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.

By Patrick Idowu

Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has declared her full support for First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, vowing to join her on the campaign trail rather than seek a return to Aso Rock.

Speaking in Abuja after receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year award from Accolade Dynamics Limited, Patience made it clear that her loyalty lies with the current administration and the principle of rotational leadership.

“There is only one president at a time,” she said. “I believe in turn by turn. When it is your turn, I will support you. When it is not, step aside so the country can move forward.”

Patience praised President Tinubu’s daughter, Iyaloja-General Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, for her support of women, assuring her of unwavering solidarity. “We are with you. No shaking. Direct us, and we will follow,” she said passionately.

The former First Lady also revealed that her bond with Remi Tinubu began long before their time in Aso Rock, describing their relationship as deep and enduring.

With this bold declaration, Patience Jonathan has not only ended speculation about a political comeback but also signalled a powerful alliance among Nigeria’s most influential women ahead of 2027.

…Says Imposing Moyosore as Party’s Candidate Is Betrayal of Internal Democracy

By Ade Iyamoye

The Executive Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area, Barrister Olufunke Rekiya Hassan, has fiercely condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC), primary election process in her council area, describing it as a fraudulent and shameful charade.

In a strongly worded statement made available to the media, Hassan rejected the alleged imposition of Moyosore Adebanjo as the party’s candidate, calling the process a betrayal of internal democracy.

She accused the Onigbongbo APC Chairperson, Alhaja Iyabo Akerele, and her allies of orchestrating a “kangaroo” selection at the Lagos APC State Secretariat.

“The charade… was a mere smokescreen that can neither stand the test of morality nor judicial scrutiny. It is a dance of shame and an attempt at oppression that will not be allowed to stand,” she stated.

Hassan maintained that the hallmark of true party democracy lies in open primaries or genuine consensus, not impositions. She vowed to resist the outcome, insisting that justice must prevail.

Efforts to reach the APC state chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, and electoral chairman, Barr. Babatunde Ogala, SAN, for a response were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.