Desmond Elliot, a Nollywood actor and Lagos lawmaker, is facing a brewing tension with the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila over his ambition to represent Surulere 1 Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly for the fourth term.

Gbajabiamila was said to have backed the immediate past Lagos Special Adviser on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, to replace Elliot in the Assembly.

It was stated the move was part of efforts to promote women and gender inclusion in politics.

Elliot was said to be unsettled by the development and is determined to test his popularity in the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly primaries on Tuesday.

Vanguard reports that the lawmaker’s bid for a fourth term was said to have hit a snag after President Bola Tinubu allegedly turned down pleas by influential persons who reached out to him to lobby on behalf of Elliot.

Tinubu Blocks Lobbyists
Among those who reportedly approached the President were a retired general, his wife, a senator, a serving minister and an ally of the President.

They were said to have asked Tinubu to overrule the position of some stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Surulere who are backing Odunuga-Bakare.

But sources said the President was adamant about respecting internal democracy and the wishes of party stakeholders.

“The direct primary election will determine who has popular control of Surulere APC politics, not external influence,” Tinubu was quoted.

He was also quoted as saying: “If the people who carried Desmond for 12 years can’t defend him anymore, that says everything about the character and performance of the boy.”

The post How President Bola Tinubu Shut Down Desmond Elliot’s Political Ambition appeared first on TheNigerian.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a crisis is developing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter in Benue State as a result of Daniel Onyirofie Onjeh, one of the senatorial candidates, rejecting the party’s purported endorsement of former lawmaker Francis Ottah Agbo as its preferred candidate for Benue South.

Benue South is one of the important districts anticipated to generate candidates for the 2027 elections, according to reports that the APC is holding its senatorial primaries across the nation today.

On Saturday night, however, rumors surfaced that Prince Moses Ternenge, a close ally of Governor Hyacinth Alia, had supposedly supported Ottah Agbo as the favored candidate for the Benue South senatorial seat.

After losing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket in 2022, Ottah Agbo, a former member of the House of Representatives, joined the APC.

Later, his defection made it possible for Philip Agbese to join the APC before switching to the Labour Party.

In response to the incident, Onjeh criticized Prince Moses Ternenge, a politician from Benue North East Senatorial District (Zone A), for allegedly meddling in the political affairs of Benue South Senatorial District (Zone C) in a video that was uploaded on his Facebook page.

He claims that Benue South has enough competent people to decide its own political course free from foreign interference.

Onjeh stated, “Benue South, Zone C, with its array of professors and academic doctors, cannot be forced to accept a senatorial candidate by Prince Moses Ternenge, a Tiv man from Benue North East, Zone A.”

The APC leader also made fun of an unidentified candidate who was purportedly positioned as the party’s “anointed candidate.”

He charged that the candidate had switched from the PDP to the APC without bringing any grassroots backing or political structure.

The assertion made by certain candidates that they are the chosen candidate is even more absurd. He said, “The person came to the APC with no followers from his previous party, the PDP, and hopes to reap where he did not sow.”

Onjeh went on to say that the race for the Benue South senatorial ticket shouldn’t jeopardize the political networks and supporters that have been established over time.

He continued, saying, “You cannot come and rest on the followership that others have built over the years to run the senatorial race.”

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Olawale Sadare, the Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, has confirmed the attack on the party’s leadership, during a stakeholders meeting.

It was learnt that some aggrieved members of the APC held a protest Thursday over the alleged imposition of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The protesters, who besieged the party secretariat at Oke-Ado in Ibadan South East Local Government Area of the state during the party’s leadership and stakeholders meeting with the aspirants, warned the APC leadership against monetary influence in the selection of candidates.

The protesters argued that the leadership should level the playing field for all aspirants by conducting free, fair and credible primaries rather than imposing candidates on the membership.

Sadare, in an interview with Punch said the attack which lasted for about two hours, was sponsored to disrupt the peace in the party.

No life was lost in the attack and the incident has been reported to security agents, Sadare said.

“The protesters were sponsored to disturb the peace that the party is enjoying now.

It was learnt that the hoodlums that unleashed terror on members of the state executive committee, staff and others present in the Secretariat were armed with weapons and charms as they came in their numbers to perpetrate their nefarious acts.

The attacks lasted for about two hours and in its wake damage was done to private cars and the Secretariat building as windshield, tyres, office windows, doors among other things were shattered.

It was sponsored attacks by some disgruntled elements but we are glad that no life was lost in the unprovoked attacks. We have reported it to the security agents, and I know investigations are already underway. That’s all from me for the moment.

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There is fresh anxiety within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the party’s silence on the outcome of its screening exercise for aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.

It was learnt that the uncertainty has increased tension among supporters of some of the governorship aspirants with the political future of the allies of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara at stake.

