All Posts in "Month: March 2026"

DIG Frank Mba, other senior police officers to retire amid leadership reshuffle

A Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, along with several other senior officers, are set to retire from the Nigeria Police Force following recent leadership changes within the institution.

The development comes as seven Assistant Inspectors-General of Police are being considered for elevation to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police.

The anticipated retirement of Mba and other DIGs follows the departure of the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the subsequent confirmation of Tunji Disu as the new head of the force.

Disu was sworn in on Wednesday as the 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police.

Sources at the Force Headquarters disclosed that the affected DIGs had already begun preparing for their exit but were awaiting formal directives.

According to one of the sources, many of the officers had already started clearing their offices in anticipation of their retirement.

“The DIGs are prepared to step aside, but they are waiting for the official signal. Some of them have already moved their personal belongings from their offices in readiness for the transition,” the source said.

Another insider revealed that seven Assistant Inspectors-General of Police are scheduled to appear before the Police Service Commission on Friday for promotion examinations, a process expected to pave the way for the retirement of the outgoing DIGs.

“Seven AIGs have been shortlisted for elevation to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police, which will ultimately lead to the retirement of the current DIGs,” the source said.

The officers listed for promotion are Margreth Ochalla, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, Ishiaku Mohammed, Zachariah Fera, Zango Ibrahim, Umar Shehu Nadada, and Muhammed Abdul Sulaiman.

They are expected to appear before the commission in Abuja for the promotion exercise.

When contacted, the spokesman of the commission, Torty Kalu, neither confirmed nor denied the development.

Mba, one of the senior officers expected to bow out of service, is a trained legal practitioner. He obtained his law degree from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002 after completing his studies at the Nigerian Law School in Abuja.

He later earned a Master’s degree in Law with distinction from the University of Dundee in Scotland.

Throughout his career, Mba also participated in several international training programmes, including the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, United States, as well as leadership courses at Harvard University and the University of Oxford.

During his years in service, he held key positions including Commissioner of Police in Ogun State and Commissioner of Police in charge of the Border Patrol Force at the Force Headquarters.

He also served as Area Commander in Ajah and FESTAC areas of Lagos during earlier stages of his career.

admin by — March 6, 2026 in News 0
Anxiety as Lagos Assembly panel concludes probe into Makoko demolition

Anxiety has gripped residents of Makoko, Sogunro and Oko-Agbon communities in Lagos following the conclusion of the assignment of an ad-hoc committee of the Lagos State House of Assembly investigating the demolition of structures in the affected areas.

The committee, constituted by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, wrapped up its deliberations on Thursday, March 5, 2026, after hearing submissions from representatives of the three communities, who presented differing views on compensation and relocation for those displaced by the demolition.

Speaking during the session, the Alase of the Egun Community in Makoko, Francis Agoyon, advocated the permanent relocation of affected residents rather than the payment of compensation.

The Baale of Makoko also supported relocation, stating that most residents would prefer to be moved to another location instead of receiving financial compensation.

He, however, urged the state government to clearly indicate the proposed relocation site and properly define the boundaries of the demolition exercise covering Makoko, Sogunro and Oko-Agbon.

Representatives of the Sogunro community took a different stance, calling for financial compensation for affected residents. They suggested that each displaced person should receive about N10 million, noting that the cost of constructing an average bamboo house in the area is estimated at about N4 million.

The Vice Chairman of the Fishermen Association, identified as Tobi, said the situation had generated tension within the communities, as many residents remained uncertain about the final outcome of the process.

According to him, the people are anxious about what lies ahead, adding that the ultimate decision would rest with the traditional leaders.

Reacting to the submissions, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Hon. Noheem Adams, expressed concern over the changing positions of the community representatives.

He recalled that the communities had initially agreed on compensation before later shifting their stance, describing the development as a setback to efforts aimed at reaching a resolution.

Adams said the committee would compile its findings, including the various positions presented by the communities, and submit a report to the Speaker and the full 40-member Assembly for further consideration.

During the meeting, officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LABCA, informed the committee that some of the structures previously demolished had been reconstructed.

The agency subsequently sought the Assembly’s approval to remove the newly erected buildings.

Leaders of the three communities, however, agreed that the government should go ahead with the demolition of any structures rebuilt on the affected sites.

