Ideal Reporters

Nasarawa North Senatorial By-Election Commences Amid Intense Political Contest The much-anticipated Nasarawa North Senatorial By-Election has commenced across Akwanga, Wamba, and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, with voters trooping to polling units to elect a new representative in the Senate. The by-election became necessary following the demise of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented the district until his death, creating a vacancy in the upper legislative chamber. The contest is expected to be keenly fought, with political observers focusing attention on some of the most prominent candidates in the race. They include Barrister Danladi Halilu Envulanza of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, and former member of the House of Representatives, David Emmanuel Ombugadu, among other contenders. The election has attracted significant attention within and outside Nasarawa State, with many political...

Pantami Withdraws From APC Governorship Primaries Over Alleged Electoral Violations Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has withdrawn from the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress in Gombe State, citing alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and irregularities in the party’s direct primary process. The withdrawal was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by Barrister Ibrahim M. Attahir on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement. According to the statement, Pantami said his decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders and concerns over what he described as the APC’s failure to provide essential information and a transparent framework necessary for conducting credible governorship primaries scheduled for May 21, 2026. The former minister stated that despite fully complying with the party’s guidelines and procedures after accepting calls by supporters and stakeholders to contest the governorship seat, his campaign repeatedly faced diffic...

Al-Makura Cautions Against Early Endorsements Ahead Of APC Primaries In Nasarawa Former Governor of Nasarawa State and North Central Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Tanko Al-Makura, has called on political actors to tread carefully and avoid actions that may breach established electoral guidelines as the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares for its primaries. Speaking at a press briefing in Lafia, Al-Makura raised concerns over emerging political developments in the state, particularly the growing discourse around early endorsements. He described such moves as premature and potentially harmful to the integrity of the party’s internal processes. His remarks come in the wake of recent comments attributed to Governor Abdullahi Sule regarding a preferred successor, an action Al-Makura suggested could undermine due process if not properly timed. According to the former governor, the APC is yet to officially commence the sale of nomination and expression of inter...

ADC Convention To Hold As Scheduled Amid Allegations Of Intimidation The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has insisted that its national convention will proceed as planned on Tuesday in Abuja, despite alleged last-minute attempts to disrupt the event. Speaking at the venue, the Rainbow Event Centre, former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, declared that the party remained resolute and fully prepared to hold its convention. He emphasized that the ADC had fulfilled all contractual obligations, including full payment for the venue, and therefore could not be denied access. Melaye alleged that there had been pressure from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, alongside the Federal Capital Development Authority, aimed at preventing the event from taking place. He described the development as an act of political intimidation but assured party members that the convention would go on as scheduled. The controversy follows a statement issued on Monday night by th...

2027 Politics: Keffi Council Chairman Sacks Secretary As Gov. Sule Removes Political Adviser Over Early Alignments Political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections are beginning to reshape the political landscape in Nasarawa State, with two high-profile dismissals underscoring the ruling administration’s position against premature political alignments by public office holders. In Keffi Local Government Area, the Executive Chairman, Dr. Idris Ahmed Damagani, has terminated the appointment of the Council Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Bala, popularly known as Moscolo, following controversies surrounding his alleged political utterances. The termination was communicated in a letter signed by the council’s DPM, Usman Zubairu Egya. According to the letter, the former secretary was queried over comments allegedly made on social media on January 11, 2026, but failed to respond within the stipulated timeframe. The council described the comments as unethical and capable of undermini...

Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf Dumps NNPP As Kano Political Shake-Up Intensifies Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has officially resigned his membership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), a move that signals a major political realignment in the state. The development was confirmed in a press statement issued on Friday and signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano. According to the statement, Governor Yusuf conveyed his decision in a formal letter addressed to the Chairman of Diso-Chiranchi Ward of the NNPP in Gwale Local Government Area, announcing his withdrawal from the party with effect from January 25, 2026. In the letter, the Governor expressed gratitude to the NNPP for providing him a political platform and for the support he enjoyed from party leaders and members across Kano State since joining the party in 2022. “I remain sincerely appreciative of the opportunity given ...

Wadada’s Ward Coordinators Decry Neglect, Seek Renewed Engagement Coordinators who worked tirelessly for Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada during the 2023 electioneering campaign have decried what they described as neglect by their principal since his victory at the polls. In a press statement issued in Keffi, the group, under the aegis of Wadada Ward Coordinators Forum, expressed deep concern that they have not been carried along in the Senator’s post-election activities, despite their immense contributions to his success. Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Abdulqadir Adamu Jibrin, an erstwhile Councilor who represented Nasarawa North Electoral Ward, Nasarawa Local Government Area, said they were sidelined soon after the election, as a fresh team who did not render any service during the process was constituted to replace them. “All our efforts to draw the attention of our principal have not yielded any positive result,” Abdulqadir lamented. The Forum, comprising fifty-nine (5...

Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki Declares He Will Not Seek Re-election in 2027, Calls It A Sacrifice For Younger Leaders The Honourable Member representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency, Rep Abdussamad Dasuki, has announced that he will not seek re-election into the House of Representatives in the 2027 general election, describing the decision as a personal sacrifice to create space for younger Nigerians to take leadership roles. In a statement personally signed and released on Saturday, Dasuki said the decision followed wide consultations with his team, political leader, family, and conscience. He explained that the move aligns with the ideals of the “Future Is Now Project”, a youth advocacy initiative he helped to establish, which calls for greater youth inclusion in governance. "After due consultation with my team, our leader, my family, and most importantly my conscience, I have decided not to seek re-election to the House of Representatives in the 2027 general electi...

Tinubu, Fubara Hold Closed-Door Meeting At Aso Villa President Bola Tinubu on Monday evening met behind closed doors with Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Governor Fubara, dressed in a white caftan and black cap, arrived at the Villa at about 6:20 p.m. for what marked his first direct engagement with the President since the lifting of his six-month suspension and the end of emergency rule in Rivers State on September 18, 2025. It will be recalled that President Tinubu, in a March 18 national broadcast, declared a state of emergency in Rivers, dissolved the state’s democratic structures, and appointed a sole administrator to oversee its affairs. As at the time of filing this report, details of the discussions between the President and Governor Fubara had not been made public.

Nepal Swears In First Female Prime Minister, Sushila Karki In a historic moment for Nepal, Sushila Karki has been sworn in as the country’s first female Prime Minister at Shital Niwas, the presidential residence in Kathmandu. Karki, who previously made history as the first female Chief Justice of Nepal, now takes office as interim leader following a youth-led revolution that forced the resignation of the former Prime Minister and his cabinet. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by senior political leaders, members of the judiciary, and student representatives, who played a central role in the protests that paved the way for her emergence. Shortly after taking office, Karki convened her first cabinet meeting, where the decision was taken to dissolve the Nepal Parliament in line with the demands of the revolution. Karki is widely respected for her uncompromising stance against corruption and her lifelong commitment to the rule of law. Notably, she was among those who joined...

Former Karu LGA Chairman, Hon. Samuel Akala Gajere, Resigns From APC Hon. Samuel Akala Gajere, a former Chairman of Karu Local Government Area in Nasarawa State, has formally resigned his membership from the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a letter addressed to the Chairman of APC in Panda/Kare Ward, Karu LGA, Gajere announced his decision to quit the ruling party with immediate effect. While appreciating the APC for providing him the platform to serve in various capacities, the former council boss called on the party leadership to strengthen its internal democratic processes to give all members a sense of belonging. “May God continue to bless our collective efforts,” Gajere concluded in his resignation letter. As of the time of filing this report, Hon. Gajere did not disclose his next political move.

Bauchi Governor Appoints Chinese National as Economic Adviser Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has appointed Mr. Li Zhensheng, a Chinese national and Chairman of the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre, as Economic Adviser to the state government. The appointment was announced during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bauchi State Government and the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre. The agreement aims to strengthen economic ties, attract foreign investment, and boost key sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, mining, trade, and energy in the state. Governor Mohammed described the move as a strategic step towards making Bauchi a hub for international cooperation and sustainable development. As part of the deal, a representative office will be established in China to facilitate smooth project implementation and timely delivery of initiatives under the partnership. Mr. Zhensheng, in his remarks, ex...

ADC Slams Governor Bago Over Badeggi FM Shutdown, Warns Against Rising Dictatorship Under APC The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned the recent closure of Badeggi FM by Governor Muhammed Umaru Bago of Niger State, describing the move as a brazen assault on press freedom and a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism under Nigeria’s democratic framework. In a press statement released on Saturday, the ADC decried what it called “growing dictatorial tendencies” among governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing recent incidents that point to a broader pattern of executive overreach and disregard for constitutional liberties. The party recalled a similar instance involving the APC governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, who declared the Labour Party’s presidential candidate persona non grata in his state. The ADC said such actions, including Governor Bago’s clampdown on a private radio station, are reminiscent of military dictatorship an...

