POLITICS
Tinubu to Focus on Issue-based Campaigns – Onanuga
The All Progressives (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for Sen. Bola Tinubu has assured that it will focus on issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Mr Bayo Onanuga, Director, Media and Publicity of the council, gave the assurance in a statement on Monday in Abuja, while reacting to Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) negative propaganda against the APC.
He described the PDP as a party still battling with leadership crisis and without a legacy of visionary planning, saying it has no place in Nigeria’s future.
Onanuga listed some completed projects abandoned by the PDP administration to include the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Abuja-Kaduna railway and the Second Niger Bridge.
He added that the PDP left undone railroads, roads, power and ports that signalled a prostrate economy and a socially disoriented country.
He recalled that Tinubu had contrasted the PDP era with seven years of the APC-led government and its plans for the future.
“They spent 16 years and forgot that there is a railway infrastructure that can do haulage, human carriage, animal and food carriage across the length and breadth of the country.
“These are people still fighting for leadership of their party, looking for the direction of the compass, we are not equal at all; we are smarter.
We know the road; let them follow.
“We are not just the ones to hurl abuses and insults at our rivals’ party, we don’t need it.
“We are smarter; we are brilliant; we are courageous; we are not like them,” he quotes Tinubu as saying.
Onanuga noted that instead of the PDP to respond to issues raised by Tinubu recently, the party abandoned all decorum and hurled personal abuses at him.
He described this as the trademark of a party that has nothing to offer the people, adding that no decent person expects PDP to do better.
According to him, the PDP and its leaders were clueless as a ruling party and still rudderless in opposition.
He reassured that the APC and its presidential candidate would focus on issues important to improving the quality of life of Nigerians during the coming campaigns.
He said PDP only wanted to keep its floundering campaign alive by engaging in groundless muckraking, adding that the APC still remains the party to beat.
Onanuga added that in spite of PDP’s negative propaganda that the APC government had achieved nothing, the administration’s achievements were there for even the blind to see.
“Let us make it clear to the PDP: the current APC government has many achievements to be proud of unlike the PDP.
“It squandered and plundered Nigeria’s resources and could not even deliver a simple Second Niger bridge to the people of South-East, that have always delivered votes for it since 1999.
“To the shame of PDP and eternal credit to APC, President Muhammadu Buhari will commission the bridge this year.
and will complete the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, abandoned for 16 years by the PDP,” Onanuga said.
He added that among its many laudable achievements, the current APC-led government had to its credit Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe rail network and over 13, 000 kilometres of roads.
He also listed bridges at different stages of completion across the country which contrast with the PDP years, which according to him spent N633 billion on roads no one could see in its first 10 years.
He added that the Buhari administration had completed no fewer than five airports.
He said the administration would take the credit for ensuring that the 17 billion U.S. dollars Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex and the 3 billion U.S dollars Lekki Deep Sea Port were accomplished.
Onanuga said Buhari could point to unprecedented investments in agriculture through the Anchor Borrowers scheme for rice, maize, cotton and others.
He added that under the APC-led administration, Nigeria became the biggest producer of rice in Africa cutting down rice and food import bill significantly.
He also said Nigeria remained net producer of maize, sesame, yam, millet, cashew and sorghum on the back of the life-changing investments in agriculture by the Buhari administration.
“The APC government completed over 200 dams and irrigation projects to help farmers plant throughout the year. In 2021, Nigeria produced 23 million tonnes of maize according to Maize Farmers Association.
“The Buhari government will be eternally remembered for its unprecedented social investment programme that has reduced poverty in the land and given hope to millions of vulnerable homes.
“Doubtless, our party and candidates acknowledge the new challenges of insecurity and the economy, these are being confronted squarely by the Buhari administration,” Onanuga said.
He, however, said the incoming APC government under Tinubu is already strategising on how to deal with the problems, saying governing was a continuum(NAN)
The Labour Party has fixed its national convention for April 28 in Umuahia, Abia.
The party also officially released the list of chairmen and members of its electoral sub-committees for the forthcoming congresses in all the states of the federation.
Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, Ken Asogwa, made these known in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
The party had earlier announced the timetable for its congresses, with ward congresses scheduled for April 23, local government congresses, April 24 and state congresses April 26.
According to Asogwa, the sub-committees, made up of experienced and respected party members, have been constituted to oversee the conduct of the congresses in their respective states.
He listed the chairmen to include: Iheanacho Obioma (Abia); Francis Kim (Adamawa); Ekong Solomon (Akwa Ibom); Chief Tony Asuoha (Anambra); Malam Mustapha Adamu (Bauchi); Beredugo Ebimonyo (Bayelsa) and Chief John Ochoga (Benue).
Others are: Urom Iyang (Cross River); Chuks Onitsha (Delta); Chief Mitchell Nwabueze (Ebonyi); Dr Saliu Edogiawerie (Edo); Usman Mohammed (Niger); Owolabi Ezekiel (Ogun); Charles Afolabi (Ondo); Balogun Ibrahim (Osun); Babatunde Yusuf (Oyo); Fakorede Matthew (Ekiti) and Dr David Ogba (Enugu).
Also included are: Adoga Knaabayi (Gombe); Chinagorom Nwankpa (Imo); Mustapha Garba (Jigawa); Dr Emmanuel Barau (Kaduna); Kabiru Said (Kano); Pastor Ishaku Izang (Plateau); Amaobi Ogah (Rivers); Prof. Muhamuda Muhammad (Sokoto); Jesse Williams (Taraba); Mukhtar Hassan (Yobe) and Haila Baja (Zamfara).
