By Fabian Apechihin

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Presidency of attempting to absolve itself of responsibility in the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal.

Atiku argued that the Presidency could not rely on the interim report of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as proof of its innocence, insisting that the findings instead raised serious questions about how the alleged fraud was able to thrive within government institutions.

The former vice president made his position known in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

According to Atiku, the ICPC’s interim report reportedly identified instances of negligence and alleged connivance by public officials that enabled the fake agency to operate.

He noted that the allegations extended beyond the actions of a single individual, pointing out that the suspect allegedly forged a presidential appointment letter, created a fictitious federal agency, operated from government offices and opened bank accounts using forged legislative documents.

“If public officers were negligent, who are they? Who granted access to government offices? Who recognised this supposed Director-General? Who enabled him to operate within the machinery of government?” Atiku queried.

He maintained that the reported recommendation for sanctions against public officers whose negligence facilitated the alleged activities showed the matter could not be dismissed as the work of a lone impostor.

The ADC presidential candidate also demanded that the identities of all officials allegedly involved be made public.

“Nigerians deserve to know who did what, who authorised what, and who opened the doors that made this possible,” he said.

Atiku further called for the full publication of the ICPC report, arguing that an interim report should not be treated as a final declaration of innocence while investigations into possible collaborators and related bank accounts were still ongoing.

He also urged the National Assembly to conduct a transparent public hearing into the matter and broadcast the proceedings live, noting that the call had become even more compelling after the central figure in the controversy, identified as Mr. Adeyemi, reportedly expressed willingness to appear before lawmakers and testify publicly.

“If the Villa is truly clean, it should be the first to welcome live television coverage. Let Nigerians watch, unedited, as the witnesses testify and the evidence is presented under oath,” Atiku said.

He warned that any process lacking transparency could further fuel public suspicion that influential individuals were being shielded from accountability.

“Transparency cannot stop where the trail enters the corridors of power. The Presidency cannot investigate itself into innocence,” he stated.

Atiku urged the Federal Government to subject the investigation to full public scrutiny, ensure witnesses testify under oath and allow Nigerians to independently assess the evidence as it emerges.

• Endorses President Tinubu for Second Term

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The aggrieved G15 governorship aspirants within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has formally rebranded as The Otoge Progressives (TOP), marking a new phase in the movement’s quest to promote inclusive leadership, internal democracy and the preservation of the ideals that inspired the 2019 Otoge political movement.

The announcement was made on Thursday during a Stakeholders’ Engagement and Town Hall meeting held at the Arca-Santa Arena in Ilorin, where the new name, logo and identity of the movement were unveiled.

The movement, which originally comprised ten APC governorship aspirants, members of the National Assembly, party elders and other stakeholders, said the rebranding reflects its rapid expansion since its emergence in June, with more political leaders and grassroots stakeholders identifying with its objectives.

According to the leaders, the transition from G15 to The Otoge Progressives became necessary to accommodate the movement’s growing membership and provide a broader platform for individuals who share its vision of strengthening internal democracy, promoting inclusive politics and sustaining the principles upon which the Otoge movement was founded.

Addressing the gathering, the spokesperson of the movement and former Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Yahaya Oloriegbe, said the rebranding signified growth rather than division, adding that the founding members of the movement remained united and committed to their shared objectives.

He said the movement had continued to attract respected political figures and stakeholders from across the state, stressing that its activities were driven by collective interest rather than individual political ambition.

Senator Oloriegbe commended party members and supporters for their steadfastness despite what he described as sustained political pressure and intimidation, assuring them that the leadership of the movement would remain focused on pursuing its stated ideals.

“We are conscious of the difficulties confronting many of our supporters. We are aware of efforts
to secure their allegiance through financial inducements, promises of political appointments
and other personal advantages. We have also received disturbing accounts of threats,
intimidation, blackmail, name-calling and undue pressure directed at those who refuse to
abandon their convictions.”

“We understand the burden you carry. We appreciate the price you are paying for standing on
principle, and we assure you that the leadership of this movement stands firmly beside you.”

Also speaking, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Salman Jawondo, SAN, said the movement regarded the protection of democratic values and internal party democracy as a collective responsibility, adding that its members would continue to pursue their objectives through lawful, democratic and constitutional means.

The bloc also unanimously rejected all candidates produced by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak for elective positions across the state, describing them as a “disgrace to the ideals of Otoge Revolution that stakeholders collectively fought for. They said they’re a conduit by which the Governor hopes to perpetuate himself for a ‘Third Term’ in government after exhausting his constitutionally allowed two-term tenure”.

Earlier at a separate stakeholders’ meeting held at Notkel, Ilorin, participants overwhelmingly endorsed a proposal empowering the leadership of the movement to explore alternative political options ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The approval followed an open voice vote coordinated by Jawondo, after which a committee was proposed to examine available political options and make appropriate recommendations to the leadership within a week.

The meeting also reaffirmed the movement’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. A motion moved by the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Senator Saliu Mustapha, reaffirmed the stakeholders’ Vote of Confidence in President Tinubu and endorsed his re-election for a second term in office in 2027. The motion received overwhelming support from participants.

Among those in attendance were Senator Saliu Mustapha; Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe; Senator Sodiq Umar; Senator Lola Ashiru; Mr Dele Belgore, SAN; Amb. Yahaya Seriki-Gambari (represented) Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (represented); Hon. Bio Umar; Alhaji Tajudeen AbdulKadir Audu; Senator Ajadi Makanjuola; Senator Ahmed Ahmed; Senator Bisi Oyewo; Hon. Adamu Manko; Hon. Ahmed Abubakar Ndakene; Captain Ahmad Mahmud; Hon. James Kolo; Hon. Yinka Aluko; Hon. Tijani; Hon. Razak Owolabi; Hon. Gideon; Hon. Odetundun; Hon. Jimoh Abdulrahman Alapata;

Others include Chief James Bamisaiye Ayenioye, JP; Alhaji Baba Olosasa; Alhaji Baba Adefalu; Barrister Salman Jawondo, SAN; Dr Yakub Yahaya Oloriegbe; Lt. Col. Abubakar Edun (Rtd.); Mallam Adebayo Abdullateef Oloyin, immediate Principal Private Secretary to the Governor; Alhaja Aishat Bolanle Ismail aka Iya-Lamule, SSA Women Mobilisation to the Governor. Party elders across Kwara State; Former public office holders; Women leaders and youth leaders.

To be presented to Gov AbdulRazaq

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The victims abducted during the deadly attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have arrived in Ilorin following their rescue after spending several months in captivity.

They arrived late last night Thursday.

The victims were kidnapped when armed bandits invaded the community earlier this year, killing scores of residents and whisking away many others into the forest, triggering widespread outrage and intensified security operations.

Following sustained military operations and coordinated efforts by security agencies, the victims regained their freedom and were transported from Niger State to Ilorin late Thursday night.

They were received at the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin before being moved to an undisclosed location where they spent the night.

The rescued victims are expected to be officially handed over to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who has consistently engaged security authorities to ensure their safe return.

Their arrival marks a major breakthrough in the months-long efforts to secure the release of the abductees, while authorities continue to verify the number of those rescued and provide necessary care and support.