Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Federal High Court has granted bail to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

El-Rufai, a former governor of kaduna state, has been under detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission, ICPC.

The development was disclosed on Tuesday by political commentator Imran Wakili in a post on X

“Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has been granted bail by the Federal High Court,” Wakili wrote.

DAILY POST reports that the former FCT Minister is undergoing trial for alleged corrupt practices while as the governor of Kaduna State.

Details to follow….

BREAKING: Court grants bail to El-Rufai

Security has been beefed up in and around Rainbow Event Center, venue of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention holding in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 7,000 delegates were expected to participate in the election of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to pilot the affairs of the party for the next four years.

NAN also reports that security personnel of the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS) manned the main entrance to the venue conducting thorough security checks on delegates before allowing them access to the venue.

Security patrol vehicles were at strategic locations manned by security operatives.

Journalists were also subjected to serious and thorough security checks before being allowed access to the venue.

It would be recalled that the party had been embroiled in a leadership crisis as two factions lay claims to ADC leadership.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had suspended the recognition of all leadership factions of the ADC following the court of appeal ruling and the ongoing litigation over party leadership.

Speaking at the venue of the convention, Sen. Dino Melaye said that the convention would go on as planned in spite of efforts to stop the convention.

“Yesterday, there were deliberate efforts to stop us from holding this convention. All the venues were applied for but were not approved.

“As at 11pm last night, the owners of this venue attempted to cancel this programme, but we stood our ground, and we will proceed with the convention today.

Also, Mr Kabiru Saje, a member of the New Media committee, said the convention was expected to either produce new leadership or reaffirm the current leadership.

“Despite attempts by authorities to stop the programme yesterday evening, we stood our ground because it is our right to hold this convention.

“Although we faced challenges with securing a venue and had to change locations multiple times, preparations are now in place, and the event will go ahead as planned.

“The convention is expected to start by 11 a.m., and the atmosphere is positive, with delegates arriving and everything properly arranged.

Saje noted that the party remained confident in its leadership, which he said was experienced, strategic, and committed to progress. (NAN)

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Türkiye has delivered 36 tons of food aid to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Adamawa, reinforcing ongoing

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has said he prays daily for Nigeria to overcome its challenges, describing the country’s stability as critical to Ghana and the wider West African region.

Mahama made the remarks while speaking at the African Heritage Awards 2026 in Accra, where he highlighted the deep historical, cultural and economic ties between Ghana and Nigeria, referring to both countries as “twins of the same mother.”

“Nigeria is of keen security interest to us,” he said. “If Nigeria does well, Ghana does well. When you have cousins, 250 million of them, you want them to do well so that one million of them don’t come drifting towards a small country like Ghana. So every day I wake up, I pray for Nigeria, I say God let Nigeria get their act together.”

The comments underscore concerns about the potential regional impact of instability in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation.

Mahama noted that Nigeria’s size and influence make its economic and security situation a matter of importance beyond its borders, particularly for neighbouring countries such as Ghana.

Nigeria, with a population estimated at over 250 million people, plays a central role in West Africa’s economy and regional security framework, including within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Both Ghana and Nigeria have in recent years faced economic pressures and security challenges, while continuing to cooperate on regional stability and integration efforts.

Mahama’s remarks add to ongoing discussions about the interconnected nature of West African economies and the broader implications of Nigeria’s domestic challenges for the subregion.

Mahama: I Pray Daily for Nigeria is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Convener of the Alternative, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has urged Ogun state residents to reject what he termed “state capture” disguised as political consensus.

Recall that Governor Dapo Abiodun, alongside other leaders of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) on Monday, unanimously adopted the Senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola (Yayi) as the consensus governorship candidate ahead of next election.

The decision was announced at the APC strategic caucus meeting held at the party secretariat in Abeokuta.

Showunmi on Tuesday, in a piece titled, “From Magbon to Now: We Will Not Be Conquered. Ogun’s Line in the Sand: Resistance to State Capture” warned that the state’s long-standing reputation for independent thought is being eroded by a crude instrument of control.

He challenged the legitimacy of the political arrangement, arguing that while “consensus” is a valid internal party mechanism, it becomes an act of imposition when it lacks the foundation of integrity.

Showunmi described the unfolding political process as a “humiliation” for the electorate, asserting that the arrogance of those seeking to impose their will must be met with a renewed resolve from the grassroots.

The Odofin Keesi expressed concern that those currently attempting to dictate the state’s direction lacked a demonstrable record of public service or private conduct.

He said, “Yes, a political party has the right to choose its internal mechanisms, even if that means adopting “consensus” as its preferred pathway. But across every serious political system where consensus has credibility, it rests on one indispensable foundation: integrity. Without that, consensus degenerates into imposition.

“That is precisely the issue before us. Those now attempting to foist this arrangement on Ogun State bring with them no demonstrable record of integrity neither in private conduct, nor in public service, nor in any coherent understanding of the responsibilities of governance. In such circumstances, what is being presented as consensus is, in reality, a crude instrument of control.

“This is how state capture begins. And it must be resisted. We are therefore confronted with a defining test: not just of the arrogance of those seeking to impose their will, but of the resolve or complicity of a people once known for their independence.”

The PDP chieftain maintained that the history of Ogun State is defined by its ability to challenge entrenched systems, from the fall of the Oyo Empire to the modern era.

“We cannot, in this generation, especially within the framework of a democracy, accept the status of a conquered people.

“No justification political convenience, party loyalty, or manufactured inevitability is sufficient to compel a free people to return to servitude,” he asserted.

Showunmi slams Ogun APC consensus, brands it ‘state capture, crude imposition’

A former head of NATO warned Tuesday that Britain’s national security is “in peril”, as he launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s record on defence.

George Robertson, an ex-defence secretary from Starmer’s Labour party, was to use a speech to accuse ministers of “corrosive complacency”, according to excerpts reported by the Financial Times and BBC.

“We are underprepared. We are underinsured. We are under attack. We are not safe,” Robertson was to say, calling the Iran war a “rude wake-up call”.

Robertson, NATO secretary general between 1999 and 2004, was commissioned by Starmer’s government to lead a review of the UK’s defence capabilities, which was published last year.

A 10-year defence investment plan following the review was meant to be published late last year but has not yet been produced.

Robertson, 80, told the Financial Times there was a gap between Starmer’s rhetoric on defence and the action he had delivered, saying the prime minister was “not willing to make the necessary investment”.

In his speech in Salisbury, southern England on Tuesday night, Robertson was to accuse “non-military experts” in Britain’s treasury of “vandalism”, according to the reports.

“Lip service is paid to the risks, the threats, the bright red signals of danger — but even a promised national conversation about defence can’t be started,” he was to say.

Starmer has pledged to raise defence spending to 2.5 percent of gross domestic product from next year, increasing to three percent in the next parliament.

The rise comes amid demands from US President Donald Trump that NATO allies spend more on defence, and as Europe faces continued Russian aggression.

“We are delivering on the Strategic Defence Review to meet the threats we face,” a government spokesman said, adding the defence investment plan will be published “as soon as possible”.

The post Ex-NATO chief says UK ‘not safe’: reports appeared first on Vanguard News.

Plateau United head coach, Gbenga Ogunbote says the poor quality of Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium’s pitch contributed to his side’s defeat to Rivers United.

Ogunbote also claimed his team paid for their lack of attention in the game.

The Jos club fell 1-0 to Rivers United in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

While Rivers United reclaimed top spot on the table following the hard-earned win, the visitors remain in the middle half, still battling to avoid relegation.

“I think the pitch was used by the two sides, they have been used to it.But having said that , i think the game was more physical than technical,” Ogunbote said in a short video posted on Plateau United’s X account.

“Unfortunately, we lost the game to some carelessness. That was the only real chance of the game. The boys didn’t do badly. It wasn’t just our day.

“I know my players, and know when they will perform best. You have some players that can be very soft in this kind of game when the pitch is not good. So many things worked against us.”

Ogunbote also challenged the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, board to ensure only stadiums with quality pitches host games in the top-flight.

“The game was not easy. The pitch was not good enough, because it rained. This is one of the things that we need to work on because it does not project the league positively,” added Ogunbote.

“The rain disorganised our pattern of play. If you watched the second half, it was better. We were able to put the ball on the floor, and play.

“First half because of the rain, it disorganised us, which was an advantage to the team. Other wise, it would have been a more interesting game if the field was not wet.”

Plateau United will be up against Kun Khalifat FC in their next game.

“I think that is another challenge. At this point in time, we have four games to go. Two at home, two away. Every game is important.

“We want to go back to winning ways at home so that we can be comfortable a bit on the log We will do our very best to ensure that we pick our points,” he added.

NPFL: Ogunbote explains Plateau United defeat to Rivers United

Radiography students at Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi,(MOAUM) have staged a protest over a deepening academic crisis threatening their graduation and professional progression.

The students say the lack of programme accreditation and severe lecturer shortage have stalled critical examinations, leaving their future uncertain.

The institution, formerly known as Benue State University, runs a radiography programme under its College of Health Sciences.

However, the programme is yet to secure accreditation from the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN), raising concerns about its academic standing.

Students report that the department currently operates with only two key academic staff, the Head of Department and an Examination Officer handling core courses across multiple levels.

As a result, students in 300 to 500 levels who are eligible for the First Professional Examination have not been assessed.

Final year students are the worst affected, as they have been unable to complete required professional exams, effectively delaying graduation and entry into the workforce.

Protesting students say they have explored internal resolution channels without success.

They are now calling on government authorities, regulatory bodies, and the media to urgently intervene.

Some students expressed fears that prolonged delays could permanently disrupt their career paths.

The situation raises critical questions about regulatory oversight and institutional readiness. Stakeholders are yet to issue an official response, but pressure is mounting for swift action to safeguard the academic future of affected students.

Benue varsity students protest accreditation crisis, delayed exams

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has raised concerns over what it described as repeated and “shameful” denial of venues for its national convention in Abuja.

Chairman of the party’s media and publicity sub-committee for the convention, Kola Ologbondiyan, made the remark while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday.

Ologbondiyan said the party encountered several obstacles in securing a venue, recounting an incident in which party officials were invited to inspect an event centre in Mabushi, Abuja, only to be turned back upon arrival.

Describing the situation as unusual, Ologbondiyan suggested that political pressure may be behind the repeated denials, despite the fact that the country is not yet in an election period.

Ologbondiyan said: “Let me tell you what the ADC has passed through in the last few days in respect of venue is shameful. That’s just how to put it: very shameful.

“I give you one example where I was personally involved. We were in Garki when they called that, ‘oh, there is an event center around Mabushi, and they have invited us to come and inspect the place whether it will be suitable for us’.

“I don’t know how much of Abuja, you know, but before we moved from Garki to Mabushi, a journey of about 10 to 15 minutes. When we got to the Mabushi Event Center, they made another call to say that, Oh, they were sorry.

“They had an event that will be holding, and they needed two days to plan for that event, and this one that we are asking for fell within those two days. That’s how we were denied.

“I don’t want to be listing names of event centers, hotels that the party engage on the use for the convention. And were denied.

“And to me, it’s strange, because it’s not election yet, and people who say they are in government, people who have 36 governors plus FCT Minister, people who have all the money in this world are so panicky.”

Convention: ADC passing through ‘shameful ordeal’ – Kola Ologbondiyan

…Makinde loyalists speak out amid rising tensions

By Adeola Badru

Tension is mounting sharply in Oyo State as what began as quiet speculation about an impeachment plot has rapidly evolved into a full-blown political crisis within the State House of Assembly.

What initially appeared to be mere whispers has now crystallised into a serious and potentially destabilising issue, drawing discreet but keen attention from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), which is closely monitoring developments.

At the centre of the unfolding drama is a crucial meeting reportedly held at the residence of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Lawmakers were said to convene amid growing concerns over an alleged attempt to create a rift between the legislative and executive arms of government.

In the aftermath of said meeting, members of the Assembly have begun to publicly declare their positions.

While some lawmakers, including the Deputy Speaker, have openly denied any involvement in an impeachment plot, others have remained conspicuously silent, further deepening uncertainty and fuelling speculation of internal divisions.

The chief whip, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, has emerged as one of the most outspoken figures. In a detailed statement on his verified Facebook account, he firmly denied taking part in any move capable of undermining the peace of the state, stating unequivocally that he was neither invited to nor aware of any such plan.

Oyekola also referenced discussions from the governor’s meeting, disclosing claims that the Speaker had been approached by influential political and traditional figures regarding his future ambitions.

These approaches, he noted, reportedly included financial inducements, offers the Speaker is said to have rejected outright.

Reaffirming his stance, Oyekola pledged unwavering loyalty to Governor Makinde, emphasising his commitment to the administration and to sustaining peace, stability and progress across the state.

His declaration reflected a broader pattern, as several lawmakers have begun publicly aligning themselves with the governor.

Despite these assurances, critical questions remain unresolved. Will these expressions of loyalty be sufficient to calm tensions and shield the speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, from mounting pressure, or do they merely mask deeper fractures within the assembly?

Observers suggested that the silence of some lawmakers may be as significant as the statements already made, hinting at underlying divisions that have yet to fully surface.

Adding further intrigue is the renewed focus on earlier warnings attributed to former governor Ayodele Fayose.

His caution about potential political instability is now being revisited, raising the possibility that his predictions could ultimately prove accurate.

For the APC, the situation presents a delicate moment. As events continue to unfold, the party appears to be weighing both the risks and potential political advantages inherent in the crisis.

With additional lawmakers expected to declare their positions in the coming days, attention remained firmly fixed on Oyo State.

The coming statements may prove decisive in clarifying the true depth of divisions within the Assembly. Whether the crisis ultimately gives way to unity or descends into deeper conflict remains uncertain.

What is beyond doubt, however, is that the political stakes are rising rapidly, and the eventual outcome is poised to significantly influence the state’s direction in the near future, even as earlier warnings by Ayodele Fayose continue to cast a long shadow over unfolding events.

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