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Tinubu has Moves to End Political Marginalization of South East- Ganduje

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By Jude Opara, Abuja

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje has said that the government of President Bola Tinubu was working out the modality to bring to an end the political marginalization of the South East.

Ganduje spoke on Wednesday when he received members of the Anambra State chapter of the party who came to pay him a courtesy visit in his office.

He said he was delighted to receive the key stakeholders of the party in the South East state including senators and members of Tinubu’s cabinet, Uju Ohanenye as well former members of the National Assembly.

“I am so delighted and very happy.

Today is like a Sallah day for me and Christmas day for the Christians. It is like the day of swearing-in for a victorious politician. Today is just like that for me because I never thought I would see the calibre of politicians from not only Anambra but also from the South East zone in the name of APC.

“Let me announce to you that President Tinubu has approved the blueprint for the political liberation, political emancipation and political de-marginalisation of the South East.

“The blueprint will make your voice to be heard, louder, wider on the APC platform to be able to negotiate for the political leadership of the country. You could not achieve that because there was no unity among you. We need you to be united for the delivery of the party in Anambra state. The liberation has started in Imo and will continue in Anambra in 2025”.

Also, the governor of Imo State  and Chairman of the South East APC Stakeholders, Hope Uzodinma said he was happy with the new spirit in the Anambra State chapter of the party which he noted, has been on the rise in recent times.

Uzodinma urged the stakeholders to always work with unity of purpose adding that it would benefit the state and indeed the South East the more to pitch their tent with the ruling APC.

“I want to urge our supporters and leaders of our party in Anambra state to learn from the history of the events of the past to be guided by two items. First, unity of purpose, be in position to tolerate each other because anybody bitten by a snake is always afraid of the head of a lizard.

“We should be able to learn from our past. Anambra is a strategic and critical state in the country that has produced important men and women that have created history for this country. I have never seen in any tradition where the man who is always first should be counted last. We need to rise and take our destiny into our hands. I urge all of you brothers and sisters to forget the past, forgive yourselves, unite and represent our people for the interest of the country”.

 “I invite you to go home and recover our people. I don’t want our zone to go extinct in national politics. The South East which ordinarily should be the citadel of Nigerian politics is being left behind of late. We should be able to advise and set targets for ourselves and drive our target to fruition. I am encouraged by the number of men and women here”.

In his address, the Chairman of the party in Anambra state, Chief Basil Ejidike said the party was working hard to ensure that it forms the next government in the forthcoming off-cycle election in 2025.

Ejidike who was full of praise for the National Chairman on how he has been handling affairs of the party said he was confident that he would equally provide the needed guidance that would help the party deepen its roots in the state.

“The Party at the state level is poised to go to the election with increased vigour, and is ready to deploy all democratic arsenal as well as deploying the enormous human capital available, to secure the victory which is very important in an election.

“We appreciate the importance of Anambra State as a socio-political and economic melting pot of the South East and therefore cannot afford to gamble with the coming opportunity to take over the AGU-AWKA Government House Awka. It is pertinent to inform you. Sir, that our periodic Stakeholders meetings have restored the hope and confidence of our stakeholders in the Party”.

He said the recent entry into the party by Sen. Ifeanyi Uba from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and Sen. Uche Ekwunife, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as well as Director General of South East Governors Forum, Hon Mike Ugwa and Hon John Nwokeji.

“We also set up a Strategic Membership Drive Committee, with the intent of reaching out to persons with the wherewithal, as well as harnessing the grassroots in order to improve the fortunes of the Party. The Committee is tremendously discharging its duties and responsibilities to the benefit of the Party in Anambra. The heavyweights that we received last weekend will definitely assist them further in this regard”.

However, the State Chairman complained that there were some people at the Presidential Villa who were collaborating with the state government controlled by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) whom he alleged were compromising the interests of the state.

