Category: Politics

 

Gombe State Government has commenced the distribution of subsidised fertiliser across all 114 wards in the state, as part of efforts to support farmers during the 2025 wet season farming.

 

This development is in line with the directive of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya to ensure that agricultural inputs reach genuine farmers directly at the grassroots, right down to the polling unit level, without weighing them down with transportation or logistical burden.

 

Trucks have already been transporting the inputs to various Local Government Areas for onward distribution, following the Governor’s recent flag-off of the 2025 wet season farming activities.

 

Recall that Yahaya recently launched the sale and distribution of 10,000 metric tons of high-quality fertiliser, equivalent to 200,000 bags, at a heavily subsidised rate, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to food security and rural development.

 

Speaking on the progress of the exercise, on Sunday, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Dr Barnabas Malle, confirmed that the distribution is proceeding smoothly.

He noted, “LGAs have already begun receiving their allocated shares, which are to be delivered directly to farmers at the ward level.”

 

Malle praised the quality of the fertiliser, describing it as one of the best produced in the country.

 

He emphasised that the timely distribution “will significantly enhance farm yields and overall agricultural productivity across the state.”

 

The commissioner urged farmers to “use the inputs judiciously and to remain vigilant against environmental risks by closely following weather advisories.”

 

He also reaffirmed the state government’s “continued support for the agricultural sector, which remains a key driver of economic growth and rural empowerment in Gombe State.”

 

The African Democratic Congress has welcomed President Bola Tinubu back to Nigeria, while calling for clarity on his unexplained five-day absence following the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bola Abdullahi, the party stated that a president who vanishes without accountability cannot be relied upon to address the pressing challenges facing the nation.

 

PUNCH Online reports that Tinubu left Abuja on June 28, 2025, starting his journey with a state visit to Saint Lucia to deepen relations with Caribbean countries and promote South-South cooperation. The visit also coincided with Saint Lucia’s 45th Independence Anniversary.

 

He then travelled to Brazil on July 4 to attend the 2025 BRICS Summit, which took place in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7. The President returned in the early hours of Sunday.

 

In response, the ADC questioned President Tinubu’s whereabouts during the five-day gap following the conclusion of the BRICS Summit.

 

The opposition leaders’ coalition platform stated, “The African Democratic Congress extends a weary welcome to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finally returning to the country five days after the end of the 2025 BRICS Summit, which was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 

“Since the summit ended on Monday, July 7th, all the other world leaders who were in attendance returned home, briefed their citizens, and got back to work. But our President? He only reappeared in Abuja in the early hours of Sunday, July 13—without a word, without a briefing, or any explanation as to why his return to the country had been delayed.

“A whole five days is significant in the life of a country, especially a country like ours battling with several existential challenges of insecurity and a tottering economy that has made life increasingly difficult for the majority of Nigerians. The President was not on holiday; he was on official duty. We therefore cannot wish those five days away and we demand a clear explanation for them.

 

“The ADC also notes with concern that this disdain for accountability around the President’s overseas trip has become a distinct hallmark of this administration.”

 

The ADC stated that a president who disappears without offering any accountability lacks the moral ground to ask citizens to make sacrifices.

 

The statement added, “In January 2024, a so-called ‘private visit’ to France turned into a two-week disappearance. No photos, and no statements from our President.

 

“In April 2024, President Tinubu travelled to the Netherlands, and then to Riyadh, for the World Economic Forum. The summit ended on April 29th, 2024, but there was not a word from him until May 8th, 2024. Those were nine days of unexplained vacuum.

 

“In August 2024, President Tinubu flew to China via Dubai. After his engagements in Beijing, he vanished from public view on September 5th and mysteriously surfaced in London on September 11th. He was missing for six days—no explanations, no letter transmitted to the National Assembly, just silence.

 

“And in the same August 2024, the President also embarked on yet another “brief work stay” in Paris. He remained incommunicado for three days, then quietly returned, as if the nation did not deserve to know. Each episode of Mr. President’s mysterious disappearances has sparked all manner of speculations and rumours that are not only unhealthy to the polity, but also endanger Nigeria’s perception in the eyes of the world.”

 

The Kaduna State chapter of the Social Democratic Party has declared that it will not allow its platform to be hijacked by individuals allegedly seeking political rehabilitation, warning that only the duly recognised State Working Committee is authorised to conduct party affairs.

 

This was disclosed by the court-reinstated chairman of the party in the state, Adamu Idris, while addressing journalists at a press conference held at the NUT ENDWEL Secretariat in Kaduna on Saturday.

 

According to Idris, the SDP in Kaduna remains a principled and people-focused political platform and will not serve as a “sanctuary for those seeking to launder political legacies or stage comebacks.”

