Category: News

The Obidient Movement has issued a call for calm, addressing growing speculation about a potential opposition realignment involving Peter Obi. With rumors swirling about possible alliances ahead of the next election cycle, the group’s leadership has urged supporters to remain composed and not to react to unverified reports.

In a statement released on X, National Coordinator Yunusa Tanko confirmed that Peter Obi is actively engaged in consultations with political leaders and stakeholders. According to Tanko, these discussions aim to identify the most effective strategy to advance the movement’s goals for the country. He emphasized that Obi remains fully dedicated to the shared vision of a transformed Nigeria.

The statement further advised followers to avoid being distracted by baseless speculation. It assured that Obi will soon address the public directly to clarify the current political landscape and outline the next steps. The movement reiterated its commitment to core values such as integrity, accountability, and citizen participation, insisting that any future decisions will align with the goal of building a better nation.

The call for patience comes amid reports of a possible partnership between Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. The Obidient Movement’s message underscores the need for unity and focus, urging supporters to stay steadfast as the leadership navigates these evolving political dynamics.

The political landscape of Zamfara North senatorial district is intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the official move by prominent APC chieftain Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi to contest the Senate seat. Shinkafi, who previously vied for the governorship of Zamfara State, has obtained the nomination form of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to pursue his senatorial ambition.

According to Shinkafi, the people of Zamfara North have experienced inadequate and ineffective representation in the Senate since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. He lamented that this has prevented the constituency from enjoying the full benefits of democratic governance. Shinkafi further pointed out that the Senate position has been consistently held by individuals from a single local government area within the district, marginalizing other areas and denying them the chance to produce a senator—unlike what obtains in other senatorial zones.

There is growing clamor from constituents for the senatorial slot to be rotated to Shinkafi Local Government, in the spirit of justice, fairness, equity, and inclusivity. Many believe this shift would promote unity, peace, and development across Zamfara North, which they argue has suffered long-term marginalization under successive administrations.

Bringing decades of political experience to the table, Shinkafi has served in various high-profile roles including Patron of the Tinubu–Shettima Presidential Campaign Council in 2023, National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Secretary of the APGA Board of Trustees, Deputy Chairman of the Matawalle Governorship Campaign Council in Zamfara State for the 2023 elections, and currently as Executive Secretary of Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development. He is confident that his background in both national and state politics will enable him to transform the senatorial zone.

Shinkafi also expressed optimism about the APC’s prospects in Zamfara State, describing it as a stronghold of the party. He predicted that the APC would sweep all elective positions in the state and secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, just as it did in the 2023 polls.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has taken a decisive step toward his next political move by securing a nomination form to contest for the Adamawa North Senatorial seat in the upcoming 2027 elections. The form was officially handed over to him during a ceremony held in Mubi, the principal economic and administrative hub of the northern region.

According to reports, supporters had procured the form on the governor’s behalf before presenting it to him at the gathering. Fintiri, who hails from Madagali Local Government Area, aims to represent a constituency comprising Madagali, Mubi North, Mubi South, Maiha, and Michika LGAs if he succeeds in clinching the Senate seat after completing his second term as governor in 2027.

While addressing stakeholders and party faithful at the event, Fintiri declared his readiness to seek the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the senatorial race. He emphasized his commitment to the party and expressed confidence in his capacity to serve at the national level.

The governor also touched on security issues, particularly in the northern zone, which has been heavily affected by Boko Haram insurgency. He pledged to maintain ongoing efforts toward rebuilding and recovery, vowing to work tirelessly with relevant stakeholders to ensure lasting peace in the region.

In a show of support, Hon. Wakili Boya, the member representing Song/Fufore Constituency in the House of Representatives, praised Fintiri’s leadership qualities and administrative acumen. Boya noted that the governor’s experience and track record make him well-suited for national legislative responsibilities.

A coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Taraba State has voiced strong criticism against Governor Agbu Kefas, alleging that his administration has failed to meet the expectations of the people over the past three years. The group, which also urged prominent politician David Sabo Kente to throw his hat into the ring for the 2027 governorship election, expressed disappointment with the current state of affairs.

