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…Ex-President Silent On Intent To Run

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki (SAN), is weighing the possibility of nominating Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, as running mate to former President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2027 presidential election.

The development comes barely two days after the Turaki-led faction ratified Jonathan as its presidential candidate at a special event held on Saturday.

However, the move has further deepened divisions within the party, with a rival faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, rejecting Jonathan’s emergence and insisting on fielding its preferred candidate, Sandy Onor.

Sources close to the Turaki faction told THE WHISTLER on Monday that Governor Mohammed had neither accepted nor rejected the offer to serve as Jonathan’s running mate.

A source familiar with the discussions, who requested anonymity, said the choice of the Bauchi governor was informed by his longstanding relationship with the former president.

“It was unanimously decided that Governor Bala (Mohammed) should be the right choice as President Jonathan’s running mate.

“The two have enjoyed long-standing cordial relationship spanning over 15 years, from the time when Jonathan was president and Bala was serving as senator.

“Also recall that Jonathan appointed Bala Mohammed twice as Minister of the FCT during his tenure as president and the two have remained friends with mutual respect,” the source said.

Despite the ratification, Jonathan has remained silent on the purported nomination and has yet to publicly indicate whether he intends to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Political observers have attributed his cautious stance to the protracted crisis within the PDP, which has fractured the party’s leadership and weakened its organisational structures across the country.

Complicating matters further is the recent defection of Governor Mohammed from the PDP to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) alongside Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

A senior party source disclosed that although Mohammed may not be opposed to returning to the PDP to run alongside Jonathan, he is also engaged in separate political discussions with Makinde.

The source noted that the Oyo governor is being considered as the presidential candidate of the APM and would prefer Mohammed as his running mate.

“As it is, the Bauchi Governor is torn between two suitors — Jonathan and Makinde but like many observers, he is not convinced that the former president is actually in the race.

“On the other hand, the possibility of Makinde flying the APM flag is becoming slimmer by the day as the party obviously lacked the necessary structures in many states,” the source added.

There are also indications that the Turaki faction may have invoked Jonathan’s name to boost confidence among its supporters and candidates ahead of the National Assembly, governorship and state assembly elections.

The strategy comes amid growing uncertainty over the faction’s legitimacy and whether it would secure official recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The uncertainty follows a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, which invalidated the claims of the rival factions to the PDP leadership, raising concerns that both groups could face challenges in securing a place on the ballot for the 2027 general election.

EXCLUSIVE: PDP Faction Considers Bala Mohammed As Jonathan’s Running Mate is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Osun, Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam, has said his administration, if elected, would prioritise workers’ welfare, pensioners’ wellbeing, agricultural development, youth empowerment, quality healthcare, education and investment promotion.

Salaam, who made this revelation while unveiling his manifesto for the 2026 Osun governorship election on Monday in Osogbo, pledged to restore trust in government, rebuild the state’s economy and empower citizens through inclusive governance.

Speaking at the presentation of the manifesto at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Press Centre, Salaam described the occasion as the beginning of a new vision for Osun State and called on residents to embrace what he termed a path of transformation.

He said Osun stood at a critical point in its history, noting that decisions taken now would shape the future of generations to come.

“We gather here not merely to witness the unveiling of a manifesto, but to participate in the birth of a new vision for our beloved state. The time has come to rise together and build a future of greatness, opportunity, peace, and prosperity,” Salaam said.

The ADC candidate acknowledged the state’s rich agricultural resources, cultural heritage and economic potential but noted that many residents continued to face challenges including unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity and limited economic opportunities.

According to him, “the challenge confronting the state is not a lack of potential but the need for purposeful leadership, strategic planning and responsible governance to unlock available opportunities.

“A state where workers and pensioners are valued, respected, and prioritised; a state where our farmers are supported and agriculture becomes a major driver of economic prosperity; a state where our youths are empowered with skills, jobs, and opportunities to thrive,” he said while outlining his vision.

The former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly also identified electricity as a key driver of economic growth, promising to pursue policies aimed at improving power generation and supply across the state.

“No society can attain sustainable development without a strong economic foundation. And no economy grows without electricity. Through strategic investments, alternative energy solutions and effective public-private partnerships, we shall work tirelessly to provide reliable power infrastructure,” he stated.

He argued that improved electricity supply would stimulate industrial growth, attract investors and create employment opportunities, adding that economic prosperity would follow increased industrial activities.

Salaam described the manifesto as a product of consultations and engagements with residents, saying it reflects commitments to workers’ welfare, agricultural development, healthcare, education, women’s inclusion, security, infrastructure and accountable governance.

While urging residents to join efforts to build a greater Osun State, he said, “This manifesto is more than a collection of promises. It is a contract with the people. A contract founded on integrity, driven by compassion, and guided by a clear vision of prosperity.” 

Osun Guber: ADC candidate unveils manifesto, promises transformation

Stakeholders have raised concerns over the growing use of sophisticated tobacco marketing strategies targeting women and girls across Sub-Saharan Africa.

