Tinubu

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff has criticised Peter Obi’s call for President Bola Tinubu to resign over Nigeria’s security challenges. He alleged that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate supports the Biafra cause and therefore lacks the moral standing to make such a demand.

Sheriff made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme. He reacted to Obi’s recent call on President Tinubu to resign or step aside over the country’s worsening insecurity.

The former governor alleged that Obi had never condemned the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or its ideology. He argued that Obi’s position on the issue makes him “the most unqualified person” to call for the president’s resignation.

“This country, Nigeria, fought a civil war. Our leaders sacrificed their lives to fight that war to keep the country together, both leaders from the north and the south,” the former governor said.

“The cause of the war was Ojukwu’s demand to secede. Peter Obi, up to this moment, is pursuing the division of Nigeria.

“How? Because he believes in Biafra. He never condemned Biafra. He never condemned IPOB.

“Biafra is secession. Our leaders fought to keep the country together. He wants to divide Nigeria.”

When asked how a politician seeking Nigeria’s presidency could also seek to divide the country, Sheriff challenged Obi to publicly reject the allegation.

“He should deny it,” the former Borno governor said.

“He should come to this station and say he doesn’t believe in dividing the country.

“He should deny it. I am confronting him, telling him this is what he stands for.”

Sheriff maintained that anyone aspiring to lead Nigeria must be committed to preserving the country’s unity.

“People like Obasanjo, General Yakubu Gowon, T.Y. Danjuma, General Shua, and General Abacha all have bullet wounds on their bodies because they fought to keep Nigeria together,” he said.

“Anybody aspiring to lead Nigeria must be someone who stands for Nigeria, not for any section.”

Obi has repeatedly called on President Tinubu to resign in recent weeks. On June 22, the former Anambra State governor described the administration as a “monumental failure” and urged the president to leave office. He said his position was influenced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s resignation speech, which addressed public dissatisfaction over economic conditions and unfulfilled campaign promises.

On Sunday, Obi renewed the demand after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reportedly stated that Nigeria failed to record some public spending in various budgets. He said the development raised fresh concerns about what he described as widespread corruption under the Tinubu administration.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A member of the House of Representatives, Yusuf Gagdi, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration deserves recognition for the steps it has taken to address insecurity across the country, even though the problem has not been completely resolved.

Gagdi, who represents the Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke Federal Constituency of Plateau State, spoke on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

The lawmaker argued that it would be inaccurate to claim that the federal government has failed to make efforts to tackle security challenges.

“If the truth be told, I will say the truth irrespective of your understanding about the truth that I am saying,” he said.

“I will not refuse to tell you here that the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not make any effort towards solving the security problem.

“Promising to fix the security problem and putting effort towards fixing the security problem should both be recognised.”

Gagdi stated that although insecurity remains a major concern in the country, the government has continued to demonstrate commitment towards confronting the challenge.

He also disclosed that he had openly criticised certain security policies of the current administration during proceedings at the House of Representatives.

The APC lawmaker, however, accused some opposition politicians of taking advantage of the country’s security difficulties for political gain instead of presenting practical solutions.

According to him, some political actors appear more interested in drawing attention to the suffering of Nigerians than suggesting ways to improve the situation.

Gagdi added that national discussions should centre on finding solutions to insecurity rather than using the issue for partisan interests.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said he believes President Bola Tinubu will continue to receive God’s guidance to lead Nigeria until 2031.

Umahi made the remark on Thursday during an inspection of ongoing bridge projects in Lagos State. The projects included the Carter Bridge, which is expected to undergo reconstruction from next week.

The minister said the current administration would continue to enjoy divine backing as it works to address national problems, especially insecurity.

“The same God that brought him is going to be there to solve all the problems,” Umahi said.

He also appealed to Nigerians to cooperate with the Federal Government and support efforts aimed at restoring security across the country.

According to him, every government desires peace and stability, but leaders must take action whenever challenges emerge.

“There is no leader who will not want his reign to be peaceful, but when crises come, the leader must confront them. That is exactly what we are doing,” he stated.

Umahi added that regardless of the cause of insecurity in the country, he remained confident that Tinubu would receive the wisdom and strength needed to handle the situation and other national issues.

The minister also expressed confidence that projects initiated by the administration would be completed successfully.

“Your hands that have started this will complete it,” Umahi stated.

Speaking on the reconstruction of Carter Bridge, Umahi disclosed that the project is expected to last for about three years.

“It is within our five-year plan,” he added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has announced that multiple road projects in Nigeria’s South East region—first conceived during the colonial era but abandoned for decades—are now being actualised under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking on Saturday in Ebonyi State during a tour of legacy projects with senior journalists and government officials, Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, highlighted the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue Trans-Saharan Superhighway as a strategic corridor for the South East, South South, and parts of the North Central region.

“It is a colonial-era dream long forgotten, but President Tinubu has revived it, and construction is now underway. We must thank him immensely,” Umahi said.

The minister reported steady progress on the project, noting that Section One, initially 118 kilometres, has been extended to 123.6 kilometres, with a contract sum of ₦45 billion. Dualisation works are ongoing.

