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APC Screening: Aspirants Stranded

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There was frustration, chaos and show of muscular force on Tuesday night at the Katsina State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro Abuja, as the All Progressives Congress screened aspirants vying for various positions in the party’s National Working Committee.

The PUNCH correspondent who was on the ground observed that the several deputy national chairman, national women leader and deputy national women leader, national treasurer hopefuls were shut out of the premises even as new arrivals struggled in vain to brute-force their way in.

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There was also a heavy security presence as chairmanship aspirants such as Tanko Al-Makura and Sani Musa barely made it through the crowd.

Other aspirants and their aides were seen communicating with security agents through the fence to identify themselves (by showing their nomination forms) so as to be granted access to the premises.

They were later instructed to join a queue before being marched in.

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Also present were several supporters wielding placards with the picture of former Zamfara State Governor, Abdul’Aziz Yari, and branded T-Shirts chanting the names of their favourite candidates.

Speaking to our correspondent, an aspirant from the South-East, who identified himself as Dozie Ikedife, lamented the state of affairs at the gate.

He said, “I am a zonal aspirant but I have been told that ours will be tomorrow morning at 10am.”

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The PUNCH correspondent also learned that tonight, only aspirants to the office of the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (all zones), and National Secretary will be screened.

Tuesday’s drama followed an invitation by the APC 2022 National Convention Screening Sub-Committee on Monday.

The invitation called on all aspirants vying for party offices at the national and zonal levels to its screening slated for 10pm.

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According to a notice signed by the Secretary of the Screening Committee, Emmanuel Otagburuagu, the aspirants will be screened in two batches at the Katsina State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.

READ ALSO: Convention: Shinkafi Withdraws From APC Chairmanship Race, Gives Reasons

Although the forms were pegged at high costs, The PUNCH gathered that an aspirant can be disqualified and without a refund if he is found wanting by the screening committee.

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The seven chairmanship aspirants, who have purchased forms and are expected to be screened, are Niger-East lawmaker, Senator Sani Musa; a former governor of Nasarawa State, Tanko Al-Makura; a former governor of Benue State, George Akume; an ex-governor of Zamfara State, Abdul’Aziz Yari; another former governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Adamu; Saliu Mustapha and Mohammed Etsu.

At the time of filing this report, only two chairmanship aspirants, Al-Makura and Musa, had arrived.

Details later…

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2027: Bauchi Speaker Responds To Call To Join Guber Race

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The Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Suleiman, has responded to those calling him to declare interest in the 2027 governorship race, saying it’s not the right time considering the fact that a lot of works are to be done.

Recall that Bauchi State Coalition of Youth and Civil Society Groups, during a press conference held earlier this week, urged the Speaker to consider contesting for the top seat, citing his experience and achievements in public service.

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Responding to the call in a statement made available to INFO DAILY, the Speaker, who appreciated the confidence reposed in him by the coalition, however, maintained that governance and the fulfillment of his current mandate remain his immediate priority.

READ ALSO: Bauchi Speaker Knocks Wike Over Threats To PDP Governors, Wants Security Agents To Take Action

While we sincerely appreciate the compliments and support expressed by the Bauchi State Coalition of Youth and Civil Society Groups, we believe that now is not the appropriate time to declare interest in any political position, including the 2027 gubernatorial race,” he said.

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He added, “This is not the time. There is still a lot to do. Our primary focus at this moment is on representation and governance, serving the interests of our constituents faithfully.”

The Speaker stated that when the time is right to pursue such political ambitions, it would be done transparently and in consultation with party leaders, political allies, and the people of Bauchi State.

READ ALSO: NYSC Urges Bauchi Governor To Reconstruct Collapsed Camp Fence

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We hold a mandate entrusted to us by our constituents, and it is our duty to act in their best interests,” he noted.

He urged the coalition and supporters to continue praying and supporting his efforts in delivering impactful governance.

Our commitment remains to serve with integrity and to prioritize the welfare of our constituents above all,” he said.

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Atiku, El-Rufai Coalition Seeks INEC Registration For New Party

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The National Opposition Coalition Group, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has formally applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission for the registration of a new political party—the All Democratic Alliance.

The application, dated June 19, was acknowledged by INEC on Friday, signalling the coalition’s determination to float a new platform instead of aligning with any existing political party.

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The formation of ADA, backed by some other key political heavyweights, including former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and Umar Ardo, convener of the League of Northern Democrats and former aide to President Olusegun Obasanjo, seeks to capitalise on mounting public dissatisfaction and political realignments to stop President Bola Tinubu at the next poll.

READ ALSO: Atiku, Obi Arrive Abuja For Consultative Group Meeting

The application comes just a few days after INEC warned political groups that no amount of pressure or public sentiment would override the need for strict compliance with constitutional and electoral guidelines.

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The commission reiterated that party registration remains a rigorous constitutional process—not merely a political declaration.

With Thursday’s application, the national opposition coalition has now put an end to weeks of speculation about whether it would revive a dormant political platform or launch a fresh one altogether.

READ ALSO: Trump Orders Mass Layoffs At Voice Of America, Other US-funded Media

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A copy of the application letter, obtained by our correspondent in Abuja, was jointly signed by the association’s Protem National Chairman, Chief Akin A. Rickets, and Protem National Secretary, Abdullahi Elayo.

The letter partly read, “We respectfully write to the Independent National Electoral Commission, requesting the registration of our association, the All Democratic Alliance, as a political party.

“This is a sequel to the decision taken by the Nigerian National Coalition Group to sponsor our association for full registration.

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READ ALSO: Troops Engage Terrorists In Fierce Gun Battle To Repel Gwoza Invasion

“The name of the party shall be All Democratic Alliance with ADA as our acronym and ‘Justice for All’ as our slogan.”

The coalition also submitted relevant documents, including the party’s constitution, manifesto, logo, and minutes of its foundational meetings.

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The party’s symbol prominently features a maize (corn), which the applicants say represents abundance, resilience, and sustenance—core ideals they hope to promote.

We have further attached our manifesto encompassing details of our party ideology and our constitution providing the legal framework that defines our identity, structures, and organisation,” the letter continued.

 

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Rivers LG Administrator Appointed By Ibas Resigns

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The administrator of the Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Goodluck Ihemnacho, has resigned.

Ihemnacho is one of the administrators appointed by the state Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), for the 23 LGAs of the state.

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The resignation was contained in a letter dated June 20, 2025, addressed to the state sole administrator and obtained by our correspondent.

In the letter which has flooded the social media space, Ihemnacho said his resignation was informed by his desire to return to the private sector.

READ ALSO: Rivers Women Walk Out On Ibas’ Wife, Chant ‘We Want Fubara’

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The resignation letter partly read, “I humbly write to your noble office to convey to you my resignation as the administrator, Ahoada East LGA.

“My sincere gratitude goes to the government of Rivers State and the good people of Ahoada East for finding me worthy to serve as Ahaoda East LGA from 11th day of April 2025 to 20th day of July 2025.”

Meanwhile there are speculations that Ihemnacho resigned to pave the way for him to contest the forth-coming LG elections in the state, though this has not been verified.

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