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Two Kwara Parliamentarians Loose Seat Following Defection From APC To PDP

By
Ayodele Oni
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APC and PDP

By Ayodele Oni 

 

 The Kwara State House of Assembly has declared vacant, the seats of two members, Saba Yisa Gideon and Olusola Odetundun following their defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

 

Saba of Edu Constituency and Odetundun of Irepodun Constituency respectively, who were elected on the platform of APC in 2023, recently decamped to the PDP and emerged candidates in their new party for the 2027 general election.

 

The House, at its plenary, declared the two Constituency ’ seats vacant, linking its decision to the defection of the lawmakers as against the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

 

The resolution of the House was sequel to a letter from the state Chairman of the APC, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, which requested that the seats of the two lawmakers be declared vacant.

 

In the letter addressed to the Speaker of the House, Engr Salihu Yakubu Danladi, Fagbemi noted that the request of his party is in line with Section 109 (1g) (2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

 

The letter noted that the two House members have no constitutional right to abandon APC for another since they were elected under the ruling party with no division within.

 

At the plenary, the Leader of the House, Barrister Abdulkadir Oba Magaji, led the debate on the request.

 

He emphasized that the matter is constitutional, as outlined in Section 109 (1g) of the Constitution, which stipulates that a member shall not belong to another party than the one that brought him to power, as long as his tenure has not yet expired.

 

Magaji noted that the two concerned members, who are no longer members of the APC, are currently seeking reelection to their seats in another party, a development, he noted, contravenes the Constitution.

 

The Leader supported the request thatin their seats be declared vacant in accordance with the law.

 

Other lawmakers, who spoke in favour of the vacation included Abolarin Ganiyu Gabriel of Ekiti Constituency, Ganiyu Folabi Salahu Omupo Constituency, and Ogunniyi David Sheun of Ojomu/Balogun Constituency.

 

The Speaker of the House, Salihu Yakubu Danladi, subsequently declared the seats of the two defecting members vacant in accordance with Section 109 (1) (g) (2) of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

 

Following the post primary crisis of the APC, some members of the party had opted for opposition party, especially PDP to enable them realize their political ambition.

Shock As Wike’s Political Ally, Dan Orbih, Dies

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Chief Dan Orbih

 

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Chief Dan Orbih, a chieftain of the  Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is dead.

 

Orbih was a very close political ally of  Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and was loyal to the Minister’s faction of the PDP.

 

His death has thrown the entire political landscape of Edo State and the South-South region into mourning.

 

The political heavyweight died on Monday, August 31, 2026, under circumstances not yet public.

 

Francis Udukhomoi announced his passing on Tuesday on behalf of the Orbih family.

 

The news of the death of the politician and National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the PDP, has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s major political structures, with many of his political associates, friends and allies  struggling to come to terms with the suddenness of it.

 

He was widely recognized across the country as a staunch political ally of Wike, and had consistently defended Wike against critics, and actively championing the narrative that the FCT Minister was not the antagonist of the PDP but a defender of its constitutional integrity.

 

The strong alignment between the late Orbih and Wike made the deceased a central figure in the fierce internal power struggles that  gripped the PDP nationally and within Edo State.

 

Before his national assignment as the PDP South-South Zonal Leader, Orbih carved out a formidable reputation as the long-serving State Chairman of the PDP in Edo State.

 

 Under his leadership, the party maintained a resilient stance, acting as a robust opposition during the tenure of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the State.

 

However, his later years were defined by severe friction with the immediate past Edo State administration under Governor Godwin Obaseki.

 

Orbih had openly accused the Obaseki-led faction of dismantling the core foundation of the PDP in the state.

 

This rift ultimately led to Orbih leading the “Legacy Group” of the PDP, a faction that opposed the state government’s preferred Candidates and heavily disrupted party activities leading up to the 2024 governorship elections.

 

Due to his fierce refusal to compromise, the National Working Committee, NWC, the PDP suspended Orbih in July 2024 over allegations of anti-party activities and factional rebellion.

 

This was compounded by later announcements from the Edo State PDP caretaker committee claiming he was no longer an active member.

