Politics
Northern Reps members endorse Tinubu’s 2023 presidential bid
Amid the rumoured presidential ambition of former Lagos State governor and National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, members of the House of Representatives from the north have endorsed his candidacy for 2023 presidency.
Though Tinubu has yet to declare his intention to contest any office in 2023, there have been rumours and veiled indications that he might be interested in the exalted seat.
A delegation of the northern caucus in the House, led by the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, had on Friday visited Tinubu in London where he has been receiving treatment for the last three months.
On the entourage were the Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa; Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Abubakar Fulata; Chairman, House Committee on the Army, Abdulrazak Namdas; Blessing Onuh, daughter of former President of the Senate, David Mark; Sada Soli, among others.
A member of the delegation told one of our correspondents on condition of anonymity that the visit was to endorse Tinubu for President.
The lawmaker said, “We in the North (House of Representatives caucus) are kind of endorsing his candidature because he is a national leader and you know that he is aspiring (allegedly). Whether you like it or not, he wants to be President of this country. So, we felt that if the northern caucus of the National Assembly – in the House of Reps – would come to see how he is recuperating, we thought that it would mean so much.
“He really appreciated our coming because he said he rated our coming second after the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari. He mentioned that governors and others came but this is a mini Nigeria in the House of Reps, for the entire northern caucus to find time to come and see how he is faring.
“He stood up and walked. I’m sure you have seen the video. I think he has recovered; he is not doing badly at all – this is not politics. I think because of his age, he has to still go for physiotherapy and things like that. These are things that will take time for him to fully do some politicking. He will soon come back to Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, in one of the videos from the visit, which has gone viral on the Internet, the lawmaker representing Guevara/Suleja/Tafa Federal Constituency in Niger State, Lado Suleja, called Tinubu “Mr President.”
The lawmakers were seen accompanying Tinubu to a waiting car, during which Suleja said, “Mr President, see you soon,” and the ex-governor replied, “Thank you.”
Speaking on the visit, the source added, “I will not say he is speaking for the caucus. Lado is his loyalist. He has been Tinubu’s loyalist for a long time, we know that. It was Lado that made that statement. All of us – even me – wish he is our President.”
When asked to confirm Asiwaju’s endorsement, Ado-Doguwa stated that it was a ‘get-well visit.’
He said, “I am neither the leader of the delegation nor come as the Northern Caucus, perhaps not the right person to answer your question. But on a personal note, I can tell you that I was on this mission to simply pay a ‘get-well visit’ to the National Leader of our party, the APC, like many other Nigerians have done, including Mr President. My religion and tradition allow for such visits to the sick.
“I, therefore, stand bold to say that I wish Bola Ahmed Tinubu well and pray for his fast recovery. I am further glad to say that I met him in an improved and very encouraging health Condition.”
I’m healthy, just undergoing therapy – Asiwaju
Meanwhile, in another video, the former governor said he was healthy but only undergoing physiotherapy in London. He said this while addressing the northern caucus.
Tinubu, who was dressed in Kaftan and a red cap, has been in the United Kingdom for about three months after undergoing knee surgery. He however described the physiotherapy as gruesome. “Because of God and people like you, I am well. It is just the physio (physiotherapy) that is gruesome,” he added.
Tinubu’s health had become a subject of controversy of late but in a statement on July 31, 2021, his Media Adviser, Tunde Rahman, said though the former governor was out of Nigeria, he was not hospitalised as claimed by some persons.
“He (Tinubu) is out of the country at the moment. He will be back shortly,” he said, adding that his boss was “hale and hearty”.
Since he arrived in London, Tinubu’s London home has somewhat become a Mecca. He had been visited by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.); Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Governors Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti).
Others who visited Tinubu include a former governor of Ogun State and incumbent Senator representing Ogun Central, Ibikunle Amosun; former Governor of Borno State and Senator representing Borno Central, Kashim Shettima; and member representing Gubio, Kaga and Magumeri Federal Constituency of Borno State, Usman Zanna.
Also on the list are Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat; Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Tayo Ayinde; Deputy Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Gboyega Soyannwo; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Education, Tokunbo Wahab; former APC National Legal Adviser, Muiz Banire.
The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Adetokunbo Abiru; Senator Adeola Solomon from Lagos West; Senator Opeyemi Bamidele from Ekiti Central; Senator Adelere Oriolowo from Osun West; and Senator Mohammed Sanni from Niger East also visited the ex-Lagos governor in London.
Others are Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, Temitope Adewale; Chairman of the House Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Nureni Akinsanya; as well as Chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Investments and Sustainable Development Goals, Sylvester Ogunkelu.
The Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area, Adebayo Olasoju; another politician, Adekunle Akanbi; and popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly called KWAM 1, also visited Tinubu in London.
