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APC primaries: Governorship aspirants reject consensus deal in 10 states

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Ahead of Thursday’s governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress, resistance to consensus arrangements has intensified in at least 10 states, as several aspirants rejected pressure to step down and insisted on testing their popularity at the polls.

The growing pushback comes despite efforts by party leaders and governors in many states to streamline the primaries through endorsements, negotiations, and consensus agreements aimed at avoiding divisive contests ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Investigations showed that while incumbent governors in several APC-controlled states have successfully secured consensus backing for second-term tickets, succession battles in states such as Kwara, Gombe, Oyo, Adamawa, Bauchi, Plateau, Lagos, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Yobe remain fiercely contested.

The APC had fixed the cost of its governorship expression of interest form at N10m and nomination form at N40m. Findings indicated that the ruling party generated about N5.05bn from the sale of forms to 101 governorship aspirants nationwide.

The party is scheduled to conduct governorship primaries in 28 states on Thursday, May 21, with direct primaries to be adopted in states where consensus arrangements fail. Appeals arising from the exercises are expected to be heard on May 24.

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Consensus gains ground

Despite growing internal resistance in some chapters, no fewer than 11 governors and sole aspirants have already secured overwhelming backing from party structures.

Among those who emerged as consensus candidates are Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Abba Yusuf (Kano), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Dikko Radda (Katsina), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Ogbonna Nwifuru (Ebonyi).

Party leaders in those states described the arrangements as strategic moves to preserve internal stability and avoid unnecessary factional crises.

In Sokoto, a party stalwart, Abubakar Umar, said members had unanimously resolved to back Governor Ahmed Aliyu for a second term.

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“We don’t have any other contestant apart from Governor Ahmed Aliyu. As was the case in the previous primaries, what remains is simply the ratification of his candidacy for another term,” he said.

Similarly, a Kebbi APC chieftain, Abdullahi Zuru, confirmed that Governor Nasir Idris had secured the backing of party stakeholders across the state.

“The party has agreed to present only the governor as its candidate. There is no opposition to his second-term ambition within the party,” he stated.

In Jigawa, the state APC chairman, MK Garba, said the party had settled for Governor Umar Namadi as its sole governorship aspirant.

“We don’t have any other contestant apart from Governor Umar Namadi. The process will simply ratify the consensus already reached by party leaders and members,” he explained.

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Speaking on Tuesday in a telephone interview with The PUNCH, Garba said the party remains united in its support for the governor.

He explained that the process in Jigawa will mirror previous primaries where consensus was used to avoid rancour.

“As was the case in the other primaries we held before now, we will only have to confirm the ratification of his candidacy for a second term,” he said.

Kwara succession battle

However, consensus efforts have suffered major setbacks in Kwara State, where 15 aspirants are preparing to confront Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s preferred candidate, Amb Yahaya Seriki.

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The governor had on Tuesday publicly endorsed Seriki as his preferred successor after what he described as “extensive consultations” with party leaders and stakeholders.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, AbdulRazaq said Seriki possessed the capacity and political reach required to sustain the administration’s achievements.

“Following extensive consultations with party structures and leadership, I am pleased to endorse Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki as my preferred successor under the platform of our party, the APC,” the governor stated.

He described Seriki as “young, pro-people, astute and broad-minded,” adding that the businessman and political mobiliser enjoyed “profound investments and extensive goodwill among the people of Kwara State.”

The governor, however, stressed that his endorsement did not invalidate the ambitions of other aspirants.

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“While this does not in any way preclude all other aspirants from contesting in the primaries, I urge members and leaders to affirm the choice of Seriki for cohesion, unity and continuous success of the party,” he added.

The endorsement was followed immediately by a flurry of approvals from grassroots leaders, top politicians, aspirants, and transport unions in the state.

Speaker of the House of Assembly, Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, who stepped down from the race, congratulated Seriki over the endorsement and pledged to work for him.

NILD Director-General Prof. Abubakar Suleiman said he would no longer be participating in the race after the announcement.

The entire party structure is also poised to announce their support, with all the Local Government APC chairmen in Kwara Central and Kwara South having sent their endorsement for the nominee.

