Author: The Whistler Newspaper

Prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including former Senator Philip Aduda, House of Representatives aspirant for the AMAC/Bwari Seat, Sarah Adidi, and other party chieftains, gathered in Abuja for the wedding ceremony of the first son of the APC FCT State Chairman, Alhaji Tanko Ishaku Yamawo.

The wedding featured a vibrant display of rich culture, music, and celebration, creating an atmosphere of unity and solidarity among party faithful.

Hon. Sarah, who was among the guests at the occasion, congratulated the FCT APC chairman and his family on the joyous event, offering prayers for a happy and enduring union for the couple. She urged the couple to build their home on the foundations of love, patience, understanding, and mutual respect.

She commended the Yamawo family for hosting a well-organized and memorable ceremony, noting that such gatherings help reinforce the bonds of community and shared values.

She also used the occasion to interact with Senator Aduda, other dignitaries, and influential stakeholders regarding her political ambition to run for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

The turnout of APC leaders and supporters from different wards across the nation’s capital at the event revealed the growing acceptance and momentum within the party in the FCT.

Sarah, Aduda Strengthen Political Alliance At APC Chairman’s Son’s Wedding is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The National Vice Chairman (South East) of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ray Nnaji, has said the crisis in the party resulted from the misinterpretation of Supreme Court rulings.

Nnaji stated this while addressing newsmen over the weekend following the increased internal tensions in the party.

According to him, the PDP structure remains intact and fully functional, with no leadership vacuum as being speculated in some quarters.

“There is no leadership vacuum. We are in charge, we are in possession of our national secretariat, and the party structure is intact,” he said.

Nnaji’s remarks came after comments by former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, who suggested that the party’s Board of Trustees, BoT, had assumed leadership following a Supreme Court judgment on the disputed Ibadan national convention.

Wabara had argued that the BoT, as the party’s second-highest organ, was constitutionally positioned to take temporary control after the apex court invalidated rival factions that emerged from the convention.

However, Nnaji rejected that interpretation, insisting it does not reflect the actual position of the judgment.

PDP crisis caused by misinterpretation of Supreme Court judgement — Party chieftain

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has dismissed speculations in some quarters of rift between him and the former governor, David Umahi.

Nwifuru in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, described such claims as baseless speculation by individuals seeking to sow discord.

The governor emphasized that he maintains in a cordial working relationship with the minister and that both leaders are committed to advancing the progress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State.

He reiterated that the APC remains an indivisible family, where all aspirants to various positions will be treated fairly, in line with agreements reached by party stakeholders.

Governor Nwifuru further assured that any outstanding issues relating to consensus candidacy would be resolved amicably, noting that he plans to meet with all aspirants in due course.

He called on stakeholders, aspirants, and party faithful to close ranks and make necessary sacrifices in the overall interest of the party.

2027 polls: Nwifuru dismisses having rift with Umahi

The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has aligned with leaders from the Orlu Senatorial Zone in calling on Governor Hope Uzodimma to contest the Imo West Senatorial seat, describing him as the party’s consensus candidate in the district.

This position emerged after a meeting at the party secretariat, where stakeholders from Imo West Senatorial District formally presented the governor as their preferred choice to represent the zone in the Senate under the APC platform.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the State Publicity Secretary, Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, PhD, the State Chairman, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, disclosed that he had already obtained the Senate Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for Uzodimma.

He explained that the move was in line with the wishes of party leaders in the zone and aimed at persuading the governor to accept the nomination and represent the district in the upcoming 11th National Assembly.

Chief Austin Onyedebelu while addressing the stakeholders said “As the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Imo State, I am proud to announce that leaders and stakeholders across Orlu Zone have unanimously purchased the Orlu Senatorial nomination form for our dear Governor, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma.

“This remarkable gesture is a clear demonstration of the overwhelming confidence our people have in his visionary leadership and outstanding service to Imo State.

“On behalf of the party, I join in passionately appealing to His Excellency to graciously accept this call to represent Orlu Zone at the Senate. We believe his wealth of experience, dedication, and proven track record will continue to deliver immense value, not just to Orlu, but to the nation at large”.

2027: APC Stakeholders Purchase Senate Form For Uzodimma is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian Navy has launched a major offensive against militants and kidnappers along the Calabar–Oron channel in Cross River State.

This was contained in a statement by Director of Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.

Folorunsho stated that the operation, carried out by Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS, Victory and Forward Operating Base, FOB, Ibaka, targeted Dayspring Island following a surge in kidnappings and related crimes in the area.

He said that the offensive resulted in the destruction of a hideout linked to a long wanted militant kingpin known as “Juju.”

Folorunsho further disclosed that the operation was supported by the establishment of a forward security outpost at Idung 1 (Peacock Crossing), providing troops with a strategic base to dominate surrounding creeks and waterways.

The navy mouthpiece noted that advancing naval personnel, working in collaboration with troops of the Nigerian Army 13 Brigade, forced suspected militants to flee their camps while securing key waterways and restricting their movement.

“Exploitation of the area led to the discovery and destruction of a militant hideout linked to a notorious suspect known as ‘Juju’ in the Idung axis,” he said.

Nigerian Navy storms Dayspring Island, destroys militant hideouts

Singer, Tiwa Savage has opened up about her transition from R&B to Afrobeats after she returned to Nigeria in 2012, revealing that it was challenging initially.

