Category: News

The Chairman of Hong Local Government Council in Adamawa State, Inuwa Usman Wa’aganda, has raised an alarm over the persistent assaults by insurgents on rural communities within the area.

Hong has emerged as the most impacted local government in Adamawa due to insurgency over the past year, with several attacks recorded in the current month alone.

Speaking at a ceremony held in the Hong LGA headquarters to honor military personnel from the area, the council chairman demanded urgent and decisive measures to curb the insurgency menace.

“Our spirits are low due to the insecurity that overwhelms us,” Wa’aganda expressed, noting that “numerous communities have been uprooted. This situation is especially concerning as the planting season approaches and farmers are too scared to go back to their fields.”

He appealed to the honored military officers to collaborate, leverage their connections, and restore peace to their homeland.

The grand event celebrating both active and retired military and paramilitary officers from Hong was orchestrated by the Huba Chiefdom, the paramount traditional authority in the region.

In his address, the paramount ruler, Tol Huba Alheri Bulus Nyako, thanked God for the courageous military officers from the chiefdom. He stated, “You have brought prestige to us, and we take pride in you. We recognize your efforts, which is why we have chosen to honor you.”

However, the Tol Huba voiced sorrow over the repeated attacks by Boko Haram elements on his chiefdom in recent months, calling on the federal government to take decisive action to stop the threat.

The reception, held at the Hong Township Stadium, drew prominent individuals from diverse backgrounds, including elder statesmen from the chiefdom such as 82-year-old Major General Haldu Hananiya (retired), who presided as chairman.

Hananiya remarked that the recognition given to serving and retired military personnel, including those who lost their lives in service, serves as motivation for greater contributions to the nation.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by his Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Istifanus Babadoke, stated that the honorees deserve recognition for sacrificing their tranquility and sometimes their lives for Nigeria. He affirmed that Adamawa State is proud of these servicemen and women who have brought credit to the state.

Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s former foreign minister, has voiced unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu and his administration’s reform agenda. This comes amid reports that Tuggar’s remarks during a Hausa-language interview were taken out of context, suggesting disloyalty.

In a statement issued Sunday in Bauchi through his media representative, Abdulkadir Alkassim, Tuggar clarified that he never criticized or questioned the president. He described any contrary interpretations as deliberate falsehoods and distortions of his words.

The ex-minister emphasized his steadfast commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, reiterating his loyalty to Tinubu as party leader.

Alkassim explained that Tuggar’s interview primarily addressed concerns over internal party processes in Bauchi State, advocating for transparency, fairness, and internal democracy. He stressed that party members should have the freedom to choose their candidates via credible and competitive elections.

The spokesman noted that Tuggar expressed discomfort over alleged moves by Health Minister Ali Pate to influence the APC gubernatorial process, rather than allowing aspirants to gauge their popularity with party members. Tuggar argued for an open contest where all interested candidates get a fair chance.

President Tinubu has directed political appointees seeking elective offices to resign within a specified period. Alkassim added that any aspirant willing to run is free to comply and seek the mandate of party members.

Tuggar believes addressing grievances and ensuring fairness will strengthen the APC in Bauchi State, boost unity, and position the party for future electoral success. He urged Tinubu and the APC leadership to consider stakeholders’ concerns and take steps to reinforce justice, inclusion, and party cohesion.

Concluding, Tuggar reaffirmed his support for Tinubu, dedication to party unity, and commitment to policies that promote development, prosperity, and good governance for Bauchi and Nigeria.

The prominent religious leader, Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has launched a scathing attack on Nigerian politicians following the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State. In a statement issued on Sunday through his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, the cleric described the nation’s political elite as ruthless and demonic, asserting that they are indifferent to the plight of the people.

Ayodele emphasized that retribution will inevitably catch up with these politicians, as well as religious leaders who have compromised their integrity by aligning with the government and failing to speak out on critical issues. He questioned the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security apparatus, expressing bewilderment that authorities repeatedly ignore warnings about impending dangers.

The prophet stated, ‘Our politicians are heartless and satanic to the nation, and there is no way nemesis will not fight. Even our clerics have failed us, including security operatives. If it were an advanced country, we would have found a tangible solution by now.’ He further lamented that Nigeria seems out of sync with divine plans and that those in power often dismiss genuine solutions as foolishness.

Ayodele also criticized religious bodies such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) for failing to confront the government with the truth. He warned President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to avoid being humiliated out of office. Additionally, he rebuked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for attending a political rally to ratify his presidential candidacy despite the abduction crisis in his state.

‘What is happening is a shame to CAN, PFN, Islamic bodies; God is not with this government, and if Tinubu doesn’t do all that is needed, he will be disgraced out of office,’ Ayodele declared. He noted that the government is missing the mark daily, and the governor of Oyo State has mishandled the situation. ‘The blood of the innocent is crying; it’s a disgrace to the Obas in Yoruba land. They are all bringing bitterness to our land,’ he added.

The cleric asserted that Tinubu has failed woefully on security and warned that if the abducted children die in captivity, the President should forget about a second term. He drew parallels with the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan, pointing out that similar security failures led to his downfall. Ayodele also called on pastors on the government’s payroll to stop their silence, revealing that his repeated warnings about Oyo State were ignored. ‘I had warned about Oyo like ten times in my video; I made mention of schools severally, but they didn’t listen,’ he said.

In a significant political move, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has officially named former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate for the upcoming 2027 general elections. The announcement came on Saturday shortly after Obi was confirmed as the NDC’s standard bearer.

According to reports, Obi and Kwankwaso both recently left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to join the NDC, citing persistent internal conflicts and legal battles within the ADC as their reasons for the switch. Their defection is seen as a strategic alliance aimed at consolidating opposition support ahead of the polls.

The NDC party formally declared Obi as its presidential candidate on Saturday during a convention. The partnership between Obi and Kwankwaso is expected to strengthen the party’s campaign, leveraging Kwankwaso’s political influence in the North and Obi’s popularity among younger voters.

Political analysts view this ticket as a formidable challenge to the ruling party, given the combined grassroots appeal of both candidates. The move signals a united opposition front as Nigeria approaches a critical electoral season.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has taken a major step ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial elections. Prominent figures within the party recently introduced Senator Sharafadeen Alli to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as their preferred candidate for the state’s top seat.

This development unfolded on Saturday evening when a high-powered delegation from the Oyo APC chapter visited the president. The group was spearheaded by Chief Moses Adeyemo, who serves as both the party’s chairman in the state and a former deputy governor. Accompanying him were other notable party stalwarts, including another former deputy governor, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, and former Senator Ayoade Adeseun, who previously represented Oyo Central.

Also part of the entourage were Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, APC National Deputy Auditor, Mr. Gbenga Olayemi, and Mr. Soji Adedeji. Their collective mission was to formally present Senator Alli, who currently represents Oyo South in the National Assembly, as the party’s governorship flagbearer.

It is understood that the party’s gubernatorial primary election had taken place a few days earlier. During the meeting with President Tinubu, the APC chieftains not only introduced Alli but also reaffirmed their unwavering support for both Tinubu’s re-election bid and Alli’s gubernatorial ambition in the 2027 general elections.

Comrade Bishop Amakiri, National Chairman of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), has firmly denied that his party plans to merge with the All Progressives Congress (APC). He made this known while addressing the media in Abuja at the ratification event for the party’s candidates.

Amakiri dismissed widespread speculation that the YPP is considering collapsing its structure into the ruling party. He described such reports as mere media conjecture, stressing that no discussions have taken place on the matter. ‘To my knowledge, no APC member has ever approached us with such a proposal. Why would we abandon our identity for a party that hasn’t shown any unique appeal?’ he asked.

Regarding the impact of the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the YPP chairman acknowledged the loss but argued that it hasn’t weakened the party. ‘His death affected us, no doubt, but it would be wrong to say it ended our rise. The party hasn’t contested any general election since then, so judging our strength is premature. Ubah gave us visibility, and we’ve built on that foundation,’ he said.

Amakiri assured Nigerians that the YPP remains a force to watch in the 2027 elections. ‘We have fresh ideas and credible candidates. Soon, we will unveil a presidential candidate who offers a real alternative to the status quo,’ he added.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has declared that Rivers State has no alternative but to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. He made this known at a luncheon organized by the Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt.