 

“Our duly elected State Working Committee, inaugurated after the 2022 State Congress and with a tenure valid until April 2026, was unconstitutionally dissolved earlier this year.

 

“This action was not only unjust but also a clear violation of the party’s constitution and the rule of law,” Idris said.

 

He, however, said the State High Court had since rectified the anomaly.

 

“Thankfully, the Kaduna State High Court, in Suit No. KDH/Z/280/2025, ruled in favour of justice and democratic order by restraining the so-called Caretaker Committee and affirming the legitimacy of the elected SWC under my leadership.

 

“This legal victory is a triumph not just for our members, but for democracy itself,” he declared.

 

Idris further lamented what he described as a growing trend of infiltration by political actors with no previous ties to the party, alleging that such individuals, some of whom only recently left public office, are attempting to hijack the party structure for “self-serving purposes.”

 

He said, “We wish to state, respectfully but firmly, that the SDP in Kaduna State is not available for such experiments.

“We are building a credible, principled, and people-oriented platform—not a vehicle for those seeking to reinvent themselves at the expense of the hard work of our loyal members.”

 

He emphasised that while the party remained open to new members, such individuals must align with the SDP’s ideology and respect the constitutional structure of the party.

 

“Engagement must be rooted in shared ideology, respect for the constitution of the party, and recognition of the existing, legally recognised leadership structures,” he stated.

 

As the party gears up for a by-election in the state, Idris cautioned potential aspirants and party faithful to avoid dealing with any unauthorised or parallel groups.

“Nomination forms and all electoral processes will be coordinated solely by the legitimate State Working Committee.

 

‘Any candidate engaging with unauthorised individuals or parallel structures does so at their own risk,” he warned.

 

The chairman also pledged the state chapter’s loyalty to the current national leadership under Acting National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Umar, and National Secretary, Dr. Olu Ogunloye.

 

“We deeply appreciate their principled stance in defending justice, constitutional order, and internal democracy,” he added.

 

Reiterating the party’s vision, Idris said the SDP would continue to champion justice, equity, accountability, and genuine progress, not just in Kaduna State, but across Nigeria.

 

“We remain focused on offering a credible political alternative to the people of Kaduna State and Nigeria at large,” he said.

 

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission has declared the All Progressives Congress candidates as winners of the just-concluded chairmanship elections in Epe, Eredo, and Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Areas.

 

LASIEC officials made the announcement late Saturday night at about 11:55 p.m. at the local government secretariats in Epe, Eredo, and Ibeju-Lekki, respectively.

 

In Epe LG, the Returning Officer, Prof. Habeeb Sanni, announced at the collation centre that the APC candidate polled 34,819 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which scored 1,535 votes, and the Labour Party, which garnered 675 votes.

 

“Having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of valid votes, I hereby declare Ms Surah Animashaun as the duly elected chairman of Epe LG,” Sanni declared.

 

Similarly, in Eredo Local Council Development Area, the returning officer, Dr Afolabi Onasanya, announced that the APC polled 25,017 votes, defeating its closest rival, the PDP, which secured 424 votes.

“Having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of valid votes, I hereby declare Mr Monsuru Akinloye as the duly elected chairman of Eredo LCDA,” Onasanya said.

 

Also, Mr Bankole Oduntan, the returning officer at the collation centre in Ibeju-lekki LG, announced that APC polled 59,342 votes, Labour Party polled 45 votes, while the PDP scored 740 votes.

 

“Having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of valid votes, I hereby declare Mr Sesan Olowa as the duly elected chairman of Ibeju-lekki LG, ” Onasanya said.

 

NAN

 

The Indigenous People of Biafra has said the recent revelations by the Spokesman to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Garba Shehu that they used the “Villa rat” invasion story to cover up Buhari’s prolonged illness and absence from governance, has vindicated the position of the pro-Biafran leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

 

In a press statement released by the IPOB’s Spokesman, Emma Powerful, on Saturday, the group claimed that Kanu was the first to bring the information to the public and was persecuted by the likes of Shehu, who described it as “fake news” and “hate speech”.

 

Powerful said, “The IPOB under the leadership of our incorruptible and prophetically gifted leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, notes with righteous vindication the stunning admission by Garba Shehu, former spokesman to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, that the now-infamous ‘villa rat invasion’ story was a calculated lie to cover up Buhari’s prolonged illness and absence from governance.

 

“Let the world take note: what Mazi Nnamdi Kanu said years ago on Radio Biafra, that Muhammadu Buhari was gravely ill and incapable of leading Nigeria, and that Aso Rock was enmeshed in a web of lies and deception, has now been confirmed by one of the principal architects of that deception himself.

