Category: News

A prominent political figure in Zamfara State, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has voiced strong objections regarding the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections within the state. Shinkafi, a former candidate for the governorship position, specifically accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of undermining democratic processes and jeopardizing the party’s prospects in the upcoming general election.

Shinkafi noted that President Bola Tinubu previously emphasized the APC’s commitment to democratic principles and adherence to the Electoral Act 2026, which outlines proper procedures for candidate nomination. He also referenced statements from the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, advocating for direct primaries in cases where consensus cannot be reached, to avoid candidate imposition that could harm the party’s electoral success.

The political aspirant expressed dismay over Matawalle’s arrival in Zamfara, accompanied by current and former governors, claiming a presidential directive requiring all Senate aspirants to step down for incumbents. According to Shinkafi, this directive was issued without any prior consultation or meeting, contradicting earlier assurances from party leaders. He argued that such an order, if genuine, violates the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

Shinkafi warned that the current economic difficulties, ongoing insecurity in Zamfara, and what he described as the undemocratic conduct of Bello Matawalle could negatively impact the APC in the general election. He called for strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the APC’s own constitution, emphasizing that Nigeria should be governed by the rule of law rather than the rule of might.

Drawing parallels to the 2019 elections, Shinkafi recalled that the APC lost all its seats in Zamfara after the Supreme Court invalidated the party’s primaries due to internal disputes and candidate imposition. He labeled the current situation as political banditry, with Matawalle as the ringleader. Consequently, he instructed his supporters in the Zamfara North Senatorial District to boycott the primary process, accusing Matawalle of mobilizing thugs to disrupt the election.

Shinkafi reiterated that he was never consulted about any consensus arrangement, did not withdraw from the race, and will challenge his exclusion through the courts. He declared that this injustice must not prevail.

Dr. Tom FredFish, a young activist, has appealed to the All Progressives Congress governors united under the Progressive Governors Forum to break their silence and actively champion fairness, justice, and democracy. His call comes in response to the challenges faced by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his supporters, who were reportedly excluded from APC primary elections.

FredFish expressed concern over what he described as a calculated effort to politically sideline Governor Fubara. He noted that loyalists were allegedly screened out while individuals with recent ties to the party—those loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike—were given preferential treatment. Such actions, he argued, undermine internal democracy and foster a culture where loyalty to powerful figures overshadows commitment, consistency, and democratic engagement.

The activist stressed that Governor Fubara deserves the same rights, recognition, and protection as any other APC governor in the country. This includes the ability to seek a second term without facing intimidation or political hindrance. FredFish urged the Progressive Governors Forum to take a firm stand alongside one of their own and uphold fairness within the party.

He further called on the forum to organize a collective visit to President Bola Tinubu to demand that Governor Fubara be cleared for a second term and granted all the privileges of a sitting APC governor. According to FredFish, the governors have enough influence, moral authority, and political power to defend democratic values and prevent the normalization of selective treatment and internal intimidation.

“What is happening to Sim Fubara today could happen to any governor tomorrow if leaders remain silent in the face of injustice. It is time for the governors to unite and protect the integrity of democratic leadership within their party,” he added. He warned that the continued marginalization of loyal party members in favor of newcomers sends a discouraging message to young Nigerians and grassroots supporters who believe in loyalty, service, and democratic participation.

In a decisive victory, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Adamawa North. The returning officer, Mr. Wilfred William, announced the results after collation in Mubi-North Local Government Area on Tuesday. The primary election took place across five local government areas: Madagali, Maiha, Michika, Mubi North, and Mubi South.

Mr. William reported that out of 292,070 registered voters, 174,514 were accredited, and the same number cast their ballots. The vote tally was as follows: Abdulrahaman Kwacham received 6,958 votes; Governor Fintiri garnered 160,579 votes; and Hamisu Medugu secured 6,977 votes. With the highest count, Fintiri was declared the winner and elected as the APC candidate for the Adamawa Northern Senatorial District.

