Author: Gabby

Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, who ran for governor under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State during the 2023 elections, has formally announced his intention to contest again in 2027. He asserted that this time, his mandate will not be taken away.

Speaking after submitting his nomination forms and successfully passing the PDP screening panel in Abuja, Odii emphasized that Ebonyi urgently needs capable leadership. He pointed to rising poverty and insecurity in the state despite increased federal allocations, arguing that the current administration has failed to improve living standards or boost the economy.

Odii stressed that democracy requires a strong opposition, and any government that suppresses dissent is dictatorial. He dismissed criticisms about his origins, stating that he is an Ebonyi State citizen first, not defined by clan or local government. He vowed to reject identity-based politics and focus on development.

Expressing confidence in securing the PDP primary, Odii assured the party and his supporters that their mandate would be protected in 2027, unlike the previous election. He called for unity and constructive opposition to drive progress in Ebonyi.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has reinstated 11 aspirants who were previously barred from participating in the party’s House of Assembly primaries. This decision came after the party’s appeal committee reviewed 50 complaints lodged by disgruntled aspirants following the initial screening results.

In a statement released on Thursday, the APC State Organising Secretary, James Ornguga, confirmed that 11 appeals were upheld, permitting those aspirants to proceed to the primaries. However, the remaining 39 aspirants had their disqualifications confirmed by the committee due to violations of party guidelines.

The committee, led by Abubakar Lawal with Ade Adetimehin as secretary and Ahmed Murtala as member, conducted a thorough evaluation of written petitions, supporting documents, and oral testimonies before reaching its conclusions.

Earlier, the APC screening committee in Makurdi had disqualified approximately 50 out of 148 aspirants vying for seats in the Benue State House of Assembly, citing breaches of party rules and constitutional requirements. Reports indicate that several incumbent lawmakers successfully passed the initial screening.

Among those initially disqualified were Wisdom Dominic (Otukpo/Ohimini), Ndiisaa Terhemen (Logo), Ologbo Edwin (Oju II), John Ogbu (Oju I), Patrick Ogwuche (Okpokwu), Ezekiel Elaigwu (Agatu), and Dr. Ukan Emmanuel (Gwer East). Others included Stephen Abanga (Ukum), Aondover Utsaha (Guma I), Shawo Aondoana (Kwande East), Agana Raphael (Oju II), Odeje Okoh (Ohimini), Agbeje Martins (Oju II), and Uko Solomon (Gaav).

Meanwhile, Daniel Ihomun, a supporter of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stated that all aspirants aligned with his political group were cleared during the screening exercise.

Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, who previously served as the deputy governor of Sokoto State, has been selected as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the 2027 governorship election. This announcement was made public on Friday through his former Press Secretary, Aminu Abubakar.

Dan’iya extended his gratitude to party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters for their trust in him. He emphasized that his selection carries significant responsibility and committed to fostering unity, stability, and progress in Sokoto.

He also expressed appreciation for the guidance and backing of former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. According to Dan’iya, the support from party members, youth, women, and political associates reflects a collective ambition for the state’s future.

He described the ADC as a movement dedicated to inclusive governance, transparency, and policies centered on the people. Dan’iya urged supporters to maintain peace and unity as the party continues its political consultations.

Reports indicate that at least ten individuals had expressed interest in the ADC governorship ticket, including former Ambassador to Jordan, Faruk Malami Yabo.

Kabiru Bello Bandawaire, a candidate vying for the Taraba North Senatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has firmly opposed the consensus method being considered for the party’s upcoming primaries. He is calling for open and transparent direct primaries instead.

Speaking to the press on Friday in Jalingo, Bandawaire emphasized that his candidacy is fueled by a commitment to the electorate, not by allegiance to any government. He argued that the consensus approach goes against the core tenets of democracy and cautioned Governor Agbu Kefas against any meddling in the party’s internal elections.

Bandawaire asserted that true democracy flourishes when party members can freely select their representatives through competitive primaries. “First and foremost, it is not about the government, it is about the people. I am representing the interest of the people,” he stated. “On this issue of consensus, I am not consenting to it at all. All I want is direct primaries, and direct primaries should be carried out under a transparent process. The beauty of democracy is that the majority is always welcome.”

He also questioned why a three-term incumbent senator would prefer a consensus arrangement over a competitive primary. “What is the fear about? If you opt for consensus in the primary election, what about the general elections? That is not democracy,” he remarked.

The aspirant further warned Governor Kefas against interfering in the party’s affairs, stating that such actions could lead to adverse outcomes. He insisted that the governor should let party members decide their candidate through direct primaries without external influence.

Responding to statements made during a recent stakeholders’ meeting that primaries are a waste of resources, Bandawaire countered that the party, not the state government, is responsible for funding the process. “The party sold forms, we purchased forms. I purchased a form for N20,000,000, as did others, so the party has the responsibility to fund its activities, not the state government,” he said.

Bandawaire challenged the governor to test the consensus idea by asking the incumbent senator from the northern district to step aside for him. “Since I am not consenting to consensus, let the governor try whether the northern senator will consent to consensus by choosing me, and see whether he will agree. If he is not going to agree, why should I agree?” he added.

A stormy political event unfolded in Obingwa on Thursday as youths loudly voiced their displeasure against Honourable Alozie Munachim, the Labour Party representative for the Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency. The event, intended for constituency engagement, took a dramatic turn when the lawmaker attempted to address the crowd.

