Politics

Former Osun Assembly Speaker Emerges ADC Flag Bearer

By Web News 330

‎By Funmi Ojo

A former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Dr. Najeem Salaam has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the 2026 Osun State election, sweeping the party’s primary with a landslide victory.

‎Dr. Salaam who is the sole aspirant in the race, was declared winner at the conclusion of the ADC governorship primary election held in Osogbo.

‎Announcing the results, Chairman of the Osun ADC Governorship Primary Election Committee, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, said 528 delegates were accredited and also cast their votes.

‎Of the total votes, eight were declared invalid, while 520 were valid, all cast in favour of Dr. Salaam.

‎In his acceptance speech, Dr. Salaam described his emergence as more than a routine political victory, describing it as a moral responsibility.

‎He blamed Osun’s challenges on years of poor political judgment, internal contradictions and misplaced priorities, particularly within the APC, noting that genuine attempts at reform were resisted.

‎Dr. Salaam also criticised the withholding of local government allocations, saying the development had weakened grassroots governance and triggered legal battles that left schools struggling, workers unpaid and communities neglected.

‎Outlining his agenda, Dr. Salaam pledged to prioritise workers’ welfare, revive the education sector, empower youths, strengthen security, promote local enterprise and restore public confidence in governance

‎He called on party members and supporters to remain united as the ADC intensifies preparations for the 2026 governorship election in Osun State.

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Culture

Former Govs. Visit Olubadan-Designate

By Web News 526

By Wale Asake

Three former State Governors have joined the list of eminent Nigerians who have paid a congratulatory visit to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja at his Private Residence in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State. 

They were Senator Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and Dr. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Aregbesola, a former Minister of Interior and currently National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, said his visit was to pay homage to the incoming Olubadan of Ibadanland, considering his immense contributions to the society. 

Corroborating the former Governor of Osun State, Dr Mimiko described Oba Ladoja as a great man with track records of achievements. 

In a separate visit, former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Senator Daniel maintained that Oba Ladoja was a great politician and Governor when they both served. 

Senator Daniel narrated how they both worked together to protect South Western heritage from collapsing and going into extinction, adding that Oba Ladoja will surely use his wealth of experience to further develop Ibadan and beyond. 

Responding, Oba Ladoja, said, service to humanity and contributions to the society have always been his priority, therefore solicited the prayers of everyone for a successful reign.

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Politics

Tribunal Upholds Gov. Yahaya’s Victory

By Web News 421

The Gombe State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has dismissed the petition filed by the African Democratic Congress, ADC against Governor Inuwa Yahaya and his Deputy, Manassah Daniel of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The ADC was challenging the declaration and return of Yahaya over alleged multiplicity and variations in the arrangement of names on the certificates of his deputy without accompanying affidavits, saying their ticket was rendered invalid.

It also alleged instances of corrupt practices and massive vote buying.

But, the tribunal struck out the petition on the basis of lack of proof.

The court said it was a pre-election matter and that the deputy had met the minimum certificate requirement to run.

Meanwhile, other judgments are underway.

 Vanguard / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Politics

Amosun Reiterates Support for Ogun ADC Governorship Candidate

By Web News 501

By Wale Oluokun

The immediate past governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun says his decision to support the governorship candidate of another party, the African Democratic Congress, Mr Biyi Otegbeye against his party the APC was for equity and fairness.

Senator Amsoun while speaking at the campaign rally of the ADC in Abeokuta explained that Yewa/Awori part of the state deserves to also lead the state.

He stated that his decision to support Mr Otegbeye was not due to any grudge against the incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun but to give every part of Ogun State equal opportunity.

The former governor, who expressed concern about the current state of affairs in the state, said that the present government has dropped the standard in road construction, accountability and even distribution of infrastructure.

He called on his supporters to vote for the APC presidential candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu and vote for Biyi Otegbeye for the governorship seat.

