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Bye-Election: President Tinubu Ascribes APC’s Victory To Yilwatda’s Leadership

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda
APC National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has noted that the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in 12 constituencies during Saturday’s bye-election is an indication of leadership capacity of the new chairman of the party, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda.

The President, in his congratulatory message to all the winners, in the 16 constituencies, lauded the Chairman for the emphatic victory recorded under his leadership.

A Statement on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga stated that the “President congratulates all the winners of Saturday, August 16, by-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states.

“The President commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the hitch-free elections, mostly devoid of violence.

“Following the results declared by INEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in 12 constituencies, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won in two, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in one, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) won in one.

“President Tinubu congratulates the new APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, for the emphatic first victory recorded under his leadership.

“He also congratulates the APC governors and other leaders on the success of the by-elections.

“Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders.

“To all APC faithful and the electorate, thank you for the confidence reposed in our party. Be assured that our Renewed Hope slogan is not a mere slogan.

“Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God,” he said.

President Tinubu commended all the political parties and candidates who participated in the election and enjoined them to continue to be guided by the spirit of sportsmanship, fair contest and magnanimity, which are enablers of enduring democracy.

Bandits Dare NSA, Kidnap Editor

By
The Source
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Gunmen - Kidnappers

By Gideon Njoku

Few days after Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, declared the Abuja-Kaduna highway cleared of bandits and so, safe to ply, he has been dared, literally, by the hoodlums.

They have abducted an Editor of a Regional Newspaper.

The abducted is Sani Ahmed, Editor of the popular and widely read Rariya Hausa, an Online Newspaper. He was on his way from Abuja to Kaduna Thursday evening for a function.

Why he left by 8.00pm on Thursday for Kaduna, considering the security situation in the country is what nobody has been able to explain. But it could be because of the NSA’s assurance, coupled with the fact that there has been no such incident in recent times along that road.

According to Comrade Yahaya Abdullahi of the Take-it-back Movement, he left Abuja at about 8.00pm but that at about 10.00pm, he called, very distressed, and informed that he has been abducted.

Jonathan Felicitates Babangida as Ex-Military President Marks 84th Birthday

By
The Source
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IBB and Goodluck Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has felicitated former military President Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd) on the occasion of his 84th birthday, praising his contributions to Nigeria’s unity and national development.

In a goodwill message released on Saturday, Jonathan described Babangida as a “remarkable leader” whose impact on Nigeria’s political and economic landscape remains significant.

“On this special occasion of your 84th birthday, I celebrate your remarkable life, leadership, and dedication to our nation’s growth and progress,” Jonathan said.

The former President noted that Babangida, who served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1985 to 1993, played a key role in stabilising the nation during turbulent periods and steering it through major economic and political transformations.

Noting that Babangida has made significant contributions to the unity and growth of the nation, Dr. Jonathan stated further: “Through your efforts in stabilising the nation during challenging times and guiding Nigeria through critical periods, you have left an indelible mark in our history,” he added.

Jonathan expressed hope that Babangida’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations to uphold the values of unity, peace, and sustainable development.

He also extended personal wishes to the former leader, saying: “On behalf of my family, I extend my warmest wishes for long life in good health, happiness, and continued blessings.”

IkechukwuEze

S.A. to H.E. Dr. GoodluckEbele Jonathan

Kebbi Govt Announces Passage Of Emir Of Zuru In London Hospital… Gov’s Wife Mourns

By
Ayodele Oni
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General Sani Sami - Emir Of Zuru

By Ayodele Oni

Tributes have been pouring in for the Emir of Zuru in Kebbi State, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Sani Sami, (Rtd) who passed on Saturday night.

The Kebbi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Garba Umar-Dutsinmari announced his death in a statement issued to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

The Monarch died at the age of 81 years in a London hospital after an illness. He left behind four wives and seven children.

Kebbi State Government extends heartfelt condolences to his immediate family members, Zuru Emirate Council, Zuru people and the entire people of Kebbi State.

The First Lady of Kebbi State, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, extended deepest condolences to the Zuru Emirate over the passing of its revered Emir, Major General Sani Sami (Gomo II)(Rtd).

In a statement, the First Lady expressed profound sadness upon receiving the news of the Emir’s demise. “It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the passing of Major General Sani Sami (Gomo II) (Rtd), the Emir of Zuru,” she said.

Hajiya Zainab  stated that “The late Emir of Zuru, Major General Sani Sami (Gomo II) (Rtd), was a revered traditional leader and statesman whose leadership, vision, and dedication to the development and peace of his kingdom greatly impacted his people, leaving a lasting legacy that will be remembered for generations to come,” she added.