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The Kwara State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria also congratulated Seriki, while key sociocultural platforms in Kwara Central sent their congratulations.

Kwara ALGON chairman, Abdullahi Danladi, said in a statement that “local government chairmen across the state are in full support of the governor’s decision.”

At least five strong party blocs are to hold various endorsement engagements for the nominee on Wednesday, practically guaranteeing his emergence at the primaries that are slated for Thursday.

Tens of thousands of party enthusiasts and supporters thronged the Tunde Idiagbon International Stadium, Ilorin to welcome Seriki just about three hours after his name was announced.

However, despite the endorsement, party sources said that several aspirants had rejected moves to step down, insisting on participating in Thursday’s direct primary election.

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A senior party official in Ilorin, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, said many aspirants believed the race should be decided democratically.

“The governor may have made his preference known, but many aspirants are not willing to surrender their ambitions. They believe the ticket should be determined through open contest and not predetermined arrangements,” the source said.

Kwara currently has the highest number of APC governorship aspirants in the country with 14 contenders, including former Senate Leader Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Muhammed Belgore (SAN), and Salihu Mustapha.

Others are Olufemi Sanni, Mohammed Bio, Dr. Alabi Tajudeen, Amb. Yahaya Abdulfatai, Tajudeen Abdulkadir, Azeez Muideen, Bashir Bolanrinwa, Ahmad Mahmoud, Yetunde Bello, Mahalia Pategi and Prof. Olawale Sulaiman.

Other states

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Oyo State followed closely with 11 governorship aspirants, while Adamawa recorded 10 contenders, reflecting heightened political activity ahead of the primaries.

Notable aspirants include former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Senator Sharafadeen Alli; Akeem Agbaje and Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin.

Adamawa’s crowded field includes Abdulrazak Namdas, Mustapha Salihu, Senator Aminu Abbas, Abdurahaman  Haske, Felix Tangwami, Joel Madaki, Bello Ibrahim and three others.

Bauchi also recorded eight aspirants, among them the immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, and former governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar.

In Abia State, the party recorded four aspirants namely Mascot Uzor-Kalu, Henry Ikoh, Martins Azubuike, and Opah Chinemeucheya.

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Benue State has four aspirants – Mathias Byuan, Kuraun Isaac, Akutah Ukeyima and Terwase Orbunde – vying for the state’s top job against Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Gombe State recorded two aspirants – Senator Sa’id Alkali, who is vying against Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s preferred candidate Jamil Gwamna.

Party insiders said the large number of aspirants in the affected states reflected unresolved zoning interests, succession calculations, and dissatisfaction among stakeholders over attempts to impose preferred candidates.

In Plateau State, one of the two governorship aspirants, retired military officer Yilcini Bida, dismissed reports that he had stepped down for Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

Speaking on Tuesday, Bida insisted he was fully in the race and was prepared to challenge the incumbent governor at the primary.

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“I want to inform the people of Plateau State that I am still in the race. Rumours are flying around that I have stepped down, but I remain fully committed to contesting the primary on Thursday,” he said.

Bida said his administration, if elected, would focus heavily on infrastructure renewal, economic development, and security reforms.

“On the lighting project alone, we intend to spend N1tn within one year. We are also proposing the construction of 40km of road in each local government area,” he said.

On insecurity, the retired officer promised to strengthen Operation Rainbow, the state-owned security outfit.

“As a former military officer, I understand what it takes to restore peace and security in the state. We plan to recruit personnel from rural communities to improve operational efficiency,” he added.

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Bida said he was confident of winning the primary despite facing an incumbent governor.

Lagos succession permutations

Political negotiations also intensified in Lagos State as aspirants continued to align behind Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.

One of the governorship aspirants, Samuel Ajose, formally withdrew from the race on Tuesday and announced his support for Hamzat.

Ajose described the decision as painful but necessary for party unity.

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“I know it is a very tough decision. I struggled with it overnight, but when I woke up in the morning, I had my peace,” he said.

“In the interest of the party, I have decided to step aside and support Hamzat. We are going to be part of his campaign and play an important role,” he added.

