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Terrorism Financing: Court Stops Bauchi Finance Commissioner From Traveling To The Holy Land

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Yakubu Adamu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has rejected an application filed by Yakubu Adamu ,the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance seeking the its leave to travel to Saudi Arabia on a holy pilgrimage.

 

The Source reports that Adamu ,Bello Bodejo the leader of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and two others are currently facing prosecuted by the Federal Government on charges bordering on alleged terrorism financing and related Offences to the tune of over $ 9.7 million.

 

Similarly, Adamu a former

 banker, to others also facing charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC over alleged conversion, transfer concealment ,and use of public funds to the tune of over N4.6 billion, said to be for the procurement of motorcycles for the Bauchi State Government.

 

While granting Adamu and co-defendants bail on January 2, 2026, Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite had ordered among other things that they deposit their international passports and other travel documents with the Court .

 

Justice Nwite in his ruling on Monday March 9, 2026, held that Adamu could not adduce sufficient materials before the court to warrant being granted the leave to travel outside the country.

 

The trial Judge, also, agreed with the objection raised by the EFCC’ to the effect that Adamu’s affidavit attached to the application was defective , having not been signed by the applicant himself.

 

The Judge held that an unsigned document does not have any probative value in law ,hence the document failed to. meet the minimum legal procedure required in the present circumstance.

 

Justice Nwite noted that much as he is aware of the fundamental rights of the applicant  as guaranteed in Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution ,such rights are not absolute.

 

According to  Justice Nwite, the case of Ibori cited by the applicant, can not be applicable in the present situation, because Ibori’s case was hinged on medical grounds.

 

Adamu had in his application sought an order of the court to allow him travel to the Holy Land to observe Muslim pilgrimage.

 

He equally prayed the Court for an  order directing the release of his international passport and other travel documents for the purpose of the said pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

 

In an affidavit to support the application deposed to b6 Emmanuel Tsebo ,a litigation Secretary in the Law Firm of Chris Uche SAN and Co, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance noted that he was arraigned on charges bordering on alleged misappropriation of funds ,and consequently admitted to bail by the court, with the court ordering him to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court.

 

He, however, informed the court that he has an urgent need to embark on a pilgrimage to mecca , Saudi Arabia , promising to be back in Nigeria on March 21, 2026.

 

While emphasizing the importance of the pilgrimage in the life of a Muslim ,Adamu pledged to return the travel documents to the court on or before March 22 ,2026, as well as personally attend court proceedings.

It Is Death To The Doctor: Ekiti Court Passes Sentence On Fake Doctor

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Court and Law

By Ayodele Oni 

 

A nursing apprentice now turned medical Doctor in Ekiti State is to die by hanging for  murder and impersonation.

 

An Ekiti state High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti pronounced the death sentence on one Olatide Temitope Emmanuel. 

 

The 48 year old convict was arraigned before Justice Jubril Aladejana on 11/12/2025 on two – count charge bordering on murder and impersonation.

 

The charge reads, “that the convict, on 24th June, 2019 at Odo Ikole compound, Erinmope Ekiti within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did murder one Falade Bosede, also on the 9th of June, 2019 at Ajebamidele street, Otun Ekiti, did falsely represent yourself to be a medical doctor”.

 

According to the prosecutor, the offences are contrary to sections 316 and punishable under 319(1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C16, Laws of Ekit State, 2012.

 

According to an eye witness’s, statement to the Police (Rev. Omotade), said, “the deceased husband called to inform me that his wife died during childbirth at Erinmope around 9:00pm.

 

“On getting the hospital, I saw the corpse on the stretcher while the self acclaimed doctor stood beside the stretcher, when I critically examined the deceased body, I discovered that the operation was carried out unprofessionally.

 

“I later called the police at Otun Ekiti to take over the matter and carried out a full investigation.” he concluded.

 

In his own testimony before the court, the defendant said, “I was a nursing apprentice at a Hospital in Lagos State, after completion, I was issued a certificate and I established my own clinic at Erinmope Ekiti in 2019.

 

“The deceased was not my patient, but came to inform me that she was due for childbirth, after some examination, I informed her and the husband that she will deliver the baby through caesarian session and they agreed.

