Kwankwaso Open to Rejoining APC, Sets Conditions for Alliance

Kwankwaso Open to Rejoining APC, Sets Conditions for Alliance

September 20, 2025 Former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed openness to a potential political alliance with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but insists it must be based on firm guarantees. Speaking during a strategic meeting with former political adviser Buhari Bakwana and APC leaders from all 44 local government areas of Kano State, Kwankwaso said any merger or alliance must come with “strong promises” and tangible benefits for the NNPP. The meeting was held at Kwankwaso’s residence on Miller Road in Kano, where he reflected on his role in the formation of the APC in 2013, emphasizing the personal and political sacrifices made at the time. “Nobody in this country can deny the burden we bore in creating the APC. We were the ones who led its formation. I was among the first seven governors to join. The ICPC, EFCC, and police were used against us just to derail the movement,” he said. Kwankwaso stressed that future cooperation with the APC—or any party—must be backed by clear commitments, especially regarding what the NNPP and its nationwide political structure stand to gain. “If you’re asking us to join APC, then tell us what the NNPP will benefit. We have candidates across the country and full party structures. What will be offered to them?” he asked. He also criticized both APC and PDP for breaching past political agreements, saying previous alliances yielded little to no benefit. “Eight years under APC and former President Buhari gave us nothing—not even appreciation. In PDP, we only requested a zonal party chairmanship, and they refused. So we left quietly, and today, we’re stronger and more principled,” Kwankwaso added. While expressing willingness to consider renewed talks, he issued a clear warning: the NNPP will not be “used and dumped.” “We are open to joining APC under strong conditions and credible promises. We will not accept any alliance where we are used and later abandoned,” he concluded. Kwankwaso’s remarks come amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as parties position themselves to build stronger coalitions.

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APC Chairman Yilwatda Yet to Resign Ministerial Post, Sparking Legal Concerns

APC Chairman Yilwatda Yet to Resign Ministerial Post, Sparking Legal Concerns

Abuja | September 16, 2025 — Nearly two months after his appointment as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda has yet to formally resign his position as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, raising significant constitutional and ethical concerns. Yilwatda, who replaced Abdullahi Ganduje as party chairman on July 24, continues to occupy both roles—contrary to convention and legal precedent. Critics argue that this dual capacity violates Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the APC’s internal regulations. Despite growing calls for clarity, President Bola Tinubu has not named a new minister, and Yilwatda remains listed in official records as a cabinet member, even while overseeing key party matters—most recently the APC’s strategy for the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in November. Constitutional experts say the arrangement poses a serious conflict of interest. Sections 147 and 192 of the Constitution stipulate that ministers serve the entire federation, not partisan interests. Furthermore, Section 1 of the APC Constitution bars officeholders from occupying multiple executive roles that could create conflict. “This is a dangerous repeat of 2020,” said a political scientist at the University of Abuja, referencing the controversial dual role of Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni as both state governor and APC caretaker chairman under former President Buhari—a move that drew criticism and nearly derailed party litigation. Prominent legal voices have weighed in. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) stated that INEC should not recognise Yilwatda as national chairman unless he resigns as minister, calling the situation “totally illegal.” “A minister serves all Nigerians, not just a political party,” Adegboruwa told Daily Independent. “Until Yilwatda formally resigns, the APC has no national chairman in the eyes of the law.” He also urged the President to make Yilwatda account for any continued salaries and benefits received in his ministerial capacity. Chris Nwufo, another Lagos-based lawyer, echoed the concerns: “This is a blatant disregard for both the Nigerian constitution and APC’s own rules. A minister cannot simultaneously serve as party leader without compromising neutrality.” Meanwhile, several APC stakeholders are reportedly lobbying for the vacant ministerial slot, but sources within the party say Yilwatda appears unwilling to relinquish either position. As of press time, neither Yilwatda nor APC’s National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka responded to requests for comment.

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Lagos APC Slams Peter Obi Over Criticism of Tinubu’s Vacation, Urges ‘Responsible Opposition’

LAGOS, NIGERIA – The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a stern warning to former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, urging him to adopt a more constructive approach to opposition politics and refrain from what it described as “habitual knee-jerk reactions” to national developments. The warning was contained in a statement released by the APC’s Lagos State Publicity Secretary, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, in response to Obi’s recent remarks questioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s short private vacation and its alleged impact on national security. Oladejo criticized Obi’s frequent public comments on national issues, accusing him of seeking “cheap relevance” and portraying himself as a moral authority while offering little in the way of substantive policy contributions. “Must Peter Obi comment on everything?” Oladejo asked. “Nigerians are not deceived. His constant moralising of the President’s every move is less about patriotism and more about political desperation.” He described Obi’s approach as reactionary and populist, reducing complex governance issues to “social media talking points,” rather than engaging in serious, solutions-oriented discourse. The APC spokesman also defended President Tinubu’s decision to take a brief vacation, insisting that the president remains fully in charge of the country’s affairs. “In modern governance, leaders remain in constant communication with their security and intelligence teams, regardless of location. Mr. Obi knows this, but prefers posturing over pragmatism,” Oladejo stated. He further cautioned Obi’s aides to carefully assess the former governor’s public engagements, warning that his pattern of criticism may harm his image as a credible opposition figure. “Leadership requires knowing not only what to say, but also when and how to say it. Constant agitation and reflexive commentary do not equal leadership—they undermine it,” Oladejo said. The APC reiterated its commitment to delivering on national priorities including economic recovery, national security, and public sector reforms, while dismissing Obi’s contributions as lacking depth. “Peter Obi’s comments amount to noise, not leadership or patriotism,” Oladejo concluded. “If he has meaningful contributions to make, let him present them responsibly. Otherwise, silence is an honourable option. For us in the APC, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our focus remains on governance, not political theatre.”

