Category: News

The Chairman of the Riders and Owners of Motorcycles Organisation (ROMO) in Ogun State, Rasaq Shotayo, also known as ‘Sholebo,’ has strongly denied claims that he threatened the life of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward Secretary in Iju, Aleshinloye Owolabi, during the party’s recent presidential primary.

In a statement released on Saturday, Shotayo labeled the allegations as baseless and a twisted version of his remarks at a ward meeting. He argued that a viral video had been edited to misrepresent his intentions.

Shotayo, a key stakeholder and loyal APC member, clarified that his comments were driven by worry over the ward’s sluggish political progress, which he linked to the secretary’s poor engagement. He emphasized that his aim was to highlight issues hindering the ward’s growth due to inadequate coordination and weak leadership.

The ROMO leader noted that he was simply voicing the frustrations of APC members in Iju Ward, who have lost faith in the secretary because of his frequent absence from party duties and failure to attend important events, including the just-concluded primaries.

‘My intervention came from a place of care for our party’s well-being in Iju Ward. I never threatened anyone, directly or indirectly. The circulating video lacks the full context of what I said,’ Shotayo asserted.

He added: ‘Ward members have often complained about the secretary’s non-participation in party activities and his absence during crucial moments like the primaries.’

Shotayo firmly denied issuing any threat, calling the insinuations politically driven and completely unfounded. He reaffirmed his identity as a law-abiding and peaceful citizen who has never supported violence, stating that his political actions always follow due process and respect for party structures.

‘At no time did I use violence or make threats. My words were political, constructive, and meant to strengthen our party, not weaken it. I am not afraid, and I have nothing to hide. I welcome security agencies to investigate this matter thoroughly so the truth comes out,’ the statement concluded.

He urged party members and the public to ignore what he described as a deliberate smear campaign, reiterating his dedication to peace, unity, and the APC’s advancement in Ogun State.

The 35 Artillery Brigade, part of the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division, has undergone a leadership transition. Brigadier General Friday Onu now commands the unit, having officially assumed his new role on Friday.

Brigadier General Onu becomes the 14th commander of the brigade, succeeding Brigadier General Godwin Nwamba. As part of the change, Nwamba has been reassigned to the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs, where he will serve as the Acting Deputy Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, with a focus on psychological operations.

During a formal ceremony at the brigade’s headquarters in Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta, Ogun State, the outgoing commander expressed appreciation to the officers and soldiers for their support. He encouraged them to offer the same level of cooperation to the new commander, highlighting the value of their operational knowledge.

The incoming commander acknowledged his predecessor’s achievements and congratulated him on his new position. He called on all personnel to remain dedicated, uphold professionalism, and prioritize the welfare of soldiers. He stressed the importance of teamwork and commitment to advancing the brigade’s mission.

Godwin Obla, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the founder of the Godwin Obla Foundation, has shed light on why the Idoma ethnic group has never produced a governor in Benue State since its establishment in 1976. He pointed to a lack of demographic strength and persistent internal divisions among Idoma political leaders as the primary reasons.

During a centenary lecture titled “The Political Choices of the Idoma People Since 1950: Context, Consequences, and the Path Forward,” delivered at the Idoma Centenary Plus Celebration in Otukpo, Obla noted that although the Idoma are the second-largest ethnic group in Benue, they have been shut out of the state’s top political office for nearly five decades.

“Since 1976, no Idoma individual has been elected governor. For fifty years, the second-largest ethnic group has not occupied the Government House in Makurdi,” Obla stated. He explained that the state’s political structure disadvantages the Idoma and Igede people numerically, with Zones A and B, predominantly Tiv, controlling 14 local government areas, while Zone C, which is largely Idoma and Igede, has only nine. “The arithmetic is straightforward and merciless,” he added, noting that under a majoritarian electoral system, the Tiv majority has consistently retained the governorship.

However, Obla argued that demographics alone do not tell the full story. He emphasized that internal fragmentation among Idoma political elites has repeatedly undermined their chances. “Time and again, when the opportunity for an Idoma governorship emerges, the elite fracture along personal rivalries, generational divides, and competing ambitions,” he said. Instead of uniting behind a consensus candidate, multiple aspirants often emerge, splitting the Idoma vote and weakening their bargaining power. This pattern of disunity, Obla lamented, has been a recurring theme since the early days of political organization in Idomaland.

He also criticized the failure of successive Idoma political leaders to translate national influence into local development. While acknowledging that Idoma sons have held high national positions, including Senate President, federal ministers, military governors, and diplomats, Obla pointed out that many communities in Idomaland still suffer from poor infrastructure, insecurity, and underdevelopment. “National political prominence, however impressive, is not a substitute for local development,” he stressed.