Akeredolu and Fayemi had said their visit was not about 2023 but to pay him a courtesy visit. Meanwhile, Akeredolu added, “He’s the capo (di tutti) for us here. By the time he comes, we can make some important decisions.”
Similarly, when asked in an interview if Tinubu discussed his plans for 2023 with him, Gbajabiamila said his discussion with the APC leader “was privileged”.
His long stay abroad has however drawn criticism from some Nigerians who argued that his prolonged medical trip was not a good signal if indeed he planned to become the president.
Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, had said should Tinubu become President in 2023, he would continue Buhari’s tradition of seeking treatment abroad at the expense of taxpayers.
In recent years, the UK has become a choice destination for the Nigerian elite including Buhari, who frequent London for medical tourism while perpetual industrial actions, lack of modern equipment, inadequate personnel, failure of government to pay doctors’ salaries, amongst others, mar Nigeria’s health sector.
In a related development, the chairman, South-West Agenda for Ahmed Tinubu 2023, a group campaigning for Tinubu’s candidacy, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, said Tinubu’s health should not be a concern because, according to him, the health and life of men are in the hands of God.
In an interview with one of our correspondents, Adeyeye, while responding to a question on the health of their candidate, said, “Let us not make his health a major concern. The health and the life of a man are in the hands of God Almighty. Even a person who seems healthy today might collapse and die tomorrow.
“So, issues beyond the realm of human beings should be left in the hands of God. Some people thought Buhari would not survive his health challenge about four years ago but look at him today. I won’t react to those who want to make the health of Asiwaju Tinubu a subject of politics.
“I was the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP when Buhari was sick but I never made issues out of his condition, despite being in the opposition party then because as a Christian, I know such a matter could only be determined by God Almighty.
“Those who travelled abroad to see him came back with a very good report. They said he is hale and hearty and that his health hasn’t deteriorated in any way.”
Meanwhile, the intra-party disagreements in the Lagos chapter of APC seem to be festering as one of the groups in the party, Lagos4Lagos Movement, has continued to express its resolve to change the status quo. The group maintained that a situation where one man would decide who governs the state should be stopped.
The disagreement worsened during the ward and local government congresses as the APC had parallel congresses.
A former Secretary to the Lagos State Government and apex chairperson of Lagos4Lagos, Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya, told Sunday PUNCH that it was unacceptable for one person to single-handedly decide who would occupy political positions in Lagos.
He added, “Everybody knows that there is godfatherism in Lagos. Nobody can deny that. As a people, we must be able to make our choices; we must be able to vote for those who are capable of doing the job.
“Lagos4Lagos means the money of Lagos should stay in Lagos and the benefits should not appear only in one man’s pocket. Many are waiting for them to be called upon and say ‘you are going to be the next governor.’ This should not be so. We should have a governor we all choose and have confidence in.
“I think God allowed what has happened to us in order to teach us a lesson. This is the time we must use that lesson to make changes. I am not afraid of any human being. I respect older people and people generally, but definitely not afraid. I have no apology.
“As of the time he (Tinubu) was trying to change (Babatunde) Fashola, we were successful in stopping them. I don’t think anybody is high and mighty. I am afraid of God, definitely not any leader but I will have respect for that leader. Is he not a human being like me?”
He expressed optimism that Lagos would be stronger and better when no godfather is allowed to choose for Lagosians. “For goodness sake, from 1999 till now, you have had the opportunity of taking us for a ride, you must know that there is a limit; it is only for some time,” he added.
Also, the Lead Visioner for Lagos4Lagos, Jide Adediran, urged the people to use their power to choose their leaders.
He added, “We often shy away from our responsibilities as followers. We habitually fail to use our powers to choose as enshrined in our constitution. It has always been ‘My votes will not count’, ‘It is a waste of time’, ‘Don’t bother, they will rig it anyway’, ‘APC and PDP are the same, and I can’t vote for either.’
“These are some of the reasons why the highest votes in Lagos was 1.8 million, barely 28 per cent of the 6.5 million eligible voters. This was in 2011. It has been on a steady decline since then up to the 2019 election that saw the current Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, getting elected by only 12 per cent of the eligible voters in Lagos. This was by far the poorest of all outings.”
Also speaking to Sunday PUNCH, a member of the movement, Sunday Ajayi, said godfatherism had caused a lot of problems in Nigeria’s democracy. “The era of godfatherism is gone. That is why we are saying the ward and state executives must work with us,” he added.
But the spokesperson for Lagos APC, Seyi Oladejo, challenged Lagos4Lagos members to test their polarity at the poll rather than giving excuses, adding that contrary to the claim by Lagos4Lagos, Tinubu had not been overbearing in his leadership style.
