Home Blog Page 381

“It’s A Done Deal, Tinubu Will Be Candidate For APC and PDP In 2027” – Dele Momodu

August 28, 2025

By Gideon Njoku

“Wike keeps belching orders at helpless Governors who are too jittery to stand firm against daredevil dictatorship.”

Chief Dele Momodu, Publisher, Politician, former Presidential Aspirant under about two Political Parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and currently, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has said that the PDP should stop deceiving itself and lying to Nigerians by pretending it would have a Presidential candidate in 2027. All the talks, he said, about fielding former President Goodluck Jonathan, or Peter Obi, Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, or Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to fly its flag in 2027, are just what they are meant to be – talks.

This, Momodu said, is because President Bola Tinubu will be the Presidential Candidate of both the APC and the PDP in 2027.

Momodu said these in reaction to the zoning by the PDP, of its Presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria.

He described it as a monumental mistake which has finally taken the Party out of any calculation in 2027. He is of the opinion that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, finally blackmailed the PDP into zoning its ticket to the South knowing fully well that Wike would use the PDP structure to work for Tinubu in 2027.

In a post on his Instagram page, Momodu explained that the PDP has finally, surrendered its structure to President Bola Tinubu and described the party’s decision as “the most reckless decision in the history of our nascent democracy”. It has “shot itself in the leg”, Momodu declared.

His words: “Yesterday (Monday) one of Africa’s biggest, but seriously embattled political parties, shot itself in the leg by choosing to hide behind one finger. The PDP finally succumbed to the cheap and puerile blackmail of the black sheep in the opposition party who are openly and daringly working for the ruling party.

“The shame of it was seeing the so-called seasoned politicians engage in self-adulation for taking the most reckless decisions in the history of our nascent democracy by zoning the 2027 Presidential candidacy to Southern Nigeria.

“Who did not know that ultimately the hand was that of Wike while the voice was that of Tinubu. Their gameplan is not hidden. Wike keeps belching orders at helpless Governors who are too jittery to stand firm against daredevil dictatorship. They could not even rescue one of their prominent members in Rivers State, SIM FUBARA, when his boat of governance capsized. The same man that threw out zoning in 2022, and even lobbied to be Vice President of a Northern Candidate, is the one now crying loudest that power must be ceded to the South in 2027.

“The geniuses should be courageous enough to admit that Tinubu will be the joint Candidate of APC and PDP in 2027. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. Give it to Wike, love him or loathe him, you will always know where he stands no matter how preposterous or ludicrous.

“No Jupiter will stop Wike from using PDP structures for Tinubu. That’s already a done deal. Let PDP stop deceiving Nigerians that it will field a Southern Candidate against Tinubu. Speculations about the possible candidacy of Goodluck Jonathan, Peter Obi or Seyi Makinde are blatant lies from the pit of hell.

“What is more, the hypocrisy behind the reason for zoning power to the South stinks to high heavens. Where were these guys when President Umaru Yar’adua died, and no one fought for his replacement from the North after Jonathan completed their first term? In fact, Jonathan would have spent 9 years as President but for the defeat by Buhari in 2015. Where were they when Tinubu ran on a Muslim/Muslim ticket? The questions can continue ad infinitum!! Truth must not be selective.”

Instructively, in Rivers State, Wike is the Leader of both the APC and the PDP. In the Local Council polls scheduled for the State on August 30, both parties are fielding same Candidates. And in Oyo State where PDP Governor Makinde is speculated to be seriously warming up to run for the Presidential seat, recall that like Wike, he openly worked for Tinubu in 2023 against his own Party’s Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

In Osun State too, PDP Governor Ademola Adeleke, has pledged to work for Tinubu’s victory in 2027. And so has All Progressive Grand Alliance Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo. Both Delta and Akwa Ibom Governors, Sheriff Oborevwori and Umoh Eno respectively, have since dumped the PDP for the APC, and pledged the votes from their States to Tinubu.

The question then is: who, in the South, will work for the PDP?

2027: Popular Prophet Predicts Jonathan’s Victory, As Pressure Mounts On Ex-Leader

James Orji

August 28, 2025

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has a good chance of winning the 2027 presidential election, if he chooses to contest, according to an Ibadan-based Man of God, MOG.

Presidential hopeful who have indicated interest in the race include, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, respectively Peter Obi of the Labour party, Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, amongst others.

