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2023 Presidency: Tinubu, Atiku unveil campaign teams

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All Progressives Congress (APC) Thursday named Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong as the Director-General of its presidential campaign for the 2023 elections.

APC National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu said this while briefing State House correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.

The APC chairman was accompanied to the State House by the presidential candidate of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima.

He said Minister of State for Labour and Employment Festus Keyamo (SAN), was  appointed the interim spokesperson for the APC presidential campaign council.

Answering a question on how the party arrived at the choice of Governor Lalong as the Director-General of the party, the APC chairman said it was based on his ability to deliver.

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He said the party’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket for the 2023 elections is a positive development for the country’s politics.

“Yes, we have been hearing concerns being expressed. In the APC, we believe very strongly that no matter what description, no matter what faith you will associate with any one of our candidates, we are first and foremost Nigerians.

“There is no doubt in the fact that we have people whose stock trade is on some of these religious issues. Just like you have people expressing fears or concerns about a Muslim-Muslim ticket, there are Christians that welcome it as a positive development in Nigerian politics. They are Nigerians,” he said.

The APC chairman said the party recognised the concerns and would put them to rest before the election which is seven months away.

Adamu said: “We are extremely sensitive to some of these sensitivities of fellow Nigerians or fellow members of our party. But the fact of the matter is, one issue does not determine a candidate or determine victory.

“The party has taken a very careful deep look at the Nigerian situation and the political space. And we believe very strongly that notwithstanding the expression that we’re hearing, we will be working on amicable solutions to the sentiment and we’re very sure by the grace of God we’ll put them to rest before the elections.”

Also speaking, the vice presidential candidate, Senator Shettima, said the same-faith arguments were the machinations of a petrified opposition.

Citing the Ribadu-Bafarawa presidential ticket of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the 2011 general elections, Shettima urged Nigerians to focus on issues and not the faith of the candidates.

“In 2011, the presidential candidate and the vice-presidential candidate of the ACN. Both of them were Muslims. Nobody raised an eyebrow. Now, the opposition has seen a winning combination and they are petrified, deep down to the marrow of their bones.

“We will not trade in insults, lies and mischiefs. We have established a track record of excellence. Let our opponents show what they have done in their respective states. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s discuss issues.

“How to propel this nation to greatness is much more important than playing on the sentiments of Nigerians. Poverty knows no religion or ethnicity, insecurity knows no religion or ethnicity,” he said.

…TSO’s coordinator too

In a related development, the Tinubu Support Organisation (TSO) has unveiled Hajiya Mariam Buhari as new national coordinator.

The group also announced Mrs. Ayodele Fatunsin as the new deputy national coordinator.

Announcing the new appointments Thursday in Abuja, TSO’s national secretary, Otunba Gboyega Bada said: “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the political spirit, the moving force that every political party reckons with it. He is the easiest product for us to market. As of today in the present-day Nigerian democracy, the first person you talk about is Asiwaju. He is a political strategist; he is a builder of men, a financial guru.”

Eulogising the leadership acumen of the APC flag bearer, Bada said:”There is no other person than the Jagaban of Africa who has touched the lives of many, not only in Lagos but across and beyond the country and that is why APC decided to designate him as the National Leader. If you mention the relevance of anybody in politics, it is to the people.

“If you have any issues in Borno, Asiwaju will ask you to go and meet so so people, the same thing in the east, the same thing in the west. So, he has that capacity and a strong political force; political spirit in politics.”

The TSO leader further said ahead of next year’s election, the group had carried out a restructuring that would enhance the performance and delivery of the presidential aspiration of  Tinubu as President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor.

Announcing the new leaders of the group, Bada said: “Today, we decided to have a sort of restructuring to enhance our performance. We must increase our communication within and outside the organisation, and our collaboration with other groups propagating the emergence of our principal as the next President of Nigeria.

“In this regard, we now agree that a small restructure and the appointment of a National Coordinator and a Deputy National Coordinator is the only thing that has changed.

“There is a unanimous decision that Hajiya Mariam Buhari, wife of the Deputy Governor of Katsina State be appointed as the National Coordinator. We need someone who has that capacity, who can move, who has unhindered access not only to our principals but to all regions, leaders in APC and other groups because in the Tinubu Support Organisation, we are looking for voters; voters where we can find and that is the reason for appointing her as the National Coordinator.

“We went further to agree that another woman is appointed too, from the south as Deputy National Coordinator. Let me also say that because of the exigency of the situation now we have to move TSO for better performance. The name of the Deputy national coordinator Mrs Ayodele Fatunsin.”