He said, “Since you don’t have the structure; you don’t have the pedigree, you don’t have the antecedent and acceptance, you only have yourself to blame; maybe you need to have a rethink and re-strategise.
“There is nothing like Asiwaju being overbearing or that he lords it over others in Lagos APC or wherever. There is nothing wrong for them (Lagos4Lagos) to be ambitious; that is the beauty of democracy. But until they test their popularity at the poll, their only hope remains in the realm of conjecture. I can assure you that we have tested and experienced soldiers who have weathered many political challenges.”
PUNCH
Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resisting all forms of intimidation through lawful and democratic means as the state prepares for the August 15 governorship election.
In a series of posts on his X account on Thursday, Adeleke said his administration remains focused on prudent management of public resources and implementing people-centred policies that have improved the lives of residents across the state.
The governor expressed appreciation to party members and supporters in Ayedaade Local Government Area for the massive turnout during his campaign visit, describing the reception as a strong endorsement of his continuity agenda.
According to him, the enthusiasm shown by supporters reflects their determination despite what he described as repeated provocations.
Adeleke urged his supporters to remain peaceful, vigilant and united, insisting that the best response to intimidation is discipline and a massive turnout on election day.
His remarks come amid controversy over the reported freezing of the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of an ongoing investigation.
The Nigerian Bar Association has criticised the EFCC’s action, arguing that the anti-graft agency lacks the constitutional authority to impose a blanket restriction on a state’s finances without due legal process.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has denied any financial wrongdoing. Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, accused the EFCC of acting on the alleged directive of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola to frustrate the payment of workers’ palliatives.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 15, with Adeleke seeking a second term under the Accord Party platform.
Amid allegations of financial impropriety rocking the Ondo State House of Assembly, lawmakers on Wednesday held a parliamentary meeting to deliberate on pending legislative matters and announced the constitution of a four-member panel to investigate and audit the Assembly’s accounts, including the alleged involvement of the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji.
The meeting was held at the Assembly complex, but the Speaker and his Deputy, Ololade Gbegudu, were absent. The Majority Leader, Hon. Olatunji Oshati, however, attended the meeting.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Olatunji Ifabiyi, alongside some lawmakers, confirmed that the Assembly’s accounts would be audited.
Ifabiyi, who did not disclose the identities of members of the four-member probe panel, said the leadership of the House had been under pressure to resume legislative activities.
He said the lawmakers considered it necessary to reconvene to discharge their constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking and oversight, following concerns over the prolonged absence of plenary sessions and committee meetings.
According to him, the lawmakers deliberated on issues affecting the development of Ondo State, including constituency projects, community development and the welfare of residents across the state’s 18 local government areas.
Speaking on the political situation in the Assembly, Ifabiyi said lawmakers had not abandoned their plan to impeach the Speaker, but were awaiting further directives from the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He dismissed allegations that lawmakers had been financially induced to abandon the impeachment move, insisting that the process remained pending.
“We are still waiting for the leadership of the party. We are unable to proceed further until the leadership of the party asks us to. So, it’s pending. We are still on course,” he said.
On the role of the state government in the crisis, Ifabiyi said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had no role in the day-to-day running of the legislature, describing the intervention of the APC leadership as a normal party affair.
“The Governor does not intervene in the running of the legislature. It is normal for a party to intervene because we are from the same family,” he said.
He added that the APC leadership should treat all members of the Assembly equally, noting that all 26 lawmakers belonged to the same political party.
“Our father will not prefer one person at the expense of 26. Our father will not do that,” Ifabiyi said.
The Ward Executive Committee of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Ward 9, comprising Amoli, Ogugu, Owelli and Ugbo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, has reaffirmed the indefinite suspension of Mr SKC Ogbonnia from the party.
The Ward said the suspension took effect on May 18, 2026, following the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution.
In a statement dated August 5, 2026, the Ward Executive Committee clarified that the suspension was not a recent decision and remains valid and binding until it is reviewed or lifted by the appropriate organs of the party.
According to the committee, the disciplinary action followed the report of a duly constituted Ward Disciplinary Committee set up to investigate petitions and complaints alleging anti-party activities, gross misconduct, acts of sabotage and conduct considered prejudicial to the interests of the NDC.
The Ward Chairman, Hon. Chief Chukwunta Chibuike Fabian, said the committee observed the principles of fair hearing and due process by issuing several invitations to Ogbonnia and giving him opportunities to appear and respond to the allegations against him.
However, the committee alleged that Ogbonnia failed and refused to honour the invitations or participate in the disciplinary proceedings.
According to the Ward, his alleged refusal to appear compelled the disciplinary committee to conclude its assignment based on the evidence before it.
