Politics
Pro-Tinubu Group Demands Sack of Badaru, Other Ministers Who Lost Polling Units in Bye-Elections
Pro-Tinubu Group Demands Sack of Badaru, Other Ministers Who Lost Polling Units in Bye-Elections
The Asiwaju Network has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately disengage underperforming ministers who failed to deliver their polling units and wards during the just-concluded bye-elections.
The group also urged a cabinet reshuffle to inject fresh energy and ensure that only those who can add political and governance value remain in the Federal Executive Council.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja and signed by its president, Alhaji Musa Ibrahim Dandoka, the Asiwaju Network said the results of the elections were a litmus test that exposed the political weaknesses of some ministers entrusted with strategic national assignments.
At Babura Kofar Arewa Primary School in Jigawa State, where the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, cast his vote, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 308 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC), which managed only 112.
Badaru, a former governor of Jigawa and APC chieftain, left the venue without addressing journalists after casting his vote amid heavy security presence.
Dandoka said it was troubling that, despite his high office, the Defence Minister could not secure victory in his polling unit.
He argued that such political setbacks undermine the strength of the APC and the credibility of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope government.
“This defeat is both embarrassing and unacceptable. A minister who cannot win his polling unit cannot claim to possess the political capital required to defend the APC or promote the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. President Tinubu must act quickly to weed out weak links in his cabinet and replace them with men and women who have proven grassroots capacity,” Dandoka stated.
The group noted that Badaru was not alone in this failure, stressing that another minister from Jigawa and one from Enugu State also lost their wards and polling units.
According to the group, these developments point to a worrying trend of disconnect between certain ministers and their political bases.
“Ministers are not merely technocrats. They are political leaders of the party in their states and zones. If they cannot hold their homes together, then they do not deserve to hold on to strategic national offices. The bye-elections have sent a clear message, and it is that some ministers have lost relevance and electoral value,” the statement reads.
The Asiwaju Network maintained that the APC’s strength lies in grassroots mobilisation, and any minister unable to inspire loyalty within his immediate constituency is a liability.
Dandoka emphasised that President Tinubu’s success in governance must be matched with political consolidation, which requires capable and electorally grounded cabinet members.
“President Tinubu has been bold with tough decisions on subsidy reforms, the economy, and security. Nigerians are beginning to see the fruits of those reforms. But he must also be bold enough to reshuffle his cabinet. A government of results cannot afford ministers who are passengers. The President needs proven drivers of the Renewed Hope vision,” Dandoka said.
The group also commended loyal APC members and supporters who defied intimidation and attempts at rigging in Jigawa and Enugu, saying their resilience was the true strength of the ruling party.
“These members stood firm when those at the top failed to inspire confidence. They turned out in their numbers to defend the APC’s relevance even when some of their supposed leaders abandoned them. These grassroots soldiers of democracy must never be taken for granted,” Dandoka added.
The Asiwaju Network further urged President Tinubu to take the bye-election results as a warning, cautioning that retaining non-performing ministers would embolden the opposition and demoralise party loyalists.
“The message from Jigawa and Enugu is clear: the APC cannot continue to reward failure. A minister who cannot secure a few streets in his ward has no business in the Federal Executive Council. Mr President must urgently rejig his cabinet or risk carrying dead weight into future electoral contests,” the coalition warned.
Reaffirming the group’s loyalty to Tinubu’s leadership, Dandoka said Nigerians expect a government that rewards competence and accountability, not excuses and political failures.
“President Tinubu has the people’s mandate. He must not allow weak ministers to drag down his vision. A decisive cabinet reshuffle now will send a strong signal that the Renewed Hope government is serious about performance, delivery, and results,” he declared.
Politics
DANFULANI, A PARTY STALWART, MAKES CASE FOR APC PUBLICITY SECRETARY ROLE, PROMISES DIGITAL REVOLUTION, URGES DELEGATES SUPPORT
DANFULANI, A PARTY STALWART, MAKES CASE FOR APC PUBLICITY SECRETARY ROLE, PROMISES DIGITAL REVOLUTION, URGES DELEGATES SUPPORT
In a move set to reshape the communication dynamics of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, a prominent party stalwart has formally declared his intention to contest the position of State Publicity Secretary.
The aspirant, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, brings a deep history of party service to his candidacy. Born in Mando, Afaka ward, Igabi Local Government of Kaduna State, Danfulani was SA Northern media strategies to the APC Publicity Secretary Mr Lai Mohammed, he is also the founder of the APC at Your Door Campaigns Forum. He previously served as the North-west Secretary for the GMB support group, which campaigned extensively for the late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. Danfulani was also a founding member of the Tinubu Support Organization and is the Convener of the General Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative. His practical electoral experience includes serving as the Returning Officer for the APC in Afaka ward, Igabi Local Government, during the 2023 Presidential and Gubernatorial elections.
Now holding the traditional title of Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, Danfulani has called upon party leaders, delegates, and critical stakeholders to rally behind his candidacy in the upcoming state congress scheduled for March 3, 2026.
This appeal was contained in a personally signed statement released to the press on Tuesday, wherein Danfulani outlined his vision for a more robust, strategic, and modern party publicity machinery.
Citing his formidable and unparalleled experience spanning over a decade at the intersection of journalism and practical politics, Danfulani positioned himself as the ideal candidate to articulate and defend the party’s programmes, policies, and achievements. He argued that this unique blend of skills is precisely what the APC needs to enhance its narrative, engage a broader electorate, and consolidate its gains in the state.
