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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has said the South-East made a wrong political calculation during the 2023 general elections, assuring that such an outcome would not be repeated in 2027.

Uzodimma made the remarks while hosting leaders of the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, at the Government House in Owerri.

Reflecting on the last election, the governor described the region’s voting pattern as an error, emphasizing the need for unity despite differences.

He urged political actors in the South-East to work together in pursuit of shared goals and regional stability.

The governor noted that in the 2023 presidential poll, the South-East largely supported Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, delivering him overwhelming votes across the zone.

According to Uzodimma: “We made a wrong national political calculation in the South East in 2023. What happened in the South East in 2023 is a political accident that will not repeat itself.

“Our job is to be our brother’s keeper. Unite, no matter the disagreement.”

Uzodimma stressed that for the region to strengthen its influence at the national level, it must align more closely with the ruling APC. He argued that active participation in the party at the centre would give the South-East a stronger voice in shaping national decisions.

He further noted that increased support for President Bola Tinubu would position the region to gain more from federal initiatives, adding that political investment often yields tangible returns.

Expressing optimism about future elections, the governor said the APC stands a strong chance of securing widespread support in the South-East in 2027, projecting a decisive victory for Tinubu in the region.

He also reassured residents that efforts were underway to maintain peace and stability across the South-East, pledging continued commitment to security and cohesion.

We made wrong political calculation in Southeast, won’t repeat in 2027 – Gov Uzodimma

Former Manchester United star, Paul Pogba, has claimed that Bruno Fernandes would be a Ballon d’Or top-three contender if he played for Manchester City instead of the Red Devils.

Despite sharing a dressing room with Fernandes at Old Trafford, Pogba believes his former teammate’s individual brilliance has been overshadowed by United’s lack of silverware.

Since Fernandes arrived in 2020, City have dominated the Premier League with four straight titles.

Speaking on the Rio Meets podcast, Pogba argued: “Do you honestly think Bruno Fernandes could do more than he already does at United?

“For me, you put him in City, he is in the Ballon d’Or top three, with the stats this season, but when you don’t win, we don’t think about it. That’s life. That’s football.”

Ballon d’Or: Bruno Fernandes would be in top 3 at City, not United – Pogba

Chelsea’s slim hopes of qualifying for the Champions League took a huge blow on Tuesday night, as they were thrashed 3-0 at Brighton in the Premier League.

The Blues have not won or scored in the league since March 14.

And the defeat at the Amex was their fifth consecutive loss.

Brighton opened the scoring as early as the third minute through Ferdi Kadioglu.

The hosts were unlucky not to be three goals up at half time. But after the break, they found the back of the net again, with Jack Hinshelwood making it 2-0.

Danny Welbeck came off the bench to add a third as Brighton leapfrogged Chelsea into sixth place on the table.

EPL table: Chelsea’s Champions League dream suffers huge blow with Brighton defeat

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has admitted that this season’s Premier League title could be decided by goal difference.

But Guardiola has warned his players not to focus on goals, but on their performances against opponents.

City could go top of the league if they beat Burnley on Wednesday night, but they would be level on points with Arsenal.

That means if both teams win all their remaining fixtures, the champions would be decided by goals scored.

Guardiola said: “Yes, absolutely. It can happen, but [you] cannot be distracted by scoring a lot of goals.

“It would be unbalanced, and without balance we’re going to concede a lot. It’s the same question.

“I have the feeling the opponents are going to score a lot, I’d say.

“The rivals are really, really good defensively when we talk mainly about the next opponent.

“So we have to try to go there [Turf Moor], do what you have to do to win. It’s the same thing [as] before Arsenal: What is the game plan, what do you have to do to play? Not the consequences.”

EPL: Guardiola speaks on Man City winning title ahead of Arsenal with goal difference

Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Oke-Ogun zone of Oyo State on Tuesday received

The post Oyo guber: Ajadi secures Oke-Ogun PDP’s backing appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Nigerian Navy has said its troops under “Operation FASAN YAMMA” have rescued eight kidnapped victims in a series of coordinated operations against insurgents in the North West.

In a statement, the Naval spokesperson, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operations were conducted by personnel deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibira and other tactical units between April 2 and April 18, 2026, in Kaduna State and adjoining areas.

He explained that on April 18, troops at FOB Ibira responded swiftly to a distress call following reports of gunfire along the Doka–Ibira axis. On arrival at the scene, the troops made contact with armed extremists who immediately opened fire.

The naval personnel, according to the statement, returned fire and forced the attackers to flee, abandoning their victims.

“Five victims were rescued during the encounter. Four of them sustained gunshot injuries and were evacuated to the General Hospital in Idon for urgent medical treatment, while one later died despite efforts to save him,” Folorunsho said.

He added that follow-up clearance operations were conducted in the area to track fleeing insurgents and stabilise the environment.

In a separate operation on April 2, troops of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade, acting on credible intelligence, laid an ambush at Anguwan Haske, where one insurgent was neutralised and an AK-47 rifle was recovered. The Navy said no casualties were recorded among its personnel.

Similarly, troops at FOB Dokan Karji responded to another distress call from Kushere Village, where armed men had abducted residents. The troops engaged the attackers in a gunfight, forcing them to retreat as they successfully rescued three kidnapped victims without injury.

Captain Folorunsho said the operations highlight the Nigerian Navy’s growing role in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts.

