Political tension rose in Kano on Monday evening after authorities at the Government House removed several flags of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), triggering fresh speculation that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf may be preparing to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Although no official confirmation has been issued, a visit to the seat of power in Kano State revealed a striking shift in political symbolism. The NNPP flags, which had previously flown alongside the Nigerian national flag, were noticeably absent from the Government House premises.
Checks showed that only the Nigerian flag was displayed at strategic locations within the Government House complex in Nassarawa GRA, marking a clear departure from the practice since the NNPP took over the state administration in 2023.
Sources told this newspaper that the removal of the party’s insignia could signal an impending change in political alignment at the highest level of the state government.
Inside the corridors of power, the change was equally evident. Offices, halls and other public-facing areas that once reflected the identity of the ruling party now appeared politically neutral, with no party symbols on display.
Adding to the speculation, supporters were sighted around the Government House wearing red caps associated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a development that has further fueled public debate.
While some residents dismissed the sightings as routine political activity, others described them as a calculated move to prepare the ground for a major political announcement.
Despite the growing rumours, the Kano State Government has remained silent on the issue, with neither the governor’s office nor the NNPP leadership offering any explanation for the removal of the party flags.
The continued silence has only heightened curiosity and speculation across Kano and beyond.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded a major boost in its ongoing electronic membership registration, enrolling over two million new members within just one week of the exercise.
The party disclosed that with the pace of registration accelerating nationwide, it expects its digitally verified membership to rise to between eight and nine million by the next assessment scheduled for next week.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja while briefing journalists, the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, said the e-registration exercise is being conducted simultaneously across all states of the federation.
Basiru explained that the party aims to ensure that all its members are digitally captured before the end of January, stressing that accurate data is critical to the operational efficiency of any modern political organisation.
“Before the end of January, we want all our members to be digitally identified. Data is very important to the operational efficiency of any organisation, particularly a political party that thrives on mobilisation, organisation and consultation,” he said.
He added that the APC National Chairman has directed state coordinators to ensure that the exercise is in full swing across their states before the end of the week, warning that underperforming coordinators could be replaced.
“Any state found to be lacking, the National Working Committee has the latitude to change the status of state coordinators if the exercise is not ongoing. We also have the mandate to review the state-by-state status of the membership registration,” Basiru said.
According to him, more than two million Nigerians have already been digitally verified as APC members within one week, with their National Identification Numbers (NIN) and voter identification numbers captured, even as many states are yet to commence the exercise at full scale.
“We envisage that in the coming days, particularly when we make another assessment next week, the figure should be in the region of eight to nine million members,” he added.
Basiru urged party stakeholders at all levels to take the exercise seriously, commending state leaders for committing time, energy and resources to mobilise members for the success of the registration.
He noted that challenges encountered in some areas have been identified and solutions proffered, including manual data capture in locations affected by insecurity or limited internet access.
“Data of intending members in such areas will be manually taken and uploaded where access is available. All members of our party, irrespective of their location or security challenges, will be accommodated in this exercise,” he said.
Basiru said the briefing followed a meeting of the National Working Committee with state coordinators under the leadership of the party’s National Chairman.
The race for the vacant Awujale stool of Ijebu land formally took off on Monday as the Fusengbuwa ruling house nominated 95 contenders—94 princes and one princess—for the revered throne, with popular Fuji musician Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) conspicuously absent.
The aspirants emerged during a family meeting held at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, marking a major step in the process to select the next Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land.
The nomination exercise was conducted by the leadership of the Fusengbuwa ruling house and observed by officials of the Ijebu Ode Local Government, in line with traditional and administrative procedures.
The meeting was presided over by the Chairman of the ruling house, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, alongside his deputy, Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, and the Vice Chairman, Prof. Fassy Yusuf. The Secretary to the Ijebu Ode Local Government, Abiodun Oke, and other council officials were present as observers.
Among those nominated are Giwa Abiodun Onanuga, husband of former Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga; Dr. Kunle Hassan, an ophthalmologist and founder of Eyes Foundation Hospital; and Otunba Fatai Arowolo of Aron Construction.
The sole female aspirant is Oluwakemi Onanuga, a legal practitioner.
Each aspirant was represented at the meeting by two relatives—one to propose and another to second the nomination—after which the ruling house formally registered the candidates.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who passed away at the age of 91 after a historic 65-year reign.
Speaking after the exercise, Otunba Owoyemi commended members of the ruling house for a peaceful and orderly nomination process, noting that extensive traditional consultations preceded the meeting.
“We have successfully and harmoniously nominated 95 candidates. It is now left for the kingmakers to conscientiously select one of them as the next Awujale,” he said.
Owoyemi expressed optimism that a new monarch would emerge within one month and disclosed that all contestants had signed undertakings to accept the outcome of the process and refrain from litigation.
The nominations come amid earlier controversy over claims by Fuji star Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) to the throne. The Fusengbuwa ruling house, however, had declared that the musician is not a member of the family and therefore ineligible.
Ayinde was neither present at the meeting nor nominated by any family, effectively excluding him from the succession race.
The Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, has commended the National Health Fellows Programme for significantly strengthening healthcare delivery in the territory, citing improved data management, manpower support and better grassroots services.
Fasawe spoke on Monday in Abuja during interviews for the second cohort of the National Health Fellows, noting that the fellows have, over the past year, enhanced health planning through efficient data collection, transmission and use.
According to her, the fellows have become critical to project implementation across the FCT health sector.
“Health fellows have helped us tremendously in all our projects. They have made data collection, uploading, transmission and feedback more fluid and more efficient in the FCT,” she said.
She explained that the programme has also promoted effective task shifting, with fellows now handling responsibilities previously reserved for doctors, matrons and senior supervisors.
“We now know what more they can do. Some of the tasks we used to wait for doctors or senior officers to do are now being allocated to the fellows,” Fasawe added.
The mandate secretary noted that the fellows undergo intensive training and are selected from the communities where they serve, a strategy she said has improved acceptance, communication and overall impact.
“They understand the terrain, speak the language and know the health-seeking behaviour of the people, and that has helped us achieve better results,” she said.
Expressing concern over the shortage of health workers, Fasawe called for an expansion of the programme in 2026 to support primary healthcare delivery, while thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Health and the FCT Minister for their support.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Administration, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Babagana Adam, said the programme has started yielding results but stressed that the current number of fellows is inadequate.
“The FCT is disadvantaged with only six fellows, one per area council. Abuja Municipal Area Council alone is vast in both landmass and population. Six fellows cannot effectively cover our 62 wards,” Adam said.
He disclosed that the FCT is advocating for an increase to at least 18 fellows to improve coverage and impact across the territory.
Adam also revealed progress in the upgrade of primary healthcare centres, noting that over 300 PHCs exist across the six area councils, with improvements ongoing under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
On health insurance coverage, he said the FCT exceeded its target by enrolling over 36,000 residents, surpassing the projected 25,000.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) Team Lead for Health Systems and Services, Dr. Mary Brentwell, described the National Health Fellows selection process as transparent and credible.
“We are here as observers. The panel is balanced, the questions are fair and the candidates possess diverse skill sets that can meaningfully contribute to the health sector,” she said.
Earlier, the Acting Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics and FCT SWAP Desk Officer, Dr. Teresa Ekaete Nwachukwu, said the programme was designed to groom young leaders for primary healthcare and is driven strictly by merit.
She explained that the selection process is seamless and free of political influence, noting that for each local government, one fellow will eventually be selected.
“In the FCT, we have six area councils, so six fellows will emerge from 18 shortlisted candidates,” Nwachukwu said, adding that the fellows will help identify gaps in primary healthcare delivery and link community challenges with relevant authorities.
One of the candidates, Saidu Bello Karshi from Abuja Municipal Area Council, described the interview process as seamless and expressed optimism about being selected.
The Abuja interviews form part of a nationwide exercise to select the second batch of National Health Fellows aimed at strengthening primary healthcare delivery across the country.
The Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, has officially inaugurated 21 sub-committees to kickstart preparations for the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival (AIF&CF 2026), signalling a major step toward a world-class celebration.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Emir tasked committee members with producing detailed proposals and realistic budgets promptly, stressing that their selection was based on proven experience, dedication, and past contributions to the Argungu Emirate and Kebbi State.
“I am confident that each of you will deliver on your mandates while upholding the rich cultural heritage of Argungu,” the monarch said, urging collaboration, discipline, and transparency across all committees.
