Category: News

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has strongly criticized Rabiu Kwankwaso, the running mate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, for drawing parallels between himself and revered northern figures like the late Sarduana of Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello, and Aminu Kano. Tukur Mohammed-Baba, the ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, made this known during an interview on Arise Television.

Mohammed-Baba described Kwankwaso’s remarks as inappropriate and misplaced, noting that the politician’s claim to being a ‘new Messiah’ for the North is both irrelevant and delusional. According to him, Kwankwaso cannot be compared to historical icons who operated in their own unique contexts and eras.

The ACF scribe further stated that such statements would make Kwankwaso appear irrelevant in the eyes of northerners, who hold the legacies of Sarduana and Aminu Kano in high esteem. He emphasized that comparing oneself to these figures is a grave error, as their contributions to the region’s development remain unparalleled.

Kwankwaso recently sparked controversy by likening himself to the late leaders, positioning himself as a transformative figure for the North. However, the ACF has dismissed this as a misguided attempt to gain political traction.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has issued a stark warning to Nigerians regarding the 2027 presidential election. He cautioned against supporting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing a possible Atiku presidency as a destructive ‘hurricane’ that would devastate the country.

Speaking on Monday during an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today program, Lawal stated, ‘I am trying to protect you from the impending storm. Atiku’s hurricane will devour you; it will swallow you whole.’ He emphasized that electing Atiku could lead to catastrophic consequences for the nation.

Lawal further expressed his preference between the two major contenders, saying that if forced to choose between Atiku and President Bola Tinubu, he would select Tinubu without hesitation. ‘As problematic as Tinubu’s current administration may be, he would still make a far better president than Atiku,’ he asserted.

The relationship between Atiku and Babachir Lawal soured following the ADC primary elections, according to DAILY POST reports. Lawal’s comments come amid growing political tensions as the 2027 elections approach.

The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has designated Princess Oforitsenere Emiko as the Interim Chairman of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) Governing Board. This decision forms part of the Commission’s strategy to revitalize the Institute for the evolving communications landscape and digital economy in Nigeria.

Joining her on the board are Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, both serving as interim board members. They will collaborate with President/CEO Mr. David Daser and other board members with unexpired tenures to spearhead the Institute’s transformation.

Founded by the NCC in May 2004, DBI was initially established as a specialized training hub for telecommunications and IT. Over two decades, the sector has evolved from telecommunications into a dynamic digital economy where rapid technological advancements demand continuous specialized training. Communications infrastructure has become pivotal to national sovereignty and oversight, making the advancement of communications and digital economy a strategic priority.

Nigeria’s youthful population, with 70% under 30, underscores the urgency of this transformation. The revamped DBI aims to empower young people with advanced technical skills, bridging the capability gap that slows technology adoption across the communications sector and broader digital economy.

The repositioned Institute will focus on five key areas: Education and Training, Research and Development, Innovation, Economic Impact and Growth, and Emerging Policy and Regulation. The strategy was developed through extensive consultations beyond the NCC and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, including engagements with the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

The labor movement in Nigeria is mourning the loss of Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke, Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), who passed away in Geneva following a short illness. He was part of the Nigerian delegation to the 114th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) when he fell ill and was rushed for medical care, but unfortunately did not survive.

An official from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) confirmed his death, describing Adeleke as a passionate trade unionist who fought tirelessly for workers’ rights. The NLC released a statement expressing profound grief over the demise of their colleague, who was widely respected across the labor community.

Adeleke, a member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), dedicated his career to advocating for improved working conditions and social justice. As chairman of the Lagos JNC, he spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at safeguarding the welfare of employees in the state.

The passing of Comrade Adeleke occurred during his participation in the International Labour Conference, a key event where global labor leaders convene to discuss workplace issues and standards. His commitment to decent work and fair treatment for all workers remained unwavering until his final days.

A prominent Plateau State cleric, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, has sounded a fresh alarm over what he describes as renewed death threats and a bounty placed on his head by Islamist extremists. Dachomo, who leads the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, made the disclosure on his X handle on Monday, stating that he and two other pastors are now marked targets for speaking out against the government.

Returning to Nigeria after a medical trip to India, the clergyman expressed shock that threats against him have escalated, with extremists increasing a previously announced bounty and urging Muslims to hunt him down. “They have marked me for death because I speak the truth,” he wrote, acknowledging that while he fears death as a human, his resolve remains unshaken.

He lamented that his sole offense is advocating for the voiceless, which has made him a prime target for terrorists. Yet, Dachomo insists he cannot abandon his congregation. “My name has become a target, my life has been priced by men who hate the truth. But even with the threats and fear, I cannot abandon my people,” he stated.

In an emotional appeal, Dachomo described the daily terror he faces: waking up unsure if he will see another sunset, sleeping without certainty about tomorrow. He questioned how he could remain silent while innocent people suffer, widows mourn, children become orphans, and families are buried in grief. “I have seen mothers weep over lifeless children; I have heard little boys and girls ask heartbreaking questions—where is my father, why did they kill my mother, when is she coming back? Their tears have become mine, their pain is my burden,” he said.

Admitting fear, Dachomo referenced scripture, saying God has not given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). He drew strength from Matthew 5:10, which pronounces blessings on those persecuted for righteousness’ sake. “The path of truth has never been easy. Prophets, apostles, and even our Savior suffered, yet they stood firm, knowing darkness cannot overcome light,” he added.

The clergyman noted that while some days the burden feels heavy, he finds solace in Isaiah 41:10, which promises divine strength and help. “If speaking for the voiceless makes me a target, I will continue to speak. If standing with the oppressed puts my life at risk, I will continue to stand. If defending my people means carrying a cross of persecution, by God’s grace I will carry it,” he concluded.

