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27/08/2026

If Tinubu is declared winner of the 2027 presidential election via rigging, one thing will definitely happen.

There will be W@r in the country.

27/08/2026

JUST IN: 2027: Atiku Is Gaining Traction In The Core North, That Calculation Is The Game-Changer - El-Rufai

Bashir El-Rufai, a renowned business mogul and son to the former governor of Kaduna State Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai has dropped a bombshell regarding the chances of Waziri Atiku Abubakar in the forthcoming presidential elections in 2027.

According to a post shared on his official X account on Thursday August 27th, 2026 he pointed out that his popularity in the core northern region was the game-changer.

He maintained that for the first time in his political career which spanned decades, the former vice president of Nigeria was being accepted by his people.

Atiku Abubakar, according to Bashir El-Rufai, was the most detribalized amongst his peers, hence, the calculation could work in his favor as the nation prepares for the 2027 presidential elections.

"Atiku is gaining traction in the North. For the first time in his political career he is being embraced by the core North, in part of his mantra of being the most detribalized historically of the bunch. That calculus could be the game-changer." He said.

The statements from Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai's son as expected, attracted diverse reactions as many agreed that the Waziri of Adamawa stood a massive chance at returning elected in 2027.

Naija news channel

KUJE CHAIRMAN CLARIFIES ‘SUPPORT APC OR LEAVE’ COMMENT.The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the FCT, Samuel Danjuma Shek...
27/08/2026

KUJE CHAIRMAN CLARIFIES ‘SUPPORT APC OR LEAVE’ COMMENT.

The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the FCT, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, has clarified his controversial remarks in a viral video in which he was heard telling residents to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) or leave the council.

Shekwolo said the statement was taken out of context, explaining that the remarks were made during a meeting with APC youths and loyalists, rather than as an official directive to residents of Kuje.

He said the meeting was focused on issues including administrative efficiency, local development and community welfare, and insisted that he had no intention of depriving anyone of their fundamental rights because of their political affiliation.

The chairman acknowledged that, as an elected council official, he has no right to disenfranchise any resident or citizen on the basis of political affiliation.

He further assured residents that his administration remained committed to the development and welfare of all communities in Kuje, regardless of their political party, ethnicity or religion.

The controversy

The clarification follows widespread criticism after a video circulated in which Shekwolo was heard saying:

 “It’s either you are doing APC or leave the area council.”

The original remarks were widely interpreted as a threat to residents who support opposition parties, prompting concerns about political freedom and tolerance ahead of the 2027 elections.

The chairman has now appealed for the remarks to be understood within their original context and urged the media to exercise responsibility when reporting statements made by public officials.

What do you make of the chairman’s clarification — was the original statement genuinely taken out of context, or does the viral video speak for itself?

STATES SPEND ₦512BN ON GOVERNORS’ OFFICES, TRAVEL IN SIX MONTHS.State governments across Nigeria spent at least ₦512.10 ...
26/08/2026

STATES SPEND ₦512BN ON GOVERNORS’ OFFICES, TRAVEL IN SIX MONTHS.

State governments across Nigeria spent at least ₦512.10 billion on Government Houses, Governors’ Offices, executive administration, travel and transport during the first six months of 2026, according to an analysis of available state budget implementation reports.

The analysis covered 33 states, as comparable data were not available for Edo, Osun and Rivers.

Of the total, ₦420.01 billion was recorded under Government House, Governor’s Office and related executive administration expenses, while ₦92.09 billion went to travel and transport.

The figure Is about 4,713 times the combined six-month basic salaries of Nigeria’s 36 governors, estimated at ₦108.65 million based on a monthly salary of ₦503,000 per governor.

However, the ₦512.10 billion does not represent money personally received or spent by the governors. The expenditure categories include administrative operations, staff, official residences, maintenance, utilities, protocol, security-related activities, state functions and transportation across the wider public service.

Kogi, Ogun and Lagos record highest spending

Kogi recorded the highest identifiable Government House and Governor’s Office expenditure at ₦65.34 billion, followed by Ogun with ₦45.26 billion and Lagos with ₦45.04 billion.

Kano recorded ₦25.87 billion, while Ekiti spent ₦25.22 billion and Cross River ₦23.92 billion.

For travel and transport, Plateau recorded the highest identifiable expenditure at ₦10.11 billion, followed by Lagos at ₦8.23 billion and Taraba at ₦5.16 billion.

Interestingly, the 2026 figure was actually lower than the comparable 2025 expenditure. Available records showed ₦557.80 billion was spent under the same categories in the first half of 2025, meaning the 2026 figure represents an 8.19% decline.

The figures nevertheless raise fresh questions about the cost of governance in Nigeria, particularly whether the resources devoted to maintaining executive offices and official travel are producing sufficient value for citizens.

At a time when many Nigerians are demanding better schools, healthcare, roads, water supply, jobs and social services, the size of government overheads is likely to remain a major subject of public debate.

Do you think Nigerian states should reduce spending on government offices, protocol and official travel and redirect more money to infrastructure and social services?

KUJE CHAIRMAN WARNS RESIDENTS: SUPPORT APC OR LEAVE.The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (...
25/08/2026

KUJE CHAIRMAN WARNS RESIDENTS: SUPPORT APC OR LEAVE.

The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, has stirred controversy after telling residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress (APC) to leave the area council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Shekwolo made the statement in a video circulating on social media on Tuesday, saying his position was influenced by what he described as development projects being carried out in Kuje by President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

He reportedly said:

“It’s either you are doing APC or leave the area council… It’s either you are with us, or you are out.”

The chairman questioned why residents would benefit from government interventions attributed to Tinubu and Wike and then vote against the APC during the 2027 elections.

The remarks have raised concerns about political tolerance, freedom of choice and the conduct of public officials ahead of the 2027 elections. Amnesty International Nigeria has also condemned the statement, arguing that residency should not be made conditional on support for a political party.

Shekwolo was elected chairman of Kuje Area Council on the APC platform in the February 2026 FCT Area Council election, reportedly securing 17,269 votes.

What do you think?

Should a council chairman be allowed to openly demand political support from residents, or should public officials remain neutral and respect every citizen’s right to support the party of their choice?

OKOCHA EXPLAINS WHY MANY EX-NIGERIAN STARS STAY SILENT AS FOOTBALL DECLINES.Super Eagles legend Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha ...
25/08/2026

OKOCHA EXPLAINS WHY MANY EX-NIGERIAN STARS STAY SILENT AS FOOTBALL DECLINES.

Super Eagles legend Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha has spoken about the reluctance of many former Nigerian internationals to become actively involved in fixing the country’s football problems.

Okocha said the hesitation is understandable because former players often ask whether getting involved is “worth it”, particularly when success depends on having the right team and people working with them.

The former captain also acknowledged that fear, self-preservation and personal relationships within the football establishment can make former stars cautious about speaking out or taking administrative roles.

However, Okocha warned that remaining silent is becoming increasingly difficult to justify.

He argued that many of the problems affecting Nigerian football are not impossible to solve, stressing the need to bring in competent people who can genuinely add value to the game.

His comments come amid growing frustration over the state of Nigerian football, including the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the last two FIFA World Cups.

Okocha himself has some experience in football administration, having previously served as chairman of the Delta State Football Association.

A difficult question for Nigeria’s football legends

Okocha’s argument raises an important issue: Should former Super Eagles stars simply criticise from outside, or should they be prepared to enter the system and help rebuild it?

Former internationals possess something many administrators do not — first-hand experience of playing international football, understanding the players’ environment and knowing what is required to compete at the highest level.

But involvement also comes with risks. Entering an established system can mean dealing with politics, conflicting interests, powerful relationships and the possibility of being blamed if reforms fail.

Still, Okocha’s message is clear: silence cannot continue indefinitely if those with the experience and influence to help remain on the sidelines.