Earlier that day, Dr. Felix Tangwami, the immediate past Commissioner of Health under Fintiri, was announced as the winner for the Adamawa South senatorial zone. Meanwhile, the primary for Adamawa Central was postponed and did not occur on Monday as scheduled.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is actively seeking the backing of African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders and members as he prepares for a potential 2027 presidential bid, according to his media aide, Paul Ibeh. In a social media exchange, Ibeh responded to a query from human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong regarding Atiku’s seriousness about another presidential contest.

Ibeh confirmed on X that Atiku is indeed committed to running and is currently consulting with ADC stakeholders to gauge support for his candidacy. He noted that once Atiku secures the ADC presidential ticket, he would need broad support from Nigerians to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his post, Ibeh emphasized that Atiku’s engagement with ADC leaders is part of a strategic effort to build a strong coalition. He drew an analogy, stating that even the mighty iroko tree cannot stand alone and requires other trees and shrubs to form a forest. He called on Nigerians to unite to end what he described as Tinubu’s administration of suffering and slavery.

The aide’s remarks came after Effiong publicly questioned whether Atiku was genuinely preparing for the 2027 election. Ibeh’s response underscores the former VP’s determination to present himself as a credible alternative to the current government.

The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has firmly dismissed allegations that he forced certain individuals on the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the party’s senatorial primary elections. His Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, labeled the accusations as false and inflammatory, characterizing them as fabrications from malicious sources.

Bere emphasized that Mutfwang has never engaged in the practice of imposing aspirants or candidates, a stance he maintained even during his tenure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The governor’s commitment to democratic principles and fair play remains unchanged, and he continues to advocate for transparent and credible electoral processes.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the governor’s office urged the public and party members to ignore the unfounded rumors. According to Bere, Mutfwang has consistently called for peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process, prioritizing the peace, unity, and stability of Plateau State.

Bere further noted that the governor described the reports as baseless and misleading, reiterating his long-standing commitment to free and fair elections. The statement concluded by urging all stakeholders to disregard the claims completely, as they do not align with Mutfwang’s record of promoting democratic values and ensuring a level playing field for all candidates.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially announced Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan as its consensus candidate for the Yobe North Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections. The decision was reached during a gathering in Gashu’a, the administrative center of Bade Local Government Area in Yobe State.

Following his confirmation, Lawan took to his verified Facebook page to celebrate what he termed a triumph for democratic values, unity, and a shared dedication to advancing Yobe North. He expressed profound gratitude to Allah and thanked party leaders at all levels, including the national and state APC hierarchy, Governor Mai Mala Buni, and the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, for their roles in the consultative process that led to his nomination after a successful screening.

Lawan urged stakeholders to embrace a peaceful, issue-oriented political season and assured constituents that the APC would continue delivering developmental benefits under his representation.

In a parallel development, APC stakeholders in Yobe South have similarly affirmed Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai as the party’s consensus candidate for the senatorial seat in the upcoming election. This endorsement followed extensive consultations among party leaders, elders, and political figures aimed at fostering unity within the party.

The affirmation event took place at the Federal College of Education Multipurpose Hall in Potiskum Local Government Area on Monday. It was presided over by the Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Hon. Buba Mashio, and attended by APC chieftains, youth groups, and supporters from across the district.

Bomai expressed his heartfelt thanks to party leaders and supporters for their trust and pledged unwavering commitment to serving the people of Yobe South. He emphasized his dedication to ensuring that the district’s interests continue to receive appropriate attention.

This development completes the lineup of APC senatorial candidates for Yobe State, which also includes Governor Mai Mala Buni as the candidate for Yobe East. The senatorial primaries, conducted on Monday, resulted in the following slate: Governor Mai Mala Buni for Yobe East, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan for Yobe North, and Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai for Yobe South.

The Iranian military has delivered a strong message to the United States, cautioning against any future aggressive actions. Brigadier General Ebrahim Zolfaghari, the military spokesman, declared on Tuesday that if America strikes again, Iran will retaliate with unprecedented methods and weaponry. According to Fars news agency, the general emphasized that the nation remains resilient and cannot be overwhelmed or besieged.