Dachomo reaffirmed his commitment to every child who has lost a parent, every mother who cries alone, every father taken from his family, and every believer suffering for their faith. “They may threaten us, try to silence us, put a reward on our heads, but our hope is in God. As long as He gives us breath, we will stand with our people, speak truth, comfort the brokenhearted, and shine His light in the darkness,” he said.

In a world where conflict robs children of their innocence, the media emerges as a powerful guardian. The Canadian High Commission recently underscored the urgent need for a united front—governments, communities, civil society, security forces, and journalists—to shield minors from the horrors of armed groups. Omar Alihashi, a political counsellor at the Commission in Nigeria, highlighted that the perils go beyond immediate violence, reaching into the realms of education, mental health, and future prospects. He stressed that journalists, through ethical and sensitive reporting, can illuminate the struggles of these young victims while protecting their rights.

Offiong Nsa, the Dallaire Institute’s country representative in Nigeria, framed child recruitment as a grave human rights abuse. She argued that public perception must evolve, viewing these children not as wrongdoers but as future peacemakers. Ethical reporting, she noted, can dismantle hidden recruitment networks and foster policy change. By prioritizing accuracy and compassion, the media can transform stories into catalysts for protection and peace.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Professor Tukur Mohammed-Baba, has expressed strong doubts that Peter Obi, the presidential flagbearer of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), will match his 2023 election showing in the 2027 polls.

In an interview on Arise News, Mohammed-Baba noted that the political landscape has shifted dramatically since the last election, with Obi switching parties multiple times—a factor that undermines his credibility. He argued that while Obi performed impressively in 2023, subsequent events have eroded his support base.

The Arewa Forum official also questioned the viability of Obi’s running mate, Engr Rabiu Kwankwaso, who delivered Kano State in 2023 under the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP). Mohammed-Baba expressed scepticism about Kwankwaso’s ability to replicate that feat in 2027, pointing to some of his recent controversial statements.

Mohammed-Baba criticised the prevailing trend of personality-driven politics, saying that personal ambition often overshadows service to the electorate. He stressed that in a nation of over 220 million people, individual desires for power must translate into tangible benefits for citizens. He recounted conversations with ordinary Nigerians who feel abandoned and rely solely on divine intervention, noting that prayer must be complemented by concrete action.

He remarked, “Peter Obi made significant inroads in 2023, but I think his support has been weakened by his actions since then. Given his party hopping—at least two or three times—voters are left wondering about his true intentions. I will be very surprised if he achieves the same level of performance in 2027.”

Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has reaffirmed his stance that despite the challenges under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, it remains a superior alternative to what an Atiku Abubakar-led government would entail. Speaking on Monday during Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ program, Lawal argued that Tinubu’s performance, while imperfect, is preferable to the potential consequences of an Atiku presidency.

Drawing a sharp analogy, Lawal stated, “When you are between the devil and the devil and you must go somewhere, what you do is look for a lesser devil, because even in the satanic world, devils have categories.” This remark underscores his belief that both options are flawed, but Tinubu’s leadership is the comparatively better choice.

Lawal’s criticism of Atiku is not new. He recently exited the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleging that the party’s primary that produced Atiku was massively rigged. This move signals his deepening rift with the former vice president and his preference for Tinubu’s leadership despite current hardships.

According to reports, Babachir Lawal has previously claimed he can directly solicit funds from Tinubu when needed, further highlighting his alignment with the president. His latest comments add to the ongoing political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections, where Tinubu and Atiku are expected to be key contenders.

Bashir Ahmad, who previously served as a media assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari, has expressed that Rabi’u Kwankwaso, the Vice-Presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), cannot remain in any political party where he lacks full authority, especially over the Kano State chapter.

In a statement shared on his verified X account on Monday, Ahmad commented on the recent turmoil within the NDC in the North West region, particularly in Kano State, where some candidates were substituted. The changes were reportedly intended to enforce a power-sharing arrangement among factions of the Kwankwasiyya Movement ahead of the 2027 elections.

Ahmad noted that he has often stated that Kwankwaso finds it difficult to stay in a party where he does not have absolute control. He pointed out that this was a key reason why Kwankwaso left the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2018, even though the APC offered a strong platform for his political ambitions. According to Ahmad, Kwankwaso has always prioritized maintaining unchallenged dominance over the party machinery in Kano, considering it a non-negotiable requirement.

The Kwankwasiyya movement has firmly denied widespread online speculation that its leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is preparing to leave the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, the movement’s spokesperson, Habeeb Saleh Mohammed, categorically labeled the rumors as baseless and misleading.

Mohammed emphasized that the group adhered strictly to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines during its recent primaries. “We conducted our primaries on the 29th of last month nationwide, following all legal requirements. Before that, we held consensus-building processes, and candidates were chosen for every position without any grievances from any party members or contestants,” he explained.

He confirmed that the exercise was completed successfully and the results have already been submitted to the party hierarchy for ratification. According to Mohammed, the party will now proceed with the next steps as per protocol.

The spokesperson further stressed that the notion of Kwankwaso abandoning the party was never discussed within the movement. “At no point did we talk about our leader leaving the NDC. That is our firm position,” Mohammed stated.

He urged the public to ignore the unfounded reports, insisting that the movement remains cohesive and dedicated to its objectives. The denial comes amid social media chatter that Kwankwaso was threatening to withdraw his support base from the NDC over an alleged breach of a power-sharing agreement.

Reports had claimed that the party’s national leadership replaced several candidates nominated by the Kwankwasiyya faction in Kano State, violating a 60/40 power-sharing deal that was supposed to benefit Kwankwaso’s bloc. Earlier, a viral story suggested that the NDC vice-presidential candidate was on the verge of quitting the party in protest against the rejection of his consensus list from Kano.