Category: News

In a significant political shift, Mustapha Bala Dawaki, who previously served as Chief of Staff to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has officially switched allegiance to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). This move comes just a week after Dawaki failed to secure the APC ticket for the 2027 elections due to a consensus arrangement.

Dawaki, a former House of Representatives member representing Kano State, made the defection official at the residence of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a prominent leader within the NDC and the Kwankwasiyya Movement. The confirmation came from Saifullahi Hassan, Kwankwaso’s media assistant, who announced the development on his Facebook page.

Hassan stated that the leader warmly welcomed Dawaki into the NDC Kwankwasiyya fold. The timing of this defection coincides with the NDC’s ongoing efforts to finalize its candidate selections for various elective positions in Kano State. However, it remains unclear whether Dawaki will automatically be granted a ticket to contest under the NDC banner.

This development underscores the fluid political landscape in Kano, as parties jostle for strategic positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Rotimi Amaechi, a candidate vying for the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has participated in the party’s primary election by casting his ballot. The former Minister of Transportation carried out his civic duty at his polling unit in Ubima Ward, situated within the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Simultaneously, the ADC’s presidential primary is being conducted across 8,809 wards nationwide. In a related development, another aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, has commended the smooth organization of the primary. The ex-Vice President expressed on X that the exercise’s outcome would be instrumental in Nigeria’s recovery.

On Monday, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, publicly endorsed Kingsley Chinda as the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State. Wike praised Chinda’s extensive experience and political background, asserting that these qualities make him exceptionally suited for the governor’s role.

Speaking during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike highlighted that Chinda is a well-known figure with proven capabilities. He noted that Chinda’s past roles in both the executive and legislative branches have equipped him with the necessary expertise to lead effectively. According to Wike, a strong candidate like Chinda naturally gains support without much effort.

The FCT minister also expressed satisfaction with the progress of various projects under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He stated that the Renewed Hope City road project in Karsana is nearly complete, with about 98% of the work finished, and commended Lubriks Construction Company for their quality workmanship.

Wike further inspected the Old Keffi Road and Dei-Dei road projects, where asphalt laying is largely done and streetlight installation is ongoing. The Airport Road to Kuje Road project handled by Arab Contractors received high praise for enhancing connectivity and stimulating economic growth. He emphasized that the visible transformation of Kuje and Gwagwalada areas demonstrates the administration’s commitment to delivering tangible results.

At the City Gate project by Julius Berger, Wike revealed that the initiative was conceived by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. He expressed confidence that the project, set for completion by the end of May or early June, will significantly enhance the capital’s entrance, especially at night. Wike concluded by reaffirming that the current administration prioritizes infrastructure as a cornerstone of good governance.

In the ongoing presidential primary election of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aspirant Mohammed Hayatudeen has exercised his voting right in Jare, Borno State. He is vying for the party’s presidential ticket alongside notable figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi.

On Monday, Hayatudeen shared on his X handle that he cast his vote in Jare, Borno, for the ADC primary. He emphasized that his candidacy aims to provide Nigerians with a fresh direction, asserting that defeating the current president in next year’s election requires offering the country a new path. Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, he noted, and the ADC faces similar crossroads. Hayatudeen declared his readiness to guide both his party and the nation toward a more secure and prosperous future for all citizens.

Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, has raised the alarm over an alleged scheme involving Peter Obi, Goodluck Jonathan, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, aimed at fracturing President Bola Tinubu’s electoral base in the South ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking at the APC presidential primary result announcement in Abeokuta, Osoba warned party members not to be deceived by the President’s strong showing in the primary.

According to Osoba, there is a covert strategy to erode Tinubu’s support margin in the southern region. He emphasized that complacency would be dangerous, stating, ‘Many believe we have no challengers, but that is a false sense of security. The adversaries are numerous.’ Osoba pointed to Obi’s emergence, Jonathan’s quiet maneuvering, and Makinde’s recent actions as evidence of a coordinated effort to split the southern vote.

Osoba urged the APC to remain vigilant and not underestimate the opposition’s tactics. He described the situation as a ‘strong gang-up’ against the party, with multiple candidates being positioned to draw votes away from Tinubu in the South, thereby weakening his overall electoral strength.

During an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Tever Akase, the former media aide to ex-Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, leveled serious criticisms against Governor Hyacinth Alia on Monday. Akase argued that Alia’s comments about inheriting salary debts contradict President Bola Tinubu’s earlier statements on the state of the economy.

Governor Alia had previously claimed that his predecessor left behind a massive backlog of unpaid salaries and pensions, which he has been forced to manage. However, Akase refuted this, insisting that Ortom only failed to pay salaries for five months out of his eight-year tenure. He emphasized that Ortom managed 91 out of 96 months successfully, despite inheriting a N160 billion debt from previous administrations, including N72 billion in salary arrears and over N100 billion in contract obligations.

Akase drew attention to President Tinubu’s remarks made in Kigali, where the president noted that 27 states were unable to pay salaries before fuel subsidy removal, labeling the economy as fake. He also reminded that during a visit to Benue State after the Yelewata attack, Alia denied the death toll of over 200, which was confirmed by no less than the Pope. During a town hall, Tinubu asked governors if they were borrowing to pay salaries after subsidy removal; they all said no, due to increased federal allocations to states.

Using Benue as an example, Akase highlighted that under Ortom, the state received an average of N3 billion per month, while Alia now gets nearly N20 billion—an increase of over 700%. Despite Nigeria experiencing two recessions, Ortom managed to pay salaries for 91 months out of 96. He also paid N42 billion of inherited pension arrears, which had accumulated from previous administrations. Therefore, Akase concluded that labeling Ortom a failure is inaccurate and unfair.

Pope Leo XIV is preparing to release a groundbreaking declaration on artificial intelligence, as the Vatican steps into the global conversation about the ethical challenges posed by the rapidly advancing technology.

The document, known as Magnifica Humanitas—which translates to Magnificent Humanity—will be officially presented at the Vatican on Monday, May 25, 2026. This marks the first significant teaching of his papacy dedicated to exploring the effects of AI on human dignity, labor rights, and broader societal well-being.

Vatican insiders have indicated that the manifesto will tackle critical concerns such as the dangers of autonomous weaponry, widespread surveillance, digital disinformation, and the growing impact of algorithms on daily life. Pope Leo has consistently voiced his alarm over the prospect of machines being entrusted with life-and-death decisions, advocating for technology that enhances human existence without replacing it.

Vatican officials emphasized that the document aims to provide guidance on ensuring AI remains a tool for the common good rather than a threat to humanity’s core values. The release is anticipated to spark discussions among global leaders, technologists, and ethicists about the moral boundaries of artificial intelligence.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has mobilized a total of 1,889 personnel throughout Kano State as part of a dedicated patrol initiative in anticipation of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir festivities. This announcement was made on Sunday via a statement from Abdullahi Labaran, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano Sector Command.

The deployment encompasses both regular and special marshals, with operations scheduled to run from May 25 to May 31. Sector Commander Idris Lawal emphasized that the primary goal is to enhance road safety, reduce traffic accidents, and alleviate congestion during the holiday period. Lawal noted that such patrols are standard practice during festive seasons when road traffic typically surges.

To ensure swift emergency responses, the command has positioned 24 patrol vehicles, four ambulances, one heavy-duty tow truck, and two motorcycles at key locations across the state. Unit commanders and officers in all 44 local government areas have been instructed to maintain comprehensive coverage throughout the operation.

Enforcement teams will focus on violations such as speeding, reckless driving, overloading, using mobile phones while driving, and operating vehicles with worn-out tires or mechanical defects. Mobile courts have been set up to prosecute offenders, while rescue teams remain on standby for emergencies.

The FRSC urged motorists and other road users to adhere to traffic regulations, exercise patience, and avoid behaviors that could lead to crashes. The public is encouraged to report any accidents or road emergencies via the FRSC emergency line, 122, for prompt assistance.

Lawal extended his wishes for a peaceful and accident-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration to all residents of Kano State.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recommended that drivers traveling along routes connecting Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory adopt the Kachia-Bwari road as an alternative to reduce congestion and enhance travel safety.

Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed conveyed this advice, calling on commuters to exercise caution and work with traffic officials tasked with managing movement on busy highways.

Mohammed highlighted that the Kachia-Bwari route offers a safer option, particularly for those heading toward the FCT and neighboring areas, given the increasing traffic strain on primary roads.

He stressed the importance of adhering to traffic laws, refraining from reckless overtaking, speeding, and impaired driving, and emphasized that road safety should remain a top priority for everyone.

“Drivers must prioritize safety, follow traffic regulations, and avoid behaviors like speeding, dangerous overtaking, drunk driving, and other infractions that can result in preventable accidents,” he said.

The FRSC also reassured travelers that personnel have been stationed to monitor traffic flow and assist, as part of initiatives to cut down on crashes and ease movement.

The Katsina State Government has disclosed that a former top aide to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, recently tied to a kidnapping ring, had been suspended well before the accusations emerged.

The former Senior Special Assistant on Community Development, identified as Garwa, is alleged to have orchestrated the abduction of an eight-year-old child in Katsina metropolis. However, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango, clarified in a Monday statement that Garwa’s suspension preceded these allegations.

According to the statement, Garwa was initially suspended due to accusations of misappropriating empowerment supplies meant for communities in Batsari Local Government Area under the state’s Community Development Programme.

Governor Radda expressed dismay over the involvement of a public figure with political ambitions in such criminal activities, calling the syndicate’s actions deeply unfortunate.