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INEC Recognition Sparks Fresh Hope in PDP as Caretaker Committee Eyes 2027

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee has hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognising its leadership, describing the move as a decisive step toward restoring stability and constitutional order within the party.

The Abdulrahman Mohammed-led committee, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, said INEC’s recognition has cleared uncertainties and strengthened the party’s internal processes ahead of its National Convention and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The Wike-backed faction of the PDP noted that the development came at a critical time when the party is repositioning to field credible candidates and rebuild public confidence.

“By affirming a lawful leadership structure following the Federal High Court judgment, INEC has helped to remove uncertainties capable of undermining the party’s organisational processes and electoral readiness,” the statement said.

The committee commended INEC for what it described as a firm commitment to due process and the rule of law, stressing that such action reinforces democratic principles.

“Such institutional courage strengthens Nigeria’s democracy and reassures party members and supporters that legality, not arbitrariness, remains the guiding principle in electoral matters,” it added.

Calling for unity within party ranks, the committee urged members to set aside differences and embrace reconciliation in order to reposition the PDP as a credible alternative ahead of 2027.

“The time has come to set aside differences, embrace reconciliation and channel our collective energy towards strengthening the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections. Nigerians look to our party for responsible leadership, and we must not allow internal disputes to distract us,” the statement noted.

The committee further appealed to stakeholders at all levels to rally behind the recognised leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammed as it works toward organising a successful convention and laying the foundation for victory in the next electoral cycle.

Cancer: Merck Foundation, African First Ladies Close Ranks to Save Millions

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Merck Foundation and African First Ladies have stepped up the battle against cancer, vowing to halt the rising wave of cases and preventable deaths across Africa.

The renewed commitment came as the world marked World Cancer Day 2026 with the theme “United by Unique,” a call to put people at the centre of cancer care.

Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, described cancer as a growing menace that demands urgent global attention, stressing that early detection remains a lifesaver.

She revealed that nearly two-thirds of cancer cases can be successfully treated if detected early, while up to one-third can be prevented by avoiding major risk factors.
“Act early, get screened and choose prevention,” she urged.

Dr. Kelej said the partnership with African First Ladies has begun yielding results, particularly in building local cancer care capacity.
According to her, the foundation has provided 258 oncology scholarships out of a total of 2,500 scholarships across 44 medical specialties in 34 countries.

In a major breakthrough, she disclosed that the initiative has produced the first-ever oncologists in countries such as The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, Chad and Niger  reducing dependence on foreign medical treatment.

“Behind every number is a human story — a doctor empowered to save lives and patients who no longer need to travel abroad for care,” she said.

She also spotlighted the foundation’s “Ray of Hope” storybook, designed to educate children and families on prevention and early detection.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, raised the alarm that cancer has become a full-blown public health emergency on the continent.

He disclosed that over one million new cases are recorded annually in Africa, with nearly the same number of deaths each year.

“Cancer is no longer a silent crisis in Africa. It is a growing emergency that demands urgent and sustained action,” Janabi warned.

He lamented that many deaths occur not because solutions are unavailable, but because access to screening, diagnosis and treatment remains unequal.

Stakeholders insisted that with stronger partnerships, early detection and improved access to care, Africa can turn the tide against cancer and save millions of lives.

Wike’s Fury: Heads Will Roll Over Refuse Chaos as Apo-Karshi, Bwari-Kubwa Roads Race to Completion

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

 

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has dropped a bombshell warning to officials: shape up on refuse management in Satellite Towns or face the sack.

While inspecting major ongoing road projects in Karshi, Orozo, and Bwari on Friday, the minister erupted over a neglected refuse dump site, vowing zero tolerance for negligence.

“If by Monday I still see this level of negligence or failure to meet standards, I will not hesitate to terminate the appointments of those responsible,” Wike declared sternly. “Development cannot be compromised. We will not tolerate anything that undermines progress accountability is non-negotiable.”

The no-nonsense ultimatum comes amid an aggressive push by the FCT Administration to deliver a robust road network across Satellite Towns, in line with a direct mandate from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“It’s a clear directive from Mr. President to build a strategic and resilient road network throughout the Federal Capital Territory,” Wike explained.

