Politics

Consensus, Zoning and Wildcards: Inside Lagos APC 2027 Calculations

Published

1 month ago

April 7, 2026

As Lagos gears up for the 2027 governorship election, the race within the APC is shaping up to be a contest of technocratic competence, party loyalty, and strategic zoning, but the party’s consensus model and President Bola Tinubu and the Governor’s Advisory Council’s historical penchant for surprising selections also opens up the possibility of wildcard candidates, writes WALE AKINSELURE

Lagos has long been a fortress of the All Progressives Congress, which has consistently produced the state’s governor since 1999, projecting an image of unshakeable dominance. That grip was first seriously challenged when the APC lost the 2023 presidential election to the Labour Party, a shock that continues to haunt party politicians. APC stakeholders attribute the loss to disunity during the campaign, the ripple effects of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, and the nationwide Obidient wave. Even though the APC comfortably won the Lagos governorship, the unexpected presidential defeat exposed vulnerabilities in the party’s stronghold. Now, for the first time in nearly three decades, the stakes for picking the consensus Lagos APC governorship candidate are higher, with aspirants divided among competing political blocs and the city’s elite bracing for a contest where loyalty, strategy, and ambition collide.

The 2027 mandate

The pain of that loss continues to reverberate, evidenced by the rhetoric of APC politicians ahead of the 2027 election. At every forum, the past is recalled, with politicians vowing to do all it takes to avert a repeat of the 2023 result in Lagos. Chairman, Lagos APC, Cornelius Ojelabi, said reversing the 2023 result would also be a way of appreciating Tinubu, whom he described as a leader who had contributed significantly to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria’s democracy. Ojelabi said, “You are coming on board at a very critical period, a period when we are very close to the emergence of our candidates for the 2027 election. All eyes are on us, and the question they are asking is: are we going to change the narrative? They are asking if we are going to consolidate on the achievements of our party since 1999, and also change the narrative of our performance in the presidential election we witnessed in 2023. That particular question should preoccupy our minds, and it is a task that must be done collectively. So, the rallying call is that of unity among all groups, movements across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas in the state, ahead of the 2027 election.

Ambition in the shadows

For the past months, groups and individuals have continued to lead campaigns for the return of President Bola Tinubu for a second term. Most of these Tinubu for second term campaigns have been led by politicians believed to be eyeing the Lagos governorship seat. While promoting Tinubu, these aspirants subtly promote their own governorship ambitions. Among them is Mr Samuel Ajose from the Badagry division of the state, under the SMA movement, who staged a rally at the Nigeria Police College, Ikeja, to mobilise support for Tinubu’s second term bid. The rally, tagged “SMA Gold Mobilisation for Asiwaju,” attracted over 20,000 persons across the 57 local council areas in the state. In fact, the SMA large-sized billboards rallying support for Tinubu’s second term are visible not only in Lagos but across the other five states of the South-West geopolitical zone. Similarly, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudasiru Obasa, also organised an interfaith prayer session in Ikeja, Lagos, to commemorate Tinubu’s 74th birthday. The event organised under the platform of The Mandate Movement featured calls for continuity of Tinubu’s administration beyond 2027 to consolidate the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda. At the Obasa-organised event, former Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and Mr Tayo Ayinde, the Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also a potential candidate, praised Tinubu’s leadership, urging Nigerians to rally behind the president’s re-election bid. At a rally organised by the APC leadership in the Lagos East Senatorial District, held in Ikorodu, Lagos, Senator representing Lagos East, Tokunbo Abiru; lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Babajimi Benson and Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, called for support for Tinubu’s second term bid. The decision of some notable politicians to conceal any purported governorship ambition under the banner of promoting Tinubu’s second term bid is in line with the peculiarities of Lagos politics. A party chieftain argued that, given the trajectory of Lagos politics, where the ruling party has never picked anyone whose name is largely in the news or widely speculated, it would be detrimental for anyone to go all out pushing for their candidature. However, he noted, “No two elections are the same.”

So far, several Lagos politicians have kept their governorship desires at the level of consultations and hushed tones, except for Olajide Adediran, popularly called Jandor, who has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 Lagos governorship election under the platform of the APC. These consultations are expected to get more intense among stakeholders in the Lagos project, ahead of the commencement of party primaries for the 2027 elections on April 23. Aside from the earlier-mentioned names, others being promoted by APC supporters as potential candidates of the party are the current deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat; Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Principal Secretary to the President, Hakeem Muri-Okunola; and the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu. Only a few opposition members have declared their interest in running in the 2027 election. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who was the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, has joined the African Democratic Congress and has expressed his desire to run again for governorship in 2027. Similarly, a former House of Representatives candidate, Naheem Balogun, also declared interest. For the PDP, there is also a businessman and entrepreneur, Laja Adeoye.

Fractured fortress?

Since 1999, political parties aligned with Tinubu: the Alliance for Democracy, Action Congress, Action Congress of Nigeria, and now the APC, have consistently produced the state’s governor. Tinubu governed the state from 1999 to 2007; former Governor Babatunde Fashola from 2007 to 2015; ex-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode from 2015 to 2019; and the incumbent, whose tenure began in 2019, is billed to expire on May 29, 2027.

For the first time since 1999, the Labour Party, through Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, pushed the Peoples Democratic Party from its constant second position to third place in the 2023 election. The APC candidate, Sanwo-Olu, received 762,134 votes, while the LP candidate received 312,329 votes. Sanwo-Olu (APC) won by a margin of 449,805 votes.

Since 1999, the closest the PDP has been to winning was in 2015, when Akinwunmi Ambode (APC) polled 811,944 votes against Jimi Agbaje (PDP), who scored 659,788 votes—a margin of 152,206. Meanwhile, the largest margin between the winner and the PDP candidate was in 2011, when Babatunde Fashola won by 1,208,663 votes, polling 1,509,113 votes against Shamisideen Adegboye’s 300,450.