Earlier, the Assembly had directed the communities to constitute 10-member committees made up of women, youths, students and traditional leaders to assist in addressing the concerns of displaced residents and facilitate the resolution process.

The three communities have since submitted their reports to the Assembly Secretariat.

admin by — March 6, 2026 in News 0
Gas supply crisis cuts power generation to 3,940MW

Power generationNigeria’s electricity generation has dropped further below the 4,000-megawatt threshold following persistent gas supply shortages affecting thermal power plants across the country, the Nigerian Independent System Operator said on Thursday.

In a statement titled “Gas Constraints Lead to Temporary Reduction in Power Generation,” the grid operator disclosed that the national grid generated only 3,940.53 megawatts as of 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, reflecting ongoing fuel supply challenges that have continued to constrain output from gas-fired plants.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Independent System Operator wishes to inform stakeholders and the public of the continued decline in electricity generation on the national grid arising from persistent gas supply constraints affecting several thermal power plants.

“As at 05:00 hours of today, Thursday, 5th March 2026, total generation on the national grid stood at 3,940.53 MW, which was already below the expected capacity due to existing gas supply limitations impacting a number of generating stations.”

According to the agency, the output level was already below expected capacity due to ongoing gas supply shortages impacting several power plants across the country. The operator added that the situation deteriorated within hours as a number of generating units were forced to shut down due to inadequate gas supply.

“Between 06:00 hours and 08:00 hours, several generating units were forced to shut down as a result of inadequate gas supply to the plants. This resulted in a cumulative reduction of approximately 292MW in available generation on the grid during the period,” the operator said.

The PUNCH reports that Thursday’s announcement comes barely weeks after the system operator issued an earlier notice in February 2026, warning of generation shortfalls caused by similar gas supply constraints.

In that earlier update, the grid operator said electricity generation had dropped to about 4,300MW, already reflecting the impact of limited gas availability to power plants.

The latest figure of 3,940.53MW therefore represents a further decline in available generation capacity compared to the February notice, highlighting the worsening impact of fuel supply shortages on Nigeria’s power system.

In the new notice, operational data cited by the system operator show that thermal power plants on the national grid require about 1,588.61 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to operate at optimal capacity.

However, actual gas supply to the plants currently stands at only 652.92 million standard cubic feet per day, representing roughly 40 per cent of the required volume.

“This shortfall has significantly affected the ability of thermal power plants to operate at optimal capacity and has further reduced the total generation available for dispatch to the national grid,” the statement said.

The agency noted that the generation deficit was responsible for the power supply inadequacy currently being experienced across parts of the country. The system operator said it was working closely with electricity generation companies and gas suppliers to restore fuel supply to the affected power plants.

“NISO is actively working with the affected Generation Companies and relevant gas suppliers to closely monitor the situation and facilitate the restoration of generation as soon as gas supply to the affected plants stabilises,” the statement added.

It further noted that operational measures were being implemented to maintain stability on the grid despite the reduced generation capacity. “The System Operator continues to take necessary operational measures to maintain grid stability while managing the impact of the reduced generation on the network,” it said.

Nigeria’s power generation mix is heavily dependent on gas-fired thermal plants, which account for more than 70 per cent of electricity supplied to the national grid.

However, the sector has been plagued by recurring gas supply constraints caused by pipeline vandalism, inadequate gas infrastructure, payment disputes between power generation companies and gas suppliers, and the diversion of gas to more profitable export markets.

The recurring gas shortages underscore structural challenges in the electricity market, including liquidity constraints in the power value chain and inadequate investments in gas-to-power infrastructure.

Despite Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves, estimated to be among the largest in Africa, power plants frequently operate below installed capacity due to supply bottlenecks.

The government has repeatedly pledged to address the gas supply challenge through initiatives aimed at boosting domestic gas production, expanding pipeline networks, and strengthening payment guarantees within the electricity market.

Meanwhile, NISO said it would continue to keep stakeholders and electricity consumers informed on developments affecting generation and grid operations.

admin by — March 6, 2026 in Business 0
Turkish Airlines posts $2.2bn operating profit

 

Turkish AirlinesTurkish Airlines recorded a core operating profit of $2.2bn in 2025, as strong passenger demand and premium travel helped the global carrier navigate geopolitical tensions, trade disputes and supply chain disruptions.

