Politics

APC kicks as Edo accuses Shaibu of impersonating dep gov

Published

2 years ago

August 13, 2024

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The Edo State government, on Monday, accused Philip Shaibu of illegally parading himself as the deputy governor of the state by allegedly sending official correspondences.

The state governor said since the judgment reinstating Shaibu as deputy governor, was still being challenged in court, his alleged actions were illegal.

But in a swift reaction, the opposition All Progressives Congress in Edo State, which is Shaibu’s current party, defended him, rubbishing the claim by the state government.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on July 17 reinstated Shaibu as the deputy governor of Edo State, three months after the Edo House of Assembly impeached him.

The judge, James Omotosho, declared that Shaibu’s impeachment by the state Assembly was illegal

Omotosho ordered the inspector general of police to restore Mr Shaibu’s security details. He directed that his salaries and allowances be paid since April, when he was removed from office.

The Edo Assembly has appealed the judgment and filed a stay of its execution pending the determination of the appeal.

However, Shaibu, in an interview after his reinstatement, said the judgment that reinstated him was declarative and had to be carried out before an appeal could be entertained in the case.

In a press statement on Monday, the state’s Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare said, “It has come to the attention of the Edo State Government that the former Deputy Governor, Comr. Philip Shaibu, has been carrying out correspondence with different institutions and organisations both within and outside the State in a clear case of impersonation.

“In the interest of the safety of these organisations, we want to restate that Shaibu is not the Deputy Governor of Edo State and every correspondence from him in that regard should be disregarded and considered a forgery.

“The issue of his purported reinstatement is still active in court and the next hearing for the two separate motions filed by the State Government and the Edo House of Assembly challenging the purported reinstatement by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court is fixed for 24 September, 2024.

“The State through the Attorney General of Edo State and the Edo House of Assembly by their lawyers, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, and Ken Mozia, SAN, respectively, had in the motions sought an order for a stay of the execution of the purported reinstatement and an order suspending the judgment and restraining Shaibu from parading himself or attending any official function as deputy governor pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

“Therefore, the status quo is that His Excellency, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins, remains the deputy governor of Edo State and any correspondence carried out by any other person, including Philip Shaibu is an act of impersonation, and anyone who deals with him does so at his or her own risk.

“Security agencies are, by this notice, alerted to the potential breach of peace and are urged to hold Philip Shaibu responsible for any security breach in the state arising from his ignoble actions,” the statement added.

Efforts to get Shaibu’s reactions were unsuccessful as he did not pick up the calls placed to his mobile line by our correspondent.

Defending Shaibu, however, the Publicity Secretary of the Edo APC, Peter Uwadiae, said, “It is the court that reinstated Shaibu. Every other thing they are saying doesn’t hold water. Marvellous Omobayo is the one who is impersonating.

“The court verdict on the issue is very clear. The court reinstated the man and said there was no vacuum. It also said that all that he is entitled to from the first day the illegal impeachment took place should be paid and he should be allowed back to office.

“They can also not be talking about impersonation as the court has not overturned the judgment. It is still subsisting as of today. That you filed a notice of appeal or a stay of execution of judgment does not, in any way, stop the decision of the court from subsisting. Until that decision of the court is overturned by a higher court, Shaibu remains the deputy governor.”

Politics

Zamfara APC opts continuity, endorses Tinubu, Lawal for 2027

Published

6 hours ago

April 26, 2026

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The All Progressives Congress in Zamfara State has moved to consolidate its ranks, throwing its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal for a second term in 2027

The decision emerged from a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held on Saturday at the Government House in Gusau, where party leaders framed the endorsements as part of a broader push for unity, continuity and coordination between state and federal leadership.

The gathering drew a wide spectrum of the party’s structure—former governors, elected officials, party elders, and representatives of youth and women groups—from across the fourteen local government areas of the state.

Addressing the meeting, Governor Lawal described the convergence as coming at a critical juncture, with political activities ahead of the next general elections gradually taking shape.

He said, “Distinguished stakeholders, our decision to join the APC was not just political but a strategic move to support Zamfara’s repositioning. It positions us to work with the Federal Government, leverage national initiatives, and contribute to the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“I wish to sincerely appreciate all of you for your steadfast support from the period of consultations, through the transition process, and into our joining the APC. Your commitment has been instrumental in shaping this direction.

“Fellow leaders and stakeholders, while we may represent different political backgrounds and interests, the Rescue Mission we lead is a mandate for every citizen of the State. It is not a mandate for any one group, section, or political tendency. It is a mandate to restore hope, rebuild institutions, secure our communities, and give our people a government that works for them.

“As key stakeholders, ladies and gentlemen, our administration focuses on restoring stability, rebuilding institutions, and providing development in Zamfara State. In a short time, we have made significant progress through collective effort, disciplined leadership, and shared commitment.”

The Zamfara Governor further explained that his alignment with the APC was a calculated step aimed at strengthening governance and improving collaboration with the Federal Government, while also widening development prospects for the state.

He added, “With this new phase comes greater responsibility. We must manage expectations and pursue political interests with maturity, fairness, and strategic discipline.

