Politics

SEE FULL LIST; Members of APC’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council

Published

1 month ago

August 22, 2026

The All Progressives Congress has released the complete membership list of its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.

The document, released by the Presidency on Saturday, expands on an earlier release detailing top principal officers of the council.

As earlier reported, President Bola Tinubu will chair the council, with Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, serving as Vice Chairmen I and II respectively. Senator Abdulaziz Yari was named Director-General, while Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, will serve as Secretary.

The expanded list, numbering 223 entries, adds directorates covering finance, extractive industries, education, manufacturing and MSMEs, support group coordination, faith-based mobilisation, protocol, labour union relations, special duties, stakeholders’ mobilisation, community support, digital operations, grassroots engagement, and welfare.

Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, was named Director of Stakeholders’ Mobilisation, while former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, will serve as Zonal Coordinator for stakeholders’ mobilisation in the South-West.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, and his counterpart, Ekperikpe Ekpo, were listed as deputy directors of the extractive industry sector mobilisation directorate, working alongside the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari’s predecessor’s office holder, Olu Verheijen, who was named a secretary in the same directorate.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, was named Director of Education Sector Mobilisation, while the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, will serve as his deputy.

Former Kaduna State Governor’s aide and ex-lawmaker, Shehu Sani, was listed as Deputy Director of Support Group Coordination, alongside Muri Ajaka.

The council also named separate directors for Christian and Muslim faith-based mobilisation, led by Stephen Adegbite and Sheikh Haliru Maraya respectively, along with deputies and secretaries drawn from both religious blocs.

Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva’s associate and ex-Rivers lawmaker roles were not listed in this category, but the council named the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yerima Shettima, as Deputy Director of Labour Union Relations, working with veteran labour leader, Issa Aremu.

The full list is reproduced below.

FULL MEMBERSHIP LIST OF THE 2027 APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL

Principal Officers

Chairman — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
Vice Chairman I — Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON
Vice Chairman II — APC National Party Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda
Director General — Sen. Abdulaziz Yari
Deputy Director General South I — Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio
Deputy Director General South II — Sen. Bamidele Opeyemi
Deputy Director General North I — H.E. Mai Mala Buni
Deputy Director General North II — Hon. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas
Deputy Director General North III — Sen. Barau Jibril Barau
Deputy Director General Mobilisation — Sen. Adams Oshiomole
Deputy Director General Admin — Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila
Deputy Director General Election Planning, Coordination and Monitoring — Hon. James Abiodun Faleke
Deputy Director General Logistics and Operations — Hon. Ibrahim Kabir Masari
Deputy Director General Parliamentarian Mobilisation — Hon. Aminu Bello Masari
Deputy Director General Infrastructure, Mobilisation and Sensitization — Engr. Nweze David Umahi
Secretary — H.E Hope Uzodinma
Deputy Secretary — Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru
Assistant Secretary — Hadiza Bala Usman
Zonal Campaign Coordinator-South-South — Sen. Bassey Otu
Zonal Campaign Coordinator-South-East — H.E Ndubuisi Mbah
Zonal Campaign Coordinator-South-West — H.E Babajide Sanwolu
Zonal Campaign Coordinator-North-Central — H.E Umar Bago
Zonal Campaign Coordinator-North-East — Sen Modu Sheriff
Zonal Campaign Coordinator-North-West — H.E Uba Sani
Deputy Director Logistics and Operations — Adeniyi Tinubu
Secretary Logistic and Operation — Prof Muhammad Kabir Isa
Director Finance/Treasurer — Gov Sheriff Oborevwori
Deputy Director Finance/Treasurer I — H.E Ahmed Usman Ododo
Deputy Director Finance/Treasurer II — Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi
Secretary Finance/Treasurer — Tanimu Yakubu
Director Fundraising — Gov. Dapo Abiodun
Deputy Director Fundraising — Zacheus Adedeji
Deputy Director Fundraising II — Farouk Gumel
Secretary Fundraising I — Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim
Secretary Fundraising II — APC National Treasurer
Zonal Director Election Planning Coordination and Mobilisation-SW — Sen. Olushola Adeyeye
Zonal Director Election Planning Coordination and Mobilisation-SS — Dr. Ngozi Olejeme
Zonal Director Election Planning Coordination and Mobilisation-SE — Sen. Uche Ekunife
Zonal Director Election Planning Coordination and Mobilisation-NW — Muntaqha Rabe
Zonal Director Election Planning Coordination and Mobilisation-NC — Ahmed Muhammed Ketso
Zonal Director Election Planning Coordination and Mobilisation-NE — Sen. Sani Danladi
Secretary, Election Planning Coordination and Mobilisation I — Stella Okotete
Secretary, Election Planning Coordination and Mobilisation II — Engr Abdullahi Garba Ramat
Secretary, Election Planning Coordination and Mobilisation III — Audu Maikori
Director Policy and Manifesto Development — Dele Alake
Deputy Director Policy and Manifesto Development — Dr Jumoke Oduwole
Secretary Policy and Manifesto Development — Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu
Director Legal — Muiz Adeyemi Banire, SAN
Deputy Director Legal I — Dr. Liman Hassan SAN
Deputy Director Legal II — B.A Ogala, SAN
Secretary Legal — APC National Legal Adviser
Coordinating Director Media/Strategic Communication, I — Mohammed Idris Malagi
Coordinating Director Media/Strategic Communication, II — Dele Alake
Coordinating Director Media/Strategic Communication, III — Bayo Onanuga
Coordinating Director Media/Strategic Communication, IV — Lanre Isa Onilu
Coordinating Deputy Director Media/Strategic Communication, I — Tunde Rahman
Coordinating Deputy Director Media/Strategic Communication, II — Sunday Dare
Coordinating Deputy Director Media/Strategic Communication, III — Daniel Bwala
Coordinating Deputy Director Media/Strategic Communication, IV — Felix Morka
Coordinating Secretary Media/Strategic Communication I — Abdulaziz Abdulaziz
Coordinating Secretary Media/Strategic Communication II — Temitope Ajayi
Coordinating Secretary Media/Strategic Communication III — Arabirin Aderonke
Coordinating Secretary Media/Strategic Communication IV — Fredrick Nwabufo
Director New Media — Segun Dada
