A pressure group known as All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Ambassadors has called on President Bola Tinubu and other leaders of the party to make former governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Al-Makura the next national Chairman of the party.

The group call is coming even as the APC prepares for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting this week, precisely July 24, 2025.

The Deputy Chairman, South of the group, Dominic Odigo commended the president for the recent appointment of Al-Makura as the Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

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A joint statement by Odigo, the group’s National Chairman, Engr Kabiru Abdulhamid, National Women Leader, Hon. Salma Musa and the South-South Women Leader, Hon. Rita Embiowei read that “Sen Umaru Tanko Al-Makura distinguished himself when he was the governor of Nasarawa state and then a senator.

“He is a tested and loyal party man who we think is the best man the party needs right now.

“It is also fair for the party to ensure that every region is carried along and to remember that the party had already zoned the chairmanship of the party to North Central which produced Sen Abdulahi Adamu before he resigned.

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“We believe that APC as a party of progressives with the welfare of the people and the socio-economic development of Nigeria its focus, it is only proper that the party brings its best hands forward.

“We believe that Al-Makura as a man with the people at heart, his leadership of the party would help drive the Renewed Hope Agena of the president.

“The drumbeats for the 2027 general elections are already by the corner and the party needs somebody who would lead it to victory, we strongly believe that Senator Al-Makura fits this bill because his relationship with the people and influenced cuts across the six geo-political zones of the country.”

The Peoples Democratic Party has labeled President Bola Tinubu as a poor choice for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Monday asserted that the party is the only one with the capacity to defeat President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress.

He stated, “The PDP is the only party that can unseat the APC. We have the support, the base, and a national spread.

“There is no community without PDP members, because it is truly the people’s party. Nigerians are eager for the PDP’s return.

“With the APC’s numerous failures, I can confidently say that no patriotic Nigerian, group, or political party will support Tinubu in 2027.

“It is clear that President Bola Tinubu is a bad market. So, no one whether individual or group who is experiencing what we’re all going through will vote for Tinubu.

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“President Tinubu, as they say in the local parlance, is a bad market, don’t touch it.

“So come 2027, no one, individual, group, or party,who is feeling what you and I feel, who is seeing the insecurity, the collapsed economy, and the general hardship, will vote for Tinubu.”

Addressing the recent defection of some of its members to the APC and the newly formed coalition under the African Democratic Congress, Ologunagba stated that, “Our party is organic and formidable. It is important to make it clear that the people who make up the party are not defecting.

“They are not defecting because of hunger or insecurity.

“The people who form the bulk of our party, as well as Nigerians who are apolitical, look up to the PDP. So, they are not defecting.

“They are not leaving because of hunger or insecurity. Just two days ago, our Anambra State candidate was attacked here in Abuja.

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“This highlights the level of insecurity in the country under this rudderless and irresponsible APC government, which is completely insensitive.

“This is a government that asks people to fast while it feasts.

“So, the people the backbone of our party and even Nigerians who are apolitical, still look up to the PDP.”

Ologunagba emphasised that the PDP remains solid despite the noise surrounding defections, stressing that the true strength of the party lies in the loyalty of its members.

He further stated that all organs of the party including the Board of Trustees, the Governors’ Forum, the National Working Committee, National Assembly members, and other party structures are collaborating closely to build a more formidable party capable of delivering new leadership and renewed hope to Nigerians.

Commenting on the Lagos State Local Government elections held on July 12, Ologunagba urged Nigerians to see past the excitement, propaganda, and noise, stating that if the APC truly had the strength it claims, the results of the elections in Lagos would have told a different story.

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He continued, “One of their own leaders admitted that the people didn’t vote for them. That was in Lagos, Tinubu’s stronghold.

“This silent vote of no confidence speaks volumes. Only 6% of registered voters participated.

“This shows APC has been rejected. In 2027, it will not be about writing results; it will be about the people speaking out with their votes, and they will vote the APC out.”

Ologunagba stated that the PDP stands apart from the APC and other political parties because it embraces differing opinions without hostility or division.

He stated, “This is why the PDP is different. We have strong organs and institutions.

“We welcome debate and contestation of ideas. We accept disagreement without being disagreeable.

“That is how we keep recalibrating, reconnecting with the people just as our name says: Peoples Democratic Party.”

The two candidates who will represent the Peoples Democratic Party in the August 16 National Assembly bye-election emerged on Monday.

‎Joe Okojie will fly the party’s flag in the Edo Central Senatorial election, while Johnny Aikpitanyi will battle for the Ovia Federal Constituency seat.

Okogie emerged as the winner of the PDP Primary election, which was held in Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area of the State.
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He clinched the ticket after scoring 84 votes ahead of his close rivals, Hon. John Yakubu, who secured 52 votes and Friday Itulah, who got 21 votes.

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It was gathered that ‎157 out of the 158 ward and national delegates took part in the primary election, with no void votes recorded.
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‎Addressing journalists after the election, Okojie expressed appreciation to the delegates and other aspirants who took part in the election, noting that he will work with leaders and members of the party in ensuring the PDP emerges victorious in the by-election.

‎Aikpitanyi, who was the only aspirant for the Ovia Federal Constituency seat, was confirmed as the party’s candidate by the delegates who took part in the primary election held in Iguobazuwa, Ovia South-West Local Government Area.
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In his appreciation to PDP leaders, delegates, and supporters, Aikpitanyi noted, “Emerging as your candidate is not just an honour, it is a solemn responsibility I embrace with every sense of duty, humility, and commitment.

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” I recognise the faith you have placed in me, and I do not take it for granted.

“Let us now come together, stronger than ever, to win the by-election and build the Ovia of our dreams. Victory is not for one individual but for all of us who believe in justice, progress, and prosperity.”

The Senate seat was vacated by the incumbent governor, Monday Okpebholo, after he won the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

Also, the Ovia Federal Constituency seat was vacated by the deputy governor, Dennis Idahosa, after the electoral victory.