The Deputy Director General of the APC Support Groups Council, AK Peters, has revealed that about 1,500 registered support groups within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have endorsed the Renewed Hope Network (TRN) as a strategic platform to drive grassroots mobilization for the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Peters made this known in a statement signed in Abuja following a strategic meeting between the APC Support Groups Council and the technical team of the Renewed Hope Network led by seasoned APC mobilizer Okpokwu Ogenyi and international diplomat Tunji John Asaolu.

According to Peters, the meeting reinforced the growing nationwide momentum of the Renewed Hope Network, which he described as a major grassroots mobilization platform powered by former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, Abdulaziz Yari.

He noted that the endorsement comes as Nigerians await the lifting of the ban on political campaigns by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), adding that support groups within the ruling party are already aligning their structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

Peters further disclosed that the Renewed Hope Network has commenced the mobilization of polling unit canvassers across Nigeria as part of early preparations for grassroots engagement ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

“The TRN is committed to building the most formidable grassroots political movement in support of Mr. President within a very short time while networking every corner of the Country. In APC, we have over three thousand five hundred(3,500) registered support groups out of which one thousand five hundred (1,500) have approved partnership with the RenewedHope Network, TRN. We are confident that another 2,000 groups will join the network between now and Easter,” Ak Peters stated.

He added that the Renewed Hope Network has already established comprehensive structures and strategies aimed at ensuring a decisive victory for President Tinubu in 2027.

Peters also emphasized that with the leadership being provided by Senator Yari, the platform represents a major vehicle for grassroots political mobilization across the country, assuring that support groups within the APC will continue to mobilize Nigerians toward ensuring President Tinubu’s second-term inauguration on May 29, 2027.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo on his affirmation as the duly elected governor of Edo State by the Supreme Court, describing the ruling as a “triumph of democracy and the will of the people.”

Akpabio, in a statement personally signed and released on Friday in Abuja, applauded the apex court’s decision, saying it validated the mandate freely given to Okpebholo in the September 2024 gubernatorial election.

“What the apex court in the land has done is to affirm the will and wishes of the overwhelming majority of the people of Edo State. It shows that the election was transparent, free and fair,” Akpabio stated.

He added that, “The declaration by the Supreme Court in favour of Sen. Okpebholo against Mr Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has proven that elections are won at the ballot and by people who have identified with the grassroots.”

The Senate President said the judgment reaffirms the strength of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the popularity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State.

“This judgment has again reaffirmed the fact that democracy is at play and the people of Edo have wholeheartedly embraced the All Progressives Congress (APC) and popularly elected their preferred choice of Senator Okpebholo as their governor,” he said.

According to Akpabio, the ruling not only confirms Okpebholo’s mandate but also “paves the way for him to continue delivering exceptional service to the good people of Edo.”

He praised the governor’s performance in the past seven months, expressing confidence in his capacity to deliver more during his four-year tenure.

“My distinguished brother, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, on behalf of my family and constituents, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend my warmest congratulations to you and the wonderful people of Edo on this landmark victory at the Supreme Court.

“I wish you success and I assure you of the Senate’s support and collaboration in ensuring the state’s progress and development.

“Congratulations once again, Gov Okpebholo. I look forward to a robust working relationship with you,” Akpabio added.

In a unanimous decision, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice Mohammed Garba dismissed the appeal filed by the PDP candidate, Mr Asue Ighodalo, for lacking merit.

The apex court upheld the earlier rulings of the Court of Appeal and the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, both of which declared Okpebholo of the APC as the valid winner of the election.

The court ruled that the appellant failed to provide credible and admissible evidence to support claims of electoral malpractice, including over-voting and substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

It further held that the PDP candidate failed to call relevant witnesses to back up some of the evidence he tendered, particularly those involving the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

Some of the documents presented, the court noted, were simply “dumped” on the tribunal without demonstrating the alleged irregularities in 432 of the 4,519 polling units across the state.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has announced its readiness to host President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other top party leaders as it officially welcomes Governor Umo Eno into its ranks.

Speaking at a press briefing in Uyo on Friday, APC chieftain and former presidential aide, Senator Ita Enang, disclosed that the party was fully prepared to receive the president, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman, and governors elected on the party’s platform for the historic reception.

Governor Umo Eno had on June 6 formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, in a move widely described as a political game-changer in Akwa Ibom.

Enang, a former Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly and Niger Delta Affairs, said the governor’s defection had effectively aligned the state with the central government.

He assured Governor Eno and his supporters that the APC would embrace them wholeheartedly and honour all agreements reached.

“As progressives, we shall work with the governor and his supporters to ensure that they fit into the party without hitches,” Enang stated. “We will also work with them to align programmes of the state government with the ideals and manifesto of the party.”

He further described the governor’s move as a “merger” that promises significant benefits for Akwa Ibom and its citizens.

The planned reception is expected to mark a major political event in the state, signaling a realignment of forces ahead of future elections.