The Guardian learnt that the APC national leadership had continued to resist pressure to release the screening report.

Some party sources attributed the delay to President Bola Tinubu’s trip to Kenya, saying leaders were awaiting his return before taking a final decision.

Others said the party was treading carefully so as not to drive aggrieved aspirants to opposition parties.

On Wednesday, members of the National Working Committee led by the National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, were absent at the APC National Secretariat, further raising concerns among camps of affected aspirants.

The missing of the top members of the NWC has raised fears about the fate of politicians believed to be loyal to Fubara in the APC structure in Rivers State.

Speculations also ran high on the modalities for the party’s direct primaries proposal.

Party sources said the arrest was linked to fears that lawmakers loyal to Fubara in the Rivers State House of Assembly could be marginalised or lose their influence after the long-running political crisis in the state.

According to reports, tension heightened following allegations that some aspirants believed to be loyal to Fubara did not scale through the party’s internal screening in Rivers State.

However, the APC has denied allegations of bias and insisted that the screening process complied with established procedures.

The post APC Awaits Tinubu’s Return Amid Fears Of Mass Defection By Fubara Loyalists appeared first on TheNigerian.

The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) reconciliation process ahead of the 2027 general elections has recorded mixed reactions, as some stakeholders embraced the initiative, while others stayed away from the engagement.

The committee, which was set up to address the grievances of aspirants and stakeholders of the party, has started meeting across the federal and state constituencies of the state.

It is chaired by a former National Treasurer of APC, Hon. Bala Muhammad Gwagwarwa and Prof. Nura Yaro Dawakin Tofa is the secretary. Other members are Hon. Mutari Ishaq Yakasai and a former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Zahara’u.

The panel is understood to have been inaugurated to reinforce the unity of the party and prevent internal wrangling from weakening the APC ahead of the next election cycle.

In the course of its assignment, the committee invited aspirants and stakeholders from the Doguwa/Tudun-Wada Federal Constituency, which has lately become a battle ground between the member of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa and another aspirant, Salisu Yusha’u.

Doguwa attended and participated in the reconciliation meeting at the Kano State Government House.

However, the meeting was not attended by the Chairperson of the Tudun-Wada Local Government and Kano State ALGON Chairperson, Hajiya Sa’adatu Salisu Yusha’u and her husband Salisu Yusha’u.

Their absence has raised concerns, particularly as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had previously instructed aspirants aspiring for elective positions on the platform of the APC to return to their constituencies, engage in broad consultations, and collaborate with stakeholders to arrive at consensus candidates.

Confirming the development, committee secretary, Prof. Nura Yaro D-Tofa, and Hon. Mutari Ishaq Yakasai said Hajiya Sa’adatu and her husband did not attend the meeting.

They said the reconciliation process was still ongoing, and so far has covered more than seven federal constituencies and 13 state assembly constituencies across Kano State.

They said the exercise has been going on steadily and the committee is optimistic that it would successfully complete its assignment in a short period of time.

Stakeholders Back Doguwa
It was reported that stakeholders from the Doguwa/Tudun-Wada Federal Constituency had earlier supported Doguwa’s bid to contest the 2027 election on the platform of the APC.

The endorsement was reportedly accepted by Governor Yusuf as part of efforts to ease tension and build consensus in the party.

The development, however, seems to have heightened political interest in the constituency, given the rivalry between Doguwa and Salisu Yusha’u.

“The reconciliation committee said it was still committed to fostering unity, cooperation and collective success in the APC in Kano State despite the setback.

The Kano APC inaugurated the reconciliation committee as a step to resolve internal disputes and strengthen party cohesion ahead of the 2027 polls.

The post Kano APC Reconciliation Suffers Setback As ALGON Chair, Husband Shun Panel appeared first on TheNigerian.

Tein Jack-Rich, a businessman and politician, has cautioned against what he describes as efforts by new entrants into the All Progressives Congress (APC) to oust long-standing members of the ruling party.

Jack-Rich was reported to have made the warning in Abuja in the course of submitting his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to contest for the Rivers West Senatorial seat on the platform of the APC.

In a statement signed by him on Thursday, May 7, the APC chieftain said while the party should continue to embrace new members, it must not jettison those who stood with it from its early days.

He said the influx of politicians into the APC was good for democratic growth, but the party must strike a balance between accommodating new members and protecting the interests of loyal members.

Jack-Rich said members that supported the APC when the party’s future was hanging in the balance should not be sidelined now that the party controls the Federal Government.

“What is important to the party, he said, is to continue to recognise and honour legacy members who have been there from inception while accommodating new entrants for growth.”

He added: “It is important to cherish your biological child while adopting new children. You have to maintain that balance.

The senatorial aspirant said that many founding members of the APC passed through difficult times, criticism and political pressure when some people doubted the party’s chances of survival.

