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APC’ll rule Nigeria for 100 years – Yobe chairman, Gadaka

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Yobe State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Muhammad Gadaka, has declared that the party will remain in power for 100 years.

Gadaka spoke during the Yobe Leadership and Innovation Summit, 2026. The event, organized by the Centre for Leadership and Good Governance–Yobe, took place in Damaturu.

Gadaka expressed confidence in the country’s future under APC leadership, emphasizing that the party’s impactful policies and programmes position it to shape Nigeria’s political space for decades, potentially as long as 100 years.

Speaking through the State Party Youth Leader, Muhammad Musa Gulani, Gadaka explained that the APC aims to sustain governance across federal, state, and local levels for the next century.

He noted that achieving meaningful national development would require more time and additional terms in office.

“The vision of our party is to improve the lives of Nigerians and make Nigeria a great country. This party will continue to form governments at the federal, state, and local levels for more than 100 years.

“Our party is reviewing its progress and strengthening its strategic direction to align its messaging with measurable impact.

“The APC will continue to build a Nigeria that works for all—strong, united, and full of hope. We call on Nigerians to have confidence in the APC government; the economy of this country will eventually work for all citizens,” he said.

 

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Politics

Benue 2027: Byuan’s Resignation Raises Stakes in APC Governorship Race

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The race for the 2027 Benue State governorship has begun to gather momentum following the resignation of Mathias Byuan, a development that is already stirring debate within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the credibility of its nomination process.

Byuan, who until recently served as Executive Director, Housing Finance and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority, stepped down in line with a Federal Government directive requiring political appointees seeking elective office to resign.

His exit from office is widely interpreted as a formal declaration of his ambition to contest for the Benue governorship under the APC platform.

Political observers say his entry into the race signals the beginning of what could become a keenly contested primary, particularly as discussions intensify within the party over how candidates will emerge ahead of the polls.

The development comes amid speculations that the APC leadership may consider granting automatic tickets to some first-term governors seeking re-election, a move that has sparked concerns among party stakeholders about adherence to internal democratic principles.

According to the party’s guidelines, governorship candidates are to emerge either through consensus among party members or via direct primaries. Analysts note that the interpretation and application of these provisions will be critical in shaping the outcome of contests such as the one expected in Benue State.

Byuan, described by supporters as a longstanding party member with deep grassroots connections, is seen as one of the early entrants positioning for the race. His resignation, they argue, demonstrates both compliance with laid-down rules and readiness to engage in a competitive process.

However, concerns persist within party circles that any attempt to impose candidates or sideline aspirants could undermine confidence in the process and trigger internal disputes.

Stakeholders note that the Benue governorship contest may serve as an early indicator of how the APC intends to manage its primaries nationwide, especially in states where multiple aspirants are expected to emerge.

For many party faithful, the central question remains whether the process will be open and competitive or influenced by internal power dynamics.

As political activities gradually build up ahead of 2027, attention is expected to remain firmly on the APC’s next moves in Benue, with observers warning that the credibility of its internal processes could significantly impact party cohesion and electoral prospects.

With Byuan now officially in the race, the stage appears set for a contest that could test not only individual ambitions but also the strength of internal democracy within the ruling party

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Politics

Tinubu: BAT Movement Reaffirms Support for Second Term

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Leadership of BAT Movement Nigeria, one of the earliest government policy advocacy groups known for promoting the vision, policies and developmental agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated its commitment to work towards the success of the re-election bid of Mr. President.

Founder of BAT Movement and Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye made this known during a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s secretariat in Abuja.

According to Otunba, the visit was necessary and strategic as it provided the platform to formerly brief the Chairman on the activities of the group, reaffirm loyalty to the leadership of the party as well as strengthen alignment with the directives and aspirations of the National Working Committee of the party.