Accepting her appointment, Hajiya Buhari said: “I have been the northwest Coordinator of President Muhamadu Buhari in 2015 where I played a vital role. I worked and I have the recommendation, I have credibility and I have the result for then. So, this time around too, I am sure, I am capable to bring out massive results and massive votes for Bola Ahmed Tinubu In sha Allah.”

On her plan to deliver North-west, Buhari said: “Before the appointment today, I have already put together my structure for the campaign. I assure you and I have 100 per cent assurance for all Nigerians that North-west zone, we are going to deliver Asiwaju by the grace of God. My structure is already on the ground, I have gone far. I have reached the entire North-west zone. I compiled my structure both with the challenge of insecurity but In sha Allah we are going to succeed by the grace of Almighty Allah.”

Atiku’s team

Also, the PDP presidential candidate,  former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has appointed Senator Dino Melaye and Dr. Daniel Bwala as his campaign spokespersons. Bwala, a former APC chieftain joined the PDP last week.

A statement Thursday by Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, said  the two appointments took immediate effect.

The statement partly read: “Malaye is a politician and a member of the 8th Senate, who represented Kogi West Senatorial district. He hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

“Bwala, on the other hand, is a legal practitioner, politician and public affairs analyst. He hails from Borno State.”

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2027: ‘Peter Obi must not die’ — Igbo Group warns of catastrophic consequences

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Peter Obi, Presidential candidate of NDC
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Njiko Igbo Forum, an affiliate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a stern warning ahead of the 2027 general elections, cautioning that it will be catastrophic should anything happen to Mr Peter Obi.

It could be recalled that Obi, on Wednesday, raised the alarm that his life was under threat.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, raised fears that he may not be alive in 2027 to be part of the election.

However, in a statement issued on Thursday, Rev Dr Okechukwu Christopher Obioha, Leader, Njiko Igbo Forum Nigeria, he warned that should anything happen to Obi or he was not in the ballot, the reaction and result would be very catastrophic.

Obioha said the caution was part of the decision taken during an emergency meeting held today, Thursday, in Enugu.

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The Forum said, “That we have seen the viral video made by His Excellency, Mr Peter Gregory Obi, speaking on a number of issues, he expressed serious concern that his life is in danger.

“For him to have gone to the extent of saying he might not be alive before the 16th of January 2027, speaks volumes both in our polity and in the country at large.

“We have seen him in the past, spoke about the federal government trying to frustrate and targeting him not to be in the ballot.

“We have also observed over a period of time that the presidency or the federal government led by President Tinubu does not want Peter Obi to be in the ballot.”

While drawing the attention of the Presidency, Nigeria and the world to those allegations, Njiko Igbo Forum declared that “if anything happens to Mr Peter Gregory Obi or finally his name is not in the ballot for the 16th January, 2026 presidential election, the reaction and result will be very catastrophic and may adversely affect the continued unity in diversity of this country Nigeria.”

It further stated that the Igbo had been very quiet, pushed to the wall, segregated against, marked out everywhere, chased about and even tried to take their possessions.

Njiko Igbo Forum cautioned that keeping quiet does not mean the Igbo are cowards.

It said the ruling government should not forget that for any democracy to thrive, there must be a viral opposition in the polity.

“There is no reason, for what we have seen in the process or polity in trailing Peter Obi and going to an extent of chasing him through all the political parties and now wanting to kill him.

“This outcry by Mr Peter Gregory Obi, must not be taken lightly and request as a matter of urgent National importance, that an urgent investigation panel be constituted to verify Mr Peter Obi’s allegations.

“We are strongly stating again that, nothing should happen to Mr Peter Gregory Obi.

“Yes, Chief Awolowo said, before Nigeria he was of the Yoruba Nation. The same way we are saying before Peter Obi is of Nigeria, he is of the Igbo.

“Mr Peter Gregory Obi will live and become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2027,” it declared.

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I might not be alive to contest in 2027 – Peter Obi raises alarm over threats to his life

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Peter Obi not arrested by DSS – Aide
Peter Obi, NDC Presidential candidate
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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has cried out over alleged threat to his life.

Obi, who is a major contender ahead of the 2027 presidential election said he might not be alive to participate in the election.

According to him, there is obvious attack on everything that had to do with him, including his life.

The former Anambra state governor made the allegation during a podcast with Chude Jideonwo.

