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Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has declared that the state remains aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing ongoing political support for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

The governor gave the speech during a state unity rally organised by the APC at the Haliru Abdu Stadium in Birnin Kebbi, which drew party supporters from across the 21 local government areas of the state.

Idris said the turnout at the rally reflected continued backing for the party, noting that Kebbi remained committed to the APC’s political direction as preparations for the next election cycle gather momentum.

He also referenced federal-backed projects in the state as part of the basis for the administration’s alignment with the President.

The rally featured the presence of key party stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly and former governors, among them Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and Usman Nasamu Dakingari.

Speaking earlier, the state APC Chairman, Kana Zuru, and the state women leader, Aishatu Abubakar Gunabi, said the party remained united in the state and called on political office holders to meet public expectations.

Also speaking, the APC National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Mohammed Argungu, expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in Kebbi, citing what he described as strong grassroots mobilisation.

The rally comes amid early political positioning by parties and stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

2027: ‘Kebbi stands solidly behind Tinubu’s re-election‘ — Gov Idris

As the 2027 general elections draws closer, political groups in Ogun State have begun early mobilization of residents, warning that voter apathy remains the biggest threat to electoral victory.

They lamented the poor turnout in previous elections, revealing that only about 11 percent of registered voters in Ogun participated in the last polls.

Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, the chairman of the Abeokuta North local government and the state coordinator of the Tinubu Support Organization (TSO), spoke on Saturday during a meeting held with about six support groups and coordinators from the state’s 20 local government areas in an effort to revitalize the grassroots structure.

He decried that the voters apathy in the state is almost 90 percent, urging all residents to get their PVC and vote for President Bola Tinubu’s second term, the party’s consensus candidates, Senator Solomon Adeola for governor, and Governor Dapo Abiodun for Ogun East Senatorial district.

According to him, the group’s focus is not just campaigning but improving actual voter turnout through polling unit ambassadors who will track registration data and past results and improve performance in upcoming elections.

“During the last election, the total votes for the president in Ogun was less than 400,000. In 2023 gubernatorial election, the difference between APC and PDP was less than 14,000 votes. Yet today, registered APC members alone are almost 500,000. We are more than ready, but people must come out,” he said.

“Our goal is clear to mobilise and deliver not less than one million votes for our presidential and governorship candidates. Elections are not won on social media; they are won at the polling unit level by people on the ground.

“Everyone you see here is a committed supporter—not a rented crowd. They all possess Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and they have worked tirelessly before. They are ready to do so again, and this time, we aim to make an even greater impact.”

Breaking down the numbers, Oyegbola-Sodipo said, “Ogun has 236 wards, we need just 2,000 votes per ward to win convincingly. If we do that by 1pm on election day, the ruling party would have won” he stated, charging stakeholders to canvass, advocate, and convince residents to join APC.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Youth to the Ogun State Governor, Olamide Lawal, said the gathering reflected the collective resolve of members across the state to support the APC and its candidates.

Lawal emphasised the importance of youth participation in the electoral process, calling for greater inclusion in governance.

“We are determined to mobilize massive support for the party. Every vote counts, and we are putting structures in place to meet and exceed our targets. We also believe that the efforts of young people must be recognised to encourage more participation,” he stated.

Ogun: Elections are won at polling units not social media – Group warns

Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Salau Aliu Olayiwola, popularly known as Testimony Jaga, has criticised former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, over his recent remarks on the concept of prosperity gospel.

Osinbajo had recently sparked debate after criticising what he described as the prosperity gospel, prompting mixed reactions within religious and public circles.

Jaga, reacting in a video circulating online, argued that the notion of “prosperity gospel” is misleading, insisting that there is only one gospel, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“I saw a video where you were condemning the prosperity gospel. With due respect, there is no such thing as a prosperity gospel. There is only one gospel, the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” he said.

The singer also challenged Osinbajo’s moral authority to criticise the Church, questioning his record while serving in government.

“If anyone wants to correct the body of Christ, it should not be someone like you. Show Nigerians what you did while you were vice president,” he stated.

Jaga further raised concerns about the socio-economic realities in the country, arguing that poverty remains a major issue that cannot be ignored in religious teachings.

“Do you understand what poverty does to people? As a politician, what have you done to address it?” he asked.

He maintained that the core message of the gospel should bring hope and transformation, rather than condemnation.

“The gospel is good news. If people are struggling, they should hear a message of upliftment, not condemnation,” he said.

The gospel artiste also questioned Osinbajo’s influence as a pastor during his time in office, urging him to demonstrate tangible impact both in governance and ministry.

“Show us the people whose lives you transformed. Show evidence of support for the poor or meaningful development, even in your own community,” he added.

While acknowledging the existence of abuse within religious circles, Jaga stressed that such excesses should not undermine the broader message of the Christian faith.

“There are fake pastors, yes, but the gospel itself remains a message of hope and transformation,” he noted.

“If you truly believe in what you are saying, then lead by example. Give back, support the poor, and demonstrate the values you preach,” Jaga said.

Singer Testimony Jaga faults Osinbajo over comments on ‘prosperity gospel’

Opposition political parties in Nigeria have agreed that they would present a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The resolution was adopted on Saturday at the national summit of the opposition political party leaders held in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state.

DAILY POST had reported that opposition leaders stormed Ibandan, the Oyo State capital, on Saturday for the Summit.

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and other top leaders were present at the event.

Officials of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP faction backed by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde were also in the meeting.

Opposition parties agree to field one presidential candidate in 2027

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has given an assurance that he will not impose any candidate on the people in the forthcoming general elections

The Governor disclosed this on Saturday during the solemnization of the holy matrimony between his younger brother Paulinus Nwifuru and his heartthrob, Immaculata at the Government House Chapel, Abakaliki.

“I have not made up my mind to support anybody except President Bola Tinubu who has demonstrated love and support to us as a state as well as Goodluck Obinna Mbam of the State House of Assembly, whom the constituents have equally endorsed.”

He called on aspirants to be mindful of their conduct and comments to avoid overheating the polity, urging them to align their fates with destiny.

“You can only be there, when God says so. Let us be calm, let us be humble” the Governor advised.

The Governor disclosed that he will meet with Stakeholders of the State to discuss how to achieve a seamless electoral process

“We will start zonal meetings on Wednesday” it will run “Thursday and Friday when I might have finished meeting with the leaders of the state”.

“We will discuss the Senate, House of Representative, State House of Assembly and Governorship.

“We will not discuss the President’s position, because that one is a no go area. We have only one Presidential candidate, which is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“He is the only president who has started a project here and will commission it. We are giving him our votes a hundred percent”.

I Don’t Have Special Candidates For 2027 Election, Says Nwifuru is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Super-agent, Jorge Mendes, has named Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest player in the history of football.

He also said he references the careers of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to provide guidance for young athletes.

The Portuguese agent emphasized that maintaining discipline off the field is essential for achieving greatness in the sport.

Mendes has represented Cristiano Ronaldo for an extended period and stressed that young players should look up to the Portuguese icon and his long-time rival, Lionel Messi.

He encouraged aspiring athletes to adopt a humble lifestyle and adhere to strict discipline if they wish to emulate these two legends.

As reported by Goal, Mendes stated, “Typically, I engage with my players and ask them: ‘Do you aspire to be like Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi off the field as well, or do you prefer to be…?’. I will refrain from naming individuals, but that illustrates the distinction.

“I view myself as very fortunate. Cristiano is the greatest player in the history of football and simultaneously serves as the best role model off the pitch. This is the example we should convey to the younger generation.

“Often, we do not select the largest club, but rather the environment where they can play and develop. Joining a lower division may be more beneficial if it allows for playing time.

“Without opportunities, talent becomes irrelevant. Numerous players falter because they lack the appropriate context.

“They may spend a year or two without playing, leading to the perception that they are not skilled, but the issue lies not in talent, but in opportunity.”

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated European and global football for nearly two decades. The two have set numerous records at the individual level and have secured countless trophies for both their clubs and national teams, collectively winning 13 Ballon d’Or awards.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s ex-agent, Mendes names greatest player ever

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said the presence of opposition political parties is not a threat to democracy.

Makinde said this on Saturday in Ibadan, the state capital at a National Summit of Opposition Political Leaders, Themed “Safeguarding Nigeria’s Democracy: A National Dialogue”.

The event was attended by prominent members of opposition political parties in the country.

Makinde who was the host of the meeting, insisted that the presence of credible opposition parties sustains democracy.

He called on all the leaders of opposition political parties to come together and unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2027.

He urged them to jettison their personal ambitions but work for the success of the coalition.

Makinde maintained that only a formidable opposition can defeat the ruling party.

He said, “And Nigeria must not make that drift. The truth is simple. No matter how strong any party becomes, no matter how popular any government may appear, the presence of credible opposition is not a threat to democracy, it is what sustains democracy.

“If we allow opposition to weaken, whether by design or by neglect, then we all bear the consequences”

2027: Opposition political parties not threat to democracy – Makinde

The South West Zonal meeting and press conference of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has showcased newly elected chairmen from the six states in the region.

The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Abosede Busayo Oluwaseun, Osun ADC State Publicity Secretary (Elect), on Saturday after the meeting held at Ibadan Business School in Old Bodija, Ibadan.

According to the statement, “the meeting formally presented the chairmen who emerged through a credible and transparent processes following the party’s recent State Congresses conducted earlier in April across the South West states.”

Participants at the meeting expressed appreciation to Rauf Aregbesola for his leadership in overseeing the activities of the Zonal Executive Committee.

The party also commended other zonal leaders for their contributions, noting that their efforts had strengthened internal cohesion within the ADC in the region.

The statement praised the conduct of the congresses, describing them as smooth, transparent and credible under the guidance of the National Secretary and the National Chairman, David Mark.

It added that “the outcome of the congresses reflected the party’s commitment to internal democracy and due process in its organisational structure.”

The meeting noted that “the ADC had continued to witness growth, with members from the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party and New Nigeria Peoples Party aligning with the party.”

According to the statement, “the growing support base reflects a shared commitment among members to address challenges facing Nigerians under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to restoring governance and economic opportunities to citizens, stating that its policies would prioritise the welfare of the common people.

It also emphasised its resolve to “enhance the safety of lives and property across the South West, with a focus on addressing kidnapping and armed banditry.”

The party called on citizens in the region to join its ranks, urging members to intensify grassroots mobilisation efforts aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance.

ADC South West unveils new leaders, rallies support

Mr Peter Azubuike has been elected as the new Chairman of the Labour Party, LP in Abia State, taking over from the immediate-past Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Otti.

Azubuike, who is a grassroots politician from Obingwa LGA, was elected on Saturday during the State LP Congress held at the party’s secretariat in Umuahia.

His election came through a consensus system after a motion was passed for the exercise.

Other State executives elected at the congress were Chuks Akanmadu, Secretary, Emenike Iroegbu, Publicity Secretary, Joy Ngozi (Treasurer), Ben Oti (Organizing Secretary) among others.

Speaking to Journalists after his election, the new Abia LP Chairman, Peter Azubuike said his mission is to lead the party to win every part of the state in 2027.

According to him, every elective seat in the state, especially those being held by the opposition would be captured by the LP in 2027, riding on the performance of Governor Alex Otti.

He further dismissed the threat by the All Progressive Congress to take over Abia Government House by 2027, declaring that the APC does not rank as an opposition party in the state.

Earlier in his speech, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti congratulated the new executive and also praised the Congress organizing committee for their job.

He further commended the former Chairman of the LP in Abia, Mr Emmanuel Otti for holding the party firm during the period of national leadership crises.

Azubuike emerges Abia LP Chairman, vows to win every part of state in 2027

Doma United have intensified preparations for the Nigeria National League, NNL, Super Four playoff tournament set for Ikenne, Ogun State.

The Savannah Tigers held a tactical session at Pantami Stadium on Saturday under the supervision of head coach Najib Mabo.

“Doma United have intensified their training ahead of commencement of the Super Four in Ikenne Ogun State,” the club said.

“The Savannah Tigers led by Coach Najib Mabo are currently undergoing tactical sessions suitable for the task ahead. They are leaving no stone unturned.”

Doma United will face Inter Lagos in their opening fixture of the tournament.

The NNL Super Four playoffs is scheduled to hold at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, from Monday, May 4 to Friday, May 8, 2026.

NNL: Doma United begin preparations for Super four playoffs