Author: The Whistler Newspaper

Mustapha Sule Lamido has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 Jigawa State governorship election after obtaining the nomination form of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The former PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 election presented his completed form to the party’s state working committee and key stakeholders on Tuesday in Dutse, seeking their endorsement to represent the party in the upcoming polls.

Addressing party leaders and supporters, Lamido said he had concluded wide consultations and was ready to pursue the party’s ticket, expressing confidence in the PDP’s capacity to address Jigawa’s challenges.

He maintained that the PDP remains the most viable platform for governance, citing its legacy of implementing policies and projects that directly impact citizens’ lives.

According to him, political parties that succeeded the PDP in government have failed to meet public expectations, attributing the country’s current socio-economic and security challenges to poor leadership and ineffective policies.

Lamido called on party members across the state to unite behind his ambition, pledging to uphold the PDP’s principles of service, patriotism, and people-focused governance.

The governorship hopeful, who is the son of former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, said his candidacy is driven by a commitment to restore effective leadership and rebuild public trust in government.

Lamido’s Son Joins Jigawa Governorship Race, Picks PDP Form is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has accepted to contest for the Gombe North Senatorial seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor received the party’s nomination form during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting attended by governorship and National Assembly aspirants, members of the state working committee, party elders, and other key figures.

Also present at the event were the APC Deputy National Financial Secretary, Hamma Adama Ali Kumo, as well as North-East zonal officials and other party stakeholders.

As the sole aspirant for the seat, Yahaya was unanimously affirmed as the APC’s candidate and formally presented with the nomination form by Kumo alongside the state party chairman, Mohammed Dantata Ndus.

The development signals the governor’s transition from executive leadership to a legislative role ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Gov Inuwa Yahaya Accepts APC Ticket For Gombe North Senate is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State, Dr Mutiu Agboke has called for the strengthening of existing collaboration between the Commission and security agencies in the state.

Agboke made this call on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the management team of INEC Ondo State to heads of security agencies in Akure.

While addressing the Ondo State Director, Department of State Services, Mr Sagiru Samaila, Agboke stressed that the collaboration was necessary as preparations intensify for the Ondo South Senatorial District by-election on June 20, 2026.

He said, “INEC and security need strong cooperation. We need to strengthen the existing collaboration between INEC and the DSS.

“We need such particularly as preparations intensify for the Ondo South Senatorial District Bye-Election scheduled for June 20, 2026.”

Responding, Samaila welcomed the initiative proposed by the INEC team.

He also assured INEC of enhanced cooperation and the Service readiness to provide adequate security before, during and after the election.

On a visit to to the Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, the Ondo INEC boss reiterated the importance of sustained inter-agency synergy.

He also used the opportunity to inform the Command if the commencement of the Phase III of the Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, exercise which will kick off on May 11, 2026.

The Ondo NCoS Comptroller, Charles Oyewole reaffirmed the commitment of the agency to supporting INEC whenever it is required.

INEC urges stronger collaboration with security agencies in Ondo

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday had a meeting with foreign investors in Paris as part of his three nations tour 

Here is the post by Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele on one of such visits 

𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬

“We will not bring back fuel subsidy because it creates distortions for the economy, and we won’t introduce price control because we believe in the market… the situation in Iran presents new opportunities for us as the world looks to diversify sources of energy and invest in new markets.”

“Nigeria recorded a strong GDP growth rate of 11.2% in US dollar terms in 2025 reinforcing the country’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.”

-𝘛𝘢𝘪𝘸𝘰 𝘖𝘺𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘦, 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘺

The anti-ICE mob violently protesting outside a Brooklyn hospital Saturday was rallying in defense of an illegal migrant previously arrested for assault and drug possession, officials told The Post 

Chidozie Wilson Okeke of Nigeria entered the US on a tourist visa Aug. 27, 2023, and was supposed to pack up and go back home Feb. 26, 2024 — but instead illegally stayed, a rep for the US Department of Homeland Security told The Post.

Okeke, who was arrested at some point for assault and criminal drug possession, landed on the radar of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, who tracked him down Saturday.