“These persons in the past compromised the interests and frustrated the aspirations of the APC in the state. This evidently manifested in the 2017 and 2021 governorship elections: thus preventing the Party from winning despite all the efforts we put in. We are now very optimistic that with the change of guard in the Villa that saw the emergence of a committed party man, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Party under your able leadership, we believe the tide has turned in our favour.

“One major request in this regard, Sir, is for Your Excellency to ensure and guarantee a free fair and transparent primary election in Anambra State. This will help the Party in no means in going into the election as a united body, APC Anambra possesses the human and material resources to win the election”.

Ejidike equally hinted on the news for the party to organize a fundraising exercise ahead of the next governorship election in the state.

“On this, Sir, it is common knowledge that for a party to thrive, heavy and consistent funding is required. We have no major source of funding in APC Anambra, hence this appeal for special financial assistance.

“To change the narrative, the Party has recently, in line with the Constitution, set up and inaugurated a Finance Committee to spearhead fundraising for the Party Sir, may we also suggest that the Party at the national level work out modalities to support states without APC governors. We propose that states without APC Governors be attached to some APC Governors for financial assistance,” he said.

POLITICS

Anambra: INEC Registers 96,085 New Voters, Extends CVR by Three Days

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has registered 96,085 new voters in nine days and extended the exercise by three days in Anambra.

The commission disclosed this in a statement by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, on Thursday in Abuja, after its weekly meeting.

He said that on the preliminary stage of the CVR, 56,017 representing 58 per cent of new registrants were female while 50,429 52 representing 48 per cent were young people between the ages of 18 and 34.

“The commission is pleased with the turnout of registrants in Anambra and the peaceful conduct of the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) in all the 326 registration centres in the state.

“As of yesterday, Wednesday, 96,085 new voters have successfully registered in nine days. On average, the Commission registered over 10,600 voters per day.

“In addition, 12,595 voters applied for transfer of their registration both within and outside the state while 7,061 persons applied for the update of their records or the replacement of their damaged or lost Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).

“The CVR in Anambra ends today. However, in response to appeal from citizens, the Commission hereby extends the exercise for three more days. It will now end on Sunday, July 20,” he said.

Olumekun said that the commission would thereafter display the register for claims and objections by citizens as provided by law.

This, according to him, will be followed by a further clean-up of the data using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS).

“Subsequently, the detailed breakdown of the new registrants by age, gender, occupation and disability will be published for public information,” he said.

Olumekun also disclosed that INEC had received five more letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties.

According to him, the new application brings the number received so far by the commission to 134.

Olumekun stated that the details of the new associations, indicating their proposed names, acronyms, logos, addresses and interim leaderships were already published on INEC website and other platforms for public information.

He said that INEC would continue to keep the citizens up to date on all its activities.

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PDP Stakeholders Olorunda Pass Vote of Confidence on Gov Adeleke

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From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo

The Olorunda Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, Stakeholders has passed vote of confidence on Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, re-affirm loyalty, and pledge to support his future political alignment.

Following a critical meeting of the Olorunda Local Government Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), held at the residence of the Apex Leader, Senator Dr.

Oluwole Alabi, stakeholders across the political spectrum unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Governor of the State, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.

The meeting, chaired by Senator Dr. Oluwole Alabi and moderated by Aare Ganiyu Ayobami Olaoluwa Asejere, brought together key political functionaries, state appointees, and party executives at state, local, and ward levels from Olorunda Local Government area of the state.

In the communiqué made available to our Correspondent in Osogbo the Osun State capital shortly after the meeting, the stakeholders collectively expressed their unwavering loyalty and unflinching support to Governor Adeleke and committed themselves to following his political direction in the interest of continued progress and good governance in Osun State.

The communiqué reads in part

“We, the undersigned leaders and stakeholders of the PDP in Olorunda Local Government area, having extensively deliberated on the current political climate, hereby pass a unanimous vote of confidence in the sterling leadership of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke

“We commend his people-oriented governance style, visionary leadership, and impactful delivery of the Imole developmental agenda, which stands as the most transformative in the history of Osun State.

