Ondo Pastor Abandons Christianity, Declares Himself Babalawo
By Sabiu Abdullahi
A former Christian pastor in Ondo State, Olabanjo Felix Gold, has announced his departure from Christianity and declared his commitment to Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, the indigenous Yoruba spiritual tradition.
Olabanjo, who founded Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries, made the announcement in a video circulated online.
In the video, he introduced himself under a new spiritual identity and spoke about his transition from Christianity to the practice of Ifá.
According to him, he was previously known as Pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold, the founder of Image of God Evangelical Ministries. He said he now identifies as Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare, Babalawo of Ifá.
The former pastor expressed appreciation to traditional spiritual elders whom he credited with playing important roles in his spiritual transition.
He singled out his Oluwo, Baba Aifuwapẹ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji, whom he described as the Araba of Isararemọ, for special recognition.
Olabanjo also acknowledged other individuals who he said offered him support and guidance during his spiritual journey.
He stressed the significance of mentorship and the role of elders within indigenous spiritual practice.
The former cleric further made a strong declaration about his new religious conviction. He rejected Christianity and other foreign religions and affirmed his allegiance to Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.
He described the foreign religions as false and maintained that Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is the authentic spiritual path.
The announcement has generated reactions on social media, with the development attracting particular attention because of Olabanjo’s previous position as a Christian pastor and his leadership of an evangelical ministry.
His decision has also sparked discussions online about religious conversion and the growing interest in traditional African spiritual practices.
2027: Kwankwaso Ally, Abdullahi, Dumps NDC For APC
By Sabiu Abdullahi
A long-time associate of Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Kabiru Abdullahi, has left the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Abdullahi announced his resignation from the NDC in a letter addressed to the chairman of the party in Kofar Ruwa Ward, Dala Local Government Area of Kano State.
His defection comes ahead of the 2027 general elections and adds to the political realignments within Kano State as major parties position themselves for the next electoral contest.
Abdullahi, who has been associated with Kwankwaso for several years, did not state in the report the reasons for his decision to quit the NDC and join the APC.
The development is expected to attract attention within political circles in Kano, given Abdullahi’s previous relationship with the NDC’s vice-presidential candidate.
40 Days After Wedding, Bauchi Woman Arrested Over Alleged Poisoning of Husband
By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Aisha Musa, over an alleged attempt to poison her husband at Gwamma Village in Bauchi Local Government Area.
The police said the suspect had been married for about 40 days when she allegedly put a poisonous substance in her husband’s food on August 12, 2026.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Nafiu Habib, said the command received a distress call from an unidentified woman in the Wunti Dada area of Bauchi at about 7:40 p.m.
According to Habib, officers attached to the ‘C’ Division, Tafawa Balewa Estate, were dispatched to the location after the report.
The victim was taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi for medical attention. He was said to be in stable condition at the time of the report.
Police said Musa was arrested soon after the alleged incident. Habib added that the suspect allegedly admitted involvement during questioning.
Investigators also recovered an empty bottle suspected to have contained the poisonous substance and portions of the meal. The items were taken as exhibits as part of the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
“The suspect will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation,” the police spokesman stated.
The command reiterated its appeal to members of the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities to the police or the nearest security formation.
Makinde Picks Ex-DSS DG Lawal Daura As Running Mate For 2027
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has selected former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Daura, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
The announcement was made on Thursday at the APM national convention held at the Government House in Bauchi.
A statement by Dotun Oyelade, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, said Makinde unveiled Daura as his choice for the vice-presidential slot at the gathering.
Makinde said the former DSS chief was selected in response to the security challenges facing the country. He expressed confidence that Daura’s experience would help address the insecurity affecting Nigerians.
The governor also said he was prepared to tackle the country’s worsening poverty situation, which he attributed to poorly implemented policies over the past three years.
The APM candidate said his administration would seek cooperation with politicians who share his vision as part of efforts to improve the country after the 2027 election.
Makinde declared his intention to contest the presidency on May 14 at a joint mega-rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and APM in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
At the time, he said his decision to seek the presidency was driven by the need to reset the country. He also maintained that the challenge extended beyond securing victory at the polls, as Nigerians deserved a genuine opportunity to determine the nation’s direction.
Daura served as DSS Director-General from July 2015 until August 2018. His tenure ended after he was reportedly removed over a controversial DSS operation at the National Assembly complex.
Before his latest political move, Daura was an aspirant for the governorship ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State.
He resigned from the ADC on Sunday and announced plans to join the APM. He cited what he described as injustice and instability within the party as reasons for his departure.
Daura’s selection by Makinde marks another major development in the political realignment ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Some Political Lessons Are Learned in Classrooms, by Maji Bappa Maina
By Maji Bappa Maina
Others are learned in the field, through years of organising people, managing interests, building trust, resolving disagreements, and understanding the mood of communities.
That kind of experience cannot simply be transferred by appointment.
It is earned.
At the Osun APC Governorship Mega Rally, Governor Mai Mala Buni brought more than a title to the campaign.
He brought years of tested experience in grassroots mobilisation, political organisation and stakeholder engagement.
Having worked through different layers of political leadership, Governor Buni understands a fundamental reality of electoral politics: elections are ultimately about people.
Crowds may fill a rally ground, but mobilisation goes deeper than numbers.
It is about reaching communities.
It is about understanding local concerns.
It is about connecting party structures with the people.
It is about turning political organisation into collective action.
That was the significance of Governor Buni’s visible role at the Osun rally.
His presence reflected the value of experience when it is put to work, not kept within the boundaries of an office.
There is an interesting lesson here for political organisations.
Every generation of politicians brings something different.
The younger generation may bring energy, technology and new communication strategies.
Seasoned political actors bring institutional memory, relationships, political judgement and an understanding of how to bring diverse interests together.
When these strengths meet, mobilisation becomes more strategic.
Governor Buni’s role in Osun therefore goes beyond participating in a campaign.
It demonstrates how political experience acquired over many years can be deployed beyond one’s immediate political environment to strengthen a wider party organisation.
For the APC, that experience is an asset.
For political leadership, it is a reminder that influence is most valuable when it can be transferred, shared and put to work for a collective purpose.
And perhaps that is one of the quiet strengths of experience:
when the moment demands it, experience does not need to announce itself. It simply steps forward and gets to work.
:Maji Bappa Maina
Political Writer | PhD Researcher,
Voice of Development, Leadership & Public Insight
Kano Govt Allocates Plots To 1,000 Youths, Total Beneficiaries Hit 3,500
By Uzair Adam
The Kano State Government has allocated plots of land to 1,000 youths drawn from the 44 local government areas of the state, bringing to about 3,500 the number of beneficiaries of its recent land allocation exercises.
The latest exercise comes about two weeks after the government distributed land allocation documents to about 2,500 political appointees and polling agents, as part of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s efforts to expand home ownership, reduce the housing deficit and empower different segments of the state’s population.
Representing the governor at the latest allocation ceremony, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, said the initiative was particularly significant because it focused on one of the state’s greatest assets — its youth.
Yusuf said 1,000 young men and women from across the 44 local government areas had been selected to benefit from the programme, describing the allocation as part of his administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people to own assets, build wealth and become productive contributors to society.
“Land remains one of the most valuable assets anyone can own. It appreciates over time, creates economic opportunities, provides security for families, and serves as a foundation upon which lasting wealth can be built,” the governor said.
He said providing young people with access to land would lay the foundation for a generation of homeowners, entrepreneurs, developers and investors.
According to him, the programme formed part of the administration’s broader strategy to gradually bring different segments of Kano society onto the housing ladder, reduce the state’s housing deficit, expand home ownership and improve living standards.
The governor stressed that the beneficiaries were not receiving just any plots, but land within government-approved and professionally designed layouts.
He said the layouts had been planned with wide access roads, drainage systems, schools, healthcare facilities, places of worship, parks, open spaces, markets and security facilities.
“These layouts are not very much different from what we have in Nassarawa GRA. Such planning ensures orderly development, protects the environment, improves public safety, and significantly enhances the long-term value of your property,” Yusuf said.
The governor urged the beneficiaries to protect their allocation documents and avoid disposing of their plots hastily for immediate financial gains.
“Do not regard this allocation document as ordinary pieces of paper. They represent opportunity. They represent dignity. They represent security. And they represent the beginning of a brighter future for you,” he said.
Yusuf assured young people in Kano that his administration would continue to create opportunities for their economic and social empowerment, noting that government was also investing in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, skills development, industrialisation, technology and enterprise development.
He urged the beneficiaries to remain law-abiding, hardworking and committed to the development of their communities, saying they should serve as good ambassadors of Kano State.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Abduljabbar Muhammad Umar, described the allocation as another “bold and unprecedented initiative” by the Yusuf administration aimed at empowering Kano youths.
Umar said the 1,000 beneficiaries were drawn from across the 44 local government areas of the state, adding that the exercise demonstrated that the administration was not merely making promises but was committed to fulfilling them.
He said Governor Yusuf recognised young people as “the greatest asset of Kano State” and believed that every hardworking young person deserved an opportunity to own land, build a home, create wealth and secure a better future for their families.
The commissioner explained that the latest programme was part of a wider government vision to bring different segments of Kano society onto the housing ladder, expand home ownership, reduce the housing deficit and ensure that more citizens had legally recognised and secure properties.
He also emphasised the quality and planning of the layouts where the beneficiaries were allocated plots.
“These are government-approved layouts professionally planned by experts and every layout has been carefully designed with proper road networks, drainage systems, schools, healthcare facilities, open spaces and security facilities,” Umar said.
Umar urged the beneficiaries to value the opportunity, warning them against treating the allocation documents as ordinary papers or rushing to sell their plots because of immediate financial needs.
“My advice to every beneficiary is simple: value this opportunity. Do not regard these allocation documents as ordinary papers and do not rush to sell them because of immediate financial needs,” he said.
He advised them to protect their documents, develop their plots when they were able to and allow the properties to serve as the foundation of their families’ future.
The commissioner further said the administration had declared what he described as a decisive war against illegal land grabbing, locally known as “Awon igiya”.
He assured that the government would continue to recover public lands, prosecute offenders and restore sanity to land administration across the state.
Umar congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to remain responsible, productive and law-abiding citizens while supporting government programmes and serving as ambassadors of the administration.
INEC Confirms Onor as PDP’s Flagbearer, Ending Speculations of Jonathan’s Return
By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially nominated Senator Sandy Onor as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, putting to rest widespread speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan would be the party’s flagbearer.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already published Senator Onor’s name as the PDP’s presidential candidate, contrary to rumors that had been circulating heavily on social media platforms.
The announcement was made on May 26, 2026, at a ceremony in Abuja, where former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom formally unveiled Onor as the party’s consensus candidate. The event was held under the leadership of PDP National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, who endorsed the decision.
Onor was presented with his Certificate of Return and the party’s official flag during the gathering, which was witnessed by INEC officials who were present to observe the proceedings.
The development marks a significant shift in the PDP’s strategy ahead of the 2027 elections, as the party rallies behind the Senator from Cross River State as its standard-bearer.
Freed Kogi Abductees Recount Nearly 48-Hour Ordeal in Captivity
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Two of the 16 victims rescued from kidnappers in Kogi State have recounted their experience in captivity, including threats to hand them over to ritualists if their ransom demands were not met.
The victims, Ngozi Stephen and Joshua Daniel, spoke on Tuesday at the Kogi State Police Command headquarters after their release.
The victims were reportedly abducted on Sunday after armed criminals attacked commuters along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area.
Security operatives later rescued them on Monday along the Ajaokuta-Anyigba road in Ofu during a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, police and local vigilantes.
A local hunter was killed during the operation, while a police officer sustained injuries.
According to the security authorities, the rescued group comprised six adult males, six females and four children. They were undergoing documentation, medical checks and reunification with their families.
Ngozi said the kidnappers made her act as an interpreter because she could speak Hausa fluently.
She said the abductors assigned different ransom amounts to the victims and ordered her to communicate the demands to them.
“So they told me, tell this person N50 million, tell this person N100 million, tell this person N70 million. That was how they were sharing it,” she recalled.
“So I would tell them, okay, this is what they said, this is the amount they said you should bring.
“Even me, they said N70 million. So even when I tried to plead and ask them to reduce it a little, they threatened to beat me up because they were beating people and all that.”
Ngozi said the kidnappers did not beat her, possibly because they needed her services as an interpreter.
She added that the abductors collected the victims’ mobile phones and switched them off. The phones were brought back only when the kidnappers wanted the victims to contact their relatives about ransom payments.
“At some point, they were even threatening that if we were not able to provide the money, they would just sell us to ritualists and all that,” the lady narrated.
She said the kidnappers abandoned the victims and fled after hearing gunshots from the security forces. They also left behind a bag containing phones and laptops taken from the abductees.
“We were able to get back our phones. We were also able to get back the laptops. Thank God. We are now safe,” she said.
‘I BLED THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT’
Daniel, another rescued victim, said he sustained a serious injury while attempting to escape from the abductors.
He said he noticed an opening shortly after their abduction and ran towards a nearby bush. One of the kidnappers pursued him and attempted to attack him with a weapon.
Daniel said he raised his hand to shield himself, but the weapon cut his vein.
“That is when the cutlass landed here and cut my vein. So, I was bleeding throughout the night,” he said.
“But the bleeding stopped this morning when I got some herbs and put them on the wound before the bleeding stopped.”
Daniel said one of his captors introduced himself as Peter. He added that the kidnappers spoke Igala, Fulani and Hausa among themselves to prevent the victims from understanding their conversations.
He expressed appreciation to the security personnel who rescued them but lamented the death of the local hunter during the operation.
Daniel also said he helped carry the injured police officer from the kidnappers’ hideout to the main road despite the injury to his hand.
“Even when I had this cut on my hand, I helped in carrying the officer from where we were held captive to the main road where we entered the car. My hand was swelling,” he added.
Sheikh Jingir: I Won’t Apologise For Muslim-Muslim Ticket Advocacy
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Islamic cleric Sani Jingir has defended his call for a Muslim-Muslim leadership ticket in Nigeria, saying he has no regret over the controversial position.
Jingir spoke in an interview with BBC Hausa on Tuesday, days after he urged Muslims at a mass wedding in Kano to use their numerical strength when choosing political leaders.
The mass wedding, organised by the Kano State Government, involved 1,500 couples.
During his address at the event, the cleric had urged Muslims to “vote in a manner that would reflect their numerical strength in the country”.
Jingir said his position was rooted in his religious convictions and was not an endorsement of President Bola Tinubu or former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“I have absolutely no regrets. I stand firmly by my words and will never apologise. I will continue to advocate for a Muslim-Muslim ticket,” he said.
The cleric said he regarded the pulpit as a sacred platform for educating Muslims and communicating what he believes to be the truth.
He also said he regularly teaches his congregation that political participation is a religious responsibility.
According to him, Muslims should take part in politics based on their convictions rather than accept financial inducements from politicians.
“I am not campaigning for Bola Tinubu, I am campaigning for my religion,” he said.
“As I have stated before, my advocacy for a Muslim-Muslim leadership structure is not about Tinubu or Muhammadu Buhari. It is strictly for the sake of Allah.
“My additional perspective is that today’s world is filled with propaganda, which fails to let people truly understand the situation they are in. The preaching podium is a sacred space meant for education.”
Jingir said he was aware that his position would attract criticism but insisted that public opposition would not make him abandon his views.
He also maintained that advocating for Muslim candidates did not take away the right of Nigerians to vote for candidates of their choice.
The cleric said his appeal was for Muslims to support a “righteous and better Muslim”, while stressing that corruption and stealing are prohibited in Islam.
“If you know you are speaking the truth, you must never allow public criticism to discourage you, which is why I continuously emphasise this message,” he said.
“I have already mentally prepared for the backlash. Whatever they say about me, I am fully ready to face it.
“My words carry no harm. I explicitly stated that people are free to vote for whoever they want, while I will personally do what aligns with my beliefs.”
Jingir further claimed that his position had received substantial backing from Muslims across the country.
“I swear that I have received immense support from the Muslim community. A vast majority of Muslims agree with this stance,” he added.
“Look at what happened during my address in Kano. I asked the crowd if they stood with Islamic principles, and they overwhelmingly responded in the affirmative.”
His comments have since attracted criticism from some Nigerians.
INEC Releases 2027 Election Campaign Timetable
By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially unveiled the campaign schedule for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, setting clear timelines for political activities as stipulated in the Electoral Act 2026.
According to the commission, campaigns for presidential and National Assembly seats will officially commence on 19 August 2026 and conclude on 15 January 2027, just one day before the scheduled election on 16 January 2027.
For governorship and state assembly elections, campaigning will begin later, on 9 September 2026, and run until 5 February 2027, with polling day fixed for 6 February 2027.
The electoral body reaffirmed that campaigns must not start earlier than 150 days before the date of each election, and all campaign activities must cease at least 24 hours before polling begins.
Political parties, candidates, and their supporters are reminded to strictly adhere to the approved timeline, as any violation could attract legal sanctions under the provisions of the Electoral Act.
INEC further called on all stakeholders to respect the timetable and work together toward ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process in 2027.