In a statement jointly issued by the coalition and the Chief David Sabo Kente Political Organisation, former APC State Secretary Godwin Villannah, who signed the document, stated that the governor’s performance has been lackluster. The stakeholders claimed that the administration has not delivered on its promises of democratic dividends and accelerated development, despite the substantial resources available to the state.

The statement further revealed that Kente played a pivotal role in Kefas’s electoral victory during the last election cycle. According to the group, Kente mobilized support across all 16 local government areas of Taraba in favor of Kefas, even though the latter was then a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This move was driven by dissatisfaction with the APC candidate at the time.

Instead of witnessing tangible development, the coalition lamented that the state has been subjected to failed promises. They pointed to the Ibbi-Nwonyo road project as inadequate and highlighted unfulfilled pledges such as the proposed Wukari flyover, township road projects, and an international stadium. The stakeholders also noted that road conditions in the state capital, Jalingo, have not improved as promised.

The group accused the governor of marginalizing long-standing APC members since his defection to the party. They alleged that party affairs are being managed in a way that excludes key contributors to the party’s growth, while most political appointments have gone to individuals who crossed over with the governor from the PDP. This, they argued, has created an imbalance that undermines the loyalty of existing APC members.

Additionally, the stakeholders questioned the effectiveness of the governor’s foreign trips, claiming that promised investments have not materialized. They expressed concerns about the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections and called for transparent and inclusive primaries that would offer a level playing field for all aspirants.

The coalition maintained that David Sabo Kente possesses the experience, broad acceptability, and leadership qualities needed to secure victory for the APC and reposition the state for meaningful development. They urged Kente to heed the growing calls from supporters to enter the race, describing his candidacy as essential to rescue Taraba from what they termed misgovernance and underdevelopment.

This development signals increasing political tension within the APC in Taraba as the party gears up for the 2027 governorship election, with various factions jostling for control and influence.

Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a former federal lawmaker, has defended his decision to seek political endorsement from Nyesom Wike, the current FCT Minister and ex-governor of Rivers State, for his 2027 senatorial ambition. He stated that such alliances are a normal part of politics and should not attract criticism.

While addressing APC leaders in Edo South on Saturday, May 2, 2026, to formally declare his intention to run for the Senate, Ogbeide-Ihama noted that political support often crosses regional boundaries. He argued that if other aspirants can seek backing from religious leaders elsewhere, he is equally entitled to Wike’s support.

The former House of Representatives member, who represented Oredo Federal Constituency for two terms, reasoned that Wike’s assistance is commendable because it helps a Bini indigene rather than someone from a different ethnic group. He urged people to praise rather than condemn the minister for his involvement.

Ogbeide-Ihama also revealed that during his time in the PDP, an aspirant from the Southeast once approached him for a link to a PDP chieftain. He referred the person to former Senator Matthew Urhoghide, who facilitated the connection, and the candidate eventually secured the ticket and won. He argued that if an Edo politician can assist someone from the Southeast, there is no reason Wike cannot help him.

The APC hopeful alleged that the state government, under the APC, had destroyed his campaign billboards during his previous re-election bid under the PDP. However, he boasted that this did not prevent his victory and predicted an even easier path now that he has joined the ruling party.

He called on party leaders to prioritize experience over experimentation when selecting the senatorial candidate, stressing that his background in the lower chamber gives him an edge. Ogbeide-Ihama pledged to extend his previous achievements—such as street lighting and youth empowerment—across all seven local government areas of Edo South if elected.

Former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu, who also spoke at the event, described the internal contest as a family affair and urged all aspirants to maintain peace during campaigns.

In a significant political move, Honorable Leke Abejide, who represents the Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State, has officially become a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The transition took place on Saturday, marking a new chapter in the lawmaker’s political journey.

Upon joining the APC, Abejide also collected his nomination forms to contest for the Yagba Federal Constituency seat in the upcoming 2027 elections. This step follows his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Friday, a move he attributed to legal advice.

Abejide explained that his lawyer cautioned him about the ADC’s inability to sign his nomination form due to the party’s leadership void after a recent Federal High Court ruling. The court decision left the ADC without a recognized leader, prompting Abejide to seek a more stable political platform.

