By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has insisted that no court ruling can substitute the verdict of Nigerian voters, declaring that he remains on the ballot and will not abandon his campaign.

In a statement issued in Sokoto on Friday, Atiku said the latest court ruling should not be mistaken for the will of Nigerians, warning against attempts to weaken the opposition ahead of the polls.

“No manipulation, conjecture or concoction can erase our place in this contest, silence our campaign or deny Nigerians the right to choose their future,” he said. “We are on the ballot, and the people must be allowed to decide.”

Atiku accused those in power of deploying political pressure, manufactured narratives and courtroom manoeuvres instead of presenting their record to Nigerians. He also alleged attempts to compromise the voters’ register with AI-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities, saying such actions risked pushing Nigeria towards a one-party state.

He cited the removal of the fuel subsidy without adequate protection for citizens, the steep decline of the naira, rising food prices, closure of factories and small businesses, youth emigration and persistent insecurity as failures of the current government.

“Market stalls stand empty. Feeding your family has become a daily struggle. Fuel prices keep rising, and silent pain fills homes across the country,” Atiku said, urging supporters not to lose hope.

He vowed to resist what he described as efforts to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, calling for a free, fair and credible contest.

“Let me be clear to every Nigerian who has stood with us: I am in this race. I am not going anywhere. We will be on the ballot,” he said. “Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box.”

Atiku urged Nigerians to remain calm, united and resolute, saying his campaign’s message on the cost of living would not be silenced.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commissioned a Quick Response Squad of the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, alongside operational equipment worth hundreds of millions of naira, to strengthen the fight against drug abuse, thuggery and illicit trafficking in the state.

The Daily Reality reports that the development was announced in a statement issued by Lamara Garba, Secretary of the Task Force’s Media and Publicity Committee, following the commissioning ceremony held on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

Speaking at the event, Yusuf expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded in the state’s campaign against drug abuse, saying the sustained efforts of the government and its partner agencies were gradually yielding positive results.

“I am the happiest man in Kano today as we continue to push drug abuse down to the barest minimum,” the governor declared.

He said the newly established Quick Response Squad would strengthen the operational capacity of the task force by enabling it to respond promptly to reports, incidents and emerging threats associated with substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

Yusuf also described the newly procured equipment as a significant investment in the state’s security and public health, stressing that relevant agencies must be adequately equipped to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse.

The governor emphasised that the fight against substance abuse should go beyond arrests and prosecution, noting that rehabilitation, skills acquisition and reintegration were equally important in addressing the problem.

He said his administration would sustain support for skills acquisition and apprenticeship programmes to enable rehabilitated persons to become economically productive and reduce their chances of returning to drug use and other criminal activities.

Yusuf commended the chairman and members of the Multi-Agency Task Force for their commitment and dedication, saying their achievements within a relatively short period demonstrated the importance of collaboration among government agencies and other stakeholders.

The governor, accompanied by the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Ismaila Falgore, and other senior government officials, also inspected the newly commissioned facility and operational equipment.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, pledged the task force’s continued commitment to tackling substance abuse and illicit trafficking across Kano State.

Rimin Gado said the Quick Response Squad and the newly acquired equipment would significantly improve the agency’s ability to respond to drug-related challenges and protect communities from the consequences of substance abuse.

He assured the governor that the task force would sustain its operations, stressing that addressing drug abuse required consistency, determination and effective collaboration among relevant agencies.

The chairman also appreciated Yusuf for his political will and continued support, saying the government’s backing had strengthened the task force’s capacity to discharge its responsibilities without fear or favour.

He further described the fight against drug abuse as a collective responsibility involving government institutions, security and regulatory agencies, traditional and religious leaders, parents, communities and educational institutions.

Rimin Gado pledged that the task force would intensify its preventive, enforcement, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes to reduce substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has explained that delays in receiving notifications for its N50,000 household relief grant are due to the phased disbursement of payments, assuring Nigerians that the absence of an immediate message does not automatically mean they have been excluded.

