politics

2023 Election : Plot to pull down Tinubu will fail, says Fayose

Published

5 years ago

November 22, 2020

….Woos Ondo deputy governor for PDP

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has said the many subterranean plots to pull down the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, by some politicians in the southwest, will fail. He said this while also urging the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, to return to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with his supporters.

Fayose said he would never associate nor join the group of rebels to destroy Tinubu because the APC leader laboured for the country through his focused leadership which stimulated the growth of Yoruba socio-political space with some southwest politicians now occupying vantage leadership positions across the country. The PDP chieftain who spoke at his Afao-Ekiti countryhome in Ekiti State, noted that some politicians nurtured to political stardom by Tinubu are behind his travails on account of personal interest.

He noted that Southwest people would resist any attempts to ridicule Tinubu, whom he described as image of Yoruba nation, noting that any attack against the former Lagos State Governor is an attack on the entire Yoruba people. He stated that APC stalwart does not deserves to be crucified by his political mentees, saying he had sacrificed enormously to groom and raise them from political obscurity to limelight. Fayose said the conspiracy against the ex-governor which was part of strategies to divide and create confusion among the Yoruba people would fail, urging Yoruba sons and daughters to support and accord him the necessary regards.

“I am not championing the course of Tinubu. I am not in the position to do that, but there is no denying the fact that Tinubu is a prominent Yoruba leader, whether in APC or in PDP. Fayose is a prominent son of Yoruba nation. For me, Tinubu, has paid his dues, I stand by that. I have not seen Tinubu after the Ekiti election by any means. We haven’t even met at a function or see him passed. I will not sit down in any corner to shoot down Tinubu. I am not a member of APC and I will never be. But I supported Governor Fayemi to be governor by Tinubu’s influence at a time,” he said.

Fayose also said in spite of the multifaceted crises in the PDP, that he won’t jump ship like some leaders of the party had done, saying: “if we are fighting in PDP, let us fight it inside PDP. People who have been jumping ship are armed robbers. They are being driven by greed and inordinate ambition. These are indications of the type of leaders we have in our country who are without ideology. They go for only what they feel would benefit them. Governor Umahi’s joining APC after benefiting several positions in PDP was unprincipled. We do not accept the excuses given by the governor. I am not satisfied with some things in PDP, but, leaving the party will not equally solve the problems.”

Fayose, who described Ajayi as a force to reckon with in the politics of Ondo State, said he would thrive better politically in a mainstream and liberal political party like the PDP. Agboola, who, in the build-up to the October governorship election in Ondo State, dumped the APC for the PDP and later abandoned the PDP for the Zenith Labour Party to contest the governorship election, had been a House of Representatives member under PDP.

The ex-governor made the call when the deputy governor visited the former in his Afao-Ekiti country home late Friday night to celebrate with him on his 60th birthday. In a statement issued by his media aide, Lere Olayinka and made available to newsmen yesterday, Fayose called on Agboola to return to the PDP and join hands with other leaders in Ondo to rebuild the party

“It is important for him (Agboola Ajayi) to put the past behind, return to PDP and join hands with other leaders in the state to rebuild the party. What I can tell you like a brother is that the past should be put behind you and the future should be focused on realistically. The best option before you now is to return to the PDP and I am encouraging you to give it a consideration because you need the party and the party too needs a strong political character like you,” Fayose said.

He also assured that all the raging crises between him and other leaders of the party in Ekiti and the Southwest region would be resolved in the overall interest of the PDP. “There is nothing to worry about. If Governor Seyi Makinde and I have issues, Nigerians should not worry themselves about that. I was the one who went to flag off Governor Makinde campaign in Ogbomoso. Whether he is backing Senator Olujimi or not, the fact remains that the struggle for the control of party’s structures in Ekiti has come and gone. So why do we have to fight over spilled milk? We won the congresses, but they are in court, if the court says it’s Olujimi that is right, we would follow her and if the court says she has no case, they should join us so that we can move the party forward,” he added.

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politics

Breaking : GOV. UMO ENO OFFICIALLY MOVES TO APC

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

NewsThumb Magz

WE Are not joining the APC from the position of weakness, But Strength , Says Eno

our government has always been an inclusive government, that will never change – Eno

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politics

2027 Election : AIRLIN Expands To Jigawa, Targets 7m Voters In The Next Election, Says Lami Tanko

Published

3 weeks ago

May 26, 2025

NewsThumb Magz

As part of its mission to rekindle hope in Nigeria’s democratic process and combat voter apathy, the Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative in Nigeria (AIRLIN) has inaugurated its 16th office in Jigawa State, continuing its expansion across the 19 northern states of Nigeria.

The national chairman of AIRLIN, Mallam Muhammed Gamawa, who presided over the inauguration ceremony on May 24, 2025, also unveiled the local government, zonal, and state coordinators for Jigawa.

“With this new office, AIRLIN is aiming to mobilize and educate 7 million voters across northern Nigeria ahead of the next general elections,” he said.

AIRLIN, a non-governmental organization committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and civic responsibility, is directing its efforts toward communities where voter disengagement is prevalent.

“The goal is to empower citizens especially at the grassroots level with civic education and renewed confidence in democratic governance,” Mallam Gamawa added.

Speaking during an interview, the newly appointed Jigawa State Coordinator, Mallam Musa Muhammad Hadeija, said the inauguration is both empowering and enlightening.

“This inauguration means a lot,” he said. “It has empowered me to establish a strong outreach in the communities sensitizing them, mobilizing them, and effectively putting in place the key objectives of the Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative.”

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration and local assessment. “I’m now able to meet with my local government coordinators, and we’ve clearly seen the nitty-gritty of what needs to be done. The interaction during the Q&A session was very beneficial—I’ve learned a lot, and that will give me a better chance to serve.”

When asked how ordinary Nigerians can help uphold the rule of law, particularly those in remote communities, Mallam Hadeija said:

“That is possible through empowerment, skills development, civic education, and consistent sensitization. People need to understand their roles as citizens, and we must build strong partnerships with stakeholders at local, state, and national levels. That’s how we’ll create a solid foundation for real impact.”

Addressing the public’s disillusionment with democracy, especially when elected leaders fail to deliver, he called on citizens to remain committed and united.

“Citizens need to understand that their individual involvement in AIRLIN’s assignment is key. Changing the narrative is possible. We can make AIRLIN a game changer if we are all dedicated, united, and fully aware of the task ahead executing it with purpose and at the right time.”

With Jigawa joining the growing list of AIRLIN offices, the organization is strengthening its national presence and doubling down on its mission to foster democratic integrity and active citizen participation.

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politics

Defect or resign, Gov Eno, Tells Appointees And openly confirmed his decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC

Published

4 weeks ago

May 22, 2025

NewsThumb Magz

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has directed all commissioners and political appointees in his cabinet to either defect with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign from their positions.

The directive was reportedly issued during an ongoing State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on Thursday, where the Governor openly confirmed his decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

Sources present at the meeting disclosed that Governor Eno made it clear that his defection should come as no surprise to any of his appointees, stating:

“Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave the PDP is still living in the 18th century.”

He explained that his decision to align with the APC was driven by his admiration for the leadership style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that he wants to work more closely with the federal government.

The Governor issued a stern warning to his appointees, saying he has “nothing to negotiate” with anyone unwilling to follow his political direction.

“Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you,” Eno declared.

“Let me tell you, anybody who believes that when I leave the PDP he will use the party structure to fight me is lying, because I will still control the PDP structure.”

As of the time of filing this report, the State Executive Council meeting was still in session, with further developments expected in the coming hours.

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