Politics

GAC in turmoil as faction moves to sack Lagos APC chairman

Published

1 year ago

July 29, 2025

Some members of the Governance Advisory Council of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress were on Monday divided over the call for the sacking of the party’s chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.

The GAC is the highest decision-making organ of the APC in Lagos State.

The development followed a protest by some aggrieved party members who stormed the state House of Assembly to call for the sacking of Ojelabi and other party chieftains over what they described as “imposition of candidates” and “anti-grassroots leadership.”

The party chairman, however, faulted the call, describing the accusations as baseless.

The protesters from different local councils in the state held placards with inscriptions such as “Ojelabi Must Go,” “Faleke is a Betrayal,” and “Ojelabi, Mr Voter’s Apathy.”

They called for inclusion, fairness, and an end to what they described as top-down manipulation of local politics.

One of the protest leaders, Ogumba Adetunbosun from Ikorodu, said the protest was borne out of deep dissatisfaction with the way local government elections were conducted and how supervisory positions were being imposed without input from the grassroots.

“We’re concerned politicians from all 57 local councils. What brought us here is the injustice we witnessed in the just-concluded local government elections.

“Chairmen and vice-chairmen have emerged, but when it came to appointing supervisors and secretaries to local governments, we were sidelined. There was no consultation, no dialogue, and that’s not democracy,” Adetunbosun said.

Another protester, Mrs Bola Balogun from Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, accused top APC leaders of stifling local democracy.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu said we shouldn’t appoint supervisors for (two) months. Why? They want to impose on us.

“We voted for Mr Governor and President Tinubu, not for them to impose appointees on us. Ojelabi and Fanleke are choking the Lagos APC. They’re not listening to the grassroots, and they’re killing the spirit of democracy,” she said.

Speaking on Monday in an interview, a member of GAC, Chief Muraina Taiwo, backed the call for the chairman’s sacking, saying Ojelabi was only loyal to a faction of the party in the state, known as the ‘Justice Forum,’ sidelining the ‘Mandate’ and other factions.

Muraina said he was not initially aware of the protest, but noted that “what I know is that party stalwarts are not happy with the party chairman, most especially. The opinion is that they believe he is a Justice Forum member, and he is not trying to balance things. It is obvious in his dealings that he belongs to a faction.

“Imagine that in Oshodi, I was the one who brought the party there since the days of Lateef Jakande. The party chairman knows my ward. Because he knows my child was in the race, they went to write in my ward that they want a female, and my child had paid for the form. He was aspiring for the position of a councillor. He wanted me to go and lobby stakeholders in the Justice Forum, who are his leaders. I’m not totally for him as chairman, but I’m not a part of this protest. However, his dealings are what is only playing out.”

On the appointment of LG supervisors, the GAC member said it was normal for the governor and party leaders to approve their appointments. “That is how it’s supposed to be. It has been like that for a long time since Jakande’s days.”

Speaking further on alleged sidelining, he said, “Out of all the 57 local governments. Check, the whole council, all Justice Forum’s members, through the state chairman’s directive, took all the slots for councillors. If they don’t change before the 2027 elections, things will be worse.

“He does not have experience. It was with a fight that we took 20 slots for the chairman from them. So if they want us to win the 2027 elections, they should remove that chairman.”

Another GAC member who did not want to be quoted said he was not aware of the call for the chairman’s removal at the GAC level.

“Such a thing was not discussed at any GAC meeting that somebody should be removed. That is not to say that those people making those demands are frivolous; it’s not to say that.

“I’m only responding to your question about whether GAC knows about it. But then we cannot throw away whatever they have said as long as they are members of the APC.

“Firstly, you are just telling me about the protest. I’m hearing it for the first time. There was no meeting where it (chairman’s removal) was discussed. But we will look at the situation as presented. We will look at it and we will deal with it accordingly.

“You can’t hear from one side and conclude; it is the duty of GAC members to make sure that there is peace within the party,” the source said.

The chairman of GAC, Chief Tajudeen Olusi, could not be reached for comments on Monday, as an aide who picked up his call said the elder statesman was not available at the moment.

Chairman kicks

Ojelabi, however, described the claims by the aggrieved members as baseless and lacking substance.

In an interview with our correspondent on Monday, Ojelabi said he was not bothered by the protest, noting that things would no longer be “business as usual” in the party.

He faulted claims that his leadership was not beneficial to the aggrieved members.

“It’s not beneficial to them and we went to elections and won 375 councillors out of 376? We won 57 council chairmen, and it’s not beneficial to them?

“These are people who do not have substance as to what they are doing. It’s not going to be business as usual. We owe it a responsibility to the people of Lagos State to deliver the dividends of democracy.

“They expect that just as the council chairmen were sworn in yesterday (on Sunday), the issue of appointment of supervisors and other things should just follow immediately, and the governor made a pronouncement: ‘Allow these people to settle down. Let them understand the rudiments of governance. Give them the first 30 days to understand what they are inheriting. As you inherit assets, you equally inherit liability.’

“Is it at the state level that we’re going to appoint supervisors and SAs? No. We want the involvement of the leadership of each local government.”

He said the aggrieved members are people who did not have a grassroots base but believe that an imposition is ongoing.

“Did we impose councillors on them? They all emerged from their respective areas. Those who did not fit into the democratic process are the ones fighting back, but I’m not bothered. To the best of my knowledge, we have conducted the best local government election.”

On uniting the aggrieved party members, he said, “It’s a matter of time. By the time the leadership recommends who will be supervisors from their respective local governments, that is what we’re going to adopt. You can’t satisfy human beings.

“The leadership of each local government from the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs will recommend them based on the contribution of individuals. That is the mechanism. If you work assiduously for our success, let such people be rewarded. Not ‘because I know Ojelabi, he should appoint me as supervisor.’ No, I can’t be everywhere.

“Whatever they recommend is what we are going to approve. So they are just putting the cart before the horse. The process of appointing supervisors will not come up until the next 30 to 45 days. So that’s it, I’m not bothered. It’s an in-house issue and we will resolve it,” the chairman added.

In a Monday statement, the APC spokesperson in the state, Seye Oladejo, said the party acknowledged and respected the rights of party stakeholders and members to express grievances democratically. “Peaceful protests are a legitimate feature of civic engagement, and we commend those who have conducted themselves calmly and orderly,” he stated.

He, however, said that the selection of cabinet members for the 20 LGs and 37 LCDAs would follow the laid-down rules and the internal party guidelines and the proposition by local leadership of the party after due consultations.

He said, “Please note that the party at the state level only plays an advisory role. The party hereby vehemently denies any allegation to impose nomination on any local government.

“We want to advise interested members to approach their local leadership, who are the custodians of the power to nominate.

“We remain committed to constructive dialogue to review concerns and disputes to ensure fair outcomes in line with party values.

“We appeal for constructive participation and plead with the protesters to channel their concerns through official party organs.”

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Politics

2027: Wike To Lead Campaign Team For Tinubu’s Re-election

Published

7 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to set up and lead campaign teams for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid in the FCT and Rivers State.

It was reports that Wike made this known on Friday during an inspection of the ongoing Phase Two construction of the Kuje-Gwagwalada road dualization project in Chikuku, Abuja.

The minister said he would personally head the campaign structure in the nation’s capital and his home state, Rivers, as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

He said political parties were already reorganizing ahead of the election, adding that supporters of Tinubu from different political platforms had also begun preparing their campaign structures.

He said: “The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), I believe, is putting itself together for an aggressive campaign. For us who are supporting Mr President from different political platforms, we have put our machinery ready to fully kickstart. Very soon, I will inaugurate the campaign team for Tinubu in the FCT and Rivers State, which I will lead. All elements of the APC are ready, Mr President is ready, we are ready and you can see the enthusiasm.

“People are happy, and I don’t know who will contest against Mr President as far as this election is concerned. This is governance, and this is what people expect. It will translate directly into actual votes. It is very obvious. Nobody will be able to claim rigging in the FCT. The ‘rigging’ is the projects we are delivering, making the people happy.

“This is my first time getting to this side of the road, and I can see how highly populated this area is. You can imagine the enthusiasm and happiness on the faces of the people. That is why we say the essence of governance is to make people happy. When the people are happy, those in authority are happy.”

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Politics

Tinubu Makes Demands From Nigerians Over 2027 Election

Published

7 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Key Takeaways

President Bola Tinubu, speaking through House Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, urged Nigerians to give his administration more time to complete its programmes and reforms.

Tinubu delivered the appeal on Friday at a special Juma’at prayer at the National Mosque, Abuja, marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Abbas said Tinubu assured Nigerians not to lose hope, promising peace and development would return as the government corrects past mistakes and missed opportunities.

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to give his administration more time to complete the programmes and reforms it has embarked upon. NigeriaMarket Research

Tinubu made the appeal on Friday through the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, at a special Juma’at prayer held at the National Mosque in Abuja as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The President, represented by Abbas at the prayer, urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country, saying his administration was working to address what he described as the cumulative mistakes and missed opportunities of previous governments.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66 years of independence, the President described the country as having reached maturity despite the challenges it had encountered over the years.

Abbas, conveying Tinubu’s message, said, “This anniversary, the 66th, by all accounts signifies Nigeria has come of age. A 66-year-old cannot be called a child anymore. Nigeria has become mature, even though when we reflect on the journey from independence to date, we may say it was a mixed journey.

“Nigeria was bedevilled with a lot of issues in the past and opportunities as well. But we thank Almighty Allah for granting us the life and the peace for us to witness this very historic event today.”

The President urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, assuring them that peace and development would return as the country continued on its democratic path. NigeriaMarket Research

“My message to the country on behalf of the Mr President, the Senate President and all members of the National Assembly is that the citizens should not lose hope.

“Peace is coming back to this country. Development is coming back to this country. Things will get better as we progress in this democracy,” he said.

Tinubu said his administration was focused on correcting what he described as accumulated mistakes and missed opportunities inherited from previous governments.

The President further said Nigerians should consider the direction of his administration as it implements its programmes and reforms. NigeriaMarket Research

He added, “More importantly, citizens should look at the focus of the government of today, that the mistakes of the past—the cumulative mistakes and the missed opportunities of the past are being corrected in this particular administration.

“And I want to categorically make it clear that Nigeria is on the right path; that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and that Nigerians have finished making sacrifices for this country to be great again.

“We should give this government more opportunity for it to come back and finish the good work.”

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Politics

PHOTOS: Full List Of Children Of Ex-Presidents, Govs, Lawmaker Seeking NASS Seat

Published

7 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Key Takeaways

Children of former presidents, governors and other political bigwigs are among those seeking Senate and House of Representatives seats ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly polls, as parties intensify preparations for the election.

Named aspirants and incumbents include Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Iyabo Obasanjo, Yusuf Buhari, Bello El-Rufai, Adamu Atiku and Blessing Onuh across multiple states and constituencies.

As political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, the children of several former

Nigerian presidents, governors and other prominent political figures are featuring among those seeking seats in the National Assembly.

According to The Nation, a review of candidates and politicians identified in recent reports shows that some already serve in the Senate or House of Representatives, while others seek to enter the National Assembly in the next election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, according to its published timetable.

Among those linked to the 2027 National Assembly contests are:

1. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan – Kogi

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, daughter of the late former House of Representatives member, Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, is the incumbent senator representing Kogi Central.

She is seeking another term in the Senate on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform.

2. Iyabo Obasanjo – Ogun

Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is seeking the Ogun Central senatorial seat on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform.

Her proposed return to elective politics places another member of a former president’s family in the 2027 National Assembly contest.

3. Yusuf Buhari – Katsina

Yusuf Buhari, son of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has been linked to the Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua Federal Constituency contest in Katsina State.

His reported involvement adds another former presidential family to the list of political families featuring in the 2027 legislative elections.

4. Bello El-Rufai – Kaduna

Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, currently represents the Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

He is among the politicians featuring in the 2027 National Assembly contests.

5. Chinedum Orji – Abia

Chinedum Orji, son of former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, is contesting the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

6. Adamu Atiku – Adamawa Government

Adamu Atiku, son of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, is among those linked to the 2027 National Assembly race in Adamawa State.

Reports have also linked him to the Adamawa South senatorial contest.

7. Blessing Onuh – Benue

Blessing Onuh, daughter of former Senate President David Mark, currently represents the Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

She is seeking another term in the 2027 election.

8. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu – Delta

Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, represents the Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

She is also involved in the 2027 electoral contest.

9. Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion – Edo

Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion, daughter of businessman and politician Gabriel Igbinedion, is associated with the Ovia North-East/Ovia South-West Federal Constituency in Edo State.

She has emerged as a candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.

10. Olumide Osoba – Ogun

Olumide Osoba, son of former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, represents the Abeokuta North/Odeda/Obafemi-Owode Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

He is among the children of prominent political figures seeking National Assembly seats in 2027.

11. Adegboyega Adefarati – Ondo

Adegboyega Adefarati, son of the late former Ondo State Governor Adebayo Adefarati, represents the Akoko South-East/Akoko South-West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

He is seeking another term in the 2027 election.

12. Olamiju Alao-Akala – Oyo

Olamiju Alao-Akala, son of the late former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, is linked to the Orire/Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South Federal Constituency contest in Oyo State.

His participation adds another child of a former governor to the list of politicians featuring in the 2027 National Assembly contests.

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