Tag Archive for: Nigeria

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President Tinubu Announces Establishment of diplomatic Relations Between Nigeria, Saint Lucia

President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, formally announced the establishment of diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia, describing it as a “symbolic bridge that will provide a gateway in fostering closer ties between us.”

The President proposed creating a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement as a mechanism for structured cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

President Tinubu also announced that he would offer full scholarships to students from the OECS to promote cultural understanding, further strengthening the bond between Nigeria and the Eastern Caribbean states.

The Nigerian leader, who delivered his address in the presence of leaders from the OECS, emphasised the deep historical and cultural bonds between Nigeria and the OECS and called for greater people-to-people engagement.

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Peter Obi Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition, Offers to Serve Only One Term

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has confirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, declaring his readiness to serve a single four-year term if elected.

He made this known during an interactive X Space session with supporters on Sunday night, stressing that his ambition is driven by a desire to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges.

In a statement released on Monday by Ibrahim Umar, spokesman for the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), Obi dismissed rumours of a potential joint ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

He clarified that while coalition talks are ongoing, his focus remains on working with individuals committed to addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues, including insecurity, economic decline, and hunger.

“If the coalition is not about stopping the killings in Benue, Zamfara, how to revive our economy, how to make our industries productive, how to put food on the tables of Nigerians… Count me out,” Obi said.

He added that Nigeria is “currently at war” and needs urgent, pragmatic leadership focused on stability and progress.

Obi also commented on the internal crisis within the Labour Party, saying efforts were underway to get the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the Nenadi Usman-led faction, in line with a recent Supreme Court ruling.

He reaffirmed his belief in power rotation between the North and South, noting that he practiced it during his time as governor of Anambra State.

Taking a swipe at President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to Saint Lucia, Obi questioned the rationale behind such foreign engagements when insecurity and poverty remain unresolved at home.

“In two years, Tinubu has not spent one night in any state in Nigeria apart from Lagos, yet he is going to spend eight nights in St Lucia, a place smaller than Ajegunle,” he said.

Looking ahead to 2027, Obi pledged to run a transparent and non-violent campaign, vowing to protect the sanctity of the electoral process.

“Our votes in 2027 will count, and we will ensure they count,” he stated.

He promised to focus on security, education, and poverty eradication within his first 100 days, adding that his presidency would eliminate corruption and reduce the cost of governance.

“My past speaks loudly for me. Anybody who wants to serve should be ready to put even their life on the line for the lives of Nigerians,” he concluded, calling on citizens at home and abroad to rally behind the vision of a better, functional Nigeria.

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Saraki Warns of More PDP Defections, Says Crisis a Blessing in Disguise

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee and former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has cautioned that more defections from the party are likely in the coming months.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Friday, Saraki noted that although recent high-profile exits have shaken the party, the situation may not have reached its peak.

Saraki revealed that the party might still witness the defection of one or two governors and several senators.

He advised PDP members and stakeholders to brace for this possibility as the party continues efforts to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Despite acknowledging the internal crisis, Saraki described the timing as fortunate, explaining that the early onset of the turmoil gives the PDP a rare opportunity to recover and regroup before election season gains momentum.

“We have just under two years to the election, and we are lucky to have that. I think, with a lot of commitment and understanding, it is not a lost cause,” Saraki said.

Saraki expressed optimism about the PDP’s strength at the grassroots level, stating that the party remains deeply rooted in many local and state structures.

He emphasized that many supporters outside the capital are largely unaffected by national-level turmoil and remain committed to the party’s cause.

Looking ahead, Saraki stressed the need for a meaningful reform process within the PDP.

He argued that the party must use its next convention to introduce new leadership, particularly younger voices who reflect the future of the party.

He warned that a weakened PDP could pave the way for a one-party system in Nigeria [a scenario he described as a threat to the country’s democracy].

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Ganduje vs Kwankwaso: From Political Allies to Rivals Over Power Struggle

The political rivalry between Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has continued to shape the dynamics of Kano State and national politics.

Once close allies under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), their relationship has since devolved into one of Nigeria’s most watched political feuds.

Kwankwaso served as Governor of Kano State from 1999 to 2003 and returned for a second term from 2011 to 2015, with Ganduje as his deputy during the latter stint.

However, their alliance fractured after Ganduje succeeded Kwankwaso in 2015 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). What began as a political handover soon spiraled into a fierce contest for control of Kano’s political machinery.

Their rivalry intensified over the years, marked by high-profile clashes and policy reversals.

One of the most notable flashpoints came in 2020 when Ganduje, then governor, deposed the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, an influential traditional ruler widely regarded as a Kwankwaso loyalist. The move deepened political tensions in the state and was viewed by many as a direct jab at Kwankwaso’s legacy.

However, in a dramatic political twist, Emir Sanusi was reinstated on May 23, 2024, by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, a staunch Kwankwaso ally elected on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The reinstatement further signaled Kwankwaso’s growing influence in Kano, even as Ganduje held the national chairmanship of the APC at the time.