As Jagaban Matan Zuru, the First Lady expressed her particular sadness over the loss. “As Jagaban Matan Zuru, I am particularly saddened by this loss and pray that Allah grants us the strength to bear this loss.”

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former President of the Senate, David Mark, also paid tribute to the late Emir of Zuru, describing him as a gallant soldier, patriot, and a traditional ruler of honour.

With the exit of General Sami , Senator Mark said Nigeria has lost a patriot and a father figure .

In a condolence message, Mark said General Sami lived an exemplary life of courage, discipline, and sacrifice both in military service and on the throne of his forefathers.

According to Mark: “General Sani Sami served Nigeria with distinction as a fine officer of the Nigerian Army and later as Emir of Zuru, where he upheld the values of peace, unity, and development for his people.

”He was a bridge-builder and a custodian of culture whose reign brought stability and progress to the Zuru Emirate. His voice of wisdom and moderation will be greatly missed.”

Mark noted that the passing of the Emir is a huge loss not only to the Zuru Emirate and Kebbi State, but also to the nation at large.

Kano Bye-elections: It’s 50-50 Between NNPP, APC, And Technical Knock-Out For ADC, PDP

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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INEC BVA

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

After calling for the cancellation of the By-election held in Bagwai/Shanono Kano State Constituency on Saturday August 16, the All Progressive Congress APC, was on Sunday, August 17,   declared winner in the Ghari/Tsanyawa re-run Election in the state.

The Source reports that Ghari/Tsanyawa re-run which had defied two previous attempts owing to acts of thuggery and violence and Bagwai/Shanono were the two polls conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC in Kano on Saturday, August 16.

According to the result announced by the INEC Returning Officer, Adamu Shittu, the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP,  secured victory in Bagwai/Shanono, leaving the two main rival parties- the NNPP and APC to win a Constituency each.

Ali Hassan Kiyawa of the NNPP ,in the result declared early Sunday morning , polled 16,198 votes to defeat his closet opponent, APC’s Ahmad Muhammad Kadamu, who garnered a total of 5,347 votes to place second.

In Ghari/Tsanyawa re-run, Garba Ya’u Gwarmai of the APC,was declared winner by the Returning Officer  Prof Muhammad Waziri with a total votes of 31,472 .

His NNPP rival Yusuf Ali Maigado , received 27,931 to  come second ,in the election that has been widely acknowledged to be competitive.

The Source further reports that the Ghari/Tsai re-run election was to select the representative of the area in the State House of Assembly where the people had since 2023 not had a voice .

The first election which held same day as in other parts of the country during the 2023 general elections ended in a  fiasco ,as large scale violence and acts of destruction characterized the exercise.

The same fate, even in higher proportion, also, marred the second attempt late 2023 .

Since then, the constituents ,have been without a representative at the Kano State House of Assembly.

Conversely, the Bagwai/Shanono vacuum was created by the death of  APC’s Hon Ali Ibrahim Kundila .

Instructively, his death in April 2024, paved the way for the ruling NNPP in the state to secure the passage of the “Amended Emirate Council Bill” that reinstalled Emir Sanusi Lamido as the 16th Emir of Kano on Thursday May 23 2024 by Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf.

APGA Tightens Grip On Anambra State, Whips APC, ADC In  Bye-elections

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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APGA

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Mrs Justina Azuka, has failed in her bid to fill the void created at the Anambra State House of Assembly,  by the murder of her husband Hon Justice Azuka.

The late Hon Azuka who represented the Onitsha North I State Constituency in the Anambra’ State Legislative body on the platform of Labour Party, LP,

was kidnapped and subsequently murdered by  gunmen on the eve of 2024 Christmas. His wife decided, in memory of her husband, to replace him in office.

So, she flew the flag of the emerging opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress ADC, during Saturday August 16 by-election ,conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC. Sadly and surprisingly, she finished a very distant second after garnering only 1,909 votes.

The surprise is that Mrs Azuka was backed and publicly endorsed by Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections.

In the result declared early hours of Sunday, August 17, by INEC ,the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, candidate, Ifeoma Mimi Azikiwe was declared winner, with a total of 7, 774 votes.

While the All Progressive Congress, APC, flag bearer polled 1,371 votes to place third , Young Progressive Party YPP’s  Njideka Ndiwe received 655 votes to come fourth .

Instructively, the Onitsha North I state Constituency contest was one in which many of the established parties including APGA ,ADC ,YPP and PDP fielded female candidates.

Only APC had a male candidate ,Mr Ezennia Chuka Ojekwe , among the major parties .

In the same vein ,Emma Nwachukwu of the APGA polled a total of 90,408 votes to claim victory in the Anambra’ South Senatorial District by-election.