They also warned that increased exposure through traditional and digital media could undermine tobacco control efforts on the continent.

The concerns were highlighted in a presentation of a new study titled “The Evolution of Tobacco Marketing to Women and Girls in Sub-Saharan Africa,” conducted by Abuja-based public policy firm Gatefield with support from the Gates Foundation.

According to the study, more than 77 per cent of women surveyed across Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda and Senegal reported exposure to tobacco advertising and tobacco-related content through television, movies and streaming platforms.

Researchers also found that tobacco companies are increasingly using entertainment media, social media influencers, attractive packaging, flavours and targeted messaging to appeal to young women, portraying smoking as a symbol of independence, sophistication and empowerment.

The report identified social media as a major channel for tobacco promotion, particularly among women aged 18 to 24.

According to the report, respondents in this age group reported the highest levels of exposure to influencer marketing, product placements and promotional giveaways.

Speaking at the event, Gatefield’s Public Health Lead and co-principal investigator, Omei Bongos, stated that the findings reveal a deliberate and sustained effort by the tobacco industry to target African women.

“The tobacco industry has been targeting African women for years. Our research presents a gender-specific analysis that makes clear just how the industry has been doing this,” Bongos said.

Also speaking, the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, said as the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, she was committed to strengthening Nigeria’s tobacco control framework.

Represented by her legislative aide, Dr Mercy Kwabe, Kingibe noted that efforts would focus on ensuring effective enforcement of existing regulations while addressing emerging challenges such as e-cigarettes, synthetic nicotine products and unregulated digital advertising.

The senator also pledged support for initiatives aimed at promoting healthier models of empowerment for African women.

“True empowerment for African women should be rooted in health, leadership and well-being, not addiction,” she said.

On her part, the lead researcher at the Gatefield,
Farida Adamu, called for urgent regulatory action, particularly greater accountability for technology companies hosting tobacco-related promotional content.

“Without immediate regulatory action, including platform accountability that holds tech companies accountable, the risks to public health are immense as younger generations of African women face increasing exposure to harmful and misleading tobacco marketing online,” Adamu said.

Social Media Fuels Tobacco Marketing To Young African Women — Report is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The leadership crisis rocking the Labour Party in Ogun State was resolved on Monday, as both factions united to unveil a consensus candidate for the 2027 election.

The party chieftains noted that fighting themselves was worthless, hence the need to come together to save Ogun State from all political robbers.

Leaders of the party made the assertion on Monday at a press conference in Abeokuta, the state capital.

At the event, Apagun Olaolu Samuel, the State Chairman of the Nenadi faction, said they realised that despite having the same vision, a divided house was not going to work for them.

Samuel maintained that they came together to ensure that compassionate, work-ready candidates were selected and not recycled politicians.

He said, “We all agreed to work together as one party, one body, in order for us to be able to achieve the achievable. We realised that we have the same vision of saving Nigeria and Ogun State in particular from all political robbers.

“In order for us to make it in 2027, having one vision, we realised that having a divided house we will not be able to make it, as it is stated in the bible that a divided kingdom cannot stand.

“We need to stand together against the enemy, and work together and in respect of that, we all agreed that we present a unified candidate for all the elective positions in Ogun state. One of the principal offices to be contested for in Ogun State as we all know, is the governorship seat, and we are doing this today to present Mojisola Oluwaseun Ajayi as the choice for the 2027 Ogun gubernatorial election.

“Our consensus candidate in Ogun state is a person of credibility, character, who has compassion and is willing to work and not a recycled politician in the person of Hon Mojisola Oluwaseun Ajayi” Samuel added.

Also speaking, the chairman of the Abure’s faction, Oluwabukunola Soyoye, noted that the party has come together as one big family to work together for the success of 2027.

“Fighting ourselves in Ogun State is like siblings punching themselves, and it’s worthless. So we have decided to come together as one big family in Labour, no more factions, just one body, to work together in the 2027 election. 

“So with that, we have decided to bring our gubernatorial candidate, and the other 39 elective seats, in a consensus mode” she stated.

In her acceptance speech, the party’s candidate, Mojisola Ajayi, thanked all party faithful and pledged to work hand in hand with them to deliver victory in 2027.

Ogun Labour Party resolves factional crisis, presents governorship candidate

The Commander of the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, John Onoja, has rejected a police report linking one of his officers to over N2 billion in suspicious transactions following the death of a mining marshal operative.

In a statement on Monday, Onoja said contrary to the police’s claim, foreign nationals involved in illegal mining activities are behind the death of its operative. 

Recall that the Nigeria Police had arrested three NSCDC officers over a colleague’s death and allegedly traced over N2 billion to the suspect’s bank account.

Reacting, Onoja described the report as false and misleading.

He said the account allegedly linked to the investigation recorded transactions amounting to less than N1 million within the last year.

