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Minister says no automatic ticket for APC defectors

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Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has advised intending defectors to the All Progressives Congress, Enugu State, to perish the thought of automatic ticket or hijacking the party structure.

Nnaji stated that the party will welcome intending defectors, but there won’t be an automatic ticket for anybody, no matter how highly placed.

Nnaji, who spoke in Enugu during an expanded stakeholders meeting of the party, Saturday, revealed that some persons, who he described as politically displaced politicians, have been running from pillar to post in Abuja with a view to defecting to Enugu APC and hijacking the party through the back door.

In what could be interpreted as a veiled reference to Governor Peter Mbah’s rumoured interest in joining the party, which has got many members apprehensive for fear of losing their positions or aspirations, the Minister counselled intending defectors to perish the thought of automatic ticket, insisting that the party would receive them but subject everybody to party primaries.

He said, “APC has come to stay; that is why from every nook and cranny, people want to join APC. And as we said earlier, we want people to come in, but we will not give them a free ticket; they must go to the contest.

“Anybody who wants to run for the governorship of Enugu State, let him come to the APC, we will go to contest, we are waiting for them.

“We want to populate the party, provided the person is going to look after the party when he gets in, we don’t have a problem.”

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He added, “So, if the President of Nigeria wants to come and run for the governor of Enugu State, let him come, we will support him.

“If the former governor of anywhere wants to join us, let him come; we will run the primaries. It will make it even easier, the primary will be the main election. So that when we finish with the primary, we know we have finished.

“But let me tell you, he will not enter, he is afraid, because there are too many IDPs in Enugu, Internally Displaced Politicians, many of them, they are partyless, they don’t have a party.

“That’s why we are urging him to come, but he will not come. He is an internally displaced politician, he doesn’t have party, he is partyless, we want him to come, he will be running from pillar to post, until it is too late.

“But the good thing is that this our mission is being supported by the good Lord who created us, so we are heading to the government house.

“This is part of the confusion that they will be seeing, that they will be meeting until it becomes too late for them. So, we have a focus, we know where we are going and we will keep going there,” he said.

The Minister praised the state chairman of the party, Ugochukwu Agballah and executives of the party from Ward to State level for their hard work and steadfastness; and other stakeholders for their support, saying that they will be rewarded for their efforts.

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Three members of the House of Representatives, who recently defected from Labour Party, LP, to APC, including Hon Sunday Umeha (Udi/Ezeagu), Hon Chimobi Atu (Enugu North/Enugu South) and Prof. Paul Nnamchi in their message pledged their support to ensure that APC wins all the political positions in the state in 2027, including the governorship seat.

Umeha stated that he overcame all manner of discouragement to be the first elected official to defect to APC Enugu State, and was shortly followed by Hon Atu and Hon. Prof Nnamchi, revealing that many more lawmakers, including a senator will soon join APC in the state.

The State Chairman, Agballah stated that APC Enugu State has been growing in leaps and bounds courtesy of Minister Nnaji who has borne the burden of sponsoring the party for more than one year now.

He informed party members to participate actively in the coming continuous voter registration, CVR, exercise by the Independent National Electoral the, INEC, noting that from the end of August, anybody attending a Ward meeting must go with his or her voter card.

He said, “There will be a primary in APC, there will be proper nomination in APC”.

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ADC governorship candidate in Osun promises stable electricity ahead of 2026 election

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The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the August 15 Osun State Governorship election, Najeem Salaam, has declared that his administration would prioritise solving the lingering electricity challenges confronting the state, if elected.

He made the disclosure while featuring on a political programme, Oro Oselu, aired on Uniq FM, Ilesa, Osun State.

In a statement made available by Salaam’s Media Office in Osogbo on Tuesday, the ex-Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly said his focus remains “on governance, development, and policies capable of improving the lives of the people rather than engaging in political abuse and distractions.”

He further said, while many politicians have been trading insults to get public attention, he “Has been engaging investors and stakeholders in the power sector with the aim of finding a lasting solution to the epileptic power supply affecting homes, businesses, and industries across the State.”

Salaam noted that stable electricity remains a necessity for economic growth, industrial expansion, youth employment, and the survival of small and medium-scale businesses, stating readiness “To prioritise solving the state’s energy crisis.”

He added that no “Meaningful development can thrive in an environment plagued by poor power supply” and assured the residents that his administration would “explore partnerships and innovative energy solutions capable of boosting power generation and distribution across the state.”

He maintained that the people of Osun deserve leadership driven by vision, peace, and practical solutions, stressing that his ambition is centred on restoring quality governance and sustainable development to the state.

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Contestants in the forthcoming election in Osun State have been speaking on the plans they intend to implement if elected.

The PUNCH reports that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the poll, Bola Oyebamiji, recently unveiled a 7-point agenda code-named ‘PROSPER’, while the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, has been implementing his 5-point agenda anchored on workers’ welfare, education, infrastructure development and security since coming on board on November 27, 2022.

