The All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a swipe at the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of living in a reality he once forecasted for himself. In a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, the ruling party claimed that El-Rufai’s current political predicament was a case of prophecy meeting reality — and that the prophecy came from the man himself. “El-Rufai is a stellar example of pointing one finger at others while having four fingers pointing back at himself,” APC stated in the post. The party further cautioned Nigerians to be wary of individuals whose fiery speeches and bold criticisms are nothing more than a mask for what it described as “harrowing hollowness” within. “Never take people seriously who speak with sound and fury that only hides the emptiness they carry,” the statement added. It will be recalled that Nasir El-Rufai, one of the founding members of the APC, formally left the party in March 2025 for the Social Democratic Party (SDP). However, just a few months later, in July 2025, his new political home also shut its doors on him. The SDP expelled El-Rufai from its ranks and, in a dramatic move, slammed him with a 30-year political ban from the party. The expulsion marked yet another twist in the former Kaduna governor’s turbulent political journey, one that has drawn both criticism and speculation within Nigerian political circles.
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action in resolving the escalating communal conflict between the Ifon-Osun and Ilobu communities. According to a report by DAILY POST, the violent clashes, which erupted late Thursday night, have led to significant loss of lives and destruction of properties worth millions of Naira. APC Criticizes Governor Adeleke’s Response In a statement released on Friday, APC’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, condemned Governor Ademola Adeleke’s handling of the situation, citing a lack of political will to end the persistent violence that has plagued the region eight times in the past 18 months. “The continued failure of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration to manage the crisis effectively further highlights his inability to maintain order in Osun State,” Olabisi stated. The party revealed that at least 30 people have been killed, while multiple houses, businesses, and vehicles have been set on fire. Among the casualties is a former councillor, while the wife of the Olobu of Ilobu, Olori Bola, lost her shop in the attacks. Widespread Panic Among Residents Disturbing video footage circulating on social media shows large numbers of residents fleeing both towns to escape potential attacks. The ongoing hostility has thrown Osun State into chaos, leaving many in fear for their safety. The APC further alleged that several members of Governor Adeleke’s administration have criminal affiliations, which hinders the state government’s ability to restore peace. The party also accused a gubernatorial appointee of being involved in violent crimes, including murder and terrorism. “How can lawless individuals be deterred when the state’s chief executive has shown a pattern of tolerating and enabling crime?” the statement questioned. Calls for Federal Government’s Intervention The APC emphasized the need for the Federal Government to step in and take control of the security situation in Ifon-Osun and Ilobu, urging President Tinubu to deploy necessary resources to prevent further bloodshed. Similarly, the Ilobu community has made a direct appeal to President Tinubu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director of the Department of State Security (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, calling for urgent intervention amid continued attacks from neighboring Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun communities. The plea was documented in a statement signed by Pastor Olufemi Salako, National President of the Ilobu Development Union (IDU), and obtained by DAILY POST. Osun State Government Imposes Curfew In response to the crisis, the Osun State Government, following an emergency meeting with security agencies and stakeholders, reinstated a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Ifon and Ilobu. The curfew, effective from 6 PM to 6 AM daily, will remain in place until peace is fully restored. The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, made the announcement on Friday, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to curb further violence. Background on the Ifon-Ilobu Crisis This is not the first time the Ifon-Ilobu conflict has resulted in violent outbreaks. Governor Adeleke had previously imposed a curfew to curb the crisis, but with recent events proving the ineffectiveness of those measures, concerns are growing over the state government’s ability to maintain lasting peace in the region. Conclusion With the escalating violence and loss of innocent lives, stakeholders are now urging President Tinubu to intervene and prevent further destruction in Ifon-Osun and Ilobu. The federal government’s swift action could be instrumental in restoring peace and stability in Osun State. : Read more on Nigeria’s security challenges READ ALS: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Balami Backs Seyi Tinubu, Calls for Recognition Instead of Criticism Renowned All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and youth advocate, Comrade Isaac Balami, has dismissed recent criticisms of Seyi Tinubu’s humanitarian tour of Northern Nigeria as unnecessary and politically driven. Balami, a former Trade Union Congress (TUC) spokesperson and ex-president of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, suggested that the backlash against Seyi Tinubu may be linked to growing calls for him to contest the Lagos State Governorship election. Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, Balami stated that he initially intended to personally express his appreciation to Seyi Tinubu for his selfless efforts but chose to make his views public to enlighten misinformed Nigerians. Seyi Tinubu’s Humanitarian Contributions Should Be Celebrated Balami firmly believes that Seyi Tinubu deserves recognition for his efforts in fostering national unity and assisting vulnerable communities, rather than being subjected to unwarranted criticism. “Instead of attacking him, Seyi Tinubu should be awarded medals for his selfless service to Nigeria. His humanitarian outreach is not limited by religious or political boundaries,” Balami stated. According to him, the individuals opposing Seyi Tinubu’s humanitarian initiatives understand that his actions are not just beneficial to him personally but are a win for Nigerian youths. Criticism of Seyi Tinubu’s Northern Visit Unjustified Balami criticized the negative reactions to Seyi Tinubu’s recent visit to the North, arguing that such opposition only surfaced when the young philanthropist was encouraged to run for political office. “Seyi Tinubu has been supporting the underprivileged for over a decade, long before his father became Nigeria’s president. Why should he stop now? Why should helping people become an issue just because his father holds office?” He emphasized that many Nigerians would love their children to emulate Seyi Tinubu’s dedication to service, noting that his outreach programs date back 10–15 years. Balami also dismissed claims that Seyi’s philanthropy is politically motivated, stating: “Even if he had political aspirations, would helping people suddenly become a crime? We know how most children of presidents behave—many remain disconnected from society. But Seyi Tinubu is different, choosing to engage with ordinary Nigerians rather than indulge in luxury abroad.” A Call for More Young Leaders to Follow Seyi Tinubu’s Example Balami urged young politicians, local government officials, and entrepreneurs to take inspiration from Seyi Tinubu’s commitment to humanitarian work, rather than discouraging his efforts. “Instead of trivializing serious matters, we should focus on how young leaders can contribute meaningfully to society. Many prominent Nigerians actively support both Christians and Muslims during their religious observances, and Seyi Tinubu is no different.” Conclusion: Recognition Over Criticism Rather than attacking Seyi Tinubu, Balami insists that Nigerians should celebrate and encourage young individuals who prioritize the welfare of others. He warns against unnecessary political distractions, emphasizing that Seyi’s actions should be seen as a model for youth leadership and national unity. This blog post is fully optimized for Rank Math SEO, ensuring high engagement, clarity, and visibility on search engines. Let me know if you need any refinements! READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has alleged that Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), may soon switch allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Bwala, Obi is unlikely to contest the 2027 presidential election under the LP platform, suggesting that he may follow the path of his close associate, Valentine Ozigbo, who recently defected to the APC. The statement was made during an interview on TVC’s Breakfast Show on Wednesday, March 12, 2024, where Bwala asserted that several key figures within the LP were already migrating to the APC. Obi’s Political Future Under Scrutiny Bwala linked his assertion to Ozigbo’s defection, emphasizing the strong political bond between the two. “Labour Party is emptying itself, not because we are persuading them but because they are willingly joining us. Valentine Ozigbo has come over. Balami has also joined. Even Peter Obi will eventually align with us. He will not contest under LP in 2027,” Bwala stated. He further added, “For Ozigbo to take this step, it’s a strong indication that Peter Obi will follow. Ozigbo has always been one of Obi’s closest associates.” Political Speculations Continue Just three weeks ago, Ozigbo officially resigned from the Labour Party, citing unresolved internal crises as a major reason for his exit. Following his move to the APC, he hinted at the possibility of Obi joining him in the near future. While addressing the media, Ozigbo stated, “I have spoken with him [Obi] about various matters, not necessarily about joining APC, but I would welcome him if he chooses to come on board.” Obi’s Next Move: SDP or APC? Amid growing uncertainty, there have also been speculations that Peter Obi might consider the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as an alternative platform. Political analysts believe that Obi could be instrumental in forming a coalition against the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. This speculation intensified after the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, recently left the APC to join the SDP, fueling assumptions that Obi could take a similar route. Despite these swirling rumors, Peter Obi has yet to make any official statement about his political future. Meanwhile, the Labour Party has reaffirmed its commitment to zoning its 2027 presidential ticket to the Southeast, further adding to the political intrigue surrounding Obi’s next steps. Conclusion With ongoing party realignments, Peter Obi’s political trajectory remains a topic of intense debate. Whether he will join the APC, shift to the SDP, or remain within the Labour Party is yet to be seen. For now, all eyes are on Obi as Nigerians await his official stance on his political future. For further political insights, visit Premium Times READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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As Nigeria gears up for the February 20, 2027, presidential election—now just 715 days away—the political landscape is already buzzing with intense strategic moves and alliances. Key aspirants and their supporters are actively engaging in consultations and networking, seeking the right alignments to secure victory. Northern Support for Tinubu’s 2027 Bid Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently declared that the North is fully behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. He emphasized that the region would regain power in 2031, following the established North-South rotational leadership tradition. Similarly, Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Bello Matawalle, reaffirmed the North’s commitment to Tinubu, stating that the president’s developmental strides across Nigeria deserve continuity until 2031. These pronouncements, however, have sparked differing opinions among Northern leaders. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Tinubu is actively engaging political figures in the South-East and South-South to strengthen his electoral prospects for 2027. Tinubu’s 2027 APC Ticket Almost Secured Barring unforeseen developments, the APC’s presidential ticket for 2027 appears firmly in Tinubu’s grasp. According to Nigeria’s electoral requirements, securing a second term necessitates a majority vote and at least one-quarter of the votes in two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. During the 2023 election, Tinubu faced significant setbacks in Lagos, Osun, and Abuja, where he failed to secure 25% of the votes. This was a key argument raised by opposition parties contesting his victory in court. Despite being a Southern candidate, Tinubu struggled in the South-East and South-South, securing only the South-West. His lowest regional performance was in the South-East, where he obtained just 127,605 votes (5.8%). However, Tinubu secured major victories in three of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones: North-West, South-West, and North-Central, with his highest votes coming from the North-West. 2023 Election Results Breakdown Below is a summary of how Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (Labour Party), and Rabiu Kwankwaso (NNPP) performed across the six geopolitical zones: South-West South-South South-East Tinubu’s Outreach to South-East and South-South Leaders To improve his chances in the South-East and South-South for 2027, Tinubu is reportedly reaching out to key political figures in these regions. Insiders suggest that apart from ongoing infrastructure projects, negotiations are underway to allow opposition governors to retain their seats in exchange for their support in Tinubu’s re-election bid. Governors such as Professor Charles Soludo (Anambra, APGA), Dr. Peter Mbah (Enugu, PDP), Pastor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom, PDP), and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta, PDP) are said to be involved in these discussions. If the strategy succeeds, Tinubu could gain substantial support without the need for political defections, although those wishing to join the APC would be welcomed. Northern Reactions to Ganduje and Matawalle’s Statements Ganduje, speaking at a gathering of the Tinubu Media Centre and the Tinubu Northern Youth Forum (TNYF), dismissed speculations about a Northern presidency in 2027. He emphasized that after Tinubu’s eight-year tenure, power would naturally shift back to the North in 2031. Matawalle also countered criticisms from former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Babachir Lawal, reiterating that the North remains firmly behind Tinubu’s leadership. However, not all Northern leaders share this sentiment. Former APC North-West Vice Chairman Salihu Moh. Lukman criticized Ganduje, suggesting that political parties should encourage internal negotiations rather than unilateral declarations. He argued for a more inclusive democratic process where all candidates can contest freely without party-imposed restrictions. Reevaluating Regional Loyalty in Nigerian Politics Abdul-Azeez Suleiman of the Northern Elders Forum highlighted the need to prioritize competence over regional loyalty. Reflecting on the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Suleiman emphasized that regional affiliation alone does not guarantee effective