Author: Gabby

The Kwankwasiyya Movement, a political faction loyal to former Kano State Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso, has shed light on the rationale behind the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) decision to zone its presidential ticket to the southern part of the country for the 2027 elections. The group emphasized that this move stems from a deep commitment to national unity and a desire to foster trust among all Nigerians.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Monday, the National Coordinator of the movement, Habeeb Saleh, stressed that the NDC’s zoning strategy is aimed at reinforcing the belief in a cohesive and indivisible Nigeria. He argued that such decisions are essential for promoting stability and mutual understanding across the nation’s diverse regions.

Saleh noted that the party is keen on ensuring that Nigerians have unwavering confidence in its candidates, trusting that they will always prioritize the country’s interests above personal or regional agendas. According to him, the zoning to the South is a calculated effort to build a sense of shared purpose and to demonstrate that the NDC is committed to equitable representation.

“The decision to zone the NDC presidency to the South is fundamentally about believing in one Nigeria,” Saleh stated. He added that the move is designed to create an environment where all citizens feel included and valued, thereby strengthening the fabric of the nation. The Kwankwasiyya Movement reaffirmed its support for this approach, viewing it as a pathway to greater political harmony and progress.

Farouk Aliyu, who chairs the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening committee for governorship and National Assembly aspirants, has clarified that the adoption of a consensus candidate does not preclude other individuals from vying for positions. Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’ on Monday, Aliyu emphasized that if disagreements arise over the consensus choice, the party will resort to direct primaries to ensure fairness.

According to Aliyu, the notion of a consensus candidate is not meant to exclude anyone. He stated, “The idea of a consensus candidate does not preclude anyone else from running. Nobody will be excluded.” He elaborated that while governors may have preferred candidates in states like Nasarawa, Lagos, and Gombe, other aspirants remain free to contest. “The governor is just one person, and some stakeholders have agreed that Mr. A is our preferred candidate. If other contestants do not agree with that, certainly direct primaries will be implemented,” he added.

Aliyu reassured that no aspirant will be barred from participating, stressing that the party is committed to democratic processes. His comments come amid concerns about consensus arrangements potentially sidelining candidates in the build-up to the 2027 elections.

Human rights advocate and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has thrown his weight behind fellow activist Aisha Yesufu’s bid for the FCT Senate seat in the 2027 elections. During a Monday interview on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief,’ Sowore voiced his support while taking issue with her decision to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

Yesufu previously left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to follow Peter Obi to the NDC, where she announced her senatorial ambition. Sowore expressed his approval, recalling he had urged her to enter politics. ‘I truly support her. I’ve always told her that good people who believe they can make a difference should get into politics. She used to say she has no business running for office and criticized activists like me who run for office,’ Sowore said.

He added, ‘She didn’t want to support anyone, but I’m glad she has finally come to that realization. I once felt the same way before 2016, that I had no business in politics, but the business of politics is actually the biggest activism needed to save society. So I fully support her, and I hope she wins, even though I think she’s in the wrong party. She should have joined our party.’

Sowore’s remarks highlight a shift in Yesufu’s stance on political participation, as she now seeks to transition from activism to elected office.

Renowned activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju has expressed admiration for the political maneuvers unfolding in Rivers State, particularly the escalating conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. In a Facebook post on Monday, Adeyanju responded to the surprising disqualification of Rivers House of Assembly aspirants aligned with Fubara.

According to Daily Post, the All Progressives Congress (APC) disqualified the aspirants following a screening session held on Saturday. The screening committee’s list, released on Monday, revealed that only candidates loyal to Wike were approved.

Adeyanju criticized Fubara, labeling him as weak and asserting that such individuals have no place in Nigerian politics. He stated, “I love what Wike is doing to Fubara. Weak men have no business in politics in this part of the world.”

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has landed in Nairobi, Kenya, ahead of the highly anticipated Africa-France Summit, co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron. The Nigerian leader touched down at around 12:15 a.m. on Monday, marking the beginning of a diplomatic visit aimed at strengthening ties between African nations and France.

The summit will tackle critical issues such as climate action, digital transformation, energy transition, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and economic cooperation. Tinubu is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with fellow African leaders and French officials, engage with investors and business executives, and promote Nigeria’s reform agenda in sectors including energy, infrastructure, technology, and trade.

Following the summit in Kenya, Tinubu will travel to Kigali, Rwanda, for the Africa CEO Forum, which takes place from May 14 to May 15. This trip underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and accelerating its development goals.

Security operatives from Operation Enduring Peace have successfully thwarted an ambush launched by suspected armed militia members during a patrol mission in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. The incident took place around 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, according to security sources cited by Zagazola Makama, after troops were alerted to gunfire in the Gero vicinity.

The sources indicated that soldiers from Sector 3 were dispatched to reinforce colleagues from Sector 6 already active in the region. As the troops attempted to join forces, they were ambushed by suspected militia fighters who sought to encircle them using elevated terrain.

In response, the security personnel deployed superior firepower, compelling the assailants to withdraw toward Nyango and Daron settlements within the same local government area. Military officials reported that ammunition was expended during the engagement, and pursuit operations continued across the affected zone.

Following the clash, authorities confirmed that nine cows were killed and five others sustained gunshot wounds in the earlier attack on herders. This violence adds to ongoing security challenges in Plateau State, where clashes among armed groups, herders, and local communities persist.

Security sources further noted that troops in neighboring Mangu Local Government Area recently faced attacks while responding to disturbances linked to illicit mining operations.

Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has launched a campaign against fraudulent religious figures who exploit citizens with false promises. Speaking at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the All Knights Day of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, he revealed that authorities have already detained several individuals who are now admitting their deceit.

Soludo accused these so-called ministers of promoting a gospel that avoids the true essence of sacrifice. He emphasized that the state will no longer tolerate such manipulations and called on church leaders to reinforce the value of hard work and integrity.

In a bold move, the governor challenged anyone claiming to perform genuine miracles to demonstrate their powers at Amaku Hospital. He stated, “Whoever wants to perform a miracle should come to Amaku Hospital.” This challenge underscores his commitment to exposing falsehood and restoring honesty in spiritual matters.

The crackdown is part of a broader vision for a cleaner, more transparent Anambra. Soludo insisted that the era of deceiving the vulnerable is over, warning that the state will remain vigilant against those who preach “salvation without the cross.”

The Taraba State Commissioner for Secondary, Technical and Vocational Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, has demanded a complete eradication of examination malpractice during the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). She issued this directive to principals, invigilators, and supervisors across the state during a sensitization meeting held over the weekend at the Government Technical and Training School in Jalingo.

Dr. Godwin emphasized that professionalism, discipline, and integrity must guide the administration of the exams. She reiterated the state government’s dedication, under Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, to elevating educational standards and rebuilding trust in the examination process. The commissioner warned all exam officials and school heads to strictly follow WAEC regulations and avoid any form of cheating.

“Through hard work and credibility, Taraba State must continue to shine in academic excellence. We must collectively work to achieve zero malpractice in the WAEC examinations,” she declared.

The WAEC Branch Controller in the state praised Governor Kefas for his unwavering support for education, noting that he is the first governor to fully cover all 2026 WAEC fees, thereby reducing financial strain on families and increasing student participation. Additionally, the controller acknowledged the governor’s donation of a utility van and other assistance aimed at enhancing the operations of the examination body.

The sensitization event drew principals, invigilators, and supervisors from secondary schools in Lau, Karim Lamido, Jalingo, and Ardo-Kola Local Government Councils, all committed to ensuring a fair and transparent examination process.

Women from Umuariaga community in Abia State’s Ikwuano Local Government Area have voiced strong opposition to what they claim is a secret government plan to convert their agricultural land into a smart city housing estate. The protesters marched to the Government House in Umuahia, demanding transparency and the protection of their livelihoods.

Led by Mrs. Glory Orji, the women expressed alarm that individuals posing as government agents have been informing locals that the community’s flat lands have been designated for a government housing initiative. They stressed that such a move would devastate their ability to grow food and sustain their families.

“This is the only flat land we have. If they take it away, what will remain for our children? Where will we farm? How will we feed our families?” Orji questioned, highlighting the dire consequences of losing their farmland.

The protest also drew attention to ongoing grievances about cattle encroachment. The women noted that relevant government agencies have failed to address the persistent destruction of their crops by herders’ cattle, compounding their sense of injustice.

Addressing the protesters, Abia State Commissioner for Finance, Uwaoma Ukandu, assured them that their concerns would be relayed to Governor Alex Otti. He pledged a thorough investigation and appealed for calm, promising that the issues raised would be resolved.

The women urged Governor Otti to safeguard indigenous land rights and prevent any further unauthorized acquisition of their community’s land.

For residents of Mararaba, a suburb on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and other travelers, the daily commute has become a source of immense frustration as traffic congestion hits unprecedented levels. This densely populated area is home to numerous civil servants and business owners who work in Abuja, attracted by more affordable housing. It also serves as a key entry point for travelers coming from southern Nigeria into the capital, earning a reputation as one of the region’s busiest corridors, with queues stretching up to 11 kilometers during peak hours.

The situation has deteriorated significantly following the demolition of the old Mararaba Bridge and the ongoing construction of a new twin flyover on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, as reported by DAILY POST. The bridge was removed months ago to make way for a planned overhead structure, leaving those commuting between Keffi and the FCT in an even more precarious position. Many commuters shared their struggles with our correspondent, highlighting how the construction equipment has narrowed the road, forcing thousands into an agonizingly slow crawl with no viable alternative routes.

One motorist, who spent over an hour stuck in traffic, described the ordeal as exasperating. He noted that the jam began immediately after the Sani Abacha Bus Terminal at One Man Village, just before Mararaba, and persisted until the police checkpoint at the boundary between the FCT and Nasarawa State. Another commuter named Sunny lamented the lack of proper traffic management, saying that only a few officers were visible, leaving drivers to navigate the chaotic stretch on their own. Poor lighting in certain sections also raised concerns about potential accidents.

A female commuter, Nkechi Ikechukwu, revealed that she now wakes up at 4 a.m. instead of 5 a.m. to prepare for work, just to avoid the worst of the gridlock. She noted that Mararaba has always been notorious for traffic jams, especially during morning and evening rush hours, but the construction has made it unbearable. Abdul Mustapha urged authorities to improve coordination with construction companies, provide timely updates, and deploy more personnel to manage traffic. He also called on the federal government to expedite the project to ease the suffering of motorists and commuters, stating that it is exhausting to face such heavy traffic after a long day at work.