Clearly, opposition efforts to dislodge the APC have consistently faltered. Only the PDP and Labour Party have attempted to wrest power from the ruling APC. However, present divisions in both parties suggest they may not match their previous vote counts in Lagos. PDP members in Lagos are split between the Nyesom Wike and Seyi Makinde factions. The LP is also in limbo with internal crises, while Obidients await guidance from former LP presidential candidate Peter Obi. The African Democratic Congress, branded as the new opposition, has not yet shown the capacity to challenge the APC in Lagos. Recent electoral losses further raise doubts about its formidability ahead of 2027. Yet, opposition members continue to assert that the forthcoming general election will be between Nigerians and the APC, on what platform remains unclear.

Head of the Political Science Department, Lagos State University, Dr Moshood Babatunde, decries the bleak state of opposition in Lagos. Babatunde said, “The future of opposition parties still seems bleak in Nigeria. The new African Democratic Party doesn’t have a strong footing in Nigeria, and Lagos specifically. The old Peoples Democratic Party has become a problem unto itself. You can then ask, where is the formidable opposition to wrest power in Lagos come 2027?” He notes that Tinubu will want to consolidate his reach in his base. “This gives further impetus to APC in Lagos and poses a serious threat to any opposition, if one exists,” Babatunde said. He, however, highlights the need for opposition to drive good governance in the state. “People’s opposition is what will count and what will favour any fragments of political parties come 2027,” he added.

Another political science professor, Sylvester Akhaine, said, “Given the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos, Tinubu has never really had a total grip on the population but control of the political machinery.” He notes, however, that Tinubu may again determine who becomes the next Lagos governor, given the authority he commands as president. Akhaine said, “Currently, he (Tinubu) holds a trump card by virtue of his control of central authority, which could go a long way in determining who wins in Lagos.”

A Lagos APC chieftain simply noted that the real battle lies in who emerges as the APC candidate, while defeating the opposition would be “easy peasy.”

The Tinubu playbook

In Lagos, history favours the emergence of a consensus candidate, around whom other aspirants, party structures, and members are expected to rally to ensure victory. Typically, Tinubu, as head of the Governor’s Advisory Council, mentions some names for scrutiny. The GAC comprises political leaders across state zones, including serving and former governors and deputy governors. After interviews, stakeholder consultations, and meetings with traditional institutions, Lagos leaders, and stakeholders, the GAC recommends one or two names for Tinubu’s approval. Tinubu usually trusts the GAC’s recommendation, after which the candidate emerges.

According to a GAC member, key factors for candidate selection include the ability to “continue Lagos’ development trajectory, implement policies without disruption, show loyalty to party powerbrokers, and work with Lagos elites.” Preference is usually given to technocrats who are seen as more capable of advancing developmental projects than politicians. However, a party chieftain warned that, based on 2023’s experience, a politician who understands Lagos politics’ peculiarities should be chosen. Another noted that, with social media and greater public sophistication, any “abracadabra” that worked in the past may not work this time. Factors considered include competence, past governance or public service performance, appeal to stakeholders from state to ward level, perceived acceptance by Lagosians, ability to mobilise support and fund grassroots outreach, tendency to avoid controversy, and respect for party hierarchy. “The choice is largely influenced by who can protect the interests of Lagos brokers while delivering results acceptable to most Lagosians,” a GAC member said.

Speaking on where things stand, a member of the GAC, Chief Muraina Taiwo, said, “The name Hamzat being mentioned is possible, but the GAC has not reached a consensus on a candidate. At our last meeting, we did not even discuss the Lagos governorship candidate. We discussed the progress of the APC both at the national level and in Lagos. The decision on candidature will be made at the GAC. Hamzat is on the ground and has his leaders, but the issue is that the issue of governorship has not been brought up at the GAC. When we sit, discuss, and there is no objection, and our leader, the President, approves of it, then the candidate would emerge. Other purported aspirants joined the GAC meeting, including ex-governor Akinwunmi Ambode; the deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat; Senator Tokunbo Abiru; and Femi Gbajabiamila. They were already there with the leader before we arrived.”

Zoning wars

For 2027, there is a clamour for the candidate to emerge from the Lagos East Senatorial District. Advocates argue it is the zone with the fewest years in power. Lagos Central, with Raji Fashola and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, boasts 16 years; Lagos West, with Bola Tinubu, eight years; Lagos East, with Akinwunmi Ambode, four years, the least. Potential Lagos East candidates include Ambode, Hamzat, Alausa, Abiru, Ayinde, and Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources.

Ambode has a strong administrative record as governor; though he previously lost support of some stakeholders, he did not rock the boat and maintained party ties with credentials that can be leveraged on if endorsed Party stakeholders however note that the sentiment of being allowed to have a second time like others, having previously had only one term, may not be enough for him to emerge. Hamzat is seen as cerebral, educated, policy-oriented, and experienced, having been in political circles since 1999. He also boasts of strong family ties to the GAC, as his father was a former GAC leader. If he gets the candidature, he would be breaking a jinx in Lagos as no deputy governor has ever become the party’s candidate. Alausa has sufficient public service and corporate background. He fits the technocrat bill with governance experience as minister, but would require broad party rallying to emerge. But a member of the party exco in the state confidently said, “Alausa will get it.” Abiru, a banker with technocratic experience, is seen as a loyal technocrat with strong administrative credentials, appealing to youth and grassroots engagement. Chief of Staff Ayinde boasts of an appreciable administrative background and strong insider influence. Furthermore, the Lagos East push is also fuelled by the calculation that the outgoing governor is from Lagos Central and the party chairman is from Lagos West. However, Lagos West stakeholders argue that they have yet to match Lagos Central. Potential Lagos West candidates include Speaker Obasa, Jandor, Samuel Ajose, and Seyi Tinubu. Obasa, speaker since 2015, is politically experienced and has a strong political network; however may not be strong on the technocrat categorisation. At a constituency event organised by federal lawmaker Wale Ahmed last year, the people of Agege constituency declared that they are Obasa foot soldiers and are simply awaiting the whistle to blow in their leader’s favour for them to go all out in the race. Notably, he was able to raise his head above water when the political waters of impeachment almost drowned him. However, he would require broad party and stakeholder support to overcome those forces that once attempted to drown him, which may still exist. There are permutations that Obasa may be handed a senatorial ticket in place of the governorship push.

Both Ajose, popularly called SMA and Jandor are pushing the “Badagry lokan” cause. Religious, community, women, youth groups, including traditional rulers, have held various town hall meetings and gatherings in Badagry, urging Tinubu to pick their son, Mawuyon Ajose, as the party’s candidate. They argue that Badagry has never produced a governor and seek to break what they call a historical imbalance. Ajose has been active locally and promoted Tinubu’s second-term bid; Jandor, with Lagos4Lagos, returned to APC after contesting in 2023 under PDP. He declared his bid but promised to subordinate it to party decisions for 2027.

Some groups have held events encouraging Seyi Tinubu to run for the governorship. They downplay the fact that his father is president, urging that Lagosians look at his capabilities. However, there remains speculation that any such bid may be aimed at 2031. A GAC member noted that zoning is not decisive; Lagos politics is fluid, and leaders are chosen for governance competence and continuity. “Merit is important; good governance has nothing to do with religion,” a stakeholder said. Lagos APC spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, said the party is ready to mobilise behind any candidate and dismissed the opposition’s chances in 2027.

Calculating the religious balance

Like zoning, stakeholders downplay religion in candidate selection. Some argue that Governor Sanwo-Olu, a Christian, should be succeeded by a Muslim. Since 1999, Muslims have had 16 years with Tinubu and Fashola, while Christians will have 12 years by 2027 with Ambode and Sanwo-Olu. A party stakeholder said, “If Muslims argue that they should succeed Sanwo-Olu, Christians can make the same calculation. In fact, the three Senators are Muslims: Abiru, Idiat Adebule, and Eshilokun Wasiu. Obasa is Muslim, and the House of Assembly and House of Reps are dominated by Muslims.”

The Wildcard factor

Observers argue that Tinubu is adept at identifying talent, so someone outside the purported aspirants may emerge. A top party stakeholder said, “When you project based on past experiences, I won’t be surprised if none of those names going around emerges. All of them are rallying round the Asiwaju for 2027 project to market themselves, but it doesn’t confer on them being anointed. You hardly ever see it coming. This is buttressed by another party stalwart who said, “No one who has on his own thrown his hand into the ring has ever emerged.” “Fashola was almost a reluctant governor; there was a multitude of people who were also as eminently qualified

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Politics

Otti, Labour Party reject Abure’s 2027 nomination forms sale

Published

3 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

A fresh power tussle has erupted in the Labour Party as Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and the party’s national leadership clash with embattled former National Chairman, Julius Abure, over sales of nomination forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abure was accused of acting in defiance of court rulings and the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The controversy followed photographs which went viral on social media showing Abure presenting what he described as Labour Party nomination forms to a former National Vice Chairman of the party, Ceekay Igara, and other party members in Abia State.

Reacting on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, warned aspirants and party supporters against obtaining nomination forms from Abure, describing the documents as “worthless paper.”

He said, “Let it be stated clearly and unequivocally that Nenadi Usman is the National Chairman of the Labour Party, and all legitimate nomination forms for every elective position ahead of the 2027 general elections can only be obtained through the official national secretariat of the party located in Utako, Abuja.

“Consequently, any so-called Labour Party nomination form obtained from Julius Abure or any other unauthorised source is nothing but worthless paper being peddled by political fraudsters seeking to deceive unsuspecting persons.”

The party further questioned why Abure’s alleged sales activities were concentrated in Abia State, warning that Otti would not succumb to “blackmail, intimidation or street-corner political theatrics.”

It also accused Abure of criminal impersonation for continuing to parade himself as the party’s national chairman.

The warning came hours after Otti, through his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Ukoha, criticised Abure for continuing to issue nomination forms despite what he described as existing court rulings recognising Usman as the party’s interim leader.

Ukoha told our correspondent that both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal had ruled in favour of the Usman-led leadership structure, adding that INEC had already complied with the court directive.

He said, “I think Abure is in a better position to explain the grounds on which he is still parading himself after a Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal ruled that Senator Nenadi Usman was the interim leader of the Labour Party before the convention.

“So, the party has moved on. INEC has also complied with the directive of a competent court of jurisdiction. That is contempt of court on the part of Julius Abure.”

Ukoha also argued that INEC could not legitimately monitor any electoral process conducted under Abure’s authority.

However, Igara defended the issuance of the forms, saying the action was a precautionary move pending the outcome of cases before the courts.

According to him, stakeholders were trying to avoid a vacuum should the Supreme Court eventually rule in favour of Abure.

He said, “We have two matters, one at the Supreme Court and the other at the Federal High Court.

“If we say Abure should be docile, all the 33 states that conducted congresses will just go into extinction. If the Supreme Court later gives him the structure and primaries have closed, what happens?”

Igara added that consultations were ongoing and that the forms were only being distributed ahead of future primaries.

Efforts to reach Abure for comment were unsuccessful as calls and messages to his phone were not returned at the time of filing this report.

Defending their position, spokesman for the Abure group, Obiora Ifoh, insisted that they remained the legitimate leadership of the party pending the final determination of the matter by the Supreme Court.

He said, “Our matter is in court. Until the Supreme Court decides the actual leadership, we believe that the Nnewi Convention that elected Abure and the NWC, which has not been discharged, is still running.

“So, we believe that our leadership, which has four years tenure, has not expired. Therefore, we will continue to function as a political party until the matter is resolved conclusively in the apex court.”

On allegations that Abure’s actions amounted to contempt of court, Ifoh dismissed the claim, saying, “No, we are in order. Just like what is happening in some other political parties where factions are selling nomination forms, we are not left out.”

Ifoh also confirmed that he was contesting for the House of Representatives seat for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia State ahead of the 2027 elections.

He further denied claims that nomination forms were only being sold in Abia State.

“It is not true that Abure is selling Expression of interest and nomination forms only in Abia. We are selling in all the 36 states of the federation,” he added.

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Politics

APC Reps fight back after ticket losses during Primaries

Published

3 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The House of Representatives primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections have ignited one of the most intense internal political crises in recent years, with at least 26 serving lawmakers losing return tickets.

Several other aspirants were disqualified, and multiple withdrawals were recorded amid allegations of manipulation, imposition, and consensus engineering.

From Rivers, Edo, Imo, Lagos, Kwara, Benue, Ekiti, Plateau, to Cross Rivers, the primaries exposed widening fractures within the ruling party, as governors, power blocs, and political godfathers wrestled for control of candidacies, sidelining several sitting legislators.

The fallout has already triggered threats of litigation, with aggrieved lawmakers insisting the primaries fell short of democratic standards.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, confirmed that 14 aspirants were disqualified during screening, stating that they “failed to scale the party’s screening exercise conducted in line with established procedures and guidelines.”

However, he did not provide specific reasons.

Among those affected were four serving lawmakers, Iduma Igariwey (Ebonyi), Awaji-Inombek Abiante (Rivers), Anderson Allison (Rivers) and Boma Goodhead (Rivers).

Other affected aspirants are Adefisoye Tajudeen, Olusegun Ategbole, Seun Ajongbolo, Arowole Ayodeji, Morufu Ibrahim, Oseni Oyeniyi, Olaleye Adedipe, Bashir Bello, Sanni Ogembe and retired Air Commodore John Opara.

The disqualification of Rivers lawmakers further intensified tensions in the state’s APC structure, already divided between camps loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and those aligned with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The party qualified four aspirants, including former Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry-Banigo.

Harry-Banigo, who served as deputy governor under former governor and current FCT Minister, Wike, is the serving senator representing Rivers West Senatorial District.

Also disqualified were former presidential aspirant, Tein Jackrich; Director of Energy Security in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree; and former Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo.

Danagogo is widely regarded as an ally of Governor Fubara and had served in the governor’s administration before the political crisis in Rivers escalated.

Party insiders linked the disqualifications to the ongoing political struggle between camps loyal to Wike and those supporting Fubara ahead of the 2027 elections.

The APC, however, cleared figures widely viewed as allies of Wike, including former PDP state chairman, Felix Obuah, and Senator Allwell Onyesoh.

The Rivers APC Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, said the list had been approved by the party’s national secretariat and advised members “to take note and comply accordingly.”

But party loyalists in Rivers accused the leadership of weaponising the screening process.

One party source alleged, “The screening process is being used to settle political scores ahead of 2027. It is no longer about competence or popularity.”

One of the biggest upsets came in Edo State, where House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere lost his Owan Federal Constituency ticket to former Commissioner for Mining, Andrew Ijegbai.

Ihonvbere rejected the result outright, declaring, “I did not lose the election. They did not even come to the field. They wrote some meaningless results and abused the returning officer to make an announcement.”

He added firmly, “I’m a party man. So, I will go to appeal.”

Another Edo lawmaker, Esosa Iyawe, also lost the Oredo ticket to former Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu. He alleged widespread irregularities, stating, “The process fell far short of the democratic standards and directives laid down by President Bola Tinubu.

“Some of my supporters were assaulted and prevented from participating freely.”

Party loyalists in the state accused the APC leadership of weaponising the screening process to settle political scores ahead of the 2027 elections.

Iyawe, who defected from the Labour Party to the APC in 2024, rejected the result and alleged widespread irregularities and violence.

According to him, the adoption of consensus arrangements in most wards disenfranchised party members and violated provisions of the Electoral Act.

Henry Okojie emerged unopposed as the party’s candidate for Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency.

Tension in Kwara

Tension erupted in Kwara State after Tijani Kayode reportedly scored zero votes, prompting him to question the credibility of the exercise.

The member representing Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency lost to Rafiu Ajakaye, believed to enjoy the backing of allies of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Questioning the legitimacy of the process, the lawmaker hinted at possible litigation.

“Did they conduct an election in the first place? Did the person they announced as the winner participate in the primaries? They announced him as the winner, but this may end up in litigation,” Kayode said.

Also, a major stakeholders’ group openly opposed what it described as attempts to secure a third Senate term for the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru.

Addressing journalists in Ilorin on Sunday, the Kwara South APC Opinion Leaders, through former council chairman, Uthman Alabi, warned against any move capable of undermining internal democracy ahead of Monday’s senatorial primary.

“Today, we speak as a committed APC group in Kwara South. We are united by one common objective to ensure that the ongoing primary elections in our state are conducted in a free, fair, transparent, credible, and democratic manner,” Alabi stated.

The stakeholders declared support for former Federal Character Commission chairman, Dr Muheebat Dankaka, describing her as the preferred candidate of the district.

In Ogun State, four members of the House of Representatives, including the Deputy Chief Whip, Isiaka Ibrahim, representing Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency, who was attempting his fourth term bid, lost to the consensus arrangement of the party.

Isiaka lost the ticket to the immediate past Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adeleye.

Isiaka had been anllegedly under pressure to step down for Adeleye, a two-time member of the state House of Assembly.

The lawmaker accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of orchestrating an “affirmation” process in favour of a preferred aspirant.

“There was no primary election in my federal constituency, because my governor didn’t allow it. He only gave a directive for an affirmation of his anointed candidate,” Isiaka alleged.

“I did not lose my primary election because none existed.”

The lawmaker circulated videos purportedly showing irregular counting procedures and alleged multiple voting during the exercise.

“Despite being the sole candidate for the governor, see the counting on the line… 1, 12, 40, 100… No membership cards,” he lamented.

“At Isheri Ojodu, once you’re counted in the front, you go back to line up again,” he added.

Other incumbents who failed include Abiodun Akinlade, representing Ipokia/Yewa South, who wanted a fifth term, Tunji Akinosi representing Ado-Odo/Ota, Femi Ogunbanwo representing Odogbolu/Ijebu Ode/Ijebu North East and Mrs Adesola Elegbeji, representing Remo federal constituency.

The winners include Joseph Adegbesan, the incumbent representing Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside; Daddah for Ijebu Ode/Ijebu North East/Odogbolu Federal Constituency, Mrs Funmi Efuwape for Ikenne/Remo North/ Sagamu, Adijat Adeleye for Ifo/Ewekoro and Dr Toyin Taiwo for Ipokia/Yewa South

Others are Afolabi Afuape, the incumbent representing Abeokuta South; Olumide Osoba, who won his fourth term bid to represent Abeokuta North/Odeda/Obafemi-Owode. Gboyega Isiaka also won his bid to represent Imeko-Afon/Yewa North for the second term and Ayobami Bashorun for Ado-Odo/Ota constituency.

The loyalists of former Governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, in a statement on Sunday, cited alleged plans by some agents of the state government to unleash violence on the supporters of the former governor, hence their decision not to participate in the primary.

The APC stakeholders said they have also urged Daniel to stay away from the scheduled Senate primary.

However, Steve Oloyide, Communications Consultant to Daniel said the senator won’t boycott the primaries as widely rumoured.

He said, “OGD did not boycott the primaries. But the BATOGD Movement believes it cannot puts its members in harm’s way and allow people to be killed before making noise, following the atmosphere under which the primaries are being conducted.

“The state machinery and thugs have hijacked the process. Under a free contest, he (Daniel) is still ready to contest.”

In Imo State, four serving lawmakers lost their return tickets during primaries conducted using the Option A4 voting system.

The affected lawmakers were Matthew Nwogu, Miriam Onuoha, Harrison Nwadike and Emeka Chinese.

New candidates who emerged include Ngozi Pat-Ekeji, Chukwudi Anyanwuocha, Sandra Inyama, Canice Omeogo, Jonas Okeke, Uchenna Agasu, Dibiagwu Eugene, Cosmos Maduba, Akarachi Amadi and Tochi Okere.

Before the exercise, Governor Hope Uzodimma had assured stakeholders that the primaries would respect zoning and equity arrangements.

According to him, the APC adopted the Option A4 system because it would “guarantee transparency, credibility and wider participation of party members.”

The governor also urged aspirants to embrace sportsmanship, noting that elections naturally produce winners and losers.

Despite losing her return ticket, Onuoha accepted the outcome and pledged loyalty to the party leadership.

“I am a loyal party woman, and I’m loyal to Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State. The party is supreme,” she said.

“I do not intend to challenge the outcome except the system decides to have a rethink.”

The story was the same in Lagos, as a powerful party bloc again shaped the outcome of the primaries.

Obasa for Reps

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, displaced incumbent Hameed Adewale in Agege Federal Constituency, while Kafilat Ogbara reportedly lost the Kosofe ticket to Kosofe council chairman Moyosore Oshinowo.

An aspirant, Remi Oluwalogbon-Odunsi, rejected the results, arguing that the figures and declarations being circulated did not reflect any voting process conducted in Kosofe.

“I reject the purported results being circulated and announced in respect of the primary election held yesterday,” she said.

In Ekiti State, three serving members of the House of Representatives lost their bids to secure APC tickets for the January 2027 National Assembly elections.

Announcing the results in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, the Chairman of the APC House of Representatives Primary Election Committee for Ekiti State, Wasiu Adedoyin, confirmed that Niyi Ojuawo lost the Ekiti South I ticket to Toyin Okoro, while Akinlayo Kolawole was defeated by former lawmaker Ibrahim Olarewaju for Ekiti North II Federal Constituency.

Similarly, Biodun Omoleye lost his return ticket to the Ekiti State Commissioner, Dapo Karounwi.

However, Olusola Fatoba and Femi Bamisile secured return tickets for Ekiti Central I and Ekiti South II, respectively.

The contest involving House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, and former federal lawmaker, Bimbo Daramola, for Ekiti North I was declared inconclusive following violence and irregularities.

Adedoyin said, “For Ekiti North Federal Constituency I, it is the National Working Committee of the party that will determine the result. The exercise was marred by violence and other irregularities, so it was not concluded.”

The outcome immediately triggered outrage among aspirants and party stakeholders.

Kolawole rejected the result of the Ekiti North II primary, describing the exercise as “a disgrace to democracy.”

“The election was in shambles. It was a disgrace to democracy. In fact, there was no election. Figures were written in most areas, people queued, no voting, the results announced were fabricated,” he said.

Another aspirant, Victor Kolade, who contested the Ekiti Central II ticket, also condemned the process.

“The conduct of Saturday’s APC primary election in my constituency was filthy and disappointing,” he said.

Ekiti State lawmaker, Teju Okuyiga, who contested for Ekiti South II, equally rejected the result, alleging deliberate exclusion and manipulation.

“The exercise was a sham and fell far short of the minimum standards for a free, fair and credible party primary,” she said.

Okuyiga accused party leaders of undermining gender representation and internal democracy.

“When party leaders actively work against inclusion and gender representation, it weakens our party’s credibility and alienates the very people we seek to represent,” she added.

The crisis in Ekiti further escalated after former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi, and former House member, Bamidele Faparusi, jointly expressed concern over the conduct of the APC primaries.

In a statement issued on Sunday, both politicians listed several alleged irregularities, including “absence of proper voter accreditation, intimidation of voters, coercion of party officials to support preferred aspirants, lack of official result sheets at ward level and exclusion of aspirants’ agents from collation centres.”

Death in Plateau

In Plateau State, the APC primary election turned deadly after a resident identified as Sani Abdullahi was killed during violence at the venue of the House of Representatives primary in Mangu Local Government Area.

Eyewitnesses told journalists that the crisis erupted after frustrated party members protested delays caused by the absence of electoral officers.

A resident, Ibrahim Sale, explained, “The exercise was supposed to take place on Saturday morning, but it did not take place due to the absence of returning officers. So, the youths started protesting, alleging that the delay was deliberate.”

According to him, security operatives later attempted to disperse the protesters after some youths blocked government officials from leaving the venue.

“As soon as the security personnel arrived, the youths started throwing stones at them. The security personnel then started shooting, and a stray bullet hit the victim, killing him,” he said.

