Author: The Whistler Newspaper

Aminu Abdussalam Emerges Kano NDC Governorship Candidate as Gawuna Accepts Senate Ticket

Aminu Abdussalam, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Kano State, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the NDC in the state.

His emergence follows a strategic shift by a key contender, Nasiru Gawuna, who has now accepted the party’s Kano Central senatorial ticket.

Gawuna had initially declined the senatorial nomination but later reconsidered his position after consultations with political allies and stakeholders, eventually agreeing to contest for the Senate seat.

The development effectively cleared the path for Abdussalam to clinch the party’s governorship ticket, positioning him as the NDC flag bearer in Kano ahead of the elections.

Ex-Kano Dep Gov Clinches Guber Ticket,Gawuna Settles For Senate is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Mr Paul Ibe, media aide to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential primary election manufactured figures as dress rehearsal for rigging the 2027 election.

Ibe said the ADC is not like the All Progressives Congress, APC, that manufactures figures during its presidential primary election.

During the APC presidential primary election, Tinubu emerged as the party’s candidate with over 10 million votes, while Atiku had 1,855,787 votes to become ADC’s flag bearer.

Ibe while speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time said: “We are not doing that in the ADC that are manufacturing figures as a dress rehearsal for possible rigging in 2027, that’s why they are talking about 11 million votes; how? Those are manufactured figures but we are not doing that in the ADC.

“Look at our process, NEC monitored the primaries and they were present throughout. We are trying to ensure that if we are going to deliver on our promises and be taken seriously by Nigerians, then our process must be free, fair, and credible.

“That is exactly what has happened. The process has been open and transparent, and it is still ongoing. Allegations have been made, but until those allegations are substantiated with evidence, they remain mere allegations.”

2027 Presidential primary: APC manufactured votes as dress rehearsal for rigging – Atiku’s aide

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of Joint Task Force North Central, Operation Savannah Shield, to intensify operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements threatening peace in the region.

Shaibu gave the charge on Thursday, May 28, 2026, during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters of Operation Savannah Shield at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Kwara State.

Addressing the troops, the Army Chief said the Nigerian Army remains committed to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property across the country.

He said troops must sustain operational momentum and deny criminal groups the freedom to terrorise innocent citizens, infiltrate communities or undermine national security.

Shaibu also assured the troops that the Army is deploying the necessary combat enablers and operational resources to strengthen clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.

The COAS further reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of troops and their families, stressing that improved welfare is important for morale, combat readiness and operational effectiveness.

He urged personnel to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the democratically elected government.

Earlier, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North Central, Operation Savannah Shield, Major General Y. Yahaya, thanked the COAS for his strategic leadership and support, assuring him that troops would remain committed to restoring peace and stability in the region.

 

PRESS STATEMENT

NDC Disowns Purported Endorsement Lists Circulating In States

The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has become aware of purported endorsement lists currently circulating across several states, particularly in the South East, claiming that certain individuals have been endorsed by the party.

We wish to state categorically that such lists do not represent the position of the party and do not contain the names of aspirants who officially purchased the party’s Expression of Interest Forms.

The national leadership of the NDC is not aware of any such endorsement lists, nor has any list been authorised or approved by the party leadership.

Consequently, all NDC State Executive Committees, party faithful, stakeholders, and the general public are advised to disregard these lists in their entirety, as they are not official documents of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

The party remains committed to its earlier resolution that all aspirants who duly purchased Expression of Interest Forms and have successfully passed the screening process shall be allowed to participate in the primaries, either through consensus arrangements or direct primary elections, in line with the party’s constitution and democratic principles.

The NDC leadership reiterates its commitment to transparency, fairness, and due process throughout the party’s internal electoral process.

Signed:

Osa Director Esq.

National Publicity Secretary,

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

May 29, 2026.

Bodmas Prince Kemepadei has provided testimony in the Bayelsa State Coroner’s Court regarding the investigation into the death of the late Patrick Peresuode. 

In his virtual testimony, Bodmas clarified that his previous press statement remains his position, with the exception of an error where he initially stated that the arrest in Amassoma was conducted by the Nigeria Police Force. He corrected this by stating that the arrest was carried out by personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), with his own involvement as a pointer to identify the suspect.