His defection to the APC is seen as a strategic alignment with the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections. The lawmaker expressed confidence that the APC offers better opportunities for effective representation and development in his constituency.

The Obidient Movement Worldwide has confirmed that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, is currently holding extensive discussions with various stakeholders. According to Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the movement, these consultations are part of Obi’s preparations for the 2027 election cycle.

In a statement released on Saturday, Tanko addressed ongoing political developments and reports regarding the former Anambra governor’s next moves. He emphasized that the engagement process is deliberate and designed to chart the most effective course for the nation’s future.

Recent reports had suggested that Obi might join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) alongside Rabiu Kwankwaso, following a stakeholders’ meeting. However, the Obidient Movement clarified that Obi has been absent from ADC gatherings since the opposition summit in Ibadan in April.

Tanko underlined that the talks are thorough and centered on building a more equitable Nigeria. He noted that as a movement grounded in accountability, every decision aligns with their long-term vision for the country.

The statement read: “These consultations are deliberate, thorough, and guided by the overriding objective of securing a future that works for all Nigerians.”

A devastating fire broke out at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) secretariat in Sokoto on Saturday, May 2, 2026, causing extensive damage to the building and destroying crucial documents and equipment.

The blaze ignited in the early morning hours, spreading rapidly through parts of the complex and triggering alarm among nearby residents and officials. Firefighters from the Sokoto State Fire Service arrived promptly and managed to contain the flames, preventing them from spreading to the remaining sections of the structure.

Abubakar Aliyu, the state chairman of the NLC, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, confirming that irreplaceable files and office assets were lost. “This is a heartbreaking setback for us,” he stated, “as it will impede our daily operations.”

Aliyu mentioned that while the cause of the fire is still under investigation, preliminary findings suggest it may have been triggered by an electrical malfunction. An official from the fire service confirmed that no casualties were recorded and that a thorough probe has been launched to ascertain the exact origin of the fire.

The NLC secretariat, a hub for labor activities in the state, now faces the challenge of recovering from this tragedy and resuming its functions.

The Kano State Government has clarified that no public officials were responsible for the missing N1.5 billion from workers’ salaries. Instead, an investigation has pointed to loan companies as the culprits.

Umar Faruk Ibrahim, the Secretary to the State Government, revealed this during the 2026 Workers’ Day event organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) at the Government House in Kano.

He stated that a committee, aided by an independent financial audit firm, looked into the matter and discovered that the issue stemmed from excessive deductions made by loan companies from the salaries of affected workers.

These companies, according to Ibrahim, deducted more than the agreed amounts for loans taken by civil servants, sparking the controversy.

“The committee’s report, which was also examined by an independent audit firm, clearly shows that no government official was involved,” Ibrahim said.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had ordered the investigation during the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration in Kano, following allegations against a former government official, Abdullahi Musa, the former Head of Service.

The governor had promised that anyone found guilty would refund every kobo to the workers after the probe.

The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) is reeling from a tragic road accident that resulted in the deaths of three students and a staff member, with multiple others sustaining injuries.

According to a statement released on Saturday by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Onen Ebri Onen, the incident involved 24 students and a staff member, many of whom were part of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) executive. The group was returning from an official trip in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, when the crash occurred in the Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The university confirmed that the deceased are: Comrade Solomon Uya, SUG Director of Sports; Comrade Lucky Erim, a Chemistry student and President of the Faculty of Physical Sciences Students’ Association, who also served as President of Presidents; Comrade Favour Darlington, from the Department of Educational Management; and Mr. Anthony Arikpo, the driver and a staff member.

Survivors of the crash are currently receiving medical treatment at various hospitals, with the university assuring that appropriate care is being provided. Vice Chancellor Francisca Bassey, accompanied by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Stella Maris-Okey, visited the injured students to offer support and monitor their treatment. The Vice Chancellor remained with the victims into the early hours to ensure all necessary medical interventions were carried out.

Prof. Bassey extended condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the incident as a profound loss to the university community. She also reassured the injured students and their families of the institution’s continued support, emphasizing that their recovery and welfare are top priorities. The university appealed for calm and urged parents and guardians to be confident that every effort is being made to provide the best possible care for those affected.