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.
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.
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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.
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.






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