Category: Daily Trust

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released its timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections.

According to the schedule signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, sales of forms for all aspirants, which began yesterday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, will be rounded off on May 2.

Argungu said the screening of all aspirants will hold between May 6 and May 8.

The schedule shows that the primary election for all categories of the aspirants will begin with the presidential on Friday, May 15; the House of Representatives, Monday, May 18 and the Senate, Wednesday, May 20.

The primaries for the state assembly will hold on Thursday, May 21, while those for the governorship will hold on Saturday, May 23.

The schedule further shows that the election petition for all the aspirants will commence on Monday, May 18, with the presidential and will be rounded off on Monday, May 29, with the governorship.

According to the schedule, aspirants contesting for the State House of Assembly will pay N1 million for the expression of interest and N5 million for the nomination form.

Aspirants for the House of Representatives will pay N1 million for the expression of interest form and N9 million for the nomination form, while aspirants for the Senate will pay N3 million for the expression of interest and N17 million for the nomination form.

Aspirants for governorship will pay N10 million for expression of interest and N40 million for nomination form, while those contesting for presidential will pay N30 million for expression of for and N70 million for the nomination form.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday attributed Nigeria’s development and growth challenges to the failure of previous administrations to adopt serious long-term planning frameworks.

Tinubu spoke at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while hosting a delegation of Enugu State stakeholders led by Gov. Peter Mbah.

The president said successive governments had attempted to finance long-term projects with short-term resources, a mismatch that hindered sustainable development.

‘What has been the problem in the past is Nigeria trying to finance long-term projects with short-term funding.

‘We have not embarked upon serious long-term outlook for our country.’

Tinubu expressed optimism that with committed and visionary leadership at subnational levels, Nigeria was on the right trajectory toward becoming a leading African nation.

He commended Mbah for what he described as transformative leadership in Enugu, citing visible improvements in security, infrastructure, education and healthcare as evidence that reforms were yielding results.

‘The results you have outlined are not abstract. They are evidence that reform is working and that difficult decisions are yielding real outcomes.’

Tinubu assured the delegation of continued collaboration between the Federal Government and states to drive development.

He said projects such as the Port Harcourt-Enugu rail line, power sector reforms and other infrastructure would receive sustained attention.

The president stressed the need for collective efforts across all tiers of government.

‘It’s not a one-man orchestra. It’s a collective effort at the national, subnational and local government levels,’ he said.

He urged state leaders to extend development initiatives to local governments for broader impact.

Earlier, Mbah said the visit was to appreciate Federal Government’s interventions in the state and reaffirm support for Tinubu’s administration.

He listed the concessioning of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, establishment of the South East Development Commission, and ongoing road and rail projects as key interventions.

According to the governor, reconstruction of sections of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and progress on the Enugu-Onitsha road have improved connectivity.

He added that planned completion of the Port Harcourt-Enugu rail line would further boost economic activities in the region.

Mbah said security incidents in the state had reduced significantly, while investments in education, healthcare and infrastructure were improving livelihoods.

He reaffirmed the support of Enugu people for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

Other members of the delegation included former Senate President Ken Nnamani, former Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Gov. Sullivan Chime, Chief Jim Nwobodo and Fr. Ejike Mbaka, among others. (NAN)

Thugs on Monday allegedly assaulted the Chairman of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr Tope Omolayo, following an undisclosed dispute.

Omolayo, elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had earlier been suspended by councillors over allegations of gross misconduct, with tensions reportedly lingering between him and members of the council.

Trouble began when the embattled chairman returned to the council secretariat after about six months of suspension to resume duties.

Eyewitnesses said suspected thugs stormed the premises to prevent him from accessing his office, triggering an argument that escalated into violence.

‘They beat him mercilessly, tore his clothes and left him almost naked. The entire secretariat was thrown into chaos as people ran for safety while the attackers fired shots into the air,’ a witness said.

Reacting, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that security personnel were swiftly deployed to restore order.

Jimoh said investigations had commenced to determine the cause of the incident and bring those responsible to justice.

Efforts to reach Omolayo for comments were unsuccessful, as his phone line was switched off.

Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court has failed to grant bail to former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

El-Rufai was arraigned last week on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office, filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

He appeared before the court last Tuesday for hearing of his bail application.

However, the presiding judge, Darius Khobo, adjourned ruling on the application to April 21, 2026.

The former governor was, last week, granted bail by a Federal High Court in Kaduna in another corruption case instituted against him by the ICPC.

Justice Rilwanu Aikawa admitted El-Rufai to bail in the sum of N200 million.

The judge had ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.

As part of the conditions, the defendant was barred from making public comments on the case and must attend all court sittings.