While the APC candidate Azuka Okwuosa garnered 19,847 votes to place second, ADC and PDP  received 2,889 and 68 votes respectively. Again, the ADC Candidate was publicly endorsed by Obi.

As at the time  of reporting, defeated political parties were yet to react to the outcome of the election, even though they had raised some concerns before and during the polls.

Bye-Election: APC Wins Edo, Kaduna; APGA Sweeps Anambra As APC Gov. Candidate Loses Ward

By
Ayodele Oni
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INEC BVA

By Ayodele Oni

Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has been declared winner of Saturday, by-election for Edo Central Senatorial District of the state.

According to figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from the collation centre in Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area, Dr. Ikpea scored 105,129 votes, to defeat his closest opponent, Prince Joe Okojie of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 15,146 votes.

Barrister Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also won the Ovia Federal Constituency By-election.

Omosede polled 77,053 votes in the Saturday’s by-election.

In Kaduna state, INEC declared Joseph Bagudu of the APC the winner of the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency by-election in Kaduna State.

The result is as follows : APC: 34,580, PDP: 11,491, ADC 3,477, LP: 1,453 and  SDP: 142.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra state sent other political parties to the cleaners by winning the Anambra South Senatorial District by election and the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by election.

The election, which had before now generated so much tension and anxiety, ended up  an anti climax as the APC went as far as defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu in his own Electoral Ward at Osumenyi in Nnewi South local government area.

Also APGA defeated the African Democratic Party (ADC) , the  APC and the Young Democratic Party (YPP) in the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by election

According to the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Emma Nwachukwu Senatorial candidate of APGA scored a total of 90,408 to beat the  APC candidate Azuka Okwuosa who scored 19, 847 and  YPP candidate that scored 6,538 and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that scored 2,889 votes as well as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate that scored 68 votes respectively.

At the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by- election  Barrister Mimi Ikpeazu-Azikiwe of APGA won the election with a total of 7,774 vote while widow of late Justice Azuka Mrs Justin Azuka of the ADC scored 1,909 votes .

Mr Ezema Chuks Ojekwe of the All Progressives Congress APC scored 1,371 while Mrs Njideka Adigwe of the Young Democratic Party YPP scored 655 votes.

Reacting to the outcome of the two by elections the state Chairman of the APGA Chief Ifeatu Obi-Okoye described it as the final nail of the box of the opposition parties adding that the chicken has come to roast.

“What again can one say about this election and the so called opposition parties?

“It is apparent that we do not have opposition in Anambra state but mere political jobbers in search of what to do to stem their idleness.

“That tells you that the Gubernatorial election is already won and lost and the opposition parties have permanently been humbled by APGA ” he said.

General Sani Sami, Emir Of Zuru Is Dead

By
Adesina Soyooye
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General Sani Sami - Emir Of Zuru

By Adesina Soyooye

Zuru Emirate, Kebbi State, is in deep mourning. And so is the Nigerian Army.

The Emirate’s  revered Emir, Sani Sami, a retired Army Major General, has passed on.

The Emir was  a former Military Governor of Bauchi State during the Major Muhammadu Military Regime. His tenure ended when Buhari’s Regime was sacked in a Military Coup and  replaced by the General Ibrahim Babangida Regime in 1985.

Announcing his passing, the Royal Family, which described him as a leader who balanced a fine military career, and decades of devoted service to his people, said the Emir passed in the morning of Sunday, August 17, 2025 in a London Hospital, incidentally, on the 84th Birthday of Babangida.

The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed, but sources say the Emir had been battling old age related ill-health.

Emir Sami who joined the Army on 10th December, 1962, had his military training both at home and abroad. He  attended the Mons Officer Cadet School  Aldershot, United Kingdom and was commissioned as an officer on 25th July 1963. He retired from the Army on 3rd September 1990, and thereafter, ascended the throne of Zuru Emirate.

He was born in Zuru on 24th October, 1943, and passed  aged 81years.

Arrangements are already in top gear by the Kebbi State Government and the Zuru Emirate to transport his body back to Zuru for interment.

How Nigeria Arrested Top Al-Qaeda Leaders – NSA Ribadu

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Al-Qeda Leaders Mahmuda and Abu Baraa

By Adesina Soyooye

Says the International terrorists were, also, the masterminds of the unprecedented Kuje (Abuja) Prison break during which scores of dangerous arrested terrorists escaped”

In a heart-warming news, Nigeria  announced, on Saturday, that it has arrested two top leaders of Al-Qaeda. The announcement of their arrest was important enough to be handled personally by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The arrest of the two leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, an Al-Qaeda affiliate in Nigeria, is a product of several months of counter-terrorism operation.

According to Ribadu who

disclosed this at a press briefing he held in his office,

the intelligence-driven operation was carried out between May and July 2025. It was  a perfect collaboration by security and intelligence agencies.

