Politics
Omisore Sues APC, Deepening Rift Ahead of Osun Governorship Election
Fresh tensions have emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State as former National Secretary of the party, Iyiola Omisore, has taken legal action against the party at the Federal High Court in Osogbo.
Court records indicate that the case, filed under suit number FHC/OS/CS/261/2025, was mentioned before the court on March 2, 2026. Although the exact details of the suit remain unclear, sources suggest the case may be connected to the APC governorship primary that produced Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s consensus candidate.
Omisore, alongside six other aspirants, had earlier been disqualified from contesting the party’s governorship primary held on December 13, 2025. The APC screening committee cited irregularities in their nomination processes.
According to the committee, the affected aspirants failed to provide proof of sponsorship by at least five fully registered and financially up-to-date party members from each local government area in Osun State, as required by the party’s constitution and election guidelines.
Other aspirants affected by the disqualification include Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Benedict Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki, and Senator Babajide Omoworare.
Reacting to the development, Omisore accused the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, of influencing the screening process to favour Oyebamiji.
In a video circulated after the screening exercise, Omisore alleged that the chairman of the screening panel admitted that he had been pressured to disqualify certain aspirants to ensure Oyebamiji’s emergence as the party’s candidate.
Describing the screening report as unacceptable, Omisore said the affected aspirants had not been officially presented with the document explaining the reasons for their disqualification.
Meanwhile, the internal crisis within the party appears to be widening as leaders of the APC in Ife Federal Constituency have criticised Oyetola over what they described as the imposition of the party’s deputy governorship candidate, Kayode Adereti.
During a meeting with Omisore on Monday, the party leaders reportedly said the former governor failed to consult key stakeholders before selecting Adereti as the running mate to Oyebamiji for the August 15 governorship election.
They warned that the decision could fuel divisions within the party, particularly among political groups in Ife North and Ife Central, ahead of the crucial governorship poll.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended his decision to sign Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026 into law, describing the move as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
The president made the remarks during an interfaith breaking of fast with members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the umbrella body of political parties in Nigeria, at the State House in Abuja.
Tinubu said the legislation was passed with overwhelming support in the National Assembly of Nigeria, noting that refusing assent could have plunged the country into unnecessary political tension and prolonged disputes over the law.
Describing himself as a “die-hard democrat,” the president stressed that Nigeria’s democratic process must always be guided by the rule of law.
He also emphasised that alliances among political parties should remain voluntary in a democratic system, insisting that no political actor should face intimidation or persecution for choosing which political platform or alliance to support.
Tinubu added that political pluralism and freedom of association remain key pillars of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Abba Yusuf Sacks Kano Head of Service With Immediate Effect
By Ezinne Obah
The Governor of Abba Kabir Yusuf has relieved the Kano State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
The decision was announced in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, on Wednesday. Kano State authorities said the move is part of efforts to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency and improved service delivery.
According to the statement, the governor expressed appreciation to Musa for his contributions and dedication during his tenure in the state civil service.
While no detailed reason was officially given for the removal, reports suggest the decision may be linked to broader administrative adjustments within the state government.
The announcement has sparked reactions among political observers and civil servants in the state, with expectations that a replacement or acting Head of Service will soon be appointed to ensure continuity in the administration of the state civil service.
A former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, Sadique Abubakar, has reportedly defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a move that could reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abubakar, a retired Air Marshal and former Chief of Air Staff, was the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 Bauchi State election, where he challenged the incumbent governor but lost the race.
Sources close to the politician said he was seen at an inaugural meeting of the ADC in Abuja alongside other party stakeholders, signalling his alignment with the opposition party. Although a formal public declaration had yet to be made at the time, insiders confirmed that his presence at the gathering indicated his intention to join the ADC coalition.
Abubakar had reportedly been distant from activities of the ruling APC since the aftermath of the 2023 election and subsequent legal battles over the poll outcome. Observers say the move may position him to contest the Bauchi governorship again under the ADC platform in the 2027 elections.
Political analysts believe the defection reflects growing realignments within Nigeria’s political space as opposition parties attempt to build stronger coalitions ahead of the next general elections.