Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU CHARGES GOVERNORS TO DRIVE NIGERIA’S DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPERITY
President Bola Tinubu emphasized the crucial role of state governors in driving Nigeria’s development and prosperity during a New Year homage by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos. He stressed that their leadership at the subnational level is vital for achieving food security, economic prosperity, and rapid national growth.
Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, in a State House press release, informed that President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the governors for their support and collaboration, highlighting key areas that require joint effort for the nation’s progress. “You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The Federal Government accounts for about 30 to 35 per cent of the allocated revenue; the rest comes to you. The agricultural value chain depends on you. You own the land, and the job is in your hands,” he said, as noted by Onanuga. The President called for stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments to address pressing challenges, including local government autonomy, agricultural productivity, and currency stability. As Onanuga reported, Tinubu assured the governors that he is committed to local government development and autonomy, stressing its importance for grassroots development.
Tinubu urged governors to prioritize agricultural growth as a pathway to economic stability. “We have to work harder, grow more, and ensure the situation of our currency improves. Nigeria will see prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us,” he said.
The President also acknowledged the progress made by the governors across the states, saying, “There is no state we cannot visit and be proud of its development. We have better allocations now. Let me take the abuse; you take the privileges. Together, we will build a nation we are all proud of”.
Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, described President Tinubu’s declaration as Man of the Year by ThisDay newspaper as a significant endorsement of the administration’s policies. He noted that the acknowledgement reflects the tangible progress made under President Tinubu’s leadership.
The President announced that he will be visiting Enugu State on January 4 as part of his planned visits to some states of the federation. He welcomed his declaration as Man of the Year and commended the newspaper for recognizing “what they considered a failure initially, but is now a success”.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced Tuesday, March 24, 2026, as the date for the screening of aspirants seeking to contest for national offices at its forthcoming national convention.
In a notice issued by the party’s Aspirants’ Screening Committee, Secretary, His Excellency, Isa Yuguda stated that aspirants who have purchased and submitted their Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms are required to attend the exercise in person.
The screening is scheduled to hold at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, with proceedings set to commence at 9:00 a.m.
According to the statement, aspirants are expected to arrive early and come along with all relevant supporting documents for verification.
The committee stressed that attendance is mandatory for all aspirants, as the exercise forms a critical part of the process leading to the party’s 2026 national convention.
For further enquiries, aspirants and stakeholders are advised to contact the committee via 08034537560, 08062292972, or 08028925141.
Politics
2027 Shake-Up: Kogi Governor Allegedly Double-Dealing, Campaigns for Opposition in Mopamuro
In a development sending shockwaves through Kogi State politics, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has been accused of orchestrating support for opposition candidates, raising fresh questions about his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to an APC chieftain in Mopamuro Local Government Area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the governor directed his political appointees led by the state Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo to campaign for ADC’s Hon. Leke Abejide in his bid for a third term in the House of Representatives.
Eyewitnesses said the rally saw appointees don T-shirts and caps celebrating APC achievements but without any party logos, creating confusion about their political stance.
Many APC faithful reportedly resisted participating, with some sustaining minor injuries after falling off vehicles during the walk.
Following the event, appointees from Mopamuro were allegedly summoned to a meeting where they were given an ultimatum: support the ADC candidate or resign.
The insider claimed this move undermines the rotational arrangement in Yagba Federal Constituency, where Mopamuro is expected to produce the next representative.
“It is astonishing that a sitting governor would order his own appointees to campaign for a candidate of another party,” the source said. “It smacks of double-dealing and raises serious questions about his political intentions.”
Attempts to reach Governor Ododo and Commissioner Fanwo for comment were unsuccessful.
Political analysts warn that if these claims are substantiated, they could spark internal crises within APC and reshape the electoral landscape in Kogi State ahead of 2027.
The Lagos State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has distanced itself from a lawsuit currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja, stating that it neither authorised nor endorsed the legal action.
In a statement issued over the weekend, the party’s state leadership clarified that the suit, reportedly filed on behalf of ADC state chairmen and executive committees nationwide, does not represent the position of the Lagos chapter.
State Chairman Gbenga Asiru said the chapter was not consulted prior to the filing of the case and did not grant approval to any individual or group to act on its behalf.
“The action represents the personal position of the named plaintiffs and does not reflect the stance of ADC Lagos State,” the statement read.
The chapter reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, the rule of law, and unity within the party, stressing that while individuals have the right to seek judicial interpretation, such actions must not be portrayed as collective decisions.
ADC Lagos added that it remains focused on strengthening its internal structures and advancing the interests of its members and supporters.