The All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to hold a mega rally in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on October 10, to demonstrate North Central support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election. The rally, described as the "mother of all rallies," will feature First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and draw party leaders, women and youth groups, grassroots organisations, and supporters from six states and the Federal Capital Territory. Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule will host the event.
The preparations for the rally follow a meeting of North Central APC stakeholders in Abuja, where participants agreed to deploy their structures and supporters to ensure a large turnout. Those at the meeting included Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago; and Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris. The stakeholders acknowledged Akume's role in bringing the region's political leaders together and commended Sule for agreeing to host the rally.
The North Central mobilisation is part of a broader effort to strengthen grassroots engagement in support of the Tinubu/Shettima ticket. The stakeholders had earlier resolved to establish a reconciliation committee to address grievances within the party, alongside grassroots advocacy, town hall meetings, and medical outreaches. The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described the meeting as a reflection of a shared determination among participating stakeholders to coordinate their activities.
However, the APC's Ondo State chapter is facing internal disputes over National Assembly candidates, with allegations that some state executives and government appointees are working against candidates recognised by the APC's National Working Committee (NWC). The state APC Women Leader, Oluwayemisi Iji-Ayeola, is reportedly facing possible disciplinary action, including suspension, over her continued support for candidates recognised by the NWC.
The disagreement has been compounded by allegations that some political appointees of the governor and APC executives attended a campaign rally organised by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency, Tajudeen Adefisoye. Some party stakeholders also accused the governor of supporting candidates who lost the APC primaries and subsequently sought election through other platforms.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had previously denied encouraging candidates to contest against the APC, declaring his opposition to anti-party activities and urging members to support Tinubu and all APC candidates. The allegations remain disputed, with Aiyedatiwa maintaining that there was nothing wrong with the Rainbow Coalition associated with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, provided its objective was to support Tinubu's re-election.
The North Central stakeholders have reaffirmed their commitment to the successful hosting of the Lafia rally and the re-election of Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Yilwatda has also commiserated with families of victims of the recent Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State and the mining tragedy in Niger State, describing the incidents as painful losses.
Key points
- APC to hold mega rally in Lafia to demonstrate support for President Tinubu's re-election
- Ondo crisis deepens as internal disputes over National Assembly candidates escalate
- Governor Aiyedatiwa denies encouraging anti-party activities in Ondo State
