House of Rep member lists Gov Yusuf’s ‘offences’ against Kwankwaso....Read Full Article>>

Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini, the House of Representatives member representing Dala Federal Constituency, has alleged that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s perceived rift with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso stemmed from controversies over a drugs contract and a state-funded scholarship scheme.

Madakin-Gini, a former close ally of Kwankwaso—the leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the Kwankwasiyya Movement—recently announced his departure from the movement, reflecting growing divisions within the NNPP in Kano. While Madakin-Gini remains in the NNPP, he has shifted his loyalty to another faction, leading his ward executives to announce his suspension on Tuesday.

Dinosaurs Spine at Hang Dong, Ta Xua, Son La seen from above

In a video addressing his supporters, Madakin Gini outlined Kwankwaso’s expectations of loyalty, stating, “What the leader of Kwankwasiyya wants is total obedience. In all 44 local government areas, he desires sole authority. When we all gather, he seeks to see who is most loyal to him.”

According to Madakin-Gini, Governor Yusuf’s perceived ‘offences’ include his position on the investigations into drug contracts in the state, an issue Kwankwaso reportedly considered more serious than any actions taken by the former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

The drug contract saga previously led to the detention of Kwankwaso’s nephew by the state’s Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission. The nephew had reportedly secured the contract across the state’s 44 local government areas. The governor had reportedly said he was not aware of how the contract was awarded and directed the anti-corruption commission to investigate the alleged fraud in the scheme.

Madakin-Gini also cited Kwankwaso’s alleged dissatisfaction with Governor Yusuf’s decision to direct an investigation into discrepancies in a scholarship programme. According to him, it was discovered that only 400 beneficiaries were sponsored instead of the 1,001 initially approved by the governor.

“Now, he has added more grievances for refusing to sack Baffa Bichi, the Secretary to the State Government, and Muhammad Diggol, the Commissioner for Transport,” Madakin Gini said. Both officials were allegedly involved in a splinter group supporting Yusuf’s autonomy from Kwankwaso’s influence, leading to their suspension by party leaders.

“Abba was brought in as a puppet,” Madakin Gini claimed. “If what Abba has done is not enough for them, the only thing left is for him to lie down and be slaughtered.”

He added that he had advised a governor, a friend of his, against intervening in the matter with Kwankwaso, as he believed Kwankwaso would not be receptive.

Efforts to get a response from Kwankwaso were unsuccessful. His aide, Ibrahim Adam, did not respond to calls or messages at the time of this report, though he had previously denied any discord, pointing to recent joint appearances of the two leaders.

Governor Yusuf’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, was also unavailable for comment. He had ealier said that the governor would be addressing these issues in an upcoming local radio broadcast.

A former presidential spokesman, Doyin Okupe, on Thursday suggested how to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.....Read Full Article>>

Okupe said a combination of former presidential candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar and that of Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, would unseat Tinubu in 2027.

He said it’s game over should former President Goodluck Jonathan joins the race in 2027.

Posting on X, Okupe charged business mogul, Aliko Dangote should emulate Elon Musk and back Atiku.

He wrote: “Many Nigerian pseudo politicians lack deep thinking. Atiku/Obi will unseat Tinubu. Assumes Yorubas are stupid.

“Bring GEJ in 2027. Game over assumes the North is self-destructive.

“Dangote should be like Elon Musk & back Atiku. Assumes Dangote is suicidal. Where is God in all this.”

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has called for a peaceful and credible Ondo State governorship election, scheduled for November 16, 2024.....Read Full Article>>

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure on Thursday, Professor Yakubu emphasized INEC’s readiness for the election, highlighting the commission’s efforts to ensure transparency and credibility.

On preparations for the election, Yakubu said INEC has implemented various electoral activities, including voter registration and collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVCs.

He said the commission has uploaded detailed information on collected and uncollected PVCs for each of the 3,933 polling units in Ondo State.

According to him, a total of 2,053,061 registered voters are expected to participate in the election.

On security measures, the INEC boss stressed the importance of security during the election, ensuring personal safety and protection of observers, the media, and citizens.

He said the commission has worked closely with security agencies to develop a comprehensive election security plan.

On his part, the INEC’s National Commissioner, Professor Kunle Ajayi, urged political parties to conduct themselves with decorum and responsibility.

He emphasized that elections are not a zero-sum game and that democracy flourishes in an atmosphere where candidates compete based on ideas, vision, and respect for the electorate.

INEC said it will deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS and the INEC Result Viewing Portal, IReV, to enhance credibility and transparency.

The commission has accredited 111 domestic and international organizations, deploying 3,554 observers, and over 100 media organizations.

The Inspector-General of Police, represented by AIG Abiodun Oladimeji Asabi, on his part, emphasized the crucial role of security in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, scheduled for November 16, 2024.

He stressed that the success of the election depends on peace, order, and security and that any breach of peace or security can compromise the exercise.

To ensure adequate security, the Nigeria Police will deploy 22,239 officers, in addition to personnel from sister agencies. The police will work closely with other security agencies to identify and address potential security threats, provide security at polling stations, and protect voters, electoral officials, and materials.

The AIG urged all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates and agents, to conduct themselves peacefully and lawfully, adhering to global best practices of democracy. He cautioned against violence, thuggery, and electoral law violations, warning that violators will face diligent prosecution.