Royal News

Tag: All Progressives Congress (APC)

  • Mohammed Badaru Denies Plans to Join ADC

    Mohammed Badaru Denies Plans to Join ADC

    Former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru has dismissed reports claiming he is in talks to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a statement on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, Badaru described the rumours as baseless, unfounded, and politically motivated.

    A founding leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Badaru reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the party, urging the public and party members to disregard the speculation. “I remain a dedicated member of the APC and have no intention of leaving the party I helped build,” he stated.

    He further emphasized that there has been no change in his political affiliation, reiterating his loyalty and active role within the APC. “I remain a loyal and committed member of the APC, and there has been no change whatsoever in my political affiliation,” Badaru added.

  • Oyebamiji Emerges APC Osun Governorship Candidate

    Oyebamiji Emerges APC Osun Governorship Candidate

    Bola Oyebamiji has been affirmed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2026 Osun State election, pledging to reposition the state if elected.

    Oyebamiji, a former Osun State Commissioner for Finance and ex-Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, made the pledge in his acceptance speech after the party’s primary election held on Saturday in Osogbo.

    His emergence followed a consensus process after two fellow aspirants, Kunle Adegoke (SAN) and Senator Babajide Omoworare, moved and seconded a motion endorsing him as the party’s flag bearer.

    Presenting the motion, Adegoke said all aspirants had agreed to step down in the interest of party unity and to support Oyebamiji for the August 2026 governorship poll.

    The chairman of the primary election committee and Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, subsequently conducted a voice vote, which was unanimously endorsed, before formally declaring Oyebamiji as the APC candidate.

    In his acceptance speech, Oyebamiji said the challenge of repositioning Osun State was “huge but achievable,” outlining plans to reduce poverty, tackle hunger and strengthen the state’s education system.

    He also promised to revitalise Osun’s healthcare sector, describing it as moribund, and said improving public welfare, peace and social development would be central to his administration.

    Oyebamiji called on party members, former aspirants and other progressives to unite behind his candidacy, urging collective efforts to reverse what he described as the state’s systemic decline.

    He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, APC national leaders, and former Osun governors Adebisi Akande and Adegboyega Oyetola for their support and role in maintaining party unity ahead of the election.

  • Rivers Governor Fubara Officially Joins APC

    Rivers Governor Fubara Officially Joins APC

    Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), receiving his membership card during a brief ceremony at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

    The state APC Chairman, Tony Okocha, led the registration, assuring the governor that the party would fully support him. Okocha said he was acting on instructions from the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.

    Describing the task as “holy,” Okocha congratulated Fubara on his decision to join the ruling party and expressed satisfaction with the reasons the governor gave for his membership.

    The formal registration was conducted by the State Secretary of APC, Eric Nwibani.

    The ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, members of the APC State Executive Council, and former Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo.

    Okocha reiterated that the APC in Rivers State would remain at the governor’s service, pledging the party’s full backing for his administration.

    Governor Fubara’s registration marks a significant political alignment in Rivers, consolidating his ties with the national ruling party ahead of upcoming political activities.

    Party stakeholders at the event highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration in strengthening governance and advancing the party’s agenda in the state.

    The move also positions the governor within the APC’s broader national framework, enhancing his political influence and engagement with federal initiatives.

  • Fubara Joins APC, Says Move Repays Tinubu For Stabilising Rivers

    Fubara Joins APC, Says Move Repays Tinubu For Stabilising Rivers

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the move is a gesture of gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for helping to stabilise the state during its political crisis.

    Fubara announced his defection on Thursday at the Government House in Port Harcourt during a brief ceremony organised by the APC. He said aligning with the party at the centre was necessary for the state’s political and developmental interests.

    The governor completed the APC membership form at the event and received his party slip and membership card from a delegation led by Rivers APC Chairman Tony Okocha and Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo.

    Speaking after receiving his membership card, Fubara said his decision was aimed at ensuring smooth political cooperation with the president ahead of the 2027 elections. “I took this decision as my return of favour—my own way of clearing the bush to ensure that his re-election in 2027 will be easy and smooth in this state,” he said.

    He added that joining the APC placed all stakeholders “in one flat” rather than supporting the president from separate political platforms. “Now that we are all in one party, the job is now easy to fulfil what we have promised the President,” he said.

    Fubara also pledged to consolidate the APC’s presence and structure in Rivers State. He assured the party leadership that strengthening the APC would be a priority going forward.

