Category: News

In a resounding victory during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election in Edo State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu amassed 131,096 votes, completely overshadowing his sole challenger, Stanley Osifo, who managed only a single vote. The election, conducted on May 23, 2026, spanned all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, acting as the returning officer, announced the results after collating votes from all 192 wards across the state’s 18 local government areas. He described the process as exceptionally peaceful. Tinubu’s opponent secured his lone vote in Ovia North East Local Government Area, while the president swept every other ward.

Breaking down the figures by senatorial districts, Tinubu garnered 63,442 votes in Edo South, 40,279 in Edo North, and 27,375 in Edo Central. The highest local government tally for Tinubu was 13,147 in Ikpoba-Okha (Edo South), followed by 11,497 in Etsako West (Edo North), and 6,820 in Esan West (Edo Central). Other key results include 9,177 in Oredo, 10,074 in Egor, 6,858 in Orhionmwon, 10,044 in Ovia South West, 7,983 in Ovia North East, and 6,159 in Uhunmwonde for Edo South. In Edo North, Tinubu secured 4,564 in Etsako Central, 7,123 in Etsako East, 5,492 in Owan East, 4,139 in Owan West, and 7,464 in Akoko-Edo. For Edo Central, he received 5,441 in Esan South East, 4,111 in Esan North East, 5,467 in Igueben, and 5,536 in Esan Central.

Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the election was conducted peacefully and transparently, with collation officers from each local government presenting results at the APC secretariat in Benin City. The outcome underscores Tinubu’s strong grassroots support within the party in Edo State.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced its candidate for the Borno South Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections, selecting a former governorship hopeful from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Idris Gatumbwa Mamman Durkwa, who previously sought the APC governorship ticket, emerged as the consensus choice of the ADC after a screening process. He will challenge the incumbent Senator Ali Ndume, a vocal lawmaker who has already secured the APC nomination for a fifth term in office.

A victory for Durkwa would end Ndume’s long tenure in the Senate, where he is known for his forthright views on national matters.

During the screening exercise, the ADC also vetted two other senatorial aspirants: Fugu Ibrahim for Borno North and Babagana Zanna for Borno Central.

Addressing journalists after the event, the party’s Organising Secretary, Mohammed Umar Bolori, confirmed Durkwa’s selection as the consensus candidate for the southern district.

“He was presented to reposition ADC’s unity, growth, and electoral success in southern Borno, the state and beyond,” Bolori stated.

He further disclosed that three governorship aspirants and several House of Representatives hopefuls were also screened for primaries in areas where a consensus could not be reached.

President Bola Tinubu has emerged victorious in the Zamfara State All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election, amassing 321,579 votes. The announcement was made on Saturday by Governor Dauda Lawal, who served as the Chief Returning Officer for the exercise in Gusau.

Governor Lawal disclosed that Tinubu’s opponent, Stanley Osifor, managed only 42 votes. The election saw a total of 321,620 votes cast, with 322,435 accredited voters out of 365,796 registered APC members in the state. Results from all 14 local government areas indicated overwhelming support for Tinubu across every council.

“Based on the collated results, I declare Bola Ahmed Tinubu the winner of the APC presidential primary in Zamfara State,” Lawal stated. He confirmed that the results would be forwarded to the party’s national secretariat in Abuja for ratification.

The process was monitored by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials led by Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr. Mahmud Isah. Senators Ikra Aliyu-Bilbis and Sahabi Ya’u served as returning officers for Zamfara Central and Zamfara North respectively, while Zamfara West results were submitted by local government chairmen. Lawal expressed gratitude to party supporters for their massive turnout and pledged to deliver the results promptly.

This victory marks another step in Tinubu’s quest for the APC ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections. The primary was conducted peacefully, with strong participation from party faithful across the state.

In the lead-up to the 2027 elections, an Enugu State governorship hopeful, Ray Kene Ogbodo, has emphasized that a transparent primary election within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is essential for the party’s success. He made this statement during a press briefing over the weekend, just days before the party’s scheduled primary.

Ogbodo argued that selecting a candidate through a fair process is the most reliable path to securing victory in the upcoming polls. He noted that Enugu residents are weary of the current APC administration and are seeking a trustworthy alternative. He expressed confidence that the party leadership would facilitate such an opportunity.

The aspirant stressed that the people of Enugu deserve a government focused on their needs, effective leadership, and policies that lift them out of poverty and suffering. He pointed out that the state currently lacks ethical governance, economic opportunities, youth development, security, quality education, and citizen-centered administration.

Ogbodo called for new perspectives, innovative energy, and a sincere dedication to serving with empathy, integrity, accountability, and transparency. He envisioned a government that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens, encourages youth and women participation, supports community initiatives, and creates avenues for growth and empowerment.

He appealed for unity, collaboration, and partnership to rescue Enugu from the hardships caused by poor governance and outdated politicians. Ogbodo urged all stakeholders to work together to bring about meaningful change and restore hope to the state.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has achieved a commanding win in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election held across Osun State, amassing 100,880 votes during the Saturday exercise.

Announcing the results in Osogbo, the state collation officer and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, described the election as peaceful and well-organized throughout the state.

The minister revealed that Tinubu’s only opponent, Mr. Stanley Osifo, received zero votes in the primary conducted across all 30 local government areas and the Ife East Area Office.

Oyetola noted that the APC had 109,806 digitally registered members in Osun State, with 100,880 accredited for the exercise, highlighting the dedication of party members to internal democracy.

He emphasized the transparency and orderliness of the process, stating that the high turnout demonstrates the party’s unity and strength ahead of future elections.

The minister urged APC members to stay united and focused as preparations intensify for the Osun governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.

Oyetola reiterated that the primary’s conduct reflected the party’s commitment to democratic values, internal cohesion, and transparent electoral procedures, underscoring the readiness of members for upcoming electoral contests.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially selected Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe as its candidate for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial seat in the upcoming 2027 general elections. This decision follows a primary election where Kingibe achieved a commanding victory.

In the party’s internal contest, Kingibe secured an overwhelming 17,535 votes, far surpassing her opponent, Mubarak Tijjani, who managed only 806 votes. The results were announced at the ADC secretariat in Abuja by Abubakar Adamu, the returning officer overseeing the senatorial and House of Representatives primaries.

Adamu stated, “Having scored the highest number of votes of 17,535, and by the powers conferred on me as the returning officer for the Senate and House of Representatives primary elections, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe is hereby declared winner of the election.”

The primary also produced candidates for the FCT’s two House of Representatives seats. For the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, Bala Iyah emerged victorious with 4,937 votes, defeating Yahaya Fatima Goya (2,015 votes), Ma’aji Johnson Bello (1,546 votes), and Ismaila Ishak Ozigi (105 votes). In the Abaji/Gwagwalada/Kwali/Kuje Federal Constituency, Alhassan Salihu clinched the ticket with 9,016 votes, outperforming Khalid A. Haruna, who received 2,955 votes.

Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the entire primary process to ensure transparency and fairness.

Following his win, Bala Iyah expressed confidence in the ADC’s prospects for 2027, describing himself as a grassroots politician with a deep understanding of the constituency and strong local support.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election held in Delta State, amassing a total of 407,646 votes. The announcement was made on Saturday in Asaba by Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who served as the State Coordinator and Returning Officer for the exercise.

Governor Oborevwori revealed that out of 467,815 registered APC members in the state, 407,646 were accredited and participated in the election. He officially declared President Tinubu as the winner and the party’s presidential candidate, citing his overwhelming support. The governor stated, “By the powers conferred on me as the State Coordinator and Returning Officer, I hereby declare that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, having polled overwhelming votes in the presidential primary election, is hereby declared winner and returned elected as the presidential candidate of the party.”

The president’s only challenger, Mr. Stanley Osifo, received zero votes. The election was conducted across all wards in the state’s 25 local government areas. The declaration was made in the presence of security agents, media representatives, and key party stakeholders, including President Tinubu’s agent, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon; Mr. Osifo’s agent, Mr. Kelvin Ezekiel; and the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren.

Governor Oborevwori commended party members for ensuring a peaceful and orderly process, describing the exercise as successful and a reflection of internal party unity. Delta State APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, expressed gratitude for the smooth conduct of the primary, noting that it marked the climax of the party’s primaries, which began with legislative and gubernatorial contests. “Today is the climax of the party primaries, which started from the House of Representatives, Senate, House of Assembly, governorship, and presidential primaries, which end today. We thank God for the peaceful conduct of all the primary elections across Delta State,” he stated.

On Saturday, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State officially declared their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election. The decision came during the party’s presidential primary, which was conducted across all 332 wards in the state.

The event saw key party figures participating actively. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, joined the exercise at Iragbiji Ward 1, accompanied by a crowd of supporters. Similarly, the APC governorship candidate in Osun, Bola Oyebamiji, took part in the primary at Ikire Ward 9 alongside other party loyalists.

Across various wards, party members voiced their solid backing for Tinubu, affirming him as the APC’s presidential candidate for the upcoming general elections. The primary process was notably peaceful in areas like Osogbo and Olorunda local government areas, where members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors network served as ward agents for Tinubu.

Interestingly, another presidential aspirant, Stanley Osifo, reportedly had no agents present in many of the wards monitored during the exercise in Osogbo. Speaking to journalists afterward, Sunday Akere, the Osun Renewed Hope Ambassador, highlighted the smooth conduct of the primary. He stated that materials from the primary election committee were delivered to local governments and wards without delay, enabling a seamless process.

According to Akere, party members across all 332 wards mobilized to endorse President Tinubu as the party’s candidate for 2027. He noted that the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ structure efficiently functioned as agents at various levels. He further disclosed that the collation of results at the state level was supervised by Oyetola, the state collation officer. Akere added that results from Boluwaduro Local Government had already been compiled, and he was heading to Osogbo for the final aggregation before submission to Abuja.

The declaration of results from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Ogun East Senatorial District on May 18, 2026, delivered a decisive verdict with clear political significance. Governor Dapo Abiodun, the outgoing state chief executive, amassed 75,550 votes from a total of 99,503 cast, triumphing across all nine local government areas within the district. His main rival, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who had stepped down just before the vote, managed only 398 votes.

Beyond the stark numerical gap, the outcome underscored a broader consensus: a resounding endorsement of Governor Abiodun’s achievements in office and his political influence across Ogun East. For a substantial segment of the APC, the primary transcended mere succession maneuvering; it served as a judgment on delivery—on infrastructure strides, economic growth, and continuity of leadership.

The crucial query, therefore, is not merely about why Prince Dapo Abiodun secured the APC ticket, but why many party faithful believe he truly merited it.

From Private Sector to Public Service

Hailing from Iperu-Remo, Prince Dapo Abiodun was born on May 29, 1960, and spent years cultivating a robust corporate career before transitioning to politics. His background includes founding Heyden Petroleum Limited and directing financial entities such as First Marina Trust and the First Interstate Group.

Supporters frequently highlight this business pedigree as a key influence on his governance approach—one emphasizing infrastructure, investment, industrialization, and fiscal growth. Upon becoming governor in 2019, his administration unveiled the ISEYA agenda: Infrastructure, Social Welfare, Education, Youth and Women Empowerment, and Agriculture—a framework that has guided policy throughout his tenure. Over seven years, this plan has become synonymous with road building, industrial expansion, transport integration, and economic reform.

Infrastructure as the Cornerstone

No facet of the Abiodun administration draws more frequent praise than infrastructure development. Since 2019, Ogun State has reportedly constructed or upgraded more than 1,600 kilometers of roads linking industrial zones, rural settlements, and business hubs.

Key projects include the Epe-Ijebu Ode Expressway, Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway, Sagamu-Iperu-Ode Remo-Sapade corridor, Ilishan-Iperu Road, and the Ijebu-Ode-Epe dual carriageway. Additionally, township roads in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu, Abeokuta, Ota, and Ilaro received substantial rehabilitation.

For Ogun East, these projects carried direct economic weight. Improved roads boosted market access, cut transportation costs, and strengthened links between Ogun and Lagos. Communities once cut off by poor infrastructure became better integrated into economic and social life.

The Gateway International Airport Impact

Perhaps no project symbolizes the ambition of the Abiodun administration more than the Gateway International Airport, situated in Iperu-Ilishan within Ogun East Senatorial District. Commissioned on April 4, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the airport immediately became a flagship legacy achievement.

