Politics
How I’ll improve security, fight corruption boost economy – Tinubu
By Funmilayo Olusanya
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), made a pledge yesterday that if he wins the election next year, he would lead a progressive administration that would improve security, combat corruption, and restructure the economy.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
He claimed that putting the ruling party’s progressive goals into practice will boost national cohesion, assure prosperity, and give Nigerians a sense of purpose.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s accomplishments were praised by Tinubu, who also pledged to build on the administration’s legacy in all areas.
The standard bearer gave a speech at the retreat for ministers and permanent secretaries in Abuja on the topic themed: “Enhance Security, Fight Corruption, Transform Economy.”
President Buhari advised ministers not to leave their positions to run for office in the run-up to the 2023 elections during the retreat.
President Buihari’s policies, programs, and accomplishments during the past seven and a half years, according to Tinubu, have been characterized by the APC’s goals.
If elected, he promised to offer Nigerians the best in progressive administration with an emphasis on their economic well-being.
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Tinubu said: “Mr President and other members of the administration, may I state the following: if elected, I will give due honour to your efforts and your legacy. I will work in the spirit of cordial unity, and national purpose that informed the creation of our party and characterized the work of your government.
“Most importantly, the way and means of a Tinubu government will be devoted to further project and prosper the Nigerian people because our guiding principle will be to provide the best of progressive governance and reform our beloved land.
“Consider these three promises to be a positive outgrowth of your nine-point agenda.”
Despite the difficulties the country and the world were facing, according to Tinubu, the Buhari administration stood strong, constructing infrastructure, delivering the country from insecurity, passing and enacting the Petroleum Industry Act, instituting electoral reforms, and making Nigerians happy.
He added: “His labour and achievements may go unappreciated for a moment. However, that unfair moment cannot last. In due course, the full extent of his contributions will become known and understood.
“Any objective assessment of your time in office and the national contributions you all have made will be a positive and grateful one.
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“This administration inherited a national condition steeped in difficulty unlike any other. Predecessor governments ignored or lacked the will to tackle serious problems ranging from insecurity to corruption.
“As if that was not enough, you confronted a series of events, unprecedented in the compound severity, complexity and novelty they posed. COVID attacked both global health and the global economy. Throughout most of your tenure, oil prices waned and ebbed and, consequently, so did our revenues.
“The Ukrainian crisis and other conflicts, coupled with severe weather events in many nations further disrupted economic production and undermined international supply chains of critical items, especially food.
You did more than persevere and withstand these adverse storms. Despite it all, you made historic progress.
“Upon entering office, you faced a situation where deadly terrorists were planting flags on our national territory, proclaiming an illegal state within our legitimate state.
“Because of your collective work, they no longer plant flags. Their boasts of conquest are no longer heard. You put us on the road to defeating this menace. By the grace of God Himself, we shall persist until terrorists and those like them are utterly removed from the face of our nation.
“The progress you made in increasing farm productivity while improving the conditions of the average farmer was an important policy intervention, helping the nation overcome the global supply chain disruptions that threatened our food security.
“Despite financial headwinds, you embarked on an unparalleled expansion of the national infrastructure.
“Work in the power sector is showing dividends amidst increased investor confidence in that area.
“The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) stands as landmark legislation opening new vistas in the oil and gas sector.
“And faithful implementation of the electoral law you passed will further enshrine our democratic way of life through the guarantee of free and fair elections.”
When elected, Tinubu said he would be fortunate to succeed in an administration that had done a tremendous job, promising to build on the long-lasting and enduring legacy.
He said: “Rest assured that when the history of the Buhari era is correctly written, the verdict will be that you established a resilient, yet deeply anchored foundation while also assembling the building blocks for a durable future of broadly-shared prosperity, peace, diverse growth, security and hope.
“Because of this, I am honoured to have been given the baton to follow President Buhari as the standard bearer of our party and, hopefully, as the next president of our federal republic”.
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.
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“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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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