Outspoken lawmaker Yusuf Gagdi, who contested for the position of Speaker of the House in 2023, lost his bid for renomination to Dr John Tongshinen.

Alia vs Akume

Meanwhile, one of the fiercest internal battles within the APC played out in Benue State, where the political camp of Governor Hyacinth Alia recorded sweeping victories over allies of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Results announced on Sunday by the Chairman of the National Assembly Primary Election Committee in Benue, Alhaji Sabiu Mahuta, showed that most victorious candidates were aligned with Governor Alia.

Among them were serving lawmaker Ojotu Ojema for Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Terfa Ikper for Makurdi/Guma, Gideon Inyom for Buruku, Terhemba Nongo for Gwer East/Gwer West and Professor Kohol Iormem for Kwande/Ushongo.

Other winners include Solomon Wombo, Livinus Tsar, Peter Egbodo and Anthony Agom, all reportedly loyal to the governor.

The outcome represented a major setback for Senator Akume’s camp, with several of his allies losing the primaries.

Among those defeated were Dzua Yortyom, Dickson Tarkighir, Austin Achado and Sesoo Ikpacher.

Two serving House of Representatives members, Terseer Ugbor and David Ogewo, also lost their return tickets during the exercise.

However, the wife of the SGF, Mrs Regina Akume, who represents Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency, secured victory in her constituency.

Similarly, Blessing Onuh, daughter of former Senate President and current ADC National Chairman, David Mark, also won the APC primary for Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency.

The Benue primaries further deepened controversy over alleged automatic ticket arrangements within the party.

Senator Akume had earlier claimed during a reconciliation meeting in Makurdi that President Tinubu directed that serving lawmakers and governors should be granted automatic tickets.

But Governor Alia publicly rejected the claim, insisting that neither the President nor the APC National Chairman supported automatic tickets.

“The issue of automatic ticket is beyond me and the SGF,” the governor had said, adding that the national leadership insisted there would be “no automatic ticket for any aspirant.”

In Katsina, Kebbi, Kano, and Kogi, consensus arrangements largely determined outcomes, sidelining several incumbents.

In Katsina, the home state of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, backlash trailed the APC’s consensus strategy.

Serving lawmakers, including Sani Danlami, Abubakar Kusada, Aminu Jamo and Dalhatu Tafoki, reportedly lost out during negotiations that produced preferred candidates.

In Kebbi State, consensus arrangements forced out several incumbents.

Mansur Musa Jega lost his return ticket after former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ja’afar Jega, emerged as the consensus candidate for Jega/Gwandu/Aleiro Federal Constituency.

Another incumbent, Ibrahim Bello, stepped down during negotiations that produced Bello Rilisco as a candidate for Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza Federal Constituency.

Similarly, four lawmakers lost return tickets in Jigawa State. They include Muktar Muhammad, Ibrahim Auyo, Sa’adu Taura and Yusif Miga.

In Kano, Nasiru Bala Ja’oji emerged unopposed through consensus arrangements described as aimed at “ensuring unity and peaceful coexistence.”

The chairman of the consensus committee, Prof. Halilu Bello Rogo, said the process followed party guidelines aimed at ensuring “unity and peaceful coexistence.”

In Gombe State, APC aspirant Alfred-John Attajiri rejected the outcome of the Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency primary, alleging that results were announced despite no election taking place.

“The announcement of results for an election that was never held is a direct assault on democracy,” he said, claiming there was evidence showing that no valid electoral process occurred across the constituency.

In the list released by the APC leadership in Kogi State, former governor Yahaya Bello, whose eligibility had generated speculation in recent days, was among those cleared.

Bello was cleared for the Kogi Central Senatorial District contest, where he is expected to battle Momoh Obaro and Ibrahim Adoke.

In Kogi West, incumbent Senator Sunday Karimi emerged as the consensus candidate following a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Governor Usman Ododo.

Although former Senator Smart Adeyemi and several others were cleared to contest, political observers believe the consensus arrangement significantly strengthened Karimi’s position ahead of the primary.

In Ebonyi, former Minister of State for Health, Joseph Ekumankama, emerged as the party’s candidate after defeating other contenders in the exercise conducted across wards in Afikpo and Edda local government areas.

Declaring the result, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Kennedy Ekong, said Ekumankama scored the highest number of votes cast.

Speaking after his victory, Ekumankama praised party members for what he described as a transparent and credible process.

“The Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency stands to witness effective, people-oriented and impactful representation if elected during the forthcoming 2027 general elections,” he said.

Former Kaduna Central Senatorial aspirant, Yerima Shettima, formally withdrew from the race and pledged loyalty to the APC leadership ahead of the general elections.

Announcing his decision during a press conference on Sunday, Shettima said his withdrawal followed “wide consultations and deep reflection.”

“After wide consultations and deep reflection, I have decided to respect the decision of our great party regarding the senatorial contest,” he stated.

In contrast, the campaign organisation for Sani Dakaci rejected the outcome of the Igabi Federal Constituency primary won by incumbent Hussaini Jallo.

Dakaci’s camp alleged widespread irregularities and manipulation.

“Our representatives… have been on the ground since 6:00 am. Regrettably, no party officials are present to supervise or distribute these materials,” campaign spokesman Ibrahim Danfulani said.

Alfred-John Attajiri rejected the outcome of the Balanga/Billiri primary in Gombe, insisting that “results were announced for an election that was never held.”

“The announcement of results for an election that was never held is a direct assault on democracy,” he stated.

Most candidates in Borno emerged through consensus or affirmation arrangements.

APC electoral committee chairman Jones Ode Erue said two aspirants emerged unopposed, five through consensus, two through direct primaries, while the Askira-Uba/Hawul primary remained inconclusive.

He described the exercise as “peaceful and orderly.”

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu secured a third-term ticket in Abia State.

“I am happy that my people found me worthy to go back to the House of Representatives,” Kalu said. ‘’They massively came out to endorse me for my third term.”

He added, “We are coming back to support the policies of this administration. We know more reforms and innovations will come.”

