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Iyabo Obasanjo Joins APC in Ogun

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The daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State.

It was gathered that the former senator representing Ogun Central completed her e-registration on Tuesday at Ibogun, Ward 11, Ifo Local Government Area of the state.

Confirming the development on Wednesday, Biodun Ajayi, former Chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government Area and a close ally of Prof. Obasanjo, told journalists that the registration was successfully concluded.

Ajayi, who currently serves as a Commissioner with the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), said:

“I can confirm to you that Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo completed her online registration as a member of our great party, the APC, on Tuesday at Ibogun Ward 11 in Ifo Local Government Area.”

However, when contacted, the Ogun State Director of Publicity of the APC, Mr. Femi Nuberu, neither confirmed nor denied the development.

Nuberu said the party had taken note of the heightened public interest generated by the ongoing membership registration exercise across the state, stressing that the process was open to all eligible Nigerians.

“We wish to clarify that the APC registration process is free, open and accessible to every Nigerian citizen aged 18 years and above, in line with our party’s constitution,” he said.

“Our primary focus at this time is the successful and inclusive conduct of the exercise, rather than the individual status of any specific registrant.

“All registration activities are domiciled at the ward level, where designated officials are responsible for managing and authenticating the process for new members.”

Nuberu added that the party was encouraged by the massive influx of new members in Ogun State, describing it as a vote of confidence in the APC-led administration at both the federal and state levels.

“The growing membership reflects widespread approval of the policies and performance of the APC administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun,” he stated.

A former member of the House of Representatives from the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also confirmed the development.

“Yes, it is true. She registered at Ibogun on Tuesday. I am aware of that,” the source said.

The development came as a surprise to many political observers, who had speculated that the former Commissioner for Health and senator representing Ogun Central between 2007 and 2011 would either return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Towards the end of last year, campaign-style billboards bearing Obasanjo’s image surfaced across Abeokuta metropolis, fuelling speculation about her possible return to active politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The billboards carried the inscription: “In Ogun State, we know ourselves. Sen. (Prof.) Iyabo Obasanjo. Omo wa ni, eniyan wa ni, ara wa ni.”

A prominent politician in the state had earlier told newsmen that Obasanjo might join the ADC to pursue her political ambition, noting that former President Obasanjo supported the party in the 2019 general elections.

Similarly, the Ogun State Chairman of the ADC, Otunba Femi Soluade, had said the party was open to receiving her, although no formal contact had been made.

Political analysts had also believed that Prof. Obasanjo would not align with the APC, given her father’s open support for Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi during the 2023 elections.

However, a source close to the former senator said her decision underscored her independence.

“She has her own mind, irrespective of her father’s political stance or public opinion,” the source said.

Prof. Obasanjo, now an Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, had recently acknowledged awareness of the billboards, saying they were erected by supporters.

Speaking in an interview with journalists in Sagamu during the 70th birthday celebration of former National President of the National Council of Women Societies, Chief Mrs. Gloria Shoda, she said she was not actively campaigning for any office.

“I am not keen on contesting for any political office in 2027. I live in the United States, I teach at the university, and I am fine,” she said.

“However, people who worked with me in the past insisted on showing their support. They said it was a sign of appreciation for my service, and I allowed them.”

She added that her political future remained in the hands of God and her supporters.

Born on April 27, 1967, Prof. Obasanjo studied Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ibadan. She served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health from 2003 to 2007 and as Senator representing Ogun Central from 2007 to 2011.

She lost her re-election bid in 2011 to Senator Gbenga Obadara of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and subsequently returned to the United States.

The development has reignited speculation about a possible 2027 senatorial contest for Ogun Central.

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Politics

Tambuwal Resigns from PDP, Joins ADC

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Former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a letter dated March 11, 2026, addressed to his ward chairman in Tambuwal/Shinfiri Ward, Tambuwal Local Government Area, Tambuwal communicated his decision to leave the PDP with immediate effect.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives explained that his decision followed deep reflection and extensive consultations with political associates and supporters.

According to him, persistent internal crises, leadership disagreements, and growing divisions within the party had made it increasingly difficult for him to continue his membership.

Tambuwal, who represents Sokoto South Senatorial District, noted that the ongoing conflicts within the PDP had weakened the unity and direction that once defined the party.

He, however, expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunity it gave him to serve Nigeria in various capacities in both the legislative and executive arms of government.

Following his resignation, Tambuwal officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside his associates and supporters.

He further stated that his decision was guided by his conviction that Nigeria requires a stronger political platform built on integrity, accountability, inclusiveness, and a clear commitment to national development.

Tambuwal also reaffirmed his commitment to the service of Nigeria and to the ideals of democracy, justice, and national unity.

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BREAKING: Zamfara Gov Dauda Lawal Dumps PDP for APC

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Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The development was confirmed on Monday in a statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka, who said the defection followed his principal’s engagements with party leaders, elders, and supporters in the state.

“The Government and PDP family of Zamfara State wish to formally inform the general public of an important political development following extensive consultations with stakeholders, political leaders, elders, and supporters across the state.

“After careful consideration, and in the overriding interest of stability, progress, and the sustainable development of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, has decided to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress,” the statement read.

According to Anka, the governor’s decision was influenced by internal challenges within the PDP at both the national and state levels.

“This decision was reached after wide consultations with political stakeholders and supporters, particularly in view of the prolonged internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and unresolved structural challenges within the PDP at both the national and state levels.

“These challenges have continued to create uncertainty and distractions that could hinder effective governance and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara State,” the statement added.

He further emphasised that the governor remains committed to addressing the security and development needs of the North-Western state.

Anka said it had become necessary for the governor to “align with a political platform that provides greater unity, stability, and stronger cooperation with the Federal Government for the benefit of the people.”

He disclosed that the final decision followed a meeting held at the Government House in Gusau involving top government officials and key political stakeholders in the state.

“The final deliberation leading to this historic decision was held at the Government House in Gusau under the coordination and leadership of the Deputy Governor, alongside senior government officials and key political stakeholders,” the statement said.

The governor also expressed appreciation to members of the PDP for their support over the years, noting that prevailing political circumstances made the move necessary.

“By joining the APC, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development, and ensuring that Zamfara State benefits fully from stronger collaboration with the Federal Government,” the statement added.

Lawal is among the governors expected to seek re-election in the 2027 general elections.

His defection comes shortly after a Court of Appeal judgment on Monday, which upheld an earlier ruling restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the PDP national convention held in Ibadan.

The development increases the number of APC governors across the country to 31.

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Politics

Court Dismisses Suit Seeking Removal of David Mark, Aregbesola as ADC Leaders

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking the removal of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the case bordered on the internal affairs of a political party, a matter over which the court lacks jurisdiction.

The judge explained that political parties are voluntary associations, and issues relating to their membership or leadership must be resolved within the party’s internal structures.

Justice Abdulmalik noted that individuals dissatisfied with decisions or leadership within their political parties should make use of the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms. She added that such members also have the option of leaving the party and joining another if they remain dissatisfied.

According to the court, disputes concerning party membership and leadership are not justiciable, meaning they cannot be determined by the courts.

Based on this position, the court dismissed the suit challenging the leadership positions of Mark and Aregbesola in the ADC.

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