Politics

Intrigues As Tinubu, Osinbajo, Amaechi Camps Emerge In Senate

Published

4 years ago

April 17, 2022

Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, strong indications have emerged that senators elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, are sharply divided over the ambitions of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi.

The division has been glaring before the March 26 National Convention of the APC when the senators were divided over the aspirants for the National Chairman against the backdrop that the APC had zoned the position to the North-Central.

Prior to the emergence of Senator Abdullahi Adamu as the National Chairman of the ruling party via consensus, senators were not on the same page as some supported Adamu while others were divided between Senator Sani Musa, APC, Niger East and Senator Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa).

Similar scenario is rearing its head in the Senate as camps are emerging for Tinubu, Osinbajo and Amaechi.

Preparatory to the APC National Convention, it had been alleged that the senators in the camp of Adamu were also working for the emergence of Amaechi as the presidential candidate of the party, even as it was alleged that they have chosen Adamu because of their belief that nobody would be able to influence whatever decision President Muhammadu Buhari wanted him to take ahead of the 2023 elections.

An indication to the split among the senators was displayed when Adamu, before the Convention, unveiled his Campaign Office in Area 11, Opposite Radio House.

Senators who attended the ceremony and spoke at the occasion included Deputy
President of the Senate, Senator 1 Omo-Agege, APC, Delta Central; Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi, APC, Kebbi North; Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, APC, Abia North; Adamu Aliero, APC, Kebbi Central and Ali Ndume, APC, Borno South.

They all spoke clearly about their belief in Adamu and the fact that he had the competence and capability to lead the party.

Soon after the Convention and with the emergence of Adamu as the National Chairman of the party, Amaechi declared for the 2023 presidency and, barely 48 hours after his declaration, he made Ndume the Director-General of his Campaign Organization.

This is a masterstroke as many analysts believe Ndume has what it takes to pull many senators to support his candidate against the backdrop that he is a likeable personality.

Ndume has been around in the National Assembly for a while; he was in the House of Representatives, he was Senate leader before contesting with Senator Ahman Lawan for the position of the President of the Senate and the chairs a very strong Committee that is Committee on Army.

Meanwhile, as part of his consultations for the 2023 presidency, Tinubu, on March 16, visited the Senate Caucus of the APC during which he vowed that if he becomes President, he will not step on the toes of Buhari, but step into his shoes.

He asked the Senate Caucus of the party to support his lifetime ambition to be President.

The APC National Leader was received by Lawan with almost all senators of the party in attendance.

Tinubu, who noted that he was at the Senate for counsel, partnership and support, said, “Nigerians have come to that stage where we need a change of baton. “Election is coming up in February. We have various programmes including the nomination process, primary process and all of that. I can’t do it by myself and I can’t do it by sitting at home expecting that many friends I have here will do it for me.

“I believe jointly we can do it. You can back me successfully for the nomination of my lifetime ambition to become President. My ambition is not blind to the extent I will step on the toes of the President. I just want to step into his shoes and not on his toes.”

According to Tinubu, if elected President, the country will remain united and “we will use that unity, the symbol of our party to cleanse Nigeria of unrealisable potential.”

Responding, Lawan, who assured Tinubu that senators would continue to remain united to ensure the success of the Buhari administration, however, explained that external factors were mainly responsible for the social and economic challenges the country has been facing since the APC took over power in 2019.

Also carrying his 2023 presidential campaign to senators, Osinbajo, on April 12, invited the federal lawmakers and the Caucus to celebrate Iftar at his official residence.

Iftar is the meal Muslims eat after sunset during Ramadan to breakfast for the day

At the meeting, the VP solicited the support of the APC Caucus in the senate in his quest to succeed his boss in 2023.

Recall that Osinbajo made an audio declaration for the presidency last Monday morning after hosting the Progressive Governors Forum on Sunday.

Now that Tinubu is vying for the presidency with his political son, the battle line is drawn and senators, especially those from the South-West, are working in opposite directions.

Presently in the Senate, Tinubu is sure of support from his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, APC, Lagos Central; Senator Olamilekan Adeola, Lagos West; Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, Lagos East; Senator Kashim Shettima, Borno Central; Senator Ajibola Bashiru, Osun Central; and Senator Adeyemi Oriolowo, Osun West.

In Ondo State, the only APC senator, Robert Ajayi Boroffice, Ondo North, may not support Tinubu because Governor Rotimi Akeredolu is said not to be in the same camp with Tinubu.

In Ogun State, the three senators there are also believed not to be pro-Tinubu against the backdrop that Senator Ibikunle Amosun, APC, Ogun Central is also said to be nursing presidential ambition and there is a political war between him and Governor Dapo Abiodun.

