House of Representatives Withdraws Compulsory Voting Bill President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated a special presidential committee headed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to address and resolve the long-standing internal conflict within the Bauchi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to a statement issued on Sunday by Musa Krishi, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, the presidential panel was formed with the mandate to tackle the persistent political disputes that have troubled the Bauchi APC for several years. The committee includes high-profile political figures such as: First Meeting and Strategic Plans The statement disclosed that the Abbas-led panel officially began its work in late July, holding its inaugural session in Abuja. During this meeting, members engaged in detailed discussions and mapped out strategic approaches to resolve the Bauchi APC crisis. Speaker Abbas noted that President Tinubu had selected members for their integrity, proven track record, and capacity to act fairly and objectively. He urged the committee to meet expectations by completing the assignment within one month, ahead of the APC congresses. Tracing the Root of the Dispute After conducting a thorough review, the committee traced the conflict back to the 2015 APC primaries in Bauchi State. To address the issues, members resolved to embark on a fact-finding mission and hold consultations with key stakeholders. A crucial stakeholders’ meeting was subsequently held on July 31 at the Yobe State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, chaired by Governor Buni in the absence of Speaker Abbas. Among the prominent figures present were: Next Steps The panel is expected to submit its recommendations in the coming weeks, paving the way for further presidential intervention aimed at restoring unity and stability within the Bauchi APC.
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has dismissed suggestions that the coalition-supported African Democratic Congress (ADC) could significantly influence the outcome of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the recent embrace of the ADC by opposition figures has ironically made them less effective rather than boosting their political weight. Governor Sule made this known on Friday during a media chat shortly after he paid a visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. “I am not particularly concerned about the ADC,” Sule said. “From what I gathered, the ADC is not a splinter group from our party, the APC, but rather a breakaway faction from another political party. If that is the case, it means their strength has been reduced. They are not gaining ground — they are actually becoming weaker. So, as far as we are concerned in the APC, we are not worried about them.” The Governor stressed that the APC’s focus has never been on the activities of rival political groups but rather on strengthening its own structures and delivering on its promises to Nigerians. “We have never been overly concerned about the opposition,” he continued. “Our priority is always to focus on our own capacity and strategies — ensuring we fulfil our obligations to the Nigerian people. This is exactly what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently demonstrated. All APC governors are equally working hard in their respective states to support this administration’s vision, and we will continue to do so.” Sule added that, on a personal level, he avoids getting distracted by the movements of other parties. “I don’t waste time monitoring the internal affairs of other parties. My interest is firmly on what my own party, the APC, is doing to serve the people,” he noted. On Yilwatda’s Appointment as APC Chairman The Governor also spoke about the recent appointment of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as the APC National Chairman, describing it as a timely and strategic decision that addresses long-standing concerns in the party’s North-Central zone. “The new chairman is very much in tune with the Renewed Hope Agenda. His appointment comes at the right time — exactly when a leader with his qualities is needed. For us in the North-Central zone, who have been calling for the return of the chairmanship to our region, we now have no reason to complain. The position is back in our zone, and that is a welcome development,” Sule affirmed.
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Tinubu Intervenes in Lagos State Speakership Crisis, Backs Obasa In a bid to resolve the ongoing leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, President Bola Tinubu convened a closed-door meeting with Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and aggrieved lawmakers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting, which took place yesterday, resulted in Tinubu directing that Obasa should retain his position while withdrawing the court case related to the dispute. Obasa Retains Position Amidst Lawmakers’ Grievances Following the high-level mediation, sources revealed that Tinubu emphasized the need for unity within the Assembly, instructing Obasa to ensure better collaboration with his colleagues moving forward. Additionally, the President warned that any future complaints regarding the Speaker’s leadership could lead to serious consequences. Reports indicate that Obasa, who arrived separately at the Presidential Villa around 2:50 PM, was ushered into the President’s office, while other lawmakers, transported in two coaster buses, had earlier discussions before joining the session. Although the meeting’s agenda was not publicly disclosed, sources confirmed that it primarily focused on reconciling the parties involved in the leadership dispute. Lawmakers Affirm Loyalty to Tinubu As the lawmakers exited the meeting around 4:30 PM, they were heard chanting the popular political slogan, “On your mandate, we shall stand,” reaffirming their loyalty to President Tinubu. Despite persistent inquiries from the press, Obasa declined to make any official comments regarding the discussion’s outcome. Similarly, Hon. James Faleke, a member of the House of Representatives who attended the meeting, briefly stated, “It went well.” Obasa Directed to Withdraw Legal Case According to an insider source, the meeting functioned as a peace negotiation, resulting in an agreement that Obasa would continue serving as Speaker. The source further disclosed that Tinubu reproached Obasa for failing to engage his colleagues effectively. However, the President acknowledged that since Obasa had taken the initiative to report the conflict, he had to stand by him. “The President made it clear that the Assembly members should maintain peace. If any more disputes arise, Obasa could lose his position permanently,” the source added. Regarding the ongoing legal battle, it was confirmed that Tinubu instructed Obasa to drop the case in court, solidifying the reconciliation efforts. Unresolved Tensions Persist While Obasa has been reinstated following intervention from key APC stakeholders and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), tensions within the Assembly reportedly remain. The aftermath of the impeachment attempt continues to linger, hinting that underlying issues may still need further resolution. For more updates on Nigerian politics and governance, visit Vanguard News and stay informed on recent developments. 