“We are here, firstly to congratulate you on your emergence as National Chairman of our great party and to also register our interest to continuously work for the progress of the party. We need to tell you directly that we are willing and ready to work with you for the success of the party. Although our success at this point appears guaranteed, there is more work to do to ensure what the guarantee actually looks like”.

“Mr. Chairman, our party is a party with plenty of history. We have come a long way. Particularly, this presidency we are witnessing was a presidency that we had to break our heads with coconuts for us to get. I was fortunate to be part of the very fundamental beginning of the process, the mental and thought process that metamorphosed into the thinking of Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu wanting to be President”, he said.

Responding, the National chairman of the All Progressives Party, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda expressed deep appreciation to the Founder of BAT-Movement for the many sacrifices willingly giving himself to serve the party in different capacities.

In his words, “The way you go around the country, mobilizing support, building the party, putting your finances, energy, intelligence to ensure that this party wins election is commendable. Indeed, nobody can reward you enough for what you are doing but it is just for us to say thank you so much for what you are doing. Your voice has been heard. You are seen. You are noticed by the party for what you are doing. Thank you very much”.

Speaking on the visible changes in the party, the also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who for putting structures on ground to keep the party on the path of growth, stating that his major assignment as Chairman is to stabilize the party and put structures for growth, ensure the numerical increase of party members, and introduce reforms where possible.

“You can see the growth we are having in the party. You’ve seen the digital transformation we’re doing in the party; the membership drive. APC is now data driven. APC is not the analog APC you used to know.

We are changing, we are growing and as leaders of the party, we are very proud that we have a President we can beat our chest anywhere and boast that we have a leader that is inclusive both in bringing development and the entire country together, which is why we need to support him to be re-elected so we have a country that will be united with shared prosperity among our people”.

 

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Politics

HON. IKYAAGBA SEEKS BLESSINGS FROM MBAIKYONGO COUNCIL OF CHIEFS

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Hon. Dominic Ikyaagba, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, aspirant for the Buruku Federal Constituency, has formally announced his 2027 House of Representatives bid by meeting with the Mbaikyongo Council Chiefs, at the Mbaikyongo Council Hall in Uga, Tombo Mbalagh.

The District Head, Chief Nyikwagh Toryough warmly welcomed Hon. Ikyaagba, other council members, such as Zaki Zachariah Ude, Zaki Abya, Zaki Amusan Orhena and Asor Wada praised his courage, urging him to stay fearless, maintain his good character, respect others, and keep his generosity, and also reminded him to seek God’s guidance, noting that “everything comes from above,”

In his remarks, Hon. Ikyaagba expressed deep gratitude for their support and pledged to carry their prayers into his campaign and beyond.

The Council further highlighted the importance of community‑driven leadership, emphasizing that a representative who listens to traditional institutions can better address local needs such as infrastructure, education, and security, and encouraged him to build a platform that integrates cultural values with modern policy, ensuring that development projects reflect the aspirations of Buruku’s people.

 

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Tinubu
Politics

APC Senator Seeks 16-Year Single Tenure for Nigeria’s President

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Kenneth Eze (APC–Ebonyi) has called for a nationwide debate on replacing Nigeria’s current two-term, four-year presidential cycle with a single 16-year tenure.

Mr Eze, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, made the call on Monday while addressing journalists at his country home in Ohigbo-Amagu, Ezza South LGA.

He argued that frequent election cycles undermine policy continuity and slow national development.

“Every four years, we return to campaign mode. By the third year, governance slows as attention shifts to re-election; that is why projects are abandoned and policies are not allowed to mature.

“Nigeria’s constitution provides for a four-year presidential term, renewable once, but if you ask me, I will advocate one tenure of 16 years.

”It sounds controversial, but it will allow policies to run their full course and stabilise the system,” he said.

The lawmaker proposed scrapping the two-term structure in favour of a single, extended tenure that would free leaders from electoral pressure and enable long-term reforms.

He noted that critical sectors such as power, infrastructure, agriculture and fiscal reform require sustained commitment beyond short political cycles.