Other lawmakers who secured tickets included Nkeiru Onyejeocha, Chris Nkwonta, Uzor Azubuike and several others in Abia.

In Delta, Ndudi Elumelu defeated Ngozi Okolie in a contentious primary that opponents claimed was altered after venue changes.

The National Assembly Primaries Appeal Committee in Delta State urged dissatisfied aspirants to formally submit complaints.

Committee chairman Chukwuemeka Ujam said the party remained committed to “a transparent and credible process free from interference.”

In Cross River, at least five sitting lawmakers lost their tickets, underscoring the scale of incumbency losses nationwide.

In Oyo State, the APC released the names of candidates that emerged from Saturday’s House of Representatives primaries across the 14 federal constituencies.

Among those returned were Akinola Alabi for Egbeda/Ona-Ara, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe for Oluyole, and Akeem Adeyemi for Afijio/Atiba/Oyo East/Oyo West.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Primaries Elections Committee, Mojeed Alabi, described the exercise as peaceful and transparent.

However, no fewer than seven senatorial aspirants were disqualified out of the 12 who purchased the party forms ahead of today’s primaries.

Alabi confirmed that only five aspirants were cleared by the party.

Findings indicate those disqualified include Afeez Bolaju; Ademola Alli; Wasiu Ajimobi; Kolapo Kola-Daisi; Faozey Oladotun; Akinremi Alade and Hussain Yusuff.

Those cleared for the primary are Remi Oseni (Oyo South); Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central); Prof Adeolu Akande (Oyo North); Hannah Ogunesan (Oyo North) and Adegbola (Oyo North).

In Adamawa State, controversy trailed the APC House of Representatives primaries after party loyalists aligned with Governor Ahmadu Fintiri reportedly secured tickets in all eight federal constituencies.

Former APC North-East Vice Chairman, Umar Duhu, defended the outcome, saying party supremacy must prevail and urging aggrieved aspirants to remain loyal to the party.

However, some aspirants alleged that no primaries took place in parts of the state.

Vrati Nzonzo claimed protests erupted in Demsa, Numan and Lamurde over alleged fabrication of results.

“Some people came and started writing results of primaries that did not take place,” he alleged.

Two sitting members of the Federal House of Representatives lost their bids for return tickets in Nasarawa State.

Mohammed Ari, representing Nasarawa/Toto federal constituency and Jeremiah Umaru, representing Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba federal constituency failed to secure their party’s approval for re-election.

The winners are Mohammed Al-bashir for Nasarawa/Toto Federal Constituency, Daniel Ogazi for Keffi/Kokona/Karu Federal Constituency, Tony Shammah for Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency, and Mohammed Al-Makura, who won for Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency through a consensus mode after his rival, Isaac Kigbu, withdrew from the race on Saturday.

Declaring the results in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, on Sunday, Chairman of the National Assembly Primary Elections committee of the APC, Musa Guri, disclosed that results for the Awe/Doma/Keana federal constituency were still being collated and will be announced in due time.

However, the party in Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency in across River State on Saturday overcame internal disagreements over a proposed consensus arrangement and successfully conducted direct primaries to produce Victor Abang, the member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, as its candidate for the 2027 general elections.

Abang emerged the winner of the exercise after polling 10,850 votes, defeating four other aspirants in a contest party stakeholders described as peaceful, transparent and reflective of internal democracy.

The primary followed days of political consultations and intense negotiations aimed at producing a consensus candidate, a move that eventually failed to secure unanimous acceptance among aspirants and stakeholders.

Among those who contested the ticket were former Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Tina Banku; Chief Whip of the Cross River State House of Assembly and member representing Boki II State Constituency, Hilary Bisong; former lawmaker, Cletus Obun; Joseph Enu; and former Commissioner for Works, Dan Asu.

Declaring the results at the APC constituency headquarters in Ikom, the returning officer, Eka Williams, said the party adopted direct primaries after efforts to sustain a consensus arrangement collapsed.

He said, “The process was conducted in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the APC constitution.

“Party members across the constituency were allowed to decide who should fly the APC flag in 2027 freely.”

Reacting to his victory, Abang thanked party members for what he described as “an overwhelming vote of confidence” and appealed to other aspirants to support his re-election bid.

“This victory belongs to the APC family in Ikom/Boki. We may have had different interests before the primaries, but now is the time to unite and move forward together,” he said.

Former aspirant, Banku, also congratulated Abang and praised the peaceful conduct of the exercise.

“The most important thing is that the party remained peaceful and members were allowed to participate freely in the process,” she stated.

Similarly, Bisong accepted the outcome and urged his supporters to remain calm and loyal to the APC.

“The party’s decision should be respected in the interest of unity and progress,” he said.

Stakeholders at the exercise said the successful conduct of the primaries had helped calm tensions within the constituency and strengthened the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Politics

Makinde joins presidential race, warns against one-party state ahead of 2027

Published

3 days ago

May 15, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday formally joined the presidential race for 2027 under an alliance involving the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples’ Movement.

In his declaration speech delivered at a rally held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, and witnessed by a mammoth crowd, Makinde said,

“Today, I, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, announce my candidacy for the position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the PDP/APM alliance.”

The PUNCH had earlier reported that Makinde may formally declare his presidential ambition during the rally on Thursday.

With the declaration, Makinde joined former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party, among others, to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Speaking at the rally, Makinde said Nigeria was drifting dangerously towards a one-party state, warning that democracy itself was under threat if opposition forces failed to unite against what he described as systematic attempts to weaken alternative political voices.

At the rally were party enthusiasts, supporters and political stakeholders from across the country.

The rally, described by organisers as a “Unity Mega Rally,” turned Ibadan into a political carnival, with supporters of both parties chanting solidarity songs and waving party flags.

Speaking further, Makinde said the country had reached a critical political crossroads, insisting that the time had come for Nigerians and opposition parties to work together to rescue democracy and reset the nation.

“We have witnessed the continuous meddling in the affairs of opposition parties in our dear country with the aim of taking Nigeria to a one-party system. Without a multiparty system, there is no democracy,” he added.

The governor lamented the worsening economic and security situations in the country, saying many Nigerians had been pushed into survival mode while those entrusted with power were allegedly treating public authority as personal property.

According to him, the opposition movement extended beyond political parties to include ordinary Nigerians frustrated by hardship and governance failures.

“They calculated and said opposition cannot unite. But I am here today to say it is a miscalculation.

“The opposition in Nigeria is not just the political parties. It is the everyday Nigerian for whom the country does not work,” he said.

Calling for mass civic participation, Makinde urged Nigerians to resist political apathy and become actively engaged in shaping the future of the country.

“This is the time for every one of us to shake off the apathy that is gradually taking root and engage with the political process to ensure that Nigeria works for us.

“It is time to confront our fears. It is time to be engaged citizens and not spectators in our own country,” he added.

The Oyo State governor said the newly announced PDP/APM alliance represented the beginning of a broader opposition coalition aimed at offering Nigerians an alternative political direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Describing Ibadan as “the city of warriors,” Makinde declared that the alliance would field candidates for elective offices from top to bottom across the country.

He, therefore, called for unity among opposition parties, describing the alliance between the PDP and APM as the beginning of a broader political coalition.

In his goodwill message, former Osun State Governor and PDP chieftain, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, said the emerging alliance was borne out of dissatisfaction with the performance of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

He said the alliance was driven by promises made to Nigerians by President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 election campaign.

Oyinlola said, “What brought us to this level of alliance? About three and a half years ago, our brother, Bola Tinubu, said it was his turn to become President. He assured Nigerians that the power sector would be revitalised, the oil sector repositioned, and the country would move towards progress and prosperity.

“But where are we today? That was the purpose of the opposition summit in Ibadan, to chart a new course for the country and build a stronger alliance capable of addressing the challenges facing Nigerians,” Oyinlola said.

Earlier, some leaders of the PDP and APM signed a Memorandum of Understanding as part of the ongoing coalition and realignment efforts between the two political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The signing and presentation of the MoU were held at the PDP South-West Secretariat, Soji Adagunodo House, Old Ife Road, Ibadan.

Makinde, speaking after signing the MoU, said, “To the opposition political parties, this is the time for unity, one party at a time. That is exactly what the PDP and the APM are demonstrating today.

“This is the moment to work together in unity and determination to give our generation the leadership and direction it urgently needs. Today, I proudly declare the birth of the Reset Nigeria Movement. The time to reset Nigeria is now.

“And so, today, here in my home state, in Ibadan, the city of warriors, the first grand alliance is formed: the alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples’ Movement.

“This partnership will enable us to present candidates at every level of government, from the Presidency to the state houses of assembly and every office in between.”

Speaking at the signing and presentation of the MoU, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Dr Eddy Olafeso, thanked Makinde for the privilege of bringing new energy and unity among political leaders and for his strategic capacity and management of resources as the governor of Oyo State.

The governor later led the PDP and APM leaders, top government officials and political functionaries to Mapo Hall, where thousands of party loyalists had converged for the mega rally, with the Chairman of the PDP in Oyo State, Dayo Ogungbenro, noting that the unity rally was the climax of the alliance between the PDP and the APM after the two parties signed the MoU.

He described the alliance as the beginning of good things for Oyo State and Nigeria, assuring that the alliance of the two political parties would produce the President, Governors, National and State House of Assembly members in the 2027 general elections.

In their separate goodwill messages, Oyinlola and the PDP National Vice Chairman (South-East), Chief Ali Odefa, noted that the alliance of the two political parties was a result of the failure of the ruling APC to keep its numerous campaign promises.

They added that Nigeria “cannot afford to operate a one-party system, as parties are coming together to ensure an end to the incompetence of the current administration in the country.”

Also in their remarks, the National Chairman of APM, Dantalle and the National Secretary of the party, Oyadeyi Ayodele, congratulated Makinde and the leaders of the parties on the alliance, stressing that both parties had begun to work together to ensure that Nigeria reclaimed its pride of place as one of the best countries in Africa.

The two events had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal; former deputy governor, Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; former Speaker, Monsurat Sunmonu; all serving House of Representatives members of the party in Oyo State as well as governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly aspirants on the platform of the party in Oyo State.

Also in attendance were the APM National Vice Chairman (South-West), Peter Olabanji; APM National Women Leader, Hajia Hafsat Usman; APM Chairman, Oyo State, Adegbenro Fagbemi; PDP Chairman, Ekiti State, Tunji Odeyemi; PDP Caretaker Chairman, Osun State, Babatunde Tijani and the PDP Chairman, Lagos State, Dr Amos Fawole.

Top government functionaries, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Segun Ogunwuyi; Chairman, Ibadan Airport Upgrade Committee, Bimbo Adekanmbi; Deputy Chief of Staff, Kazeem Adeniyi; Chairman, Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun; commissioners, special advisers, executive assistants, special assistants and other PDP stakeholders were also in attendance.

Wike rejects PDP–APM alliance

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, rejected claims of any alliance between the PDP and the APM, insisting that the narrative was fabricated.

He accused Makinde of pushing what he described as “Political 419” ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Thursday while inspecting ongoing road construction in Gomani-Yangoji, Kwali Area Council, Abuja, Wike said neither the PDP nor the Independent National Electoral Commission had any knowledge of such an arrangement, dismissing the reports as baseless.

The minister noted, “When I say people are fraudulent, they think I am joking. And that is the 419 we are talking about.

“There is no alliance between PDP and APM or any other political party, as the case may be. INEC also knows that there is nothing called a PDP-APM alliance,” Wike added.

He further maintained that ongoing internal processes within the PDP, including the screening of presidential aspirants, showed the party had not entered into any coalition agreement. According to him, the party’s eventual nomination process would expose the truth to doubters.

The minister specifically linked the controversy to Makinde’s alleged presidential ambition, arguing that it was being pursued through what he called a collapsing political strategy.

“What you have is Seyi Makinde joining APM to be able to actualise his presidential ambition, which is already dead on arrival,” he said.