 

Undeterred, Orbih maintained his relevance, making headlines even into late 2025 and early 2026 by donating a new, independent state secretariat to the PDP in Benin City, ensuring his faction remained functionally active.

 

He is survived by his wife, Florence Orbih, and his children, Winifred Anwosiobor Orbih and Mildred Omonemi Orbih.

IMF Ranks Nigeria Among Top 10 Contributors To Global Real GDP Growth

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
International Monetary Fund - IMF

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Federal Ministry of Finance has given an update on the economy, saying it continues to demonstrate resilience and accelerating growth with the second quarter of 2026 real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanding by 4.43 per cent year-on-year, up from 4.23 per cent in Q2 2025 and 3.89 per cent in Q1 2026.

 

A statement on Tuesday by the ministry, stated that “The strong Q2 2026 outturn lifted real GDP growth for the first half of 2026 to 4.16 per cent, up from 3.68 per cent in the corresponding period of 2025, a clear signal of sustained strengthening across the economy.

 

“Growth is also becoming more broad-based. In Q2 2026, 27 economic subsectors recorded real growth above 3.0 per cent, up from 23 subsectors in Q2 2025, showing that expansion is no longer concentrated in a handful of industries.

 

“The productive sectors led the way. Manufacturing grew by 3.24 per cent, more than double the 1.60 per cent recorded in Q2 2025, reflecting improved industrial output.

 

“Agriculture expanded by 4.39 per cent, up from 2.82 per cent, underscoring stronger production and value-chain performance. Services, the largest driver of growth, expanded by 4.60 per cent, up from 3.94 per cent.

 

“The relative stability and steady appreciation of the exchange rate further amplified these gains in dollar terms.

 

“The naira appreciated by more than 12 per cent between H1 2025 and H1 2026, resulting in an expansion of the economy by approximately 17 per cent in U.S. dollar terms over the period.

 

“The pace, if sustained along with the various social programmes of the Government, will meaningfully strengthen dollar incomes, improve purchasing power and lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

 

“Given this momentum, Nigeria is well positioned to consolidate its standing among Africa’s largest economies and to advance toward the Government’s target of a USD 1 trillion economy by 2030.

 

“The International Monetary Fund has already ranked Nigeria among the top 10 contributors to global real GDP growth in 2026, projecting the country to account for roughly 1.5 per cent of world growth this year, ahead of several advanced and emerging economies.

 

“Continued macroeconomic stability, sustained growth across productive sectors, and improving investor confidence would accelerate Nigeria’s progression toward becoming Africa’s largest economy by 2028.

 

“These results underscore the importance of sustaining our reforms and ensuring policy consistency as their benefits begin to reach households across the country.

 

“The Government remains focused on accelerating inclusive growth and translating these macroeconomic gains into shared prosperity for every Nigerian family.”

Borno: Gov. Zulum Sacks Monarchs Over Absence During Visit

By
Ayodele Oni
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Professor Babagana Zulum
Professor Babagana Zulum, Borno State governor

By Ayodele Oni

 

For their failure to receive Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, during official visit to their domains, all village and ward heads of Mallam-Fatori, the headquarters of Abadam Local Government Area, have been sacked from their positions.

 

Governor Zulum’s directive to sack them was made known in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dauda Iliya.

 

He ordered the sack while inspecting public infrastructure for residents returning to the insurgency-ravaged border town on Monday.

 

The governor expressed concern over the absence of the traditional leaders, describing it as unacceptable at a time when residents were returning and rebuilding their communities.

 

He directed the Borno State Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mele, to work with the Shehu of Borno to coordinate the process of appointing new village and ward heads without delay.

 

Zulum directed that the new appointees must be people of proven integrity, competence and commitment, capable of working with residents, government, and security agencies to restore stability and development.

 

“Traditional leaders have a critical role to play in stabilising communities emerging from conflict.

 

“Their presence is essential for maintaining communication between government and residents, strengthening community resilience and providing leadership as returnees settle into their ancestral homes.”

 

The governor also pledged to accelerate the reconstruction of critical infrastructure in Mallam-Fatori.

 

He also directed the immediate construction of an Islamic education centre, primary and secondary schools, as well as a hospital in the area.

