rally behind leaders who embody vision and integrity.

“Jonathan’s legacy as a peacemaker, forged through years of selfless service, continues to inspire a new generation of leaders to focus on collective progress.

“President Tinubu’s reforms are a bold leap toward repositioning Nigeria as a global economic powerhouse. His Renewed Hope Agenda, with its focus on transparency, investment, and sustainable growth, is already yielding results—revitalizing the energy sector, boosting job creation, and restoring public confidence.

“From increasing oil production to fostering international partnerships, Tinubu’s vision is laying a foundation for prosperity that will benefit generations.

“Tinubu’s leadership is marked by courage and foresight, tackling entrenched challenges with policies that prioritise long-term gains over short-term populism.”

The group, however, urged other past leaders and active politicians to rise above partisan divides and emulate Dr. Jonathan’s example by supporting President Tinubu’s transformative agenda.

“Let us set aside narrow interests and work together to build a Nigeria that thrives on unity, innovation, and shared prosperity,” Prince noted.

“The future of our nation depends on leaders who see beyond politics and champion the collective good, ensuring that Tinubu’s reforms succeed for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

Ondo Government Intensifies Drive to Boost IGR — Commissioner

The Ondo State Government says it is making deliberate efforts to expand its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base as part of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s vision to transform the state into an industrial hub.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, stated this in an interactive session with political journalists in Lagos, noting that the state generated ₦28.1 billion in the first quarter of 2025, a clear sign that its economic reforms are yielding results.

According to him, the administration has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a refinery with the capacity to produce 500,000 barrels of oil per day, while BUA Cement has concluded plans to set up operations in Okeluse to utilise the state’s vast limestone deposits. He said these strategic partnerships will stimulate job creation, drive industrialisation, and further increase revenue inflow.

Ajanaku explained that Governor Aiyedatiwa is driving development through the OUR EASE Agenda, a seven-point blueprint anchored on Order and Security, Urban and Rural Development, Revolutionary Technology and Industrialisation, Efficient Healthcare, Adequate Power and Energy, Sustainable Infrastructure and Tourism, and Education with Human Capital Development.

He stressed that the governor is determined to reposition Ondo beyond being a civil service state. “Dr. Aiyedatiwa is poised to change the narrative and put Ondo State on the map as a leading industrial hub. His background as a businessman gives him the edge to attract investors and grow our economy,” Ajanaku said.

On infrastructure, the Commissioner highlighted ongoing road projects across the three senatorial districts, including the near-completion of the Irese overhead bridge in Akure, the dualisation of Akungba–Ikare road, and the Ilaje–Ibeju Lekki coastal road being executed in partnership with the NDDC. He added that about 60km of Araromi beach roads are also under construction.

He revealed that the World Bank-assisted Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP), supported by the state’s ₦4 billion counterpart funding, is opening up rural communities for agricultural and commercial activities. “Across the 203 wards of the state, there is one project or the other going on,” he said.

On security, Ajanaku said Governor Aiyedatiwa is committed to ensuring a peaceful environment for businesses to thrive. He noted that the Amotekun Corps, which has been recognized by the United Nations as a model for community policing, recently received 50 operational vehicles from the government to enhance its capacity.

He also dismissed rumours of a rift between Governor Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, describing them as “the handiwork of detractors.” He said the duo remain united in their commitment to deliver dividends of democracy.

Looking ahead, the Commissioner assured that by February 2026, when Ondo State will mark its 50th anniversary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be invited to commission landmark projects, underscoring the governor’s determination to leave lasting legacies in industrialisation, infrastructure, and revenue growth.

Zamfara Bye-Election Fallout: APC Slams Governor Dauda for Alleged Thuggery and Media Manipulation

The recent Kaura Namoda South State House of Assembly bye-election in Zamfara State has ignited a firestorm of accusations, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) claiming a decisive victory over the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a scathing rejoinder, Zamfara APC Publicity Secretary Yusuf Idris Gusau accused Governor Dauda Lawal of resorting to underhanded tactics, including hiring a “criminal writer” to deflect blame for the PDP’s electoral loss.

The APC’s emphatic win in the bye-election, described as a “wide, incontestable margin,” left the PDP reeling, with party insiders reportedly pointing fingers at Governor Lawal’s leadership style, poor party coordination, and alleged favoritism toward outsiders.

Despite these internal criticisms, no legal challenge has been mounted by the PDP, which Gusau suggests is due to the undeniable outcome of the election.

Gusau’s statement aims at a PDP-sponsored article penned under the pseudonym Yusuf Alkali AbdurRahman, titled “Military and Democracy in Nigeria…”, which he claims was a failed attempt to discredit the APC’s victory.

The APC alleges that the PDP planned to disrupt the election with armed thugs and even bandits, a scheme thwarted by proactive security measures.

According to Gusau, the Zamfara Commissioner of Police issued a stern warning to miscreants the night before the election, and some individuals, including aides to the governor and members of his convoy, were arrested for their involvement in suspicious activities.

Further escalating the accusations, Gusau claims that PDP-affiliated thugs, supported by a state-owned security outfit and members of the Maiduguri Civilian JTF, fired gunshots at security personnel during the election.

Over 200 bullet shells were reportedly recovered, with the situation de-escalated by the professionalism of Kaduna Commissioner of Police Mohammed Rabiu.

The APC also alleges that the state government misallocated over N2 billion for the bye-election, funds that Gusau claims were not used to address pressing issues like banditry victims’ welfare.

In a twist of irony, Gusau notes that the pseudonymous writer inadvertently criticized Governor Lawal’s governance, urging him to “broaden inclusivity” and address “infrastructural neglect.”

The APC further accuses the PDP of hypocrisy, pointing out that the party allegedly used military influence to seize power in Zamfara in 2023 but now decries security involvement when it works against them.

Gusau concluded by calling on Governor Lawal to rethink his administration’s approach and prioritize public concerns, warning that the people of Zamfara are growing weary of political theatrics.

As the dust settles on the bye-election, the APC’s victory has intensified the rivalry between the two parties, setting the stage for further political battles in the state.