The government disclosed this in the frequently asked questions published on the programme’s website, explaining that approved payment providers were contacting beneficiaries in batches.

It said some selected recipients might receive their notifications later as the payment process continued.

However, the government clarified that not everyone would benefit from the current phase of the intervention, as the programme was designed to support a limited number of households at a time.

Nigerians seeking to confirm their eligibility were advised to dial the USSD code of their respective payment providers and follow the instructions to check their status.

Those who have not been selected would receive a notification stating: “You are currently not selected to receive this relief support.”

Five payment providers approved

The N50,000 intervention is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to help vulnerable households cope with rising living costs.

Under the programme, selected beneficiaries receive ₦50,000 each through mobile wallets operated by five approved payment providers: ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.

According to the government, beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records. Individuals cannot independently apply or pay to secure a place on the beneficiary list.

It added that selection was based on need, with beneficiaries drawn from the six geopolitical zones, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

Those selected are notified through text messages from their respective payment providers, with instructions on how to accept the grant.

Recipients must accept the offer through the USSD code provided in the notification before the money is credited to their mobile wallets.

FG warns against grant fraud

The government warned Nigerians against fraudsters demanding money to facilitate inclusion in the programme or accelerate payment.

It stressed that nobody could add an individual to the beneficiary list or speed up the disbursement process in exchange for payment.

The government also clarified that the N50,000 support is a grant, not a loan, and recipients are not required to repay the money.

It said accepting the offer, receiving the funds and responding to official programme messages are entirely free.

Beneficiaries were further cautioned against disclosing their personal identification numbers, one-time passwords or Bank Verification Numbers to anyone claiming to assist with their payments.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has attributed recent electricity supply disruptions in Lagos, Abuja, Ogun, Kwara and Oyo states to gas shortages, maintenance challenges and reduced output from hydropower plants.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, acknowledged the worsening electricity situation, assuring consumers that the government was working with relevant agencies and electricity distribution companies to restore normal supply.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Adeola Adelabu, Tegbe said preliminary assessments indicated that the disruptions were not caused by a major or systemic failure of the national grid.

He explained that maintenance and operational challenges across parts of the electricity value chain, inadequate gas supply to thermal power stations and reduced water inflows into hydropower reservoirs had affected electricity generation.

The minister said the government had engaged the Transmission Company of Nigeria, Nigerian Independent System Operator and electricity distribution companies to address the challenges and accelerate ongoing maintenance.

He acknowledged the difficulties faced by households, businesses and public institutions as a result of the reduced supply.

The latest electricity allocation figures showed that the 11 distribution companies received a combined 2,926 megawatts as of 4:41pm on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

Abuja Electricity Distribution Company received the highest allocation of 633MW, representing approximately 21.6 per cent of the total.

Ibadan Disco received 391MW, followed by Port Harcourt Disco with 320MW. Benin Disco got 264MW, Eko Disco 256MW, Enugu Disco 253MW and Ikeja Disco 249MW.

Kano Disco received 173MW, Kaduna Disco 167MW, Jos Disco 146MW, while Yola Disco received the lowest allocation of 74MW.

The figures represent electricity allocated to the distribution companies at the stated time and do not necessarily reflect the actual power delivered to consumers.

FG clears 44 containers of abandoned power equipment

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has facilitated the release of 44 containers of electricity equipment that had been stranded at Apapa ports in Lagos, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s power infrastructure.

Tegbe disclosed that more than 300 containers had remained stranded at the ports, with some reportedly abandoned since 2014.

He said the clearance followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive after the last Federal Executive Council meeting, mandating the Ministry of Power to work with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Ports Authority to resolve outstanding issues.

According to the minister, the first 44 containers have been released, and technical experts will inspect their contents before they are deployed.

He explained that equipment found to be serviceable would be used for ongoing electricity projects, while unusable materials would be disposed of appropriately.

The development follows the recovery of 110 abandoned containers and 216 packages by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company under its Managing Director, Jennifer Adighije.