The ceremony drew national political figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several governors. For supporters, the airport represented much more than tarmac and terminals; it signaled Ogun State’s rise as a strategic logistics and industrial hub. Manufacturers and businesses around Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, and neighboring industrial corridors now have a convenient aviation gateway, bypassing the congestion of Lagos routes.

The event also featured the launch of Gateway Air, electric motorcycles, security vehicles, and agricultural tractors—all reinforcing the administration’s broader development narrative. President Tinubu publicly lauded the governor’s leadership, stating, “In less than seven years, you, Dapo Abiodun, have demonstrated commitment, vision and patriotism to grow Nigeria.” Former President Obasanjo similarly hailed the airport as a historic milestone for Ogun State.

Moreover, the airport fits within a larger transportation vision under Abiodun—one that placed Ogun among the few Nigerian states accessible via road, rail, air, and water.

Economic Performance and Industrial Growth

Supporters of Governor Abiodun also point to tangible economic indicators. Ogun State’s Internally Generated Revenue reportedly climbed from ₦52 billion in 2020 to nearly ₦192 billion in 2024, with projections nearing ₦250 billion. The state’s GDP expanded from ₦2.9 trillion in 2021 to ₦7.3 trillion in 2024. In 2025, Ogun reportedly attracted over 70 percent of Nigeria’s Foreign Direct Investment inflow, reinforcing its status as a leading industrial destination.

Beyond numbers, the administration secured major investment pledges tied to industrial and logistics growth. In 2022, Ogun State signed a $400 million Memorandum of Understanding with Arise Integrated Industrial Platform for the Olokola Free Trade Zone and the Remo Agro Processing Zone. African Industries Group committed over $500 million, and global manufacturing giant Foxconn expressed interest in establishing operations in the state. The Kajola Dry Port initiative further complemented the administration’s logistics strategy, aiming to facilitate trade movement between Ogun and Nigeria’s seaports.

Social Interventions and Community Benefits

While infrastructure dominated headlines, the administration also rolled out programs in education, healthcare, and community development. The Women Development Centre in Ijebu-Ode was established to promote entrepreneurship and vocational training for women. The Eriwe initiative provided support to fishing and riverside communities in Ogun Waterside and adjoining areas.

Education reforms included the abolition of school levies, the introduction of the Ogun DigiClass programme, and the deployment of an Education Management Information System across local education authorities. Healthcare infrastructure was also upgraded, with approximately 140 primary healthcare centers reportedly renovated statewide.

Traditional institutions in Ogun East publicly acknowledged aspects of the administration’s work. The Ijebu Traditional Council, during the lifetime of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, commended the administration’s infrastructure projects, governance reforms, and the Obas and Chiefs Laws of Ogun State 2021.

What the Primary Victory Signified

The APC primary itself became one of the strongest political validations of Governor Abiodun’s standing in Ogun East. Across Sagamu, Remo North, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun Waterside, Odogbolu, Ijebu East, Ijebu North, Ijebu North East, and Ikenne, he secured commanding wins. Prior to the election, party leaders, lawmakers, councillors, and local government chairmen openly endorsed his candidacy. The Ogun East APC Caucus also announced plans to collectively purchase his nomination form.

To supporters, these endorsements reflected broad political consensus around his candidacy, not merely elite alignment.

Why Many Believe He Belongs in the Senate

Proponents of Prince Dapo Abiodun argue that his move from Government House to the Senate would give Ogun East a more powerful voice at the federal level. First, his executive experience: as governor, he managed multi-billion-naira budgets, negotiated international investment deals, and coordinated projects requiring collaboration with federal agencies and foreign investors. Second, his political access: his relationship with the Tinubu administration is seen within APC circles as able to translate into greater federal attention for Ogun East projects and infrastructure priorities. Third, continuity: initiatives such as the Gateway International Airport, Kajola Dry Port, Olokola Free Trade Zone, and industrial corridors within Ogun East would benefit from representation by someone already deeply familiar with their financing, implementation challenges, and long-term economic goals.

Supporters also believe his background equips him to contribute meaningfully to legislative debates on industrial policy, infrastructure financing, regional development, and investment promotion.

Beyond Politics: A Performance Argument

Prince Dapo Abiodun’s victory in the APC Ogun East senatorial primary was far more than a routine political exercise. For many within the party, it represented an endorsement of seven years defined by road construction, economic expansion, industrial growth, investment attraction, and strategic infrastructure development. Across Ogun East, supporters point to rehabilitated roads, upgraded healthcare centers, attracted industries, and an international airport commissioned within the district itself.

Ultimately, the 2027 general election will determine whether the broader electorate shares that assessment. But within the APC, the message from the primary was unmistakable: many party members believe Prince Dapo Abiodun earned the ticket through performance, political influence, and visible developmental impact delivered during his tenure.

Akinmade is Special Adviser, Information and Strategy to Ogun State Governor.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) conducted its presidential primary election across Ogun State on Saturday, witnessing a remarkable turnout and peaceful proceedings as party leaders and members expressed their steadfast backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This exercise marked a significant step ahead of the 2027 general elections, demonstrating the party’s unity and grassroots strength.

In Ward 3, Iperu 1, located within Ikenne Local Government Area, party supporters began assembling as early as 9 a.m. to take part in the affirmation process. A total of 830 accredited voters were recorded, all unanimously endorsing President Tinubu, who ran unopposed in the ward.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State praised the smooth execution of the primaries, attributing it to the peace, unity, and political maturity that characterize the APC in the state. He noted that Ogun has enjoyed a tranquil political environment for the past seven years, allowing citizens and party members to engage in democratic activities freely, without fear or violence.

“The peace in the state has defined us as a state that knows how to organise, plan, engage, discuss, and manage party affairs without rancour,” Governor Abiodun stated. He highlighted that the presidential primary concluded a week-long series of APC primaries, which included contests for the House of Representatives, Senate, State Assembly, and governorship.

The governor extended his appreciation to President Tinubu for his visionary leadership at the national level and commended the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for establishing effective mechanisms that facilitated the seamless conduct of the primaries nationwide. He also acknowledged the contributions of party leaders, members of the State Working Committee, and elder statesman Chief Olusegun Osoba for their invaluable support and guidance.

Abiodun emphasized that extensive consultations across the three senatorial districts had bolstered party cohesion, enhanced participation, and fostered a stronger sense of belonging among members. Expressing confidence in the party’s prospects for the 2027 elections, he asserted that the APC would emerge victorious, citing President Tinubu’s reforms and policies as laying the groundwork for a revitalized Nigeria.

Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, who represents Ogun Central Senatorial District, characterized the primaries as a powerful testament to the APC’s growing popularity, internal democracy, and public trust in its leadership. Speaking at Ward 10, Opeji, in Odeda Local Government Area, where over 2,000 APC members participated in the presidential affirmation, Senator Salisu noted that the turnout was unprecedented, resembling a general election.

“It is like we are already having a general election. We are seeing members of the party community in their thousands in various wards,” he remarked. The senator, who recently secured victory in the Ogun Central senatorial primary with 85,804 votes, viewed the outcome as a clear endorsement of his service and representation over the past three years.

He also highlighted the peaceful nature of the primaries across the state, stressing that despite intense political activities, no incidents of violence were reported in any of the 236 wards involved. Senator Salisu attributed the high level of enthusiasm among party members to the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration and Governor Abiodun’s developmental strides, particularly in infrastructure and grassroots development.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this sitting Senator, by the grace of God, is also the incoming Senator,” he declared, reaffirming his candidacy for Ogun Central Senatorial District.

In Owode Ward 3, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, APC faithful turned out in large numbers for the presidential affirmation exercise. Chief Olusegun Osoba and his son, Rt. Hon. Olumide Osoba, arrived to a rousing welcome from party supporters, further energizing the gathering. Their presence underscored the unity and strength of the APC structure in Ogun State. Party members praised Chief Osoba’s leadership and commended Rt. Hon. Olumide Osoba for his relentless grassroots mobilization and engagement across the constituency.

Across Ogun State, the APC presidential primary and affirmation exercise concluded peacefully, culminating in the unanimous ratification of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s standard-bearer for the 2027 general elections.