    “We will do everything to keep APC as the main and active progressive party in Rivers State,” he said. “From this minute, it is my duty to ensure the party is properly taken care of. Every need of the exco and the party becomes my responsibility.”

    The governor said part of his new role within the party would be “to preach the news of Mr President” and “soften every strongman in this state” ahead of future political contests.

  • APC Tensions Rise In Nasarawa Following Lafia Council Chairman Suspension

    APC Tensions Rise In Nasarawa Following Lafia Council Chairman Suspension

    Lafia, Nasarawa – Political tensions are escalating in Nasarawa State as internal divisions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) emerge ahead of the 2027 general elections. The suspension of Lafia Local Government Chairman, Hon. Mohammad Haliru Arabo, has intensified uncertainty in the state.

    The suspension coincides with the redeployment of the former Commissioner of Police and the appointment of a new police chief, moves analysts say reflect deepening power struggles within the APC over the upcoming governorship race.

    On Thursday, speaking at the NUJ Press Centre in Lafia, APC chieftain and Turaki of Lafia, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Sandaji, condemned the suspension under the banner of the Nasarawa Council for Protection of Democracy (NACOPOD). He described it as “deeply flawed, political gangsterism, and dangerous to democracy.”

    Sandaji criticized the State House of Assembly for acting hastily, saying there was no credible evidence to justify the three-month suspension, which reportedly stems from Arabo’s alleged interference in the impeachment process of the Speaker of the Lafia Legislative Council.

    “To suspend an elected official for such claims without proof is not oversight; it is overreach,” Sandaji said, accusing the Assembly of violating Arabo’s right to a fair hearing.

    He also condemned the State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Aminu Muazu Maipata, for recognizing the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Uba Arikya, calling it “an affront to legislative autonomy and a violation of the principle of separation of powers.”

    Sandaji alleged the suspension is politically motivated, linking it to Arabo’s open support for former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu Abubakar, whose rising popularity is believed to have unsettled the current political order.

    “We strongly suspect this suspension is part of a calculated attempt to intimidate and weaken allies of this emerging political force ahead of the coming electoral cycle,” he said.

    NACOPOD urged the State House of Assembly to reverse the suspension and adhere to due process if there are legitimate investigative concerns. The group also appealed to Governor Abdullahi Sule to prevent the use of democratic institutions for political witch-hunts.

    Sandaji concluded: “We call on His Excellency to rise above partisan considerations and urgently intervene to restore constitutional order and peace in Lafia Local Government.” NACOPOD plans to formally communicate its concerns to the Governor, police authorities, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

  • APC Backs First Lady Tinubu Over Adeleke Intervention

    APC Backs First Lady Tinubu Over Adeleke Intervention

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu following her public intervention during Governor Ademola Adeleke’s speech at her coronation as Yeye Asiwaju Ile Oodua in Ile-Ife on Sunday.

    During the event, Mrs Tinubu reportedly threatened to turn off the microphone as Governor Adeleke began singing, sparking widespread attention and debate online.

    In a statement released Wednesday, Lagos APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo reaffirmed the party’s support for the First Lady, describing her actions as measured, patriotic, and well-intentioned.

    “The Lagos State chapter of the APC stands firmly behind First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her timely counsel to Governor Ademola Adeleke, urging him to prioritize governance over public performances,” the statement said. “Her intervention, delivered at an event hosted by the revered Ooni of Ife, was neither demeaning nor condescending. It was rooted in statesmanship, motherly wisdom, and a genuine concern for the dignity of public office.”

    The party argued that public office demands focus, discipline, and commitment, emphasizing that entertainment should never overshadow leadership responsibilities.

    “Governance is a sacred mandate entrusted by the people. While culture and self-expression are important, they must not eclipse the essential duties of leadership,” the statement added.

    According to the APC, Governor Adeleke’s public performances have drawn attention away from pressing state issues, including economic development, healthcare, education, youth employment, and infrastructure.

    The party stressed that leaders should be measured by performance and policy outcomes rather than public applause or entertainment.

    APC also warned against portraying Mrs Tinubu’s actions as an attack, calling such claims “disingenuous and misleading.” The party described her advice as a patriotic reminder intended to preserve the dignity of the governor’s office and uphold public expectations.

