Politics
2018: Ekiti APC Lauds Daramola’s Performance
EKITI State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has commended one of its prominent gubernatorial aspirant, Hon. Bimbo Damaramola for executing people-oriented programmes in the state.
State Chairman of the party, Chief Jide Awe, who was represented by the Vice Chairperson, Mrs Kemi Olalere gave this commendation on Tuesday where he again distributed 1,050 free UTME/JAMB forms to indigent students under his Educational Scheme dubbed ‘Teach Them How to Fish’ held at Afe Babalola Foundation Civic Centre, Opopogboro, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
The event had in attendance youths among whom were beneficiaries, parents, guardians, invited guests, politicians, state leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC , local government officials and its executives in all the 177 wards in the state amongst others.
It would be recalled that the ex -member, Federal House of Representatives, Daramola had earlier empowered the less privileged candidates in the state with no fewer than 1000 UTME/JAMB forms.
Speaking at the epoch – making event, Olalere who could not hide her joy, said the party was overwhelmed as well as satisfied with the various programmes executed by the governorship aspirant, stressing that they were happy with his superlative performance and various welfarist programmes which were tailored towards the propagation of APC in the state.
In her words, “it is beneficial to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish. All the party machineries are here and we are all happy for today’s programme. We stand in solidarity with Bimbo because, he is investing in our future leaders. Bimbo is doing all these to promote our great party in this state”.
“Parents could not afford the forms for their children because they are suffering at the hands of the state governor who has simply refused to pay them the salaries as and when due. At this juncture, it is important to state that we are not here to adopt or endorse any candidate but to give support to our son and we can all see what is happening here today. When it’s time, the party will speak.
Congressman Bimbo Daramola flanked by the state executives of APC
While accusing Governor Ayodele Fayose of allegedly inflicting suffering on the people with his leadership style, she continued, ” we are not gullible in this state, divine intervention has finally come, we are the only party that can rescue Ekiti from this poverty and we are fully on ground.
“Well, my brother, I want to appreciate you on behalf of our great party because you are doing this for the party, this is indeed our future”, the Vice Chairperson submitted.
Also, another APC chieftain, Chief George Ojo, in his remarks saluted the sponsor for impacting lives. “Let me start from where the Deputy Chairman stopped. She said the party has not adopted anybody, that’s true. But, that is not to say we should not recognise or acknowledge the fact that Hon. Bimbo Daramola has been performing excellently well in this party.
“When he was in the House of Representatives , I am saying this without mincing words , we knew and know and recognised all he did for his people in his federal constituency.
Congressman Bimbo Daramola surrounded by the youths whom were beneficiaries
“In my own area, I am sorry to say this and I don’t have apology for anybody . We were not as lucky as that in our own federal constituency.I was there physically by the time he was commissioning an ultra modern hospital in his home town, we are all living witnesses to that occasion. See what we are witnessing here today, so much money has been expended on this programme.
“I give kudos to you and I want to say that we know those who are very hard working in the party and those who are not. And I want to say that Bimbo is one of the hardworking people in the party. I am saying it authoritatively that the party will reciprocate all his good deeds. By the grace of God, you will never labour in vain”, Ojo added.
According to the party’s publicist, Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, ” this is a proper party programme and this one is just too unique and special. Bimbo kudos to you, we love you .As a distinguished party member that respects the party rules and authority, it is equally good to display that; particularly when it’s time to recognise that. You know we have ‘Peter the rock’ somewhere who is mismanaging our resources, but we have ‘Bimbo the dynamite’ who is capable of blasting ‘Peter the rock’ out of Ekiti government house”.
Remarking, the facilitator, Hon. Bimbo Daramola informed that his intention was to relaunch Ekiti state to an enviable height by restoring the pristine identity of the state. He lamented that Ekiti was once known and revered to as the state that breed professors, but has lost that reputation. “We had an alias like one house one professor, but today that’s gone. So, it’s about time to consciously jump start efforts and initiatives that will connect us with who we really are as a people and initiatives around education particularly fits into that matrix.
The facilitator, Daramola engaging the youths for a sustainable future
Stressing further, the ex-lawmaker noted, “JAMB is the gateway to acquisition of tertiary education and a pool of young brilliant Ekiti sons and daughters will be struggling for spaces with others nationwide; while self efforts will make them briliantly qualified to find a space. The limitation they are faced with is the economic challenge of their parents even to afford cost of forms and if you cannot get the form no matter how brilliant you are, you cannot get your foot in the door, that’s why we decided to intervene. Last year, we gave out 1,000 free JAMB forms and now we are giving out another 1,050 forms. So, in a space of one year we have taken the battle to restore our prisine identity as Ekiti people to 2,050 homes.
“The direct consequences are that; we are settting agenda for the future, we are pressing the reset button and we are giving the future of these young people back to them; securing them; their families and ultimately our state”, the APC chieftain explained.
Daramola, while assuring the candidates of further assistance, however implored them to read extensively and ensure successful use of the unique opportunity given to them. He thanked the APC executives for their continued support.
A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and close ally of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Farouk Aliyu, has rubbished speculations suggesting that the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc is plotting to exit the ruling party.
Aliyu, a former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and self-identified member of Buhari’s inner political circle clarified on Wednesday during an interview on Politics Today, a flagship programme on Channels Television.
“It’s not true; there is nothing like members of the defunct CPC wanting to move out of APC,” Aliyu asserted firmly. “Our certificate, the certificate of CPC, was part of what formed APC. So how can we leave? To go where? This is our party.”
The CPC was one of the major parties that merged in 2013 to form the APC, alongside the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The merger paved the way for Buhari’s historic victory over then-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.
Responding to recent reports surrounding former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s purported defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Aliyu distanced Buhari from any such endorsement. He cautioned El-Rufai against taking a wrecking-ball approach to the APC simply because he was overlooked for a ministerial position.
“If he didn’t get what he wanted, he shouldn’t bring down the roof,” Aliyu stated, adding that El-Rufai’s move does not represent the stance of Buhari or the CPC bloc.
He, however, advised the APC leadership to intensify engagement with all internal factions and legacy groups within the party to reduce political friction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Politics is about engagement. Politics is about the interests of groups, people, and so on,” he said. “That is what we are saying: engage more—not only with people from the defunct CPC but even from the PDP. So that in 2027, there will be less competition.”
The Jigawa-born political heavyweight also warned against complacency within the APC, particularly as opposition forces coalesce around former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“We cannot just sit by and allow strange bedfellows to take over the government,” Aliyu cautioned, expressing confidence that the APC would present a unifying presidential candidate capable of fracturing the opposition alliance.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has voiced confidence in his ability to lead Nigeria, stating he possesses the capacity to occupy the nation’s highest political office.
However, the two-term governor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) maintained that his current focus remains on delivering good governance to the people of Oyo State.
Makinde made this assertion during an appearance on Politics Today, a political programme on Channels Television, closely monitored by Mega Icon Magazine.
Reflecting on the 2027 general elections, Governor Makinde predicted a major political showdown, describing it as one between the Nigerian people and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than a straightforward contest between the PDP and the APC.
“I don’t have any doubt that I have the capacity to occupy the highest office in this land and I have what it takes,” Makinde declared. “But what I want to do right now—is it what Nigerians are asking for? Is it what my party will say we should do? We don’t know; we still have a long time to go.”
In a moment of humility that reflected both personal conviction and political maturity, Makinde added, “Let me also say this: if my political journey ends here, I am also happy.”
His comments come amid a flurry of political realignments and coalition talks across opposition lines ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, recently spearheaded a coalition effort with key political figures including former Anambra governor Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai. The coalition, announced on 20 March 2025, aims to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s APC-led administration, which faces mounting criticism over economic hardship, rising inflation, and soaring cost of living.
However, in a surprising twist, Makinde and fellow PDP governors rejected the Atiku-led coalition during a party meeting held on 14 April 2025. Speaking on the issue, Makinde insisted that while individuals may be free to explore alliances, the party must first set its house in order.
“Your house must be in order before you invite others,” he stressed, distancing the PDP from the idea of hurried mergers or coalitions.
Elder statesman and PDP Board of Trustees member, Chief Bode George, threw his weight behind the governors, arguing for a more strategic approach and advocating a southern presidential candidate to lead the party into the next general elections.
When asked directly whether he would contest the presidency in 2027, Makinde responded with characteristic clarity and resolve.
“Nobody will set an agenda for me. I will set an agenda for myself,” he said.
“People can say whatever they want to say. Right now, I am focusing on what the people of Oyo State have given to me—the task ahead of us. I am not distracted. I will not play stunt politics. I will not do things because it feels right in some people’s ears. No, I will stay focused to ensure we bring the dividends of democracy to our people.”
Makinde emphasised the importance of governance over grandstanding, highlighting ongoing infrastructural projects and policies aimed at securing the future of Oyo State citizens.
“If I want to contest, I will come out at the appropriate time,” he concluded. “One thing you should expect from Seyi Makinde is that he would never come out to say I want to do XYZ without preparations and without being held accountable for whatever he says he wants to do.”
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday received an enthusiastic reception from supporters and residents of Ihima community in Kogi State, despite a state government ban on rallies and processions.
By 8 am, crowds from the five local government areas of Kogi Central Senatorial District, which Akpoti-Uduaghan represents, had flooded the Ihima community in Okehi Local Government Area (LGA) to welcome the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker.
Several local musicians entertained the gathering as they eagerly awaited the arrival of the senator. Their patience was soon rewarded when Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived in a white helicopter, prompting cheers and jubilant applause from her supporters.
Addressing the crowd, Akpoti-Uduaghan acknowledged the state government’s ban but dismissed concerns that it applied to her visit.
“Yesterday, we heard on the news that rallies and gatherings will not be allowed, that roads will be blocked, and convoys leading into the state will not be permitted. I knew that we were the targets. But then I said, this is not a political season, this is not campaign time,” she said.
“We are not having a rally. This is just me, the Senator representing Kogi Central, coming down to her people to celebrate this festive time – Sallah – with you, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am breaking no law. This is Nigeria. We have the right to be free, to express our choice in gatherings and celebrations.”
Her visit came just hours after the Kogi State Government imposed a ban on public gatherings and processions, citing security concerns. The restrictions were further reinforced by a curfew imposed in the area by Okehi LGA Chairman, Amoka Monday, and a police warning advising her to cancel the event.
Despite these measures, Akpoti-Uduaghan remained defiant, insisting that no authority could prevent her from visiting her home.
“Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira woman; this is my land. I’m the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti. I know my roots; I’m not a bastard, and I’m not afraid of anybody,” she declared to the cheering crowd.
Ahead of her homecoming, the senator alleged that any security breach during the event should be blamed on Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has been in the headlines in recent months, having been suspended from the Senate for allegedly violating its rules. Her suspension coincided with a sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Akpabio. Additionally, a recall process against her is currently underway. However, she maintains that her political travails are the result of a witch hunt.
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