Category: PM News

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Sunday received the Director General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, and other top party leaders at Ahmadu Bello House in Ilorin.

The delegation included former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, and former senators Ali Modu Sheriff and Rochas Okorocha, alongside other prominent party chieftains from across the country.

The visit is expected to focus on consultations and mobilisation strategies aimed at securing victory for President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections in Kwara State.

The meeting comes as political parties begin preparations and strengthen their structures ahead of the next general elections.

The delegation’s engagement with AbdulRazaq is expected to provide an opportunity for discussions on party unity, grassroots mobilisation and strategies for improving the APC’s electoral prospects in the state.

The APC leaders are expected to work towards consolidating support for Tinubu and other party candidates as the 2027 elections approach.

The Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Hammed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, CON, has congratulated the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on his 52nd birthday, wishing him good health, wisdom and a peaceful reign.

In a congratulatory message issued from his palace, Oba Oyelude Makama offered prayers for divine guidance for the Ooni as he continues to discharge the responsibilities of his revered throne.

The Olowu prayed for the continued preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage, traditions and values, expressing hope that successive generations would remain connected to the history and customs of their forebears.

He further wished the Ooni renewed strength, personal fulfilment and continued well-being, while expressing hope for sustained peace and progress in Ile-Ife, and Yoruba land.

‘On behalf of the people of Kuta Kingdom, I extended my goodwill to the Olofin Adimula on the occasion, wishing him a rewarding new year and a reign marked by peace and the preservation of cherished traditional values,’ Oba Makama said.

A former Kaduna State Commissioner for Finance, Muhammad Bashir Sa’idu, has dumped the African Democratic Congress for the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that a family had taken control of the opposition party.

Sa’idu, a former ally and Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai, declared that the ADC no longer had a credible opposition structure in Kaduna after his group’s departure.

He spoke on Saturday in Zaria at a ceremony to receive him, former ADC governorship aspirant Jafaru Sani, former Senator Suleiman Abdu Kwari and other defectors into the APC.

Sa’idu claimed that more than 200,000 card-carrying ADC members had moved to the ruling party with his group.

He said Kaduna De-Initiatives, the group he led, built the ADC’s structures from ward to state level but decided to leave after individuals who joined later allegedly hijacked the party.

‘We built ADC with our strength, sweat and blood, but unfortunately, a few individuals who later joined the party hijacked it. We discovered that the party was being teleguided by a family, a situation which we found unacceptable,’ he said.

Sa’idu did not identify the family.

He said the group compared candidates who emerged from the ADC primaries with their APC counterparts before convening an emergency steering committee meeting and resolving to return to the ruling party.

‘We have returned home. As of one month ago, the number of card-carrying ADC members who defected with us was about 100,000. Between then and now, over 100,000 more defectors have also joined the APC,’ he claimed.

Sa’idu dismissed the ADC’s chances in the 2027 elections, predicting that it would finish a distant third.

‘There is not a single bona fide politician remaining in the ADC. There is now no opposition in Kaduna State because we were the opposition,’ he said.

Welcoming the defectors, Governor Uba Sani described their return as a major political development and praised Sa’idu as principled and trustworthy.

‘He is a man of the people, and even when he went to the ADC, we were confident that he would return home. He stands for justice. Jafaru Sani is also someone who can be trusted and is a seasoned public servant,’ the governor said.

Sani assured the returning members of equal treatment, saying their date of entry would not determine their standing in the party.

‘The person who joins today, the one who joined yesterday and the one who will join tomorrow, we are all one,’ he said.

He added that no member, including himself, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and APC North-West Zonal Vice-Chairman Garba Datti Babawo, was more important than another.

The governor also raised the APC’s projected vote target in Kaduna from two million to three million ahead of the 2027 elections.

‘Before now, we were promising to deliver two million votes, but we have now upgraded to three million votes, God willing. There are 4.6 million registered voters in Kaduna State, and 96 per cent have received their Permanent Voter Cards,’ he said.

Sani said the APC would undertake house-to-house campaigns for President Bola Tinubu and other party candidates.

He urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election, citing Federal Government projects and appointments given to Kaduna indigenes.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) Support Groups Mobilisation Directorate has unveiled an online registration portal for support groups ahead of the 2027 general election.

Mr Silas Agara, Director of the Directorate, announced this at a news conference in Abuja on Sunday, saying the platform would coordinate support groups and mobilise voters for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

Agara said the portal was designed to build a stronger, better-coordinated nationwide network of support groups for the campaign.