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Yobe ADC dismisses alliance claims with APC

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Yobe State has dismissed claims that loyalists of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar within the party had struck an alliance with the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The party described the allegation as “false and misleading,” accusing one Prof Muhammad Jawa of attempting to sow discord within the opposition party in the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Yobe State Chairman of the party, Umar Alhaji, the ADC said the publication credited to Jawa did not represent the position of the party leadership.

The party also questioned Jawa’s political credibility and loyalty, alleging that his past activities had continued to generate concern among members.

According to the statement, Jawa’s appointment as Special Assistant to Governor Mai Mala Buni, while retaining links with the ADC, raised suspicion among stakeholders over what the party described as “divided loyalty.”

The ADC further alleged that stakeholders expressed dissatisfaction with Jawa’s performance during his tenure as chairman of the MMRR Committee, particularly over the low level of membership registration recorded across the state.

The party also accused him of maintaining close ties with the “Obedient Movement,” which it claimed contributed to his defeat during the party’s last state congress, where he contested for the position of state chairman.

“The outcome of that congress reflected the collective will of party members who had lost confidence in his leadership ambitions,” the statement read.

The ADC maintained that the party in Yobe remained united and committed to providing credible opposition and democratic leadership.

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“At no time has the leadership aligned with the APC as falsely alleged,” the statement added.

The party urged members of the public and supporters to disregard the publication, describing it as “false, malicious and intended to create division within the party.”

The reaction followed comments by Prof. Jawa during a stakeholders’ meeting in Damaturu on Saturday, where he claimed that ADC members across the 17 local government areas of Yobe had resolved to align with the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

Jawa, who is also the Founder and National Coordinator of the Arewa Strategic Implementation Group for Atiku, said the planned realignment was aimed at promoting political stability and supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the next general elections.

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Labour Party in Nasarawa elects new chairman

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Members of the Labour Party in Nasarawa State loyal to the Nenadi Usman-led administration have elected a new chairman to pilot the affairs of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a press conference in Lafia, the state capital, on Tuesday, the newly elected chairman, Asoloko Maku, described the recently concluded party congresses as a testament that the Labour Party in Nasarawa State remains united, resilient and ready for action.

He noted that despite the “noise” from detractors, the party had demonstrated that its principles were anchored on democracy and the rule of law.

Maku said, “I am honoured and privileged to address the press today, not just as the Chairman of the Labour Party in Nasarawa State, but as a humble servant and a messenger of hope.

“I accepted the mandate with a deep sense of responsibility, knowing that the confidence reposed in me is a call to duty. I thank Almighty God for this day. I also thank the 13 Local Government chairmen and secretaries present here, who were duly elected during our peaceful congresses.”

He pledged to run an inclusive administration focused on grassroots mobilisation and party unity.

“As your chairman, I pledge leadership that is transparent, inclusive and committed to the grassroots. I reach out to all members, including those with differing views, to join hands with us. The goal is 2027, and we can only succeed together. We are not just a political party; we are a movement for social justice,” he said.

The newly elected chairman assured members that his administration would focus on social democracy and ensure that the resources of Nasarawa State benefit all residents, not just a privileged few.

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Maku also urged party members to remain focused and not be distracted by external factors, noting that legal disputes within the party had been resolved.

According to him, court judgments delivered between 2025 and 2026 resolved the leadership tussles within the party and affirmed the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman.

“The Supreme Court verdict of April 4, 2025, overturned previous decisions that gave legal recognition to Barrister Julius Abure, nullifying the convention that purportedly returned him.

“The Federal High Court ruling of January 21, 2026, confirmed the expiration of Abure’s tenure and removed him as National Chairman, directing INEC to recognise the Senator Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee.

“The Court of Appeal judgment of April 21, 2026, unanimously dismissed Abure’s appeal, affirmed Senator Usman as the legitimate leader and awarded N10 million in costs against him,” he said.

Maku added that the Labour Party would continue to champion the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

“We will continue to stand for the dignity of workers, the welfare of the ordinary farmer in Doma, the trader in Mararaba and the youth in Akwanga. We are here to bring a peaceful political revolution that replaces injustice with equity,” he said.

He stressed the need for the party to begin preparations for the 2027 elections immediately.

“The road to the 2027 elections is here, and we must begin preparations immediately. We will rebuild trust, strengthen our party structures and ensure that every vote cast is protected.

“This is a call to action for all Labour Party stakeholders in the state. The time for fighting is over; the time for work is here. Let us join hands to provide a better alternative for our people,” he added.

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Maku further said the party was determined to win elective positions across the state and the country.

“In conclusion, the journey to Aso Rock, Government House, the National Assembly and the State Assembly begins today. Let us work with dedication, honesty, integrity and love. The people of Nasarawa State are waiting for leadership, and the Labour Party is ready to provide that alternative,” he added.

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