By Gbenga Adeniyi

A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has told opposition parties to stop blaming President Bola Tinubu for the steady stream of defections into the ruling party.

Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo, Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker and member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council, said the president should not be scapegoated for internal crises plaguing opposition parties.

“Defections are not new in Nigerian politics,” he said. “What we’re witnessing now is a political realignment driven by ideological conviction, not coercion.”

According to him, many defectors cite neglect, marginalisation and unresolved conflicts within their former parties as reasons for switching sides.

He insisted that Tinubu’s leadership and the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ were naturally attracting politicians who yearn for a platform with a clear vision and commitment to development.

“This migration to the APC is a testimony to the president’s commitment to national growth and unity,” he said.

Oyintiloye predicted more defections, particularly from the Peoples Democratic Party, and advised its leadership to stop pointing fingers and instead reform their internal processes.

“The solution lies in transparent primaries, inclusive decision-making and space for dissent,” he noted. “If the opposition wants to retain its members, it must clean its own house.”

Dismissing fears of a looming one-party state, Oyintiloye pointed out that Nigeria still boasts over 60 registered parties.

He, however, advised the APC to guard against internal conflict by managing both old members and newcomers fairly.

“No defector should displace loyal party faithful who built the APC. Unity and equity within the party must be preserved,” he said.

President Tinubu in a handshake with Pope Leo XIV shortly after his inauguration in Rome, on Sunday 

By Ade Iyamoye 

President Bola Tinubu met briefly with Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, moments after the pontiff’s inaugural Mass.

The meeting, marked by a warm handshake and short conversation, came as the Nigerian leader joined over 150 world figures in witnessing the historic beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy.

The event drew an estimated 250,000 worshippers and dignitaries, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, made history as the first American-born pope with dual citizenship in the United States and Peru.

His message during the Mass echoed a call to unity, compassion, and defense of the marginalized.

He urged the world to renounce hatred, discrimination, and environmental abuse.

President Tinubu’s presence underscored Nigeria’s commitment to global diplomacy and interfaith dialogue, reflecting the country’s stance on peaceful religious coexistence and strategic international alliances.

By Ade Iyamoye 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Rome on Saturday to attend the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The ceremony, held at St. Peter’s Square, marked the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate as the 267th Bishop of Rome.

President Tinubu’s visit was at the invitation of the Vatican, extended through Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. The invitation highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s presence at a time of global unrest and spiritual reflection.

In a personal message, Pope Leo XIV expressed his fond memories of Nigeria, recalling his service at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s.

Accompanying President Tinubu were high-ranking Nigerian officials, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, and Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Lagos.

The inaugural Mass was attended by numerous global dignitaries, reflecting the international significance of the event. Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, is the first American and second Latin American to lead the Catholic Church.

His election follows the death of Pope Francis in April.

President Tinubu’s participation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and global peace efforts. In remarks during his visit, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to promoting tolerance and cooperation in an increasingly polarized world.

The President is expected to return to Nigeria on Tuesday.