Politics
Tinubu Reassures Okpebholo
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the successful launch of the New Edo Line Transport Service, describing it as a bold step towards infrastructural renewal and efficient public service delivery.
Tinubu made the commendation at the recent meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Abuja.
While reaffirming the APC-led Federal Government’s commitment to good governance at all levels, President Tinubu lauded Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to practical development initiatives that resonate with the people.
“I also congratulate the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, on the Supreme Court affirmation of his mandate,” President Tinubu declared to resounding applause. “We will continue to work with you. We have seen and we congratulate you on the newly-launched Edo Line.”
This public endorsement does not only signify the President’s admiration for Governor Okpebholo’s developmental strides but also reflects the deepening synergy between the state and the federal government under the APC banner.
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The President’s acknowledgment is an indication of strengthened confidence in the leadership of Governor Okpebholo, whose early months in office have been marked by bold reforms and a return to people-focused governance.
The New Edo Line Transport Service, once a shadow of its former self, has now been restored under Governor Okpebholo’s watch with a fleet of modern buses, efficient management structures, and improved service delivery.
The reintroduction of this vital public transport system is seen by many as a crucial intervention in improving mobility, creating jobs, and stimulating economic activity across Edo’s urban and rural areas.
Under the Okpebholo administration, the transport sector is being reimagined to serve not only as a means of movement but also as a critical enabler of commerce, access to education, and social integration.
The newly-launched Edo Line is expected to reduce travel costs, ease movement for workers and traders, and restore the dignity of state-managed public infrastructure.
Beyond transport, the collaboration between President Tinubu and Governor Okpebholo has already begun to yield tangible benefits across several sectors in Edo State.
From increased federal attention to infrastructural projects, to smoother coordination on security, agriculture, and social intervention programmes, the working relationship between the Presidency and Osadebey Avenue is setting a new tone for Edo’s development trajectory.
President Tinubu’s progressive economic agenda and Governor Okpebholo’s grassroots-focused leadership approach complement each other, forging a productive alliance that prioritizes the welfare of ordinary citizens.
The President’s direct mention of the Governor’s efforts at the NEC meeting is seen as a significant gesture of political support and encouragement to sustain the ongoing reforms.
Since assuming office, Governor Okpebholo has consistently echoed his admiration for President Tinubu’s leadership philosophy, citing it as an inspiration for his own governance style.
On his part, the Edo Governor has referred to President Tinubu as a “visionary builder of modern governance” whose policy direction has created space for innovation and restoration at the subnational level.
The synergy is most evident in areas like revenue reforms, digital governance, and youth empowerment. Edo has already keyed into several federal government initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the expansion of rural electrification programmes and targeted agricultural support schemes.
The Supreme Court’s recent affirmation of Governor Okpebholo’s mandate has further consolidated his political authority and opened new chapters for collaboration with Abuja.
With Tinubu’s public endorsement, a more robust alignment between Edo State and the centre is expected, especially ahead of crucial policy rollouts in transportation, education, and healthcare.
As Edo people celebrate the launch of Edo Line, a symbolic and functional leap into modernization, they are also witnessing the fruits of an effective federal-state partnership.
At the heart of it stands a leader in Governor Okpebholo who, like President Tinubu, believes that governance must translate into visible, measurable impact.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially kicked off its nationwide elections, marking the start of a major leadership renewal ahead of the party’s National Convention scheduled for April 14, 2026.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Prince Chinedu Idigo, and National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, outlined the timetable for the election process.
According to the statement, polling unit and ward congresses will hold on April 7, followed by local government area congresses on April 9 and state congresses on April 11.
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The exercise is part of ADC’s constitutional mandate to refresh its leadership structures across all levels, culminating in the national convention in April. Party members interested in contesting vacant positions have been urged to obtain and submit nomination or expression of interest forms via the official ADC website.
“This process forms part of the party’s constitutional responsibility to renew its leadership structures across all levels of the organisation, culminating in the national convention,” the statement said.
The party also called on members nationwide to participate actively in the congresses and to conduct themselves in accordance with ADC’s constitution, guidelines, and democratic principles.
The nationwide elections are expected to set the stage for a robust leadership team as ADC positions itself strategically ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A former senator representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, Abubakar Umar Gada, has assured members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the party remains strong and united in Sokoto State despite recent defections by some political figures.
Gada gave the assurance in a statement issued on Thursday in Sokoto, where he urged party loyalists to remain calm, focused and committed to the ideals of the PDP.
According to him, political defections are not unusual in Nigeria’s democratic landscape and should not be seen as a threat to the stability and strength of the party in the state.
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The former lawmaker stressed that the PDP still enjoys a strong grassroots presence in Sokoto, noting that the party’s structure across the state remains intact and capable of delivering electoral victories.
He explained that the strength of the PDP lies in the loyalty and dedication of its members, leaders and supporters who have remained committed to the party through various political challenges.
Gada also pointed out that politics allows individuals the freedom to make personal decisions, but maintained that the PDP as an institution remains resilient and firmly rooted in the aspirations of the people of Sokoto State and Nigeria.
He further disclosed that the party’s national leadership has already initiated measures aimed at strengthening internal unity and consolidating party structures across the country.
According to him, consultations and reconciliation efforts are currently ongoing among key stakeholders to address emerging concerns and reinforce unity within the party.
Gada noted that such engagements are designed to ensure the PDP moves forward with renewed focus, stronger unity and a clear commitment to democratic values.
He recalled that the party has successfully navigated several political challenges in the past and has consistently emerged stronger.
The former senator therefore urged PDP members in Sokoto State to remain steadfast and avoid actions capable of creating divisions within the party.
He also called on supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation and strengthen party structures across all levels as the party prepares for future political contests.
The lingering intra-party crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has forced senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal to dump the party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto State, disclosed this in a resignation letter dated March 11, 2026, addressed to the PDP ward chairman in Tambuwal/Shinfiri Ward of Tambuwal Local Government Area.
The letter, which was made available to journalists on Thursday, said the decision followed consultations with his political associates and supporters.
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“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my political associates and supporters, I have decided to resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect,” Tambuwal stated.
According to the former Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, lingering disputes and leadership disagreements in the PDP made it increasingly difficult for him to remain in the party.
“The persistent internal crises, leadership disagreements and growing divisions within the party have made it increasingly difficult for me to continue my membership,” he added.
Despite leaving the party, the senator expressed appreciation to the PDP for the opportunities it gave him to serve in different capacities.
“I remain grateful to the party for the platform it provided me to serve Nigeria as Speaker of the House of Representatives and later as Governor of Sokoto State,” he said.
Tambuwal confirmed that he had joined the ADC alongside his political associates and supporters, describing the move as part of efforts to strengthen democratic values and provide a credible political alternative.
“My decision is guided by the conviction that Nigeria requires a stronger political platform built on integrity, accountability, inclusiveness and a clear commitment to national development,” he added.
Tambuwal served as Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015 before emerging governor of Sokoto State in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He later defected to the PDP the same year and was re-elected governor in 2019.
After completing his second term in 2023, he was elected to the Nigerian Senate to represent Sokoto South.
His defection to the ADC is expected to alter the political dynamics in Sokoto State, where he remains one of the state’s most influential political figures.
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