Bodmas further informed the court that Patrick Peresuode had threatened his life with an AK-47 rifle on December 21, 2025, and reiterated this threat on January 14, 2026, in a video where he vowed to pursue Bodmas with his Ijaw armed militia group. Due to concerns for his own safety and that of his family, Bodmas reported the matter via telephone to the Operation Puff Adder Unit, Bayelsa Command, and instructions were given for the suspect to be apprehended and handed over to the police. He added that on January 15, 2026, the suspect was apprehended along with an accomplice identified as his brother. They were arrested in Amassoma in possession of charms and amulets suspected to be intended for the attack, which were all handed over to the police as evidence.

Bodmas also stated that after the arrest, the suspects were first transported to the operational base of the NSCDC officers, which shares a fence with his residence, while waiting for the time given by the police to transport them to the station. Bodmas mentioned that upon arrival, he went directly into his residence, leaving the suspects in the custody of the NSCDC officers.

Upon returning to proceed to the station, Bodmas claimed that one NSCDC officer informed him of a scratch observed on one suspect’s head, but noted it was not a concern. Bodmas questioned what had occurred, but none of the NSCDC officers could provide an explanation, so they proceeded to the station.

At the station, Bodmas stated that the suspects exited the vehicle and walked into the station independently in front of the police officers, without any visible injuries, as they were not clothed.

Bodmas added that he spent approximately three hours at the station, providing his statement and interacting with the Officer-in-Charge, CSP Chris, before departing.

He further stated that after returning home, the chief priest of Amassoma, whom he regards as his spiritual father, informed him that Patrick’s mother and other family members were in his house, appealing for the release of only Destiny Peresuode. Bodmas questioned why only Destiny, but the priest explained that the mother was exhausted by Patrick and his issues, which had caused her high blood pressure. Bodmas advised the priest to direct them to the police for discussion.

On January 19, 2026, Bodmas contacted the Investigating Police Officer, Inspector Barnabas, to inquire about the timing for charging the suspects to court, and was informed it would occur the following day.

Bodmas recounted that on the morning of January 20, Inspector Barnabas called to report that the suspect had exhibited behavior resembling mental instability, engaging in altercations with cellmates and police officers, and suspected drug influence, necessitating psychological evaluation. Bodmas requested the IPO to send a WhatsApp message reiterating the situation, which he did. Later that day, the IPO informed Bodmas that the suspect had been evaluated and was stable and in good health.

Bodmas added that he was informed the suspect would be taken to court the following week, after which he learned of the suspect’s death. Bodmas immediately downloaded the video and sent it to the IPO to inquire about the suspect’s condition, and the IPO informed him that the suspect had been released to the family in good health, and any subsequent incidents were unrelated to him or the police.

During cross-examination, Bodmas admitted observing that the suspects were bound with white fabric while standing but maintained he had no direct contact with them from arrest to police handover.

In further cross-examination, Bodmas asserted that the police never informed him of any assault on the suspects from handover to release, only mentioning the suspect’s behavior resembling mental instability.

Bodmas maintained he did not witness any NSCDC officers assaulting the suspects, and that only four civil defense officers were involved in the arrest, with no other civilians present except himself and his driver.

In another cross-examination by the police counsel, Bodmas affirmed there was no video where Patrick named him as the perpetrator, only a video of Destiny stating their condition was stable until January 20 when police officers removed his brother from custody and returned him lifeless.

The counsel representing Bodmas consequently submitted all evidence pertaining to Patrick Peresuode’s threats and communications with the police as exhibits.

The matter was thereby adjourned sine die for final ruling.

 

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU (GCFR) ON THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF HIS ADMINISTRATION, MAY 29, 2026. 

My fellow compatriots,

Three years ago, you entrusted me with the sacred responsibility of leading our beloved nation at a defining moment in our history. I accepted that responsibility, fully aware of the magnitude of the challenges before us, but also deeply confident in the resilience and potential of the Nigerian people.

Today, on the occasion of the third anniversary of our administration, I speak to you not only as your President but also as a fellow citizen who understands the sacrifices many families have made in recent years and shares your hopes for a better Nigeria.

When this administration assumed office, our nation faced profound economic and structural difficulties. Mounting fiscal pressures, unsustainable fuel subsidies, declining revenues, exchange-rate distortions, rising debt-servicing costs, insecurity in several parts of the country, energy supply constraints, and declining public confidence in institutions all threatened our progress.

At the height of the subsidy regime, Nigeria was spending as much as ₦18.4 billion daily to sustain petrol subsidies—over ₦4 trillion in 2022 alone—resources that could have been invested in roads, healthcare, education, housing, and critical infrastructure. Multiple exchange rate windows and forex arbitrage created massive distortions, with Nigeria losing more than ₦8 trillion over three years to rent-seeking and speculative practices.

