Politics

Ododo has no plan to dump APC, says Kogi

Published

2 years ago

August 25, 2024

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Kogi Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has debunked a media report that he is allegedly planning to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ododo spoke through Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, in a statement in Lokoja.

The Supreme Court on Friday validated the election of Ododo as Governor while quashing an appeal filed by the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Muritala Ajaka, who challenged the outcome of the elections.

Fanwo’s statement was titled: “Kogi Governor remains a staunch member of the All Progressives Congress, ignore mischief-makers.”

The statement reads: “The attention of the Kogi State Government has been drawn to a reckless and unprofessional media report that the Governor of the State was considering dumping the All Progressives Congress.

“We would have ignored the blatant falsehood but we owe the public the duty of correct and adequate information.

“The promoters of the falsehood are people who are still rueing their woeful failure at the law courts and probably trying to find a back door into the All Progressives Congress, hence their resort to the only tools at their disposal which are falsehood, propaganda, misinformation and disinformation.

“The picture being circulated was taken at the wedding ceremony of the daughter of the Taraba State Governor, His Excellency, Agbu Kefas, which was attended by dignitaries across the country, including the Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON as well as Governors across party lines.

“His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo was at the occasion to honour the daughter of a colleague like other Governors did.

“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo just yesterday, triumphed at the Supreme Court with the support of his party.

“It is unintelligent to insinuate that the Governor is abandoning the party that supported him all through his electioneering and the litigations. Their craft of lies are falling like a pack of cards.

“We want to assure the good people of Kogi State that their Governor remains a solid member of the All Progressives Congress and will support the party’s success, not only in Kogi State, but nationally.

“We urge the people to rest assured that Kogi remains APC and will continue to support the laudable policies and progress being recorded by the President of our dear nation, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“Indeed, Governors are united across party lines to support the efforts of Mr President at uniting our nation.

“It is, however, pertinent to remind the media of its responsibility to the tenets of journalism. Journalists should always strive to stay away from falsehood/unfounded lies concocted by interested ‘sources’. The media must continue to retain our trust and confidence at all times.”

Politics

Zamfara APC opts continuity, endorses Tinubu, Lawal for 2027

Published

9 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

9 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.