The airline disclosed in a statement that its total revenue rose 6.3 per cent year-on-year to $24.1bn, supported largely by growth in passenger operations, particularly in international and premium travel segments.

Financial results released by the carrier showed that fourth-quarter revenue climbed 12 per cent compared with the same period in 2024 to $6.3bn, while profit from core operations increased 23 per cent to $534m.

According to the airline, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and rent stood at $5.7bn in 2025, while the EBITDAR margin reached 23.7 per cent, exceeding the midpoint of the company’s long-term target.

Despite rising costs linked to global inflation and supply constraints affecting aircraft engines and deliveries, the airline said it maintained strong operational performance throughout the year.

The company reported that its consolidated assets rose to $46.6bn during the period under review, while total employment across its subsidiaries exceeded 101,000 workers.

As part of its expansion drive, Turkish Airlines invested $6bn in 2025, bringing its total investments over the last five years to about $20bn.

Operationally, the airline expanded its fleet by five per cent year-on-year to 516 aircraft by the end of 2025. It also transported 92.6 million passengers and handled 2.2 million tonnes of cargo, marking its highest operational performance in history.

Passenger revenue grew 7.4 per cent on the back of strong international demand and increased premium travel. Although global trade slowdowns and tariff pressures reduced cargo unit yields, the airline said it offset the impact with a 16.6 per cent rise in cargo volumes, generating $3.4bn in cargo revenue.

The Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee of the airline, Ahmet Bolat, said the results demonstrated the carrier’s ability to adapt to changing global conditions.

“Despite an exceptionally challenging and unpredictable operating environment, the financial success we achieved in 2025 once again showed our ability to adapt to rapidly changing commercial and geopolitical conditions,” Bolat said.

He added that investments and strategic partnerships established during the year strengthened the airline’s global reach and supported its long-term development objectives.

The airline noted that strong operational performance recorded toward the end of 2025 continued into the early months of 2026, with positive results in January and February supporting expectations that its 2026 EBITDAR margin would remain within the long-term target range of 22 to 24 per cent.

The airline said it would continue expanding its global footprint while supporting sustainable growth in the aviation industry to maintain its claim as the network carrier operating the most flights in Europe.

It added that its long-term “Centennial Strategy” would guide future investments to strengthen its fleet, expand routes and improve service quality across its global network.

admin by — March 6, 2026 in Business 0
Banks’ credit to manufacturers drops 20% to N60.4tn

CBN-VUILDING-700×375Nigerian deposit money banks disbursed a total of N60.35tn in credit to the manufacturing sector in the first nine months of 2025, a 20.44 per cent decline from the N75.86tn recorded in the corresponding period of 2024, The PUNCH has found.

An analysis of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Quarterly Statistical Bulletin for the third quarter of 2025 indicated that lending to manufacturers slowed significantly during the period, reflecting the tight credit conditions the sector faced amid elevated borrowing costs.

Manufacturers have long called for a deeper rate cut that “can meaningfully lower the cost of credit and stimulate real sector investment”, as the apex bank gradually eased the interest rate benchmark.

The data showed that banks extended N60.35tn to manufacturers between January and September 2025, down from N75.86tn in the same period of 2024.

Monthly disbursement in 2025 revealed that January (N8.31tn) and February (N8.03tn) recorded the highest credit allocations to the sector.

On the other hand, September (N7.09tn) and June (N7.09tn) posted the lowest disbursements during the period.

In 2024, however, credit flows were significantly stronger. The highest disbursements were recorded in February (N10.88 tn) and January (N10.02 tn), while the lowest allocations were in September (N8.67 tn) and March (N8.70 tn).

Further analysis showed that the average monthly credit to manufacturers dropped to approximately N6.71tn in 2025, compared to approximately N8.43tn in 2024, signifying the tightening financial conditions that constrained industrial financing.

The 20.44 per cent decline came despite recent monetary policy easing by the apex bank. After maintaining a tight stance for years, the CBN made its first interest rate reduction in five years in 2025, cutting the Monetary Policy Rate by 50 basis points to 27 per cent from a historic high of 27.5 per cent.

In February 2026, the Monetary Policy Committee again reduced the benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to 26.5 per cent, signalling the start of a gradual easing cycle.

Private sector groups have welcomed the signal which the easing came with while staying cautiously optimistic for a real impact. In an interview with The PUNCH, the Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the interest rate reduction could stimulate the real sector if banks transmit the lower policy rate to borrowers.

“The Monetary Policy Committee of CBN announced the reduction of the benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points from 27 per cent to 26.5 per cent at the end of the committee’s 304th meeting, held on 23 and 24 February 2026. Although the 50 basis points cut looks inconsequential, the implication for the economy, especially in the manufacturing sector, is significant,” Ajayi-Kadir said.

He noted that the benefits of the policy shift would depend on the willingness of banks to pass the lower rates to businesses and the stability of key macroeconomic indicators.

Ajayi-Kadir stated, “Currently, the lending rates from the commercial banks hover around 32 per cent to 37 per cent. A reduction in the Monetary Policy Rate by the Central Bank of Nigeria will have positive impacts on the real sector through several key channels, including lower borrowing costs for businesses, increased investment and employment, expansion of SMEs, increased demand for locally produced goods and stimulation of economic growth.”

MAN had earlier urged the apex bank to adopt more aggressive easing to support industrial growth. “The time has come for the apex bank to take a bolder step by introducing a deeper rate cut that can meaningfully lower the cost of credit and stimulate real-sector investment. Growth cannot thrive where capital remains prohibitively expensive,” the association stated in its Manufacturers CEO’s Confidence Index report for the third quarter of 2025.

MAN is not alone in holding the position that executing more actions to improve the flow of easing interest rates is necessary. The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise has called for improved transmission of the MPR easing at the level of commercial banks.

The Chief Executive Officer of the CPPE, Dr Muda Yusuf, said in a policy document that the gradual interest rate easing cycle could improve investor sentiment and support credit expansion in the economy.

“This policy direction is appropriate and growth-supportive. It reflects improving macroeconomic fundamentals and reinforces confidence in the economy’s stabilisation trajectory,” Yusuf said.

He, however, warned that structural challenges within the financial system could limit the impact of the policy easing. “A major concern remains the weak transmission mechanism between monetary policy adjustments and actual lending rates in the real economy. Despite reductions in the MPR, lending rates to businesses remain elevated due to structural factors including high cash reserve ratio, elevated cost of deposits, risk premiums and crowding-out effects from government borrowing,” Yusuf added.

He stressed that unless these constraints are addressed, the benefits of lower policy rates may not translate into cheaper credit for manufacturers and other productive sectors.

Industry stakeholders have repeatedly argued that high interest rates, alongside rising energy costs, logistics bottlenecks and exchange rate volatility, have constrained production and investment across the country’s manufacturing sector.

admin by — March 6, 2026 in Business 0
11Plc MD Oyebanji retires after 45-year service

OtunbaAdetunji OyebanjiThe Managing Director of 11Plc, Mr Adetunji Oyebanji, will retire from the company after 45 years of service.

The development was contained in a notice signed by the Company Secretary and addressed to NASD Plc and the investing public, dated March 3, 2026. The retirement will take effect from March 31, 2026, after over 45 years of dedicated service to the organisation.

The Board of Directors of 11Plc expressed its profound gratitude to Oyebanji for his leadership and invaluable contributions to the company and wished him the best in his future endeavours.

Adetunji Oyebanji was appointed Chairman and Managing Director of then Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc in October 2008 and, following the divestment of ExxonMobil, became the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of 11Plc in April 2017.

The Board of Directors acknowledged Oyebanji’s remarkable career with the company, describing it as a testament to his unwavering commitment, passion, and expertise in the oil and gas industry.

He joined Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc in 1980 as a Marketing Representative Trainee and progressed through various leadership positions, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic vision. These include Planning Associate, Pricing Manager, District Manager, Branch Manager, Manager, Fuels Services, and Executive Director, Fuels.

His appointment as Managing Director/CEO in 2017 marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career, and he has steered the company through a period of significant transformation and growth.

Apart from his role in the company, Oyebanji has played significant roles in the oil and gas industry and the economy at large. He is currently the President and Chairman of the Council of the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria.

