A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Professor Anthony Agbazuere, has expressed confidence that the South-East region will back President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an APC stakeholders’ meeting held in Ikem Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa Local Government Area, Agbazuere urged prospective challengers to step aside and allow Tinubu to complete his agenda for national development.

According to him, the President has made significant progress in stabilising Nigeria’s economy and restoring public confidence through bold policy decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies.

“Tinubu’s policies have freed up resources for development at the state and local government levels,” Agbazuere stated.

“The subsidy regime only benefited smugglers and neighbouring countries. Removing it was a courageous decision that allowed funds to be redirected to actual development.”

Agbazuere cited the creation of the South-East Development Commission as another major reason Tinubu’s popularity is rising in the region.

The commission is designed to address longstanding developmental challenges linked to the aftermath of the civil war.

He said many in the South-East appreciate Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a “special species of man” whose commitment to governance is undeniable.

“Only those with little understanding of economic reality would question his achievements so far,” he added.

The APC chieftain praised Tinubu for initiating the student loan scheme, which aims to support children from low-income families in accessing higher education.

He emphasized that the scheme ensures repayment only begins when beneficiaries gain employment, allowing students to focus on completing their university education.

On fiscal reforms, Agbazuere noted that Tinubu’s government has modernized the country’s tax system by exempting low-income earners and unemployed citizens from paying taxes, a move he described as “unprecedented in Nigerian history.”

He also commended the administration for pushing local government autonomy through a Supreme Court ruling mandating direct allocation of funds to local councils.

However, he accused state governors of frustrating the implementation of the ruling by refusing to comply.

Agbazuere called for unity within the APC and urged Nigerians to give Tinubu the full eight-year opportunity to implement his vision.

“Tinubu inherited an economy where money was being printed to survive, mortgaging the future of our children. He put a stop to that. His leadership deserves continuity,” he said.

The meeting, convened by Chief Ebere Nwachukwu, brought together APC members from the Ukwa la Ngwa bloc.

Nwachukwu emphasized the importance of internal unity as the party prepares for its upcoming congress in October.

He also revealed that APC members in Abia are already strategizing to secure victory in the 2027 governorship election.

Political tensions have escalated in Kaduna State following a controversial political gathering reportedly organized by former governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has disowned the event, distancing itself from the former governor and denouncing the inauguration as illegitimate.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command has launched an investigation into reports of violence and gunfire at the scene.

In a statement released on Saturday, the ADC Kaduna chapter, through its Publicity Secretary, Engr. Musa Idris, categorically rejected what was termed the “Official Inauguration Ceremony of the Kaduna State APC, PDP, SDP, LP, NNPP to ADC Transition Committee.” The party stated that it was neither informed about nor involved in the event.

“The ADC in Kaduna State has no knowledge of and is not part of this so-called inauguration,” the statement read.

“Neither the State Executive Committee nor stakeholders across the 23 LGAs were consulted. This is yet another divisive move by Malam Nasir El-Rufai and his allies.”

The party emphasized that El-Rufai is not a registered member of the ADC and has no authority to act on its behalf.

Elder Patrick Ambut, ADC State Chairman, revealed that El-Rufai had promised to finalize his registration with the party following recent bye-elections but failed to do so.

“Instead of formally joining the party, he has continued to portray himself as our leader and has created unauthorized positions not recognized by the ADC Constitution. This is misleading and unacceptable,” Ambut said.

He reaffirmed that the ADC remains under the control of its legitimate leadership and would resist any attempt to destabilize its internal structure or distract from preparations for the 2027 general elections.

“The event in question is illegitimate and should be disregarded by party members, coalition partners, and the general public,” the party stated.

In response to the alleged violence at the venue, the Kaduna State Police Command confirmed that it has opened an investigation.

Police spokesperson DSP Mansir Hassan said officers are looking into reports of gunfire during the meeting and that political thugs may have been involved in disrupting public peace.

“The Command has initiated a thorough investigation into the reported political gathering allegedly hosted by former governor Nasir El-Rufai,” DSP Hassan said.

“Initial findings suggest that the event led to a confrontation involving armed political thugs.”

He added that the event was held without prior notice to the police, in defiance of repeated warnings to political groups.

He cautioned hotels and event venues to avoid hosting unauthorized political meetings or risk being held liable.

“No matter how highly placed, anyone found guilty of breaching the law will face appropriate sanctions,” Hassan warned.

The ADC leadership called on the party’s national body to intervene promptly to prevent further internal division and reaffirmed its commitment to lawful and peaceful political engagement.