His withdrawal came weeks after former PDP governorship candidate Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, also stepped down and endorsed Hamzat following consultations with APC leaders.

Jandor said his withdrawal followed the endorsement of Hamzat by President Bola Tinubu and APC leaders in Lagos State.

“Following the endorsement of Dr. Kadiri Hamzat by our leader, the President of Nigeria, and leaders of our party in Lagos, and in recognition of the prevailing realities within the political landscape of our great party, I have decided to withdraw from the 2027 Lagos State gubernatorial race,” Jandor had said.

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The former PDP governorship candidate described the decision as a sacrifice made for party cohesion and unity, while pledging loyalty to the APC leadership structure.

However, businessman and politician Lanre Jim-Kamal, who formally declared his intention to contest the APC Lagos governorship ticket last month, has reportedly not stepped down from the race.

Jim-Kamal, who made his declaration in Ikeja before party leaders, supporters and political stakeholders, also introduced a five-point agenda and a claimed $50bn partners’ investment proposal for the state.

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From Reflection to Rebirth: Honouring Dr. Samuel Ogbuku at 51

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Dr. Samuel Ogbuku climbs another rung on the golden-floor ladder of life on August 19, 2026, marking 51 years of a life defined by purpose, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the Niger Delta region.

Born in Ayakoro, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, his journey from the creeks and crowded neighbourhoods of the region to the helm of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is more than a personal story. It is a living expression of what he has described as “Rewind to Rebirth”: the deliberate act of learning from the past to rebuild a stronger, more hopeful future.

Dr Ogbuku’s early years were shaped by the realities of the Niger Delta. He attended public schools in Port Harcourt before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political and Administrative Studies from the University of Port Harcourt. Further studies led to a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Development Studies.

Alongside academic excellence, he cut his teeth as a student activist and later served as Public Relations Officer of the Ijaw Youth Council (Central Zone). Those formative experiences instilled in him a deep understanding of the region’s struggles and a firm belief that dialogue, education, and opportunity remain the most effective paths to lasting peace. His career has been a steady progression of service. He worked as a Personal Assistant in the Ministry of Petroleum, served as Chief of Staff in the Bayelsa State Government House, managed agricultural enterprises, and later acted as Senior Special Assistant on Niger Delta Affairs.

In 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed him Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC. He inherited an agency long criticised for inefficiency and uncompleted projects. Under his leadership, the Commission has shifted from what he terms a “transactional” approach to a “transformational” one.

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The results are visible across the region. Thousands of kilometres of roads have been constructed or rehabilitated. Bridges and jetties have improved connectivity. Health centres have been built and equipped, while free healthcare outreaches have brought medical services to thousands.
The “Light Up the Niger Delta” initiative has extended electricity to communities long left in darkness. Scholarships have opened doors for young people, with many achieving distinction both at home and abroad. These interventions reflect a consistent philosophy: development must be felt by ordinary people in their daily lives.
At the heart of this work lies the “Rewind to Rebirth” agenda, articulated in his writings, including Rethinking the Niger Delta. It is a call to examine past mistakes honestly, discard what has not worked, and rebuild institutions, infrastructure, and trust with clearer purpose.

For Dr. Ogbuku, turning 51 is not merely a personal milestone. It is another opportunity to reaffirm that the Niger Delta’s future can be brighter than its past if leadership remains focused on results, accountability, and the people.As communities, colleagues, and well-wishers celebrate this birthday, the most fitting tribute is continued support for the unfinished work of regional transformation. Dr. Samuel Ogbuku’s 51 years remind us that purpose, when rooted in service, has the power to rewrite the story of an entire region one project, one community, and one generation at a time.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.

The Mission Continues!!!

Jim George Willy Ibimina
Writes from Niger Delta.

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Transformative Path Born in Ayakoro, Built for Impact: The Leadership Legacy of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku

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In the quiet riverine community of Ayakoro in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, a dynamic leader was born on August 19, 1975, who would one day help reshape the fortunes of the entire Niger Delta. That Leader is Dr. Samuel Ogbuku. Today, as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro Kingdom (Daufa VI), his journey from the creeks of Bayelsa to the centre of regional development stands as one of the most compelling stories of service and impact in contemporary Nigeria.