    “History is unkind to leaders who mistake popularity and entertainment for competence and effective governance,” the statement concluded.

  • Malami Declares 2027 Kebbi Governorship Ambition

    Malami Declares 2027 Kebbi Governorship Ambition

    Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has formally declared his intention to contest the Kebbi State governorship election in 2027.

    Malami, who resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), announced his ambition during an interview with DCL Hausa on Monday.

    He expressed confidence in his political support base, saying he is prepared for the race once the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) permits mobilisation. “I have agreed to contest, and there is no retreat. God willing, we are going to win. We won’t disappoint those who believe in us,” he said.

    Malami criticised the APC-led governments at both state and federal levels, accusing them of allowing insecurity to cripple agriculture and worsen economic hardship in the North. He lamented that persistent bandit attacks had forced many farmers off their land, reducing food production.

    “Today, rice mills that operated for two decades have shut down because of bad policies that favour foreign companies,” he said, describing the situation as a result of “negligence and policy failure.”

    He said his governorship bid is driven by a commitment to “salvage Kebbi State,” restore security, rebuild the agricultural economy and prioritise the welfare of residents. According to him, the ambition is “not for personal gain but a rescue mission.”

    Malami added that his decision to leave the APC followed “wide consultations and deep personal reflection,” emphasising that it was motivated by concern over the daily struggles faced by Nigerians.

  • APC Gubernatorial Aspirant Challenges Ekiti Primary Election

    APC Gubernatorial Aspirant Challenges Ekiti Primary Election

    A gubernatorial aspirant on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, Mrs. Abimbola Olajumoke Olawuni, has petitioned the Federal High Court in Abuja to nullify the party’s primary election in Ekiti State that produced Governor Biodun Oyebanji as its candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election.

    Olawuni told the court that the primary election was conducted arbitrarily, violated the principles of fair hearing, and was inconsistent with both the APC Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.

    She argued that she was unfairly excluded from participating in the primary despite being a bona fide party member who had purchased both the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms.

    In the suit, marked FHC/ABM/CS/222/2025 and filed by her lawyer, Abayomi Oluwafemi Olawuyi, Olawuni requested that the court set aside her disqualification and prevent the APC from excluding her from the nomination process.

    The aspirant claimed she was initially cleared to participate in the primary’s final stage but was unexpectedly disqualified during the screening exercise on September 24.

    She described the September 24 screening as unlawful and a sham, alleging it failed to comply with Section 84 of the Electoral Act and APC guidelines.

    Olawuni is seeking an interim injunction restraining the APC from concluding the primary or submitting Governor Oyebanji’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the party’s candidate.

    The case has been assigned to Justice Peter Odo Lifu for adjudication.

    The outcome of the suit could have significant implications for the APC’s candidacy and the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Ekiti State.

  • North-Central APC Forum Urges Governor Mutfwang To Join APC

    North-Central APC Forum Urges Governor Mutfwang To Join APC

    The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has renewed its call for Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC.

    The forum’s chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, made the appeal on Thursday during the group’s third-quarter meeting in Jos, describing the political climate as “favourable” for the governor’s defection.

    Zazzaga, who served on the APC Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 elections, said the forum was the first to urge Mutfwang to switch parties based on its “political calculations and predictions” before and after the polls.

    According to him, the forum’s advocacy has contributed to key political developments, including the creation of the North-Central Development Commission and the return of the APC national chairmanship to the region. He added that the group continues to support President Bola Tinubu’s policies and to engage governors from other parties to join the APC.

    “Our call for Governor Mutfwang to join the APC has been consistent since 2023,” Zazzaga said. “We believe he embodies progressive values through his words and actions. Joining the APC will align him with President Tinubu’s vision for Plateau and the North-Central region.”

    He argued that a move to the APC would strengthen collaboration between the Plateau State executive and legislative arms, most of whose members belong to the ruling party. Such cooperation, he said, would enhance governance and help tackle the state’s security and development challenges.

    Zazzaga also urged the governor to act in line with his administration’s slogan, “The Time is Now,” and seize the moment to make the switch.

    “Governor Mutfwang’s achievements can be better appreciated within the APC, where he will have a shared platform with other progressive leaders in the region,” he added.

    The forum chairman dismissed internal opposition to the proposed defection, saying those against it lack strategic understanding of the party’s broader goals. “Their personal interests cannot override the collective good of the APC,” he said.