Category: News

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has given its nod to the results of the party’s primaries for various positions.

This ratification took place during the party’s 101st NEC gathering in Abuja on Saturday.

In a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, it was clarified that the only primaries not yet approved are those facing unresolved appeals and those that have not been finalized.

The statement read: “NEC gave its approval for all recently concluded primaries for State Houses of Assembly, the National Assembly, gubernatorial, and presidential elections, except for those with pending appeals as of May 29, 2026, and those still ongoing.”

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has emphasized that unity, discipline, and sacrifice among its supporters are crucial for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to triumph in the 2027 general elections. This message was conveyed in a statement released on Saturday by the movement’s spokesperson, Hon. Habibu Sale Mohammed.

In the statement, the movement lauded members who took part in the recent consensus process for various elective positions in Kano State. It praised aspirants who withdrew or accepted the outcomes, describing their actions as a sign of loyalty and political maturity.

The statement noted, “The true strength of a political movement lies not just in fielding candidates, but in the readiness of its members to prioritize collective goals over personal ambitions.” It added that these actions affirm the Kwankwasiyya Movement as one of Nigeria’s most disciplined and ideologically grounded political forces.

Special commendation was given to Senator Rufai Sani Hanga for stepping aside in favor of the consensus arrangement, calling it a rare sacrifice and a mark of genuine leadership. The statement also acknowledged former Governor and Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya for accepting the movement’s decision on candidates for Kano South, noting that such gestures bolster group unity.

The movement congratulated all consensus candidates, including its governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, stating that their emergence reflects the trust of the leadership and members.

Kwankwasiyya urged all candidates to view themselves not merely as political contestants but as ambassadors of its ideals. “They are expected to conduct themselves with humility, discipline, integrity, and unwavering commitment to good governance and social justice,” the statement added.

The movement called on members and supporters to remain united and focused, stressing that continued cohesion will be instrumental in securing electoral victory for the NDC in 2027.

The Labour Party’s Julius Abure-led faction has officially selected its presidential flagbearer for the 2027 general elections. On Saturday, during a primaries event in Abuja that also covered governorship and House of Representatives seats, the party announced Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, its National Youth Leader, as the candidate.

Deputy National Chairman Ayo Olorunfemi, representing National Chairman Julius Abure, made the formal declaration. Ahanotu, in his acceptance speech, emphasized his profound sense of duty and steadfast dedication to Nigeria’s advancement. He declared that he accepts the nomination with full responsibility and an unyielding commitment to the nation.

Highlighting the weight of the consensus behind him, Ahanotu pledged never to take the trust placed in him for granted. He vowed to collaborate with all candidates, leaders, and stakeholders nationwide to fortify party structures, enhance internal democracy, settle disputes, and revitalize the party. He called for unity, reconciliation, and collective effort among Labour Party members, stressing that strength lies in shared commitment to building a stronger party and a better Nigeria.

Ahanotu also reached out to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, urging him to be magnanimous in victory. He expressed his intention to engage Otti as the presidential candidate to reconcile the party, stating, ‘I believe in the more, the merrier.’ He noted that while Otti is governor of Abia, the party is a national platform with structures across the country, not just an Abia project. He expressed confidence that Otti would see the need to work together and invited all critical stakeholders to join hands for the party’s progress.

The factional National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ini Ememobong, has launched a scathing attack on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, alleging that the minister is acting in a manner that undermines constitutional rights and the rule of law.

During an interview on Arise Television on Friday, Ememobong emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy is built on the foundation of the rule of law and that no public official possesses unlimited authority. He asserted that neither the FCT Minister nor the President has the unchecked power to override the fundamental rights of citizens as enshrined in the Constitution.

Ememobong stressed that all Nigerians, regardless of their political leanings, have the inherent right to own property, assemble peacefully, and form associations. He pointed out that even unregistered political groups are constitutionally allowed to hold meetings without interference.

The PDP chieftain argued that any move to curtail these freedoms would be a direct violation of the Constitution and would erode the country’s democratic fabric. He described attempts to limit political gatherings as evidence of unnecessary fear, labeling Wike as someone who is ‘afraid of his own shadow.’

He stated: ‘The bedrock of our nation is the rule of law, which implies that power is constrained and never absolute. No individual, whether the FCT Minister or the President, has the unfettered authority to trample on fundamental rights. Nigerians, whether they belong to political parties or informal assemblies, are entitled to own property, gather, and associate freely. Even unregistered political associations have the constitutional right to meet peacefully. Any effort to restrict these rights is a contradiction of the Constitution and weakens the principle of the rule of law.’

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has renewed his call for an end to destructive grazing methods, cattle theft, and the intentional poisoning of animals. During a statewide address commemorating his third year in office, he emphasized that any action threatening the peace and security of the state will not be tolerated.

Mutfwang declared that his government is prepared to take decisive action against offenders, including those involved in night grazing, underage herding, and the willful destruction of farmlands. He warned that reprisal attacks by either farmers or herders would be met with severe consequences.

The governor also addressed the recent prohibition of motorcycle operations in the Jos–Bukuru area, explaining that the decision was based on thorough security assessments. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enforcing the ban, stating that these measures are designed to protect public safety, the environment, and the rights of citizens.

Mutfwang reiterated that his government remains open to hearing legitimate concerns through proper channels, assuring that all valid complaints will be addressed appropriately. He expressed optimism about the state’s progress, noting that proactive policies are restoring hope and confidence in governance, making the vision of a peaceful and prosperous Plateau a tangible reality.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who also heads the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider hiking the national minimum wage to N100,000. The governor delivered this request during a Sallah visit to the President’s Lagos home on Friday, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other NGF members.

Speaking on behalf of the governors, AbdulRazaq highlighted that several states are already disbursing wages close to N100,000 to their workers. He urged the federal government to initiate a dialogue aimed at adopting this amount as the new minimum wage benchmark. “On the issue of minimum wage, most of the states are paying almost 100,000 naira today, and I urge your excellency, let’s all have a discussion in moving the minimum wage to 100,000,” AbdulRazaq stated. He expressed confidence that President Tinubu would provide the necessary support to implement this change across the nation.

The NGF chairman’s plea underscores the growing consensus among state governments that the current minimum wage is insufficient to meet the rising cost of living. By advocating for a higher wage floor, AbdulRazaq aims to improve the livelihoods of Nigerian workers, especially as many states have already taken steps to increase pay scales independently. This move signals a potential shift in labor policy, pending the federal government’s response.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has shed light on why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu chose to keep the removal of fuel subsidies under wraps until after his inauguration. Speaking on Friday in Lagos during a Sallah visit to Tinubu alongside the Nigerian Governors Forum, Shettima explained that the president deliberately excluded the policy from his public speeches to avoid external pressure.

According to Shettima, Tinubu made the decision and guarded it closely, believing that if he had announced his intentions earlier, many would have tried to dissuade him. “You kept it a top secret,” Shettima remarked, adding that the move showcased courage, audacity, and foresight. He praised Tinubu for prioritizing long-term national gain over short-term political convenience.

The revelation offers a rare glimpse into the administration’s strategy for implementing one of its most controversial economic policies. By springing the subsidy removal as a surprise, Tinubu avoided intense lobbying and ensured that the decision was executed without delay.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has publicly identified a man accused of impersonating one of its officers. According to a statement released by the agency, the suspect is Haruna Mamuda, a former military member who was discharged from service.

In a video shared by the commission, Mamuda is shown alongside his driver, Salifu Olije Mustapha. The footage portrays the pair engaging in activities where they allegedly intimidated young individuals, claiming to be operatives of the EFCC.

Just three days prior, Mustapha was brought before Justice A.I. Akobi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kubwa, Abuja. He faced charges related to impersonation and false representation, as reported by DAILY POST. The driver was accused of pretending to be an officer of the commission.

The court has arraigned Mustapha on four counts concerning these allegations. The EFCC continues to investigate the case, aiming to curb such fraudulent activities that tarnish the agency’s reputation.

Prominent human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has firmly denied reports that she withdrew from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial contest under the banner of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). In a statement shared via her verified X account, she urged media organizations to rectify their headlines, insisting that she never abandoned her campaign.

Yesufu, who co-convened the BringBackOurGirls movement, emphasized that she contested for her party’s ticket vigorously until the very end. She described the primary process as deeply flawed, where another candidate was declared winner despite irregularities. Rather than fragmenting the party over the disputed outcome, she chose to accept it for the sake of unity, especially with the more critical 2027 presidential election on the horizon.

“I did not quit. I did not step down. Correct your headline. Let no media house rewrite history. Posterity is watching,” she declared. She further explained that her decision was a strategic move to prioritize the larger goal of unseating the ruling party. Yesufu added that her focus now shifts to supporting the strongest presidential candidate in 2027, where she believes her energy is best invested.

The Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, Bishop of Awka Catholic Diocese, has voiced sharp criticism against President Bola Tinubu for failing to deliver on key pledges made during the 2023 election campaign. Speaking at the funeral mass for Mrs. Christiana Onuabuchi Ekweozor, mother of APGA chieftain Dr. Augustine Azubuike Ekweozor, the bishop urged politicians to embrace accountability and selfless service.

Ezeokafor highlighted Tinubu’s broken promise to improve electricity supply within two years of assuming office. He noted that instead of addressing the nation’s power crisis, the president installed a state-of-the-art solar system at the presidential villa. “By doing so, the administration has signaled that there is no hope for enhanced power supply for ordinary Nigerians,” the bishop asserted.

He described the move as an impeachable offense in any civilized society, where leaders prioritize the common good over personal comfort. The prelate also decried the escalating insecurity and soaring cost of living, worsened by the removal of fuel subsidies. He questioned the government’s claim that subsidy savings would be reinvested in critical infrastructure, stating, “We see no evidence of these funds improving our daily lives.”

Calling on citizens to remain vigilant ahead of the 2027 elections, Ezeokafor urged them to elect leaders capable of transforming the country’s trajectory. He also eulogized the deceased as a devout Catholic and offered condolences to her family, including Dr. Azubuike Ekweozor, who thanked attendees for their support. The funeral drew a large gathering of clergy, business leaders, traditional rulers, and government officials, including Anambra State Assembly Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze.