ADC Not Interested In Early Zoning Arrangement – Spokesman

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August 26, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has maintained that it will not be distracted by premature zoning arrangement of other political party.

It criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for moving ahead with zoning arrangements for the 2027 Presidential election, describing the move as insensitive to the plight of Nigerians.

Appearing on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said both major parties were more focused on political calculations than addressing the country’s urgent challenges.

“We are not bothered with what the PDP has done. Nigerians can see right into it. PDP people are not naïve people; they are very experienced politicians.

“For them to take that decision two years ahead of the presidential election, there must be a game on, and we can see right through it. We are not pressured; we are focused on our party.

“The general election is still in 2027; it’s still two years away. Why are we so preoccupied and behaving in such a way that Nigerians begin to look at the political elite across the divides as if we don’t care about them?”

On Monday, the PDP announced that its presidential ticket for 2027 would be zoned to the South while the party’s national chairmanship would remain in the North.

In parallel, APC governors and other party leaders endorsed President Bola Tinubu as their sole candidate for the next election. Both parties defended their positions by citing Nigeria’s long-standing, though informal, practice of rotating power between the North and South.

Abdullahi, however, dismissed the moves as little more than political manoeuvring. “They are very experienced people, and they know the implications of showing their way too early.

“So, it’s either they are playing a predetermined game or baiting some people to come around,” he said.

He further emphasised that the ADC was not built around a single aspirant, contrary to some perceptions.

“In the papers yesterday, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar came out to say he is going to run for president. Don’t forget we still have the likes of Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and others who are interested in running, and we have reiterated that they have an equal chance.”

The ADC, he explained, is concentrating on building grassroots structures, rather than being distracted by premature zoning debates.

According to Abdullahi, the party has not yet decided on zoning its presidential ticket. “What is most important to us is to convince Nigerians that we represent that alternative that can bring respite to their current sufferings.

“As far as the ADC is concerned, we are not having that kind of conversation now. We are focused on mobilising at the grassroots and putting up structures,” he added.

Northern Youths Coalition Rejects PDP Zoning Arrangement

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Ayodele Oni

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August 26, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

A coalition of Northern Youth Groups, under the Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations (JACON), has accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of betraying the course of the North with the zoning of its Presidential Candidate to the South.

The coalition rejected the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to zone its 2027 Presidential ticket to the South.

Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna on Tuesday, JACON’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ambassador Sanin Yaya, described the move as unjust and a betrayal of the North.

Yaya warned that the Party would face political consequences if it failed to reverse the decision.

He argued that the PDP’s zoning arrangement sidelined qualified northerners.

According to him, the region produced a president for only two and a half years under the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua during the party’s 16 years in power.

Yaya noted that the South held the office for more than 13 years.

He warned that the North would no longer serve as a political beast of burden for a party that only seeks its votes without offering leadership opportunities.

The coalition urged the PDP to zone the ticket to the North in 2027 and warned that northern voters would be mobilised against the party if the decision stood.

“The PDP has a long tradition of rotating its presidential ticket between the North and South in a power-sharing arrangement aimed at promoting balance and unity.”

The latest decision to shift the ticket to the South follows internal consultations by governors and party leaders.

You Cannot Erase My Legacies In Kano – Ganduje Warns Governor Yusuf

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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August 26, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has vehemently condemned recent allegations of financial malfeasance and corruption leveled against him by the Kano State Government.

The Source reports that the Kano State Government had earlier on Monday August 25, 2025, accused Ganduje ,the immediate past Governor of the State, of misappropriating and misapplying a whopping sum of N20 billion between February and May 2023 through the Directorate of Protocol.

The expenditure, according to Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf was incurred by his predecessor in office after losing the 2023 gubernatorial polls in the State.

Similarly, the Kano State Government also alleged that within the same period, the former Governor presided over a regime of mindless land grabbing through some cronies and associates.

But in a statement Monday night, August 25, Mohammed Garba ,the Chief of Staff, COS, to the former APC National Chairman, described the latest allegations as yet another attempt to undermine and tarnish the hard earned reputation of Dr Ganduje.