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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Key APC Leaders Absent as Tinubu Calls for Unity ABUJA – The much-anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was held at the Buhari House APC National Secretariat in Abuja, marking the first NEC session since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023. The meeting was chaired by APC’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, following the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu. However, several top figures, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, were notably absent. Despite their absence, key political figures attended the gathering, such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu. Several state governors, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, were also in attendance. Tinubu’s Appeal and Economic Outlook Addressing the NEC, President Tinubu reassured members of his commitment to the party’s progressive vision. He acknowledged economic challenges but emphasized that efforts to stabilize food prices, especially during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, were yielding results. Tinubu also approved the establishment of reconciliation committees across states to address grievances among party members and announced plans to relocate the APC national secretariat due to space constraints. “We are strengthening national security and ensuring food security. I appreciate the electoral successes we have achieved and pledge to sustain these progressive changes,” Tinubu stated. He also mentioned that economic difficulties were not unique to Nigeria, citing similar challenges in European nations. APC’s Electoral Strategy and Reconciliation Efforts APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, received a vote of confidence from the NEC and highlighted the party’s strategic focus on upcoming elections in Anambra and Osun states. He confirmed that preparations for the APC primaries in Anambra, scheduled for April, were already underway. Ganduje emphasized the party’s ongoing reconciliation initiatives, which he said were beginning to yield positive results. “Through dialogue, we have engaged party leaders and stakeholders to resolve long-standing disputes. The soon-to-be-approved conflict reconciliation committee will build upon these efforts,” he added. Financial Burdens and Party Secretariat Expansion Plans During the session, Ganduje revealed that the APC had inherited legal debts totaling N8.98 billion from pre-election and election-related court cases. He urged the NEC to intervene in resolving financial constraints and disclosed that some party accounts had been restricted due to ongoing legal battles. On the party’s infrastructure, Ganduje mentioned that the current national secretariat was inadequate for APC’s growing needs. “To accommodate our expanding operations, we have formally requested land from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for a new national headquarters and the Progressives Institute,” he explained, appealing for President Tinubu’s support to expedite the process. Explaining the Absence of APC Leaders Felix Morka, APC’s spokesperson, addressed concerns about the absence of some NEC members, downplaying the issue by noting that full attendance was never guaranteed in such meetings. He emphasized that all NEC members had been invited, with an expanded guest list compared to previous meetings. “Meetings are scheduled based on the president’s availability, and invitations were sent to all NEC members. While attendance was not 100%, participation was substantial,” Morka stated. El-Rufai Criticized Over Remarks on APC Leadership Responding to recent comments from Nasir el-Rufai, Morka criticized the former governor for his public grievances regarding the party’s internal operations. He noted that all APC organs were fully functional and dismissed el-Rufai’s remarks as personal grievances rather than valid criticisms. “El-Rufai is a respected political figure, but his statements should reflect the dignity of his status. If he continues making public remarks, people have the right to respond accordingly,” Morka asserted. APC Official Website Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly opposed any plans to position Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as a future governor of Lagos State. This comes amidst endorsements by various groups for Seyi to contest the governorship in 2027. Endorsements for Seyi Tinubu Groups like the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders and Friends of Seyi Tinubu have publicly backed the president’s son, praising his leadership qualities and potential. Some endorsements even suggested that Seyi could run in states like Osun or Imo, where the Tinubu family reportedly has roots. However, the Lagos PDP and other stakeholders have voiced concerns over what they view as an attempt to transform governance into a family inheritance. PDP’s Position Speaking to Sunday PUNCH, Lagos PDP spokesperson Hakeem Amode rejected the idea outright, stating: “Lagos will not serve him. Governorship is not a gift. It should not become an inheritance.” Amode criticized the alleged trend of political families transferring power among themselves, warning that any attempts to impose Seyi Tinubu as governor would face resistance. He pointed to the results of the 2023 presidential election, where many Lagosians voted against Bola Tinubu, as evidence that residents are capable of rejecting dynastic politics. Other Criticisms The Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths also condemned the idea of Seyi Tinubu running for governor, arguing that non-indigenes should not govern Lagos State. This sentiment reflects a growing debate about the balance of political representation and indigenous rights in the state. APC’s Response The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos has dismissed the discussions as premature. APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo urged the public to focus on supporting the current administration: “It is too early to be discussing the 2027 elections. We should rally behind the governor and the president to advance development.” Similarly, prominent APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe commented on the issue via social media, although his specific remarks were not detailed. Public Reaction The debate has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the PDP for standing against perceived political nepotism, while others argue that discussing the 2027 elections distracts from immediate governance challenges. Conclusion While Seyi Tinubu has yet to announce any intentions regarding the governorship, the endorsements and subsequent backlash highlight the contentious nature of succession politics in Nigeria. With significant resistance already forming, any such move by the Tinubu camp would likely face intense scrutiny and opposition. READ ALSO:
