The Ondo State government and a group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Ondo State Redemption Initiative (OSRI) have disagreed over the allegation that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is using the State resources to fund his governorship ambition.
While OSRI said the governor has planned to use the resources of the State to procure endorsement of State lawmakers in Abuja’s secretariat of the APC, the government described the allegation as balderdash and not worthy of its reaction.
The group through its President, Pastor Adebayo Ogunsanmi, Secretary, Jide Oriola, and Publicity Secretary, Sunday Ayeni accused the Aiyedatiwa of setting aside $180 million to bribe lawmakers for phantom endorsement.
The group said it would be wrong for a Governor to use the State’s resources for selfish political ambition when majority of citizens are wallowing in abject poverty.
In a statement titled ‘Aiyedatiwa offers lawmakers $10.000 dollars for Abuja endorsement’ said Aiyedatiwa has taken his desperation to another level by using dollars to bribe lawmakers for endorsement.
The group said the previous endorsement has been denied and warned the governor against using the State’s resources meant for Infrastructural development to bribe lawmakers who have lost relevance in their constituency.
The OSRI said “Desperate effort by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state to offer 10,000 dollars to each member of the state assembly for endorsement has been exposed.
“The plot, according to inside sources, will involve a trip by 18 lawmakers from the state to accompany the governor to the national headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during which they will stage the endorsement.
“Aiyedatiwa is desperately going round for endorsements. The latest is a plan to get 18 lawmakers from the state to accompany him to the national headquarters of the APC in Abuja where they will endorse him.
“But since he knew that he could not get the 18 members to do the dirty job, he has offered each member 18,000 dollars, believing that the money would be too tempting to reject.”
However, the government in its reaction through Special Assistant to Aiyedatiwa on New Media, Mr Sunday Abire described the allegation as hogwash.
Abire said “Why will the Governor bribe the Ondo State House of Assembly in the first? The same Governor that has been accused by politicians of not being a spendthrift? Which should we hold dearly now? It is the season of mischief and the Governor is too focused to be distracted.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Kwara State, Honourable Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa has visited the state Governor, AbdulRahman AbadulRazaq in his office, it was gathered.
It was reported further that the visit took place in the last of Monday evening , 27 April, 2026.
According to sources, the meeting was conveyed to intimate the Governor on the official declaration of Bolarinwa to contest for the governorship seat of the state coming up today, Tuesday, 28 April, 2026 in Ilorin.
Reports indicated that the APC governorship aspirant popularly called BOB by supporters and admirers, was warmly received by the Governor.
Bolarinwa, former Chairman of APC in Kwara State is one of the front line aspirants for the governorship ticket of APC in Kwara State
Stakeholders of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State have thrown their full weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal for a second term in the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement came on Saturday, April 25, 2026, during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened at the Government House in Gusau. The gathering drew all four former governors of the state, elected officials, elders, and representatives of youth and women from all 14 local government areas.
Speaking at the event, Governor Lawal described the meeting as timely, noting that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections are about to intensify.
He explained that his decision to join the APC was not merely political but a strategic move to reposition Zamfara, strengthen collaboration with the federal government, and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda. He thanked stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout the transition process.
Lawal urged party leaders to manage public expectations with maturity and fairness, acknowledging that not all political aspirations can be met immediately. He stressed that leadership goes beyond positions and that political relevance comes from service and contribution to development.
He further assured that fairness, equity, and justice would guide his administration’s decisions, and called for discipline and loyalty to the party.
All four former governors of Zamfara Ahmed Sani Yarima, Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi, Abdul’aziz Yari, and Bello Mohammed Matawalle were present and made clear commitments to the APC and the re-election bid of the president and the governor.
Politics in Bauchi State may never remain the same again after Yusuf Maitama Tuggar officially declared his intention to contest for the top job in the state. What many expected to be an ordinary political gathering quickly transformed into a historic show of strength, popularity and mass acceptance as thousands of supporters thronged the venue in the state capital to witness the moment many believe signals a new chapter for Bauchi politics.
From the early hours of the day, roads leading to the Eid Prayer Ground, venue of the declaration was filled with enthusiastic supporters, youth groups, women associations, traditional loyalists and political stakeholders who came from different parts of the state to identify with the man many now describe as the bridge between experience, competence and modern leadership. The atmosphere was electric. Chants of solidarity songs rented the air while banners, posters and colourful attires bearing Tuggar’s image painted the city in festive colours.
For observers of Bauchi politics, the declaration was more than just another campaign launch—it was a statement. It was a loud signal that Tuggar remains one of the most formidable political figures in the state today. The sheer size of the crowd and the organic enthusiasm displayed by supporters suggested that his political relevance has only grown stronger over time.
Known for his calm intellect, diplomatic reach and strategic thinking, Tuggar has built a reputation that stretches beyond Bauchi and Nigeria. His years in public service, particularly at the national level, have positioned him as a politician with global exposure and local understanding. Supporters believe these qualities make him uniquely qualified to steer Bauchi into a new era of prosperity, investment and inclusive governance.
At the venue, speakers after speakers extolled his leadership qualities, describing him as a son of the soil who has remained connected to his roots despite his national and international engagements. Many praised his accessibility, humility and commitment to youth development, while others insisted that Bauchi needs a leader with vision, networks and the courage to make bold decisions.
During his speech the former Foreign Affairs Minister said he presented himself not merely as a candidate, but as a humble servant committed to the progress and prosperity of the good people of Bauchi State. With the vision to anchor on strengthening agriculture as a driver of economic growth and food security, while ensuring the prompt and consistent payment of salaries and gratuities to preserve the dignity and welfare of our civil servants.
‘’I am dedicated to advancing youth and women empowerment through sustainable opportunities that foster inclusion, productivity, and self-reliance. My agenda also prioritizes comprehensive infrastructural development to support economic activities and improve the quality of life across the state.
Furthermore, I am committed to delivering accessible and high-quality education and healthcare systems that meet the needs of our people, alongside promoting innovation and ICT development as tools for modernization and global competitiveness. Above all, my mission is centered on improving the overall well-being of every citizen of Bauchi State through responsive, people-oriented governance’’ He stated.
Political analysts say the declaration instantly changes the arithmetic of the Bauchi governorship race. With one appearance, Tuggar has injected momentum, excitement and renewed competition into the contest. Rivals, many believe, can no longer ignore the strength he commands or the growing movement around his candidacy.
As the sun set on the colourful gathering, one message rang clear across the state capital: Tuggar is not merely testing the waters—he has entered the race with force, structure and undeniable public goodwill.