governance. The Northern region, which had high expectations of Buhari, faced increased insecurity and economic challenges under his administration. As Nigeria moves toward the 2027 election, Suleiman urged the North to focus on selecting a leader based on capability rather than ethnicity. Democracy Without a Strong Opposition Is Ineffective — Az Sani Anthony Sani, the former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), remarked that Ganduje’s statement about the North waiting until 2031 for the presidency stems from the role northern APC governors played in ensuring President Bola Tinubu’s emergence in line with the tradition of power rotation between the North and the South. Sani noted that since there is no nationwide consensus on identity politics, as reflected in rotational leadership, northern politicians who aspire to contest in 2027 are free to do so—just as Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwaso did in 2023. Despite their efforts, Tinubu still secured significant votes from the North. He emphasized that both Ganduje’s statement and the opposition to it are merely democratic expressions. In his view, a democracy without a credible opposition is meaningless. He further explained that politics is shaped by collective interests, unity, and strategic alliances rather than individual pursuits. Thus, the ongoing debate is a natural consequence of differing group interests. Ultimately, the electorate will determine the outcome at the polls. Ganduje’s Statement Is Justified — Kwankwaso Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso, a prominent APC figure in Kano and Executive Director of Finance at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin, defended Ganduje’s stance. He argued that the North should indeed wait until 2031 before seeking the presidency again. According to him, Tinubu’s administration has significantly contributed to northern development. He cited initiatives such as the North-West Commission, championed by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and approved by Tinubu, with a budget of over ₦600 billion. Additionally, the approval of ₦150 billion for Kano’s metro rail construction, spearheaded by House of Representatives Appropriations Committee Chairman Abubakar Bichi, is another testament to the administration’s commitment. Kwankwaso stated that the North is currently benefiting from numerous projects supported by Tinubu’s government, and even more will be accomplished if Tinubu secures re-election in 2027. Ganduje’s Remarks Are a Political Wake-Up Call for the North — NNPP Chairman Hashimu Dungurawa, Kano State Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), asserted that Ganduje’s comments serve as a
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Former Imo Governor Achike Udenwa on Election Manipulation in Nigeria Achike Udenwa, a former governor of Imo State, has made a shocking revelation about the electoral process in Nigeria. He asserted that politicians with substantial financial resources could manipulate elections by purchasing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and the army to secure victory. Speaking on State Affairs, a political podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, Udenwa lamented the decline in Nigeria’s democratic values. He stated that voters no longer scrutinize the backgrounds, integrity, and competence of candidates before supporting them. “Our society has deteriorated to the point where people no longer ask politicians about their past records, character, or leadership abilities. Instead, if a candidate has enough money, they can simply buy their way to victory,” Udenwa said. Elections in Nigeria Are Bought, Not Won – Udenwa When asked whether politicians could influence INEC, security agencies, and voters through financial incentives, Udenwa responded emphatically: “You can buy everybody.” He expressed concerns over the commercialization of elections, warning that if left unchecked, the practice could prevent credible leaders from emerging. He called for electoral reforms to restore fairness and transparency in Nigeria’s democratic system. APC Involvement in PDP Crisis Udenwa, who is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, also commented on the ongoing crisis within his party. While acknowledging PDP’s internal challenges, he accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of exacerbating the situation through external interference. “There are external forces working against the PDP, trying to destabilize it from within. We are still battling the crisis, and I believe PDP will survive,” he stated. Although Udenwa refrained from naming individuals allegedly used by the APC to create disunity within the PDP, he insisted that the opposition party was aware of the ruling party’s involvement. Urgent Need for Electoral Reforms The former governor’s revelations underscore the urgent need for electoral reforms in Nigeria. Strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring financial transparency in campaigns, and enforcing stricter penalties for electoral malpractice are essential to safeguarding the country’s democracy. For more insights into Nigeria’s electoral process and reforms, visit Premium Times for in-depth political analysis. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Atiku Abubakar has accused President Tinubu’s government of suppressing opposition voices through arrests and intimidation. Read more on his claims about a potential one-party system in Nigeria. Atiku Abubakar Criticizes Tinubu’s Administration Amidst Alleged Suppression of Critics Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria, has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s administration over what he describes as a systematic crackdown on opposition voices. His remarks came in response to the prosecution of Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, and the recent arrest of Prof. Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Allegations of Intimidation and Harassment Atiku argues that the arrest and detention of these individuals reflect a growing trend of political intimidation. Prof. Usman Yusuf was taken into custody by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on January 28, 2025, over allegations of a ₦4 billion fraud. However, Atiku sees this as part of a larger strategy to silence critics of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on January 30, 2025, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) warned that if the government continues on this path, “they may soon imprison everyone who speaks against them.” Atiku Accuses APC of Pushing for One-Party Rule Atiku reaffirmed his stance that the APC is deliberately working towards dismantling opposition parties to establish a one-party system in Nigeria. He claimed that previous warnings about the ruling party’s suppression tactics were dismissed, but recent developments prove his concerns to be valid. “When I made the clarion call that Tinubu and the APC were devoting their energies to the systematic harassment, intimidation, and dismantling of the opposition, all in service of their grand design for a one-party autocracy, I became the target of vicious attacks. The arrest and baseless prosecution of @YeleSowore is the latest chapter in this unrelenting campaign. Now, they have seen fit to add Professor Usman Yusuf— an outspoken critic of this administration— into their grim roster. At the pace they are going, it seems they may soon find themselves contending with the incarceration of every one of us,” he wrote. Opposition Parties Demand Proof of Allegations Atiku’s statement aligns with his earlier accusations that the APC is bribing opposition parties to weaken their influence ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking at a national conference in Abuja, he alleged that some opposition party leaders had been offered ₦50 million to compromise their leadership and reduce resistance against the ruling party. This claim has sparked controversy, with opposition parties like the Labour Party (LP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) challenging Atiku to provide concrete evidence to support his allegations. Conclusion The political climate in Nigeria remains tense as opposition figures continue to voice concerns over what they perceive as an authoritarian shift under President Tinubu’s administration. Atiku’s latest outburst adds to the growing criticism of the government’s handling of dissent, fueling debates over the future of democracy in the country. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Adamu Garba, a notable figure in Nigeria’s All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused former U.S. President Barack Obama of orchestrating a political coup against President Joe Biden. According to Garba, Obama undermined Biden’s primary victory and effectively transferred it to Vice President Kamala Harris, leading to her recent election loss. In a statement shared on his X account, Garba argued that Harris should hold Obama accountable for her defeat in the November 5 presidential election, describing it as a significant failure. Garba remarked: “Figures like former President Barack Obama make Black people appear vulnerable and trivialized globally. Despite leading the United States for eight years, Obama remains politically active, unlike the tradition of former presidents who disengage from political involvement and become statesmen.” He criticized Obama’s unrelenting pursuit of power, noting that while Obama supported Hillary Clinton’s campaign (which failed) and had longstanding differences with Biden, the current president managed to succeed with minimal assistance from Obama. Biden, according to Garba, resisted Obama’s attempts to exert influence during his presidency. Garba claimed that Obama, sidelined by Biden, retaliated by undermining him, supporting Kamala Harris, and campaigning for her, which ultimately ended in failure. He argued that Obama, viewing the presidency as a platform for continuous public display, harmed his reputation by refusing to step back after his two terms. Garba likened Obama’s behavior to that of African leaders who seek to hold power through proxies, which he believes diminished Obama’s respect and credibility. Garba also suggested that Obama’s actions contributed to disenchantment among minority groups in the U.S., which played a role in Harris’ defeat. He concluded that Obama’s legacy has damaged both his integrity and the perception of his leadership, stating Harris should direct her frustration at Obama for her loss. READ ALSO: Will Trump Victory Restore Nigeria?