Roots in Ayakoro

Dr. Ogbuku’s early years were shaped by the realities of the Niger Delta region: its beauty, its struggles, and its unfulfilled promises. Though he spent much of his childhood in Port Harcourt, regular visits home to Ayakoro left a lasting impression. The underdevelopment he witnessed in his ancestral community planted a quiet determination: if opportunity ever came, he would use it to change the lives of his people.
He began his formal education at Christ the King School, Oromenike, Port Harcourt, obtaining his First School Leaving Certificate in 1987. He proceeded to Government Secondary School, Borokiri, before gaining admission into the University of Port Harcourt. There he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political and Administrative Studies in 2000. He later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Sociology, Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, a Master’s degree, and finally a Doctor of Philosophy in Political and Administrative Studies and Development Studies in 2021. Education, for him, was never merely personal advancement; it was preparation for service.

From Activism to Administration

As a young man, Ogbuku was deeply involved in the Niger Delta struggle. He served as Public Relations Officer of the Ijaw Youth Council (Central Zone) and cut his teeth in student activism. Those early years taught him the language of agitation, but also the limits of confrontation. He gradually moved into structured public service.
Between 2005 and 2007 he worked as Personal Assistant to the Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Petroleum. From 2007 to 2012 he served as Chief of Staff at the Bayelsa State Government House, at the time one of the youngest people to hold that position in Nigeria. He later managed Fulfilled Farms Nigeria Limited, deepening his interest in agriculture and aquaculture, before serving as Senior Special Assistant on Niger Delta Affairs to the Deputy President of the Senate. These roles gave him practical experience in governance, crisis management, personnel administration, and the complex politics of the oil-producing region.

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He had the rare privilege of being appointed twice as MD/CEO of the NDDC by two Nigerian Presidents; first by President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2022, and again by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023 for a fresh four-year tenure.
Ogbuku arrived at the NDDC with both institutional knowledge and lived experience of the challenges he was expected to solve.

Transforming the NDDC

The NDDC Ogbuku inherited carried a heavy burden of unfinished projects, public scepticism, and institutional turbulence. He responded with a clear philosophy: move the Commission from “transaction to transformation.” The focus shifted decisively toward completing legacy projects, improving transparency, and delivering visible results.

Under his leadership, the Commission has made measurable progress in infrastructure. Thousands of kilometres of roads have been constructed or rehabilitated, dozens of bridges and jetties completed, and major connecting projects such as the Ogbia-Nembe Road, the Ibeno Bridge, and the Kaa-Ataba Bridge advanced or delivered. Electrification initiatives, including the “Lighting Up the Niger Delta” programme, have brought power to communities that had lived for years in darkness.
In healthcare, the NDDC constructed and equipped numerous health centres and revived free medical outreach programmes that have provided tens of thousands of patients with care, including thousands of surgeries. Education and youth empowerment received renewed attention through expanded scholarship schemes, school rehabilitation, and skills programmes designed to give young people alternatives to restiveness.

King Ogbuku has also emphasised institutional reform, working with professional partners to strengthen governance systems and prioritise accountability. His administration secured significant budgetary support and focused resources on completing abandoned projects rather than endlessly initiating new ones.
Returning Home as Traditional Ruler
In June 2026, Dr. Ogbuku was installed as Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro Kingdom with the title Daufa VI, succeeding the late monarch after serving as Deputy Paramount Ruler. The dual role technocrat by day and traditional father by night reflects the depth of his connection to his roots. He has pledged to lead with humility, promote peace and unity, and work with stakeholders for the sustained progress of Ayakoro and the wider region.

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A Living Legacy

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku’s story is still being written. At just over fifty, he continues to occupy one of the most demanding development positions in Nigeria while simultaneously carrying traditional responsibilities in his hometown. What distinguishes his trajectory is consistency of purpose: a young man from Ayakoro who never lost sight of the community that raised him, and who has used every platform activism, government, private enterprise, and now the NDDC to push for tangible change.

Conclusion

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku’s journey from Ayakoro to the leadership of the NDDC shows that true impact begins with a deep love for one’s people. Through hard work, focus, and a clear vision, he continues to turn challenges into progress for the Niger Delta. His legacy is still growing, but the difference he is making is already being felt in communities across the region.