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Judiciary

Court of Appeal Sets Aside Judgment Baring ADC Candidates

By Web News 694

By Jeffery Ahonmisi

Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State has set aside judgment annulling the gubernatorial candidacy of Biyi Otegbeye and the twenty-six House of Assembly candidates of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Ogun State.

The Labour Party in the state had dragged the ADC candidates to court over alleged non-compliance to the Electoral Act in the conduct of the party’s primary.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Moore Adumein held that the Federal High Court sitting in Ogun State does not have jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

Justice Adumein agreed with the prayer of the ADC counsel that only party members could file a suit against the conduct of the primary elections which produced the candidates.

Reacting after the judgment, the appellant counsel, Barrister Tunde Falola while applauding the judgment, affirmed that the court is the last hope of the common man.

It would be recalled that a Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, last year November annulled the primary of the African Democratic Congress for the governorship candidate in the state, Biyi Otegbeye, and 26 Assembly candidates of the party.

The presiding judge, Justice Adetayo Aluko, who annulled the primary, also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to remove all the names of the 26 candidates from its website.

The court said the ADC failed to adhere to the electoral law.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Aluko held that the primary election which produced Otegbeye and the state Assembly candidates was not monitored by INEC.

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Politics

2023: I have never failed in leadership – Tonto Dikeh

By Web News 909

Actress turned politician, Tonto Dikeh says she has never failed with leadership and therefore, believes she is capable of succeeding as Deputy Governor of Rivers State.

Dikeh made the comments on a Television Programme while speaking of her candidacy under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

According to her, contrary to speculations and despite her being a subject of controversy, the decision to join politics was well thought out and is one she has worked towards for at least three years.

“I am prepared for anything, truthfully. I have had three years to work on this, its not something that I just came out or emerged with. We’ve had a lot of time to work on this and for this. Criticism, I am ready, non-criticism I am ready. So, it doesn’t matter where the questions are coming from.

“I have failed in my life and I’m not denying that. Everyone has seen that.

“But am I going to fail with leadership. Have I failed in leadership? Start from motherhood, have I ever failed in motherhood, talk about my foundation. I think it was one of the foundations that stood up for this country, in the time of the pandemic, with no assistance whatsoever. I did even more than the government,” she said.

The ADC governorship candidate in Rivers state, Tonte Ibraye, had presented Dikeh as his running mate on Friday ahead of the 2023 elections.

Later the same day, the actress confirmed the nomination via her social media handles, where she shared what they hope to achieve if elected into office during next year’s election.

“I thank Mr Tonte Ibraye (@TonteIbraye), the Governorship candidate for ADC, Rivers State for nominating me as his running mate,” Dikeh tweeted.“We are looking at investing in social protection, creating social value system & increased women’s inclusion in governance.”

Tonte Ibraye and Tonto Dikeh were later on Friday presented their Certificates of Return by the ADC party chairman, Ralph Okey Nwosu in Abuja.

Channels/Olaolu Fawole

Politics

Dumebi Kachikwu Wins ADC Presidential Primary

By Web News 754

A Media entrepreneur, Mr Dumebi Kachikwu has won the Presidential Primary election of the African Democratic Congress, ADC held in Abeokuta with nine hundred and seventy-eight votes.

One time Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Professor Kingsley Moghalu came second in the election with five hundred and eighty-nine votes.

Other aspirants in the contest include a person with special needs, Dr Chike Okogwu, who stepped down before the primary election, Dr Chukwuka Monye scored three hundred and thirty-nine votes while Princess Chichi Ojei polled seventy-two votes among others.

Two thousand and forty delegates were accredited and participated in the Presidential primary election held within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.

The National Chairman of the party, Chief Ralph Nwosu in his welcome address had lamented that the country had gone from being strong to almost being irrelevant due to the leadership failure of the APC and PDP.

Chief Nwosu said the party was aiming to produce seventy-five per cent of the lawmakers both at the state and federal levels.

He stated that the lawmakers would make quality laws that will benefit Nigerians and not the few.

