Ibrahim Lamido, the senator for the Sokoto East Senatorial District, has revealed why he has chosen not to run for a second term.

He clarified that the Senate lacks the administrative authority required to address the growing insecurity plaguing the local communities in an interview with reporters in Sokoto on Monday.

He clarified that he decided to run for governor because he wanted to personally address the security issues Sokoto East residents were suffering.

The legislator claimed that many residents of the district had pushed him to run for executive position, claiming that only a governor had the power and resources necessary to successfully combat banditry and other violent crimes plaguing the area.

“The insecurity that my people were experiencing made me want to run for governor. I lack the executive authority required to properly handle the problem as a senator,” Lamido stated.

However, as the African Democratic Congress reached an agreement and named former Sokoto State Deputy Governor Mannir Dan’iya as its candidate for the 2027 governorship, the senator was unable to earn the party’s governorship ticket.

Lamido declared that he will be faithful to the ADC and contribute to the party’s success in the upcoming elections despite losing the ticket.

“I’ll stay in the ADC and back the chosen candidate. For me, politics is about serving my people, not about gaining personal advantage,” he said.

In order to maintain party unity, he also revealed that every candidate running for the party’s governorship ticket agreed to the consensus plan.

“There were ten candidates, and the remaining nine have all agreed with the party’s decision,” he continued.

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Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the Governor of Benue State, has successfully scaled the screening process of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the party’s 2027 governorship primaries.

Alia was cleared to join the APC governorship primary after the screening exercise held on Friday at the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge, the venue for screening incumbent governors seeking re-election.

The development was contained in a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula.

The screening committee was headed by the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe.

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Benue Chapter and the Benue State Motorcycle Association, BEMOA procured the Governor Alia’s Expression of Interest and Nomination forms.

The leaders of the two groups said their decision was based on what they described as the governor’s human-centered leadership style and the “massive turnaround” recorded in the state since he assumed office.

The governor’s clearance was a big boost to his political standing ahead of the 2027 general elections for political observers and stakeholders within the APC.

Governor Alia who assumed office in 2023 on the platform of the APC has continued to emphasize infrastructural development, security, civil service reforms and social welfare as key priorities of his administration.

His successful screening is also seen as the beginning of increased political activities in the APC as the party gears for the next electoral cycle.

The post Benue: Gov Alia Cleared To Contest 2027 Governorship Election Under APC appeared first on TheNigerian.

On Monday, thousands of tricycle riders in Enugu State gathered in a massive show of support for Governor Peter Mbah, endorsing his reelection bid in a display of growing grassroots momentum.

Operators, popularly known as Keke riders, rode their tricycles decorated with stickers and images of Governor Mbah from Abakpa to Okpara Square, Emene to Okpara Square, Agbani Road to Okpara Square, Ogui Road to Okpara Square, New Haven and through Nkpokiti, Ebeano Tunnel, Holy Ghost, Ziks Avenue, Timber Shade, UNEC Gate, IMT Gate and others.

The Chairman of the association, Comrade Kingsley Edeh, told newsmen that the Mbah administration had provided an enabling environment, like security and good roads, which had greatly impacted on their spending on the maintenance of their tricycles.
“The governor is a good-hearted man. He embraced everyone and gave everyone an enabling environment for our people to do business in the state.

We have seen that the money that we pay, the money that we pay is going somewhere. We observed the developmental strides of the governor and said we want to organise a big solidarity and endorsement rally for Governor Mbah as the man we want in 2027, he said.

“We are endorsing him for 2027 so he will keep doing a good job as governor. We don’t want anybody else.

“Politicians lie a lot about what they didn’t do. But his own is ‘e dey play, e dey show’

“Just look at the roads he is building all over the place. We used to go to the mechanics every week and blow our earnings on bad roads before now. But today, we are seeing dividends of democracy. At least, no one can deny the fact that no other governor comes close to what our governor has done in less than three years.

