Category: News

Nuru Garwa, once a Special Adviser on Community Development to Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, has been taken into custody on suspicion of collaborating with a kidnapping ring in the region. The news came to light via a social media post from Zagazola Makama, a well-known security analyst focused on the Lake Chad area.

According to Makama, Garwa—who had recently stepped down from his position to run for a seat in the State House of Assembly—was picked up on May 24 as part of an inquiry into the abduction of an eight-year-old child. The boy was snatched on May 13 while heading back from a Quranic school.

The abductors initially asked for N50 million in ransom, but after negotiations, the sum was cut to N17 million, which the family eventually paid. Following the payment, the family alerted the Violent Crime Response Unit in Katsina, prompting a covert investigation.

On May 23, six individuals believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate were apprehended. Their questioning led authorities to Garwa, who is alleged to be the mastermind. A search of his home uncovered N7.5 million in cash hidden inside a Ghana-Must-Go bag, which is thought to be part of the ransom proceeds. Police also seized a motorcycle suspected to have been used for gang operations and other evidence.

Garwa remains in custody as detectives work to unravel the full scope of his involvement and track down any remaining accomplices in the kidnapping network.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Yakurr I State Constituency in Cross River State, James Ibor, has leveled serious accusations against the state House of Assembly, claiming its members are deeply compromised by bribery and undue executive influence. Ibor, a child rights lawyer, stated that this situation has eroded the constitutional principle of checks and balances, effectively turning the Assembly into an arm of the executive branch.

In an interview, Ibor alleged that every executive bill sent to the legislature comes with financial inducements. ‘Each bill that leaves the government house for the legislative house is accompanied by an envelope. Whenever you observe them quarreling, it means someone has mismanaged that envelope,’ he asserted. He further accused lawmakers of prioritizing personal enrichment over public service, pointing out that many focus on acquiring loans and properties shortly after assuming office.

Ibor expressed concern over the absence of a robust opposition in the Assembly, which he said has fostered complacency and weakened legislative oversight. ‘There is no rigorous debate, examination, or review of proposals. Our state is heavily indebted, and there is zero opposition. Everything is simply “the ayes have it,”’ he lamented.

Despite these challenges, Ibor dismissed fears of isolation or intimidation if elected on the PDP platform, vowing to fight for accountability. ‘My guiding principle has always been to take the battle to the enemy. I am heading into the enemy camp. My sole distraction will be the struggle. Of course, I expect them to resist, but I will not be sidetracked,’ he declared. He expressed confidence that support from civil society, his constituents, and governance advocates would ensure he does not stand alone in the Assembly.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially named Senator Sabo Muhammad Nakudu as the winner of its governorship primary in Jigawa State. The announcement was made by the chairman of the party’s electoral committee for Jigawa, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Zaki Ahmed, after the final collation of results.

Ahmed reported that while results from 19 local government areas were initially received, outstanding results from Auyo, Roni, and Kazaure councils delayed the process. However, after all remaining results were collated, the committee declared the outcome.

According to the figures, Hon. Bashir Adamu Jumbo garnered 19,537 votes, while Senator Nakudu secured a decisive 35,939 votes. Citing the authority vested in him, Ahmed proclaimed Nakudu the party’s flagbearer for the upcoming governorship election in Jigawa State.

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, has expressed optimism following the selection of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election.

According to Mark, Atiku’s victory in the ADC primary serves as compelling evidence that democratic processes remain viable in Nigeria. He emphasized that the event was more than just the announcement of a candidate—it was a demonstration that political contests need not devolve into hostility.

Atiku secured the nomination after defeating former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in a competitive primary held in Abuja. Speaking at the results declaration, Mark stated: “This moment is about proving to Nigeria that democracy can function effectively. It shows that political rivalry can be conducted without becoming warfare, and that a party can prioritize principles over individual ambitions.”

Mark also praised Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen for their sportsmanship, highlighting that the ADC is unique among Nigerian parties for having three strong contenders vie for the presidential ticket. He remarked: “We are the only political party where three heavyweight aspirants contested for the ticket. This underscores our commitment to democratic ideals.”

Addressing party members, Mark acknowledged the challenges faced by the ADC, including skepticism from outsiders. He thanked members for their resilience, sacrifices, and faith in the party, stating that many had predicted division or collapse. “Instead, we have shown that unity and principle can prevail,” he added.

Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, has called on Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to unite with him in a bid to protect Nigeria’s democracy. During his acceptance speech in Abuja, Atiku recounted his victory in the recent ADC primary election, where he secured 1,846,370 votes, outpacing both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen. He emphasized the need for unity, stating that no one should be considered a winner or loser. Atiku extended an invitation to all primary contenders across the country to join forces with the winners, highlighting the collective responsibility to save the nation’s democratic process. Specifically addressing Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen, he urged them to collaborate in this critical fight for democracy, reinforcing his readiness to lead the country.

Isa Ashiru, a former contender for the Kaduna governorship under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has won the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket for the 2027 elections. The primary election saw Ashiru garnering 86,113 votes, a decisive victory that places him as the party’s standard-bearer.

Jafaru Sani, who previously served as Kaduna’s education commissioner, trailed in second place with 29,580 votes. Other aspirants in the race included Professor Muhammad San-Bello, who secured 13,559 votes; Ahmed Tijjani with 13,550 votes; and Shuaibu Mikati, who polled 10,819 votes.

Ashiru’s political journey includes previous runs for governor under the PDP banner in both 2019 and 2023. In 2019, he lost to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and in 2023, he was defeated by the incumbent Governor Uba Sani after accumulating 719,000 votes.

Despite his victory, the ADC primary in Kaduna was not without controversy. Some House of Representatives aspirants from the party have rejected the outcome, citing irregularities during the exercise. Samaila Makarfi, speaking on behalf of the aggrieved aspirants, labeled the process a sham and demanded a review of the primaries.

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a stern warning to the Presidency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the judiciary against meddling in the party’s internal matters. He declared that any further attempts to interfere would be met with strong opposition.

Speaking shortly after winning the ADC presidential ticket, the former Vice President defeated former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in the party’s primary election. Atiku expressed gratitude to the ADC for the opportunity to lead the party into the forthcoming electoral contest.

In a message shared on X, Atiku said: “I am deeply thankful for the honor of being chosen as the ADC presidential candidate. This privilege humbles me.” He emphasized that the party’s primary process demonstrated the vitality of democracy, in contrast to what he described as the ruling party’s oppressive tendencies.

Atiku lamented that despite careful efforts to build a coalition, the government and INEC have attempted to undermine the party, even seeking to deregister it. He warned: “Let me caution that any further interference in our party’s affairs by the Presidency, INEC, or the judiciary will be fiercely resisted. Enough is enough.”

In a strong challenge to President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has told the incumbent that his stay in power is coming to an end. Atiku, who ran under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) banner, urged Tinubu to vacate the presidential villa and go back to his political base in Lagos.

Speaking after his emergence as the ADC’s presidential candidate at a party convention in Abuja, Atiku declared that Tinubu should prepare to leave office. The former vice president said the Nigerian people are ready for a change and that Tinubu’s administration has failed to meet their expectations.

According to Atiku, “President Tinubu should better pack and go back to Lagos. His time is up.” He added, “I congratulate my fellow contestants for this ticket to represent our great party in the elections scheduled for early next year. I know that you are driven by your patriotism and commitment to a better Nigeria and improved life for our people.”

Atiku defeated other aspirants, including Rotimi Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen, winning 1,846,370 votes in the ADC primary election. However, both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen have rejected the outcome, alleging irregularities despite Atiku’s insistence that the process was free and fair.

Atiku’s address comes amid increasing political tension as parties prepare for the 2027 presidential race. The ADC candidate has positioned himself as a formidable challenger, promising to rescue Nigeria from what he calls Tinubu’s misrule.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has released a revised schedule for its upcoming primary elections, citing challenges posed by the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. In a statement jointly signed by National Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas and National Secretary Barr. Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, the party confirmed that primaries for presidential, national assembly, governorship, and state assembly positions will now hold on May 29, 2026, across the country.

Originally planned for May 28 and 29, the adjustment became necessary due to widespread transportation and logistical hurdles, including limited flight availability, caused by the Eid holiday and associated public holidays. Many aspirants and screening committee members who had gathered in Abuja for the screening process are now stranded, prompting the party to restructure the event timeline.

Under the new arrangement, May 28 will be dedicated to arrivals, documentation with INEC and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparatory activities. The actual primaries will take place on May 29. The party also noted that on May 28, teams will hold stakeholder meetings with party elders and aspirants in their respective states.

Importantly, the NDC emphasized that no state agencies, including the Police, INEC, and DSS, are authorized to participate in the events scheduled for May 28. Any activities outside the established guidelines will be deemed unauthorized and illegal.

The procedures for the May 29 primaries include presidential affirmation, national assembly primaries/affirmation, state assembly primaries/affirmation, and governorship primaries/affirmation. Results will be compiled by respective teams and forwarded to the National Headquarters, where the National Working Committee will make official announcements. The party stressed that no state executive or team is permitted to declare any results.

“We appeal for understanding and encourage all participants to behave responsibly, as the party maintains a strict policy against violence, disorderly conduct, and hooliganism,” the statement concluded.

Hon. Fred Agbedi, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State, has expressed that former President Goodluck Jonathan’s entry into the 2027 presidential race will fundamentally transform Nigeria’s political landscape.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Agbedi confirmed that Jonathan intends to run for the presidency under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). When questioned about how Jonathan’s candidacy would affect a field already featuring notable contenders like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Omoyele Sowore—all aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the January 2027 election—Agbedi remarked, “It carries significant weight; it will disrupt the entire political environment.”

The Bayelsa lawmaker emphasized that Jonathan is now better prepared than ever to lead the nation, asserting that he is the most suitable individual to guide Nigeria at this critical time. “He is more qualified for the position. A serious nation within a democratic framework seeks out the most capable individuals, regardless of their location, to respond to the urgent needs of the country. We require a competent, capable, tested, and trusted leader to steer our nation,” Agbedi stated.

Agbedi further noted that after eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari and three years under President Tinubu, Nigerians are eager for another four years of Jonathan’s leadership to bring stability. He argued that conditions are deteriorating under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, and many citizens believe Jonathan is the one who can rescue the country.

These comments follow a recent court ruling that permits Jonathan to contest in the 2027 presidential election. On Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a lawsuit filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, which sought to bar Jonathan from running. The judge also imposed a fine of N20 million against Jideobi in favor of the former president, and an additional N1 million fine in favor of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). Justice Lifu determined that the plaintiff lacked legal standing, as he had not suffered any harm from Jonathan’s alleged intention to run. The judge noted that both a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had previously affirmed Jonathan’s eligibility, and he was bound by the appellate court’s decision. Consequently, the lawsuit was deemed “an abuse of the court process.”