In Karshi, he praised indigenous firm Atufa Construction for fully reconstructing internal roads, expressing strong satisfaction with the quality delivered.

A major highlight is the revival of the long-stalled Apo–Karshi Road. Wike revealed the original contract was terminated due to unacceptable delays and swiftly re-awarded to SCC Construction Company.

“Given the road’s critical importance, we couldn’t afford further waiting. The contract was rescinded and re-awarded, and serious work is now underway,” he stated.

Another key project spotlighted was the 16–17 kilometre Bwari–Kubwa Road, set to significantly reduce traffic congestion and unlock economic potential for communities along the route.

“This is vital infrastructure that will drive economic activity between Bwari and Kubwa,” Wike emphasized.

He announced ambitious timelines: the Bwari–Kubwa Road is targeted for completion by May 3, while several other major road projects across Satellite Towns are slated for delivery before year-end.

Complementing these efforts, landscaping and environmental upgrades in Karshi and nearby areas are also on track for completion this year as part of wider urban renewal initiatives.

Wike pointed out that residents are already experiencing real transformation, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

“Communities that have never had decent road infrastructure are now witnessing genuine change,” he said.

With heavy machinery at work and firm deadlines in place, the minister sent an unmistakable message: infrastructure delivery is moving full speed ahead and anyone hindering progress will be shown the door.

SDP Knocks Senate Leadership, Demands Real-Time Electronic Transmission of Election Results

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has accused the leadership of the 10th Senate of resisting critical electoral reforms, insisting that Nigerians overwhelmingly demand a clear legislative mandate for real-time electronic transmission of election results.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party expressed concern over what it described as “unimaginable and unpatriotic resistance” to reforms contained in the proposed Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill 2026.

The SDP alleged that ongoing attempts to weaken provisions for electronic transmission of results run contrary to the popular will expressed by Nigerians during nationwide public hearings conducted in 2025.

According to the party, citizens across the country had unequivocally demanded reforms that would strengthen transparency and restore confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process, especially in the wake of controversies that trailed the 2023 general elections.

The party identified the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) as critical tools for credible elections, noting that they help reduce human error and prevent manipulation of results during manual collation and transportation.

“It is no longer deniable that the majority of our current senators who are true patriots, as well as the electoral umpire itself, want Nigeria to move forward in ensuring the integrity of our elections,” the statement said, citing what it described as the positive disposition of the new leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The SDP, however, warned that what it termed “self-serving cabals” within the Senate leadership must not be allowed to undermine the country’s democratic progress.

It demanded that the new Electoral Act 2026 must contain “an unambiguous legislative mandate” compelling the real-time electronic transmission of results by polling unit presiding officers, to prevent legal ambiguities and future manipulation.

The party argued that INEC has demonstrated the technical capacity and infrastructure to transmit results electronically and should be allowed to discharge its responsibilities without political interference.

Calling for civic vigilance, the SDP urged citizens, civil society organisations and pro-democracy groups to resist any attempt to dilute reforms aimed at strengthening electoral credibility.

“The nation cannot afford a repeat of the credibility challenges witnessed in 2023,” the party stated, adding that safeguarding the integrity of the 2027 general elections must be treated as a national priority.

The statement was signed by Aiyenigba and dated February 6, 2026.

Judges Get New Homes as Wike Nears Completion of Court Projects, Dismisses Independence Fears

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that major judicial infrastructure projects initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are nearing completion, marking what he described as an unprecedented intervention to improve the welfare, security and independence of the judiciary.

 

Wike, who spoke after inspecting several judicial projects in Abuja on Thursday, said the initiatives were in line with a clear directive by President Tinubu to reduce the accommodation burden on judges and justices and provide a conducive environment for them to carry out their constitutional duties.

According to the minister, one of the flagship projects the Court of Appeal Division with a distinct administrative headquarters is already about 85 to 90 per cent completed.

 

“After the inauguration of Mr. President in May 2023 and our assumption of office in August, one of his clear directives was that we must look seriously at the welfare of the judiciary, especially accommodation and the environment in which they work,” Wike said.