That recovery reportedly saved more than ₦30 billion and helped unlock approximately 470 megawatts of electricity generation capacity through recovered turbines.

Although the latest clearance is expected to provide additional equipment for power infrastructure projects, the ministry has not disclosed the specific contents or condition of the 44 containers, or when the materials will be deployed.

The Daily Reality

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has vowed to appeal a Federal High Court ruling delivered on Thursday that nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and his candidacy.

Atiku described the judgment as an attempt to weaken the opposition and frustrate his ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election, according to Punch.

He also questioned why a fresh suit was filed against the Mark-led ADC leadership despite an earlier court decision affirming its legitimacy. He said he would take the matter to a higher court.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under former Senate President David Mark and voided actions taken by the party’s caretaker committee, including the process that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

In the ruling delivered on Thursday, November 5, 2026, Justice Peter Lifu held that the caretaker committee led by David Mark did not validly assume leadership of the party. The court consequently set aside the decisions taken by that leadership.

The judgment followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman for the North-East, challenging the legitimacy of David Mark’s leadership. Those affected by the ruling may still appeal to the Court of Appeal.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Composite Brigade have killed two suspected kidnappers and recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition during a follow-up operation in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The operation, conducted on November 3, 2026, followed an earlier raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the forest on November 2.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed the development in a statement issued late Tuesday.

He explained that the follow-up operation involved tracking suspects who fled during the previous raid and clearing other hideouts believed to be used by the criminal group.

Items recovered by the troops included two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, 438 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition and 4,725 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The military also recovered two bandoliers, two mobile phones and a power bank.

According to the statement, the operation consolidated the gains made during the previous day’s raid and demonstrated the brigade’s determination to sustain pressure on criminal groups operating within its area of responsibility.

The Army added that troops continued to dominate the general area, with their morale and operational efficiency remaining high.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by the 12 Brigade, in collaboration with the Kogi State Police Command and other security agencies, to combat kidnapping and improve security across the state.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Bandits who abducted 15 students of an Islamic school in Niger State have reportedly demanded more than ₦100 million for their release.

The schoolteacher, Malam Aminu Bako, confirmed the ransom demand on Wednesday, saying the kidnappers had contacted village leaders following the abduction.

Bako also released the names of the 15 students still in captivity and appealed to the government to deploy military personnel to rescue them.

He expressed concern over what he described as the lack of substantial rescue efforts since the incident, noting that local vigilantes, the school and the victims’ families had been making efforts to secure their freedom.

According to him, the only government and security officials who had visited the community were the acting chairman of Rafi Local Government Area and the Divisional Police Officer.

Bako further disclosed that information gathered by local vigilantes suggested that the children were still being held somewhere in Niger State, inside an isolated building guarded by heavily armed men.

“We heard that they are still within Niger State, locked in a building, probably without food. We are worried; we want the authorities to come to our aid to rescue them,” he said.

He maintained that military intervention was necessary to secure the students’ release.

The 15 abducted students were identified as:

1. Hassana Isah
2. Aliya Ahmad
3. Hajara Musa
4. Hauwa’u Abubakar
5. Halima Yahaya
6. Asma’u Jamilu
7. Radiya Salisu
8. Aminatu Salisu
9. Aisha Bello
10. Rahinatu Sani
11. Aminatu Alhassan
12. Nafisa Ayuba
13. Bilkisu Adamu
14. Salaha Abdullahi
15. Hajara Salisu

The students were reportedly abducted while assisting their Islamic schoolteacher, Bako, on his farm at Tungan-Bako village in Rafi Local Government Area over the weekend.

The development has renewed calls for urgent security intervention to ensure the safe return of the children.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Senate has commenced consideration of President Bola Tinubu’s request to obtain an external loan of $7.7 billion, equivalent to approximately ₦10.79 trillion, as part of the Federal Government’s financing plan for the 2026 fiscal year.

The request was referred to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts on Wednesday for detailed examination, with the committee directed to submit its report as soon as practicable.

Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter dated October 26, 2026, and addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.

The letter sought legislative approval to borrow $7,707,404,882.49, equivalent to ₦10,790,366,835,481, using the budget exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the dollar.

The proposed external borrowing forms part of the ₦29.2 trillion new borrowing provision in the 2026 Appropriation Act, which comprises ₦18.4 trillion in domestic loans and ₦10.79 trillion in external financing.

According to the President, the borrowing is intended to help finance the projected ₦31.4 trillion budget deficit for the year.

Tinubu said the proposal complies with Sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office (Establishment, etc.) Act, 2003, which require external borrowing proposals to receive approval from the National Assembly.

Eurobonds to receive priority

The President explained that the government would explore several financing options, taking into account borrowing costs, the benefits of each arrangement and the time required to secure the funds.

However, he indicated that greater attention would be given to Eurobond issuance because of its relatively faster processing and capacity to raise substantial funds.

Other options listed in the letter include concessional and commercial loans from multilateral and bilateral institutions, facilities from the International Monetary Fund, bridge financing, loan syndications and direct borrowing from international financial institutions.

Tinubu acknowledged that the final interest rates, repayment periods and other conditions would depend on market conditions at the time the financing arrangements are concluded.

He assured lawmakers that the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Debt Management Office would work together to negotiate favourable terms for Nigeria.

Sectors to benefit from the loan

The President said the proposed funds would support projects and programmes captured in the 2026 budget, particularly in defence and security, transportation, agriculture, power, education and healthcare.

He argued that the additional financing would provide resources for implementing key budgetary programmes and sustaining the administration’s economic reforms.

Tinubu also said the foreign currency proceeds would be received by the Central Bank of Nigeria on behalf of the Federal Government, thereby contributing to the country’s external reserves.

According to him, the expected increase in reserves would provide additional support for the naira and strengthen Nigeria’s external position.

Akpabio urges favourable borrowing terms

Reacting to the request, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the need for the government to negotiate favourable conditions and carefully examine the economic implications of any borrowing agreement.

He cautioned against accepting loan arrangements without considering their costs and repayment obligations.

Akpabio subsequently referred the proposal to the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts for further scrutiny before the Senate takes a final decision.

The request comes amid continuing concerns over Nigeria’s rising public debt, debt-servicing obligations and reliance on borrowing to finance annual budget deficits.

While the Federal Government maintains that borrowing is necessary to address revenue shortfalls and fund infrastructure and development projects, questions remain about the sustainability of the country’s debt profile and the capacity of borrowed funds to generate returns that justify their cost.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Olujuwon Obasanjo, son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 after joining the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement as Special Adviser on Political Affairs.

Olujuwon announced his position on Wednesday during a visit to the movement’s headquarters in Abuja, where he was received by its National Coordinator, Sunday Asuku.

He described his appointment as an honour and commended the group for its grassroots mobilisation, community engagement and efforts to promote the activities of the Tinubu administration.

According to him, he had followed the movement’s activities for some time and was impressed by its work, expressing readiness to contribute to its objectives and the President’s second-term ambition.

“President Tinubu has started on a good note, making it necessary for Nigerians, particularly young people, to join hands to sustain the ongoing reforms and ensure continuity in governance,” he said.

Olujuwon also cited salary payments, infrastructure development and investment opportunities as areas where he believed the country had recorded progress, arguing that the gains should be sustained.

He expressed confidence that continued support for Tinubu would enable the administration to consolidate its achievements and deliver more benefits to Nigerians.

The former President’s son further disclosed that he had been a member of the All Progressives Congress since 2014.

He noted that members of his family were free to hold different political views and pursue their interests without hostility.

Welcoming him to the movement, Asuku described Olujuwon as an experienced political figure whose background in leadership and governance would strengthen the organisation’s mobilisation activities.

He expressed confidence that the new appointee would use his political experience to advance the movement’s objectives across the country.

Olujuwon’s declaration comes as political groups and parties intensify activities and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Daily Reality