POLITICS
APC Names Lalong, Keyamo DG, Spokesman, Party Presidential Campaign Council
By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has named the Chairman of Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong as the Director General of Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, while the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo as the spokesman.
Adamu made the announcement while briefing State House correspondents after they met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa on Thursday in Abuja, along with the party’s presidential and vice presidential candidates, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Senators Kashim Shettima.
He disclosed that the essence of the meeting was to intimate the President as well as sought for his approval on the party’s plans regarding the campaign council organisation.
Speaking on the constitution of the party’s presidential campaign organisation, Adamu said APC arrived at the choice of the Plateau State governor, Lalong, purely on reasons of ability.
Responding to questions, the APC chairman insisted that the Muslim Muslim ticket of the party would not hinder the party from winning the 2023 general elections.
According to him, the Tinubu and Shetimma have a track record of achievements and excellence, emphasizing that what the country needs at the moment was the right leadership with people who have the competence.
Adamu further said, it would be an act of sabotage for any member of the party to play up the issue of religion instead of supporting the party to ensure victory in the 2023 election, even as he strongly warned that there will be consequences for anyone who attempt to ply such route.
“We in the APC are talking to our members in relation to the issue of religion in the choice of candidates, saying that anything short of support for the candidates would be sabotage”, Adamu said.
“The person who is going to be the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Organization is His Excellency, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, he will lead campaign.
“We have an interim spokesperson of the campaign organization, in the person of Honourable Festus Keyamo. Deputy spokesperson will be Barrister Hannatu Musawa and we’re hoping and praying for your maximum cooperation in presenting us the best way possible”, he said.
“Yes, we have been hearing concerns being expressed. In the APC, we believe very strongly, that no matter what description, no matter what faith you will associate with any one of our candidates, we are first and foremost Nigerians.
“There is no doubt in the fact that we have people whose stock in trade on some of these religious issues. Just like you have people expressing fears, or concerns about a Muslim-Muslim ticket, there are Christians that welcome it as a positive development, in Nigerian politics. They are Nigerians,” he said.
He, however, disclosed that the party recognized the concerns and will “put them to rest” before the election which is seven months away.
“We are extremely sensitive to some of these sensitivities of fellow Nigerians or fellow members of our party, but the fact of the matter is, one issue does not determine a candidate or determine victory.
“The party has taken a very careful deep look at the Nigerian situation and the political space and we believe very strongly that notwithstanding the expression that we’re hearing, we will be working on amicable solutions to the sentiment and we’re very sure by the grace of God we’ll put them to rest before the elections,” he said.
On his appointment as the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign, Lalong said he would be able to discharge his duties considering his leadership positions as the Governor of Plateau state as well as Chairman, Northern Governors’ Forum.
Shettima also spoke on the Muslim Muslim ticket, boasting that himself and Tinubu have track record of achievements and excellence, saying, “Let us discuss issues, how to propel the nation to greatness is what we should discuss.”
“We’re on the same page with Mr. President regarding our organogram and the individuals that are going to play different roles within the organizational structure of the campaign outfits.
Also speaking, vice presidential candidate of the party, Shettima, described the preoccupation of some people with the arguments on his party’s same-faith ticket as a distraction from the real issues facing the country, pointing out that both Asiwaju Tinubu and himself, as running mate, have track records that Nigerians ought to be consider ahead of religion.
Citing the Ribadu-Bafarawa presidential ticket of the Action Congress of Nigerian in the 2011 general elections, Shettima urged Nigerians to focus on issues and not the faith of the candidates.
According to him, “in 2011, the presidential candidate and the vice-presidential candidate of the ACN. Both of them were Muslims. Nobody raised an eyebrow. Now, the opposition have seen a winning combination and they are petrified, deep down to the marrow of their bones.
“What Nigeria needs right now is a leadership that will drive the transformation process. Sadly a section of the press is being used as conveyor belt for spreading lies and mischief, … on blackmail, or concoctions or exaggerated facts.
“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a track record of excellence. If you keep on stopping to throw stones at every dog that barks you, you will not reach your destination. We’re not trading insults and lies and mischief, we have established track records of excellence. Let our opponents show what they have done in their respective states.
“I brought forward Professor Babagana Zulum and I have ten others lined up, let’s discuss issues, how to propel this nation to greatness is much more important than playing on the sentiments of Nigerians.
“Poverty knows no religion or ethnicity, insecurity knows no religion or ethnicity. I’m appealing to you and besieging on you, the he members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm to take the path of moderation and inclusivity and fairness”, he said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the party’s campaign organisation, Governor Lalong argued that the party picked him because of his ability and not he is a Christian.
“I’m not a Christian candidate. I was not nominated as a Christian candidate. The party said I’ve been nominated because of my ability. I’ve been a very loyal member of the party. I joined APC because I believe in APC.
“Second, I’m not only the Governor of Plateau, I’m chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum. So I cannot carry out leadership in any capacity. I only want to express to you that I am surprised that I’m being announced now. I am sure we’ll not disappoint you.”
By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja
The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), party stakeholders, and the people of Abia North following his victory in the APC senatorial primary election.
He secured the APC ticket for the 2027 National Assembly election after defeating his challenger, Philip Nto, by a massive margin of 63,548 votes recently.
The former Senate Chief Whip polled 65,651 votes against Nto’s 2,103 votes in the direct primary election conducted across the 57 wards of Abia North Senatorial District.Official figures released by the APC Primary Election Committee showed that out of the 72,028 registered voters, 69,441 members were accredited, while a total of 67,854 votes were cast during the exercise.
In a statement issued on Tuesday on his official media platforms after the declaration of the results, Kalu said he was overwhelmed with gratitude to God and the people for the overwhelming support given to him throughout the process while he described the outcome of the exercise as a humbling reaffirmation of the trust and confidence reposed in him by the party and the people.
“Today, I speak with a heart full of gratitude to Almighty God for His grace, mercy, and the privilege of life and service to humanity,” Kalu stated.
“I remain deeply humbled by the confidence reposed in me once again by our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as its candidate for the 2027 Abia North Senatorial election.
“I sincerely appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leadership of our great party, APC leaders and stakeholders across Abia State and beyond, members of our political family, the OUK Movement and Reality Organisation, party faithful, and supporters for their steadfast loyalty, encouragement, and belief in our shared vision for Abia North.
“Most importantly, I thank my beloved people of Abia North, the good people of Arochukwu, Ohafia, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi. Your love, prayers, support, and trust over the years continue to inspire me. I love you all deeply,” he added.
Reflecting on his journey in the Senate since 2019, Kalu said his representation had focused on giving Abia North a stronger voice at the National Assembly while attracting meaningful development projects to communities across the district.
According to him, his legislative contributions include the sponsorship of over 20 bills targeted at improving governance, security, education, infrastructure, industrialisation, and economic growth in Nigeria.
Among the bills listed by the senator are the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act Amendment Bill, Armed Forces Act Amendment Bill, Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act Amendment Bill, Electoral Act Amendment Bill, Administration of Criminal Justice Act Amendment Bill, National Food Bank Establishment Bill, Tax Crime Commission Bill, NESREA Amendment Bill, and the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill.
He also disclosed that he sponsored constitutional alteration bills aimed at granting concurrent legislative powers on railways and electricity to deepen decentralisation and fast-track national development.
“I have also consistently advocated stronger community policing structures and reforms aimed at improving security and governance at the grassroots level,” Kalu stated.
On infrastructure, the senator said his office had facilitated over 70 road projects spread across the five local government areas of the district through strategic partnerships and effective representation.
Beyond road infrastructure, Kalu highlighted interventions in healthcare, education, youth empowerment, industrialisation, and economic development.
“In the healthcare sector, our mothers, elderly citizens, and vulnerable groups have benefited from free healthcare services through the National Health Insurance Scheme,” he said.
“In education, we embarked on the renovation and construction of over 100 schools, alongside the distribution of desks, instructional materials, free STEM textbooks, school sandals, and uniforms for pupils across communities.”
The former Abia State governor further revealed that foreign scholarship opportunities and overseas training programmes had also been facilitated for youths and women as part of efforts aimed at sustainable human capital development.
According to him, leadership should be measured by its impact on ordinary citizens and future generations.
“For me, leadership must always be about building a stronger tomorrow for our people. It should be about creating opportunities for the child in Isu, Amanagwu Arochukwu, Ndi Ibe Ohafia, Ndi Inyang Abam, Ezeukwu Bende, Nneato Umunneochi, Uturu in Isuikwuato, and every other community in Abia North to have a brighter future,” he said.
Kalu also pointed to ongoing industrial and investment-driven projects in the district, including the completed Cashew Processing Factory in Igbere, as well as the ongoing Solar Panel Factory and Keke Manufacturing Plant projects, which he said were aimed at creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
He added that thousands of women and youths across the district had benefited from empowerment initiatives involving the distribution of tools, equipment, and support materials to improve livelihoods and encourage self-reliance.
The senator further noted that interventions had equally been carried out in erosion and flood-prone communities within the district to mitigate environmental challenges affecting residents.
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Controversy and protests marred Monday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries in Kogi State, even as former governor Yahaya Bello and other aspirants claimed victory in their respective districts.