However, speaking after the court session on Tuesday, counsel to the former governor, Ukpon Akpan, said the bail application had been adjourned.

He kicked against the lingering adjournment, saying it is politically motivated.

The Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Idi Barde Gubana, has commissioned 50 mosques and supported the marriages of 10 female orphans he raised in the Fune Local Government Area of the state.

The gesture was carried out under his initiative, the Gorbo Foundation, which focuses on supporting and educating orphans, women, and other vulnerable groups.

Speaking to newsmen during the commissioning of one of the mosques built at the Emir of Fune’s palace, the deputy governor said the initiative was aimed at bringing people closer to God.

Gubana explained that he supported the marriages of the 10 female orphans to their chosen partners after raising and educating them.

He described the gesture as an act of charity and gratitude to God for lifting him from a humble background to the position of deputy governor.

‘We currently have over 1,400 orphans under our care. We train them from primary to secondary school, and some are now in tertiary institutions. Some have graduated and found partners, which is why we supported their marriages,’ he said.

He further called on wealthy individuals and politicians to support orphans, build mosques, and invest in initiatives that uplift both the spiritual and physical well-being of the people.

The Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Professor Ibrahim Maqari, commended the deputy governor for the gesture.

He, however, urged him to further support the married orphans with startup capital to help them establish small businesses in their matrimonial homes.

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has commenced the distribution of teaching and learning materials to public basic schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The distribution is being carried out in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB).

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Abuja, UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to a high-quality education delivery system.

Garba described education as the foundation of national development, stressing that the commission remains committed to ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for every Nigerian child.

She explained that the distribution is part of UBEC’s nationwide intervention aimed at strengthening teaching and learning outcomes in public schools.

According to her, the initiative reflects the sustained collaboration between UBEC and State UBEBs to improve infrastructure, teacher capacity, and access to learning resources across the country.

‘This initiative seeks to ensure that every Nigerian child receives quality education,’ Garba stated. ‘It is also designed to empower them with the materials necessary to improve learning outcomes and their classroom experience, enabling them to compete globally.’ – (NAN)

Political activist, Timi Frank, has called on the United States government to investigate and sanction the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over comments he described as capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Frank’s call follows a viral video in which Gbajabiamila was allegedly heard addressing Leke Abejide during a private event, urging him to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and ‘scatter them,’ while expressing support for certain political figures and wishing him well in court.

In a strongly worded statement, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) described the remarks as ‘reckless’ and dangerous, warning that they suggest a deliberate attempt to weaken opposition parties and erode democratic norms.

According to Frank, the comments raise concerns about the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to democratic principles, particularly the independence of the judiciary.

‘Any suggestion that the courts can be influenced undermines public confidence in democratic institutions,’ Frank said, adding that references made in the video require clarification to avoid ‘dangerous interpretations.’

He further alleged that the remarks lend credence to claims of interference by the Presidency in internal crises affecting opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

‘When a Chief of Staff speaks, it reflects the body language of the President. This points to a deliberate attempt to weaken opposition and consolidate power,’ he said.

Frank also accused the government of deploying state influence, including the judiciary, against opposition parties, warning that such actions could destabilise Nigeria’s multiparty system.

Describing Gbajabiamila as ‘an alter ego of the President,’ Frank said the comments reflected ‘the arrogance of power,’ stressing that public officials must exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.

He further urged U.S. authorities to probe Gbajabiamila’s activities and financial dealings, citing his status as a U.S. citizen.

‘As an American citizen, he should be held accountable. We want to know if he is meeting his tax obligations in line with his earnings in Nigeria,’ Frank said.

Calling for immediate resignation, Frank argued that such remarks would have attracted swift consequences in other democracies.

‘If such a statement were made in the United States, the official involved would have resigned forthwith,’ he added.

He disclosed plans to formally petition the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, stressing the need for accountability among public office holders.

‘Power is transient, but institutions must endure. Any comment that diminishes their independence must be corrected,’ Frank said.

The development comes amid growing concerns over the stability of Nigeria’s multiparty system and allegations of mounting pressure on opposition parties.

Bayelsa United Feeders have emerged as Yenagoa Local Government Area champions of the Bayelsa State Governor’s Cup, popularly tagged ‘Prosperity Cup’.

Bayelsa United Feeders overpowered determined Brazil FC 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time in an encounter decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa on Sunday.

The victory earned Bayelsa United Feeders 1,000,000 while runners-up, Brazil FC received 500,000.

Bayelsa United Feeders is the latest team to join Okoroma United, Movers FC of Otuasega, Kolobiriowei FC of Bolou Orua, Odi United of Odi, NDU Oilers FC of Amassoma, Mini FC of Minibie and Osunmabio FC in the next round of the tournament.

Speaking at the final, chairman of Yenagoa local government, Hon. Bulodiseye Ndiwari, said the tournament has successfully taken a handful of youths away from social vices particularly in Yenagoa, maintaining that the competition has continued to be a veritable platform for talent discovery in the State.

Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe, in an interview, remarked that the LGA finals have witnessed entertaining football across the eight LGAs, stating that the LGA finals has justified the investment of the governor in youth development.

With the eight LGA finals now concluded, attention has shifted to the Round of 32 scheduled to commence on Wednesday, 22nd of April, 2026 across different centres in the State.

A lighthearted social media exchange involving Nigerian cleric Jerry Eze has sparked renewed discussion on how religious leaders are shaping conversations in Nigeria’s digital space.

The incident followed a post in which the pastor, founder of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD), jokingly responded to a fitness update shared by his wife, Eno Jerry-Eze. In the message, he playfully questioned the duration of her workout, a comment that quickly gained traction online.

The post went viral within hours, drawing widespread engagement on X (formerly Twitter), where users turned the exchange into a broader conversation mixing humour, admiration, and commentary on public figures’ personal lives.

While many users engaged with the post as light entertainment, analysts say the speed and scale of the reaction reflect a deeper trend: the increasing overlap between religious influence and social media culture in Nigeria.

Observers note that clerics and ministry leaders are increasingly becoming digital personalities whose personal interactions-whether sermons, lifestyle posts, or informal exchanges-can rapidly shape online discourse beyond church settings.

The development also highlights how faith-based platforms like NSPPD have expanded their reach through social media, building large online communities that respond in real time to both spiritual content and personal moments shared by leaders.

Some digital analysts argue that such viral moments contribute to the humanisation of religious figures, making them more relatable to followers, while others caution that it blurs boundaries between ministry, entertainment, and public consumption of private life.

As reactions continue to circulate, the episode underscores the growing role of social media in redefining how religious authority and influence are experienced in Nigeria’s public sphere, where even casual remarks can quickly escalate into nationwide conversations.

The sudden demise of Aminu Kano on April 17, 1983 has continued to widen the vacuum it created in the political life of our country.

He was famously known for compromising his ambition in the overall interest of the country. He was extraordinarily a model who was always demonstrating high sensitivity to the plight of the ordinary citizens who have little say in the running of the country.

He was above all, a law-abiding and peace-loving politician who had never advocated violence. He cherished his nation in great esteem.

Malam Aminu had never been accustomed to materialism. He resisted all temptations to persuade him to lust for power and luxury by any means. He held several key positions in government including one-time Federal Commissioner of Communications but exercised a great deal of accountability and probity. Honesty was his guiding principle. He didn’t make a lot of money, as he was highly preoccupied with matters pertinent to the well-being of the under privileged people.

In the aftermath of his demise, there was astounding astonishment when it became very obvious that there was virtually nothing to bequeath to the bereaved. This had led people who do not even share his thoughts to acknowledge the sincerity of his commitment to champion the cause of the downtrodden.

On party politics, he played the game according to the rules. Late Malam was not the type of politician who exploited religion and other affiliations by traducing public utterances inimical to stability and cohesion to gain cheap popularity. He was just frolicking about abiding by the spirit of good sportsmanship. He was humbly altruistic and cared much about the progress of the nation.

Aminu Kano had always restrained his supporters from engaging their opponents in violence. He vociferously denounced this abhorrent politicking and never took kindly to it. He used peaceful means rather than violent approach in the event of any undue provocation. There was a time in 1980, when he was addressing a gathering of party stalwarts in Jos and a number of complaints were lodged against rivals for mounting harassment and intimidation. His response was soft and he urged all members and supporters not to resort to unlawful actions but seek legal means to counter hostilities. This attitude by Malam made almost everyone in the party go about on campaigning without breach of the peace, as the main actor was not complaisant to those who were out to rule at the expense of tranquility.

There was never a period of time when Malam Aminu Kano opposed the verdict of the electorate after the polls. He was quite optimistic and accepted results in good faith.

He did not cast aspersion on popular judgment or go to court to challenge what was unanimously held as free and fair even though he achieved little success. Whenever he was asked to comment on the results of elections, Malam was normally say that theirs was the party of the future.

Malam Aminu Kano was counted among several statemen whose patriotic effort had helped a lot in bringing about the existing development we enjoy today.

They regarded the interest of the country as being more important than their personal ambition. No amount of temptations ever influenced their resolve to promote the well-being of the nation.