 

Zulum stressed that the provision of basic amenities is critical to enable returnees rebuild their lives and restore livelihoods.

 

He also visited the 68 Battalion Nigerian Army headquarters, where he commended troops for their courage and commitment to maintaining security in the area.

 

Zulum assured the military of continued government support to enhance their operational effectiveness.

Two Storey Building Collapes In Kwara, Traps Eighth

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Collapsed Building in Kwara

By Ayodele Oni

 

Rescue efforts have been intensified in Ilorin, Kwara State, where a two-storey building collapsed early Tuesday, trapping eight persons.

 

The building reportedly caved in at about 5:30 a.m. in the PopoGiwa, Madalasi Zhogoro area, off Sijikobi Road, in Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state.

 

Early reports from the scene, claimed that several people may still be inside the building, with nursing mothers and children among those feared trapped under the rubble.

 

The cause of the collapse was not immediately known as of the time of filing this report.

 

Following the incident, emergency responders, security personnel and residents mobilised to the scene to commence rescue efforts.

 

Officers of the Kwara State Fire Service and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were involved in the rescue operation, working alongside residents to search through the debris for possible survivors.

 

Officials of the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) also arrived at the scene to coordinate and support the rescue operation.

 

The number of casualties, if any, had yet to be officially confirmed as rescue efforts continued.

 

Authorities are expected to provide further details on the incident, including the number of people rescued and the possible cause of the building collapse, as the operation progresses.

Kogi State Police Boss Narrates How Abducted 15 Corps Members Were Rescued, Four Abductors Killed

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Police on Duty

By Ayodele Oni

 

Four suspected kidnappers were shot dead in the course of rescue efforts of 15 abducted National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members and six other victims in Kogi state.

 

Giving an insight into the operation, which led to their eventual rescue, the Kogi State Police Command revealed that the joint security operation involved local hunters and vigilantes.

 

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, Naziru Kankarofi, said security agencies swiftly mobilised after receiving reports of the abduction.

 

“As soon as we were alerted, we put all necessary measures in place to ensure they were rescued and returned to their families,” Kankarofi said.

 

According to him, an emergency meeting involving the Brigade Commander, Commissioner of Police and Director of the Department of State Services, DSS, was immediately convened to coordinate a rescue mission.

 

“We fashioned out a search-and-rescue operation, which commenced immediately.

 

“As the situation unfolded, we narrowed down to a particular spot and sought the support of local vigilantes and hunters who know the terrain very well,” he stated.

 

The police boss explained that the operation gained momentum on Sunday and eventually led security operatives to the kidnappers’ camp on Monday.

 

“Around 4:00 p.m. yesterday, we arrived at the camp of the kidnappers. There was a serious gun battle; they were eventually overpowered, and all the corps members were rescued.”

 

He, however, disclosed that one corps member and one civilian sustained gunshot injuries during the operation.

 

“Unfortunately, two people suffered gunshot injuries to their right legs: one corps member and one civilian who was abducted from the second vehicle,” Kankarofi added.

 

The commissioner explained that the corps members were travelling from Bayelsa State when they were ambushed along the Itobe–Ajaokuta Highway in Kogi State around 5:00 p.m.

 

“When they entered Kogi along the Itobe-Ajaokuta Highway around 5:00 p.m., they were attacked and abducted into the bush alongside passengers from another vehicle coming from the opposite direction.”

 

Providing an update on the rescue mission, Kankarofi disclosed that four kidnappers were killed during the exchange of gunfire, while others escaped with injuries.

 

“Four of the kidnappers were killed during the exchange of fire, and several escaped with bullet wounds.

 

“A search-and-rescue operation has been going on since yesterday to mop up the area and arrest the fleeing suspects,” he stated.

 

He added that security operatives remain on the ground, with neighbouring security formations also placed on alert to track down the fleeing suspects.

 

Reacting to concerns about insecurity in the state, the police commissioner described the incident as an isolated case.

 

“Kogi State has been generally peaceful and calm. The security forces here are very effective and respond promptly. You can feel free to travel through Kogi State with nothing to worry about.”