The 21 sub-committees cover every aspect of the festival, including:
Local Organising Committee (LOC): Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Kwaido
Grand Fishing Committee: Alhaji Murtala Umar Galadiman
Weighing Committee: Alhaji Aminu Musa
Fisherman Control Committee: Alhaji Kabiru Sulaiman
Kabanchi Display Committee: Alhaji Aminu Musa
Accommodation Committee: Alhaji Salisu Nagare
Boxing & Wrestling Committee: Alhaji Bello Muhammad Dantani
Archery & Catapulting Committee: Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Mera
Kanta Museum Committee: Alhaji Garba Tungar Marina
Durbar Committee: Alhaji Murtala Umar Galadiman
Camel & Donkey Race Committee: Chairman to be assigned
Contact Committee: Ambassador Usman Baraya
Sanitation Committee: Alhaji Sani Aliyu
Sitting Arrangement & Protocol Committee: Alhaji Samaila Baba Augie
Motor & Bicycle Race Committee: Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Jarman
Agricultural Show Committee: Alhaji Abdullahi Mai Gandu
Security Committee: Retired Commissioner of Police, Madawaki
Finance & General Purpose Committee: Kundudan Kabi
Publicity Sub-Committee: Alhaji Ibrahim Adamu Argungu
The Emir emphasised that AIF&CF 2026 should surpass previous editions in organisation, cultural display, and international recognition, calling on all committees to uphold discipline and commit fully to making the festival a globally celebrated event.
The Argungu International Fishing Festival remains one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural showcases, attracting tourists, dignitaries, and fishing enthusiasts from across the world.
Abuja – The Federal Government has renewed its call on state governments to ban the use of wooden boats for commercial transport, warning that continued reliance on rickety vessels is driving deadly accidents on Nigeria’s waterways.
The warning came from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, who urged states to invest in modern fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium boats, citing their durability, stability, and safety features.
Speaking through his Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, the Minister sympathised with families affected by recent boat disasters and emphasised that passengers must take personal responsibility for their safety.
“Waterway users must refuse to board rickety or overloaded boats. No journey is worth risking your life. Avoid night travels, wear life jackets and prioritise safety above all else,” Oyetola warned.
The Minister highlighted that wooden boats deteriorate quickly, lack stability, and often operate without proper regulation, making them highly prone to accidents. In contrast, modern fibre and aluminium vessels offer better buoyancy, balance, and can be fitted with essential safety equipment, he said.
Reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to waterway safety, Oyetola recalled that 35,000 life jackets were distributed to riverine states in 2025, but stressed that recurring tragedies persist because unsafe boats remain in operation.
“Despite our interventions, we continue to witness accidents. State governments must complement federal efforts by investing in modern boats and providing standard life jackets for passengers,” he said.
The Minister concluded by calling for collective action and political will at all levels, stressing that water transportation is vital for Nigeria’s blue economy but must be safe, regulated, and sustainable to protect lives.
Abuja – As the countdown to the 2027 general elections accelerates, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians over fraudulent online platforms exploiting the party’s name.
In a statement released on Sunday, the party clarified that it has not launched any official digital membership registration portal, countering claims circulating on social media, websites, and messaging apps.
The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, cautioned members and the public against clicking suspicious links or sharing personal information on unverified sites.
“At this time, ADC has not launched any public online membership registration link. The party is currently developing an official registration and verification platform, which will be formally announced through verified party channels,” the statement read.
The party emphasized that fraudsters are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics, including requests for payment or sensitive personal data such as PVC, BVN, and phone numbers, to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians.
“Do not submit personal information to unverified platforms. Report any suspicious links to ADC through official communication channels. All legitimate announcements will come through verified ADC platforms,” the party warned.
The statement also recalled a similar incident in July 2025 when the party disowned a fake list of state chairmen and unauthorised online registration schemes, describing the attempts as deliberate efforts to defraud the public.
As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 polls, ADC reiterated the importance of vigilance, urging Nigerians to verify all party-related information through credible and recognised sources.
The party assured that it is taking all necessary measures to protect members, safeguard its integrity, and prevent further digital exploitation.
PORT HARCOURT – The Rivers State House of Assembly has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by individuals linked to the executive arm of government to cripple its legislative duties through a court injunction.
The Assembly said it uncovered moves to secure an ex-parte court order from a High Court outside Port Harcourt Judicial Division to stop lawmakers from performing their constitutional responsibilities.
In a statement issued by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, the lawmakers described the alleged plot as “dead on arrival,” insisting it violates the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to the Assembly, the move runs contrary to Sections 272(3) and 188(10) of the Constitution and existing Court of Appeal judgments on similar matters.
Dr. George said the House had credible information that some persons were shopping for court orders to illegally halt legislative proceedings, despite clear constitutional provisions that bar courts from interfering in such matters.
He urged the governor and deputy governor, who have been served with notices of alleged gross misconduct, to face the issues squarely by responding to the allegations rather than seeking legal shortcuts.
“The Rivers State House of Assembly has received information of plots by certain persons to use some Rivers State High Courts, especially outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division, to issue ex-parte orders to illegally stop the House from performing its constitutional duties,” George said.
He noted that the Constitution clearly states that issues relating to the tenure of the governor, deputy governor or lawmakers fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, adding that matters relating to impeachment proceedings cannot be entertained by any court.
