Category: News

A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, has raised strong objections to what he sees as a manipulated effort to foist a consensus candidate on the party. He argues that this move threatens President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s electoral prospects and weakens the APC’s internal democracy.

Shettima cautioned that sidelining credible contenders through what he terms a “scripted consensus arrangement” could spark internal discord and hand opposition parties a significant advantage in Kaduna Central. In a statement issued in Kaduna on Thursday, the aspirant asserted his strong standing in the race, backed by substantial grassroots support across the seven local government areas in the district.

The aspirant claimed that the alleged endorsement of former Senator Shehu Sani as a consensus pick is undemocratic and deliberately risks damaging the party’s unity and electoral might in the state. He emphasized that Kaduna Central holds strategic political importance and that imposing a candidate would be a gamble the party cannot afford.

“We categorically reject this so-called consensus arrangement. Kaduna Central will not be sacrificed at the altar of political manipulation and backroom deals,” Shettima declared. He warned that denying party members the chance to choose their candidate through direct primaries undermines inclusivity and fairness within the APC.

Shettima noted that forcing a candidate against the wishes of party faithful could deepen resentment among loyal members and create divisions that benefit opposition parties in the general elections. “There is growing concern that internal forces are trying to weaken the APC. Any move that alienates committed stakeholders could hurt President Tinubu’s standing in Kaduna State,” he added.

He called on the APC national leadership, Governor Uba Sani, and other stakeholders to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants vying for the Kaduna Central senatorial ticket. Specifically, he demanded direct primaries, insisting that party members should decide who represents the APC. Shettima vowed to challenge any imposition through “every legitimate political and legal means available,” while reaffirming his loyalty to the APC and support for President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani’s administrations.

He stressed that only free, fair, and credible primaries can preserve party unity, internal democracy, and guarantee victory for the APC in Kaduna Central and beyond.

Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing the Kwara Central Senatorial District, has formally declared his intention to contest for the governorship of Kwara State in the 2027 elections. This announcement comes amid growing speculation about the resurgence of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

On Thursday, Mustapha submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling his official entry into the party’s primary race. He will compete against several other aspirants for the APC ticket in the upcoming governorship election.

In a statement shared on his verified social media platforms, the senator described the submission as a milestone in his political journey toward leading Kwara State. “This marks my official entry into the party’s screening process and represents a significant step in the journey toward building a more progressive and inclusive Kwara State,” he wrote.

Mustapha expressed confidence in his ability to secure the party’s nomination and eventually win the governorship seat. He also emphasized his commitment to engaging with party leaders, stakeholders, and the people of Kwara State throughout the process. “Together, we will continue to work towards the future our state truly deserves,” he added.

The move by Mustapha underscores the intensifying political activities in Kwara as the 2027 elections approach, with the APC aiming to retain power amid challenges from opposition parties.

A prominent figure within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a contender for the Benue South senatorial position, David Olofu, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold its neutrality and guarantee equitable conditions for every political party as the country approaches the 2023 general elections.

Olofu delivered this message shortly after acquiring his nomination papers on Thursday to vie for the Benue South senatorial seat under the ADC banner.

He emphasized that opposition groups should enjoy unrestricted operation across the nation, consistent with the constitutional guarantee of freedom of association.

“INEC needs to stay impartial. INEC should give opposition parties room to function,” he stated.

“A one-party system is not something we support. The constitution clearly protects freedom of association.

“We have decided to align with the ADC, and we deserve the right to function without hindrance in this country.”

The senatorial aspirant voiced strong confidence about his prospects in the upcoming 2023 polls, pointing out that his camp was the earliest to secure the nomination form for the contest.

“By God’s grace, on May 7, 2026, we obtained the form to run for the Benue South Senatorial District election.

“In reality, we are the first to get the form, and I promise our constituents that by 2023, we will also be the first announced as winners,” he declared.

Outlining his vision for the district, Olofu pledged to focus on inclusive governance and representation that serves the people’s interests if elected.

He detailed plans to create the “Benue South People’s Assembly” and the “Benue South People’s Council,” enabling residents to directly influence policy formulation and legislative agendas.

He asserted that representation must always mirror the desires and ambitions of the populace.

Regarding insecurity, the ADC candidate advocated for bolstering existing security structures alongside setting up a robust command and control center within the senatorial zone.

He highlighted that effectively addressing insecurity demands collaborative efforts from communities, local authorities, security agencies, and citizens through prompt intelligence sharing.

Olofu further underscored the necessity of leveraging technology to tackle security challenges, noting that contemporary security threats call for contemporary approaches.

“We need to adopt technology to combat insecurity,” he added.