Secretary New Media — Solomon Arowolo
Presidential Campaign Spokesperson I — Dele Alake
Presidential Campaign Spokesperson II — Alwan Hassan
Presidential Campaign Spokesperson III — Ayobami Feyisetan Oyalowo
Presidential Campaign Spokesperson IV — Kemi Asekun-Shittu
Presidential Campaign Spokesperson VI — Hon. Adamu Fanda
Director Security and Intelligence — Gen. Sarki Yaki
Deputy Director Security and Intelligence I — H.E Bello Matawalle
Deputy Director Security and Intelligence II — Dr. Yusuf Gagdi
Deputy Director Security and Intelligence III — Gen. A.T Ibrahim
Deputy Director Security and Intelligence IV — Gen. Junaidu Sani Bindawa
Deputy Director Security and Intelligence V — Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo
Secretary Security and Intelligence I — Gen. Christopher Musa
Secretary Security and Intelligence II — Gen. Jibril Abdulmalik
Director Data Management — Dr. Bisoye Coker
Deputy Director Data Management I — Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi
Deputy Director Data Management II — H.E Muhammad Badaru
Secretary Data Management — Dr Bashir Garba
Coordinating Director Contact & Mobilisation I — HE Babagana Zulum
Coordinating Director Contact & Mobilisation II — Aisha Garba
Coordinating Director Contact & Mobilisation III — Sen Sulaiman Hunkuyi
Coordinating Secretary Contact & Mobilisation I — Yusuf Hamisu
Coordinating Secretary Contact & Mobilisation II — Dr Sanusi Ohiare
Director Youth Mobilisation — Hon. Ayodele Olawande
Deputy Director Youth Mobilisation — Hon. Dr. Dayo A. Israel
Zonal Director Youth Mobilisation SS — Barr. Donghan Barbara Omusuku
Zonal Director Youth Mobilisation SE — Obinna Iyiegbu
Zonal Director Youth Mobilisation SW — Moyosore Ogunlewe
Zonal Director Youth Mobilisation NW — Abdulazeez Abubakar Kaka
Zonal Director Youth Mobilisation NE — Ibrahim Abba Umar
Zonal Director Youth Mobilisation NC — Abdulfatai Yaya Seriki
Secretary Youth Mobilisation — Rinsola Abiola
Director Women Mobilisation — Betta Chimaobim Edu
Deputy Director Women Mobilisation I — Iman Suleiman
Deputy Director Women Mobilisation II — Sen. Abiodun Olujimi
Deputy Director Women Mobilisation III — Sen. Binta Masi Garba
Secretary Women Mobilisation — APC National Women Leader
Director PWD Mobilisation — Mohammed Abba Isa
Deputy Director PWD Mobilisation — Bar Ayuba Gufwan
Secretary PWD Mobilisation I — Tolu Bankole
Secretary PWD Mobilisation II — Misbahu Lawan Didi
Director Sport Sector Mobilisation — Shehu Dikko
Deputy Director Sport Sector Mobilisation I — HE Philip Shaibu
Deputy Director Sport Sector Mobilisation II — Joseph Yobo
Deputy Director Financial and Tech Services Sector Mobilisation I — Folake Ani-Mumuni
Deputy Director Financial and Tech Services Sector Mobilisation II — Adeyemi Daniel Adeboyejo
Secretary Financial and Tech Services Sector Mobilisation — Paul Tsado Tswanya
Director Extractive Industry Sector Mobilisation — Dele Alake
Deputy Director Extractive Industry Sector Mobilisation I — Rt. Hon. Obongemen Ekperikpe Ekpo
Deputy Director Extractive Industry Sector Mobilisation II — Heineken Lokpobiri
Deputy Director Extractive Industry Sector Mobilisation III — Dr Garba Shehu Matazu
Deputy Director Extractive Industry Sector Mobilisation IV — Sen Magnus Abe
Secretary Extractive Industry Sector Mobilisation I — Hon Sarki Adar
Secretary Extractive Industry Sector Mobilisation II — Olu Verheijen
Secretary Extractive Industry Sector Mobilisation III — Aisha Rimi
Director Education Sector Mobilisation — Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa
Deputy Director Education Sector Mobilisation — Dr Suwaiba Ahmad
Secretary Education Sector Mobilisation — Dr Muhammad Sani Idris
Director Manufacturing and MSME Sector Mobilisation — Sen. John Owan Enoh
Deputy Director Manufacturing and MSME Sector Mobilisation — Dr Supo Olusi
Secretary Manufacturing and MSME Sector Mobilisation — Dr Charlse Odili
Director Support Group Coordination — HE. Silas Agara
Deputy Director Support Group Coordination I — Sen. Shehu Sani
Deputy Director Support Group Coordination II — Muri Ajaka
Secretary Support Group Coordination I — Tosin Adeyanju
Secretary Support Group Coordination II — Tosin Shoga
Zonal Coordinator Support Group Coordination NW — Baffa Dan Agundi
Zonal Secretary Support Group Coordination NW — Bello M. Goronyo ESQ