According to him, irrigation schemes, mechanised farming programmes and energy reforms need continuity to deliver measurable impact.

Mr Eze also defended recent economic measures, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, describing them as necessary to avert fiscal collapse.

“We were borrowing to pay salaries. That is not sustainable for any country; tough decisions are necessary to secure long-term stability,” he added.

He maintained that the proposal should be viewed as a governance discussion rather than an attack on democracy, calling for a broader national dialogue on constitutional reform to assess whether a longer tenure could improve policy implementation while preserving checks and balances.

Mr Eze acknowledged that any constitutional amendment would require approval by the National Assembly and ratification by state legislatures, stressing that the process must be transparent and participatory.

Beyond tenure reform, he urged citizens to embrace civic responsibility and patriotism, challenging journalists, teachers, civil servants and parents to promote national values, noting that policy changes alone cannot transform the country.

 

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Politics

Tinubu Welcomed into Labour Party – Abia Deputy Governor Emetu

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Ikechukwu Emetu, Deputy Governor of Abia State and chairman of the party’s National Steering Committee on Membership, Revalidation and e-Registration, has declared that the party is inclusive and welcomes anyone who wishes to join.

Speaking during the presentation of the new membership drive report by the Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee, Emetu said, “The Labour Party is a party for all, irrespective of who they are.”

“The Labour Party is a national party and is not a cult group, where people will be restricted to coming into the party,” he added.

According to the deputy governor, even President Bola Tinubu is free to join the party.

“Even Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, can decide, on or before the 2027 elections, to join the Labour Party, and we will gladly accept him.

“This is a national party; it is not a cult group where people are restricted from joining. It is a party for everybody,” Emetu declared.

 

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Politics

JUST IN: Datti Baba-Ahmed Joins 2027 Presidential Race

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, on Wednesday formally announced his intention to run for president in 2027, amid ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s opposition.

Baba-Ahmed, who was the running mate of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, made the announcement at a rally at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

His declaration comes just a week after Obi left the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress, a move that has sparked debate over the party’s future and the broader direction of the opposition ahead of the next general election.

Speaking to party members and supporters, Baba-Ahmed emphasised that his ambition is independent and predates the 2023 election.

“I have made myself to contest for the office in 2027. I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes,” he said. “Before Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I aspired to the office. The records are there for you to see.”

He recalled his earlier attempt to secure the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential ticket, noting that he had contested in the PDP primaries in 2018 before joining Obi in the Labour Party.

“In October 2018, I participated in the PDP primaries in Port Harcourt and even walked to Obi for his vote. He smiled at me—a true gentleman. I saw a rare opportunity for national unity to elect Peter Obi in 2023, and that is why I went along with it,” Baba-Ahmed said.

Addressing concerns about religion and ethnicity, he highlighted that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees every qualified citizen the right to seek elective office.

“Yes, I am a practising Muslim and a Hausa man, but I am first a Nigerian. The constitution allows me to contest. I’m doing this because Nigeria needs help,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed also stressed that he would respect party and electoral rules.

“As a law-abiding citizen and loyal party member, I will wait for INEC’s timetable and the Labour Party leadership’s call for aspirants before taking further steps. But Nigerians know the truth,” he added.

His declaration adds a new dimension to the emerging 2027 presidential race, as parties begin early positioning amid shifting alliances within the opposition.

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Wike
Politics

Wike vows to handpick Gov Fubara’s replacement in 2027

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Barr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has declared that he is done with Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state, and will not repeat what he described as a mistake ahead of the 2027 election.

Wike, a former governor of Rivers state, spoke to his supporters over the weekend in Ahoada local government area of the state.

His words: “We will not make the mistake we made in 2023. I want to tell you now, are we going there? No, we are not going there. Are you hearing me? We are not going there.”

The minister said he would handpick a more pliant successor to replace Fubara in 2027, even as he accused Fubara of reneging on multiple agreements reached between them.

