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2023: FFK and APC’s tough time to Nirvana

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4 years ago

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2023: FFK and APC's tough time to Nirvana

2023: FFK and APC’s tough time to Nirvana

By: James Bwala

The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has described the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the Capo di tutti of the South. Speaking on Arise Television, the Ondo State Governor maintained that the next president of the country must come from the Southern region.

Speaking on his visit to Tinubu in the United Kingdom and the 2023 elections, Akeredolu said his visit has nothing to do with the polls. But he also tries to open the position of the southwest in 2023.

“…We went to visit our National Leader and I was there because there were a lot of rumours here and there. It was important for us to go and see for ourselves. And I was there, I have seen for myself and there is nothing alarming about his health. We are praying that he returns back on time. He’s the capo for us here in the South West and South South. So we are waiting for him to come so that by the time he comes, we can make some important decisions…” The Ondo governor said at the time of his return.

Indeed since Bola Ahmed Tinubu left for either his vacation or medical trip, there seemed to be no activity going on regarding the presidential pursuit in his chambers. It looks like for now, no decision can be taken while Mr. Tinubu was away. Perhaps Tinubu holds the life line of the ruling party and perhaps he was the reason for so many happenings currently ongoing in the APC including the recent defection of the former Aviation minister, Chief Femi Fani Kayode popularly known as FFK. Perhaps he has come to speak for Tinubu knowing his pedigree in the act of rolling people’s programmes and I admire him for standing tall on this.

2023: FFK and APC’s tough time to Nirvana

Some said the journey APC is embarking on to 2023 was an unfortunate one and dust was raised owing to the coming of a man with short Fuse. However, it appears that his bank rollers are stronger than the opposing forces from within. He came from the southwest and APC must do the bidding of the Southwest but of course, they are waiting for the return of the JAGABAN for any decisions that will need to be taken. And of course! He is back.

However, there has been murmuring among politicians especially in the north who still want to hold to power beyond the arrangements and seeming understanding in the party’s zoning system for 2023. Those who are yet to know or understand what is going on from the inner caucus of the party have been busy calculating how things are going to unfold. To them things are going to go according to plan but the rumour making the roundabout unfolding event within the party seemed to be opening another chapter and direction. 

I always said that APC is a party widely divided between the younger generation and the old wine skin. So many people are not seeing the in-fighting and struggles coming ahead of the 2023 general election or rather those that are seeing it are pretending not to have seen it coming. Known for his onions, the former Aviation minister in his own character is coming to achieve a purpose to either shape the party or part it.  I see a strong opposition from within. This was tactically arranged for the interest of some few who feel they are there to decide every move or plan by the party in the unfolding circumstances.

Recently, a chieftain of the APC in Niger State, Comrade Jonathan Vatsa, lambasted President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the party, over the defection by FFK saying it is an embarrassment to the party. While speaking with journalists in Minna, the former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism said the desperation with which those that were called thieves yesterday are being wooed and coerced into the ruling party is not only an embarrassment but a confirmation that “the party is struggling for survival.”

Vatsa, who was the spokesman of the APC in Niger State, said now that those who were branded yesterday as “looters” of the country’s treasury are being given red carpet reception in Aso Rock, has further put to question the anti-corruption stand of the present administration. “Treasury looters are now heroes in APC. Everything is finished. The party has lost direction. I am shocked not because Femi Fani-Kayode defected to the party, but the kind of red carpet reception accorded him in Aso Rock before the chief anti-corruption crusader himself.

“All Nigerians, including Mr. President, know the controversy surrounding the N2 billion Port Harcourt airport runway contract under Femi Fani-Kayode as Minister of Aviation and his involvement in the Dasukigate. It is sad to see those who looted the country with reckless abandon and contributed to the economic problem the country is facing today being received as heroes for defecting to APC, and being received by the president. I have said this before and am saying it again that APC needs to apologize to Nigerians that it has missed it. We failed this country in totality, and the honorable thing to do is to say we are sorry.

2023: FFK and APC’s tough time to Nirvana

“When we are beginning to eat our vomits, it means that the entire system has entered reverse gear. The party has continued to de-market itself before Nigerians through the actions of its leadership every day. I will not be surprised if Kanu and Igboho join the APC and are released from detention with the best of reception accorded them. That is the level of desperation that APC found itself. No matter the level of your corruption, when you join APC, you become a saint. It is sad and very unfortunate.”