It will be recalled that the Governor Yusuf-led New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP administration in Kano State has since mounting the saddle in 2023 been dragging Ganduje to and from Courts over alleged misappropriation of funds while in office.

There are no fewer than four subsisting legal proceedings filed by the Kano State Government against the former Governor.

According to Garba, a one- time Commissioner for Information in the State, said Ganduje contrary to the narratives being weaved by the Kano State authorities, served the State with a high sense of diligence, transparency and accountability.

This is as he described the litany of corruption allegations being leveled against Ganduje by the Governor Yusuf-led administration as being politically-motivated, and laced with a substantial amount of vendetta.

He insisted that no amount of subterfuge and unsubstantiated claims will erase the good works of Ganduje in the history of Kano State.

According to him, Ganduje’s eight-year administration in Kano was marked by a total commitment to the growth and development of the State.

“Ganduje prioritized development and responsible management of State resources throughout his time in office.

” Former Governor Ganduje’s record reflects decades of service to Kano state. These narratives are acts of misinformation aimed at distracting the public from real governance issues.

“Ganduje’s administration was marked by integrity and a commitment to the people of the state”, Garba insisted.

While condemning the recent attempt at weaving another round of corruption allegations, Garba described the allegations as not only false and politically motivated, but also an ingenious plan to undermine Ganduje’s legacies in Kano state

Mohammed, a former National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, noted that Ganduje transparently implemented policy decisions to primarily safeguard public assets ,and ensure lawful land management.

Garba, however, warned that the Kano state Government’s persistent attempts at associating Ganduje with misdeeds will always fail since they are rooted in mischief

NRC Confirms Rescue Operation At Train Accident Site

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Ayodele Oni

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August 26, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Railway Corporation, (NEC) has made provision for an alternative train to convey passengers in the train which derailed early Tuesday back to Abuja.

The corporation, while confirming the incident, also stated that emergency rescue operation is ongoing at the site of the derailment of one of its Kaduna-bound trains from Abuja on Tuesday, the 26th of August, 2025.

According to a statement signed by the Managing Director of the Corporation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, the incident occurred at approximately 11:09 a.m. at Kilometer 49, between Kubwa Station and Asham Station along the Abuja–Kaduna railway corridor.

The NRC revealed that immediately after the derailment, emergency rescue operations were activated, with medical personnel and nearby hospitals already placed on standby to attend to affected passengers.

The statement further disclosed that a full complement of security operatives has been deployed to the site of the derailment to ensure the safety of lives and property, while evacuation efforts are ongoing.

The Corporation reassured members of the public and relatives of passengers that every necessary measure is being taken to guarantee the safety of travelers.

Passengers from the affected train are currently being assisted, and arrangements are being made to convey them back to Abuja safely.

The statement appeals for calm and patience from the public, stressing that the NRC deeply regrets the incident and appreciates the cooperation of Nigerians at this challenging moment.

Dearth Of Medical Personnel: Ondo Seeks Deployment Of NYSC Doctors To Man Health Facilities

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Ayodele Oni

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August 26, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Chairman of Ondo State Hospitals Management Board, Olusegun Ategbole, has revealed that the State is turning to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for salvation as its public hospitals reel under an acute shortage of doctors, nurses, and other health professionals.

Ategbole, has therefore called for the deployment of corps members trained in medicine and health sciences to hospitals across the state.

Speaking during a visit to the NYSC orientation camp in Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North-East Local Government Area, Ategbole insisted that the move would ease the strain on the state’s fragile healthcare system and improve patient care.

The intervention, he noted, aligns with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s OUR EASE agenda, which prioritises reforms in the health sector.

He later convened a meeting with top hospital managers to determine where corps members could be most useful.

“Secondary health institutions are in dire need of manpower. Deploying NYSC medical corps will give short-term relief while we work on sustainable solutions,” Ategbole said.

Across the state, however, hospitals remain overwhelmed, with patients enduring long waits and health workers stretched to breaking point.

Critics warn that depending on inexperienced corps members to fill such a critical gap could compromise patient safety, while others argue it may be the only lifeline until the state fixes its deepening manpower crisis.

If successful, the plan could shorten queues, speed up treatment, and reduce the crushing workload borne by the few doctors and nurses left in the system.

Within the last two years, not less than 25 medical doctors and nurses left the services of the state government over poor conditions of service.

Kaduna Bound Passenger Train Derails

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Ayodele Oni

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August 26, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Military personnel have been deployed to the scene of an accident involving a Kaduna bound train early Tuesday morning.

The passenger train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed, causing widespread panic among commuters.

The incident, which happened around 11.00am occurred along the Kaduna corridor, shortly after the train departed Abuja, leaving several carriages overturned.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people scrambling to safety in fear and confusion.

The exact cause of the derailment remains unknown, and authorities have not confirmed any injuries or casualties.

Military personnel have been deployed to the site to assist in evacuating stranded passengers.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the incident and mobilized emergency rescue teams, including medical personnel, to the scene. Efforts are ongoing to safely return all passengers to Abuja.

Reports indicated that the train derailed at KM 49 between Kubwa station and Asham station,while there is still no official statement on casualties, the corporation is working to restore normalcy.

BUA Truck, Not Dangote, Crushes Two Vehicles On Niger Bridge, Kills Four

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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August 26, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A fatal road mishap on Monday, August 25, 2025. at the Asaba Delta State end of the Second Niger Bridge claimed the lives of no fewer than four persons.

The tragic incident involving a BUA long-truck laden with Cement and two other vehicles, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, also led to three others sustaining serious injuries.

According to some witness accounts, the BUA truck which was said to be on a high speed while approaching the Bridge, lost control and crushed the smaller vehicles.

“We saw the truck carrying cement and it was traveling at a high speed, trying to negotiate the bridge, but the driver lost control, and it eventually fell on top of two vehicles .

“Some people died instantly, while others sustained serious injuries”, a witness volunteered

The Delta State Commander of the FRSC, Frederick Ogidan, while confirming the unfortunate incident, blamed it on over-speeding on the part of the truck driver.

He, however, noted that the truck in question belongs to BUA, contrary to widespread reports that had earlier claimed Dangote as the owner.

“Four persons were confirmed dead at the scene. The truck involved belong to BUA and not Dangote as some initially speculated.

The victims were trapped in the vehicles due to the impact, and our tow truck had to be deployed for rescue operation”, the FRSC Commander stated.

Highlighting the fact that the accident was caused by human errors and recklessness, Ogidan expressed surprise that such a fatal accident could occur on a well maintained road like the Asaba/Second Niger Bridge road.

This is as he cautioned motorists and other road users against indulging in reckless driving and other road abuses that endangers people’s lives.

Imo: Fear Grips Okigwe As Gunmen Murder Five Local Vigilante Operatives

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The Source

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August 26, 2025

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By Charles Igbo

The Ajanaumuna Community in Ezinach, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, is flowing with blood and gripped in fear.

On August 22, gunmen stormed the Community and killed the leader of the Vigilante Group and four of his men in cold blood. They were fatally shot and given no chance of survival. They did not even have the chance to fight back as they were taken unawares.

The Community is in deep mourning. And is gripped with fear.

In response, the Imo State Police Command has unleashed its Tactical Team to, in collaboration with othes sister Security Agencies, go after the hoodlums and hunt them down.

Even though investigation is still ongoing, the Command has blamed the gruesome attack on the Eastern Security Network, ESN, the security arm of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPoB.

In a statement on the killings, DSP Henry Okoye, Imo Command’s Public Relations Officer, said that the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, who deployed the Tactical Team, has vowed to mercilessly go after the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

The statement reads:

“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has deployed the Command’s tactical teams in synergy with other sister security agencies and local vigilantes, to hunt down the suspected IPOB/ESN miscreants responsible for the senseless attack that claimed the lives of five residents in Ajanaumuna, Ezinachi, Okigwe LGA, on 22nd August, 2025, at about 2230hrs.

“During the attack, Edeh George ‘m’, a member of the local youth security team, together with four villagers identified as Emeka Ezeagwula ‘m’, Chikodi Ezeagwula ‘f’, Chidi Chileke ‘m’, and Ejike Nwankwo ‘m’, were fatally shot. The assailants further set ablaze the residence of the youth security leader and destroyed five motorcycles.

“Upon receipt of the distress report, Police operatives swiftly mobilized to the scene, evacuated the victims to General Hospital, Okigwe, where doctors confirmed them dead on arrival. Their remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary, while one survivor is currently receiving medical treatment.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, who is personally leading an intense operation in Okigwe alongside other security agencies, condemned the heinous act and assured that no stone will be left unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice. He stressed that those behind the attack will be made to face the full weight of the law.

“The CP also prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased victims, wished the injured survivor a speedy recovery, and prayed that God grants the affected families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“The Imo State Police Command urges residents to remain calm as security has been reinforced in Okigwe and its environs.

“Members of the public are further encouraged to support the Police with credible and timely information that can aid ongoing investigations by reporting to the nearest Police Station or via 0803 477 3600.”

Japan To FG: No Special Visa For Nigerians In “Kisarazu” City

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James Orji

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August 26, 2025

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The Japanese government has debunked reports that the country is offering special visa for Nigerians as part of its new Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA Africa Hometown initiative.

The magazine had earlier reported that Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in Tokyo, Japan between August 20 and 22 where he joined other African leaders, international development partners and stakeholders at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, TICAD9.

During the conference, President Tinubu and other African leaders signed some economic and other bilateral agreements with the Japanese authority, including the Africa Hometown programme meant to strengthen exchanges between African countries and Japanese local governments.

Recall that the federal government had last week claimed that that Japan had designated Kisarazu city as the “hometown” for Nigerians and would create a special visa category for highly skilled and talented youths planning to move to the Asian country to settle..

In a statement issued by the Director of Information at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, the FG said “Artisans and other blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill will also benefit from the special dispensation visa to work in Japan.”

The Japanese government, in a statement on Monday, however denied such claim, saying the reports were contrary to the facts as related to the agreement signed under the “JICA Africa Hometown” initiative.

“Under this program, four cities in Japan are designated as “home towns” for four African countries. Under this program, JICA plans to promote exchanges between the four Japanese cities and the four African countries through various activities, including the organisation of exchange events involving JICA overseas cooperation volunteers.

“On the other hand, there are no plans to take measures to promote the acceptance of immigrants or issue special visas for residents of African countries, and the series of reports and announcements concerning such measures are not true. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan will continue to make efforts to ensure that appropriate reporting and statements regarding this matter are carried out,” the statement read.

FCMB Eyes Fresh Capital For Expansion

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James Orji

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August 26, 2025

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First City Monument Bank, FCMB Plc has announced plans to raise capital as part of its plan for local and international banking operations.

The financial services company made this known in a notice filed with the Nigerian Exchange, NGX and other investing stakeholders, saying whatever is raised from the subscription will be transferred to its banking arm, First City Monument Bank Limited, FCMB Limited.

the company further stated that all the modalities regarding the public offer is subject to the approval of various regulators, including the Securities and Exchange Commission., SEC.

The Group said, “FCMB Group Plc hereby notifies NGX Regulation Limited, our esteemed stakeholders, and the investor community that the Board of Directors of FCMB, acting pursuant to the approval granted by the shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting held on December 19, 2024, has resolved to undertake an Offer for Subscription.

“The offer is being undertaken in furtherance of the company’s strategy to strengthen its capital base in anticipation of its focused regional and international expansion plans. The proceeds of the offer will be remitted as equity into First City Monument Bank Limited.”

The magazine reports that FCMB has taken the right steps to beat the March 2026 recapitalisation deadline set by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for all commercial banks in the country, as part of a broader plan to leap-frog Nigeria’s economy to $1 trillion mark.