He said support groups served as a vital link between the party, the campaign organisation and Nigerians by bringing together communities, professional associations, interest groups and volunteers.

He added that the groups helped communicate government policies, explain its achievements and engage citizens on issues affecting them.

‘Today, we are officially launching our online support group registration portal at https://www.pccsupportgroups.com/.

‘The portal goes live today, October 17, and will remain open for five days, closing on October 22,’ he said.

Agara urged all APC support groups and volunteer networks working for Tinubu’s re-election to register within the stipulated period, including those previously registered with the party or other campaign structures.

He said the exercise would enable the Directorate to verify participating groups, assess their geographical spread and organisational capacity, and establish a reliable database for effective coordination and nationwide engagement.

‘Our objective is to build a unified mobilisation structure that is organised, accountable, responsive and prepared for the demands of the campaign ahead.

‘Our mobilisation effort is anchored on the record of the Tinubu-led administration and its Renewed Hope Agenda,’ he said.

Agara said the administration had undertaken major economic and institutional reforms over the past three years to address structural challenges and promote sustainable growth.

He listed the removal of the petrol subsidy, the unification of foreign exchange rates, measures to strengthen local government autonomy and tax reforms among the initiatives.

He also cited the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to expand access to financing for eligible students and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation to broaden access to consumer credit.

‘In healthcare, the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative is supporting efforts to improve service delivery, strengthen primary healthcare and expand access to specialised treatment, including cancer care.

‘We believe that the progress being made provides a basis for continued reform, stronger institutions and improved national prosperity.

‘Our responsibility is to communicate the administration’s achievements accurately, explain its policies clearly and listen to the legitimate concerns of Nigerians.

‘The task ahead is not merely to promote a political message; it is to engage citizens respectfully, provide credible information and demonstrate that the Renewed Hope Agenda can deliver meaningful improvements in their lives,’ he said.

Agara urged support groups across the country to take the campaign message to communities, workplaces, markets and neighbourhoods.

He called on them to bridge differences, promote constructive dialogue and mobilise support through credible engagement, service and responsible conduct.

He also urged group leaders and members to register within the stipulated period, remain active and work closely with the Directorate.

Agara said unity of purpose, effective coordination and a shared commitment would be critical to the campaign, adding that the 2027 election would require organisation, discipline and sustained engagement.

‘By working together, we can build a formidable national network that communicates the administration’s record, engages the electorate and supports President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

‘As we launch this portal, I invite the media to help publicise the registration window and inform eligible support groups of the opportunity to participate.

‘Together, let us build a stronger mobilisation platform in support of national development, shared prosperity and the Renewed Hope Agenda.’

He said the Directorate’s mandate was to coordinate support groups, strengthen their organisational capacity and ensure their activities complemented the broader objectives of the APC PCC.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has deployed 25 trucks for emergency waste evacuation in Oshodi to address refuse buildup and improve environmental sanitation.

The Head of Private Sector Participation (PSP) Services at LAWMA, Mr Tunde Suleiman, disclosed this in an interview on Sunday in Lagos. Suleiman spoke on the sidelines of the exercise at Bolade, a suburb of Oshodi.

He attributed the waste buildup to high population density, increased waste generation, inadequate waste containers and low tariffs paid by residents for collection services.

Suleiman said Oshodi, which has more than 350 streets, remained one of the local government areas with the lowest waste collection tariffs in Lagos State.

According to him, residents still pay N750 per room, a rate he said was no longer commensurate with the operational costs of PSP operators.

He explained that some operators travelled long distances to evacuate waste, making it difficult to sustain efficient services under the existing tariff structure.

‘We need to look at the rates. The people are still holding on to the old rates, which are not commensurate with the operational costs of PSPs today,’ he said.

Suleiman said LAWMA had engaged PSP operators, Community Development Associations (CDAs), local government representatives and concerned residents to address the situation.

He said the immediate priority was to clear accumulated refuse before stakeholders resumed discussions on an appropriate tariff structure.

The LAWMA official added that the state government was conducting a statewide tariff review to address the challenges confronting waste collection services.

He said the emergency intervention would address residents’ immediate concerns while broader discussions on the tariff structure continued.

Suleiman said the deployment involved 25 trucks, supported by a working floor capable of accommodating four trucks at a time.

He noted that LAWMA had commenced similar interventions in other parts of Oshodi, including Folorunsho Street and Oluwole, off Oshodi Road.

He said the exercise involved collaboration with the local government, CDAs and residents concerned about the deteriorating waste situation.

