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

By
James Orji
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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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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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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.

Wife Battering: Police Arrest Agbor, Cross River State Suspended Legislator

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Dickson Agbor and his wife Glory Agbor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Less than a week after he was slammed with an indefinite suspension by his colleagues for alleged violent attack on  his wife ,the Cross River state police Command has announced the arrest of the Lawmaker representing Obubra State constituency at the State House of Assembly, Ovat Dickson Agbor.

The Source reports that the Cross River state House of Assembly on Thursday, March 5, 2026, voted to suspend Agbor over what they described as conduct unbecoming of a legislator. They said his behavior is in utter disagreement with the ethical standards expected of members of the legislative branch of Government.

“We must ensure that members conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values ,and responsibilities entrusted to us by the people”, Hon Davies Etta said while moving the motion for the suspension of Agbor.

A statement from Eitokpah Sunday Akata, spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, informed that the suspended Lawmaker is in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, after his arrest early on Monday.

According to Akata, a thorough investigation to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the incident is underway.

Instructively ,the arrest of  Agbor came amidst his wife’s protestations against moves to escalate what she termed a mere family feud.

It will be recalled that the embattled Lawmaker’s wife Glory Agbor, had earlier expressed disagreement with the decision of the legislators’ to suspend her husband.

She followed up the open protestations with the decision to withdraw from the umbrella body of wives of Lawmakers – Legislators Wives Association.

She accused some people of trying to capitalize on a minor family and matrimonial dispute to divide her family.

“There is no doubt that some have tried to paint the name of my family in a bad light, but I stand here to vehemently debunk that view against my family and state it clearly that my husband and I are at peace with each other.

“Even though issues arose, we have been able to amicably resolve our differences. As I said , this is my family, and no marriage is totally perfect. Please leave my family alone”, Glory pleaded.

Appeal Court Judgment:  Wike’s Faction Set For Fresh Convention

By
Ayodele Oni
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PDP Wike Faction

By Ayodele Oni

Aftermath of the Appeal Court judgement, nullifying last year’s convention of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan, Oyo state, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to hold another convention before the end of this month.

He disclosed that 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.”

The FCT minister urged members of the PDP to use the judgment as an opportunity to rebuild unity within the party rather than prolong internal disputes through legal battles.

“For me, it is an opportunity for the party to come back together. We have fought enough. It is time to drop personal interests and see how we can move the party forward.”

Wike stressed the need for the PDP to remain strong as a credible opposition party in the country.

“The PDP remains the only strong opposition party we have. What we should be doing now is to put our house in order so that the party can continue to play its role effectively,” he said.

He further explained that with the court affirming the invalidity of the Ibadan convention, the leadership structure that emerged from the exercise could no longer be recognised.

According to him, the party had already constituted a caretaker arrangement to manage its affairs pending the conduct of a valid national convention.

The Court of Appeal had earlier upheld the judgment of the Federal High Court restraining INEC from recognising the outcome of the PDP national convention held in Ibadan, ruling that the party failed to comply with legal requirements before conducting the exercise.

$2.1mn Theft: Appeal Court Upholds Conviction Of Army General Mohammed

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Major General Umar Mohammed
Major General Umar Mohammed

By Akinwale Kasali

The sentencing of former Group Managing Director of Nigerian Army Properties Limited, NAPL, Maj.-Gen. Umar Mohammed, for stealing and misappropriating funds belonging to the company has been upheld by the Court of Appeal.

The Appellate Court dismissed Mohammed’s appeal which challenged the jurisdiction of the Special Court Martial (Nigerian Army) and the validity of its verdict in a  Certified True Copy, CTC.

Mohammed, a former Senior Officer had earlier been tried and convicted by a court martial on October 10, 2023 for offences bordering on stealing and criminal misappropriation of funds belonging to Nigerian Army Properties Limited.

Following the conviction, Mohammed was dismissed from the Nigerian Army, sentenced to imprisonment and ordered to refund $2,099,700 and N1.65 billion to the company.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, he approached the appellate court on Feb. 12, 2025 in suit No. CA/ABJ/CR/383/2025, arguing that his conviction was not supported by sufficient and credible evidence.

However, the three-member panel of Justices, Abba Mohammed, Okon Abang and Eberechi Nyesom-Wike, dismissed the appeal, ruling that the evidence presented during the court martial clearly established the offences.

According to the certified judgment issued on Monday, the court held that the Special Court Martial was right to reject the former general’s defence, describing it as inconsistent and unreliable.

The Court noted contradictions in Mohammed’s testimony, particularly his claim that Nigerian Army Properties Limited never operated berthing services, which contradicted documentary records authored by him indicating otherwise. The justices ruled that the inconsistencies undermined his credibility.

The Appellate Court consequently affirmed the conviction and sentence imposed by the Special Court Martial on all counts except those relating to forgery.

In August 2025, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos State also ordered the final forfeiture of shares worth over N5 billion traced to Mohammed.

The order, followed an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which told the court that the 245,568,137 shares were purchased with proceeds of unlawful activities carried out during Mohammed’s tenure as head of the army’s property company.

EFCC counsel in the matter, Hanatu Kofanaisa, explained that a Special Court Martial had already convicted Mohammed on 14 out of 18 counts of stealing and related offences.

She added the commission had met all legal requirements for final forfeiture, including the mandatory newspaper publication, without any objection being filed.

In granting the application, Justice Dipeolu held that the EFCC had proved its case and ordered the shares permanently forfeited to the Federal Government, in favour of the Nigerian Army Properties Limited.

The application was brought under Section 44(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

BREAKING: Students, Teachers Escape Death As Four Storey Building Collapses In Lagos

By
The Source
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Four Storey Building Collapses In Lagos

By Akinwale Kasali

Students and Teachers of Yemco Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College, situated at 11 Adudatu Street, behind County Hospital in the Aguda axis of Ogba, Lagos, miraculously escaped death by whisker when the four storey building housing the School collapsed.

The building came down barely minutes after Students and Teachers  hurried out of the premises, preventing what residents said would have been a tragedy of monumental proportion.

Residents disclosed that concerns had been raised earlier when wooden planks reportedly fell from the roof, prompting alarm among people in the neighbourhood that tragedy was looming; that a possible collapse was imminent.

According to an eyewitness who claimed anonymity, “The students narrowly escaped the incident. It was just about three minutes after they were evacuated from the building that the structure collapsed”.

Another resident revealed that the structure had not shown obvious signs that it was about to give way, but there were reports that some planks on the roof were already given way, likewise some section of the building walls were already having cracks.

It was also gathered that an elderly man in the area had alerted the School authorities that the building might be unsafe, prompting the quick evacuation of the occupants.

Taiwo Ridwan, another resident, said the building showed signs of distress shortly before the collapse.

“At first, the house started cracking little by little. The window frames had already fallen apart. After some minutes, the cement body of the house began peeling off. Not long after that, the building just sank,” Ridwan said.

Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and Lagos State Emergency Agency, LASEMA, have secured the scene and restricted access to the area.

….Details Later

Appeal Court Ruling: Zamfara State Governor, Lawal Defects To The APC

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State (1)

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal on Monday March 9, 2026 , announced his resignation from the troubled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and  subsequent defection to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.

 

The Source reports that the Governor whose State has remained one of the epicentres of insurgency had, penultimate week, stated that his continued membership of the PDP will depend on the outcome of the consolidated suits filed by the two factions of the party at the Court of Appeal.

 

He had informed that ,he would be seeking alternative political platform should the scale of judgment tilt against the Tamuni Turaki-led National Executive Committee NEC.

 

However, the Appallate Court on Monday, in a ruling by a  three-member panel of Justices , upheld the verdict of the trial court which had earlier declared the November 15 and 16, 2025, Ibadan National Convention and the election of the Turaki’s NEC of the PDP as null and void.

 

A statement on Monday from the Governor’s spokesperson, Nuhu Anka, informed that Governor Lawal defection was sequel to wide consultations with all relevant Zamfara state stakeholders.

 

“The Government and PDP family of Zamfara State wish to formally inform the general public of an important political development following extensive consultations stakeholders, political leaders ,elders, and supporters across the state 

 

“After careful considerations, and in the over riding interest of stability, progress and sustainable development of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State has decided to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressive Congress, APC.

 

“This decision was reached after wide consultations with political stakeholders and supporters, particularly in view of the prolonged internal crisis, leadership disagreements and unresolved structural challenges within the PDP at both the National and State levels.

 

“Those challenges have continued to create uncertainty, and distractions that could hinder effective governance and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara state”, the statement reads in part .

 

This is as the Governor  emphasized the need to align with the Federal Government in the efforts to find a lasting solution to the seemingly intractable problem of insecurity ravaging the State.

 

“By joining the APC, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development, and ensuring that Zamfara state benefits fully from stronger collaboration with the Federal Government.

 

According to the statement, the Governor  is defecting alongside  members of the State House of Assembly, State Executive  Council members, Local Council officials ,as well as the entire PDP structure in the State.

Gunmen Abduct LG Official, Two Others In Ondo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gunmen - Kidnappers

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Tension and fear gripped residents of Ilu-Abo in Akure North local government area of Ondo State  on Monday, following the abduction of the Chief Executive Officer of a poultry farm, Joseph Kayode was reportedly shot and abducted by unidentified gunmen.

 

Kayode, currently the secretary of Okeluju Local Council Development Authority, LCDA) was Kidnap alonge side two others.

 

According to sources in the community, the incident occurred while Kayode was on his way to his farm alongside his daughter when the assailants ambushed them.

 

Eyewitnesses said the attackers were about 10 in numbers and opened fire on the businessman before whisking him away to an unknown destination, leaving residents in shock and confusion.

 

The sounds of sporadic gunshot, very close to a public school forced parents to hurriedly withdraw their children amid fears of further attacks.

 

The state police command, in a reaction, confirmed the incident explaining that preliminary information indicates that three armed men, who were masked and suspected to have emerged from a nearby bush, invaded the poultry farm and abducted two persons identified as Joseph Kayode ‘M’ and Easter Akinlolu ‘F’. 

 

The assailants reportedly fired sporadically into the air before whisking the victims away to an unknown destination.

 

“The Ondo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a reported case of kidnapping that occurred on Monday, March 9, 2026, at a poultry farm along Kajola Road, Ilu-Abo.

 

“Upon receipt of the information, the command immediately mobilized tactical teams and detectives to the affected area to commence search and rescue operations, as well as intensify security patrols to prevent further occurrences.

 

“The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal Psc(+), mnips, has directed that all available operational and intelligence resources be deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for the criminal act.

 

“Security operatives alongside non conventional security outfits are currently combing nearby forests and surrounding communities as part of ongoing efforts to track down the perpetrators.

 

“The Command understands the concern this incident has generated among residents, particularly parents and school authorities, which has resulted in the temporary closure of schools. 

 

“However, members of the public are urged to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary panic.

 

“Parents, guardians, and community leaders are encouraged to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that could assist ongoing operations.”

 

The state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa had told his interviewers last week that the state was relatively peaceful as no kidnapping case has been recorded since the Owo incident of three years ago.

 

However since the beginning of the year, especially in Akure North area, a traditional ruler was hacked to death, while resisting abduction, couple whisked away and other open kidnappings in the area.

Tension As Rivers State Lawmakers Reject Professor, Three Other Commissioner-nominees

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Martin Amaewhule - Speaker Rivers State



By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The Rivers State House of Assembly, on Monday, March 9, 2026, rejected the nomination of four Commissioner-nominees, including a Professor.

 

The Source reports that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, after a prolonged lull had a couple weeks ago submitted a list of nine Commissioner-nominees to the law makers for screening and confirmation.

 

The nomination of the Commissioner-nominees ,was sequel to the acclaimed President Bola  Tinubu-brokered truce in  the long drawn disagreement and crisis between the camps of the Governor and his political godfather, the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

 

However, at plenary on Monday, the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Matins Amaewfule informed that only five out of the nine nominees were confirmed after what he described as a rigorous screening process that lasted for over two and a half hours.

 

According to the Speaker, four nominees were rejected based on what he called general poor performance during the screening exercise.

 

He also cited a plethora of weighty petitions written by some individuals and groups as part of the reasons for rejecting the four nominees.

 

The four rejected nominees were Prof Datonye Alasia , Barr. Tamuno Williams ,Otonye Amachree and Charity Deemua.

 

“Distinguished colleagues, we have nine Commissioner-nominees forwarded to the House by the Governor .

 

“At the end of the screening exercise, the House confirmed five of them 

 

“And for four of them, the House has chosen to take a deep breath given their poor performance and controversies surrounding their documents and their inabilities to prove to this august Assembly that they are indeed prepared to serve Rivers state or that they are capable.

 

“We feel that they are not square pegs in square holes for the job they are intended to do in the Rivers State Executive Council.

 

” On that note, distinguished colleagues, I thank you for your contributions. With your leave, and in line with our rules, I will forward the resolution of this august Assembly to the Governor so that he can take necessary steps for the interest of Rivers State”, the Speaker stated .

 

The Source further reports that not a few fear that the rejection of the Governor’s nominees may have signaled the commencement of another round of cold war between the pro-Wike State legislators and Governor Fubara.

 

It is also widely speculated that among the four rejected nominees were two  personal candidates of the Governor for the strategic Ministries of Justice and Finance , further highlighting the locking influence of Wike in the formation of the state Executive Council.

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