Zonal Coordinator Support Group Coordination NE — ALH. Uba Nana
Zonal Secretary Support Group Coordination NE — Hon Abdullahi Little
Zonal Coordinator Support Group Coordination SS — Hon Temi Harriman
Zonal Secretary Support Group Coordination SS — Rt. Hon. Ochielegor Idagbo
Zonal Coordinator Support Group Coordination SW — Hon. Akinlade Abiodun Isiaq
Zonal Secretary Support Group Coordination SW — Sola Olofin
Zonal Coordinator Support Group Coordination NC — Hon. Abdulraheem Olawuyi-Ajulo
Zonal Secretary Support Group Coordination NC — Comrade Ogenyi Opkokwu
Zonal Coordinator Support Group Coordination SE — Sen. Osita Izunaso
Zonal Secretary Support Group Coordination SE — Hon. Dr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha
Director Faith-Based Mobilisation (a Christian) — Rt Rev. Stephen Tunde Victor Adegbite PhD
Deputy Director Faith-Based Mobilisation (a Christian) — Archbishop John Praise Daniel
Secretary Faith-Based Mobilisation (a Christian) I — Gloria Okobundu
Secretary Faith-Based Mobilisation (a Christian) II — Ibrahim Bunu
Director Faith-Based Mobilisation (a Muslim) — Sheikh Haliru Maraya
Deputy Director Faith-Based Mobilisation I (a Muslim) — Sheikh Rilwan Aderemi Zogloo
Deputy Director Faith-Based Mobilisation II (a Muslim) — Sheikh Abu Usman Amar
Secretary Faith-Based Mobilisation (a Muslim) — Sheikh Muhammad Salisu Gumel
Director Protocol — Hannatu Musawa
Deputy Director Protocol — Rt Hon. Henry Nwawuba
Secretary Protocol — Ronke Bello
Director Labour Union Relations — HE. Nasir Idris
Deputy Director Labour Union Relations I — Comrade Issa Aremu
Deputy Director Labour Union Relations II — Yerma Shettima
Secretary Labour Union Relations — Chima Amadi
Director Special Duties — Chief Ayiri Emami
Deputy Director Special Duties I — Liman Sani Kila
Deputy Director Special Duties II — Bibopere Ajube
Secretary Special Duties — Osoro Akpabio
State Campaign Coordinators — APC Governors (APC States) & APC Gubernatorial Aspirants (Non-APC states)
Director Stakeholder’s Mobilisation — H.E Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje
Deputy Director Stakeholder’s Mobilisation I — H.E Douye Diri
Deputy Director Stakeholder’s Mobilisation II — Chief Reuben Clifford Wilson
Secretary Stakeholder’s Mobilisation I — Chief Mutiu Are
Secretary Stakeholder’s Mobilisation II — Hon. Sani Ismail Nguru
Zonal Coordinator for Stakeholder’s Mobilisation NW — Sen. Aliyu Wamakko
Zonal Secretary for Stakeholder’s Mobilisation NW — Abdullahi Mukhtar
Zonal Coordinator for Stakeholder’s Mobilisation NE — H.E Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya
Zonal Secretary for Stakeholder’s Mobilisation NE — Hon. Ali Baba
Zonal Coordinator for Stakeholder’s Mobilisation NC — Sen. Sani Musa
Zonal Secretary for Stakeholder’s Mobilisation NC — H.E Stepehen Lawani
Zonal Coordinator for Stakeholder’s Mobilisation SS — Dr. Samuel Ogbuke
Zonal Secretary for Stakeholder’s Mobilisation SS — Ntufam Hilliard Eta
Zonal Coordinator for Stakeholder’s Mobilisation SE — Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim
Zonal Secretary for Stakeholder’s Mobilisation SE — Prof. Chinedu Ochinawata
Zonal Coordinator for Stakeholder’s Mobilisation SW — H.E Babatunde Fashola
Zonal Secretary for Stakeholder’s Mobilisation SW — Sen. Teslim Folarin
Director Community Support Mobilisation — Hon Jabiru Abdullahi Tsauri
Deputy Director Community Support Mobilisation I — Oluwajomiloju Fayose
Deputy Director Community Support Mobilisation II — Engr Chukwuemeka Woke
Deputy Director Community Support Mobilisation III — Prince Ebitimi Amgbare
Deputy Director Community Support Mobilisation IV — John Viko Iyadah
Secretary Community Support Mobilisation I — Prof. Abdulaziz Ahmed Mashi
Secretary Community Support Mobilisation II — Chief Mrs. Justina Obadiah
Secretary Community Support Mobilisation III — Abubakar Abdullahi Maikano
Director Digital Operations Center (Situation Room) — Khalil Halilu
Secretary Digital Operations Center (Situation Room) — Prof Segun Aina
Director Grassroots Engagement & Mobilisation — Hon. Hafiz Ibrahim Kawu
Deputy Director Grassroots Engagement & Mobilisation — Hon. Akinjide Kazeem Akinola
Director Welfare, Morale and Support — Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite
Deputy Director Welfare, Morale and Support — Umaru Tanko Yakasai
Secretary Welfare, Morale and Support — Princess Atika Ajana