2027: Major Jack Emerges APC Deputy Governorship Candidate In Rivers State

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Major Jack

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Major Jack, Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly has been picked as the running mate to the Ogundu Kingsley Chinda, the Governorship Candidate of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 Governorship Election.

 

Jack is representing Akuku-Toru Constituency I, in the House of Assembly.

 

He defected to the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in December 2025 alongside Speaker Martin Amaewhule and several other members of the State House of Assembly.

 

His choice was made on Monday by the Rivers State Chapter of the APC following extensive consultations among Party stakeholders and leaders of the Rainbow Coalition.

 

Jack’s choice was aimed at balancing the ticket, geographically, and strengthening grassroots support across the riverine areas of the state.

 

In a statement issued by the party, the APC described Jack as a tested leader with deep legislative experience and strong community roots.

 

The statement reads; “Hon. Major Jack brings competence, loyalty, and an understanding of the yearnings of the people of Rivers State.

 

“His emergence completes a strong and inclusive ticket that reflects the diversity of our state.”

 

It is the first time in 12 years that the ruling party in the State denied a female the position of a running mate.

G100 Meeting: ADC Needs No Coalition To Defeat Tinubu

By
James Orji
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0
Bolaji Abdullahi
Bolaji Abdullahi

Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC  has downplayed the ongoing criticism against the party’s presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar over his absence from Monday’s G100 opposition summit in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Abubakar was not the only presidential candidate who was absent at the meeting. Others such as Peter Obi of the NDC, Governor Seyi Makinde of the APM, did not also attend, they only sent representatives to the meeting.

 

According to the ADC spokesperson, Abubakar did not have to attend the meeting personally after the party has sent its top leaders, including four vice chairmen to the event, saying however that its flag-bearer will be available in the future for such meetings of the opposition in the country.

The magazine reports that tongues have been wagging against the ADC presidential hopeful  after he was conspicuously absent at the meeting called by opposition political parties in the country to forge a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC ahead the 2027 election.

One of the plans of the opposition parties for calling the meeting, according to sources, was how work out modalities to present one presidential candidate against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate and incumbent.

The magazine, however, learned that the former vice president got wind of the plan, and decided to stay away from the meeting.

 

Reacting, Abdullahi said  the summit is more about conversation between political parties, rather than conversation among candidates, insisting that it was not compulsory for the ADC presidential candidate to attend in person, adding that they party sent enough representatives to the meeting in Abuja.

 

“It’s more about exploring cooperation opportunities among political parties. So, it’s not consequential that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was not present,” Abdullahi stated.

 

 

“I was there, the party was highly represented—we had like four Vice Chairmen there at the G100 Summit. So, ADC was fully represented, and we participated in the process.”

He explaiend that the ADC can defeat the incumbent without necessarily forming an alliance with other aprties, saying any such cooperation is welcome and will make the “job’ of defeating President Tinubu “easier”.

 

“We in the African Democratic Congress, we are happy to have this conversation, but everything we are doing is not dependent on whether we are able to produce a single presidential candidate.

 

“We are saying that on our own, as the ADC, we can defeat President Bola Tinubu in 2027. But if we are able to negotiate this cooperation, then it makes the job easier,” the ADC spokesperson affirmed.

Labour Party Mourns NLC’s Ugboaja

By
The Source
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0
Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja

The leadership of the Labour Party has expressed deep sadness over the death of Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who passed away recently at the age of 60.

 

In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, the LP said “Comrade Ugboaja was a strong unionist, a committed democrat and a pillar of support to the current leadership of the Labour Party. His death leaves a painful void not only in the Labour movement but also in the Labour Party family.

 

“He played a pivotal role in the enviable relationship that currently exists between the Labour Party and the organised labour movement, particularly the NLC. He actively participated and made invaluable contributions to several meetings and deliberations that culminated in the birth of our new Party Constitution.

 

“The Labour movement and the Labour Party family will continue to miss his invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the Party, a political platform whose birth he actively participated in.

 

“Comrade Ugboaja was a member of the National Executive Council (NEC) that approved the formation of the Party for Social Democracy (PSD) in 2003, which later metamorphosed into the Labour Party in 2004. He subsequently rose to become the Deputy National Secretary of the Party and also served as National Secretary of the NLC Political Commission.

