POLITICS
Bayelsa: Dickson Gives Identity of Possible Successor

Bayelsa State Governor, the Honourable Seriake Dickson, has said his successor should be principled, bold and courageous enough to protect the collective interests of the Ijaw nation at all times.
A statement by the Special Adviser, Media Relations, Mr.
Fidelis Soriwei, quoted Governor Dickson as having made the comment during a live media chat in Yenagoa, on Monday night.He noted that in view of the challenges facing the state, Bayelsa could not afford to have what he described as an establishment errand boy as governor.
He also stressed that the next governor should have a clear agenda and God-fearing to serve the people with a sense of humility and compassion.
His words: “The next governor òf the Ijaw nation must be courageous, he must be ready to defend the Ijaw nation at all times. He must not be the errand boy of any ethnic group. I will be sad to see the governor òf Bayelsa playing just politics, without being able to take a decisive position on issues.
Governor Dickson who said he has raised the standard of governance and expectations, promised to publish an audited account of his eight years stewardship in line with his administration’s policy of accountability and transparency.
“The shoes I am leaving behind are very big. Posterity will judge.
Only very few of the people who come to talk to me have the interest of the state at heart. There is no free money to give anybody in Bayelsa. Don’t kill for anybody, none has the power to make you a billionaire.
“Our people are oppressed. We have a lot of stories to tell Nigerians. When it comes to speaking for the Ijaw nation, I have not been found wanting. I want that tradition to continue. I want my people to be safe.
“More, than any other time, Bayelsa needs a governor with the requisite courage to lead the Ijaw nation. What is at stake is your destiny and survival. Our people are Balkanized into small units from Ondo State to many many other states.
“In the Niger delta, the Ijaw voice must be heard. I hope those buying the forms are aware of the enormity of the responsibilities of being the governor of Bayelsa state.”
Governor Dickson also attributed the peaceful atmosphere in state to the new political culture of tolerance and maturity, his administration had promoted over the last seven and half years.
Dickson who commended the political class for the current peace n the state in spite of the multiplicity òf aspirants, expressed the hope that all political parties and candidates would abide by the rules for the greater good of the state.
The Governor stressed that the Peoples Democratic Party had so many governorship aspirants in the state because it remained the only solid and robust platform that could win election in the state.
He described the development as a testament to his democratic style of governance where people are allowed to pursue their political ambitions without any form of interferance.
“In spite of the multiplicity òf aspirants, we have a new political culture, there is no incidence of violence. I am happy that the state is growing politically.
“I want to see more engagement, I want to see people talk about their dreams and visions, I want to see more of the issues being addressed. The fact that you have 21 or so aspirants gives the clarity that PDP is the only party that can guarantee success; the platform that can connect with our people.”
“It tells a lot about the capacity of the party and the leadership that I have provided to make it attractive.”
Speaking also on the August 10, local council polls, Governor Dickson decried the desperation of some politicians who according to him, do not mean well for the state.
However he stressed that the election will hold as planned by the State Independent Electoral Commission.
The governor also pointed out that the boycott of the council election by the main opposition party, APC would not in any way affect the credibility of the poll.
“What happened was unfortunate. It showed the desperation of some politicians in the state. I know people who are planning to forge identities of delegates.”
“You can imagine how they can come within the party to frustrate local government election.”
General News
Prof Rufai Ahmed Alkali Calls for Calm Over Outcome of North East APC Stakeholders Meeting

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Political Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Prof Rufai Ahmed Alkali, has called for calm over the outcome of APC North East Stakeholders meeting, cautioning against any divisive rank within the party.
The North East APC stakeholders meeting held in Gombe on Sunday, June 15, 2025 had ended abruptly over the controversy surrounding the absence of a formal endorsement of Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Prof Alkali said that this is not the time for premature posturing or muscle-flexing.
According to him, “any divisive signals, particularly from within the ranks of our own party, risk undermining not just our legacy but the confidence of Nigerians who entrusted us with leadership.”
He emphasised that it is not unusual in a democracy to have differences of opinion but over the years the APC has weathered such challenges with dignity and brotherhood.
Part of the statement reads: “As a long-standing and committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), | feel compelled to appeal to all party stakeholders, leaders, and supporters — especially across the North East — to exercise caution, demonstrate political maturity, and remain focused on the unity and stability of our great party.
“It is not unusual, in a thriving democracy such as ours, for differences of opinion to emerge, especially as political momentum gradually builds toward the 2027 general elections.
“However, we must remember that the APC has, over the years, weathered similar moments with dignity and brotherhood — always putting party cohesion and national interest above ail other interests.
“Let it be clear: now is not the time for premature posturing or muscle-flexing. We are barely midway through the current administration, which is still focused on implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda. Our priority must remain consolidating the achievements recorded so far under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, particularly in securing our nation, reviving our economy, and restoring public confidence in governance.
“Any divisive signals, particularly from within the ranks of our own party, risk undermining not just our legacy but the confidence of Nigerians who entrusted us with leadership.
“The North East has played and continues to play a pivotal role in the APC’s success story. We must, therefore, rise above internal frictions and recommit ourselves to constructive dialogue, inclusive engagement, and party discipline.
“I call on all APC leaders — at the national, zonal, and state levels — to remain calm and focused. Let us guide our actions by wisdom, not emotion; by long-term vision, not short-term advantage.
“We owe this not only to our party but to the Nigerian people who look to us for stability, progress, and leadership.
“Let us close ranks, protect the integrity of the APC, and work together to ensure that the party continues to serve as a platform for national renewal and inclusive development.”
POLITICS
Don’t Reward Disloyal Members, Group tells APC Leadership

