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Osun APC Leaders Shun Tinubu’s Campaign Council Inauguration as Akande, Basiru Back Adeleke By Sayo Alagbe Prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State on Thursday stayed away from the inauguration of a 344-member campaign council established to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 presidential election. However, former Osun State Governor, Chief Adebisi Akande, led several APC chieftains to the ceremony, where Governor Ademola Adeleke inaugurated the council. Among the APC leaders who attended were the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; former National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore; former deputy governors Titi Laoye-Ponle and Lekan Adewoyin; Senator Babajide Omoworare; and Chief Shuaib Oyedokun. Others included the party’s Osun Central Senatorial Leader, Adeoye Adelakun; former members of the House of Representatives, Ajibola Famurewa and Bukola Oyewo; former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Wale Afolabi; and former National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) Registrar, Professor Olu Aina. Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary, Professor Wale Oladipo; Osun PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi; and Osun Accord Chairman, Victor Akande, also attended the event. However, several prominent APC figures were absent, including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District; and the party’s governorship candidate in the 2026 election, Bola Oyebamiji. Other notable absentees included the Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal; former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye; member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Oluwole Oke; Executive Director of Project Implementation at the Federal Housing Authority, Abuja, Remi Omowaiye; and former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Adebayo Adeleke. Akande Calls for Tinubu’s Re-election Addressing the gathering, Akande urged eligible voters across the South-West to prioritise Tinubu’s re-election, describing the President’s second-term bid as an important political objective. He said the President, as a Yoruba son occupying Nigeria’s highest political office, deserved the support of the region to secure another term. “Today, we have one of our sons in Yorubaland as President of Nigeria, and he is entitled to two terms in office. We are all praying that he gets his second term,” Akande said. He added that he had been informed that Adeleke was expected to mobilise two million votes for Tinubu in Osun State on January 16, 2027. Akande, whose birthday falls on January 16, expressed the hope that the day would bring a successful electoral outcome for the President. Basiru Urges APC Leaders to Set Aside Differences In his remarks, Basiru urged APC stakeholders in Osun State to put aside personal ambitions and political disagreements and work with Adeleke to secure victory for Tinubu. He explained that the President’s decision to appoint Adeleke as the Osun coordinator of his re-election campaign should be respected by party members, regardless of their individual political interests. Basiru said he had rearranged his schedule to attend the inauguration before proceeding to Kaduna State for another engagement. According to him, the President’s re-election should take precedence over personal ambitions and political egos. “It is in President Tinubu’s wisdom that he chose Governor Adeleke as his campaign coordinator in Osun. For us in Osun State, irrespective of our feelings, ambitions and scheming, we must abide by the vision of President Bola Tinubu and support Governor Ademola Adeleke to be successful in this exercise,” he said. The APC National Secretary appealed to political stakeholders across the state to unite behind the governor and help deliver a substantial number of votes for Tinubu. “There is no ambition or ego that is greater than ensuring President Bola Tinubu is re-elected,” Basiru added. He also noted that increased financial resources available to subnational governments had created opportunities for states such as Osun to meet their expenditure obligations. Adeleke Targets More Than 1.5 Million Votes Adeleke, in his address, said the campaign council’s primary objective was to mobilise more than the 1.5 million votes previously pledged to Tinubu in Osun State. He described the alliance involving the Accord Party, APC and PDP political structures as a broad coalition capable of delivering a decisive victory for the President. The governor urged members of the council to work