State Campaign Council

State Campaign Coordinator
State APC Executive Committee
All Serving Minister from that State
All House of Representative Candidate
All State of Assembly Candidate
All Elected APC Local Government Chairperson/Chairperson of LGA Campaign Council
State Coordinator of Independent Campaign Council
State Coordinator of Independent Campaign Council
State Coordinator Support Group Directorate
State Coordinator Grassroots Engagement and Mobilisation Directorate
State Coordinator Agro Commodities Directorate
State Coordinator Humanitarian Affairs Directorate
State Coordinator Stakeholders Relations Directorate
State Coordinator Contact and Mobilisation Directorate
State Coordinator Youth Directorate
Welfare, Morale and Support Directorate
State Coordinator Women Campaign Team
State Coordinator PWD Directorate
State Coordinator League of Actor and Creative Arts
All Members of Presidential Campaign Council
Any Critical Stakeholder deemed

Stakeholder’s Mobilisation

HE. Yomi Awoniyi
Mamoud Abdullahi
HE. Niyi Adebayo
Bunmi Onabanjo
Muhammed Sheidu
Sadiya Lawal
Paul Chukwuma
Dr Bala Majama Wunti
H.E Umo Eno
H.E Dauda Lawal
Prof Jonathan Ayuba
Comrade Mustapha Saliu
HE Isiaka Oyetola
Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON
Sen. Ahmad Yarima
Balarabe Abbas Lawal
H.E Mahmuda Shinkafi
Sen. Gbenga Daniel
Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa
Chief Reuben Clifford Wilson
M.B Shehu

Security

Femi Adekanbi (SW)
Gen. Leo Irabor (Rtd), CFR
Major Gen Solomon Udounwa
DIG AA Mohammed
DCG Bashir Abubakar (rtd), MFR
High Chief Dennis Otuaro

Contact Mobilisation

H.E Akinwumi Ambode
Ibrahim Bello
H.E Orji Uzo Kalu
Ramalan Yero
H.E Rochas Okorocha
Hon. Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo, MFR
Rt. Hon Yusuf Abdullahi Ata
H.E Jolly Nyame
H.E Joshua Dariye
Sen. Abubakar Kyari, CON
H.E Saidu Dakingari
Hamza Darma
Hon. Nafisa Aminu Nahuche
Sen. Tokunbo Afikuyomi
Yinka Agboola
Hon. Amina Gamawa
Hafiz Oladejo
Chief Cyril Kuzanuam
Hon Abbass Wamba
Bayo Ayo.ESQ
Idayat Yusuf
Bolanle Kaji-Hausa
Maryam Gwarzo

Advisers to the Chairman

H.E Adebisi Akande, CFR (SW)
Sen. Rochas Okorocha (SE)
H.E Sen. Dr. Abdullahi Adamu, CON (NC)
Chief Segun Osoba
Sen. Florence Ita Giwa (SS)