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Consolidation Group, has called on the party’s national leadership not to give tickets for the forthcoming area council and 2027 elections to disloyal members.
The group also advised the party to check infiltrations of its ranks by the opposition to guide against APC becoming habitat for political opportunists rejected by their former parties.
Malam Idris Jibril, spokesperson of the group made the call while speaking with newsmen shortly after submitting a petition to the party’s national leadership in Abuja.
He explained that the petition was borne out of the concern over the infiltrations of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), chapter of APC by members of the opposition political parties.
He said that the defectors were individuals who neither knew the values and norms of the party nor met its constitutional requirements for nominations.
Jibril noted that in spite of not meeting the requirements for nominations, such individuals were being positioned as candidates in this year’s area council elections in the FCT in attempts to hijack the party’s internal processes.
“The APC must be seen to stand on the pillars of integrity, discipline and fairness, especially at a time when President Bola Tinubu is championing renewed hope and national rebirth.
“This is a moment to defend our structures and safeguard our future,” he said.
Jibril said that careful perusal of the credentials of these individuals by APC’s leadership, would enable the party avert looming future crisis and preserve the legacy of progressives in the FCT.
He added that it was also critical to prevent mass protest and withdrawal by aggrieved, loyal APC aspirants and supporters.
“The action of the APC leadership is also critical to avoid reputational damage to the APC ahead of the 2026 area council elections and the 2027 general elections.
“The party cannot afford to reward betrayal and alienate its true base in the name of desperate electoral calculations,” he stressed.
Jibril said that the orchestrated plan by a political stalwart and his network of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), loyalists pose a serious threat to the stability and peace of the APC in the FCT.
“We asked for the immediate disqualification of Mr Danjuma Shekwolo and Mr Christopher Maikalangu from contesting on the APC’s platform in the forthcoming FCT area council elections in line with Article 20, 1(iii) of our constitution.
“We equally call on the leadership of APC to disassociate itself from persons who were known PDP members because they will not be loyal to the party,’’ he said.
Jibril asked for formal investigation by the APC national working committee into the growing complaints of imposition and infiltration of the party by the opposition within the FCT chapter of the party.(NAN)
POLITICS
Adamawa APC Endorses Tinubu, Lauds Ribadu’s Efforts

From Yagana Ali, Yola
The Adamawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027. The endorsement was made at a high-powered stakeholders’ meeting held in Yola, where party leaders and members expressed their unwavering support for the President’s re-election bid.
The National Vice Chairman (North East) of the APC, Mustapha Salihu, led the party leaders and stakeholders in affirming the party’s support for President Tinubu. Salihu described the President’s administration as one committed to economic transformation, institutional reforms, and national stability. He urged party members to close ranks and consolidate the gains of the last two years under the Tinubu-led government.The APC also passed a vote of confidence on the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, lauding his efforts in stabilising the country and restoring Nigeria’s global image through strategic security interventions. The party described Ribadu as a worthy Adamawa ambassador who has not let the state and the country down.As part of the celebrations, Comrade Salihu donated a modern two-storey duplex, valued at over N300 million, to serve as the APC Adamawa State Secretariat. The gesture is part of Salihu’s efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.The event witnessed the defection of several high-profile political figures into the APC, including the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Crowther Seth, and prominent businessman and philanthropist, Abdulrahman Haske. Other notable figures who spoke at the event commended President Tinubu for his strides in national security, infrastructure development, economic recovery, and educational reforms.The endorsement of President Tinubu and the vote of confidence on NSA Ribadu demonstrate the APC’s commitment to consolidating the gains of the current administration and promoting national stability and development.