High Chief Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo, Chairman of the APC National Reconciliation Committee in Anambra State, has called on youths within the party to lead the charge in ending the 19-year rule of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state.

Onunkwo made the call on Monday during the inauguration of the newly elected executive members of the APC Youth League at the party’s state secretariat in Awka, where he was also honoured as Grand Patron of the group.

Represented by his media aide, Comrade Emmanuel Ifediata, Onunkwo described the unification of Anambra’s youth under the APC Youth League as a strategic move toward establishing a youth-driven administration in the state.

“Our youths are ready, determined, and coordinated. This is the beginning of a new era. The goal is clear, to reclaim Anambra through unity and grassroots mobilisation,” he said.

He urged the youth leaders to take their campaign beyond urban centres, reaching deep into villages, towns, and political wards to build broad-based support ahead of the 2025 governorship election.

Onunkwo, who has long been regarded as a major supporter of youth empowerment in the state, also provided logistical support and grassroots mobilisation funds to the Youth League as part of his contribution to the APC’s electoral success.

According to Ifediata, Onunkwo expressed strong confidence in the leadership of the new APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, adding that the party was well-positioned to win the 2025 governorship poll and build momentum for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

He also offered condolences to the National Chairman over the recent passing of his mother, praying for strength and comfort for the bereaved family.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified that despite widespread endorsements of President Bola Tinubu for a second term, its 2027 presidential ticket remains open to all interested aspirants.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the APC’s National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Argungu, dismissed rumours that the party plans to automatically hand its 2027 ticket to Tinubu without a contest.

“It is the wish of the party and indeed the National Working Committee (NWC) that President Tinubu continues in office. Our endorsement reflects appreciation for his performance. But that does not mean we are shutting out others,” Argungu said.

He confirmed that the president had been endorsed not just by the NWC, but by state chapters and zonal structures across the country.

Nonetheless, he emphasised that the internal democratic process would not be compromised.

“When the time comes, we will release our timetable, and any party member interested in contesting will be free to purchase nomination and expression of interest forms,” he added. “Democracy does not accommodate dictatorship.”

Argungu also reaffirmed that the APC would adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the provisions of the Electoral Act during its primaries.

He described recent APC victories in bye-elections across traditionally opposition-dominated states as proof of growing public confidence in the party and in President Tinubu’s leadership.

“That we are winning elections in PDP strongholds is a testament to the faith Nigerians have in our progressive agenda,” Argungu said.

Addressing concerns over the upcoming Ekiti governorship primaries, Argungu assured that the process would be open and transparent.

“So far, four aspirants have obtained forms, two men and two women. The women are benefitting from our policy that grants free nomination forms to female aspirants. No one has been denied access,” he said.

He also pushed back on allegations that the party’s Organising Department was being sidelined in primary election planning, stating that since assuming office in 2022, his team has driven reforms to promote fairness and teamwork within the APC.

The Kano State Government has strongly denied allegations that its Director-General of Protocol, Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, diverted N6.5 billion in state funds, describing the claims as politically motivated and aimed at discrediting Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration ahead of the 2027 elections.

This comes amid ongoing investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Both agencies are probing alleged misuse of public funds through a network of front companies, bureau de change operators, and personal accounts allegedly linked to Rogo.

In a statement issued Monday by Sanusi Bature, the state’s Director-General of Media and Publicity, the government described the allegations as a smear campaign orchestrated by opposition forces, warning that such tactics would not derail its commitment to good governance.

“Without prejudice to the ongoing court proceedings, we owe the public a duty to clarify the operations of the Directorate of Protocol. It functions similarly to protocol offices in other states and the federal government,” the statement said.

The government emphasized that all financial dealings within Kano State’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are guided by clearly defined budget lines and expenditure codes.

No official, it said, has discretionary access to funds outside approved allocations.

It further explained that the Protocol Directorate primarily handles logistics, accommodation, and welfare for the governor and visiting dignitaries, noting that over 95% of its responsibilities involve financial transactions often settled on behalf of the state.

“We remain confident in the integrity of Abdullahi Rogo and reject these politically charged allegations,” the statement added.

In a sharp counterattack, the Yusuf administration accused the previous government, led by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, of massive financial impropriety.

It claimed over N20 billion was withdrawn through the Protocol Directorate between February and May 2023 alone.

The government also referenced the controversial “dollar-bribe” video involving Ganduje and alleged illegal land acquisitions and asset takeovers by his associates.

“Kano State has nothing to hide. All officials, including the DG of Protocol, are open to cooperating with anti-graft agencies,” Bature said.

“However, the state will not hesitate to take legal action against individuals or groups spreading falsehoods.”

While affirming its commitment to transparency, the government stated that it would refrain from further public commentary as the case is already before a court.

Despite the state’s position, ICPC officials have reportedly recovered N1.3 billion linked to Rogo, allegedly funneled through front companies and personal accounts.

Two of his Zenith Bank accounts have reportedly been frozen under a Post No Debit order.

ICPC also criticized a recent court ruling that restrained further investigations and awarded Rogo N2 million in damages, saying the judgment threatens efforts to hold public officials accountable.