together, mobilise voters and pursue their shared objective of securing Tinubu’s re-election. “From the pain of the past, we must unite for the prosperity of the future. From unity in diversity, we must forge a new brotherhood behind our leader, Asiwaju Tinubu,” Adeleke said. He clarified, however, that the alliance was limited to the presidential election and would not extend to legislative contests. According to him, while the coalition partners would jointly support Tinubu’s presidential ambition, each political party would remain free to support its candidates in senatorial, House of Representatives and state House of Assembly elections. “What ties us together is the presidential, not the legislative, elections,” he stated. Adeleke also disclosed that discussions between the federal and state governments aimed at resolving the lingering local government crisis in Osun had reached an advanced stage. He expressed optimism that a resolution would be reached soon. Osun APC Vice Chairman Explains Absence of Party Leaders Adelakun, who spoke on behalf of the Osun APC chairman, suggested that some of the party leaders who were absent might not have received adequate information about the inauguration. He said those present would brief their colleagues on the proceedings and expressed confidence that the absent leaders remained committed to Tinubu’s re-election. Adelakun defended the coalition arrangement, arguing that collaboration among political parties was necessary to achieve the desired electoral outcome in Osun. “As APC alone, we have not won an election in the last three election cycles, and if we must give President Tinubu the required number of votes in Osun, we have to collaborate,” he said. He added that the President had acknowledged the importance of the political collaboration. APC Had Earlier Complained About Short Notice The inauguration came amid complaints by the Osun APC leadership that it had not been adequately consulted before the announcement of the campaign council. In a statement issued on Thursday, a few hours before the ceremony, Lawal said the party had not been formally informed about the inauguration beyond the publication of the council members’ names on social media by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. Rasheed had announced the planned inauguration on Wednesday, listing several prominent APC figures among those expected to serve on the council. Those listed included Akande, Oyetola, Basiru, Oyebamiji, Omisore, Omoworare, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Foluke Etteh, Professor Sola Adeyeye, Yinka Ajayi, Ponle, Akintunde Adegboye and Mumini Olabanji. The announcement reportedly generated uncertainty among political stakeholders because, according to sources within the governor’s camp and the Osun APC, no formal meeting had been held to determine how the President’s re-election campaign would be coordinated in the state following Adeleke’s appointment. An APC source, who requested anonymity, said the party’s leaders had only become aware of the proposed arrangement through the published list. “The two camps have not met. We just saw the list like everyone in the state. There is uncertainty around it, but I can’t officially say what the APC reaction will be,” the source said. Lawal acknowledged that the party accepted Adeleke’s appointment as the state coordinator of Tinubu’s re-election campaign but insisted that the inauguration should have been properly scheduled and communicated to relevant stakeholders. He maintained that the re-election of the President was a collective responsibility requiring adequate consultation and respect for established political protocols. According to him, the short notice and lack of prior engagement with the state party leadership could create unnecessary friction between the APC and the appointed campaign coordinator. Lawal said the party was committed to Tinubu’s re-election but warned against arrangements that could undermine cooperation among stakeholders. He alleged that announcing the council members less than 24 hours before the inauguration, without prior consultation with the party leadership, could create avoidable misunderstandings between the APC and Adeleke. Despite the disagreement over the process, the inauguration proceeded with the participation of several APC chieftains and leaders from other political parties, underscoring the coalition’s stated objective of mobilising support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election. 2 days ago
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UAE Pledges Stronger Partnership with NDLEA, Commends Marwa’s Leadership in Anti-Drug War


