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Edo 2020:APC NWC May Disqualify Obaseki Over Certificate Issue

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Ahead of the June 22 gover­norship primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, there are feelers that Governor Godwin Obase­ki may be disqualified from participating in the primaries by the screening committeeset up by the national lead­ership of the party.

A credible source in the party said aside the mode of primaries which has become a subject of contro­versy, there is a likelihood that Obaseki may not scale the screening session of the APC which may scuttle his chances of becoming the party’s flag bearer in the September 19 governorship election.

According to him, the party said it is trying to pre­vent a reoccurrence of what happened in Bayelsa when the Supreme Court nullified the victory of David Lyon, the governor-elect, on the grounds that his running mate, Senator Biobarakumo Degi-Eremienyo, presented forged certificates to the In­dependent National Elector­al Commission (INEC).

“The national chairman and his group want to use some lack of original certif­icates to disqualify Gover­nor Godwin Obaseki at the screening.

“If they succeed, the implication is that the gov­ernor may not even partici­pate in the primary, wheth­er direct or indirect,” the source said.

“The Obaseki group are also spoiling for war. They will soon be releasing docu­ments from when Oshiom­hole was governor to nail him, how he was moving monies around.

“Already, they are circu­lating videos of all the nega­tive things Oshiomhole said about Ize-Iyamu during the 2016 governorship election and how he is unfit to rule the state,” he said.

Also on Sunday, gover­nors elected on the platform of the APC met with the par­ty’s national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on the fate of Governor Obaseki and the mode of primaries to be ad­opted.

According to our source, about nine APC governors, led by Governor Atiku Ba­gudu, who is the chairman of the Progressives Gover­nors’ Forum, attended the meeting with Tinubu at the State House, Marina.

“Yes, the APC governors, led by Kebbi State governor, Atiku Bagudu, met with Asi­waju Tinubu behind closed doors yesterday. I saw them but I don’t know what was discussed at the meeting,” he said.

In a related development, the Ize-Iyamu campaign or­ganisation on Sunday said Governor Obaseki was plot­ting to obtain a court injunc­tion to stop Ize-Iyamu from participating in the prima­ries.

A statement signed by Prince John Mayaki, Direc­tor of Communication and Media, Pastor Osagie Ize- Iyamu Campaign Organi­sation, and made available to our correspondent, read: “The embattled governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, is plotting to procure an in­terim injunction at the Abu­du High Court or any other court in Edo State barring the APC from conducting its internal primary election scheduled for June 22 and re­straining Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu, his main challenger, from contesting the election, according to reliable sourc­es.

“Also named in the plot are Osarodion Ogie, the Sec­retary to the State Govern­ment, Wole Iyamu, SAN, So­licitor General of the State, and Ken Mozia, SAN.

“These officials, acting on the instruction of Godwin Obaseki, have allegedly in­duced Justice Eborieme of the High Court in Abudu to grant a baseless application for the interim injunction.

“Civil society groups privy to the plan have issued a stern warning to the Edo State judiciary not to avail itself as a tool to scuttle the democracy of the state.

“As the bastion of democ­racy, the courts are to protect democratic institutions and processes.

“They are not meant to be used by the government of the state, or any govern­ment official, to truncate democratic processes or serve personal political am­bitions.”

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ADC’s Aisha Yesufu Issues Public Apology For Listing Yemi Adamolekun Without Consent

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Prominent activist and African Democratic Congress (ADC) member Aisha Yesufu has issued a public apology to governance advocate Yemi Adamolekun following a controversy over her inclusion in the party’s Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee.

The issue emerged on Wednesday after Adamolekun, former executive director of Enough is Enough Nigeria, expressed surprise on social media at seeing her name listed among members of the ADC committee.

Tagging Yesufu and ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, Adamolekun questioned the party’s process in a blunt post on X.

“ADC! ADC! ADC! How many times did I call you? This is not how to build credibility o! Please show me evidence of when I joined your party! Na wa….” she wrote.

Responding the same day, Abdullahi said the committee was designed to be expert-driven rather than strictly partisan.

