The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has refuted claims of a rift between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, dismissing speculation that Tinubu is considering a new running mate for the 2027 elections.

Despite Tinubu not formally declaring his bid for a second term, his loyalists and key party stakeholders have begun mobilising support for his re-election.

Speaking to Daily Trust yesterday, APC National Director of Publicity, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the reports as baseless.

“This is pure speculation without foundation. These are beer-parlour discussions that should not be taken seriously.”

“Even if, for any reason, the president were to consider replacing the vice president, he cannot do so singlehandedly. Such a decision would require extensive consultation with critical stakeholders,” he said.

N/Central pushes for presidency or VP slot

Meanwhile, political stakeholders from the North Central geopolitical zone have renewed their call for either the presidency or vice presidency in 2027.

At a press conference in Abuja, representatives from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states, led by Prof. Nghargbu K’tso, urged major political parties to zone their presidential or vice-presidential tickets to the region.

In a communiqué issued after their meeting, the stakeholders argued that if APC grants Tinubu the “right of first refusal” for the presidential ticket, the vice-presidential slot should be allocated to North Central.

Prof. Nghargbu, flanked by other regional leaders, noted that since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, North Central has yet to produce a democratically elected president or vice president.

“Of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, only North Central and South East have not occupied the positions of president or vice president in the past 26 years of the Fourth Republic.

“The situation for North Central is even worse than that of the South East, which at least had Dr Alex Ekwueme as vice president from 1979 to 1983,” he said.

He stressed that the region must now demand equal support from other northern zones.

“This is about fairness. We want to be recognised not as mere political adjuncts but as full stakeholders in the ‘One North’ project,” he said.

APC: N/Central’s demand is unrealistic

Reacting to the demand, APC’s Bala Ibrahim dismissed it as unrealistic and “dead on arrival”.

“The North Central should not see the presidency or vice presidency as a right, especially given its relatively lower electoral contribution compared to zones like the North West.

“They have made similar demands in the past, but these are often irrational and only serve to create unnecessary political tension,” Ibrahim told Daily Trust.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has denied owing a businesswoman, Tracynither Ohiri, N200 million for promotional materials she supplied during his 2014 governorship campaign.

Umahi denied the allegation on Thursday while fielding questions from journalists during his tour of the Independence Bridge in Lagos.

He said, “When I left office and then became a minister, she was going about saying that I owe her N200 million in 2014.

“The entire election in 2014 for me to be a governor did not cost me up to N100 million; so, how would campaign material be N200 million?” 

Umahi challenged Ohiri to provide evidence of any contract, proof of funds withdrawn, and bank statements to support her claim.

“Where is the contract paper? Where did you draw the money from? Can you publish your account where you withdrew the money?

“At least, you would have used up N150 million. Can you publish it.

”I think that woman is sponsored. I saw what she did to three other governors.

“I had thought it was a mental case, so I didn’t bother but I think some people that have been castigating me that we destroyed their property, staging protests, have bought into the matter.

“That is why I am going to legally teach whoever is the sponsor some lessons,” he added.

The minister said that he had instructed his lawyers to initiate legal proceedings against Ohiri, seeking damages.

On alleged sexual harassment, Umahi said that no such thing happened, expressing concern over the potential implications of a such an allegation.

Umahi said that some unserious ones were beginning to think that accusing men of sexual harassment would be the way to go.

The minister advised women to rise up against the trend, which he described as unfortunate.

“We will use this one to teach a lesson,” he said.

NAN

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has barred the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Services from arresting or summoning Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the suspended state governor, over allegations made by the former Rivers Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.

Justice I.P.C. Igwe issued the ruling in Suit No: PHC/1113/CS/2025, filed by Ehie against the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Service Commission, the Director-General of the DSS, the Rivers State DSS Director, and the DSS.

In the ruling on Thursday, Justice Igwe ordered, “That an order of interim injunction be and is hereby issued restraining the Defendants by selves or by their agents, servants, assigns, privies or whosoever from further inviting, demanding appearance of the Claimant at their respective offices in Abuja or anywhere else or harassing, intimidating, arresting or detaining the Claimant in connection with the alleged arson on the hallowed Chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly which occurred on 29th October, 2023 on account of statement made on or about 27th March, 2025 or thereafter or however by Dr. George Nwaeke, former Head of Service of the Government of Rivers State or on account of any statement made by anyone whosoever, wheresoever or when soever pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.”

The court also granted permission for Ehie to serve legal documents to the police and DSS offices in Abuja, stating, “That leave be and is hereby granted to the Claimants to issue and serve the Writ of Summons and all other relevant processes in this suit for service on the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th Defendants out of jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory through their respective addresses as stated in the motion paper, namely: 1st and 3rd Defendants: Louis Edet House, Area II, Garki, Abuja. 4th Defendant: Through the Chairman, Police Service Commission, Federal Secretariat Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja, FCT. 6th and 7th Defendants: National Headquarters, Yellow House, Aso Drive, Maitama, Abuja.”

The judge further ruled, “That the Writ and its accompanying processes shall in line with Section 98 of the Sheriffs and Civil Procedures Act be marked as a concurrent writ for service out of jurisdiction in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.”

To ensure the legal documents reach the necessary parties, the court allowed service via courier, “That It is further ordered that leave be and is hereby also granted to the Claimant to serve the Writ of Summons and all other relevant processes in this suit on the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th Defendants by substituted means to wit: by post through Red Star Express Courier Service to the said 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th Defendants’ Addresses at Abuja in their respective addresses as stated in the motion papers and filing in Court evidence of such post and delivery of the said processes.”

The court also directed both parties to maintain the current state of affairs, ruling: “That both parties are hereby directed to maintain the status quo ante litem as at 30 March, 2025, pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.”

As part of the ruling, Ehie was required to provide a financial guarantee, “That the Claimant shall enter into an undertaking in the sum of N2 million only, to indemnify the Defendants if the substantive motion turns out to be frivolous.”

The case was adjourned to April 30, 2025, for the hearing of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.

As the coronation of the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, draws near, the Oyo State government has implemented extensive security measures to ensure the safety and smooth execution of the event.

Naija News reports that the coronation is set to take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, with heightened security already in place across the ancient city and surrounding areas.

Oba Owoade, who was officially presented with the staff and instrument of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, ascends the throne following the passing of the late Oba Adeyemi.

The new monarch successfully completed the traditional 21-day Oro Ipebi rites on March 29, 2025, paving the way for the grand coronation ceremony.

To ensure the safety of the monarch and all attendees, security operatives have been deployed at key locations throughout Oyo town.

Police vans and other security vehicles are stationed in strategic areas such as Owoade, Jabata, Akesan, Isale Oyo, Eleekara, and the School of Survey.

A senior police officer confirmed to Punch on Thursday that additional personnel have been assigned to the area in anticipation of the large crowds expected for the coronation.

“The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are fully prepared to maintain law and order and ensure a trouble-free event,” the source assured.

The coronation will be held at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, where Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to lead a distinguished group of dignitaries, including notable Nigerians.

Additional events will take place at Ladigbolu Grammar School, Durbar Stadium, the Oba Lamidi Adeyemi Mini Stadium, and the Palace of the Alaafin of Oyo.

Among the dignitaries expected to attend are former Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, ambassadors from four countries, over 200 Oyo indigenes based in Canada, traditional rulers, diplomats, and various government officials.

Local hotels in Oyo town have reported full bookings in preparation for the large number of visitors arriving for the coronation.

A hotel manager, who wished to remain anonymous, shared, “We have upgraded our facilities to ensure that our guests have a memorable stay. The security agencies have also assured us of adequate protection for our facilities.”

In addition to the influx of visitors, reports indicate that the popular Akesan market, along with other nearby markets, will be temporarily closed during the coronation to allow the participation of local traders in the event.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central, has expressed joy after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) dismissed the petition seeking her recall from the senate.

Earlier today, the commission said the recall petition failed to meet the requirements of the 1999 Constitution.

In a statement, INEC said the number of constituents who signed the petition against the suspended lawmaker fell short of 50 percent of registered voters in the constituency as required by the constitution.

In a reaction posted on her Facebook page, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the development as a victory and dedicated it to Nigerians.

“On God it’s victory for the people of ??. One battle down, two more to go,” the lawmaker wrote.

“Deep gratitude to my beloved husband, awesome support team, magnificent people of Kogi Central and great people of Nigeria at large. INEC Nigeria, you did well.”

BACKGROUND

On March 24, some members of Kogi central district submitted a petition to INEC requesting the recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan from the senate.

Charity Omole, a representative of the constituents, said they submitted the petition to recall the senator because Kogi central could not afford to have a representative in the senate following her suspension.

“We have come to recall her so that we can have a representative in the senate. We are here to tell lNEC to please follow the constitutional process for a recall so that a recall process can begin,” Omole had said.

“We submitted the petition, and it has been received. All other documents have been received.

“We are the ones that voted her, and we don’t want her anymore because we cannot afford not to have a representative. Nobody is bankrolling us. Nobody is having any personal issue with her. It is just what it is. The game is the game.”

She said there are 488,000 registered voters in Kogi central, out of which more than 250,000 have signed the recall petition.

However, INEC said the petitioners did not provide their contact details.

On March 26, INEC said it had notified Akpoti-Uduaghan about the petition by constituents seeking her recall from the national assembly.

The commission said it had also received the contact details of the petitioners.

Speaking at her homecoming rally in Kogi on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the electoral body of bias in her recall process.

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“What I see INEC doing is aiding and guiding petitioners on how to perfect their illicit acts,” she said.

“The first time the petition was submitted, they didn’t have address and phone numbers, so INEC went out to guide them on how to submit information that will perfect their petition.

“And what did they do? The petitioners, who were from the other party, the APC, submitted a letterhead. What was the name of it? Kogi Central Political Frontier. And the address there was number 4, Oboroke.”

Former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (rtd), has revealed that he and other aductees had a terrifying experience in the hands of terrorists and kidnappers.

Naija News recalls Tsiga was abducted on February 5, 2025, in his hometown of Tsiga, the Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina state and regained his freedom after spending 56 days in kidnappers’ den.

Speaking on Thursday after meeting with National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Tsiga said they were held in a dense forest surrounded by hills, teeming with dangerous animals in search of human beings.

The 72-year-old described his survival as nothing short of divine intervention.

He said, “We were kept with dangerous animals—hyenas, snakes, and scorpions. A day before I was released, just the day before yesterday, while on the mountain where I was staying, we suddenly noticed a hyena circling us, looking for food. And what kind of food? Us, human beings.

“Throughout our time there, we constantly lived with snakes and scorpions. But the most terrifying experience was how they treated those of us whose ranks they knew. Whenever troops attacked them, they would bring us out and use us as human shields, hoping to get us killed by the military strikes. They wanted us to be hit by the aircraft. But God is merciful.”

“The National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) have said it—the good ones will survive, and ultimately, the bad ones will meet their end.”

Tsiga also recalled an experience involving an unexploded rocket, saying, “During an airstrike, a rocket was fired at the terrorists, but it didn’t explode. Instead, they carried the unexploded rocket and placed it where I was sleeping, hiding it in a way that if I touched it, it would detonate. Yet, by God’s mercy, I survived.”

According to Tsiga, the kidnappers’ belief that military officers have access to government funds led them to attack his home.

Tsiga, on behalf of the 18 other rescued victims, expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff. He emphasized that security is a collective responsibility.

He said, “They believe that those of us in uniform are given money by the government. That’s why they tried to break into my house. They couldn’t, so they went to my home in Kaduna and used explosives to destroy it, including the gates.

