The political climate in Osun State intensified on Tuesday after Governor Ademola Adeleke, former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party publicly threw their support behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

This decision was outlined in a communiqué issued after a key stakeholders’ meeting, which also reaffirmed Adeleke’s commitment to remain in the PDP, putting to rest speculations that he might switch to the All Progressives Congress.

However, the move sparked backlash from the African Democratic Congress, which accused Adeleke of lacking political direction and argued that his endorsement of Tinubu would not prevent his loss in the upcoming Osun governorship race.

Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu while still in the PDP was formally communicated in the statement shared with journalists following the PDP leadership meeting in the state.

Those in attendance at the meeting included former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Senator Lere Oyewumi representing Osun East, Osun PDP Chairman Sunday Bisi, and former PDP National Secretary, Professor Wale Oladipo, among others.

The stakeholders resolved, “The PDP in Osun State recognises the fact that Osun State is the ancestral home of President Bola Tinubu, which makes the President the son of Osun State.”

“Therefore, the PDP in Osun State hereby adopts and endorses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.”

The gathering also threw its full support behind Adeleke as the sole candidate for the PDP in the 2026 Osun governorship election.

“PDP in Osun State reaffirms its adoption and endorsement of Governor Ademola Adeleke for re-election in the 2026 governorship election on the platform of the PDP.”

“Governor Ademola Adeleke and all members of the PDP in Osun State should remain in the PDP. The leadership of the PDP in Osun State is directed to disseminate the resolution to all structures of the party in the state,” the communique read.

In response to the announcement, Osun State ADC Chairman Charles Omidiji said Adeleke’s decision not to join the APC might not spare him from electoral defeat.

Omidiji went on to assert that the ADC, whose Interim National Secretary is former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, would emerge victorious in the next Osun governorship election.

“If he doesn’t join the APC again, it will only reduce the margin of the loss awaiting him at the poll.”

“If he had defected, that would have been the end of both the APC and PDP in Osun. But whatever happens, ADC will produce the next Osun governor,” he said.

Explaining Adeleke’s choice to remain in the PDP despite ongoing speculation, the communiqué noted, “The majority of the members of the APC in Osun State are opposed to the idea of the defection of Governor Adeleke to the APC, which did not originate from the governor in the first instance.”

“Some APC leaders, based on entrenched interests, have demonstrated hostility and resentment towards Governor Ademola Adeleke. Some went on social media and national television to call Governor Adeleke all kinds of unprintable names.”

“The majority of PDP members in Osun State are not happy about the idea of the defection of Governor Adeleke to the APC, but reluctantly agreed to follow Governor Adeleke to whichever party he goes to show their love, support and loyalty to his leadership.”

A new National Chairman for the ruling All Progressives Congress could be selected on Thursday during the party’s National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja.

This is according to a report by The Punch.

In June, Abdullahi Ganduje, former Governor of Kano State, stepped down as the APC National Chairman, citing health concerns. However, some political observers believe his resignation was influenced by internal party politics and strategic shifts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Following his resignation, Ali Dalori, the Deputy National Chairman, assumed the role of acting National Chairman.

According to multiple credible sources within the party, the NEC meeting will address key issues, including the appointment of a new national chairman, updates from the Constitution Review Committee, and matters concerning party congresses.

Some APC National Secretariat insiders, who requested anonymity as they weren’t authorised to speak publicly, mentioned that a number of party leaders support Ali Dalori staying on as acting chairman until a proper Elective Convention can install a full National Working Committee.

One insider said that many stakeholders, including members of the Progressives Governors Forum and current National Working Committee, are waiting to see President Bola Tinubu’s final decision on the leadership of the party.

The source also named former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, and Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Minister, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, as key contenders, as the North Central region campaigns for the position to return to them.

Before Ganduje, the APC had five national chairmen: Chief Bisi Akande (2013–2014), Chief John Oyegun (2014–2018), Adams Oshiomhole (2018–2020), Mai Mala Buni (2020–2022), and Abdullahi Adamu (2022–2023).

Under Article 13.3 of the APC’s amended 2022 Constitution, the NEC is empowered to appoint the National Chairman and to establish a Caretaker Committee when needed.

According to Article 13.3 (1i and ii), “The National Executive Committee of the Party shall be the Principal Executive body of the Party and shall perform the following functions: summon or convene the National Convention and prepare its agenda, discharge all functions of the National Convention in between National Conventions.”