“Again, with the 260 Smart Schools and 260 Type 2 Health Centres in all the wards, we will have more disposable income because the Smart Schools are free of charge. They even provide you free food and uniforms. Our children will soon be as learned as the children of America and Europe.

See also International Conference Centre. “We have people coming from Abuja, Lagos, Kano, all over Nigeria and even outside Nigeria once in a while for big conferences and we make a lot of money,” he said.

The group equally condemned the claims of over-taxation in Enugu, commending Mbah for phasing out cash payments in revenue collection, which they said created corruption, confusion and union crises in the past.

We no longer have chaotic revenue collection. We pay by the Internet. No more thug stuff. If you bring paper to collect any form of revenue, we resist it because we know it is no longer business as usual. So we now have peace, accountability, no more factions and fighting in the system because of revenue.

“It is also a lie that the governor is overtaxing Keke riders. It is utter lies. ‘We are paying the minimum money required from us and we are happy with the way the governor is utilising it to do our roads and other projects.

“Actually, the people that were collecting cash before Mbah came and doing all manner of sharp practices are the ones spinning the falsehood because they are not happy,” Edeh said.

They insisted the governor should do his second tenure “like it or not.”

“We will vote massively for him. As you could see, we are resolute. We are going to put the governor there, anyhow they want it. Even if he wants to run back to his business in Lagos, we will push him back into that seat to finish his term,” he vowed.43

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The lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Olushola Elliot, has declared his intention to seek re-election in the coming legislative election.

On Sunday, Elliot revealed his decision in a Facebook post in which he confirmed that he had secured the nomination form to run for another term.

The Nollywood actor turned politician said his decision was motivated by his passion for public service and his desire to build on the developmental efforts already recorded in Surulere Constituency I.

Elliot said he would be in a better position to bring more dividends to his constituents with his return to the Lagos Assembly.

He said that another term would make him a ranking member of the Assembly, giving Surulere Constituency I better leverage in legislative and developmental issues.

“My going back makes me automatically a ranking member and loads of benefits come to our constituency as a result of this feat,” he said.

The legislator said his priority was still on ensuring that the people of Surulere continued to enjoy quality representation and visible development.

Elliot thanked party leaders, ward executives, community leaders, youth groups, women groups and other stakeholders for their continued support.

Their support, he said, was vital to his political career and his record of public service.

The legislator said the confidence reposed in him by the people of Surulere had strengthened his resolve to continue to serve the constituency.

The Lagos lawmaker also called on his supporters to remain peaceful, united and focused throughout the electoral process.

He said that unity and mutual respect would be important as the constituencies prepare for another election.

“Our strength has always been in our togetherness, and I am confident that same spirit will guide us again,” Elliot said.

The lawmaker reiterated that his priority remained on the continued development of Surulere Constituency I and the overall growth of Lagos State.

He added that he will continue to support policies and legislative efforts aimed at improving the lives of residents and strengthening governance in the state.

Elliot has been representing Surulere Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015, it was learnt.

The post Desmond Elliot Declares Re-Election Bid For Lagos Assembly appeared first on TheNigerian.

President Bola Tinubu has stated that he will seek re-election in 2027, asserting that increasing insecurity in some parts of the country will not force him out of office.

He said this when he received the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang and some stakeholders from the state.

The President said those who are trying to use the security situation against the administration are playing into the hands of our political opponents and hostile forces.

“You are playing into the hands of agents, including my own enemies, who want to use insecurity to get rid of me,” Tinubu said.

He said he was standing firm amid criticism of his administration over attacks, kidnappings and killings in parts of the country.

I am a very stubborn politician. I won’t do it. “And I will run for my second term,” the President said.

Tinubu’s comments come as fears are renewed over attacks by armed groups, kidnappings and killings in several parts of the country.

Opposition figures and civil society groups have consistently called for stronger action by the Federal Government on insecurity.

The President has always supported his administration’s efforts, saying security agencies are being supported to address threats and return stability to the country.