From the mangrove creeks of Bayelsa to the boardrooms of regional development, his path illustrates a simple but powerful idea: impact is possible when knowledge, experience, and genuine attachment to place are combined with the courage to confront difficult institutions. In the Niger Delta, that combination is already producing results that communities can see and feel.

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Martins Ibigomie Ogolo
Public Affairs Analyst
martins.ogolo@yahoo.com

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Hon. Atu Flags-Off Completion of Ndafufa-Ugwuaji–Obeagu Link Road Meant To Further Open Enugu

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The member representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu, has flagged-off the completion of the 1.3-kilometre Ndafufa-Ugwuaji–Obeagu Link Road to further open up Enugu metropolis.

The project is part of a phased intervention aimed at improving road connectivity and opening up communities within the constituency.

The first phase covered the Ayo Open Space–Ndafufa Ugwuaji, while this second phase will cover Ndafufa Ugwuaji – Obeagu link road. The third phase is expected to extend to the Obeagu–Obinagu–Obeagu Amechi link road.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Tuesday, Hon. Atu emphasised the critical role of road infrastructure in driving economic growth, enhancing connectivity and improving the quality of life of residents.

He explained that the third phase of the project would capture adjoining communities, including Obinagu and Amechi, further expanding the network of accessible roads across the area.

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According to him, it is another milestone in the drive towards infrastructure development in Enugu North and South Federal Constituency.

Responding, the President-General of the Obeagu Ugwuaji Town Union, Chief Freedom Obi, expressed the community’s excitement over the project, describing the intervention as significant to the development of the area.

Obi also commended Atu for the quality of work executed during the first phase.

Speaking on the technical specifications and timeline of the project, Engr. Ikechukwu Okorie of Ideas Construction Limited, assured that the earthworks and double-drainage system would be completed before November 2026.

Okorie, who is the engineer in-charge of the project, said: “The road is designed with a standard width of 7.5 metres (in-to-in).

“It will have a dual-drainage system to facilitate effective water flow, protect the road and enhance its durability.”

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The completion of the project is expected to strengthen connectivity between Ugwuaji, Obeagu and neighbouring communities, while facilitating the movement of people, goods and services and stimulating economic activities within the area.

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ASCSN urges shift from confrontation to collaboration in labour relations

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By Chinedu Sabastine

ENUGU — The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, has called for a shift from confrontational labour relations to strategic collaboration between organised labour and government.

The National President of the association, Comrade Shehu Mohammed, made the call at the South East Zonal Workshop of ASCSN in Enugu, where public sector stakeholders, union executives and government representatives examined emerging challenges in industrial relations and public service efficiency.

Mohammed said the workshop marked a turning point in the history of labour relations in Nigeria, stressing that modern public administration required dialogue, data-driven advocacy, collective bargaining and mutual respect.

According to him, “true progress for the Nigerian worker is no longer achieved solely on the streets through friction, but at the round table through data-driven advocacy, mutual respect, collective bargaining and strategic alignment.”

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He identified three key pillars for effective labour-government collaboration: supporting a robust public service capable of funding workers’ welfare, engaging government early before disputes escalate, and equipping workers with modern administrative and negotiation skills.

The ASCSN president urged participants to approach management disputes with institutional solutions rather than immediate ultimatums, saying negotiation should produce outcomes that benefit both government and civil servants.

He commended Governor Peter Mbah for what he described as transformational leadership in Enugu State, particularly his efforts to transition the state from a public-sector-driven economy to a private-sector-driven one.

Also speaking, the Enugu State Head of Service, Dr. Godwin Chinonso Anigbo, said the civil service remained the bedrock of governance, given its critical role in policy formulation and implementation.

Anigbo said changing times required both labour and government to abandon win-lose approaches and embrace solutions that would serve the interests of all parties.

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He urged organised labour to move beyond reliance on strike ultimatums, while advising government to avoid what he described as “judicial ambushes” in industrial courts as a means of frustrating legitimate union demands.