The lawmakers also referenced recent Court of Appeal pronouncements which nullified similar ex-parte orders issued in Rivers State, warning that those behind the alleged plot were fully aware of the legal implications.
The Assembly called on those involved to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law, stressing that democracy thrives only when constitutional provisions are obeyed.
Lawmakers further warned against the use of proxies to malign the Assembly in the media, insisting that the proper and lawful step is for affected officeholders to respond to the allegations of gross misconduct item by item.
Reaffirming its commitment to the Constitution and democratic principles, the House expressed optimism for peace and stability in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed criticisms of his political alignment, urging detractors not to begrudge him for choosing politics as a vocation and insisting that governance is ultimately driven by interests, power and the will of the electorate.
Wike spoke at the grand finale of his “thank you” tour to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, where a large crowd of supporters gathered to receive him.
Addressing the audience, the former Rivers State governor said his visit was informed by a sense of gratitude to the people for their steadfast support over the years, describing appreciation as a defining element of leadership.
“When people do good to you, you must acknowledge it. Gratitude matters, and that is why I came back to say thank you,” he said.
Wike rejected claims that he was a traitor or impostor, stressing that his political decisions were deliberate and guided by a clear understanding of leadership and loyalty.
“I never said I wanted to be anything else. I chose politics, and politics requires clarity, not emotion,” he said.
He maintained that politics should not be driven by sentiment, but by the collective interests of the people, noting that electoral strength remains the foundation of political power.
“Politics is about interest — the interest of your people. Power is not automatic, and it is not for everyone. Our real power lies in the vote,” he said, adding that no government can endure without the support of the electorate.
Earlier, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, said Wike remained firmly rooted in his home base, describing Obio/Akpor as his strongest political constituency.
Chinda disclosed that Obio/Akpor accounts for over 684,000 of Rivers State’s more than 3.5 million registered voters, stressing that Wike’s political influence in the state remains solid.
He recalled that Wike had mobilised support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, adding that the outcome had validated the decision.
According to him, the people of Obio/Akpor were ready to intensify their support for Tinubu in 2027.
Also speaking, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, assured Wike of the legislature’s continued backing, pledging sustained support for the President’s second-term bid.
The rally, attended by lawmakers, political leaders and supporters from across Rivers State, marked the conclusion of Wike’s statewide appreciation tour and underscored his enduring influence within the state’s political structure ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three notorious “one-chance” armed robbery suspects linked to the brutal murder of Abuja-based legal practitioner, Barrister Princess Chigbo Nwamaka Mediatrix, in a major breakthrough against violent crime in the nation’s capital.
The suspects were arrested following a manhunt ordered by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, who directed operatives to ensure that all those connected to the killing were swiftly tracked and brought to justice.
Police said the arrests were made between January 5 and 10, 2026, by operatives of the Command’s Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, through intelligence-led operations and digital reconstruction that traced the victim’s mobile phone to parts of Kubwa.
Those arrested were identified as Saifullahi Yusuf (22), Ishau Yusuf (24) brothers from Kaduna State and Minka’ilu Jibril, also known as Dan-Hajia. The suspects were apprehended at Dei-Dei, Dakwa and Dan-Tata communities in the Kubwa area of the FCT.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a long-standing “one-chance” robbery syndicate that operates mainly during festive periods within the FCT.
According to police, the suspects confessed that on January 5, 2026, at about 5:50pm, the deceased lawyer unknowingly boarded their black Volkswagen Golf 3 along the Kubwa Expressway. After winding up the tinted windows, the suspects allegedly threatened her with weapons and attempted to force her to pay ransom.
Police said when the victim resisted, she was assaulted and pushed out of the moving vehicle, leading to fatal injuries that caused her death.
The suspects also admitted dispossessing the victim of her Android mobile phone, which was later sold at Dei-Dei for ₦120,000. Police disclosed that Minka’ilu Jibril received ₦30,000, Saifullahi Yusuf ₦15,000, while Ishau Yusuf and another suspect, Musa, who is currently at large, shared the balance.
Items recovered from the suspects include five scissors, two dagger knives, two knives, a long chain used to restrain victims, and a plier, all believed to be tools used in their criminal operations.
The FCT Police Command said investigations are ongoing, with efforts intensified to arrest the fleeing suspect and dismantle other criminal networks linked to the syndicate.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism, CP Dantawaye reassured residents of the FCT of the Command’s resolve to rid the territory of criminal elements.
He urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid boarding suspicious or unregistered vehicles, and promptly report suspicious movements through the police emergency lines: 08032003913 and 07057337653.
Further updates, the police said, will be provided as investigations continue.
