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Feature, National, Politics

Ganduje Steps Up as APC Strategist Ahead of August Rerun Elections

As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares for a series of bye-elections and court-ordered reruns scheduled for August 16, 2025, political momentum is building particularly within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). With 16 constituencies across 12 states heading to the polls, including sensitive zones in Kano, Plateau, Edo, and Anambra, the upcoming vote is shaping into a midterm litmus test for party strength and leadership credibility. Amid this shifting landscape, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, National Chairman of the APC, has reemerged at the center of national strategy. His recent attendance at INEC’s quarterly consultative meeting with political parties stood out not just for its symbolism, but also for its sharp contrast. While the APC was fully represented, key opposition parties like the PDP and Labour Party were absent, reflecting the internal crises currently plaguing both. Ganduje’s appearance alongside INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu where the two were seen exchanging handshakes and policy remarks sent a clear message of political preparedness. It wasn’t just a courtesy call, but a calculated reaffirmation that the APC is organized, focused, and ready to engage the electoral process head-on. Related: Ganduje Attends INEC Stakeholders Meeting Amid PDP, LP Boycott Having governed Kano State for two terms, Ganduje is widely regarded as a grassroots tactician with deep influence across Northern Nigeria. His leadership style, marked by firm control and loyalty-building, is now being scaled to the national level. Many within the APC view the upcoming reruns as a proving ground for his ability to deliver electoral victories beyond his traditional stronghold. INEC’s announcement of August 16 as the date for the reruns triggered immediate mobilization within the ruling party. According to party insiders, Ganduje has already begun internal consultations with zonal coordinators, youth mobilizers, and campaign teams. The objective is clear: defend existing seats and reclaim those lost due to judicial verdicts or resignations. In key battlegrounds such as Ghari/Tsanyawa in Kano and Enugu South I in Enugu, the reruns are likely to favor the APC, as the party’s political machinery and grassroots support are already in place. Read Also: Ganduje, Tinubu and the Strengthening of Nigeria’s Democracy Amidst APC Growth While the APC presses forward, the opposition’s internal disarray only enhances the ruling party’s advantage. The PDP is mired in a multi-layered leadership dispute, with ongoing confusion surrounding the rightful occupant of the National Secretary position. Similarly, the Labour Party continues to grapple with legal battles over its national leadership, casting doubt on its ability to field unified candidates or run coordinated campaigns. For Ganduje, the moment also presents an opportunity to restore public confidence in the APC’s direction. Since assuming the chairmanship, he has been working quietly to stabilize intra-party relationships and streamline decision-making ahead of crucial elections. His recent messaging has emphasized discipline, structure, and long-term vision, principles many believe are essential for consolidating power ahead of the 2027 general elections. Beyond short-term electoral gains, Dr. Ganduje’s focus appears to be on legacy-building. By successfully guiding the APC through the August reruns, he would not only validate his capacity as a national leader but also set the tone for the party’s dominance in the years ahead. With President Tinubu’s administration facing scrutiny over economic reforms, security, and youth engagement, Ganduje’s role in maintaining party stability is becoming increasingly consequential. In the end, that handshake with INEC was more than symbolic, it marked the quiet beginning of a political offensive, one in which strategy, timing, and organization could define the trajectory of the APC in an increasingly complex political climate. Umar Idris Shuaibu is a digital journalist writes from Kano.

National, News, Politics

Ganduje Attends INEC Stakeholders Meeting Amid PDP, LP Boycott

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) were conspicuously absent as the leadership of political parties in Nigeria met with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a quarterly consultative meeting held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. Present at the meeting were chairmen and secretaries of several registered political parties, including Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The meeting was presided over by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu. The absence of PDP officials is believed to be linked to the internal crisis that has fractured the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). At the center of the turmoil is the ongoing dispute over the office of the National Secretary. Until recently, the position has been contested by three individuals. Senator Samuel Anyanwu was rejected by the party’s South East caucus in favor of Mr. Sunday Ude-Okoye, prompting the appointment of Deputy National Secretary, Arc. Setonji Koshedo, in an acting capacity. Related: Tinubu, Governors Join Ganduje to Receive Governor Eno into APC However, in a dramatic turn on Wednesday, Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Ilya Damagum, announced at a press conference that Anyanwu remains the party’s scribe. The announcement was quickly countered by other NWC members, who insisted that Anyanwu is no longer in office. The Labour Party is also entangled in a leadership crisis following the suspension of Julius Abure and the recognition of Senator Nenadi Usman as Acting National Chairman by a faction of the party. During the meeting, Prof. Yakubu announced that a new round of bye-elections will be conducted on Saturday, August 16, 2025, across 16 constituencies in 12 states. He also revealed that INEC will resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, beginning in Anambra State on July 8, 2025, with a nationwide rollout expected later in August. The bye-elections are being organized to fill vacancies in two Senatorial Districts, Anambra South and Edo Central, five Federal Constituencies, and nine State House of Assembly seats. The vacancies arose due to deaths, resignations, and court rulings. A total of 3,553,659 registered voters across 32 Local Government Areas, 356 Wards, and 6,987 Polling Units are expected to participate. INEC will deploy 30,451 officials to manage the elections. Read Also: Photos: President Tinubu Signs Landmark Tax Reform Bills into Law However, Yakubu clarified that elections will not take place in Khana II constituency in Rivers State due to prevailing security concerns, and in Talata Mafara South in Zamfara State due to pending litigation. INEC will also conduct two pending court-ordered rerun elections in Enugu South I (Enugu State) and Ghari/Tsanyawa (Kano State), which were previously disrupted by violence. These will be held concurrently with the bye-elections on August 16. According to the INEC chairman, political parties are expected to hold their primaries between July 17 and 21. The nomination portal will open on July 22 at 9:00 a.m. and close on July 26 at 6:00 p.m. Campaigns are scheduled to begin on August 2 and end at midnight on August 14.  

National, News

NNPC Alleges Sabotage Plot to Derail Reform Agenda

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has raised the alarm over what it described as a “coordinated sabotage campaign” orchestrated by a network of internal and external actors aimed at undermining its leadership and reform efforts. In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its management, the national oil company alleged that a syndicate comprising both known and faceless individuals—within and outside the organisation—is actively spreading “lies and misinformation” to derail NNPC’s transformation into a transparent and performance-driven entity. “These are calculated efforts by those who feel threatened by reform, transparency, accountability, and change,” the statement noted, warning that defamatory reports targeting senior executives may intensify in the coming weeks. Read Also: Photos: President Tinubu Signs Landmark Tax Reform Bills into Law NNPC accused the alleged saboteurs of “planting scandalous and fabricated reports” designed to distract the company’s executive team, mislead the public, and weaken staff morale. Although the company did not name specific individuals or organisations, it described the campaign as a direct assault on President Bola Tinubu’s mandate to overhaul the state-owned enterprise. Since its transition into a limited liability company under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) in 2021—following the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act—NNPC has undergone significant restructuring. This transformation accelerated in 2023 and 2024, with a renewed focus on transparency, profitability, and eliminating legacy debts and opaque trading practices. Industry observers note that the ongoing reforms have disrupted long-standing interests within the crude-for-fuel swap arrangements, pipeline surveillance contracts, and the downstream product marketing chain—areas historically linked to corruption and inefficiency. Despite anticipating what it described as an “emerging smear campaign,” NNPC said it remains undeterred. The company called on staff, stakeholders, and all patriotic Nigerians to disregard the “noise” and stay focused on supporting the transformation of Nigeria’s foremost energy institution. The statement did not indicate whether NNPC intends to pursue legal action against those it accuses of sabotage. As of press time, efforts to reach company officials for further comment were unsuccessful. In response to the situation, NNPC is expected to strengthen internal security protocols and improve communication channels to protect staff from disinformation. Civil society organisations are also likely to increase scrutiny over how the company substantiates or fails to substantiate its claims. At the legislative level, the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) has recently shown interest in deeper oversight of NNPC’s commercial operations, potentially intensifying national focus on the sabotage allegations. For now, the company remains resolute. “No amount of sabotage will stop it,” the statement affirmed.

National, Politics

Fubara and Wike Reconcile, Pledge Unity and Peace in Rivers State

The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have officially announced the end of their prolonged political rift, pledging to work together going forward. Both leaders, who belong to the same political family but had been embroiled in a months-long conflict, made the declaration during a joint interview on Thursday night with Sunday Moses, President Bola Tinubu’s official videographer. Speaking on the reconciliation, Wike affirmed that the political feud was now a thing of the past. Read Also: Tinubu, Governors Join Ganduje to Receive Governor Eno into APC “We have all agreed to work together. Everything is over. We are members of the same political family. As humans, we have disagreements. We also have time to settle those disagreements. There is no more acrimony. Everything is over. It’s a day we have to thank the Almighty,” he said. Governor Fubara, on his part, highlighted the importance of peace and stability in Rivers State. “It’s important that this day has come. What we need in Rivers is peace. We shall do everything in our power to sustain peace in Rivers State,” he stated. The dispute between Fubara and Wike had significantly disrupted the state’s political structure and drawn widespread national attention.

National, News

Photos: President Tinubu Signs Landmark Tax Reform Bills into Law

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law four landmark tax reform bills aimed at unifying Nigeria’s fragmented tax system and enhancing transparency in the country’s fiscal policy framework. The newly enacted laws are designed to eliminate duplication, simplify tax administration, boost investor confidence, and create a fairer and more transparent tax environment. Read Also: Nigerian Navy Launches High-Tech Agricultural Initiative to Boost Food Security The signing ceremony took place on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where President Tinubu described the development as a bold and foundational shift in Nigeria’s fiscal policy direction. The laws signed include the Nigeria Tax Bill (Fair Taxation), the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill. Details later.. Photo News:

Abuja, Agriculture, National, News

Nigerian Navy Launches High-Tech Agricultural Initiative to Boost Food Security

In a move to support the Federal Government’s drive for food security, the Nigerian Navy has launched an innovative agricultural initiative through its Admiralty Integrated Farms Limited (ADIFAL). This was revealed during the unveiling of ADIFAL’s Coordination Centre and logo in Abuja. Speaking at the event, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla represented by Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the Armed Forces to engage in farming to address key national challenges. These include food insecurity, the herder-farmer conflict, banditry, and kidnapping. Ogalla praised naval personnel for embracing the farming initiative with commitment and patriotism and commended the ADIFAL team for their dedication. He emphasized the importance of civil-military cooperation in achieving national development goals, especially in agriculture. He urged that interactions with civilians should be respectful and focused on shared national interests. Read Also: Provost Gwaram Unveils FCAPT Progress, Seeks Urgent Completion of Bunkure Campus He further noted that ADIFAL’s success will not only contribute to food sufficiency but also foster peace and stability across Nigeria. In his remarks, the Managing Director and CEO of ADIFAL, Rear Admiral Julius Nwago, said food, nutrition, and security are global priorities. He noted that other countries also engage their military in agriculture to strengthen food security. Nwago explained that ADIFAL would use a comprehensive precision agriculture model that covers all stages of farming from planning and land clearing to harvesting and processing. This model will be supported by advanced technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), which will help maximize yield, reduce waste, and improve decision-making. To enable this, ADIFAL has created a centralized Agro-Precision Farming Platform. The digital platform collects data from satellites, radar, drones, and live audio-visual feeds to offer intelligent recommendations to farmers. Housed at the ADIFAL Coordination Centre, the system includes predictive and generative AI tools that provide real-time responses to farmer inquiries throughout the farming season.

National, News

President Tinubu to Sign Four Critical Tax Reform Bills into Law

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Thursday sign into law four significant tax reform bills aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework. The announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja through a statement by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the bills are the Nigeria Tax Bill (Ease of Doing Business), the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill. Read Also: Tinubu Commissions N31bn Idu-Zuba Expressway to Ease Traffic, Boost Development The bills were passed by the National Assembly following wide-ranging consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders. Onanuga stated that, once signed into law, the new tax legislation is expected to greatly improve tax administration, enhance revenue generation, and strengthen the business environment. The reforms are also designed to boost both domestic and foreign investment. The Nigeria Tax Bill aims to consolidate Nigeria’s fragmented tax laws into a single harmonised statute. By reducing the multiplicity of taxes and eliminating duplication, it seeks to make tax compliance easier and promote a more business-friendly climate. The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill provides a unified legal and operational framework for tax administration across the federal, state, and local governments, ensuring consistency and efficiency nationwide. The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill repeals the existing Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establishes a more autonomous and performance-oriented national revenue agency, known as the Nigeria Revenue Service. The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill is intended to create a formal structure that will enhance cooperation among revenue authorities at all levels of government. It also includes oversight mechanisms such as the establishment of a Tax Appeal Tribunal and an Office of the Tax Ombudsman to address taxpayer grievances and ensure fairness. The bill signing ceremony will take place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Dignitaries expected to witness the event include the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Majority Leaders of both chambers, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Finance. Also expected are the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and the Attorney General of the Federation. (NAN)

National, News

Federal Government Postpones Paramilitary Recruitment Exercise

The Federal Government has announced the postponement of recruitment into paramilitary services under the Ministry of Interior. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB). According to the statement, the recruitment portal, which was initially scheduled to open on Thursday, 26th June 2025, will now open on Monday, 14th July 2025. Read Also: Massive Paramilitary Recruitment Begins June 26: A Golden Opportunity for Nigerian Youth The Board also released a new official portal address for the application process: recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng. Prospective applicants are advised to take note of the new date and portal address. The CDCFIB emphasized that all applications are free of charge, warning applicants to disregard any request for payment. The statement added that the Board regrets any inconvenience the change in schedule may have caused the public.

