Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has strongly rejected proposals to negotiate with bandits, warning that such talks will only enrich terrorists and worsen Nigeria`s security crisis. He described the dialogue strategy as a proven failure that undermines the efforts of national security agencies. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Ganduje reacted to recent statements by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. Kwankwaso had indicated that a Peter Obi-led presidency in 2027 would hold dialogue with terrorists to restore peace, a stance Ganduje firmly condemned. The APC chieftain argued that granting concessions, logistics, and money to non-state actors operating illegal firearms creates an enabling environment for terror to thrive. He noted that asking local authorities, traditional rulers, and police to sit with heavily armed forest fighters undermines constitutional law and order. According to Ganduje, past attempts at negotiation have only legitimised criminality, leaving bandits with millions of naira in ransom and logistics to fund heavier weaponry. He stressed that these financial windfalls are systematically used to purchase more weapons, which are then deployed against citizens to cause panic and trigger further negotiations. Advocating instead for sustained kinetic action, Ganduje stated that the solution lies in the coordinated strategies of the nation`s security forces. He emphasized that the Air Force, Army, Navy, police, and DSS must be empowered to do their due diligence rather than relying on a failed system of appeasement. The political row highlights the deep ideological divide on national security ahead of the 2027 general elections. While the opposition proposes dialogue as a path to peace, the ruling party camp maintains that compromising with unlicensed gunmen only fuels the lucrative business of kidnapping. Ganduje concluded by urging security agencies to maintain aggressive tactical pressure on criminal elements across the country. He warned that any government policy that bows to criminal intimidation will continue to fail and jeopardize the safety of all Nigerians.

An Assistant Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Remmy Hazzan, has defended the All Progressives Congress (APC) for retaining its Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections. Dismissing concerns of bias, he stated that the arrangement does not threaten Nigeria’s religious balance. Speaking during an interview on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese Ijebu, monitored by THENEWSCREDIT,Hazzan argued that President Bola Tinubu’s long-standing marriage to Senator Oluremi Tinubu—an ordained pastor in the RCCG—is proof of his disposition toward religious inclusivity. "If such a man could live with his Christian wife, an ordained pastor, for as long as they’ve been married, that shows his religious tolerance level," Hazzan, a former Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, asserted. Addressing criticisms from the Christian electorate, the cleric maintained that the party`s strategic decision was driven by political realities rather than a disregard for Christian interests. He noted that because this is the first time a Southern Muslim has emerged as the presidential candidate of a major political party, unusual political dynamics dictated the choice of a running mate to secure crucial Northern support. Hazzan emphasized that political strategy should not be equated with bigotry, urging that competence should always be the ultimate metric in public office. "The best of us should rule the rest of us," he stated. "Christians, throw up your best. Muslims, throw up your best. When we have a congregation of the best of the best, then we are sure that only the best will be good enough for the citizenry." He also challenged the notion that faith and governance are mutually exclusive, encouraging Christians to actively participate in politics without compromising their core principles.

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, blaming them for the country`s worsening financial hardship. In a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the administration`s reliance on borrowing, importation, and heavy taxation has crippled the nation`s economy instead of driving production. The former Vice President stated that Nigeria`s economic recovery depends heavily on boosting local food production, expanding manufacturing, and increasing exports. He noted that the current economic model has severely weakened local industries, reduced employment opportunities, and caused inflation to rise rapidly across the country, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the brunt of the fiscal strain. "Nigeria cannot borrow, import, and tax its way to prosperity," Atiku declared. He emphasized that the country`s economic salvation lies in producing what it eats, manufacturing what it uses, and exporting what it makes, warning that no nation has ever achieved prosperity by exporting jobs and importing poverty. To back his claims, Atiku pointed to skyrocketing food prices, stating that national food inflation has hit 17.52 per cent, with states like Kogi and Niger recording extreme rates of 53.02 per cent and 43.83 per cent respectively. He also revealed that Nigerian manufacturers spent N3.53 trillion importing raw materials within just six months, a trend he warned is rapidly weakening the naira. Outlining his alternative plan, Atiku promised that an ADC administration would prioritize agriculture, solid minerals, technology, and local manufacturing. He pledged to restore security in farming communities, stabilize the currency, lower import duties on industrial machinery, and reform the tax system to support local businesses, drawing comparisons to the successful economic reforms during his time as Vice President under the Obasanjo administration.