Inspired by the growth of the Nigerian music industry, Savage, who started her career abroad as backup singer for artists such as George Michael and Mary J, moved back to Nigeria and signed with Mavin Records.

In a recent interview with TVC, the ‘Kele Kele Love’ crooner said she was able to transitioned seamlessly from R&B to Afrobeats because her former label boss Don Jazzy made her believe talent is unlimited.

She explained that the Mavin boss convinced her that she could achieve anything if she focused on it.

“It was difficult for me to transition from R&B to street sounds. But when I was at Mavin Records, Don Jazzy opened my mind to so many different things. He made me believe that talent was not limited, that I could do anything if I really focused on it.

“He took me out of that R&B bubble and introduced me to other sounds,” she explained.

Savage said she didn’t regret returning to Nigeria and transitioning from R&B to Afrobeats.

Don Jazzy made me believe talent is unlimited – Tiwa Savage

Warri Wolves are in confident mood ahead of the matchday 36 fixture against Plateau United.

The Seasiders will do battle with Plateau United at the Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro on Sunday.

Warri Wolves are optimistic of delivering a strong performance in the game.

“Focused, determined, and brimming with confidence as we wraps up preparation for Plateau United clash,” Warri Wolves stated ahead of the game.

“The Seasiders head into the encounter in high spirit, with intensity and purpose evident throughout their build-ups, as they aim to deliver a strong performance on matchday.”

Warri Wolves sit in 17th position on the league table with 40 points.

NPFL: Warri Wolves target maximum points against Plateau United

Former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said no final decision has been taken regarding his political future, despite growing speculation about a possible defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, Kwankwaso acknowledged ongoing consultations with leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and other stakeholders as he weighs his next political move.

He said recent reports suggesting a definite realignment were premature, stressing that discussions were still ongoing.

“I wish to state categorically that no final decision has been taken regarding my political future or that of my political associates,” he said.

Kwankwaso attributed the uncertainty within the ADC to a series of legal challenges, including a recent Supreme Court judgment that affirmed the legitimacy of a leadership faction led by David Mark but returned aspects of the dispute to the High Court.

He added that a separate ruling by a Federal High Court invalidated the party’s recent convention, while the Attorney General of the Federation has filed for its deregistration, leaving the party in what he described as a “precarious position.”

The former governor said the situation mirrors the legal issues that led to his earlier exit from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), noting that such challenges could undermine political participation.

“Like other major stakeholders, we have commenced wide-ranging consultations to explore the best options for protecting our democratic interests,” he said, adding that a decision would be announced in due course.

On the 2027 presidential election, Kwankwaso said he has neither declared his intention to contest nor endorsed any candidate, insisting that speculations in that regard are unfounded.

He recalled his participation in past presidential primaries, including the 2014 APC contest won by Muhammadu Buhari and the 2019 PDP primary, where he later backed Atiku Abubakar.

Kwankwaso also clarified that his absence from recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings was due to personal commitments, which he said were communicated to the party leadership.

He assured that any final decision on his political direction would be formally communicated at the appropriate time.

Kwankwaso Confirms Talks With NDC, PRP Over Political Future is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has been actively expanding its political influence ahead of the 2027 general elections, as notable politicians from various regions of the country have officially joined the party during a well-attended reception in Abuja.

The party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, along with National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas and members of the National Working Committee, welcomed the new members on Saturday, describing the influx as a growing wave of confidence in the NDC across the nation.

Among the prominent figures who joined the party were Comrade Babatunde Alli, the former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP); Prof. Mohammed Sani Yahaya, the NNPP governorship candidate for the 2023 election in Taraba State; and Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, a former member of the House of Representatives and ex-board member of the Code of Conduct Bureau. They joined alongside thousands of their supporters and political networks.

A significant moment of the event was the formal presentation of membership cards to the new entrants, symbolizing their complete integration into the party.

Senator Dickson, in his welcoming remarks, noted that the new members’ choice to join the NDC signifies an increasing confidence in the party’s vision for national renewal and inclusive governance.

Senator Moses Cleopas, the National Chairman, also encouraged the new members to adhere to the party’s core values and collaborate within its structures to enhance internal unity and national outreach.

During the event, Comrade Babatunde F. Alli expressed that his departure from the PRP was the result of careful consideration of the internal dynamics of the party.

“Every political party in this country requires inclusivity, youth engagement, and equitable processes. When these principles are compromised, it becomes challenging for individuals like myself to stay.

“The rise of the NDC has instilled in me a renewed belief that politics can be conducted differently, with fairness and intention,” he remarked.

Prof. Mohammed Sani Yahaya, who was the NNPP governorship candidate in Taraba State in 2023, has expressed his unwavering support for the party starting from the grassroots level.

“From the polling unit, ward, local government, and state level, we are joining the NDC in total. We have built a foundation already; what remains is to complete the structure, and that structure is the NDC. Insha’Allah, 2027 is our time, and we are fully committed to taking the message of the NDC to Taraba State,” the former gubernatorial candidate stated.

In his comments, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma voiced his concerns regarding the nation’s condition, while also expressing confidence in the NDC as a viable alternative.

He remarked, “Nigeria is bleeding and searching for direction. What we were promised as ‘Renewed Hope’ has, for many Nigerians, turned into renewed hopelessness.

“Our country is blessed, yet poorly managed. We must confront corruption and rebuild trust in governance. I believe the NDC provides a platform for that renewal and for restoring hope to Nigerians.”

Defection: APC, PRP, NNPP leaders, others join NDC