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‘Malicious Rumours,’ APC Has No Plans Of Substituting Shettima — Party Chieftain

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In response to increasing talk of tension between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, Ismaeel Ahmed, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has strongly denied any intention to replace the Vice President ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the former APC Board of Trustees member described the narrative as “malicious rumours” and maintained that claims of discord between the top officials are unfounded.

“It’s (friction) not true. I know it very well. Who is ever in a 100 per cent relationship with anyone? There is trust between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima. We are trying to create an issue where there is none,” Ahmed said on Tuesday.

“All of these, as far as I am concerned, are rumours—absolutely rumours. I am absolutely aware there is no discussion about substituting the Vice President. There is no discussion about the vice president being blocked.

“Those are all malicious rumours by people who probably don’t understand what’s going on in the presidency or don’t know how the presidency works.”

Ahmed encouraged party members and the general public to shift attention toward governance rather than political speculations, stating that the administration still has much to accomplish within its current term.

“We have a mandate from the people for four years. Two years have passed; we have one year to the primaries and two to the general elections. For God’s sake, we are a government in office, a party in government. That means we are supposed to obey the rules of INEC at a minimum. Let’s focus on governing,” he stated.

“There are so many things we are doing right—let’s espouse them. We need to communicate with the people effectively. That should be the focus of the party and the government. Anything other than that is a distraction.”

North-East Summit Endorsement Drama

His remarks come in the aftermath of the APC North-East summit on Sunday, which turned chaotic when Mustapha Salihu, the party’s National Vice Chairman (North-East), publicly endorsed President Tinubu for a second term—while making no mention of Vice President Shettima.

Responding to the backlash on the programme, Ahmed clarified that the endorsement should not be viewed as a sign of internal issues but rather as part of APC’s internal culture and broader political practice.

“We have a culture in the APC, and that culture is that the sitting president is not challenged; he is going to have his second-term ticket if he wants it,” the chieftain explained.

“The drama that happened at the APC North-East Summit was too melodramatic. Why are we endorsing a president that doesn’t need it? Tinubu doesn’t need endorsement from his own political party. It is a given that he is going to be our candidate in 2027.”

He further described such moves as “orchestrated sycophancy” and expressed disapproval of future endorsements.

“As far as I am concerned, there shouldn’t be any endorsements again.”

‘Tinubu Not Afraid of Opposition’

Ahmed further warned against prematurely positioning political opponents as major threats, suggesting the party should concentrate on governance instead of preparing for elections too early.

“APC is not scared of any opposition… The President and Vice President need to move around states to communicate with the people,” he said.

“That’s why I said—why are we doing all this? Who is chasing us? Why are we running? Why are we responding to an opposition that is not even yet an opposition?”

Ahmed added, “I know the President well enough to say he encourages competition. He does not run away from it. He’s not scared of it at all. I understand that the party needs to rile up the base and get us moving in one direction—and there will be time for that. But right now is not the time for a campaign.

“We cannot, as a government, be responding to opposition. I think we should just take it easy, focus on governance, and drill down on what the President is doing.”

Meanwhile, Salihu, the vice chairman at the centre of the controversy, appeared on the Monday edition of the same programme and rejected claims of Shettima’s exclusion, calling them the work of “conflict entrepreneurs”.

He said, “The administration of a party is not run on social media, newspapers, or television. It’s handled internally.”

“These kinds of rumours are inevitable in every administration—people will always try to suggest friction between the principal and the Vice. It’s what some insecure politicians thrive on. But if you’re secure in yourself, you shouldn’t be bothered by such noise.”

“Anybody saying there’s discontent (in the North-east) is simply wrong. We did what the law permits—mentioning and praising our son. Other zones didn’t even have that obligation.”

“We don’t have a vice-presidential ticket to offer; there’s only one ticket—President. Endorsing Tinubu with conditions would have been inappropriate. Suggesting a running mate for the 2027 election at this stage is like putting the cart before the horse,” Salihu stated.

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Olori Aderonke EmmanuelKing Honoured In Spirit-Filled Birthday Celebration As Valiant Special Prayer Squad Marks Third Anniversary [PHOTOS]

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The atmosphere was charged with spiritual fervor and heartfelt celebration as the Valiant Special Prayer Squad, an intercessory arm of Adron Group’s spiritual framework, commemorated its third anniversary in an all-day prophetic gathering that also marked the 48th birthday of its founder, Olori Aderonke Omotola EmmanuelKing.

More than just a ceremonial event, the gathering was a fusion of spiritual depth and leadership tribute, highlighting the synergy between faith, corporate responsibility, and personal devotion. Olori Aderonke, who also serves as the Vice Chairman and Group Executive Director of Adron Group, has over the years exemplified a model of prayer-driven leadership and values-based stewardship.

Since its inception three years ago, the Valiant Special Prayer Squad has evolved into a spiritual backbone for Adron Group, mobilizing staff members, directors, and stakeholders into consistent intercession, prophetic declarations, and communal worship. The third anniversary, therefore, marked not just a chronological milestone, but a testament to divine guidance, unity, and spiritual growth within the organization.

The day-long celebration was rich with vibrant praise, worship sessions, moving testimonies of answered prayers, and exhortations from ministers of the gospel. Spiritual leaders and squad members led fervent sessions of intercession for the celebrant, the company, its leadership, and the nation at large, reinforcing the squad’s identity as a watchtower over corporate and national concerns.

One of the most touching moments was the outpouring of love and tributes directed at Olori Aderonke, whose commitment to spiritual discipline, staff welfare, and personal mentorship was lauded by all in attendance. Colleagues, friends, and mentees shared stories of transformation and growth under her leadership, painting a picture of a woman whose quiet strength has built bridges between the boardroom and the altar.

Adding to the beauty of the moment was the presence and participation of her husband, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, Chairman and CEO of Adron Group. His visible support, actively engaging in the entire day’s spiritual sessions was a reflection of their personal bond and a strong endorsement of the spiritual structure his wife has built within the company.

In her address, a visibly moved Olori Aderonke gave thanks to God for the grace to lead and impact lives. She expressed deep appreciation to the squad members, her family, and the entire Adron community for their loyalty and spiritual alignment. She also stressed the need for sustained prayer altars within institutions and homes, declaring that every lasting legacy must first be rooted in divine alignment.

The event concluded with a solemn benediction and communion service that left many in renewal and spiritual empowerment.

As the Valiant Special Prayer Squad marches into its fourth year, it does so with renewed strength, carrying a mandate to not only intercede for Adron Group but to be a beacon of spiritual order in corporate Nigeria.

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President Tinubu Visits Hospitalised Victims Of Benue Attack [PHOTOS]

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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday paid a visit to those injured in the recent deadly incident at Yelewata community in Guma LGA, Benue state.

The attack, which happened on Saturday, claimed the lives of over 100 individuals and left many others wounded.

Tinubu landed at the tactical air command of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi around 12:58 pm.

He then moved to the Benue State Teaching Hospital, where some of the injured are receiving care, alongside Hyacinth Alia, the state governor, and other senior government figures.

The president is scheduled to hold discussions with stakeholders at the new banquet hall of the Benue state government house in Makurdi.

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Iwuanyanwu’s Will Bars Wife From Remarrying, Details Philanthropic Legacy And Property Distribution

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The final Will of the late elder statesman and former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief (Engr. Dr.) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR has been revealed, containing notable personal, legal, and philanthropic instructions, including a contentious clause that prevents his wife, Lolo Frances Iwuanyanwu, from remarrying.

The Will, officially disclosed on June 16, 2025, by its administrator, Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN), provides a detailed account of how the respected businessman, politician, and Igbo leader wanted his extensive estate to be shared.

Central to the Will is the prominent “Legacy House” located along Port Harcourt Road in Owerri. This property was left to Lolo Frances on the condition that it must not be sold. In addition to the Legacy House, Frances was also granted ownership of Magil Furniture, a family business initially managed by Iwuanyanwu’s late first wife, Eudora. She also received partial ownership of several other properties in Orji, Works Layout, and Naze, all situated in Imo State.

However, these assets were given with a firm condition: if Frances chooses to remarry, she will lose all the properties and benefits allocated to her in the Will. This stipulation has stirred various opinions among legal experts and observers, due to its impact on spousal entitlements and traditional norms.

Regarding other beneficiaries in the family, the couple’s son received the family home in Abuja, while the property in London was instructed to be sold. The Will outlines how the proceeds from the London property should be shared: 60% for the education of Iwuanyanwu’s youngest son, 30% to his first son, Jide, and 10% to Ezinne, who currently resides there, to support her relocation.

As part of his charitable intentions, Chief Iwuanyanwu requested that the notable “Glass House” near the Orji flyover in Owerri be converted into a public trust. This building is to be managed by an independent board and used for charitable work and community development, reflecting his lifelong dedication to public service and progress for the Igbo people.

Other properties in Abuja, Imo, and various parts of Nigeria were fairly distributed among his five children. In a joint message, the children referred to the Will as “honorable and just,” expressing their appreciation for their father’s legacy and wishes.

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu died in April 2024 at the age of 81. He was widely known for his success in business, his service to the nation, and his tireless advocacy for the Igbo people. His Will captures the depth of his family relationships as well as his lasting commitment to community, values, and heritage.

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