Court hands UBA major victory in N156bn debt recovery against Vaswani Brothers, Stallion Group

 

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has secured a significant legal victory in its debt recovery proceedings against Stallion Group, following a court judgment which upheld the Bank’s position on all issues submitted for determination.

In a sweeping decision, delivered by Justice Daniel Osiagor  of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on Friday,  granted all the reliefs sought by UBA, affirming the validity of the appointment of a Receiver/Manager, the enforceability of the mortgage security and the liability of the guarantors.

The Court observed that the Defendants did not dispute the existence of their indebtedness to the Bank but challenged the amount claimed. It further held that the reconciliation of accounts between the parties did not extinguish or negate the underlying indebtedness.

In a major affirmation of UBA’s enforcement rights, the Court upheld the appointment of the Receiver/Manager and confirmed his entitlement to take possession of the mortgaged property and seek appropriate protective orders.

 

The Court also dismissed objections raised by the 12th Defendant, holding that it had failed to establish any proprietary rights over the mortgaged property. Consequently, its consent was not required for the creation of the mortgage, and its objections were rejected.

 

Significantly, the Court restrained the Defendants from diverting receivables due to them from government agencies, thereby reinforcing the Bank’s ability to protect its recovery interests.

 

The judgment also affirmed the liability of the guarantors, strengthening UBA’s legal position in pursuing recovery of the outstanding obligations.

 

The decision represents a comprehensive victory for UBA, with the Court resolving all issues in the Bank’s favour and granting all the reliefs sought.

 

The ruling is particularly significant for the enforcement of creditors’ rights in Nigeria, underscoring the legal validity of properly constituted security arrangements and the authority of duly appointed receivers to enforce creditors’ interests.

 

It also reinforces the principle that disputes over the precise amount of an outstanding debt do not, by themselves, invalidate the underlying indebtedness or prevent creditors from exercising their lawful recovery rights.

The judgment marks a major milestone in UBA’s efforts to recover its exposure to Stallion Group and safeguard the interests of the Bank and its stakeholders.

Why the Aminu Kano cap fits Peter Obi: Nigeria’s unfinished project of unity

 

Following a recent podcast portraying the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as an Aminu Kano reborn because of their shared philosophy towards the poor in society, there have been some remarks supporting this fact and even going further to adduce other reasons why the Aminu Kano cap squarely fits Peter Obi.

The Aminu Kano cap is more than a piece of traditional attire that represents a commitment to the poor, modest living, social justice, and a political philosophy that places ordinary people at the centre of governance. When Peter Obi wears it, the symbolism invites a wider conversation about the relationship between leadership, social inclusion, and national unity.

The comparison between Aminu Kano and Peter Obi rests on three themes: concern for the poor, modesty in public life, and the need to make every Nigerian ethnic group feel that the country belongs to them. This last segment of the commonality between Obi and Aminu Kano seeks to deepen the conversation, especially as Obi’s running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is from Kano.

A further dimension emerges when the ethno-political histories of Nigeria are thoroughly X-rayed. Aminu Kano and Obi are of the Hausa and Igbo tribes, respectively. Ethnicity has been a significant factor in Nigerian politics as political power is examined alongside the distribution of Nigeria’s highest political offices along ethnic lines since 1999.

In terms of population, the six biggest ethnic groups in Nigeria, in this order, are the Hausas, the Yoruba, the Igbos, the Ijaw, the Kanuri, and the Fulani. From 1999 to date, all but the Hausas and Igbos have tested political power in this country at the level of President and Vice President. Yoruba—twelve years as President (Olusegun Obasanjo and Bola Tinubu), eight years as Vice President (Yemi Osinbajo), Fulani—eleven years as President (Umaru Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari), eleven years as Vice President (Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo), Ijaw—five years as President and three years as Vice President (Goodluck Jonathan), Kanuri—four years as Vice President (Kashim Shettima).

These historical statistics raise a question worth discussing as the country searches for lasting political unity and stability. Can a political partnership between a prominent Hausa leader and a prominent Igbo leader help address longstanding feelings of exclusion and strengthen the idea of a common Nigerian identity?

