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“Atiku Loyalists, Money, Cannot Save You” – Wike Tells Gov Fubara

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Siminalayi Fubara and Niyesom Wike

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Federal Capital Territory,  Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Fridayn January 2, 2025, foreclosed the possibilities of any reprieve for his  estranged political godson Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

This is as he insisted that there can never be two captains steering a ship at the same time.

In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Council of the State in continuation of his thank-you-visit to the grassroots, the immediate past Governor of Rivers state reiterated that money cannot save his successor in office from a crushing and humiliating defeat in 2027.

According to  Wike, Governor Fubara  has demonstrated his inability to maintain a cordial working relationship with local council officials, state lawmakers and other critical stakeholders, and, therefore, clearly proven to be ineffective and untrustworthy.

The FCT Minister vowed that there will never be any second chance for Governor Fubara who he has accused of betrayal and inability to honour agreements.

Wike reaffirmed that no amount of Fubara’s professed support for President Bola  Tinubu, nor the purported support  of Atiku Abubakar’s loyalists in the State, will alter the resolve by the people to shove him aside in 2027.

“We must make decisions. I heard somebody saying that those who worked for Atiku Abubakar in Rivers state are back. They couldn’t secure even 10 per cent votes for Atiku in 2023. So, what is the importance of their coming together again?  I will not call their names because you already know them.

“But the fact remains that Rivers State cannot afford to be led again by someone who cannot honour an agreement brokered by Mr President.

“Like I keep on saying, money and the gathering of Atiku Abubakar’s loyalists will not solve this problem the Governor has started.

“Tell Rivers State people what was discussed with the President. If you succeeded with the first act of betrayal, that was resolved, definitely you will not succeed with the second one.

“There cannot be two captains in one ship. So, whoever is assuring you (Governor Fubara) that when you shout “on your mandate we stand”, all is well, then you are being deceived”, Wike stated.

The Source reports that since last weekend, the FCT Minister has been hauling  all manners of  threats at the person and office of the Rivers state Governor, citing alleged unfulfilled pact brokered between his camp and that of Governor Fubara by President Tinubu as a major reason for his belligerent posture.

Consequently, Wike has vowed to supplant Fubara as the Rivers State Governor come 2027.

Meanwhile, Governor Fubara on Friday, swore-in five new Special Advisers with a charge to assist in the administration’s resolve to move forward and recover lost grounds.

He harped on the need for the new appointees to work together as well as remain dedicated and loyal to the ideals and vision of the administration with a view to ensuring effective service delivery and people-oriented governance.

According to the Governor, the appointment of the Special Advisers is aimed at strengthening governance structures, and ensures that the wheels of governance continue to function unimpeded.

The Source further reports that post emergency rule, the Governor has been forced by the usual unfriendly and uncooperative disposition of the pro-Nyesom Wike state lawmakers to be operating with mostly permanent secretaries in the absence of a properly constituted state Executive Council.

The Governor apart from a few Commissioners whom he worked with before he fell out with Wike, and who did not resign after they fell out, has not been able to submit a list of Commissioner-nominees as well as the 2026 fiscal estimate to the House of Assembly owing to the tense relationship between the two arms of Government.

“What we are doing this afternoon is bringing in some persons on board to ensure that the wheels of governance continue to roll smoothly in our state.

“I believe that these appointees are not new faces. They have been with us, and they had worked with us before in different capacities.

“They understand the philosophy of this administration and it will not be a problem following and ensuring that our goals are achieved

“So, my charge is not much because you already know what we have come to do. It is not pleasure. It is work. And every one of you here that had been assigned some responsibilities in time past had equally proven yourself. I am very sure that this time around it won’t be different.”

It is strongly believed that more of such appointments will be coming in the days ahead as a bait to the Wike conundrum.

INEC Releases Time Table For 2027 Polls

By
Ayodele Oni
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Independent National Electoral Commission - INEC

By Ayodele Oni

The Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold in Nigeria on Saturday, February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, March 6, 2027.

This was contained in a comprehensive time table released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The time table, which is for the 2027 general elections, and schedule of activities outline critical milestones for voter registration, political party primaries, campaigns, and the conduct of the polls.

According to the timetable, the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will commence in April 2026 and run until January 2027.

During this period, eligible Nigerians can register as new voters, replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), transfer their voting locations, and update their personal records, including those who attain the age of 18.

INEC announced that political party primaries for all elective positions will hold between July 1 and September 30, 2026, giving parties a three-month window to conduct their internal democratic processes.

Parties are expected to organise congresses at the ward, local government, state, and national levels and submit the results of their primaries to the Commission within one week of completion.

The submission of candidates’ lists has been scheduled for October 1 to October 31, 2026, during which political parties are required to upload the names of their candidates and running mates via INEC’s online nomination portal. The final list of candidates will be published on November 15, 2026.

Campaign activities for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on November 18, 2026, and end on February 19, 2027, while campaigns for Governorship and State Assembly elections will begin on December 15, 2026, and conclude on March 5, 2027.

Other key activities in the timetable include the display of the voters’ register in October 2026, collection of PVCs from December 2026 to February 2027, training of ad-hoc election personnel within the same period, and the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials between February and March 2027.

The Commission urged political parties, stakeholders, and the electorate to strictly adhere to the timelines, stressing that full compliance is critical to ensuring a smooth, credible, and transparent electoral process in 2027.

Gov. Fubara’s Ally, Ewor, Says He’s Unreliable, Joins Wike’s PDP Group

By
Ayodele Oni
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Dr Nname Ewor
Dr Nname Ewor

By Ayodele Oni

Dr Nname Ewor, factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State and former ally of Governor Siminalayi Fubara has dumped him and has collapsed his faction into the Aaron Chukwemeka- led committee, supported by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Ewor announced the dissolution of the factional body during Wike’s “thank you” visit to Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) Local Government Area of Rivers on Friday.

“Today, I am handing over the chairmanship and leadership of my faction to Aaron Chukwemeka – led caretaker committee.

“PDP is no longer factionalised in Rivers. PDP is under one chairman, and under one leadership, that is the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike,” he said.

He explained that he left the Fubara camp because the governor could not be trusted.

He said that President Bola Tinubu mediated twice to resolve the political crisis in Rivers, alleging that Fubara failed to keep the terms of the agreement. If the president mediated twice, that means you cannot be trusted. Can such a leader be trusted? We can’t trust him.

Ewor also refuted claims by Fubara that Wike was intimidating and frustrating his leadership, stressing that the Minister has not done anything to undermine his office.

Governor Fubara had earlier in December 2025 dumped the PDP and pitched camp with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Earlier, Chairman of ONELGA, Mr Chukwu Ogbogu, commended Wike for the visit to interact with his people.

Ogbogu also thanked the Minister for the development interventions in the local government during his tenure as governor of the state.

He added that beside personal benefits as two time commissioner and currently the council’s chairman, courtesy of Wike, other sons and daughters equally benefitted from various appointments at the state and federal levels.

“I cannot thank you enough for this and many other things you have done for us,” he said.

He assured the minister of the local government’s continued support and pledged the people’s complete loyalty to Wike.

Kwara APC  Reserves Kwara Central Senatorial Ticket For Governor AbdulRazaq

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State

By Akinwale Kasali

There is a strong speculation that the Kwara All Progressives Congress, APC, has reserved the Kwara Central Senatorial Ticket for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who will be completing his second term by May 2027.

This is as no Aspirant has shown interest in contesting for the seat, giving Governor Abdulrahman an edge.

It was gathered that the incumbent Senator, Mallam Saliu Mustapha, may be vying for the Governorship Position during the 2027 General Elections.

Although, Senator Mustapha is yet to openly declare interest to contest for the Kwara Governorship Seat but his supporters have started creating awareness.

Political Commentators opine that Senator Mustapha’s ambition has created cold war between him and the  Governor.

It would be recalled that the Kwara Central APC Elders Forum launched consultation tour across four local government areas in the district to rally support for the Governor’s next political move.

During the Elders’ visit to Ilorin South, the Chairman, Hon Nuhu Podo urged Governor Abdulrazaq to contest for the Senatorial Seat by 2027.

Delayed Promotion: Kaduna Nurses Threaten Strike

By
Ayodele Oni
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Medical Doctors in Nigeria

By Ayodele Oni

Nurses in Kaduna State have warned of a possible state-wide strike this year over the persistent failure of health authorities to conduct promotion exercises

They said the development could disrupt healthcare services across the state if unresolved.

The threat was contained in a New Year address by the Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Kaduna State Council, Nurse Ishaku Yakubu.

Yakubu expressed growing frustration over what he described as deliberate neglect of nurses’ career progression by the Ministry of Health and some of its parastatals.

“We equally faced several challenges amongst which are the non-conduct of promotion exercises in the ministry of health and some of her parastatals,” Yakubu said, noting that the situation has negatively affected morale and productivity within the system.

He warned that the union would no longer tolerate delays that undermine the professional growth and dignity of nurses.

According to him, “We shall as well in 2026, declare industrial dispute with the state ministry of health and parastatals that refuse to conduct promotion exercises as at when due,” he declared.

The promotion dispute comes on the heels of an ongoing industrial action at the National Ear Care Centre in Kaduna, where nurses are already on strike over issues bordering on professional designation and salary placement.

Yakubu revealed that the strike, now in its second week, has recorded full compliance.

“The strike action is in its second week and it’s 100% successful,” he said.

He warned that failure by authorities to act swiftly could lead to a broader shutdown of health facilities.

“If that institution fails to do the needful in the shortest possible time, we shall be forced to call on other federal health institutions in the state and the entire state to join in the industrial action for solidarity,” Yakubu added.

While acknowledging achievements recorded in 2025 particularly the approval and implementation of CONHESS 2024, which improved nurses’ welfare, the NANNM chairman stressed that salary gains alone are not enough.

He argued that promotions were a statutory right and a critical part of professional motivation.

Yakubu also accused some institutions of attempting to “undermine our profession and relegate us to subservient position,” warning that such practices would be resisted firmly in 2026.

Fmr AGF, Malami, Wife, Son To Remain In Custody As Court Defers Ruling On Bail Application

By
Ayodele Oni
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Abubakar Malami in Court
Abubakar Malami

By Ayodele Oni

The bail application of former Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, and his family has again been deferred till Wednesday next week.

Malami, his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe, and their son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, will  remain in custody, as the court rescheduled the ruling on their bail applications for Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Justice Emeka Nwite is scheduled to give his ruling on their bail applications after hearing arguments from the defence counsel, Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN) and the EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Ekele Iheanacho (SAN).

In the charge FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) names the trio as the first, second, and third defendants in a major money laundering case.

The commission alleged that the family conducted suspicious transactions to hide the illicit origins of billions of naira, using bank accounts and real estate across Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi.

These alleged offences reportedly occurred between 2015 and 2025, spanning Malami’s tenure as AGF under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The commission further alleged that Malami, his son and Asabe conspired to disguise the origin of funds, acquire property indirectly and retain sums they allegedly knew to be proceeds of unlawful activity, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 (as amended) and 2022.

They were also alleged of concealing over N600 million through the same company between September 2020 and February 2021.

Malami retained N600 million as cash collateral for a N500 million loan granted to Rayhaan Hotels Ltd by Sterling Bank, despite knowing the funds were proceeds of crimes, according to the anti-graft agency

The defendants, who were alleged to have laundered public funds totalling about N9 billion, were said to have acted in breach of Section 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended and punishable under Section 15(3).

N5.7bn Fraud: Court Grants Bauchi Commissioner N500m Bail

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Yakubu Adamu

By Akinwale Kasali

Following an alleged N5.7 billion fraud leveled against Yakubu Adamu, Bauchi State Commissioner of Finance, has been granted N500 million bail by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Friday.

Adamu is facing trial over his alleged complicity in a N5.7 bIllion fraud.

The Court, in a ruling that was delivered by the Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite, gave the defendant bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.

It held that the sureties must be owners of landed properties within the Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarinpa districts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, with verifiable proof of ownership.

Aside from directing the sureties to depose to an affidavit of means, the Court ordered the defendant to surrender his international passport, stressing he should not travel out of the country without permission.

The court fixed January 20 for the commencement of a full-blown hearing of the case.

It will be recalled that the EFCC had, last Tuesday, arraigned the defendant, who is a former Manager of a branch of Polaris Bank Plc in Bauchi State, on a six-count money laundering charge.

Equally cited as defendants in the matter were two companies, Ayab Agro Products, and Freight Company Limited.

In one of the counts in the charge, EFCC, alleged that the defendants illegally diverted funds that were earmarked for the supply of motorcycle.

It alleged that though the contract was not executed, the defendants subsequently transferred the funds to several individuals and entities, even though they knew that the funds were proceeds of an unlawful activity.

The defendants allegedly committed an offence that was contrary to Section 21(a) and punishable under Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge, even as their lawyer, Mr. Gordy Uche, SAN, pleaded for the Commissioner to be released on bail pending the determination of the case.

On his part, EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Samuel Chime, opposed the bail request and applied for accelerated hearing.

In his ruling on Friday, Justice Nwite held that the issue of bail was within the discretion of the court.

Besides, he noted that allegations against the defendants were bailable offences.

Though the Bauchi Commissioner will remain in Kuje Prison until Monday, when the Court will decide his fate on a separate terrorism-related charge pending against him.

The EFCC had, in the instant case, claimed that its investigations revealed that a company, Emmanuel Asomugha General Enterprises, was awarded a contract to supply motorcycles to the Bauchi State Government.

According to the anti-graft agency, to execute the contract, the firm applied for and obtained a loan facility of N4,650,000,000.00 from Polaris Bank, purportedly guaranteed by the Bauchi State Government.

It added that further investigations showed that despite representations made to the bank that the motorcycles had been supplied, no such supply was made, even though funds were released to the company.

More so, the prosecution revealed that Asomugha admitted that he received the funds through the 1st defendant, Adamu, and the former Accountant-General of Bauchi State, Sa’idu Abubakar.

Fubara To Supporters: “Have No Fear, We’ll Overcome All Obstacles  When It’s Time”

By
The Source
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Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of Rivers State

By Charles Igbo

A confident Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured his supporters and loyalists not to have any fears at all about his future and their own future. “When the time comes, you will be proud you stood by me. You will be proud you were steadfast”, the Governor said.

The Governor spoke at the Government House Port Harcourt during a New Year banquet he held in their honour.

His comment comes on the heels of the many attacks against him by his predecessor in office, estranged political godfather  and now the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. In the past couple of days, Wike, who is on a thank-you-visit to Local Governments in Rivers State has pointedly attacked, and even threatened Fubara’s political future. He says no matter what backing Fubara gets from anywhere, he would never get a second term in office. He says there must be a change in the leadership of the State. And, even though Wike purports to still be  a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, he says Fubara, who has defected to the APC, apparently, without telling him, is not the leader of the Party.

But Fubara seems unmoved by the attacks. He says the bridge will be crossed when they get there. He says that a number of stakeholders in the PDP who were supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was, also, his backers in 2023 during his Presidential bid, are now with him in support of President Bola Tinubu’s second term – Austin Opara, former Deputy Speaker of the House, Abiye Sekibo, former Minister for Transportation, Celestine Omehia, former Governor of the State, Uche Secondus, former National Chairman of the APC.

Fubara: “We will not ask you to do what is not right. We will never do that. But stand on the side of truth wherever you find yourself.

“Because at the end, it’s about you and about the decision you took when it mattered most. We don’t have any fear anywhere. We believe that when the time comes, we will cross the bridge.

“I have put in place everything needed to make the journey smooth. At

the end everyone who stood with me will be proud.

“2026 would usher in a complete liberation for the State. All the goals set by my administration would be accomplished.

“So, we are not barking because we understand. We know where we are going, and we have set all the things that are needed to make the journey smooth.

“So let me thank everyone, but especially for finding time to sit with us this evening to celebrate a year of our Lord. A year of peace. A year that will usher complete liberation.

“So I want to assure us that governance will continue in its full force. What we have set out to do for our state, we will continue with it. We will make sure that by the time we finish, everyone who stood with us will be proud.

“We will be honoured, and you can walk in the streets of Port Harcourt with your shoulders high that you took a decision that was right at that time.

“Prince Uche Secondus, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Austin Opara, former Rivers State Governor Celestine Omehia, and former Minister of Transport Abiye Sekibo, all PDP leaders have come to work with me  in the state.

“Their decision to work with me  dispels claims and blackmail  that I am aligning with persons working against the interests of the President.

“I remain unshaken in the face of political challenges. I trust in God who gives him confidence and strength.”

Peter Obi Calls for Unity, Truth, and National Renewal in New Year Message

By
The Source
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged   Nigerians to embrace unity, truth, sacrifice, and national renewal as the country enters the New Year, calling for a more serious commitment to democracy and good governance.

In a New Year message on  Thursday , Obi said the new year should represent a genuine fresh start for Nigeria, stressing that democracy must go beyond periodic elections and become a daily practice rooted in justice, accountability, compassion, and the rule of law.

According to him, Nigeria must use the moment to confront its shortcomings honestly and begin the process of building a broad national consensus based on integrity, fairness, and shared sacrifice.

Obi also called on those in positions of authority to recommit themselves to truth-telling, urging leaders to be open about their backgrounds, intentions, policies, actions, and health status. He noted that leadership thrives on trust, which can only exist where there is honesty.

He further emphasized that public office should be regarded as a solemn call to service rather than an avenue for personal enrichment, adding that public resources must be managed with transparency, discipline, and responsibility to both present and future generations.

Obi appealed for compassion toward the most vulnerable members of society, urging Nigerians to place the poor, weak, and forgotten at the centre of national priorities. He argued that a nation should be judged not by the grandeur of its ceremonies but by the dignity of life it offers its citizens.

Obi called for a shift in national values, advocating greater investment in healthcare, education, job creation, and productivity rather than excessive spending on ceremonies, slogans, and wasteful displays.

He concluded by expressing hope that the New Year would renew Nigeria’s collective resolve to build a country that works for all—just in its laws, productive in its economy, united in its diversity, and humane in its treatment of every citizen.

Prof. Utomi To Obi: I Will Abandon You If You Agree To Be Atiku’s Running Mate

By
James Orji
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Peter Obi joins ADC
Prof. Pat Utomi has vowed to withdraw his support for the 2023 Labour Party, LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi if he agrees to run as vice president in the upcoming presidential election slated for 2027.
The academic and rights activist spoke on Channels Television Politics Today, on Thursday bare two days after Obi officially joined the ADC from LP.
Obi, the magazine reports, led other south east leaders, including the LP caucus in the House of Representatives, led by Victor Ogene into the ADC during a ceremony in Enugu state.
Speaking after he decamped Obi said the mission to rescue Nigeria has commenced in earnest.
Some political analysts however insist that the former Anambra state governor has agreed to serve as vice presidential candidate under the party, a suggestion he had bluntly debunked.
Obi disclosed on Tuesday that he has come too far to be a second fiddle to any presidential candidate, saying he’s is the race for the Nigerian number one citizen job.
In 2019, Obi ran with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. New suggestions emerged that the duo may run together under a joint ticket in ADC, with Obi taking the position of a runner mate to Abubakar
Analysts of this particular school of thought insist that the former vice president is poised to secure the ADC Presidential candidate slot for the next election, saying some undercurrent strategies are ongoing in the party to ensure this happened.
But, Prof. Utomi, a staunch ally of the former governor would have none of that, it’s either Obi run as president or forget his support for him.
Utomi said those ruling the country have no capacity to do so, saying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari have disappointed Nigerians.
He said: “I can tell you that Peter Obi will contest for the presidency. The day he becomes somebody’s vice president, I walk away from his corner. I can tell you that for a fact.
“Something important about this election to bear in mind is that the Nigerian presidency has become a retirement home where people go for the Nigerian state to pay their medical bills. It is not acceptable.”
Utomi said past Nigerian leaders are not committed to its course, calling for a law to bar anyone above 70 from contesting the Presidency.
“They don’t have the fitness to run the country. The last one, and the current one, have essentially been government-in-absentia leaders.
“I, Pat Utomi, am insisting that I will canvass to the Nigerian people that nobody over the age of 70 should run for an executive position, whether it be governor or president.”
Meanwhile, Dr Tanko Yinusa, a spokesman for Obi said on Thursday that his principal will not abandon the ADC if he loses the party’s presidential ticket to Abubakar.
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