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  • Otuaro’s Leadership Revives Amnesty Programme, Restores Stakeholder Confidence

    Otuaro’s Leadership Revives Amnesty Programme, Restores Stakeholder Confidence

    • Two Years of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda Mark a Turning Point for the Niger Delta

    • 5,000 Beneficiaries Empowered as Stakeholder Confidence Returns under Otuaro’s Leadership

    As Nigeria celebrates the second anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) stands out as a flagship success, reinvigorated under the purposeful leadership of Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro.

    Appointed as Administrator in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Dr. Otuaro has brought focus, vision, and integrity to a programme once plagued by uncertainty.

    Previously seen as directionless and losing stakeholder trust, the Amnesty Programme has now returned to its core mandate of Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR). Since taking office, Dr. Otuaro has led a transformation marked by transparency, youth empowerment, and inclusive engagement with ex-agitators and local communities.

    Among his key achievements is the sponsorship of over 5,000 students across universities and skills acquisition centres. Hundreds more are undergoing specialized training in the blue economy, including marine logistics, aquaculture, and coastal enterprise, aligning the programme with global economic trends and regional potential.

    In addition to educational and vocational empowerment, Dr. Otuaro has championed peacebuilding and reconciliation, reaching out to traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society actors to rebuild trust and dialogue in volatile areas of the Niger Delta.

    One of the most praised reforms has been the reintroduction of strict transparency and accountability frameworks, ensuring that funds are appropriately audited and disbursed to genuine beneficiaries. This renewed credibility has repositioned the Amnesty Programme as a model of public sector performance under the Tinubu administration.

    Stakeholders across the Niger Delta say the changes reflect the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda. “Dr. Otuaro is restoring not just the programme, but our hope in government,” said a community elder in Delta State. “For the first time in a long while, we are witnessing real results.”

    The transformation of the PAP is now widely recognized as one of the clearest indicators of President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance, regional equity, and peacebuilding.

    Observers believe that with sustained support, the programme could serve as a blueprint for national integration efforts across other restive regions.

    In recognition of these achievements, the Niger Delta Transparency Watch Group, which has been monitoring public sector reforms in the region, commended both the Presidency and the Amnesty Office.

    “We are proud to celebrate the results of effective leadership. What we see today is a Renewed Hope in action-driven by commitment, community engagement, and accountability,” the group stated.

    As Nigeria looks ahead, the success of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under Dr. Otuaro is a powerful reminder that when leadership is anchored in integrity and service, national transformation becomes inevitable.

  • NASC Backs Digital Push to Revolutionize Seed Sector

    NASC Backs Digital Push to Revolutionize Seed Sector

    • Says Seed Tracker boosts traceability, adopted in three African countries
    • Bt cowpea, global alliances key to Nigeria’s seed market expansion- DG

    The National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) has reaffirmed its commitment to driving innovation in Nigeria’s seed industry through the use of digital technology.

    Speaking during a refresher training session for seed companies, licensed seed inspectors, and lead outgrowers, Director General of NASC, Fatuhu Muhammad, highlighted the strategic role of the Seed Tracker platform in strengthening the inspection and certification of crop seeds nationwide.

    According to Muhammad, the platform has already gained regional traction, having been exported to Tanzania, Uganda, and Sierra Leone. He revealed that many more countries have expressed interest in adopting the technology, which has become a benchmark for seed system transparency in Africa.

    “Over 52 seed companies have input data on the Seed Tracker on crops such as cassava, cowpea, yam, potato, rice, and maize,” he noted. “The platform, developed to enhance transparency and traceability in seed certification, is modernising Nigeria’s agriculture.”

    As part of its strategy to improve efficiency and reduce operational bottlenecks, NASC plans to expand the use of private inspectors, reducing the workload on its officers while ensuring wider coverage and quality assurance.

    Muhammad also announced ongoing strategic partnerships with international bodies, including the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), the OECD Seed Schemes, and others. These collaborations, he said, are aimed at unlocking access to global seed markets.

    He emphasized Nigeria’s potential to dominate Africa’s seed market, citing the case of cowpea, a major dietary protein source. Despite its importance, the cowpea seed system has been hindered by poor storability and pest infestation. However, recent adoption of Bt cowpea, a genetically modified variety with pest resistance, is already yielding positive results.

