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APC defends defections, slams Tambuwal’s criticism

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) says members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are defecting to align with President Bola Tinubu’s bold economic reform agenda.

The APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja while responding to criticism from former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal.Tambuwal had claimed that defections from the PDP were driven by “stomach infrastructure,” insisting that no politician with a conscience would join the APC.

In response, Morka said Tambuwal’s remarks better described his own history of defections between multiple political parties over the years.

He recalled that Tambuwal had moved from the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) in 2007, then back to ANPP, and later to the PDP.

Morka noted that Tambuwal also defected to the APC in 2014 before returning to the PDP in 2018.

“There is wisdom in the saying that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. That wisdom has clearly eluded Tambuwal, a notorious party defector.

“His comments more accurately reflect his own history of political migrations. His movements were driven by self-interest, not conscience,” Morka stated.

According to him, a politician like Tambuwal lacks the moral right to question the motives of those leaving the crisis-ridden PDP for the APC.

He argued that, contrary to Tambuwal’s claims, PDP members were joining the APC because of Tinubu’s economic reforms and the party’s growing appeal.

Morka said many defectors had cited Tinubu’s policies and the PDP’s internal crisis as reasons for their decision.

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He highlighted that, under Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria recently surpassed its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota of 1.5 million barrels per day.

“This achievement results from improved security and targeted oil sector reforms,” he explained.

He added that Nigeria had recorded consistent trade surpluses, increased Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), a strong stock market, and an enhanced foreign reserve.

Morka advised Tambuwal and his allies to take responsibility for the PDP’s struggles instead of criticising those exercising their right to political association.

He urged them to apologise to their party members and adopt a more humble and reflective approach going forward. (NAN)

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‘No vacancy in Aso Rock come 2027,’ ex-lawmaker declares

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A two-term former Lagos State House of Assembly member, Sir Jude Idimogu, says there will be “no vacancy” in Aso Rock come 2027.

Idimogu, who represented Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II between 2015 and 2023, made the declaration in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

He was reacting to the recent announcement by an opposition group, which vowed to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Idimogu, who is also the deputy leader of Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ndigbo, Lagos State, and APC member, said no alliance between opposition leaders could pose a significant threat to Tinubu’s re-election.

The former lawmaker described the coalition of opposition politicians against the second term aspiration of the president as nothing but an exercise in futility.

He noted that the ruling party had a strong leadership and grassroots support that would propel the party to victory in 2027.

Idimogu maintained that the president deserved a second term because he was building a legacy of sustainable development.

“In Nigeria, power is being rotated between the North and the South, so I believe it is the turn of the South to complete their eight years in office.

“So there is no vacancy in Aso Rock come 2027 and I am appealing to all the Northerners in the party to support the president to complete his eight years.

“Regarding the coalition, I can tell you, there is really no political gang-up that can unseat Tinubu in 2027,” he said.

Idimogu said that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda was yielding positive results, hence he did not see the prospect of any opposition candidate reeling out anything better than his.

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“I don’t know which of the candidates will come out today and reel out a policy that is better than what the administration of Tinubu is doing.

“This is because Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda is yielding positive results and we can see improved power supply.

“Our naira against the dollar is now gradually appreciating with the restoration of the naira-for-crude deal, and the export drive,” he said.

The ex-lawmaker also noted that the prices of food items were gradually reducing in the market with the implementation of favourable policies to increase farmers’ outputs.

“So I will give it to him (Tinubu). In two years’ time, I will be one of those that will quickly champion his re-election in 2027,” he said.

Idimogu advised the people behind the coalition to instead join hands with the president in the interest of the country. (NAN)

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I’m committed to rebuilding, growing Labour Party, Usman assures party leaders

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The acting National Chairperson of Labour Party, Sen. Nenadi Usman, has assured party members and supporters of her commitment to rebuilding and growing the party for future victory.

In a message of appreciation to members and leaders of the party after Wednesday’s NEC meeting in Abuja, Usman assured that a new Labour Party would come out of the crisis which had now been settled by the Supreme Court.

“Yesterday (Wednesday) marked a significant moment in the life of our great party, the Labour Party, as the National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting and Stakeholders’ Interactive Town hall convened in Abuja.

“It was a gathering filled with purpose and clarity, and I was truly honoured to be present among eminent leaders and committed stakeholders — including my dear elder brother and grand leader, H.E Mr Peter Obi and his running mate, Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed,” she said.

Usman also acknowledged other leaders of the party in attendance, including the leader of NEC, Gov. Alex Otti, the Deputy Governor of Abia, Ikechukwu Emetu, LP members of the National and State Assembly members as well as representatives of NLC and TUC, leaders of Obidient Movement and other patriotic Nigerians.

She described the meeting as both timely and necessary, as the stakeholders worked collectively to fortify the foundations of the party, build unity and refocus on its enduring mission — building a New Nigeria that works for all.

Usman, a former Minister of Finance, said she was humbled by the resolution passed at the NEC meeting, appointing her as the acting national chairperson to lead the party during the period of transition.

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She also said that a formal visit was paid to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) where the Supreme Court judgment affirming the legitimacy of the party’s leadership transition was presented and the outcome of NEC proceedings communicated.

“This is more than a procedural step — it is a demonstration of our collective commitment to due process, internal democracy and the transparent governance that the Nigerian people rightfully expect from us.

“I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to all members of the Labour Party, the leadership of the NLC and TUC, the Obidient Movement and every Nigerian who continue to believe in this movement.

“To our leader and presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, your steadfastness and integrity continue to inspire millions.

“I reaffirm my commitment to the values and vision that define the Labour Party — a party of the people, for the people.

“Now is not the time for distraction or division. Now is the time to build, with unity, courage and a deep love for our country,” she said.

Usman said together, she and other stakeholders would continue the journey of hope, while pledging to serve with diligence, openness and unwavering focus on shared goals.

NAN

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Peter Obi to opposition: Nigeria is collapsing, speak up when things are wrong

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, says Nigeria is collapsing, charging the opposition to speak up against bad governance in the country.

Obi, who was speaking at the National Executive Committee meeting of the party in Abuja on Wednesday, decried the level of poverty and hardship Nigerians are facing.

He said that things have gotten bad, and it is time to stand together for the right things, starting from the Labour Party.

“We must speak when things are wrong, Nigeria is collapsing, the numbers are clear, the indices are clear, more and more people are poorer. People who used to feed well are now begging, even in this hotel. Any time I enter this hotel, I see people telling me, ‘Oga, I came to Abuja, I can’t go back’.

“Where I used to go that people ask me, ‘Oga will you eat? Will you drink?’ Nobody is asking me anything again. That shows you how bad it is. So, let us know that things are difficult, things are bad. Let us stand together and ensure that the right things, starting from our party, are done,” Obi said.

The Labour Party held its National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel and was chaired by former Finance Minister Nenadi Usman.

The meeting follows the controversy over the recent Supreme Court judgement on the national chairmanship position for the Labour Party.

In attendance were the 2023 LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, and the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.

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Senators and members of the House of Representatives who are members of the party were also present.

After the meeting at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, leaders of the opposition party marched to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Led by Peter Obi, and the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, the members were received by INEC National Commissioner, Sam Olumekun.

They asked the electoral body to recognise Nenadi Usman as the LP chairman, days after the Supreme Court set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja recognising Abure as the National Chairman of the LP.

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