Politics
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.

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.

“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
News
National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure
National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure
By Comrade Philip Ikodor
The National Progressive Hub (NPH), a leading support group for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on all Nigerians to rally behind President Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR for a successful second term in office come 2027.

In a statement, National Coordinator/Convener, Honorable Bukie Okangbe, praised the APC administration for its efforts towards nation-building and economic stability. Okangbe highlighted the NPH’s previous support for President Tinubu, including a National Security and Endorsement event in 2022 that contributed to the party’s successful general election outcome.
The NPH is gearing up for a Grand Endorsement event for President Tinubu’s second term, scheduled to hold on February 26th at the Musa Yaradua Center, CBD, Abuja. The event will also feature the inauguration of 36 state coordinators, including the FCT, and address critical national issues.
“We invite everyone to join us at this significant event,” Okangbe said. “Your presence will be a testament to our collective commitment to Nigeria’s progress and the APC’s vision for a better future.”
The event promises to be a landmark occasion, showcasing the NPH’s dedication to the APC and President Tinubu’s leadership.
National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure
Politics
Midala 2027: A Call for Accountability in Hawul and Askira/Uba Constituency
Midala 2027: A Call for Accountability in Hawul and Askira/Uba Constituency
Dr. James Bwala
It is the right of every constituent member to ask questions of their representative on how they run with the trust we gave them. The best time to ask questions, however, is when the elections are approaching. For us in the Hawul and Askira/Uba federal constituency, this is the time for us to begin to ask our representative, Dr. Midala Usman Balami, what he did or did not do with the mandate we gave him on trust against all odds in 2023. This is the right thing to do because the relationship between constituents and their representatives is built on a foundation of trust and accountability. This trust is cultivated through promises made during campaigns, upheld by actions taken while in office, and reinforced through consistent communication and service to the people.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/
In the case of Hon. Midala Usman Balami, the member representing the Hawul and Askira/Uba federal constituency in Borno State, that sacred trust appears to have been severely compromised. We, as constituents, find ourselves grappling with feelings of disillusionment as we witness actions that suggest not only a betrayal of our confidence but also an alarming disregard for the responsibilities entrusted to him.
The recent incidents involving Hon. Balami have elicited strong reactions from the electorate. Reports indicate that he allegedly placed a close friend in police custody following a minor disagreement, reflecting an unsettling pattern of using his position not for the benefit of the people but for personal aggrandizement. Reports back home suggest a total betrayal of trust as our people come with different stories that touch the heart. The stories we hear as we interview constituent members left us with the feelings that they leave with every day. Their lives, their stories tell of a tale our people had to deal with under what I can only call a detailed representation.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/
The actions and inactions of our representative in the green chamber left our people in the mercy of political rhetoric on papers and tears of bitterness on the ground. His actions of putting a friend they called “Bold Lion” in police net have travelled to every home in both Hawul and Askira/Uba local governments, portraying a legacy mark he is bringing into our society. Such actions speak deeply within a society that values community and solidarity. To betray a friend in such a manner speaks volumes not only about his character but also the values he embodies as our elected representative. In the eyes of many constituents, this incident marks him as one of the worst representatives in the history of our local governments—a stark departure from the ideals we expect from our leaders.
The issue of resource allocation presents a critical disparity between Hon. Balami’s claims and his apparent lifestyle choices. He has frequently lamented the limited resources he receives as constituency allocations, arguing that these constraints hinder his ability to serve effectively. Yet, juxtaposed against this narrative is the observation of massive structures rising under his name and reports of his family residing abroad. The juxtaposition of his proclamations of scarcity with the visible evidence of wealth raises red flags and prompts serious questions: Where is this money coming from? Is it truly representative of the interests of our constituency, or has it been diverted towards personal gain?
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/
The constituents of Hawul and Askira/Uba are awakening to the realization that our trust has been misplaced. It is crucial to remember that while we do not harbor hatred towards Hon. Balami, it is our civic duty to hold him accountable for his actions. Our mandate as voters extends beyond mere electoral participation; it encompasses continuous scrutiny of those we elect to represent us. The upcoming 2027 elections present an opportunity for the electorate to reflect upon the performance of their representative critically.
We must ask ourselves: What legacy has Hon. Balami created during his time in office? Has he fulfilled his duties to the community, or has he prioritized personal interests over public service? These inquiries are essential in determining whether or not he deserves another chance at serving our constituency. The answers will lie not only in his public statements but also in the tangible impact of his policies and initiatives on our daily lives.