 

“Beyond his contributions to the Labour movement and the Labour Party, Comrade Ugboaja played several important roles in the struggle for the sustenance and deepening of Nigeria’s democracy, an ideal that places him firmly within the core values and vision of the Labour Party.

 

“As a member of the defunct National Constitutional Reform Conferences of 2005 and 2014, the nation will continue to remember Comrade Ugboaja’s immense contributions in shaping the final reports of the above two conferences. 

 

“He was also a Director of the Alliance for Credible Elections, where he championed a national campaign between 2007 and 2010 for electoral reforms. The campaign contributed to the process that culminated in the establishment of the Justice Uwais Electoral Reform Committee by the then President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

 

“Comrade Ugboaja’s life was therefore one of service to the Labour movement, the democratic cause and the Nigerian nation. His contributions to these causes will remain a part of our collective history and will not be forgotten.

 

“While we mourn this painful and irreparable loss, the Labour Party extends its heartfelt condolences to the leadership and entire membership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, the organised labour movement, his colleagues, friends and associates, and, most importantly, the immediate family he leaves behind.

 

“We pray that God Almighty grants eternal rest to his soul and gives his family, the Labour movement and the entire nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

Reactions As President Tinubu Counts Gains Of Renewed Hope Agenda

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

 

President Bola Tinubu has again told Nigerians that the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration was not created to create challenges, but to ensure prosperity reaches Nigerians.

 

Tinubu, who is currently holidaying in the United Kingdom, (UK), in a four-part post on his official X handle, @officialBAT, boldly stated, for the umpteenth time, that his Renewed Hope Agenda is working and bearing great divideneds for the country.

 

The post, which came amid raging controversy on fuel subsidy, set X buzzing with opinions sharply divided on the policy.

 

While some insisted that the policy is in the long term interest of the country, its antagonists said it has made Nigerians poorer, with many slipping into multidimensional poverty.

 

Below is the full text of the President’s post:

 

“THE RENEWED HOPE AGENDA IS WORKING

Fellow Nigerians,

Our economy grew by 4.43% in the second quarter of 2026, up from 4.23% in the same period last year.

 

“Growth was recorded across agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, and services, which now make the largest contribution to our GDP.

 

“In nominal terms, our GDP reached ₦119.27 trillion, up 18.43% from ₦100.7 trillion in the same period last year.

 

“These numbers matter because they show where our economy is going after three years of difficult but necessary reforms.

 

“In the past three years, we tried to do the hard part by implementing the necessary reforms to stabilise the economy.

 

“Now the economy is stabilised, and we have laid the foundation for a prosperous nation.

 

“We didn’t do the reforms to create challenges, but to ensure prosperity reaches all our people.

The results are becoming very clear.

 

“Because of those tough decisions, Nigeria today has trade surpluses. Our foreign reserves are at their highest in 17 years. Our credit rating has moved up several notches.

 

“Investors who left are returning. Oil and gas production is increasing.

We are building roads, railways and superhighways that will last for a long time.

 

“In our universities, for the first time in a long time, there are no strikes. Our children are in class.

 

“Through NELFUND, student loans are putting education within reach, while affordable credit is going to our civil servants through CreditCorp.

 

“Yet, at precisely the point when the evidence shows that our reforms are beginning to work, some in the opposition are promising Nigerians that they will reverse them.

 

“We will not turn back.

We will not return Nigeria to the policies and distortions we inherited and have spent the last three years correcting.

 

“I will not dignify the leaders of the opposition who now seek to take Nigeria back to its dark past by mentioning their names. They know themselves.

 

“Our responsibility now is to ensure that these improving numbers translate more quickly into the lives of our people.

 

“In the next few weeks, we are addressing some of the challenges facing our vulnerable population by providing cheaper means of transport, ramping up food production and implementing relief programmes that will touch lives at the grassroots.

 

“The economy is on an irreversible path towards even stronger growth but growth must be something every Nigerian can feel at the dining table and in their pocket.

That is the next phase of our work, and we are not resting on our oars. The Renewed Hope Agenda is working.”

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