Wale Oluokun

Politics

Oyo APC Receives Decampees from PDP, ADC, Others

By Web News 1003

Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State, Mr Isaac Omodewu says the party will soon close all ranks to form a formidable team ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Mr Omodewu stated this at the party’s state secretariat, Ibadan while receiving some politicians who decamped from other political parties in the state.

The APC chairman said the defection of major political bigwigs from the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP and other parties in Oyo State showed that APC is making progress in its reconciliation.

Mr Omodewu explained that many political gladiators from other parties were still being expected to join APC.

In a remark, the Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Teslim Folarin gave assurance that all the decampees would be given equal rights, privileges and opportunities attached to membership in the party.

Speaking with newsmen, one of the decamped who is the member, House of Representatives for Ido/Ibarapa Constituency, Mr Ajibola Muraina expressed optimism that the party would be victorious in the 2023 election.

Also speaking, another decampee and 2019 governorship aspirant under African Democratic Congress, ADC, Engineer Remi Oseni promised to deploy all machinery in his capacity to ensure unity in APC.

Others who defected mainly from the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party in the state included former special adviser to Governor Makinde, Mr Yemi Aderibigbe, former Ibadan North Council chairman, Mr Ademola Omotoso, former PDP state chairman, Chief Michael Adegbite, former PDP youth leader, Adekola Adeoye.

Mosope Kehinde

Politics

Oyo ADC Chieftains Defect to PDP

By Web News 546

Members of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, who are political appointees in the Seyi Makinde-led government have defected to the People’s Democratic Party.

The official declaration was made known at a press conference in Ibadan,

The three Commissioners, who defected are Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, Commissioner For Agriculture, Adeniyi  Adebisi and  Seun Asamu, Commissioner for Energy.

Addressing journalists on behalf of others, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun explained that after much consultation with relevant stakeholders, the appointees decided to move to PDP to support the re-election bid of Governor Seyi Makinde in view of his laudable achievement.

According to Dr Olatunbosun, others who pitched tents with PDP under ADC included special advisers to the Governor, elected vice-chairmen at local governments, elected councillors and supervisory councillors in the present government in the state.

He stressed that the party structure of the party of ADC in the state remained, adding that there would be a public declaration to announce the next line of action.

You would be recalled that members of ADC in the state were one of the five political parties which had a coalition agreement with the state PDP ahead of the 2019 governorship election.

Iyabo Adebisi

Health Politics

Fifelola Olufemi Emerges ADC Governorship Candidate in Osun

By Web News 1333 Post a comment

Mr Fifelola Olufemi has emerged as the candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the July 16 governorship election in Osun State.

Mr Olufemi emerged as the candidate of Osun ADC through a voice vote affirmation conducted by a 5-man Primary Election committee headed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Suleiman and supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Chairman of the primary election committee, Alhaji Ibrahim Suleiman said the candidate emerged in line with the party’s constitution, through voice vote affirmation by the over 350 delegates from across the state, being the only contestant.

He declared that the ADC was ready to contest and win the governorship election come July 16, this year.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Olufemi said his decision to contest was borne out of the passion to be an instrument for a better Osun as a state and as a people.

He charged members of the party to go back to their various constituencies to canvass support for the party and sell its manifesto to the people of the state.

Adenitan Akinola

Politics

Oluwole Oluyede is ADC’s Ekiti Governorship Flagbearer

By Web News 1550

An Ikere-Ekiti-born medical expert, Dr Oluwole Oluyede has become the candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC in the forthcoming governorship election in Ekiti State.

Radio Nigeria’s correspondent who was there reports that Dr Oluyede is the sole aspirant under the ADC and was elected through a voice vote at the primary election of the party held in Ado-Ekiti. 

In his acceptance speech, the elected ADC candidate appreciated the party members for allowing him to fly the flag of the party during the coming poll, urging them to support his candidacy to record success. 

Earlier in his address, the Chairman, ADC governorship primary election in Ekiti State, Chief Anayo Arinze noted that the party was created to promote the unity of Nigeria, rule of law, justice for all and equity. 

The National Chairman of the party, Chief Ralph Okey-Nwosu represented by the Deputy Chairman Southwest of the party, Chief Abdurazak Eyiowuawi said the ADC had 35 per cent representation for women and youths and called on members to work towards ensuring success in the election. 

Anthony Ojo

Politics

Governor Makinde Woos Oyo State ADC Members

By Web News 1046

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has made overtures to the leadership and members of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to join the ruling party in the state, the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP.

He made this known when the leadership of the party led members of the party to a Thank You rally to the governor for honouring the coalition agreement at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; ADC Leader in Oyo State, Senator Mosurat Sunmonu acknowledge the ADC party members during their appreciation and solidarity visit to Makinde at Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde who spoke in Yoruba noted that he reached an agreement with ADC as one of the coalition partners in the build-up to the 2019 gubernatorial election.

He added that his administration is running a government of the people.

Earlier, the leader of ADC in Oyo State, Senator Monsurat Sumonu noted that the party decided to organize the rally as a mark of gratitude to the governor whom she said had fulfilled the agreement her party had with PDP in 2019.

Iyabo Adebisi

Abuja Military Plane Crash Feb 21,2021
News Analysis

Increasing Rate Of Air Crashes Involving Military Jets

By Web News 1096

Since 1956, Nigeria aviation industry has experienced major air crashes, mostly involving passenger planes.

These include, Sosoliso, Dana, Aviation Development Company, ADC, EAS, Bellview and Okada Airline crashes among others.

On September, 27th 1992, the military system in Nigeria recorded its first major air mishap when the Nigeria force inaf jet c.130 crashed in Ejigbo, near Lagos after departing the Muritala Muhammed international airport killing around two hundred military personnel.

Again on September 17th 2006, twelve Nigerian military personnel, mostly high ranking officers were killed in a plane crash in Benue state.

To reduce the trend, former president Olusegun Obasanjo embarked on recapitalisation policy of the airlines while many aircrafts found to constitute threat to the public were grounded.

Frequent aircraft mishaps had thrown the entire country into periods of unpalatable mourning, wailing and gnashing of teeth whenever they occurred.

There was a moment of recipe, but it was not yet Uhuru from air accidents as the nation’s air space was poised to record more calamities.

The recent air tragedies in the country were recorded within a space of four months and they involved three Nigerian air force jet leading to death of military personnel.

On 22nd February 2021, a Nigeria air force jet, king air 350, crashed near the Nnamdi Azikwe international airport killing seven officers including the crew members.

Also in April, a Nigerian Air Force, NAF, alpha jet on combat duty in the Boko Haram ravaged Borno state in the north east of Nigeria disappeared and has been without trace since two crew members were said to be on board and are still missing.

The latest is the 21th, May NAF beech craft king air b 350 aircraft that killed eleven military personnel including the Chief of Army staff, COAS, General Ibrahim Attahiru who was on official trip to Kaduna state.

The plane crash landed near Kaduna airport due to bad weather as the initial report on the tragedy indicated.

The crash was a fatal blow to the nation especially the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping that have been on the prowl for sometimes.

It is heartwarming that the experts at the Aviation Investigation Bureau, AIB, have taken over the investigation into the crash with a view to ascertaining the cause or causes of the incident.

However, for a nation that is prone to air mishaps, aviation authorities must make sure that Nigeria does not become a dumping ground for all sorts of outdated aircrafts that obviously pose dangers to the safety of air travel.

It is important for the country to improve on its disaster preparedness, coordination and management at the major international airports for a safer airspace.

The adhoc and standing committees carrying out oversight functions in the aviation industry should intensify their supervision, especially in the area of timely release of budgetary allocation.

There is the urgent need for the authorities of the Nigerian military to immediately overhaul its fleet with a view to grounding all obsolete and out of form aircraft that could do more havoc on its personnel.

It must raise the bar on the issue of standard, compliance and safety of all aircrafts in its fleet and take regular maintenance more seriously.

This will go a long way to ensuring a safe sky for jets in order to avoid crashes and untimely death.

 Tayo Sanni