While many have applauded the Yobe state governor, Mai Mala Buni for catching a big fish from the opposition PDP; many have also attributed his political move to a grand effort to plunge the party into crises since being pressured by older generation within the party to give away ambition he had nursed over the Chairmanship of the party. Although other party members argue that Governor Mai Mala Buni was actually positioning himself for the Vice President in 2023, they claimed that he wanted to anoint someone he can have absolute control over to handle the affairs of the party for his political ambition. 

” APC has won over many strong politicians who hitherto would have been a problem for the party playing on the opposition side. But internally the party is building to destroy owing to several ambitions in the play. Currently there is division between the governor Mai Mala Buni led APC and some elders welding power from within who feel they have the President in their pockets. 

“Things appeared to be normal but there are different stories coming from people who knew what was happening from within. The party has been divided between the older politicians and the younger generation with Buni allegedly leading the younger generation. However, there are stronger forces from the older politicians where President Muhammadu Buhari belongs. Although the President appears to be in the middle of the silent war ongoing in the party, everyone knows his team members. And I can tell you that FFK has a role to play.” A Chieftain of the party in Lagos, who preferred not to be mentioned, told NEWSng during a chat.

Also Read: TC Tasks War College on Effective Strategies in Northeast

Already there are governors who see the coming of FFK into the party as an insult. Those that have personal scores to settle with him are going to use the occasion to also fight whatever ambition he came to fulfil. Already Governor Umahi who also joins the APC in the buildup is demanding apology from the former Aviation minister who according to the governor lied over the role he (FFK) claimed to have played in the governor’s defection to the ruling party.

Some key players in the APC have seen FFK coming to champion the Tinubu course. Already some members of the party are beginning to air their views and the personality they prefer for the Presidency. One of such is the governor of Nasarawa state, Abdullahi Sule, who said their preferred candidate is the current Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo. It also appears most northerners would prefer Osinbajo’s presidency. But recent appearance in the southwest particularly the coming together of traditional rulers from the region has shown the direction the people of the southwest are coming from.

Elima Lazanad, a writer and political analyst in Abuja observed that, many of the governors in APC now are not on the same page with themselves. According to him, since governor Buni took over the leadership of the party not many of them were seen showing open support for his leadership of the party and that gives room for many negative stories coming about the party’s direction ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Also Read: Boko Haram: 2,200 families received N84m to in Borno

“Go back to reports about his activities or get some of the clips if you have some at your fingertips. They are not speaking with one voice and if they are not speaking with one voice then they are divided. “He said.

He also observed that, the powers behind FFK defections are far beyond the imagination of many leading Politicians ranting over his coming to join the party.

According to him, even within a house there are people who have the will to do as they please. “Fani Kayode is such a child of necessity. He was not in APC for those calling for his head neither were he in APC for those who are claiming to have lured him to the party. FFK was here for one man and for a region he must work for to achieve its ambition and he is the beginning of the ‘very important decisions’ in the words of Akeredolu.”

James Bwala writes from Abuja

2023: FFK and APC’s tough time to Nirvana

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2027: Recalibration in Adamawa as Political Gladiators Return to the Drawing Board Over Dr. Namdas’s announcements to join the guber race

Published

6 hours ago

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March 17, 2026

By

Hon. Dr. AbdulRazak Namdas

2027: Recalibration in Adamawa as Political Gladiators Return to the Drawing Board Over Dr. Namdas’s announcements to join the guber race

By: Dr. James Bwala

In the dynamic world of politics, every declaration can spark a cascading effect, reshaping alliances, re-evaluating strategies, and igniting aspirations. This is particularly true in Adamawa State, where the political landscape is undergoing significant recalibration following Dr. AbdulRazak Namdas’s announcement of his intention to run for the governorship in the upcoming 2027 elections. As a seasoned politician, journalist, and public servant, Dr. Namdas has already begun to influence the strategies of fellow political gladiators, causing them to reevaluate their positions and possibly reconsider their ambitions.