Suleiman stressed the need to ensure that private waste operators received adequate remuneration to sustain their investments and provide effective services.

He said LAWMA had a desk officer at the local government secretariat to receive and channel complaints appropriately.

He added that several PSP operators serving the area, including Excellence, Tunap, Buckler Enterprises and Pepet, had offices residents could contact over waste collection challenges.

Suleiman identified inadequate waste containerisation as another major factor contributing to refuse accumulation in Oshodi.

He cited a residential building with about 16 flats but only two bins, saying the containers were insufficient for the volume of waste generated.

According to him, inadequate containers cause refuse to overflow shortly after collection, leaving streets and surrounding areas unsightly.

He said LAWMA was promoting an ‘Adopt-a-Bin’ initiative to encourage households to provide containers suitable for their population and waste generation levels.

Suleiman also urged residents to embrace waste sorting and recycling, particularly of plastic bottles, cans and paper, to reduce the volume of refuse requiring evacuation.

He explained that registered recyclers could purchase recyclable materials from residents, potentially helping households offset part of their waste management expenses.

He added that LAWMA was implementing an incentivisation scheme through its Oshodi plant to encourage recycling.

Suleiman said Oshodi was previously regarded as one of the cleanest local government areas but had faced challenges from changing settlement patterns and population growth.

He explained that converting older bungalows into multi-storey buildings had increased population density, making it necessary to provide adequate waste management infrastructure alongside urban development.

On the frequency of emergency waste evacuation exercises across Lagos, Suleiman said such interventions were not intended to become routine but were necessary when serious waste management challenges arose.

He said LAWMA assessed the causes of waste accumulation before intervening and deployed advocacy teams to sensitise residents on proper waste disposal practices.

According to him, sustained public awareness, improved compliance and adequate waste containerisation would help prevent repeated emergency interventions.

He urged residents to cooperate with LAWMA and PSP operators by paying appropriate waste collection charges, providing adequate bins and adopting responsible waste management practices.

A Federal High Court on Friday dismissed a suit challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State.

The plaintiff, Alhaji Faruq Umar, instituted the suit against the ADC Sokoto State chapter leadership, claiming that he was the lawful state chairman recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

But Justice Mahmud Gama dismissed the suit for lack of merit, upholding the defendants’ argument that the plaintiff failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate his claims.

The court held that the plaintiff failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate four claims against the party’s leadership.

The judge upheld the substantive arguments of the defendants, although he overruled their preliminary objection earlier raised.

He said the plaintiff failed to establish his four principal claims with sufficient evidence to substantiate the alleged irregularities.

Consequently, the court dismissed the suit.

Reacting to the judgment, the lead counsel to the defendants, Mr Sulaiman Usman, SAN, described it as significant in advancing constitutional jurisprudence, particularly in two areas.

Usman said the first concerned the doctrine of exhaustion of internal remedies.

According to him, where a statute or constitution provides an internal mechanism for resolving grievances or disputes, an aggrieved party is generally required to exhaust the prescribed procedure before approaching the court.

He said the court found that the plaintiff had failed to exhaust the internal remedies provided under Articles 21 and 22 of the ADC Constitution.

Usman said the second area concerned the nullification of statutory provisions.

He explained that the plaintiff, in part of his first claim, sought the nullification of Subsection 5 of Section 83 and Subsection 6 of the Electoral Act.

The defendant’s counsel added that the court held that although it had the power to nullify statutory provisions, such a decision required sufficient legal grounds.

He said the plaintiff failed to demonstrate how the challenged provisions affected his rights or violated rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

On his part, the lead counsel to the plaintiff, Dr Idris Bala-Ahmed commended the court, saying the parties must continue to appreciate the industry of the court.

Nigeria’s 10 most affordable states have been unveiled, with Taraba emerging as the cheapest state in terms of annual inflation, following a decline in the country’s headline inflation rate to 14.63 per cent in September 2026.

According to the September 2026 Consumer Price Index data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s headline inflation fell from 15.39 per cent in August to 14.63 per cent in September, representing a decline of 0.76 percentage points.

However, food inflation edged up slightly to 19.59 per cent in September from 19.57 per cent in August, indicating that food prices continued to put pressure on household budgets.

An analysis of the NBS data shows that northern states dominated the ranking of the 10 states with the lowest annual headline inflation rates, with the North-East accounting for six states, followed by three from the North-West and one from the North-Central region.

The ranking is based on annual all-items inflation, which measures changes in the prices of goods and services over 12 months. It indicates where prices have risen the least, rather than necessarily identifying states with the lowest absolute cost of living.

