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APC chairmanship: Akume’s candidacy soars as NEC members, Sheriff, Yuguda’s supporters declare support

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Ahead of the national convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the candidacy of Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs Chief George Akume, has received a boost.

The support is coming following the zoning arrangements of the National Chairmanship position to the North-central zone where Senator George Akume hails from.

The support coming from some National Executive Committee (NEC) members and supporters of two other major contenders who have been zoned out of the race, has boosted the minister’s chances of emerging the next APC national chairman.

A statement released on Monday in Abuja, signed by the Coordinator South, Chief Ray Morphy, on behalf of the George Akume Campaign Organisation said some APC NEC members which include: Hon. Sadiq Fakai from North-west zonal youth leader, Hon. Adamu Abubakar from North-east zonal youth leader and Hon. Terver Aginde from North-central zonal youth leader among many others have publicly declared support for Akume’s chairmanship.

The statement said three political support groups known as Senator Ali Modu Sherrif Nationalist Movement belonging to former Governor of Borno state Ali Modu Sheriff and Mallam Isa Yuguda Support Organisation belonging to former Governor ISA Yuguda of Bauchi state have also met on 12th March, 2022 at Sir. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Tomb in Bauchi to declare their support for Senator George Akume.

Chief Morphy said a communique issued at the end of the join meeting between Coalition of Northeast APC Groups, Mallam Isa Yuguda Support Organization and Sen. Ali Modu Sherrif Nationalist Movement on 12th March, 2022.
Continuing he said the three groups had a join meeting at Sir, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Tomb conference hall in Bauchi where Yuguda Support Organizations and Sen. Ali Modu Sherrif Nationalist Movement unanimously agreed to join hands and forces with Coalition of Northeast APC Groups to mobilize and canvass support for Sen. Dr. George Akume as National Chairman.

He said their decision is based on the fact that the party has Zone the National Chairmanship position to North Central.

“The communique was signed by Mallam Ayuba Hassan, Convener, Coalition of Northeast APC Groups, Alhaji Yusuf Grema, Coordinator, Ali Modu Sherrif Nationalist Movement and Hajiya Murja Musa, Women Leader, Yuguda Support Organisations.

The statement said: “The groups pointed out some challenges facing the party leadership and appreciate the North-east Progressive Governors and North-east NASS Caucus of APC for their unity and seek for them to join their counterpart in the North-central and other part of the country to adopt Sen. Dr. George Akume as consensus candidate ahead of the March 26, 2022 convention.

“The group also plans a mega rally and endorsement program in solidarity of the Minister of Special Duties and Inter Governmental Affairs for the position of APC National Chairman in Maiduguri, Borno State capital Wednesday 16th March, 2022 and Marge with Yugada and Sherrif support groups in Abuja at Unity Fountain to move to the National Assembly and seek for the endorsement of the National Assembly caucus of APC for Sen. Dr. George Akume.”

The Southern Coordinator indicated that a support group of the ruling party under the eagis of APC Legacy Stakeholders led by Hon. Emmanuel Acha, earlier declared Akume as “the most viable, the most democratic chairmanship aspirant whose imminent chairmanship will unite both the North and the South as well as rally all religions together.”

Akume campaign team however listed six points why Akume should be next APC national chairman to include his calm, focused and foresighted disposition that will bring his extensive experience and competences to bear on the job, by thinking and acting outside the box in prioritizing the tackling and solving of APC’s myriad problems.
“Senator Akume is well placed to achieve these goals, having been two-term elected Governor of Benue State, three-term (12 years) Senator including as Chairman Senate Committee on Army, Senate Minority Leader, and currently, Minister of the Federal Republic, among others.
“Senator Akume will deploy his PR skills to effectively engage and collaborate with all shades of stakeholders to achieve sustainable reconciliation and peace by being firm but fair to all.
“Senator Akume will devise credible ways and means to create space for youths and encourage them to participate meaningfully in the political arena both in terms of elective and appointive offices at the Federal, State and Local Government levels.
“Senator Akume will vigorously encourage women in general to strive to occupy significant portions of the political and governance Spaces.
“To bolster confidence in APC, Senator Akume will hold periodic Town Hall Interactive Sessions around the country and convey feedback to the APC Governments at all levels.
“Also, he will promote and participate in a robust social media communication scheme to feel the pulse of Nigerians, especially the youths and encourage the respective APC Governments to appropriately act on key issues raised.
“Senator Akume will passionately see to the faithful implementation of APC’s Manifesto.”

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Obidient Movement Gears Up for 2027, Strengthens Unity

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Following a successful Advisory and Directorate Committees meeting held recently, the Obidient Movement has reaffirmed its commitment to a united, strategic, and value-driven political future.

The meeting, described as a milestone gathering, brought together key stakeholders and leaders within the movement to solidify strategies for the 2027 general elections.
Central to the discussions was the vision of ensuring competent, value-based leadership, with a strong emphasis on supporting Peter Obi and like-minded leaders who embody the movement’s ideals of integrity, good governance, and accountability.
Participants at the meeting underscored the importance of organisation, coordination, and active participation in driving the movement’s objectives.
The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, reinforcing the need for structure, outreach, and grassroots mobilisation to sustain the momentum ahead of the next election cycle.

Following the deliberations, members left with a renewed sense of purpose, fully aware of the responsibilities ahead.
National Coordinator of the Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko
expressed confidence in the movement’s direction, thanking those who have taken up leadership roles in various directorates and advisory councils.

