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Folarin Kehinde

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ADC: We’ll Fight Again to Restore Democracy, Atiku Abubakar Warns FG

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday declared that Nigerians who once resisted military rule are ready to confront any force undermining democracy, vowing a renewed struggle to safeguard the nation’s democratic values.

Speaking at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) convention in Abuja, Atiku said the country was drifting dangerously away from democratic ideals, accusing the Federal Government and electoral authorities of actions capable of eroding constitutional governance.

“Let the Federal Government know that we fought the military to bring democracy in this country, and we are going to fight them to bring democracy in this country,” he said.

The former presidential candidate lamented what he described as a collapse of critical sectors of national life, including the economy, security, education, and healthcare, insisting that urgent action was required to reverse the trend.

According to him, the current situation calls for collective resolve among Nigerians, particularly members of the ADC, to ensure what he termed a “genuine and sincere change” in leadership.

Atiku also took a swipe at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that the electoral body was being manipulated to undermine democracy.

“It is clear, it is obvious, the evidence is there. INEC is being used to scuttle democracy in this country. We will not allow that to continue,” he stated.

He urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic and religious sentiments and unite in the struggle for credible governance, stressing that the future of younger generations was at stake.

Earlier, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, had also criticized the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of suppressing democratic rights and prioritizing wealth over the welfare of citizens.

Amaechi decried restrictions on freedom of assembly and alleged misuse of state institutions against Nigerians, warning that worsening economic conditions and insecurity could deepen public hardship.

Both leaders, however, emphasized the need for unity within the ADC and the emergence of a credible candidate capable of challenging the status quo, as political realignments continue ahead of future elections.

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BREAKING: Insecurity will stop after elections – Akpabio

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has attributed the rising insecurity in the country to the forthcoming election, saying there will be a change after the elections.

Speaking at the official launch of the Nigerian Revenue Service Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday, Akpabio said President Bola Tinubu is performing so well and those opposed to him do not know what to do than to sponsor insecurity.

He said immediately after the election, insecurity will be a thing of the past.

He said, “Insecurity is increasing because election is coming, because people don’t know what to do again. Immediately after election, two weeks after election, the insecurity will stop. The insecurity is being sponsored by people.”

Mocking the opposition for being in disarray, Akpabio aimed a dig Peter Obi, candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential election, saying, “Opposition is in disarray, someone got six million votes and abandoned the party, abandoned the six million votes and went shopping for another platform and they are blaming the ruling party.”

He appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the present administration, adding, “Let Nigerians be patient with you, you are doing the right thing.”

He said Dr Zacch Adedeji is the first tax-man that Nigerians love, “even in the Bible people don’t like tax collectors. Zacch has done very well and Nigerians are happy with him.”

Among those who attended the event aside from Akpabio were President Bola Tinubu who commissioned the complex, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

 

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Headlines

Confusion as AI confirms INEC Chairman’s ownership of controversial X account

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Grok, an AI assistant built by xAI has confirmed that Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC owns the controversial X account, indicating his alleged involvement in partisan politics.

LEADING REPORTERS reports that the social media was recently flooded with claims alleging that the INEC boss operated a personal account on X and had used it to endorse or interact with a partisan post.

Our correspondent learnt that the controversial acct with ID: 1567086242164101120 was allegedly created in 2022 prior to his appointment as INEC Chairman.

Despite the pushback from the commission in a statement, claiming that the INEC boss does not operate a personal account on X, netizens have continued to dig out old posts from the account.

For clarification, Bashir Ahmad, a presidential media aide in the immediate past administration, inquired from grok to verify the claims.

He writes, “Hi @Grok, for sake of transparency, what is the original name of the X account with ID: 1567086242164101120 and was it created in September 2022, before it was later changed to joashamupitan in November 2025?”

The AI replied, “The X account ID 1567086242164101120 was created on September 6, 2022, under the username joashamupitan”.

According to grok, “Public reports and account tracking confirm that was its username from creation until April 10, 2026, when it was updated to Sundayvibe00”.

Reacting, an X user, @Normalyzed wrote, “At this point, the Nigerian Senate should summon the INEC chairman to appear before it. There are receipts everywhere in the media”.

Another commenter, @White_Superion said “Bashir Ahmad just indirectly set the INEC chairman up.

“Like most that wanted him out due to his religious stand. Bashir has been wishing for him to resign, but doesn’t know how to go about it as a loyal party man.

“The opportunity comes with this previous post, still @BashirAhmaad, had to rely on Grok to say his mind without offending the party.

“Bashir wants him out on religious grounds not owing to his allegiance to APC. Know this and Know peace”.