Wike highlighted the federal appointments and development projects that Rivers has received under Tinubu’s administration, urging residents to compare these benefits with what previous governments offered. He argued that the current administration has shown significant appreciation to the state.

The minister dismissed ethnic or sectional considerations as determinants of political support, emphasizing that good governance should guide voters. He advised his supporters to focus on grassroots mobilization rather than media appearances, saying elections are won at polling units.

Wike expressed confidence in the Rainbow Coalition’s political strength, inviting all aspirants for governorship, legislative, and council positions to join the group. He warned against attempts to destabilize Rivers, stating that the state’s peaceful nature should not be mistaken for weakness.

He also extended an olive branch to aggrieved politicians, urging them to return with sincere hearts for reconciliation. Wike reiterated that leadership should be judged by competence and public service commitment, not ethnicity or religion.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has clarified that the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State has not yet selected a candidate for the 2027 governorship election. He dismissed media reports suggesting otherwise, emphasizing that the coalition’s only decision so far is to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking at a Port Harcourt luncheon for coalition candidates, Wike stated, ‘We have not chosen a gubernatorial candidate for Rivers State. However, party candidates exist under the Rainbow Coalition.’ He warned aspirants and their backers against premature celebrations, noting that such claims could mislead the public about the coalition’s stance and his role as a member of the People’s Democratic Party.

The Rainbow Coalition is a broad alliance comprising the All Progressives Congress, People’s Democratic Party, Labour Party, and Action Alliance. Wike explained that candidates from these parties remain eligible, and the coalition’s leadership will decide collectively. He urged grassroots mobilization until a formal decision is reached.

Wike also criticized years of negative portrayal of Rivers politics, accusing activists and media of profiting from instability. He stressed that the coalition aims for unity and development, regardless of political affiliations. ‘God said we must come together for our state’s development and unity,’ he said.

Additionally, Wike downplayed smaller parties like the African Democratic Congress, asserting that only the APC, PDP, and Labour Party have the experience and capacity to contest national elections effectively.

The Labour Party in Akwa Ibom State has officially selected Emmanuel Friday Ben as its standard-bearer for the 2027 governorship election. This decision was reached during the party’s primary election held in Uyo on Saturday.

Announcing the outcome, the chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Daniel Umobong, revealed that Ben was the sole aspirant who acquired the party’s nomination and expression of interest forms. Alongside him, ten House of Assembly hopefuls and five House of Representatives candidates also obtained forms.

Umobong confirmed that all aspirants underwent proper screening in line with party regulations and met the necessary criteria before being affirmed as candidates for their respective positions.

State party chairman, Comrade Lincoln Charles, extended his congratulations to all successful candidates, with special emphasis on Ben. Charles expressed strong confidence in Ben’s ability to secure the hilltop mansion come 2027.

During his address, Charles refuted claims of a factional divide within the Labour Party in Akwa Ibom, asserting that he remains the sole recognized chairman. He emphasized that officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present to observe the primary election.

Charles stated unequivocally, “The governorship candidate of this Party is Emmanuel Friday Ben, who has just emerged from the just-concluded primaries. Therefore, anyone who is not here is not acknowledged by INEC or the Labour Party in Akwa Ibom State.”

In his acceptance speech, Ben, speaking on behalf of all candidates, expressed gratitude to the party for the trust placed in him to contest the election.

The Obidient Movement has hailed Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), as a leader who matches his words with action. National Coordinator Yunusa Tanko shared this view during a Sunday interview on Arise Television, pointing to Obi’s tenure as Anambra State governor as proof of his commitment.

“Peter Obi distinguishes himself by not just making pledges but fulfilling them, and he encourages Nigerians to hold him responsible,” Tanko stated. He was responding to Obi’s selection as the NDC flagbearer for the upcoming general elections.

According to Daily Post, the NDC officially named Obi its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections on Saturday. Tanko highlighted that Obi’s promise to serve only a single term was openly stated at the party level and recorded during the party’s affirmation process, which also included a zoning resolution after his term ends.

“For his supporters, this demonstrates that Obi’s promises align with his intentions, reinforcing his message of accountability and trustworthy leadership,” Tanko added. Following his confirmation, Obi announced former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate.