Category Archives: Politics

North will back Tinubu in 2027 – Gov Inuwa

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Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum has declared the North’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing the administration’s fulfillment of key electoral promises to the region.

Speaking on Tuesday at the opening of a two-day interactive session on government-citizen engagement organised by the Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation at Arewa House, Kaduna, Yahaya said the North’s strong backing for Tinubu in the 2023 election was a strategic move now delivering results in infrastructure, security, energy, and agriculture.

“When candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu stood before us during the 2023 campaign, he made specific commitments to Northern Nigeria. The north, believing in President Tinubu’s vision, voted strongly for him, contributing to over 60% of Tinubu’s winning votes,” the governor said.

He noted that the event, themed ‘Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizen Engagement for National Unity,’ was not convened for “empty rhetoric” but to honestly evaluate the performance of the federal government against its stated objectives.

According to him, Tinubu’s administration has shown steady progress despite daunting economic and security challenges.

Read Also: APC will welcome Wike – Tinubu

“Today, we gather not for empty rhetoric, but to examine those promises and assess the level of progress so far. What we find is an administration that has delivered meaningful results for our region despite facing significant national challenges. I make bold to say that the evidence of progress is visible across our region,” Inuwa said.

He cited a number of federal projects to show the president’s commitment to northern development.

These include the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway, the Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line, rehabilitation of the Kaduna refinery, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, and continuation of drilling activities in the Kolmani oilfields.

“These projects promise to bring industrial growth and energy security to Northern Nigeria,” the governor said, adding that the administration’s renewed hope agenda is gradually transforming long-standing ambitions into reality,” he said.

Beyond legacy projects, Governor Inuwa highlighted emerging initiatives such as the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway, inter-state road networks, and agriculture value chain investments specifically targeting northern states.

He also noted the ongoing expansion and upgrade of healthcare facilities as evidence of deliberate federal policies aimed at improving the well-being of northern citizens.

Inuwa further commended the federal government’s efforts in addressing insecurity, revealing that over 300 bandit kingpins and terrorist commanders have been eliminated through coordinated military operations and enhanced intelligence gathering.

Tinubu has not neglected the North, Presidency debunks Kwankwaso’s claim

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The Presidency has refuted claims by former Kano State Governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has sidelined Northern Nigeria.

Kwankwaso had alleged during a stakeholders’ meeting on the 2025 constitutional amendment in Kano on Thursday that the North is being marginalised, with national resources skewed in favour of the South. He cited deteriorating federal road networks in the region, recounting a harrowing road trip from Abuja to Kano after a cancelled flight.

In response, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, dismissed the allegations in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday.

Dare asserted that the Tinubu administration is committed to inclusive national development, highlighting several infrastructure and social investment projects actively ongoing across the North.

“The claim that Northern Nigeria has been left behind is incorrect,” he stated. “The Tinubu administration has initiated and sustained major projects in the North spanning roads, agriculture, energy, and healthcare.”

He listed key projects such as the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, and the 614-kilometre Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline as evidence of development efforts in the region.

Read Also: APC will welcome Wike – Tinubu

Dare also pointed to the $158.15 million Agriculture Value Chain Development Programme being implemented across nine northern states, along with the Kolmani Integrated Development Project straddling Bauchi and Gombe states.

Additional programmes include the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative, which seeks to reclaim one million hectares of degraded land in the North.

In the healthcare sector, the presidency noted major upgrades at facilities including Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria, University of Jos Teaching Hospital, and Federal Medical Centre in Nguru. Over 1,000 primary healthcare centres are also undergoing revitalisation across northern states.

Road infrastructure projects cited include the Kano–Kongolam Road, Kaduna–Jos Road, Kano–Maiduguri Dual Carriageway, and rehabilitation works in Borno and Adamawa states.

On the energy front, Dare mentioned the Gwagwalada Power Plant and upcoming solar power initiatives in Kaduna, while also citing ongoing work on the Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Maradi rail lines, as well as the Abuja Metro rehabilitation project.

“From critical road networks to power infrastructure, rail, agriculture, and health, the Tinubu administration has the North well covered,” Dare concluded.

PDP will not lose sleep over coalition -Damagum

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 The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it will not lose sleep over the recent coalition that adopted the African Democratic Party (SDP) as platform to contest the 2027 general election.

The party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum stated this at the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

Damagum said that the PDP remained the only party ready to take back power in 2027.

According to him, PDP remained the party with the structure, national acceptability, and legacy capable of bearing the weight of great nation building.

“ I must address the matter of a so-called coalition recently formed, which includes some defecting members of our party.

“On this issue, I am pleased to report that this political experiment is nothing to lose sleep over.

“They say, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. Some persons have recently learned this truth in the most uncomfortable way.

“Many who jumped on the coalition bandwagon have already returned to our fold. Some even claimed they never left and merely attended a meeting, we accept their confessions without prejudice.

“Let me add that, this reversal is not limited to PDP members alone. Individuals from other political parties who initially joined this coalition have realised that the venture is ill-fated and their swift return is proof of this,” Damagum said.

Read Also: Osun senator Francis Fadahunsi dumps PDP 

The Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, said that the party sympathised with those, who out of impatient left the party, adding that the party door was still opened for them to return.

“This is not time for calling names. This is not time for abuses .

“We sympathise with those who became impatient and left but certainly they will understand and we will still leave the door ajar for them to come in when they wish to, within a time limit.

“We will not continue to condone indiscipline in this party, because indiscipline is what brought us these challenges.

“Definitely, the party has shown resilience, and the governors are going through a lot of challenges, just like the NWC.

“We will continue to express confidence in the organs of the party,” he said.

Mohammed commended members of the party’s NWC, who had shown magnanimity by agreeing to go earlier before the end of their tenure .

“They have shown that at least they are with us and we should always appreciate that, because if everyone becomes dogmatic, we are not going to where we want,” Mohammed said.

(NAN)

JUST IN: Yiltwada replaces Ganduje as APC National Chairman

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The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed Prof. Nentawe Yiltwada, the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, as the new National Chairman of the ruling party.

Yiltwada’s appointment follows the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who stepped down from the position on June 27.

Read Also: APC will welcome Wike – Tinubu

The nomination was put forward by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who also serves as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF). His nomination was swiftly seconded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

With no objections raised, Prof. Yiltwada was confirmed as the new APC National Chairman.

The NEC meeting, where the announcement was made, is currently underway at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Details s

Amaechi vows to end Tinubu’s 2027 Ambition

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Former Minister of Transportation and South-South leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has declared his determination to thwart President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 general elections.

Addressing a large crowd of supporters at the Port Harcourt International Airport on Wednesday, Amaechi launched a scathing criticism of the Tinubu administration, accusing it of deepening the economic hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.

Read Also: Tinubu promises to address diaspora issues

“I’m tired of this government,” he said. “If a rich man is spending N4 million on electricity, only God knows how you—the masses—are surviving.”

Amaechi, a two-term former governor of Rivers State, called on residents to throw their support behind the ADC, urging them to register with the party and participate actively in the political process.

“We must stop the writing of results in Rivers,” he declared. “Go and register with ADC and let’s change the system.”

The former minister’s open challenge to President Tinubu sets the stage for what could become a major political showdown in 2027, especially as discontent continues to rise over the state of the nation’s economy and governance.

Why our party rejected Adeleke’s alleged defection plans, by Osun APC

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The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected claims made by the leadership caucus of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the alleged plans by Governor Ademola Adeleke to defect to the APC.

In a strongly worded statement signed by the state APC Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, and released on Tuesday, the party dismissed the communique issued by the PDP caucus, signed by Governor Adeleke and 27 other chieftains, as deceptive and misleading. The APC insisted Adeleke was never accepted into the party because he was identified early on as “a trojan horse,” “a political liability,” and a potential threat to the integrity of the party.