National, News

Massive Paramilitary Recruitment Begins June 26: A Golden Opportunity for Nigerian Youth

In a welcome move that could shape the future of thousands of Nigerian youths, the Federal Government has announced a nationwide recruitment drive into four major paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior. Starting from Thursday, June 26, 2025, the application portal will open for eligible Nigerians to apply for positions in the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). According to the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Board (CDCFIB), all applications must be submitted online via https://recruitment.cdcfib.org within three weeks of the portal’s launch. The Board’s Secretary, Major General Abdulmalik Jubril (Retired), emphasized that the application process is completely free and warned that multiple applications by the same candidate would lead to automatic disqualification. “This is not just a job opportunity, it is a national call to duty,” he said. “We are looking for passionate, qualified, and physically fit Nigerians who are ready to contribute to national security, fire prevention, correctional reform, and border management.” What Are the Available Positions? The recruitment covers three categories of positions across the four services: Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Assistant Cadres, offering a wide range of opportunities based on different educational qualifications: Superintendent roles for degree holders in Medicine, Law, Mechanical, Civil, or Chemical Engineering (specific to NCoS and FFS). Assistant Superintendent II positions for BSc and HND holders across FFS, NSCDC, and NIS. Inspectorate Cadre positions for registered nurses, midwives, ND and NCE holders. Assistant Cadre positions for secondary school leavers with GCE, SSCE, NECO, or equivalent qualifications, requiring a minimum of four or five credits. Applicants must be: Nigerian citizens, aged 18 to 35 years Medically fit, with no criminal or financial record Holders of the required qualifications as listed in the application guidelines Advice for Applicants The Federal Fire Service, in a related post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, issued a warning to applicants about potential fraud. “Beware of fraudsters. The recruitment is free. No payment is required at any stage,” the post read. Why This Matters This recruitment comes at a time when youth unemployment in Nigeria remains a major concern. With over 33% of the youth population actively seeking jobs, opportunities like this not only provide employment but also a sense of purpose and national pride. As economic hardship and job scarcity continue to affect millions, this recruitment exercise is a chance for young Nigerians especially graduates, diploma holders, and even those with secondary school certificates to take their future into their own hands. It is a rare opportunity to join the uniformed services, gain job security, access career advancement, and play a crucial role in nation-building. Be Ready As the recruitment portal goes live at 12:00 am on Thursday, June 26, 2025, aspiring candidates are advised to stay awake, gather all necessary documents, and apply early to avoid last-minute glitches or disqualification. This is more than a job, it’s a step toward purpose, dignity, and national service. Stay alert. Stay ready. Nigeria needs you. For full details and application, visit https://recruitment.cdcfib.org Follow @FireServiceNG and @CDCFIB on X for updates.  

Abuja, National, News

Tinubu Commissions N31bn Idu-Zuba Expressway to Ease Traffic, Boost Development

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the newly completed right-hand service lane of the 16-kilometre Inner Northern Expressway (INEX) linking Ring Road 3 (RR3) to the Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Muhammed Way), spanning Idu to Zuba in Abuja. Represented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, the President praised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for executing the N31 billion project, noting it will ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and support business and housing growth in the area. Wike revealed that the project, initially awarded in 2014 at N7 billion, stalled for 11 years due to poor funding and inflation. He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for reviving it, adding that the Idu-Zuba corridor is crucial for industrial development and investor confidence. Read Also: Photos: Tinubu Inaugurates Greater Abuja Water Project to Expand Clean Water Access The Minister disclosed that a private firm has offered to complete the left-hand lane under a tax credit scheme and called on the Ministry of Finance to expedite necessary approvals. Wike also highlighted ongoing engagements with regulatory bodies to resolve issues affecting project timelines, including railway crossing approvals. He announced that the remaining seven FCT projects, including the Mabushi Bus Terminal and INEC Annex, will be commissioned on June 17.  

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