Author: Gabby

Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communication to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has firmly rejected allegations that the party’s primary election was fraudulent. Shaibu declared the process credible and challenged those who claim otherwise to provide evidence.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Wednesday, Shaibu dismissed the accusations made by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal. He stated that Lawal’s claims of rigging are baseless and that the burden of proof lies with the accuser.

Shaibu argued that Atiku’s victory was expected because he was the most popular contender among the candidates, which included former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. He questioned the integrity of the allegations by pointing out that Lawal’s preferred candidate, Hayatu-Deen, did not win in any state outside his strongholds.

“Anyone alleging fraud in the election should look at the results and see where each candidate won,” Shaibu said. “If you examine the margins and locations, you will realize it was a transparent process.”

In a striking analogy, Shaibu compared Lawal’s reaction to that of a baby throwing a tantrum after being taken off its mother’s breast. He said, “Babachir reminds me of a child deprived of suckling; naturally, the baby will fuss. He admitted on your show that his preferred candidate was Hayatu-Deen, and he worked for him. His frustration is understandable but not justified.”

Shaibu maintained that the ADC primary election was conducted fairly and that Atiku’s nomination reflects the will of party members.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled political party primaries from June 16 to June 25, 2026, for restored state constituencies in Benue, Delta, Jigawa, and Kogi states, as part of preparations for the 2027 General Election. This announcement was made in a statement on Wednesday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.

According to INEC, the decision follows court orders that mandated the reinstatement of several previously dissolved constituencies. The commission is acting in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act of 2026.

In Benue State, the affected areas include Nyamatsor, Ukum Afia, Konshisha III (Shangev-Tiev), Makurdi III (South East), and Gboko III State Constituencies.

The special primaries will allow political parties to select candidates for these restored constituencies ahead of the 2027 general elections. INEC emphasized that all other timelines and activities from the already published revised timetable will apply to these restored areas.

The electoral body also urged political parties to submit notices of their primaries to INEC before the specified dates, given the unique circumstances. INEC reiterated its commitment to ensuring credible, inclusive, and transparent electoral processes as the 2027 elections approach.

Reagan Ufomba, who previously contested for the governorship position under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has made a political shift by leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the Labour Party (LP).

The move was formalized on Wednesday at Okpuala Ngwa, where Abia State Governor Alex Otti welcomed Ufomba and his supporters. Otti emphasized that this development significantly strengthens the Labour Party and contributes to the state’s progress.

Governor Otti highlighted the Labour Party’s foundation of fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunities, assuring new members that they will not face any form of discrimination from existing party members. He stated, “The Labour Party does not discriminate between old and new members.”

Applauding Ufomba’s dedication to Abia’s growth, Otti noted his backing of the administration’s reform initiatives. In response, Ufomba expressed his commitment to advancing Abia State’s development through the Labour Party platform and thanked Governor Otti and the party’s leadership for welcoming him.

Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has asserted that his party did Peter Obi and Rabi’u Kwankwaso a significant favour by welcoming them into its fold. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Dickson clarified that neither Obi nor Kwankwaso are doing the NDC any service by joining; rather, it is the party that extends a valuable platform to them.

Dickson emphasized that his party has attracted numerous prominent politicians long before the arrival of Obi and Kwankwaso. He cited examples such as Marafa from Zamfara and Binani from Adamawa, among others, to illustrate that the NDC has been a magnet for political figures across Nigeria. According to him, supporting Peter Obi while disparaging the leader of the platform that hosts him is nonsensical and disrespectful.

The former Bayelsa governor underscored that Obi is a cherished member of the NDC, and the party has already designated him as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, with Kwankwaso as his running mate. Dickson stressed that this collective effort is crucial for their shared political ambitions. He reiterated that no one should view the NDC as a favour-giver or receiver; instead, it is a vehicle that offers opportunities for those who join.

Dickson’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the alliance between Obi, Kwankwaso, and the NDC, positioning the party as the key to reaching the Presidential Villa in the next general election.

Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential aide under Muhammadu Buhari, has predicted that NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Rabi’u Kwankwaso could abandon the party if their goals are not met.

In a post on his verified X handle, Ahmad argued that Obi and Kwankwaso view the Nigeria Democratic Congress mainly as a temporary platform for the 2027 elections. He noted that conflicting political timelines and ambitions could create friction between party leader Seriake Dickson and the duo.

According to Ahmad, if Obi and Kwankwaso fail to achieve their objectives within the NDC, they will likely seek another political vehicle ahead of the 2031 elections for similar reasons. He stressed that Dickson appears focused on a long-term vision, not a quick electoral fix.

“It is clear that Dickson is building a sustainable political structure that could position him strongly for the presidency by 2031,” Ahmad wrote.

Public affairs analyst Mahmud Jega has lauded former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson for choosing to establish the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) rather than defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). During an appearance on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ program on Wednesday, Jega remarked that the NDC has rapidly gained a substantial following in a brief period, highlighting Dickson’s brave move.