A representative who claims to be constrained by limited resources yet engages in lavish expenditures sends a message—either he is misleading us about the available allocations, or he is failing in his duties to prioritize the needs of the people. Either scenario is unacceptable. The integrity of our political system relies on honesty and transparency; both are vital components that influence public trust. As constituents, we possess the right to demand clarity about how our resources are being managed. The narrative of scarcity should not overshadow the realities of mismanagement or personal exploitation of public funds.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/
The impact of having a representative who does not understand the essence of accountability cannot be underestimated. The actions of Hon. Balami affect the broader landscape of governance and have insinuated a rift between his office and the very people he represents. What messages does this send to young citizens who look to our leaders as role models? The notion that public service can be synonymous with self-interest undermines the noble intention of political representation.
As we move closer to the next electoral cycle, the imperative becomes clear: we must illuminate the actions of Hon. Midala Usman Balami, bringing to light the discrepancies between his promises and his actions. A movement is taking shape within our constituency, fueled by a collective desire for change. This moment calls for an active engagement of all members of the community to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and mobilize efforts towards ensuring that our electoral processes yield representatives who embody the principles of integrity, humility, and commitment to service.
In this regard, it is essential to empower constituents with information. Knowledge is a potent tool in the fight against misinformation and the potential continuation of flawed leadership. Through community meetings, town halls, and social media platforms, constituents must share their experiences, concerns, and aspirations. Let us ensure that our voices echo the sentiments of powerlessness we have experienced under the current representation. By fostering a culture of active citizenship, we can lay the groundwork for a future where representatives recognize that their authority comes with responsibility, not privilege.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/
We must embrace the power of unity in the face of dissatisfaction. Engaging with local organizations, advocacy groups, and other community stakeholders can amplify our voice and strengthen our resolve to demand accountability. As constituents, we are collectively responsible for upholding the principle of representation; as such, we must refuse to remain complacent in the face of ineffectiveness and dishonesty. The upcoming elections are not just another chance to cast a vote; they are an opportunity to reclaim our agency as citizens who demand better governance.
Ultimately, our goal is not to vilify Hon. Midala Usman Balami but to challenge him to rise to the occasion. The political landscape often thrives on rhetoric, but we must transcend this by grounding our demands in reality. Let us engage in constructive debates, highlight the importance of ethical leadership, and advocate for policies that genuinely reflect the needs of the people. With concerted efforts, we can instigate change that compels our representative to recognize that his position is a privilege to serve rather than a platform to exploit.
READ ALSO:https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/
As the clock ticks toward the 2027 elections, we, as constituents of Hawul and Askira/Uba, stand on the precipice of decision-making. Let us not forget that each action we take, every conversation we have, and every vote we cast shapes the future of our constituency. Together, we can forge a path toward accountability, transparency, and effective representation. It is time to lift the veil on the actions of Hon. Midala Usman Balami demands explanations for the disparities between his claims and his reality and ultimately makes an informed choice for the future of our beloved constituency.
Together, let us reclaim our trust, dignity, and future. The fate of our constituency rests not only in the hands of our leaders but also in ours as the vigilant electorate. Let this be a wake-up call for all of us—a reminder that our collective voice is powerful and capable of enacting real change.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
Midala 2027: A Call for Accountability in Hawul and Askira/Uba Constituency
Politics
APC conducts congress in 17 local councils in Yobe
APC conducts congress in 17 local councils in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
The All Progressives Congress (APC) local government congresses were conducted successfully in all the seventeen local government areas of Yobe state.
The exercise was conducted by consensus throughout all the 17 local government areas of the state and monitored by the staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The chairman of critical stakeholders of the Nangere local government area, who is also the former deputy governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Aliyu Saleh Bagare, expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the congress.
He commended the party stakeholders of Nangere local government for their maturity, adding that this shows the strong structure and the unity of the party in the area.
Yobe State Commissioner of Works, Engineer Umar Wakil Duddaye, who is also a strong stakeholder of the party, expressed his happiness with the smooth conduct of the congress.
Engineer Duddaye urges the newly elected party executives to observe their success as a call to serve all the APC members in the Nangere local government, Yobe state, and Nigeria as a whole.
APC conducts congress in 17 local councils in Yobe
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