Parliamentary Mobilisation

Sen. Ameh Ebute, CFR (Fmr. President of the Senate)
Sen. Ken Nnamani (Fmr. President of the Senate)
Sen. Ayim Pius Ayim, GCON (Fmr. President of the Senate)
H.E Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, CFR (Fmr Speaker House of Representative)
Rt. Hon. Patricia Etteh CFR (Fmr Speaker House of Representative)
Rt. Hon Dimeji Bankole CFR (Fmr Speaker House of Representative)
Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara CFR (Fmr Speaker House of Representative)
Rt Hon. Idris Wase (Fmr Deputy Speaker House of Representative)
Rt. Hon. Babangida Nguroje (Fmr Speaker House of Representative)
Hon. Mohammed Wakil, CON
Sen. Smart Adeyemi
Sen. Atai Idoko
Sen Jibril Echocho

Legal

Muhammad Abubakar
H.E Ibrahim Shema
Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN
Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN
Worgu Boms

Source: punchng.com

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Politics

Desperate Politicians Responsible For Arrest Of ‘Tinubu Must Go’ Protesters – Zulum

Published

3 days ago

October 3, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Key Takeaways

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, denied ordering any arrests, after reports linked his government to detaining people wearing “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts.

Zulum said he only heard about the arrests on Friday morning in Maiduguri, and insisted he has never directed detention for political reasons.

Zulum blamed “desperate politicians” and the approach of the 2027 elections for the allegations, saying criticism will not stop his rebuilding efforts till tenure ends.

The Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has denied ordering the arrest of opposition supporters or anyone criticising his administration.

Zulum, who spoke in Maiduguri on Friday, said he was surprised to learn that the arrest of some people for wearing “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts was being linked to his government.

The governor said he learned of the arrests only on Friday morning, insisting he had never directed anyone to be detained for political reasons.

According to him, his attention since assuming office had been largely devoted to restoring peace and rebuilding Borno after years of Boko Haram insurgency.

Zulum said he had repeatedly put himself at risk to protect residents of the state, regardless of their political affiliations, and create an environment where they could live peacefully.

It was reports that he described anyone who would order the arrest of opposition supporters as a “desperate politician”, stressing that he was not one. BreakingNews Alerts

The governor also questioned the motive for accusing him of ordering politically motivated arrests when he was not seeking any elective position in the 2027 elections.

“Why would I order the arrest of anybody on political grounds when I am not contesting for any political office in 2027?” he asked.

Zulum noted that Borno had remained under the All Progressives Congress (APC) since the party came to power in the state, saying his primary concern was the continued restoration and development of the state.

He said his administration had committed substantial resources to restoring peace, resettling internally displaced persons, rebuilding communities destroyed by insurgency and providing public infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.

The governor said the progress recorded in Borno was the product of sustained commitment to rebuilding a state that had suffered years of violent conflict.

He further attributed some of the allegations against his administration to the approach of the 2027 elections, saying political actors sometimes make accusations against leaders to attract attention.

“Where were they when we were struggling to see that we had restored peace, resettled IDPs, reconstructed destroyed communities and established schools and hospitals?” Zulum asked.

The governor said some individuals who were now criticising his administration had previously commended its efforts but had changed their tone as the 2027 elections drew closer.

Zulum said he considered his reward for the sacrifices and resources committed to rebuilding Borno to be from God.

He added that the criticisms would not stop him from continuing with his efforts to improve the state until the end of his tenure.

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Politics

If fuel comes down to ₦600 tomorrow, I will campaign for Tinubu — Amaechi

Published

3 days ago

October 3, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his economic policies, vowing that he will abandon his own party ticket and campaign for Tinubu if the price of petrol drops to ₦600 per liter.

Amaechi issued the challenge during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, reacting to President Tinubu’s Independence Day declaration that Nigeria has entered an “age of prosperity.” Nigeriancultural events

Questioning the credibility of the administration’s claims, Amaechi argued that everyday citizens continue to face crushing economic reality.

“It is about believability; who do you believe? Go to the 2005 Presidential speech; it is the same: we have turned the page, and we are about to start enjoyment.

