Category: PM News

By Alex Enebeli

The Enugu North Senatorial Zone in Enugu State has endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Peter Mbah for second terms in office, pledging 100 per cent votes for them.

The zone which donated N102 million for Mbah’s nomination form also cited infrastructure development and increased political inclusion of the zone as reason for their endorsement.

The zone made the endorsements on Saturday during a mega rally held at Nsukka Township Stadium.

The Enugu North Senatorial Zone comprises Nsukka, Igbo-Eze South, Igbo-Eze North, Udenu, Uzo-Uwani and Igbo-Etiti Local Government Areas.

Moving the motion for the endorsement, the member representing Udenu/Igbo-Eze North Federal Constituency, Mr Dennis Agbo, said the zone had witnessed a turnaround under the current administration at the federal level.

Agbo noted that the Federal Government had addressed longstanding concerns of marginalisation by appointing indigenes of the zone into strategic positions, while also initiating projects aimed at improving connectivity and economic growth.

He added that ongoing infrastructure, including integration into national development frameworks and access to key energy projects, had positioned the state for greater economic opportunities.

According to him, the establishment of regional development initiatives such as the South-East Development Commission signaled a renewed commitment to inclusive growth and regional integration.

“The assembly believes that our interest as a people is anchored on fairness, equity and inclusion. These efforts by the Federal Government require strong support to ensure continuity,” he said.

Agbo said the zone resolved to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid, stressing that continuity would consolidate the gains already recorded.

Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr Ezenta Ezeani, moved a motion endorsing Mbah for a second term.

Ezeani said the endorsement was based on what he described as “visible and measurable achievements” recorded within a short period.

He highlighted key achievements of the Mbah administration to include infrastructural development across urban and rural communities, investments in smart schools, improved security architecture, and economic reforms aimed at attracting investment.

By Ayodeji Alabi

Dr Abbas Mimiko, candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the 2024 Ondo State governorship election said President Bola Tinubu had recorded notable achievements that could secure him another term in office

Mimiko said this while explaining why he would support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 while speaking with journalists in Akure on Sunday.

Mimiko listed removal of fuel subsidy by Tinubu as a courageous leadership decision, adding that previous administrations had failed to take such a step.

Mimiko, the younger brother of a former governor of the state, Olusegun Mimiko, said no president since 1999 had taken such a politically risky decision, despite widespread recognition of the subsidy’s unsustainability.

“Tinubu chose to do the painful but necessary thing.

“All those who came before him knew subsidy was unsustainable but lacked the courage to remove it. It was a do-or-die situation for the economy,” he said.

He acknowledged that the increase in fuel prices had worsened economic hardship but urged Nigerians to pay closer attention to how state governors were utilising increased federal allocations.

“The percentage increase in what states now receive is multiple times the percentage increase in fuel prices.

“Nigerians should be asking their governors what they are doing with these resources. Why are these monies not visibly improving the lives of ordinary citizens?” he asked.

Mimiko also credited Tinubu with playing a significant role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, particularly in the recovery of electoral mandates in some states.

“Without people like him, the mandates of former governors of Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and Edo States may never have been recovered.

“People conveniently forget his sacrifices for democracy because he is now president.

“Perhaps my elder brother would not have become governor if people like Tinubu had not stood up for Ondo State. We owe him that debt.

“I had supported him before he became president and I will still support him again,” he said.

Mimiko maintained that although he remains a member of the ZLP, he would work for Tinubu’s re-election, describing political parties as mere vehicles.

“I am in the ZLP, which I have been for years, and I will remain there because I don’t look at party the way many people do.

“Parties are just a vehicle. That is why it is easy for me to support the President, despite being in the ZLP while Tinubu belongs to the APC,” he said.

He added that he supports any leader, regardless of party affiliation, who he believes is delivering dividends of democracy.

“One good term deserves another,” he said.(NAN)

By Olufemi Adegbulugbe

Ogwute Peter Obi has confirmed his exit from ADC, with less than 4 months membership and less than 8 months to a presidential election.

Presidential candidate Bola Tinubu was rejected by his political party, APC in 2023.

The incumbent President, Late Buhari did not support him or endorse him at the initial stage.

But Bola Tinubu did not change his political party. He did not move on or run away from political challenges.

He stayed in APC and fought like a wounded lion.

The odds against him were massive.

Virtually all ex-Presidents were against his nomination as presidential candidate but he did not give up.

He stood his ground, rightly or wrongly and emerged victorious.

You cannot be a leader if you arw not a fighter.

