Members of the Omoluabi Progressives, a political group loyal to former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, have announced their decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement released on Monday in Osogbo and signed by the group’s Organising and Publicity Secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, the resolution was said to have been reached during the group’s monthly meeting in Ilesa, with stakeholders from all 332 wards in attendance.

Abosede cited several reasons for the group’s exit from the APC, including allegations of ostracism, suspension, and expulsion of members without fair hearing. He also noted the perceived neglect and marginalization of the group within the party, as well as dissatisfaction with the handling of internal crises, which he claimed contributed to APC’s poor performance in the last election cycle in Osun State.

“Members of the group were put to a voice vote by the leadership, and they unanimously affirmed their readiness to switch allegiance to another political platform ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election,” Abosede said.

Speaking at the meeting, Aregbesola, the immediate past Minister of Interior, commended members for their dedication to integrity, character, and good governance. He described the group’s decision to leave the APC as the beginning of a new journey toward responsible leadership in Osun.

“I am indeed happy that all of you have spoken with one voice. A united front to lead the way to our collective victory in the journey ahead,” he said. “Our mission is to raise the level of prosperity of our dear state through responsible leadership. The path we have chosen is smooth, highly reassuring, and full of good tides that will propel Osun to greatness.”

Aregbesola urged members to remain steadfast, attract genuine allies, and prepare the Omoluabi Progressives for the challenges ahead. He assured them that ongoing efforts to reposition the group would soon yield positive results.

“We are open to all, regardless of political, religious, or socio-cultural affiliations. We have the numbers, strength, and political acumen to provide leadership that will make Osun the envy of its peers. By the grace of God, we shall succeed,” Aregbesola declared.

The Omoluabi Progressives’ departure signals a significant shift in Osun’s political landscape ahead of the next governorship election.

The South-South Youth Vanguard Forum, a prominent youth support group of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), has officially endorsed Prince Ukachukwu as its preferred gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming Anambra State Governorship Election. This endorsement underscores the group’s unwavering belief in Prince Ukachukwu’s exceptional leadership qualities, extensive experience, and proven track record in both public and private sectors.

Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, a distinguished leader, has demonstrated outstanding administrative capabilities, notably during his tenure as Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). His achievements in office set a benchmark for infrastructural development in the Federal Capital Territory, which continues to benefit residents to this day. In the private sector, Prince Ukachukwu has successfully managed a conglomerate of businesses, showcasing his strategic vision, innovative mindset, and commitment to excellence.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the National Coordinator, Comrade Philip Ikodor, called on youth and women across Anambra State to pledge their full support for Prince Ukachukwu. He urged party members at both national and sub-national levels to rally around his candidacy to ensure his emergence as the flagbearer of the APC.

“Prince Ukachukwu has what it takes to transform Anambra into a hub of economic prosperity and national development,” Comrade Ikodor said. “His leadership, when entrusted with the governorship, will tackle insecurity, foster sustainable development, and boost the state’s economy. Even as a private citizen, he has brought remarkable innovations and development to his people. Imagine what he could achieve when given the mandate to lead the state.”

The South-South Youth Vanguard Forum strongly believes that Prince Ukachukwu’s grassroots appeal, coupled with his developmental strides, makes him the ideal candidate to take Anambra to new heights of progress and prosperity. The group has pledged to mobilize massive support for his campaign, ensuring grassroot mobilization and high-level political alliances; galvanizing the brand “Ikukuoma” that will see every youth and woman in the state actively canvasses for his success in the forthcoming election.

The forum is calling on all APC stakeholders to seize this opportunity to present a candidate whose leadership qualities align with the aspirations of the people of Anambra State and the broader vision of the APC.

Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue says his administration has spent $2.82 million (N4.53 billion) to service external loans between June 2023 and June 2024.

Alia made the disclosure in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makurdi.

The governor said that Benue has not borrowed funds since the inception of his administration but paid the said sum to reduce the state’s debt burden.

He further stated that the Debt Management Office (DMO) recent report confirmed that the external debt profile of Benue has experienced a sharp decrease within the period under review.

“Recall that having inherited over 350 billion in debts from the previous administration, the administration has been cautious about taking loans, despite initiating numerous projects across the state, with many already completed.

“We are changing the narrative for good governance and massively delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

“We are consistent in insisting that the future of the state comes first and has demonstrated the highest level of decision-making and resource management,” he said.

He further stated that the current Budgets release of the third quarter of 2024, States Fiscal Transparency League Table, indicated that Benue has moved to 9th position from the 35th and 36th positions it had consistently shuffled since 2015.