The situation demanded urgent and courageous action. Difficult but necessary decisions had to be taken to stabilise the economy and prevent a deeper national crisis. The easy choices would have been politically convenient. But leadership demands courage, especially when the right decisions are difficult.

Had we refused to act, our nation would have drifted toward fiscal breakdown, worsening poverty, and severe economic uncertainty. Together, we chose reform over ruin and decisiveness over hesitation. We chose long-term national recovery over short-term comfort.

These decisions came with sacrifice. The rising cost of living triggered by our measures placed enormous pressure on families, workers, and businesses. Young people searching for jobs felt discouraged. Many questioned whether these difficult decisions would lead to a better future.

I remain deeply conscious of those sacrifices, and I assure you: your sacrifice has not been in vain.  And today, I can say with confidence that Nigeria has stabilised and is moving forward again. Across the country, visible progress is taking shape.

VISIBLE PROGRESS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 

Our economy is now more competitive and better positioned for sustainable growth than it was in 2023. Public finances are improving. States and local governments have greater resources to invest in their people. Investor confidence is growing. The stock market is booming, with the All Share Index rising from 53,000 and market capitalisation of N30 Trillion in 2023 to a record All Share Index of 250,000 and market capitalisation of N160 Trillion this year.  Companies are declaring record profits and dividends. 

Critical infrastructure projects are advancing at an unprecedented scale. Over 2,700 kilometres of highways and major roads are under construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, the East-West Road, and many rural access roads. Significant sections are already completed or nearing completion, improving transportation, reducing travel time, boosting regional trade, and creating thousands of jobs.

Rail modernisation projects are ongoing to improve connectivity, logistics, and economic integration across the federation.

In the oil and gas sector, the reforms we instituted have attracted billions of dollars in fresh investment from the international oil companies that had shunned our country. The $5 billion NLNG Train 7 project is nearing completion to boost LNG production capacity, exports, and dividends.

Domestic gas utilisation is expanding.  Local refining capacity has improved our energy security. With large-scale domestic and modular refineries operational, Nigeria is reducing its dependence on imported petroleum products and conserving foreign exchange.

For years, the power sector suffered from debt, underinvestment, and uncertainty, which weakened generation capacity and limited growth. Today, we are confronting those challenges directly.

Our administration is clearing legacy obligations, expanding transmission infrastructure, investing in renewable energy, and strengthening the national grid because no modern economy can grow in darkness. When power improves, businesses expand, industries grow, jobs are created, and families prosper.

We are determined to power Nigeria into a new era of industrial growth and economic opportunity.

EMPOWERING NIGERIANS: AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, AND HOUSING 

Agricultural interventions have supported millions of farmers by improving seedlings, fertilisers, mechanisation, and irrigation and by expanding access to finance and markets. We are opening new agricultural corridors to create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and reduce pressure on household incomes.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has provided over 1.5 million students with access to higher education, disbursing more than ₦282 billion to ensure that no willing student is denied access due to financial hardship.

Our Renewed Hope Housing Programme, along with that of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), is delivering over 10,000 housing units across 14 states and the FCT, creating over 300,000 jobs and expanding access to affordable housing. Major Renewed Hope Cities in Abuja, Lagos, and Kano are progressing steadily. Our consumer credit initiative, CREDICORP,  is opening up new economic opportunities for workers and families.

In healthcare, thousands of primary healthcare centres are being revitalised, while health insurance coverage is expanding for vulnerable Nigerians.

DEEPENING TELECOMS ACCESS AND INVESTMENT 

We also took decisive action to stabilise the telecommunications sector, which remains one of the most important drivers of modern economic growth.

After years of severe operational pressures and declining investment, confidence is gradually returning to the sector. Telecom operators are expanding networks, investing in infrastructure, recruiting Nigerian talent, and widening digital access across the country.

A connected Nigeria is a more competitive Nigeria. Digital infrastructure is now essential to commerce, education, innovation, and national productivity.

YOUTH, TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

To our young people, I want you to know this nation believes in you. You are not a problem to be managed. You are the engine of Nigeria’s future. Across technology, manufacturing, creative industries, agriculture, sports, and entrepreneurship, we are expanding opportunities for you to compete and succeed. We are investing in digital skills, technical education, innovation, student financing, and enterprise support because the future must be driven by Nigerian talent, creativity, and productivity.

SECURITY AND NATIONAL UNITY

Security remains central to our national mission and to the creation of a virile and prosperous society. Our Armed Forces and security agencies have intensified operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves, and criminal networks. While challenges remain, many communities and highways are becoming safer and more economically active. We continue investing in intelligence, surveillance, logistics, technology, and inter-agency coordination. We are improving the capabilities of our armed forces and security agencies, and reclaiming the authority of the Nigerian state wherever criminality threatens peace and order. While we continue to confront the challenges head-on, progress is being made. I want to assure you that this government will not relent until every Nigerian can live, work, travel, and dream in safety.

My fellow Nigerians,

A nation develops when its people can see and touch progress. From highways under construction to rail modernisation and expanded energy investments, our goal remains clear: to build a Nigeria that works for Nigerians.

We have not solved every problem, and we are not yet where we want to be. But the foundation for recovery has been laid. The task before us now is clear: we must ensure that the benefits of reform are felt more directly in the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians.

We shall achieve this task by continuing to ensure that food prices, which have largely come down from their peak in 2023/2024, remain low.

We are also working to reduce transportation costs as operators of commercial trucks, buses, and taxis convert their petrol engines to CNG and switch to electric vehicles. We have also set our sights on creating more opportunities for decent work and enabling enterprise expansion.

A CALL TO NATIONAL PURPOSE 

The journey of national renewal is not completed in a single year or a single administration’s tenure. Nations rise when their people remain united in purpose, disciplined in effort, and hopeful about the future.

We must choose hope over despair, unity over division, and nation-building over narrow interests. 

But true security and prosperity require that every Nigerian feel included and valued. Nigeria belongs to all of us—no region, faith, or group should feel marginalised or forgotten. Our diversity is a source of strength. Whether Christian or Muslim, North or South, urban or rural, we rise or fall together as one nation under God.

To our youth, workers, entrepreneurs, farmers, professionals, security personnel, students, and diaspora: your sacrifices sustain our nation, and they will not be in vain. To the international community and investors: Nigeria remains committed to democratic stability, economic reform, responsible governance, and mutually beneficial partnerships.

My fellow Nigerians,

History teaches us that great nations are not built in comfort. They are built through sacrifice, resilience, courage, and collective purpose.

Ours is a nation of extraordinary people. We survived civil war and rebuilt.

We overcame dictatorship and restored democracy. We endured hardship and remain bearers of hope. The Nigerian spirit remains strong and unbroken.

Today, the world is watching our country again, not as a nation defined by its difficulties, but as a nation determined to rise. Across agriculture, infrastructure, power, technology, manufacturing, and industry, the signs of recovery are becoming clearer. Confidence is returning. Productivity is improving. Opportunity is expanding.

LOOKING FORWARD 

The work ahead is enormous, but I remain optimistic because I believe deeply in this country and in you, the Nigerian people.

I ask you to keep faith with Nigeria. Let us reject cynicism and division. Let us move forward together, united in purpose, disciplined in effort, compassionate toward one another, and confident in the greatness that lies ahead.

My fellow Nigerians, history tests nations before it elevates them. Nigeria is passing through such a test. But I believe with all my heart that we shall emerge stronger, fairer, more united, and more prosperous than ever before.

Let us continue this journey together. Let us build a Nigeria that is secure, prosperous, inclusive, and respected worldwide. Let us continue to believe in the promise of our nation.

May God bless you all.  

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you.

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Performing Hajj is one of the most significant milestones in a Muslim’s life. It is a spiritual journey that demands preparation, both physically and mentally. For women, Hajj comes with unique considerations and guidelines to ensure that this sacred duty is performed in a manner pleasing […]

The post Women and hajj: Understanding the rules and obligations appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has expressed concerns over a sharp contraction in the electricity/gas sector, noting that the development represents a red flag for the economy. The recent GDP growth outcomes for Q1 2026, released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), identified a sharp contraction of the sector by […]

The post Q1 2026 GDP report: Sharp power sector contraction, red flag for Nigeria’s economy appeared first on Tribune Online.

By: Bashir Adefaka BY now, Mike Arnold [an American] should understand that global politics has evolved beyond the simplistic narratives he continues to promote about certain Muslim-majority nations. Recent geopolitical developments, including the foreign policy posture of the United States, have further exposed the double standards behind branding countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, […]

The post Sultan of Sokoto a symbol of unity, not extremism appeared first on Tribune Online.

 The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare, operational effectiveness, and professional development of officers and soldiers across various theaters of operation in the country. Shaibu gave the assurance in a goodwill message delivered at the Chief of Army Staff Eid-el-Kabir Luncheon with troops […]

The post COAS reaffirms commitment to troops’ welfare, professional development  appeared first on Tribune Online.