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Will APC remain in power beyond 2023, as its presidential ticket narrows to Tinubu?

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Ten Major Errors of Buhari That Tinubu Must Not Repeat as President
Nigerian politicians and all the political parties started a long time ago in scheming for the 2023 political tickets and their representatives. But it will soon get clearer to people like me when political parties start zoning, selecting or electing their principal officers – because it is a known fact that any zone that produces a party chairman etc., never produces a presidential candidate of the same party. While it is true that some individuals started their own preparation of contesting the 2023 presidential election even before the 2015 elections, some waited and are still waiting to see as events will turn out.
But for one political party, All Progressive Congress (APC), proceedings are gearing towards one man, Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom, who actually was one of those that had the desire to govern Nigeria and started working towards its actualization before the 2015 elections.
President Buhari tried many times before 2015 to become Nigerian president but failed at every attempt until he came into alliance with Tinubu in 2015 to form APC. With the help of Tinubu many political parties and politicians collapsed their structures into APC, even many PDP stalwarts then who never supported President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term or that had had one problem or the other with some party members formed a group within their party which they named “nPDP” pulled out from PDP and joined APC. And we learnt that one of the agreements reached between Tinubu and Buhari was that Tinubu will give all he has in making sure that Buhari becomes the Nigerian president in 2015 and that Buhari would in return support Tinubu in becoming Nigerian president in 2023. Body language and unspoken words in APC’s hierarch tend to support the above narrative that Tinubu or at least his anointed will be the APC’s presidential candidate in 2023. So, APC zoned its presidential ticket to the south west (Yoruba) the day Buhari sealed his agreement with Tinubu, and it is time for Buhari to pay Tinubu back and redeem his pledge and integrity. Will the northern oligarch allow him do that? Have events changed anything like it happened between the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo and Atiku Abubakar? And how sellable is APC and Tinubu to Nigerians?
I cannot tell what the leaders of APC will tell Nigerians as the achievement of their party and why they should be voted back to power in 2023 as situation of things in Nigeria go from bad to worst.
The bedrock of development, education is suffering in Nigeria and students and parents are in agony and pains: Courses that should take four years to finish in higher institutions etc. may take up to five, six or more years because of lecturers’ strikes. And under this government we have witnessed multiple strikes by lecturers that lasted more than necessary in demand of good welfare packages. Nigerian people believe that the reluctancy and the slow approach by government officials in amicably resolving disagreements with lecturers timely were so perhaps because many of their children are schooling abroad, so schools could be closed “until thy kingdom come”, they don’t feel the brunt. Sadly, the majority of the Nigerian youths who painfully studied using candle/lantern as electricity, survived the aggressive environment of cultism, sexual harassments and exploitations by lecturers through the selling of “handouts” and inhuman conditions of studying in unsanitary and filthy environment they were subjected to graduate are pitifully and helplessly in idle states and hopelessly hopeless of any opportunity of employment. There are no knew factories under this government, instead closure of old ones and retrenchment of workers are the order of the day, and the reasons are not farfetched. Apart from the globally known economic meltdown caused by many factors that included Covid-19, the Nigerian environment is so extremely hostile, a very unconducive atmosphere for companies – whether local or foreign – to emerge and flourish because there is no water, no electricity, no good road, no security and the exchange rate of Nigeria’s money (Naira) to foreign currencies is rapidly dwindling daily – dangerously very bad to a country that depends on importation for almost everything.
There is no conducive atmosphere for companies – whether local or foreign – to emerge and flourish because there is no water, no electricity, no good road, no security and the exchange rate of Nigeria’s money (Naira) to foreign currencies is rapidly dwindling daily – dangerously very bad to a country that depends on importation for almost everything.
The security situation in Nigeria has never been so bad like it is now. No place seems save as Nigerians are being murdered or kidnapped every day in their homes, on the streets and on their farms. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, not long ago said that Northern Nigeria is the worst place to live in Nigeria because bandits and Boko Haram have taken over. According to the Sultan, 76 people were killed in a community in Sokoto in a day. In Borno State, a House of Representatives member, Ahmed Satomi, who represents Jere federal constituency confirmed that (on 28.11.20) Boko Haram killed 44 rice farmers in Zabarmari. For these fears, a coalition of northern groups formed the operation “Shege Ka Fasa” to protect the north, the governors from South west formed Amotekun to protect the Yorubas, and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under Nnamdi Kanu formed “Eastern Security Network (ESN)” for the safety of the people of the old eastern region. The question then is, what did the APC leaders meet when they came to power that they improved upon?
The ugliest part of all this is that this government that has plunged Nigeria into trillions of debts and that has borrowed more than any government since the creation of the country is still on borrowing spree. How many visible and quality structures has this government erected to measure the bogus money it has borrowed? What plans has the government got to stop borrowing?
I know that the Nigerian people are very horrible when it comes to choosing their political leaders because they forget easily and can be effortlessly deceived, but on which ground will APC stand to sell itself as a party and its presidential candidate to these Nigerians?
The bitter truth is that the performance of APC since it came to power as a national ruling party in Nigeria failed every standard – so disappointing and shameful. It flopped in economy, failed in security and it is the most corrupt government in the history of Nigeria. In all ramifications, there is no area of governance that one who is not a sycophant can sincerely give this APC government under Buhari a pass mark.
But will Tinubu win the presidential election for APC – if he finally gets the ticket? Or will the emergence of any south westerner as APC’s presidential ticket diminish its chances and boast that of PDP? Mathematically speaking as the situation stands today, 2023 has presented itself as a very good opportunity for the PDP to reproduce the next president of Nigeria. While it is true that there are many other political parties, but the reality remains that none of the parties has the resources and the structures required to win a presidential election except these two identical parties named PDP and APC. However, other political parties in Nigeria may count in the 2023 presidential election only if they all can agree to come together like the way the political parties that formed APC did before the 2015 general elections, in exception of this forget them, none will singly be a threat to APC and PDP. They can only separately play the spoilers’ role.
Whether APC presents Tinubu or another person the effect will be the same as long as that person is from south west. But it will be a political blunder and a grave mistake should PDP take someone from Yoruba or Igbo as its presidential candidate. Irrespective of what people may say or how the party echelons may be pressured, PDP members should not forget that the advantage they have now is that APC as a ruling party is not doing well and at the same time the hands of its members are constrained to take someone only from south west – if they do contrarily they will split to the advantage of PDP. But if PDP refuses to be tactical and take sentiments and emotions away and does not scheme for the emergence of a northerner, considering Nigeria factors, APC will again win the presidential election no matter where its candidate will come from. Note also, if APC picks a northerner as a presidential candidate which I doubt strongly, PDP will gasp for breath of survival.
Uzoma Ahamefule, a concerned patriotic citizen and a refined African traditionalist, writes from Vienna, Austria.
+436607369050 (WhatsApp messages only)