“The Osun public knows that it was the fear of a looming defeat in the 2026 election that drove the governor to seek asylum in the APC. His approach was treated with the caution it deserved,” the statement read.

The APC accused Adeleke of presiding over what it described as a decaying PDP structure in the state, alleging that the party has lost its moral compass since the governor took office. It also claimed that credible politicians had continued to defect from the PDP to the APC in protest against what it termed the “brutal hijack” of the party by the Adeleke dynasty.

Read Also: APC will welcome Wike – Tinubu

The statement further challenged the PDP’s claim of popularity in the state, asking whether the party consulted students of the University of Ilesa, who are reportedly being charged N1.5 million per session, or the general public, whom it claimed are angry over the government’s alleged N13 billion expenditure on luxury vehicles for political aides, instead of improving public infrastructure.

The APC also cited the case of over 32,000 job applicants who were allegedly duped under the guise of teaching recruitment, accusing the Adeleke administration of mismanaging close to N1 trillion within 30 months.

Lawal questioned why the PDP would expect the APC to accept individuals allegedly under investigation by the EFCC and ICPC for misappropriating local government funds, or those allegedly involved in the killing of APC members during the 2023 elections.

“Those who rejected Adeleke’s defection bid saw it for what it was: a desperate move to escape the people’s wrath in 2026. You cannot abuse President Bola Tinubu publicly in Osun and run to Abuja pretending to be his ally,” the statement continued.

The APC also took a swipe at Adeleke’s economic policies, accusing him of hoarding resources instead of using increased federal allocations to improve healthcare, agriculture, and public welfare in the state.

The party praised the people of Osun who, it said, came out in large numbers to celebrate what it called “the blocking of Governor Adeleke’s unholy attempt” to join the APC.

“This is payback time from Osun people, who have endured misgovernance, high-handedness, and corruption,” Lawal stated. “Let Governor Adeleke stop complaining and await the people’s verdict in August 2026.”

The development marks a deepening of tensions between the two leading political parties in Osun as the state gears up for what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2026 governorship election.

NNPP denies members’ defection to ADC in Katsina

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The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), says no any of its Chairmen across the 34 local government areas in Katsina State has defected to the coalition ADC or any party.

The NNPP State Chairman, Alhaji Armaya’u Abdulkadir, stated this in a statement issued in Katsina on Monday.

According to the NNPP chairman, their local government chairmen have not defected to any party in the state.

He said that their attention has been drawn to some publications made in some media organisations and circulated in the social media.

Read Also: Osun senator Francis Fadahunsi dumps PDP 

Abdulkadir said, “The attention of the NNPP Katsina chapter has been drawn to some publications made in some media organisations and circulated in the social media.

“The publication revealed that 34 NNPP local government chairmen have defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“The defection, as it was reported, was through the former Secretary to the state government, Alhaji Mustapha Inuwa in Katsina State.

“It is on record, however, that some of our chairmen, after the 2023 presidential elections, defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

“Thus, these same people are the ones that defected to the ADC from the APC. Therefore, their defection was from APC, not from NNPP.”

(NAN)

Obidients beg Atiku to step aside for Obi in 2027

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Supporters of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, popularly known as “Obidients,” have appealed to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to shelve his reported ambition for the 2027 presidential election and instead support Obi to secure the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The appeal was made during a massive birthday rally held in honour of Obi’s 64th birthday across several towns in Abia State, including Umuahia, Aba, Ohafia, and Uzuakoli. The event, described as a “one million man march for Obi,” attracted large crowds of supporters who praised Obi’s leadership qualities and called for national unity around his candidacy.

Speaking to journalists in Umuahia, Dr. Chibuzor Obiesili, the Abia State Chairman of the Organising Committee and one of the Obidient coordinators in the state, urged Atiku to make a personal sacrifice in the interest of national development by stepping aside and supporting Obi’s presidential bid in 2027.