Peter Adejoh, a governorship aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue State, has raised concerns over the potential emergence of a one-party system in Nigeria. During an interview after securing his nomination form for the 2027 gubernatorial race, he emphasized that no nation benefits from a political landscape dominated by a single party.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold its independence and impartiality. According to Adejoh, democracy cannot survive unless opposition parties operate without fear of suppression or harassment.

The aspirant also appealed to the judiciary to deliver unbiased rulings on electoral disputes. He described the movement to “rescue Benue” as already in motion, promising that his administration would prioritize openness, responsibility, and economic revitalization if elected.

Adejoh pledged to lead an administration that serves every ethnic group in the state equally. He stated, “My focus will be on Benue State as a whole, not just any particular ethnic community. Resources will be distributed fairly across all three senatorial districts.”

Additionally, he vowed to enhance local government autonomy, tackle security challenges, and develop a robust economy to boost internally generated revenue. He criticized the persistent salary delays at the local government level, assuring that workers would not face such issues under his watch.

Adejoh attributed widespread insecurity, poverty, and underdevelopment to the weakened state of local government councils. He pointed out that Benue’s vast agricultural and mineral wealth could drive economic transformation if properly utilized.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency has reached a significant decision ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party’s apex leadership has selected former Commissioner for Women and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, as the consensus candidate for the House of Representatives.

This choice was finalized during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting that took place on Wednesday at the residence of Chief Joju Fadairo, the chairman of the Ifo APC Apex Leadership. The gathering brought together key party figures and stakeholders from both Ifo and Ewekoro local government areas.

According to sources, the meeting was described by participants as a strategic move to foster party unity, enhance cohesion, and ensure fair representation within the constituency. Notable leaders present included former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo; Folawewo Fatiu Salami, the member representing Ifo II State Constituency; and former House of Representatives members Dele Obadina, Adeyemi Adekunle, and Derin Adebiyi, among others.

Following her adoption, Adeleye expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Dapo Abiodun, whom she referred to as a father, leader, and mentor. She acknowledged his unwavering commitment to equity, party unity, and inclusive leadership, which she said were instrumental to the process.

The former state lawmaker also thanked the apex leaders, party stakeholders, and supporters across the constituency for their confidence and steadfast support over the years. She emphasized that her emergence reflects a collective aspiration for progress and inclusive representation, aligning with the ideals promoted by the party.

Adeleye clarified that the process was not about exclusion but about building consensus and strengthening the collective interest of the party and the constituents. She called on party faithful and residents to sustain the spirit of unity and cooperation as the party moves into the next phase of the electoral process. Pledging humility, inclusiveness, and people-oriented representation, she reiterated her commitment to serving the constituency with dedication.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a stern warning to the federal government, urging it to refrain from interfering in the party’s judicial proceedings. The party alleges covert attempts to pressure Justice Nwite into recusing himself from the ongoing case involving Nafiu Bala Gombe.

In a statement released on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC revealed that it has uncovered a disturbing plot by influential figures within the corridors of power. These forces, according to the party, are determined to obstruct justice by compelling Justice Nwite to step aside from the case, with the intention of having it reassigned to judges perceived as more amenable to political influence.

The ADC described this scheme as a direct assault on the integrity of the judiciary and a dangerous escalation of efforts to weaponize state institutions against opposition parties. The party emphasized that judicial recusal is not a tool for political convenience but an extraordinary measure governed by law and established principles.

According to the ADC’s legal team, the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment has not yet been released or formally communicated to the trial court. Despite this, the matter has been scheduled before Justice Nwite for May 8, 2026. The party views this unusual haste as part of a calculated strategy to force the judge’s recusal, thereby allowing the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to transfer the case to more compliant judges.

“This development runs contrary to both the spirit and letter of the directives earlier issued by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, which ordered an accelerated hearing of the matter by the substantive trial judge,” the statement read.

The ADC warned that any attempt to remove the case from Justice Nwite—whether through administrative manipulation, intimidation, blackmail, or coordinated pressure—amounts to deliberate interference in the due administration of justice. It stressed that even if petitions exist against a judicial officer, due process requires that all parties be notified and heard before any decision is made.

“What is unfolding before Nigerians is an alarming attempt to bend the judiciary into an annex of partisan politics,” the party stated, noting that the desperation to procure favorable courts and convenient judges poses a grave danger not only to opposition parties but to the survival of constitutional democracy itself.

The ADC called on the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and all conscientious members of the judiciary to urgently intervene and halt this descent into judicial compromise. It also appealed to the international community and diplomatic missions in Nigeria to closely monitor these developments and impress upon the government that democracy cannot survive when courts are manipulated for partisan interests.

The party underscored that the independence of the judiciary is the bedrock of democratic society, and any attempt by state actors to intimidate judges, influence judicial assignments, or interfere in politically sensitive cases strikes at the heart of constitutional governance. The ADC concluded by warning that Nigeria must not slide into an era where justice is determined by political whims rather than the rule of law.

The national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Sadiq Gombe, has leveled accusations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), claiming the electoral body is meddling in the party’s internal affairs to stir up a leadership crisis. Speaking during a press briefing at the party’s secretariat on Thursday, Gombe expressed his concerns.

According to reports, the party’s former chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, is alleged to have led a group of political thugs to disrupt party activities, prompting police intervention. In response, Gombe defended the decision to suspend and expel Gabam and other officials, citing breaches of the SDP constitution, including misconduct and financial irregularities.

Gombe elaborated that a five-man investigative committee, headed by Air Vice Marshal Bakir Sadiq Gilmour, was inaugurated to probe the allegations. The affected individuals were formally invited to defend themselves, but Gabam reportedly failed to show up for the internal dispute resolution process.

“The committee convened daily for two weeks at our national secretariat. After examining the findings, the National Working Committee set up a white paper committee that recommended their expulsion,” Gombe stated.

He expressed surprise that INEC called for an alternative dispute resolution on the eve of the party’s convention, asserting that there is no dispute to resolve. “Our party has the constitutional right to manage its own affairs. INEC seems intent on imposing leadership on us,” he added.

Gombe reaffirmed the party’s resolve to proceed with its convention in Bauchi, declaring, “We are law-abiding citizens, but we will not be intimidated. No one will dictate to us in our own country.”

Following his recent confirmation by the Senate, the newly appointed Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has outlined a strategic roadmap aimed at ensuring consistent electricity supply across Nigeria. Tegbe replaces Adebayo Adelabu, who resigned in April to pursue his gubernatorial ambitions in Oyo State.

In a statement released on Thursday, Tegbe emphasized that his administration would focus on five critical areas to transform the nation’s power sector. First, he plans to bolster gas supply to increase power generation capacity significantly. Second, investments in grid infrastructure will be prioritized to improve reliability and minimize outages.

Third, the minister intends to enforce accountability within distribution companies to streamline operations. Fourth, he is committed to accelerating the metering of customers to better measure consumption and reduce revenue losses. Finally, restoring financial stability across the sector is seen as essential for long-term sustainability.

Tegbe’s priorities reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the chronic power challenges that have plagued Nigeria for decades. By targeting generation, transmission, distribution, and financial health, the new minister hopes to deliver tangible improvements in electricity supply for households and businesses alike.

In a brazen attack on Tuesday night, armed individuals invaded a student lodge in Anguwar Ninzo, on the outskirts of Gudi, Akwanga Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. The assailants seized several occupants, sparking an immediate security response from the state police command. Spokesperson SP Ramhan Nansel confirmed that seven people were taken, including six from the Faculty of Engineering at Nasarawa State University’s Gudi Campus and a visitor present during the raid.

The police have since ramped up efforts to locate the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. Commissioner of Police Shetima Jauro Mohammed personally assessed the scene and assured the university community that all necessary measures are being deployed for a safe rescue. He emphasized the command’s unwavering commitment to freeing the captives and bringing the criminals to justice.

To bolster the operation, the Area Commander in Akwanga has been reassigned to coordinate on-the-ground activities until the mission is complete. A joint task force comprising the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, military, NSCDC, local vigilantes, and other tactical units has been formed to scour the area. Residents are advised to stay calm but alert, reporting any pertinent information to security agencies to support the ongoing search and investigation.

Intending pilgrims from Bauchi State have been reminded of the critical importance of protecting their Nusuk cards while in Saudi Arabia, as losing this document could lead to deportation. The Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris, shared this warning during a press briefing at his office in Bauchi.

The Nusuk card, issued free of charge by Saudi authorities for the 2025/2026 Hajj season, serves as both a digital and physical identification tool. It acts as an official permit granting pilgrims access to Makkah, the Grand Mosque, and other holy sites such as Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. Additionally, the card facilitates essential services like accommodation and transportation, and can be managed through the Nusuk platform.

Imam Idris also announced a schedule change for the first batch of pilgrims. Departure, originally set for 8:29 pm, has been moved to 4:50 pm on May 7 due to operational adjustments. Screening procedures will begin after Governor Bala Mohammed delivers the farewell address.

Pilgrims were further advised to secure their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) to prevent financial loss. Additionally, they are required to pay for the Hadaya (sacrificial offering) through Ja’iz Bank, with the cost estimated at around N180,000.

Security measures have also been tightened: relatives of pilgrims are urged to avoid parking vehicles at the Hajj camp and airport, as only designated areas are now accessible. The inaugural flight will carry a total of 485 pilgrims, comprising 323 from Bauchi State and 162 from Plateau State.