Professor Yemi Osinbajo was a fighter in the race to political succession in 2023.

His boss did not endorse him but he was not deterred.

He set aside the tag “Betrayer” and followed his conscience and put Nigeria first.

You simply cannot become a leader if you are not a fighter.

HOW do you solve problems when you run away from problems or move on.

Thomas Edison conducted roughly 1,000 failed experiments to find a working filament for the electric light bulb.Thomas Edison did not move on and that is why we have electric bulb today.

Nigeria is loaded with a myriad of problems and challenges and requires a man with appetite for problem solving. Nigeria needs a fighter.

Jumping from one political party to another every 3 months is not leadership. It is a sign of weakness because there are no easy pathways to the Presidency.

Nigeria does not need opportunistic nomads at this crossroad in our political lithosphere.

We send a confusing message to followers and supporters when we change political parties with thr same frequency we change pants and underwear.

We need a strong opposition AND not a congregation of conspirators to seize political power.

There is a difference between Opposition and Conspiracy to seize power.

Will all the National Assembly members that followed Ogwute to ADC now also move again to NDC.

Is this now a follow-follow movement?

Let it not be said that Tinubu rigged the 2027 presidential election in the likely or unlikely event that he is reelected.

Nigeria needs fighters like DJ Trump, Nelson Mandela, Thomas Edison, Senator OUK, Yemi Osinbajo and Senator Babafemi Ojudu.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast haziness and thunderstorms from Sunday to Tuesday in some states of the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Saturday in Abuja, predicted moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility between two kilometres and five kilometres over the northern region on Sunday.

It anticipated localised visibility of less than or equal to 1,000 metres over parts of Katsina, Kano and Jigawa States throughout the forecast period.

The agency anticipated moderate dust haze over the North-Central region throughout the period.

NiMet predicted sunny skies with a few patches of cloud over the southern region, with slim prospects of afternoon or evening thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall over parts of Lagos, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

According to NiMet, moderate dust haze is expected over the northern and North-Central regions throughout the forecast period on Monday.

It forecast sunny skies with few patches of cloud over the southern region, with slim chances of isolated thunderstorms and light rainfall over Ondo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta and Edo States later in the day.

The agency predicted slight dust haze over the northern region during the forecast period on Tuesday.

NiMet anticipated moderate dust haze over the North-Central region throughout the period.

The agency predicted sunny skies with few patches of cloud over the southern region, with slim chances of isolated thunderstorms and light rainfall over Lagos, Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States later in the day.

NiMet advised the public to take necessary precautions as dust particles would remain in suspension.

It advised the people with asthma and other respiratory conditions to be cautious under the prevailing weather conditions.

It further advised motorists to drive with caution during rainfall and the airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for effective operational planning.

The agency advised the residents to stay informed through regular weather updates by visiting its website at www.nimet.gov.ng.

United struck early, with Matheus Cunha firing home from outside the box in the sixth minute before Benjamin Sesko doubled the advantage in the 14th minute following a goalmouth scramble.

With momentum swinging in Liverpool’s favour, United regained control late on when Kobbie Mainoo struck from the edge of the box in the 77th minute, drilling a low shot into the bottom corner to restore the lead.

Despite late pressure from Liverpool, including attempts from Federico Chiesa and Cody Gakpo, United held firm to secure all three points in front of a crowd of 74,027.

The closing moments saw Diogo Dalot miss a clear chance to extend United’s lead, but it proved inconsequential as the final whistle confirmed a hard-fought victory for the hosts.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Team Nigeria on its commanding performance at the 2026 African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, where the nation secured a record 15th continental title in the women’s category.

The President described the victory as a statement of consistency, discipline, and national pride, noting that Nigeria’s wrestlers have once again demonstrated why they remain a dominant force on the African continent.

With 8 gold and 2 silver medals from 10 events in the women’s division, and an overall tally of 9 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze medals across categories, President Tinubu said the result reflects both excellence at the top and strength in depth across the team.

He paid tribute to Mercy Genesis, Adijat Idris, Esther Asaolu, and Mercy Adekuoroye for performances that combined skill with composure.

The President also commended Harrison Onovwiomogbhwo for a confident and assured victory in the men’s freestyle category.

He acknowledged the contributions of Ebierelayefa Andrew, Stephen Akintewe, Dideikemei Erefagha, Solomon Ulabo, and Saviour Egoli, noting that championships are won not only by standout moments but by collective effort.