 

He revealed that the FCT Administration, through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), is also constructing 40 residential houses for judges: 20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal and 10 for the Federal High Court, with similar housing planned for the National Industrial Court.

 

Wike described the development as historic, noting that it was the first time any Nigerian government had deliberately intervened to provide permanent, purpose-built accommodation for judicial officers.

 

“When you look around where some judges and justices live, sometimes you don’t even know who their neighbours are whether criminals or people whose cases they are handling. That is not healthy. But now, there will be no renting of houses. They will have their own accommodation, very befitting and in a good environment,” he stated.

 

The minister further disclosed that special official residences, known as “Houses of Courts,” are also under construction for heads of courts, including the President of the Court of Appeal, the President of the National Industrial Court, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court.

 

“We believe that with the speed of work we are seeing, by June or July, these projects would be ready for Mr. President to formally hand over to the judiciary,” Wike said.

 

Responding to criticisms by some groups who claim the projects could compromise judicial independence, Wike dismissed the allegations as unfounded.

 

“There is nothing you do that critics will not criticise. Before now, people complained that judges had no befitting places to stay. Now that government is providing it, they say it is an attempt to buy them. How many people can you buy?” he asked.

 

He stressed that democracy cannot function without a strong and independent judiciary, adding that improving judges’ welfare should not be misconstrued as undue influence.

 

“You can’t talk about democracy without talking about the judiciary. You also can’t expect them to do their work effectively when they don’t have decent places to live. Even when funds are released to them, it is still the executive that provides those funds,” Wike noted.

 

On the delayed completion of the Court of Appeal complex, which was earlier scheduled for commissioning last year, the minister attributed the setback to heavy rainfall.

 

“The rains last year were something else. That affected the timeline. But most of the materials have been ordered and the project is almost completed. We believe it will be inaugurated during the third year of Mr. President’s tenure,” he said.

 

Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work, reaffirming the commitment of the Tinubu administration to strengthening the judiciary as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s democracy.

Abuja @50: Wike Applauds FCDA Boss, Promises More Roads, Projects for Communities

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

As Abuja gears up to celebrate 50 years as Nigeria’s Federal Capital, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has praised the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, for what he described as purposeful and result-driven leadership in fast-tracking infrastructure development across the territory.

Wike spoke in Abuja when the management of the FCDA paid him a courtesy visit in his capacity as Chairman of the FCDA Board. He said the ongoing transformation of Abuja was a product of strong leadership and commitment within the system.

“Today, everybody is saying there is massive infrastructural development. If that was not made possible, we would still be hanging around and saying nothing is going on,” the minister said, stressing the need to appreciate those who laid the foundation for the progress being recorded.

The FCT minister revealed that a committee would soon be set up to plan activities to mark Abuja @50, which will coincide with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third year in office. According to him, the celebration would provide an opportunity to showcase Abuja’s growth and development over the decades.

Wike commended the Acting FCDA Executive Secretary for aligning with the vision of the present administration, insisting that leadership and performance, not sentiment, determine success in public office.

“When you have the right leadership, you get results. Since your appointment, you have shown that you are up and doing. If you are not, you won’t be there. There is no two ways about it,” he declared.

He also applauded the management and staff of the FCDA for their cooperation, noting that teamwork had played a key role in the achievements recorded so far. He urged public officers to remain focused on service delivery, reminding them that public office comes with responsibilities, not just privileges.

Expressing concern over neglect of some satellite communities, Wike described the situation in Tudun Madaki as “shocking,” citing poor access roads and lack of basic infrastructure. He assured residents that the ongoing road project linking the area to Zuba would open up the communities and improve their access to the city.

“We talk too much about the city and forget the communities. Government must reach the villages and make people feel its impact,” he said, adding that with President Tinubu’s support, the FCT Administration would continue to open up underserved areas.

Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Dauda, presented a detailed account of Abuja’s development journey over the past 50 years, highlighting what he described as unprecedented achievements under the current administration. He said the FCT had witnessed its most productive period since August 2023, with dozens of projects completed and commissioned.

“About nine projects were commissioned in 2024, 17 in 2025, and by 2026, we are likely to hit 50 projects,” Dauda said, praising President Tinubu and Wike for their leadership and reaffirming FCDA’s commitment to building Abuja into a world-class capital city as it marks its golden jubilee.

Wike Inspects Key Abuja Projects, Assures Completion by May, Says Politics Won’t Stall Development

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that major infrastructure projects across Abuja will be completed and inaugurated by the end of May, declaring that political activities, including the forthcoming area council elections, will not slow down development.

Speaking during an inspection tour of ongoing projects, Wike described the pace and quality of work as “very encouraging,” stressing that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is being translated into tangible results on the ground.

“We are happy with what we have seen. By the end of May, this project will be handed over, and it is one of the projects lined up for inauguration during Mr President’s third year in office,” the minister said.

Wike first inspected the Institutional Research Road, a strategic link road connecting Nile University, the Body of Benchers and other institutions, which serves as an alternative route to the old EFCC road. He noted that the road, when completed, would significantly ease traffic flow in the area.

According to him, the contractor has committed to completing and handing over the project by the end of May.

From there, the minister moved to the Body of Benchers extension building, where he disclosed that construction work is almost 80 per cent completed.

“The work is well done. What is left now is basically landscaping,” Wike said.

The inspection also covered major road projects stretching from Euclid Road through Bright Road down to Tungan Madaki, covering not less than seven kilometres. Wike highlighted key infrastructure along the corridor, including a large conference hall and a major bridge with four spans, describing the development as a major breakthrough for communities that had long suffered neglect.

“You can imagine what these communities have gone through. It is unimaginable. But we thank God that we now have the opportunity to open up these areas,” he said.

Wike explained that the project also addressed long-standing demands by local villagers for compensation and inclusion, after initial plans focused only on a second carriageway.

“They demanded that if compensation was to be paid for crops, they should also be linked to the city. And that is what we are doing today — a promise made, a promise fulfilled,” he stated.

He added that contractors have given assurances that the major road projects would be completed between the end of May and early June.

Reacting to concerns that political activities could disrupt project execution, Wike dismissed such fears, insisting that governance must remain people-focused.

“Politics is different. You have to serve the people. Politics has its own time, and the work will continue. Politics will not affect what we are doing,” he said.

He emphasized that constant supervision and field inspections by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) leadership were key to sustaining progress.

“The only way people will be happy and believe that the Renewed Hope Agenda is real is by delivering these projects. That is exactly what we are doing,” Wike added.

FCTA, IHS Storm Gwagwalada With Free Gas Cylinders, Insurance to Save Residents From Killer Smoke

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

ABUJA — In a bold move to tackle indoor air pollution and its deadly health consequences, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in partnership with IHS Towers Nigeria, on Wednesday rolled out free gas cylinders, burners and insurance cover to vulnerable residents of Gwagwalada Area Council under the Breathe Clean Air–Abuja initiative.

The Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, who led the exercise, said the programme was designed to end the dangerous dependence on firewood, charcoal and kerosene, which she described as silent killers in many Nigerian homes.

According to her, smoke from dirty cooking fuels is responsible for widespread cases of cough, asthma, pneumonia, eye problems and other respiratory illnesses, particularly among women, children, the elderly and small-scale food vendors.

“Too many households still rely on firewood, charcoal and kerosene for cooking. These fuels pollute indoor air and pose serious health risks,” Fasawe said. “Our goal is to reduce indoor air pollution, protect lives and help vulnerable families switch safely to clean cooking.”

She explained that the project, being implemented across all six Area Councils of the FCT, goes beyond the distribution of gas cylinders, as beneficiaries are also enrolled in an insurance scheme covering fire outbreaks, explosions, user injury, third-party liability, theft and access to basic healthcare.

“This is not just about gas cylinders. Each beneficiary is protected with insurance to build confidence and remove fear associated with gas usage, while improving overall health and wellbeing,” she added.

To prevent beneficiaries from returning to harmful cooking methods, Dr. Fasawe disclosed that gas refill vouchers were also provided to support sustained use and long-term behaviour change.

She noted that the initiative prioritises women-led households, persons with disabilities, the elderly and other vulnerable groups, while helping families save time, reduce healthcare costs and improve safety at home.

