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Ramadan: Furore As Security Bar Female Students From Lectures Over  Alleged Improper Dressing At Kaduna Polytechnic

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Kaduna Polytechnic

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The authorities of the Kaduna Polytechnic have assured that a thorough investigation will be launched to ascertain the actual circumstances surrounding the alleged harassment and intimidation of some students of the institution by security personnel over alleged “indecent dressing.”

The Source reports that many female  students were prevented by the institution’s internal security personnel from accessing the Polytechnic for what they considered as  “tempting dressing” during the ongoing Muslim Ramadan period.

A viral video in circulation shows many female students being refused entry into the school for academic activities on the grounds that their dressing offends and tempts those observing Ramadan.

However ,the affected students , insisted that there was nothing indecent in their dressing as they were dressed in the normal way they had been dressing to attend lectures before now.

“But this time,they (security personnel) are saying that because they are fasting, we should be covering all our bodies with long clothes.

” Do they want us to wear cardigans in this scorching hot weather? We are not Secondary School students”, a student stated in the video.

According to the students ,the security personnel insisted that now that they are fasting, the female students should be wearing dresses  with long sleeves, capable of covering their whole body.

A statement from the Polytechnic’s spokesperson Godwin Ayegba, however, noted that the dressing code of the female students shown in the video appears  to be  moderate and appropriate by the institution’s standard.

This is as he distanced the authorities of the Polytechnic from the alleged overreach of the security personnel.

“The Management wishes to state clearly that the dresses worn by the affected students ,as shown in the viral video,appear moderate and appropriate.

“In view of this, the students in question ought not to have been barred from their lectures on this basis” Ayegba noted.

The Management further emphasized that while the institution as a matter of policy maintains a dress code policy aimed at promoting decency, professionalism and a general conducive learning environment, it however insisted that enforcement must be carried out strictly in tandem with extant rules and regulations.

The authorities cautioned against the tendency to enforce the dress code policy in a manner suggesting extremism and or arbitrariness.

The Management in the statement , assured that appropriate measures will be taken after diligent investigation to address the situation, with a view to forestall a future occurrence .

NANS Decries Rise In House Rent, Police Harassment, Threatens Mass Action Over Electricity Crisis

By
Akinwale Kasali
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National Association of Nigerian Students - NANS

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the increase in House Rent, Police Harassment and  epileptic electricity supply across the nation,  the South-West leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has warned that it may mobilise students for a peaceful mass action if the Federal Government fails to urgently address the worsening situation affecting campuses and student communities across the country.

The warning was contained in a statement jointly signed on Friday by the NANS South-West Zonal Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, and the Chairman of Chairmen of the NANS Joint Campus Committee, JCC, in the South-West, Comrade Tiamiyu Ademola.

NANS raised concerns over the increasing cases of Police harassment and extortion targeting students, as well as the rising cost of accommodation in university communities, describing the developments as serious threats to the welfare and academic progress of Nigerian students at a Press Conference held In Akure, Ondo State Capital.

According to the student leaders, the gathering followed extensive consultations among student leaders across the zone to deliberate on pressing issues affecting Nigerian students, including the persistent electricity crisis, cases of police brutality, rising accommodation costs in student communities and the need to strengthen the operational capacity of student leadership at the state level.

The NANS South-West Zonal Coordinators and Chairmen from the Six States expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current electricity situation in the country, describing it as devastating to academic activities and student welfare.

He said persistent power outages across campuses and surrounding communities had created serious challenges for students who depend heavily on electricity for studying, research and personal safety.

Adeyemo said, “After consultations with the six JCC state chairmen across the South-West, the leadership of NANS in the zone has resolved to pass a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Power under the Honourable Minister, Adebayo Adelabu”.

NANS urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently review the performance of the Ministry and take decisive steps to address the country’s power crisis.

“Nigerian students cannot continue to operate in darkness while their academic future is jeopardised.

“Electricity is not a luxury for students; it is a necessity for learning, research and safety within our campuses and communities.

“If urgent steps are not taken to address this situation, NANS South-West will be compelled to mobilise students across the region for peaceful mass action to demand immediate solutions.”

The Student Leaders expressed concern over global developments, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which they noted had contributed to rising energy costs and inflation affecting Nigerians.

They called for peaceful resolutions to global conflicts while urging sustained efforts to maintain economic stability and national peace within Nigeria.

Adeyemo further stated that the student leadership recognised the difficult global environment and commended President Tinubu for efforts aimed at maintaining national peace and stability amid challenging economic conditions.

“We acknowledge the efforts of the President in navigating the country through difficult global realities, but the issue of electricity requires urgent and practical solutions because it directly affects the daily lives of millions of Nigerians, including students,” he said.

The NANS South-West leadership also condemned what it described as the resurgence of police brutality, harassment and extortion targeting students across the region.

It added that several reports had emerged of students being unlawfully stopped, searched and extorted by security personnel.

They cited recent incidents, including an alleged shooting involving a student in Osogbo and the reported assault of a Students’ Union President in Ogun State.

“Nigerian students must not be subjected to harassment and intimidation by law enforcement officers whose constitutional responsibility is to protect citizens,” Adeyemo said.

“We have received disturbing reports of students being profiled, unlawfully searched and extorted. This trend is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately.”

The association, therefore, called for an urgent meeting with the Inspector-General of Police to address the issue and establish clear mechanisms for disciplining officers found guilty of misconduct against students.

The students body also expressed concern over the increasing cost of accommodation in student communities across the South-West.

According to the leadership, landlords and property agents continue to exploit students by imposing excessive rents, forcing many students into overcrowded and unsafe housing conditions.

“Students are increasingly being pushed into difficult living conditions because of exploitative rental practices in many campus communities,” Adeyemo said.

“We are calling on state Houses of Assembly across the South-West to introduce student-friendly tenancy regulations and rent control measures to protect students from exploitation.”

The student leaders also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Ayodele Olawande, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Asefon Sunday, for their support towards student leadership development.

They particularly acknowledged the provision of six operational vehicles to the six NANS Zonal Coordinators, describing the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening coordination and mobility within the student movement.

“This initiative has greatly enhanced the capacity of student leadership to engage stakeholders and respond more effectively to student-related issues across the country,” Adeyemo noted.

The leadership also commended the NANS National President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, for what it described as his continued commitment to strengthening student leadership structures across Nigeria.

In addition, the Forum of JCC State Chairmen appealed for further logistical support to enhance the operational effectiveness of student leadership at the state level, noting that state chairmen require adequate mobility and resources to effectively engage campuses, respond to student concerns and represent students in policy discussions.

The NANS South-West leadership also commended the management of the University of Lagos for steps taken towards reinstating the Students’ Union Government and urged other institutions with suspended unions, including the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), to follow suit.

NANS South-West, however reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian students and pledged to continue engaging relevant stakeholders to address the challenges confronting students across the region.

Peter Obi Slams Bwala, Debunks Claim He Sought His Support In 2023

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

By Akinwale Kasali 

Peter Obi, former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, during the 2023 Presidential Election has debunked the claim by Daniel Bwala, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, that he sought to recruit him into his 2023 Presidential Election Campaign Team. 

 

The former Anambra State Governor described the allegation as baseless and unworthy of a response.

 

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, Chieftain made this clarification in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by his media aide, Ibrahim Umar.

 

Obi insisted that he had no dealings with Bwala and would not be associated with what he described as transactional politics.

 

He further acknowledged that the allegation would ordinarily not merit a reply, the statement said a response had become necessary in the public interest.

Daniel Bwala
Daniel Bwala

“Normally, we would not dignify Bwala’s baseless accusations with a reply, given his well-documented history of dishonesty. 

 

“However, we feel it is necessary to address this matter for the benefit of the public, who may be misled,” the statement read.

 

The statement by the Obi Camp distanced the approach of the former Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the 2019 Election and what it described as the transactional tendencies of Bwala.

 

“Obi has made it clear that he excludes individuals like Bwala from his political activities and any form of transactional politics that sustain people like him in political circles. He would rather allocate resources to provide desks for children in Bwala’s village than pay him to concoct falsehoods for public consumption.

 

“For the umpteenth time, we call on Bwala and others like him to count Obi out of their greed, repent, and join us in the quest for a new Nigeria,” it stated.

 

It would be recalled that

Bwala in an interview with On-Air Personality Daddy Freeze,  alleged that Obi had attempted to enlist him in the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign through former President Olusegun Obasanjo. 

 

He also alleged that he was approached by Obi during a meeting at the Hilton Hotel in London, where Obasanjo was present alongside Obi’s running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, and other political stakeholders. 

 

Bwala stated that he declined the overture despite his respect for the former President.

Former Cross River State Gov, Senator Imoke Resigns From PDP

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Liyel Imoke
Senator Liyel Imoke

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The gale of high profile defections hitting  the ranks of the crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic party PDP, post Court of Appeal consolidated  ruling, has continued unabated with the former Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke, exiting the party.

 

Senator Imoke who presided over the affairs of Cross River state between 2007 and 2015, in a letter of resignation addressed to the PDP Chairman, Itigidi Ward, in Abi Local Government Area of the State, dated March 3, 2026, appreciated the party for the opportunities afforded him to serve the people, including as a Minister of the Federal Republic ofNigeria.

 

The former Senator that represented Cross River Central at the National Assembly blamed his decision to quit the PDP after over 27 years as a founding member on the festering and  intractable leadership and internal crises bedeviling the party.

 

“Regrettably, my resignation is due to the protracted crisis  within the party which has made it impossible for me to effectively serve the party and the people 

 

“I am grateful for the opportunities the party offered me to serve our nation and state as presidential Special Adviser, Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Governor of Cross River State.

 

” I wish you all the best, and again express my sincere appreciation for the support I enjoyed over the years.

 

“Please, accept the assurances of my warmest regards”, Imoke stated .

 

The Source reports that Senator Imoke has been involved in the process of nursing the new-look opposition Coalition platform the ADC, since early last year.

It is widely expected he will be formally joining the ranks of ADC just like his predecessor in office , Donald Duke, in the days ahead.

NIMASA DG Urges Women To Build Career In Maritime Sector

By
James Orji
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NIMASA Women

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to encouraging greater participation of women in Nigeria’s maritime sector, noting that sustainable progress in the industry requires the contributions of both men and women.

Dr. Mobereola made this known while delivering the keynote address at an event hosted by the Agency in Lagos to celebrate women in commemoration of the International Women’s Day 2026.

The NIMASA DG, who was addressing the gathering of women professionals from across Nigeria’s maritime industry stressed that the maritime sector presents enormous opportunities and remains a key driver of national economic development. He emphasized NIMASA’s long-term vision of supporting more women to build careers and leadership roles within the industry.

“Men cannot exist without women, and the maritime industry can only achieve sustainable growth when both genders contribute meaningfully to its development,” Dr. Mobereola said.

Highlighting the vast opportunities in the maritime industry, the NIMASA DG said that the Agency will continue to implement policies and initiatives that encourage the next generation of female professionals to explore careers within the sector.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of Financial Services Department at NIMASA, Dr. Odunayo Ani highlighted the growing influence of women in the maritime industry and the importance of inclusive leadership.

Dr. Ani who is also the President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria further said that “Women in the maritime sector must continue to view compliance, leadership, and innovation from fresh perspectives that encourage inclusivity and sustainable growth within the industry”.

Dr. Odunayo also emphasized the need for stronger partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders to further expand opportunities for women in the sector, adding that NIMASA remains a strong example of institutional commitment to gender inclusion.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the various women-focused maritime organizations present, who commended NIMASA for its consistent support in advancing gender inclusion across the maritime industry. They also underscored the importance of mentorship, capacity building, and regional collaboration in empowering more women to take up leadership roles within the sector.

A high point of the event was a presentation by the guest speaker, Dr. Titilayo Enitan-Fowokan on “Navigating Nigeria’s Tax Reform: Opportunities for Women in the Shipping and Global Trade” where she examined how ongoing fiscal reforms could create new opportunities for women entrepreneurs and professionals in shipping, logistics, and global trade.

Dr. Enitan-Fowokan encouraged women in the maritime sector to position themselves strategically to leverage emerging opportunities within the evolving economic landscape.

The event brought together women from different cadres within the Agency as well as representatives of leading women-focused maritime associations, including Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria; Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA); Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA); and Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT).

CBN Blocks Loan Defaulters From Accessing New Credit

By
James Orji
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Yemi Cardoso - CBN Governor

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has directed commercial banks in the country to stop giving loans to customers owing huge loans, as part of the apex bank’s efforts to protect depositors’ funds. The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Yemi-Cardodo-led apex bank.

Individuals and companies owing banks huge sums of money are regarded as ‘large ticker obligator’ by the CBN, and according to checks, loans owed by these obilagors run into several billions on naira, some of which have been classified as bad debts by some banks because the debtors have simply refused to pay.

CBN defines large ticket obligors as borrowers whose exposures are defined under Clause 3.2 (d) of the prudential guidelines for deposit money banks in Nigeria 2010, or a customer with a combined exposure across banks, as shown in the credit risk management system (CRMS), and/or as shown in the reports of a licensed private credit bureau, “that exceed the Single Obligor Limit (SOL), which materially affect a bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) or otherwise pose a systemic risk to the financial system”.

The magazine understands that the huge debts have added to the stress level of some commercial banks and is raising concern in the CBN.

Signs that some banks are deeply stressed came after recent directive by the Cardoso- led CBN to the banks to self test, to determine their stress level.

“What CBN discovered was really worrying to say the least,’ a source in CBN said on Friday, adding that the situation “pushed’ the CBN to take the latest step.

The development also comes as commercial banks in the country race to meet the March 31 Capitalisation deadline. Majority of the banks, the CBN said, have already met the capitalisation requirements.

According to the circular issued by the CBN, individual or business entity that have been granted huge credit facilities and have refused to pay up should no longer enjoy new loan facility, saying their action posed serious risk to the nation’s financial system.

Apart from denying them fresh loans, the apex banks said such ‘obligators’ should also be dined other facilities such as performance bonds, or advance payment guarantees and letter of credit, among others.

“In furtherance of its mandate to promote a sound financial system, protect depositors, and enhance prudential compliance within the banking sector, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) hereby directs all banks to restrict non-performing large ticket obligors, whose activities pose systemic risk to the financial system, from accessing specified banking services,” the CBN said.

Adding “Any large-ticket obligor with a non-performing facility recorded in the CRMS and/or any licensed private credit bureau shall not be granted additional credit facilities. For the purpose of this restriction, credit facilities include loans and other forms of direct credit.

“In addition, such obligors shall not be granted banking facilities or contingent liabilities such as bankers’ confirmations, letters of credit, performance bonds, or advance payment guarantees.

Judging from the huge debts owed banks by some corporate entities and individuals, not a few analysts in the sector have demanded that the names of loans defaulters be publish regularly by the CBN  to shame them.

Obidient Movement Tells Melaye To Allow Nigerians Determine Peter Obi’s Presidential Bid

By
Ayodele Oni
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Dino Melaye
Dino Melaye



By Ayodele Oni 

 

The Obidient Movement has criticised former senator Dino Melaye saying he lacks understanding of Nigeria’s political landscape.

 

In a statement issued on Friday, the group said that while it acknowledged Melaye’s description of Peter Obi as a “fantastic Nigerian” and a “great man,” it strongly disagreed with his assertion that the former Anambra State governor lacks the capacity to unite the country.

 

According to the movement, the claim that Obi “lacks the ability to unify Nigeria” and that “this is not his time” fails to reflect the growing support among Nigerians for a different political direction.

 

In the statement signed by its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, the movement said Melaye’s comments represent “a tired refrain from a political establishment that has long presided over the very divisions it now claims to be the sole solution for.”

 

“The notion that a candidate’s ‘time’ is something to be determined by political gatekeepers, rather than by the urgency of a nation’s needs, is precisely the thinking that has held Nigeria captive for decades,” the statement said.

Peter Obi
Peter Obi

The group argued that such views mirror what it called the mindset of an entrenched political establishment that has contributed to the divisions it now claims to be capable of resolving.

 

It further maintained that the notion that a candidate’s “time” should be determined by political elites, rather than by the urgent needs of the country reflects the same thinking that has, in its view, slowed Nigeria’s political and economic progress for decades.

 

The movement pointed out that the key issue is not whether it is Obi’s turn to lead, but whether Nigerians are ready to move away from what it described as cycles of ineffective leadership, economic stagnation and national disunity.

 

Highlighting Obi’s political appeal, the group cited the outcome of the 2023 Nigerian presidential election as evidence of his ability to attract support across ethnic, regional and religious divides.

 

It added that the broad coalition that rallied around Obi’s candidacy during the election reflected a growing national movement seeking unity and more productive governance.

 

It concluded that for many Nigerians seeking change, the question is not whether it is Obi’s time, but whether it is time for the country to break free from what it described as failed leadership and persistent national divisions.

 

Melaye has since denied the remarks.

Nigeria Deserves To Be Recolonized – Galadima

By
Ayodele Oni
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Buba Galadima

By Ayodele Oni 

After analyzing security and economic challenges, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has canvassed that Nigeria should consider the possibility  of being recolonized by United Kingdom.

 

Galadima made the remark on Thursday while speaking during a programme on Africa Independent Television, where he discussed the current state of governance and security in the country.

 

During the interview, the elder statesman said the government must prioritise the protection of citizens and create an environment that allows people to thrive.

 

“The government should remove selfishness and do the job of protecting the citizens and providing an enabling environment for the citizens to thrive,” he said.

 

Galadima also suggested that authorities should consider hiring foreign mercenaries if necessary to address the country’s security and governance challenges.



“How the government can do the job is bring in mercenaries to sort out the country.”

 

He then made the controversial statement that if mercenaries cannot be hired, the government should consider inviting Britain to take control.



“If they can’t bring mercenaries, let them ask Britain to come back and colonize us again.

 

“They can sanitize the country, put us in the rule of law, teach us democracy and good governance and ultimately, stop corruption,” he said.

“It’s Fake News, Senator Kingibe Not Suspended” – ADC

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Senator Ireti Kingibe
Senator Ireti Kingibe

By Adesina Soyooye

The viral report on Thursday to the effect that the Senator who represents the Federal Capital Territory at the Senate, Ireti Kingibe, has been suspended by her Party, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has been dismissed as fake.

 

Senator Kingibe, who was elected under the banner of the Labour Party, but defected to the ADC, has been having a running battle with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who, on a number of occasions promised a no- return for her to the Senate in 2027. 

 

The two politicians, have, in very recent times been throwing jabs at each other.

 

During the just concluded FCT Council Election, Minister Wike saw to it that Kingibe not only lost her Council but her Ward.

 

On Thursday, the antenna of the Senator’s political battle was raised when reports that she has been suspended by her Ward surfaced on Thursday.

 

But in a swift reaction, the ADC national headquarters dismissed it as false.

 

According to the Party, the circulating report is misleading. It, therefore, urged both the public and the media to treat it for what it is – Fake.

 

The Party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, emphasised that issues involving  members are handled “through established constitutional procedures, not through public pronouncements.”

 

Said Abdullahi: 

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is unaware of any suspension of Senator Ireti Kingibe, the distinguished Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory.  

 

“As a law-abiding political party, the ADC has clear constitutional channels and procedures for addressing any allegations involving its members. 

 

“Such matters are handled through established internal mechanisms, not through press statements.

 

“We, therefore, urge the public and the media to disregard the reports suggesting that Senator Ireti Kingibe has been suspended by the party, as they are false and misleading.”

 

The Senator has not, personally, responded to the report. She is said to be away to the United Nations in connection with programs mapped out to mark the 2026  Women’s month.

Legal Battles Unnecessary, Premature – Ondo Gov. Aiyedatiwa

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa
Ondo State Governor, Lucky  Aiyedatiwa.

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday, reacted to the Federal High Court judgement which restricted his tenure to a term, saying he is focused on governance and has not declared interest in any future election.

He however hinted on possible appeal against the judgement saying “The judgment is that of the court. I have not seen the details yet. My counsel will look at it and advise. If there is need for further interpretation, we will follow the legal process.

“We have High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is the final authority. We will follow due process so that there will be clarity in the law,” he added

The governor spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today shortly after the Federal High Court sitting in Akure delivered a judgment restraining him from contesting for another term, ruling that the Constitution does not allow a governor to spend more than eight years in office.

Reacting to the development, Aiyedatiwa said the legal battles were unnecessary and premature, insisting that he had never at any time declared intention to contest another election.

“I have never at any time declared publicly that I’m going to contest any election. I was sworn in just about a year ago, and there is no timetable for any election. So there is no cause of action as far as I’m concerned.”

The governor explained that he did not institute the suit but was dragged to court by political actors seeking constitutional interpretation.

“I did not approach the court to seek eligibility to contest. Some people, for political reasons, decided to go to court to seek clarification. Since the case was filed against me, I had to defend myself.”

Aiyedatiwa explained that the series of litigations against him had become a distraction from governance, noting that he had faced several court cases since assuming office.

“For some reason, I have done almost 20 cases, so it is nothing new to me anymore. I have developed a thick skin. I don’t feel anything other than the fact that these distractions are just being put away so that I can continue my work for the good people of Ondo State,” he said.

The governor also dismissed claims that the court action was linked to his alleged ambition to seek another term, stressing that his priority remains delivering on his mandate.

“I have not shown interest in any future election. I just won an election and I am focused on delivering the mandate given to me by the people. All these issues about 2028 are too early.

The governor also denied allegations of crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, rejecting claims that he was pushing out political opponents.

“Nobody is being chased away from the party. Politics is a game of numbers. I want more people to join APC, not fewer. Ondo State today is largely APC, and more people are still coming in.”

On the constitutional provision limiting tenure, Aiyedatiwa said he would abide by the law but maintained that the issue was speculative since no new election process had begun.

“The Constitution is the guiding rule, and the judiciary interprets it. I have not presented myself for another election, so this scenario does not even arise now. My focus is to govern and fulfil my promises to the people.”

The Federal High Court in Akure had earlier ruled that allowing Aiyedatiwa to contest again would be contrary to constitutional provisions and the Supreme Court decision in Marwa v. Nyako, which limits a governor’s tenure to eight years.

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