Politics
APC ticket: Concensus fails as Osinbajo, Tinubu, Fayemi, others disagree
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the South-West, on Friday, cautioned presidential aspirants from the zone to guard against their utterances.
It was gathered that the meeting, which was held behind closed doors at the Lagos House, Marina, also resolved that name calling and other personal attacks should not be encouraged by the aspirants and their supporters.
It was learnt that the aspirants were asked to work with whomever among them emerges as the party’s candidate for the presidential election.
According to sources, the leaders also impressed the aspirants to ensure that the South-West does not lose the opportunity to produce the President in 2023.
A source at the meeting said, “The issue of betrayal was put to rest as the elders affirmed that everyone who desired to run for any political office whatsoever was not encumbered in any way at all.”
It was gathered that the meeting did not agree on the issue of consensus.
A source, who was at the meeting, said the issue was also not listed as part of its agenda, but that it was stylishly introduced by one of the leaders.
He said one of the speakers asked if the aspirants from the zone could still step down for one another if they realised that the zone would be defeated at the party’s presidential primary slated for the end of the month.
But he said none of the aspirants in attendance responded as they were not ready to step down for the other.
The source stated, “How do you ask someone who has paid N100m to step down? Step down for who? All the aspirants believe that they are popular and can win.
“Funnily enough, the issue of consensus was not listed in the agenda of the meeting. It was also not part of the text messages sent to us for the meeting. The meeting was majorly concerned about the utterances that are already portraying us as being divided and that the zone is behaving as if we have no leaders.
“Yet, there are concerns that the large number of aspirants could put the zone in danger if we go into the primary like that. But nobody was asked to step down for the other.”
The meeting was convened by the former interim National Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, and a former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba.
Present at the meeting were the Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; a former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; and the Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi.
Also at the meeting were the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Chief Niyi Adebayo; governors Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and Oyetola of Osun states.
Others include the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; the APC National Secretary, Otunba Iyiola Omisore; a former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Moses Adeyemo; and a former National Vice Chairman of the APC, South-West Zone, Chief Pius Akinyelure.
However, two presidential aspirants from the South-West, Pastor Tunde Bakare, and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole; and the Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate, Ajayi Boroffice, who have all purchased forms, were absent at the meeting.
While commending Osinbajo, who is the highest ranking public officer from the region, for a job well done, sources said the APC elders stated that all the aspirants had the right to aspire to be the President, but enjoined them to exhibit the ‘Omoluabi’ ethos in their politicking by shunning divisive rhetoric.
While stating that consultation with them would be continuous, the meeting advised the aspirants to queue behind whoever among them eventually emerges as the party’s candidate, stating that the cohesion of the South-West must be sacrosanct.
Akande said the presidential aspirants were united that the presidency should come to the South-West region.
He stated, “We the APC are united and we will ensure that the presidency comes to our region, the South-West. We had a fruitful discussion at the meeting today (Friday).
“We had a fruitful discussion. We also resolved that everybody should maintain absolute decorum because we are united.”
Impeccable sources at the meeting revealed that Aregbesola pointedly refused to shake Omisore’s hand or sit next to him and Oyetola.
“Aregbesola was expected to sit down next to Omisore and Oyetola, but he refused to associate with them, deciding instead to sit far off. Attempts by the elders to make Aregbesola change his mind proved abortive as he said he didn’t want to be associated with Omisore,” one of the sources said.
At the meeting, Akande called on all aspirants and governors to ensure that they carry on with their campaigns with decorum.
The APC chieftain was said to have called on them to put the interest of the South-West first and ensure that they would not lose the ticket at the primary, which comes up at the end of the month.
A source said, “Baba Akande said it is better for one of us to have the Presidency than for none of us to have it. He said we should carry on our campaigns with decorum. The ultimate goal is to have a small number of aspirants through consensus. However, this will be discussed in subsequent meetings.
“Everything was done to ensure that the impression was not given that Baba Akande was supporting anyone. They also will encourage consensus among all aspirants in order to strengthen the unity of the Yoruba,” he said.
When asked why Bakare, Bankole and Boroffice were not invited, he said, “A list was given to Niyi Adebayo to invite people. I think all these people you mentioned had not yet declared as of the time this meeting was put together.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the Islamic pilgrimage of Umrah, during which he will offer prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and progress.
The Presidency announced the trip in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the visit will provide the President with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and devotion as he seeks divine intervention in the affairs of the country.
