With the recent wave of defections from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to opposition parties, a prominent APC chieftain, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has affirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027 remains secure, regardless of political alignments against him. The political landscape has witnessed the defection of key figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who recently joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Reports also indicate that he has been reaching out to other political heavyweights such as Rauf Aregbesola to strengthen his camp ahead of the 2027 elections. Despite these movements, Oyintiloye, in a statement issued in Osogbo on Sunday, described such efforts as ineffective, emphasizing that Tinubu possesses a robust strategy to counter any opposition at the appropriate time. He asserted that political defections are a common occurrence and should not be perceived as a threat to Tinubu’s second-term aspirations. “No political alliance can prevent President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. Those plotting against him should take time to understand his leadership style. He has a well-structured plan and is building a network of influential supporters across Nigeria,” Oyintiloye remarked. The former lawmaker further noted that President Tinubu remains committed to driving Nigeria toward development and progress. He highlighted that the administration’s policies are already yielding results, reinforcing the President’s position for the next electoral cycle. “The President’s strategic governance, resilience, and ability to surmount political challenges that led to his victory in 2023 will once again work in his favor in 2027. Those opposing him will soon realize their miscalculations,” he added. Oyintiloye also urged Tinubu to intensify public engagement and awareness campaigns, showcasing his administration’s achievements and future plans to strengthen public confidence ahead of the next elections. Read more about President Tinubu’s leadership and policies on BBC News READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
A Nigerian senator, Osita Izunaso of Imo West, has revealed details of a key meeting in London where late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah allegedly committed to defecting from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking during a valedictory session in honor of Senator Ubah, Izunaso recounted the meeting, which involved Senate President Godswill Akpabio. He noted that this meeting was instrumental in securing Ubah’s defection and solidifying APC’s dominance in the Senate. Details of the London Agreement According to Izunaso, the London meeting was a pivotal moment in Ubah’s decision to leave the YPP for the APC. He explained that Akpabio sought assurances from Ubah during their discussions: “You [Akpabio] asked him, ‘Are you sure you will join the APC?’ and Ubah confirmed his commitment. Despite ongoing court battles involving Ubah, he vowed to switch allegiance immediately,” Izunaso said. Izunaso further noted that following the meeting, Akpabio promised to inform Nigeria’s Commander-in-Chief about Ubah’s decision. True to his word, Ubah officially joined the APC in October 2023, marking a significant political shift. Ubah’s Impact on APC in Anambra State After his defection, Ubah contributed to strengthening the APC’s presence in Anambra State, a region where the party has historically struggled. From 2019 until his defection, Ubah had been the only senator representing the YPP. His move further increased APC’s already substantial majority in the Senate. Controversy Over Foreign Meetings The reference to the “popular London meeting” highlights a growing trend among Nigerian public officials to conduct political negotiations in foreign countries such as the UK, France, and the US. These meetings often draw criticism due to their questionable funding and lack of transparency. Despite widespread disapproval from Nigerians, such practices remain common among senators, governors, and even presidents. Ubah’s Legal Troubles Ubah’s political journey has not been without challenges. In December 2019, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) filed criminal charges against him and his company, Capital Oil, over alleged false claims and a debt of ₦135 billion. The Federal High Court in Lagos charged Ubah and his company on eight counts related to this alleged indebtedness. In June 2023, Justice Nicholas Oweibo issued criminal summonses against Ubah and Capital Oil, underscoring the legal battles that have shadowed his career. Conclusion Ifeanyi Ubah’s defection to the APC underscores the complex dynamics of Nigerian politics, where party allegiance can shift under strategic negotiations. While his contributions to the APC are notable, the ongoing criticisms of foreign political meetings and his unresolved legal issues cast a shadow over his legacy. READ ALSO:
