Ex-APC spokesman alerts Tinubu, says abuse of Army ranks may fuel coups in Nigeria....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against actions he described as the politicisation of the Nigerian Army, saying abuse of military ranks could endanger democracy and fuel coup tendencies.

Frank raised concerns over reports of an alleged special and accelerated promotion of the president’s Aide-De-Camp to the rank of Brigadier-General barely months after elevation to colonel, describing the development as troubling if proven true.

He said the Nigerian Army is a national institution governed by professional standards and traditions, not a personal guard unit of any president.

His words: “The Nigerian Army is not a personal guard unit of any President. It is a national institution governed by time-tested rules, traditions and professional standards.

“Senior military ranks, especially the rank of General, are earned through years of service, sacrifice, command experience, rigorous training and competitive assessments. They are not political rewards.”

Frank said promotions outside established procedures weaken command authority, erode morale and damage cohesion within the ranks.

He warned that Africa’s recent history shows that the politicisation of military institutions often breeds resentment and indiscipline, conditions that precede unconstitutional disruptions of democratic rule.

“Across West Africa today, we are witnessing the consequences of weakened civil-military relations. From Mali to Burkina Faso and Niger, military juntas emerged in environments where institutions were abused, traditions disregarded and professionalism undermined,” he said.

Frank said it was alien to Nigeria’s democratic practice, and unheard of even during military rule, to manipulate the rank of General for an Aide-De-Camp or personal convenience.

“No former military Head of State and no civilian President in Nigeria treated the rank of General with such recklessness,” he added.

He rejected any justification based on constitutional authority, saying being commander-in-chief demands restraint rather than arbitrariness.

“Being Commander-In-Chief is not a license to erode institutions. Democracy survives on accountability, due process and respect for established norms,” he said.

Frank cautioned that irregular promotions expose officers to professional risk, invite institutional backlash and drag the armed forces into political controversy.

He urged the minister of defence to advise the president on the implications of any decision that undermines military tradition, morale and Nigeria’s international standing.

He also called for immediate public clarification of the legal and professional basis for the reported promotion, suspension or reversal of any action that violates Nigerian Army guidelines, and a firm commitment by the presidency to end personalised promotions.

Frank urged civil society organisations, retired military officers and professional associations to speak out, warning that silence in the face of institutional abuse could have severe consequences for civil-military relations.

He said the Nigerian Armed Forces must remain professional, apolitical and governed by established rules rather than personal discretion.

A former member of Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Rotimi Makinde and cheiftain of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State has urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to begin putting together his handover note ahead of the 2026 governorship race, saying residents are longing for new leadership, improved development, better security, accountability, and more focused governance.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

In a statement signed by Makinde and made available to newsmen on Sunday noted that the good people of Osun State are ready to champion the political shift the state urgently needs.

The Ife-born politician added that APC is determined to free citizens from what he described as the “bondage of the PDP-led administration under Governor Makinde,” insisting that the ruling party must begin arranging its exit.

He noted that Osun State is ready for a renewed sense of direction, one driven by skilled, dynamic, and progressive leaders.

“Bola Oyebamiji is the trailblazer that will turn things around for greatness in Osun State. He has the experience, capacity, commitment and zeal to bring back the lost glory of our state. We’re tired of seeing someone in such a coveted office dancing around without vision or direction, the office of a Governor is not for clowns but for cerebral men with finesse, preparedness, decency and matirity.

“Ambo under the platform of APC is the best man for the job and the coast is already clear that a landslide victory awaits him as the party’s standard bearer. We are sending a loud and unmistakable signal to the PDP in Accord Party’s apparel that Ambo in APC toga is coming to make a positive change and as well change the trajectory of our state positively.

“ For those doubting Thomases, the change is here already, students, youths, market women/men, artisans, trade unions, civil servants etc are all rising in unity and clamouring for a change, and Oyebamiji has been on their lips having seen all the qualities they desire in political leadership in him. The positive and peaceful movement has started,” Makinde declared.

The statement continues, “As APC family we are stronger and more united; we have thoroughly assessed our strengths, weaknesses, and the gaps between leadership, youths and all other critical stakeholders in various constituencies not to assign blame, but to chart a clearer progressive path forward which is the beauty of democracy often upheld by APC.”

Makinde concluded by reaffirming the party’s commitment to discipline, loyalty, and adherence to established party structures.

“Unarguably progressivism is built on discipline and loyalty. No party succeeds with indiscipline, and no youth structure thrives without order. We will continue to champion responsible leadership among our members.

“However, I will continue to extend my profound appreciation to His Excellency Chief Bisi Akande, His Excellency Alhaji Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, Senator Iyiola Omisore and other leaders of our party who contributed to the success of our primary on Saturday, December 13, 2025, the outcome which presented Ambo as our preferred and concensus candidate. Posterity will be kind to you all as you put party interest above every other interest.”

The internal crisis within the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has escalated sharply following the registration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara into the party by a disputed factional leadership.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

APC Spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, issued a scathing statement on December 12, 2025, condemning the registration as a direct “assault on the rule of law” and a “brazen ridicule of the judiciary.”

Naija News reports that Nwauju’s criticism centres on the fact that the faction that registered Governor Fubara – led by Rivers State APC Chairman Tony Okocha – was purportedly produced by congresses that have been nullified by two separate court rulings.

He referenced two judgments: the August 12, 2024, ruling by Justice Sika Aprioku and the December 20, 2024, ruling by Justice Godswill Obomanu.

“Does running to Government House to register Governor Sim Fubara in order to validate his group set aside the judgments that nullified the congress that produced them? The answer is a resounding NO,” Nwauju asserted.

He argued that every attempt to revive the faction only exposes a “dangerous disregard for legal order” and reinforces the party’s internal crisis.

The spokesperson branded the move as both illegal and provocative, warning that the Governor’s registration could trigger fresh rounds of costly litigation that the Rivers APC can ill afford.

“They must stop creating room for further litigation within the APC in Rivers State because the so-called registration done by an illegal entity can be challenged in court,” he added.

Governor Fubara formally received his APC membership card at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday, with Tony Okocha, who claimed to represent the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, presenting the card. Fubara stated his decision was aimed at promoting unity and development in the state.