Jega observed that the NDC has swiftly emerged as one of the three leading political parties since its formation. He stated, ‘It took immense courage for him to take this step. Typically, politicians leaving opposition parties gravitate toward the APC, drawn by its perceived strong structure and financial resources. But Dickson opted for a different route. Instead of joining the APC, he built an opposition party from scratch—a truly bold decision.’

The analyst also commended Dickson’s ability to rally many individuals to support and sustain the new party. Jega added, ‘He made a crucial point by asserting that democracy cannot thrive without a viable opposition.’ Jega’s comments underscore the significance of Dickson’s move in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has clarified that its military personnel are stationed in Nigeria following an official invitation from the Nigerian government. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about foreign military presence in African nations.

During an X Space session on Tuesday, Colonel Rebecca Heyse, AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, emphasized that the U.S. military’s operations in Nigeria are grounded in mutual respect for Nigerian sovereignty and shared security interests. She highlighted that the collaboration is formalized through the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group framework.

Heyse stressed that the partnership is entirely voluntary and based on a bilateral agreement, not coercion. “Our cooperation with Nigeria is founded on respect for its independence. We operate solely at their request and within the agreed framework,” she stated.

She further noted that the U.S. remains committed to the partnership as long as it continues to address common security challenges and benefits both nations. “The U.S. will sustain its support for this collaboration as long as mutual security concerns persist and the framework remains advantageous for both sides,” Heyse explained.

This clarification aims to address any misconceptions about the nature of U.S. military involvement in Nigeria, reinforcing that it is a consensual and cooperative effort.

Security forces in Nigeria have apprehended two individuals believed to be providing logistical support to terrorist cells in the northeast. The arrests were carried out by troops attached to Operation Hadin Kai, according to an official statement from the military high command.

The first suspect, identified as Musa Idi, was intercepted at a checkpoint along the Mandaragirau-Sabon Gari route on June 8. Operatives from the 162 Amphibious Battalion conducted the stop around 2:00 p.m., leading to the discovery of several incriminating items. Among the seized materials were five containers each of Atraforce chemical and Kelisate herbicide, 100 packets of tramadol capsules, and two small nylon bags containing substances suspected to be narcotics.

Military sources confirmed that Idi is now being held at the Abogo Largema Military Cantonment, where preliminary investigations are underway to determine the full extent of his collaboration with insurgent groups in the region.

In a separate operation on the same day, a combined team from the 19 Battalion, 25 Brigade Garrison, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) arrested another man, Abu Aji, at Damboa market. Authorities allege that Aji was involved in channeling supplies to Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters active in the Damboa Local Government Area. During initial interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to his role in logistics provision.

Items recovered from Aji included 19 wristwatches, a large mat, a transistor radio, and two cartons of agro-allied chemicals. He has been transferred to the 25 Brigade headquarters for further questioning and possible prosecution.

The Kano State Government has ordered an immediate halt to all building activities along waterways in Kwari Market and other locations. This move is part of a broader strategy to dismantle unauthorized structures that block drainage systems and mitigate flood risks across the state.

A special 11-member task force, headed by Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, Director-General of the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), carried out the enforcement on Wednesday. During the operation, Dr. Sani emphasized that the government will not tolerate any development that compromises drainage channels or jeopardizes public safety.

According to Dr. Sani, inspections at Kwari Market, Tal’udu, Eastern Bypass, Mariri, and Danladi Nasidi revealed numerous illegal constructions. He pointed out that the original drainage at Kwari Market, which was about 50 meters wide, has been narrowed to less than 10 meters due to selfish encroachments. This reduction has significantly increased the risk of flooding, which previously caused loss of life and property in the area.

The task force also sealed over 40 buildings across the state, including a mosque in Tal’udu for violating planning regulations. Dr. Sani stressed that Islamic teachings uphold law and order, and no one is exempt from following due process. He urged residents to report any illegal structures to the committee and warned that the enforcement will continue until order is fully restored.

“Anyone who ignores this warning does so at their own risk, as the task force will demolish any illegal structure it finds,” Dr. Sani stated. He reiterated that the government is committed to protecting lives and property, and similar actions will be repeated as needed.

Nigerian reggae-dancehall star Patoranking has released a new single titled ‘Abule’, a vibrant track that celebrates his roots and the spirit of community. The song blends infectious rhythms with heartfelt lyrics, showcasing his signature style that fuses African sounds with global influences.

In ‘Abule’, Patoranking pays homage to his upbringing in the village, emphasizing themes of unity, resilience, and joy. The upbeat production and catchy chorus make it an instant favorite for fans of Afrobeats and dancehall.

The track is accompanied by a colorful music video that depicts scenes of rural life, featuring traditional dances and lively gatherings. Patoranking’s warm vocal delivery and positive message reinforce his reputation as an artist who bridges cultures through music.

‘Abule’ is now available on all major streaming platforms, following his previous hits that have earned him international acclaim. With this release, Patoranking continues to solidify his place in the global music scene.