    Muhammad commended the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in the United States for supporting Nigeria’s biotechnology ecosystem through the ENCIBBS project, which has bolstered the country’s capacity in biotech research and development.

    Participants at the training expressed satisfaction with the knowledge gained. Hassan Yohanna Lassa, Managing Director of Boom Seeds Nigeria Ltd, praised the Seed Tracker as a transformative tool in combating seed adulteration and improving production quality across Nigeria.

    “It helps track the source and purity of seeds, promoting transparency throughout the seed value chain. We are now committed to ensuring our farmers and products are fully integrated into the platform,” he stated.

    Another participant, Chukwuemeka Umeh, described the training as a major step toward modernising Nigeria’s agricultural system. “We now have the skills to detect early symptoms of seed-borne diseases and implement control measures, thanks to the digital tools and capacity-building provided,” he said.

    With such initiatives, NASC is positioning Nigeria to not only achieve food security but also to become a leading hub in Africa’s evolving seed industry.

     

  • Premium Fabric Store, Lasims Emporium, Opens in Ogudu, Lagos

    Premium Fabric Store, Lasims Emporium, Opens in Ogudu, Lagos

    In a vibrant celebration of fashion and entrepreneurship, Lasims Emporium officially opened its walk-in fabric store on 57 Ogudu Road, off Ojota, by New Kosofe Local Government, bringing a splash of color, texture, and elegance to Lagos’s bustling fashion scene.

    The CEO, Mrs. Simisola Adewole, expressed her excitement at the grand opening, describing the store as a dream birthed from passion and purpose. Initially run as an online business, Lasims Emporium transitioned to a physical store in response to growing customer demand for an in-person shopping experience.

    “Fabrics are more than just materials—they’re a fashion statement, a means of expression,” Mrs. Adewole shared.

    “This store is for everyone who desires quality, uniqueness, and style. We wanted a space where people can connect directly with what they wear—from cotton to vintage, lace, Ankara, and beyond.”

    Lasims Emporium offers a wide selection of premium fabrics for both men and women, sourced from reputable local and international vendors. Whether it’s classic cotton, luxurious lace, or rare vintage designs, the store guarantees high-quality pieces at competitive prices.

    Speaking on what sets Lasims Emporium apart, according to Mrs. Adewole, it’s the uniqueness of the fabrics: “Our fabrics speak for themselves. When you wear Lasims, compliments follow. That’s a promise we stand by.”

    In addition to the walk-in location, Lasims Emporium provides nationwide delivery and is set to expand with a new branch coming soon in Ikeja, making access to exquisite fabrics even easier for customers across Lagos.

    Fashion lovers, designers, and stylists are invited to explore the elegance and originality that Lasims Emporium brings to the fabric market.

    Visit the store at 57 Ogudu Road, Off Ojota, By New Kosofe Local Government, Lagos, or connect with Lasims Emporium online to place orders and stay updated.

  • CSO Applauds Adesina for Offering Trailblazing Leadership at AfDB

    A civic group, Committed Advocates of Integrity Initiative (CADII), has hailed Dr. Akinwumi Adesina for what it described as “trailblazing, transparent, and transformational leadership” as he rounds off his ten-year tenure as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

    In a press statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the Executive Director of CADII, Comrade Charles C. Agubor, said Adesina’s legacy stands tall as a model of integrity-driven leadership across the continent.

    “Dr. Adesina is a rare breed—a leader who fused vision with values. His impact at the AfDB was not just institutional, but continental,” Agubor stated.

    CADII highlighted Adesina’s flagship “High 5 Agenda” which prioritized Lighting Up and Powering Africa, Feeding Africa, Industrializing Africa, Integrating Africa, and Improving the Quality of Life for the people of Africa.

    “These were not mere slogans,” the statement said, “but transformative actions that reshaped lives, economies, and governance across Africa.”

    The group further praised Adesina’s earlier role as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, where he introduced the e-wallet system for fertilizer distribution, eliminated corruption in the sector, and led a shift from subsistence to agribusiness.

    “His reforms restored dignity to millions of farmers and repositioned agriculture as a viable engine of economic growth,” Agubor noted.

    CADII, known for promoting ethical leadership and accountability in governance, said Dr. Adesina’s record should serve as a blueprint for both present and future African leaders.

    “As integrity advocates, we celebrate a man who refused to compromise on values. He took bold decisions that made Africa believe in itself again,” the statement concluded.

