Category: News

Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has issued a stern caution to Governor Dapo Abiodun, advising him to avoid crossing certain unacceptable lines. Daniel asserted that the current comfort Abiodun enjoys is built on the foundation of his own prior efforts.

Speaking in an interview on TVC News’ Beyond The Headlines with Nifemi, the former governor reacted to the construction of an airport in Ogun State, a project he initiated. He dismissed the idea that building the airport was a monumental achievement, describing it as the simplest phase of the entire process.

“Your Excellency, you will soon be a former governor,” Daniel said, addressing Abiodun directly. “I recall telling you that the young man trailing you everywhere would eventually undermine your administration. I won’t name him. I hope you now realize that many of these troubles were avoidable if you had done the right things. Look at what’s happening in Ekiti State—there are lines you simply do not cross in this game.”

Daniel emphasized his own record of service, stating, “I served the state meritoriously. If Dapo Abiodun is enjoying anything today, it is the fruit of our labor. Yes, he awarded the airport contract, but that was the easiest part. The money was already there. We ran up and down conducting environmental assessments, handling design, acquiring land, and engaging stakeholders with little or no funding. We did everything, including obtaining the license. Does he know what I went through to get that license? How many presidents I had to meet? He came to me clueless, and I handed him the license. He awarded the contract and is now profiting from it, boasting about building an airport. How is that fair?”

The senator’s remarks underscore growing tensions between the two political figures, with Daniel calling for respect and recognition of his foundational contributions to the state’s development.

In a significant political shift, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has announced his withdrawal from the contest for the Sokoto South Senatorial District seat in the upcoming 2027 elections. The decision clears the path for Faruk Yabo, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, who has been endorsed as the consensus candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Tambuwal, who previously served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, was a presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner in the 2023 elections but stepped aside in favor of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. His latest move signals a strategic realignment within the ADC, which also unveiled Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, Tambuwal’s former deputy during his tenure as governor, as its consensus governorship candidate for Sokoto State in 2027.

The ADC’s endorsement of Yabo and Dan’iya marks a coordinated effort to consolidate support ahead of the general elections. Political observers note that Tambuwal’s withdrawal could reshape the dynamics in the senatorial race, potentially reducing intra-party conflicts and boosting the ADC’s chances in the region.

According to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Magaji Mato, anyone planning to buy nomination forms from a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party should think twice. He made this warning during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday.

Mato argued that the Supreme Court’s recent judgment on the PDP leadership crisis failed to recognize any specific faction as the legitimate leadership. This means no group can claim sole ownership of the party without further court backing.

He stressed that aspirants purchasing forms from any faction are doing so at their own peril. If a rival faction or another political party challenges the legitimacy of such candidates in court, they may have a strong case.

The ideal path, according to Mato, would have been for the PDP Board of Trustees to call all warring factions together and seek reconciliation before moving forward with party primaries. However, he doubts this is possible given the fast-approaching deadlines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission for candidate submissions.

Mato warned that any faction acting under the PDP name without additional judicial support will likely end up in court defending its candidates. He concluded that the ongoing sale of forms may serve a purpose known to the faction leaders, but buyers should be aware that their candidacy could be invalidated.

The Labour Party has officially announced the formation of an eight-person committee tasked with screening candidates vying for various positions in the upcoming 2027 general elections. This development was confirmed in a statement signed by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, and National Secretary, Iheanacho Obioma, which was released to journalists in Abuja on Friday.

According to the statement, the committee was established under the provisions of Articles 20(1B)(d), 20(2)(d), and 27 of the party’s constitution, alongside the electoral guidelines governing primaries scheduled for 2026. Senator Nenadi Usman will lead the screening panel, which includes Mrs. Oluchi Okpara, Mohammed Salisu, Mrs. Martina Umana, Mrs. Deborah Yusuf, Chibuzo Okereke, and Dr. Olu Ayewo. Iheanacho Obioma will serve as the committee’s secretary.

The primary mandate of the committee is to oversee the screening of all aspirants seeking nomination for presidential, governorship, and National Assembly seats. Additionally, the panel is responsible for evaluating and recommending qualified candidates for the primaries. Its terms of reference also include verifying the authenticity and completeness of submitted documents, ensuring compliance with statutory and party eligibility criteria, and adhering to guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The committee’s work is expected to be guided strictly by the party’s constitution, its 2026 electoral guidelines, and the Electoral Act of 2026. This move marks a critical step in the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections, aiming to ensure a transparent and credible candidate selection process.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Speaking through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described El-Rufai’s ongoing detention as particularly harsh and unwarranted, especially as Nigerian Muslims prepare for Eid al-Kabir, a period meant for compassion and unity. He called the situation a grave violation of fundamental rights and democratic norms.

Atiku argued that El-Rufai’s confinement represents a troubling misuse of state machinery to target political rivals, undermining the rule of law. He stressed that any government that claims to uphold justice must treat all citizens equally, regardless of their political affiliations.

“The credibility of a democracy is tested not by how it favors allies, but by how it protects the rights of its critics,” Atiku stated, emphasizing that selective enforcement of the law is a form of injustice.

El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since his arrest, and the commission has opposed his bail application in court. Atiku’s call adds to growing pressure on the federal government to ensure due process and uphold constitutional guarantees of liberty and fair treatment.

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.”