He was a past Chairman of the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, as well as the Petroleum Downstream Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He was also a past Council member of the Nigerian Institute of Management and the LCCI. He was a board member of the Society for Corporate Governance, Nigeria, for over 10 years.

Oyebanji’s career extended well beyond Nigeria’s shores. He served at various points in his career as a Project Associate at Mobil Oil Corporation’s headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia, United States, as well as Manager, Planning of Mobil Africa Sales Inc.

He also served as an Executive Director at Mobil Oil Cameroon and later at Mobil Oil Ethiopia. Eventually, he took on a global leadership role as Manager, Industrial and Wholesale Fuels, Africa and the Middle East, based in Belgium and reporting functionally to the Global I&W Manager.

The Board of Directors thanked Oyebanji for his tireless efforts and dedication to 11 Plc and wished him a happy and healthy retirement. The board also appreciated his contributions to the company’s success and said it was grateful for his legacy, which will continue to inspire future generations

admin by — March 6, 2026 in Business 0
Fintiri assures 85% votes for Tinubu, APC in Adamawa

The Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Amodu Umaru Fintiri, has reaffirmed his total commitment to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, declaring that the state will deliver no less than 85 percent of the total votes to the party.
Governor Fintiri made the declaration during a visit to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, where he was received by the National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; and members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
Speaking during the meeting, the Governor emphasised that his visit was part of a familiarisation tour following his return to the APC, noting that he does not regard his move as a defection.
“We do not call it defection because we formed the APC together in 2014. This is a homecoming,” he stated.
Governor Fintiri assured the party leadership that political structures across Adamawa State have aligned with the APC and are already mobilising vigorously ahead of 2027.
“We are working towards delivering 85 percent of the votes in Adamawa, and we will ensure that no other candidate secures up to 25 percent in the state. We are fully integrated, fully on ground, and working tirelessly to achieve this goal,” he said.
He disclosed that the party has already held its first stakeholders’ meeting in the state, describing it as the largest political gathering in recent times.
“We are used to winning elections, and we have brought that winning culture back to the party. Everyone is on board, and we will ensure that no one is left behind,” the Governor added.
Describing himself as a grassroots mobiliser, Governor Fintiri pledged to lead an aggressive but strategic mobilisation drive to consolidate the party’s dominance in the state.
“Our commitment is clear, to ensure a massive victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates in 2027. We are here, and we are here fully,” he affirmed.
In his response, the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, warmly welcomed the Governor, describing his return as a reunion with the political family he helped build.
“I welcome you back home. Your place remains here. You are returning to the house you built and the castle you helped to establish,” the Chairman said.
Professor Yilwatda reiterated that the APC remains the only political party with a truly national outlook and broad acceptance across all regions of Nigeria.
“Our doors remain open. We welcome you wholeheartedly and assure you of full integration within the party structure,” he stated.
The National Chairman further disclosed that the party’s membership register is up to date and ready for submission to INEC whenever required, underscoring the APC’s preparedness for future electoral processes.
He also assured that arrangements would be concluded to formally receive Governor Fintiri into the party ahead of the forthcoming national convention.
The visit signals strengthened unity within the APC and reinforces the party’s consolidation strategy in Adamawa State as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.

 

admin by — March 6, 2026 in News 0
FAAN Hails Tinubu’s Intervention, Adopts Hybrid Approach for Airport Cashless Toll System

