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WHY WE DON’T TRUST INEC, FEDERAL GOVERNMENT- LAGOS APC CHAIRMAN, OTUNBA AJOMALE

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Many Nigerians had prepared mind and body for the 2015 general elections which was originally scheduled to start on Saturday, February 14th, 2015 until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shocked the country and indeed international observers with a rescheduling, although, we saw it coming.
 
The announcements of new dates for the elections has since brewed many controversies including whether or not the Peoples Democratic Party being the ruling party was hiding under the authority of the federal government to gain INEC’s favour. There were also talks of plans to sack the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega for refusing to bend a little.
 
In this exclusive interview with Sahara weekly magazine, Otunba Henry Oladele Ajomale reacts to these stories making the rounds. He also talks about why it is difficult for the APC to trust INEC and why he feels Obasanjo was right to tear his PDP membership card.
 
 
Can we meet you?
 
My name is Oladele Ajomale. I am the chairman of APC, Lagos state.
 
What is your take about the rescheduling of the election? Now, there is even an insinuation that there is a grand plan to scuttle it and sack the INEC chairman, Attahiru Jega, what are your positions on these?
 
All the stories I’ve heard are rumour but again, it is becoming an issue generating so much controversies not only in Nigeria but also outside the country. Perhaps, there is an iota of truth in everything said because the reasons given for the postponement of the election is not tenable. First, we have been having a war in these local governments and in the states over 5 years and that war has not spread more than these same 14 local governments in the North east. It has not gone to the North West or North central.
 
Therefore, I believe the military must have curtailed the Boko Haram activities. So, that shouldn’t be the reason for the stoppage of the election in 32 states including Abuja because there was relative peace in these states we are talking about. Secondly, why should it be the security officers that should write a letter to INEC advising them to shift election? If INEC refuses to shift that election and anything happens, it will be on INEC. So, head or tail, INEC will be blamed if they didn’t postpone the election. However, it doesn’t mean that it should be postponed by 6 weeks. Are they going to finish the prosecution of Boko Haram in 6 weeks? INEC said 73% of PVCs have been collected in totality. If you are looking for 100%, you are wasting your time. If majority of those who are voting have their PVC, I don’t see any reason for the postponement except there is something behind it. So, the two reasons given, to us are not tenable because it has been proved that it is not sufficient enough to postpone the election except they have an agenda which has not been known. Some people identified that they purposely did it in order to perpetrate certain things. I pray the war ends in 6weeks so that we will have peace everywhere in Nigeria. There will not be anybody to say I lost the election because of this, again, when the election is not done when it is supposed to, you are violating the constitution but we have agreed to wait for 6weeks and that doesn’t stop us from doing our rally. We will still continue it; they won’t catch us except they have a plan which we don’t know. Like what happened in Ekiti that is now been revealed. Everyone is on the watch out, whatever they want to do, they will see. Whether they want to rig it, the whole world is watching, we are also watching. We are not going to sleep until this election is over
 
The APC has been accused severally of heating up the polity. How would you react to this sir?
 
If that is the way they want to view it, then it is okay. We trusted the federal government, we trusted INEC during the Ekiti elections but, we have learnt a very good lesson that they cannot be trusted. We can tell that the military, INEC and the federal government were all involved in the rigging of the Ekiti elections. Thus, if we don’t shout out before the elections, when do we want to cry out?
 
Recently here in Lagos, we signed a peace agreement where the two gladiators, other parties and stakeholders were present. Same night we signed the agreement, they started tearing all our posters on 3rd Mainland Bridge claiming that it is a federal road. Is it the PDP that owns the federal government or the federal roads?
 
Recently, former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo renounced his membership of the PDP and went ahead to tear is membership card of the party. Many believe that the attitude is unbecoming of an elder statesman. Do you also share same sentiments?
 
I am a Yoruba man, I don’t insult my elders. I believe what he did is a reaction to what has been done to him and the country. After all, he is not coming to our party. so I believe they are all same in same.
 
Right from time, we have known President Obasanjo to be an emotional person. He is used to reacting exactly the way he feels. So, if that is the way he felt at that time, then it is okay to express it.
 
So, what is your expectation from the 2015 elections?
 
Well, my expectation is to see that the best man wins the election. Nigeria has been under a cabal for a while now and we need a new direction. With all the resources we are blessed with as a nation, there has been nothing to show for it.
 
My expectation is to have a Nigeria with uninterrupted power supply, reduced unemployment rate, to see corruption significantly minimized and to have good governance….
 
(Cuts-in) Your expectation for the election sir…
 
Well, my wish is for the best man to win and to have a peaceful free and fair election without rigging.
 
But people believe that all politicians are the same?
 
No, that is not true; politicians are not all the same. There are still politicians who are passionate about Nigeria. There are politicians who travel abroad and when they are there they are well behaved but, they come back and behave with so much impunity. See, this country is founded on law and the law must be obeyed. The culture of impunity must stop.
 
There are still politicians who believe in obeying the laws of the country, politicians who are passionate about the development of Nigeria.
 
Finally, this is about Lagos, the Alliance for Democracy gubernatorial candidate in the state believes that on his party has the experience to rule Lagos effectively. According to him, the AD ruled for 8 years, AC 4 years, ACN 2 years and the APC just 2 years. What is your reaction to this?
 
What exactly does he mean by saying that? I am so disappointed! Is it not same people who have progressed from AD to APC? I have been there, Asiwaju has been there, BRF has been there so who are the people now in AD?
 
In fact, there party is operating without a certificate. There are to factions of the AD; one has a certificate and the other does not so, I think they should just go and sort out their problems.
 
 

 

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APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition

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*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.

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Renewed Hope Ambassadors Shift to Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of 2027

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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

 

Renewed Hope Ambassadors Shift to Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of 2027

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Governor Bago Inaugurates APC Digital Media Sub-Committee Ahead of National Convention

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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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