    Dr. Adesina, a former recipient of the World Food Prize, bows out of the AfDB after a decade marked by development finance innovation, continental partnerships, and a passionate pursuit of Africa’s prosperity.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • CSO Urges Governor Oborevwori to act fast to prevent break down of law and order in Ibusa

    CSO Urges Governor Oborevwori to act fast to prevent break down of law and order in Ibusa

    • Warns That Community Peace Is at Risk if Lawlessness Is Allowed to Stand

    A foremost civil society organization, African Leadership Strategy and Transparency Development Initiative (ALSTDI), has lend its voice, condemning the recent installation of an illegal interim youth government in Ibusa community of Delta State.

    Describing the development as a reckless and dangerous affront to democratic values, the group urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene before the situation escalates into a full-blown community crisis.

    In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Nelson Ossaieze on Wednesday, ALSTDI stated that it was “deeply alarmed” by reports that, despite a subsisting court injunction stopping the conduct of any youth elections, the Palace of the Obuzor and the Oshimili North Local Government Chairman went ahead to inaugurate unrecognized interim youth government which are largely made up of factional cult group.

    “This is not only an affront to judicial authority, but a brazen abuse of power by political and traditional actors who are expected to be custodians of peace and order. What is currently happening in Ibusa is a deliberate attempt to bypass constitutional mechanisms and impose leadership through backdoor arrangements.” It read.

    According to ALSTDI, such disregard for due process threatens the social cohesion and political stability of Ibusa and in extension Asaba and could set a dangerous precedent for other communities if left unchallenged. They warned that youth disenfranchisement, particularly through manipulation by power brokers, fuels civic frustration, political apathy, and in some cases, violence.

    “We cannot continue to build a democracy where the law is treated as a suggestion and not a command. The court is the proper venue to settle electoral disputes, and any illegal contraption created in defiance of judicial judgments can lead to chaos.” Ossaieze said.

    ALSTDI criticized the involvement of individuals allegedly described as “non-indigenes, political thugs, and cult actors” in the secretive meeting held at the Palace of the Obuzor, where the interim body was allegedly constituted. The organization said it was unacceptable for any form of youth leadership to emerge outside the scope of inclusive, transparent, and legal electoral processes.

    Calling for urgent intervention from the governor of Delta State who is the chief security officer of the state, the organization urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently dispatch a team to assess the situation in the community and restore order.

    ALSTDI also called on the security agencies to ensure that all actors involved in the illegal installation are held accountable. The group advocated for immediate dissolution of the interim body and the need for to call the local government chairman to order.

    “We stand in solidarity with the law-abiding youth of Ibusa who have remained peaceful despite these provocations. Their resilience must not be betrayed by silence or complicity,” Ossaieze concluded.

     

     

     

  • “IPEMIDA: Where Is My Calling?” Hits Over 30 Cinemas Nationwide Tomorrow

    “IPEMIDA: Where Is My Calling?” Hits Over 30 Cinemas Nationwide Tomorrow

    … A Cultural Masterpiece by Woli Osole

    A new dawn is set to unfold in Nigerian cinema as IPEMIDA: Where Is My Calling?, the long-anticipated spiritual-drama film by Ambassador Temitope Omosowon, also known as Woli Osole, premieres in over 30 cinemas across Nigeria starting Friday, May 30, 2025.

    Produced and directed by Ambassador Omosowon Temitope, a native of Oka Akoko in Ondo State, IPEMIDA is already generating massive buzz for its cultural depth, stellar cast, and captivating storyline that explores the complexities of divine calling, destiny, and tradition in modern African society.

    The premiere, which held on May 24, 2025, was a star-studded celebration of art, faith, and heritage. Woli Osole expressed heartfelt gratitude to fans, colleagues, media partners, and industry giants who graced the event, calling it a night to remember. “Your encouragement and overwhelming show of love reminded me why I started this journey,” he said.

    IPEMIDA boasts a phenomenal and diverse cast of seasoned actors and fresh faces from Nollywood. Some standout names include:

    Ambassador Omosowon Temitope (Woli Osole) as Awayewaserere

    Aina Gold as Agba Kamo

    Fisayomi Amodemaja Abebi as Tanwa

    Kazeem Atinuke Madam No Network as Iya Tanwa

    Sanuzi Izihaq Apa as Baba Lekan

    Otunba Ladi Okunuga, Biola Adekunle, Michael Odunlami, Aramide Lawal, Princess Adebukola Olaonipekun, and many more!

