By Dapo Akinrefon

LAGOS—A coalition comprising Concerned Nigerians in Diaspora United Kingdom, Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria and the Assembly of Lagos Youths has dismissed allegations against the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, describing them as unsubstantiated and a distraction.

In a joint statement by US-based public affairs commentator, Kofo Williams; Chairman of Concerned Nigerians in Diaspora United Kingdom, Abanikanda Olumoro; Convener of Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado; and Assembly of Lagos Youths leader, Mr Lasisi Robert, the groups said they were reacting to a viral video linking Gbajabiamila to budgetary issues surrounding the purported Presidential Fiscal and Investment Policy Commission, PFIPC.

The coalition said the allegations were unverified and appeared aimed at tarnishing the image of the Chief of Staff, urging Nigerians not to undermine public confidence without credible evidence.
The controversy followed claims that the PFIPC, reportedly disowned by Gbajabiamila, was listed in the 2026 budget alongside the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, PEAC, with a combined allocation exceeding N1.3 billion.

The statement reads: “Public service… comes with intense scrutiny. While accountability remains a cornerstone of democratic governance, public discourse must be guided by facts, evidence and due process rather than speculation.

“If critics have reservations over budgetary allocations, the appropriate institution to seek clarification from is the National Assembly. Public officials should be judged on evidence, not conjecture.”

By Vincent Ujumadu

AWKA — The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) House of Representatives candidate for the Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Chief Chukwudi Oli, has received a boost following the endorsement of his candidacy by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and other political parties.

The endorsement was announced during a consultative meeting between the group and the APGA campaign organisation held at Abagana in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Present at the meeting were the Director-General of the campaign organisation and former Chairman of Njikoka Local Government Area, Hon. George Ozor; the APGA candidate, Chief Chukwudi Oli; APGA Chairman in Njikoka LGA, Chief Onyenechi Ezeaso; retired Air Vice Marshal Ben Chiobi; Chief Chibuzo Oli; Chief Ogochukwu Egolum, and other party stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of the group, its leader, Ozo Ejiamatu, said members resolved to support Oli because of his commitment to the development of communities across the federal constituency.

He said although members of the group belonged to different political parties, including the PDP, APC and NDC, they had chosen to unite behind Oli because they believed he would provide effective representation.

“We are convinced that by supporting you, we are working for ourselves. We believe you will work for the progress of the Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha Federal Constituency when you get to the House of Representatives,” he said.

The group also said it was determined to prevent what it described as “selfish politicians” from returning to office, alleging that the constituency had suffered from poor representation in the past.

The stakeholders, however, clarified that they were not an APGA political group and that their endorsement was limited to Oli’s candidacy, stressing that it did not amount to support for other APGA candidates.

Responding, Oli thanked the group for its confidence in him and pledged not to disappoint them if elected.

He said his political philosophy was built on accountability, transparency, unity and service to the people, assuring constituents that he would prioritise their welfare over personal interests.

Oli also said he would draw inspiration from his mentor, businessman and philanthropist, Prince Arthur Eze, promising to use his office to attract development and improve the lives of people in the constituency.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the campaign organisation, Hon. George Ozor, and the APGA Chairman in Njikoka LGA, Hon. Chinedu Anakwe, commended the group for its endorsement.

Ozor described the support as a significant morale booster for the campaign, expressing confidence that it would strengthen APGA’s chances in what he predicted would be one of the most competitive House of Representatives elections in Anambra State.

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has officially presented the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, nomination forms to the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidates for the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The presentation took place on Tuesday during a brief ceremony at the Government House in Lafia, where Governor Sule, who is also the APC candidate for the Nasarawa North Senatorial District, formally handed over the nomination documents to the party’s candidates.

The event was attended by all the APC National Assembly candidates except the party’s Nasarawa West Senatorial candidate, Dr Faisal Shuaib.

Addressing the candidates, Governor Sule congratulated them on their emergence and urged them to conduct issue-driven campaigns capable of promoting unity, strengthening the party, and delivering victory for the APC in the forthcoming polls.

He also encouraged the candidates to remain focused on engaging the electorate with policies and programmes that would advance the development of Nasarawa State and the country.

Responding on behalf of the candidates, the APC senatorial candidate for Nasarawa South, Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, thanked the governor for his leadership and support throughout the nomination process.

Nalaraba assured the governor that the candidates would remain committed to the principles of the APC and work collectively to secure victory for the party while promoting sustainable development across the state.

The APC House of Representatives candidates include Mohammed Al-Makura (Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency), Daniel Ogazi (Karu/Keffi/Kokona), Mohammed Albasheer (Nasarawa/Toto), Dalhatu Araf Jr. (Awe/Doma/Keana), and Tony Bala Shammah (Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency).