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2027: I Never Promised Anyone PDP Will Not Field Candidates For Governorship, National & State Assemblies

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike.

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has reacted to the position of the governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Rainbow Coalition, reiterating that his support for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu remains sacrosanct.

 

Wike maintained that he never promised that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not field candidates in governorship, National Assembly and States House of Assembly elections.

 

The APC governors at the end of their meeting in Abuja on Monday night stated that they had nothing to do with the Rainbow Coalition, a group beibg put together by Wike.

 

The Minister pointed out that the rainbow coalition does not have anything to do with the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the coalition as a platform for other political parties that are pleased with the good works of the President and are supporting his reelection.

 

In a statement on Tuesday, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister, who said he won’t be the one to help people to win elections in their States, noted that “politics is local and those having problems in their States should resolve them instead of using the reelection of the President to whip up sentiments.”

 

Wike pointed out that he never met with the All Progressives Congress (APC) before himself and other members of the G5 supported the President in 2023, and that for 2027, his support is for the president only.

 

The Minister added that politics is no longer about coming from fourth position to be governor, it is about genuinely mobilising support and winning elections from the polling units.

 

“In Imo State under Governor Hope Uzodinma, how did APC win two senate seats in 2023, in an election held the same day with that of the President and APC had less than 15 percent in the presidential election? Was it rainbow coalition? Were the voters confused?

 

“Was it rainbow coalition that also made APC to win National Assembly elections in Ebonyi, Abia and Enugu States where the President did not have ten percent of the votes?

 

“If in 2023, the voters in Imo, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi voted APC in the Senatorial election and voted another party in the presidential election, they won’t be confused in 2027 provided we all support the president genuinely this time?

 

The Minister urged all stakeholders to put the presidential election first, saying; “after the President must have been reelected, we can all go and face elections in our States.

 

“What I said and stand for is that I will mobilise support for the reelection of the President. I never promised anyone that PDP will not field candidates to contest governorship, National Assembly and States House of Assembly elections.

 

“Most importantly,  rainbow coalition has nothing to do with the APC. Rather, it is own way of mobilising support accross political parties for Mr President, who has done well to deserve a second term,” he said.

APC Governors Reject Wike’s Rainbow Coalition

By
Ayodele Oni
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APC Governors

By Ayodele Oni

 

Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), have rejected any arrangements that could weaken the party or hurt its candidates, ahead 2027 polls.

 

Apparently reacting to the Rainbow Coalition being put in place by the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, the governors rejected any political alliance outside the party.

 

The governors maintained that their campaign efforts would focus exclusively on candidates contesting under the APC.

 

Chairman of the APC Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, announced the position after the forum’s meeting in Abuja on Monday night.

 

Uzodimma pointed out that the governors have not entered into any agreement with individuals or opposition parties ahead of the elections.

 

His declaration comes amid moves by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to build a Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State.

 

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has been mobilising politicians in support of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

 

He recently alleged that Uzodinma and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, were behind some of his political challenges.

 

Wike linked the dispute to the growing influence of his Rainbow Coalition across the country.

 

He believed that the coalition could provide a platform for politicians seeking to challenge APC candidates in governorship and senatorial contests.

 

However, the APC governors’ latest position appears to draw a clear line against such political arrangements.

 

Uzodimma pointed out that the forum would not support any alliance capable of creating divided loyalty within the party.

 

He equally maintained that the governors would also reject arrangements that could weaken the APC or hurt its candidates.

 

“The forum has no intention to support any candidate at any level that is not an APC candidate,” Uzodimma said.

 

He explained that the party sponsors the candidates contesting the elections and, therefore, deserves the governors’ full political support.

 

The Imo governor also revealed that the forum would align its campaign activities with Tinubu’s expectations and the party’s strategic objectives.

 

He added that the governors remained committed to supporting all APC candidates across the various levels of the 2027 elections.

 

The development could affect efforts by political groups outside the APC to build cross-party structures ahead of the elections.

 

For the APC governors, however, the priority remains protecting the party’s candidates and strengthening its political structure.

 

The forum’s position also signals that its members do not intend to endorse political arrangements that could conflict with the interests of the ruling party.

Benin Monarch On President Tinubu’s Reelection: “As E Dey Pain Them, E Dey Sweet Us”

By
Ayodele Oni
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Oba of Benin - EwuareII

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The revered Benin Monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has backed the reelection of President Bola Tinubu, urging Nigerians to pray for the renewal of the mandate, saying a leader who is doing well should be allowed to continue his good work.

 

The Monarch spoke on Tuesday, when the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Senator Abdulaziz Yari, led a high-powered delegation of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders to the Oba’s palace in Benin City for consultations and royal blessings.

 

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, former governors, senators and other party leaders were among members of the delegation.

 

Receiving the delegation, Oba Ewuare II prayed for the President and made a strong case for continuity where a leader is adjudged to be performing well.

 

“For somebody who is doing well, it is our prayer that he gets a renewed mandate,” the Monarch said.

 

The declaration drew applause from those gathered in the palace. The Oba added in Pidgin: “As e dey pain them, e dey sweet us.”

 

He also drew from the Bible to underscore his call for Nigerians to support the President in areas where his administration is doing well, quoting the injunction: “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”

 

The Monarch said political differences should not prevent Nigerians from acknowledging progress or joining hands with the government where positive results were being recorded.

 

“If one is doing well, why not join hands with the President to do what he is doing well? Let President Tinubu finish the good work.”

 

The traditional ruler also observed that not everybody could become President, stressing the enormous responsibility associated with occupying the nation’s highest political office.

 

He asked Yari and members of the delegation to convey his best wishes to Tinubu and expressed appreciation for the warm reception the President accorded him during an earlier visit to Abuja.

President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

“Convey my best wishes to Mr President. Give my appreciation to the President for receiving me so warmly in Abuja,” the Oba said.

 

The visit to the Palace formed part of consultations by the Presidential Campaign Council as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum.

 

Yari and Akume arrived in Benin City with other party leaders for engagements with critical stakeholders and consultations ahead of upcoming political activities.

Ransom Trap: Ondo Police Arrest Three Kidnappers, Rescue Victims, Recover N1.5m

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kidnappers arrested in Ondo

By Ayodele Oni

 

A midnight ambush by men of the Ondo State Police Command in conjunction with other security operatives has led to the rescue of some kidnapped victims and the recovery of a large sum of money meant for ransom payment.

 

According to Ondo State Police Command, two kidnapped victims were rescued, ₦1.5 million recovered and  three suspected kidnappers in Isua-Akoko arrested.

 

DSP Abayomi Jimoh explained in a statement that: “The operation commenced on Friday, September 11, 2026, following credible intelligence that a group of suspected kidnappers hibernating in the thick forest along the Ifira–Idoani axis were planning to emerge from their hideout to collect ransom.

 

“Acting on the intelligence, operatives of Isua Division, in collaboration with personnel of the Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun) and Agbe-Koya, embarked on a coordinated rescue and ambush operation deep inside the forest.

 

“The security operatives strategically positioned themselves along the suspected route and maintained surveillance for several hours.

 

“At about 2330 hours, the suspected kidnappers, numbering about four and armed with firearms, emerged from the forest.

 

“On sighting the security operatives, they opened fire, prompting the security team to tactically repel the attack and rescue the two victims, Mr. Owolabi Patrick and Asoto Dada, unhurt.

 

“During the encounter, the security operatives recovered the sum of ₦1,500,000 (One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira), suspected to have been brought for ransom payment. The suspected kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries and escaped into the thick forest.

 

“Following sustained follow-up operations and credible intelligence on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at about 2030 hours, the suspected kidnappers were sighted along the Idoani Road.

 

“Operatives immediately mobilized to the area, resulting in the arrest of three suspects, while two  of them had sustained gunshot injuries to their legs.

 

“The arrested suspects are: Abdullahi Abubakar, male, Ibrahim Abubakar, male, and Oseni Abubakar, male, all resident of Akunnu area.

 

“The two rescued victims, subsequently came to the Police Station and positively identified the arrested suspects as the persons who abducted them.

 

“A Bajaj motorcycle earlier recovered by the Police has also been identified by the victims as being connected to the criminal operation. The motorcycle remains in Police custody as part of the ongoing investigation.

 

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu commended the officers and men of Isua Division, alongside personnel of Amotekun and Agbe-Koya, for their courage, professionalism and effective collaboration, which contributed to the successful rescue of the victims and subsequent arrest of the suspects.

 

“The CP  immediately ordered that the case be transferred to the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Akure, for discreet investigation, with a view to uncovering the full network and bringing all those connected with the criminal operation to justice.

 

“The Command reiterates its determination to deny criminal elements access to forests and other hideouts within the State and will continue to sustain intelligence-led operations against kidnappers and other criminal elements.”

Gunmen Open Fire On Bus, As Nine Passengers Were Killed

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gunmen attack Bus in Plateau

 

By Akinwale Kasali 

 

The spate of insecurity in Plateau State is worsening.

 

No fewer than nine Passengers were killed when Gunmen opened fire on a commercial bus at Dungus Junction in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

 

The Bus had stopped for Passengers to alight, before the Gunmen opened fire at the Bus and the Passengers, leaving nine persons dead.

 

The attack  occurred at about 9:40 p.m. when the bus, which was travelling towards Jos, stopped at the junction to drop off some passengers.

 

Plateau State is one of the epicenters of kidnapping, terrorism, wanton killing of innocent Nigerians, and destruction of lives and properties.

 

On multiple occasions, Gunmen had invaded Communities and villages in Plateau State, killing people and destroying properties.

 

Recently, a former Dunamis Church Pastor who is a Ghanaian was abducted and killed, and his lifeless body thrown by the roadside.

 

Also, terrorists  invaded a community in Plateau State, killing over 22 persons, prompting Women to Stage a protest, urging Governor Caleb Muftwang to address the killings nd abduction in the State or resign.

Angry Plateau Residents To Mutfwang: Resign If You Can’t Stop Killings

By
James Orji
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Governor Caleb Mutfwang

Angry residents in Plateau State have called on the governorofthe state, Caleb Mutfwang to domore than reeling out condolence messeages whenever people are killed in the state, urging him to take proactive mesures to end the bloodshed in the state.

If Governor Mutfwang is incapable of ending the killings of innocent people in the state by suspected terrorists,he should resign fromoffice, the angry residentssaid.

Following a bloody weekend between Friday, September 11, and Sunday, September 13, when about 21 people were reportedly killed in attacks in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South Local Government Areas by suspected Fulani extremists and local militia gangs, Mutfwang, in a statement on Monday, condemned the killings and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace and security in the state.

 

The governor stated that the incidents were not only deeply disturbing but came at a time when the state government was collaborating with security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen the peace and security architecture of the state through sustained dialogue, intelligence sharing, community engagement and other proactive measures.

Mutfwang also said peace remained a priority of his administration, while the protection of lives and property remained fundamental to its vision of rebuilding trust, restoring confidence and creating a secure environment for citizens.

However, despite the assurances from the governor, callers to a radio programme on Monday evening were not impressed, with many saying the government had failed in its primary duty of protecting the lives and property of the people.

 

Some others condemned what they described as a regular pattern and phraseology in Mutfwang’s statements, which they said were always dusted off and delivered with the same assurances, with nothing being done in the end.

 

First to fire the salvo was social activist Nanle Bamshak, who accused Mutfwang of neglecting his duties to focus on his re-election in 2027.

“I am highly and seriously disappointed by Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, especially in his handling of security issues in the state. This is a man we supported and voted for massively because we all thought he would bring an end to violence and killings in the state.

 

“But what we now have is a situation where he has abandoned the same people who trusted and believed in him. All he is concerned at the moment is to consolidate his political career and re-election in 2027 despite the killings which are now almost a daily affair.”

 

Another caller, Peter Alamba, said:

 

“We are tired of Gov. Caleb Mutfwang’s regular and rhetorical press statements and condolence messages whenever our people are killed by terrorists. We need proactive action to stop the cycle of violence and killings and not condolence messages and fake assurances of fighting insecurity in the state.”

 

Polycarp Bitrus had this to say:

 

“I am disappointed in Gov. Caleb Mutfwang and the way he is handling insecurity in the state. People are being killed every day, communities are being sacked and occupied by Fulani bandits but our governor is only concerned with his political ambition, only to come out with the same scripted press statement. It is quite pathetic, to say the least.”

 

John Fadung also called in and said:

 

“Gov. Caleb Mutfwang has really disappointed those of us who supported him and stood by him when he was contesting in 2023. We weathered every storm, took insults and bullets for him. Even when he defected to the APC, we still supported him but now, he has derailed and has shown that he is a typical Nigerian politician who only cares about his political career and not a true leader who has the interest of the people at heart.”

 

Daily Post

Presidency Rotation: North Must Support Tinubu For Second Term

By
James Orji
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Mai Mala Buni - Yobe State Governor

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state has called on Northerners to respect the unwritten agreement in the country, to the effect that, power must rotate between the North nd South, saying it’s fair that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu be allowed to run for another four years inline with the agreement.

According to the governor, the north has enjoyed eight years under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, who ruled the country from 2015 to 2023, that it’s the turn of the South,which Tinuburepresent to serve out the same eight years.

Buni made the reamrkat the weekend  in a statement issued  on Monday by the DG Press, Mamman Muhammad and made available to journalists in Kaduna state, saying President Tinubu  must be supported to serve for eight years in the spirit of jusitce and fairness.

Muhammad stated that  Governor Buni made the remark at the Muslim Intellectual Stakeholders forum organized by Islamic Women Intellectuals in collaboration with the office of the Special Adviser to the President, on Political Affairs, Kabiru Masari.

the governor said it’s also fair to allow President Tinubu tocomplete his laudbale programmes,  policies and project,which he could not finish during his first term, for the benefit of Nigerians, calling on the Muslim Ummah tos upport the president to fulfil his aspiration.

The north has enjoyed eight years inthe Presidency under Buhari, so, it’s ”only fair and just to give President BolaAhmed Tinubu a second term in office,” the governor said.

 

Gov. Buni argued that: “if the North enjoyed eight years of two-term tenure, it is only fair and just to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a second term of office” urging participants at the event to take the message across the country that Tinubu needed to be supported to return to office in 2027.

“The law of justice and fairness should be applicable in all ramifications and, l am glad with the involvement of the Islamic intellectuals into the political programmes to stand on the path of justice, and to enrich Nigeria’s politics.

“We need to benefit from your knowledge. And as Islamic scholars, you have great roles to play to promote fairness and peaceful coexistence at the family, community, local, state and federal levels to give Nigeria the desired peaceful atmosphere to grow and develop” Buni said.

Oba Akiolu: No Vacancy For Atiku, Obi In Aso Rock

By
James Orji
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Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos
Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election on the strenght of his performance, according to the Oba of Lagos,Rilwan Akiolu. The traditional ruler, said there’s no vacancy in Aso Rock,Nigeria’s Presidency because Tinubu will be reelected next year.

Akiolu made the remark when the All Progressives Congresss,APC, Campaign Council led by Abubakar Yari, its Director General and members of his team paid him a courtesy visit in his Iduganran, Lagos Palace on Monday.

Yari, a former Governor of Zamfara state was accompanied on the visit by the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu and his Deputy,Obafemi Hamzat,and other state officials.

Speaking, Oba Akiolu said President Tinubu will be reelected for another four year term,by Nigerians, based on his performance in office in the last four years,

Akiolu also urged political actors inthe country to ensure that next year’s election is violent free, saying there’s no permanent feud among politicians, as they only disagree temporarily to agree later.

Concerning Tinubu’s reelection bid the traditional ruler said ”there’s no vacancy in Aso Rock.”

Yari had earlier informed Oba Akiolu that members of  the APC Campaign Council were in his office to visit him, and to receive his royal blessing ahead the election next year, the former Zamfara governor described President Tinubu as a strong leader who has managed to build the APC structure through resilience, adding that his government has layed the necessary foundation for the country to develop.

Yari: “Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is a foundational leader who has laid the foundation, who has done the structural work necessary for this country to develop—not just for the next 10 years, but as far as 25 years and 30 years.

“That we have a President who himself fought for democracy in general and supported him for eight years, but who himself is now on the throne as the Generalissimo of Nigerian politics, and we have evidence to show.”

“I am Struggling To Believe I’m Writing These Words About You, My Beloved Brother” -Tears As CRS Comm For Power, William, Dies

By
Ayodele Oni
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Eka Williams

By Ayodele Oni

 

Cross River State has been thrown into mourning as Eka William, its Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, died on Saturday, while receiving treatment at a hospital in Abuja.

 

A very devastated brother of the late  Commissioner, Nkang William, broke the news in a statement. He described  the death as a sudden blow that has left the family in deep grief.

 

Nkang lamented: “I am struggling to believe that I am writing these words about you, my beloved brother, Dr. Eka Williams Abang.

 

“How can someone who was here with us suddenly become a memory? How can a familiar voice, a loving presence, and a precious life suddenly be silenced?

 

“My heart is broken, and my mind keeps searching for an explanation that can make this painful reality disappear.”

 

He described his late brother as a companion and a central figure in the family, saying the loss had left a gap that no words could fill.

 

The shock extended well beyond the family. Pius Kejuo Osang, a former councillor representing Abo Ward in Boki Local Government Area, said he could not make sense of the news given how recently he had seen the commissioner.

 

“I don’t understand. I was with him on Tuesday, I slept in his hotel,” Osang said.

 

Michael Gabriel Jr., who serves as executive media assistant to Senator John Owan-Enoh, the minister of state for

 industry,  paid tribute to William, saying Ikom Local Government Area had lost a man of integrity.

 

“Ikom LGA has lost a dedicated public servant and a good man. Prince Eka William’s life of service, humility and impact would remain in the hearts of those he touched,” Gabriel said, adding a prayer for the family and colleagues to find the strength to bear the loss.

 

Despite their grief, Nkang said the family planned to honour and celebrate what William stood for during his lifetime, including the knowledge he passed on, the relationships he built, and the lives he touched.

 

He added: “There are memories that death cannot erase, conversations that time cannot destroy, and moments together that will remain permanently engraved upon our hearts. Your departure has left a space that words cannot adequately describe.”

“Kwankwaso Is A Goal In Kano State” – Senator Umeh

By
Ayodele Oni
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Victor Umeh
Senator Victor Umeh

By Ayodele Oni

 

Senator Victor Umeh who represents Anambra Central, has predicted results of next year’s general elections in some parts of the country.

 

According to him, no candidate can defeat Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in Kano state if the elections are conducted freely and credibly.

 

Umeh made the declaration during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, where he discussed the strength of opposition forces ahead of the elections.

 

“Nobody can beat Kwankwaso in Kano. He is the vice-presidential candidate of the NDC. No matter the noise they’re making, nobody will beat him there,” the senator said.

 

Umeh noted that he is working closely with Kwankwaso and other leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), adding that the party is well prepared to contest the 2027 polls as a credible opposition force.

 

The senator pointed to recent political gatherings as signs of growing public interest in the opposition.

 

He cited the reception given to Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the NDC governorship candidate in Rivers State, during an outing in Port Harcourt and the ongoing engagements of Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate, as activities capable of swaying voters.

 

On Rivers State specifically, Umeh acknowledged that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and the rainbow coalition remain influential forces, but said the picture would become clearer as the election draws nearer.

 

“Anything can happen. So it is not something you can stay in your room and say that it is all over. Everybody will work hard,” he said.

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

Umeh also cautioned against premature declarations of victory, noting that about four months of campaigning remain.

 

He said any state across the country could produce a surprise outcome, and that the same competitive dynamics seen in Kano and Rivers could emerge elsewhere.

 

“You cannot predict victory for anybody in a clean electoral process,” he added.

 

The senator called for all candidates and parties to be allowed to campaign without interference, intimidation, or suppression, arguing that the outcome of the 2027 elections would depend largely on whether the process remains open and fair.

 

 Peter Obi joined the NDC on May 29, 2026, when he was ratified as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, having resigned from the African Democratic Congress on May 2, 2026.

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