Kogi East: Echocho alleges irregularities, threatens 2027 bid
Tensions flared in Kogi East where incumbent Senator Jibrin Isah, popularly known as Echocho, rejected the conduct of the primary.
In a viral video, the visibly agitated senator alleged that election materials and officials were absent in several wards, including his own, and claimed no proper election took place.Echocho accused party officials of bias and alleged that results were “prepared at the Government House before the commencement of the exercise.”
“That result is a nullity, and cannot even be announced,” he said.
The senator further threatened to challenge Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in the 2027 governorship race if the senatorial primary outcome did not favor him.
“I am going to contest against you. I have the right. The battle line has been drawn,” Echocho declared.
He maintained that his constituency projects and empowerment programs were meant to strengthen the APC ahead of future elections for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ododo, and accused the governor of turning against him despite his loyalty to both Ododo and former governor Yahaya Bello.
Other complaints in Kogi west
Another aspirant, Ustaz Abubakar Zakari Ola, also raised concerns before voting began. He alleged plans to intimidate his supporters and claimed that voting was disrupted by thugs in centers where he held an advantage.
High turnout in Bello’s hometown
Despite the disputes, turnout was described as massive across the state’s three senatorial districts.
In Agassa, the hometown of former governor and Kogi Central aspirant Yahaya Bello, supporters voted in large numbers. Bello commended delegates for a peaceful process and praised party officials for adhering to guidelines, calling the exercise a reflection of the APC’s capacity to conduct transparent elections.
Also contesting the Kogi Central ticket are APC Diaspora Secretary and businessman Chief Momoh Obaro, and Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke.
Meanwhile Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo participated in the primary at his Upogoro/Odenku Ward polling unit in Okene LGA. The exercise was held under tight security with a large turnout of party members.
Speaking to journalists after voting, Ododo described the process as “peaceful, transparent, and orderly,” saying it reflected the democratic ideals being strengthened within the ruling party.
Official results from the primaries were yet to be announced as of press time. Echocho’s rejection and threats of legal and political action signal potential post-primary battles within Kogi APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
From Rabiu Sanusi, Kano
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf has declared support for the re-election bid of the member representing Bichi Federal Constituency, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, Abba Bichi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
The governor stated this during the APC affirmation exercise held in Bichi, where Abba Bichi emerged as the party’s sole candidate for the House of Representatives seat.
Yusuf praised the lawmaker for what he described as quality representation and impactful constituency projects across Bichi Federal Constituency.
“I want to commend Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar for his quality representation.
“Since 2023, I have prayed to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to work closely with him, and today we are working together for the development of Bichi and Kano State,” the governor said.
He noted that Abba Bichi’s efforts in youth empowerment and community development had continued to positively impact the lives of the people.
Yusuf also urged residents of Bichi to sustain their support for the lawmaker ahead of the 2027 elections.
The event attracted prominent APC stakeholders and political leaders, including representatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, federal lawmakers and party officials.
The Governor noted that the affirmation in Bichi is second to none across the country in terms of coordination and mass mobilization.
GAIYD, EFCC Task Boy-child on Integrity as World Marks Int’l Day
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Stakeholders at the commemoration of the International Day of the Boy Child on Saturday in Abuja...
AFCON Qualifiers: Nigeria to Face Madagascar, Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau
ShareNigeria have been drawn in Group L of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where they will face Madagascar,...
Kalu Commends Tinubu, APC, Constituents after Winning Party Primaries
ShareBy Eze Okechukwu, Abuja The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has expressed gratitude to President Bola...
Protests Rock Conduct of APC Senatorial Primaries in Kogi
ShareFrom Joseph Amedu, Lokoja Controversy and protests marred Monday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries in Kogi State, even as...
Bichi Community Shows Good Example of Massive Support to APC, Abba Yusuf
ShareFrom Rabiu Sanusi, Kano Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf has declared support for the re-election bid of the member representing...
Troops Apprehend 16 Suspects, Recover Arms in Nationwide Operations
ShareTroops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended a total of 16 suspects and recovered arms and other items in a...
Corruption Probe: Nigerians Slam APC Over Clearance of Okowa, Bello
ShareBy Mike Odiakose, Abuja Following All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for Senatorial aspirants in which former Delta state governor, Senator...
Responsible Journalism Necessary for National Security – CDS
ShareThe Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede says responsible journalism is necessary for national security. Oluyede said this...
OPEC Projects Slower Drop in Crude Consumption by Advanced Economies
ShareThe Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), has revised downward its 2026 global oil demand growth estimates, citing expected...
Egypt Signifies Investment Interest in Nigeria’s CNG Industry
ShareEgypt’s Natural Gas Vehicles Company (Cargas) has launched ambitious plans to explore expansion opportunities into the Nigerian market and participate...