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has described the conduct of Saturday’s local government elections across the state as peaceful, orderly, and a significant milestone in the state’s return to grassroots democracy.

Speaking with journalists after monitoring the elections in several local government areas including Emohua, Ahoada East, and Port Harcourt, Ibas expressed satisfaction with the conduct of voters and election officials.

“I am very pleased with what I’ve seen today. The process has been notably peaceful. From the impressive voter turnout to the orderly behavior of electoral staff and residents, everything has gone smoothly,” he said.

Ibas expressed confidence that the elections would produce credible outcomes that reflect the people’s will.

“At the end of the day, I believe we’ll have results we can all be proud of as a state,” he added.

The retired naval officer noted that reports from across the state’s 23 local government areas had been largely consistent with his observations, describing the process as calm, seamless, and largely free of disruptions.

“This reflects a collective yearning for peace and the restoration of democratic governance at the grassroots,” he said.

Ibas also emphasized the importance of reestablishing elected leadership at the local level, adding that it forms a key part of his mandate to stabilize the state and empower citizens.

“Every indigene of Rivers State deserves leadership they can identify with, leaders chosen by the people at the grassroots level. This election is a foundational step toward achieving that,” he said.

Saturday’s poll comes months after the Supreme Court invalidated the previous local government elections conducted on October 5, 2024, under the administration of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The court’s decision necessitated the fresh elections currently underway.

Vice Admiral Ibas, appointed as Sole Administrator in the wake of the political crisis in the state, reiterated his administration’s commitment to rebuilding democratic institutions and restoring stability through lawful and inclusive processes.

The Oyo State Government has firmly rejected allegations made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has taken a new loan of N300 billion.

The accusation was raised by Ibrahim Shittu, a lawmaker representing Saki West State Constituency, who expressed concerns over an emergency plenary session on August 19 and claimed that he had not been informed or involved in the House’s approval of the purported loan.

However, the Oyo State House of Assembly has dismissed the claim, asserting that the emergency plenary was duly announced and the approval process was legitimate.

In response, the state government issued a statement on August 28, signed by the Special Adviser (Media) to Governor Makinde, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, calling the accusation “mischievous” and “reckless,” and categorically stating that no such loan has been taken.

The statement further clarified the situation, explaining that the Oyo State House of Assembly had actually approved two financial arrangements, not a new loan.

The government outlined the approval as follows:

N149 billion for refinancing: This involves replacing a previous, high-interest loan with a more favorable financial arrangement, aimed at reducing the state’s debt burden.

N151 billion for infrastructure investment and contractor financing: This funding will ensure that critical infrastructure projects are completed on time without placing undue pressure on the state’s cash flow.

The government emphasized that refinancing is not new borrowing, but rather a prudent financial management strategy that seeks to manage existing debt more efficiently.

The contractor financing mechanism, on the other hand, ensures that ongoing and new projects are financed in a way that does not strangle the state’s finances.

“The government also took issue with Shittu’s claims, accusing him of being “notorious for not attending plenaries” and for attempting to mislead the public.”

It pointed out that his statement about a supposed 500% increase in FAAC allocations to Oyo State was also inaccurate, explaining that the actual increase was closer to 75%.”

“The government mockingly noted, “Basic arithmetic would have shown him that the actual increase is about 75%, not 500%, and this miscalculation confirms his lack of understanding of figures and governance.”

Additionally, the government compared its current achievements under Governor Makinde to the past administration, criticizing the APC for leaving Oyo State in a financially precarious state, with a poor economy, unpaid salaries, and numerous abandoned projects.

The Makinde administration, by contrast, has made tough financial decisions that have moved Oyo State out of economic distress.

Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the state has also increased significantly, from approximately N20 billion annually in 2018 under the APC to over N70 billion in 2025, without introducing new taxes on citizens.

The statement further noted that the funds will be used to support major infrastructure projects, including:

Phase 2 of the 110 km Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road: Opening up new economic corridors.

Upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport: Aiming to position Oyo State as a hub for international investment.

Construction of more feeder roads: Connecting various regions of the state to improve local access and boost economic activity.

The government reiterated its commitment to transparent financial management, emphasizing that Governor Seyi Makinde remains dedicated to ensuring that the state becomes self-sustaining, competitive, and prosperous.

The government also made it clear that no amount of APC propaganda could alter the reality of Oyo State’s progress, stating, “Oyo State is working, Oyo State is growing, and Oyo State will not return to the dark days of APC misrule.”