The report was subsequently adopted unanimously by the Ward Executive Committee, which resolved that Ogbonnia be suspended indefinitely from the NDC with effect from May 18, 2026.
The party said the allegations against him included persistent anti-party activities, gross misconduct, disloyalty, attempts to undermine the party’s leadership, programmes and electoral interests, conduct capable of bringing the party into public disrepute, and disregard for the party’s constitution and lawful directives.
The Ward Executive Committee also claimed that its internal verification showed that Ogbonnia was not recognised as a registered member of the NDC in Ward 9.
The committee questioned the basis of his alleged association with the party and expressed concern over his possession of the Ward’s account number.
According to the Ward, it did not authorise or disclose its account details to Ogbonnia and called on him to explain how he allegedly obtained the information.
The committee further stated that, throughout the period of his suspension, Ogbonnia is prohibited from attending or participating in meetings, programmes, activities or decision-making processes of the NDC.
It also warned that he must not present himself publicly as a member, official or representative of the party unless and until the suspension is reviewed or lifted by the appropriate party authorities.
The Ward Executive Committee said the disciplinary action was necessary to protect the integrity, discipline, unity, constitutional order and credibility of the NDC.
It reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, internal democracy and what it described as zero tolerance for conduct detrimental to the collective interests of the party.
The statement was signed by Hon. Chief Chukwunta Chibuike Fabian, Ward Chairman, NDC Ward 9, Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly frozen a bank account belonging to the Osun State Government, just 10 days before the state’s governorship election, heightening political tension ahead of the August 15 poll.
Documents obtained by Vanguard indicate that the account, domiciled with First Bank and reportedly used for the payment of workers’ salaries, has been placed on “Post No Debit” status by the anti-graft agency.
The development came barely hours after Governor Ademola Adeleke raised the alarm over an alleged plot by the EFCC to freeze the state government’s accounts and those of key government officials.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor described the reported move as a deliberate attempt to cripple the operations of his administration ahead of the governorship election.
Adeleke argued that there was no legal basis for the action, insisting that the EFCC lacked the statutory authority to freeze the accounts of a state government.
A source close to the governor, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, confirmed that the restriction had already taken effect.
“I can confirm that the state government account has been frozen by the EFCC. It is no longer an allegation. The governor will address the press shortly to update the public on the situation,” the source said.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had yet to issue an official statement confirming or explaining the reported action. The reason for the account restriction also remained unclear.
The reported account freeze is expected to heighten political tensions in Osun as political parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The documents, which were displayed at INEC offices across the country in line with the Electoral Act 2026, are yet to be uploaded to the commission’s website as of the time of filing this report.
The process allows members of the public and eligible persons to scrutinise the information submitted by candidates.
The publication was carried out in compliance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires INEC to display the personal particulars and supporting documents submitted by candidates.
Full list of presidential candidates
Bola Tinubu – All Progressives Congress (APC)
Atiku Abubakar – African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Peter Obi – Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)
Senator Sandy Onor – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Omoyele Sowore – African Action Congress (AAC)
Donald Duke – Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
Okwori Ada Elizabeth Frederick – National Democratic Party (NDP)
Chukwu Anita Zugwai – Young Progressives Party (YPP)
Rufai Adekunle Omoaje – Action Alliance (AA)
Adenuga Sunday – Boot Party
Memeh Samuel – Democratic Liberty Alliance (DLA)
Nwanyanwu Daniel Danerechukwu – Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
Okereke Sunday Chibuzor – Labour Party (LP)
Okereke Iken Esther – National Rescue Movement (NRM)
Abbas-Bin Aliyu – Action Democratic Party (ADP)
Dikwa Suleiman Mohammed – New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
Adebayo Adewole Ebenezer – Social Democratic Party (SDP)
Seyi Makinde – Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
Yusuf Kabiru – Action Peoples Party (APP)
Vice-presidential candidatesNigeria election countdown
Kashim Shettima (APC)
Rotimi Amaechi (ADC)
Rabiu Kwankwaso (NDC)
Shehu Hussaini (AA)
Egbeola Olawale Mertins (YPP)
Ike Chinazam (ADP)
Mustapha Usman Turaki (Boot Party)
Balogun Alex (DLA)
Chikwuemeka Uchenna Anthony (NDP)
Magashi Haruna Garba (AAC)
Umaru Babangida (PDP)
Konto Hajja Bintu (LP)
Hassan Khalid (ZLP)
Samuel Magdalene Gali (NRM)
Abubakar Isah (NNPP)
Buba Musa (PRP)
Bugaje Usman Mohammed (SDP)
Ibrahim Adamu Bala (APM)
Ofordile Peace Egobia (APP)
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