“During his arrest, Okeke refused to comply with officers’ lawful commands to exit the vehicle and weaponized his vehicle to attempt to hit ICE officers,” the DHS representative said. “Okeke became physically combative, attempting to punch and elbow ICE officers.

“Our officers followed their training and used the minimum amount of force necessary to make the arrest.”

Okeke claimed he needed medical attention, so the agents brought him to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Bushwick to be checked out, DHS said.

There, the illegal migrant refused to comply with staff, “throwing himself to the floor and screaming,” the agency said. He was eventually medically cleared to leave the hospital.

Anti-ICE protesters meanwhile somehow got wind that Okeke was in ICE custody at the hospital, with a mob of about 200 showing up there to try to stop the agents from leaving with Okeke.

The NYPD was called to the scene shortly before 10:30 p.m. to restore order and found the rowdy crowd blocking hospital exits and wreaking havoc in the neighborhood — prompting caught-on-video clashes between the cops and the crowd.

Police arrested nine demonstrators as ICE struggled to get Okeke into an SUV and whisk him off.

“The protesters damaged several ICE vehicles and assaulted ICE officers, resulting in minor injuries to the officers,” the DHS representative said. “Assaulting law enforcement is a felony and crime.”

The protesters arrested included out-of-state agitators from as far off as Wisconsin and New Hampshire.

The mob finally dispersed around 2:45 a.m. Sunday after Okeke was taken away.

“If the NYPD wasn’t there to keep the peace, God knows what these ICE agents would have done,” a law-enforcement source said Sunday.

 

Zenith Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Engr. Mustafa Bello as the Chairman of its Board of Directors. 

The appointment, which takes immediate effect, has been approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and ratified by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on May 5, 2026

Engr. Bello’s appointment represents a strategic step to ensure the continuity, stability, and sustained effectiveness of the Board, while reinforcing the high standards of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and strategic oversight for which Zenith Bank is widely respected. 

He joined the Board of Zenith Bank Plc on 29 December 2017 and has served on several Board committees, including the Board Audit and Compliance Committee, Board Governance, Nomination and Renumeration Committee and as Chairman of the Board Risk Management Committee until his appointment as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

He has extensive leadership experience at Board and executive levels, a strong understanding of corporate governance principles and regulatory expectations, and a proven track record in strategic oversight and organisational growth. He has consistently demonstrated integrity, independence and sound judgement, qualities that distinguished him as the natural choice to lead the Board into its next chapter.

Engr. Mustafa Bello is a distinguished engineer, statesman and corporate leader. His career spans more than four decades across the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy. He served as Minister of Commerce of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 1999 to 2002 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, where he led the development of Nigeria’s WTO-consistent Trade Policy. 

He also oversaw the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) online project of 2002, which modernised the way businesses register and operate in the country. From November 2003 to February 2014, he served as Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investments Promotion Commission (NIPC), where he was instrumental in attracting foreign direct investment into Nigeria, building multilateral and bilateral partnerships, and representing the Federal Government at international conferences and missions.

He graduated from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in 1978 with a B.Engr. in Civil Engineering (Second Class Upper Division), winning the Shell Prize for the best project and thesis in the Faculty of Engineering. He began his career with the Nigerian Army’s Directorate of Quartering and Engineering Service from 1978 to 1979, before joining the Niger State Housing Corporation as a Senior Civil Engineer from 1980 to 1983.

He is currently the Chairman of Invest-in-Northern Nigeria Limited, a special purpose vehicle for the economic and social transformation of the Northern Nigerian economy, and has previously served on the boards of Eskom Holdings Limited of the Republic of South Africa (2004 to 2008) and FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc as an Independent Non-Executive Director. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a Registered Member of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) as well as Fellow of the Academy of Natural Sciences & Engineering in Nigeria (ANSEN).

The Abia State House of Assembly has called for the immediate takeover and securing of the Erei Palm Plantation in Okon Aku Community, in the Ohafia Local Government following recurring violence and loss of lives.

Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Hon. Kalu Etiokwe representing the Ohafia South State Constituency, presented a motion urging urgent government intervention to address rising insecurity and restore stability in the area.

Etiokwe recalled the killing of a youth leader, Igwe Akuma , on the 2nd of January 2026, alongside the burning of homes and displacement of residents.

“The peace and security of our people is the foundation upon which all development rests.

“We cannot continue to lose lives over a government asset that should serve as a source of prosperity,” he said.

He noted that the plantation, a government-owned asset, has become a flashpoint for conflict due to lack of proper control, leading to repeated crises and destruction.

He urged the state government to take over the facility, deploy adequate security, and ensure proper management to unlock its economic potential.

He further commended the Governor for his ongoing efforts to revive moribund farm settlements across the state, noting that the planned partnership with Presco Plc for large-scale palm oil development reflects the administration’s commitment to agricultural transformation.

Hon. Stephen Akachukwu, representing Aba Central State Constituency , presented a bill, the Abia State Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund Bill 2025, aimed at tackling poverty and promoting economic inclusion across the state.

He noted that the bill is designed to convert idle human resources into productive assets by creating opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship, and small business growth.

He described the bill as a response to rising economic hardship.

“Poverty is visible in our communities, unemployed youth, struggling traders, and vulnerable families.

“This will help address the root causes of poverty in communities,” he noted.

The bill passed second reading and is expected to undergo further legislative scrutiny.

Hon. Akaliro Anderson, representing Umuahia North State Constituency, raised a matter of public importance on the destruction of farmlands by herdsmen in Umuagu Community, alleging a breach of Anti Grazing Law 2018.

He urged the government to quickly intervene to prevent further damage, as the House referred the issue to its Committees on Security and Agriculture for further legislative action.

Also, Hon. Nnamdi Chimdi, a member representing Bende North State Constituency, appreciated the state government and the House members for their support following the death of his wife.

“We are diminished each time a soul is lost, but I am grateful for the show of love and solidarity shown to me and my family,” he said.

Abia Assembly Moves To Take Over Troubled Ohafia Palm Plantation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigerians interested in repatriation from South Africa will be responsible for the cost of their return trip to Nigeria.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated this during a press briefing on Monday in Abuja.

The briefing came shortly after a closed-door meeting between the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Ahmed, and the South African Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele.

Mr Ebienfa said the process will be self-funded and not state-funded, as it is a voluntary decision that the Nigerian government will only facilitate and coordinate.

In the recent past, such reparations have been sponsored by Nigerian airline owners, particularly Allen Onyema, the CEO of Air Peace.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that the Nigerian government, on Sunday, indicated its readiness to repatriate its citizens from South Africa due to xenophobic violence.

The effort primarily targets Nigerians who feel threatened by the xenophobic violence and tension in parts of South Africa, as the protests against black immigrants in the country continue. Two Nigerians were killed last month.

Since the announcement, about 130 Nigerians in South Africa have expressed a willingness to return home voluntarily.

Mr Ebienfa stated that the return of the Nigerians depends on their financial capacity, as they would be expected to fund their trip back home individually.

He said, “Those willing to leave are expected to approach the high commission and, given that their decision is voluntary, have the resources to fund their return to Nigeria.”

The government will not “provide an aircraft from Nigeria to convey them.”

He also noted that the speed of the repatriation process will be determined by the availability of funds.

“Yes, 130 as of this morning have registered, but actualisation would be required to have their flight ticket to move back to Nigeria.”

Mr Ebienfa also explained that Nigerians who have so far expressed interest are motivated either by concerns about threats to their lives or by fear of arrest by South African law enforcement agencies.

“There are two groups of Nigerians who want to come back. One group feels the country is not safe for them and wants to come. They have all their papers intact.

“Then there is also the second group that has travel document violations or resident permit violations. And instead of running away from law enforcement, they are appealing that the government facilitate their movement back to Nigeria,” he explained.

However, he noted that the process is still being worked out and that the government would step in to provide aircraft or other needed assistance if tensions rise and the situation becomes more volatile. 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) traded blame on Tuesday over a wave of defections that has shaken the opposition coalition.