 

 “The operation was successful with both mother and child alive but the mother developed complication thereafter and later died.”

 

To prove his case, the prosecutor, Kunle-Shina Adeyemo called seven witnesses and tendered statements of the defendant, medical reports, photographs of the deceased among others as exhibits.

 

The defendant spoke in his own defence through his counsel, Adeyinka Opaleke, and called no witness.

 

In his judgement, Justice Aladejana said “the confession of the defendant under cross- examination that he did not qualify as a medical personnel, yet, proceeded to open up a human being, knowing he has no training or certification to do so, portrays the defendant as inherently callous.

 

“I find the defendant wickedly reckless in his actions on the now deceased Bosede Falade.

 

“The prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the reckless action of the defendant caused her death on 24th June, 2019.

 

“The defendant is accordingly found guilty as charged.

 

“The judgment of this court is that, you Olatide Temitope Emmanuel be hanged by the neck until you are dead, may the Lord have mercy on your soul,” the judge pronounced.

PDP Crisis: Gbenga Hashim Urge Warring Parties To Embrace Peace, Dialogue

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Following the internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Court of Appeal Judgment that invalidated the Party’s Ibadan Convention and upheld the suspension of Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary of the Party, Gbenga Hashim, former Presidential Candidate, has urged warring Parties to embrace dialogue.

 

He appealed to the PDP leadership to resolve the crisis rocking in the Party.

 

Hashim gave this following Monday’s Court of Appeal judgment.

 

According to him, the Court ruling has now pushed party leaders toward a negotiated settlement.

 

He further maintained that leaders from the contending sides had already agreed in principle to work towards common ground through ongoing talks and negotiations.

 

“This is a family quarrel that must now end at the Appeal Court. Leaders on both sides have agreed in principle to unite and harmonise positions in all the talks and negotiations we have heard,” he said.

 

He, also, expressed optimism that the reconciliation efforts would succeed, noting that Party members and many Nigerians are eager to see a united opposition.

 

“We trust that this unity would be achieved by the grace of God. Nigerians earnestly expect this and posterity demands it,” he added.

 

The PDP has, in recent months, been dealing with internal disagreements and legal battles among rival factions, a situation Party stakeholders say, must be resolved to restore cohesion and strengthen the party ahead of future political contests.

 

Since the 2023 General Elections, all PDP Governors, but two, have left the party, citing  irreconcilable crisis.

Super Eagles Players, NFF, Fans Mourn Fmr. National Coach, Onigbinde

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Adegboye Onigbinde

By Akinwale Kasali

The news of the demise of Adegboye Onigbinde, a former Super Eagles of Nigeria Coach has thrown the nation’s football enclave into mourning.

His passing at the age of 88, has been described by many of his fans, colleagues, former players as a life well spent. The say he impacted lives, and discovered raw talents for the nation.

Paying tributes to Onigbinde, the Super Eagles Team In a statement on Tuesday via X wrote; “We commiserate with the family of our former coach, Festus Adegboyega Onigbinde, following his passing. A respected leader and a true servant of Nigerian football. Rest in peace, Coach”.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, described the passing of its former Technical Director and two-time Head Coach of the senior national football team, as “the exit of a great man who served Nigeria football wholeheartedly and was diligent and devoted to the development of the game.”

NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said the Modakeke high chief was “an extraordinary achiever who impacted positively not only on Nigeria football, but on the African and  global game at large.”

He added: “Indeed, a big tree has fallen. Chief Onigbinde ate, drank, breathed, slept and lived football development. We will miss him greatly, as he was never tired of giving advice on the game’s development even at his ripe old age. We pray that God will grant him eternal rest, and also grant his family, relations, friends and the Nigeria football fraternity the fortitude to bear the big loss.”

Respected globally for his deep knowledge of the game’s tactics and techniques, Onigbinde served as Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, and also as Technical Adviser of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation, in charge of the country’s youth teams.

He was, for many years, a technical advisor of the Confederation of African Football, and worked on countless Technical Study Groups for both FIFA and CAF at major championships.