Navy rescues eight kidnapped victims in North West operations

The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has commissioned and named a banquet hall after Brigadier General Abba Kyari (rtd) for his contributions to the northern Nigeria.

The governor disclosed this on his verified Facebook page after the commissioning of the banquet hall by Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima.

He wrote, “Today, we did more than commission a building; we gave expression to a governing vision rooted in purpose, dignity, and long-range thinking.

“The unveiling of the Abba Kyari Banquet Hall is not an isolated achievement, but a deliberate investment in the institutional architecture of Kaduna State; a space designed to host consequential conversations, deepen partnerships, and project the confidence of a state that is prepared to lead.

“It affirms our readiness not only to serve our people with commitment, but to engage meaningfully with ideas and alliances that shape development beyond our immediate boundaries.

“I am particularly encouraged by the presence and thoughtful reflections of His Excellency, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON. His generous observation that Kaduna continues to set a standard worthy of emulation is both humbling and instructive.

“It reinforces the importance of sustaining a careful balance between advancing citizens’ welfare, implementing impactful policies, and strengthening the institutions that give governance its enduring legitimacy.

“His remarks underscore a shared understanding that infrastructure of this nature is not ornamental, but integral to the evolving demands of leadership in a modern state.

“In naming this facility after Brigadier General Abba Kyari (rtd), the highly regarded first and longest serving Military Governor of North-Central State (present-day Kaduna State), we have anchored this milestone in history and principle.

“We honour a legacy defined by discipline, clarity of purpose, and steadfast service. The deeply felt appreciation expressed by his family is a poignant reminder that true leadership leaves an imprint that transcends time.

“As we look ahead, this Banquet Hall will stand as a symbol of continuity; where legacy informs action, and where our collective aspiration for a more inclusive and progressive Kaduna State finds enduring expression.”

Governor Sani names newly commissioned banquet hall after Brigadier General Abba Kyari

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the preferred party of the people of the state. His statement follows the defection of about 4,000 members from various political parties to the ruling party in Taura Local Government Area.
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‎The governor received the defectors during a grand reception for the new members, alongside the commissioning of a new APC secretariat in Taura.
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‎The defectors were led by former state party chairman and four-time member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Safiyanu Ubale Taura, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and NNPP.

‎Speaking at the event, Namadi said the mass defection was a clear indication of the growing popularity and acceptance of the APC across Jigawa State.
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‎According to him, the new members were key figures in opposition politics in Taura and Ringim Local Government Areas, and their decision to join the APC would further strengthen the party’s grassroots structure.
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‎“This development clearly shows that the APC remains the party of choice for the people of Jigawa. The calibre of individuals we have received today represents the core of political mobilisation in Taura and Ringim,” the governor said.
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‎He added that the number of new entrants into the party was far greater than any recent exits, stressing that the APC continues to gain momentum across the 27 local government areas of the state.
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‎The governor assured the defectors of equal treatment, fairness and inclusive leadership, promising to justify the confidence reposed in his administration.
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‎“We promise to treat you with fairness, to lead with integrity, and to uphold the trust you have placed in us,” he said.
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‎Also speaking, the APC State Chairman, Hon. Ahmed Garba M.K., said the party had recorded an unprecedented wave of defections in recent times due to the governor’s leadership style and ongoing development projects.
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‎In his remarks, Hon. Safiyanu Ubale Taura pledged the loyalty of his supporters to the APC and vowed to work for the party’s victory in future elections.

APC remains party of choice for Jigawa people — Governor Namadi

The National Conference /Capacity Building of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), Abuja is to be declared open by the Chief Justice of Nigeia (CJN), Hon Justice Kudirat Tomori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun on Thursday April 23.

At the Conference with the theme “The Role of the Judiciary In Deepening Democracy In Nigeria”, the CJN will serve as Special Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi is billed to serve as Special Guest at the Conference that will hold at the Olusegun Obasanjo Auditorium of the Federal Ministry of Justice.

The Chairman of the Association, Mr Kayode Lawal of the DAILY POST will play host to the eminent guests.

Also billed to present paper on “NJC as Watchdog of the Judiciary” is the President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN.

A statement by the Secretary-General of the association, Mr Paschal Njoku indicates that the all-important Conference will kick off by 10am.

The statement said that eminent scholars and critical stakeholders have been carefully selected to present papers on various topics at the occasion

The capacity building /national conference is an annual program of NAJUC aimed at broadening knowledge and sharpening the skills of members in the discharge of their duties.

The statement, therefore, requested members to be punctual and be seated by 8am.

It further said that attendance is mandatory for all members to receive lecture and cover the event for their respective media organizations.

Eminent lawyers, notable judiciary officers and media practitioners are expected to grace the occasion.

CJN Kekere-Ekun, AGF Fagbemi to speak at Judiciary Journalists’ Conference April 23

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has revealed that Cole Palmer could join Manchester United if Chelsea fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season.

Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for the European elite competition are hanging by a thread after Tuesday’s crushing 3-0 loss to Brighton.

The Blues find themselves mired in seventh place, and with only four games left to play, Liam Rosenior’s men must win every single one to salvage any hope of a top-five finish.

Speaking with Sky Sports, Merson said, “No Champions League football will be a kick in the teeth for Chelsea.

“Do you think Cole Palmer will be at Chelsea playing in the Europa Conference League? I don’t think so.

“Manchester United will get into the Champions League, and I would not be surprised if he was playing there next season.”

EPL: Merson names club Palmer will join if Chelsea fail to qualify for UCL