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2023 presidency: PDP crisis threatens Atiku’s chances in Ekiti

Residents of Ekiti State are waiting with bated breath for the Presidential and National Assembly elections slated for Saturday, with the polls forming the major talking points among the populace.
As the February 25 “judgement day” approaches, there is anxiety in the state because of its political volatility and the opportunity the polls offer for political gladiators to flex muscles for bragging rights after the 2022 governorship elections.
The major political parties expected to slug it out for the presidential vote in Ekiti are All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Labour Party (LP) with other parties just there to make up the numbers.
In the June 18, 2022, governorship election, the APC came first, with its flagbearer, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji winning the poll, surprisingly trailed in the second position by the SDP which had Engr. Segun Oni as its candidate. The PDP and its candidate, Chief Bisi Kolawole came third.
This made the trio the strongest parties on ground in the state. The LP is nowhere near the three in strength, population, spread and structures but the situation may change at the forthcoming presidential poll due to some dynamics recently introduced into the polity.
Apart from the presidential election, the federal legislative poll is also generating interests among politicians and eligible voters in the state, fondly referred to as the Land of Honour.
Ekiti has three senatorial seats for the North, Central and South and six federal constituency seats in Ekiti North 1 (Oye and Ikole), Ekiti North 2 (Ido/Osi, Moba and Ilejemeje), Ekiti Central 1 (Ado/Irepodun/Ifelodun), Ekiti Central 2 (Ekiti West, Ijero and Efon), Ekiti South 1 (Ekiti Southwest, Ikere, Ise/Orun) and Ekiti South 2 (Emure, Gbonyin and Ekiti East).
In 1999, while the PDP won the presidency, the then Alliance for Democracy (AD) secured majority seats in the National Assembly.
But in the subsequent general election cycles of 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019, it was the party that controlled the federal power that won the majority of the votes in the state and that of 2023 may not be different.
All the key parties in focus: APC, PDP and LP held their presidential campaign rallies in the state, while SDP is yet to hold its own as of the time of putting this piece together.
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2027 elections: El-Rufai urges Atiku, Obi, Aregbesola to join SDP

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has called on key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
This appeal follows El-Rufai’s resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on March 10, citing a misalignment of values with the ruling party.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, he emphasized the need for opposition unity, rejecting the idea of a merger or forming a new party.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has dismissed concerns about the 2027 elections, stating that President Tinubu is currently focused on economic reforms and improving Nigerians’ welfare.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications emphasized achievements like rising foreign reserves, reduced inflation, and increased trade surplus.
El-Rufai, however, expressed disappointment in the Tinubu administration, stating that he had supported the president based on his record in Lagos but now feels let down.
He also clarified that his potential 2027 presidential ambition would depend on the party and the will of the people.
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Tinubu to Catholic Bishops: I’m not a religious bigot

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria must develop and stand beyond religious bigotry.
The president spoke in Abuja on Friday when he received a delegation from the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House, led by Lucius Ugorji, the conference president.
Tinubu acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians due to ongoing economic reforms, stating that the measures implemented were necessary to build a resilient nation and secure a better future for generations to come.
“Yes, removing the fuel subsidy was hard, tough for me, but it’s a hard choice that Nigeria must face. We are not going to bankrupt our country,” Tinubu said.
We were spending the investment of the future of our children yet unborn; we were spending their rights. Poverty has no religious basis. It affects all, and we must fight it together.”
Tinubu added that poverty transcends religious and ethnic divides, urging citizens and leaders to unite in addressing the issue.
He said tax reforms are an opportunity for Nigerians to invest in the nation’s development.
On the issue of insecurity, the president assured the bishops that security agencies are making significant progress in tackling the nation’s challenges.
He said the impact of insecurity is felt by all, regardless of religious affiliation, and reiterated his commitment to religious tolerance.
“This insecurity affects everyone—Christians and Muslims alike. I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot. My wife is a pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church,” Tinubu said.
“But we have to think of our country; this country must develop and must stand beyond religious bigotry.
The president thanked religious leaders for their prayers, noting that the country is already witnessing a better deal and a newfound optimism.
He highlighted the competition among operators in the petroleum sector, the bountiful harvest enjoyed by farmers, and the lower prices of commodities, adding that investments are flowing into the country.
“There is hope; people are coming in to invest. They are saying good things about Nigeria. I am very proud of that,” he said.
“What seems to be a very difficult beginning is now showing us hope. And we are not half-time yet. I’m happy to see this period alive and healthy, and I am thankful to all of you for your prayers.”
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Trump mulls travel ban on dozens of countries

President Donald Trump of the United States is considering issuing sweeping travel restrictions for the citizens of dozens of countries as part of a new ban.
According to an internal memo regarding the move, a total of 41 countries divided into three separate groups would be affected.
The first group of 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba and North Korea among others, would be set for a full visa suspension.
In the second group, five countries, including Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar and South Sudan, would face partial suspensions that would impact tourist and student visas as well as other immigrant visas, with some exceptions.
According to the memo, in the third group, a total of 26 countries that includes Belarus, Pakistan and Turkmenistan among others would be considered for a partial suspension of US visa issuance if their governments do not make efforts to address deficiencies within 60 days.
The move harkens back to President Donald Trump’s first term ban on travelers from seven majority-Muslim nations, a policy that went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
It could be recalled that Trump issued an executive order on January 20 immediately after his inauguration requiring intensified security vetting of any foreigners seeking admission to the US to detect national security threats.
That order mandated several cabinet members to submit by March 21 a list of countries from which travel should be partly or fully suspended because their vetting and screening information is so deficient.
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