Politics
2027: Okpebholo Assures Tinubu Of 100% Edo Votes
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his love for Edo people, assuring him of continued support ahead of the 2027 Presidential polls.
Gov Okpebholo’s support was conveyed in a statement on Monday, in Benin City under the signature of Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua.
According to Itua, Gov Okpebholo stated this in his goodwill message during a food outreach by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), through its Social Investment Programme (SIP).
At the event which held at the New Festival Hall of Government House, Benin City, Edo State, Gov Okpebholo said the electorate in Edo State will give the President 100 percent of their votes in the 2027 presidential election for remembering the vulnerable in the State.
The RHI food outreach began on the 8th of March, 2024, and about seven states, including Edo, have benefited from the initiative so far. The other States include Kano, Benue, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Cross River, and Gombe, while states like Kwara, Kogi, and Abia are next in line.
Gov Okpebholo commended the First Lady of Nigeria and Chairperson of RHI, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her love and motherly role in ensuring that the people of Nigeria enjoy the dividends of democracy.
He noted that the initiative of the First Lady would not have been successful without the support of President Tinubu, assuring him that the people of Edo State will support him for a second term if and when he decides to run.
“The entire people of Edo State are very appreciative of this kind gesture of food outreach and donations of different food items to the vulnerable in Edo State.
“We are happy in Edo State, and the people are beginning to see and enjoy a new dawn. Look at food items all over the place in this hall, all thanks to the president and his wife for this great initiative that Edo people are benefitting from today.
“We are assuring you, Mr. President of our 100 percent votes in the State come 2027 presidential election, and if possible, we will give you more than 100 percent,” he declared.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, recalled that the food outreach commenced in March 2024.
Represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, the First Lady said the initiative has made significant progress in supporting women and youths for the betterment of their lives.
She advised beneficiaries not to sell the food items but to make good use of them for the benefit of their families.
“This food outreach began last year in March 2024 in Abuja to provide vulnerable households with food to support their families. We have been able to distribute food items to seven states across Nigeria.
“The RHI has made significant progress in efforts to support our people, particularly women and youths, for a better life. Under this initiative, there will be more activities this year that cover Education, Health, Economic Empowerment, Social Investments and Agriculture. This programme aims to further compliment the renewed hope agenda of the President Tinubu administration,” she said.
Coordinator of the office of the First Lady of Edo State, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, thanked the First Lady for the initiative which in less than two years has touched the lives of millions of Nigerians, assuring that the vulnerable in the State will get the food items.
She also appreciated Gov Okpebholo for his developmental strides in less than three months in office. She noted that his support for the RHI programmes in the State has recorded great success. Items distributed included noodles, semovita, and pasta, among others.
Other guests at the food outreach included the Secretary to Edo State Government Musa Ikhilor; Deputy Chief of Staff, Pius Alile; Wife of former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Anna Shaibu; leaders of market women; serving commissioners; political women leaders across the state; heads of security agencies in the state, Permanent Secretaries, several widows, among others.
Politics
“PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.
Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.
ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back
“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.
The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.
He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.
Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.
In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.
He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.
Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.
Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.
He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.
Politics
Drama in Ogun APC as Gbenga Daniel Claims He Was Barred From Meeting
There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.
The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.
However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.
ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition
Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.
He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.
As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.
Politics
Who Leads ADC? Supreme Court to Hear Mark’s Appeal in Heated Party Rift
The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.
Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.
The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.
SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja
Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.
He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.
In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.
The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.
The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.
The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.
Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.
The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.
As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.