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The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed readiness to strengthen its partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The UAE also commended the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), for his exemplary leadership and consistent operational successes in Nigeria’s anti-drug war.

The assurance was given by the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Musabbeh Alshamsi, during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Alshamsi lauded Marwa’s commitment and strategic leadership, describing the NDLEA’s achievements as impressive and worthy of international recognition.

“I’m here to appreciate your hard work and the great leadership you have provided the NDLEA. We have been following your achievements closely, and I must say you have done very well and continue to do an excellent job. We are particularly proud of your efforts in intercepting drugs destined for the UAE. This visit is to reaffirm our commitment to deepening cooperation with your agency in the global fight against drug trafficking,” Alshamsi stated.

The envoy further revealed that the UAE government is prepared to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NDLEA to enhance collaboration, particularly in intelligence sharing, monitoring of drug networks, and joint operations.

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“We need to exchange information about drug dealers and their activities. It’s important to strengthen communication between the UAE and Nigeria, especially now that our bilateral relationship is at one of its best stages. We are here to support and assist your agency in every possible way,” the Ambassador added, while extending an invitation to Marwa to visit his UAE counterparts and the Dubai Police leadership for further discussions.

In his response, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Marwa thanked the UAE envoy for the commendation and pledged the agency’s commitment to consolidating the partnership. He also applauded the UAE’s socio-economic growth and its expanding trade relations with Nigeria.

“I acknowledge the strong diplomatic relations between our two countries, which continue to grow stronger each year. The UAE’s multi-billion-dollar non-oil trade with Nigeria aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for peace, stability, and shared prosperity,” Marwa said.

He highlighted that the NDLEA had intercepted over 302.2 kilograms of assorted illicit substances bound for the UAE in the last four years, through both airport and courier channels.

“As the largest anti-narcotics agency in Africa, the NDLEA collaborates with leading drug enforcement bodies globally. We welcome this renewed cooperation with the UAE and are ready to visit for the signing of the MoU and further strategic engagements,” Marwa affirmed.

The meeting reinforced the growing diplomatic and operational synergy between Nigeria and the UAE in tackling the global challenge of drug trafficking and abuse.