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has raised an alarm over an alleged plot by Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to suppress opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party claims that the state government is actively planning a systematic crackdown designed to cripple the electioneering campaigns of rival political parties and candidates across the state. The friction stems from a recent public notice issued by the Oyo State government outlining strict new regulatory and financial guidelines for outdoor advertisements. Under these rules, candidates and political groups must fulfill steep financial obligations before deploying campaign materials like billboards and banners. The APC insists that these sudden policies are deliberately timed to act as an artificial barrier against opposition visibility. In a sharply worded statement released on Saturday, Oyo APC Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare alleged that the state government has covertly ordered the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA) to restrict opposition access to key advertising spaces. According to Sadare, the administration`s goal is to create a media monopoly that ensures only candidates of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) remain visible to the electorate. The opposition party further accused the ruling administration of complicity in the ongoing destruction of its existing promotional materials. The APC claimed that its billboards, posters, and banners have been systematically defaced or torn down by state-aligned actors. They described the new OYSAA regulatory framework as a legalized extension of this ongoing hostility toward democratic expression. Labeling the government`s recent directives as "draconian, selfish, and repressive," the APC declared that these measures represent a complete mockery of democracy and the rule of law. The party argued that using state machinery to stifle political competition undermines the foundational principles of a free election. They urged Governor Makinde and his agents to immediately desist from actions capable of plunging the state into political instability. Despite the alleged administrative hurdles, the APC maintained that its campaign structures remain fully resilient. Sadare assured the public that no amount of financial or regulatory intimidation would prevent the party from delivering its "Renewed Hope Agenda" message to the grassroots. He emphasized that the party’s structures are fully prepared to navigate the state`s restrictions to reach voters directly. Turning its focus to the broader performance of the current administration, the APC statement accused the Makinde government of using a section of the media to cover up alleged governance failures and atrocities committed since May 29, 2019. The party warned that state-sponsored public relations campaigns would no longer suffice to mislead the public, as local voters are becoming increasingly critical of the administration`s record. Concluding the statement, Sadare expressed absolute confidence that the people of Oyo State would use the 2027 ballot box to reclaim their mandate from what he described as "power mongers and fake democrats." He noted that while propaganda might delay accountability, the truth would ultimately prevail at the polls. At the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government and OYSAA had not issued an official response to the specific allegations.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, demanding that the President immediately reverse his current fiscal direction or resign from office. In a fierce national broadcast and statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party declared that the administration`s three-year tenure has yielded a "catastrophic failure" in human welfare, completely contradicting official claims of macroeconomic recovery. The opposition party pointed directly to recent damning data from global institutions to back its claims, highlighting a sharp decline in living standards. The ADC noted that recent figures from the World Bank show approximately 139 million Nigerians—nearly 60 per cent of the total population—now live below the national poverty line. Compounding this, the World Food Programme (WFP) estimates reveal that 17 million Nigerians are currently battling acute hunger, painting a grim picture of widespread domestic suffering. According to the ADC, these numbers expose a severe disconnect between the government`s celebrated metrics and the harsh reality on the ground. The party argued that while the presidency continues to celebrate improvements in economic indicators, such as increased revenue, economic growth, and rising foreign reserves, these abstract gains have failed to translate into better living conditions for ordinary citizens. They insisted that statistical growth is completely meaningless if the population cannot afford basic necessities. The statement fiercely condemned the administration for prioritizing financial metrics over the physical survival of its citizens. “This catastrophic situation is the inevitable consequence of economic policies that have favoured money over people and statistics over survival,” Abdullahi stated. The ADC accused the government of stubbornly maintaining what it described as ruinous economic paths, while deceptively marketing public recklessness as political courage and governance wickedness as necessary citizens` pain. Furthermore, the opposition party explicitly rejected the Federal Government’s heavy reliance on temporary palliative interventions, labeling them unsustainable and highly ineffective. They argued that short-term distribution programs cannot provide lasting solutions to deep-rooted structural poverty and food insecurity. Instead, the party maintained that Nigeria`s severe poverty crisis can only be systematically addressed through deep-seated structural reforms that stimulate local production, revive small businesses, and protect livelihoods. As an alternative roadmap, the ADC outlined a comprehensive economic agenda specifically aimed at lowering food prices and revitalizing the rural economy. The party pledged to aggressively reduce energy costs for local manufacturers and improve security in farming communities that have been displaced by violence. Crucially, they promised to rehabilitate Nigeria’s 264 abandoned dams to expand irrigation farming, ensuring that agricultural production is sustained throughout the year rather than relying solely on seasonal rainfall. The ADC blueprint also prioritizes heavy investments in agricultural infrastructure and human capital development across the country`s geopolitical zones. The party promised to increase direct access to quality seeds, subsidized fertilisers, and modern agricultural extension services while building regional agro-processing and storage facilities to cut down post-harvest losses. Additionally, they vowed to direct national investments toward healthcare, basic education, and targeted nutrition programs to systematically tackle the root causes of systemic poverty. In its concluding remarks, the ADC stressed that hunger remains the most honest, unalterable measure of any president`s economic performance. The party insisted that until fewer Nigerians go to bed hungry and families can easily afford three decent meals a day, all official claims of economic success will remain unrecognisable to the public. Based on this assessment, the ADC stated that President Tinubu should deeply reflect on his performance over the last three years and consider stepping down rather than seeking a second term in office.