Read Also: Abure-led LP gives Peter Obi 48 hours to leave party over coalition

Obiesili acknowledged Atiku’s long-standing contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey but insisted that Obi has the national appeal, integrity, and capacity to address Nigeria’s challenges swiftly. He emphasized that Obi’s clean track record and reputation for transparency make him the ideal candidate to lead the country out of its current socio-economic struggles.

While commending Atiku and other opposition leaders for forming a coalition against President Bola Tinubu’s expected re-election bid, Obiesili urged the coalition to zone its presidential ticket to the South and rally behind Obi, whom he described as the candidate with the best chance of defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He stated that Obi’s consistent advocacy for the downtrodden and his leadership style have won him massive support across religious, ethnic, and political divides. According to Obiesili, Obi represents hope for millions of Nigerians and has become a symbol of integrity in Nigerian politics.

He added that the birthday rally was not sponsored by any politician but was a voluntary show of love and support for a man many Nigerians believe can bring meaningful change.

Respect rule of law, stay away from NASS – Senate tells Natasha

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The Nigerian Senate has cautioned suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central to respect the rule of law and refrain from returning to the National Assembly until her suspension officially ends.

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, emphasized that no court ruling currently mandates the Senate to reinstate the embattled lawmaker.

“The Senate wishes to reaffirm, for the third time, that there is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension,” Adaramodu stated.

The clarification follows reports that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is planning to return to plenary on Tuesday, citing a recent judgment by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court.

Read Also: Akpabio denies sexual harassment allegations by Natasha

However, Adaramodu clarified that the court’s verdict was merely advisory, not binding. According to him, the judge suggested that the Senate may consider amending its Standing Orders and reviewing the suspension, which the court found might be excessive — but stopped short of ordering her reinstatement.

“The Honourable Court did not mandate her recall. In fact, it found her guilty of contempt and imposed a ₦5 million fine, along with an order to publicly apologize in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page. These have not been complied with,” the Senate spokesman added.

He warned that any unauthorized attempt by Akpoti-Uduaghan to return to the chamber would be viewed as a breach of due process and a challenge to the Senate’s authority.

“The Senate emphasizes once more: there is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber,” he said.

Adaramodu assured that the Senate will deliberate on the court’s advisory at an appropriate time and will formally communicate its decision.

Until then, he urged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to “stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course.”

A New Dawn for Nigeria: How Tinubu’s Tax Reforms are Forging a Path to Prosperity

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In a move widely heralded as a watershed moment for Nigeria’s economic future, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on June 26, 2025, signed four landmark tax reform bills into law. These comprehensive reforms, set to revolutionize the nation’s fiscal landscape from January 1, 2026, are not merely adjustments to tax rates; they represent a visionary blueprint for a prosperous and equitable Nigeria, embodying the very essence of bold and compassionate leadership. This historic turning point is poised to reengineer the nation’s economic foundations, championing homegrown prosperity and ushering in an era of renewed hope for every Nigerian.

The impact of this new tax regime is nothing short of transformative, particularly for the average citizen. President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated an acute understanding of the financial pressures faced by millions, delivering a major win for low-income earners and taking a significant stride towards alleviating financial burdens and promoting economic stability. One of the most impactful provisions is the full exemption from Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax for individuals earning up to N1.3 million per annum. This single measure directly benefits at least 35% of all workers, providing immediate and tangible relief. Furthermore, an additional 60% of the workforce will see reduced PAYE rates, broadening the scope of financial ease. In a commendable gesture recognizing their invaluable service, members of the armed forces will also receive full PAYE tax exemptions, a testament to the government’s commitment to those who defend our nation.

Perhaps the most universally felt relief comes from the elimination of Value Added Tax (VAT) on essential goods and services. This groundbreaking policy, which covers approximately 60% of all consumer spending, brings government closer to the grassroots and reaffirms a deeply humane approach to governance. From the daily sustenance of food and vital healthcare services to the foundational pillars of education and the basic necessity of rent and transportation, VAT is now a thing of the past. Beyond these fundamental provisions, the reforms extend to embrace crucial areas like renewable energy and compressed natural gas (CNG), aligning with global efforts towards sustainable development. Critically, essential female-related and childcare items such as sanitary towels and baby diapers are now VAT-free, providing direct and immediate financial relief to women and low-income households – a truly compassionate and forward-thinking measure. The easing of financial burdens is further compounded by tax breaks for wage awards, transport subsidies, and capped taxable benefits-in-kind, demonstrating a holistic approach to improving citizens’ welfare. Moreover, the reforms actively promote affordable housing through targeted VAT and stamp duty exemptions, making the dream of homeownership more accessible for many.

Read Also: APC will welcome Wike – Tinubu

Apart from the immediate relief for citizens, these reforms are meticulously designed to ignite the engine of economic growth, increase revenue generation, and enhance effective tax administration, creating a more robust and resilient national economy. A core objective is to restore fairness in the tax system and foster inclusive economic growth. Small companies, now defined by an increased exemption threshold of NGN100 million annual gross turnover, are fully exempt from key taxes. This strategic move is set to unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of the nation, fostering the rapid growth of small businesses, which are the backbone of any thriving economy.

A significant innovation is the introduction of a Unified Development Levy, set at 4% of assessable profits. This singular levy consolidates various previous disparate levies, providing a strategic and streamlined funding mechanism for essential development agencies. From TETFUND and the Nigerian Education Loan to NASENI, NBTI, NITDA, the Defence and Security Infrastructure Fund, and the National Cybersecurity Fund, this unified approach ensures consistent investment in critical sectors like technological innovations and indigenous development, laying the groundwork for a knowledge-based economy. The new laws also implement a more progressive Personal Income Tax structure, reinforcing the principle of equitable contribution. While low-income earners below NGN800,000 annually are now exempt, ensuring a just burden on those who can least afford it, the reforms ensure that the wealthy contribute their fair share. Furthermore, a crucial provision establishing a 15% minimum effective tax rate for multinationals is set to ensure Nigeria earns its just share from global commerce, closing long-standing loopholes through measures like a new Capital Gains Tax on indirect share transfers. This commitment to equitable global taxation signals Nigeria’s strong stance on financial sovereignty.

The international community and the domestic business environment have responded with overwhelming optimism. As evidenced by statements from prominent business leaders like Femi Otedola, who is “inspired to invest more,” these laws are seen as a “bold, necessary step toward a more transparent, efficient, and investment-friendly economy.” This surge in investor confidence is a direct result of the reforms’ clarity, fairness, and commitment to fostering a conducive business climate. To further stimulate employment, employers will benefit from tax incentives designed to encourage the hiring of more workers. In a forward-looking move, the reforms also introduce friendly tax structures aimed at attracting international remote work opportunities for Nigerians, thereby fostering global employment prospects and positioning Nigeria as a hub for talent. The streamlining of the tax system with globally recognized VAT principles, allowing for input VAT recovery and mandatory e-invoicing, further solidifies Nigeria’s commitment to a business-friendly and digitally enabled tax environment, enhancing transparency and ease of doing business.

President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is not merely a political slogan; it is a profound governance philosophy deeply rooted in economic reform, national inclusion, and institutional revitalization. These transformational tax provisions are a tangible manifestation of this agenda, poised to strengthen economic resilience, significantly improve workers’ welfare, and enhance employment opportunities across the nation. By creating a more equitable financial landscape for all Nigerians, President Tinubu is not just enacting laws; he is laying the foundation for a truly prosperous, inclusive, and globally competitive Nigeria. The future is bright, and with these visionary reforms, Nigeria is undoubtedly on a trajectory towards an era of unprecedented growth and shared prosperity.