“We deeply appreciate all those who have accepted appointments to serve in different capacities. Their contributions will be critical in shaping the movement’s future. We also salute the millions of Obidients across Nigeria and beyond who tirelessly advocate and mobilise for a better country. Your dedication is the heartbeat of this movement,” Dr. Tanko stated.
Continuing, he said eith renewed energy and focus, the Obidient Movement is set to expand its structures nationwide, ensuring greater coordination and effectiveness.
According to him, the movement will also empower supporters with the tools needed to actively participate in governance and political processes as well as sustained mobilization at all levels, to reinforce the push for transformative leadership in Nigeria.

Dr. Tanko urged all supporters to stay engaged, participate actively, and remain steadfast in their commitment to the movement’s cause.
He emphasized that a new Nigeria is within reach, but only through collective action and perseverance.
Finally, Tanko encouraged all Obidients to stay informed, join local chapters, and contribute to the shared vision of a better Nigeria.
For further updates and participation, he urged supporters to reach out via Obidient.unification@gmail.com.

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2027 Elections: SDP’s Agunloye Calls for Ideology-Driven Alliances, Not Just Power Grabs

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Olu Agunloye

National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Olu Agunloye, has warned that alliances must go beyond mere power-seeking and instead be rooted in principles, ideology, and national development.
This is coming as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections with political coalitions and realignments taking center stage once again.
In a thought-provoking paper titled “The Tikanga for Alliances and Coalitions for Good Governance and Life More Abundant,” released in Abuja on Monday, Agunloye examined Nigeria’s history of political coalitions—highlighting their successes, failures, and the urgent need for a new approach.
Dr. Agunloye traced the failures of past alliances, including, the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA) of 1964, formed out of political expediency, lacking a unifying ideology.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013 successfully unseated the ruling party in 2015 but failed to deliver long-term national development, leaving Nigeria struggling with insecurity, poor infrastructure, and economic challenges.

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP 2018) despite signing a memorandum to support a joint candidate, it lacked a clear roadmap before the 2019 elections.

The National Consultative Front (NCF 2021) aimed to form a mega-party for the 2023 elections failed to implement its strategy within INEC’s timeframe.
Looking ahead to 2027, Agunloye urged political stakeholders to move beyond short-term electoral victories and instead adopt a structured, principle-based approach to coalition-building.
He emphasized that alliances should prioritize national security, social justice, and economic prosperity over personal ambition.
“Political partnerships must be built well in advance of elections, with clear strategies for leadership, policies, and campaign execution.
“Coalitions should not be a dumping ground for defecting politicians but a platform for individuals and groups genuinely committed to Nigeria’s progress.
“A blueprint for governance must be established before seeking electoral victory to prevent post-election chaos.”

Dr. Agunloye suggested that the SDP, under its current leadership, has the necessary structure to support a well-planned alliance.
However, he stressed that other political platforms could also contribute to building a coalition focused on national transformation.

“Nigeria does not need to reinvent the wheel,” he stated, urging stakeholders to learn from past coalition mistakes and work towards a grand alliance that prioritizes governance over politics.

As the 2027 elections approach, the critical question remains, will political leaders embrace a new, ideology-driven alliance or repeat the cycle of failed coalitions?

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Ex-LP Treasurer Rejects Abure’s Igbo Presidency Push, Advocates Merit-Based Leadership

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Oluchi Oparah

A former National Treasurer of the Labour Party (LP), Oluchi Oparah, has distanced herself from the position of the party’s National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, on the path to an Igbo presidency, insisting that Ndigbo must secure the presidency through merit, not ethnic sentiment.
Oparah’s reaction follows Abure’s recent statement at a South-East Labour Party rally in Abuja, where he reiterated the party’s commitment to supporting the Igbo for the presidency in 2027. According to Abure, the LP had zoned its 2023 presidential ticket to the South-East to “wipe the tears” of the region, urging Igbo leaders to realign and consolidate their political strength ahead of the next election.
However, Oparah, in a statement issued on Sunday, strongly disagreed with Abure’s approach, warning that framing the presidency as an ethnic entitlement rather than a merit-based contest could hurt Ndigbo’s chances.
“The notion that Ndigbo can only achieve the presidency by exploiting tribal and regional sentiments is not only misguided but also detrimental to our collective progress as a nation,” she said.
She pointed to the performance of Peter Obi in the 2023 general elections as evidence that an Igbo candidate can gain nationwide support based on competence, integrity, and vision, rather than ethnic affiliation.
“Obi’s success was not built on ethnic sentiment but on his impressive credentials and performance record, which still speak for him today. If not for certain electoral irregularities, he could have secured the seat for the betterment of all Nigerians,” Oparah argued.

She further criticized Abure’s rhetoric, stating that it undermines the principle of national unity and meritocracy.
“Rather than promoting an ethnic-based campaign strategy, Ndigbo must focus on building a coalition of support across different ethnic and political groups. The presidency of Nigeria should be won based on competence, vision, and leadership, not sentiment,” she said.
Oparah urged political leaders to prioritize a unifying national agenda over ethnic considerations, warning that emphasizing tribal politics could alienate potential allies and weaken support for an Igbo candidate.
As the race for 2027 begins to take shape, her remarks signal a growing debate within the Labour Party and the wider political landscape over the best approach for the South-East to attain national leadership.

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