“As loyal party stakeholders, we reaffirm our total and unshaken loyalty to Governor Adeleke, who has continuously demonstrated commitment to inclusive development, good governance, and service to humanity.

“We further resolve to follow His Excellency’s political direction and align with his future political choices irrespective of platform, believing in his judgment as the authentic custodian of the Imole mandate and the symbol of progress in our dear state.

“We stand united behind Governor Adeleke’s leadership and remain resolute in our commitment to actualizing his vision for Osun State, now and beyond 2030.”

“This communiqué reflects the collective will of the leadership and stakeholders of Olorunda PDP and symbolises their unwavering readiness to continue working under the guidance of Governor Adeleke for the continued upliftment of Osun State”.

The meeting has in attendance, Senator Dr. Oluwole Alabi, Aare Ganiyu Ayobami Olaoluwa Asejere, Rep. Maruff Adewale Gangaria, Dr. Muyiwa Oladimeji, Elder Funsho Isola, Hon. Olaide Ajibola, High Chief Apesin Olanrewaju Akolade, Hon. Obafemi Akolade, Hon. Ademola Nurudeen Hamzat, Hon. Nathaniel Ojetola, and Hon. Kunle Olaniyan while the communique was duly signed by all of them.

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2027: Why Governor Sule Must Not Exit the State Yet

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Nasarawa state Governor Abdullahi Sule
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By Abel Zwanke, Lafia

As 2027 approaches and the end of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s second term draws nearer, political voices across Nasarawa State are growing louder not in the usual clamor for succession, but in a rare, unified call for continuity. From political stakeholders and traditional rulers to civil society actors and the youth, a consensus is emerging: Governor Sule must not exit the political stage just yet.

Though his constitutional term as governor winds down, many believe his experience, credibility, and technocratic leadership are needed beyond 2027—either in the Senate or in a stabilizing role within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

From Akwanga to Nassarawa Eggon and Wamba which are his immediate constituency, voices are rising—not just within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but also from non-partisan stakeholders and everyday citizens—urging Governor Sule to remain actively involved in shaping Nasarawa’s political and developmental future beyond 2027, even if not from the seat of power in Government House.

A Legacy in Progress

Governor Abdullahi Sule, a technocrat with roots in the private sector, has been lauded for running a government built on planning, transparency, and purposeful development. His second term in office has seen vast investments in infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, and industrialisation.

David Sylvester, a political analyst based in Lafia, noted:

“What Sule has done is lay a template that is difficult to reverse. The people are seeing real governance—not just speeches. That’s why the public wants him to remain, perhaps in the Senate or as a stabilizing figure within the party.”

The recent endorsement of Governor Sule by stakeholders from Nasarawa North Senatorial District further validates this momentum. At a political gathering in Akwanga, party elders and youth leaders alike resolved to back him for a senatorial bid.

Dr. Kassim Muhammed Kassim Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), one of the strongest voices in this call remarked that:

“This is not just about politics. We are talking about someone who has brought credibility to governance. Nasarawa cannot afford to lose that influence, whether in the Senate or as a guiding force.”

Dr. Kassim, also described Governor Sule as “a stabilizer in Nasarawa’s democratic journey.”

“Governor Sule is not only a performer; he is a symbol of political maturity, calmness, and inclusive governance,” Kassim stated during a stakeholders’ meeting in Akwanga.

“We need him in the Senate or any strategic position to ensure the continuity of this leadership philosophy that has brought peace and progress to our state.”

Kassim’s sentiments echo what many in the North Central state now describe as a “popular mandate” for Sule to continue representing the people, not necessarily from the Government House, but from Abuja, where his voice and connections could do even more for Nasarawa.

 Influence, Preserving Vision

Stakeholders view the Senate as the most logical next step for the governor. With his strong background in engineering, finance, and public policy, analysts also believes he could play a vital role in national policymaking, especially around mining regulation, agricultural development, and intergovernmental cooperation.

Maryam Abdullahi, a civil society coordinator in Keana, explained:

“We’ve seen what he did with the Dangote sugar refinery, lithium investments, and agribusiness zones. With access to the Senate, Nasarawa stands to benefit even more.”

Observers also point to Sule’s rising influence within the Tinubu-led APC government as another reason to retain his relevance beyond 2027.

“Sule is seen as a strategic player in North-Central politics—his calm, development-first approach gives him credibility not just within Nasarawa, but also in Abuja.”

Balancing Zoning, Stability, and Merit

Of course, politics in Nasarawa cannot be divorced from the longstanding tradition of power rotation. Already, conversations around zoning the governorship seat to the Western zone have gained traction.

But stakeholders caution that zoning should not come at the cost of performance.

Dr. Madaki Williams, a lecturer and political commentator, noted: “Zoning has its place, but it must not override competence. Sule’s style of leadership is issue-based, result-driven. That kind of governance shouldn’t be zoned out.”

Many say Governor Sule is uniquely positioned to balance these concerns—by playing a mentoring role in succession planning, ensuring a candidate with both competence and acceptability emerges.

A local youth leader in Karu, Ibrahim Baba, stated:

“We don’t want a return to the old ways—where politics was about godfatherism and patronage. Governor Sule should help us choose a worthy successor and also represent us at the federal level.”

Civil Society and Youth Join the Chorus

The calls for continued leadership aren’t just political. Civil society groups, especially youth and women’s organisations, say Governor Sule’s administration has given them more inclusion, access, and attention than previous governments.

Programs like the Nasarawa Health Insurance Scheme (NASHIS), mass teacher recruitment, educational infrastructure development, and the revitalization of primary healthcare centres have directly impacted citizens.

Juliet Yakubu, a volunteer with a grassroots health NGO, shared:

“Before now, people died in silence. But under Governor Sule, health centres are functional, and rural areas now have better access to doctors. We need this kind of leadership to continue—even if not in the same office.”

Youth groups also praised the governor’s investments in skill acquisition, small enterprise grants, and digital initiatives, urging that such policies must not be discarded after his tenure ends.

Risks of a Power Vacuum

Some political observers warn that Nasarawa could face a regression if the transition from Sule’s administration is not well managed. With multiple interests jostling for control, both within and outside the APC, a power vacuum could reverse much of the developmental progress.

“Without a steady hand to manage the transition, we may end up with infighting, weak governance, and even a divided house in 2027,” warned Yusuf Danlami, a political journalist.

That’s why many see the governor’s continued presence, whether in the Senate, as a mentor, or national policy figure as vital to preserving unity and focus.

Beyond the Office, A Symbol of Governance Reform

Even those who believe Sule should step aside from direct elective office concede that his influence must remain part of the Nasarawa equation.

As Daily Asset editorialized in a recent opinion:

“Governor Sule has redefined what it means to lead in Nasarawa. His legacy goes beyond roads and buildings; it’s about systems that work. That kind of leadership cannot be left to chance.”

The editorial continued, noting that Nasarawa needs “a visionary elder statesman who can watch the house and guard the blueprint.”

The People Have Spoken

Whether it is in the calm voice of an elder in Akwanga, the hopeful chants of youth in Nassarawa Eggon and Wamba or the precise arguments of analysts in one message stands out: Governor Sule’s job is not yet done.

From fiscal transparency to rural development, stakeholder consensus is growing that Nasarawa must not drift into uncertainty. As the 2027 political cycle begins, the state faces a choice—either to allow reforms to take root or risk losing the governance gains achieved.

And for many citizens, the solution lies in not just who takes over but who remains to guide, mentor, and safeguard the future.

“He doesn’t need to run for governor again,” said Hauwa Ahmed, a trader in Lafia. “But let him go to the Senate. Let him still be there for Nasarawa.”

Nasarawa still needs Sule beyond 2027.

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