“The Zenith Bank account number 1008392780 of Jibrin Labaran from the statement of account of the last year contains a total debit of N760,457.25 and total credit of N760,129.85, being his emolument as an officer, as against a N2 billion claim in the purported police investigation report that was published online,” he said.

Onoja accused officers of Team N of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), led by Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi, of repeatedly interfering with lawful mining marshals’ operations in Nasarawa State.

“There is a history of consistent blackmail by Team N of the Force Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police Force, headed by one CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi, for over a year now on the same site, as he has consistently disrupted Mining Marshals’ lawful operations on the site,” he said.

He alleged that the same police team had previously arrested some mining marshals’ operatives and attempted to undermine ongoing prosecutions involving suspected illegal miners.

Onoja said he had written to the inspector-general of police requesting that the investigation into the death of Agada Levi, a deputy superintendent of corps attached to the mining marshals, be transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS).

“Hence, my letter to the IGP requesting the matter be transferred to DSS for impartial review and handling. The modest thing to do was for the police to transfer the case to DSS,” he said.

The Mining Marshals’ Commander said the organisation supported Levi’s family after his death and sponsored his burial.

“I called a meeting of family members in my office and set up a burial committee, and all programs and expenses were carried out by the committee without requesting a kobo from the family,” he said.

Onoja added that friends of the mining marshals later donated N3 million to Levi’s widow.

He further alleged that foreign nationals whose mining operations had been shut down were sponsoring efforts to undermine the mining marshals.

“We have it on good authority that the Chinese men whose illegal mining site was shut down in Nasarawa State are the ones bankrolling CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi for this blackmail.

“The real players in the background that are using CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi are the foreign nationals that are united as common enemies against the mining marshals,” he said.

Onoja also claimed that police officers accompanied foreign nationals during an attempt to arrest the lead prosecution counsel for the mining marshals.

“During the said illegal outing to arrest our lawyer, the soldiers standing guard in the estate did not allow them because, surprisingly, they were in the company of Chinese men to arrest our lawyer in his residence,” he said.

He said the death of Levi was the first fatality recorded by the Mining Marshals since the unit was established more than two years ago.

He said: “We are not denying that Agada Levi died in the line of duty, sadly. But none of the Management Team of Mining Marshals knows anything about his death.

“CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi is only trying to use the occasion to achieve his obvious unfinished objectives against the mining marshals.”

Onoja urged the public to remain calm while relevant authorities review the matter.

“To this end, while the DSS begins to look into the investigation of this case on our request, we urge the public and all patriotic Nigerians who are reading between the lines to be calm, and to discountenance their cheap lies and blackmail,” he said.

Police vs NSCDC: Mining Marshals commander exposes truth behind officer’s death

Even a single daily drink could be enough to raise the risk of cancer, according to a major global study…

The post Alcohol consumption linked to increased cancer risk — Study appeared first on Tribune Online.

Traditional rulers from Osun West Senatorial District of Osun State have praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the reconstruction of the 90.9-kilometre Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road…

The post Osun monarchs praise Tinubu, Oyetola over 90.9km Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road reconstruction appeared first on Tribune Online.

Running a frozen food business in Ibadan in 2026 now depends heavily on proper cold storage and reliable electricity supply, as rising temperatures, unstable power distribution

The post How to set up a frozen food cold room in Ibadan: Power solutions for 2026 appeared first on Tribune Online.

Scores of residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Monday embarked on a peaceful protest through major parts of the city, demanding the immediate release of 39 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The protesters, led by Pastor Juwon Owolabi, said while speaking with journalists that the demonstration […]

The post Ogun residents protest over abduction of schoolchildren, teachers in Oyo appeared first on Tribune Online.

Former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Anthony Sani, has said 4a majthe ority of Northerners would not agree to vote for the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in 2027.

This was as Sani hinted that the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would never agree to do one term as president.

Sani, who disclosed this in a chat with DAILY POST, underscored the dangers of split within the opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The former ACF scribe stressed the need for a viable alternative opposition in Nigeria ahead of the general election.

He said: “In 2023, the opposition was split into PDP, NNPP, Labour Party and Wike’s G5. As a result, Bola Tinubu rose from the ashes of opposition split.

“Currently, the opposition is split into factions of PDP, ADC and NDC. And as long as the politics of identity called zoning is preferred by both the North and the South, and the South wishes to complete its 8 years while the North expects to produce the president in 2031, the dynamics favour President Bola Tinubu, who must leave that office in 2031.

“President Peter Obi would not agree to do one tenure while the majority of northerners will not vote for former VP Atiku lest they spoil the existing politics of identity.

“I mentioned two factions of PDP to underscore the level of split of the opposition reminiscent of what happened in 2023 that made it possible for Bola Tinubu to rise from the ashes of opposition split. I am concerned about the need for a viable alternative platform for opposition.”

Northerners will not vote Atiku to protect 2031 – Ex-ACF Sec Gen, Sani