The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed strong confidence in securing victory across all elective positions in Saturday’s local government elections in Gombe State. Party leaders, including National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, presented a united front during the flag presentation ceremony for candidates, underscoring the ruling party’s determination to consolidate its dominance at the grassroots.

Governor Yahaya told party members that the APC remained the dominant political force in Gombe. He said the party’s strength lies in unity, performance, and grassroots support, stressing that the ruling party was determined to repeat its past electoral successes.

“We are determined to retain all elective positions under the APC platform. Our strength lies in our unity, commitment and the confidence the people have in our leadership,” Yahaya said.

He urged members to remain focused and united ahead of the polls, noting that the APC’s aim was to maintain control of all 11 local government councils and 13 Local Council Development Areas in the state.

Yahaya also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting major infrastructure projects in Gombe, particularly the ongoing superhighway project traversing parts of the North-East. He said the project, recently inspected by Minister of Works David Umahi, would enhance connectivity, stimulate commerce, and improve living standards.

“These projects are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which continues to inspire confidence among Nigerians,” Yahaya stated, reaffirming his administration’s support for the Federal Government’s development agenda.

APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda praised Yahaya’s administration for what he described as significant achievements in infrastructure, education, and social development. He said his visits to communities and project sites across the state revealed tangible evidence of governance delivering benefits to citizens.

“I visited communities, institutions, universities, road projects and cultural centres. What I saw was democracy working for the people. The projects are touching lives and improving livelihoods across the state,” Yilwatda said.

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He added that traders, farmers, and market women expressed satisfaction with the administration’s performance, noting that APC’s popularity was rooted in its commitment to development and service delivery.

Yilwatda also lauded President Tinubu for ongoing and proposed federal infrastructure projects across Northern Nigeria. He highlighted major road corridors linking Akwanga, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, and Maiduguri, as well as plans for a railway line connecting Port Harcourt and Maiduguri. He further pointed to gas infrastructure projects aimed at boosting industrialisation and expanding energy access.

According to him, these projects would deepen regional integration, facilitate trade, and significantly reduce travel time across the region.

Urging APC leaders and supporters to sustain mobilisation efforts ahead of the elections, Yilwatda said the party’s success was based on good governance and its commitment to improving citizens’ lives.

“APC remains firmly rooted among the people. Our success is based on good governance, development and our commitment to improving the lives of citizens,” he said.

As Gombe prepares for local government elections, the APC has projected confidence in sweeping the polls, citing its record of performance and grassroots support. With endorsements from both the state governor and the national chairman, the ruling party is positioning itself to consolidate power at the local level while aligning with federal development initiatives.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended prominent lawyer Mike Ozekhome from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings. The decision, announced after the committee’s 173rd general meeting, marks a significant development in Nigeria’s legal community, where the SAN title is regarded as the highest professional honour for advocates.

Kabir Akanbi, Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, confirmed the suspension in a statement issued on Thursday. He explained that the decision was taken pursuant to paragraph 26(6) of the guidelines governing the conferment and regulation of the SAN rank.

According to the LPPC, the suspension will remain in force until the disciplinary and ethics sub-committee concludes its investigation, alongside other related proceedings.

The SAN rank is awarded to lawyers who have distinguished themselves in advocacy and contributed significantly to the development of law in Nigeria. Suspension from the rank is rare and usually signals serious disciplinary concerns. While Ozekhome retains his license to practice law, he cannot use the SAN title until the proceedings are resolved.

Legal analysts note that the move underscores the LPPC’s determination to uphold professional standards and maintain the integrity of the SAN rank. The committee has previously emphasised that the title is not only a recognition of excellence but also a responsibility to uphold ethical conduct.

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Mike Ozekhome is one of Nigeria’s most prominent constitutional lawyers and human rights advocates. Over the years, he has handled high-profile cases and frequently commented on national issues, earning a reputation as a vocal defender of civil liberties. His suspension therefore comes as a notable development, given his visibility in both legal and political circles.

The LPPC, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, oversees the conferment of the SAN rank and enforces disciplinary measures when necessary. Its guidelines empower the committee to suspend or withdraw the rank from any lawyer found to have breached professional ethics.

Paragraph 26(6), under which Ozekhome was suspended, provides for interim measures to ensure that disciplinary proceedings are not undermined by continued use of the SAN title. This safeguard is designed to protect the credibility of the rank while investigations are ongoing.

While the LPPC has not disclosed details of the allegations leading to Ozekhome’s suspension, the announcement has sparked discussions among lawyers and observers. Some view the move as a reminder that the SAN rank carries strict ethical obligations, while others caution against prejudging the outcome of the disciplinary process.

Legal practitioners emphasise that suspension is not equivalent to removal. Ozekhome’s fate will depend on the findings of the disciplinary sub-committee and any subsequent decisions by the LPPC.

The suspension highlights the LPPC’s resolve to enforce accountability among holders of the SAN rank. It also reflects the committee’s effort to preserve public confidence in the legal profession at a time when Nigeria faces growing scrutiny over governance and institutional integrity.

For Ozekhome, the development represents a temporary setback in a distinguished career. The final outcome of the disciplinary proceedings will determine whether he regains full use of the SAN title or faces further sanctions.

The LPPC’s suspension of Mike Ozekhome underscores the seriousness with which Nigeria’s legal profession treats ethical standards. As one of the country’s most recognised lawyers, his case will be closely watched both within and outside the legal community. The decision reinforces the principle that the SAN rank is not only a mark of distinction but also a commitment to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.

The Osun State governorship race has taken a new turn as the Turaki faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, formally endorsed Adewale Adebayo, the candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). The endorsement, announced at a gathering in Okuku, Osun State, signals a strategic alliance that could reshape the dynamics of the August 15 election.

Oyinlola, accompanied by former Secretary to the State Government Fatai Akinbade and former PDP South-West Vice Chairman Tajudeen Oladipo, declared the faction’s support for Adebayo. He explained that the partnership mirrors a broader working relationship between the PDP and APM at the national level, now replicated in Osun.

“There is an alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement. The Turaki-led faction of the PDP has adopted the APM candidate in Osun State,” Oyinlola said, before presenting the APM flag to Adebayo as a symbol of endorsement.

In his remarks, Adebayo dismissed suggestions that his candidacy was aimed at negotiation or compromise. He insisted that his campaign is focused on winning and governing Osun State.

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“We are not in this election to participate. We are not in this election to negotiate. We are in this election to win,” he declared. He emphasised that the support of respected political elders strengthens his chances, while highlighting the role of Osun’s youthful population in shaping the state’s future.

Adebayo argued that young people between 18 and 52 years form the backbone of Osun’s electorate and are seeking credible leadership. He urged the Turaki faction to mobilise support, stressing that his campaign represents a credible alternative to existing political structures.

The endorsement adds a new layer of complexity to the contest. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election under the Accord Party, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) fields Bola Oyebamiji and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presents Najeem Salaam.

With the PDP faction throwing its weight behind Adebayo, the race could see a realignment of voter loyalties, particularly among PDP supporters dissatisfied with internal divisions. The move also underscores the fluid nature of political alliances in Nigeria, where factions often recalibrate strategies to maximise influence.

As a former governor and influential figure in Osun politics, Oyinlola’s backing carries weight. His leadership of the Turaki faction has long been a factor in PDP’s internal dynamics. By aligning with Adebayo, he signals a willingness to challenge traditional party boundaries in pursuit of electoral success.

Adebayo’s campaign rhetoric focuses heavily on youth empowerment and credibility. He positions himself as a candidate who can provide hope and trustworthy leadership. His appeal to young voters reflects a broader trend in Nigerian politics, where youth demographics increasingly shape electoral outcomes.

The endorsement of Adewale Adebayo by the Turaki-led PDP faction marks a significant development in the Osun governorship race. It highlights the role of alliances in Nigeria’s political landscape and sets the stage for a competitive election. As August 15 approaches, the impact of this cross-party support will be closely watched, particularly in how it influences voter turnout and reshapes traditional loyalties.