To address these challenges, Obla called for the creation of a permanent, non-partisan Idoma Political Consultative Forum to build consensus before elections and prevent the divisions that have hindered the community’s political ambitions. He urged the Idoma people to invest more in voter education, grassroots mobilization, and cross-ethnic political alliances that can attract support beyond Zone C. According to Obla, an Idoma governor can only emerge through strategic coalition-building and a development agenda that appeals to the entire state.

Describing the Idoma Centenary Plus Celebration as a moment for self-reflection and political renewal, Obla encouraged the younger generation to take an active role in shaping the future of the Idoma people. He concluded that the next phase of Idoma political history should be defined by unity, strategic planning, and collective action rather than internal rivalry and missed opportunities.

The Taminu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has clarified that former President Goodluck Jonathan’s potential bid for the presidency in 2027 is not driven by personal ambition but by a collective call from Nigerians.

Ini Ememobong, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, made this known on Saturday during an interaction with journalists shortly after the PDP camp declared Jonathan as its presidential candidate in absentia.

Ememobong emphasized that at this critical juncture, Jonathan’s candidacy is a response to the people’s demand, not a self-serving move. He stated, “Goodluck Jonathan’s running is not his ambition but a call from the people for him to run.”

He further argued that the next four years require a focus on healing, restoration, patience, and nation-building, and that Jonathan is the most suitable individual to lead such efforts. “Who is going to do that? The man best suited is Goodluck Jonathan,” he added.

As of now, Jonathan has not made any official statement regarding his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.

The Court of Appeal has delivered a significant judgment, affirming a previous high court order that nullified the ward, local government, and state congresses conducted by the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This decision invalidates the congresses that had elected executives loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, led by Tony Okocha.

In response to the lower court’s ex parte order that prevented the party from holding its congresses in Rivers State, Okocha sought redress at the appellate level. He argued that the high court lacked the jurisdictional authority to issue such an order, challenging its competency in the matter.

However, the appeal was decisively dismissed by the Court of Appeal. Justice Elfreida Williams-Dawodu, in delivering the lead judgment, affirmed the high court’s jurisdiction to issue the ex parte order and ruled that Okocha’s appeal lacked merit, effectively striking it out.

Despite the legal setback, Ikenga Chibike, the Publicity Secretary of the Tony Okocha-led executive committee, sought to downplay any immediate impact on the party’s internal leadership. He reassured party members that the status of the current executive remains intact pending the full hearing and determination of the substantive case. He also indicated that the party’s legal team would thoroughly review the full judgment to determine the next course of action.

Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Kano State’s governorship, has asserted that his party will oust the current administration in the 2027 elections. Speaking after his affirmation event, Gwarzo, a former deputy governor, declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would fail to secure a second term.

Addressing a crowd of supporters, Gwarzo emphasized the strength and unity of the Kwankwasiyya movement, a faction led by Rabiu Kwankwaso. He stated, “We are the followers of Kwankwaso, and through relentless prayer and effort, by Allah’s will, we will defeat this government decisively.” He described the enthusiasm within the movement as a sign that democratic change is achievable.

Gwarzo outlined a strategy centered on grassroots mobilization and continuous public engagement, which he believes will be pivotal in the upcoming election. He called on his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding as political activities ramp up. “We must expand our reach while staying calm and respecting the law,” he urged.

He also advised Kano residents to evaluate the performance of political leaders carefully and make informed choices at the polls. The NDC candidate expressed confidence that the party’s message of a new direction for the state would resonate with voters, leading to a single-stroke victory over the incumbent.

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has officially designated Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as its consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. This announcement was made during a ceremony held in Ibadan, where the governor received both the certificate of return and the party’s flag.

APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle presented the items at the party’s presidential primary and unveiling event in the Oyo State capital. Dantalle highlighted that Makinde’s candidacy received unanimous approval through voice vote, citing the governor’s impressive performance and established reputation in Oyo State as key factors.

The chairman described the occasion as the launch of the ‘Reset Nigerian Movement,’ a campaign aimed at addressing national challenges. He emphasized that Makinde’s selection follows a peaceful primary process and symbolizes a new alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and APM, attracting support from Nigerians yearning for a more inclusive and prosperous nation.

Dantalle referred to Makinde as a seasoned political warrior, noting that his seven-year tenure as Oyo State governor demonstrates a strong commitment to improving citizens’ welfare. He framed the candidacy as the beginning of a journey to the presidency, asserting that it is a response to the nation’s decline. ‘Nigeria’s destiny is at stake and must be reset toward equity, dignity, and prosperity,’ Dantalle declared.

Senator Rufai Sani Hanga has publicly responded after the Kano Central Senate seat was reassigned to former deputy governor Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna as part of the 2027 election strategy.

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, earlier declared that Gawuna would be the senatorial candidate for the district, shifting from his previously anticipated gubernatorial bid under the NDC.

In a chat with local press in Kano, Hanga, the current representative of the district in the Senate, stated that the move was arrived at through internal discussions and is considered fair. He emphasized that Gawuna did not receive the ticket without consultation; party leaders deliberated extensively before finalizing the decision.

According to Hanga, the movement prioritized what would strengthen its political prospects, and he expressed no resentment over the outcome. “Within our Kwankwasiyya family, we aim to arrange matters to secure victory and ensure everyone feels included,” he explained.

Hanga highlighted Gawuna’s political influence and grassroots support as key factors behind the choice. “We recognize his strengths and the people rallying behind him,” he noted. He added that the ultimate goal is for all members to collaborate and achieve a collective win.

Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, who serves as the Executive Director of Finance at the Hadejia–Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu’s heavy focus on developmental projects in northern Nigeria will ensure his re-election in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

According to Kwankwaso, these initiatives are part of the “Renewed Hope” agenda, with the Federal Executive Council (FEC) giving priority to the North-West and North-East regions to enhance regional commerce, agriculture, and infrastructure connectivity.

He is convinced that the visible projects and the president’s attention to Kano and the northern region will translate into substantial electoral backing in 2027.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Kwankwaso highlighted several key projects, including the Kano–Kongolom Road—a 132-kilometre dualisation and construction effort valued at N334 billion—which is meant to link Kano with Jigawa and Katsina.

He also pointed to the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, a major ongoing reconstruction utilising reinforced concrete pavement technology, coupled with improved security measures.

Another project referenced is the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, a 1,068-kilometre six-lane economic corridor featuring an integrated rail line, which Kwankwaso says underscores the federal government’s dedication to northern development.

Kwankwaso noted that the 37.8-kilometre Kano Eastern Bypass, designed to redirect heavy industrial traffic away from Kano metropolis, is progressing and nearing completion.

He also mentioned the Kano–Maradi Rail Line, a 284-kilometre railway project linking Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina, extending connectivity toward Niger Republic.

Additionally, the Ajaokuta–Abuja–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, a 614-kilometre venture aimed at boosting domestic gas supply, industrialisation, and power generation in northern states was highlighted.

On ecological and agricultural fronts, Kwankwaso said the federal government had approved the Jakara–Gogau–Zungeru project, a N47 billion urban drainage and sewage system in Kano metropolis to control flooding and improve sanitation.

He added that multi-billion-naira investments had been made for 16 dams in Kano State, including Challawa Gorge and Tiga dams, along with the broader Kano River irrigation project.

In the healthcare sector, he noted ongoing upgrades of federal teaching hospitals across the north and the revitalisation of primary health centres under the IMPACT programme.

Kwankwaso also referenced the Energising Commercialisation Nigeria (ECoN) initiative, launched in Kano by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, aimed at turning research outcomes into marketable products to generate employment in the North-West.

He further mentioned the North-West Development Commission, stating that preparatory work and inspections for its projects and permanent headquarters in Kano are underway.

Kwankwaso emphasised that these projects are not just on paper but are tangible and ongoing, serving as proof of the president’s commitment to the region.

He concluded that President Tinubu can “sleep with his two eyes closed” because, in his view, the 2027 re-election is assured, with the North and Kano expected to deliver overwhelming support.

Joel Ikenya, a previous Minister of Labour and Productivity, has secured the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State. The primary election was conducted by the faction led by Tanimu Turaki.

Felix Hyat, who chaired the electoral committee, revealed the outcome in Jalingo on Saturday. Ikenya garnered 34,173 votes, comfortably surpassing Dinshiya Usman, who managed only 4,853 votes.

Hyat praised the process as fair, transparent, and credible, commending the state working committee for ensuring a peaceful exercise.

In his acceptance remarks, Ikenya vowed to restore Taraba to its former prosperity if he wins the 2027 governorship election. He outlined plans to shift the state from a salary-dependent economy to an industrialized one, revive infrastructure, and attract more investors to boost economic growth.

The candidate dismissed claims of a fractured PDP in Taraba, insisting there is no factional division. He described the party as a united front working collectively to reclaim power from Governor Agbu Kefas of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Notably, the Nyesom Wike-led faction of the party recently declared Senator Emmanuel Bwacha as its own governorship candidate for Taraba.