The MOG, President and founder of the Clear Revelation Ministry, Apostle Oluwarotimi Adeyeye made this remark on Wednesday at a press conference with some journalists, at the Press Centre, Nigerian Union of Journalists, in Ibadan, the state capital.

He said President Jonathan has the mind of God, which he demonstrated when he ruled the country between 2009 and 2015.

For instance, the cleric disclosed that the former Nigerian leader demonstrated this after he rejected the pressure from the united State government to approve same-sex marriage in the country.

According to him, “He shows it when he turned down USA proposal on same sex marriage. Also, his decision to leave office in 2015 to let peace reign Nigeria base on what happened before, during and after the general elections.

“It would have been war and bloodshed if he refused to leave the office. I told him in 2013 when I did a World press conference that he may be the last PDP President.

“However, God can still bring him back to office once more if Nigeria still stands as a nation.”

Instructively, Jonathan, reports indicate has been under pressure, from some political parties in the country, to vie for the next presidential election.

Those putting pressure on him said he fits into the plan of some elements from the northern part of the country, searching for a presidential aspirant who would not be in office for more than one-term of four years, so that power can return to the region in 2031.

Also, some political analysts insist that the reason why the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP recently zoned its presidential ticket to the south, is to make it possible to be drawn into the race, but whether the former Nigerian leader will accede to this demand on him, has remained in the realm of speculations.

The PDP, had after its 102 National Executive Council, NEC meeting held in Abuja, the nation’s capital earlier this week, zoned the presidency to the south, in line with its plan to ensure that the country’s next president hails from the region.

The party made the decision known in a communique read by its National publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, even though some members of the party have kicked against it.

The party’s spokesman also revealed that other NEC positions, including the National Chairman has been zone to the north.

“That all PDP national office positions currently in the northern region of the country remain in the northern region,” he said.

“That all PDP national office positions currently in the southern region of the country remain in the southern region.

“That having retained the position of the national chairman in the northern region of the country, the presidential candidate of the party for the 2027 general election is hereby zoned to the southern region.

“That the regions should immediately micro-zone positions within its region for implementation.”

Jonathan, since he lost the presidency which he contested under the PDP in 2015 has somehow distance himself from the party,a s he no longer attends its meetings.

Again, Gov Yusuf Probes Ganduje Over Sale Of Kano Multi-Billion Naira Abattoir

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 28, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, constituted yet another Committee to carry out a probe into the sale of the State’s multi billion naira abattoir- Nigeria Meat and Allied Products NIMAP located in the Challawa Industrial area by the immediate past administration of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje .

The abattoir said to be sitting on a large expanse of land within the choice Industrial estate was built by the Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s administration with a design to render various services that would generate considerable revenue for the state Government.

However, the facility was said to have been sold by the Ganduje administration under circumstances which Governor Yusuf’s Government consider too hazy to ignore.

While inaugurating an 11-man Committee to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the sale, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, informed that the investigation has become necessary in view of the Government’s determination to hold the immediate past administration to account.

According to the SSG, the State Government has the responsibility to take all practical and legal steps to safeguard critical infrastructural facilities put in place for common good,which unfortunately have been illegally auctioned to some self-serving interests .

Instructively and curiously too, the newly inaugurated Committee is to be headed by the immediate past Chairman of the Kano state Anti-graft Commission ,Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado, a familiar face in the seemingly unending probe of the activities of the Ganduje’s administration .

The Committee, according to the SSG is to determine the roles and culpability of individuals, organizations and Government agencies in the purported sale of the abattoir.

“The Committee is mandated to probe the circumstances surrounding the sale of the land ,and equipment in the Nigerian Meat and Allied Products Abattoir

“You are to review all documents, agreements and approval if any related to the transaction, and assess the level of compliance with relevant laws and due process .

“The Committee is also expected to determine the roles and culpability of individuals, organizations and Government agencies involved in the despicable act, and recover any public funds, assets or equipment lost in the process.

“Recommend possible legal, administrative or disciplinary actions or measures against those found culpable. Verify the legality of the transactions and assess whether due process was followed in valuation and price fixing.

“Suggest any other measures which, in the opinion of the Committee, could prevent future similar occurrence. And propose steps to facilitate the establishment of a modern meat-processing plant that meets international standards”, the SSG stated

The Source reports that ,the establishment of the probe committee is coming just a few days after the Kano state Government accused Ganduje’s administration of spending a whopping sum of N20 billion in three months within the Protocol Directorate in 2023.

Pastor And Wife Fake Her Kidnapping, Police Arrests Both

Ayodele Oni

August 28, 2025

Pastor Sanmori Olubumi and Mrs Sanmori Taiwo

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a woman and her Pastor- husband for faking her own kidnap.

The incident happened in Ondo town when Mrs Sanmori Taiwo, a 42-year-old woman, and her husband, Pastor Sanmori Olubumi, raised an alarm that she has been abducted.

Ondo Police Command spokesman, Olusola Ayanlade, in a statement on Wednesday, explained that the police “uncovered a case of self-kidnapping involving one Mrs. Sanmori Taiwo, a 42-year-old woman, and her husband, Pastor Sanmori Olubumi Joshua, aged 62 years, both residents of Road 5, Power Line, Ondo City.

“On the 23rd of August, 2025, between the hours of 4:00pm and 5:00pm, Mrs. Taiwo deliberately isolated herself in a separate room in their residence and conspired with her husband to stage her own abduction.

“The husband subsequently placed calls to relatives using her mobile phone number, falsely claiming that she had been kidnapped by unknown gunmen who were demanding the sum of N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) as ransom.

“Suspicious of the claims, one of the relatives, Mr. Fasegha Joseph, through a written petition, reported the matter to the Commissioner of Police, CP, Adebowale Lawal psc+, mnips who directed the Command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS) to move into action.

“Acting swiftly on the report, an investigation team from the Command anti-kidnapping squad supported by Enu-owa division in Ondo city proceeded to their residence in Ondo town, where Mrs. Taiwo was found.

“She falsely claimed to have just been released by kidnappers after a ransom of Five Million Naira was allegedly paid.

“Upon further interrogation at the Command, Mrs. Taiwo confessed that the abduction was staged as a self-kidnapping scheme, masterminded to extort money from her relatives abroad under the pretence of securing her release.

“She further admitted that her motive was to settle debts and provide for her personal needs. Both she and her husband are currently under investigation, and appropriate legal action will follow.”

OPINION: Abuja-Kaduna Rails Of Recklessness

The Source

August 27, 2025

By Suleiman Usman Yusuf

The Abuja–Kaduna train reportedly derailed this morning on its way to Kaduna. I sympathize deeply with every innocent passenger affected.

For some time, I have noticed three problem spots on that line where the train always gives a frightening drift and makes troubling sounds. My first instinct was to raise alarm on social media and tag the relevant agencies in charge. But given the many crises Nigeria is already juggling (security, the economy, and more), I chose a quieter route. My goal is for things to be fixed, not to chase attention.

So I repeatedly drew the issue to the attention of NRC staff, on three separate occasions. Each time, I was told they were aware and had notified the relevant authorities. I also discussed it with a security officer attached to the service; he said he had reported it to NRC officials as well, with no result. I warned friends about the dangers if the tracks were not properly handled. I was actually scheduled to be on the opposite train this morning (Kaduna to Abuja) but canceled because of unfinished business in Kaduna.

With all sense of patriotism, I acknowledge that accidents happen everywhere. But what happened today reflects shared recklessness, irresponsibility, and a disturbing disregard for Nigerians’ safety and welfare. When public institutions and their officials fail at basic service delivery, we are handed a thousand excuses, but none that protect lives.

Today’s event forces us to raise fundamental questions:

Why do we keep dramatising preventable failures?
Why do so many in public office take from a country they are starving?
Why do we gush over working systems abroad (snapping photos and calling it achievement) yet refuse to build the same at home when given the chance?
Are the trains free? If passengers pay, why isn’t maintenance done properly?
Is this service being allowed to fail so the NRC can be privatized and shared among a few?
How much money will ever be enough before leaders decide to serve the country properly?
Why do we tolerate needless suffering and deaths on our roads, in the air, on farms, in homes, and now on our trains?
Why are we addicted to reactive statements instead of proactive fixes?
Why must we wait for disasters before issuing hollow sympathies and condemnations?
Why can’t public systems simply work for the nation and for generations yet unborn?
Why destroy public institutions only to build private versions for personal gain?

I am certain that prior concerns about these risks have been raised within and around the NRC. Mr. President, Sir; Hon. Minister of Transportation, Sir, there must be consequences. Let there be a transparent investigation, made public. Where negligence is found, heads must roll. Set a clear example. People responsible for this avoidable mess should face the law. We are watching.

Suleiman writes from Kaduna and can be reached at [email protected].

Billions Of Dollars Flowing To Africa As Grants Have Been Wasted – BACCIMA Chairman Laments

Akinwale Kasali

August 27, 2025

Aminu Mohammed Danmaliki - BACCIMA Chairman

By Akinwale Kasali

The Chairman, Bauchi Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture, BACCIMA, Hon. Aminu Mohammed Danmaliki, has expressed his dissatisfaction over bureaucratic bottlenecks and political patronage that has often affected the effectiveness of international development assistance in Africa.

Danmaliki decried billions of Dollars that have, for decades flowed from Western donors and development partners into Africa under the banner of aid, grants, and development support, which have not metamorphosed into anything positive.

He made this call at the International Business Conference & EXPO 2025 organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, in Victoria Island, Lagos.

He further stressed that the vast sums have often yielded little or no visible impact on the lives of Nigerians.

Speaking further, he said the grants and support falls into private foreign bank accounts, Instead of driving progress, it has too often fueled dependency, waste, and disillusionment.

“This is not to diminish the goodwill of our partners. On the contrary—we remain deeply grateful for their friendship and their consistent support. But gratitude must not blind us to reality. The current approach is broken. It is time for change”, he stated.

Danmaliki however appeal to the donors to continue to invest in Africa through the private sector, not only through governments.

“The African private sector—our entrepreneurs, our chambers of commerce, our small and medium enterprises—are the true engines of sustainable growth.

“We create jobs, we generate innovation, we build industries, and we are rooted in our communities. When resources are channeled through us, every dollar is more likely to translate into real factories, real farms, real hospitals, and real opportunities for ordinary citizens.

“We do not reject governments. They remain important partners in policy and regulation. But the balance must change.

“Development funds should be directed where accountability, transparency, and productivity are stronger—and that is in the private sector.

“Africa is not asking for charity. We are asking for investment that produces mutual benefit. Let donor support be transformed into venture financing, impact investments, credit guarantees, and infrastructure partnerships that empower private actors to deliver growth.

“In this way, the international community will see measurable results, local communities will feel the impact, and Africa will stand taller as a partner rather than a perpetual recipient”.

He appealed that aid must continue to evolve in building a stronger Africa, invest through the private sector.

34th Anniversary Of Creation: Gov Okpebholo Pleads For Unity

Ayodele Oni

August 27, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has urged people of the State to re- commit themselves to the vision of a prosperous Edo State.

In a statement in Benin to mark the 34 years of the creation of the state, the governor congratulated citizens at home and in the diaspora as the state marks its 34th anniversary since creation on 27 August 1991, paying glowing tribute to its founding fathers and past leaders.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the Governor described the resilience and indomitable spirit of Edo people as unique, noting that their collective sacrifices have shaped the state’s journey of growth.

Governor Okpebholo highlighted achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development, while acknowledging challenges along the way.

He pointed to the rich heritage of the ancient Benin Kingdom as the foundation on which modern Edo continues to build.

“As we celebrate 34 years of existence, we must reflect on our journey and recommit to the vision of a prosperous Edo State,” he said, urging residents to unite beyond ethnic or political divides.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s focus on job creation, security, and sustainable development, pledging transparency and accountability.

“As we celebrate, let us renew our hope and determination. Together, we will take Edo State to greater heights,” he concluded.

NCDC Announces Drop In Lassa Fever Cases, New Cases In Edo, Ondo, Bauchi

Ayodele Oni

August 27, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced that the country has recorded a slight drop in Lassa fever infections, with five new confirmed cases reported across Edo, Ondo and Bauchi States in Week 33 (11th–17th August 2025).

This marks a decline from 12 confirmed cases recorded the previous week.

According to the latest report, the latest situation record shows that a total of 854 confirmed cases and 159 deaths have been reported so far in 2025, giving a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.6 percent, notably higher than the 17.2percent, recorded during the same period in 2024.

The NCDC revealed that 21 states across 106 local government areas have reported at least one confirmed case this year, with Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba and Ebonyi States accounting for 90 percent of all infections.

Young people between 21 and 30 years remain the most affected age group. Encouragingly, no new healthcare worker infections were recorded in the past week.

The NCDC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, maintain strict hygiene practices and keep their environments clean to curb the spread of the disease.

APC Insists Presidential Ticket Open To All Aspirants;

James Orji

August 27, 2025

The National Organising Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Sulaiman Mohammad Argungu, has disclosed that the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 election is open to any aspirant from the party who wants to contest.