Aminu Kano, a Hausa, was a northern political reformer associated with social justice and the interests of ordinary people.

Peter Obi is a contemporary politician whose public message emphasises prudent management, accountability, and poverty reduction.

Aminu Kano’s political legacy is closely associated with challenging entrenched privilege and advocating for disadvantaged people. Peter Obi has also built much of his public political message around frugality, accountability, and improving the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

Their historical contexts are different, and their records should be assessed on their own merits. Nevertheless, the comparison provides a useful framework for discussing a shared political ideal: government should serve the people, particularly those who have the least access to power and opportunity.

The cap, therefore, can be interpreted as a symbolic expression of solidarity rather than merely a fashion statement. Its significance lies in the values it evokes and the actions that those values demand.

 

The following table illustrates the ethnic backgrounds commonly attributed to presidents of the Fourth Republic:

 

Olusegun Obasanjo 1999–2007 Yoruba

Umaru Musa Yar’Adua 2007–2010 Fulani

Goodluck Jonathan 2010–2015 Ijaw

Muhammadu Buhari 2015–2023 Fulani

Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2023–present Yoruba

 

This history supports an important distinction in the argument: the Igbo have not held the executive presidency since the restoration of democracy in 1999. Ditto for the Hausa; even the dragging together of Hausa and Fulani challenges this assertion, but empirically it has been Fulani dominating.

Consequently, a credible political analysis should distinguish Hausa identity from the broader Hausa-Fulani political category, rather than treating them as interchangeable.

The key point remains whether Nigeria’s political arrangements adequately recognise the country’s many ethnic communities and whether access to the highest offices helps citizens feel that they belong to one nation.

 

The experiences of presidential representation since 1999 differ. The Yoruba, Fulani, and Ijaw have had people commonly identified with their respective communities occupy the presidency. The Igbo have not held the executive presidency, while the historical classification of Hausa and Fulani leaders requires care.

It is therefore more precise to frame the question around the uneven distribution of national political power and the enduring perception of exclusion, rather than claim that all six groups have equal political standing or that every group has been completely excluded from the number-one and number-two offices.

 

If, therefore, Aminu Kano and Peter Obi’s political philosophy prioritises poverty reduction, education, employment, public accountability, and access to essential services, their partnership could offer a common policy platform that crosses ethnic boundaries. The substance of their policies and their implementation records would matter more than symbolism alone.

In Obi and Aminu Kano’s philosophy, citizens who feel overlooked by the political system may attach importance to visible recognition of their communities. A cross-ethnic partnership could create an opportunity to address those concerns, provided it is inclusive of other ethnic groups, regions, and religious communities as well.

Nigeria’s minorities and many other communities also have legitimate concerns about representation.

In conclusion, the Aminu Kano cap on Peter Obi can serve as a reminder that the struggle for a more inclusive Nigeria is not the property of one ethnic group or political tradition. It invites reflection on the relationship between social justice, modest leadership, and national belonging.

The historical question of Igbo representation in the executive presidency is real. The broader question of Hausa representation, however, must be stated with greater precision because Hausa and Fulani identities are distinct even where political classifications overlap.

An Obi–Kwankwaso partnership would carry potentially significant symbolism, but its contribution to unity would depend on its policies, its treatment of all communities, and its ability to make citizens feel included in the national project.

The ultimate test of Nigerian unity is not whose cap a leader wears, but whether every Nigerian—Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani, and the many other communities—can see a place for themselves in the country’s leadership, opportunities, and future. God help us.

 

Ike Abonyi is Editor @Large.

State Police Bill almost ready, for transmission to NASS in 2 weeks — Presidency

 

The National Policing Bill is 90 per cent ready for transmission to the National Assembly and is expected to be forwarded within two weeks, says Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.

Gbajabiamila, who chairs the Presidential Working Group on State Police, disclosed this on Thursday while speaking with journalists after the group’s steering committee meeting at the State House, Abuja.

He said the committee would hold one more meeting to address outstanding issues and incorporate observations from state governors before transmitting the bill to the National Assembly.

“The National Policing Bill is more or less ready for transmission to the National Assembly. We will probably have one more meeting after this to cross the t’s and dot the i’s and make sure every area is covered. So, we are 90 per cent ready.

“The governors have one or two observations, and we should be ready in about a week or so,” he said.

Gbajabiamila described the proposed legislation as “the most consequential Bill of the administration so far,” noting that it had undergone rigorous deliberations since the working group’s steering committee commenced discussions on August 3.

He also expressed confidence that the proposed constitutional amendments to establish state police would receive the necessary support, despite concerns over the pace of ratification by state Houses of Assembly.

Reacting to reports that only about six states had passed the Sixth Constitution Alteration Bill on state police, out of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Gbajabiamila said there was broad national support for the reform.

“I see no reason why anyone will want to have a rethink on it,” he said.

The proposed state police framework is part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s policing system and strengthen security arrangements across the country.

Those at Thursday’s meeting included the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State; Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, represented by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jedy-Agba.

Other participants were the Chairman of the Policy Advisory Committee, retired Justice Abdullahi Liman; Head of the Nigeria Police Reform Secretariat, Professor Olu Ogunsakin; Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Lanre Smart; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Planning and Research and secretary of the committee, Nnadubem Moghalu.

Representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association and the National Security Adviser, including AIG Abraham Nabhon Thomas, also attended the meeting. Authority.

Defence Minister pledges military’s neutrality during 2027 polls

 

The Minister of Defence, General Chris Musa (rts) has assured Nigerians that security agencies will remain neutral during elections and intensify efforts to protect lives, rescue abducted persons and dismantle terrorist and bandit camps across the country.

The minister gave the assurance on Thursday after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, alongside heads of security agencies, saying the President had emphasised the need for free, fair and credible elections.

He said security agencies were committed to providing a safe environment for Nigerians to exercise their franchise without intimidation or fear.

“All heads of security agencies are here. We had an intensive discussion, and Mr President made it very clear he wants a free, fair and credible election,” he told State House correspondents after the meeting.

“We must do everything possible to ensure that the country is safe and secure for the citizens to go out and vote.”

The minister urged political parties to trust the professionalism and neutrality of security personnel, stressing that no party or candidate would be allowed to intimidate others.

“For all other political parties to understand that the security forces are going to be neutral, we’re going to ensure that we give everybody opportunity to go and serve, so they have nothing to worry about, nothing to be afraid of, and nobody is going to intimidate them for whatever reasons,” he said.

Addressing allegations that the Armed Forces were using underage children, the minister described the military as a professional institution and denied that underage persons were being recruited into its ranks.

He said the allegations appeared to relate to terrorists using underage children, adding that the military would continue efforts to eliminate terrorist hideouts and rescue victims of abduction.

According to him: “The directive from the President is: all of us must go all out to fish out and rescue all those that have been abducted, kidnapped, wherever they are. There shouldn’t be any camp of any terrorist or bandits anywhere in Nigeria.”

The minister said the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening security operations, adding that President Tinubu had continued to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

Responding to a question on the urgency of protecting lives ahead of the elections, he listed increased recruitment, training exercises and equipment procurement among measures being taken to address security challenges.

He disclosed that the President would soon commission newly acquired aircraft and helicopters, which he put at approximately 10.

“Despite the economic issue, the issue of security is in the front burner of Mr President’s view,” he said.

The minister also welcomed the recent salary increase for members of the Armed Forces, expressing hope that similar concerns affecting police personnel and other security workers had been addressed, including those of pensioners.

He said the President wanted Nigerians to benefit from ongoing efforts to improve security and national wellbeing. Authority.

Obi Media to Tinubu: Come out and campaign, Nigerians are not voting for surrogate

 

The Peter Obi Media Office has criticized President Bola Tinubu for announcing that he would leave part of the 2027 Presidential campaign to surrogates to do for him.

In a statement, the Office said the excuse by the President that he would pay more attention to governance than running around to canvas for votes was not acceptable.

Said the statement: “President Bola Tinubu reportedly says the demands of governance may keep him away from the campaign trail. Nigerians deserve to ask: If he cannot make time to face the electorate, why should surrogates be sent to ask for their votes?

“The President cannot delegate accountability. He cannot outsource the defence of his record to political allies, party chieftains, and praise singers while millions of Nigerians struggle with the consequences of his government’s policies.

“Surrogates can speak for the President, but they cannot answer for his failures. They can repeat his promises, but they cannot make those promises a reality. They can campaign in his name, but they cannot carry his responsibility,” the Media Office said.

Alluding to the fact that the President was trying to avoid Nigerians as a result of the failure of the President, the Office said: “If the administration has delivered on its promises, why should the President be reluctant to defend that record before Nigerians himself?

“If the economy is improving, let him explain how that improvement is reflected in the cost of food, transportation, electricity, housing, and necessities. If his policies are working, let him face the citizens who want to know when the hardship will end.

“Mr President, governance is not an excuse to avoid accountability. In a democracy, governance is the very record a candidate must defend before asking for another mandate.

Nigerians are not being asked to elect your surrogates. They are being asked to assess you, your policies, your promises, and your performance. No surrogate can stand in your place when it is time to answer for the state of the nation.

“You cannot send surrogates to collect the votes while keeping the President away from the questions. You cannot delegate the campaign and expect Nigerians to forget who must answer for the record.

“The Nigerian people deserve a direct conversation with their President, not a relay of rehearsed talking points from political messengers.

“If there is a record to defend, let the President defend it. If there are promises yet to be fulfilled, let him explain them. And if Nigerians are being asked to renew his mandate, let him have the courage to face their questions.

“A President who seeks the people’s mandate must be prepared to face the people. Surrogates may carry the message, but they cannot carry the burden of accountability,” the statement concluded.

2027: I may not attend campaign rallies in all states, governance is my priority — Tinubu

 

President Bola Tinubu has indicated that he may not participate in campaign rallies across all 36 states as preparations intensify for the 2027 presidential election, stressing that the demands of governance must remain his priority.

Tinubu made this known on Wednesday during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

 

The President acknowledged concerns that extensive campaign activities could divert his attention from managing the country’s affairs, saying he agreed with the advice to concentrate on governance.

According to him, Nigeria requires sustained attention, particularly in addressing financial obligations, attracting foreign investment and strengthening the economy.

 

Tinubu said he would rely on members of the campaign council to undertake some political engagements on his behalf while he focuses on government responsibilities.

 

He also emphasised the importance of meeting the country’s financial commitments and creating an investment environment capable of attracting businesses willing to contribute to Nigeria’s long-term development.

The inauguration attracted prominent APC leaders, senior government officials and politicians from opposition parties who pledged support for the President’s re-election bid.

 

Among those present were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda.

 

Also in attendance were Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, who belong to political parties outside the APC.

Speaking at the event, Abbas pledged that the campaign would reach Nigerians at the grassroots through extensive mobilisation across constituencies, wards and communities.

 

He maintained that the administration’s first term had focused on implementing economic reforms, while a second term would provide an opportunity to consolidate those policies and translate increased government revenue into tangible benefits for citizens.

Similarly, Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressive Governors Forum, commended Tinubu’s administration and expressed confidence in the party’s preparations for the presidential election.

Soludo, a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), explained that his party’s support for Tinubu was informed by its commitment to national unity, security and shared prosperity.

Wike also reaffirmed his support for the President, describing the backing he had received from political stakeholders as significant.

 

On his part, Adeleke expressed enthusiasm about his role in the campaign, pledging to mobilise political support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Osun governor said he was prepared to lead campaign activities in his state and work towards securing electoral support for the President.

 

Meanwhile, the newly inaugurated Presidential Campaign Council will be chaired by Tinubu, with Shettima serving as first vice chairman and APC National Chairman Yilwatda as second vice chairman.

 

Former Zamfara State Governor and Senator Abdulaziz Yari has been appointed Director-General of the council, while Uzodimma will serve as secretary.

 

The expanded campaign structure also accommodates politicians from other political parties, including Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Soludo of APGA and Adeleke of the Accord Party.