 

“The same Garba Shehu who accused our leader of ‘fake news’ and ‘hate speech’, has now confessed, with no shame, that they orchestrated a national charade to fool over 200 million people. What greater treason can be committed than lying to an entire nation about the health and whereabouts of its so-called president?

 

“This disgraceful confirmation vindicates everything Kanu has ever said about the fraudulent and deceptive nature of the Nigerian state. He told the truth and was persecuted for it. He warned Nigerians that their President was missing in action, that shadowy forces had hijacked the machinery of government, and that the people were being ruled by deception.

 

“Instead of investigating the truth, the Nigerian media and political elite mocked him. They ridiculed his divine insight. They arrested him. They tortured him. They abducted and renditioned him. But they could not bury the truth.”

The group, however, insisted that Shehu’s cowardly confession is not an act of courage, adding that it is a delayed admission born of guilt and irrelevance.

 

“Where was this honesty when the Nigerian people needed it? Where was this ‘truth’ when IPOB and our leader were being vilified, jailed, and labeled terrorists for speaking it? If this level of deliberate misinformation had happened in any sane society, those responsible would be in jail for subverting the constitution, undermining national security, and deceiving the electorate. But Nigeria rewards mediocrity, protects liars, and punishes truth-tellers.

 

“Let it be clearly stated once again: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu does not lie. He does not speculate. He speaks only divine truth, and every word he has ever uttered is manifesting before your eyes. From the exposure of Buhari’s health fraud, to the Fulani expansionist agenda, to the illegality of his abduction and extraordinary rendition — time continues to prove Mazi Nnamdi Kanu right.

 

“Those who still doubt the divine calling of our leader should watch as every falsehood told against him crumbles one after the other. The truth is like the rising sun — it cannot be suppressed. Today Garba Shehu has confessed. Tomorrow others will follow. Aso Rock is a house built on lies, and the foundation is shaking,” the statement added.

 

The group urged Nigerians and international community to stop enabling tyranny in Nigeria, adding, “You now have confirmation from the mouth of the regime’s own spokesperson that the Nigerian people were lied to on a grand scale. If this does not concern you, then you are complicit.

 

“In the words of our leader: we are without fear before our enemies” and “in the end, we always win.”

 

A two-time deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State, Safuratu AbdulKarim, on Saturday said the All Progressives Congress means well for the country.

 

AbdulKarim, who recently defected to the APC, said this during the Lagos State local government areas election in Badagry.

 

She said her decision to join the APC was because they meant well and showing it via their performance.

 

“Looking well, my defection based on performance has been vindicated,”

 

Commenting on the election, AbdulKarim said there was no opposition in Badagry, adding that majority of the people are APC members.

“Opposition parties have accepted their fate in Badagry.” she said.

 

She commended the women in the area for coming out en mass to cast their votes.

 

NAN reports that the Lagos state council poll held in 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the state.

 

According to LASIEC, 15 out of the 18 registered political parties are contesting in the election.

 

(NAN)

 

Voting in the ongoing local government elections in Lagos State has been described as peaceful and orderly, with a fair turnout recorded at the Ikosi International Fruit Market.

 

Mr. Sola Olugungboye, Secretary of the Ikosi International Fruit Market, told journalists on Saturday that traders turned out en masse to perform their civic duty.

 

He commended the electoral officers for maintaining order and ensuring a smooth process.

 

“So far, voting has been peaceful. All our sellers are fully involved and have come out to vote. There’s no disruption, and everything is moving well,” Olugungboye said

 

When our correspondent visited the market-based polling unit, a large crowd of onlookers and observers were seen making videos, cheering, and enjoying the atmosphere as they awaited the close of voting scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

 

Our correspondent also observed a queue of accredited voters waiting to cast their votes.

 

Among the voters was an 84-year-old, who identified herself as the Iyaloja (market leader) of the fruit market.

She said she had cast her vote earlier in the day and was determined to wait until votes were counted.

 

“I have voted. I will stay here and see that they count our votes. This is our duty as citizens,” she said in Yoruba.

 

The local government elections, organised by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, are being held across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas. The exercise will determine the next set of chairmen and councillors responsible for grassroots governance in the state.

 

The elections, which began at 8:30 a.m., are expected to end by 3:00 p.m., after which counting will commence at each polling unit.

 

Despite concerns raised about voter apathy in other areas of Ikosi, about voter apathy, signs the market suggest increased engagement from residents and traders.

 

However, a full assessment of turnout across the state remains to be seen as the process concludes.

 

LASIEC has assured Lagosians of a free, fair, and transparent election.

