Politics
Buhari not in charge, he’s being governed – Fayose
Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has stated that President Muhammadu Buhari is not in charge of Nigeria and that the country is being governed by a cabal in the Presidential Villa.
The governor, who said he does not have any against the President, insisted that Buhari does not have the political will to tackle security challenges facing the country such as the incessant attacks by Fulani herdsmen.
In a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, idowu Adelusi, Fayose said, ”The constitution of Nigeria is no longer working. Let me come to the level of incidents happening around.
“In the conception of that constitution, it does not really want the governor of Ekiti to have control over security apparatus to help his people.
“And to worsen matters, people who are supposed to protect this constitution are now collaborators, they are the ones trampling on the constitution and that is the Federal Government.
“Everyday now, there is an occurrence of killing people. There is no security for anybody. A herder would threaten to command his cow to attack farmers.
“Anybody can see you on the way and attack you. They even slaughter their victims from the back. You can’t even demean an animal like that. They would even threaten farmers that if I see you in your farm, I will kill you. We have lost it.
“This administration rode to power with threefold promises, to fix economy and power and fight corruption, everything has failed in all aspect.
“Let us look at Ghana on the issue of herdsmen attacks, that country dealt with their herdsmen and got rid of them and they have peace of mind afterwards.
”But look at Nigeria, a minister would say that a governor is blocking the road. How important is a cow to human beings. I don’t know we got into this mess as a nation, we are at the mercy of cattle rearers.
“We are now at the mercy of the current administration headed by someone who does not see any other tribe as important.
“Let us ask ourselves, the number of people that have been killed by Fulani herdsmen since Buhari came into power is more than the ones killed right independence till 2015.”
Fayose further urged Nigerians to vote out Buhari in 2019, saying, “Before this administration came to power, I warned Nigerians, and I am warning again, if by any chance Buhari comes back to power, the would doomed.
”I have nothing against Buhari, he is our leader and remains so. All that I have spoken about presidency has come to pass. I was a 24 years old man when President Buhari was military Head of State at that time, the same way ruled then is that same way it is happening now.
“Majority of the people that voted for Buhari are in the age bracket of 18 to 40. They didn’t know who he was. I am telling you expressly that this country is not well governed.
“The principal thing the people look for before you can talk of food is security, Nigeria is not secured. I said that the President wasn’t fit health wise to govern and he was away from office for more than half a year.
“That explains what I have been saying, ‘Nigerian does need a man of over 70 years of age. It is not personal and I respect President Buhari but the fact is that my mother cannot say she wanted to be governor of Ekiti. Nigeria needs a hands on presidency.
”You talk about Buhari’s experience but your experience is okay only if the body is okay and vice versa. Let us be realistic, Nigeria is of 180 million people, can’t we find one young, vibrant person who can lead us?
”We are more militarised than ever before. I would support people who would have imbibed democratic principles to be our President. I am going to be President of this country, write it down.
“I know many would not believe me because the carnal things are what men believe. I told them I will be governor again they didn’t believe me now I am here as governor.
“I have told camera men, take my picture because I may be a bit older then. As long as the lord liveth I will rule this country.”
Alleging that Buhari is not fully in charge but overwhelmed by a cabal, he said, “The President is not in charge he is being governed himself, by a cabal, just like it happened under late Yar’Adua. As time goes on, these cabals will be exposed.”
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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