 

The council is expected to coordinate nationwide campaign activities, mobilise supporters, manage strategic communications and engage voters on the administration’s achievements and policy proposals.

 

Tinubu’s remarks suggest that while he remains central to the APC’s re-election campaign, he intends to delegate some campaign responsibilities to party leaders and council members to allow him devote greater attention to governance. Newspot.

Peter Obi Media Office recalls Obi’s warning against Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as controversies increase

 

The Peter Obi Media Office has said that if Mr Peter Obi’s warning not to embark on the project was adhered to, the present controversies surrounding the project would have been avoided.
In a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, the Office recalled that Obi had advised that other hinterland roads should be attended to before embarking on the Coastal Highway.
Said the Office: “The Peter Obi Media Office is revisiting the contentious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which continues to raise significant concerns about government priorities, the use of public funds, and accountability.
“When Peter Obi urged the government to rehabilitate Nigeria’s deteriorating hinterland roads before advancing an ambitious coastal highway, his position was unambiguous: public resources should be directed toward projects that provide the greatest benefit to the largest number of Nigerians.”
The statement lamented that: “Instead of addressing these concerns, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, responded by attacking him.
“Now that questions have emerged regarding the project’s scope and its reported truncation, Nigerians are entitled to clear answers.
“How much money has been spent? What has been completed? Who approved any alterations, and who will be held responsible for any waste or mismanagement established by the evidence? Public projects are not political advertisements, and public funds are not private property. Nigerians deserve transparency, an independent audit, and a clear account of the project’s present status.
“Peter Obi did not oppose infrastructure development; he called for responsible prioritisation and value for money.
“The government must stop portraying legitimate scrutiny as an attack and begin recognising accountability as an obligation.
“The central question persists: why target the messenger when the message calls for answers? In a new Nigeria that is Possible and OK, transparency regarding public wealth will be mandatory,” the Office said.

 

Kalu tasks SEDC to extend projects to South-East communities

 

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has urged the commission to extend its development projects and interventions to communities across the region, stressing the need for tangible results at the grassroots.

Kalu gave the charge on Monday during an oversight visit by the Senate Committee to the commission in Enugu, where lawmakers assessed its operational readiness, ongoing preparations and progress on infrastructure development.

 

He acknowledged the progress recorded by the commission, particularly the improvements at its headquarters, but emphasised that its impact must be felt beyond its administrative base in Enugu.

 

The senator urged the management to sustain the progress ahead of another oversight visit scheduled for December, noting that residents of the five South-East states should begin to see practical benefits from the commission’s activities.

 

Although he acknowledged that the SEDC was relatively new, Kalu said its management must remain focused on its mandate and demonstrate commitment to addressing the region’s development challenges.

 

During the visit, the Managing Director of the commission, Mr Mark Okoye, briefed the lawmakers on ongoing preparatory activities and strategic initiatives designed to accelerate economic growth, improve infrastructure and promote regional development.

 

Okoye disclosed that the commission was advancing plans for strategic projects, including gas pipeline and railway initiatives, while strengthening partnerships with federal ministries, departments and agencies, state governments, development partners and private sector stakeholders.

 

He also highlighted the South-East Vision 2050 stakeholder consultations, describing them as a major step towards developing a long-term blueprint for the region.

 

According to him, the consultations brought together government officials, business leaders, academics, development partners and civil society groups to contribute to a coordinated regional development agenda.

 

The managing director further disclosed that 25 start-ups drawn from the five South-East states had received equity investments under the South-East Venture Capital Programme, an initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and business growth.

 

As part of the oversight exercise, the committee visited the Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, as well as the commission’s temporary headquarters and its newly established permanent headquarters.

 

At the temporary headquarters, the lawmakers inspected the available office spaces and operational facilities to determine their adequacy for the commission’s administrative activities.

 

They also assessed the new headquarters, examining its office facilities, furnishing, information and communications technology infrastructure, and general preparedness for full operations.

 

The inspection was aimed at providing the committee with first-hand information on the commission’s operational capacity, infrastructure requirements and progress in establishing an effective administrative base.

