APC North-west Endorses President Tinubu For Second Term Ahead 2027 Election

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May 17, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

President Bola Tinubu has got the nod to continue in the saddle as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from the All Progressives Congress from the North-West Zone.

The Zone endorsed President Tinubu on Saturday ahead of the 2027 Presidential election.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abas, moved the motion for the endorsement of the President, while Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, seconded the motion, passing a vote of confidence in Tinubu for a second term in 2027.

Thereafter, a communique on behalf of stakeholders from the zone was read by Kaduna State Governor and APC North-West Co-ordinating Governor, Senator Uba Sani, to wrap up the meeting.

In return, all the APC governors in the North-West Zone were offered an automatic ticket for a second term in the 2027 governorship elections.

The party leaders, including the National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, three Governors of Kaduna, Uba Sani, Jigawa, Namadi and Kebbi, Nasir and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abas, Ministers as well as party executives, overwhelmingly declared their support for the President during the APC North-West Zone Stakeholders Meeting in Kaduna on Saturday.

Governors of Katsina and Sokoto State sent their representatives.

Among other party faithful at the gathering were Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal.

Others are a former Speaker and Governor of Katsina, Bello Aminu Masari, former senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial, Shehu Sani, former Gov of Zamfara State, Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima, Chairmen of Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto, former House of Representatives members from the zone, former governor of Zamfara, Mahmud Shinkafi, former governor of Kebbi, Senator Adamu Aliero.

South East Senators Warn Against A Repeat Of JAMB Glitches

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 17, 2025

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Prof Ishaq Oloyede -JAMB registrar — Prof Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB registrar

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The South East Caucus of the Senate on Saturday, May 17, 2025, warned against the future occurrence of the technical glitch, recently, admitted to by the authorities of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, during the conduct of this year’s UTME examination.

The 2025 UTME was unprecedentedly characterized by mass failure and general poor performance by candidates.

However, despite the general poor performance recorded across the country, the South East and Lagos were the most hard hit with the Board earlier in the week owing up to its errors as the major cause of the poor performances of the candidates, as well as other related hiccups that defined the examination this year.

Expectedly, a plethora of public flaks have been trailing the Board’s acceptance of responsibility for the poor conduct of the exercise, with not a few impugning some ulterior motives into the debacle.

But in a statement on Saturday issued by its Chairman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the South-east caucus of the Senate noted that much as it would not want to join the bandwagon in ascribing hidden agendas to the unfortunate development, it nevertheless cautioned against a repeat occurrence in the future.

The caucus while expressing its readiness to remain alert, however strongly demanded a firm assurance from the JAMB authorities that such an ugly development will not repeat itself.

“The so-called glitch, as curious and suspicious as it were, is enough to erode confidence and dangerously lower national pride among the future generation.

“The relevant national education drivers must recognize the inherent danger of injecting hateful politics ,and narrow and parochial considerations into both policy enunciation and its implementations.

“That the glitch happened in the whole of South East raises pertinent questions that must be answered by JAMB to assuage the growing frustrations ,and fears among the people of the region ,particularly the children who are directly at the receiving end.

“We must pursue a Nigerian agenda and not a narrow one that will ultimately injure national unity”, Abaribe noted.

According to the Federal Legislators, education is one of the most important pillars of any societal development which must not be toyed with.

“Education is a major pivot that triggers national development. Every child is entitled to it. Therefore, we must not play roulette with it”, the Caucus declared.

While acknowledging and welcoming the open and timely acceptance of responsibility for the situation by the Registrar of JAMB Prof Ishaq Oloyede, the caucus, however, expessed the hope that it is not a ploy to mask some sinister plots aimed at undermining the educational attainment of the children of the South East geo-political Zone.

“I Will Rather Join Coalition To Defeat APC, Than Be Part Of Ruling Party” – Kwankwaso

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Ayodele Oni

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May 17, 2025

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Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso — Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

By Ayodele Oni

“Tinubu has been trying to convince me to decamp to APC”

Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, and two time Governor of Kano state, Rabiu Kwankwaso has confirmed that there has been pressure on him to decamp to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Kwankwaso, who also served as a Minister of Defence, vowed that he would rather quit politics entirely than return to the APC, a party that has inflicted immense hardship on Nigerians.

Kwankwaso, in a statement at the weekend, confirmed that President Bola Tinubu has been interacting with him for sometime now all in a bid to join to join the SPC.

“I wish to state clearly and unequivocally that President Tinubu personally reached out to me on multiple occasions, urging me to return to the APC fold.

“He called me directly and made several overtures, both in private and through mutual contacts, in a bid to lure me back to a party that I once helped build but ultimately had to leave due to its departure from principle and justice.

“During one of our conversations, President Tinubu assured me that all conditions I may have for returning would be met without hesitation. He said, and I quote, ‘All terms will be fulfilled; all conditions will be like pupils in your hands.”

“Despite the flattering promises, I made it crystal clear to him that I would rather quit politics entirely than return to the APC, a party that has inflicted immense hardship on Nigerians.

“I am a man of conviction, and I do not take political decisions lightly. My refusal to rejoin APC is rooted in principle, patriotism, and the love I have for this country and its struggling citizens.

“The APC government, both under Buhari and now under Tinubu, has failed to address the core challenges confronting Nigerians: insecurity, hunger, youth unemployment, economic decay, and worsening corruption.

“Let me remind Nigerians that politics must never be about positions or power-sharing—it must be about service, integrity, and delivering real change.

“I cannot in good conscience return to a party whose ideology is now based on personal interest, betrayal of the masses, and governance by propaganda.

“As far as I am concerned, the APC has lost moral ground and historical relevance in rescuing Nigeria from its many woes.

“My political journey has never been about myself—it has always been about building a better future for all Nigerians, especially the youth and the downtrodden.

“That is why I am working closely with like-minded patriots across the country to form a broad-based political movement that will challenge the status quo in 2027.

“This movement will not just be about winning elections. It will be about uprooting the politics of deception and replacing it with one of hope, vision, and action.

“We shall galvanize Nigerians, especially the youth, into a united force that will peacefully and democratically bring an end to the Tinubu government through the ballot box.

“We will form a movement that transcends ethnicity, religion, and region—because the suffering of Nigerians knows no tribe or faith.

“Let me warn those in power today: Nigerians are watching. The suffering is real. The hunger is real. The insecurity is real. And in 2027, they will speak loud and clear.

“No amount of political maneuvering, propaganda, or elite bargains will stop the will of the people when the time comes.

“I encourage all those who believe in justice, equity, and competent leadership to prepare and join hands as we lay the foundation for a new Nigeria.

“Our goal is not just to defeat APC in 2027, but to rebuild Nigeria from the ruins it has been plunged into by years of failed leadership.

“To President Tinubu and those urging me to return to APC, I say thank you, but my loyalty is to Nigeria, not to political parties that have failed her. I remain committed to the cause of a better, stronger, and united Nigeria.”

Nigerian Army Dismisses Officer Aiding Armed Robbery Operations In Lagos

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 17, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigerian Army has dismissed Lance Corporal Samuel Emmanuel after investigations revealed that he was involved in an armed robbery case in Lagos State.

Emmanuel was dismissed by the Nigerian Army after he was Court-Martialled at the 16 Brigade Garrison following his arrest for armed robbery in the State.

The dismissed soldier has been handed over to the Lagos State Police Command for prosecution in accordance with the Nigerian constitution.

A memo from the army on the dismissed soldier reads: “Lance Corporal Samuel Emmanuel, serving under the 16 Brigade Garrison, has been officially dismissed from the Nigerian Army following his involvement in a case of armed robbery.

“After a thorough investigation and military proceedings, he was found guilty and consequently discharged from the Regiment.

“The Nigerian Army maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline and criminal behaviour.

“All personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, professionalism, and integrity — without exception”, the statement reads.

FCTA, Benue Mull Disability Bill As Figure Rises To 40 Million

By

Ayodele Oni

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May 17, 2025

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Grace Jerry - Executive Director of the Inclusive Friends Association

By Ayodele Oni

Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced processes toward the domestication and implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.

This is just as it has been revealed that over 40 million Nigerians are living with disabilities.

The Executive Director of the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), Grace Jerry, who disclosed this noted that the figure is a significant demographic that demands targeted legislative and policy attention.

FCTA Secretary, of women affairs, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, also disclosed this at a three-day workshop on rights-based approach to disability-inclusive development, government and public policy.

The workshop was organised in collaboration with the World Bank for management staff and stakeholders across all sectors and sections of the FCT.

Benjamins-Laniyi added that the workshop was also organised to develop the needed strategy toward establishment of FCT Disability Commission to ensure full implementation of the Act.

“Let us work together to ensure that the FCT becomes a model for disability inclusion and accessibility, and that persons with disabilities are empowered to reach their full potential.

“Nothing about persons with disabilities without them. We cannot make any decision that affects them without them being present.”

The Executive Director of the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), Grace Jerry, made her statement during a One-Day Technical Review Session on the Benue State Disability Bill, organized by IFA in collaboration with the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD) and the Benue State House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development.

Jerry emphasized the urgent need for a stand-alone Disability Bill in Benue State, similar to what is obtainable in other parts of the country.

“Persons with disabilities represent a large population — over 40 million people across Nigeria. It is therefore imperative that Benue State enacts a stand-alone Disability Bill to safeguard their rights and improve their quality of life.”

Anambra Guber: INEC Displays Names Of Candidates

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 17, 2025

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The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has published details of all the 16 candidates in the November, 2025 Anambra state governorship election.

INEC said it published the details of the 16 political parties which are sponsoring candidates for the election, after the May 12, 2025 deadline set by the Electoral Act to political parties to submit the details of their candidates on the Commission’s portal.

According to a statement signed by Sam Olumekan, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee the Commission said the candidates, their running mates and copies of their academic credential and other documents have been displayed at the INEC Headquarters and 21 local governments in the state.

INEC urged members of the public to verify the documents to ascertain whether the information supplied by the candidates are true, adding that the final list for the contesting candidates will be released on June 15, 2025, 150 days before the governorship election in November.

The electoral umpire said this has presented the Nigerians nursing any doubt about the information supplied by the candidates, to challenge such at a federal high court as provide by the Electoral Act.

The statement: “Following the conclusion of party primaries, sixteen (16) Political Parties have uploaded their candidates’ nomination forms for the Anambra State Governorship Election by the deadline of 6.00pm on Monday 12th May 2025 when the dedicated portal automatically shuts down.

“As provided in Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and listed as item 4 on the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election, the Commission has published the personal particulars of each candidate and his running mate by displaying copies of the Form EC9, along with all the accompanying academic credentials and other documents submitted by them, at our State Headquarters and the 21 Local Government offices across Anambra State.

“We appeal to Nigerians to scrutinize the documents. Any aspirant who participated in his/her party primaries with reasonable grounds to believe that the information provided by a candidate is false can challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court as provided in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022.

“The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025 which is at least 150 days before the day of the election in line with the provision of Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and listed as item 7 on our Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.

“The Anambra State Governorship Election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 8th November 2025,” the commission said.

The Source reports that Governors Charles Soludo, who is seeking a re-election under the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA is among the 16 candidate jostling to rule the state.

2027: APC North-west Govs, NASS Members Endorse Tinubu

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 17, 2025

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President bola Ahead Tinubu has received the endorsement of the leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the North-West zone, for the 2027 presidential election.

The leaders, at a meeting in Kaduna state on Saturday, said the president have their support to contest the next presidential election as the party’s candidate.

Also, the APC leaders in the zone said all the governors, under the platform of the party should go ahead to contest the governorship election with their full support.

The leaders who passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu include, the National Chairman of the APC, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abas, Governors Nasir Idris of Kebbi state, Uba Sani of Kaduna state, former senator Shehu Sani amongst others.

The motion for Tinubu’s adoption was moved by Abass while Governor Idris seconded the motion. The communique, that was issued after the meeting was read by Governor Sani.

Other APC leaders from the zone who declared their unflinching support for Tinubu’s Second Term in office also include Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, former governor Bello Masari of Katsina state, former governor of Zamfara state, nd Ahmed Sani Yerima

They also include Chairmen of Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto, former House of Representatives members from the zone, former governor of Zamfara, Mahmud Shinkafi, former governor of Kebbi, Senator Adamu Aliero, amongs others.

The magazine reports that President Tinubu has recently faced opposition from some northern leaders who said they will not back him for re-election.

This endorsement, the president’s critics say is a boost for him ahead the next presidential election.

Akwa Ibom Gov To Aides: “I Will Not Tolerate Insubordination”

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Ayodele Oni

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May 17, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has berated Members of his State Executive for disrespecting his office.

The Governor expressed disappointment over what he described as a growing trend of insubordination among his cabinet members.

The Governor was visibly angry after commissioners and appointees abandoned him after an official engagement and left his convoy to be driven alone back to government house.

Eno who described the action as disregard for leadership protocol, frowned that the incident is becoming a recurring attitude among his aides.

He insisted that members of the state Executive Council and other political appointees must accompany him back to his destination after a public event — a protocol he said must be respected at all times.

In a stern warning to his team, Governor Eno emphasized, once again, that any appointee or commissioner found guilty of disobedience or neglect of official decorum would face immediate dismissal.

“For the umpteenth time, I must remind everyone that after any official function, it is mandatory for my aides and commissioners to ensure I’m seen off properly — either to my lodge or office.

“This is not about ego, it’s about discipline and respect for the office of the governor.”

Stampede At Borno Empowerment Centre Leaves Three Dead

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Ayodele Oni

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May 17, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

A 60-year old man was among three persons confirmed dead during a stampede at an Empowerment Programme Centre in Borno State. 21 others were injured.

Report revealed that the programme, which took place on Friday, was at the instance of two humanitarian groups.

The groups, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and UNICEF had distributed the sum of N28,500 to each beneficiaries in Bama, Borno State to cushion the effect of economic hardship.

One of the designated payment centres in Bama was a primary school compound where a large crowd had gathered to receive a flat-rate cash assistance of N28,500.

All of a sudden, the number of beneficiaries swelled, which made the organizers to lose control as the crowd surged toward the school gate, triggering a stampede that left several people trampled and injured.

Not less than 12 persons who are all residents of Obama community sustained injuries in the incident and were rushed to the nearest health facility in the community.

Bukar Labddo, 60, of Bukar Tela Ward, was pronounced dead on arrival at the General Hospital in Bama. Hospital sources later confirmed that two more victims succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment.

Security personnel were immediately deployed to the scene to restore order and assist in the evacuation of the injured to nearby medical facilities.

The bodies of the deceased had been released to their family for burial according to Islamic rites. The humanitarian agencies involved have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

Igbo Group Felicitates ‘Servant Leader’ Obi Of Onisha, Prof. Achebe @84

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 17, 2025

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An Igbo socio-political and economic development-oriented organisation, Anya-Ndi-Igbo, has rejoiced with the revered Obi of Onitsha, Prof. Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, on his 84th birthday.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the group in a statement on saturady signed by its President, Chris Okoye, and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr Uma Eleazu, described Obi Achebe as an “asset” and a “good king’ who has shown the attributes of a ‘servant leader” to his people, commending the traditional ruler’s support for the emergence of the group.

The statement: “Anya-Ndi-Igbo rejoices with you on the twin anniversaries of your royal birth and coronation as Obi of Onitsha on May 14, 1941, and 2002, respectively. Your support is an important berth of Anya-Ndi-Igbo, and your goodwill has been an asset in our records.

“With joy in our hearts, and gratitude to God Almighty, we join your subjects at home and in the diaspora, in celebrating your majesty as a good king who shows the attributes of a servant-leader. Please, accept your royal majesty, the assurances of our highest regards.”