Politics
NOLLYWOOD VETERAN SAIDI BALOGUN BECOMES RETSO NATIONAL DIRECTOR FOR MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT
Renowned Nollywood actor Saidi Balogun has officially assumed duty as the National Director for Media and Entertainment of the Remi Tinubu Support Organization, RETSO, following his appointment by the organization’s leadership. Balogun made his formal entry into the role during a courtesy visit to the Director General, Honourable Yusi Buba, where he also received his official letter of appointment.
The meeting, which took place at the RETSO headquarters, signalled the beginning of a new chapter for the organization’s media and entertainment strategy. Balogun, who brings decades of experience in the Nigerian film industry, expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. He described the appointment as both a great honour and a significant responsibility, pledging to deploy his expertise towards advancing the objectives of the organization.
Speaking after receiving his letter, Balogun assured the Director General of his unwavering commitment to the task ahead. “I am deeply honoured by the confidence reposed in me by the leadership of RETSO. This appointment is not just a title; it is a call to service. I am ready to work diligently and bring my experience in the media and entertainment industry to bear in promoting the activities of this great organization,” he stated.
The veteran actor highlighted the critical role of media and entertainment in shaping public engagement and fostering national awareness. He noted that entertainment remains a powerful tool for reaching diverse audiences and conveying meaningful messages. “The entertainment industry is a platform that speaks the language of the people. Through strategic engagement and creative platforms, we can amplify the vision of RETSO and connect with Nigerians in ways that resonate deeply,” Balogun added.
Honourable Yusi Buba, in his remarks, warmly welcomed the Nollywood star and congratulated him on his new role. The Director General expressed strong confidence in Balogun’s ability to make a lasting impact, citing his remarkable track record in the creative industry. “Saidi Balogun is a name that commands respect in Nollywood and beyond. His wealth of experience, professional network, and deep understanding of media dynamics will undoubtedly add immense value to our communication strategy. We are excited to have him on board,” Buba said.
With a career spanning over two decades, Saidi Balogun has established himself as one of Nollywood’s most respected figures. Known for his versatility, professionalism, and dedication to the craft, he has featured in numerous blockbuster movies and has also ventured into production and directing. His influence extends beyond the screen, as he is widely regarded as a mentor to many young actors and a voice of integrity within the industry. These qualities, combined with his extensive network across the entertainment and media landscape, position him as an asset capable of driving RETSO’s visibility and outreach to new heights.
His appointment is expected to bolster the organization’s media engagement and strengthen its connection with Nigerians, particularly the youth demographic, through innovative entertainment-driven initiatives. RETSO, a support group committed to advancing the ideals of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, continues to build a team of experienced professionals to drive its mission forward.
The visit concluded on a high note, with both parties expressing optimism about the future and the impact of Balogun’s contributions to the organization’s media and entertainment portfolio.
Nine senators drawn from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party Nigeria (LP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on Thursday defected to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling a fresh political realignment in Nigeria’s Senate.
Their letters of defection were read during plenary by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
In his letter, Senator Tony Nwoye, who represented Anambra North under the Labour Party, cited internal disputes and multiple court cases within the party as the reason for his exit.
“I wish to tender my resignation amid the ongoing multiple litigations within the Labour Party, which have significantly affected the cohesion and stability of the party,” he wrote.
“Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest esteem and regards.”
Reacting after announcing the defections, Akpabio welcomed the lawmakers to their new political platform but rejected claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was behind the development.
“Deputy Senate President and Leader of the Senate, I hope you noticed that I have read defections from three different political parties now. So you cannot accuse the ruling party of tampering with its leadership,” he said.
“Here we have APGA, Labour and others. They are all out to ensure that we have what you call a minority status in this chamber, and I am very proud of them.”
The senators who defected are:
Ireti Kingibe – FCT (LP to ADC)
Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo – Nasarawa South (PDP to ADC)
Aminu Waziri Tambuwal – Sokoto South (PDP to ADC)
Binos Dauda Yaroe – Adamawa South (PDP to ADC)
Austin Akobundu – Abia Central (PDP to ADC)
Enyinnaya Abaribe – Abia South (APGA to ADC)
Victor Umeh – Anambra Central (LP to ADC)
Tony Nwoye – Anambra North (LP to ADC)
Senator Lawal Adamu Usman – Kaduna Central (PDP to ADC)
The defections highlight the ongoing political shifts in the 10th Senate, as internal disputes continue to weaken some opposition parties.
With the development, the APC still maintains a commanding majority with 87 senators, while the PDP has been reduced to seven members.
The ADC, strengthened by the new entrants, now has nine senators in the chamber.
Other minority parties include APGA, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), each with one senator, bringing the total membership of the Senate to 106.
Following the latest defections, both the Labour Party and the Social Democratic Party Nigeria (SDP) currently have no representation in the upper legislative chamber.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure has affirmed Dr. Wole Oluyede as the duly nominated governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election.
In a unanimous judgment delivered on Thursday, a three-member panel led by Peter Chudi Obiorah, alongside Jane Esienanwan Inyang and Peter O. Affen, set aside the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti which had nullified the party’s primary election.
The appellate court held that the primary election conducted by the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki was valid, transparent and in compliance with both the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti had on January 13, 2026 nullified the PDP governorship primary election held on November 8 and 9, 2025, which produced Wole Oluyede as the party’s candidate.
Dissatisfied with that judgment, the PDP challenged the ruling at the appellate court. In its decision on Thursday, the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal and overturned the earlier judgment.
The court further declared that the primary election was duly conducted and in line with the relevant legal provisions.
The ruling effectively resolves the internal leadership and candidacy disputes that had trailed the party’s preparations for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.
With the judgment, the court has provided legal clarity that could allow the PDP to proceed into the election with a unified position behind its candidate.
Former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a resignation letter dated March 11, 2026, and addressed to the PDP ward chairman in Tambuwal/Shinfiri Ward of Tambuwal Local Government Area in Sokoto State, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives announced his decision to leave the party with immediate effect.
According to him, the move came after deep reflection and wide consultations with political allies and supporters.
Tambuwal explained that persistent internal crises, leadership disagreements, and growing divisions within the PDP made it increasingly difficult for him to remain in the party.
He noted that the prolonged conflicts within the party had weakened the unity and clear direction that once defined the PDP.
The senator expressed appreciation to the PDP for the opportunities it gave him to serve the country in various capacities, including as Speaker of the House of Representatives and later as Governor of Sokoto State.
Following his resignation, Tambuwal confirmed that he has officially joined the ADC alongside several of his political associates and supporters.
He said his decision to move to the ADC was driven by his belief that Nigeria requires a stronger political platform built on integrity, accountability, inclusiveness, and a firm commitment to national development.
Tambuwal also reaffirmed his commitment to the service of Nigeria and to the ideals of democracy, justice, and national unity.