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Jandor’s campaign: PDP, APC trade blames over Surulere attacks

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Jandor’s campaign: PDP, APC trade blames over Surulere attacks

 

APC and PDP clash in Lagos

APC and PDP clash in Lagos

The PDP and APC in Lagos State have disagreed over the alleged attacks on the campaign train of the PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), in the Surulere Local Government Area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adediran’s campaign train had been reportedly attacked by political thugs in Badagry, Ikorodu, Agege, Kosofe and Surulere, leaving some of his followers wounded and vehicles smashed.

It was also reported that the attack on Friday in Surulere was the third attack in succession where suspected hoodlums were said to have fired guns and destroyed some of the campaign vehicles in Adediran’s convoy.

Subsequently, the Lagos State PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr Hakeem Amode, in statement on Saturday, described the Surulere attack on Adediran’s team as “repugnant to the deepening of democracy in Lagos“.

Amode, who is also the Chairman, Media, and Publicity, JandorFunke 2023 Governorship Campaign, said that the attacks were “clear evidence of APC high-handedness and imperialism rule”.

According to him, the alleged APC sponsored thugs in Surulere LGA unleashed violence on persons and groups of people in the area ahead of the scheduled visitation of the PDP gubernatorial candidate to the ward on Thursday and Friday.

He explained that the visit was in continuation of Adediran’s tour of the 245 wards in the state.

Amode said: “The hoodlums went to the Baale of Ojuoluwa in Empire area of the LGA to threaten him not to receive the entourage who was billed to pay him a courtesy visit.

“The gates leading to the entire Empire area was locked and vehicular movement around the area disrupted.

“In the same vein, the canopy and chairs arranged at Iponri Housing Estate was violently destroyed by APC killer-thugs who were armed with dangerous weapons, including guns, and many of our members who were making the arrangements were wounded in the ensuing fracas.

“The same set of the APC-sponsored thugs mobilised themselves to Soloki Street, Aguda ,where Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran went to observe Jumat prayers, welding dangerous weapons, destroying vehicles in the entourage and violently smashing one of the campaign vehicles.

“They also vandalised the campaign vehicles of our House of Representatives Candidates, Hon. Soyinka, who is a sitting member of the House of Representatives.

The PDP spokesman added that the political thugs also went ahead to vandalise the PDP Secretariat at No. 2 Shittu Street, Aguda, during which several members of our party sustained various degrees of injury.

He said that a similar incident also occurred on Teniola Street where members of the community, who were waiting to receive the entourage of Adediran’s entourage, were dispersed and many also wounded during the attack.

“We are once again using this opportunity to appeal to the President and Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammad Buhari, to use his good offices to stem the undemocratic practice of APC in Lagos State, against opposition parties.

“This is to ensure that the desire of the president to leave a legacy of credible elections is not truncated on the altar of selfishness and entitlement by the ruling party in the state.

“We are also using this opportunity to call on the Inspector General of Police to rise to the occasion and provide adequate security for all and sundry to enable them to exercise their franchise in the coming elections,” he said.

Amode also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure no intimidation and harassment undermined its efforts towards organising credible elections, especially in Lagos State.

He appealed to all members of party to remain resolute and focused, saying the PDP leadership and candidates would not be cowed by thugs.

“We urge every loyal member to see the violence display as a show of a bad loser party who has nothing to offer the people of the state and would do anything to continue squandering our commonwealth in the state.

“We urge the ruling party to focus on writing their handle-over notes because their time is up in governing the state.

“Our party PDP and the people of the state will no longer tolerate their misrule beyond 2023,” Amode said.

Meanwhile, in a swift reaction, Mr Seye Oladejo, the Lagos APC Publicity Secretary, said in a statement that Adediran rather unleashed terror on innocent residents and three people reportedly killed in the course of his campaign in Surulere.

“The incident left in its wake several injured victims and three people reportedly died.

“We condemn in strong terms the unwarranted and unprovoked resort to violence on the citizens of the state in the name of electioneering campaign.

“In broad daylight, Jandor’s thugs fired guns at their hapless victims who ran for dear lives,” he said.

According to Oladejo, Lagos cherishes its enviable status as the safest state in the country, a result of long running and painstaking investment in security.

He said that APC viewed the attack as a ploy to instill fear in the hearts of would-be voters as we count down to the elections.

He added: “It’s pathetic to note that a candidate seeking to govern the state could be seen actively promoting violence to disrupt the peace of the citizens.

“The PDP and its candidate have been busy in the past few days, have been crying in the media that their posters were being torn. Unknown to the public, he (Adediran) perfected his evil plans which manifested at his rally.

“While we can imagine the untold misery and frustration that his faltering campaign might have visited on him, it ought not to result in the thirst for the blood of potential voters,“ he said.

The APC spokesman called on the law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident, bring the culprits to book and beef security across the state in order to forestall a re-occurrence.

