Politics

Al-Makura, Gemade Lack Capacity To Lead APC — Research Group

Published

8 months ago

July 22, 2025

A leading policy think tank within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Progressive Research Initiative (PRI), has raised concerns about those angling to lead the party, declaring that Senator Tanko Al-Makura and Chief Barnabas Gemade do not possess the competence or contemporary political credentials required to guide the ruling party into the 2027 elections.

In a statement jointly signed by Dr. Ali Ahmed and Dr. Tersoo Aondona, senior research fellows of the PRI, the group described the two aspirants as “yesterday’s men seeking tomorrow’s responsibilities”, and warned that recycling obsolete figures would jeopardise the party’s prospects in a fast-evolving political environment.

“We have studied, with concern, the growing speculation around the possible return of Senator Al-Makura and Chief Barnabas Gemade to national party leadership,” the statement reads.

“Our findings are unequivocal: neither of them reflects the tactical depth, ideological clarity, or generational appeal that the APC desperately needs ahead of 2027.”

The group noted that Senator Al-Makura, a former governor of Nasarawa State and senator, has not demonstrated the political energy or innovative leadership style required to reform and reposition the APC at this critical juncture.

“Al-Makura’s public record since leaving the governorship has been marked by silence and political absenteeism. He is banking on past associations rather than proven ability to organise, mobilise or inspire. In a moment that demands strategic clarity, ideological rearmament and mass appeal, he offers only nostalgia,” said the PRI.

“Gemade was once national chairman of the PDP — a party we defeated — and later served as senator. But let’s be clear: his politics belongs to the analogue era. He lacks resonance with the youth, no ideological grounding in the APC’s progressive credentials, and has no track record of party building in the digital age.Chief Gemade cannot be the face of a 21st-century ruling party.”

While the group refrained from endorsing any candidate for the national chairmanship, it called on President Bola Tinubu to “look inwards” and prioritise competence, cohesion and capacity over compensation politics.

“The APC does not need a caretaker. It needs a combat-tested strategist who understands the stakes of 2027 — and who can unify the party, reinvigorate the base, and speak to the dreams of everyday Nigerians. President Tinubu must resist the pressure to reward loyalty at the cost of victory,” the research group stated.

The PRI warned that the 2027 election would be a referendum not just on performance but on leadership coherence, and that the national chairman of the APC would play a pivotal role in shaping narratives, managing internal disputes, and confronting a resurgent opposition.

“The next chairman must be one who can beat the opposition to the storylines, restore discipline to party structures, and rebuild trust among the youth, women, and civil society actors. None of this can be achieved by men who peaked politically in the last century,” the statement said.

The think tank urged President Tinubu to consider the evolving structure of voter behaviour, where digital mobilisation, coalition politics, and policy-based engagement will define the next electoral season.

“This is a moment for renewal, not recycling. Our democracy cannot afford an APC that looks tired, dated, or indifferent to the changing tides. We must find new leadership that speaks the language of reform and understands the rhythm of our times,” it said.

Concluding, PRI warned that ignoring these realities would not only be a strategic blunder, but a historic mistake.

“We owe the Nigerian people a vibrant, disciplined, and ideologically coherent ruling party. Anything less would be a betrayal of our progressive promise.”

The Progressive Research Initiative is an independent policy and political think tank dedicated to evidence-based strategy and internal party renewal.

Cover

Renewed Hope Group Welcomes Tinubu’s Appointment of Faleke as Deputy Secretary for Party Outreach

Published

1 month ago

February 19, 2026

Daily Mirror

The Renewed Hope Advocacy Network (RHAN) has described the appointment of Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke as Deputy Secretary for Party Outreach, Engagement, and Mobilisation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (South West zone) as a well-earned recognition of merit, loyalty, and proven capacity.

In a statement released today and signed by its Convener, Opialu M. Opialu, the grassroots organisation praised President Bola Tinubu for entrusting the strategic role to a man widely regarded as one of his most dependable and longest-serving political allies.