“Politics, by its nature, involves negotiation, compromise, and consensus-building. As the political space expands, so do desires and aspirations. It is important to recognise that while many seek opportunities, not all expectations can be met or accommodated urgently.

“Leadership is not defined solely by positions. Political relevance comes from serving, influencing, and contributing to the State’s development.

“I assure you that fairness, equity, and justice will continue to guide our decisions. We will uphold internal democracy, due process, and transparency in all our engagements. Loyalty to our party must be matched by discipline. We must avoid actions or statements that create division or weaken our collective resolve and standing.”

In a show of cohesion, former governors Ahmed Sani Yarima, Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi, Abdul’aziz Yari and Bello Mohammed Matawalle reaffirmed their commitment to the party and aligned with the endorsement of both President Tinubu and Governor Lawal.

A communiqué presented at the meeting highlighted the need for sustained party unity, improved governance coordination, and attention to security challenges, while also setting the tone for preparations ahead of party activities and the 2027 general elections.

The early endorsement underscores a strategic effort by the Zamfara APC to stabilise its internal dynamics and project a united front as the countdown to 2027 gradually begins.

Politics

NNPP leader Aminu Ringim defects to ADC in Jigawa

Published

6 hours ago

April 26, 2026

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The leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Jigawa State, Aminu Ibrahim Ringim, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as part of efforts to strengthen the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ringim announced his defection on Saturday during his ADC membership registration held in Ringim Local Government Area, his hometown, where a large crowd gathered to witness the event.

Addressing the mammoth gathering, he said he left the NNPP to join forces with like-minded politicians in order to rescue the country from challenges such as insecurity, inflation, hunger, and unemployment.

According to him, Nigerians must unite to confront what he described as the hardship and humiliation being experienced under the present administration.

He urged his supporters and other residents to register with the ADC, saying a stronger opposition platform would be needed to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.

Ringim also dismissed claims that the ADC coalition would collapse after its primaries, noting that similar doubts were previously expressed about opposition figures coming together.

According to him, “They said Obi, Kwankwaso and Atiku will not be together, and now they are together. Now they are saying after the party primaries, ADC will not survive.

“They also said in Jigawa we will not be together, and now we are together. They are rumouring that after the primary election, ADC will be no more.

“It is our agreement that we will put our state and country first, work for it, and make sure we change the government for the betterment of the state and the country.”

He added that ADC leaders in Jigawa State and across the country had agreed to remain united and support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate after the primary elections.

He said leaders and supporters of the party in Jigawa had resolved to work together for the progress of the state and the country.

The former NNPP chieftain further stated that over 15 million Nigerians had so far registered with the ADC, while the party was targeting an additional 30 million registrations nationwide ahead of the elections.

He urged Nigerians to join the movement and register with the party for a brighter future for the country.

Ringim contested as a gubernatorial candidate in 2015 and, in 2023, as the NNPP gubernatorial candidate.

Politics

APC shifts presidential primary to May 23, 2026, releases revised 2027 election timetable

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2026

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The All Progressives Congress has pushed its presidential primary from May 15-16 to May 23, 2026, with governorship primaries now set for May 21, under a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections.

Deputy National Publicity Secretary Duro Meseko announced the changes Thursday after the party’s 186th National Working Committee meeting in Abuja. He said the adjustments align with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and INEC’s updated schedule for the 2027 polls.

■ Key dates in the new timetable:

*Sales of forms:* Saturday, April 25 to Saturday, May 2, 2026.

■ Deadline for submission: Monday, May 4, 2026.

*Screening of aspirants:* Wednesday, May 6 to Friday, May 8, 2026 for House of Assembly, Reps, Senate, and Governorship. Presidential screening holds Saturday, May 9, 2026.

*Publication of screening results:* Monday, May 11, 2026.

Screening appeals: Tuesday, May 12 to Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

■ Primary elections:

– *House of Representatives:* Friday, May 15, 2026

– *Senate:* Monday, May 18, 2026

– *State House of Assembly:* Wednesday, May 20, 2026

– *Governorship:* Thursday, May 21, 2026

– *Presidential:* Saturday, May 23, 2026

*Post-primary appeals:* Reps – May 18; Senate – May 20; State Assembly – date not stated; Governorship – May 23; Presidential – May 25, 2026.

Meseko said notice of the changes went to state chapters on Monday, April 20.

■Zamfara congresses

The NWC also approved a schedule for ward, LGA, and state congresses in Zamfara beginning Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Ward congresses hold Thursday, April 30. LGA and state congresses follow, with appeals slated for May 1 and May 3, 2026.

■ Mode of primaries

Meseko said the party adopted direct primary and consensus as provided in the Electoral Act 2026. “Aspirants are free to decide their preference,” he said. “Where consensus works, it stands. Where an aspirant does not agree to consensus, it automatically reverts to direct primaries.”

He dismissed claims that nomination forms would be restricted. “Forms for all aspirants seeking offices under the APC are available for all, not exclusively reserved for any individual,” he said.

■ INEC dates

INEC has fixed Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, January 16, 2027, and Governorship/State Assembly polls for Saturday, February 6, 2027. Party primaries and disputes must run between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Campaigns start August 19, 2026 for federal elections and September 9, 2026 for state elections.