He said it would be unfair for such members to be sidelined because the party has become attractive to new entrants.

“We were there when they called us names,” Jack-Rich said. I was there when they didn’t believe in us. When they tried to stop us.

“Today, that we have a president, some people are coming in hard and trying to push us out. We won’t accept it.

Jack-Rich to Run for Senate

On his ambition, Jack-Rich said he took the decision to go for the Rivers West Senatorial seat to provide experienced and purposeful representation to the district.

He described himself as one of the long-standing supporters of the APC at state and national levels, adding that he had always worked for the success of the party and its candidates.

“I have been a major supporter of this party at the state and national levels, he said. “I have worked with governors, assembly members, representatives, senators and even presidents, and I will continue to do so.”

Jack-Rich said he is sure to get the party ticket and win the senatorial election.

“I am happy to say that I have submitted my form, and I am going to work very hard for the primaries. I’m very confident that I’m going to win the Senate seat. “Rivers West will be great again.”

The APC aspirant said his over 28 years’ experience in the oil and gas sector had prepared him to contribute meaningfully to legislative work especially on issues affecting the energy industry.

He said the Senate needs lawmakers who understand the oil sector and can support President Bola Tinubu’s administration with ideas and legislation that would enhance oil production and grow the economy.

“We need a senator who understands the oil industry and can back the president with bills and ideas that will help us produce more oil,” Jack-Rich said.

He described Rivers West as one of the most strategic senatorial districts in the country owing to its economic importance and oil-producing capacity.

He said, “The Rivers West Senatorial District is the largest in the state in terms of landmass and it is the oil bank of Nigeria.

“My field is in Rivers West, so I know the terrain and the issues.”

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Former Taraba state governor, Jolly Nyame, has parted ways with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged marginalisation and unfair treatment of his people.

Nyame made the announcement in a chat with members of his support group after a Federal High Court in Jalingo ruled in his favour. This was contained in a trending video on social media.

The ex-governor said he consulted with his supporters and stakeholders from Zing Local Government Area before deciding to leave the APC in search of another political platform through which he could continue to serve the people.

He said he was aligning himself with people who think like him and are committed to the development of the region, adding that his years of loyalty and contribution to the APC did not give him and his community fair treatment.

“If they will not honour me as the Dabon Yarro and leader of the entire Yorro community across the world including the Mumuye, Yandan, Yorti and others, who then will they honour from among my people?” he asked.

“People from my zone have suffered political exclusion for years and have not been properly represented in the affairs of the state,” Nyame said.

The former governor also revealed that he had been under pressure to contest an elective position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“At my age, it is not compulsory for me to contest any elective position but the pressure from the people is enormous. “They feel their voices have been silenced for too long,” he said.

He warned that the silence over the alleged injustice meted on the people, could further compound the plight and appealed to his supporters to join him in the struggle to improve the lot of the people.

The post Nyame Resigns From APC Over Alleged Marginalisation appeared first on TheNigerian.

A fresh crisis appears to be brewing in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, as the fragile reconciliation between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, appears to be breaking down.

Although a high-level peace meeting took place on Sunday, deep divisions remain, especially on the contentious issue of automatic tickets for elected officials ahead of the next election cycle.

The fallout from the 2023 general elections, when both leaders disagreed over control of the party structure and political appointments in the state, led to the crisis between Alia and Akume.

A quiet disagreement quickly erupted into a full-scale intra-party war, dividing the APC in Benue into two rival groups.

One faction, led by Austin Agada, was loyal to Akume while another, led by then-state chairman Ben Omakolo, sided with Governor Alia.

The tension peaked in March 2026 when both factions held parallel congresses, with both factions producing rival sets of party executives.

The faction backed by Alia, meanwhile, said its congress was held according to due process and represented the wishes of party members. But the Akume faction rejected the exercise and held a parallel congress that worsened the leadership crisis.

The APC national leadership eventually took a decisive step, by recognizing the congress conducted by the Alia faction, that produced Ben Omale as chairman. The action effectively sidelined Agada and weakened Akume’s grip on the party structure in the state.

President Bola Tinubu, concerned about the effect of the lingering crisis on the party’s electoral fortunes, intervened, urging both leaders to bury their hatchet and work together ahead of elections.

And Sunday’s meeting was viewed as a step in that direction. But rather than forging unity, it revealed new fault lines.

The renewed tension is based on a proposal made by Akume on the adoption of automatic tickets for Governor Alia and other elected APC officials in the state including members of the National and State Assemblies.

Sources who attended the meeting said Akume had pushed for automatic tickets to ensure continuity and reward loyalty, but the governor had rejected the proposal outright.

Alia reportedly stressed that all aspirants must go through a transparent primary process and warned of possible another internal crisis if candidates were imposed.