Those arrested are Mahmud Muhammad Usman, known also as Abu Bara’a, Abbas or Mukhtar. He is the  self-acclaimed Emir of Ansaru, and his Chief-of-Staff/ 2nd-in-command, Mahmud al-Nigeri, who is also known as Mallam Mamuda.

Ribadu revealed that Abu Bara coordinated terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and is the brain behind high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies which proceeds he uses to finance terrorism. His deputy, Mamuda, was in- charge of “Mahmudawa” cell around Kainji National Park. He trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors.

Ribadu: “The targeted operation, which was conducted between May and July 2025, led to the capture of two top ANSARU leaders who have been responsible for masterminding several terrorist attacks against Nigeria over the past years. The first is Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), the self-styled Emir of ANSARU.

“He is the coordinator of various terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria. He is also the mastermind of several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to finance terrorism over the years.

“The second is Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), Abu Bara’s proclaimed Chief of Staff and Deputy. He is the leader of the so-called “Mahmudawa” cell hiding out in, and around the Kainji National Park, straddling Niger and Kwara States up to the Benin Republic.

“Mamuda trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, specialising in weapons handling and IED fabrication.

The two men, the NSA said have been on Nigeria’s and International most-wanted list for years.

They were, said Ribadu,  responsible for  other attacks, including the 2022 Kuje prison break, the attack on Niger’s uranium facility, the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp, and the 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, Magajin Garin Daura.

“They were, also, behind the abduction of the Emir of Wawa and they maintain active links with terrorist groups across the Maghreb, particularly in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

“The two men, who are wanted internationally, are currently in custody”

With their capture the Ansaru’s central command structure has been dismantled. It marks a significant achievement in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

The NSA disclosed that security forces recovered materials and digital evidence during the operation. These are undergoing forensic analysis.

His words: “This strike has effectively dismantled its central command while paving the path for the complete annihilation of the group.

” Let me use this opportunity to inform the public that, in the course of the operation, our security forces captured and recovered valuable actionable intelligence.

“These include a cache of materials and digital evidence which are all now undergoing forensic analysis. The findings from the analysis are expected to support our ongoing efforts to exploit this success, bring them to justice, and completely bring them to justice, and completely annihilate the remnants of ANSARU networks and disrupt their foreign collaborators.”

Umahi Says He Could Be First President Of Nigeria From South East

By
The Source
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Dave Umahi
Dave Umahi

By Charles Igbo

The Minister for Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has dashed the hope of the likelihood of a Nigerian of South-east extraction becoming Nigeria’s President within the next 12 years – beginning  from 2027.

The Minister dashed this hope, and, therefore, rubbished the efforts being currently made by Mr. Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, when he said, on Saturday, that he might be the first South Easterner to become Nigeria’s President when the time comes.

Umahi spoke when he received in audience, the Minister for Information, Mohammed Idris and his team who paid him a courtesy call at his Ebonyi State country home. Idris and his team are on a tour  of Federal Government’s projects countrywide.

While addressing them, Umahi said the South-east would produce Nigeria’s President at God’s own time. For the Zone to produce the President, Umahi, also, said the region has to “re-engage” and support others so that at God’s approved time, other Zones will support it.

“We have to support other regions, and at the time of God, nobody will stop it.” Then, remembering his long time ambition,  he added: “And, who knows, you know, whether that time, it will be me.”

Given that Umahi is campaigning for Tinubu’s second term against 2027, if Tinubu gets it, his term will end in 2031. And given APC’s zoning arrangement, it means the Presidency will go back to the North in 2031, and will likely be there till 2039. Which, perhaps, all things being equal, is when Umahi feels a South-easterner, possibly himself, if God wills it, could be President.

Umahi has harboured a Presidential ambition for a long time. In the early years of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Arthur Eze, every Nigerian President’s friend, had suggested, and publicly recommended Umahi to him as his (Buhari’s) successor. And then, of course, Umahi, according to him, defected to the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, while serving his second term as Governor, because he said the PDP was not forthcoming on whether it would zone the Presidency to the South-east or not. He was, also, very visibly angry when Peter Obi in 2019, was chosen as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate. He said as the Chairman of the South-east Governor’s  Forum, he was not consulted nor was it discussed.

In 2023, Umahi contested for the Presidential ticket of the APC against Tinubu. He, however, failed woefully, but thereafter, wholeheartedly worked for Tinubu’s victory.

For his efforts, he was rewarded with the position the Minister for Works, the first time somebody of South-east extraction would occupy the office.

In 2039 when the Presidency, under the APC, would rotate to the South again, Umahi, 63 years old now, will be 76 – not too comfortable an age to be President.

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