    With over 60 cast members, including multiple child actors and community talents, IPEMIDA delivers a multi-generational, community-driven cinematic experience.

    At its core, IPEMIDA is a story of spiritual awakening and cultural reconnection. It asks a powerful question: What happens when tradition collides with destiny? Through compelling storytelling, strong Yoruba cultural motifs, and emotionally resonant performances, the film explores themes of identity, faith, and purpose.

    From powerful matriarchs to charismatic Alfas, humorous characters to spiritual leaders, the film mirrors real-life struggles in a society where the spiritual and physical are intertwined.

    Nigerians across the country will have the opportunity to witness this unique cinematic experience, as IPEMIDA rolls out to more than 30 cinemas nationwide starting tomorrow, Friday, May 30.

    Whether you’re a lover of African storytelling, spiritual drama, or quality Nollywood production, IPEMIDA is not just a movie — it’s a movement.

    Speaking on the future, Woli Osole confidently declared: “This is only the beginning. Let’s keep telling our stories and celebrating our culture.”

    Indeed, IPEMIDA stands as a testament to the power of indigenous storytelling in global cinema. Audiences are encouraged to grab their tickets, bring friends and family, and witness a cinematic journey that will linger long after the credits roll.

  • NDTWG Applauds President Tinubu’s Two Years of Renewed Hope

    NDTWG Applauds President Tinubu’s Two Years of Renewed Hope

    • Says Niger Delta Is Rising Again Under Tinubu, Otuaro’s Leadership
    • Presidential Amnesty Programme Now a Model for Peace and Youth Empowerment

    The Niger Delta Transparency Watch Group has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his transformative leadership and strategic commitment to the Niger Delta region, stating that the President’s two years in office under the Renewed Hope Agenda have reignited development and restored confidence in the region’s future.

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the group, speaking on behalf of Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), praised the President for his bold and people-centered approach to governance, which has significantly advanced the peace and empowerment process in the oil-rich region.

    The group described the last two years as a “turning point” for the Niger Delta, with President Tinubu placing inclusive development, youth empowerment, and national unity at the forefront of his agenda. According to the statement, the revitalization of the Presidential Amnesty Programme has yielded visible results, including a sharp decline in youth restiveness and a surge in productivity across formerly volatile communities.

    They noted that under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, with the President’s unwavering support, the PAP has evolved beyond a demobilization initiative into a robust platform for long-term empowerment. Over 5,000 delegates have been mobilized for formal education, while thousands more are engaged in vocational training programmes, all geared toward sustainable livelihoods and lasting peace.

    “The Amnesty Programme today stands as a model for youth empowerment and peacebuilding, thanks to the vision of President Tinubu and the dedication of Dr. Dennis Otuaro,” the group stated. “This administration has shown that with strategic investment and political will, inclusive development is not just possible, but inevitable.”

    The Niger Delta Transparency Watch Group emphasized that peace in the region is closely tied to investment in human capital. They acknowledged infrastructure upgrades, skills acquisition projects, and renewed government attention as signs that the Niger Delta is no longer on the margins of national development.

    They described President Tinubu’s style as one driven by action, not rhetoric, and called on all stakeholders in the region to align with the President’s vision and support the progress being championed through the PAP.

    As the Renewed Hope Agenda enters its third year, the group expressed confidence that the Niger Delta will continue to emerge as a symbol of peace, opportunity, and relevance in Nigeria’s development narrative.

     

     

     

  • Chiderije Mbah Wins One Day MD/CEO Of Wema Bank PLC

    Chiderije Mbah Wins One Day MD/CEO Of Wema Bank PLC

    • … Set To Run The Bank’s Affairs For 24 Hours In An Unforgettable Children’s Day Experience

    In a heartfelt celebration of 2025 Children’s Day, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has unveiled 12-year-old Chiderije Mbah as its One-Day Managing Director/CEO for May 27, 2025, as part of a special initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of Nigerian leaders. The memorable experience, which took place today, at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos, Marina, spotlighted Wema Bank’s ongoing commitment to investing in the future even as it marks 80 remarkable years of legacy and impact.

    Chiderije Mbah became the winner of the One-Day Wema Bank MD/CEO initiative launched in May 2025, to mark this year’s Children’s Day celebration. He was chosen after sharing a spirited video explaining his dream of leading a bank and his vision for making finance more fun and accessible for children. His entry, submitted through a social media challenge, stood out among dozens who applied to be in the position.

    The One-Day Wema Bank MD/CEO was the high point of a broader Children’s Day initiative by Wema Bank, which invited children across the country to participate in an online challenge. To qualify, children were asked to post a short video dressed in Wema colours and share the banking role they aspired to, while either holding or opening a Royal Kiddies Account (for ages 0–12) or an ALAT Xplore Wallet (for teenagers 13–17). The campaign blended fun with purpose, introducing thousands of young Nigerians to early financial education and the power of dreaming big.

    On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Chiderije stepped into the spotlight at Wema Bank’s Lagos Headquarters, receiving a purple-carpet welcome and taking his seat at the helm of the bank for a day packed with leadership, learning, and excitement. Enjoying a full day of activities; from a guided tour of the head office to holding his own executive briefing session in the boardroom, he will also be addressing senior executives of the bank.

    “This is the best day of my life,” said Chiderije Mbah. “Wema Bank made me feel important. I am learning so much about being a leader and how banking works. I’ll tell all my friends to open a Wema Bank Royal Kiddies Account so they can also start learning how to save and maybe one day, they can be MD too!”

    Speaking on the initiative, Wema Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Moruf Oseni, said,

    “Our 80th anniversary is a time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going, knowing fully well that the future belongs to the young stars like Chiderije. Today’s activity is one of our ways of showing that we believe in the children, that we’re listening, and that we’re committed to helping them succeed financially, personally, and professionally all the way.”

    This unforgettable experience reinforces Wema Bank’s vision of a future-ready Nigeria; one where financial inclusion starts early, and every child has access to tools, inspiration, and opportunities to thrive. As Wema bank celebrates eight decades of resilience and innovation, its gaze remains firmly fixed on the horizon, championing the dreams of tomorrow’s leaders, one child at a time.

     

  • SHAREHOLDERS COMMEND WEMA BANK AT 2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

    • …Express confidence in stable future following FY 2024 Financial Performance

    Reinforcing its position as one of Nigeria’s most profitable financial institutions, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has received a unanimous vote of confidence from its shareholders across Nigeria as it disclosed a record-breaking financial performance at its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Wema Bank 2024 AGM held virtually in Lagos on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

    According to the Bank’s 2024 Annual Report, Wema Bank, in 2024, recorded an all-time-high performance, with Gross Earnings growing by 91.51% from N225.75 billion in FY 2023 to N432.34 billion in FY 2024; Profit before Tax (PBT) increasing by 135.16% to N102.51 billion in FY 2024 from N43.59 billion in FY 2023, and Profit After Tax (PAT) increasing by 140.13% to N86.29 billion from N35.93 billion reported in FY 2023; Total Deposits rose by 35.65% to N2,523.82 billion in FY 2024 from N 1,860.57 billion in FY 2023 and Total Assets stood at N3,585.05billion in FY 2024, representing a 60.04% increase over the N2,240.06billion recorded in the corresponding year of 2023 and placing the Bank squarely above the One trillion Naira mark, a milestone the Bank surpassed in Q3 2021.

    The Bank also grew its loans to customers by 49.94% to close FY 2024 at N1,201.21 billion from the N801.10 billion recorded in 2023. Impressively, the Wema and ALAT brands continue to win public acceptance and market relevance as the Bank continues to record growth in its retail deposit drive. 2024 has proven beyond doubt to be an exceptional for the Bank with earnings growing by 91.51% year on year with earnings per share at 483.2 kobo. Additionally, the Bank’s Non-Performing Loan rate closed at 3.86%, a reduction from FY 2023 position. It is no surprise that the Bank received unanimous commendation from shareholders, with both internal and external stakeholders expressing full confidence in the Bank’s stable outlook and successful financial future.

    Among the shareholders who expressed a vote of confidence in Wema Bank were Mr. Matthew Akinlade, who commended the Management for a performance he regarded as “very outstanding”, and Ambassador Doctor Olatunde Okelana, who described the 2024 financial performance of Wema Bank as “historical”, commending Wema Bank’s proactive approach to employee well-being.