Also, Ismail Bello (Katsina); Muh’d (Birnin Kebbi); Samuel Ajare (Kogi); Bodunde Adebayo (Kwara); Chukwuemeka Ogbanna (Lagos); Dr Muttaqa Yushau (Nasarawa) and Rose Uba-Anarah (FCT).
Asogwa quoted the National Chairman of the party, Sen. Nenadi Usman, as urging the chairmen and members to carry out their responsibilities with utmost fairness, transparency and integrity.
Usman reminded them of the party’s core values of equal opportunity and social justice, urging them to reflect these principles in the discharge of their duties.
She stressed the need for diligence and commitment, noting that the credibility of the party must be upheld throughout the congress process.
The statement assured that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth, successful, and hitch-free convention.
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
The Amir and National Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alatoye Abdulazeez, has urged Nigerian youths to unite politically and strategically, identifying Adewole Adebayo as a potential leader capable of driving national transformation if given collective support.
Speaking during an interview, Abdulazeez emphasized that Nigeria’s progress hinges largely on the ability of young people to organize themselves beyond tribal, religious, and financial inducements, and to rally behind credible leadership.
According to him, while several young candidates have emerged in past elections, their failure to build strong alliances allowed older political forces to maintain dominance.
He noted that the case of Adebayo, a lawyer and businessman who contested under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), presents an opportunity for a different political direction if youths can act in unity.
“If the younger generation is sure that Adewole Adebayo can deliver, they should team up with him, get things right, and encourage other youths across tribes to see themselves as one,” Abdulazeez said.
He stressed that Nigeria is currently in what he described as a “storming stage” of nationhood, where divisions along ethnic and regional lines continue to hinder development.
He warned that unless a “national norm” is established—where citizens prioritize unity over sectional interests—the country may struggle to reach its full potential.
The cleric further advised youths to avoid electoral inducement and reject divisive politics, urging them instead to focus on long-term nation-building.
“We must move from where we are to the next stage. Otherwise, we will keep moving in the same direction,” he added.
Beyond politics, Abdulazeez reiterated the Ahmadiyya motto, “Love for All, Hatred for None,” as a guiding principle for national cohesion, stressing that religion should be a force for peace rather than division.
He condemned terrorism and violence carried out in the name of religion, insisting that such acts contradict Islamic teachings.
On governance, he acknowledged efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that while progress has been made in some areas, more attention is needed in critical sectors such as power and economic management.
Abdulazeez concluded with a call for collective responsibility among citizens, particularly the youth, to reshape Nigeria’s future through unity, moral discipline, and active participation in governance.
“Leadership is not just about those in office,” he said. “It is also about those who choose them.”
End
From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu
The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) have released a revised timetable for the 2026 local government elections.
ENSIEC Chairman, Prof. Christian Ngwu, presented the updated schedule to journalists in Enugu.
Ngwu said the framework outlines activities leading to elections on Sept.
26 and re-run polls on Oct. 10.He explained the adjustments followed the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
“The revised timetable aligns with the new law and other relevant statutes guiding elections in the state,” he said.
He recalled ENSIEC earlier issued a notice on Aug. 20, 2025 alongside an initial timetable.
According to him, party primaries will be held from Jan. 23 to May 26.
“Campaigns will begin on April 29 and end on Sept. 25, 24 hours before polling,” Ngwu added.
He said submission of nomination forms closes on May 29, while candidates’ particulars will be published on June 19.
“The final list of candidates will be released on July 27,” he stated.
Ngwu added that submission of polling agents ends on Aug. 31, while the official notice of poll comes on Sept. 11.
He confirmed elections will be held on Sept. 26, with voting from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. using the open secret ballot system.
“In case of inconclusive results, re-run elections will be conducted on Oct. 10,” he said.
Ngwu stressed the timetable was issued under the commission’s constitutional mandate and in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.
Grant Pardon to Henry Okah, Niger Delta Activists Tells Tinubu
ShareBy Raphael Atuu, Abuja Popular Niger Delta activist Nengi James OON, alongside other youths under the aegis of Advocates for...
NCoS Places Facility on Red Alert over Alleged Attack Threats in Niger
ShareFrom Dan Amasingha, Minna The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Niger State has placed all custodial centres across the state on red...
FIBA WWC: D’Tigress Land in Tough Group B with France, Hungary, Korea
ShareNigeria’s D’Tigress will face France, Hungary, and Korea in Group B at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. The draw set up the D’Tigress for...
Pope Decries Wealth Inequality as He Roundup African Tour
SharePope Leo on Wednesday spoke out against wealth inequality in Africa urging believers to work to bridge the gap between rich and poor as he traversed oil-rich...
Edun, Dangiwa Resigned, not Sacked, Says Presidency
ShareThe Presidency on Wednesday said former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, resigned from office and was not removed. It...
Cocoa, Coffee Farmers Seek Support amid Price Volatility
ShareAfrican Cocoa and coffee farmers are calling for urgent support from global stakeholders to mitigate the impact of price volatility, despite a promising outlook for the commodities on...
FAAC Shares N2.036trn March Revenue to FG, States, LGCs
ShareBy Tony Obiechina, Abuja A total sum of N2.036 trillion, being March 2026 Federation Account Revenue, has been shared to...
FG Unveils Aviation Sector Emergency Rescue Plan
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Federal Government has unveiled a set of emergency and long-term measures aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s...
CAN Denies Split, Says No Relief Funds Missing, Warns Against False Claims
ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday, denied alleged division within the Association along Northern...
NBA Makurdi Condemns Detention of Lawyer, Demands Immediate Action
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Makurdi Branch, has strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention of...