“We must not assume that the government can do it all alone. Everyone must contribute by providing intelligence and information. The NSA and the CDS are not magicians; they need timely and accurate reports to act upon.”

The political adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has tendered his resignation.

Sources within the presidency confirmed to Daily Trust that Baba-Ahmed, a former spokesman for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), submitted his resignation about two weeks ago. However, as of the time of reporting, it remains unclear whether the presidency has formally accepted his resignation.

Baba-Ahmed was appointed Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima in September 2023. Throughout his tenure, he represented the presidency at various public events, including the national conference themed: “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity,” held in January 2025 in Abuja.

Resignation Amid Criticism

Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s role within the presidency had attracted occasional criticism. A notable point of contention arose in April 2024, when Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, criticized northern appointees, including Baba-Ahmed, for failing to defend the administration amidst accusations of misrepresentation.

Matawalle took aim at Baba-Ahmed’s criticisms of the NEF, particularly Baba-Ahmed’s response to Matawalle’s dismissal of the group as a “political paperweight.” Baba-Ahmed had suggested that Matawalle should focus on highlighting his own achievements as a minister rather than attacking the NEF.

In response, Matawalle insisted that government appointees, including Baba-Ahmed, had a duty to support and defend the administration.

“Every appointee of President Tinubu, including Dr. Baba-Ahmed, owes the government a duty to promote, elucidate, and advance its good works and commendable efforts across all sectors,” Matawalle emphasized.

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed: A Glimpse into His Career

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed (born September 11, 1955) is a seasoned public servant with extensive experience in Nigeria’s governance and civil service. He hails from Kaduna State and is a practicing Muslim.

Baba-Ahmed holds a PhD and has studied at institutions such as Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, the London School of Economics, and the University of Sussex. He began his career as a lecturer before transitioning to the civil service, where he served in various capacities, including as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.

He held prominent positions throughout his career, including Secretary to the Kaduna State Government and Secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Baba-Ahmed’s contributions to governance earned him the national honor of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).

Before his appointment as Special Adviser to the President, Baba-Ahmed was the Director of Publicity and Advocacy for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), a position where he frequently voiced his opinions on policies affecting the North and the broader Nigerian populace.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central, says she will present evidence to support her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Speaking on Thursday during her appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, the Kogi senator said the evidence would be presented “at the right time”.

“At the right time and at the right space, I will present the evidence that I have (against Akpabio),” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s comments come after weeks of controversy surrounding her allegations against Akpabio.

The lawmaker was suspended on March 6 for “gross misconduct” following her seating arrangement altercation with Akpabio.

Afterwards, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the senate president of making inappropriate advances towards her during a visit to his home in Akwa Ibom state on December 8, 2023.

The senator alleged that Akpabio implied she should “take care” of him if she wanted favourable treatment in the red chamber.

On March 1, Ekaette Akpabio, wife of the senate president, filed multiple lawsuits against Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged defamatory comments made against her husband.

On March 5, Akpabio denied sexually harassing Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“At no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment on the said distinguished senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman for that matter,” Akpabio had said.

“I and my siblings were raised very well by my late single mother, who died in 2000, through very difficult times. And I therefore have the highest regard for women.”

During the show, Akpoti-Uduaghan also dared Akpabio to press charges over the allegation of death threat she levelled against him.

“I am hearing that the senate president wants to sue me for that; I will tell him to go ahead. We will meet and cross that bridge,” she said.

When asked to substantiate her allegation, Akpoti-Uduaghan responded, “Let us get to that bridge”.

•Cancels all pending procurement, tender processes by suspended state govt

•Rivers women urge Tinubu to annul Fubara’s suspension, seek peace in state

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (rtd), has said an appropriation bill for 2025 was being articulated to provide for critical development in healthcare delivery, education, agriculture and infrastructure.

Ibas has therefore cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes by the suspended state government.

Meanwhile, hundreds of women, under the aegis of Rivers Women Unite for Sim (RWUS), have urged President Bola Tinubu to cancel the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officers of the state.

Addressing the appropriation bill, Ibas said the anticipated budget would cater to creating more employment opportunities for Rivers people and advance delivery of technology in critical facets of public life.

He disclosed this yesterday, when he hosted the delegation of Rivers State caucus at the National Assembly, led by Dr Barinada Mpigi, the Senator representing Rivers South-East District, at Government House in Port Harcourt.

The delegates, who were mainly loyalists of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on the visit included Senator Allwell Onyesoh, the minority leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Godwin Hart, Blessing Amadi, Felix Nwaeke, Kelechi Nwogu and Victor Obuzor

Ibas said he had been resolute, since assumption of office, to restore law and order, with support from the security agencies, saying the environment has been created where Rivers residents feel valued and safer.

The administrator stated that the commitment was to make Rivers a model of peace in the comity of States, with a stable economy and citizens courageous to pursue their livelihood without fear or molestation.

“In addition to our peace building efforts, we are also focused on the economic stability and development of Rivers State.

“Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.

“We have worked diligently to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, and most importantly expedited. Our goal is to ensure that we do not lose any more time in making the necessary investments that will improve the lives of citizens.”

In his speech, Senator Mpigi, said they were dedicated representatives of Rivers people at the National Assembly and resolved to support all efforts that would bring development to the State.

Also, in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Ibibia Worika, Ibas has cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes by the state government.

“In adherence to the Supreme Court judgement upholding the Appeal Court ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024 and in the absence of an Appropriation Law, the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (RTD.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, CFR, wishes to notify the general public that all procurement and tender processes that were carried out by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) during the period are hereby cancelled.

“Accordingly, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that carried out such tender processes for projects in their respective offices are, by this special announcement, mandated to refund such tender fees to the respective contractors immediately, pending the approval of a spending plan by the State, which shall be notified in due course.”

Meanwhile, the hundreds of women who came as a group from across the 23 local government areas of the state, convened by Sotonye Toby Fulton, made the call during their weekly prayer for peace and progress in the state, held in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

A participant at the prayer session who spoke with THISDAY, said there was no war in the state that required the declared state of emergency.

They also insisted that the state needed Fubara to continue his official work he was elected for.

An administrative manager with Port Harcourt Water Cooperation, Gloria Akor-Okocha, said, “We are praying for restoration, we are praying that Nigeria will come to truth, we are praying that God will install truth in the country and restore our governor back.”

President of Ijaw Women Connect, Dr Vivian Elenwo, said, “Rivers State with governor Siminalayi Fubara is peaceful. Our youths are not on the streets, they are peaceful, you can see the women are praying. God is the highest court, is above the supreme court, so, we have brought our complaint to God today.”

Saudi Arabia authorities have denied issuing a viral memo notifying travellers of visa restrictions and an entry ban.

The memo named Egypt, India, Pakistan, Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen, and Algeria among the countries facing the restrictions.

Nigeria, Jordan, Sudan, Iraq, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh were also listed as restricted from applying for new short-term Saudi visas, including visas for business, visits (single/multi-entry), tourism, and family visits.

The restrictions are scheduled to take effect April 13, the memo claimed.

The document added that citizens from the listed countries would not be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia from the effective date even if they hold valid visas.

“Non-compliance may result in a 5-year ban from entering KSA,” the statement said.

However, the Saudi Tourism Centre debunked the document as unofficial when contacted by TheCable.

The agency told TheCable that the only circular issued by the Saudi authorities were guidelines around hajj travels.

“Anyone holding a Tourist visa is not permitted to perform Hajj, enter or stay inside Makkah during 01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH (29 April to 11 June 2025 AD),” the Saudi agency said on Thursday.

The Saudi hajj visa is granted exclusively for the hajj pilgrimage and is valid only during the Muslim holy period.

Muslims seeking to visit Saudi Arabia are required to apply for a hajj visa other than a tourist visa.