Category: News

Paul Ibe, a spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, who is seeking the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has suggested that National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has been quietly marginalized by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This allegation surfaces amid the recent appointment of retired Major General Adeyinka Fadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security.

The creation of the Homeland Security role has stirred debate, with many Nigerians interpreting it as a potential replacement for the NSA’s office, hinting at a possible rift between Ribadu and the presidency. Ibe, in a post on X on Wednesday, asserted that Ribadu’s office has been effectively sidelined, linking the development to the NSA’s trip to the United States.

According to Ibe, the final trigger for Tinubu’s decision may have been Ribadu’s meetings with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during that visit. He accused Ribadu of publicizing these meetings through newspaper publications, despite knowing that the president himself cannot travel to the US. Ibe’s comments underscore growing speculation about tensions within the administration.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom State has initiated an indefinite work stoppage following the reported attack, arrest, and detention of healthcare workers by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).

This decision emerged from an emergency congress held on Tuesday in Uyo. According to the NMA, the incident unfolded when EFCC agents allegedly invaded the hospital premises during an operation, resulting in the assault and detention of several doctors, including Professor Eyo Ekpe, the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at UUTH.

In a communiqué signed by Professor Aniekan Peter, the state NMA Chairman, and Dr. Ighorodje Edesiri, the Secretary, the association strongly denounced the occurrence, calling it a breach of the hospital’s sanctity. “We unequivocally condemn the invasion of the hospital and the assault on medical personnel by EFCC operatives,” the statement declared.

The association has announced an immediate and total suspension of medical services across the state until all detained members are released and their conditions are met.

In response, the EFCC has denied any assault on medical staff, asserting that its operatives merely went to the hospital to authenticate a medical report related to an ongoing investigation.

In a landmark ruling, a Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Power Minister Saleh Mamman, sentencing him to 75 years in prison for embezzling approximately N33.8 billion in public funds. The case, prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), involved money laundering and conspiracy charges linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.

The court’s decision represents a significant turn of events, moving beyond an earlier phase where the judge had only dismissed Mamman’s no-case submission and mandated him to present his defense. This conviction underscores the judiciary’s commitment to tackling high-level corruption in Nigeria’s power sector.

Further details on the sentencing and its implications are expected to emerge as the legal process continues.

Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a presidential hopeful under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has issued a stern warning that anyone convicted of terrorism will face life imprisonment if he wins the 2027 elections. The aspirant outlined his security blueprint in a statement released on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for a dedicated terrorism court and enhanced intelligence sharing among security operatives.

Hayatu-Deen highlighted the deep link between insecurity and economic hardship, noting that when farmers cannot cultivate their land, food prices soar; when transport routes are blocked, living costs escalate; and when youths lack employment, criminal gangs find easy recruits. He described this as a vicious cycle where poverty and insecurity feed each other.

To break this cycle, Hayatu-Deen stressed that the state must reassert its authority. He declared that under his leadership, terrorism charges would invariably result in life imprisonment, signaling an end to lenient sentences, backdoor releases, and cases languishing in court for years. His statement pointed to recent deadly attacks in states like Plateau and Benue, which have claimed many lives despite the current administration’s assurances to tackle insecurity.

The ADC aspirant’s tough stance comes as President Bola Tinubu’s government continues to grapple with persistent security challenges across Nigeria.

Vice President Kashim Shettima engaged in a confidential discussion on Tuesday with former Kano State Deputy Governor and ex-Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo. The meeting, also attended by Abba Abubakar Kabir Bichi, the federal lawmaker representing Bichi constituency, took place in Abuja.

According to a post on Gwarzo’s verified Facebook account, the high-level conversation centered on the political landscape and developments in Kano North as the 2027 elections approach. Gwarzo expressed gratitude for Shettima’s support and noted that the Vice President wished them success in their political endeavors.

The gathering comes shortly after Gwarzo underwent screening as an aspirant for the Kano North Senatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC). The meeting also included former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, signaling strategic alignment within the party.

In a recent interview, the Secretary of the Labour Party in Lagos State, Sam Okpala, confirmed that the party’s organizational framework remains fully functional across all 20 local government areas. This comes as the party ramps up its activities in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

Okpala emphasized that the party has reinforced its internal systems and implemented strategic initiatives to secure a robust electoral outcome. He reassured party members and supporters that despite ongoing internal disagreements, the Labour Party remains cohesive and active.

According to Okpala, grassroots voter education and mobilization campaigns are already underway in various communities, with plans to broaden their reach throughout the state. He also highlighted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) requires political parties to enroll members via its electronic registration system.

The party began its membership drive shortly after the 2023 elections and has sustained the effort ever since. “We started preparation since 2023 and we are still here today and stronger,” he stated.

Okpala described the Labour Party as a people-centered organization, focused on encouraging civic engagement and increasing voter participation. He advised citizens not to let fear of violence, intimidation, or electoral fraud deter them from fulfilling their civic duties.

Acknowledging the leadership crisis within the party, Okpala expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would resolve the matter favorably for the party. “We are hopeful that as the Supreme Court gives its judgment, it will be in our favour and we will reclaim the party,” he remarked.

He concluded by stating that the Labour Party is optimistic about enhancing its political standing and making a more significant impact in the 2027 national elections.

The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has completed the screening of 107 individuals vying for the party’s ticket in the upcoming State House of Assembly elections. The exercise, which took place over two days, was conducted by the State Screening Committee at the party’s secretariat in Owerri.

Judith Inamoto, who chaired the committee, confirmed that 36 aspirants were evaluated on the first day, followed by 71 on the second day. She emphasized that the committee, along with the Appeals Committee, worked diligently to ensure a thorough process. Inamoto stated that the screening was essential to qualify aspirants for the primary election, which will determine the 27 candidates to contest in the general election.

When asked about the number of successful aspirants, Inamoto declined to provide specific figures, noting that the full details would be included in the committee’s official report. However, she described the process as transparent and open, expressing satisfaction that the aspirants were pleased with how the exercise was conducted.

One of the aspirants, Prince Osinachi Amako, who is seeking to represent Owerri West State Constituency, praised the peaceful nature of the screening. He remarked that the APC continues to grow stronger and shared his vision for his constituency, which includes empowerment initiatives that will begin once he becomes a lawmaker. Amako also pledged to work collaboratively with other aspirants if he emerges victorious in the primary.

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has initiated the appellate process for aspirants who were barred from contesting for seats in the State House of Assembly during the upcoming 2027 polls. The appeals are being heard at the party’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, where 19 petitions have been submitted for review.

Abdul Mahmud, a human rights lawyer serving as the Chairman of the Appeal Panel, informed reporters that the committee is tasked with examining grievances related to the screening exercise conducted over the weekend. He emphasized that the panel’s focus is solely on the documents provided by aspirants, dismissing any claims of factional bias. Mahmud stated, “I’m not interested in your faction; I’m interested in your documents before me. It is your documents that I speak to.”

The development follows the release of a list by the party on Sunday night, which cleared 33 aspirants for the primaries while disqualifying 65 others. Notably, all 32 aspirants aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara were disqualified. Mahmud assured stakeholders of a transparent and fair review process, refuting allegations that the disqualifications were influenced by factional interests.

Mahmud also raised concerns about the conduct of one aspirant, Tonye Tom-George, who allegedly attempted to bribe the screening committee by submitting an envelope containing money along with his passport photo. Despite filing an appeal, Tom-George has yet to appear before the panel.

Meanwhile, Rivers APC Publicity Secretary, Chibuike Ikenga, rejected claims that the screening was swayed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Ikenga noted that Wike is not a member of the APC, despite his public support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, and criticized attempts to link him to the process. Ikenga stated that all 98 aspirants were required to adhere to party guidelines, electoral laws, and constitutional provisions.

Ikenga further explained that the appeal panel is reviewing the screening committee’s decisions to ensure fairness. He added that the outcomes of the screening have been made publicly available at the state secretariat for aspirants to verify and decide on their next steps. The appeal process is expected to conclude on Wednesday, May 13, as the party prepares for its primary elections.

Among the disqualified aspirants who appeared before the panel were incumbent lawmakers Victor Oko-Jumbo, Sokari Goodboy, and Adolphus Timothy Oruibienimigha.

Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), participated in a national training session convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The event, which took place in Lagos, was a three-day workshop designed for national officers of political parties.

Anyanwu, who is part of the faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, was among several prominent party leaders who attended the program. The workshop primarily addressed guidelines and operational protocols for political parties in Nigeria.

The Supreme Court had previously upheld the leadership structure of the PDP, which includes Abdulrahman Mohammed as chairman and Anyanwu as secretary. Mao Ohuabunwa, the factional chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees aligned with the Wike group, stated that the court’s ruling confirmed that Mohammed and Anyanwu possess the necessary authority to stabilize the party’s national operations.

Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, has praised President Bola Tinubu for the remarkable surge in federal disbursements to state governments, attributing the growth to the subsidy removal policy. Daniel revealed that Ogun State’s monthly allocations have nearly quadrupled since the reform took effect, skyrocketing the state’s budget from approximately ₦330 billion during his eight-year tenure to over ₦1.6 trillion today.

Speaking at a midterm assessment event in Ijebu Ode, the senator emphasized that the enhanced revenue places Ogun among the highest‐earning states in Nigeria. However, he cautioned that despite the financial windfall, many communities in Ijebuland have not witnessed proportional improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He urged the state government to channel more resources toward public projects.

Daniel also highlighted federal initiatives in Ogun East, including the planned Federal Medical Centre in Ijebu Ode and the Naval Base in Abigi. He called for deeper collaboration between federal and state authorities to accelerate these developments. Additionally, he lamented the relocation of the Dangote Refinery from Ogun Waterside to Lagos, describing it as a lost economic opportunity for the region.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the senator expressed confidence in his political base within Ogun East, signaling readiness for future contests.