 

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Headlines

Nigerian Air Force kills over 50 in ‘accidental bombing’ at Borno–Yobe Border Market

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

No fewer than 56 people, mostly traders, are feared dead, while 14 others have been hospitalized following an airstrike on a weekly market along the Borno–Yobe border.

The incident occurred at Jilli Market, located between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas of Borno and Yobe states, on Saturday.

The airstrike was suspected to have been carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

The weekly market usually attracts traders and buyers from surrounding communities, including Gubio, Chiweram, and Benisheikh in Borno State, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe State.

Multiple sources said the fighter jet that carried out the operation was tracking a group of suspected insurgents believed to have visited the market to collect levies from traders and obtain supplies. However, the strike reportedly missed its intended target.

An eyewitness said at least 56 people have been confirmed dead, while 14 others are receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital in Geidam, Yobe State.

“The incident happened around 2:46 p.m. while business activities were ongoing. Four fighter jets carried out the attack, though the fourth jet was not clearly visible. We only heard the sound of explosions.

“I counted 56 corpses myself and helped rescue two injured people, taking them to the hospital. I believe the number of casualties may be higher, as more bodies are still being recovered,” the source said.

When contacted, the councillor of Fichimaram Ward, Malam Lawan Zanna, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, stating that about 20 people had been admitted to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam.

“The incident occurred at Jilli village’s weekly market under Fichimaram Ward in Geidam LGA. From the information available to us, it was an airstrike.

“When the jets launched their attack, people panicked and began to run, but the strikes continued. As we speak, over 30 people have been killed.

“More than 20 people were hospitalized in Geidam. Two were referred to the Teaching Hospital in Damaturu. Out of those receiving treatment, nine have died, bringing the death toll to over 30,” he said.

The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), confirmed the incident, but said it occurred within Borno State.

“I have spoken with the chairman of Geidam Local Government, who informed me that Jilli village falls under Gubio LGA of Borno State. You may contact officials in Maiduguri for further details,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian Air Force regarding the incident.

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Politics

APC’ll rule Nigeria for 100 years – Yobe chairman, Gadaka

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Yobe State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Muhammad Gadaka, has declared that the party will remain in power for 100 years.

Gadaka spoke during the Yobe Leadership and Innovation Summit, 2026. The event, organized by the Centre for Leadership and Good Governance–Yobe, took place in Damaturu.

Gadaka expressed confidence in the country’s future under APC leadership, emphasizing that the party’s impactful policies and programmes position it to shape Nigeria’s political space for decades, potentially as long as 100 years.

Speaking through the State Party Youth Leader, Muhammad Musa Gulani, Gadaka explained that the APC aims to sustain governance across federal, state, and local levels for the next century.

He noted that achieving meaningful national development would require more time and additional terms in office.

“The vision of our party is to improve the lives of Nigerians and make Nigeria a great country. This party will continue to form governments at the federal, state, and local levels for more than 100 years.

“Our party is reviewing its progress and strengthening its strategic direction to align its messaging with measurable impact.

“The APC will continue to build a Nigeria that works for all—strong, united, and full of hope. We call on Nigerians to have confidence in the APC government; the economy of this country will eventually work for all citizens,” he said.

 

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World Bank
Business

World Bank Deletes Nigeria Development Report Three Days After Release

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The World Bank has deleted its Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report from its website.

The removal comes three days after the global body published the report.

The report, titled ‘Nigeria’s Tomorrow Must Start Today: The Case for Early Childhood Development’, was initially released on April 7, but the link to the document is no longer accessible on the bank’s website.

In the report, the World Bank said Nigeria’s economy grew by 4 percent in 2025, with inflation easing to 15.1 percent in February 2026 from 26.3 percent a year earlier, supported by tighter monetary policy and improved food supply.

 

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BREAKING: Kebbi assembly speaker dies in Egypt

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Usman Zuru, is dead.

Zuru died on Monday night in an Egyptian hospital where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.

His death was confirmed by sources close to the Kebbi State Government, although details surrounding his illness were not disclosed.

Until his death, he represented Zuru Constituency in the state assembly and was regarded as a key figure in the legislature.

Confirming the development, an aide to the governor on Communication and Strategy, Idris Zuru, described the incident as shocking.

“The death of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Usman Zuru, came to us as a rude shock. It is a painful loss not only to Kebbi State but to the entire nation,” he said.

He added that further details would be provided by the government.

“We are still gathering full details surrounding his passing. The government will make an official statement and announce burial arrangements in consultation with the family,” Zuru stated.

Further announcements on funeral arrangements are expected from the state government and the family.

 

 

 

 

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Easter: Student playing Jesus hospitalised after intense Good Friday beatings

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A second-year law student of Kampala International University, Dennis Zziwa, has been hospitalised after sustaining injuries while portraying Jesus Christ during a Good Friday “Way of the Cross” reenactment.

The incident happened at Our Lady of Africa Church in Mbuya, Uganda, where many worshippers and spectators had gathered for the annual passion play.

According to reports, the performance took a dangerous turn during scenes showing the suffering of Jesus Christ. Dennis, who played the lead role, was subjected to heavy beatings as part of the dramatization, leaving him injured.

Emergency responders from the Red Cross, who were on ground for the event, quickly administered first aid before taking him to Lamone Health Center in Luzira for further medical attention and observation.

Eyewitnesses described the moment as both emotional and alarming, as the line between performance and real harm appeared to blur during the reenactment.

As of the time of filing this report, Dennis is said to be receiving treatment and is under close medical supervision. The incident has since raised concerns about safety measures during live religious performances, especially those involving physically demanding roles.

 

 

 

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Headlines

Easter: NSCDC deploys 57,000 personnel nationwide

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced the deployment of over 57,000 personnel across the country in preparation for the 2026 Easter celebration.

Commandant General of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordered the large-scale mobilization to reinforce national security and ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration for citizens.

According to a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, on Thursday in Abuja, the deployment covers all 36 states of the federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The deployment includes operatives from specialized tactical units, intelligence squads, and rapid-response teams.

Prof. Audi said the strategic move is a proactive step to prevent potential threats, safeguard Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), and maintain law and order during the holiday period.

The Commandant General has equally directed all Zonal Commanders, State Commandants, and Provosts of Colleges to take full charge of security within their jurisdictions.

He directed the operatives to provide intensified surveillance in areas expected to record heavy foot traffic, such as churches and worship centres, shopping malls and markets, motor parks and transport terminals, and recreational and entertainment venues.

The operation would involve both visible patrol teams and undercover operatives, strategically positioned to identify and neutralize any criminal activity before it escalates.

Prof. Audi emphasized the need for strong collaboration with Nigeria’s wider security architecture. He noted that effective intelligence sharing, public cooperation, and an unwavering commitment to rapid response are essential to the success of the nationwide security plan.

“Our goal is a seamless and secure Easter season,” the CG stated. He reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that the Easter celebration is peaceful for all.

He added, “We are working hand-in-hand with sister agencies to maintain order. I also urge parents and guardians to guide their children properly, ensuring they are not manipulated into engaging in activities that could disrupt public peace.”

The NSCDC disclosed that several elite squads have been placed on maximum alert, including the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG-SIS), the Mining Marshals, the Special Female Squad (SFS), and the Crack Squad.

Audi noted that these specialized formations are prepared to act swiftly against individuals or groups attempting to threaten national stability during the festive period.

The Corps called on Nigerians to stay vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest NSCDC office or security formation.

 

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Politics

Benue 2027: Byuan’s Resignation Raises Stakes in APC Governorship Race

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The race for the 2027 Benue State governorship has begun to gather momentum following the resignation of Mathias Byuan, a development that is already stirring debate within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the credibility of its nomination process.

Byuan, who until recently served as Executive Director, Housing Finance and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority, stepped down in line with a Federal Government directive requiring political appointees seeking elective office to resign.

His exit from office is widely interpreted as a formal declaration of his ambition to contest for the Benue governorship under the APC platform.

Political observers say his entry into the race signals the beginning of what could become a keenly contested primary, particularly as discussions intensify within the party over how candidates will emerge ahead of the polls.

The development comes amid speculations that the APC leadership may consider granting automatic tickets to some first-term governors seeking re-election, a move that has sparked concerns among party stakeholders about adherence to internal democratic principles.

According to the party’s guidelines, governorship candidates are to emerge either through consensus among party members or via direct primaries. Analysts note that the interpretation and application of these provisions will be critical in shaping the outcome of contests such as the one expected in Benue State.

Byuan, described by supporters as a longstanding party member with deep grassroots connections, is seen as one of the early entrants positioning for the race. His resignation, they argue, demonstrates both compliance with laid-down rules and readiness to engage in a competitive process.

However, concerns persist within party circles that any attempt to impose candidates or sideline aspirants could undermine confidence in the process and trigger internal disputes.

Stakeholders note that the Benue governorship contest may serve as an early indicator of how the APC intends to manage its primaries nationwide, especially in states where multiple aspirants are expected to emerge.

For many party faithful, the central question remains whether the process will be open and competitive or influenced by internal power dynamics.

As political activities gradually build up ahead of 2027, attention is expected to remain firmly on the APC’s next moves in Benue, with observers warning that the credibility of its internal processes could significantly impact party cohesion and electoral prospects.

With Byuan now officially in the race, the stage appears set for a contest that could test not only individual ambitions but also the strength of internal democracy within the ruling party

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