“Rt. Hon. James Faleke’s appointment is the logical elevation of a tested hand who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, organisational brilliance, and rock-solid loyalty to President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope project,” Opialu stated.

The statement highlighted Faleke’s critical contribution during the 2023 presidential campaign, where he served as National Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

Describing the lawmaker as the engine room coordinator of nationwide mobilisation efforts, the group credited him with bridging ethnic, regional, and ideological divides, galvanising party structures, and sustaining momentum even amid intense opposition.

“Despite daunting challenges, he never flinched. His strategic mind, tireless work ethic, and unshakeable belief in Asiwaju’s vision were decisive factors in delivering the Tinubu-Shettima victory,” the statement added.

RHAN also underscored Hon. Faleke’s legendary loyalty, noting that for over two decades he has remained a consistent pillar of support for President Tinubu across multiple political battles and campaigns.

“In an era when political fidelity is increasingly rare, Rt. Hon. Faleke stands out as a shining example of principle, sacrifice, and steadfastness.

“His faithfulness has inspired countless party members and remains one of the strongest proof to the enduring bond between him and our President,” Opialu remarked.

On the legislative front, the statement celebrated Faleke’s distinguished record as the representative of Ikeja Federal Constituency.

Looking ahead, RHAN expressed confidence that Faleke’s wealth of experience will now supercharge grassroots engagement, strengthen party structures in the South West, and deepen national support for the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We are convinced that this appointment will inject fresh energy into our mobilisation efforts and set the stage for even greater electoral and governance successes in the years ahead,” Opialu concluded.

The Renewed Hope Advocacy Network wished Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke “resounding success” in his new assignment and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as he discharges his duties.

Politics

RSHA continues impeachment of Fubara, writes Chief Judge

Published

2 months ago

January 16, 2026

Daily Mirror

The Rivers House of Assembly has continued its resolution to impeach Gov. Siminalaye Fubara and his deputy, Nma Odu.

All 26 members of the Assembly on Friday unanimously resolved during plenary to proceed with the impeachment process against both Fubara and Odu.

Consequently, the lawmakers resolved to write to the Chief Judge(CJ) of the State, as enshrined in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

They are urging the CJ to constitute a seven-man investigative panel to examine the alleged gross misconduct leveled against the governor and his deputy.

Politics

Sen. Yari’s constituency office lauds APC e-registration exercise in Zamfara

Published

2 months ago

January 9, 2026

Daily Mirror

Hon. Sha’ayau Sarkinfawa, the Coordinator, Sen.. Abdul’aziz Yari Constituency office for Zamfara West Senatorial District, has commended the ongoing nationwide membership e-registration exercise of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sarkinfawa, who stated this while speaking with journalists in Gusau on Thursday, stated that the exercise would promote integrity and credibility in the party membership.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC nationwide e-registration exercise commenced recently and would run until the end of this month.

He described the exercise as the bedrock for internal democracy.

“The APC e-registration would strength the party’s membership.

“The ongoing APC e-registration exercise is a wise political initiative and imperative determined to upgrade the data of the progressive party members electorally,” Sarkinfawa further said.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for making the APC proud and wished him more strength ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

According to him, Yari and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, had already built a stronger political platform in the APC structure of the state.

“Therefore, we are expecting a tremendous success.at the end of the exercise” he added.

Sarkinfawa further said, the exercise would provide an ample opportunity for all the eligible members of the party to be duly captured in its digital register.

He added, “It will also ensure accuracy, transparency and integrity in the party’s membership.

“The exercise guarantees sanity and credibility of the party’s membership register.

“A data-driven membership registration is expected to capture every eligible member of the party across the 147 political wards of the state.

“Therefore, our members should participate fully in the exercise and make sure they are captured electronically.

“I therefore urge all APC members and stakeholders in the state to take full advantage of the e-registration and participate promptly and responsibly.$

Sarkinfawa further described the APC as the most dominant political party in Zamfara and Nigeria. adding that it would record massive victories in the 2027 General Elections.