President Tinubu observed that the outcome reflects a broader shift in Nigeria’s sports ecosystem, with renewed focus on structure, preparation, and long-term athlete development. He noted that the work of the National Sports Commission, under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko, Bukola Olopade and their team alongside federations and coaches, is beginning to take firmer shape through a philosophy that rewards discipline, consistency, and high performance.

“This is how a sporting nation grows, not by accident, not by chance, but by design. By building systems that identify talent early, nurture it patiently, and prepare it deliberately for moments like this,” President Tinubu said.

He added that the performance in Alexandria speaks to an emerging pipeline of athletes who are not only winning today but are being prepared to compete and succeed at even higher levels in the years ahead.

The President commended the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, led by its President, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for bringing renewed vigour into the sport and sustaining Nigeria’s continental leadership.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports as a platform for national cohesion, youth opportunity, and global representation, noting that victories such as this carry meaning beyond the podium.

“Our athletes remind us of what is possible when focus meets preparation. They compete as individuals, but they win as Nigeria,” he said.

President Tinubu urged the team to remain disciplined and continue to carry the nation’s hopes with confidence as they prepare for future competitions.

Nigeria’s wrestling success signals new era in sports development, says Tinubu

Former Anambra State Governor, In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, Obi dismissed suggestions that his exit was driven by personal disagreements with key party figures, including ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and former Vice President “Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because any respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me. I will continue to respect them,” he said.

Instead, Obi pointed to a pattern of internal crises, legal battles and political pressure, which he said mirrored the challenges that forced his earlier departure from the Labour Party.

The former presidential candidate described the broader political climate as deeply hostile, where “intimidation, insecurity, endless scrutiny, and discouragement have become normal,” adding that even close associates sometimes contribute to the pressure.

“Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism,” he lamented.

Obi said the environment had made meaningful engagement increasingly difficult, noting that sincere efforts to contribute are often misinterpreted or undermined.

“Even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider in one’s own home,” he said.

Despite his exit, Obi maintained that his political decisions are guided by principles rather than ambition, insisting he is not driven by a quest for office.

“I am not desperate to be President, I am desperate to see a society that can console a mother whose child has been kidnapped,” he added.

He also questioned societal values, asking why integrity and prudent management of public resources are often misjudged, while humility is seen as weakness.

Obi, however, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, reaffirming his belief that the country can still achieve progress through leadership anchored on justice, compassion and inclusiveness

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), marking a major shift in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The two former presidential candidates received NDC membership cards in Abuja on Sunday after a closed-door meeting with party leaders.

They were welcomed by former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, the party’s national leader.

Footage from the event showed Kwankwaso receiving his membership card before Obi, amid cheers from supporters.

The meeting was held at Dickson’s Guzape residence, where supporters under the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement chanted “O-K is okay” as both leaders arrived.

The NDC National Chairman, Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, presented membership cards to both politicians at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Their move followed weeks of uncertainty within the ADC and earlier claims by Buba Galadima that key opposition figures were preparing to unveil a new political platform.

UNICEF says Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina have the highest number of children who are not in school in Nigeria.

The organisation also said Nigeria has about 18.3 million out-of-school children, the highest number in the world.

An education expert from UNICEF Kano office, Aisha Abdullahi, shared this during a two-day meeting for journalists from Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina.

She said that nearly 30% of these children come from the three states due to poverty, insecurity, cultural beliefs, and poor early education.

Abdullahi explained that early childhood education is very important because it helps children build basic skills before primary school. She said it can help reduce the number of children who drop out of school.

She added that children who attend early learning programs are more likely to stay in school and finish their education. She also said that most brain development happens before age five, so early learning is very important.

Although Nigeria has a policy that includes one year of pre-primary education, access is still low, especially in rural areas.

She also noted that areas with good early childhood centres have higher school enrolment and better retention rates.

UNICEF also raised concern that few fathers take part in early childhood education, with less than 15% involvement. They said more father involvement could reduce dropout rates.

Stakeholders at the meeting called for stronger government action, including more funding for early education, better teacher training, and expansion of early learning centres.

They said improving early childhood education is key to solving Nigeria’s problem of children being out of school.

Three Premier League clubs have now officially qualified for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Manchester United became the third team to seal their spot after a dramatic 32 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Kobbie Mainoo scored the winning goal after Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo had brought the match back level, cancelling United’s 20 first-half lead.

The result takes Manchester United to 64 points, which guarantees them at least a top-five finish this season.

They join Arsenal and Manchester City, who had already confirmed their qualification earlier.

Liverpool, along with Aston Villa, are still in the race for the remaining Champions League places, with a few matches left in the season.