By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Multiple U.S. service members have been injured in an Iranian missile strike on an air base in Kuwait within the last 24 hours, according to a report from Bloomberg News.

Citing an unnamed official, the report states that two MQ-9 Reaper drones were also destroyed in the attack. While the Fateh-110 missile was successfully intercepted, debris from the strike fell inside the Ali Salem base, causing damage and injuries.

Security sources indicate that the attack comes amid rising tensions in the Persian Gulf region. Both the United States and Kuwait had previously confirmed a similar attack in recent days, though the timelines of the reports have not been consistent.

Earlier, U.S. Central Command stated that a missile had been fired from Iran toward Kuwait on May 27, which was also successfully intercepted.

Separately, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed the strike was retaliation for U.S. attacks near Bandar Abbas, stating it targeted a base believed to be the source of U.S. operations.

The incident occurred as U.S. President Donald Trump met with his advisors on Iran policy, while the White House reiterated that any agreement with Iran must accept U.S. terms.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The crisis engulfing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) burst into the open again this week as a faction loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike flatly denied any plans to field former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 presidential election—even as a competing splinter group moved to ratify him as its candidate.

The Wike-backed faction, which claims legitimacy as the party’s authentic leadership, said Jonathan has neither purchased nomination forms nor engaged with its structure.

“Goodluck has not purchased our form yet and he has not been romancing with us, so we are not expecting him to come,” Mohammed Haruna Jungudo, National Publicity Secretary of that faction, told reporters. “You are not talking to Kabiru Turaki’s group.”

The denial came days before a parallel faction led by former Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki scheduled a special national convention for May 30 at the A’ Class Event Centre in Wuse 2, Abuja, to formally ratify Jonathan as its presidential flag bearer.

On May 19, 2026, the Turaki faction’s screening committee—chaired by former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu—granted Jonathan a waiver and cleared him as its sole presidential aspirant, citing his prior service as deputy governor, governor, vice president, and president.

“He has been declared and cleared as a candidate of the PDP for the presidential election,” Aliyu said.

The PDP has been mired in leadership disputes since losing power in 2015, with multiple factions operating parallel structures and pursuing court battles. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognizes certain leadership claims while other groups exist in legal limbo. Key fault lines involve Wike, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and other chieftains vying for control.

Jonathan, who served as president from 2010 to 2015 and has largely stayed out of active politics since leaving office, has not publicly confirmed or denied interest in a return. He did not appear for screening, and his team has maintained a low profile, fueling speculation.

A federal High Court in Abuja recently dismissed a suit challenging Jonathan’s eligibility, ruling he can contest and awarding costs against the plaintiff—a decision the Turaki faction hailed as a victory.

Political analyst Victoria N. Ikeano described the situation as “a mystery,” suggesting it could be either a calculated strategic ruse or a reflection of factional maneuvering with no real candidate yet.

Meanwhile, another faction has reportedly adopted former Senator Sandy Onor as its consensus presidential candidate, further illustrating the multiple parallel tracks within the fractured opposition party.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has said the Allied People’s Movement (APM) will not rely on electoral malpractice to secure victory in the 2027 general elections.

The governor made the remark on Thursday during the affirmation of candidates for elective offices at the Government House in Bauchi. He stated that while the party would conduct its campaigns based on its achievements and programmes, it would not tolerate any attempt to deny it victory through electoral fraud.

“We are not going to underestimate our competitors. Even if a child born today is a candidate, I am going to deal with him like a grown-up person,” Mohammed said.

“It is a new game entirely. We are going back to the people to sell our credentials and what we have done. We will not urge anybody to rig for us, but we will not allow anybody to rig us. This is our policy.”

Mohammed also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process.

According to him, the party is prepared to accept the outcome of the election, provided the process is fair and reflects democratic principles.

“If we win, we will accept it. If we lose, we will accept it, especially where there is transparency, justice and equity. That is democracy,” he said.

In a post on his X account on Friday, the governor disclosed that the APM had presented Yakubu Adamu, the state commissioner for finance, as its governorship candidate for the next election. Mahmood Abubakar was unveiled as the party’s deputy governorship candidate.

Mohammed, who recently joined the APM, also expressed appreciation to party members for endorsing him as the senatorial candidate for Bauchi South.

“This development reflects our collective determination to strengthen unity within the party, expand our support base, and position ourselves for success in the 2027 elections,” he wrote.

The governor further urged party supporters and members to remain committed to the party’s vision and work toward what he described as a brighter and more prosperous future for Bauchi State.

By Uzair Adam

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to assert stronger authority against individuals undermining his administration in the state.

Sanusi made the remarks during the traditional post-Eid homage visit to the governor, a long-standing cultural practice observed after Sallah celebrations in Kano.

The emir said effective leadership requires a balance of justice and authority, citing the Qur’an to support his position.

According to him, Allah, after mentioning messengers and revealed books in the Holy Qur’an, also referred to iron, which scholars interpret as a symbol of strength and authority necessary for the protection of justice.

He commended Governor Yusuf for investments in education, healthcare and social welfare programmes but cautioned against showing undue respect to individuals who do not value it.

Sanusi noted that many residents now perceive the governor as excessively tolerant because of the growing disorder in parts of the state.

He advised the governor to demonstrate firmness by ensuring that law-abiding citizens continue to live peacefully while those violating the law face appropriate consequences.

The emir added that reactions from the gathering indicated public support for decisive leadership and pledged the emirate council’s support for the administration, stressing that the success of the government is tied to Kano’s collective progress.

In his response, Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the emir and members of the emirate council, while apologising for the cancellation of the Hawan Daushe procession during the Eid celebrations.

The governor explained that the decision was taken to prevent possible violence and maintain public safety.

Yusuf stated that he fears no one except Allah and said his restraint in handling sensitive issues was aimed at protecting lives and preserving peace in the state.

He also recalled previous incidents of violence during public outings, insisting that security considerations informed the government’s actions.

Security agencies have repeatedly suspended Sallah horse-riding activities in Kano amid tensions surrounding the ongoing emirship dispute involving Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero, which remains before the court.

By Uzair Adam

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), says the administration of President Bola Tinubu has achieved between 65 and 70 per cent success in addressing insecurity, terrorism and other security threats across the country.

Speaking on ARISE TV during a programme marking Tinubu’s three years in office, Musa said terrorism in Nigeria had been reduced significantly, leaving mostly isolated incidents such as kidnappings.

“We’ll give 65 to 70 per cent performance in the fight against terrorism and insecurity. No nation is totally free from crime and criminality,” he said.

According to him, the level of terrorism across the country has reduced drastically, adding that many current security challenges are linked to societal problems and declining family values.

The defence minister described kidnapping as more of a social crisis than purely a security issue, noting that some cases now involve relatives abducting one another.

“We have fathers kidnapping children, children kidnapping each other, brothers kidnapping sisters. It tells you that something is wrong with the family,” he said.

Musa also blamed greed and the desire for quick wealth for the rise in kidnapping and related crimes, urging Nigerians to embrace hard work instead of shortcuts.

He cited the recent killing of a deputy ISIS commander as evidence of improved military operations, explaining that the operation followed months of surveillance and intelligence gathering.

“The recent killing of that deputy ISIS commander was a painstaking operation that began since last year. We followed through and ensured we were certain of our target before striking,” he said.

The minister added that security agencies were receiving stronger cooperation from Nigerians, which he described as a major operational advantage in the fight against insecurity.

He also highlighted support from international partners including the United States, Britain, France, Brazil and Turkey, saying the countries were providing expertise and platforms to strengthen Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.

Musa warned against allowing terrorism to become deeply rooted in Nigeria, citing Turkey’s decades-long battle against insurgency as an example of how difficult it can be to reverse.

His comments come amid concerns over rising abductions in parts of the country. Amnesty International recently reported that at least 1,100 people were kidnapped between January and April 2026.

By Uzair Adam 

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has responded to recent remarks by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, saying the former Kano governor was also once under his political mentorship.

Ganduje, who is currently in Saudi Arabia performing the Hajj pilgrimage, made the response in a statement released on Friday through his Chief of Staff, Comrade Muhammad Garba.

The statement followed comments credited to Kwankwaso in which he reportedly said, “Even Ganduje was once my boy.”

Reacting to the remark, Ganduje said politics thrives on mentorship, sacrifice, support and long-standing relationships, noting that no politician attains prominence without assistance from others along the way.

According to the statement, Ganduje recalled playing a significant role in Kwankwaso’s early political journey, especially during the National Assembly election that led to his emergence as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“At that period, Ganduje could comfortably have described Kwankwaso as his political boy, considering the moral and financial support he offered him,” the statement read.

The former APC chairman further recalled that during his time as a senior civil servant in the Federal Capital Territory and later as Kano State Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Kwankwaso frequently visited him in both Abuja and Kano.

Ganduje said reviving “boy-master” narratives in present-day politics was unnecessary at a time citizens expect leaders to focus on governance, peace and development.

He also revisited the 1998 Kano governorship primaries, claiming that many party stakeholders believed he won the contest but that senior political figures persuaded him to accept the deputy governorship position alongside Kwankwaso in the interest of party unity.

Despite their political disagreements over the years, Ganduje noted that he and Kwankwaso worked together successfully as governor and deputy governor between 1999 and 2003, and again from 2011 to 2015.

He added that political relationships naturally evolve, citing the example of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who once served as Kwankwaso’s Personal Assistant but later rose to become governor of the state.

“Politics should not be reduced to who is superior to the other. A father can nurture a child who eventually surpasses him in influence and status,” Ganduje stated.

He urged political leaders and supporters in Kano State to avoid divisive comments and instead concentrate on promoting unity, peace and development across the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops attached to Operation Enduring Peace have arrested two soldiers over their alleged involvement in an assault incident in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident reportedly left three vigilante members and a woman injured.

Details of the development emerged in a post shared on Thursday night by security analyst, Zagozala Makama, on X.

According to the report, the incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on Thursday in Kugiya, located in the Bukuru area. The confrontation allegedly followed a disagreement linked to the seizure of a motorcycle and the presence of suspected armed men in the area.

Security sources disclosed that troops from Sector 6 under Operation Safe Haven responded after receiving a distress call.

The operatives reportedly discovered that three vigilante members and a woman identified as Mrs. Kaneng Nyang Bot sustained injuries during the incident.

The two soldiers were later taken into custody over their alleged roles in the assault.

They were identified as Pte. Adam Saheed of the 123 Special Forces Battalion, who was said to be on pass, and Gnr. Mohammed Shuaibu of the 351 Artillery Regiment attached to the 376 Artillery Regiment in Damaturu. Reports indicated that Shuaibu’s pass had expired since April 24.

Preliminary investigations suggested that the clash started during an attempt to confiscate a motorcycle at the scene.

The soldiers are currently in custody and are expected to undergo disciplinary and administrative procedures.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has presented 300 Saudi Riyals each to pilgrims from the state currently performing the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The governor handed out the gifts during a visit to the pilgrims at their tents in Muna on Thursday night.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Malam Ibraheem Musa, stated that each pilgrim would receive the equivalent of about N114,000 based on the current exchange rate.

According to the statement, Governor Sani praised the pilgrims and the management of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency for the successful conduct of this year’s Hajj exercise.

He also commended the Kaduna State Hajj Delegation Committee led by Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha for ensuring a smooth operation throughout the pilgrimage.

The governor said his administration made every possible effort to ensure that pilgrims from the state enjoyed a successful Hajj exercise.

He, however, apologised for any minor shortcomings recorded during the exercise, stressing that they were not intentional.

Governor Sani stated that “as human beings, we can only plan but only Allah(SWT) determines the final outcome.”

While narrating his experience during the visit, the governor explained that the distance between his tent and the pilgrims’ location was estimated at between two and three kilometres.

“The distance from where his tent was situated and where the pilgrims are staying, was estimated to be between 2 to 3 kilometers. Averagely, I would have arrived here in no time.

“However, all roads leading to this area have been blocked and I had to trek for four to five hours before reaching here,” he said.

The governor urged the pilgrims to continue praying for peace and stability in Nigeria, noting that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.

He also prayed for Allah to guide those causing unrest in society if they are willing to change, and to distance them from society if they refuse to abandon their actions.

According to him, political ambition and the pursuit of public office should never be placed above the lives of Kaduna citizens.

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, said Governor Uba Sani had consistently approved requests aimed at improving pilgrims’ welfare and enhancing the Hajj exercise.

He thanked the governor for supporting the agency and easing challenges associated with the pilgrimage.

Also speaking, the Auditor General of Kaduna State, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi, said no Kaduna governor had visited pilgrims in their tents since 1999 until Governor Uba Sani’s visit.

He urged the pilgrims to continue supporting the governor and praying for lasting peace and development in Kaduna State.

By Ukasha Kofarnassarawa 

Like almost everyone, I saw that Sheikh Ali Isa Ibrahim Pantami is now PDP’s gubernatorial flag bearer for Gombe State. Congratulations to him. Pantami is now everything he once criticised. But that’s not my focus here; the internet has receipts for anyone interested in digging.

The real calculation:

Amid all the “consensus-coronation” drama unfolding nationwide, many observers expected Sheikh to defect to either ADC or the NDC, which are seen as the strongest opposition blocs. But Abuja is playing a different game. This looks calculated.

Right now, the entire core North — both North-West and North-East — is held by APC governors, except Bauchi, which lately switched to APM. The party’s structure and acceptability are widely seen as weak, and the state is likely to return to APC in the next election, given its current flag bearer, the former governor of the state.

For the President’s party, having zero opposition across the whole core north would be a dangerous optics problem. It would look like a monopoly. To avoid that, Abuja needs to “sacrifice” 2  core northern states to the opposition, just to create balance. One in the northwest and the other in the northeast.

And among all opposition parties, PDP is the “lesser evil” from Abuja’s view because one of its sons controls a major faction there. So Pantami decamped to the PDP, which functions as an extension of the APC. The plan: he gets “appointed” governor to create the illusion of balance, then switches to the main APC immediately after winning.

Abuja’s handwriting is not hard to understand.

Ukasha Kofarnassarawa wrote via Ukasha_sani@yahoo.com.

By Uzair Adam

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has lamented the worsening insecurity and economic hardship in the country, saying ransom payments have become as common in many Nigerian homes as rent and school fees.

Atiku, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu for celebrating Nigeria’s debt profile while citizens continue to battle hunger, insecurity and rising living costs.

The former vice president was reacting to recent remarks by the Presidency defending the country’s borrowing level in comparison with other African nations.

According to him, the government’s position showed a disconnect from the realities faced daily by ordinary Nigerians.

“It is both astonishing and insulting that at a time when millions of Nigerians can barely afford one meal a day, when parents are withdrawing children from school because of crushing hardship, when businesses are collapsing under unbearable electricity tariffs and inflation, and when entire communities are being overrun by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, the Presidency is celebrating debt figures,” he said.

Atiku said insecurity had made travelling by road dangerous in many parts of the country, while families now live in fear of kidnappings and attacks.

“In many parts of Nigeria today, travelling by road has become a gamble with death. Families go to bed praying not to receive midnight calls announcing the abduction of loved ones,” he stated.

He also linked the country’s worsening food crisis to insecurity, noting that many farmers had abandoned their farmlands because of attacks by armed groups.

“Food production has declined sharply because rural communities now live under constant threat of attacks, abductions and killings. The inevitable result is what Nigerians are currently witnessing — astronomical food prices, widespread hunger and rising anger among citizens,” Atiku added.

The Waziri Adamawa maintained that borrowing is not necessarily wrong if funds are invested in projects capable of improving infrastructure, boosting productivity and creating jobs.

However, he argued that Nigerians had seen little improvement in their living conditions despite the government’s increasing debt profile.

He accused the administration of focusing on propaganda rather than addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.

Atiku further recalled that the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in which he served as vice president, implemented reforms that helped Nigeria exit the Paris Club debt burden and restore international confidence in the economy.

“Nigerians do not care about statistical gymnastics from government spokespersons. They care about whether food is affordable, whether their children are safe, whether businesses can survive and whether the future still holds any promise,” he said.

He urged the Tinubu administration to confront the country’s challenges with sincerity, urgency and compassion before the situation worsens further.