Dr. AbdulRazak Namdas is not a newcomer to the political scene; he has embarked on a promising career that has seen him serve as the Northeast representative at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), develop a deep understanding of governance, and represent the interests of his constituents with gravitas during his tenure as a member of the House of Representatives. His previous experience as a spokesperson to former Governor Boni Haruna equips him with unique insights into the workings of Adamawa’s political machinery, making him a formidable candidate in the eyes of many.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/

With the backdrop of the Ramadan season, Dr. Namdas’s declaration took place during an iftar gathering—a moment steeped in personal reflection and collective community engagement. This timing was strategic, as it not only allowed him to present his vision for Adamawa amidst a gathering of supporters but also symbolized unity and purpose. However, the implications of his announcement go far beyond mere rhetoric; they resonate through the entire political spectrum of the state, sending shockwaves across various parties and stakeholders.

The immediate reaction among political pundits and analysts has been one of heightened awareness. The development has prompted a sense of urgency among other political figures who had previously thrown their hats into the ring. The prospect of competing against a candidate of Dr. Namdas’s caliber can dissuade even the most determined aspirants, reshaping the trajectory of the gubernatorial race. This recalibration underscores the principle of political gravity—where credible candidates attract attention and resources while simultaneously prompting others to reconsider their strategies or withdraw altogether from the race.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/

Dr. Namdas’s existing clout within both state and federal political spheres cannot be understated. His connections with influential politicians and party leaders create a robust support network that enhances his candidacy. This backing places him at an advantage, as other prospective candidates may struggle to match the level of support and recognition he commands. In addition, Namdas’s track record of dedicated public service lends him credibility, which is crucial in a politically diverse environment like Adamawa State. His ability to unite factions within the party and appeal to a broad audience makes him a candidate that not only bolsters his party’s—the All Progressive Congress, APC’s—chances but also elevates the political discourse in the state.

As Dr. Namdas steps into the arena, he brings with him an agenda that resonates with the pressing needs of Adamawa’s citizens. From addressing the issues of poverty and unemployment to enhancing infrastructure and education, his platform is expected to reflect both innovative solutions and a commitment to grassroots participation. Voters are increasingly seeking candidates capable of offering practical policies over mere promises, and Dr. Namdas appears poised to meet these demands head-on.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/

The backlash to Dr. Namdas’s announcement has not been uniformly negative toward his competitors; rather, it prompts a recalibration of their own strategies. Candidates who were once confident now find themselves entangled in a competitive landscape marked by uncertainty. Former contenders must either elevate their platforms, broaden their appeal, or risk becoming footnotes in what could become a historic run for governorship. This phenomenon is essential in fostering an energizing political environment, as it can encourage a deeper engagement with constituents—a crucial factor as the campaign progresses.

It is also pertinent to acknowledge the role of social media in amplifying Dr. Namdas’s impact. In today’s political climate, digital platforms serve as battlegrounds for narratives and public opinion. His adept use of these tools allows him to effectively communicate his message, engage with voters in real time, and mobilize grassroots support. Indeed, by harnessing social media, he can galvanize a young electorate hungry for change, aligning their aspirations with his vision for the state.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/

While the current political landscape in Adamawa has been shaken, the art of recalibration extends beyond the immediate response to Dr. Namdas’s announcement. Political entities are forced to analyze their long-term strategies meticulously and consider how coalition-building could emerge as a necessity. It may lead to unexpected alliances among those who perceive themselves as potential rivals. Such dynamics may reshape party lines and challenge entrenched power structures, creating opportunities for fresh voices to emerge in the process.

Dr. Namdas has effectively positioned himself as a major contender in a slowly evolving story that is set to unfold dramatically leading up to the 2027 elections. His pedigree as a political gladiator should not be underestimated, as it carries with it a narrative of resilience, leadership, and strategic foresight. The call for recalibration extends beyond mere numbers; it encompasses the very essence of political competitiveness, portraying how the emergence of a strong candidate can topple preconceived notions of who holds the leverage in the electoral process.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/

Going forward, the political tides in Adamawa will likely see rival factions reassessing their stakes while also attempting to navigate a rapidly changing landscape fueled by the charisma and reputation of Dr. AbdulRazak Namdas. The question remains: will they be able to adapt effectively, or will they remain stuck in their old paradigms, unable to respond to the new reality defined by a candidate with the potential to unite the state under a common vision?

As spectators, we must watch carefully as this narrative unfolds. Political gladiators on all sides should now grapple with the implications of Dr. Namdas’s entry. For the people of Adamawa, this recalibration signifies a period of hope and possibility—an invitation to engage more deeply with their democratic processes and demand accountability from those vying for public office. It serves as a reminder that in politics, the stakes are exceedingly high, and the landscape is ever-changing, driven by the aspirations of leaders and the will of the people.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/

The road to the 2027 governorship in Adamawa State is set to be a rollercoaster of strategic maneuvering, ideological battles, and grassroots mobilization, all sparked by the declaration of intentions from one determined man. Dr. AbdulRazak Namdas stands at the forefront of this pivotal moment, challenging both historical precedents and paving new paths toward a more inclusive and progressive political future for Adamawa State. The unfolding drama promises excitement, developments, and perhaps a transformation in the way politics is perceived and enacted in the region. Indeed, as the adage goes, “politics is war without bloodshed,” and in the case of Adamawa State, the battle lines have been drawn—now, it is up to the gladiators to determine their fate in this ever-evolving saga.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

2027: Recalibration in Adamawa as Political Gladiators Return to the Drawing Board Over Dr. Namdas’s announcements to join the guber race

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Politics

Mass defection hits Gombe State NNPP, SDP, LP as over 1, 000 leaders join APC

Published

2 weeks ago

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March 3, 2026

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Mass defection hits Gombe State NNPP, SDP, LP as over 1, 000 leaders join APC

Ahead of the 2027 general election, the camp of the ruling APC in Gombe State received a boost as over 1, 000 opposition political leaders and members from Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of the state, on Monday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The opposition leaders and members are from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Labour Party (LP).

They were received by Mr Inuwa Garba, member representing Yamaltu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in company of Mr Adamu Lambam, APC chairman, Yamaltu Deba LG.

Speaking during the ceremony in Lubo community in Yamaltu Deba LG, Malam Tasiu Isa, the Chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the council said joining APC was to strengthen the good governance being delivered by the party.

Isa said that Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State and President Bola Tinubu have done well for the people through the execution of live-changing projects.

“We, the executives of the SDP from this LG and all the ward executives are joining the APC today and we are more than 500 officials.
“If we join our supporters and members, then we will be talking of thousands of SDP members; we are convinced that APC is the party to be because the party has good governance as evidence,” he said.

Isa commended Rep member Garba for his people-centric approach to representation, saying that Garba’s leadership style was complementing that of Gov. Yahaya.

For Mohammed Hinna, Labour Party chairman, Yamaltu Deba LG, joining APC remained the best option for any patriotic Nigeria who wants to see a better future for the country.

Hinna said with the efforts of President Tinubu and Gov. Yahaya, it would be difficult to remain in opposition, “if you truly a political leader that has the love of the people at heart.”

Mr Adamu Lambam, the APC chairman for Yamaltu Deba said more opposition leaders and members have been joining the APC at the council because of the good governance being delivered by Yahaya in their LG.

Lambam said that the party would continue to welcome anyone who wants to join the APC, adding that “APC is the people’s party because of the developmental strides of Tinubu, Inuwa and Garba.”

Reps member Garba said with the defection, the structure of opposition parties in the council has been weakened and “this is good for APC ahead of 2027.”

Garba said that the performance of Tinubu and Yahaya would make campaigning for APC ahead of 2027 election easier for them when the ban on campaign is lifted in August.

He appealed to members of the APC to remain united while mobilising more members at the grassroots by informing them of the many good things that Mr President and Yahaya have done.

Mass defection hits Gombe State NNPP, SDP, LP as over 1, 000 leaders join APC

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Politics

Bayelsa: APC Chieftain Condemns Marginalized Congresses, Alleges Diri’s Plan To Use Isowo As State Party Chairman

Published

3 weeks ago

on

February 26, 2026

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Bayelsa: APC Chieftain Condemns Marginalized Congresses, Alleges Diri's Plan To Use Isowo As State Party Chairman

Bayelsa: APC Chieftain Condemns Marginalized Congresses, Alleges Diri’s Plan To Use Isowo As State Party Chairman

Faults Akpe’s Nomination, Says Governance Now A Family Enterprise

A chieftain and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Barr. David Perebo has expressed deep dissatisfaction over Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri segregational, sidelining mode of conduct of the party ward and local government congresses.

Condemning in strong terms of the segregational mode of conduct of the APC ward and local government congresses across the state, the chieftain described the congresses as witch-hunt of a selected group of stakeholders, leaders in the party.

The APC member condemned the governor deliberate segregation of key stakeholders in various wards and local government areas are geared towards generating division.