“It is important to point out that not everyone on the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee is a member of the ADC. Many are not even politicians,” he said.

He added, “This is because the ADC believes that the task of developing workable public policies for the benefit of all Nigerians should not be left to politicians alone.”

Abdullahi maintained that the party had followed due process.

He said the ADC had undergone a “vetting process” and “took all necessary measures to ensure that everyone recommended to serve on this important committee was duly notified and had given their consent.”

Despite the disagreement, he expressed hope that Adamolekun would still participate, citing her “vast experience – even though she is not a member of our party.”

However, reacting on Friday, Yesufu, a member of the party’s Revalidation, Mobilisation and Registration Committee, acknowledged the error and apologised publicly.

She wrote, “This is inexcusable, and on behalf of my party, accept my apologies for this mix-up. We do not take you and your need to have a better Nigeria for granted.”

Yesufu admitted the process was flawed.

“Like you rightly pointed out, you ought to have been informed and your consent gotten before your name is published.

“This is well noted, and going forward we will continue to ensure due diligence,” she said.

She added, “Thank you for calling our attention to this. We can only get better when we get such feedback and improve accordingly.

“The work to rebuilding Nigeria is enormous, and in our eagerness to start off, we must never forget due process and diligence.”

Yesufu also extended an apology to others affected by the publication.

“For anyone that was also not contacted and consent gotten before publication, kindly accept my apologies for the mix-up,” she said.

 

 

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Atiku’s Son Gives Thumbs Up To Tinubu’s Economic Policies, Backs Another Term

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Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has attributed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid to what he described as the administration’s innovative and business-friendly economic policies.

He said President Tinubu’s economic initiatives are more favourable to businesses than those of previous administrations, adding that the reforms have reshaped his political alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abba made the remarks during a solidarity visit to the leadership of the City Boy Movement (CBM) in Abuja on Monday evening, where he led members of the Haske Atiku Organisation, now rebranded as the Haske Tinubu Organisation.

He recalled that he formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on January 15, collecting his membership card at Gwadabwa Ward in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, where he publicly pledged support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

According to him, his decision to back the president was driven by admiration for the economic policies introduced since 2023, which he believes are positioning the country for stronger private-sector growth and investment.

According to him, “This administration has introduced policies that have every Nigerian in mind. If anyone says this government is not doing well, I will tell them they are lying,” he said. “I believe that if given another term, the government will do even more because it is focused.”

He explained that his long-standing experience in business has given him a clear perspective on economic governance in Nigeria.

“Since the return of democratic rule in 1999, I have been in business, and I am still in business today. The economic policies of Mr. President are favourable—not just to businesses, but to Nigerians in general, who are already benefiting from these reforms,” he stated.

He also explained that his decision to join the APC and align with the City Boy Movement was motivated by his passion for the Tinubu-led administration and his desire to serve.

“My joining the APC and the City Boy Movement is based on my belief in this administration. I also intend to use this platform to serve the people of Adamawa at the National Assembly level. Mr. President has made youth inclusion in politics a reality,” Abubakar added.

The Director General of the City Boy Movement, Mr. Oluwatosin Shoga reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to youth participation in governance and leadership.

He noted that one of CBM’s core strategic mandates is to ensure that young Nigerians are deliberately positioned for leadership roles while encouraging greater youth involvement in the political process.

Abba’s delegation was received by the Director General of CBM, Mr. Shoga, and the National Coordinator, Mr. Favour Abayomi.

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Oriyomi Hamzat Formally Joins 2027 Oyo Governorship Race Under Accord Party

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Popular Ibadan-based broadcaster and founder of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat has officially declared his intention to run for the 2027 Oyo State governorship under the Accord Party.

 

In a public declaration, Hamzat stated, “I am publicly declaring today that in 2027.

 

“I will not campaign for anyone or mobilise crowds for anyone.

 

“I will contest in the gubernatorial election under the Accord Party.”

 

The announcement signals Hamzat’s full commitment to his own political ambitions, stepping away from backing other candidates as he positions himself for the Oyo State governorship race.

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