Top 10 most affordable states in Nigeria

1. Taraba – 1.8%

Taraba emerged as Nigeria’s most affordable state in September, recording headline inflation of 1.8 per cent, down from 10.2 per cent in August. Its food inflation rate dropped from 9.3 per cent to -7.5 per cent.

The state’s agricultural activities, improved farm output and local food availability were identified as factors that may have helped moderate price increases.

Taraba moved from 10th position in August to the top spot in September.

2. Bauchi – 2.8%

Bauchi ranked second, with headline inflation falling from 8.2 per cent in August to 2.8 per cent in September.

Food inflation also declined to 5.3 per cent from 12 per cent in the preceding month.

The state’s agricultural initiatives, including support for farmers and dry-season farming, have helped strengthen local food production.

3. Adamawa – 3.7%

Adamawa recorded headline inflation of 3.7 per cent, down significantly from 16 per cent in August.

Food inflation, however, increased slightly from 11.2 per cent to 11.5 per cent.

The state climbed from 28th position in August to third place in September, supported by its agricultural activities, particularly grain and livestock production.

4. Borno – 4.0%

Borno retained fourth position, with headline inflation declining from 5.1 per cent in August to four per cent in September.

Food inflation rose from -4 per cent to 2.2 per cent, indicating that food prices increased slightly compared with the same period last year.

5. Kebbi – 6.2%

Kebbi recorded headline inflation of 6.2 per cent, while food inflation increased from 3.5 per cent to 5.4 per cent.

The state’s strong rice production and investment in irrigation farming have supported agricultural output and local food supply.

Kebbi dropped from second position in August to fifth place in September.

6. Jigawa – 7.0%

Jigawa recorded headline inflation of seven per cent, compared with 3.8 per cent in August.

Food inflation also rose from -0.2 per cent to 8.1 per cent.

Despite the increase, the state remained among the 10 states with the lowest annual inflation rates, although it slipped from third position in August to sixth place.

7. Gombe – 7.3%

Gombe recorded headline inflation of 7.3 per cent, while food inflation declined from 22.9 per cent in August to 13.6 per cent in September.

Agricultural production and rural development initiatives have been identified as possible contributors to the state’s relatively moderate inflation rate.

8. Yobe – 7.3%

Yobe also recorded headline inflation of 7.3 per cent, matching Gombe’s rate.

Its food inflation fell sharply from 22.9 per cent in August to -0.4 per cent in September, indicating an annual decline in food prices.

Yobe advanced from 13th position in August to eighth place in September.

9. Kogi – 7.5%

Kogi recorded headline inflation of 7.5 per cent and food inflation of 8.6 per cent.

Its strategic location between northern and southern Nigeria supports the movement of agricultural produce and other consumer goods.

The state dropped from fifth position in August to ninth place in September.

10. Sokoto – 8.0%

Sokoto completed the ranking with headline inflation of eight per cent, up from 2.1 per cent in August.

Food inflation, however, declined sharply from 21.3 per cent to 6.1 per cent.

The state’s investments in irrigation farming and livestock production remain important to its local food supply.

Sokoto, which ranked first in August, fell to 10th position in September.

Lagos ranks 30th

Meanwhile, Lagos did not make the list of Nigeria’s 10 most affordable states, ranking 30th nationally with headline inflation of 17.3 per cent.

The state also recorded food inflation of 34.4 per cent, significantly higher than the national rate of 19.59 per cent.

As Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos faces considerable cost pressures associated with transportation, housing, logistics, energy and strong consumer demand.

The September figures highlight the differences in inflation across the country, with northern states recording comparatively lower annual price increases than many other parts of Nigeria.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has recorded about 56,000 candidates for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, Second Series, as it intensifies the adoption of computer-based testing to curb examination malpractice.

WAEC’s Head of National Office, Suleiman Kum, disclosed this on Saturday during an inspection of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) English Language examination at the council’s Training and Testing Centre on Ijaiye Road, Ogba, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the registered candidates include approximately 272 walk-in candidates who enrolled to remedy individual subjects.

Kum said Lagos State accounted for more than 22,000 candidates, including about 50 walk-in candidates participating in the examination.

He described computer-based testing as an effective means of strengthening examination security, reducing malpractice and improving transparency in the conduct of examinations.

According to him, WAEC introduced CBT in 2024 and has continued to refine the process as part of efforts to protect the credibility of its examinations.