Pursuant to the marginalized mode of conduct of the congresses, ward and local government executives of APC in Sagbama addressing the press, expressed dissatisfaction over non-inclusion of critical stakeholders who stood firmly as an opposition in building the party in Bayelsa state.

The party executives said Senator Diri inability to conduct all inclusive congresses in various wards, local governments across the state, has proven beyond shadow of doubt of the governor incapability to manage affairs of the party in Bayelsa state.

Governor Diri who couldn’t manage insignificant affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP leading to Mr George Turnah factional leadership in Bayelsa, has transferred the same attitude from the PDP to the APC barely four months of defection.

The statesmen said the governor has deceptively taken total control of the APC leadership structure in various wards and local government areas across the state, by installing his followers who defected to the APC from the PDP, while excluding old APC members who built the party.

Diri who preach all-inclusiveness in leadership, has deceptively taken over the leadership structures of Brass, Nembe, Yenagoa, Sagbama, Kolokuma-Opokuma, while allowing Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and David Lyon to nominate the Chairmen of Ekeremor, Ogbia and Southern-Ijaw as compensation.

Furthermore, the governor whose intentions failed woefully to use his relative, Mr Gesiye Isowo as at then Bayelsa PDP Secretary, as Bayelsa APC Caretaker Chairman before any official defection to the APC, has perfected preparations to use him as Chairman of APC in Bayelsa State.

Senator Douye Diri has perfected preparations to produce the Bayelsa APC Chairman, Secretary, including other relevant positions to take total control of the party structure in the state, as deliberate steps towards producing a governorship candidate in the next gubernatorial election.

Unknown to Lokpobiri, Ogbuku who are rumoured to have governorship ambitions in 2027, Governor Douye Diri will never support any of them as successor, rather he is nurturing a relative from Nembe extraction whose father is from Sampou to succeed him as Bayelsa Governor.

In the same vein, the APC chieftain has condemned the decision of the Bayelsa Governor, Senator Douye Diri over nomination of his maternal relative from Ayamasa town, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe as Deputy Governor with motives to revolve the government as a family enterprise.

The chieftain who that stands for justice, fairness, and transparency in governance, has expressed intense dissatisfaction over Governor Douye Diri’s nomination of his relative as deputy governor against Bayelsans.

The sudden passing of the Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo whose cause of sudden death still uncertain, created room for timely replacement of the office of the deputy governor according to Section 191 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said the governor has privatized governance of Bayelsa as a family enterprise with Akpe nomination as deputy when expected to choose from other competent Bayelsans.

Senator Diri has virtually privatized governance of Bayelsa by appointing only relatives in sensitive positions: Chief of Staff now Deputy Governor, Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Domestic, Director of Transport, and other government house appointees.

The aggrieved party stakeholder said successive administrations since 1999 has credibly and transparently distributed political appointments across the three senatorial district, but the reverse has been the record in Senator Douye Diri administration.

The governor take decisions without putting into consideration of those who consciously built his political reputation. He defected to the APC without considering the feelings of leaders working closely with him.

Bayelsans has witnessed that the governor has no conscience and empathy, enveloped with greed and ingratitude against those who helped in building his political career and reputation; such as former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Dr. Timi Alaibe, Senator Seriake Dickson.

Senator Diri political trajectory has been driven by pettiness, rumours, propaganda, capitalizing on illiteracy, poverty and stomach infrastructure syndrome of some Bayelsans, while privatizing and managing resources of the state as a family enterprise.

In self-delusional, deceptive pretense of building peace, unity, he brought in opposition members to replace those who fought (some lost their lives) for his emergence, instead of acknowledging, and compensating them for their support and sacrifices.

Douye was very selfish to abandon Jonathan, Alaibe in PDP, especially Dickson who believed and trusted him as successor. Yet, he embraced the people who fought against those who worked for him in the election.

The way and manner the governor had shown ingratitude to Jonathan, Dickson, Alaibe, and others, same thing he will do to Lokpobiri, Ogbuku, Lyon, and other leaders in the APC.

Douye doesn’t understand that those who are praising him, are doing so for political patronage (monetary terms), and desert him after office.

Signed:

Barr. David Perebo
APC Chieftain Writes From Yenagoa

Bayelsa: APC Chieftain Condemns Marginalized Congresses, Alleges Diri’s Plan To Use Isowo As State Party Chairman

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