Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim, a Nigerian academic from Kano and lecturer at the University of Cologne, Germany, has urged Islamic clerics in Northern Nigeria to stop using religion to campaign for politicians with questionable records.

Ibrahim, who is also active on social media, made the call in a Facebook post on Tuesday while reflecting on the changing role of Islamic scholars in Northern Nigerian society.

He recalled the late Malam Jaafar Mahmud Adam as an example of a cleric who combined strong Islamic scholarship, powerful oratory and independence from political authorities.

Ibrahim specifically cited Sheikh Jaafar’s resignation from the Kano State Hisbah Board during the administration of former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau as an indication of his independence from state power.

According to him, Jaafar’s sermons commanded attention because he was willing to speak against those in authority regardless of who occupied political office.

“While, of course, times have changed and many people today lack that religious fervor, we apparently no longer have clerics like Malam Jaafar. His colleagues, including his contemporaries or students, are either in politics or lack that charisma,” he wrote.

The university lecturer said he was “deeply embarrassed” by the conduct of some religious scholars who use their platforms to support politicians despite corruption allegations and questionable records.

“I feel deeply embarrassed by the conduct of some so-called religious scholars. I am of the opinion that everyone has the right to join politics. But how so?” Ibrahim stated.

He urged clerics to separate religious guidance from political support for individuals whose conduct contradicts the values they preach.

“I kindly urge our clerics to stop using religion to campaign for corrupt politicians and others with very questionable records. It’s counterproductive to the religious injunctions you preach. Islam, or any other religion for that matter, doesn’t condone corruption and injustice,” he said.

Ibrahim also called on Islamic scholars to use their pulpits to demand greater protection for Nigerians amid worsening insecurity across the country.

“Our clerics need to change course. Use your pulpits to call on the government to protect the lives and the businesses of the Nigerian citizens,” he said.

He expressed concern over the spread of kidnapping, noting that innocent Nigerians were being abducted from places that should ordinarily provide safety.

“From mosques to markets, schools, and houses, innocent people have been kidnapped. Pressure the authorities to stop this madness. This is the leadership we need,” Ibrahim added.

Ibrahim’s comments come amid renewed public discussions about the role of Islamic scholars and religious institutions in Nigerian politics, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, in the Facebook post, he did not specifically mention the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or any particular political party or candidate.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Abdul’Aziz Yari, Director-General of the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign council, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure another term in office at the 2027 presidential election.

Yari, a former Zamfara State governor and serving senator, spoke at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where he also predicted that the APC would remain in control of the presidency beyond 2031.

His remarks followed the unveiling of the APC presidential campaign council by the Presidency, with Tinubu named as chairman.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda are among the principal members of the council. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma was named secretary, while Yari was appointed Director-General.

The composition of the council has generated criticism, especially over the inclusion of serving government officials and individuals whose alleged financial misconduct cases remain unresolved.

Betta Edu, a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, and Ngozi Olejeme, former chairperson of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, are among those whose membership has attracted scrutiny.

Despite the criticism, Yari said he was certain that the campaign council would deliver victory for Tinubu in 2027.

“Today, we have seen him as president today, and by God’s grace, he shall be the president come 2027,” he said.

Yari also promised that the ruling party would honour the commitments it made to Nigerians during the 2023 election campaign.

“I want to assure Nigerians that whatever promise we made during the campaign, we shall keep to our promises. Our party is synonymous with keeping to our words,” he said.

The former governor appealed for divine wisdom for Tinubu and said the campaign council would work towards the fulfilment of the administration’s promises.

“We pray that Almighty Allah will give him the wisdom to lead this country. We assure Nigerians that we shall fulfill all our campaign promises,” Yari said.

He further predicted that the APC would remain the ruling party after Tinubu completes a possible second term.

“We pray that our party will continue to be the party to lead the country after President Tinubu’s second term,” he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Senator Abdulaziz Yari, representing Zamfara West, has pledged to work towards President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 presidential election after his appointment as Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council.

Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, made the commitment on Saturday in a statement where he expressed appreciation to Tinubu and the APC leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility.

He said he accepted the appointment with “deep gratitude” and “full seriousness”.

“My sincere thanks go to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party for the trust placed in me, and to our party leadership for the confidence. I do not take it lightly,” he said.