The Head of Service disclosed that the Enugu State Government had established a Public Service Training Institute to promote policy research and build institutional capacity.

He also challenged civil servants to take ownership of government policies and their implementation, warning against the traditional mindset that “Soldier go, soldier come, barrack remains.”

According to him, “if governance fails, both the policymakers and implementers have failed.”

In a goodwill message, Mrs. Ndidiamaka Oke, who represented the Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Enugu State, said collaboration remained the most effective approach to resolving contemporary challenges in the public service.

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She said, “Collaboration does not mean abandoning your legitimate rights. Collaboration rather means giving workers opportunity for constructive dialogue.”

Oke stressed that constructive dialogue would enable labour and government to resolve disputes while strengthening industrial harmony and improving public service delivery.

She commended ASCSN for providing an intellectual platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, experiences and practical solutions, expressing confidence that the workshop’s outcome would deepen cooperation between government, management and organised labour.

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Wike: 2027 Will Be Tinubu’s Easiest Presidential Election

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said President Bola Tinubu will have an easier time winning the 2027 presidential election than he did in 2023.

Wike stated this while speaking during an inspection tour of flood-affected areas in the Federal Capital Territory on Monday.

Wike said the fragmented nature of the opposition would make it difficult for the parties to mount a strong challenge against Tinubu in 2027.

He declared, “This election, the 2027 election, will be the easiest election for Mr President. 2023 was a tough election for him.”

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The former Rivers State governor further argued that the opposition had been weakened by defections and political movements ahead of the next election.

He said, “This election, where the opposition has been crippled,  you know what it means? Depleted; they finished them.”

Wike said a credible opposition needed to spend years building a strong political structure instead of moving from one party to another in search of an electoral platform.

He said, “For you to be opposition to remove a government, it must be what you call a strong, vibrant opposition that has stayed for over four years planning, not opposition that is looking for a party to run to.”

He added, “Today, they’re going to Party A. So, you see, that kind of opposition can never win.”

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Wike was emphatic about Tinubu’s chances in 2027, saying, “If it is this 2027 election against Bola Ahmed Tinubu, no, forget it. It’s over.”

The minister dismissed criticism from opposition politicians and commentators, saying their media appearances would not erase what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration over the past three years.

Wike said, “I don’t want to reply to political commentaries. I don’t want to reply to people who think that appearing before media houses will give them an edge to win an election that they have lost. No.”

He maintained that the administration’s achievements could not be diminished by political criticism.

He said, “Nobody can diminish what this administration has done in the past three years. Nobody can diminish it. This administration has done very well as far as the Federal Capital Territory is concerned.”

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According to him, although the government had not solved all the country’s problems, it had made progress in addressing major challenges.

He added, “That does not mean I claim that we have solved all problems, no. Are we solving problems? Yes. Have we solved major problems? Yes. Will we continue to solve problems? Yes.”

The minister also spoke on the government’s response to flooding and illegal structures in the FCT.

He warned officials of the FCT Development Control Department against delaying enforcement operations with bureaucratic excuses, saying the administration had the political will to act against structures obstructing waterways.

Wike said, “And let nobody make a mistake that this government lacks the political will to do anything. The person must be making a very big mistake. If there is one minister that has that political will, I have. I have the political will.”

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He directed that houses found on waterways should be demolished, regardless of the status of their owners.

He said, “I’m going to bring those houses down! Any house that’s found on the water channel will go down!”

Wike said the enforcement would not be suspended because of the approaching election.

He added, “Whether there is an election, oh, there’s no election, oh, all those houses will go down. Heaven will not fall; rather, heaven will be at peace that the right thing has been done.”

The minister also condemned the conversion of designated green areas in Abuja into commercial parks and other developments.

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He said some individuals had attempted to justify such developments by relying on historical claims about land allocations.

Wike said, “Because something that was done wrongly will not be corrected? No, we will not allow that. We won’t.”

He assured residents that desilting and other infrastructure interventions would continue in flood-prone areas, including Lokogoma and the Yakubu Gowon Crescent axis in Asokoro.

He also urged residents to support efforts to address flooding by properly disposing of waste and avoiding activities that could obstruct drainage channels.

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