As soon as Alozie picked up the microphone, the gathering erupted in boos and chants, with young protesters insisting he step down. In their native tongue, they shouted, “Dede lotuo, igaghi aga ozo, nke igara aga, adighi ihe anyi huru,” meaning “Senior, please step down, you won’t go again, we see no positive impact from your current term.”

Despite Alozie’s attempts to highlight his legislative achievements, the constituents remained unmoved, rejecting his explanations. However, some supporters of the federal lawmaker condemned the youths’ behavior as aggressive and disgraceful.

Kenneth Nzube, a member of the Munachim Alozie support group, remarked, “The youths acted in a provocative manner that could have led to violence. I am pleased that Honourable Alozie kept his usual composure and did not retaliate.”

The Bauchi State Police Command has officially launched a task force dedicated to the Safe School Initiative, marking a significant step toward addressing security challenges facing educational institutions. The move aims to protect students and staff from increasing threats that have disrupted learning environments across Nigeria.

Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu inaugurated the committee on Thursday in Bauchi, highlighting the growing vulnerability of schools to various forms of crime. He noted that institutions have become targets for banditry, kidnapping, violent assaults, cult activities, drug abuse, and other dangers that undermine academic progress and instill fear among communities.

Aliyu emphasized that the command is fully committed to ensuring school safety, but stressed that this responsibility cannot rest solely on security agencies. He called for collective action from all stakeholders to create a secure atmosphere for education.

According to the commissioner, the Inspector-General of Police mandated all state commands to enhance security around schools through proactive policing, inter-agency collaboration, intelligence-driven operations, and community engagement. In compliance, the Bauchi command established a multi-stakeholder task force to reinforce the Safe Schools Initiative.

“We must work together to identify vulnerable areas, strengthen preventive measures, improve intelligence sharing, establish effective emergency response systems, and ensure our schools remain safe and conducive for teaching and learning,” Aliyu stated.

He urged task force members to carry out their duties with patriotism, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility, underscoring the importance of their role in safeguarding the future of children in the state.

The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to rule on Friday on a legal challenge that questions former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to run in the 2027 presidential election. The case, initiated by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, seeks to bar Jonathan from contesting based on constitutional provisions.

During the last hearing, Jonathan’s legal representative, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the suit, asserting that the matter had already been resolved by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. Uche informed the court that the former president learned of the lawsuit through media coverage, prompting his team to file a preliminary objection and supporting documents.

The case faced delays after the plaintiff and other parties, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), failed to appear on two separate occasions. The court had warned that costs might be imposed on the plaintiff for the repeated absences. Despite Jonathan’s lawyer requesting the suit be struck out for lack of diligent prosecution, Justice Peter Lifu rejected the motion, stating that a final opportunity should be granted to ensure a fair hearing.

The judge then ordered the issuance of fresh hearing notices to the plaintiff, INEC, and the Attorney-General of the Federation before adjourning for judgment. The verdict is expected to clarify the legal landscape for Jonathan’s potential candidacy.

Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa of the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Anita Job, a businesswoman and mother of three, to 27 years in prison for her involvement in illicit drug trafficking within the Federal Capital Territory.

The convict was found guilty on Friday on two charges brought by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). She received a 12-year term for the first count and a 15-year term for the second.

However, taking into account her remorseful behavior during the trial, her status as a first-time offender, and her guilty plea that saved the court’s time, the judge ordered the sentences to run concurrently. As a result, Job will serve only 15 years behind bars.

Justice Yilwa emphasized the seriousness of drug crimes, noting the severe impact on Nigeria and the international community. She was particularly concerned that the convict possessed 250 kilograms of illicit drugs, which constitutes a commercial quantity.

Job’s lawyer, Barrister D. I. Badams, urged the court to show leniency, highlighting the convict’s pledge to abstain from drug-related activities in the future.

Peter Obi, a prominent figure in the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has extended his heartfelt condolences to his former running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, following the loss of his sibling. In a message shared on his verified X account on Friday, Obi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event. He described Baba-Ahmed as a dear younger brother and emphasized that his thoughts and fervent prayers are with him and the entire Baba-Ahmed family during this difficult period. Obi prayed for Allah’s mercy, seeking forgiveness for the deceased’s shortcomings and the grant of Aljannatul Firdaus. He also offered strength and patience to the grieving family, quoting the Islamic phrase ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,’ meaning ‘Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.’ He concluded with a plea for comfort for all who mourn and a reward for patience in accordance with divine will.

A new wave of the Ebola virus has emerged in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in at least 65 fatalities, as reported by African health authorities.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention announced the update on Friday, revealing that a total of 246 suspected cases have been identified, with four deaths among those confirmed through laboratory tests.

Health officials have pinpointed the outbreak to Ituri Province, situated in the country’s eastern sector.

Africa CDC stated that it is actively monitoring the situation and has already organized an emergency high-level coordination meeting. This meeting includes representatives from the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, and international health partners, with the goal of enhancing cross-border surveillance, preparedness, and response initiatives.

Ebola virus disease, which was first identified in 1976, is a severe and highly contagious hemorrhagic illness that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.

The disease can lead to severe bleeding, organ failure, and death if not rapidly contained. Over the past fifty years, Ebola outbreaks across Africa are estimated to have claimed around 15,000 lives.

The most devastating outbreak in the DRC took place between 2018 and 2020, resulting in nearly 2,300 deaths.

Authorities are urging residents and neighboring countries to stay alert and immediately report any suspected infections to help control the virus’s spread.