“While in Makkah, President Tinubu will perform the religious rites associated with Umrah, seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people,” Onanuga stated.
The President’s planned pilgrimage comes amid mounting expectations from Nigerians for concrete government interventions to address prevailing economic hardship, insecurity and other challenges confronting the nation.
Before departing Abuja, Tinubu is expected to commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force to strengthen its operations at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The Presidency, however, did not provide further details on the newly acquired equipment or its operational capabilities.
Onanuga disclosed that the President would return to Nigeria next week after completing the religious exercise.
No specific date was given for his return, while the statement was also silent on whether he would undertake other official engagements during his stay in Saudi Arabia.
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has cautioned opposition political figures against making defamatory statements, dismissing allegations that he ordered a private facility to deny a political party access for its proposed town hall meeting.
The governor issued the warning while reacting to a viral social media video alleging that he personally directed the management of the facility not to host the opposition party’s event.
In a statement, Mbah described the allegation as baseless and a deliberate attempt to misrepresent his administration.
“My attention has just been drawn to a video circulating on some social media platforms, alleging that I gave an order denying a political party use of a private facility for their townhall event. This is preposterous and utter falsehood, because I did not,” he stated.
The governor criticised what he described as the opposition’s desperate attempt to attract public attention through unfounded allegations.
“This is shameful and reveals a desperate pattern adopted by the opposition to attract attention,” he added.
Mbah maintained that while democracy guarantees freedom of expression, such freedom should not be misconstrued as an unrestricted licence to malign or defame others.
“There’s no doubt that democracy guarantees freedom of expression. It should be noted, however, that it does not grant anyone the right to defamation,” he warned.
He further reminded political actors that democratic institutions provide legitimate avenues for seeking redress whenever they feel aggrieved, rather than resorting to what he described as defamatory accusations.
“Democracy also offers avenues to seek redress. So, let it be known that there are redlines that should never be crossed,” the governor declared.
Mbah reiterated that he had no involvement in the alleged denial of the facility, distancing himself from claims linking his administration to the controversy.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Anambra state chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC has described as false narrative the trending story that the trio of Presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi, Sen Victor Umeh and Sen Tony Nwoye are currently at daggers drawn following the alleged doctoring of the list of candidates for the 2027 general election in Anambra North Senatorial District.
It is being alleged that the doctoring was executed by Sen Tony Nwoye representing the Senatorial District which resulted in the withdrawal of names of nominees of Nwoye for the Presidential Campaign Council of the party .
Dismissing this narrative, the Anambra state Chairman of the NDC , Hon Ikem Uzoezie stated that the report is not only fales but unfounded contending that it is a recipe for those who are apprehensive of failure in the coming election.
“One would have chosen to keep quiet over this issue but it is important to that we as a party make the following clarifications;
“There is no such thing in our great party the NDC and there can never be and the party is more focused in executing the 2027 general elections and we do not need to be distracted by the machinations of the opposition who are apparently awear of the obvious fact that they have lost the election ”
Uzoezie described the party as one that has respect for rules and guidelines in respect of the the nomination of candidates and we indeed did the needful which can be verified at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“For those who have chosen name dropping and name calling as a trade, we urge them to desist from such unlawful act and the party would not hastate to take appropriate actions in that regard”
Uzoezie advised party faithfuls not to allow themselves to be used as a tool in distabizing the party urging them to remain focused.
The Federal Government has approved a monthly transport allowance of N70,000 for public servants as part of measures to cushion the effects of the rising cost of living across the country.
The intervention, which will run for six months beginning in November 2026, is expected to provide eligible workers with a cumulative sum of N420,000 each by April 2027.
The approval followed a conciliation meeting between representatives of the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), held in Abuja on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
According to the memorandum reached at the meeting, the transport support will apply across all levels of the federal public service, while state and local governments are encouraged to participate in the intervention.
However, the agreement did not specify the exact payment dates, disbursement channels or whether beneficiaries would receive the allowance alongside their monthly salaries.
The N70,000 transport support is separate from the existing national minimum wage and is designed as a temporary intervention to ease workers’ transportation expenses.
Beyond the transport allowance, the government also approved the settlement of outstanding peculiar allowance arrears, effective from May 1, 2026.
Payment of the arrears is scheduled to commence in November and will be spread across three equal monthly instalments.