One other thing that may work against Tinubu concerning Ogun senators is that even though he was instrumental to the emergence of Abiodun as governor, the federal lawmakers may throw their weight behind Osinbajo as an Ijebu man from Ikenne as their own son. The other senators from Ogun besides Amosun are Olalekan Mustapha, Ogun East and Tolulope Odebiyi, Ogun West.

In Ekiti, it is not clear if Governor Kayode Fayemi, who is not on good terms with Tinubu while also nursing presidential ambition may sway the two APC senators, Opeyemi Bamidele, Ekiti Central and Olubunmi Adetumbi, Ekiti North, in favour of his ambition or to anyone he may be supporting.

In Delta, the two APC senators are Omo- Agege, Delta Central and Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, Delta North. Omo- Agege may be in the same camp with Ndume in this case while Nwaoboshi may also swing to the same direction and that is towards Amaechi.

In Kano State, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje is a strong supporter of Tinubu, but Senators Ibrahim Shekarau, Kano Central and Jubrin Barau, Kano North are presently engaged in a political fight with the governor and, with this, they may not go the same way with Ganduje, but Senator Kabiru Gaya, Kano South may support Tinubu.

In Katsina State, President Muhammadu Buhari’s home state, former Senator Abu Ibrahim and Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, among others, are strong forces and may influence senators from the state: Senators Baba Kaita, Katsina North; Bello Mandiya, Katsina South and Barkiya Abdullahi, Katsina Central.

The senators will be divided because the Emir of Katsina is said to have endorsed Amaechi. Abu Ibrahim is a strong supporter of Tinubu.

Kogi Senators Smart Adeyemi, Kogi West; Yakubu Oseni, Kogi Central and Jibrin Oseni, Kogi East are sharply divided between Tinubu, Osinbajo and Amaechi because of the presidential ambition of Governor Yahaya Bello, just as governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State determines where the two APC Senators Suleiman Kwari, Kaduna North and Uba Sani, Kaduna Central will be.

VANGUARD.

Up Next

2023 Election: Group Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plot To Destabilise PDP In Bayelsa

Don't Miss

INEC In Dilemma Over Prosecution Of 1.1million Multiple Registrants

Comments

Politics

Ijaw Leaders Commend Gov Diri Defection to APC, Describe Decision As Bold, Strategic

Published

4 hours ago

November 4, 2025

Editor

The Ijaw Leaders Consultative Forum (ILCF) has commended Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement signed by the Convener, Hendrick Opukeme, the ILCF described the governor’s move as a “strategic and a “bold declaration of statesmanship”.

The group noted that Governor Diri’s decision has repositioned the Ijaw voice within the national equation, rekindled hope, relevance, and responsibility for the Ijaw people across the Niger Delta and beyond.

The ILCF pledged its unwavering support and collaborative commitment to ensure that the transition becomes a redefinition of Ijaw destiny in the Nigerian project.

The statement reads, “The Ijaw Leaders Consultative Forum (ILCF), on behalf of the elders, stakeholders, and traditional leadership across the length and breadth of the Ijaw nation, conveys its heartfelt solidarity, commendation, and national applause on your courageous and strategic decisions to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Your Excellency, this historic political realignment is not merely a matter of partisan affiliation — it is a strategic national statement, a bold declaration of statesmanship, and a clear assertion of Ijaw political maturity in the unfolding
dynamics of Nigeria’s democracy. By this act, you have repositioned the Ijaw voice within the larger national equation and rekindled a sense of renewed hope,
relevance, and responsibility for our people across the Niger Delta and beyond.

“Your decision resonates deeply with the Ijaw consciousness — that of courage in conviction, resilience in adversity, and foresight in leadership. It has sent a message
of awakening and unity throughout the three zones of the Ijaw nation: Western, Central, and Eastern Ijaw.

“The Stakeholders meeting was coordinated by the Hon. Commissioner for Ijaw National Affairs, Bayelsa state government, HRM, God’spower Tam Oporomo, Tara Eza 1st, Pere of Kierebiri – Mein, Bomadi LGA Delta State
At the enlarged stakeholders’ political consultative meeting convened by the Executive Committee of the Ijaw Leaders Consultative Forum (ILCF) on Saturday, November 3, 2025, at the Ijaw House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, leaders, youths, women, and opinion moulders from all three zones of the Ijaw nation were in massive attendance.

“The collective resolution of that meeting was an overwhelming
endorsement of your political movement and an expression of total solidarity with your visionary step toward national integration and transformative partnership.

“Your Excellency, this move, properly consolidated, will reposition Bayelsa State and the entire Ijaw nation at the heart of Nigeria’s developmental agenda. We see in your action the dawn of a new political synergy that transcends rhetoric — a synergy of purpose, unity, and strategic engagement with the centre.

“The ILCF, therefore, pledges its unwavering support and collaborative commitment to ensure that this transition becomes not just a change of party, but a redefinition of Ijaw destiny in the Nigerian project. We call on all Ijaw sons and
daughters, at home and in the diaspora, to rally around your leadership and align with this evolving national movement anchored on inclusion, justice,

“May the Almighty continue to guide and strengthen you as you lead our people with wisdom, courage, and divine purpose.With profound respect and patriotic regards”, the group added.

Meanwhile, the governor’s defection to APC was celebrated at a grand ceremony in Yenagoa, attended by top government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other governors. Governor Diri stated that his decision was not driven by personal ambition but by the desire to advance Bayelsa’s unity and development.

The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, urged Governor Diri to deliver Bayelsa State to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, saying, “Take this as a symbol of strength, symbol of unity, unite our party, make it stronger and bring all the votes”.

Politics

Trump’s Threat: You’re Responsible For Nigeria’s Rising Insecurity – ADC Slams Tinubu

Published

15 hours ago

November 3, 2025

Editor

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has blasted President Bola Tinubu, blaming him for the escalating insecurity in Nigeria and the tagging of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by US President Donald Trump.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Monday, the ADC said the action by Trump again highlights the urgency and scale of Nigeria’s security collapse.

The party said that the US President’s designation underlines the global expectation that governments must protect the lives of citizens living within their borders.

“We are guided by the painful reality that what is really at stake on this issue are the thousands of human lives that have been lost to insecurity in Nigeria, irrespective of their tribe, religion, or region.

“The statement by President Trump reminds us of the greater global concern about the sanctity of human life, and the cardinal responsibility of national governments to protect the lives of people who live within their borders.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” he stated.

Beyond the security failures, the ADC decried Nigeria’s weakened international standing, linking it to what it called the administration’s diplomatic negligence.

It questioned the continued absence of ambassadors in key countries more than two years into the government’s term, asking: “How can a government that has been boasting of unprecedented revenue success continue to give lack of funds as an excuse for not appointing ambassadors?”

“Under President Tinubu, Nigeria has declined both as a continental and a regional leader.”

Politics

How Obama Plotted My 2015 Election Defeat – Jonathan

Published

15 hours ago

November 3, 2025

Editor

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, has alleged that ex-US President, Barack Obama, plotted his defeat in 2015.

Jonathan made this allegation in his new book, ‘My Transition Hours’ due to launch on Tuesday.

He said Obama displayed an unusual level of bias during the 2015 elections, describing him as overbearing and ‘condescending’ in his message to Nigerians ahead of the 2015 general election.

According to Jonathan, “On March 23, 2015, President Obama himself took the unusual step of releasing a video message directly to Nigerians all but telling them how to vote.”

Giving the details in the book, Jonathan said, “In that video, Obama urged Nigerians to open the ‘next chapter’ by their votes.

“Those who understood subliminal language deciphered that he was prodding the electorate to vote for the opposition to form a new government.”

According to Premium Times, which obtained a copy of the book hours before its unveiling in Abuja on Tuesday, Jonathan had kept the book secret in order to avoid excerpts of it being published ahead of its formal launch.

Recall that Jonathan lost the 2015 elections to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, marking the first time an incumbent president would lose reelection.

He assumed office in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua, getting his own mandate of four years at the 2011 presidential election.

“The message was so condescending, it was as if Nigerians did not know what to do and needed an Obama to direct them,” Jonathan said of the video message.

He lampooned Obama, who was American president from 2009 until 2017, for saying all Nigerians must be able to cast their votes without intimidation or fear, but was reluctant to allow the Nigerian security forces drive Boko Haram insurgents away from the Nigerian territories they had been occupying in order to free Nigerian citizens there ahead of elections.

Jonathan also took a harsh aim at former US Secretary of State, John Kerry, saying the diplomat was nonchalant in his attitude towards his government, despite all efforts to make him understand that the decision to postpone election was in the overall interest of Nigeria.

“How can the U.S. Secretary of State know what is more important for Nigeria than Nigeria’s own government? How could they have expected us to conduct elections when Boko Haram controlled part of the North East and were killing and maiming Nigerians?

“Not even the assurance of the sanctity of May 29, 2015 handover date could calm them down. In Nigeria, the Constitution is very clear: No President can extend his tenure by one day,” Jonathan said.