“He agreed on other terms but the issue of automatic tickets was outrightly turned down,” an insider said. He is not prepared to risk the party’s structure. “He also does not want a situation where Akume loyalists in the National Assembly come back unchallenged.”

Governor Alia, who addressed journalists following the meeting, was very clear in his stance that there are no automatic tickets.

He said: “Because the APC has made it very clear, Mr. President has said it severally and the National Chairman of the APC also stressed at the time that there is no automatic ticket.

“I think this is just a request, not a resolution. It is a prayer for the people of the state, asking them to reflect and consider how they can assist those who are serving.
It is not an official position of the national party or the federal government. As I understand it, this was a conciliation meeting. He has a right to make such appeals, to offer prayers. It’s basically a call to the whole citizenry to see if they can bring these people back. “I would say that is a misguided approach,” he said.

With preparations for the 2027 election cycle starting to gain momentum, the party may be headed for another bout of internal strife with conflicting interests, old grievances and the struggle for control still simmering beneath the surface.

The post Fresh Crisis Looms In Benue APC As Alia Rejects Akume’s Automatic Ticket Proposal appeared first on TheNigerian.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State is having more and more problems within its own ranks since Governor Abdullahi Sule chose Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election.

Before the party’s official primary rules were released, the move was announced and has been criticized by important people who say that due process was not followed.

Former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura is one of the most well-known people who said he wasn’t consulted or told about the endorsement or the introduction of Wadada to Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I was never asked for my opinion. “It is too early, and due process must be followed,” Al-Makura said, but he insisted that he has no personal grudge against the endorsed candidate.

Governor Sule has defended his decision, saying that the endorsement came after a lot of discussion and is in line with long-standing political customs in the state, even though there has been a lot of criticism.

Supporters of his, like the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Danladi Jatau, have also come out in support of Wadada and called for party unity.

But there is still a lot of opposition within the party.

Mohammed Adamu, the former Inspector General of Police, is also running for the APC ticket. He has turned down the endorsement and says that the primary should be open and fair.

The news has sparked more arguments about zoning and power rotation in the state, with different groups arguing over which district or constituency should choose the next governor.

Political experts say that if the disagreements aren’t handled carefully, they could hurt party unity and the APC’s chances in the 2027 elections.

The post Nasarawa APC Crisis Worsens Following Sule’s Endorsement of Wadada appeared first on TheNigerian.

Stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos Mainland have rejected proposals to give any candidate an automatic ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, demanding that all candidates take part in an open primary to choose the party’s candidate for the House of Representatives.

The stakeholders insisted that internal democracy must be maintained and emphasized that no one should be given preference over the official party primary.

Leaders of the APC’s Lagos Mainland chapter reportedly rejected suggestions of factional fractures and reiterated the party’s unity in spite of continuing political activity.

As the 2027 election preparations gain traction, they emphasized the importance of strictly adhering to due process.

The stakeholders’ stance comes after a recent political exercise by an organization called Mainland Voice, which held a shadow primary to gauge the popularity of candidates running for the Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency.

Moshood Olanrewaju Oshun, the current lawmaker; Rasheedat Omolola Essien, the previous chairman of the council; Kazeem K. Omolaja; and Mr. Sawyer were the four candidates who took part in the process.

Out of 82 delegates, Omolaja received 44 votes, Essien received 26, and Oshun received eight, according to the exercise’s results. Due to the voiding of two ballots, Sawyer was unable to obtain any legitimate votes.

Party Source: “No Consensus Arrangement”
Party stakeholders stressed that the shadow election does not take the place of the officially recognized APC primary, regardless of the results.

“The party has stated unequivocally that a consensus agreement will not be reached. According to a party insider cited by Daily Trust, “Every candidate must test their popularity at the primary.”

According to reports, the development coincides with escalating controversy surrounding the incumbent’s and other candidates’ candidacies.

According to reports, Oshun, who has served as a legislator for about 20 years, is coming under more and more pressure from the constituency, with some stakeholders doubting his continued ambition.

Essien, a former eight-year chairman of the Lagos Mainland Local Government with more than twenty years of experience in public service, has formally shown interest in the position.

Party members have been talking about her ambition, especially in relation to the topic of generational leadership succession.

In the meantime, any attempt to force a consensus candidate on the constituency has also been rejected by Ebute-Metta (West) inhabitants under the Lagos Mainland (West) platform.

The group urged party leaders to provide justice and equal opportunity for all candidates throughout the primary process, calling for a level playing field in a statement.

The group also condemned the long-standing political marginalization of the Ebute-Metta (West) axis.

Despite its contributions to electoral successes, they claim that since 1999, the region has neither generated an elected representative nor profited from important political appointments.

They urged national and state party leaders, particularly the Lagos State Government, to rectify the disparity and encourage inclusivity within the party hierarchy.

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