In another development, the Federal Government agreed to clear 19 months of outstanding allowances owed to health workers within three months, beginning in December 2026.
The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission was equally directed to conclude its assessment of the financial implications of adjusting the Consolidated Health Salary Structure within three weeks.
On the lingering minimum wage issues, both parties agreed to establish a Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee, which is expected to commence deliberations immediately.
The meeting also considered outstanding hazard allowances for agricultural officers, with the verification of eligible beneficiaries and associated financial implications expected to be completed within two weeks.
Similarly, a proposal seeking tax relief for workers will be forwarded to the National Executive Council for consideration.
The Federal Government and the NLC are expected to reconvene after one month to assess the implementation of the resolutions.
Meanwhile, workers in state and local government services may have to await further directives from their respective authorities, as the agreement does not automatically establish that all states have approved the N70,000 monthly intervention.
Politics
Nnamani, Nwobodo, Chime, Ugwuanyi, Arthur Eze, Get Advisory Roles As Mbah Unveils Campaign Council
…Council to Be Inaugurated Tuesday at Enugu International Conference Centre
The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled a formidable campaign structure ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Governor Peter Mbah emerging as Chairman of the Campaign Council comprising 51 directorates.
The council, unveiled on Monday, October 26, brings together prominent political figures, former governors, serving lawmakers, technocrats and party stakeholders in what appears to be a major political mobilisation drive ahead of the elections.
Among those listed for advisory roles are Senator Ken Nnamani, Senator Jim Nwobodo, former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, former Governor Sullivan Chime, immediate past Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Professor Bart Nnaji, business mogul Arthur Eze, Frank Nweke Jr. and Madueke, among others.
According to the list jointly signed by the state APC Chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, and Secretary, Hon. Chukwudi Nnadozie, Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, and Chukwunweike will serve as Vice Chairmen.
Chief Charlie Mbah was appointed Director-General of the Campaign Organisation, while Dr. Eric Oluedo will serve as Secretary-General.
The campaign structure also provides for three Deputy Directors-General representing the state’s senatorial districts.
They are Deacon Okey Ogbodo for Enugu East, Dr. Dan Shere for Enugu North and Hon. S.K.E. Udeh-Okoye for Enugu West.
In the media and publicity directorates, Barr. Steve Oruruo was named Campaign Spokesperson and Director of Public Communication, with Dr. Austin Okolie serving as Co-Spokesperson and Dr. Malachy Agbo as Secretary.
Two members of Governor Mbah’s media team, Mazi Uche Anichukwu and Dan Nwomeh, will head the Directorate of New Media and Strategic Communication and the Directorate of Mainstream Media, respectively.
Dr. Collins Ogbu will serve as Secretary of New Media and Strategic Communication, while Dr. Reuben Onyishi takes the corresponding position in Mainstream Media.
Other key appointments include Barr. Victor Udeh as Director of Administration, while former APC State Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye, will head the Fundraising Committee, assisted by Arc. Uche Nwatu as Co-Director.
Former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla (Rtd.), was appointed Chairman of the Security Directorate, with former Inspector-General of Police, Ogbonna Onovo (Rtd.), serving as Secretary.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology will oversee the Directorate of Government Appointees Coordination, covering federal and state appointees, while Prof. Chidiebere Onyia will serve as Secretary.
Former Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eugene Odoh, was appointed to head Inter-Party Affairs.
For senatorial coordination, Senator Osita Ngwu will oversee Enugu West, Senator Ikeje Asogwa will coordinate Enugu North, while Senator Kelvin Chukwu takes charge of Enugu East.
Explaining the composition of the council, Chukwunweike and Nnadozie said the extensive campaign structure was deliberately designed to accommodate diverse political interests and ensure grassroots participation across the state.
According to them, the 51 directorates reflect the party’s determination to involve communities, wards, local government areas, professional associations, women, youths, elders and support organisations in its preparations for the 2027 elections.
They stressed that appointments into the council should not be regarded merely as political recognition but as responsibilities requiring commitment and measurable results.
“Appointment into the campaign structure is therefore not merely an honour; it is a call to duty, accountability and measurable contribution,” the statement read.
The unveiling marks a significant organisational step for the Enugu APC as it moves to consolidate its political machinery ahead of the next general elections.
The Campaign Council will be formally inaugurated on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
All appointed members have been directed to be seated before 3pm.
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