Ganduje, who was elected APC National Chairman in August 2023, resigned from the role on Friday, citing health reasons.

However, many political watchers believe the real trigger may be Kwankwaso’s reported plan to defect to the APC, a move that would likely shift the balance of power within the ruling party and rekindle tensions between the two Kano strongmen.

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Power Shift in APC? Why Ganduje Resigned as APC Chairman

The resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) may be tied to the reported defection plans of his longtime political rival, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, rather than the health reasons initially cited. This is according to insider accounts obtained on Friday.

Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, officially submitted his resignation letter to the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

While his camp cited ill health as the reason for his exit, fresh details suggest deeper political maneuvering behind the move.

Sources familiar with the situation revealed that Ganduje’s decision to step aside was prompted by the APC’s strategic effort to welcome Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, into its fold ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Except he changes his mind, arrangements for Kwankwaso to join APC have been made,” one source claimed.

Ganduje and Kwankwaso, both former governors of Kano and political adversaries for years, have remained at odds since their fallout over the state’s political leadership.

The source revealed that Ganduje had made it clear he would not remain in the party if Kwankwaso was admitted, compelling the former APC chairman to resign to avoid internal conflict.

The potential defection of Kwankwaso has sparked further speculation about a possible reshuffling of APC’s presidential ticket in 2027.

Some party stakeholders are reportedly pushing for Kwankwaso to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate, citing his wider electoral appeal in the North.

However, the presidency has yet to comment officially on the matter.

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Kanu’s Freedom Key to Justice and Equity, Says Ohanaeze

The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has once again urged the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The group’s appeal comes four years after Kanu was taken into custody, following his controversial arrest and extradition from Kenya.

Speaking through a statement issued on Friday in Enugu, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene by using his constitutional powers and diplomatic leverage to secure Kanu’s release.

Chukwu emphasized that doing so would reflect a commitment to equity, justice, and national reconciliation.

He furthered by criticising the circumstances surrounding Kanu’s arrest in 2021, describing his continued detention as a “moral burden” on Nigeria’s judiciary.

He argued that the manner in which Kanu was extradited from Kenya lacked legal backing and cast a shadow over the legitimacy of his trial and prolonged incarceration.

“For four years, justice has remained elusive. The process that brought him back to Nigeria was flawed from the outset,” Chukwu said.

“The continued denial of his freedom calls into question the very integrity of our legal institutions and challenges the principles of fairness that should underpin any democratic society.”

Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s renewed demand adds to growing calls from across the Southeast and beyond for a political resolution to the Kanu case.

As tensions around the issue persist, the group maintains that releasing the IPOB leader would serve as a crucial step toward healing deep-rooted divisions and promoting national unity.

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BREAKING: Ganduje Resigns as APC Chairman, Effective Immediately

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has stepped down as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing health concerns.

The resignation of the former Kano State Governor is said to be effective immediately, according to party insiders and confirmed posts on social media.

The development was made public on Friday through a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

Although the APC is yet to release an official statement, sources within the party say Ganduje made the decision to prioritize his health.

His exit comes amid growing internal tensions and controversies that have trailed his brief tenure as party chairman.Ganduje, who served two terms as governor of Kano State, was appointed APC chairman in 2023 following the resignation of his predecessor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu. His leadership period saw recurring disputes over party structure, internal democracy, and alignments ahead of the next general elections.

The APC is now expected to initiate a transition process to fill the leadership vacuum, with attention turning to who might succeed him. As speculation builds, stakeholders within the ruling party are reportedly engaging in consultations to maintain unity ahead of upcoming political contests.

Ganduje, who served two terms as governor of Kano State, was appointed APC chairman in 2023 following the resignation of his predecessor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

His leadership period saw recurring disputes over party structure, internal democracy, and alignments ahead of the next general elections.

The APC is now expected to initiate a transition process to fill the leadership vacuum, with attention turning to who might succeed him.

As speculation builds, stakeholders within the ruling party are reportedly engaging in consultations to maintain unity ahead of upcoming political contests.

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Kwara State Senators Mourn Ex-Governor Cornelius Adebayo

Senators representing Kwara Central and Kwara South, Saliu Mustapha and Oyelola Ashiru, have described the death of the former governor of the state, Senator Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, as a great loss to the state and Nigeria.

Mustapha, in a statement by his media aide, Nasif Sholagberu, acknowledged the late statesman’s immense contributions to governance and national development during his time as governor and minister of communications.

Mustapha commiserated with the Adebayo family over the loss.

He also extended his condolences to the people of Isin LGA and the entire Kwara South Senatorial District.

Ashiru, an architect, said:

“I join the good people of Kwara State, and indeed all Nigerians, in mourning the passing on of a revered lecturer, and a courageous patriot.”

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Presidency: Tinubu Set to Sign Tax Reform Bills

President Bola Tinubu will, on Thursday, sign into law four tax reform bills that will “transform Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework,” the Presidency has revealed.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement he signed Wednesday evening, titled, “President Tinubu signs four tax bills into law tomorrow.”

The four bills include: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.

They were passed by the National Assembly after months of consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.

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