 

An agent of the All Progressives Congress, Alli Olugbenga, has raised alarm over incidents of voters demanding money before casting their ballots in Saturday’s local government elections in Lagos State.

 

Olugbenga, who is stationed at Ward C, Kosofe Local Government Area, told The PUNCH that he encountered several residents who refused to go to polling units unless they were paid.

 

“They want me to pay them before they come out and vote. It’s wrong. It’s their civic right. They should not sell their vote. We’ve been going from house to house, begging people to come out, but many say they won’t vote unless they are ‘settled’,” he said.

 

At Polling Unit 028 in Ward C, where 106 voters are expected, only two had cast their votes as of mid-morning.

 

APC party agents there said they had been calling known voters and waiting patiently since 8:00 a.m.

 

“We have called some people and we are still waiting for them,” one agent said.

 

The situation was similar at Polling Unit 029, also in Ward C, where just six out of 160 registered voters had shown up by 11:33 a.m.

Despite the low turnout, officials described the process as peaceful, with agents from different parties cooperating and voters behaving orderly.

 

A PDP agent, however, expressed disappointment over the apathy.

 

“Everybody has been at home. No one is coming to vote. I’m frustrated,” she said.

 

At Polling Unit 015, also in Ward C, only about 20 voters out of 928 had cast their votes as of midday.

 

An electoral official described the process as peaceful but noted that many residents appeared reluctant to vote.

 

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission is conducting the elections across 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas, aiming to fill critical grassroots leadership positions.

 

But once again, low voter turnout remains a major concern, particularly in Ikosi-Isheri and other parts of Kosofe LGA.

 

A prominent figure and Board of Trustees member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George, has openly accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of actively undermining the party’s established system and working in concert with the ruling All Progressives Congress.

 

George’s remarks came during an interview with Arise TV on Friday, where he addressed the persistent internal crises plaguing the opposition party.

 

George described Wike as a “loose cannon” whose actions are detrimental to the PDP’s cohesion and future prospects.

 

He highlighted the party’s structured system, emphasising that all committees, including reconciliation efforts led by figures like Bukola Saraki, ultimately report to the National Executive Committee.

 

The NEC, according to George, holds the ultimate authority second only to the national convention.

 

The PDP chieftain revealed that the party’s inability to convene a NEC meeting for an extended period contributed significantly to the ongoing “shenanigans.”

He cited a dispute concerning the party’s secretary, who contested for governorship without resigning, as a key factor that stalled NEC meetings.

 

However, George confirmed that the party has now resolved these procedural hurdles, with a crucial NEC meeting slated for July 23rd.

 

“He seems like he’s very much the loose cannon of the party that’s hell-bent on destroying it. In fact, he seems to have succeeded on some levels, working hand-in-hand with the APC,” George asserted, directly implicating Wike in efforts to destabilize the PDP.

 

He stressed that individuals of Wike’s status, being a member of the Board of Trustees, cannot simply be “fired” but must be held accountable through the party’s established processes.

 

The upcoming NEC meeting is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for the PDP, where all outstanding issues, including those related to Wike’s alleged anti-party activities, will be tabled for discussion and resolution.

 

George expressed optimism that adherence to the party’s constitution and the collective will of its members would prevail, leading to a much-needed rebirth and strengthening of the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

 

The member representing Surulere 1 Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Desmond Elliot, says the Permanent Voter Card remains a proof of civic responsibility, rather than a measure of party loyalty.

 

Elliot said this shortly after casting his vote at Onitolo Nusery/ Primary School, Unit 009, in Surulere, Lagos, on Saturday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Lagos State Government is conducting elections for chairmanship and councillorship positions across all 20 local government areas and 37 local development council areas.

 

“PVC does not mean voting for my party. It means exercising your civic responsibility,” he said.

 

According to him, it’s unfair for individuals to seek government support without contributing to the democratic process through voting.

 

“You can’t sit at home and later come to seek help from people who others sacrificed to vote into power,” he said.

 

Elliot described the turnout of the election as slightly low but expressed optimism that more voters would show up as the day progressed.

The lawmaker noted that local government elections should attract more participation than presidential polls due to their direct impact on daily life.

 

“Development begins at the grassroots level. With powers and revenue now devolved to local governments, this election holds significant importance.

 

“The outcome of this election will have a direct impact on the lives of citizens, making it crucial for voters to exercise their franchise wisely and elect leaders who will prioritise their needs and drive development in their areas,” he said.

 

He advocated increased public discussion about the responsibilities of local governments, highlighting their critical role in primary healthcare, market management, and maintenance of inner roads.

 

‘They want to rig’ — Ex Deputy Gov calls for cancellation of Lagos LG polls

The lawmaker commended the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission for the orderly conduct of the election.

 

NAN