Category: News

A fresh wave of discord has hit the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State following Senatorial aspirant Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi’s firm denial of withdrawing from the Zamfara North primary election.

In a formal letter to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Shinkafi dismissed claims that he stepped aside for a consensus candidate during the party’s May 19 primary. He insisted he never withdrew or issued any statement to that effect.

“I did not step down from the senatorial race. I neither wrote any withdrawal letter nor made any public or private declaration of withdrawal,” Shinkafi asserted.

The aspirant accused certain powerful party figures of scheming to exclude him from the primary process. He claimed that aspirants in Zamfara were told President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had instructed all senatorial hopefuls to make way for incumbents—a directive he termed arbitrary and illegal.

Shinkafi argued that such an arrangement contravenes the Electoral Act 2026 provisions governing party primaries and consensus candidates. He warned that the APC risks repeating the internal implosion that cost the party all elective seats in Zamfara after the 2019 polls.

He further alleged that political thugs were deployed to disrupt senatorial primaries in some areas, deliberately clearing the path for an illegitimate consensus. Shinkafi said he instructed his supporters in Zamfara North not to take part in the affirmation of candidates, vowing to legally challenge his exclusion.

He also cautioned that rising insecurity, economic hardship, and deepening internal rifts within the APC could jeopardize the party’s performance in the 2027 general elections in the state.

The Nigerian Presidency has swiftly refuted claims circulating in certain quarters that President Bola Tinubu is plotting a constitutional amendment to rename the country as the United States of Nigeria. In a statement released on Thursday, the administration labeled the reports as baseless and fabricated, urging the public to disregard them entirely.

Bayo Onanuga, a media aide to President Tinubu, categorically denied the allegations, which also suggested a move to abolish Sharia Law in the northern region. Onanuga described the story, which relied on unnamed sources, as a deliberate attempt by certain political actors to sow discord and destabilize the nation ahead of upcoming elections.

He emphasized that the president has no intention of submitting any bill titled “Project True Federation” to the National Assembly, contrary to the false claims. Instead, Tinubu remains fully committed to advancing the economic reforms already initiated by his administration and delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians.

Onanuga cautioned citizens to be vigilant against consuming fake news, especially as political campaigns intensify leading up to the general elections scheduled for January 2026. He reiterated that the presidency is focused on governance and not on divisive agenda.

During a press conference in Abuja marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, Rear Admiral Akinola Olatunde, the Chief of Policy and Plans at Naval Headquarters, outlined several pressing issues the force has encountered over its decades of service. Primarily, advancements in technology and research have emerged as critical areas needing improvement.

Olatunde explained that the Navy has evolved significantly from its early focus on simple policing to embracing broader diplomatic and military roles. He highlighted how the institution has grown from a small coastal patrol unit into a powerful symbol of national strength, regional stability, and global maritime capability, all through adaptability and strategic planning.

The Nigerian Navy was officially formed on June 1, 1956, initially called the Naval Defence Force. It started with 250 personnel and 11 ships transferred from the Royal Navy’s Colonial Marine Department. By 1958, it became the Royal Nigerian Navy, losing the ‘Royal’ prefix when Nigeria became a republic in 1963. The modern structure was legally established by Parliament in 1964, with Commodore JEA Wey becoming the first Nigerian to lead the force.

Olatunde pointed out specific areas where the Navy lags, such as cyber capabilities and adapting to new types of crime, like drug trafficking from neighboring countries. He also mentioned the challenge of autonomous systems, including drones. Regarding submarines, he noted that current threat assessments for Africa, up to 2030, do not prioritize underwater threats, but this is under constant review.

The officer emphasized the desire to be more independent in military production, recalling lessons from the Civil War. He stated that the Navy aims to improve self-sufficiency in shipbuilding, record systems, and other technology-driven fields to avoid reliance on foreign procurement during crises.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has urged young people to look beyond academic qualifications and prioritize acquiring digital proficiency to thrive in today’s economy. Speaking on Wednesday at the launch of the Techrise Cohort 3 programme, Otti said mere certificates are no longer enough to secure employment or sustain a career.

The governor, represented by Commissioner Uzor Nwachukwu, addressed 850 youths enrolled in the three-month training initiative. He emphasized that the programme aims to equip participants with entrepreneurial and innovative abilities, enabling them to become job creators rather than job seekers.

According to Otti, the modern workplace demands deep competence and practical problem-solving skills. He advised the youths to focus on building expertise in technology rather than relying solely on paper qualifications.

Permanent Secretary Oge Maduka explained that the training covers artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, product design, software development, data engineering, and other emerging tech fields. She noted that these skills are critical for the participants to succeed in a competitive global environment.

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State and leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has firmly rejected allegations that he is covertly collaborating with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in preparation for the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking during an interview on Global TV, Kwankwaso labeled those spreading the rumour as individuals lacking political understanding. He stated, “Only fools would think we are working for Tinubu. My supporters and I are dedicated to the NDC and to advancing what we believe will benefit Nigerians.”

The NDC chief acknowledged that he has a longstanding friendship with President Tinubu, but emphasized that this does not translate into political alignment. According to Kwankwaso, while their relationship spans many years, they remain in distinct political camps.

Kwankwaso also criticized certain presidential aides, accusing them of shielding Tinubu from the real situation in Nigeria. He claimed that instead of tackling the nation’s economic and security crises, these aides are more focused on wooing governors and politicians to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Regarding his coalition with Peter Obi, Kwankwaso explained that the decision came after extensive consultations and political analysis. They deemed Obi the strongest candidate from southern Nigeria. He added that the coalition has ample time before the 2027 elections to engage with Nigerians and dispel the false narratives being spread against them.

Kwankwaso reaffirmed that the alliance is committed to delivering quality leadership and offering Nigerians a viable alternative to the current challenges facing the country.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially sanctioned the candidacy of Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, a former governor of Gombe State, to run for re-election in the upcoming 2027 National Assembly primaries. This development, confirmed by the party’s screening committee, paves the way for Dankwambo to seek another term representing Gombe North in the Senate.

Dankwambo, who currently holds the Gombe North senatorial seat, was among a list of aspirants whose bids were approved by the PDP ahead of the primaries. The party’s decision comes amidst heightened political activity in the senatorial district, particularly following reports that Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has also been cleared to vie for the same seat after serving his term as governor.

The PDP’s clearance was conveyed in an official communication from the party’s Gombe State Secretariat addressed to the National Chairman, routed through the National Organising Secretary. The document included a roster of screened candidates for both Senate and House of Representatives positions. Signatories to the letter included Mohammed Dan’azumi Adamu, chairman of the Screening Committee; Musa Abubakar, committee secretary; and Alhaji Adamu Abubakar, the PDP state secretary.

According to the document, other cleared senatorial aspirants are Anthony Siyako Yaro for Gombe South and Aliyu Hammadu for Gombe Central. For the House of Representatives, the party gave the green light to Gidado Alhaji Lawanti for Akko Federal Constituency, Mohammed Lamido for Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency, and Dr. Obed Paul Shehu for Kaltungo/Shongom Federal Constituency. Additionally, Dr. Nasir Ibrahim was cleared for Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, Shuaibu Umar Galadima for Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency, and Rambi Ibrahim Ayala for Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship primary election in Plateau State faced significant delays on Thursday due to the late arrival of voting materials. As of 1 PM, several local government areas were yet to commence the exercise.

In Jos North and Jos South, party members and officials were still waiting for the necessary materials to begin accreditation and voting. Despite the setback, supporters gathered at designated centers across the state, hopeful that the primary would proceed.

Plateau State ADC chairman Hannatu Gagara confirmed the delay in a phone interview, citing logistical challenges. “We are still expecting the arrival of electoral materials, but we remain optimistic that the election will hold today,” she stated.

Party faithful remained patient, awaiting further directives from officials, as anticipation for the governorship primary continued to build across Plateau State.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State has formally endorsed incumbent Governor Nasir Idris as its flag bearer for the upcoming 2027 governorship election. This endorsement was delivered during the party’s primary election held at the Haliru Abdu Stadium in Birnin Kebbi, drawing delegates and party faithful from across the state’s 225 wards.

Abdulmalik Mahmud, who chaired the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee, made the announcement. Mahmud, a former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, emphasized that the committee’s role was to conduct the primary and affirm the collective decision of the party members.

Following the affirmation, Governor Idris expressed gratitude and accepted the nomination. He vowed to intensify development efforts across the state if re-elected in 2027. Idris also extended his appreciation to party leaders and former governors for their unwavering support and participation in the exercise.

The primary was a well-attended event, witnessing the presence of delegates from all political wards, alongside notable APC stakeholders and former state governors.

Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi has declared that his victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for Osun West will fortify the party for upcoming electoral contests. Speaking to journalists and supporters after the primary, which covered the entire Osun West Senatorial District, Ogunbiyi emphasized the significance of his win.

Official results from the primary, released by DAILY POST, showed Ogunbiyi securing 30,651 votes, far ahead of his rivals. Gafar Akintayo garnered 1,456 votes, while Chief Peter Apata managed only 14 votes. The businessman described the outcome across all 110 wards as a clear endorsement of his appeal and acceptance among APC members in the region.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, APC stalwart Bisi Akande, and other party leaders for their backing during the primary process. Ogunbiyi also thanked APC members in the district for placing their trust in him through the election.

He praised his fellow aspirants for their sportsmanship, noting that their conduct reflected maturity, unity, and dedication to the party’s advancement. According to Ogunbiyi, ‘My emergence as the party’s senatorial candidate will strengthen our party for success in the forthcoming governorship election and the 2027 general election.’

The APC flagbearer urged supporters and party members across Osun West to stay united and collaborate to secure victory in future polls. He pledged to uphold APC’s values through quality representation, integrity, and devoted service, while also backing the governorship ambition of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.

A former media aide to late President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, recently asserted that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso surpasses Peter Obi in strategic planning and accommodative politics. Ahmad emphasized that Kwankwaso’s approach demonstrates the distinction between structure-based politics and popularity-driven campaigns.

Reacting to a post by X user @KafinHausaa, which suggested that Kwankwaso is now focused on selling his red ideology to Southerners for quick gains, Ahmad countered that Kwankwaso has shown greater political astuteness. He noted that Kwankwaso promptly opened his doors to Obi’s supporters, leveraging their numbers to strengthen his own political network and extend his influence across regions.

According to Ahmad, this move highlights a fundamental difference: Kwankwaso builds his political machine around solid structures, while Obi relies mainly on popular appeal. He wrote on X that Kwankwaso appears more strategic and inclusive, welcoming Obi’s followers to expand his base.

The comments come shortly after both Obi and Kwankwaso defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. This development has sparked discussions about their contrasting political styles and potential impact on the opposition coalition.