Yari said the 2027 campaign would go beyond seeking votes, as it would provide an opportunity to discuss the country’s future with Nigerians across different regions and backgrounds.

“A campaign is more than an election. It is a conversation with the Nigerian people in every state, every language, every faith about the future we are building together,” Yari said.

“We intend to lead that conversation with discipline, unity, and respect for all.”

The senator urged APC members and supporters to take an active part in the campaign, stressing that every party member would have a role to play.

“To our teeming members and supporters across the country: the work begins now, and there is a place for everyone in it,” he said.

He also appealed to Nigerians from different political backgrounds to consider supporting Tinubu’s bid for another term.

“And to Nigerians of every political leaning, this is a moment to choose progress over division. We will earn your confidence not with noise, but with a record we can stand behind,” he said.

Yari expressed confidence that the APC would secure victory in the election with the collective efforts of party members and supporters.

“By the grace of God, and with the effort of us all, we will deliver victory in January 2027.”

The APC announced a 108-member Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election on Saturday.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, was named secretary of the council, while Tinubu will serve as chairman. Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, were appointed vice-chairmen.

According to the list released by Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru and Hadiza Bala-Usman were appointed deputy secretary and assistant secretary respectively.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially inaugurated the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, naming former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari as Director-General and Governor Hope Uzodimma as Secretary.

The announcement, made on Saturday, August 22, 2026, establishes a comprehensive structure to steer the party’s re-election bid in the January 2027 presidential elections. President Tinubu will serve as Chairman of the council, with Vice President Kashim Shettima as Vice Chairman.

The campaign council’s leadership includes Party Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as Vice Chairman, while APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Bashiru and Hadiza Bala-Usman have been appointed as Deputy and Assistant Secretaries respectively.

A distinguished body of advisers will guide the Chairman’s office, comprising Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Segun Osoba, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, and Senator Florence Ita Giwa.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abass, and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni have been assigned as Deputy Director-Generals for the campaign in the southern and northern zones. They will work alongside Senator Bamidele Opeyemi and Senator Jibril Barau in their respective regions.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole will serve as Deputy Director-General for Mobilisation, while the President’s Chief of Staff has been appointed as Deputy Director-General for Administration.

James Abiodun Faleke, who played a pivotal role in the 2022/2023 campaign, returns as Deputy Director-General for Election Planning, Coordination and Monitoring. He will work with zonal directors across the six geopolitical zones:

1· South West: Senator Olushola Adeyeye

2· South South: Dr Ngozi Olejeme

3· South East: Senator Uche Ekwunife

4· North West: Muntaqha Rabe

5· North Central: Ahmed Muhammed Ketso

6· North East: Senator Sani Danladi

Ms Stella Okotete, Engineer Abdullahi Garba Ramat, and Audu Maikori will serve as secretaries of the election planning directorate.

Muiz Adeyemi Banire will lead the legal directorate as Director, with Dr Liman Hassan and Babatunde Ogala as deputies. Other members include Prince Lateef Fagbemi, former Governor Ibrahim Shema, Worgu Boms, and Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, will serve as Coordinating Director for Media and Strategic Communication, working alongside Dele Alake, Bayo Onanuga, and Lanre Issa-Onilu. The media directorate also includes Tunde Rahman, Sunday Dare, Daniel Bwala, and Felix Morka as coordinating deputy directors.

Abdulaziz AbdulAziz will work with Temitope Ajayi, Arabinrin Aderonke, and Frederick Nwabufor as coordinating secretaries of the media directorate. Segun Dada returns as Director of New Media, with Solomon Arowolo serving as Secretary of New Media.

The campaign has appointed five spokespersons, led by Dele Alake. Other spokespersons are Alwan Hassan, Ayobami Oyalowo, Kemi Asekun-Shittu, and Adamu Fanda.

President Tinubu has charged all council members to work tirelessly to deliver victory for the party in the January 2027 elections. He has also encouraged leaders of the various directorates to reach out to other party members who may not have been formally listed to join their crucial efforts.

“We have delivered on our campaign promises and set our country on a path of economic progress. We are definitely out of the dark tunnel and are now at the cusp of reaping the benefits of a prosperous economy that will benefit all Nigerians,” President Tinubu stated.

“As we march into the campaign season, we have many achievements to trumpet—let us confidently showcase our record and inspire hope in every corner of our nation. Let us soundly defeat all those forces who plan to take our country backwards.”

The announcement signals the formal commencement of APC’s campaign machinery ahead of the 2027 general elections, with a structure that blends experienced political operatives with strategic administrative personnel.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has cautioned against the use of excessive security force or government institutions to gain political advantage in the Osun State governorship election.

Atiku spoke at the ADC National Youth Leadership Summit in Abuja, where he described the August 15 election as an important test of Nigeria’s commitment to credible elections ahead of the 2027 general election.

He questioned the scale of security deployment around the poll, saying the posture appeared closer to a military operation than a democratic exercise.

“Elections are civil engagements, not military operations. Ballot papers are not bullets. Voters are not enemy combatants. Opposition members are not insurgents,” Atiku said.

‘POLICE, MILITARY BELONG TO NIGERIA’

The former vice-president also questioned why similar security resources were not directed towards terrorists, kidnappers and bandits who attack communities and kill Nigerians.

He warned security personnel against intimidating opposition supporters or allowing government institutions to influence the outcome of the election.

“The police belong to Nigeria. The military belongs to Nigeria. INEC belongs to the Nigerian people. None of them belongs to the APC,” he said.

Atiku called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that election materials reach polling locations on time and that eligible voters can cast their ballots without obstruction.

He also urged the commission to prevent what he described as “mysterious glitches, unexplained delays or manipulation” during accreditation, vote counting and the transmission of results.

“The world is watching Osun. Nigerians are watching. History is taking notes. Let the people vote. Let every vote count. And let the will of the people prevail,” he said.

The ADC presidential candidate also spoke about his plans to increase the participation of young people in politics.

He said his political programme would provide that at least 30 per cent of legislative candidates be below 40 years old, with a substantial number below 30.

Atiku urged Nigerian youths to turn their frustration into active political participation instead of limiting their engagement to social media.

“Anger is not an organisation. A hashtag is not an organisation. Your time is not tomorrow. Your time is now,” he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Nigerian Army colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji, has said his alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration was motivated by patriotism and concern over the country’s worsening condition, rather than a quest for personal power.

Ma’aji, who has been accused of spearheading the alleged coup plot, cited economic difficulties, poor governance and concerns over the welfare of Nigerians and military personnel as factors that influenced his actions.

“What has happened has a very long history, and it is driven by patriotism and I love the job and country,” Premium Times quoted Ma’aji as saying.

“What has happened has a very long history, and it is driven by patriotism and I love the job and country,” he said.

“As we are all sitting down here, we have our biases and our thoughts and concerns on what was going on in our country from a state of gradual decline up to now, and we are almost at the point of collapse.”

The colonel also pointed to his personal financial difficulties as part of what shaped his concerns about the country.

“Every time I look at how I’m struggling to raise 5 children with my meager salary, I get worried,” he said.

“I attended Army Day Secondary School, but today, how many of us afford to take our children to these schools, and for one reason or the other, which is connected to the bad governance.”

Ma’aji further raised concerns about the treatment of military personnel, particularly soldiers who suffered injuries during combat.

He alleged that some wounded soldiers receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna were not getting adequate care. He said the situation reflected wider challenges within the armed forces.

According to the colonel, his concerns convinced him that significant changes were necessary to prevent further deterioration in the country.

“The summary of all this is that this action was driven by the desire to have a prosperous nation and country that we all can be proud of. It got to a point that I was worried that if nothing is done, we may not have a country to call our own in the near future,” he said.

Ma’aji said the alleged plan was still at the mobilisation stage when he was arrested. He explained that the intention was to bring together military officers who shared similar concerns about the state of the nation.

“Nigeria was turning into a banana republic right before our eyes. We know that during the era of the military regime, the country was functioning better. I believe that, as it is now, we are on a dangerous trajectory,” he added.

“The plan was to get enough officers of like minds who could participate. We were still at the stage of mobilizing to get more officers involved.

“This team has not been fully formed because there were supposed to be other meetings. There was no D-Day. We were waiting for the availability of resources and more officers and soldiers.”

He claimed that he personally financed a significant portion of the alleged plan, while Timipre Silva was said to have provided about N400 million.

Ma’aji denied any foreign involvement in the alleged plot and said no specific date had been fixed for its execution.

He also denied contacting some senior military officers. However, he said dissatisfaction among members of the armed forces and his unsuccessful promotion attempts were among the factors that contributed to the revival of the movement.

The colonel called for the establishment of a formal avenue through which military officers could present their grievances to the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, without fear of punishment.

He also advocated better salaries, improved welfare packages, stronger pension benefits and better educational opportunities for military personnel. He called for stronger measures against corruption within the country and the armed forces.

Ma’aji also criticised the removal of the fuel subsidy, arguing that the policy should have been phased out gradually.

Following his arrest and subsequent interaction with the panel investigating the matter, the colonel said he had reconsidered his approach and appealed for leniency.

“From the time I have been arrested till now, If I were to be released and these issues in the country persist, I will consider a different approach,” he said.

“We are pleading for leniency and pardon as first offenders. The system should take a deep breath and pardon us. They should give us a chance to mend our ways. We have no other country than Nigeria and no other job.

“This incident has really opened our eyes and has changed our mindset forever. It was not intended to destabilize the country at all.

“Everything we planned was born out of patriotism, love of country, and the desire to have a prosperous Nigeria that we all can be proud of.”

The alleged coup plot, which was uncovered in late September 2025, led to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade and changes within the military hierarchy.

The development also resulted in the removal of Christopher Musa as Chief of Army Staff at the time.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Residents of Benue State have expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s infrastructure development agenda as a presidential media team concluded an inspection tour of key federal and state projects across the region on Thursday.

The delegation, led by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, inspected several ongoing and completed infrastructure projects, including the Buruku-Logo Bridge, the Wurukum Overhead Bridge in Makurdi, and the 22-kilometre Makurdi-Gboko Road, which forms part of the Phase II Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Expressway.

The tour, organised by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors with over 40 editors and journalists in attendance, aims to independently assess and document the implementation of key projects under President Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking during the inspection, Onanuga emphasised that the Buruku-Logo Bridge is one of five federal bridges under construction in Benue State, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to utilising borrowed funds for productive infrastructure development.

“This bridge in particular is the fifth bridge the Federal Government is building in Benue State. I think as Nigerians you see that the government has been accused of so many things including taking loans. You can now see where the money is going,” Onanuga stated.

He noted that the 1,754-metre bridge, expected to be completed by December 2027, would reconnect previously isolated communities, reduce travel time, and improve market access for farmers across Benue, Taraba, and Adamawa states.

Residents of the host communities expressed appreciation for the projects, describing the bridge as a “life-saving intervention” that would end years of dangerous river crossings and reduce frequent boat accidents during rainy seasons.

The inspection also covered the 25.6-kilometre Captain Dan Road to the Tor Tiv Palace, the Food Basket Brewery Limited, and the federally-funded rehabilitation of the Buruku-Gboko Water Treatment Plant at Ameladu Headworks.

Benue State Deputy Governor, Dr Samuel Ode, who accompanied the team, commended the Federal Government’s investments and expressed confidence that residents would support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

“Actually, this road serves as the gateway between the north of the country and the south. Before now we used to have a heavy gridlock here especially during festivities, so the governor of Benue State approached Mr. President for us to have an overhead bridge here,” Ode said regarding the Wurukum Overhead Bridge project.

“The President in his magnanimity, graciously approved the construction of this overhead bridge. So work has commenced, moving at a very high speed and the people of Benue are happy.”

The tour showcased projects financed through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, with officials assuring that funding remains adequate for timely completion.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress has questioned the independence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after President Bola Tinubu directed the agency to return to court and withdraw its order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government.

The opposition party said the President’s directive had raised concerns about the extent of executive influence over the anti-corruption agency.

Tinubu had on Thursday ordered the EFCC to immediately return to court to vacate the order freezing the state government’s accounts.

The President said the commission acted within its legal powers but faulted the timing of the action, which came days before the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

Tinubu said he felt “deeply embarrassed” by the development because actions taken by federal agencies are often associated with the presidency. He also said no action should create an impression that the Federal Government was attempting to influence the outcome of the election.

The EFCC had earlier defended the freezing of the accounts. The commission said it was investigating alleged mismanagement of ecological and intervention funds by the Osun State Government and had detected suspicious transfers during the investigation.

The commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, also described the action as a routine measure and rejected claims that it was politically motivated. He cited a similar restriction placed on the accounts of the Edo State Government before its 2024 governorship election.

Reacting to the President’s directive in a statement on Thursday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, welcomed the decision but said Tinubu’s explanation had created additional questions.

“What we find most curious about the statement is the President’s repeated reference to an alleged court order authorising the freezing of the Osun State Government’s accounts,” he said.

“In all of its public statements on this matter, the EFCC never once claimed that it had obtained a court order. The commission consistently defended its actions on the basis of its statutory powers and what it described as its ‘preventive mandate’.

“At no point did it inform Nigerians that a court had authorised its actions. The obvious question, therefore, is: where did the President obtain the information that a court order existed? If such an order exists, why was it never mentioned by the EFCC in its statement while defending one of the most controversial actions it has taken in recent times?

“If no such order exists, why would the president introduce one into the public narrative? It is either the president was misinformed or he had chosen to misrepresent the facts. Either possibility is deeply disturbing.”

The ADC also said the President’s admission that he directed the EFCC to withdraw the matter from court appeared inconsistent with claims that anti-corruption agencies operate independently.

“The President also insists that he does not interfere in the operational activities of anti-corruption agencies, yet in the same statement he publicly announces that he has directed the EFCC to approach the court, vacate the alleged order, and discontinue its case,” Abdullahi said.

“If the President possesses the authority to direct the EFCC to withdraw from court proceedings because the political consequences may affect an election, then it follows that he possesses the authority to direct the commission in other operational matters as well.

“The net implication is that the carefully cultivated argument that these agencies operate entirely independently collapses under the weight of the President’s own statement.”

The dispute comes less than two weeks before the August 15 Osun State governorship election, which has heightened political attention around actions involving the state government and federal institutions.

The ADC said the circumstances surrounding the account freeze and the subsequent presidential directive required further clarification from the Federal Government and the EFCC.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately vacate a court order freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government, citing concerns over the timing of the action just days before the state’s gubernatorial election.

The President issued the directive on Thursday, August 6, 2026, following the EFCC’s successful application for a court order on August 5, freezing the state government’s accounts.

In a statement from the State House, President Tinubu expressed deep embarrassment over the development, though he clarified that his discomfort was not with the EFCC’s statutory mandate but with the timing of the agency’s action.

“Since assuming office, I have consistently maintained that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies must be allowed to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently, professionally, without fear or favour, or political interference,” the President stated.

Tinubu emphasized his deliberate policy of non-interference in the operational activities of investigative and prosecutorial agencies, describing strong democratic institutions operating within the confines of the law as indispensable to good governance and the rule of law.

However, the President noted that while he had not been fully briefed on the facts that informed the EFCC’s decision to approach the court, the timing was “inauspicious,” warranting his intervention.

“Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election. Therefore, nothing ought to be done to give an impression that the EFCC or indeed any other agency of the federal government is being used to interfere with the election,” Tinubu stated.

The President directed the EFCC to “immediately proceed to the court to vacate the order and discontinue whatever action it has instituted against the Osun State Government.”

The intervention comes as political tensions rise in Osun State ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election, with opposition parties and civil society groups closely monitoring federal agencies’ activities in the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has approved a new salary structure that will increase the earnings of personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces by between 30 and 80 per cent.

The approval, which will take effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The statement explained that the salary adjustment was designed to favour lower-ranking personnel with higher percentage increases.

Under the new arrangement, officers from the rank of Brigadier-General and above, including Major-General, Lieutenant-General and General, as well as officers above the rank of Colonel, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.

Personnel from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increase, while soldiers from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent raise.

The new package will increase the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, which represents an additional ₦264 billion.

President Tinubu said the salary review reflects the Federal Government’s appreciation of the sacrifices made by military personnel in tackling banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across the country.

He said, “The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation.”

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of troops and strengthening the country’s military capabilities.

“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties,” he said.

Tinubu also stressed the importance of security to national development.

He said, “Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.”

The President urged members of the Armed Forces to see the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s gratitude for their service.

“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland.

“Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” he said.