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Folarin Kehinde

Politics

HON. IKYAAGBA SEEKS BLESSINGS FROM MBAIKYONGO COUNCIL OF CHIEFS

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Hon. Dominic Ikyaagba, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, aspirant for the Buruku Federal Constituency, has formally announced his 2027 House of Representatives bid by meeting with the Mbaikyongo Council Chiefs, at the Mbaikyongo Council Hall in Uga, Tombo Mbalagh.

The District Head, Chief Nyikwagh Toryough warmly welcomed Hon. Ikyaagba, other council members, such as Zaki Zachariah Ude, Zaki Abya, Zaki Amusan Orhena and Asor Wada praised his courage, urging him to stay fearless, maintain his good character, respect others, and keep his generosity, and also reminded him to seek God’s guidance, noting that “everything comes from above,”

In his remarks, Hon. Ikyaagba expressed deep gratitude for their support and pledged to carry their prayers into his campaign and beyond.

The Council further highlighted the importance of community‑driven leadership, emphasizing that a representative who listens to traditional institutions can better address local needs such as infrastructure, education, and security, and encouraged him to build a platform that integrates cultural values with modern policy, ensuring that development projects reflect the aspirations of Buruku’s people.

 

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FCT Poll: PDP defeats APC in Gwagwalada

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mohammed Kasim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship election conducted on Saturday.

While declaring the result, the INEC Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, announced that PDP polled the highest votes in the council.

Kasim polled 22,165 votes to defeat his closest rival, Yahaya Shehu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 17,788.

The election was a tight race between Kasim and Yahaya Shehu of the APC with speculations of withdrawals dogging the campaigns ahead of the Saturday election.

However, both candidates came out to deny hat they had stepped down.

Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship vote breakdown

• PDP (Mohammed Kasim): 22,165

• APC (Yahaya Shehu): 17,788

• ADC: 1,366

• APGA: 1,687

The local elections were conducted by INEC across the FCT’s six area councils — Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.

The victory comes at a time the PDP is facing one of its toughest battles since it’s establishment in 1998.

Before Saturday’s victory, Gwagalada was under the control of APC. Abu Giri,member of the ruling party, is the outgoing chairman.

 

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FashionHeadlines

Ramadan: Hisbah arrests nine in Kano for allegedly eating in public

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Kano State Hisbah Board has confirmed the arrest of nine Muslims for allegedly eating in public on Wednesday, the first day of the Ramadan fast.

The board’s deputy commander, Mujahid Aminudeen, said the suspects consist of two women and seven men.

According to him, the individuals were apprehended after they were sighted eating openly during daylight hours.

“We arrested them and they are with us, where we will teach them the importance of fasting, how to pray and read the Qur’an, and how to become good Muslims,” Aminudeen said.

He, however, did not state when the suspects would be released.

Kano State, which is predominantly Muslim, operates Islamic law alongside Nigeria’s civil legal system.

During the Ramadan period, officials of the Hisbah Board routinely monitor food outlets, markets and public spaces to ensure adherence to fasting rules among Muslims.

 

 

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Headlines

37 Miners Die, 25 Hospitalised After Suspected Carbon Monoxide Exposure in Plateau

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

No fewer than 37 miners have reportedly lost their lives following suspected carbon monoxide exposure at an underground mining site in Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday while the victims were engaged in zinc extraction at the site. Toxic fumes were said to have suddenly filled the mining tunnels, leading to suffocation and a subsequent collapse within the facility.

Sources disclosed that the affected miners inhaled the poisonous gas during routine operations underground. Most of the deceased were young men aged between 20 and 35.

Meanwhile, 25 other miners who survived the exposure are currently receiving treatment at a nearby health facility.

Confirming the development, the Executive Chairman of Wase Local Government Area, Hamisu Anani, described the incident as tragic and deeply worrisome. He lamented that the deaths occurred during the holy month of Ramadan, a period when many Muslims are engaged in fasting and prayers.

Anani stated that the mining site has since been secured to forestall further casualties and allow for thorough investigation into the exact cause of the suspected gas leak.

He appealed to both the state and federal governments to provide urgent assistance to the victims and their families, noting that the tragedy has left the community in grief.

Also reacting, the lawmaker representing Wase State Constituency assured that efforts were ongoing to support those affected, as investigations into the incident continue.

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FCT Polls: PDP candidate steps down for APC’s Ishaku after Wike’s intervention

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

In a dramatic political realignment less than 72 hours to the Federal Capital Territory FCT Area Council elections, the Peoples Democratic Party PDP chairmanship candidate for Bwari Area Council, Julius Adamu, has withdrawn from the race to endorse the All Progressives Congress APC candidate, Joshua Ishaku Musa.

The high-stakes move, which followed the direct intervention of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, was finalized on Wednesday at a bipartisan stakeholders meeting in the Bwari Area Council.

The announcement effectively narrows the contest for the chairmanship seat ahead of the February 21 polls.

Addressing a gathering of supporters and party stakeholders, Adamu revealed that his decision was the product of “deep consultation” with the FCT Minister.

He framed the withdrawal as a move to maintain local harmony, emphasizing his personal ties with the APC candidate.

“I am standing here before you this afternoon to tell you that I have been in deep consultation with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

“I have come to the conclusion that I and Joshua, we are brothers. It will not be nice for two brothers to kill themselves over one office. Therefore, I have relinquished my support to Hon. Joshua”, said Adamu.

Urging his political base to shift their loyalty, Adamu added, “I want to urge all my supporters to support Joshua to win this election.”

Wike, who has increasingly played a kingmaker role in the territory’s politics, threw his full weight behind the new alliance.

Speaking at the event, Wike incentivized the electorate by linking the APC candidate’s potential victory to accelerated infrastructure development in the area.

“The people of Bwari, let me tell you why you should support Joshua. If you vote for Joshua, I will do more roads in Bwari. Let nobody make any mistake; on Saturday, come out and make sure that Joshua wins the election”, he said.

This development comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC concludes preparations for elections across the six Area Councils – Abuja Municipal (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali.

The Bwari contest had been viewed as a critical battleground, but this cross-party pact has now significantly alters the electoral math in favour of the APC.

The alliance also underscores the Minister’s ongoing strategy of fostering cooperation between elements of the PDP and the ruling APC, a stance that continues to define the political landscape of the FCT under his administration.

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Tinubu
Headlines

BREAKING: Tinubu signs controversial Electoral Act amendment bill into law

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has signed the controversial Electoral Act 2022 (Amendment) Bill into law, formally repealing and reenacting key provisions of Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 general election.

Leading Reporters gathered that the signing ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, hours after the harmonised version of the bill was transmitted to the Presidency by the National Assembly (NASS).

It would be recalled that the amendment sparked widespread debate across the political spectrum, particularly over provisions relating to the electronic transmission of election results. Critics argue that the new law could not provide a safeguard for real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units.

A major flashpoint is Clause 60(3), which stops short of making electronic transmission of election results mandatory in real time, instead leaving significant discretion to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine the mode and procedure for result transmission.

Supporters of the amendment insist the law provides flexibility for INEC to deploy technology based on prevailing infrastructure realities, including network coverage challenges in rural communities. They argue that the changes aim to prevent logistical breakdowns that could undermine the credibility of elections.

However, opposition parties and civil society groups have warned that the amendment could erode public trust in the electoral process. A former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, had publicly urged the President to withhold assent, describing aspects of the bill as potentially detrimental to electoral transparency.

Beyond result transmission, the new law also shortens certain pre-election timelines and adjusts procedures for candidate nomination, substitution, and dispute resolution, provisions analysts say could significantly reshape the political calendar leading into 2027.

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Kano govt ban Dj, music till after Ramadan

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Kano State Censorship Board has ordered the shutting down of entertainment houses known as “Gala houses” and all DJ activities across the state as Muslims commence the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement signed by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, on behalf of the Chairman, Abba El-Mustapha, the board asked gala houses and disc jockeys (DJ operators) to comply with the order which takes effect from 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

According to the Board, the measure is aimed at creating a peaceful atmosphere for worship during Ramadan.

It explained that the reopening date, particularly for Eid celebrations, would be announced at the appropriate time.

The Board urged stakeholders to comply with the directive in line with the law establishing the agency, stressing that the suspension is part of its mandate to regulate entertainment activities in the state.

It prayed for Allah to grant residents good health and peace in observing their acts of worship, and to bless the community with mercy and prosperity throughout the holy month.

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BREAKING: DSS Sues El-Rufai for Intercepting NSA Ribadu’s Phone

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a suit against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The case was filed at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja under Charge No. 5026.

According to the suit, El-Rufai allegedly admitted during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme on 13 February 2026 that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s phone communications.

The suit contains three counts:

Count One alleges that El-Rufai personally admitted to unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s phone communications, an offence punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Count Two claims he knowingly associated with individuals who intercepted the NSA’s communications without reporting them to relevant security agencies, contrary to Section 27(b) of the same Act.

Count Three accuses him and others still at large of using technical equipment to compromise public safety and national security, causing apprehension among Nigerians, in violation of Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

The suit was formally dated 16 February 2026 and marks a significant escalation in the ongoing security and political controversy surrounding El-Rufai.

El-Rufai has previously made statements on Arise TV alleging phone tapping of the NSA, which the DSS claims forms the basis of its legal action.

The Federal High Court is yet to set a date for hearing the matter.

 

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Tinubu
Politics

APC Senator Seeks 16-Year Single Tenure for Nigeria’s President

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Kenneth Eze (APC–Ebonyi) has called for a nationwide debate on replacing Nigeria’s current two-term, four-year presidential cycle with a single 16-year tenure.

Mr Eze, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, made the call on Monday while addressing journalists at his country home in Ohigbo-Amagu, Ezza South LGA.

He argued that frequent election cycles undermine policy continuity and slow national development.

“Every four years, we return to campaign mode. By the third year, governance slows as attention shifts to re-election; that is why projects are abandoned and policies are not allowed to mature.

“Nigeria’s constitution provides for a four-year presidential term, renewable once, but if you ask me, I will advocate one tenure of 16 years.

”It sounds controversial, but it will allow policies to run their full course and stabilise the system,” he said.

The lawmaker proposed scrapping the two-term structure in favour of a single, extended tenure that would free leaders from electoral pressure and enable long-term reforms.

He noted that critical sectors such as power, infrastructure, agriculture and fiscal reform require sustained commitment beyond short political cycles.

According to him, irrigation schemes, mechanised farming programmes and energy reforms need continuity to deliver measurable impact.

Mr Eze also defended recent economic measures, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, describing them as necessary to avert fiscal collapse.

“We were borrowing to pay salaries. That is not sustainable for any country; tough decisions are necessary to secure long-term stability,” he added.

He maintained that the proposal should be viewed as a governance discussion rather than an attack on democracy, calling for a broader national dialogue on constitutional reform to assess whether a longer tenure could improve policy implementation while preserving checks and balances.

Mr Eze acknowledged that any constitutional amendment would require approval by the National Assembly and ratification by state legislatures, stressing that the process must be transparent and participatory.

Beyond tenure reform, he urged citizens to embrace civic responsibility and patriotism, challenging journalists, teachers, civil servants and parents to promote national values, noting that policy changes alone cannot transform the country.

 

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Uncategorized

Transcorp Hilton Abuja unveils curated Valentine weekend experience

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

As the season of love approaches, Transcorp Hilton Abuja has announced plans to host an expansive Valentine Weekend experience designed to offer guests a blend of romance, entertainment and relaxation.

The iconic Abuja hotel said the three-day celebration, scheduled for February 13 to 15, will transform its premises into a hub of romantic and social activities, catering to couples as well as singles seeking a memorable holiday experience.

According to the management, the “Valentine Weekend Package” will include specially curated room offers for couples looking for a getaway from the bustle of city life, complemented by romantic add-ons and the hotel’s signature hospitality.

At the heart of the celebration is a signature couples’ event featuring a specially curated Valentine menu, games, music and comedy, designed to create a lively and intimate atmosphere for guests.

The weekend will also feature a comedy show with top entertainers aimed at bringing laughter and joy, while a specially curated romantic stage play will take centre stage, offering guests a theatre experience focused on love, emotions and human connection.

Dining is also expected to play a major role in the celebration, with two of the hotel’s restaurants — Zuma Grill and Bukka Restaurant — presenting exclusive Valentine dinner packages tailored for guests seeking a more intimate culinary experience.

Beyond traditional couples’ activities, the hotel has also created an event for singles. A poolside party will provide a vibrant setting where guests can mingle under the stars while enjoying music and cocktails.

To help guests capture the moment, the hotel will also provide professional couples’ photography sessions, allowing participants to preserve their romantic memories against the backdrop of the hotel’s scenic locations.

Management of Transcorp Hilton Abuja said the initiative was designed to create more than just a dining experience.

“We wanted to create a weekend that wasn’t just a meal, but a memory. Whether through laughter at our comedy show or a special moment captured during a photo session, our goal is to celebrate love in all its forms,” the management said.

Reservations for the Valentine weekend are currently open, with expectations that the hotel — widely regarded as a major hub of Abuja’s social scene — will attract guests looking fo a romantic getaway.

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