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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has zoned its presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single 4-year term.

The motion was moved at the National Convention of the NDC by the member representing Ogbaru Constituency of Anambra State in the 10th National Assembly, Afam Victor Ogene and was adopted by the delegates.

It was also resolved that after the four years single term, the Presidential ticket will be automatically zoned to the north.

This decision has cleared the way for the former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi and other Southern aspirants to process and purchase the presidential form of the party.

The Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Usman Bugaje, on Saturday accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plunging Nigerians into poverty and using state institutions to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

Bugaje made the remarks while speaking at the SDP National Convention and Presidential Primaries held in Bauchi.

He alleged that the APC had “stolen the country high and dry” while Nigerians continue to battle insecurity, rising fuel prices, unemployment and poor electricity supply.

According to him, many Nigerians now return to homes without electricity and struggle to afford food despite enduring severe economic hardship.

The SDP chieftain also criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that “national institutions like the judiciary and democratic institutions like INEC have become tools in the hands of unscrupulous politicians.”

Bugaje further accused the ruling party of attempting to suppress opposition voices and shrink the democratic space.

He likened the current political atmosphere to the era of former military ruler Sani Abacha, saying past attempts to silence dissent in Nigeria ultimately failed.

The SDP leader said his party was offering Nigerians a fresh alternative, insisting that unlike established parties allegedly dominated by “big men and deep pockets”, the SDP would present competent and energetic candidates.

He urged Nigerians to support the party’s vision of “Building a People’s Coalition to Secure Our Homeland and Defeat Poverty,” which is the theme of the convention.

Bugaje added that meaningful change would require sacrifice, courage and determination from ordinary Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

SDP’s Bugaje accuses APC of deepening poverty, undermining opposition

Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, has explained why his team failed to beat Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.

Slot watched as goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Enzo Fernandez ensured both teams drew 1-1 at Anfield.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Slot admitted that his team struggled against the Blues during the encounter, adding that the hosts also conceded a set piece.

“I think we started really well, scored a goal, got a big chance from a set piece where we were close to scoring a 2-0,” Slot said.

“Then, in quite a large phase of the game, we struggled to control their sixes; they were constantly able to find them and set up an attack.

“Unfortunately, like last week, we conceded a set piece. That makes it really hard in a top game to win a game of football if you have a negative balance in set pieces. Especially if you look at it, and it’s such a sloppy goal.”

EPL: Why we failed to beat Chelsea – Liverpool manager, Arne Slot

A former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue State, Dr. Terwase Matthias Byuan, has defected to the Labour Party, LP.

Byuan, who until recently served as Executive Director, Finance at the Federal Housing Authority, FHA, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, formally resigned from the APC and joined the Labour Party in Benue State.

The development was announced on Friday by the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Hon. Philip Agbese, popularly known as the “Chief Labourer” of Benue State.

Agbese described Byuan’s defection as a major boost for the Labour Party, noting that his experience and commitment to public service would strengthen the party’s structure and grassroots mobilization in the state.

“It is with great pleasure and excitement that I officially welcome Dr. Terwase Matthias Byuan into the Labour Party family,” Agbese said.

He added that the Benue State Chairman of the Labour Party, Hon. Williams Okefie, alongside other party leaders, would formally present Byuan’s membership registration card during a brief ceremony.

Agbese expressed confidence that the former APC chieftain’s entry into the party would contribute significantly to the advancement of the Labour Party’s vision in Benue State.

Benue: APC chieftain, Ex-FHA Executive Director Terwase Byuan defects to Labour Party

The Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development, FG-IFAD, Value Chain Development Programme, VCDP, in Niger State has called on financial and insurance institutions to introduce flexible loan and insurance packages for farmers under its programme ahead of the farming season.

The State Programme Coordinator VCDP, Hajiya Hadizat Isah, made the call during a meeting with executives of Commodity Alliance Financing, CAF, financial institutions and insurance companies on the uptake of weather-index insurance held in Minna.