Also, Article 13.3 (B and C) provides that, “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Constitution, the National Executive Committee shall have the power to set up a Caretaker Committee in place of any organ at all levels, except the National Advisory Council and National Convention, where in its opinion there is a compelling situation warranting such action in the overriding interest of the Party.

“Any such Committee shall have a defined tenure not exceeding twelve (12) months.”

Consequently, APC Deputy National Secretary Festus Fuanter announced on June 30 that the party’s NEC would meet in Abuja on July 24 to deliberate on choosing a National Chairman and other pressing matters.

Fuanter said, “And during the meeting, if they so desire that a new chairman is nominated, we’ll also accept such nomination and then wait for the convention where the final position of the party will be made as far as the substantive chairman is concerned.

“So, that’s as much as I can tell you. And the date, the suggested date for the NEC meeting is the 24th of July, 2025. It’s going to be here (Abuja), on the premises of the APC.”

Lobbying

Another source told The PUNCH that the party had briefed President Tinubu and now awaited his direction on the matter.

He added that influential members have started lobbying in support of their preferred candidates ahead of the NEC gathering, with Al-Makura, Yilwatda, and Dalori emerging as leading options.

He said, “The NEC will hold as scheduled. Of course, a lot of issues will be discussed and resolved. The E-registration, updates from the Constitution Amendment Committee, congresses, by-elections, and the selection of a substantive National Chairman are all part of the agenda.

“It is not clear whether the NEC will announce the substantive National Chairman on Thursday, because, as we speak, some people are pushing for Dalori to continue as acting chairman until an Elective Convention brings in new NWC members at a later date. However, others are insisting that a new National Chairman should be announced on Thursday.

“So, the NEC will make that decision. Already, former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, and the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Yilwatda, are the major names being mentioned among party leaders.

“Preparations for the NEC meeting have been concluded. The President, who is the leader of the APC, has been briefed, and everyone is now waiting for him to give a directive on how and when the National Chairman will emerge and who that will be.”

The PUNCH learned that top APC leaders met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Monday, but the specifics of their conversation could not be verified. Nonetheless, it is believed they discussed who should become the party’s next chairman at Thursday’s NEC.

Tinubu, who was present at the last two NEC meetings, is also expected to attend Thursday’s session.

Some party officials are optimistic that Ganduje’s replacement will be selected during the NEC meeting, noting that he himself was appointed chairman during a NEC meeting.

A different source mentioned that Thursday’s NEC meeting will be pivotal in determining the party’s direction on the issue of the National Chairman and other matters.

He said, “The NEC is an important organ of the party. The Thursday meeting is very crucial because it will give a clearer direction on the substantive National Chairman of the APC.

“Al-Makura, even Yilwatda and other names have been mentioned. But the NEC’s decision, along with that of the President, will shed light on everything. One thing is certain: the APC will consolidate, and it will get better.”

Efforts to contact APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka were unsuccessful, as his phone remained switched off when this report was filed.

In an interview (with The PUNCH), APC Deputy Organising Secretary Eze Duru confirmed that the meeting’s agenda would cover both the National Chairman selection and the E-registration initiative.

He said, “Well, essentially, NEC is a usual meeting of the party as stipulated in the constitution of the party. We would address the issues around the E-registration to enable members register wherever they are, and then of course receive reports from the directorates of the party through the National Secretary, who will present reports of his stewardship. So, these are the major highlights of the meeting.

“Also, the issue of the substantive National Chairman is expected to be on the agenda.”

He explained that the E-registration process is designed to make it easier for Nigerians who wish to join the party to do so without stress.

Duru added, “Yes, I would expect that the party would come out of the meeting better, stronger and sending a signal to Nigerians that we are prepared to do what is best and what is right by them, and then, of course, to position the party to give an account to the owners of the party through the NEC.

“That’s one part of what will come out of the meeting on Thursday and then also to show that we are keying into the IT space through the E-registration — to make it possible for members to be registered across board, as well as to be accountable. People will know that once you are a member of the party, wherever you are, you can be verified.”

North-Central preaches justice

In another development, the North-Central APC Forum urged President Tinubu and the party’s leadership to ensure the position of National Chairman returns to the region during the NEC session.

The call came through a statement issued on Tuesday by the forum’s chairman, Saleh Zazzaga.

Zazzaga argued that giving the chairmanship back to the North-Central region would be a fair and just move, given its long-standing role in the APC’s development.