The exchange featured ADC Deputy National Financial Secretary, Oladimeji Fabiyi, and Hon. Ifeanyi Uzokwe, a federal lawmaker representing Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, who on Tuesday defected to the NDC alongside 16 other lawmakers.

Fabiyi dismissed suggestions that the ADC is in crisis, insisting the party remains strong and accusing defectors of acting out of personal ambition.

“There’s nothing wrong with our party. Perhaps something is wrong with those that are leaving,” he said.

He argued that those exiting the party were motivated by political calculations rather than ideology.
“A lot of them… were leaving not because they love NDC, but because they felt they needed a platform to advance their political journey.”

Fabiyi also took aim at former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, suggesting he avoided internal contests within the coalition.

“You will know that he’s not a man who likes to face challenges… he only wants to fight for himself.”

On concerns about internal disputes, Fabiyi downplayed the impact of ongoing litigation, describing the cases against the party as weak.

“We just have flimsy court cases that cannot even stop us… if it’s on the point of law, ADC cannot lose.”

He rejected claims that the coalition was built to serve former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition, instead portraying Atiku as a unifying figure.

“This has nothing to do with Atiku Abubakar… what he did was to provide leadership and converge opposition elements.”

Fabiyi further argued that those unwilling to face Atiku in a primary contest lacked political courage.
“Is Atiku God that you cannot face?… It’s cowardice.”

However, Uzokwe disagreed, directly blaming Atiku’s ambition for the breakdown within the coalition and the defections.

“The ambition of His Excellency Atiku Abubakar… is what killed PDP,” he said.

He revealed that consultations with key political figures influenced the decision of lawmakers to leave the ADC.

“We went to Atiku Abubakar’s house… we went to Kwankwaso’s house… and what Atiku told us was why we left today.”

According to Uzokwe, the refusal to zone the presidency to the South was a critical issue that drove the mass defection.

“We said, can you step down and leave Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and others… If Atiku says today he is stepping down… and the South should produce the candidate, things would change.”

He also alleged that Atiku asserted control over the coalition, raising concerns among stakeholders.

“Atiku Abubakar said was formed in his house, that ADC is his party, that nobody will tell him anything.”

Uzokwe rejected claims that defectors lacked electoral strength, defending his own political standing.

“I defeated their Labour candidate… Nnewi North/South is one of the toughest constituencies… I won in court, I won rerun.”

The lawmaker insisted the decision to defect was based on principle, not political survival.

The exchange became increasingly heated, with both men accusing each other of misrepresenting facts and “playing to the gallery.”

Fabiyi maintained that defectors overestimated their chances without aligning with Obi.

“They felt they could not win without Peter Obi… that’s the only way they can win the election.”

But Uzokwe dismissed that claim, maintaining that structural imbalances within the coalition made it untenable.

ADC, Defectors Clash As NDC Lawmaker Blames Atiku For Crisis is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the resumption of the Nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise which will resume for its third and final phase on Monday, 11th May 2026.

It may be recalled that the second phase of the exercise was suspended on 17th April 2026 to allow the Commission clean up the register after its publication for claims and objections by registrants.

In a statement released today May 5, Mohammed Kudu Haruna Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, says the third phase of the CVR, which begins on Monday, 11th May 2026, will end on Friday, 10th July 2026. The statement added that during this period, eligible citizens who have attained the age of 18, as well as those who were unable to register during the earlier phases, should seize this opportunity to do so.

The statement added that registered voters who wish to transfer their registration, replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), or correct their biodata, are also advised to access the Commission’s dedicated online portal at https://cvr.inecnigeria.org or visit INEC State and Local Government Area offices nationwide.

‘’In continuation of the process, the Commission will display the Register of Voters for claims and objections from Thursday, 23rd July to Wednesday, 29th July 2026. This statutory exercise provides an important opportunity for citizens to scrutinise the register and assist the Commission in ensuring its accuracy, completeness and credibility.

The Commission reassures Nigerians that all necessary arrangements have been concluded for the smooth conduct of the exercise. We once again appeal to all eligible citizens to present themselves for registration and to play their part in strengthening the foundation of our electoral process.’’the statement read in part