Tinubu was sworn into office in May 2023 and is expected to serve his first term till 2027 when Nigerians will go to the polls for another presidential election.

The post “I’m a Very Stubborn Politician, I Will Campaign for Second Term” – Tinubu appeared first on TheNigerian.

Opunabo Inko-Tariah, a public affairs analyst, has asked Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to make it clear that he wants to run for re-election.

Inko-Tariah, who used to be the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike’s Special Adviser on Media, spoke in Port Harcourt on Friday and asked why there had been so little political activity in the state before next year’s general election.

He said that politicians and political parties in the state were not doing enough to get ready for the elections.

He said that what he called “state capture” was to blame for the situation, saying that powerful groups were affecting how politics worked.

But he said the governor should use the support he still has in the state to make his plans clear.

Inko-Tariah said, “The primaries are coming up.” The sad thing is that this man (Fubara) will win even if Mr. President doesn’t agree with him in a free and fair election because he still has organic support.

“His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, should run because he has the support of the people.” The people of Rivers are firmly behind him.

“And I also believe that the All Progressive Congress national is strongly behind him based on the bits of information I’ve put together.Fubara doesn’t need anyone’s help to win a fair and free election. “All he needs is the support of the people.”

Inko-Tariah said he was worried that the people’s will might not win out in the 2027 elections in the state. He said that candidates could be forced on the people.

The post “You Can Win Without Tinubu” – Wike’s Ex-Aide Tells Fubara to Run Again appeared first on TheNigerian.

Aisha Yesufu, a political activist, has pledged to challenge Peter Obi if he is elected president and chooses to serve many terms.

Yesufu made this claim on Monday during an interview on “Prime Time” on Arise Television.

Obi has given his promise, she said, adding that he must keep it.

She emphasizes that the former governor of Anambra State made this statement prior to the 2023 elections, claiming that Obi did not begin stating he would serve only one term after the 2023 election.

“I will vehemently oppose Peter Obi if he is elected president and chooses to serve several terms because he made a commitment and must honor it.

“I need your word on this,” I remarked to Mr. Peter Obi as we sat down. You’ve said that before, I know. Please repeat that for me. Are you really only planning to work for one term? “Aisha, even in 2023, I told you, and I still mean it,” he continued.

“I was going out telling people and putting my name on the line, so I sought that clarification.” I don’t make light of my name. With my ethics, I don’t joke. He added, “I gave my word.”

He cannot, therefore, return and declare that he will serve more than one term. There, we will battle him. However, I also know that he is a man who keeps his word,” Yesufu remarked.

The post 2027: Aisha Yesufu Vows to Oppose Peter Obi’s Second Term Bid appeared first on TheNigerian.

Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has counseled the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership, led by David Mark, to cease holding President Bola Tinubu responsible for their problems.

Instead of placing the blame on the ruling party, he suggested that the opposition coalition look inward and find a solution to its internal crisis.

In a statement released in Osogbo on Monday, Oyintiloye said that Tinubu is not a court of law that ordered the ADC to return to its pre-merger executives while a case brought by one of its members was being decided at the Federal High Court.

According to Oyintiloye, the delisted ADC leadership must have the guts to tell Nigerians the truth instead of blaming the president for the party’s internal strife.

“I will advise the ADC to put its house in order and stop blaming Tinubu for its crisis,” he stated. In order to win reelection in 2027, the President, who is a true democrat, does not need to undermine any party.

“Tinubu has no time to meddle in pointless political affairs and is not a member of the Court of Appeal that rendered the ruling.

“Targeting Tinubu is a poorly thought-out move if the ADC is searching for someone to hold responsible.”

According to Oyintiloye, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to deny recognition to any ADC faction until all legal disputes are settled was the outcome of a court decision rather than the commission’s or Tinubu’s fault.

He went on, “I would honestly advise the ADC to look inward and resolve its internal crisis rather than engaging in a blame game.”

He advised politicians to abide by the law and refrain from actions that could end up being their downfall.

“Using blackmail will not save ADC,” he said. If the party wants Nigerians to acknowledge it as a power in the country’s political landscape, it must start over and rethink its approach.

The post Bola Ahmed Tinubu Doesn’t Need to Destabilise ADC for Re-Election — Oyintiloye appeared first on TheNigerian.

President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State have received official support from the APC Forum for Good Governance and Continuity for second terms in office.

At a news conference in Abuja, the APC forum made the announcement and provided a “evidence-based assessment” of the leaders’ performance in office.

Chief Henry Awolabi, National Coordinator of the APC Forum for Good Governance and Continuity, spoke at the event and emphasized Tinubu’s audacious economic reforms, which he claimed have started to stabilize Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment. These reforms include the elimination of fuel subsidies, exchange rate unification, and tax restructuring.

Awolabi also emphasized Governor Fubara’s contribution to Rivers State’s return to stability. In order to diversify the state’s economy beyond oil, the governor was commended for giving infrastructure development, healthcare advancements, and agricultural projects first priority.

Nigeria was on the verge of financial collapse when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office in 2023. The elimination of fuel subsidies “marked the beginning of a new era of fiscal responsibility,” according to Awolabi. “This administration embarked on what can only be described as a bold and historic reform agenda with clarity of purpose and uncommon political will.”

Subsequent monetary and fiscal changes, he continued, have helped Nigeria reposition itself internationally and win back investor confidence.

According to the APC Forum, Tinubu’s administration has consistently seen GDP growth of more than 4% by the end of 2025, enhanced exchange rate stability, and a sustained drop in inflation.

It noted that trade surpluses have grown, foreign reserves have increased, and non-oil revenue creation has hit all-time highs.

The event stressed that “nations are not transformed by comfort; they are transformed by courage” while acknowledging that such transformations provide transitional difficulties.

“In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has demonstrated leadership by navigating intense political turbulence and restoring stability while focusing on infrastructure expansion, including critical road projects that connect communities and stimulate commerce,” Awolabi continued.

“The governor has also taken action to finish a number of unfinished projects, started healthcare reforms to realign general hospitals, and encouraged agricultural endeavors to promote economic diversification and food security.”

Fubara was praised by the APC Forum for his commitment in the face of hardship and his restraint in the face of provocation.

However, it cautioned that inconsistency poses the biggest threat to advancement, pointing out that Nigeria is presently undergoing a structural reset.

“We firmly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office. We do this because he has shown the guts to make tough choices, the self-control to carry out reforms, and the vision to set Nigeria up for success.

Additionally, we firmly support Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term. We do this because he has demonstrated the ability to lead with purpose, devotion to development, and resilience in times of crisis,” the APC Forum stated.

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Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, has declared that he is in favor of President Bola Tinubu’s reelection.

Speaking on Friday during his monthly media chat, Otti claimed that since he is also running for reelection, he has no reason to oppose the President’s ambition for a second term.

He insisted that denying the same opportunity to another elected figure would be inconsistent.

“I am not in a position to oppose the President’s candidacy,” Otti declared. I’m not a presidential candidate.

Why would I be against his presidency? In addition, I’m looking for a second term. Is it appropriate for me to argue that someone else shouldn’t have theirs?

Otti rejected attempts to present his viewpoint in a partisan manner, pointing out that cooperation between the federal, state, and municipal governments is necessary for effective governance.

He contends that although conflicts may occur, judgments made within the system must be upheld in accordance with democratic ideals.

Additionally, the governor issued a warning against what he called politically motivated narratives intended to incite needless conflict, emphasizing that these viewpoints frequently fail to withstand examination.

Regarding his future in politics, Otti reiterated his dedication to the Labour Party, claiming that its internal problems have been fixed as a result of a Supreme Court ruling acknowledged by INEC.

“The party is back on its feet,” he declared, adding that congresses and a national convention are being planned.

The post Gov Otti Explains Why He Won’t Oppose Tinubu’s Re-Election appeared first on TheNigerian.