BREAKING: I’m Not Leaving APC— Iyabo Obasanjo; Fubara Backs Tinubu’s Re-election Bid

I’m not leaving APC despite grievances — Iyabo Obasanjo 

Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has said that her loyalty to the All Progressives Congress is unwavering and that she is not defecting to any political party.

Obasanjo, in a statement on Thursday, said she would continue to support the success of the party, and more importantly, the candidacy of Senator Solomon Adeola.

Professor Obasanjo said she had consistently advocated for consensus as a strategic pathway to reduce tension, prevent internal divisions, and position our party for electoral success in 2027.

She, however, expressed disappointment that herself and Mr Tunde Lemo, another governorship aspirant, were not given due recognition during the State Strategic Caucus Meeting, held in Abeokuta, some days back.

The former lawmaker informed that two of her supporters were manhandled by some party functionaries while they were trying to gain entry into the venue of the meeting.

“On the day of the meeting, some of my supporters were denied entry, and regrettably, two were physically assaulted by a party functionary. While I chose not to escalate the situation in the interest of party unity, the incident required medical attention for those affected. Such occurrences do not reflect the values of discipline, order and mutual respect that our party represents.

“During the proceedings, acknowledgement was given to certain aspirants who stepped down, particularly from one zone. However, other candidates across the state, including myself and Mr. Tunde Lemo, who were present in the hall, were not acknowledged, despite our extensive consultations and the strong grassroots momentum we generated across Ogun State.

“My campaign was built on direct engagement with party leaders, local government structures and ward members, an approach that energised our base across Ogun Central, Ogun East, and Ogun West. This momentum was further strengthened by the steadfast support of the Iyaniwura Foundation and thousands of loyal supporters across the state and beyond. Their commitment and belief in this vision contributed meaningfully to the party’s growing strength and deserved recognition as part of our collective efforts.

“That said, my loyalty to the APC remains unwavering. I am not defecting, and I will continue to support the success of our party, including the candidacy of Senator Adeola. I also reaffirm my support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration, which continues to deliver critical infrastructure and development to Ogun State.”

2027: Fubara backs Tinubu’s re-election bid, urges unity, southern solidarity 

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office to enable him to continue “the good work he is doing”.

The governor said it was important for the President to continue implementing his “bold, daring and ambitious vision” for the inclusive and sustainable development of the country.

Fubara made the call on Thursday while declaring open a meeting of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He described President Tinubu as a “dedicated and highly patriotic” leader who should be given another chance, stressing that with him in office, Nigerians should rest assured that the nation is in safe hands.

Fubara recalled what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration in the last three years and projected that more would be achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said, “If Tinubu is re-elected in 2027, we are all witnesses to the transformation of our battered economy and the ongoing infrastructural revolution, including the remarkable coastal road project in the southern and other parts of the country in just three years.

“Although challenges remain in certain regions, we all trust in Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and dedication to safeguarding our nation, transforming the economy and delivering equitable development to all regions.

“In football, the saying goes that no coach changes a winning team. Therefore, Nigerians have no choice but to support President Tinubu at this crucial time and work together to re-elect him in 2027 to continue implementing his bold, daring and ambitious vision for the inclusive and sustainable development of our nation,” he said.

Welcoming the traditional rulers to the meeting, Fubara said their presence in Port Harcourt was a testament to the fact that Rivers State is peaceful and ready to host high-profile visits, meetings and events, as well as a confirmation of the unity of the people of Southern Nigeria.

He stated, “Although we are ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse to some extent, the beauty lies in the fact that we are all committed to being part and parcel of an ever-indivisible Nigeria, despite our differences.

“As a region, we have a duty to build our future together and promote the collective interests of our people for a better life, which we can achieve more rapidly through collaboration with the Federal Government.

“Similarly, southern cooperation and solidarity will offer a clearer and more practical pathway for sharing knowledge and ideas, working together to realise the common goals and aspirations of our people for sustainable peace, security and development,” he said.

Fubara, who acknowledged the strategic position of traditional rulers in Nigeria, said that by being closest to the grassroots, they serve as a link between the people and the government, wielding influence that extends beyond ceremonial roles.

He praised their commitment to peace and progress in Southern Nigeria and urged them to remain vigilant and focused on pursuing cultural, economic and political goals for the region and its people.

What God told me before I accepted to lead INEC — Amupitan 

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has stated that he only accepted the role after what he described as a “clear divine conviction that God would strengthen and help him in office”.

Speaking in Abuja during an end-of-tenure and appreciation service organised by the Nigerian Baptist Convention for its outgoing president, Israel Akanji, and his wife, Victoria.

Amupitan explained that he would have turned down the appointment if he did not feel spiritually assured about it.

“If I did not have the conviction for this job, I would not accept it,” he said.

He said his decision to accept the position was shaped by what he described as a message from God at a defining moment.

“The Lord said, ‘Fear not; do not be dismayed. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you.’ I heard this clearly before I accepted this job,” Amupitan said.

He added that this conviction has continued to guide him in office, especially as he manages elections in a challenging democratic environment.

According to him, his experience has shown him the importance of divine support in public service, noting that challenges do not override faith.

“No matter the storm, no matter the difficulty, God is able to calm every storm. That is what God has been doing,” he said.

Amupitan also called on Nigerians to pray for INEC and the success of the 2027 general election, expressing optimism that the polls could be better than previous ones.

“Continue to pray for Nigeria, continue to pray for us, and continue to pray for me that the 2027 election will be the best ever,” he said.

“I cannot do it on my own, but with the Lord on my side, it is possible, and it is doable.”

He further advised against accepting responsibilities without what he described as clear direction and purpose.

“My experience so far as the INEC chairman is that if God does not send you somewhere, do not go there. If God does not send you, do not do it,” he said.

Speaker Abbas meets Gov Inuwa in Abuja 

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Friday received the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, at the Gombe Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

The two leaders held a closed-door meeting, where they discussed issues bordering on governance, legislative–executive collaboration and other matters of national importance.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, a key driver of the Renewed Hope Agenda and a leading figure in party outreach and engagement, was understood to have explored areas of mutual interest with the Speaker of the 10th Assembly, aimed at strengthening institutional synergy for effective service delivery in line with the nation’s development agenda

The Speaker was accompanied on the visit by the member representing Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency, Hon. Ali Isa JC, as contained in a statement signed by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe.