2027 presidential ticket open to all despite Tinubu endorsement, says APC

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The ruling All Progressives Congress has clarified that, despite the widespread endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, other party members interested in the presidency will still be free to contest for the party’s ticket during the primaries.

APC’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Mohammad Argungu, disclosed this on Wednesday at an interactive session with journalists at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

He reaffirmed that the party’s leadership, including the National Working Committee, the Progressives Governors Forum led by Senator Hope Uzodinma, and the National Assembly leadership under Senator Godswill Akpabio, had endorsed President Tinubu for re-election in recognition of his outstanding performance.

However, Argungu stressed that the APC, being a party committed to democratic principles, would not deny any aspirant the chance to challenge Tinubu for the ticket in a free and open primary election.

He stated, “We will definitely not close our doors (other Presidential aspirants). When the time comes, our timetable will be made known. Anybody who wants to aspire for the presidency under the APC will not be denied the opportunity to purchase the expression of interest and nomination forms to exercise their franchise.

“We never said we had locked the door. We are only telling people that we appreciate what the President is doing for the people of the country and that he deserves a second term in office when we roundly endorsed him recently.”

The Sokoto-born politician spoke in reaction to the question of whether the APC would emulate the Peoples Democratic Party, which printed just one form and reserved it specially for the then-President Goodluck Jonathan to vie as the sole Presidential aspirant in October 2014.

Rivers LG poll: Police vow to crush cultists, announce movement restrictions

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Ahead of the August 30th local government elections in Rivers State, the police have vowed to crush cultists or anyone planning to foment trouble during the chairmanship and councillorship polls.

Also, the State Police Command said it has all it takes to checkmate any action aimed at causing a breach of the peace before, during and after the elections, even as it announced the restriction of human and vehicular movements from midnight of the election eve to 6 pm on the day of the election.

The State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, who made the declaration while speaking to newsmen at his office in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, however, said those on essential duties and election-related assignments will be provided with necessary tags to enable them to go about their duties.

Adepoju lauded people and residents of the state for their peaceful disposition and understanding since the declaration of the state of emergency there, describing them as ‘matured and peace loving’.

I’m ADC authentic national chairman, says Nafi’u

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The embattled Deputy National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Nafi’u Bala, has vowed to take every possible step to challenge the current leadership of the party, insisting that his mandate was “snatched.”

Bala made this declaration in Bauchi shortly after a zonal meeting with the North-East caucus of the party on Monday.

Speaking to journalists, Bala described publications announcing his suspension or dismissal as malicious and aimed at tarnishing his image.

He maintained that executives and members of his constituency were fully behind him.

“My ward executives received me warmly and confirmed to me that they were not involved in any publications alleging that I was suspended or dismissed.

“They told me they are 100 per cent with me, following the party constitution,” he said.

He argued that the ADC constitution is clear on the process of leadership transition, stressing that unless a national chairman resigns, no change of leadership can be effected.

“The party constitution states clearly that in the event of a national chairman’s resignation, the deputy national chairman automatically assumes leadership.

“Therefore, I remain the authentic national chairman of our great party,” Bala insisted.

He further alleged that some individuals parading themselves as leaders of the party were not even registered members of the ADC.

“We are going to mobilise our members across the North-East to rebuild the party.

“Those claiming to be leaders are misleading the public and do not represent the true spirit of the ADC,” he added.

Bala, who claimed to have served as acting national chairman for over three years, reiterated his determination to resist what he termed attempts to hijack the party’s structure.

On their part, the North-East caucus of the African Democratic Congress emphasised their endorsement to the leadership of Nafiu Bala as acting National Chairman of the party following the voluntary resignation of Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu.

While interacting with newsmen, the Zonal Publicity Secretary, Zayd Adamu reaffirmed the caucus’s loyalty to Bala, stressing that his leadership would ensure continuity and stability within the party.

Zayd said, “We unanimously endorse the voluntary resignation of Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu as National Chairman and support the seamless transition of leadership to Hon. Nafiu Bala, Deputy National Chairman, in an acting capacity.”

He dismissed claims that Bala had been expelled from the party, describing the announcement as “invalid, unlawful, and illegal.”

Adamu also issued guidelines for proposed coalition partners, urging them to register as bona fide ADC members at ward levels, respect established party structures, and comply with both the Electoral Act and the ADC constitution.

While condemning what it described as attempts by certain individuals to create confusion and disharmony within the ADC, the caucus called for unity among members.

“The ADC remains a progressive platform committed to democratic renewal and national transformation.

“We urge all members, supporters, and prospective allies to unite under our guiding principles as we work towards building a stronger, more prosperous, and equitable society for all Nigerians,” Adamu added.

I’m ADC authentic national chairman, says Nafi’u Bala

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The embattled Deputy National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Nafi’u Bala, has vowed to take every possible step to challenge the current leadership of the party, insisting that his mandate was “snatched.”

Bala made this declaration in Bauchi shortly after a zonal meeting with the North-East caucus of the party on Monday.

Speaking to journalists, Bala described publications announcing his suspension or dismissal as malicious and aimed at tarnishing his image.

He maintained that executives and members of his constituency were fully behind him.

“My ward executives received me warmly and confirmed to me that they were not involved in any publications alleging that I was suspended or dismissed.

“They told me they are 100 per cent with me, following the party constitution,” he said.

He argued that the ADC constitution is clear on the process of leadership transition, stressing that unless a national chairman resigns, no change of leadership can be effected.

“The party constitution states clearly that in the event of a national chairman’s resignation, the deputy national chairman automatically assumes leadership.

“Therefore, I remain the authentic national chairman of our great party,” Bala insisted.

He further alleged that some individuals parading themselves as leaders of the party were not even registered members of the ADC.

“We are going to mobilise our members across the North-East to rebuild the party.

“Those claiming to be leaders are misleading the public and do not represent the true spirit of the ADC,” he added.

Bala, who claimed to have served as acting national chairman for over three years, reiterated his determination to resist what he termed attempts to hijack the party’s structure.

On their part, the North-East caucus of the African Democratic Congress emphasised their endorsement to the leadership of Nafiu Bala as acting National Chairman of the party following the voluntary resignation of Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu.

While interacting with newsmen, the Zonal Publicity Secretary, Zayd Adamu reaffirmed the caucus’s loyalty to Bala, stressing that his leadership would ensure continuity and stability within the party.

Zayd said, “We unanimously endorse the voluntary resignation of Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu as National Chairman and support the seamless transition of leadership to Hon. Nafiu Bala, Deputy National Chairman, in an acting capacity.”

He dismissed claims that Bala had been expelled from the party, describing the announcement as “invalid, unlawful, and illegal.”

Adamu also issued guidelines for proposed coalition partners, urging them to register as bona fide ADC members at ward levels, respect established party structures, and comply with both the Electoral Act and the ADC constitution.

While condemning what it described as attempts by certain individuals to create confusion and disharmony within the ADC, the caucus called for unity among members.

“The ADC remains a progressive platform committed to democratic renewal and national transformation.

“We urge all members, supporters, and prospective allies to unite under our guiding principles as we work towards building a stronger, more prosperous, and equitable society for all Nigerians,” Adamu added.