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Zamfara APC Mourns Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has mourned the death of the Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, who passed away early Thursday morning at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness. In a condolence message issued on behalf of the State Working Committee, party leaders, and members, APC State Chairman, Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani, extended heartfelt sympathies to the Zamfara State Government, the Gusau Emirate Council, the State Council of Chiefs, and the people of the state over what he described as a profound loss. Danfulani hailed the late emir as a distinguished traditional ruler who upheld the legacies of his forebears, championed the development of the Gusau Emirate, and stood firmly in defense of Islamic values and human rights. “Late Ibrahim Bello was a great leader known for his simplicity, strong faith, and unwavering commitment to the progress of his people,” the statement read. “He will be fondly remembered for his exemplary leadership and dedication to the service of humanity.” The APC prayed for the peaceful repose of the emir’s soul and asked Almighty Allah to grant him eternal rest in Aljannatu Firdaus.

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University Don Emerges New APC National Chairman

A Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and a former university don, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda has emerged as the new Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC). Yilwatda emerged as the consensus nominee at the Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Thursday. The Professor replaced Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who recently resigned from the position citing health concerns. Yilwatda, 56, hails from Plateau State and was the APC’s gubernatorial candidate in the state during the 2023 general elections. His nomination aligns with the party’s zoning arrangement, which allocated the national chairmanship to the North-Central geopolitical zone comprising Benue, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau states. Professor Yilwatda comes with a blend of academic, bureaucratic, and political experience. Before venturing into politics, he was an engineering lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He also served as a Resident Electoral Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) between 2017 and 2021, overseeing elections in Benue, Anambra, Osun, Rivers, and Cross River states.

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APC Ibadan North Ticket: Olusegun Olaleye Denies Winning Primary Election

APC Ibadan North Ticket: Olusegun Olaleye Denies Winning Primary Election

A top aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Olusegun Olaleye, popularly called Radical Brother, has dismissed reports claiming he won a party primary that never took place. In a statement issued on Monday, Olaleye described the viral publication as “false and mischievous,” insisting that no official primary election was held on Sunday, July 20, 2025. “It has come to my attention that a misleading publication is making the rounds on various online platforms, claiming I have declared myself the APC candidate for Ibadan North. I categorically state that neither I nor my media team authored such claims. This is the handiwork of mischief makers attempting to incite conflict between me and the party,” he stated. The former Oyo lawmaker reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC leadership, noting that the party is still resolving the stalemate surrounding the primary process. “The APC National Headquarters is engaging stakeholders to chart a way forward. I will continue to abide by the party’s directives rather than act unilaterally,” he said. Meanwhile, six out of the ten aspirants have petitioned the APC National Secretariat, rejecting what they called a “kangaroo primary” allegedly held at an unauthorized venue in violation of party and electoral rules.

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Atiku’s Exit Won’t Affect PDP Says Governor Makinde

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed concerns that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would negatively impact the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking to journalists in Akure on Wednesday after delivering a keynote address at the colloquium marking the 10th Coronation Anniversary of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, Makinde described the PDP as an institution where “people have the freedom to come in and go out.” “Atiku’s resignation will not make any dent on the PDP as a party,” he stated. The governor also dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a threat, calling it just another political platform among many others. Makinde highlighted the importance of traditional institutions in governance, describing them as “enduring pillars of identity and cohesion.” He urged governments to accord them due recognition, noting that Oyo State has integrated traditional leaders into its governance framework to positive effect. The Deji of Akure commended Makinde for his support of traditional institutions and reiterated their role in fostering unity and development.

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Edo Guber: Ighodalo Crises Foul Over Supreme Court Verdict

A candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Edo State 2024 Gubernatorial election, Barrister Asue Ighodalo has expressed reservations over the verdict of the Supreme Court as delivered on Thursday. A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment, held that the appellant failed to prove allegations of non-compliance, as well as claim that Monday Okpebholo did not win lawful votes cast during the September 21 governorship election in Edo State. .Ighadalo, in a swift reaction posted on his social pages, disagreed with the Court’s stance, insisting that it was a stolen mandate. He wrote; “My dear people of Edo State, “Today, the Supreme Court has ruled. “Though I accept the finality of its judgement, I do not and cannot pretend that what was delivered amounts to justice. “What happened in the September 2024 Governorshp Election was not a contest. It was a robbery. Coordinated. Deliberate. And now, tragically validated by the highest court in the land. I will not and cannot obstruct any judicial pronouncement, no matter how flawed, I must never fear to speak the truth to power. “Like you, I feel a deep sense of betrayal. Not just by those who rigged the process, but by the very institutions we trusted to protect our democracy. You came out in hope. You voted for competence, for progress, for prosperity. And now, we are told that your voice does not matter. That your freely given mandate can be trampled without consequence. “I feel your pain. I share your anger. And I will never forget your courage. “To every young person who saw in this moment the birth of a new Edo. “To every elder who longed to see our state rise again. To every woman and man who prayed, campaigned, and voted. We may not have won the office, but we won something greater. We found one another. We discovered our collective strength. “Though this painful chapter closes today, our beautiful story does not end. The struggle to reclaim the soul of our beloved state continues. “Yes, dark days may lie ahead. The weight of this illegitimacy will unfortunately echo beyond the halls of the Supreme Court. I fear Edo will feel it in the absence of leadership, in the poverty of policy, and in the daily suffering of her people. “But we are neither fearful nor a broken people. We may be wounded. But all wounds heal. So let this be our vow. We will not retreat. We will not be silenced. And we will never forget. “To those who now hold power undeserved, lead with humility. Govern with conscience. History sees what the courts may not. And one day, it will deliver its own verdict.”

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