However, the party vowed to maintain zero tolerance for future acts of indiscipline, disloyalty and anti-party activities among its members.

The decision was reached at the party’s post-primaries review and reconciliation stakeholders’ meeting held at its secretariat in Umuahia on Sunday.

Moving the motion, Chief Uzor Azubuike, APC candidate for Aba North/South Federal Constituency, said unity required forgiving all members.

Azubuike said forgiveness was necessary to protect the party’s electoral prospects and strengthen its chances ahead of the 2027 elections.

He urged members to abandon past grievances and work together, regardless of whether they had remained loyal or previously erred.

The motion was seconded by Chief Emmanuel Ndubuisi, member representing Bende South State Constituency in the Abia House of Assembly.

Earlier, the APC State Chairman, Chief Chijioke Chukwu, said the party had concluded its primaries, describing them as the best in Abia’s political history.

Chukwu urged aggrieved members to forgive one another and channel complaints through established party structures rather than the media.

“Let’s chart a new course together. We cannot take over this state in disunity,” Chukwu said.

He warned members supporting other political parties to desist, stressing that such acts of disloyalty would no longer be tolerated.

Chukwu also ruled out any alliance, urging members to remain committed to the APC’s objectives and programmes in Abia.

On Senator Orji Kalu and Chief Chris Nkwonta, Chukwu said the State Working Committee chose reconciliation over sanctions after private engagements.

Kalu represents Abia North in the Senate, while Nkwonta represents Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Chukwu said both leaders explained that their actions stemmed from dissatisfaction with party processes rather than an intention to undermine the APC.

The SWC had issued a 14-day ultimatum on Aug. 10 over alleged anti-party comments supporting Gov. Alex Otti’s 2027 political ambition.

The committee had described the comments as embarrassing and inimical to party unity during ongoing mobilisation across the state’s 184 wards.

It was reported that the party subsequently established a Peace and Reconciliation Committee chaired by Mr Madukwe Ukaegbu.

The committee was given 10 days to visit all 184 wards and reconcile aggrieved members as part of efforts to strengthen party unity.

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Recall that the assembly, on June 30, declared the Udu constituency seat vacant.

The declaration followed the defection of Mr Collins Ogbetama, who represents the area, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The Delta Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Etekamba Udo-Umoren, disclosed this on Friday in Asaba at a news conference on preparations for the election.

Udo-Umoren said the vacancy followed the declaration by the Delta state house of assembly, adding that INEC was constitutionally responsible for filling it.

“What is important here is that the vacancy has been declared, INEC has been informed and INEC is carrying out its constitutional responsibility,” he said.

He said the commission had received a directive from its headquarters to prepare for the election and had commenced the process with the notice of election.

“We have received a letter from our headquarters directing us to prepare for the by-election.

“The by-election has been declared and the timetable has also been issued,” Udo-Umoren said.

He said political parties that participated in the 2023 election would participate in the by-election, urging them to submit notices of their primaries to INEC.

According to him, party primaries would be conducted from Aug. 21 to Aug. 25, while INEC would monitor the exercise in accordance with electoral guidelines.

He said parties would submit relevant nomination forms through the nomination portal between Aug. 29 and Sept. 2, with publication of nominated candidates scheduled for Sept. 8.

Udo-Umoren said political parties would commence public campaigns on Sept. 9, while the deadline for submitting the names of polling agents would also apply ahead of the election.

He added that the final day for political campaigns was Sept. 17, warning parties and candidates to comply strictly with the prescribed timetable.

“The last day of campaign for political parties is on Sept. 17. All manners of campaign will end on that day,” he said.

The REC said all necessary arrangements would be completed before election day to ensure a smooth exercise and credible process for voters in the constituency.

Udo-Umoren urged journalists to verify information with INEC before publication, stressing that inaccurate reports could undermine public confidence and cause considerable harm.

“When you have any time they want to reach out to us, it’s better to clarify information than publish wrong information,” he said.

He described journalists and INEC as partners in progress, urging the media to support efforts to strengthen the electoral process and promote development across the state.

“Like I said, we are partners in progress. We need to move the local government forward. We need to move Delta forward. And we also need to move Nigeria forward.”

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‎Mr Mailafiya Mada, APC Publicity Secretary, North-West Zone, stated this in an interview with our reporter while reacting to the commencement of political campaigns following the signing of the Peace Accord by political parties.
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‎Mada argued that the continued existence and electoral victories of opposition parties in different parts of the country contradicted claims that the APC was seeking to eliminate political opposition.
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He said if there was an actual plan to establish a one-party state, opposition parties would not continue to win elections, adding that Nigerians should judge such allegations against developments on the ground.
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According to him, political actors were free to make allegations, but such claims should be supported by facts rather than speculation.

“You cannot stop the opposition from throwing baseless allegations,” he said.

‎He stressed that political developments and electoral outcomes remained the best way to assess such claims.
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‎Mada said the APC was committed to playing by the rules governing the electoral process, noting that politicians were familiar with the procedures guiding campaigns and elections.
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‎He said the party had been making internal preparations ahead of the 2027 elections but would not disclose details of its strategies, saying political parties did not ordinarily reveal their plans for securing electoral victories.
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‎“As far as this is concerned, I will only say that we play according to the rules.
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‎“I cannot just throw all our plans on the table for everyone to see,” he said.
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‎The APC spokesman also acknowledged that the party faced challenges, saying it was not denying the existence of problems but was working to address them.
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‎He urged political parties and their supporters to adhere to the rules and the spirit of the Peace Accord, stressing the need for a peaceful and credible electoral process.

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The initiative was unveiled at the Maryam Babangida National Women Development Centre on Thursday in Abuja.

It is aimed at mobilising women across the country to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 general elections.

The Director-General of Tinubu Support Group (TSG), Dr Umar Yakassai, said the group was committed to transforming TSG into a pan-Nigerian campaign platform capable of driving Tinubu’s re-election bid.

He said TSG was ready to collaborate with other pro-Tinubu campaign groups, stressing that unity of purpose would be critical to achieving their shared objectives.

He said the administration had recorded improvements in foreign reserves, state allocations and GDP, while also clearing some foreign obligations.

“Our GDP was not growing fast and Nigeria was having a very low foreign reserve, and many of our states were unable to pay their salaries.

“Today, our foreign reserve has grown from 3.89 billion dollars to over 50 billion dollars, we have money going to the states and state allocation has gone almost three times and states are even paying salaries,” he said.

He said the administration had also introduced interventions in education, including student loans, and strengthened local government administration.

“In the area of education, many parents that could not send their children to school now enjoy NELFUND. Students go to school, the numbers have gone almost to a million.

“Local government has autonomy. Even though it is yet to take effect, it is ensuring that money goes to the grassroots.”

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to support Tinubu for a second term to enable him consolidate the gains of his reforms and implement the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The National Convener of FAFAN, Princess Nikky Oyenri, said women are fully prepared and mobilised for the 2027 elections.

She said members of the two networks came from the 36 states, FCT and the diaspora, including the United States and United Kingdom, to endorse the Tinubu/Shettima ticket.

“We came here, FAFAN members, and the traditional and religious women leaders, came together to unveil Project 4 Plus 4 for Tinubu/Shettima 2027.

“What we are saying is that we did full endorsement of the president, who is the 2027 APC presidential candidate.”

She added that the network would commence a nationwide donation and support drive to sustain the project.

Hadiza Ujah, who contested for the House of Representatives, described the project as a good initiative and called for greater participation of women in politics.

“We are here actually to support our president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, we wish the next campaign to be in their favour.

“This project, 4 Plus 4, is a very good project, and we wish more of these projects. We wish the voice of women to be heard, because if you look at it, there are fewer women in politics.

“We are praying that more women should come out, they should come out en masse and support our president.”

Ujah also appealed to the President and First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, to promote greater gender inclusion in politics.

“I am appealing to our president and our First Lady, Remi Tinubu, so that we can embark on the 35 per cent affirmative action that we have been appealing for.

“We are saying that they should look into that, so that women can be put into consideration in politics; because no women, no nation.”

Also speaking, Dr Aminah Ibrahim, National Welfare Officer, said Tinubu deserves a second term to ensure continuity of his programmes and policies.

“There are too many reasons why Mr President deserves a second term. For continuity, Mr President has already established a lot of laudable programmes, and they need to be completed.

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Oluyede made the pledge when he paid a visit to Gov Biodun Oyebanji on Thursday.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, said Oluyede briefed the governor on his decision to support Tinubu’s re-election.

The statement said that the PDP candidate described the decision as part of his commitment to the progress and development of Ekiti and Nigeria.

It stated that Oluyede also expressed his willingness to work with Oyebanji to advance the development of the state as the governor prepares to commence his second term in office on Oct. 16.

The statement said the two leaders discussed issues relating to the development of Ekiti and the need for continued collaboration among political stakeholders in the interest of the state and its people.

It stated that Oyebanji thanked Oluyede for his statesmanship and commitment to the progress of Ekiti and national development.

The statement said the governor commended Oluyede for placing the interests of the state and the nation above partisan considerations, noting that the development of Ekiti required the collective efforts of all stakeholders.

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Tinubu gave the advice on Thursday when he received Adeleke, who paid a thank-you visit to the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Adeleke had repeatedly commended Tinubu for ensuring a level playing field during the Aug. 15 governorship election in Osun.

The President urged Adeleke to use his victory to unite the people and avoid victimising or stigmatising political opponents.

“All for reconciliation, expand your coast. That is the only way you can give thanks to our people. Not the way you sang it or celebrated it. It’s the way you act it.

“Use me as an example. I got here because God put me here. Where you are today, God put you there. It is not the smartness of any of these people.

“Their support helped, but it is the wish of God and the wish of the people that prevailed for you,” Tinubu said.

Tinubu described Adeleke’s position as a unique opportunity to make history by promoting unity, peace, stability, democracy and the rule of law.

“You are in a very unique position to make history, promote unity, peace and stability. Use it. You did a very good mobilisation with your team. Very good job.

“Promote democracy. Promote stability. Promote the rule of law. Don’t stigmatise any of your opponents. You did not conquer anybody; you won the election. That is the essence of democracy,” he said.

The President urged Adeleke to focus on governance and improving the welfare of Osun residents rather than allowing political differences to divide the state.

He urged the governor to build broad networks of unity and ensure that his administration served all residents, irrespective of political affiliation.

Tinubu said a governor’s responsibilities included providing infrastructure, rehabilitating schools and hospitals, improving healthcare, training teachers and health workers and protecting vulnerable citizens.

Tinubu used the occasion to address calls by a political opponent to reverse ongoing reforms, noting that such position demonstrated a lack of understanding of Nigeria’s economic realities.

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had said he will restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.

“I saw one of my opponents now say he will go back to subsidy. I read it. That is a demonstration of serious ignorance on governance and the economy.

“Before I came here, 27 states were unable to pay salaries, not to talk of pensioners. Workers were owed salaries, while state governments depended on the Federal Government and were unable to do much,” he said.

Adeleke told State House Correspondents that the visit was to thank the President for ensuring free and fair election in Osun, stressing that Tinubu’s commitment to democratic values contributed to the credibility of the poll.

“I am here to thank Mr. President, the father of the nation, because he fought for this democracy. That is why he allowed free and fair election, and that is the result.

“That is why I am here, to say thank you and to ensure that democracy lives in Nigeria,” Adeleke said.

High point of the event was Adeleke symbolically presenting his Certificate of Return to Tinubu.

It was reported that Adeleke of the Accord Party secured his second four-year mandate after polling 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who received 444,815 votes.

The election was largely peaceful, with electoral observers commending the process for its credibility and transparency.

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She urged churches, mosques, and other places of worship to remain sanctuaries of peace, moral instruction, compassion, and national unity.

Mahmoud made the call in Abuja on Thursday, while delivering a goodwill message at the Interfaith Prayers for Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in preparations for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Mahmoud encouraged Nigerians to strengthen interfaith unity,

peaceful coexistence, and national solidarity as the country continues its journey toward sustainable development and prosperity.

Describing the interfaith gathering as a “powerful demonstration of shared faith in God”, the minister highlighted the collective commitment to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the nation.

She noted that prayer has always occupied a special place in Nigeria’s national life, particularly during periods of uncertainty and moments of great opportunity, stressing that citizens consistently turn to God for wisdom, guidance, and strength.

“Nigeria is greater than its religious, ethnic, and cultural differences,” she stated, emphasizing that the nation’s diversity must remain a source of strength rather than division.