Photo: Uzoma Ahamefule

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Lagos Majority Leader Alleges Plans To Manipulate Primary Election Results

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Lagos Majority Leader Alleges Plans To Manipulate Primary Election Results

 

The majority leader of the Lagos House of Assembly, Noheem Adams, on Friday raised alarm over alleged plans by some people to manipulate the result of the primary election that produced him as a candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

Adams reportedly won the primary election of the party to produce a candidate for the House of Assembly in Eti-Osa Constituency 1 on Wednesday after polling 7,638 against his opponent’s 1225 votes.

 

Speaking to thousands of APC supporters during a Victory March, Adams said accused a top monarch (name withheld) in Eti-Osa of being behind the plan to doctor the result in favour of Saheed Adesegun Bankole, who was defeated in the election.

 

“I want you all very much for the love and passion you have for me and APC. Today is what we call victory walk. We started from VGC with over 4000 APC members. Even inside the rain you stood your ground and you are here to protect your mandate.

 

“Thank you very much for voting for me. I won the election throughout our wards and the INEC officials, DSS and police personnel were there and even the agents of our opponent were there as well.

 

“Let me put it on record that his agents and the police signed that the election was free and fair and they took all the results to the local government collation centre.

 

“When they got there, they presented all the results to the DSS, INEC officials and also to the returning officer and he collected everything and announced that Adams was the winner of the election.

 

“We believe in this party. The only crime I have committed was during the impeachment of the Speaker; that I did not follow them and did not stand against the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly,” he alleged.

 

He said being a politician, he understood “loyalty and how to always be loyal. That is the only crime I committed and today, I’m calling on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to caution the Oba.

 

“The Oba is the reason why we lost the presidential election in 2023 in the constituency and he is the reason why we lost the House of Representatives seat. He lost in his own kingdom and the results are there at the INEC for all to see.

 

“I’m calling on the Inspector General of Police that if anything happens to me, he should hold the Oba responsible. And in 2027, if we lose the presidential election in the local government, the President should hold him responsible. We have assured the President that we are going to vote for him and he will win.”

 

He urged his loyalists and supporters to remain calm as he trusts the party enough to resolve the issue.

 

President of the Lekki Residents and Stakeholders Association, Sulyman Bello, also thanked the supporters for having faith in Adams.

 

“On behalf of all of all the estates from 1004 and across the entire Lekki peninsula, we thank all the APC members for standing by our friend, brother, father Hon. Noheem Adams.

 

“If all the estates in Eti -Osa Osa, call on him at the same time, he will respond. We also thank God that he got over 7,000 votes and his opponent a little above 1,000 votes. The winning margin is above 90%.

 

“We thank all those of you that voted and also thank President Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership. We extend our gratitude to the APC leaders in Lagos state. If it is not Noheem, it is not Noheem,” he said.

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Ogun 2027: Senator Adeola Yayi Promises Inclusive Governance, Says, Ogun APC Primaries Peaceful, Transparent

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Ogun 2027: Senator Adeola Yayi Promises Inclusive Governance, Says, Ogun APC Primaries Peaceful, Transparent

…Dismisses Claims of Discontent Over Emergence as APC Consensus Candidate

 

ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Ogun State All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election, distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has assured the people of the state that he would run an all-inclusive government if elected governor in 2027.

 

Fondly called Yayi, the senator currently representing Ogun West in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly made this known on Thursday, May 21, 2026, shortly after participating in the governorship primary at Pahayi, Ilaro Ward 1.

 

Speaking with journalists, Senator Adeola Yayi assured party members that he would not disappoint them if elected governor, pledging to deliver good governance while sustaining the developmental strides of the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

 

According to him, “I want to assure the people that I will run an inclusive government and carry everyone along. It will be an administration that leaves no group or interest behind.”

 

The senator commended party faithful for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the governorship primaries, noting that the exercise reflected the unity and cohesion within the party.

 

Senator Adeola Yayi further expressed delight that the primary election was conducted peacefully across the state, describing the turnout of party members during the direct primary exercise as a strong indication that the APC remains formidable and well-positioned to record landslide victories in the 2027 general elections.

 

He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun for sustaining the internal democracy for which the ruling party is reputed, while reiterating his readiness to run an open and inclusive administration.

 

Fielding questions during the press interaction, the Ogun State APC consensus governorship candidate dismissed claims that some aspirants were aggrieved over his emergence as the party’s consensus candidate.

 

According to him, his emergence was not imposed on the party but was the outcome of extensive consultations and consensus among stakeholders and party leaders across the three senatorial districts of the state.

 

“I am not aware of any aggrieved aspirants over my emergence as the governorship consensus candidate of our dear party. The decision to present me as the consensus candidate was not foisted on the party.

 

“Rather, it was the result of far-reaching consultations and agreements among stakeholders and leaders of the party across the three senatorial districts of the state.

 

“To my knowledge, nobody was cheated and nobody was disenfranchised. I received overwhelming support at the Ogun State APC strategic meeting held at the party secretariat. Thereafter, I met with other aspirants, and we are all committed to working together for the betterment of the people of Ogun State”, he stated.

 

The senator, who was widely cheered across Ilaro metropolis, polled 3,023 votes at Pahayi Ilaro Ward 1, 2,601 votes in Ilaro Ward 2, and 2,419 votes in Ward 3. He later monitored the exercise in Ilaro Ward 2 and Ward 3, where party members and supporters hailed him enthusiastically at every stop.

 

The massive turnout of APC members across polling units in Ogun West, and indeed across Ogun State, was seen by observers of the scene as a demonstration of the widespread acceptance and popularity of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations among the people, without any form of inducement.

 

Ogun 2027: Senator Adeola Yayi Promises Inclusive Governance, Says, Ogun APC Primaries Peaceful, Transparent

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Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors Hails Rivers APC Over Peaceful Conduct of Guber Primaries

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*Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors Hails Rivers APC Over Peaceful Conduct of Guber Primaries*

Charges Chinda to Be Magnanimous in Victory as a Patriot

The Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors (RCA) has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the peaceful and orderly conduct of its governorship primaries, describing the process as a shining example of political maturity and a departure from the state’s history of acrimonious contests.

In a statement signed by Comrade Jude Chuks and issued shortly after the declaration of Rt. Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election, the group praised the APC leadership and stakeholders for ensuring a rancour-free exercise.

The Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors, a prominent support structure aligned with the broader Rainbow Coalition political movement in the state, noted that the smooth conduct of the primaries reflects growing commitment to unity, dialogue, and collective progress ahead of the 2027 polls.

“We congratulate the Rivers State APC for conducting a credible, transparent, and peaceful primary. This achievement underscores the maturing democratic culture in our state and sets a positive tone for the political season,” Chuks read.

The group specifically hailed the withdrawals of key aspirants, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Tonye Cole, which paved the way for Chinda’s emergence, describing the moves as “statesmanlike decisions taken in the supreme interest of peace and party cohesion.

While celebrating the outcome, the Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors charged the new flag bearer to remain magnanimous in victory and demonstrate the spirit of a true patriot.

“Victory at the primary is not an end in itself but a call to higher responsibility. We urge Hon. Kingsley Chinda to extend a hand of fellowship to all other aspirants, stakeholders, and even those outside the APC.

“True leadership demands inclusivity, humility, and the ability to heal divides rather than widen them,” the ambassadors emphasised.

They further appealed to Chinda to prioritise broad-based consultations, youth and women inclusion, and the welfare of Rivers people in his campaign and future governance plans, noting his legislative experience and cross-party relationships as key assets.

The group, however, expressed optimism that, knowing Chinda’s antecedents as a seasoned lawmaker, bridge-builder, and consistent advocate for good governance, he will unify the party, foster inclusive development, and deliver people-oriented leadership that prioritises the welfare of all Rivers people across party lines.

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