Section Two, which runs from the Aboadi border through Benue and Kogi States to Nasarawa, has been awarded at ₦668 billion. Umahi said the project has reached about 28% completion in some areas, with work continuing through the rainy season due to President Tinubu’s adoption of concrete road technology.

“The Trans‑Sahara Superhighway is not just a road; it is an investment corridor that will catalyse trade in agricultural produce like cassava, yams, cashews, and palm oil from Cross River, Benue and Ebonyi, while also connecting Nigeria to Cameroon,” Umahi explained.

He noted that concrete road technology, pioneered by President Tinubu as governor, is now being deployed nationwide. Umahi expressed the South East’s gratitude for what he called an end to decades of exclusion. “All our forefathers sought—inclusiveness—we have it now,” he said.

During the tour, the team inspected critical bridges in Section One, concrete pavement on the Onueke section, and the 1.3-kilometre Ndi-Egbe Bridge in Afikpo LGA, Ebonyi, which links Ugep in Cross River State and is expected to be completed by December 2026.

The Onueke Flyover in Ebonyi’s Central Senatorial District, a ₦35 billion project, stands 90 metres high and is flanked by a 2.2-kilometre road on both sides, designed to decongest the highway.

Meanwhile, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru declared that his state remains the safest in Nigeria, with no reported kidnapping cases since he assumed office. Receiving the media delegation in Abakaliki, Nwifuru thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructure development in the South East and highlighted numerous completed and ongoing projects across the state, including rural roads, primary health centres, and water schemes.

“We have kept contractors busy in the state with projects spread across every local government area. We do not even view the road projects as a big deal because we have road projects scattered all over the state,” Nwifuru said.

South East governors and leaders are scheduled to converge on Abakaliki on Monday for a major rally to endorse President Tinubu for a second term. Umahi said Governor Nwifuru would lead the people of Ebonyi State at the rally to show appreciation to the President.

The National Media Tour, organised by the Governor Hope Uzodimma-led Renewed Hope Ambassadors in collaboration with the Presidential Media Team, will proceed from Ebonyi to Enugu State on Monday, and later to Abia, Anambra, and Imo States.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has praised the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that the achievements recorded in Abuja and other parts of the country should give the President confidence about public support.

Wike made the remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of Arterial Road N5 in Abuja. He challenged residents of the FCT to point out any area where they believe the government has failed to make an impact.

According to the minister, the ongoing reforms and infrastructure projects undertaken by the administration have brought visible development to the nation’s capital.

He said: “If we truly believe that good governance is what will make people want to bring you back to office, then I don’t think Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be sleeping with one eye open. No, he should sleep with both eyes closed.

“I challenge anyone in this FCT to come forward and say they do not feel the presence of government or see its impact.

“When we were working on this road, and thank God it is good to come out and see what is happening instead of staying in the office, Julius Berger was facing a challenge.

“The community said the company would not proceed with the road project because they had not been compensated for the demolition.”

Wike noted that despite the initial concerns raised over compensation issues, the project was successfully completed and has now been delivered for public use.

The minister maintained that the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and service delivery continues to reflect the government’s efforts to improve the lives of residents in the Federal Capital Territory.

By Uzair Adam

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has argued that any vote cast for former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2027 election would ultimately work in favour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.

Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV, Okonkwo said the opposition must unite behind a single candidate if it hopes to defeat the incumbent president in the next general election.

According to him, a divided opposition would only increase Tinubu’s chances of securing another term in office.

“Whether directly or indirectly, anyone dividing opposition votes is helping Tinubu. When coalition and opposition votes are split, it places Tinubu in a stronger position to win,” he said.

Okonkwo also criticised Obi’s reported withdrawal from coalition discussions within the ADC, alleging that the former Anambra State governor was unwilling to participate in a competitive primary election.

“Nobody compelled Peter Obi to join the ADC. He joined voluntarily, but just a week before the deadline, he withdrew and explained his reasons.

“You cannot avoid a primary election and still expect to lead a country facing serious challenges. Leadership requires confronting challenges, not running away from them,” he stated.

The former Labour Party spokesperson further claimed that Senator Victor Umeh had previously suggested that the South-East’s best chance of producing a Nigerian president would be through a political alliance with northern leaders.

“When we were joining the ADC, Victor Umeh told me clearly that the best opportunity for the Igbo to produce a president was to align with the North, with Peter Obi serving as vice president,” Okonkwo alleged.

He further claimed that Umeh had informed him that Obi was not receptive to such advice.

“I asked him if he had discussed it with Obi. He said yes, but described Obi as stubborn, saying he would rather continue pursuing his own approach,” Okonkwo added.

Reiterating his position, Okonkwo urged opposition supporters to carefully consider the implications of their choices ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“To be clear, anyone voting for Peter Obi in 2027 is indirectly voting for Tinubu. Remember that I said this,” he maintained.

His remarks come amid ongoing consultations and coalition talks among opposition parties and political stakeholders seeking a united front ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A high-level Federal Government delegation on Sunday visited Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.

The visit came as part of immediate federal interventions aimed at strengthening security in the area. President Bola Tinubu subsequently approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State in collaboration with the state government.