“As far as Rivers state is concerned, nobody will call me because you had a first agreement, somebody reneged; the second agreement, he reneged. Which one will he accept again? We would not make that mistake again,” he added.

Wike mocked supporters of the governor over the popular “on your mandate” slogan.

“Now, because opposition has collapsed, everybody is now shouting ‘on your mandate’. Why don’t you shout ‘on your mandate’ since? We have been shouting ‘on your mandate’ since,” he stated.

The former governor said Fubara’s reported defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not guarantee his support for re-election.

Wike said his loyalty to Bola Tinubu does not extend automatically to Fubara.

“I never hide it as far as Bola Ahmed Tinubu is concerned. There is nothing to think about. He has to complete his eight years because he has shown Rivers state love,” he said.

“Who would ever believe it in this world that a Rivers man would be a minister of FCT?” Wike added.

He said chanting “on your mandate” would not translate into an automatic ticket.

“So, if you like, shout ‘on your mandate’ 50 times a day, it will not give you an automatic ticket,” he said.

“If you like, bring everybody, shout ‘on your mandate’; that is not an automatic ticket,” he added.

Wike said he is not opposed to Tinubu but will insist on installing someone he can trust in Rivers state.

“We are not opposing Mr President, but in Rivers state, you go no say ‘kaki no be leather’,” he said.

“We will get somebody we can trust, go home, and sleep with our eyes closed,” Wike added.

The minister said politics is driven by interests and gratitude.

“Politics is about interest. If you don’t appreciate what people have done in your life, then you have a problem,” he said.

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Rotimi Amaechi
Politics

2027: Amaechi’s poster floods Kaduna

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Posters of Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, former minister of transportation, appeared across major streets in Kaduna over the weekend, fuelling speculation about early political activity ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The posters, which featured Amaechi’s portrait, described him as “the only person to be trusted” and “the only man for the job”, with messages centred on unity, equality, stability and development.

Amaechi, who holds the traditional title of Dan Amanan Kasar Hausa of Daura, has previously served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation.

Residents said the posters were sighted at strategic locations across the Kaduna metropolis, including Ahmadu Bello Way, Ali Akilu Way, the environs of the Kaduna state government house and the Kawo Bridge corridor leading towards Zaria.

Motorists and pedestrians were seen slowing down to observe the displays, particularly around Kawo Bridge, where early-morning traffic was briefly disrupted.

Although Amaechi has not made any formal declaration, the posters have intensified speculation about a renewed presidential ambition.

Amaechi contested the All Progressives Congress presidential primary in 2022, where he finished second behind President Bola Tinubu.

 

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Tinubu
Politics

Five cabals operating within Tinubu’s administration – Lawyer reveals

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Charles Omole, lawyer and author of From Soldier to Statesman – The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, says there are at least five groups of cabals within the Bola Tinubu administration.

Omole spoke on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

He said: “The president will always have people around him. But you need to put systems in place to avoid state capture or presidential capture because, for example, the current government has, from what I can see, at least five cabals within the presidency.

“And the interesting thing about one of the cabals actually is headed by the president himself, based on my own analysis.”

He said the first group revolves around Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to the president.

His words: “So, in this current administration, at least there are five groups. There is the Chief of Staff group headed by Femi Gbajabiamila.

“And by that I mean not just him, but there are people in that circle like the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, and the national security adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

“Secondly, you have the Seyi Tinubu’s group, consisting of those he helped get some government appointments and all that. And of course, you have the First Lady’s group, Remi Tinubu.”

The author spoke days after the unveiling of his book in Abuja, alleging that cabals influenced governance under Muhammadu Buhari, the former president.

Omole said Buhari enjoyed reading newspapers but claimed some cabals curated special versions of newspapers for him.

“While Buhari loved reading newspapers, there were reports that the cabal created a version of newspapers that planted stories they wanted him to read,” he said.

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