He urged residents to remain calm and law abiding as the state government remained irrevocably committed to its onerous duty of ensuring the safety of lives and property of all and sundry.

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2026: Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Group Dismisses ‘Tinubu Must Go’ Campaign

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The Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network for Tinubu 2027 has dismissed claims that a so-called “Tinubu Must Go” campaign is gaining meaningful traction in Northern Nigeria, describing the narrative as exaggerated and disconnected from the realities on the ground.

In a statement signed by Hon. Ali Oriri, the network declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to enjoy solid and expanding support across the North due to ongoing infrastructure delivery, security gains and economic reforms that are beginning to yield results for ordinary citizens.

According to the group, attempts to project isolated discontent as a widespread northern revolt ignore the substantial work being done by the administration and the loyalty of key stakeholders who recognise the difficult but necessary decisions taken since 2023.

The network said its mobilisation efforts are already consolidating grassroots structures in preparation for the 2027 elections.

“The so-called Tinubu Must Go movement is making noise, but noise is not the same as organised political strength,” Oriri stated.

“What we see in the North is growing appreciation for the roads being constructed, the power projects advancing, and the renewed focus on security that is gradually restoring confidence in many communities.”

He added: “President Tinubu inherited deep structural problems. The reforms he embarked upon were tough, but they are laying the foundation for a stronger economy.

“Our network is on the ground educating our people on these realities and organising them for 2027.”

The Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network for Tinubu 2027 emphasised that Northern Nigeria remains a critical political base and that genuine engagement with traditional institutions, youth groups, women organisations and local political actors is already yielding positive responses.

Oriri noted that the network is working closely with like-minded stakeholders to counter misinformation and highlight measurable progress in infrastructure and security across the region.

He pointed to major highway projects, rail developments and increased investment in the security architecture as evidence that the administration is addressing the very concerns being exploited by critics.

The group insisted that any assessment of public mood in the North must go beyond selective voices and examine the broader picture of development and stability efforts.

“We are not blind to the challenges of cost of living and insecurity. No serious person is,” Oriri said.

“But we also see the deliberate investments in roads that link our markets, the push to improve electricity transmission, and the operational successes being recorded by our security agencies. These are not imaginary.”

“The people of the North understand that sustainable progress requires continuity of purposeful leadership.

“That is why the Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network is mobilising support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027,” he continued.

Oriri further accused promoters of the “Tinubu Must Go” campaign of seeking to capitalise on temporary hardships without offering a coherent alternative that addresses the root causes of Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

He maintained that the network’s approach is rooted in constructive engagement rather than opportunistic agitation.

According to the statement, the group will intensify town-hall meetings, community outreaches and stakeholder consultations across northern states in the coming months to deepen understanding of the administration’s policies and consolidate electoral structures.

“Our loyalty is to the Nigerian people and to the progress that is being made under this administration,” Oriri declared.

“We will not allow a campaign built on frustration alone to define the political conversation in the North.

“President Tinubu has shown the courage to take hard decisions. The Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network for Tinubu 2027 stands firmly with him because we believe continuity is essential for the gains already recorded in infrastructure and security to be fully realised,” he concluded.

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APC PCC Appoints Hafiz Kawu Director of Grassroots Engagement, Mobilisation

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has appointed Hon. Hafiz Muhammad Kawu Ibrahim, OON, mni, as Director of Grassroots Engagement and Mobilisation, entrusting the former lawmaker and public administrator with the crucial responsibility of strengthening the party’s connection with supporters and voters across the country.
The appointment is widely viewed as a strategic move by the ruling party to reinforce its grassroots structures and deepen engagement at the ward, local government and state levels ahead of future political contests. As Director of Grassroots Engagement and Mobilisation, Kawu is expected to coordinate outreach programmes, grassroots campaigns and stakeholder engagement initiatives aimed at expanding the party’s support base nationwide.
A seasoned politician with extensive experience in governance and public service, Hafiz Kawu previously served as Special Assistant in the Office of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo before representing Tarauni Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2019 and 2023 under the platform of the APC.
During his time in public office, he earned a reputation for grassroots development, constituency engagement and people-oriented representation. His political journey has been marked by active involvement in community empowerment programmes, youth development initiatives and sustained interactions with party supporters at the grassroots level. Reports on his public service record consistently highlight his commitment to maintaining close ties with constituents and promoting inclusive development.
Political observers say these attributes make him a natural fit for the role. Grassroots mobilisation remains one of the most critical components of electoral success in Nigeria, and many within the APC believe Kawu’s experience, accessibility and understanding of local political dynamics position him well to lead the party’s engagement efforts across diverse communities.
Beyond his legislative experience, Kawu currently serves as Executive Commissioner (Technical) at the National Pension Commission (PenCom), a position that further reflects his administrative competence and policy experience.
Supporters of the APC have expressed confidence that his leadership will further energise the party’s grassroots machinery, particularly among youths, women and first-time voters. They believe his ability to engage communities directly and communicate government policies in relatable terms will help strengthen public participation and reinforce support for the ruling party’s agenda.
A recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and a member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Hafiz Muhammad Kawu Ibrahim brings both political experience and institutional knowledge to his new role.
With this appointment, the APC appears to have placed a trusted grassroots operator at the heart of its mobilisation strategy, underscoring the party’s recognition of the pivotal role grassroots engagement will play in shaping its future electoral fortunes. For many within the ruling party, Hafiz Kawu’s emergence as Director of Grassroots Engagement and Mobilisation represents not only a reward for years of service but also an investment in a political figure widely regarded as capable of connecting government policies with the aspirations of the people.

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Eggon Political Forum Endorses Ombugadu as Consensus Candidate for 2027 Nasarawa Governorship Race

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In what many observers are describing as a watershed moment in the political history of Nasarawa State, the Eggon Political Forum has officially endorsed Rt. Hon. Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the consensus candidate of the Eggon Nation for the 2027 governorship election.The announcement was made at a grand assembly held at Albert Event Hall in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, where leaders, stakeholders, and representatives of diverse groups gathered to deliberate on the future of Eggon political aspirations. The Forum, a non-partisan body devoted to fostering unity and political stability among the Eggon people, emphasized that the decision was the product of months of consultations, assessments, and feedback from across the state and beyond.The Forum acknowledged that six prominent Eggon sons had secured party tickets for the governorship contest, namely: Hon. Shuaibu Umaru Kubi (ACCORD), Gen. Nuhu Angbazo (ADC), Hon. Chris Mamman (ADP), Hon. Ibrahim Kassimu Aboh (APGA), Rt. Hon. Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu (PDP), and Mr. John Tanko Kigbu (YPP). While commending all six candidates for their courage and commitment to public service, the Forum explained that the need for unity and collective interest compelled them to adopt a single candidate. This, they argued, would prevent the fragmentation of Eggon votes and strengthen the community’s chances of producing the next governor of Nasarawa State.According to the communiqué, the Forum’s assessment was guided by several political considerations: party stability, grassroots presence, popularity across the state, structural strength of the political platforms, track records in previous positions of responsibility, governance experience, and manifesto credibility. On these grounds, Ombugadu was adjudged to be the most suitable candidate, having demonstrated consistency, political maturity, and a broad appeal across Nasarawa State.In a communiqué signed by Alh. Umaru Gwamna (Cingarin Eggon), Chairman of the Forum, and Hon. Chief Istifanus Dennis Abaku (Dan Masani Akun / Uban Garin Ende), Secretary, the Forum appealed to the other five Eggon candidates to rally behind Ombugadu in the spirit of unity. “We respectfully appeal to the five other candidates to kindly support and rally round the adopted candidate to ensure victory in the forthcoming elections,” the Forum declared.The Forum further extended its appeal to other ethnic nationalities in Nasarawa State, urging them to align with the Eggon people in supporting Ombugadu’s candidature. It stressed that while divergent interests are natural in politics, the collective interest of the land must remain supreme.Shortly after the endorsement, the Forum led a high-powered delegation to the palace of the Aren Eggon, His Royal Highness Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku, to formally notify him of the resolution. Speaking on behalf of the Forum, Chairman Alh. Umaru Gwamna briefed the paramount ruler on the aims and objectives of the Forum and explained the decision to adopt Ombugadu as the consensus candidate. He emphasized that the Forum deemed it necessary to seek the royal father’s advice and blessings as the Eggon Nation embarks on this united political journey.In his response, the Aren Eggon commended the Forum for its efforts to unite the Eggon people and described Ombugadu as a “blessed son of the Eggon Nation” who has consistently made his people proud. He noted that Ombugadu is not only an asset to the Eggon Nation but to Nasarawa State at large, wishing him success in the forthcoming governorship election. His Royal Highness also admonished all Eggon candidates and their supporters to shun politics of bitterness, propaganda, blackmail, and hatred, reminding them that leadership ultimately comes from God. “We as men can only do our human arrangements, but God alone can make it happen,” he cautioned.The royal father concluded by offering his blessings and wishing Ombugadu well in his political pursuit.The endorsement and royal affirmation are being hailed as a historic opportunity for the Eggon Nation, which has long aspired to produce the governor of Nasarawa State. With unity of purpose and the backing of traditional authority, the Forum expressed optimism that 2027 could mark the realization of this dream. Political analysts note that the move could significantly reshape the dynamics of the forthcoming election, as the Eggon people constitute one of the largest ethnic groups in the state. By consolidating their support behind a single candidate, the Forum hopes to maximize their influence and bargaining power in the wider political landscape.The Eggon Political Forum’s decision underscores the importance of unity, consultation, and collective interest in the pursuit of political power. As the countdown to the 2027 governorship election begins, all eyes will be on Rt. Hon. Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, who now carries not only the weight of Eggon aspirations but also the blessings of their revered traditional ruler.

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