In a statement, the armed forces asserted that due to their firm control over the Strait of Hormuz and the impossibility of reversing the situation there, Washington has no alternative but to recognize Iran’s authority and rights. This follows remarks by Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, who insisted that the Strait of Hormuz will always be under Tehran’s authority and control.

This development comes after former US President Donald Trump revealed that he postponed planned attacks on Iran at the urging of Gulf states, while negotiations were ongoing. However, Trump cautioned that a full-scale offensive could be launched if no agreement is reached.

The campaign team of Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani has officially disavowed the results announced for the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary in Kaduna Central, claiming the process was flawed and did not reflect the true choice of party members in the zone.

Addressing reporters in Kaduna on Tuesday, Cafra Caino, the Deputy Director General of the Zailani campaign, urged the APC National Working Committee, the party’s electoral committee for Kaduna State, and other relevant bodies to swiftly investigate the irregularities and rectify the compromised exercise.

“We are calling for a review of the primary election outcome in accordance with party guidelines and democratic values,” Caino stated.

He appealed to supporters of Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani and APC members across Kaduna Central to remain peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them that the campaign would pursue redress through constitutional and internal party channels.

Caino emphasized that the campaign remains dedicated to internal democracy and will not accept any subversion of the people’s will. He expressed confidence that the party leadership would act quickly to uphold the APC’s integrity and deliver justice.

According to Caino, the primary election failed to meet the standards set by the APC National Working Committee. He described the process as lacking transparency, which cast doubt on the credibility of the entire exercise.

He added that the primary, which was supposed to be an internal affair aimed at strengthening party cohesion and democratic practice, fell well short of all required norms and procedures.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has concluded its House of Representatives primaries, with former entertainer and ex-lawmaker Uche Ogbuagu emerging as one of the winners. The exercise, held on May 17 across all 27 local government areas, produced candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Three women secured the party’s tickets, reflecting the PDP’s adherence to its constitutional 35% affirmative action policy for women in elective and appointive positions. Party spokesperson Lancelot Obiaku highlighted this commitment during a press briefing, crediting party chairman Austin Nwachukwu for the inclusive process.

The successful female candidates include Peace Adanna Nwadike for Nkwere/Nwangele/Njaba/Isu Federal Constituency, Olachi Ndidi Iheme for Owerri Federal Constituency, and Oleka Chinedu for Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency. Other flag bearers are Chief Samuel Christian Onye for Okigwe/Onuimo/Isiala Mbano Federal Constituency, Ikenna Emeruem for Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency, and Joseph Chukwuma Ikunna for Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency.

The party expressed confidence in the candidates’ ability to win, citing their strong character, experience, and competence. The Imo PDP has called on all members and leaders to rally behind the nominees as they intensify mobilization efforts ahead of the 2027 polls.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s approach to Nigeria’s security crisis, accusing the administration of offering repetitive statements rather than decisive action. In a strongly worded reaction to recent deadly attacks in Oyo and Katsina states, Atiku argued that the government’s response has become a predictable cycle of empty rhetoric.

Through his spokesperson Phrank Shaibu, Atiku highlighted that the escalating violence—including kidnappings of schoolchildren and teachers—reflects a systemic failure at the highest level of leadership. He noted that after each tragedy, the president issues the same tired condemnations and vague threats of justice, but no tangible change occurs.

“The script never changes: condemn, threaten, wait for the next attack,” Atiku said. He emphasized that Nigerians have grown weary of this pattern, which he described as “recycled outrage” that has lost all meaning.

The former VP warned that criminal elements now operate with impunity, as the state’s authority has eroded. “When abductions and massacres happen without consequences, it signals a collapsed security apparatus,” he stated. He also criticized what he called attempts to suppress information about violent incidents, calling it a dangerous move for democracy.

Atiku called for an immediate overhaul of the security system, urging the government to prioritize rescuing hostages and implementing effective measures to prevent further bloodshed. He concluded that a leader who only speaks after lives are lost is not leading but presiding over failure.