Politics
Pat Utomi Forms Shadow Govt • It’s an Abberation – FG
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said, “At a time when our nation is set to celebrate 26 unbroken years of presidential democracy, the idea of a so-called “shadow government” is an aberration
Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, was named head of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio.
Prof. Pat Utomi, has inaugurated a shadow government composed of members from various opposition parties.
A shadow government is individuals or an organization providing counsel to government officials without being publicly accountable.
Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, was named head of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio.
Others appointed to the policy delivery unit include Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga.
Other members of the shadow cabinet include Dr. Adefolusade Adebayo, Dr. Peter Agadah, Dr. Sadiq Gombe, Chibuzor Nwachukwu, Salvation Alibor, Bilkisu Magoro, Dr. Victor Tubo, Charles Odibo, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Eunice Atuejide, Gbenga Ajayi, and Dr. Mani Ahmad, as well as Peter Oyewole and Dr. Omano Edigheji.
Utomi said that the “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government,” launched virtually on Monday evening, will function as a credible opposition force, highlighting the failures of the Bola Tinubu administration while offering ideas for better governance.
Utomi, however, justified the move, arguing that policy missteps by the current Federal Government had worsened poverty, driven multinational companies out of the country, and intensified terrorism in Benue and Plateau states, alongside rising insecurity and corruption nationwide.
The political activist expressed concern over what he described as the government’s resort to propaganda and the suppression of opposing views.
“The recent spate of defections to the All Progressives Congress provides further evidence that all is not well with democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
“The imperative is that if a genuine opposition does not courageously identify the performance failures of incumbents, offer options, and influence culture in a counter direction, it will be complicit in subverting the will of the people.”
He said the shadow cabinet—made up of figures drawn from several opposition parties—was created to respond to what he called a national emergency.
“Today, I bring to this pioneer body the desperate cries of a people troubled by how their reality seems bound for serfdom.
I challenge you to awaken these people who wrongly believe that everything is fine as long as they can manage a share of what little still trickles down from crude oil sales,” Utomi said.
Utomi stated that the shadow government would hold weekly cabinet meetings to assess government policies and propose practical alternatives.
He identified immediate priorities as the stimulation of production, the formulation of a coherent economic growth strategy, decentralisation of security, and constitutional reform.
The cabinet, he said, would also focus on providing alternatives in healthcare, education, infrastructure development, law and order, and policy monitoring.
However , in a swift reaction, the Federal Government kicked against the move, describing it as an aberration in a federal system of government.
In an interview with the Punch, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said, “At a time when our nation is set to celebrate 26 unbroken years of presidential democracy, the idea of a so-called “shadow government” is an aberration.”
Politics
APC pegs presidential ticket at N100 million, governorship N60 million
According to the schedule of activities released by its National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, senatorial aspirants will purchase the forms for N20 million while House of Representatives aspirants will pick them for 10million.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) says that it’s Presidential ticket will be decided on May 15 and 16, candidates for the Houses of Assembly in 36 states would be elected on May 21; while the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) shadow polls will take place on May 28 and 30.
In the comprehensive timetable released to INEC, presidential aspirants will pick the Expression of Interest Form for N30 million and the Nomination Forms for N70 million.
Also, governorship contenders will obtain the Expression of Interest Form for N20 million and the Nomination Form for N40 million.
According to the schedule of activities released by its National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, senatorial aspirants will purchase the forms for N20 million while House of Representatives aspirants will pick them for 10 million Naira.
Those eyeing the House of Assembly tickets will obtain the forms for N6 million.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially released its Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the party disclosed that the schedule was signed by its National Organising Secretary, His Excellency Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, OFR.
The timetable provides detailed timelines for key pre-election activities, including the screening of aspirants, appeals processes, primary elections, and directives on the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms.
The APC reassured its members, stakeholders, and the Nigerian public of its commitment to conducting credible, transparent, and inclusive primary elections.
“The party remains dedicated to strengthening internal democracy and consolidating its progressive ideals through a fair and orderly process,” the statement added.
The release of the timetable marks a significant early step by the ruling party as preparations for the 2027 polls begin in earnest.
Politics
Gbenga Daniel shut out from Ogun East APC Meeting
Upon arrival in a white bus branded “BAT OGD Movement,” Daniel—also known as OGD—was reportedly denied entry on the orders of a local government chairman, who allegedly claimed the directive “came from higher authorities.
• Gbenga Daniel address supporters from his vehicle outside APC East meeting in Ijebu- Ode, Monday April 20.
The former governor and senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was on Monday blocked from gaining access to the venue of the caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District.
The meeting, held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, included past chairmen, past and present National Assembly members, councillors, among others.
However, videos circulating on social media showed that Senator Daniel’s convoy was prevented from entering the venue.
Upon arrival in a white bus branded “BAT OGD Movement,” Daniel—also known as OGD—was reportedly denied entry on the orders of a local government chairman, who allegedly claimed the directive “came from higher authorities.
”In one of the clips, Daniel’s security personnel were seen engaging individuals at the gate in an attempt to gain access, but were unsuccessful.
The situation turned tense as supporters of the senator gathered, chanting: “OGD, OGD, OGD.”
Daniel later addressed his supporters from his vehicle:”We are here for our caucus meeting, and I got here by 10 a.m. They said that we shouldn’t enter the venue in Ijebu-Ode.”
His media aide, Steve Oliyide, confirmed the incident and described the meeting as a gathering of loyalists of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
According to Oliyide, the meeting notice was issued at midnight and invited all National Assembly members, including Daniel.”
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