The delegation also informed community leaders and lawmakers that the request for the establishment of a military base in the affected area would be transmitted to the President for consideration and possible approval.

In addition, the President directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify operations aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. Other members included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

Gbajabiamila, who addressed residents in English and Yoruba, said the President’s decision to send top security officials to the affected communities reflected his commitment to ensuring the safe return of the victims.

“Mr. President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely.

“He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective.

“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.

“Mr. President also saw the appeals from some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts. Let me assure you that the operation will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims,” he said.

The delegation also visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso land, HRM Kabiyesi Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with him and members of his domain.

They further met the wife of a deceased school teacher, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, alongside her two children, where the Chief of Staff conveyed the President’s condolences and assurance of support for the family.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday assured Nigerian children held captive by criminals in Oyo, Borno, and other states that they have not been abandoned by his administration, as he issued a series of directives to security agencies to intensify rescue operations nationwide.

In a Children’s Day statement released by the State House, the President also acknowledged the pain of grieving families, saying, “Your government will not turn your pain into ceremony.”

The address, which coincided with Eid-el-Kabir, struck a somber tone as Tinubu noted that while the nation celebrates its youngest citizens, some children and their teachers remain in captivity instead of being home with their families.

“To those children, their parents, and their teachers, I say this as a father and your President: you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned,” Tinubu said.

He directed all relevant security agencies to sustain and intensify coordinated rescue operations for abducted children and other vulnerable citizens, insisting that such operations must be “intelligence-led, carefully executed and focused on the safe recovery of our children.”

The President also ordered the strengthening of school protection measures in high-risk areas, including updated school vulnerability mapping, closer coordination between state governments and security commands, rapid response links between schools and local security units, and stronger community-based early warning systems.

The Federal Ministry of Education, working with state governments, is to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework “with clear reporting, clear responsibility and clear timelines,” Tinubu added.

Beyond rescue, the President directed relevant ministries and agencies to ensure recovered children receive proper reintegration support, including medical attention, counselling, education, and dignity. “Rescue is not the end of the government’s duty,” he said.

Tinubu also appealed to parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, transport unions, local vigilantes, and the media to play active roles in protecting children, warning that silence about suspicious movements around schools places children at risk.

“The fight to protect children must begin before an attack happens, not after one has already occurred,” he said.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in education, healthcare, nutrition, social protection, digital skills, and safer communities, adding: “Childhood must not be a privilege reserved for a few. It is the right of every Nigerian child.”

He ended with a direct message to Nigerian children: “You matter—your dreams matter; your safety matters. Your education matters. Be assured that your future matters to this government and to this nation, and we will safeguard it.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has expressed strong confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election. He maintained that no opposition figure, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, poses any threat to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) retaining power.

Namadi made the remarks after participating in the APC presidential primary election at his polling unit in Kafin Hausa Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

He also restated his pledge to mobilise over one million votes for President Tinubu in the forthcoming general election. According to him, the target is achievable due to the level of support the APC currently enjoys across Jigawa State.

The governor pointed to the high voter turnout recorded during the party’s primary election as evidence of public confidence in both the President and the APC-led administration. He said the orderly and peaceful conduct of the exercise also reflected respect for democratic principles and internal party processes.

Namadi added that the outcome of the APC primary signals what may unfold in the 2027 elections, predicting a decisive win for the party across the country.

He further described Jigawa as a key stronghold of the APC, noting that the state is among those with a large number of registered voters nationwide. He maintained that party supporters remain fully prepared to meet the goal of delivering over one million votes for President Tinubu.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has rejected President Bola Tinubu’s claim that he was solely responsible for the emergence of late former President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential election.

Tinubu had repeatedly maintained that Buhari’s earlier failed attempts at the presidency ended only after he persuaded him to contest again and helped build the political coalition that secured victory in 2015. He also stated that Buhari would not have won without his intervention and support.

Amaechi, however, insisted that several key figures contributed to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the eventual defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 election.

Speaking in an interview with AriseTV on Friday, Amaechi said he played a leading role in the campaign structure and political mobilisation that produced Buhari as president.

“When we decided to form the APC, while I was a minister, President Tinubu was claiming he made Buhari president, and I couldn’t respond because I was the minister under President Buhari,” Amaechi said in an interview with AriseTV on Friday.

He explained that his position at the time limited his response to public political disagreements.

“That will be suicidal because Buhari could fire you. So I couldn’t have said no then. He wasn’t the president. I couldn’t tell him, ‘You are wrong. You didn’t make President Buhari president’.

”Not only was I the DG of the campaign, but everybody will bear witness that I did all the battle.”

Amaechi further stated that he coordinated nationwide political engagements in his capacity as chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and as director-general of Buhari’s presidential campaign.

“I led the governors’ forum. I crisscrossed the country fighting here and there,” he said.

He also reflected on the performance of the APC-led administration after it came into power under the “change” slogan in 2015, noting that the results were mixed across different sectors.

“Did we achieve the change? Here and there. In some areas, well, we did. In some areas, we did not,” he said.