    Mrs. Bisi Bakare, National Coordinator of the Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria, also added, “I want to start by commending Wema Bank’s outstanding performance despite the challenging macroeconomic performance. On gender inclusion, I would also like to commend Wema Bank for an impressive gender diversity on the board with 5 out of 11 directors being female, representing a remarkable 38% ratio. Furthermore, I want to seriously commend the succession plan of Wema Bank, and the board for achieving 100% attendance in meetings, which shows a full commitment on their part”.

    Anchoring the Wema Bank 2024 AGM, Dr. Oluwayemisi Olorunshola, the Chairman of Wema Bank, expressed the Bank’s gratitude and appreciation to its shareholders, customers, employees, regulators, partners and other stakeholders, for their continued support and contributions to the Bank’s outstanding performance for the year in view, reiterating the Bank’s commitment to sustain the upward surge in its performance in the decades to come.

    Alluding to the Bank’s plan for sustaining the gargantuan growth recorded in 2024, Moruf Oseni, the Bank’s MD/CEO, added, “We will continue to deliver best-in-class financial solutions, invest in second-to-none technology, reinforce our internal framework for maximum efficiency and remain fully committed to innovation and service excellence, as we continue to provide optimum returns for every stakeholder of Wema Bank. The N150 billion Rights Issue window ended yesterday May 21st, 2025. However, we have raised a motion to raise another N50 billion through private placement, and with your permission, we will proceed with that, come June 2025”.

    “At the end of it all, what we expect is that Wema Bank will have qualifying capital slightly north of N267 billion, which allows us to sustain the resilient and robust franchise that we have built together, to keep Wema Bank thriving as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. Wema Bank stands strong at 80 and in the decades to come, I can assure you that the growth we are experiencing today, is just a tip of the iceberg”, Oseni concluded.

    Wema Bank 2024 AGM saw the Bank’s shareholders authorise a number of decisions including the re-election of board members, remuneration of Audit and Board members, and payment of dividends of N1 per share.

    From marking the incredible milestone of its 80th anniversary to making significant strides towards meeting the CBN recapitalisation benchmark for 2026 and achieving a record-breaking 2024 financial performance that has sustained an unparalleled growth streak over the past decade, Wema Bank has proven its capacity to remain at the forefront of the African financial industry without compromising on delivering unmatched value to stakeholders.

  • Alia Rejects APC Unity Move, Advances Talks with ADC

    Alia Rejects APC Unity Move, Advances Talks with ADC

    • ….Boycotts Tinubu’s 2027 endorsement, deepens rebellion against party hierarchy

    In a calculated act of defiance, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has snubbed the All Progressives Congress (APC) endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election. His absence has intensified internal party divisions and accelerated ongoing talks with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    The endorsement ceremony, hosted by the APC National Working Committee at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, was intended to rally support for Tinubu’s re-election bid and present a unified party front. However, Alia’s decision to boycott the event shocked party leadership and reinforced perceptions of his deepening rift with the party.

    According to sources, Alia had pushed for a joint endorsement that would recognize both Tinubu’s presidential ambition and his own re-election bid in Benue. When the party leadership rejected the proposal, he reportedly withdrew from further discussions and shifted his focus toward exploring an alternative political platform.

    Since assuming office, Governor Alia has been locked in a prolonged power struggle with influential APC figures in Benue, most notably Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The friction escalated when Alia attempted to remove Mr. Austin Agada, the APC State Chairman and an ally of Akume.

    That move was invalidated by the Federal High Court in Makurdi, which ruled on November 28, 2024, that Agada’s removal was unlawful. Despite the ruling, Alia went ahead to establish a factional party structure, installing a parallel executive loyal to him and marginalizing dissenting voices.

    Political observers now believe that Alia’s outreach to the ADC is part of a deliberate plan to exit the APC. Sources close to the matter revealed that former Governor Gabriel Suswam and senior ADC officials are actively involved in advanced negotiations to facilitate the governor’s defection.

    Adding to the intrigue, Alia is reported to have secretly financed Suswam’s failed campaign for the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), further indicating his readiness to form strategic alliances across party lines.

    Analysts describe the governor as a political tactician who is prioritizing personal ambition over party loyalty. While his moves have consolidated support within a loyal faction, they have also alienated large sections of the APC both in Benue and at the national level.

    As preparations for the 2027 elections gain momentum, Governor Alia’s political gamble may either reposition him as a key power player or leave him politically isolated. What remains clear is that his actions are reshaping Benue’s political dynamics and sending ripples through the national party structure.