“Have you asked one of your staff who goes by transport, how much it costs from Yanya to Abuja? Has anything come down? Has any price come down, has anything changed?”

Proposing a direct test of the administration’s claims, Amaechi stated he would personally visit a petrol station to verify pump prices, offering to withdraw from the ADC ticket alongside presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar if retail costs have genuinely fallen.

“I will go tomorrow morning to the petrol station to buy fuel, I will go myself, if fuel has come down to 600, I will campaign for President Tinubu,” he said.

“If you doubt me, come with your camera to my house, and I will go to the filling station and buy fuel, and I, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi will withdraw as a vice-presidential candidate of Atiku and campaign for President Tinubu, if it has come down.”

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Politics

Atiku challenges Tinubu’s prosperity claim, laments rising hardship

Published

4 days ago

October 2, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress and former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address, saying Nigerians cannot eat economic growth figures while millions continue to struggle with rising living costs.

Atiku, in his Independence Day address on Thursday, said the past three years of the Tinubu administration had plunged Nigerians into what he described as the country’s worst cost-of-living crisis, with families struggling to afford food, healthcare, transportation and other basic necessities.

Tinubu, while addressing Nigerians to commemorate the 2026 Independence Anniversary, on Thursday, said that after three and a half years in office, there was undeniable evidence that Nigeria’s economic outlook had improved.

He said, “Our economy has grown by over four per cent this year. Both the oil and non-oil sectors have contributed to this renewed period of stable growth.

“My fellow Nigerians, we have reached a turning point. The emergency treatment is over. The foundation has been repaired. The central economic task before us has changed. For three years, our overriding purpose was to correct our nation’s course.

“Now, our purpose is simple: shared and widespread prosperity.”

Reacting, ADC presidential candidate challenged the President’s claim that Nigeria had entered an age of prosperity, asking where the prosperity was when Nigerians could barely afford to survive.

Atiku also faulted the government’s handling of fuel subsidy removal, taxation and other economic reforms, arguing that their impact had further increased the burden on households and businesses.

The former Vice-President stated, “And beyond the market, our nation is bleeding. Armed groups have killed thousands and driven families from their communities. Farmers fear their fields. Parents fear for children in their classrooms. Families dread the call demanding ransom for someone they love.

“A government that cannot make life affordable and cannot protect life has failed the two tests that matter most to its people.

“This is not the Nigeria our founders struggled to set free. But I will not ask you to surrender to despair. Despair is not a strategy. We have a path to recovery, and we must take it.

“Bola, where is this prosperity? Bola says inflation has fallen. A slower rise in prices does not restore what families have lost. He cites growth and rising exports. Nigerian businesses deserve credit for what they have achieved. But growth must improve lives. It cannot be a certificate of success that government awards itself while citizens struggle to survive.

“Bola, you call Nigeria a patient with cancer. After three years of your treatment, why is it harder for Nigerians to buy food, pay for medicine or even get to work? Why does your government have more money while the people can afford less?”

Atiku said Nigerians could not be expected to endure prolonged hardship simply because the government described its economic policies as a cure for the country’s problems.

He challenged the Tinubu administration to account for the APC’s eight years in power, while pointing to rising fuel and food prices as evidence of the economic pressure facing Nigerians.

Atiku also questioned the benefits of fuel subsidy removal, saying Nigerians were more interested in knowing when the promised savings would translate into lower living costs.

He continued, “My fellow Nigerians, I will not ask you to accept another promise without asking how it would work. Working with my running mate and our partners in the African Democratic Congress, I will pursue a clear purpose: make life affordable again.

“We will introduce a capped, budgeted production subsidy tied to verified fuel refined in Nigeria, including fuel from modular refineries. Imported petrol will not qualify. The benefit must reach consumers through lower pump prices. We will publish the costs, independently audit the payments and cut government waste to help fund the programme.