She said the meeting was organised to discuss ways of easing access to loans and insurance services for rice and cassava farmers participating in the programme.

According to her, IFAD-VCDP established CAF structures across the nine benefiting local government areas to ensure farmers continue to receive guidance and support even as the programme prepares to wind down operations in Nigeria.

She noted that some farmers had complained about strict loan conditions and urged financial institutions to review policies that make repayment difficult.

Hajiya Isah also called on CAF leaders to sensitise farmers on new insurance products, especially those covering farms and produce in transit.

She further stressed the need for farmers to continually update their knowledge on the programmes and products being introduced by financial and insurance institutions, including equipment financing schemes among others.

CAF State Chairman, Engr. Mohammed Ibrahim Kanko, appealed to financial institutions to relax their policies to enable farmers access loans and insurance more easily amid rising farming costs.

He said many farmers face enormous pressure after obtaining loans due to stringent repayment conditions and rising production costs.

The CAF chairmen for Katcha and Wushishi Local Government Areas, Mohammed Musa Kambari and Ahmed Abdullahi Wasagi, respectively, pledged to brief farmers in their areas on the outcome of the meeting and the new packages introduced by the institutions.

They lamented the rising cost of farm inputs and implements, noting that many farmers now depend on loans to sustain their farming activities as the rainy season approaches.

Also, representatives of the financial and insurance institutions pledged continued support for farmers under the programme even after the exit of IFAD-VCDP from Nigeria.

A representative of the Development Exchange Centre, DEC, Sunday Nenmene, said the organisation would continue doing business with farmers captured under the programme.

“We already have the names of the farmers in our database and will continue to do business with them after the exit of VCDP because their activities have boosted our reach and operations,” he said.

IFAD-VCDP calls for flexible insurance, loan packages for farmers in Niger

A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarumi, has declared that Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will retain power in the state in 2027, despite current challenges in the party.

Gbolarumi made this assertion on Saturday shortly after he submitted his nomination form ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election at the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata House, in Abuja.

Our correspondent reports that Gbolarumi arrived at the PDP secretariat with a large entourage of Oyo State party faithful, where he was received by senior PDP officials and zonal leaders.

Among those who were on hand to receive him were PDP National Treasurer, Diran Odeyemi, National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Jungudo and South West Zonal Publicity Secretary, Comrade Akinloye Olusegun Oyeniyi.

Others are National Women Leader, Professor Adenike Ogunshe, State Chairman, Professor Rahman Akinoso, Oyo South Senatorial aspirant, Bolanle Sarumi and other party chieftains from the 33 local government areas of the state.

Gbolarumi, speaking after submitting the form, insisted that the party is poised to retain power in Oyo in 2027.

The former deputy governor urged all members of the party to embrace unity, noting that efforts are being made to address the current challenges in the party.

Gbolarumi said, “Today is another epoch making day in the history of our great party and our dear state. I am here to submit my nomination forms.

“As at Today, PDP remains a party to beat. We remain resolute in retaining power in Oyo State in 2027.

“We are not unmindful of some challenges, we are making efforts to overcome all our challenges in the party. Each political party has its own peculiarities. But, we will overcome all our challenges before the election.

“None of the political parties in Oyo State has the capacity to beat us in the election. We are going to retain the power in Oyo State. I want to thank the party leadership and grassroots members for their support. My aspiration was anchored on party unity, strengthening the PDP’s base in Oyo, and presenting a credible alternative to voters in 2027.”

2027: PDP will retain power in Oyo despite challenges – Ex-Deputy Gov Gbolarumi 

Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, has appeared before the governorship election screening committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the primaries.

Chinda, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had, reportedly, quietly defected to the APC a few days ago.

The lawmaker is said to be one of the two allies of FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, who bought the forms, with the other being Dax Kelly.

DAILY POST reports that other buyers include Governor Sim Fubara and Tonye Cole.

Chinda appears before APC governorship screening committee

Nigeria midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi has expressed his desire to remain at Olympic Marseille beyond this summer, DAILY POST reports.

Nnadi linked up with the Ligue 1 club from Belgian Pro League outfit, Zulte Waregem during the winter transfer window.

The 22-year-old has however struggled for regular playing time at the club.

The defensive midfielder has featured in six league matches for Marseille, mostly coming off the bench.

Nnadi has been linked with an exit from Les Phocéens this summer.

The player has however ruled out that possibility, insisting that he is ready to fight for his place.

“I don’t know what the future holds, but I want to stay and prove that I belong to this club. I deserve to be here. I think I’ve reached the most difficult point,” Nnadi was quoted by L’Equipe.

Transfer: Nnadi rules out Olympic Marseille exit

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Sadiya Umar Farouq, a former minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, wanted for alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds. 

In a statement shared on its website, the anti-graft agency said “anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts” should contact the EFCC offices through the number listed on the page.

“Farouq, 52, is an indigene of Zamfara State and her last known address is EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu street, Maitama, Abuja,” the wanted notice reads.

Umar Farouq was minister from 2019 to 2023 in the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

EFCC is investigating the ministry she oversaw over an alleged N37bn fraud.

On April 16, 2026, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court in Apo issued an arrest warrant against Umar Farouq.

Jude Onwuegbuzie, the presiding judge, also “granted an order of arrest against Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry.”

The order was granted following an application by the EFCC after the defendants failed to appear in court for their scheduled arraignment.
 
Umar Faruoq and Alkali, alongside one Sani Mohammed, are facing a 21-count charge bordering on breach of trust and abuse of office as filed by the EFCC.

The commission had alleged that the defendants misappropriated about $1.3m and N746.6m.

According to EFCC, part of the funds, meant to be refunded to the ministry after payments made under a social intervention programme, was allegedly converted for personal use.

EFCC Declares Ex-Minister Wanted is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Anxiety is growing in Taraba State following the alleged arrest of the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, by suspected operatives of the Department of State Services.

Bodejo, who is seeking to contest the Taraba Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, was reportedly arrested on Thursday evening shortly after meeting supporters in Jalingo, the state capital.

The Miyetti Allah leader was said to have received a large welcome from supporters drawn from the six local government areas that make up the senatorial district during his visit to the state.

Reacting to the development, the Abdullahi Bello Bodejo Central Zone Senatorial Campaign Council condemned the alleged arrest, describing it as politically motivated and a threat to democratic engagement.

In a statement issued in Jalingo by the Director-General of the campaign council, Alhaji Adamu Isa Kurmi, on Saturday, the organisation alleged that Bodejo was arrested shortly after visiting the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat as part of consultations ahead of his senatorial ambition.

The statement claimed that Bodejo was taken away from the Blue Nile Hotel in Jalingo at about 6:30 pm by plain-clothes operatives suspected to be DSS officials and moved to an undisclosed location.

“The campaign council views this development as a violation of the aspirant’s fundamental rights and an act of intimidation against his planned consultations with party leaders and supporters across Taraba Central Senatorial District,” the statement said.

The council also alleged that the large crowd that accompanied Bodejo from the Jalingo airport through major parts of the city to the APC secretariat may have unsettled his political opponents.

According to the organisation, the aspirant had complied with all legal and political requirements connected to his senatorial bid, including the purchase and submission of nomination and expression of interest forms.

It further stated that relevant security agencies had been formally informed ahead of the visit and that acknowledgement copies of the notifications were duly obtained.

The campaign council appealed to supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while noting that Bodejo’s legal team had already begun efforts to secure his release.

As of the time of filing this report, the DSS and other security agencies had yet to issue any official statement regarding the alleged arrest.

Tension in Taraba over alleged arrest of Miyetti Allah leader Bodejo