He started his coaching career in the 1960s, and rose to national consciousness in 1977 when he led Water Corporation FC of Ibadan to the quarter-finals of the African Champion Clubs Cup competition. Seven years later, he led Ibadan giants, Shooting Stars FC, to the final of the same competition.

A quintessential teacher, educator and instructor, Chief Onigbinde was the first indigenous coach to lead Nigeria’s senior men national team to win a medal (silver) in the Africa Cup of Nations, achieving the feat with a team of rookies and few experienced performers in Cote d’Ivoire in 1984.

The cerebral tactician led the Super Eagles to the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals in Korea/Japan, where a melange of little-known names and experienced campaigners lost narrowly to Argentina and Sweden, and drew with England. He became the first indigenous manager of the Super Eagles at football’s flagship tournament, after Dutchman Clemens Westerhof (1994) and Serbian Bora Milutinovic (1998).

Afterwards, he served as instructor and educator for the NFF, CAF and FIFA, devoting his time to training the trainers, for which he accumulated accolades from far and near.

The 88-Year Old Modakeke, Osun State High Chief demise was confirmed by his family on Monday through a WhatsApp broadcast message signed by Bolade Adesuyi, a member of the family.

The statement read, “With great gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of this great man, a Modakeke High Chief, the first indigenous Nigerian Super Eagles football coach, father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed unto the great beyond a couple of minutes ago.”

Born on March 5, 1938, Onigbinde was widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern football coaching in Nigeria.

He made history as the first indigenous Nigerian coach of the Nigeria national football team.

He was instrumental to the discovery of Femi Opabunmi at the big stage, as he became the youngest Nigeria player to be at the World Cup at age 16 Years, at the Korea-Japan 2002 Tournament.

He also discovered the Bandana Tying Efetobore Sodje, Eric Ejiofor, Bartholomew Ogbeche, and named Goalkeeper, Vincent Eyeanma in his final 23-Man team to the 2002 World Cup.

Gunmen Storm Ondo Community, Kill One, Abduct Three

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Gunmen

By Ayodele Oni

Coming barely 24 hours after a Local Government Scribe was abducted, another three persons were kidnapped with one other shot dead along Akure Ilu- Abo in Akure North area of the state on Tuesday.

The incident has caused tension in parts of Akure, the Ondo State capital, as angry residents barricaded the Akure-Owo Airport Road at Ilu-Abo, preventing free movement of vehicles.

Eyewitnesses said the latest incident occurred late Monday night when armed men attacked residents around Ilu-Abo axis, shooting sporadically before whisking away three persons.

A resident, who spoke with journalists during the protest, said one person was shot during the attack and later died, while others were taken away by the gunmen.

The protesters accused the government of showing insensitivity to the security challenges facing communities around the airport, Ilu-Abo, Kajola and neighbouring villages.

“We are tired of this situation. Almost every day now we hear about kidnapping around the airport road.

“Yesterday a council secretary was kidnapped, today again one person has been killed and three taken away. Government is not doing anything to protect us,” the resident lamented.

In a video circulating on social media and posted by popular blogger Oluwaseun Ogunmola Popularly known as Ogbeni OB Sugar on Tuesday morning, some residents were seen carrying the lifeless body of the victim, while others blocked the expressway with logs, tyres and burning objects, leaving many commuters stranded.

Another resident who identified himself simply as Tunde said the people decided to block the road to draw attention to their plight.

“We cannot continue like this. Kidnappers operate freely here and nobody is safe again. We have reported several times but nothing has changed. That is why we blocked the road so the government will hear us,” he said.

The protesting residents insisted that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa address them to assuage their concerns, as they could no longer go to the farms due to insecurity.

Despite the intervention of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adebowale Lawal who persuaded the residents to allow free flow of traffic, the protesting residents insisted that they would not vacate the road as their lives are in danger every time.

Lawal pleaded with the residents that the security agencies including the State Security Network codenamed Amotekun, and the Police would ensure the safety of lives and properties and would beef up security in the communities.

The police boss also visited the monarch of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, and told him the efforts being made by security agencies to curb insecurity in the town. He said he would deploy additional policemen and tactical units to check the insecurity.