“The way they are going now I might not be alive,  I’m telling you every single thing I do for a living this government is frustrating it deliberately so.

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“Everything, so there’s even a possibility if they have opportunity I will not be alive. I get frustrations every day because you do things that may think it may be normal it is not normal they won’t come directly and say oh we are doing this but you could see their hand in eventually everything.

“The government is attacking everybody, I am being attacked personally even to provide me with things I am entitled to, not at all,” he said.

He recalled how his vehicle was clamped down at the airport while he was right there, whereas other vehicles lined up on the same spot were untouched.

Obi further that stated that even close associates were beginning to avoid him over fear of government clampdown.

He disclosed that friends now send him invitations for occasions but tell him not to bother attending.

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Voters reward performance as APC sweeps Ekiti, dominates Bye-Elections nationwide — Yilwatda

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Professor Nentawe Yilwatda
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda
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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has described the resounding victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the Ekiti State Governorship Election and the party’s impressive performance in the recent bye-elections across the country as a clear vote of confidence in the APC, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the ongoing reforms being implemented to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Prof. Yilwatda stated that the outcome of the elections demonstrates that Nigerians are able to distinguish between temporary economic challenges associated with reforms and the long-term benefits of responsible governance, economic restructuring, infrastructure development and institutional renewal being championed by the APC at both federal and state levels.

According to the National Chairman:

“The overwhelming victory recorded by our great party in Ekiti State and our remarkable success in the bye-elections across the country represent a powerful endorsement of the APC’s governance philosophy. These results affirm that Nigerians appreciate leadership that prioritises development, accountability, stability and the welfare of the people.”

“The people of Ekiti State have once again demonstrated that performance remains the most potent campaign message in democratic politics. Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s resounding re-election is a reward for visionary leadership, inclusive governance, prudent management of resources and visible developmental achievements across the state.”

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Governor Oyebanji of the APC was declared winner of the Ekiti Governorship Election after securing a commanding victory across the state, reaffirming the confidence of the electorate in his administration and the APC’s developmental agenda. The party also recorded significant victories in five of the six bye-elections conducted across various states of the federation.

Prof. Yilwatda, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, noted that the Ekiti result has further strengthened the APC’s narrative that performance-based governance remains electorally rewarding, even amid difficult economic transitions.

“The Ekiti election has become a national reference point. It confirms that when governments deliver tangible results in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, security and social development, citizens respond with renewed trust and overwhelming electoral support.”

“This victory sends a clear message that governance, not propaganda, remains the most effective route to political legitimacy. The people of Ekiti have spoken loudly and clearly in support of continuity, stability and progress.”

The APC National Chairman described Ekiti State under Governor Oyebanji as one of the most compelling governance success stories in contemporary Nigeria, citing sustained investments in road infrastructure, rural development, human capital advancement, healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, workers’ welfare and ease of doing business.

He said the administration has successfully built broad-based political consensus while maintaining a strong focus on development outcomes, thereby creating an environment of stability and accelerated progress.

“Ekiti today stands as a shining example of how APC governments are translating public trust into measurable development outcomes. The state’s progress under Governor Oyebanji provides a practical demonstration of our party’s commitment to people-centred governance.”

Prof. Yilwatda further stated that the election outcomes should be viewed within the broader national context of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, which is gradually laying the foundation for a more resilient, productive and globally competitive Nigerian economy.

“Despite inheriting deep structural challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated courage and vision in implementing reforms that are necessary for Nigeria’s long-term prosperity. The confidence reposed in our party by voters across the country indicates growing public understanding and appreciation of these reforms and their future benefits.”
It
“These victories are therefore not only electoral successes; they are validations of a governing philosophy anchored on bold leadership, responsible decision-making and sustainable development.”

The National Chairman congratulated President Tinubu, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, APC leaders and members in Ekiti State and across the federation, as well as all candidates who emerged victorious in the bye-elections.

He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the people of Ekiti State for the peaceful conduct of the election.

Prof. Yilwatda assured Nigerians that the APC would remain focused on delivering good governance at all levels and deepening democratic dividends for citizens across the country.

“Our message to Nigerians is simple: we have heard your voices, we appreciate your confidence and we shall continue to justify the trust you have placed in our party through impactful governance, economic renewal and inclusive national development.”

“The APC remains committed to building a stronger, more prosperous and more united Nigeria. The victories recorded in Ekiti and the bye-elections reinforce our resolve to work even harder in service to the Nigerian people.”

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