Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network for Tinubu Welcomes President, APC Leaders To Formal Launch of 2027 Campaign

By Peter Dansu 

The Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network for Tinubu 2027, a nationwide platform of supporters who firmly believe in the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration, has warmly welcomed President Bola Tinubu and leaders of the All Progressives Congress to the formal launch of the President’s 2027 re-election campaign. 

The group described the Kaduna flag-off as a critical opportunity to deepen public understanding of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the steady progress being recorded under the current economic direction.

In a statement signed by Hon. Ali Oriri, the network highlighted its members’ conviction in the transformative impact of the administration’s reforms and the outstanding work being carried out by the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, in the areas of national planning and economic development. 

The statement affirmed the network’s readiness to mobilise citizens across the country in support of continuity.

Hon. Ali Oriri said: “We heartily welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC National Chairman, members of the Presidential Campaign Council and all party leaders to the formal launch of the 2027 campaign. 

"This moment allows us to renew our collective commitment to the economic reforms that are gradually stabilising our nation.”

He added: “Our members are not merely political supporters. We are people who believe in the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration and the awesome work that is being carried out by the Honourable Minister in the area of national planning and economic development. 

"We see the results in improved coordination, better budgeting processes and a clearer path to sustainable growth.”

The network noted that Bagudu’s leadership at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has provided critical technical direction for the implementation of key reforms. 

Members said the Minister’s focus on evidence-based planning, fiscal discipline and inclusive development continues to inspire confidence among citizens who want tangible progress rather than empty rhetoric.

According to the statement, the network has activated its structures nationwide to explain the benefits of the ongoing reforms and to encourage greater citizen participation in the campaign. 

It described the Kaduna launch as the beginning of an important phase in consolidating the gains already made.

Hon. Ali Oriri stated: “Senator Atiku Bagudu has demonstrated uncommon commitment to national planning and economic development. 

"His steady hand in coordinating budgets and aligning them with the President’s vision gives us the confidence to campaign vigorously for the continuity of this administration.”

He continued: “We believe that the reforms currently underway in fiscal management, revenue mobilisation and strategic planning must be sustained. 

"That is why our network is fully prepared to take the message of progress and responsible governance to every community where we have presence.”

The group also commended the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, and other members of the council for the orderly preparations leading to the Kaduna flag-off. 

It expressed optimism that the campaign will remain focused on the administration’s economic achievements and the practical benefits already reaching ordinary Nigerians.

Members of the network pledged to sustain their grassroots engagement throughout the campaign period, emphasising education, mobilisation and peaceful participation as the pillars of their support for President Tinubu’s re-election

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Hon. Ali Oriri noted: “Our belief is rooted in the results we see. The economic reforms of the Tinubu administration, combined with the professional and dedicated work of the Honourable Minister in national planning and economic development, give us every reason to stand firmly for continuity.”

He concluded: “As the formal launch takes place in Kaduna, we urge every member of our network across Nigeria to remain focused, disciplined and active. 

"Let us explain the reforms, defend the progress and work tirelessly so that Nigerians will once again entrust President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the mandate to complete the task of national renewal.”

Crisis In Opposition Camp As Agbese Debunks Kingibe’s Fuel Tax Claim

... Says 25% Levy Misrepresents Tax Law

By Peter Dansu 

A new tension has surfaced in the opposition camp after Hon. Philip Agbese, the lawmaker representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, publicly rejected claims made by Senator Ireti Kingibe of the African Democratic Congress over an alleged fuel tax and a flat 25 per cent levy on Nigerians’ earnings

Agbese, the Labour Party leader in Benue State, accused the FCT senator of deliberately misleading the public with scare-mongering tactics designed to harvest cheap political points ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, the federal lawmaker described Kingibe’s comments as reckless, factually bankrupt and an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians already battling economic hardship. 

He insisted that no new fuel tax exists in the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and that her claim of a flat 25 per cent tax on every citizen’s income is a complete fabrication.

“Senator Ireti Kingibe is playing dangerous scare-mongering politics with the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians,” Agbese declared. 

“She knows there is no fuel tax in the tax reform laws, yet she continues to package falsehoods as fact just to frighten the people and position herself as some kind of saviour. 

"This is pure political opportunism of the worst kind. For the record, the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 is a progressive tax system. 

"The 25 per cent rate applies only to the portion of annual income above ₦50 million. The first ₦800,000 is taxed at zero per cent. Millions of Nigerians will pay nothing or very little. 

"For her to claim every Nigerian will lose 25 per cent of their earnings is either deliberate ignorance or outright mischief. She should be ashamed of herself.”

Agbese further noted that Kingibe’s attempt to link the tax laws to a non-existent fuel tax is part of a pattern of opposition figures weaponising economic pain for electoral gain. 

He pointed out that the tax reform laws were passed by the National Assembly, gazetted, and took effect on 1 January 2026 — facts that the senator has conveniently ignored while claiming implementation was being delayed until after the 2027 elections.

The Labour Party lawmaker said Kingibe’s conduct was particularly disappointing because, as a sitting senator, she had access to the full text of the legislation and the benefit of legislative briefings. 

He argued that her decision to still spread false information amounted to a betrayal of public trust.

“How does a senator who participated in the National Assembly process turn around and tell Nigerians that a fuel tax is coming when none exists? 

"How does she look Nigerians in the face and claim a flat 25 per cent tax when the law clearly says otherwise?” Agbese asked. 

"She is taking Nigerians for a ride and I will not stay silent while she does it. Kingibe should go back and read the Nigeria Tax Act properly instead of circulating half-truths and fear.

"If she cannot educate the public with facts, she should at least stop poisoning the atmosphere with lies.”

Agbese said the opposition’s strategy of exaggerating and inventing tax burdens would ultimately backfire. 

He maintained that Labour Party candidates, including himself, would continue to present clear, verifiable positions rather than resort to emotional blackmail.

He also challenged Kingibe to produce the specific section of the tax laws that imposes either a fuel tax or a uniform 25 per cent levy on all earnings, daring her to defend her claims with the actual legal text rather than viral rhetoric.

" She should retract, apologise, and stop using the hardship of the people as a political ladder. Anything short of that confirms that she is more interested in 2027 votes than in truth.”

Tinubu Didn't Fail On Security, Renewed Hope Labourers Reply PRP Chair, Baba-Ahmed

... Armed Forces Have Surpassed Expectations

By Peter Dansu 

The Renewed Hope Labourers Network (RHOLAN), a cross-party political movement, has strongly rejected claims by Peoples Redemption Party National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu failed Nigerians on security. 

In a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs, Toby Prince, the group said Baba-Ahmed’s assertions deliberately ignored verified operational successes recorded by the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

The network cited official Defence Headquarters figures showing that over 3,000 terrorists and bandits have been neutralised, more than 120,000 insurgents and their families have surrendered, and over 2,000 kidnapped victims have been rescued in the past two years. 

It described the PRP chairman’s comments as a selective narrative that erases the hard-won gains achieved through sustained military pressure.

“Mr Baba-Ahmed’s claim that children cannot go to school because of bandits is outdated and misleading. Data confirm that troops have degraded terrorist and bandit capacity, reopened previously controlled territories, and enabled the gradual return of normal life, including schooling, in many affected communities,” the statement said.

“In the third quarter of 2026 alone, troops neutralised 554 terrorists and criminals, arrested 1,333 suspects, rescued 1,736 kidnapped civilians and forced 333 insurgents to surrender."

The Renewed Hope Labourers Network further highlighted the establishment of Defence Special Forces Brigades in Kaduna and Niger States, the expansion of Operations Hadin Kai and Fansan Yamma, and the recovery of thousands of illegal firearms and rounds of ammunition. 

It noted that these measures have restored access to farmlands, markets and major highways that were once no-go areas.

On the Abuja-Kaduna highway specifically cited by Baba-Ahmed, the group pointed to increased security outposts, ongoing concrete pavement reconstruction, and improved surveillance as evidence that the road is no longer the death trap it once was.

“The Armed Forces have restored security situations in key flashpoints. Communities that lived under the constant threat of abduction are gradually reclaiming their lives. 

"To pretend otherwise is to insult the gallant troops who risk their lives daily and the families of those who have paid the ultimate price,” Prince stated.

“Baba-Ahmed’s attempt to paint a picture of total collapse while ignoring mass surrenders, large-scale rescues and the reopening of schools in several northern states is pure political mischief. 

The facts on the ground contradict his narrative.”

The network also referenced President Tinubu’s recent directive to security chiefs to rescue all remaining abductees and ensure no terrorist or bandit camp remains anywhere in the country. 

It said the administration’s combination of kinetic operations, special forces expansion and community engagement has produced measurable results that cannot be wished away.

The statement added that the cross-party movement would continue to defend verified progress while supporting further improvements in national security.

“Those who claim the President has nothing to show on security are either living in the past or deliberately choosing blindness for political convenience. 

"Over 3,000 neutralised, over 120,000 surrendered and thousands of victims rescued are not failure. They are evidence of a government that is fighting and winning,” the statement continued.

“The Renewed Hope Labourers Network stands firmly with the Armed Forces of Nigeria. We reject any attempt to diminish their sacrifices and achievements. 

"Security is being restored, communities are returning, and the trajectory is clear for those who care to look at the facts.”