ADC Congratulates New APC Chairman, Urges Respect for Democratic Norms The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has extended its congratulations to Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda on his appointment as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while cautioning him to uphold democratic values and respect the boundaries between party politics and state affairs. In a press statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described Professor Yilwatda’s emergence as the APC’s fourth chairman in two years as “yet another opportunity” for the ruling party to recommit to participatory democracy and more inclusive governance. “While we understand that leadership transitions are routine,” the statement read, “we are hopeful that this particular appointment might trigger a shift in tone, temperament, and trajectory for a party that has too often equated governance with propaganda, and power with impunity...

The Rise of ADC as Opposition to APC's Rule Thwarting Democracy  By Yusuf Khalid Tebo The APC has bamboozled its way to the Villa and emerged as a platform for political machinations, with the goal of maintaining in power and building a one-party state system, notably under Tinubu, as shown in Rivers State.  Tinubu conspired to remove Fubara unilaterally, which was both unconstitutional and hazardous to democracy. Arresting activists such as Prof. Usman Yusuf, one of the most influential technocrats who saved Nigeria's NHS from collapse, as well as Sowore, VDM, Olamide Thomas, and others, has exposed Tinubu’s lack of democratic principles. Historically, the APC, or all progressive congress, has made progress in destroying Nigeria's democracy and political system. During Buhari's eight years of failure, we witnessed the selective arrest of opposition figures who stole public funds while abandoning those who supported it for political reasons.  In addition, Ti...

New Political Party, All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Seeks Registration Amid PDP's Waning Influence Abuja, Nigeria In what could signal a new chapter in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, the National Coalition Group (NNCG) has officially submitted a formal application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seeking the registration of a new political party — the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). The application, dated June 19, 2025, was received and acknowledged by INEC on June 20, 2025. The letter was signed by Chief Akin A. Rickets, who currently serves as the Protem National Chairman of the emerging political movement. In the letter titled "Application for Registration as a Political Party," Chief Rickets explained that the request follows a resolution by the NNCG to sponsor the registration of ADA as a full-fledged political party. According to the submission, the party’s slogan will be “Justice for All”, and its symbol — prominently feat...

THE 2025  'NATIONAL' HONORS AWARD LIST AND THE ROAD TO 2027 By Sadiq Ibrahim Dasin Esq  Nigerians are under a duty to ensure that this democracy does not perish from our land. Therefore when the president begins to falter by pursuing policies inimical to national unity, fair representation of ethnic groups and regions in his government, and when a president corners and limits distribution of resources to a particular region to the exclusion of other regions in the country, and when a president pursues the domination of government and its agencies by a particular ethnic or regional group, then the time has come for him to be stopped.  We have to therefore raise the red flags as early warning signals so as to stop the president from laying dangerous precedents that may consume us all. This is what patriotic citizens do all over the world by keeping their leaders in check and to hold them accountable to the people.   Of the many economic, social and pol...

GANDUJE, THE GREAT SALESMAN By Ahmad Muhammad Ahmad Much as I would have hoped to pass this message without this paragraph, I felt the imperative to begin with the fact that this is not an attempt to ridicule or demarket a man who has twice been a governor and deputy governor and whose overall years of experience exceed my age. I respect his age and service to the nation. But in order to pass my intended message, I would have to touch on some less 'glorious' parts of his experience. If his biography were to be written, I should be among the first few to read it because I find valuable political and business lessons in his life. Beyond politics, former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje provides a model for salesmanship. I may not align with his political choices entirely, but he presents a model for salesmanship. And by the way, from business to politics, salesmanship—your ability to push and forge acceptance amongst customers or stakeholders—is what brings results. Li...

Re: Senator Ndume Is Hypothetical — A Misplaced Jab At A Patriotic Voice By Junaid Jibril Maiva As an aide to Senator Ali Ndume, I find it necessary to respond to recent remarks made by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, regarding the Senator’s concerns over perceived lopsidedness in federal appointments. The choice of words used by Mr. Onanuga — branding the Senator a hypocrite with “selective perception” — was not only unfortunate but also unbecoming of a man whose legacy in journalism once stood for truth and democratic values. Let me be clear: Senator Ndume’s recent comments are not rooted in sentiment or sectional interest — they are grounded in the principles of equity, fairness, and constitutional order. His concern reflects what many Nigerians across diverse regions are quietly thinking but afraid to say. The idea that pointing out imbalances automatically translates into ingratitude or tribalism is a dangerous narrative ...

PRESIDENT TINUBU SUSPENDS GOVERNOR FUBARA, HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY  Text of the Broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, declaring State of Emergency in Rivers state on Tuesday 18 March 2025 Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis.    With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state. The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy.   Also, it is public knowledge that the...