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday officially solidified its leadership structure for the upcoming general election by confirming Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for 2027. This high-stakes move effectively puts an end to months of intense political horse-trading, media speculation, and internal debates regarding the composition of the ruling party’s next presidential ticket. The formalization took place in Abuja during a symbolic ceremony where the ruling party received the candidates` completed nomination forms for onward transmission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The prompt processing ensures the APC beats the strict 6:00 PM Saturday deadline mandated for political parties to upload their candidates` data through the electoral umpire’s online portal in line with the Electoral Act. Demonstrating an aggressive show of party strength and unity, the completed nomination forms were hand-delivered to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, by Ibrahim Masari, the President’s Special Adviser on Political Matters. The ceremony served as a rallying point, attended by influential power brokers including the Progressive Governors’ Forum, National Assembly leaders, Federal Executive Council members, and state party chairmen. Addressing the gathered party elite, the APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, explained that the event represented the legal and administrative formalization of the choice made by party members. Argungu reminded stakeholders that President Tinubu had earlier secured his position as the flagbearer through a democratic primary process, and he urged all internal factions to maintain total discipline ahead of the 2027 polls. Speaking on behalf of the powerful APC governors, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma strongly dismissed any rumours of division or friction within the party`s rank and file. Uzodimma commended the transparency of the primary process and pledged the unalloyed commitment of the state executives to mobilize resources and voters to guarantee a decisive victory for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket. The Imo State Governor further charged party faithful across the country to close ranks, drop lingering internal grievances, and work selflessly for all candidates flying the APC banner. Uzodimma expressed absolute confidence that a united front would make the ruling party unstoppable, ensuring they cleanly retain power at the center in the next general election cycle. National Chairman Yilwatda took the stage to outline the party`s campaign direction, stating that the APC will run primarily on the visible achievements of the current administration. He confidently cited the newly established student loan scheme, sweeping national infrastructure development, and critical agricultural interventions as verifiable evidence that the administration has fulfilled its immediate promises to Nigerians. In a bid to spark immediate grassroots mobilization, Yilwatda revealed that a healthy rivalry has already begun among the state governors regarding voter turnout. He disclosed that leaders from one specific geopolitical zone have already guaranteed the highest volume of votes for the President, and he challenged other regions to compete fiercely to see who can deliver the largest victory margin. Following the conclusion of the indoor meeting, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, met with journalists to provide unequivocal clarity on the party`s final decision. Morka explicitly declared that the ticket remains completely unchanged, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the presidential flagbearer and Senator Kashim Shettima as his sole running mate. With the successful documentation and filing of the nomination papers, the APC has cleared its first major electoral hurdle and successfully insulated its joint ticket from external distraction. The party now pivots completely into full campaign mode, presenting a familiar and unified front to the Nigerian electorate as the countdown to the 2027 presidential election officially begins.

The political landscape of Oyo State is on the verge of a major realignment as Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, the National Deputy Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), prepares to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Sources close to the former Deputy Governor reveal that his imminent exit follows a bitter fallout with the political camp of Governor Seyi Makinde. In a bid to finalize his political crossover, Arapaja reportedly met with President Bola Tinubu recently. The PDP chieftain is expected to tender his resignation from his national party position next week before making an official declaration for the APC. Insiders trace the crisis to Arapaja’s deep dissatisfaction with the handling of the recent PDP governorship primary, which produced Abimbola Adekanmbi as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 election. A reliable source alleged that Arapaja was denied a level playing field and has been systematically sidelined since the primary concluded. "After the primary, he was treated with disdain and disrespect. That was when he realized he was no longer relevant in the political structure," the source stated. Further fueling the defection is the alleged withdrawal of Arapaja`s security details by the state government, raising immediate concerns regarding his personal safety. A chieftain of the PDP/APM alliance in Ibadan noted that geopolitical marginalization and the stripping of political patronage sealed Arapaja`s decision. "He believes he needs to move to where his security and political future can be guaranteed," the source added. According to party insiders, appointments previously allocated to Arapaja’s loyalists during Governor Makinde`s first term were entirely withheld in the current administration. While rival political actors like Bisi Olopoeyan and Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN) allegedly secured 32 and 22 supervisory councillor positions respectively across the state`s 33 local governments, Arapaja`s camp received none. As of press time, neither Ambassador Arapaja nor Governor Makinde has issued an official statement on the brewing development.

Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State has identified effective local government administration as the primary weapon against rising security challenges. He made the declaration on Monday while swearing in newly elected chairpersons for the state’s 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 13 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). Speaking at the Government House, Gombe, Yahaya argued that the proximity of local councils to citizens makes them uniquely positioned to combat crime. "Local governments have become even more critical in fostering community engagement, gathering grassroots intelligence, and strengthening local peace-building mechanisms," the Governor said. He charged the new leaders to make grassroots governance the strongest campaign tool for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Yahaya defended the creation of the 13 LCDAs, dismissing claims that they merely expand government bureaucracy. He revealed that the state has completed modern headquarters for the new councils and finalized all administrative processes for their take-off. Reflecting on his administration`s tenure since 2019, the Governor claimed a major financial turnaround for the state`s councils. He noted that the administration met a system where councils struggled to pay salaries and had accumulated massive gratuities. "Through prudent financial management, fiscal discipline, transparency, and responsible leadership, we reversed that unfortunate trend," Yahaya stated, adding that the councils are now financially stable. The Governor praised the Joint Projects Development Agency for fostering seamless collaboration between state and local tiers to deliver critical infrastructure. He warned the new officials against prioritizing personal interest over public service, reminding them that they hold the aspirations of millions. Responding on behalf of the chairpersons, Abdullahi Bappa of Gombe Local Government Area thanked the Governor and pledged that the new leaders would deliver on their mandates.

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has sharply criticized the President Bola Tinubu administration, accusing it of implementing major economic policies blindly without adequate planning. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Baba-Ahmed alleged that the Federal Government failed to conduct proper assessments before executing critical reforms, most notably the sudden removal of the petrol subsidy. According to the PRP chieftain, monumental policy decisions must always be guided by comprehensive analyses of their Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT). "You don`t embark on policies without SWOT analysis. The very day President Tinubu was sworn in, by his own admission, the issue about removing subsidy was not even in his speech," Baba-Ahmed stated, arguing that the administration left citizens entirely unprepared for the devastating economic fallout. "No government undertakes a policy measure of this magnitude without putting it through the most basic elements of a SWOT analysis," he added. Expressing deep disappointment with the presidency, Baba-Ahmed noted that despite his strong political credentials and ambitious "Emi lo kan" (It’s my turn) campaign posture, President Tinubu has failed to historic opportunities to fix Nigeria’s foundational crises. He pointed out a stark contradiction in the nation`s current financial reality, where government coffers are swelling while citizens starve. "Now we’re here. Nigeria is making so much money, and yet poverty levels are rising, insecurity is rising, and corruption is rising," Baba-Ahmed alleged, concluding that the current administration has largely failed to meet public expectations. The PRP chairman also firmly dismissed ongoing narratives that opposition figures are plotting to overthrow the government through unconstitutional means. He maintained that democratic patience remains the only path forward. "We intend to remove the government by voting them out of power. That is the case," he insisted. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has repeatedly defended its sweeping economic agenda, insisting that painful reforms like the subsidy removal and foreign exchange floating are bitter but necessary pills to stabilize the economy and guarantee long-term growth.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the re-election of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, describing the landslide victory as a resounding vote of confidence in stability, continuity, and people-centered governance. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declared Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the Saturday governorship election, after he polled 319,224 votes across all 16 local government areas to defeat his closest rivals. With this overwhelming mandate, Governor Oyebanji secures his second term, becoming the first governor in Ekiti State`s history to achieve back-to-back re-election. In a congratulatory message released through his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the electorate in Ekiti State for their peaceful and orderly conduct. He also commended law enforcement agencies for maintaining peace, law, and order throughout the electoral process. President Tinubu noted that the governor’s first term was marked by significant and visible strides in infrastructure, agriculture, youth employment, education, healthcare, and rural development. He urged the returning governor to remain magnanimous in victory and to carry all stakeholders along in the task of consolidating his achievements. Looking ahead to upcoming electoral cycles, the President charged INEC to maintain its momentum in delivering peaceful, free, fair, and credible polls as the nation prepares for the Osun governorship election in August and the general elections next year.