Category: Daily Trust

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has confirmed that its presidential campaign flag-off will take place in Sokoto State on November 4, 2026, vowing to resist any attack on candidates, party members and offices.

The party said no threat, intimidation or unlawful obstruction would prevent it from exercising its constitutional right to organise political activities and campaign for its candidates in the state.

The crisis between the political parties started when the ADC accused suspected All Progressives Congress, APC thugs of attacking women participating in the party’s rally, alleging that some sustained injuries while others had their mobile phones snatched.

There were also allegations that the APC-led state government had booked all available hotel rooms across the state to prevent the ADC from hosting its presidential campaign flag-off.

The party also accused operatives of the Sokoto Marshall and Community Guards of attacking its governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, while returning from the airport after accompanying Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

The ADC alleged that the attack resulted in the destruction of the windscreen of one of the vehicles in his convoy.

Meanwhile, the Director General of the Governorship Campaign Council, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, on Sunday during a press conference at the party’s secretariat in Sokoto called on relevant authorities to investigate reported attacks on the party’s governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, members of its women wing and the party’s office, and ensure that those responsible are brought to book.

He also urged security operatives to remain professional and apolitical in the discharge of their duties, stressing the need to provide a peaceful and secure environment for all political parties to conduct their activities.

‘The ADC’s presidential campaign flag-off, now scheduled for November 4, 2026, will proceed. No threat, intimidation or unlawful obstruction will deprive the party of its constitutional right to organise political activities and campaign for its candidates,’ he said.

The party called on its supporters across the country to remain calm, peaceful, disciplined and law-abiding, assuring that it would not be provoked, promising that the party would continue to pursue accountability through lawful means.

The press conference was attended by ADC’s governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, his running mate, Bello Isa Ambarura, and other party chieftains.

Earlier, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state had dismissed the allegations of intimidation, describing them as fabricated claims intended to attract public sympathy and divert attention from the ADC’s political challenges.

The state APC Chairman, Alhaji Haruna Adiya, said the allegations were part of what he described as a propaganda campaign against the state government.

He also faulted what he described as inconsistencies in the ADC’s account of the incident, arguing that while the party’s media aide reportedly claimed that security personnel prevented Dan’iya from entering Sokoto metropolis, the candidate’s statement indicated that he had visited different locations in the city to pay condolence visits and attend to other engagements.

The APC chairman also dismissed claims that security personnel were deployed to restrict ADC members from entering the state, explaining that Sokoto was preparing to host a major traditional title conferment ceremony scheduled for Sunday.

He said the event was expected to attract prominent personalities and visitors from different parts of the country, making adequate security arrangements necessary.

Adiya maintained that the deployment of security personnel was aimed at protecting residents and visitors attending the ceremony and had nothing to do with the political activities of the ADC.

He further urged the opposition party to address its internal challenges rather than blame the APC and the state government for its political difficulties.

He urged the opposition party to substantiate its allegations and focus on presenting policies and development plans to the electorate rather than engaging in what he described as manufactured controversies.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the name of the Kano State governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, from its updated list of candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Gwarzo had petitioned the commission over the omission of his name on the initial list published on October 10, 2026.

Mohammed Haruna, a National Commissioner at INEC, had revealed that Gwarzo’s petition was considered successful, ‘but publishing his name is subject to the final outcome of an ex-parte order by a Kano federal high court’.

Checks by Daily Trust on the commission’s website revealed that the names of Gwarzo and his deputy were conspicuously missing from the updated list, with INEC indicating ‘Court Order’ in the remarks column.

The development has raised fresh questions over the status of the NDC governorship ticket.

The NDC had approached a Federal High Court in Abuja on October 27 to challenge the omission of its candidate’s name from the gubernatorial list. It sought an order to compel INEC to include his name.

On October 29, reports emerged that INEC had approved Gwarzo’s petition alongside that of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, among other candidates whose names were initially omitted.

However, the clearance was reported to be subject to the outcome of pending court cases.

The latest update appears to have reversed the commission’s earlier position, with the new list retaining Gwarzo’s exclusion on the grounds of a court order.

The previous omission of Gwarzo’s name had sparked protests and calls for clarification from the NDC, which insisted that its candidates had fulfilled all the requirements for participation in the election.

The party had initially suggested that the omission resulted from a computer-related error and expressed confidence that INEC would rectify it.

But the commission had explained that its candidate-list decisions were influenced by legal requirements concerning the submission of political parties’ membership registers, following a September 24 Supreme Court judgment on the Electoral Act 2026.

The latest development has once again thrown the NDC’s participation in the Kano governorship race into uncertainty.

Energy experts, policymakers have called for affordable financing, stronger quality control and a phased localisation policy to strengthen Nigeria’s solar industry without making solar products unaffordable for households and businesses.

The call was made during the Abuja Solar Policy Roundtable, organised by the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) and the Solar Power Nigeria Campaign.

Speaking during the event, the Executive Director of GIFSEP and co-convener of the Solar Power Nigeria Campaign, Dr Michael T. David, described solar energy as a practical route to more reliable and affordable electricity.

He noted that millions of Nigerians continue to contend with unreliable grid power and depend on petrol and diesel generators, which impose significant costs on households and businesses.

He commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, for stating that Nigeria would not prohibit solar panel imports before developing adequate domestic manufacturing capacity.

‘The solar sector is too important to be left with fragmented oversight and inconsistent standards,’ he said.

David identified skills development, local manufacturing and assembly, and quality assurance as three priorities for building a sustainable solar industry.

He called for technician certification, continuous training and retraining, including opportunities for generator technicians to acquire solar installation and maintenance skills.

He also advocated predictable government policies, accessible financing and stronger coordination among relevant regulatory and standards institutions, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), within their respective mandates.

The Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Comrade Yussuf Olatunji Kelani described affordable and reliable energy as essential to Nigeria’s economic development, climate objectives and resilience.

He said solar energy could help address electricity challenges while supporting agriculture, particularly irrigation, food storage and processing. According to him, expanding access to solar power could reduce operating costs for farmers, minimise post-harvest losses and strengthen food security.

Kelani emphasised that the energy transition must benefit ordinary Nigerians, including young people, women and vulnerable communities, rather than being limited to government institutions and large investors.

A Nigerian midfielder was knocked unconscious by his opponent during a division 2 league match in Spain.

Quadri Liameed was representing Sabadell against Albacete when the incident occurred on Saturday night.

Liameed was hit on the head by Albacete’s Jose Corpas who was attempting to volley a loose ball in the air.

The unfortunate Corpas hit Liameed who landed on the floor unconscious, and was rushed to the hospital for further treatment.

Sabadell revealed that Liameed regained consciousness at the hospital and was undergoing further observation and tests.

Following a 2-1 loss to Albacete, Sabadell revealed that the 24-year-old midfielder had been discharged from the hospital.

Tests returned no further medical issue, and he will return to Sabadell with the team.

‘The best of the news has arrived! Quadri Limeed has received medical discharge after all the tests have come out well and will return tonight to Sabadell!

‘We want to thank the medical services of Albacete for the help received at all times.’

Liameed has been a key player for Sabadell this season, featuring in all of the club’s 12 league matches.

He has provided three assists as Sabadell are nine points off the top in the race for La Liga promotion.

US President Donald Trump held a call with Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu over when and whether to ramp up combat operations against Iran, US media reported Sunday.

Axios quoted one US and one Israeli official saying the two leaders on Saturday discussed the state of negotiations with the Islamic Republic, with Netanyahu pressing the president to launch strikes on Iran immediately after the US midterm elections and Trump eager to let negotiations play out.

The Israeli source described the call as ‘tough,’ while the American source said it was ‘direct,’ according to Axios.

Throughout the eight-month war, Trump has pursued dual tracks with Tehran: a campaign of airstrikes and other attacks, while seeking to reach a deal that would jumpstart peace talks and fully open the Strait of Hormuz to vital oil and gas traffic.

On Saturday, the president maintained to reporters that negotiations with Iran to end the war were ‘going fine,’ and that there were still one or two targets to ‘take care’ of.

He stressed too that Washington was not in a hurry to take offensive action because it had already decimated Iran’s military and its nuclear program.

The Trump-Netanyahu talks followed the disclosure Saturday by Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei that he had received a letter from US Vice President JD Vance seeking to revive stalled talks.

In another sign that mediators are keen to resume negotiations, a Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran on Friday for talks with Iranian officials, state media reported.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for uploading Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami’s name to its portal.

Pantami, who holds the traditional title of Majidadin Daular Usmaniyya, was cleared ahead of the 2027 governorship election after INEC’s review found that he met all constitutional and Electoral Act requirements.

In a statement on Sunday, the Gombe PDP described the development as a landmark for democracy, political inclusion and respect for the constitutional right of eligible Nigerians to contest elective offices.

According to the party, Pantami’s clearance will enrich Gombe’s political landscape, deepen competition and give voters a wider opportunity to make informed choices.

The party also thanked supporters who offered prayers, advice and support while the clearance process lasted.

It called on political actors in the state to embrace issue-based campaigns and peaceful engagement, and urged INEC to remain impartial and committed to credible elections.

‘The people of Gombe State deserve a credible electoral process in which their votes count and their collective aspirations are respected,’ the party said.

Gombe PDP Denies Defection Of Two LG Chairmen To APC

Meanwhile, the PDP in Gombe has dismissed claims that its Chairmen in Kwami and Nafada Local Government Areas have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The party was reacting to an allegation made by an APC chieftain during the inauguration of the APC State Campaign Council at the International Conference Centre, Gombe.

In a statement, the PDP said the claim is false, stressing that the two chairmen remain bonafide members of the party and have never indicated interest in joining the APC.

‘It is unfortunate that this false information came from a high-level personality who held a national position under the platform of the PDP in an attempt to impress his paymasters in the APC,’ the party said.

The PDP warned the ruling APC to desist from spreading falsehood about its members and officials, accusing it of using propaganda to attract public sympathy.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has challenged the circulation of claims that he protested against former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He insisted that the photograph being used to support the allegation was taken during a prayer exercise in 2020, long after Jonathan left office.

Adeboye said the controversy reflected the danger of publishing information without establishing its historical context.

He accused a journalist of turning a religious exercise against insecurity into an alleged political demonstration.

The cleric spoke during the church’s November Thanksgiving Service on Sunday.

He said he had no reason to deny carrying a placard but rejected the interpretation being attached to the photograph.

The spiritual leader argued that Jonathan’s presidency ended in May 2015, whereas the procession in question took place in February 2020, during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

‘Jonathan ceased to be president in 2015. I carried the placard five years into the second term of Buhari,’ he said.

The photograph showed Adeboye holding a placard with the inscription, ‘All Souls Are Precious to God’.

It was said to be during a prayer walk in Lagos organised to draw attention to killings and worsening insecurity in the country.

The exercise was part of a three-day fasting and prayer programme declared by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

They called on churches to seek divine intervention over the country’s security challenges.

During the event, reports said the procession started from the RCCG national headquarters in Ebute Meta, proceeded towards Atan Cemetery in Yaba and returned to the church.

Adeboye said the exercise was in response to a directive from the CAN chairman asking churches to organise prayer walks around their premises.

‘The chairman said all churches should do a prayer walk near their churches. That’s what I did,’ he explained.

He said the photograph had recently been presented as evidence that he once mobilised against Jonathan’s government.

He described the account as a distortion that could have been avoided through basic fact-checking.

Recounting the publication, the cleric said he was initially amused by the allegation but became concerned that it was accepted and circulated without anyone checking its accuracy.

He quoted the report as portraying him as a wicked person because he allegedly carried a placard against Jonathan.

‘True, I carried a placard. I can’t deny that. It was important. It was a prayer walk. We wanted to pray,’ he said.

Adeboye also questioned the standard of journalism that allowed an old photograph to be presented without establishing when and why the event occurred.

Drawing on his exposure to journalism studies in the 1960s, he reminded practitioners that investigative reporting required journalists to go beyond appearances and verify the circumstances surrounding a story.

‘I remember in those days in the Department of Journalism, when you go there and you take a course, they talked about something called investigative journalism.

