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Tinubu Rewards Loyalists With Ministerial Slots

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By submitting his list of nominees to the Senate on Thursday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu beat the constitutional deadline for submission of proposed cabinet members by almost 48 hours.

 

Biztellers reports that political horse trading had laid the list bare in public before it was passed to the 10th Senate for consideration.

 

It has now been confirmed that prominent names on the list include, the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, his counterpart from Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, former Cross River governor, Ben Ayade, and his colleague from Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola.

 

While the former governors of Rivers and Cross River who belong to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are seen as being rewarded for the helping the President coast to victory on February 25, 2023, their counterparts from Kaduna and Osun are getting rewarded for loyalty.

 

Biztellers reports that a constitutional amendment by the 9th National Assembly had set a deadline of 60 days for the president to submit his list of ministerial nominees.

 

S42 of the constitution stipulates thus: “(a) the nomination of any person to the office of a Minister for confirmation by the Senate shall be done within sixty days after the date the President has taken the oath of office;

 

“(b) not less than ten per cent of persons appointed as Ministers shall be women:

 

“Provided that the President may appoint a Minister at any other time during his tenure and such appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.”

 

The legislation also stipulates that the President shall appoint at least a minister from each of the 36 states of the federation.

 

Recall that one of the media aids to the Senate President, Jackson Udom, had assured that President Tinubu’s authentic ministerial nominees would be unveiled on Thursday.

 

Udom had to make offer the assurance because the new media space was awash with speculative lists, purported to be of the president’s nominees.

 

He said, “I saw the purported list too just like every other person did, let’s wait till tomorrow (today). Don’t speculate, tomorrow (today), you’ll see the list.”

 

Others who made the list, Biztellers can report include, popular economist, Olawale Edun, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Adebayo Adelabu, the women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Betta Edu, and a former Minister of Health, under President Goodluck Jonathan, Ali Pate.

 

Others are Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media, Strategy and Special Duties, Dele Alake.

 

Political horse trading attendant to the delay of President Tinubu’s choice of cabinet members was fueled by his assurance that he would hit the ground running and run a government of national competence.

Politics

“PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit

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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.

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Politics

Drama in Ogun APC as Gbenga Daniel Claims He Was Barred From Meeting

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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.

 

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Politics

Who Leads ADC? Supreme Court to Hear Mark’s Appeal in Heated Party Rift

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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.

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