FAAN boss explains Tinubu's suspension of airport cashless toll policy - The Nation Newspaper
The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has welcomed the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to refine the implementation of the airport cashless toll policy, describing the decision as a major win for the aviation sector.
Briefing aviation correspondents, the FAAN boss said the President’s directive, conveyed through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, followed deliberations at the Federal Executive Council (FEC), where the federal government advised that the process should not be completely suspended but improved before full enforcement.
According to her, the agency had earlier begun preparations for the cashless system in October last year through public enlightenment campaigns, including collaboration with the National Orientation Agency to sensitise the public across social media platforms.
She explained that the authority was implementing a federal government directive but had initially proposed a hybrid model that would allow both cash and automated payment options.
The FAAN Managing Director said President Tinubu’s intervention demonstrated a clear understanding of operational realities in the aviation environment, particularly the traffic congestion experienced during the early rollout of the policy.
“We actually thank Mr. President for this laudable initiative. The fact that the President is not just rolling out policies but also understanding the nature of every environment is commendable”, she said.
She noted that the heavy traffic gridlock observed around airport toll gates especially in Lagos prompted the decision to temporarily revert to a hybrid system that allows both cash payments and electronic options.
According to him, while the technology deployed for the cashless system recorded about 99 percent success, the location of toll gates and the high volume of commuters in airport corridors contributed significantly to the congestion.
“In Lagos, the airport road is used not only by passengers but also by workers and commuters travelling to other areas such as Ikeja and surrounding locations. This creates unique users every day, not just repeat users,” she explained.
Despite the initial challenges, FAAN recorded significant adoption levels for the system. The Managing Director revealed that over 100,000 users had already registered for the cashless payment platform between October and early March, with about 60,000 registrations occurring within the last three days before enforcement.
She described the figure as a strong indicator of public acceptance and growing awareness.
The FAAN chief said the Federal Government has now granted the agency additional time to refine the system, expand user onboarding, and improve public awareness before reintroducing full implementation.
Kuku explained that FAAN would continue working with private sector partners to improve the technology, expand payment channels including cards and electronic tags and apply lessons from similar systems in other countries.
According to her, the extended timeline will also allow FAAN to strengthen pilot testing and address operational challenges encountered during the initial rollout.
While cash payments have been temporarily reintroduced, the Managing Director assured that the authority would implement stricter checks and accountability mechanisms to minimise revenue leakages.
She noted that one of the key objectives of the cashless initiative was to ensure that all toll revenues are properly remitted to the Federal Government.
“All the necessary checks and balances will be put in place to ensure transparency and reduce leakages even as we operate the hybrid model,” he added.
The FAAN boss emphasised that the cashless policy has not been cancelled but is undergoing refinement to ensure smoother implementation and improved user experience for airport passengers and other road users.
admin by — March 6, 2026 in News 0
ADC membership flooded with fake identities – VP Shettima slams opposition

Vice President Kashim Shettima has taken a swipe at opposition parties, accusing them of thriving on “lies and hypocrisy.”

He insisted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is in a stronger political position than in 2023.

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at an interfaith breaking of fast for Ramadan and Lent held at the State House, Shettima criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its push for electronic transmission of votes.

He alleged that when the party opened its portal for membership registration, it was “overwhelmed by an avalanche of fake names and fictitious identities.”

“The same people who were adamant that we must have electronic transmission of votes opened their portal for membership registration, and it was flooded with fake names and fictitious identities,” the Vice President said.

Taking a broader swipe at opposition politics in the country, Shettima declared that misinformation has become their driving force.

“You and I know that, as Winston Churchill once said, ‘truth is so precious that it must be surrounded by a bodyguard of lies.’ Lies, lies, lies that is what is driving the opposition in this country,” he stated.

Addressing the gathering of political and religious leaders, Shettima urged party faithful to remain united as the political season approaches.

“Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the political season is around the corner. We are all political actors. We have to sell our government. We have to stand behind our administration,” he said.

He further maintained that the APC is now more politically comfortable than it was during the 2023 general elections.

“Politically speaking, we are in a more comfortable position now than in 2023,” he said.

On the recent wave of defections into the ruling party, Shettima insisted that governors joining the APC were doing so voluntarily.

“Nobody is coercing the governors of Rivers, Delta, Kano or any other state to join the APC. It is at their own volition because they have seen the light,” he added.

admin by — March 5, 2026 in News 0
2027: We have 31 govs in APC, more still coming — Gov Okpebholo

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has boasted that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has 31 governors, stressing that more are expected to join.

Okpebholo said this on Wednesday during the official reception of defectors in Benin City, the state capital.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the people of Edo State over their support for the ruling party.

“Let me start by thanking Edo people for the unity that is binding us together and making us one party.

“We now have 31 governors in the All Progressives Congress, APC. And I want to tell you that more governors are still coming to join us.

“I want to also express my profound gratitude to our father, for whom we are here today, President Bola Tinubu.

“He’s being so good to us and we promise to deliver Edo State to him come 2027 general elections,” the governor said.

admin by — March 5, 2026 in News 0