‘We have discovered that Computer-Based Test, popularly known as CBT, is truly the best way to conduct examinations because malpractice is drastically reduced,’ he said.

Kum explained that candidates were thoroughly screened before entering examination halls to prevent them from bringing unauthorised materials into the examination environment.

He said the measures were designed to protect the integrity of the exercise rather than deliberately create difficulties for candidates.

‘We do not set traps for candidates; we want to prevent malpractice by ensuring they enter the examination hall without unauthorised materials,’ he said.

The WAEC official reaffirmed the council’s commitment to adopting innovations that would improve examination administration and maintain public confidence in its assessment processes.

‘WAEC will continue to improve to ensure that it remains the benchmark for examination integrity and innovation in Nigeria,’ Kum said.

He also urged candidates to prepare adequately for their examinations by studying diligently, practising past questions and familiarising themselves with WAEC marking schemes.

Kum particularly advised candidates to study chief examiners’ reports, which provide insights into common mistakes, areas of strength and weakness, and the expected approaches to answering examination questions.

He said using the reports alongside past questions could help candidates understand examination requirements and improve their overall performance.

The 2026 private candidates’ examination forms part of WAEC’s continuing transition towards computer-based testing, a move aimed at modernising examination delivery while strengthening security, transparency and credibility.

Troops of the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under Operation MESA, have rescued a kidnap victim and neutralised two suspected kidnappers in Kano State.

The troops also recovered ?10 million reportedly paid as ransom within Falgore Forest in Doguwa Local Government Area of the state.

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Maj. Babatunde Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Kano.

According to the statement, the operation followed the abduction of Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu on 11 October at Fanyabo Village in Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area.

Aliyu was reportedly returning from Yandoka Market in Kaduna State at about midnight when he was abducted.

The statement said the kidnappers subsequently contacted his family in Yan Taburmi, demanding a ransom for his release.

Acting on credible intelligence, troops launched an ambush operation in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local hunters.

The operation resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected kidnappers and the rescue of the victim, while other members of the gang reportedly escaped into Falgore Forest.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of ?10 million reportedly paid by the victim’s family as ransom.

The statement said the recovered money was returned to Aliyu and his family.

The Commander of the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Saka Jimoh, commended the troops for their alertness, professionalism and fighting spirit.

Jimoh reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and preventing further security breaches in the area.

He urged members of the public to continue providing security agencies with credible and timely information to support efforts to maintain peace and security in Kano State.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and mutual understanding, urging leaders and citizens to work collectively towards building a prosperous nation.

The traditional ruler made the appeal as he celebrated his 52nd birthday on Saturday, October 17, 2026, reaffirming his commitment to preserving Yoruba cultural heritage, promoting national unity and supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.

In a statement issued by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch stressed that ethnic, religious and political differences should not hinder national progress.

Ogunwusi, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, said peaceful coexistence, justice, economic prosperity and equal opportunities were essential to the country’s development.

He described his birthday as an opportunity to reflect on purposeful leadership, service to humanity and the preservation of cultural values.

‘Peace and unity remain central to my responsibilities as the Ooni of Ife. I will continue to use my position and influence to strengthen relationships among communities, promote peaceful coexistence and celebrate the cultural diversity that makes Nigeria unique,’ he said.

The monarch maintained that Nigeria’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than division, calling for greater cooperation among citizens irrespective of their backgrounds.

He also reiterated his commitment to promoting Yoruba culture and traditions while projecting Ile-Ife’s historical significance as the ancestral home of the Yoruba people.

According to him, cultural preservation and diplomacy remain important tools for strengthening relationships among communities across Nigeria, Africa and the global Yoruba diaspora.

Ogunwusi said his reign had also focused on supporting youth development, entrepreneurship, community development and humanitarian initiatives, adding that traditional institutions had important roles to play in promoting peace and complementing government development efforts.

He further emphasised the need for dialogue and collaboration among traditional rulers, describing such partnerships as essential to addressing community challenges and advancing national interests.

The Ooni also highlighted the importance of strengthening cultural connections with traditional rulers across Africa and members of the Yoruba diaspora to create opportunities for meaningful partnerships for present and future generations.

As he marked the milestone, the monarch urged Nigerian youths to remain hopeful and actively contribute to building a country where justice, economic progress and equal opportunities are accessible to all.

He equally called on leaders across all sectors to place the collective interests of the people above personal considerations.

The monarch reaffirmed his resolve to use his traditional position to promote peaceful coexistence, preserve cultural heritage and encourage partnerships that support Nigeria’s long-term development.