Vice-President Kashim Shettima has told the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that referring to President Bola Tinubu by his first name does not diminish his position as Nigeria’s leader.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Shettima made the remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

He maintained that Tinubu remained the president and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, irrespective of how Atiku chose to address him.

“Those who come to equity must come with clean hands. You can call him Bola. If you like, you can call him Adekunle. But the truth is that he is the president and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Shettima said.

The vice-president also criticised Atiku’s repeated bids for the presidency, comparing the former vice-president to Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, who contested the country’s presidential election several times without winning.

Despite his criticism, Shettima said he would continue to accord Atiku respect because of his previous position as vice-president.

“Atiku Abubakar, I will still respect him and call him a former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

“I will not follow suit with Lawal and call him Kachalla. No. But believe me, Atiku Abubakar, who has contested for the presidency of this country for the eighth time, is no Abraham Lincoln. He is more of Odinga Odinga,” he said.

Shettima further argued that political ambition should be accompanied by good character, discipline and a clear understanding of the responsibilities that come with public office.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has urged Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu another four years in office, declaring his support for the president’s re-election bid in 2027.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Adeleke made the appeal on Wednesday during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The governor argued that Tinubu needed more time to implement his reforms and deliver the expected results, urging Nigerians to support his bid for a second term.

“We must give our father, the president of this nation, time for his reform to work. It’s not easy. Four years is not enough,” Adeleke said.

“That is why I’m here to throw my weight.”

Adeleke also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s campaign, calling on supporters to intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general election.

He maintained that the success of the Tinubu administration would benefit all Nigerians and encouraged citizens to continue praying for the president.

“Nobody can stop this movement. We’re going to sing; we’re going to dance all the way back to Aso Rock,” he said.

“We don’t have time. The work has begun. I’ve already started mine. Let us rise and make sure our president comes back for the second time.

“Continue praying for Mr President. If he succeeds, we all succeed. And I know by the special grace of God, we shall get there.”

Adeleke’s declaration comes after the APC named him as Tinubu’s campaign coordinator in Osun State in its revised presidential campaign council list released on Tuesday.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has departed for Abuja ahead of the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A video circulating on X on Wednesday showed the governor walking alongside members of his protocol team towards a private jet expected to transport him to the Federal Capital Territory.

The inauguration of President Bola Tinubu’s presidential campaign council is scheduled to hold at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The event is expected to formally commence the council’s activities as the ruling party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general election.

Meanwhile, the APC has clarified its alliance with Adeleke for Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

Adeleke was appointed as a coordinator of Tinubu’s presidential campaign in Osun State, despite the APC’s existing political structure and its recent electoral contest against the governor’s party.

His appointment places him among those expected to coordinate mobilisation and efforts to secure support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on TVC News’ Beyond the Headlines, APC National Secretary and Deputy Secretary of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, said the alliance with Adeleke would not require the party to abandon its candidates in other elections.

According to Bashiru, the arrangement is specifically intended to secure Tinubu’s victory in the presidential election.

“Our agreement, our understanding is for us to work together for the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Then let us contest the space among the electorate for our candidates at other levels,” Bashiru said.

He explained that the agreement would not compel APC members to support Accord Party candidates contesting for seats in the Senate, House of Representatives or Osun State House of Assembly.

Bashiru acknowledged that he had campaigned against Adeleke during the governorship election but maintained that their political differences would not prevent them from working together for Tinubu’s re-election.

He said he had communicated his position during a visit to the governor, stressing that the outcome of an election must ultimately be respected.

The APC chieftain also dismissed suggestions that Adeleke’s appointment would automatically place the party’s entire political structure in Osun State under the governor’s control.