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Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has endorsed his immediate past Commissioner for Works, Mustapha Gubio, as his preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election under the All Progressives Congress, APC, setting the stage for a potentially competitive party primary.

The governor’s spokesperson, Malam Dauda Iliya, confirmed the development on Tuesday, describing Gubio as the candidate best positioned to sustain and expand the administration’s development agenda.

According to him, Gubio represents continuity and has a strong understanding of the government’s policy direction and achievements.

“Gubio represents continuity. He understands the vision of this administration and has the capacity to build on its achievements,” Iliya said.

The endorsement reportedly followed a symbolic moment captured in a photograph showing Gubio presenting his expression of interest and nomination forms to the governor, alongside key political figures including Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno and supporters.

The development has already triggered political reactions within APC circles in Borno State, with analysts warning it could heighten internal competition ahead of the primaries.

Observers also suggest the endorsement may deepen emerging political alignments within the party as aspirants intensify consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.

Borno: Zulum endorses Gubio as preferred successor for 2027 governorship

Former vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, has reiterated his claim that the party won the presidential poll, despite court rulings affirming the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Channels TV on Tuesday, he announced his decision to defect to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) saying “it’s the destination.”

Baba-Ahmed maintained that his comments on the election reflect “clean, honest” views, dismissing criticisms that have trailed his past remarks.

“I don’t call it trouble. The guilty are afraid. If you say the truth and somebody gets agitated, then they’ve done something wrong,” he said.

Pressed on whether his past assertions had been validated, he said Nigerians should remain the ultimate judge. “I leave Nigerians to say that. I shouldn’t be the one to say it,” he added.

Baba-Ahmed stood firmly by his position that the outcome of the 2023 election undermined democracy, warning of what he described as a drift toward a one-party state.

“If you allow that election to stand, that would be the end of democracy,” he said, alleging that the ruling APC has focused on weakening opposition parties rather than addressing governance challenges such as insecurity and economic hardship.

Although repeatedly challenged to provide evidence of APC involvement in internal crises within opposition parties, Baba-Ahmed argued that political commentary differs from legal proceedings.

“We’re not in a court of law. If we were, you would ask me for evidence and I would present it,” he said, adding that in his view, the government’s performance and political developments were sufficient indicators.

He doubled down on his claim that the APC did not win the election. “Absolutely. APC did not win the election. Labour Party won the election,” he insisted, while acknowledging the authority of the courts to decide electoral outcomes.

“The courts have the power to say you won, but people can still come out and say you didn’t win,” he said.

Reacting to suggestions that his stance may be driven by disappointment, Baba-Ahmed dismissed the notion, drawing parallels with the June 12, 1993 election, which was widely believed to have been won by MKO Abiola despite its annulment.

“Believe in what you did. Hold on to it,” he said.

On the state of the opposition ahead of 2027, Baba-Ahmed expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that many so-called opposition actors are merely political office seekers without ideological clarity.

“We need to distinguish between minority and opposition,” he said, adding that the current opposition lacks cohesion and credibility.

He also dismissed recent coalition efforts, including the Ibadan Declaration involving figures from the PDP and ADC, describing the prospect of a unified opposition ticket as unrealistic.

“I think it’s a lie… there is no way they will agree,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed further criticised Nigerians for what he described as apathy toward political participation, saying the reluctance of credible individuals to enter politics has contributed to poor governance.

“If you are a good Nigerian and you know you can make a change and you refuse to enter politics, you are as bad as those misleading Nigeria,” he said.

On his political future, Baba-Ahmed revealed he would leave the Labour Party at midnight and join the PRP, citing a departure from the party’s founding ideals.

“What Labour Party stood for then is no longer what it is today,” he said.

He described the PRP as a party with deep historical roots and suggested it could emerge as a strong force if properly structured.

“PRP is the place to be… if it does what I tried to make Labour Party do in 2023, I think the APC government is gone,” he stated.

Despite his political involvement, Baba-Ahmed downplayed personal ambition, saying he is not driven by a desire to hold office.

“Why do I have to be president or vice president?” he asked, noting his past achievements in business, education, and public service.

He added that his focus would include supporting “a genuine southern, possibly Christian candidate” in the 2027 election.

Baba-Ahmed Insists LP Won 2023, Announces Move To PRP is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

An APC chieftain and Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, on Tuesday picked up the nomination and expression of interest forms despite the party’s adoption of Governor Dapo Abiodun as its consensus candidate in the 2027 elections.

Recall that some party leaders, in a recent caucus meeting held in Ijebu-Ode, had adopted Abiodun as the preferred and consensus candidate for the forthcoming elections.

DAILY POST reported that Daniel, a two-term governor and current senator representing the district, was allegedly denied access to the venue of the meeting.

However, Daniel on Tuesday, despite the outcome of the meeting, purchased the nomination form in an effort to continue representing the district.

This was contained in a statement alongside pictures posted on his Facebook and X (Twitter) handles.

It reads: “Today, I picked up my nomination and expression of interest forms as I seek to return to the Nigerian Senate, continuing my efforts to provide effective and responsive representation for the people of Ogun East Senatorial District under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

Meanwhile, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Olufemi Nuberu, while speaking on a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, monitored by our correspondent in Abeokuta on Tuesday, rejected claims of internal division.

Nuberu insisted that the party remained united despite growing speculation about factional politics and competing camps.

On the alleged exclusion of Daniel from the meeting that adopted Dapo Abiodun as the consensus candidate, Nuberu dismissed the claim as exaggerated and lacking credible evidence, arguing that no formal complaint was submitted to the party regarding exclusion from the event.

He emphasized that party decisions are based on verified information, not speculation or viral narratives, especially in an era where digital content can be easily manipulated.

Nuberu, however, maintained that the APC’s strength lies in its ability to manage disagreements internally without allowing them to escalate into crises, insisting the party remains “one indivisible entity” despite ongoing political debates.

Ogun East: Daniel dares gov Abiodun, picks nomination form despite adoption

Nasarawa Amazons have expressed their readiness for battle in the Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL, matchday 17 clash against Sunshine Queens.

The Amazons will host Sunshine Queens at the Lafia City Stadium on Wednesday and need a win to secure qualification for the NWFL Super Six playoff tournament.

The Lafia-based side said that they will work hard to achieve their target.

“We roar as we battle and stand strong, united for victory,” Nasarawa Amazons stated ahead of the game.

“Every step, every pass, every goal for the badge, for the pride.”

DAILY POST reports that Abia Angels and Remo Stars Ladies are also in contention for a playoff ticket from Group B.

Robo Queens are the only team from the group to have qualified for the playoff.

NWFL: Nasarawa Amazons target Super Six playoff spot

The National Working Committee, NWC, of the Labour Party, LP, has lifted the suspension it slammed on 26 members of the party.

The members whose suspension was lifted include Hilda Dokubo, Emmanuel Agida, Abayomi Arabambi, Ogar Osim, Muhammed Aliyu, Casmir Uchenna, Airen Igbinedion, Auwal Ahmed, and 18 others.

The suspension was lifted on Tuesday during the national convention of the party held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State.

The decision to lift the suspension was taken through a voice vote by delegates from all states in attendance at the convention.

The chairman of the elective national convention, Ginger Onwusibe, announced the recall of the 26 members after a unanimous voice vote by the delegates.

Explaining the development, the newly elected National Chairman of the LP, Esther Nenadi-Usman, said the party followed the path of reconciliation and forgiveness.

Meanwhile, Hilda Dokubo, whose suspension was lifted on Tuesday, was subsequently elected as the National Women Leader of the LP.

LP lifts suspension on 26 members, as Dokubo becomes National Women Leader

A student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, RUGIPO, has been found dead in his apartment after allegedly committing suicide in his off-campus residence.

The lifeless body of the deceased student, identified as Audi Emmanuel, was found dangling from a rope and already emitting an offensive odour.

The incident, which occurred along Awolowo Road, Emure-Ile, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, has thrown the institution’s neighbourhood into disbelief.

According to sources, neighbours who had noticed a foul smell emanating from the student’s room forced the door open, after which his body was discovered.

One of the neighbours stated that, “Emmanuel’s body was found hanging in his rented apartment. The odour from his room was so heavy. We tried to reach him, but we couldn’t. So we decided to force the door open.

“We don’t know what could have happened for such an action. But we immediately contacted the police, who came to evacuate the corpse. We have not seen any form of suicide note.”

While confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, stated that operatives were swiftly deployed to the location, with the body retrieved and deposited in a morgue for subsequent autopsy.

RUGIPO student allegedly commit suicide

The 2023 Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said that he is set to abandon the Labour Party and join the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP.

Datti Baba-Ahmed announced this on Tuesday while fielding questions in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television.

He attributed his decision to internal disagreements within the Labour Party, which he said has drifted from its original ideals.

“I am leaving the Labour Party tomorrow (Wednesday). There is more to it. When there was real peace in the Labour Party, was when they posted back.

“They redeployed someone with a specific purpose, and because of the antecedent of the individual to make life difficult, particularly for me. What the Labour Party stood for then is no longer what it is Today,” he said.

According to the politician, his exit from the party would take effect at midnight, stressing that his next political destination is the PRP.

“I am leaving the Labour Party at midnight, and I am joining PRP. PRP is the new destination. PRP is the one with a history. It’s about 75 years old,” he added.

BREAKING: 2027: I am leaving Labour Party to join PRP – Datti Baba-Ahmed

The Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has called for the urgent resolution of the regulatory dispute disrupting Nigeria’s airtime credit market, warning that the prolonged uncertainty could undermine consumer welfare, investor confidence, and the credibility of the country’s regulatory framework.

ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, raised the concern amid ongoing tensions over the oversight of airtime borrowing and Value Added Service (VAS) providers, stressing that the matter has evolved beyond a routine regulatory disagreement.

According to Adebayo, the situation now reflects deeper institutional challenges, particularly around coordination among regulators and compliance with existing judicial directives.

“What is happening in the airtime credit market is not simply a dispute between regulators. It is a test of whether the structures that underpin business confidence in this country are functioning as they should. Court orders have been issued, businesses hold valid licences, and consumers are still being affected,” he said.

He urged regulators, telecom operators, and the Federal Government to collaborate in restoring clarity and stability to the sector.

Adebayo noted that the airtime credit ecosystem serves as a critical informal financing mechanism for millions of Nigerians, especially traders, artisans, and small-scale entrepreneurs who rely on short-term airtime advances for daily business activities in the absence of accessible formal credit.

He estimated the market’s annual value at between N300bn and N400bn, underscoring its importance to Nigeria’s broader informal economy.

ALTON also pointed to interim injunctions issued by Federal High Courts in Lagos and Abuja, which restrain interference in the operations of licensed VAS providers, including Nairtime Nigeria Limited and members of the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPA).

However, the association warned that continued disruption despite these court orders raises serious concerns about regulatory alignment and respect for judicial authority.

At the centre of the dispute is an ongoing jurisdictional conflict between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over the regulation of airtime credit services and digital lending products.

ALTON maintains that the NCC has clear statutory authority over telecoms operations under the Nigerian Communications Act and argues that overlapping regulatory actions are creating uncertainty that threatens legitimate business activities.

The association disclosed that it had earlier warned the NCC in August 2025 about potential instability arising from conflicting regulations and unresolved inter-agency overlaps.

Meanwhile, the FCCPC has denied allegations that it banned airtime borrowing and data advance services, instead attributing temporary service suspensions by operators such as MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria to non-compliance by service providers.

According to the Commission, operators were granted a 90-day compliance window from July 2025 to regularise their digital lending services under new regulations but allegedly failed to meet the requirements within the stipulated period.

As regulatory tensions persist, industry stakeholders warn that resolving the dispute swiftly is essential to protecting millions of consumers, safeguarding investor confidence, and preserving Nigeria’s reputation as a stable business environment.

Airtime Credit Crisis May Hurt Millions Of Nigerians, ALTON Warns is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

…Says Combining Law School, NYSC Not Illegal

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has challenged the powers of the Council of Legal Education (CLE) to revoke his law school qualifying certificate.

This came after the CLE directed him to respond to a petition seeking the withdrawal of his certificate over alleged inconsistencies surrounding the timing of his national youth service and law school studies.

In a letter dated April 28, 2026 and signed by Chukwuebuka S. Okeke of Olaniwun Ajayi LP Chambers, Kalu’s lawyers described the petition as “fundamentally deficient in law” and urged the council to dismiss it.

According to Kalu, no law barred him from participating in the Nigerian Law School programme while also undertaking the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

His lawyers also argued that there is “no express statutory power conferred on the Council to ex post facto withdraw or cancel a qualifying certificate.”

They further argued that the council’s disciplinary powers are “implied and necessarily narrow,” and apply only in cases of “manifest vitiating criminal conduct.”

They added, “no such conduct has been established against Kalu.”

While the CLE is not the body responsible for disciplining practising lawyers, it decides whether someone has met the required training standards to be called to the Bar.

Section 1(1)–(2) of the Legal Education (Consolidation, etc.) Act stipulates that “The Council shall have responsibility for the legal education of persons seeking to become members of the legal profession.”

Section 5 states, “A person shall be entitled to have a qualifying certificate issued to him by the Council stating that he is qualified to be called to the Bar if— (a) he is a citizen of Nigeria; and (b) he has, except where the Council otherwise directs, successfully completed a course of practical training in the Nigerian Law School which (including the time spent in taking the examination at the end but excluding any interval between the conclusion of the examination and the announcement of the results thereof) lasted for a period fixed by the Council as an academic year.”

The CLE’s decision to set up a three-member committee to investigate the petition against Kalu suggests the council believes it possesses jurisdiction over the matter.

In a letter dated April 21, 2026, it directed Kalu to submit a written response within seven days to aid its probe. The allegations include alleged perjury, false representation, and contradictions between his NYSC and bar certificates.

The council, however, declined to discuss the matter publicly.

Its Secretary and Director of Administration, Ms. Aderonke O. Osho, confirmed to THE WHISTLER that the letter was sent but said the probe would be handled privately.

“We wrote a letter to him. We did not copy any media agency or the press,” she said. “We’ll be dealing with him, and I can confirm that we wrote the letter, but we’ll only deal with him.” Asked whether Kalu had responded after the deadline elapsed, Osho said: “Right now, I’m not in a position to say whether he has responded or not.”

Meanwhile, Kalu’s legal team has dismissed the petition’s reliance on a declaration he allegedly signed stating he would not participate in NYSC during his law school programme.

They argued that the declaration was unsworn and therefore “carries no force of law.”

“The declaration relied upon by the petitioner was unsworn and “carries no force of law.” Formal criminal proceedings are a precondition for the Council to act on grounds of criminal conduct,” the lawyers stated.

The Deputy Speaker’s lawyers, however, failed to admit or deny the claim that Kalu attended Law School and served NYSC simultaneously.

They maintained that there was no law, regulation, or binding institutional rule in force at the time prohibiting concurrent participation in the Nigerian Law School and NYSC.

They said a review of the Nigerian Law School Student Handbook for the 2010/2011 academic session revealed no express ban on students serving in NYSC while enrolled.

“The petition’s claim that concurrent participation in the NYSC scheme and the Nigerian Law School programme is unlawful has “no legal consequence,” as no statute, regulation, or binding institutional rule prohibits it.

“Neither the LEA nor the LPA contain any provision that disqualifies a person from undertaking or completing the Nigerian Law School programme by reason of simultaneous NYSC service.”

The Civil Society Groups of Good Governance (CSGGG), in a separate petition, argued that law students were expected to state that they were not participating in NYSC during their course of study.

You Lack Power To Revoke My Certificate, Kalu Tells CLE is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) on Tuesday sealed 30 construction sites across the Federal Capital Territory for violating the National Environmental (Construction Sector) Regulations, 2011, declaring that “environmental compliance is not a choice.”

Briefing journalists in Abuja, Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor said the enforcement action became necessary due to widespread non-compliance in a sector he described as key to national development but which must be properly regulated to prevent environmental and public health risks.

Barikor, who was represented by the Director of Environmental Quality Control, Mr. Elijah Udofia, listed the risks posed by unregulated construction activities to include improper waste management, building on floodplains and eco-sensitive areas, uncontrolled dust emissions, unsafe handling of materials and chemicals, poor site drainage, erosion and sedimentation, as well as negative impacts on nearby communities.

He expressed displeasure at what he called the poor attitude of operators toward compliance, noting that the affected facilities demonstrated unwillingness to fully comply with regulatory requirements relating to environmental documentation and responsiveness to compliance engagements.

“Where regulatory communication is clear, time-bound, and evidence-based, failure to respond constitutes a serious breach of compliance obligations and poses risks to both the environment and public health,” Barikor stated.

He stressed that the Regulations are designed to prevent harm before it occurs and to ensure that construction activities are managed responsibly from the start, warning that the Agency would continue to enforce the law fairly and consistently across the country.

He called on stakeholders to cooperate with NESREA to improve environmental performance in construction activities.

The facilities sealed in Wuye include Primgate Reality, XTadok Nigeria Limited, Real Bees Global Ltd, Infinite Acres Limited, Urban Cribs, Sunvic Investment Company Ltd, Salis Estate, Uruh Ventures, Mielo Smart Homes, and two separate sites belonging to Peak and Hills Engineering & Development Ltd.

In Jabi, NESREA sealed 7 Fifteen and Rockseed International Company Nigeria Ltd. Salajoy Estate in Wuse was also among those shut down.

Katampe had three sites sealed: I&E Construction Limited, IPDC Limited on Gishiri Road, and Buildoptions Limited at Plot 2119, CAD Zone B07.

In Jahi, the affected companies are BTH Concept Limited at Plot 373 Cadastral Zone B08 and Truss Construction & Properties in Jahi II. Kukwaba area along Airport Road saw the sealing of Alpha Pillars Construction Ltd and Mshel Construction Limited at Plot 869.

Also along Airport Road, City Walk (MAG FZC) at Plot 28 C17 Cadastral Zone and Dream City at Plot 21 Cadastral Zone C17 were sealed.

Other sealed sites are Zavati Group at Area 2 Shopping Centre, Brainview Estate in Wuye District at Ahmist Filling Station, Meh Empire Estate at Plot 596 CAD Zone B10 Dakibiyu District, Hectare Industries in Abuja, Urban Shelter at UTC Abuja, Klimart Limited in Asokoro, and Samdus Limited in Asokoro District.

NESREA Seals 30 Construction Sites In FCT is first published on The Whistler Newspaper