“My extensive background in media practice and deep-rooted involvement in political mobilisation have equipped me with the requisite insight to drive an effective communication strategy for our great party,” the statement read in part. “I understand both the power of the pen and the pulse of the people.”
In a pledge that signals a forward-looking approach, the aspirant promised to revolutionise the party’s media engagement by introducing several innovative digital media strategies if elected. This proposed digital overhaul aims to leverage social media platforms, data analytics, and targeted content creation to connect with younger demographics, counter misinformation swiftly, and project the APC’s activities with greater clarity and impact.
Political observers note that Danfulani’s entry into the race brings a significant weight of credibility and strategic acumen, bolstered by his extensive grassroots and national campaign experience. His background underscores deep community ties and respect within traditional circles, a factor considered invaluable for trust-building.
The statement concluded with a confident appeal: “I humbly seek your mandate. With your support, I am committed to serving as a dynamic, proactive, and articulate voice for the APC in Kaduna State, ensuring our story is told accurately, persuasively, and consistently across all media frontiers.”
As the congress date approaches, Danfulani’s candidacy—built on a proven track record of party service and a promise of digital innovation—is poised to be a major point of discussion among party faithful seeking a communicative edge for the elections ahead.
Renewed Hope Ambassadors Inspect RHA Secretariat
Renewed Hope Ambassadors, led by its Director-General and the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, alongside Zonal Coordinators (NW, NC, SE), the Media & Publicity Directorate, and other key stakeholders, inspected the RHA Secretariat two days after President Bola Tinubu unveiled the Renewed Hope Ambassadors grassroots engagement drive in Abuja.
Politics
2027 Elections: PDP Certain to Appear on Ballot, Says Ajadi as Oyo Governorship Race Gains Momentum
2027 Elections: PDP Certain to Appear on Ballot, Says Ajadi as Oyo Governorship Race Gains Momentum
Ibadan, Oyo State — The leading governorship aspirant in Oyo State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has reiterated his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election, affirming his commitment to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde.
Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo is being interviewed by the journalists
Ajadi restated his ambition on Wednesday during the PDP Egbeda Local Government general party meeting held at the party secretariat, where party leaders, grassroots mobilisers and supporters gathered to deliberate on party unity and preparations ahead of future elections.
Speaking with journalists shortly before the commencement of the meeting, Ajadi described himself as a committed grassroots politician and a bona fide member of the PDP from Osengere Ward 8 in Egbeda Local Government Area.
“I have come here today to participate in the Egbeda Local Government PDP general meeting as a loyal member of our great party,” he said. “I am also here to reassure my people of my intention to contest for the governorship position in Oyo State in 2027 so as to continue the good legacy established by Governor Seyi Makinde.”
Confidence in PDP’s Electoral Participation
Reacting to concerns surrounding internal challenges within the PDP at the national level, Ajadi expressed strong confidence that the party would remain a major contender in the 2027 general elections.
I do not want to say anything negative because I believe the fathers and mothers of democracy in Nigeria will not allow anything that undermines democratic principles,” he stated.
According to him, the PDP remains a foundational pillar of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“The PDP is central to the democracy we practise today. I am very sure that PDP will be on the ballot in 2027. Nigerians asked for democracy, not a return to military rule. Therefore, a one-party system is not an option for our country,” Ajadi added.
He also emphasised the need to safeguard democratic institutions, particularly the judiciary, stressing that Nigeria’s democracy must continue to operate within the principles of fairness, justice and the rule of law.
“By the grace of God, Nigerians will decide their future through democratic means, and I am confident that PDP will reclaim leadership in 2027,” he said.
Call for Unity, Prayers and National Renewal
The governorship aspirant used the occasion to call for national unity, urging Nigerians across religious and ethnic divides to embrace peace and collective responsibility, especially during the spiritual seasons of Ramadan and Lent.
“The prayers we are offering during Ramadan and Lent should be for peace, unity and positive change in our nation,” Ajadi said. “Muslims, Christians and all Nigerians must remain steadfast in faith and love for one another. Together, we can change the narrative of our country come 2027.”
Party Leaders Rally Support
The meeting attracted prominent PDP stakeholders and political leaders from across Egbeda Local Government Area, reflecting growing grassroots mobilisation ahead of the electoral cycle.
Among dignitaries present were Deputy Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Sunkanmi Babalola; Chairman of Egbeda Local Government Council, Hon. Oyedele Sanda; Egbeda PDP Chairman, Chairman Ebenezer Olawale Alawe; and Vice Chairman of Egbeda Local Government Council, Hon. Ibrahim Oladebo, popularly known as Simple.
Other party stalwarts in attendance included Leader Busari Olayemi, Elder Caleb Oyelese, Leader Liadi Busari, Mrs. Jumoke Lawal, widely known as Iya Pineapple, and Hon. Lukmon Akinpelu, alongside several ward executives and grassroots mobilisers.
Party leaders at the meeting emphasised unity within the PDP structure, noting that sustained grassroots participation remains critical to maintaining the party’s strength in Oyo State politics.
Strengthening Grassroots Politics
Political observers at the gathering noted that Ajadi’s continued engagement with party members at the local government level underscores a strategic grassroots approach aimed at strengthening party structures ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum, Ajadi’s consistent reaffirmation of his ambition signals increasing political activities in the state, setting the stage for what promises to be a competitive governorship contest.
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