The mandate secretary urged community leaders to ensure proper use of the cylinders, discourage resale and promptly report safety concerns to strengthen the programme’s impact.

“With collective effort, clean air, safer cooking and healthier living can become a reality for Gwagwalada and the entire FCT,” she said.

Also speaking, Chief Corporate Services Officer of IHS Nigeria, Mr. Dapo Otunla, described the initiative as a natural fit with the company’s sustainability agenda, stressing that it aligns with its commitment to people, environment and economic growth.

He said IHS Nigeria, a subsidiary of IHS Towers Group, operates over 16,000 telecom towers and more than 16,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables across the country, making it Nigeria’s largest communications infrastructure provider.

“This initiative is close to our heart. It promotes cleaner energy, reduces carbon emissions and supports the health of our host communities,” Otunla said.

He expressed satisfaction that the programme was reaching grassroots communities and improving the lives of the most vulnerable residents in the FCT.

“We hope the success of Abuja Breathe Clean Air will encourage nationwide adoption. We also call on other corporate organisations to join hands with us to ensure cleaner, healthier cities for Nigerians,” he added.

The event attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and beneficiaries, marking another major step in Abuja’s drive towards cleaner air and safer living.

Terrorism Allegations Rock Abuja as Ex-AGF Malami, Son Land in DSS Custody

By
Ola Akinola
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0

 

ABUJA — The immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulazeez, were on Tuesday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms.

The duo were docked before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a five-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), bordering on alleged abetting of terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

After taking their pleas, Malami and his son, who both pleaded not guilty to all the charges, were ordered to be remanded in the custody of the DSS pending the hearing and determination of their bail applications.

Counsel to the DSS, Calistus Eze, urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial. However, defence counsel, Shuaibu Arua, appealed to the court to exercise its discretion by allowing an oral application for bail, noting that the defendants had already spent about two weeks in custody and were brought to court from a hospital.

Justice Abdulmalik, in her ruling, held that the court is a court of record and directed the defendants to file formal bail applications in line with due process.

The trial judge subsequently adjourned the matter to February 20 for the commencement of trial.

According to the charges, Malami is accused of allegedly failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers during his tenure as Attorney General, despite case files reportedly submitted to his office. Both defendants are also accused of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition at their residence in Kebbi State without valid licences, offences said to be contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.

The defendants are expected to return to court on the adjourned date as legal fireworks begin in what is shaping up to be a high-profile terrorism-related trial.

Wike Tours Abuja Projects, Promises August Delivery, Says FCT Wearing New Look

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing road and bridge projects across Abuja, assuring residents that several major projects will be completed and inaugurated by August.

Wike spoke during an inspection tour of key infrastructure projects in the Katampe–Giri axis and the Ossexx area of the nation’s capital, describing the level of work as impressive and in line with expectations.
“We are quite impressed with the quality of work being carried out. The contractors are doing very well, and by August, some of these projects will be ready for inauguration,” the minister said.

He disclosed that the Katampe road project in the Giri area is among those lined up for inauguration to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second and third year in office, while the Ossexx bridges and connecting roads are expected to be delivered as part of activities marking the Federal Capital Territory’s anniversary.

According to Wike, the road networks under construction will ease movement and boost economic activities, particularly for informal sector operators and traders who rely heavily on access roads.

The minister commended construction firm, CGC, for maintaining high standards on the projects and assured that the FCT Administration would sustain strict monitoring of all contractors to ensure timely delivery.
He added that inspection tours would continue in other parts of Abuja, including areas where Chinese construction firm, CCCC, is handling major road projects.

Speaking on the Golden Jubilee of the FCT, Wike said Abuja has witnessed significant infrastructural growth in its 50 years of existence, noting that the transformation has become more visible in the last two and a half years.

“A lot has changed in terms of infrastructure. We are following the Abuja Master Plan, and the city’s landscape is changing for the better,” he said.

On the recent labour union agitation in the FCT, the minister said the issues had been resolved through dialogue, adding that normal activities had resumed.
“At the end of the day, there is no winner and no loser. It is all about ensuring that Abuja continues to move forward,” Wike said.

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