“The principle is simple: produce here, refine here, create jobs here and pay less here. If Bola disagrees, he should answer the proposal on its merits. Calling relief an addiction will not lower the price of petrol.

“Bola, your speech is full of ‘we will.’ We will make farming cheaper. We will power factories. We will create jobs. We will bring down prices. You have been President for more than three years. Nigerians are entitled to ask what you have done with the time already given to you.”

Atiku said the government’s promise that lower production costs would eventually reduce prices offered little comfort to farmers and manufacturers currently struggling with insecurity, high electricity costs and other challenges that make production expensive.

He also questioned the impact of government loan programmes, saying young Nigerians need decent-paying jobs while students and workers should not be burdened with loans to cope with rising education costs and living expenses.

Atiku urged the government to explain what the programmes had delivered, who benefited and what beneficiaries were expected to repay.

The ADC presidential candidate stated, “The confusion extends to your budgets. You have just signed an extension keeping the 2025 budget in operation until the last day of 2026.

“The 2026 budget exists alongside it. Soon, your government will ask Nigerians to examine a 2027 budget. How many budgets must be open at once before you can tell the country what was funded, what was completed and what remains unpaid? A budget should be a timetable for delivery, not a ball passed from one year to the next.

“Bola says his government reforms have a human face. Nigerians have spent three years looking for that face in the market, at the hospital and on the road to work. What they have found is deepening poverty, healthcare they cannot afford, school fees they struggle to pay, food beyond their reach and electricity bills that consume what little they earn.

“In communities under attack, people fear for their lives. A government cannot claim a human face while making it harder for Nigerians to eat, learn, seek treatment and stay alive.”

Atiku pledged that, if elected, his administration would prioritise affordability and the protection of lives, with measures to reduce the cost of food, fuel and electricity, improve access to healthcare and education, restore security, ensure accountability in public spending and assess progress based on Nigerians’ living conditions and safety.

He added, “Bola, you have put the weight of Nigeria’s economic well-being on a skateboard. Families are struggling to keep their balance, businesses are falling, and you stand in Aso Rock declaring that the journey to prosperity is going smoothly.

“In your Independence Day speech, you found time to attack my plan to make life affordable. But you did not tell commuters which additional routes became cheaper today, what the fares were before, what they cost now, or how many people can use them. Lower fares on a few routes are welcome, but they do not solve the transport crisis facing the rest of the country.

“Bola, was this a Yahoo Yahoo promise or a hurried reply to my production subsidy proposal? You advertised cheaper transport from October 1. Today is October 1, and commuters are still asking where they can find the lower fares. Show them the routes and the prices. Nigerians cannot board an announcement.

“Bola, publish the routes, the fares and the number of people benefiting. Show Nigerians the cheaper journey you promised.”

Atiku said economic recovery should be reflected in improved living conditions, urging the government to account for the savings from its policies and show Nigerians tangible relief from hardship.

He also noted that independence requires political freedom, stressing that Nigerians must be allowed to question their leaders, organise peacefully and demand change, while calling for the rule of law to be applied fairly.

The former Vice-President called for due process in the cases of Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and Nnamdi Kanu, and renewed his call for the release of five young Nigerians arrested in Borno over “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts, saying political slogans should not be grounds for imprisonment.

He stated, “We have looked back. We have counted what fuel costs, what food costs and what a wage can still buy. We have seen families waiting for relief while government asks for more patience. We have heard promises of prosperity from a President who cannot show millions of Nigerians where to find it.

“Our founders did not win sovereignty so that a few could prosper while millions merely survive.

“Their promise lives in ordinary hopes: a meal a family can afford, a safe road home, a child free to learn, and work that offers a path to a better life. Those hopes are neither extravagant nor beyond Nigeria’s reach.

“Bola, the Promised Land is not in sight merely because you can see it from the villa. Nigerians must be able to reach it. We have chosen a different course, peacefully and together, through the power of our votes; the message is clear: Tinubu must go.”

Source: punchng.com

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