“The North-Central has over the years played an important and strategic role in the progress and growth of the APC. Any decision contrary to returning the position of National Chairman to the region will amount to betrayal,” the statement read.

The group emphasized that the region deserved the post, citing the existing zoning formula and its considerable contributions to the party’s growth.

It recalled that Abdullahi Adamu, also from the North-Central, became National Chairman in March 2022 following the zoning of the position to that region.

Adamu resigned in July 2023, after which Ganduje from the North-West took over the role in August 2023, serving until his recent resignation.

Citing the region’s performance in elections, the forum stated that the North-Central delivered the third-highest number of votes for Tinubu in the 2023 election.

“Among the various geopolitical zones, the North-Central has the highest number of APC governors. APC controls five of the six North-Central states — Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, and Niger. Returning the chairmanship to the region is not a favour; it is well deserved,” the statement added.

The group also rejected the suggestion by the All Progressives Stakeholders Forum that Dalori remain in office longer as acting chairman.

It argued that letting Dalori, from the North-East, continue in the role would be equivalent to “robbing Peter to pay Paul.”

The forum dismissed concerns that leadership changes would destabilise the party. Instead, it said appointing a chairman from the North-Central would “revitalise the APC and reinforce fairness and equity.”

“There are several capable personalities in the North-Central who can lead the party to greater heights. We appeal to President Bola Tinubu to choose any of them as National Chairman,” the forum stated.

North-West reacts

Responding to the North Central’s demand for party leadership, APC chapters in Kaduna and Zamfara states (North West) called for adherence to democratic procedures.

Kaduna APC Publicity Secretary, Salisu Wusono, said while the request from the North Central made sense, it must be handled in accordance with the party’s constitution.

“I am always compliant with the constitution of our party. So, if it is in order and in line with the constitution of our country, I don’t think there’s any problem.

“All we want is to act in accordance with democratic norms. Let us do everything we need to do base on the provisions of our party’s constitution. That’s all,” Wusono stated.

In Zamfara, APC Publicity Secretary Yusuf Idris said the state would support whoever becomes the next chairman, regardless of their state or region, as long as they work to improve the party.

He said, “We are not happy with the resignation of our national chairman Dr Abdullahi Ganduje but we are ready to accept whoever is going to succeed him as our new leader provided that such person would use his position to promote peaceful coexistence and progress within the party.

“We will respect the national secretariat of the party regarding the appointment of a new national chairman for our great party.”

Credit: The Punch

Nigeria’s foreign reserves have risen to $40.11 billion as of July 2025, according to Central Bank Governor, Yemi Cardoso.

He made this announcement during the Monetary Policy Committee briefing held on Monday, July 22, 2025.

Cardoso explained that the reserve figure of $40.11 billion amounts to about 9.5 months of import coverage, highlighting a significant improvement in the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

This marks the highest reserve level since November 2024 when it reached $40.2 billion, representing a notable recovery in Nigeria’s forex buffers as authorities continue efforts to stabilize the naira and rebuild investor trust.

Key Economic Indicators

The CBN further reported ongoing stability in the forex market, citing factors such as higher capital inflows, better crude oil output, increased non-oil exports, and reduced import levels.

Gross External Reserves: $40.11 billion, providing cover for 9.5 months of imports

Capital Inflows: Rise in inflows helping stabilize the foreign exchange market

Crude Oil Production: Gains in output supporting economic stability

Non-Oil Exports: Growth in exports contributing to the economy

Imports: Decline in imports helping maintain FX stability

Inflation Outlook

Cardoso stated that internal projections indicate inflation will keep declining in the months ahead, driven by:

• Tight Monetary Policy: Maintaining price control and curbing inflation
• Stable Exchange Rates: Helping ease inflationary trends
• Declining PMS Prices: Lower fuel costs aiding inflation decline
• Harvest Season: Expected to boost food availability and reduce costs

The CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee is set to reconvene on September 22 and 23 to assess economic conditions and make additional policy decisions.

Economic Growth and Inflation Projections

The International Monetary Fund has forecast that Nigeria’s inflation will drop to 23 percent in 2025 and further decline to 18 percent in 2026.

The IMF also expects economic growth to improve from 2.9 percent in the previous year to 3.3 percent this year, supported by a rebound in oil production and progress in agriculture.

Let me know if you need this formatted for a post, report, or social media.