 

The South-East Development Commission was established to drive reconstruction, economic development and regional transformation across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states. Authority.

2027: PDP condemns attack on its Cross River campaign team

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned reported attacks on its Cross River State campaign team during its consultations tour across the state, calling on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

The party said the alleged attack, which reportedly involved armed thugs who vandalised vehicles, fired sporadically and injured several supporters, threatened democratic participation and the right of political parties to engage freely with voters.

 

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the PDP urged relevant authorities to take urgent measures to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the state.

 

The party also expressed concern over allegations that the attack was sponsored by the Cross River State governor, although it provided no evidence in the statement to substantiate the allegation.

 

The PDP said the governor should focus on addressing public concerns about his administration’s performance rather than resorting to what it described as intimidation of opposition figures.

 

The opposition party questioned the state government’s record of project delivery, alleging that the administration had yet to demonstrate convincing evidence of major projects initiated and completed since assuming office.

 

According to the PDP, some projects presented as achievements amounted largely to the repainting of existing structures.

 

The party challenged the governor to account for the financial resources accruing to Cross River State, insisting that residents deserved to know how public funds had been utilised and the benefits delivered to communities.

 

It maintained that public resources should translate into visible development, improved infrastructure, employment opportunities and better living conditions for residents.

 

“Public office is a trust bestowed by the people and not a personal entitlement to be retained by any means,” the party said.

 

The PDP further argued that Cross River State needed a new direction and leadership that prioritised residents’ welfare over partisan interests.

 

It said its candidates were engaging with communities, listening to concerns and presenting an alternative vision for the state’s future.

 

Despite the reported attack, the party declared that it would not be intimidated into abandoning its political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

It pledged to continue consulting with residents, promoting democratic participation and defending the rights of its candidates and supporters.

 

The PDP also appealed to residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding, urging them to participate actively in the 2027 elections.

 

It called on political actors to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of triggering violence in the state.

 

The party specifically urged security agencies to investigate the reported incident promptly, professionally and impartially, protect political stakeholders and prevent a recurrence.

 

It added that anyone found responsible should be held accountable in accordance with the law, regardless of political affiliation or position.

 

The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to what it described as the people’s quest for accountable leadership and improved development in Cross River State. Authority.

APC faults Atiku for addressing Tinubu as ‘Bola’, vows to focus on issues

 

The All Progressive Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for addressing President Bola Tinubu by his first name, describing the action as disrespectful to the office of the President.

The council said it would not follow Atiku’s approach, insisting that its campaign would focus on issues affecting Nigerians, the achievements of the Tinubu administration and its plans to move the country from reforms to prosperity.

Dele Alake, spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, stated this in a press statement on Monday amid public reactions to Atiku’s reference to the President as “Bola”.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was accused by the APC council of falling short of the decorum and respect expected of a former vice president and an aspirant to the nation’s highest office.

The council said Atiku’s conduct raised concerns about his regard for constituted authority, arguing that his political ambition and animosity had undermined the statesmanship expected of him.

“Since Alhaji Atiku lost the last Presidential election, he has allowed political animosity and uncontrollable ambition to rob him of the statesmanship that should guide his public conduct and utterances,” the statement said.

The APC campaign council further accused the former vice president of setting a poor example for younger politicians through what it described as unbecoming political behaviour.

Despite its criticism, the council urged APC leaders, spokespersons, members and support groups to accord Atiku the respect and courtesies due to him as a former vice president and presidential candidate.

“Without any regard to his personal choice to disrespect the office he is aspiring to occupy, the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has implored all party leaders, spokespersons, party members and support groups to accord all the respect, courtesies and regard due to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as former Vice President of Nigeria and a Presidential candidate,” Alake said.

He added that the APC, which he described as a party grounded in progressive ideals and African traditional values, would maintain its standards of political conduct rather than emulate Atiku’s approach.

The council said its campaign would concentrate on presenting the party’s programmes, highlighting Tinubu’s achievements in office and explaining how the administration intends to translate its ongoing reforms into prosperity.