She commended the organisers for creating a platform that fosters understanding,tolerance, brotherhood, and peaceful coexistence, noting that interfaith engagement was essential for strengthening national cohesion.

Mahmoud urged citizens to continue supporting and praying for Tinubu and his administration as it implements reforms to strengthen the economy, improve infrastructure, create opportunities, and build a more prosperous nation.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration (FCTA) to translating the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible improvements for residents.

She further urged parents and leaders to teach the younger generation that Nigeria belongs to everyone, stressing that differences in religion, ethnicity, or culture should never justify hatred or division.

She called for prayers for peace across Nigerian communities, wisdom for leaders, protection for security personnel, opportunities for youth, empowerment for women, care for vulnerable citizens, and prosperity for every Nigerian family.

Mahmoud appealed to Nigerians to rise above individual interests and embrace a shared national destiny, adding that collective faith, unity, and patriotism remain critical to building a peaceful and stable nation.

In her welcome remarks, Amb. Aisha Yau, the convener of the event and National President of the Women Initiative for Family Economy, commended the vital role religious leaders play in maintaining peace.

Yau noted that harmonious coexistence between Christians and Muslims is largely rooted in positive sermons from mosques and churches.

She called on religious leaders to intensify their prayers for Tinubu and his cabinet to ensure the smooth implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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Lawal made the commendation in a statement on Thursday.

Lawal said the initiative is a welcome and compassionate response to concerns previously raised by some stakeholders, including his own call for meaningful support for families, who suffered losses during the electoral process.

“Some of us had called for support for these families, and I am genuinely pleased that the governor listened and has now responded with this significant intervention,” he said.

Lawal described the gesture as an indication that the governor and those around him were genuinely concerned about the welfare of victims, stressing that politics should not overshadow the human consequences of electoral violence.

He said: “When a leader listens to legitimate concerns and translates them into concrete action, such a response deserves to be acknowledged, irrespective of political affiliation.”

Lawal also referenced a recent television interview by political commentator, Mr Segun Showunmi on TVC, in which Showunmi observed that “a heavy soul hardly dances like Jackson Adeleke.”

While acknowledging the light-hearted nature of the remark, he said it also captured an important dimension of leadership, the need for compassion, empathy and humanity in responding to the pain of citizens.

Lawal, however, urged that the fund be administered transparently, fairly and promptly, ensuring that genuine victims and affected families are the primary beneficiaries.

“Beyond politics, this is about people who have suffered. I commend Adeleke for listening and acting.

“We should be able to acknowledge a good gesture when we see one, regardless of who is responsible,” he stated.

Lawal added that meaningful support for victims of political violence could contribute to healing, reconciliation and the restoration of public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

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Adeshina, in an interview with our reporter on Thursday in Lagos, said Duke, former two-term Cross River governor, possessed the experience, national appeal and leadership capacity to provide a credible alternative to Nigerians.

He, however, said personal popularity and public recognition alone would not guarantee victory, stressing the need for grassroots structures, strategic alliances and a disciplined nationwide campaign.

Adeshina said: “However, winning the 2027 presidential election will require more than personal popularity or public recognition.

“It will require a strong grassroots political structure, strategic alliances and a disciplined campaign capable of reaching voters across Nigeria.

“One important step Donald Duke should take immediately is to meet with PRP stakeholders, including state chairmen, local government leaders and ward leaders, to discuss the possibility of building a genuine political partnership.”

The PRP chairman said the ward remained the foundation of electoral politics in Nigeria, urging Duke to convert his national visibility into effective grassroots organisation.

He said engagement with party chairmen and ward leaders would enable the presidential candidate to understand the concerns of the people and develop a practical strategy for mobilising voters.

“The ward remains the foundation of electoral politics in Nigeria.

“Any presidential candidate who wants to win must understand that national visibility must be converted into grassroots organisation.

“Meeting directly with party chairmen and ward leaders would provide an opportunity to understand the concerns of the people and develop a practical strategy for mobilising voters,” he said.

Adeshina said Duke should build a broad political coalition involving progressive political parties, party leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups, professional associations and influential community leaders.

He said such a coalition should be founded on principles and national interest rather than personal political calculations.

The PRP chairman also urged Duke to commence his campaign from the grassroots by establishing structures from the state level to local governments, wards and polling units.

“The 2027 election will not be won on social media alone.

“Donald Duke must establish structures from the state level down to local governments, wards and polling units.

“This is why engagement with PRP chairmen and ward leaders is particularly important,” he said.

Adeshina said Duke would also need to present Nigerians with a clear economic programme capable of addressing major challenges confronting the country.

He said the programme should explain how a Duke administration would tackle unemployment, inflation, inadequate power supply, insecurity, education, healthcare and the rising cost of living.

“Nigerians need to know how a Donald Duke presidency would address unemployment, inflation, power supply, insecurity, education, healthcare and the high cost of living.

“The campaign must communicate practical solutions rather than slogans,” he said.

He urged Duke to make young Nigerians central to his campaign, noting that young people should participate beyond attending political rallies.

Adeshina said youths should be involved in policy development, digital mobilisation, campaign management and governance planning.

He added: “Nigeria has a predominantly young population.

“Young people should not merely be mobilised to attend rallies; they should participate in policy development, digital mobilisation, campaign management and governance planning.”

The PRP chairman said the 2027 election should provide Nigerians with an opportunity to choose based on ideas, competence, accountability and the future of the country.

He said Duke must therefore position himself as a candidate capable of providing a credible alternative to the established political order.

“The 2027 election should be about ideas, competence, accountability and the future of Nigeria.

“Donald Duke must position himself as a candidate capable of providing a credible alternative to the established political order,” he said.

Adeshina further advised Duke to respect existing political structures, saying party chairmen, ward leaders and other grassroots stakeholders possessed valuable knowledge about their communities and electorate.

He said such stakeholders should be treated as partners in the political process rather than merely as campaign machinery.

“Any attempt to build a presidential campaign without engaging existing grassroots political structures will be difficult.

“Party chairmen, ward leaders and other grassroots stakeholders possess valuable knowledge of their communities and the electorate.

“They must be treated as partners, not merely as campaign machinery,” he said.

Adeshina said, as Lagos State chairman of the PRP, he believed political engagement should begin with dialogue, consultation and mutual respect.

He encouraged Duke to engage PRP stakeholders, state chairmen and ward leaders on the future of Nigeria.

“If Donald Duke is serious about the 2027 presidency, I encourage him to begin by sitting down with PRP stakeholders, state chairmen and ward leaders to discuss the future of Nigeria and explore areas of cooperation.

“The 2027 election should not simply be about who occupies the presidency. It should be about what kind of Nigeria we want to build,” he said.

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Yilwatda stated this on Wednesday in Ibadan during a meeting with party stakeholders, noting that disagreements among members are normal in politics.

He affirmed that members have expressed readiness to work together to ensure victory in 2027, emphasising that the reconciliation process is an ongoing efforts rather than a one-day affair.

He stressed that the national leadership remains committed to bringing all aggrieved members on board ahead of the next general elections.

Addressing the recent Osun State governorship election, Yilwatda insisted the outcome was not a failure for the APC.

He noted that despite the state government deploying its full machinery, the APC put up a strong fight and conducted itself with maturity.

According to him, the peaceful conduct of the election and eventual commendation from the opposition demonstrated the party’s high level of sportsmanship.

He added that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, acknowledged this sportsmanship and even declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

When asked if the APC had officially accepted the Osun election outcome, Yilwatda explained that no official position has been taken yet, as any final decision requires a formal review involving the National Working Committee and the candidate.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the APC Reconciliation Committee in Oyo State, Senator Olufemi Lanleyin, emphasised that the party must go into the 2027 elections united in order to reclaim power in the state.

Lanleyin acknowledged that while some members were disappointed with the primary outcomes, the party retains the strength, will, and capacity to unite.

He said that the committee is meeting with aggrieved aspirants to present their grievances to the national leadership for resolution.

On the lesson from Osun, Lanleyin noted that unity determines electoral success, promising that the committee will continue its work until election day.

He expressed absolute confidence that the APC will sweep Oyo State in 2027, winning the presidency, governorship, three senatorial seats, 14 federal constituencies, and 32 House of Assembly seats.

He appealed to leaders and stakeholders to embrace unity because members do not want to remain out of government for another day.

He added that the party would not take anything for granted and would continue the reconciliation process until the election day

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