Argungu said the APC will ”not close our doors” on any presidential hopeful who decided to contest the party’s presidential ticket with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He spoke on Wednesday at an interactive session with journalists at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

His remark also came after the major opposition party in the country, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said on Tuesday that it has zoned its presidential ticket to the south. The decision has however polarized the party as some of its supporters vehemently disagreed with the decision taken by the party.

Based on convention, President Tinubu , as the incumbent from the APC, analysts insist, should be offered the first right of refusal to fly the APC ticket in the next election.

The party, the magazine also recalls, had recently endorsed President Tinubu for a second term in office, saying he has performed well since he came to office over two years ago.

In spite of this, Argungu said other aspirants would not be prevented from obtaining the nomination form to vie for the ruling APC sole ticket, adding that the decision is in conformity with the party’s democratic principles to allow all aspirants to have a level playing field.

Argungu: “We will definitely not close our doors (other Presidential aspirants). When the time comes, our timetable will be made known. Anybody who wants to aspire for the presidency under the APC will not be denied the opportunity to purchase the expression of interest and nomination forms to exercise their franchise.

“We never said we had locked the door. We are only telling people that we appreciate what the President is doing for the people of the country and that he deserves a second term in office when we roundly endorsed him recently.”

2027: Those Calling On Jonathan To Contest Are Political Scammers – Niger Delta Group

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 27, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Niger Delta Organization, the South-south Reawakening Group, SSRG, has insisted that any attempt by former President Goodluck Jonathan to join the Presidential Race in 2027 will tantamount to self-destruction.

It has, therefore, appealed to the former President to vehemently resist any orchestrated plots to draft him into the race from any quarters, noting that doing otherwise will inevitably spell doom for his political career and image.

The Source reports that the group’s cautionary note is coming on the heels of the decision of the Peoples Democratic party, PDP, to zone its Presidential slot to the Southern part of the country ahead of the 2027 Presidential Polls.

Of late,some groups, mostly from the Northern part of the country, have been clamouring for the return of Jonathan who was ousted from office in 2015 by a Coalition of forces under the All Progressive Congress, APC, led by former president Muhammadu Buhari and incumbent president Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Instructively, Dele Momodu a prominent member of the ADC, and estranged ally of President Tinubu on Tuesday August 26,2025 warned that ,the PDP decision to zone its Presidential slot to the South is part of the political scripts of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to boost the chances of Tinubu’s second term ambition.

In a statement on Wednesday from its Coordinator, Dr Joseph Ambakaderimo, the SSRG described the purported calls for Jonathan to throw his hat into the 2027 Presidential ring as a dangerous trap, designed to de-robe him of his global respect and admiration built over the years.

For Dr Ambakaderimo, any attempt by the former President to succumb to the temptation of contesting the 2027 presidential polls will ultimately lead to him being consigned to the waste bin of history.

The group warned that those clamouring for Jonathan to join the presidential race do not mean well for him, insisting that they are goaded more by their selfish political interests.

Further speaking, the SSRG leader informed that no fewer than six different bodies from the Niger Delta region recently met to deliberate on the import of the calls by some Northern interest groups for Jonathan to contest the 2027 election.

According to him ,after a careful consideration of the issue, all the groups came to the conclusion that those behind the quest to enlist the former president into the 2027 political trenches are nothing but Nigeria’s enemies who are driven by the urge to fill their pockets.

“Go back to history, you will see that these are the same people who halted Jonathan with passion when he served as president .

They said he was weak; he was incapable of securing Nigeria from Boko Haram terrorists . So ,what has suddenly change now ?.

“The Jonathan narrative in this enterprise of drafting him to run in the 2027 elections hasn’t been made clear to us by Jonathan himself.

Therefore, I wouldn’t want to say much until he, Jonathan, speaks by declaring his intentions.

“However, my understanding at this time and the question to ask is: how come the sudden 360 degree likeness and love from persons who worked against Jonathan and previously called him all kinds of unprintable names have now become the ones urging him to come out of his political hibernation?

“My understanding is that there is a grand plan to scatter the Southern votes by way of drafting in as many candidates as possible from the South to scramble for the Southern votes, while leaving the Northern votes intact for supposedly single dominant candidate.

” If this is the strategy of Jonathan’s new found friends, we may likely see a scenario where that Northern candidate might win with not more than three million votes ,which will lead to a possible run off in 2027.

This strategy is just to weaken the incumbent , president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and take power back to the North through the back door .

” So far ,we are watching this game with rapt attention to see the destination”, the SSRG noted.

1...380381382...2,889 Page 381 of 2,889