‘That things don’t appear as they may seem. Investigate, if you have a story, before you take it to the press’, he said.

Addressing members of the creative industry, he lamented that the report had gained traction without anyone making the effort to establish the facts.

‘I’m talking to those of you in the creative industry. Nobody checked,’ he said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has beseeched Almighty Allah to transform Nigeria’s rich diversity into a source of prosperity, unity, peace and sustainable development for the benefit of all Nigerians.

President Tinubu offered the prayer on Sunday in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, while hosting members of his delegation to a dinner.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement after the dinner quoted the President as saying that he hoped ‘Nigeria’s ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity would continue to serve as a source of strength and national advancement rather than division’.

Tinubu also stressed the need for citizens to embrace mutual understanding, peaceful coexistence and a shared commitment to the country’s progress.

He prayed that Almighty Allah would bless Nigeria with enduring peace, harmony and prosperity, and grant the nation’s leaders the ‘wisdom, courage and foresight to steer the country towards greater development and improved living conditions for its people.

‘May Almighty Allah bless Nigeria, convert our diversity into prosperity as a country,’ the President said.

Tinubu also prayed for divine guidance and protection for Nigerians at home and abroad, asking Allah to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among citizens and inspire a renewed spirit of patriotism, compassion and service to the nation.

The President noted that Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources, coupled with the talents, creativity and enterprise of its diverse population, provided a strong foundation for building a prosperous and inclusive nation.

The dinner with members of his delegation in Makkah provided an opportunity for fellowship and reflection on Nigerians’ shared aspirations for a peaceful, united and prosperous country.

Tinubu urged Nigerians of all faiths and backgrounds to keep working together in the national interest, expressing confidence that, with faith in Almighty Allah, unity of purpose, and collective determination, Nigeria would overcome its challenges and realise its full potential.

On his part, Chairman of BUA, Alhaji Abdulsamad Isiaka Rabiu, reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.

‘Today is actually the third dinner we’re having with His Excellency Mr President since we came to Makkah on Thursday night or Friday morning when Mr President arrived.

‘So, we discussed, and the discussion was, you know, to always continue to pray for Nigeria, for peace, for unity and for Nigeria’s prosperity. To also thank His Excellency for his passion, for what he’s doing for Nigeria.

‘And also for us, it’s quite important because, as I said, it has given us the opportunity to come and pray not only for ourselves and our families, but also for Nigeria.

‘We will continue to support His Excellency in whatever capacity we can and definitely, as you all know, Mr President is very passionate about the country. He’s working very hard, and we’ll continue to support him,’ he said.

Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, said the forum is overwhelmed by the President’s passion and commitment to achieving a united and prosperous nation.

‘Only Allah can reward you; we will continue to pray for you daily and pray for Nigeria that you lead. May Allah continue to strengthen you in making the right decisions, strengthen your wisdom, your boldness, your audacity, your courage. May Allah lead you to the right path,’ he said.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi SAN, also prayed for Almighty Allah to continue to strengthen the President in his determination to deliver governance and justice to all Nigerians irrespective of their religion or ethnic backgrounds.

The dinner was attended by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Jigawa State Governor Mohammed Namadi, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc Mr Wale Tinubu, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, among others.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has ruled out Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in two individuals suspected of having the infection in Yola, Adamawa State, after two rounds of laboratory testing returned negative results.

Jide Idris, NCDC Director-General, who disclosed this in a statement, added that there is currently no laboratory-confirmed Ebola case in Adamawa.

The suspected cases were reported to the Adamawa State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre in the early hours of October 30, 2026, after two individuals presented with symptoms requiring further investigation.

According to Idris, the individuals were isolated and appropriate public health measures initiated while samples were collected for laboratory analysis.

‘Fortunately, the samples turned out negative for EVD after two rounds of testing,’ he said.

Idris said the NCDC was working closely with the Adamawa State Government, through the State Ministry of Health and Human Services, to investigate the report and strengthen response operations.

He commended the state government for its prompt response, particularly the efforts of the Commissioner for Health and his team.

‘At this juncture, I wish to commend the efforts of the Adamawa State’s Commissioner for Health and his team for their proactive approach,’ the NCDC director-general said.

He added that the agency would continue to provide technical support to the state government to strengthen its response and ensure effective monitoring of the situation.

Idris clarified that the index case previously confirmed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) remained the only laboratory-confirmed Ebola case reported in Nigeria.

He urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information or speculation about the suspected cases.

‘We urge members of the public to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information or speculation about the situation,’ he said, advising the public to rely on official government and public health communication channels for accurate information.

The NCDC boss also urged people experiencing symptoms associated with Ebola, including fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, to seek immediate medical attention, particularly if they had a relevant exposure history.

He advised individuals to inform healthcare workers about any relevant travel or contact history, avoid self-medication and follow professional medical advice.

Ebola Virus Disease is a serious infectious disease that requires early detection, prompt clinical management and effective infection prevention and control measures.

Idris said the NCDC, in collaboration with the Adamawa State Government and other relevant stakeholders, would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as verified information became available.

He reaffirmed the commitment of public health authorities to protecting Nigerians through early detection, evidence-based interventions, transparent communication and a coordinated national response.

The Lagos State Government has showcased its technology ecosystem, emerging startups and investment opportunities at GITEX Nigeria 2026, using the international technology event to strengthen partnerships and promote the state’s ambition to become Africa’s innovation capital.

The Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST), led by Commissioner Olatunbosun Alake, coordinated the state’s participation at the event, held at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The two-day programme featured a technology exhibition, the Future Economy Conference and a Startup Festival, bringing together government officials, technology entrepreneurs, investors and international stakeholders.

A welcome dinner ahead of the programme attracted representatives of Lagos, Katsina, Jigawa, Ondo, Kwara, Delta, Borno and Ogun states, alongside founders, investors and diplomatic guests.

Speakers included Sam Egube, Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who represented the governor; Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre and Chief Executive Officer of KAOUN International; and representatives of the Moroccan Consulate. Alake also highlighted opportunities within Lagos’ innovation ecosystem.

At the opening of the Lagos programme, Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat described Lagos as a ‘consequential city’, saying the decision to host GITEX reflected the state’s growing influence in Africa’s technology landscape.

Hamzat reiterated the government’s ambition to position Lagos not only as Nigeria’s commercial capital but also as Africa’s innovation capital. He cited the presence of nearly 1,000 active startups as evidence of the ecosystem’s potential, while emphasising the need for sustained investment in infrastructure, talent, policy and implementation.

Throughout the event, MIST showcased startups, technologies, partnerships and investment opportunities to potential investors and international collaborators.

The Governor’s Special Adviser on Innovation, Technology and Broadband Development and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Ganiyu Oseni, stressed that infrastructure and policy must advance together to support a competitive digital economy.

He identified connectivity, electricity, digital identity and talent development as critical requirements, urging investors to establish operational bases in Lagos rather than treat the state merely as a market.

Oseni also called for Nigeria to move beyond adopting foreign technologies and develop home-grown solutions in digital finance, tokenised assets and cross-border settlements that could compete across Africa and globally.

More than two dozen startups and technology companies participated in the exhibition, covering artificial intelligence, financial technology, cybersecurity, education technology, agriculture and logistics.

Among the companies seeking investment and market opportunities were Sidebrief, DawnAI, RollaPay, Hyperspace Technologies, Sowota and Climatrix AI.

The second day placed greater emphasis on financial technology through FDX Nigeria by GITEX, which examined digital payments, banking, financial inclusion, digital assets and cross-border finance.

A major highlight was the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) Pitch Programme, organised in partnership with TechQuest STEM Academy and MIST. The initiative provided selected entrepreneurs with an opportunity to present their businesses, products and growth strategies to investors and other ecosystem stakeholders, strengthening the funding pipeline for Lagos-based innovators.

The programme also featured the launch of MINT Africa by GITEX, a platform focused on the future of finance on the continent.

Oseni maintained that Nigeria had the talent, market scale and entrepreneurial capacity to lead Africa’s digital financial transformation, provided infrastructure, regulation and investor confidence developed alongside innovation.