Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Bashir Gegu, has warned that the All Progressives Congress (APC) might lose Kogi State in the 2027 general elections if President Bola Tinubu sidelines former Governor Yahaya Bello.

Gegu gave the warning at a political gathering at a Kogi Local Council.

He argued that Bello remains the architect of the state’s current political structure and a decisive factor in the ruling party’s continued dominance.

The speech, which he shared on his Facebook page, quoted the commissioner as saying, “If former Governor Yahaya Bello is not carried along, APC cannot win Kogi State. That is the plain truth.”

He dismissed social media’s criticism of a recent rally in Lokoja, insisting it was not about power play, but an expression of gratitude to Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for their leadership.

Gegu added, “The rally was a show of appreciation, not a protest. But let no one make the mistake, without Yahaya Bello, there’s no APC victory in Kogi.”

The commissioner credited Bello for laying the groundwork for political stability and federal visibility in the state, saying his influence still cuts across all districts.

A former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Saheed Popoola, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending weeks of speculation about his political future.

The two-term lawmaker made the announcement on Sunday in Offa, Offa Local Government Area, where he was formally received alongside a large group of his supporters, Vanguard reported.

Popoola, who represented Ojomu/Balogun constituency, said his decision followed “deep reflection” on the state of the APC, which he accused of abandoning its founding ideals.

I was the first person to contest under the APC platform in 2013 in Nigeria. We started the APC together with a vision of justice and prosperity, but over time, the party lost its soul. Loyalty became to individuals, not the people,” he said.

Popoola explained that his move to the PDP was not out of desperation but conviction.

“I’m joining the PDP not as a desperate politician but as a believer in fairness, justice, and equity. The PDP is peaceful and remains the only viable opposition in Nigeria,” he said.Kwara in 2027, adding that the people were already disillusioned with the APC administration. “The PDP is going to take over the government and governance of Kwara State in 2027,” he said amid applause from his supporters.

Popoola also criticized the current government for the rising cases of banditry and insecurity in parts of the state. He said the development was a result of “misgovernance and poor leadership.”

“We have never seen banditry in Kwara since its creation in 1967. Hundreds of our people have been killed. Banditry existed in Niger State for years but never crossed into Kwara because the leaders then knew what they were doing. But the current Governor does not understand governance. He thinks only about himself and his ideas, that’s why we are where we are today,” he said.

Receiving the defectors, Kwara PDP Chairman, Hon. Issa Bawa, described Popoola’s return as a “homecoming,” saying his presence would boost the party’s strength ahead of the 2027 polls.

“What we have seen today shows clearly that PDP is regaining its momentum. Offa is for PDP in 2027. Offa will rise again and be great again,” he said.

Bawa praised Popoola’s courage, calling him “a man of integrity and conviction.” He also quoted former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who urged the people to “compare what PDP did for them with what the APC has done. The difference is clear.”

However, the APC dismissed the defection as insignificant. The party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Waheed Babatunde, said Popoola’s exit would not affect the party’s chances.

“The party won’t miss Saheed Popoola because his presence was never felt. He left long before the last general election and he’s only making it official today,” Babatunde stated.

He added that Offa remains a stronghold of progressive politics and would continue to support Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the APC in the 2027 elections.

The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has vowed to end the growing trend of elections being decided in courtrooms instead of at the polling units.

Speaking just a week after his swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu, the INEC boss said his leadership will ensure that electoral victories are determined by voters, not by judges.

“Elections must be won at the polling units, not in the courtroom,” he declared.

Prof. Amupitan made the statement on Monday while addressing participants at the 56th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT) held at the University of Abuja.

He emphasized that sustainable reform must start from the political parties, noting that most pre-election cases arise from internal party conflicts and disregard for their constitutions.

“If political parties obey their constitutions, respect the Electoral Act, and align with the Nigerian Constitution, the avalanche of pre-election cases will collapse,” Amupitan said.

The electoral chief stated that his vision is to make the law an instrument of order and fairness.
“My desire is that when we get the law right, even the losers will be the first to congratulate the winner. That is when our democracy can be said to have matured,” he added.

Amupitan also called on the National Assembly to strengthen existing electoral laws to promote transparency, party discipline, and public confidence in the electoral process.

He admitted that not everyone would be pleased with the coming reforms, but stressed that restoring integrity to elections is more important than convenience.

“We cannot continue to allow the courts to determine our elections,” he said firmly. “Elections must be won at the polling units, not in the courtroom.”

Addressing law teachers, jurists, and students at the event, the INEC Chairman urged them to view the law as a tool for justice and national development, not as a means of personal enrichment.

“As law teachers, we must lead by example — building a generation that values integrity over influence and justice over convenience,” he stated.

Prof. Amupitan attended the event alongside his wife, Prof. Yemisi Amupitan, a respected academic and member of the NALT Board of Trustees.

Meanwhile, this development comes as expectations rise for electoral reforms under Amupitan’s leadership, particularly ahead of upcoming off-cycle governorship elections.