Motorists travelling along the busy Akure-Owo expressway were forced to stop for several hours as the protest caused heavy traffic on the route.

The latest attack is coming amid growing concern over repeated kidnap incidents in ondo state especially around Akure Airport and surrounding communities, a development residents say has made farming and daily activities difficult.

Bukola Saraki Backs Fresh PDP Convention, Cautions Against Further Litigation

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Bukola Saraki
Dr Bukola Saraki

By Ayodele Oni 

As indications emerged about possible appeal against Monday’s judgement by the Court of Appeal, by a faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), former Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki has spoken against the move.

 

He has appealed to all leaders and stakeholders within the PDP to bury the hatchet, settle for the Court of Appeal verdict, and transfer in direction of holding a contemporary nationwide conference that can adjust to all tips of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

Saraki, in his response to Monday’s judgement, suggested that it was time for introspection and for them to see the Appeal Court resolution as an end to all litigations.

 

The former Senate President warned that feuding leaders mustn’t enable their ego and private variations to jeopardise the possibilities and way forward for the PDP.

 

“My personal place is that the Court of Appeal has dominated. However, with the revised timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it’s apparent that there isn’t a time to attend for the Supreme Court resolution.

 

“Otherwise, we’d not meet the deadlines for finishing the method of nominating candidates.

 

“Also, uncertainty will proceed to hold over the validity of the tickets issued to those nominated on the PDP platform. 

 

“If our motive is to see that we don’t jeopardise the possibilities of our quite a few members who wish to contest elections on our platform, then this consideration ought to be the precedence of all of us within the celebration.

 

“One of the important thing is to offer a platform for candidates searching to serve the individuals by contesting elections. 

 

“We mustn’t defeat this objective. It is for these causes that I imagine the one choice open to all of us is to finish all litigation and work with the preparations which might be on the bottom for holding a nationwide conference inside the INEC timetable.

 

“From the start, a few of us have warned and suggested concerning the risks of travelling this route. 

 

“We know that it’s going to solely imperil the celebration. However, since we’ve got discovered ourselves right here, our focus ought to be on learn how to get again on the trail of full restoration, stability, and progress.

 

“I do know that at this stage, egos have been bruised. However, the distinction between an extraordinary man and a statesman, between an individual and a patriot, between a follower and a frontrunner is the power to rise above the din and ignore private pursuits to serve the bigger frequent pursuits and public good. 

 

“Thus, some leaders of the celebration who didn’t get what they desired from the courts ought to now think about the larger curiosity of the PDP within the 2027 elections and past. 

 

“This is an extra noble, dignified, and accountable place to undertake than to embark on a journey that results in nowhere.

 

“There are many Nigerians within the grassroots who’ve been investing their time and resources in mobilising  as a result of they wish to contest elections on the PDP platform. 

 

“These are members who wish to contest elections into the Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship, and the presidency.

 

“Feuding leaders mustn’t enable their ego and private variations to jeopardise, undermine, and defeat the aspirations of those sincere, devoted and dedicated  members by depriving them of the chance to topic themselves to the decision of the voters. 

 

“That is what these leaders will likely be doing if anyone continues with the litigation.

 

“The only viable option open to all of us is to sit down, discuss, and work towards holding an all-inclusive national convention at a time that will comply with INEC guidelines. 

 

“What should be paramount to all of us is to adopt a give-and-take attitude that will ensure we accommodate all interests in the election of officers at the national convention. 

 

“We should let the sleeping dog lie peacefully. There is really no time for continuous bickering and grandstanding.”

Makinde-led PDP: Appeal Court Has ‘Imposed Hardship On Our Members’

By
James Orji
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0
Taminu Turaki
Taminu Turaki

The Kabiru Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, says the judgment of the Court of Appeal which nullified the party’s national convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State in unacceptable.

The party has now headed for the nation’s apex court, the Supreme Court for the reversal of the judgment.

The magazine reports that the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, the nation’s capital ruled yesterday, to the effect that the Ibadan Convention was a nullity.

The judgment, according to political analysts was in favor of another faction of the party led  by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike which has set another convention for the end of March.

Reacting to the Appellate court judgment, spokesperson of the Turaki faction,  Ini Ememobong, said in a statement that the party’s lawyers had been directed to challenge the Court of appeal ruling Supreme Court.

Ememobong said while the party is still consulting with major stakeholders, it has directed its lawyers to file an appeal at the nation’s apex court, saying the judgment will have negative impact on its members.

He said: “The operationalisation of this judgment will, without fail, impose untold hardship on our members.

“To avert this, while we consult with critical organs of our party on the way forward, we have instructed our lawyers to immediately take the necessary legal steps to appeal to the Supreme Court, the apex court in the land, for a final determination of the matter.”

Wike had following yesterday judgment announced that the party will hold another convention before the end of March.

According to him,  the PDP leadership is working towards organising a fresh national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2026, where new national officers would be elected in accordance with the law and the party’s constitution.

Wike stated that the convention would be held at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, adding that arrangements had already been concluded for the exercise.

“We have already established the National Caretaker Committee. When the tenure of the National Working Committee expired, we said the law does not allow for a vacuum.

“The caretaker committee was recognised by the Federal High Court to run the party until new officers are elected,” he said.

Wike, also, advised that the judgment of the Court of Appeal affirming the nullification of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in Ibadan provides an opportunity for the party to rebuild and restore unity among its members.

Wike, who spoke with Journalists in Abuja on Monday, maintained that the ruling confirmed that the convention conducted by the PDP in November 2025 could not stand because the party failed to comply with statutory provisions guiding such exercises.

According to him, the court’s decision reaffirmed the need for political parties to strictly adhere to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, as well as their internal rules and guidelines.

“When you do not comply with what the law says, it cannot stand. It does not matter who is chairman or who is not chairman. What matters is compliance with the law,” Wike said.

The minister explained that the court established that necessary procedures, including the conduct of valid congresses in some states and proper notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were not followed before the convention was held.

He added that once such legal requirements are ignored, the matter goes beyond internal party affairs and becomes an issue of compliance with the law.

Wike described the development as a significant moment for the party, saying it reaffirmed the supremacy of due process and the rule of law.

“Today is one of my happiest days because, as a party that claims to uphold democratic principles, we must not condone impunity. We must follow due process and allow the rule of law to prevail,” he said.

Wike recalled that he had earlier warned that steps taken in violation of the law would eventually be set aside by the courts.

“You cannot rely on money or power and assume that because you are a governor or a powerful figure you can do anything. I thank God that the law has spoken.”

Matawalle: Gov Lawal’s Defection To APC Marks A New Beginning In Zamfara

By
James Orji
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0
Dauda Lawal

Since Governor Dauda Lawal became the Governor of the state in 2023, he has been at loggerhead with his predecessor, Bello Matawalle over the control of the soul of the state. But, there are indications that the duo will now beginning to enjoy harmonious relationship after the governor defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, according to Matawalle.

The magazine reports that Governor Lawal, on Monday, defected to the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the party he rode to office as governor  in 2023.

Following Lawal’s , his predecessor said he welcome it as he had long expected that he would join the ruling party.

According to Matawalle, in a statement he personality signed on Monday, they will now work together in the interest of the state, saying the governor’s decision to join the APC is a good one that will bring development to the state, particularly in the area of security.

The former governor also stressed that both of them will now work together for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, saying “we can deliver Zamfara State for our President and also ensure that Governor Dauda Lawal” archives his ambition for a second term in office.

“By aligning Zamfara State with the ruling party at the centre, Governor Lawal has opened the door to a more harmonious and productive relationship with the APC-led Federal Government,” Matawalle said.

“This connection will undoubtedly create opportunities for stronger collaboration and greater support for policies and programmes that can accelerate development in our state.

“This development is also particularly important at a time when Zamfara continues to face serious security challenges. Addressing these issues requires unity of purpose and close coordination between the state and the Federal Government.

“With the Governor now in the APC, we are better positioned to work together in a more unified, collaborative, and strategic manner to confront insecurity and restore peace and stability across the state.

He also averred that, “As the Minister of State for Defence, I look forward to strengthening this cooperation so that we can collectively deliver the security and stability our people deserve.

“The timing of this decision is also significant as we approach another important electoral cycle. It is important that we work together to consolidate support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while also ensuring that the good people of Zamfara State continue to benefit from stable leadership at the state level.

“I believe that through unity, cooperation, and shared commitment within the APC, we can deliver Zamfara State for our President and also ensure that Governor Dauda Lawal secures the mandate to continue serving the people of the state.

“For me, this moment is both reassuring and welcome. I have looked forward to this development for quite some time, and I believe it marks the beginning of a new phase of cooperation in advancing the interests of Zamfara State.

The magazine had earlier reported that Governor Lawal joined the APC on Monday after earlier debunking rumour that he was planning to dump his former party, PDP.

His defection, comes after a Court of Appeal judgment that invalidated the PDP National Convention held in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital last year, a decision that has further triggered more crisis in the leadership of Nigeria’s former ruling party.

Terrorists Attack Military Base In Borno, Kill Commanding Officer, Others

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Soldiers on Duty - Nigerian Army

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Commanding officer of a military base in Borno State is one of the casualties as suspected Boko Haram terrorists overran another Military Camp in Borno State.

 

According to reports, the latest attack happened in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State in the early hours of Monday.

 

A source from the town revealed that the insurgents attacked the military base around 12:30am.

 

“They (terrorists) stormed the town from multiple directions and launched an attack on the military camp,” the source said.

 

Another security source said that the insurgents dislodged the troops from the base, set vehicles ablaze and carted away ammunition.

 

“I cannot say much about the casualties but it’s very sad that we also lost the CO (commanding officer) here,” one of the security sources said.

 

Last month, the insurgents had attacked the military base, but the gallant troops repelled the attack, killing many terrorists.

 

The brave response was commended by the community, which earned the Commanding Officer accolade and he was widely celebrated, particularly on social media.

 

The Lawmaker representing Kukawa LGA in the Borno State House of Assembly, Karta Maina Ma’aji Lawan, also celebrated with the troops at the time.

 

Commenting on the latest attack, the lawmaker said it was sad that the military base was overrun this time around.

 

The attack comes after terrorists attacked a military base and Internally Displaced Persons camp in Ngoshe town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno, killing an unspecified number of soldiers and civilians.

PDP “Gone” As Two Remaining Govs Set To Dump Party

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Peoples Democratic Party - PDP

By Ayodele Oni

A near-end is imminent for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as its two remaining governors are set to quit the party.

Reports reveal that Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and his Oyo counterpart, Seyi Makinde, have concluded plans to defect, before April, to another party.

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State had on Monday resigned his membership of the PDP and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Confirming this in a statement, the governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka, said the defection followed his principal’s consultation with stakeholders in the state.

According to DAILY POST sources, Mohammed is heading to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while Makinde has concluded plans to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Since the 2023 elections, nine PDP governors have so far left the party, citing irreconcilable crisis.

They are Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori (APC, April 2025), Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno (APC, June 2025), Enugu’s Peter Mbah (APC, Oct 2025), Bayelsa’s Douye Diri (APC, Nov 2025), Rivers’ Siminalayi Fubara (APC, Dec 2025), Plateau’s Caleb Mutfwang (APC, Jan 2026), Taraba’s Agbu Kefas (APC, Jan 2026), Adamawa’s Ahmadu Fintiri (APC, Jan 2026), and Osun’s Ademola Adeleke (Accord, Dec 2025). Zamfara’s Dauda Lawal is also set to join APC after Eid.

Additionally, 66 PDP federal lawmakers – 19 senators, 47 reps – have defected to APC since June 2023. The defections come ahead of INEC’s April 21 deadline for party register submission before primaries.

As nine governors exit and two more prepare to follow, the PDP’s once-mighty structure lies in ruins, leaving Nigeria’s political landscape transformed just months before the 2027 election cycle begins.

Governor Makinde had late last year met former vice president Atiku Abubakar in Minna, Niger state, fuelling speculation that he was lobbying to be his running mate, as he plans to contest for the presidency on the ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

With the Court of Appeal judgement on Monday which nullified the party’s convention held in Ibadan last December, more top notchers of the party are expected to call it quits.

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