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Osun APC Leaders Shun Tinubu’s Campaign Council Inauguration as Akande, Basiru Back Adeleke By Sayo Alagbe Prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State on Thursday stayed away from the inauguration of a 344-member campaign council established to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 presidential election. However, former Osun State Governor, Chief Adebisi Akande, led several APC chieftains to the ceremony, where Governor Ademola Adeleke inaugurated the council. Among the APC leaders who attended were the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; former National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore; former deputy governors Titi Laoye-Ponle and Lekan Adewoyin; Senator Babajide Omoworare; and Chief Shuaib Oyedokun. Others included the party’s Osun Central Senatorial Leader, Adeoye Adelakun; former members of the House of Representatives, Ajibola Famurewa and Bukola Oyewo; former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Wale Afolabi; and former National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) Registrar, Professor Olu Aina. Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary, Professor Wale Oladipo; Osun PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi; and Osun Accord Chairman, Victor Akande, also attended the event. However, several prominent APC figures were absent, including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District; and the party’s governorship candidate in the 2026 election, Bola Oyebamiji. Other notable absentees included the Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal; former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye; member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Oluwole Oke; Executive Director of Project Implementation at the Federal Housing Authority, Abuja, Remi Omowaiye; and former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Adebayo Adeleke. Akande Calls for Tinubu’s Re-election Addressing the gathering, Akande urged eligible voters across the South-West to prioritise Tinubu’s re-election, describing the President’s second-term bid as an important political objective. He said the President, as a Yoruba son occupying Nigeria’s highest political office, deserved the support of the region to secure another term. “Today, we have one of our sons in Yorubaland as President of Nigeria, and he is entitled to two terms in office. We are all praying that he gets his second term,” Akande said. He added that he had been informed that Adeleke was expected to mobilise two million votes for Tinubu in Osun State on January 16, 2027. Akande, whose birthday falls on January 16, expressed the hope that the day would bring a successful electoral outcome for the President. Basiru Urges APC Leaders to Set Aside Differences In his remarks, Basiru urged APC stakeholders in Osun State to put aside personal ambitions and political disagreements and work with Adeleke to secure victory for Tinubu. He explained that the President’s decision to appoint Adeleke as the Osun coordinator of his re-election campaign should be respected by party members, regardless of their individual political interests. Basiru said he had rearranged his schedule to attend the inauguration before proceeding to Kaduna State for another engagement. According to him, the President’s re-election should take precedence over personal ambitions and political egos. “It is in President Tinubu’s wisdom that he chose Governor Adeleke as his campaign coordinator in Osun. For us in Osun State, irrespective of our feelings, ambitions and scheming, we must abide by the vision of President Bola Tinubu and support Governor Ademola Adeleke to be successful in this exercise,” he said. The APC National Secretary appealed to political stakeholders across the state to unite behind the governor and help deliver a substantial number of votes for Tinubu. “There is no ambition or ego that is greater than ensuring President Bola Tinubu is re-elected,” Basiru added. He also noted that increased financial resources available to subnational governments had created opportunities for states such as Osun to meet their expenditure obligations. Adeleke Targets More Than 1.5 Million Votes Adeleke, in his address, said the campaign council’s primary objective was to mobilise more than the 1.5 million votes previously pledged to Tinubu in Osun State. He described the alliance involving the Accord Party, APC and PDP political structures as a broad coalition capable of delivering a decisive victory for the President. The governor urged members of the council to work together, mobilise voters and pursue their shared objective of securing Tinubu’s re-election. “From the pain of the past, we must unite for the prosperity of the future. From unity in diversity, we must forge a new brotherhood behind our leader, Asiwaju Tinubu,” Adeleke said. He clarified, however, that the alliance was limited to the presidential election and would not extend to legislative contests. According to him, while the coalition partners would jointly support Tinubu’s presidential ambition, each political party would remain free to support its candidates in senatorial, House of Representatives and state House of Assembly elections. “What ties us together is the presidential, not the legislative, elections,” he stated. Adeleke also disclosed that discussions between the federal and state governments aimed at resolving the lingering local government crisis in Osun had reached an advanced stage. He expressed optimism that a resolution would be reached soon. Osun APC Vice Chairman Explains Absence of Party Leaders Adelakun, who spoke on behalf of the Osun APC chairman, suggested that some of the party leaders who were absent might not have received adequate information about the inauguration. He said those present would brief their colleagues on the proceedings and expressed confidence that the absent leaders remained committed to Tinubu’s re-election. Adelakun defended the coalition arrangement, arguing that collaboration among political parties was necessary to achieve the desired electoral outcome in Osun. “As APC alone, we have not won an election in the last three election cycles, and if we must give President Tinubu the required number of votes in Osun, we have to collaborate,” he said. He added that the President had acknowledged the importance of the political collaboration. APC Had Earlier Complained About Short Notice The inauguration came amid complaints by the Osun APC leadership that it had not been adequately consulted before the announcement of the campaign council. In a statement issued on Thursday, a few hours before the ceremony, Lawal said the party had not been formally informed about the inauguration beyond the publication of the council members’ names on social media by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. Rasheed had announced the planned inauguration on Wednesday, listing several prominent APC figures among those expected to serve on the council. Those listed included Akande, Oyetola, Basiru, Oyebamiji, Omisore, Omoworare, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Foluke Etteh, Professor Sola Adeyeye, Yinka Ajayi, Ponle, Akintunde Adegboye and Mumini Olabanji. The announcement reportedly generated uncertainty among political stakeholders because, according to sources within the governor’s camp and the Osun APC, no formal meeting had been held to determine how the President’s re-election campaign would be coordinated in the state following Adeleke’s appointment. An APC source, who requested anonymity, said the party’s leaders had only become aware of the proposed arrangement through the published list. “The two camps have not met. We just saw the list like everyone in the state. There is uncertainty around it, but I can’t officially say what the APC reaction will be,” the source said. Lawal acknowledged that the party accepted Adeleke’s appointment as the state coordinator of Tinubu’s re-election campaign but insisted that the inauguration should have been properly scheduled and communicated to relevant stakeholders. He maintained that the re-election of the President was a collective responsibility requiring adequate consultation and respect for established political protocols. According to him, the short notice and lack of prior engagement with the state party leadership could create unnecessary friction between the APC and the appointed campaign coordinator. Lawal said the party was committed to Tinubu’s re-election but warned against arrangements that could undermine cooperation among stakeholders. He alleged that announcing the council members less than 24 hours before the inauguration, without prior consultation with the party leadership, could create avoidable misunderstandings between the APC and Adeleke. Despite the disagreement over the process, the inauguration proceeded with the participation of several APC chieftains and leaders from other political parties, underscoring the coalition’s stated objective of mobilising support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

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