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1,000 Arewa members endorse Tinubu, okay Egbayelo for Lagos Assembly
As the 2027 political landscape begins to take shape, the Arewa community in the Apapa Local Government Area of Lagos State has formally declared its support for the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the legislative aspiration of Dr Mike Oladunjoye Egbayelo.
During a massive grassroots rally involving over 1,000 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), community leaders cited President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda as the catalyst for their early endorsement.
Yahaya Matazu, Coordinator of the Sokoto Elders Forum (Apapa Branch), and Haruna Ibrahim, a prominent Arewa leader, emphasised that the president’s policies are designed for long-term national prosperity.
“Nigerians should learn to be patient. Greatness takes time, and we are ready to give the President our full support so he can achieve 100% success in his vision for the country,” the leaders stated in a joint address.
The endorsement extended to Egbayelo, who is eyeing a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly (Apapa Constituency 1).
The Arewa community highlighted Egbayelo’s track record of inclusive governance, particularly his history of integrating non-indigenous communities into the local socio-economic fabric.
The group pointed to his extensive resume as evidence of his readiness: Pioneer General Manager: Apapa GRA Residents Association (AGRA). Executive Secretary/CEO: Apapa Community Security Trust Fund. Public Servant: Former Supervisor for Education, Youth, and Sports.
“Dr Egbayelo has consistently demonstrated the ability to build institutions and manage complex teams. He has never left anyone behind. We believe he is one with the people,” Matazu added.
Addressing the crowd, Egbayelo reaffirmed his commitment to the ‘One Lagos’ philosophy, promising that his representation would be blind to ethnic or religious divides.
“I grew up with the Arewa community; you are my brothers and sisters,” Egbayelo said. “I have never let you down, and I will not start now. The time for a united front has come, and under my watch, nobody will be left behind,” he added.
Egbayelo further bolstered the case for the presidency, telling the gathering that President Tinubu remains the most viable choice for 2027.
He argued that the foundations laid in the first three years of the administration have restored hope to a nation in transition, urging the community to remain steadfast in its loyalty to the APC.
During a massive grassroots rally involving over 1,000 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), community leaders cited President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda as the catalyst for their early endorsement.
Yahaya Matazu, Coordinator of the Sokoto Elders Forum (Apapa Branch), and Haruna Ibrahim, a prominent Arewa leader, emphasised that the president’s policies are designed for long-term national prosperity.
“Nigerians should learn to be patient. Greatness takes time, and we are ready to give the President our full support so he can achieve 100% success in his vision for the country,” the leaders stated in a joint address.
The endorsement extended to Egbayelo, who is eyeing a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly (Apapa Constituency 1).
The Arewa community highlighted Egbayelo’s track record of inclusive governance, particularly his history of integrating non-indigenous communities into the local socio-economic fabric.
The group pointed to his extensive resume as evidence of his readiness: Pioneer General Manager: Apapa GRA Residents Association (AGRA). Executive Secretary/CEO: Apapa Community Security Trust Fund. Public Servant: Former Supervisor for Education, Youth, and Sports.
“Dr Egbayelo has consistently demonstrated the ability to build institutions and manage complex teams. He has never left anyone behind. We believe he is one with the people,” Matazu added.
Addressing the crowd, Egbayelo reaffirmed his commitment to the ‘One Lagos’ philosophy, promising that his representation would be blind to ethnic or religious divides.
“I grew up with the Arewa community; you are my brothers and sisters,” Egbayelo said. “I have never let you down, and I will not start now. The time for a united front has come, and under my watch, nobody will be left behind,” he added.
Egbayelo further bolstered the case for the presidency, telling the gathering that President Tinubu remains the most viable choice for 2027.
He argued that the foundations laid in the first three years of the administration have restored hope to a nation in transition, urging the community to remain steadfast in its loyalty to the APC.
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A coalition of Lagos indigenous groups drawn from five Divisions of Lagos State at the weekend gathered in their thousands to drum up support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for another term in office.
The groups hinged their support for the Tinubu administration’s reforms, which they claimed were already putting Nigeria back on the path of recovery.
The event was held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos. The Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Akiolu, over ten white cap chiefs, many other traditional, religious leaders and political bigwigs were in attendance to grace the historic occasion.
In his welcome address, Renowned Lagosian and Convener, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, said the gathering became expedient to “Honour one of our own who has risen to the highest office in the land.”
Onitiri declared: “I heartily welcome you all to this historic and significant occasion as we gather together to endorse and support the second term bid of our own son, leader, and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“Today is more than a political gathering; it is a celebration of history, destiny, leadership, and the collective progress of Lagos State indigenes. We have come together as a coalition of indigenous Lagosians from the five IBILE divisions— Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe— to honour one of our own who has risen to the highest office in the land.
“Recently, we convened an important summit in Surulere where we passionately called on all Lagos State indigenes to become more actively involved in governance and politics within our dear state. Today’s event is a continuation of that vision and a practical demonstration of our resolve to make indigenous participation stronger, more visible, and more impactful.
“For the very first time in Nigeria’s history, an indigene of Lagos State occupies the office of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Beyond that, another distinguished Lagos indigene also heads one of the most important arms of government — the judiciary. This is a proud and historic moment for Lagos State and one that should unite us all in purpose and celebration.
“This moment, therefore, calls for greater unity among all indigenous communities across the five divisions of Lagos State. We must put aside every division, rivalry, and misunderstanding and embrace a common vision for the future of our State and our people.”
Onitiri pointed out that President Tinubu has devoted decades of sacrifice, political struggle, leadership, and nation-building to the growth of Lagos State and Nigeria.
“Today, it is our responsibility to stand firmly behind him and support the continuation of his Renewed Hope Agenda for the progress and stability of our nation.
“At the end of this ceremony, let us return to our communities and galvanise our people to take greater interest in politics, participate actively in governance, and come out massively to vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Onitiri pleaded.
He urged Lagosians that beyond politics, “let us further cement the unity of Lagos State indigenes. We have no other state we can truly call our own.
“The five IBILE divisions must continue to work together, stand together, and collectively hold our destiny firmly in our own hands. Only through unity, inclusion, and strategic cooperation can we preserve our heritage, strengthen our voice, and secure a better future for generations yet unborn.
“Together, we shall continue to build a stronger Lagos and a greater Nigeria”, Onitiri emphasised.
Following is the list of who is who at the ceremony: Dr Arc Lanre Towry Coker, Princess Adefulire Orelope, Dr Remi Desalu, Sir Shina Thorpe, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu, with over 10 white cap Chiefs, many traditional rulers from Badagry and Lagos, Hon Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye with many Local Govt chairmen, Hon Jimmy Benson, Hon Dr Samuel Ajose, Prince Tajudeen Olusi , Mr Kola James and many important political dignitaries from the five Divisions of Lagos State
Hon. Alhaji Maiyegun, Alhaji Olagbaiye, Hon Adediran Jandor were also present.
Despite mounting pressure from various quarters, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has stated that Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, will continue to hold her position as an ordained pastor in the church.
Adeboye made the clarification during the church’s monthly Holy Ghost Service, explaining that Mrs Tinubu was ordained as an Assistant Pastor more than a decade ago—well before her husband, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emerged as a presidential contender.
He noted that her ordination followed the church’s established procedures and emphasised that she had not violated any of its doctrines or regulations.
The cleric also dismissed calls from some quarters demanding that she be stripped of the title, stressing that the church would not yield to external pressure on internal matters.
Adeboye further rejected claims that the church is aligned with any political interest, reiterating that it remains a place of worship open to all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation.
He made the clarification during the May edition of the church’s Holy Ghost Service, themed ‘Excellent Counsel,’ where he responded to public perceptions linking the RCCG with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adeboye said such assumptions overlook the diverse political representation within the church.
“Some people are saying RCCG is an APC church. I just smile. In RCCG, you will find a governor from the Peoples Democratic Party sitting down with a governor from the Labour Party, APC, and APGA.
“By the special help of God, we are representative of the whole nation, and that is what we will continue to be,” he said.
He stressed that the pulpit is not used for political expression, regardless of the status of worshippers present.
According to him, church activities are focused on prayer and worship rather than political engagement or announcements.
“If you saw one governor among us today dancing and you were expecting he would be called forward to say something, we don’t do that. But if you come to worship with us, you are welcome. Our duty is to pray for everybody,” he added.
The cleric also commented on Nigeria’s political future, particularly the 2027 general election, stating that ultimate outcomes are already known in the divine order.
“The one that will rule has been decided by God before we were born. He knows the end from the beginning,” he said, urging citizens to remain prayerful while fulfilling their responsibilities.
Adeboye further addressed his participation in past civic protests, explaining that his involvement was based on directives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
“That was because the then chairman of CAN asked all Christians to go out for a peaceful protest. If he talks tomorrow and asks me to march, I will,” he said.
He emphasised that his public actions are guided by the umbrella Christian body on national issues affecting believers.
The Nigerian government has summoned the South African High Commission in Nigeria over ongoing protests in South Africa targeting foreign nationals, which have reportedly led to the killing of at least two Nigerians and attacks on Nigerian-owned businesses.
According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nigeria), Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Acting High Commissioner has been invited to a meeting scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026.
Ebienfa stated that the most senior official at the South African mission in Abuja is expected to attend the meeting.
He explained that the engagement is intended to formally communicate the Nigerian government’s deep concern over the recent incidents, which could strain the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
The statement reads: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has extended an invitation to the Acting High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa for a meeting scheduled to take place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
“The objective of this engagement is to formally convey the Nigerian Government’s profound concern regarding recent events that have the potential to impact the established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
“Discussions will primarily focus on the ongoing demonstrations by various groups within South Africa and the documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.
“The Ministry is aware of the growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their nationals in South Africa. Nevertheless, it implores the Nigerian public to remain calm and reiterates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa.”
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