What do you think — should Nigeria’s former football stars take a more active role in running and rebuilding Nigerian football?

NNPCL RAISES PETROL PRICE TO ₦1,270 DESPITE FALLING CRUDE PRICES.The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)...
25/08/2026

NNPCL RAISES PETROL PRICE TO ₦1,270 DESPITE FALLING CRUDE PRICES.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, at its retail outlets in Abuja and surrounding areas.

The price reportedly rose to ₦1,270 per litre, representing a ₦20 increase, despite a recent decline in international crude oil prices.

The development comes shortly after Dangote Refinery increased its petrol price to ₦1,185 per litre and expanded its free fuel delivery initiative to additional destinations, including Abuja.

NNPCL’s latest adjustment has raised questions among motorists and consumers, particularly over why pump prices are increasing at a time when crude oil prices have recently fallen.

However, Nigeria’s petrol market operates under deregulation, meaning pump prices can be influenced by several factors beyond the international crude benchmark, including refining costs, exchange rates, logistics, supply conditions and market pricing.

The latest Increase is likely to put additional pressure on transportation costs and the prices of goods and services, as petrol remains a major input in Nigeria’s economy.

What do you think about the latest petrol price increase despite the recent fall in crude oil prices?

NASARAWA NEEDS A BUILDER, NOT JUST A BENEFACTOR.As the 2027 political conversation begins to take shape, the people of N...
21/08/2026

NASARAWA NEEDS A BUILDER, NOT JUST A BENEFACTOR.

As the 2027 political conversation begins to take shape, the people of Nasarawa State deserve to look beyond the excitement of gifts, cash distributions and short-term political gestures.

The real question should be:

Who has the experience, vision and proven capacity to build an economy that creates opportunities for our people?

Among the emerging options, Prof. Muhammad Sani Haruna stands out.

There is a fundamental difference between giving a person something today and building a system that can empower thousands of people tomorrow.

Cars, cash and other personal gifts may provide immediate relief to beneficiaries. Agricultural inputs and start-up capital can also help people improve their livelihoods. These interventions have their place.

But Nasarawa needs something bigger.

It needs industries that create jobs.

It needs technical and vocational institutions that equip young people with employable skills.

It needs agricultural technology that increases productivity.

It needs innovation, manufacturing and investment that expand the state’s economic base.

It needs leadership capable of turning government from a dispenser of favours into an engine of opportunity and prosperity.

This is where Prof. Muhammad Sani Haruna’s record becomes particularly compelling.

His years of service at NASENI were associated with major technology, agricultural machinery, skills-development, renewable-energy and industrial initiatives. Projects associated with his tenure included the Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institute in Lafia, technology and skills-development initiatives, and industrial projects aimed at building productive capacity.

That philosophy is different.

It is not simply:

“What can I give you?”

It is:

“What can I build that will enable you, your children and thousands of other Nasarawa citizens to succeed?”

That is the kind of thinking Nasarawa needs.

We should not choose our next governor merely on the basis of who can distribute the most cars, cash or personal gifts.

We should choose the person who can create the most opportunities.

We should choose the person who understands technology, industry, agriculture, education, investment and human-capital development.

We should choose a leader who can attract investment, build institutions, create jobs and make Nasarawa a productive state rather than one that depends on political patronage.

For me, that is where Prof. Muhammad Sani Haruna stands apart.

His strongest political asset is not the ability to give people something today.

It is the demonstrated capacity to build things that can continue to benefit people tomorrow.

Nasarawa does not merely need a governor who can distribute wealth.

Nasarawa needs a governor who can help create wealth.

Nasarawa does not merely need a benefactor.

Nasarawa needs a builder.

Nasarawa does not merely need political popularity.

Nasarawa needs competence, vision, experience and measurable capacity.

And on those grounds, Prof. Muhammad Sani Haruna deserves serious consideration as the man best equipped to lead Nasarawa State into its next chapter.

2027 should be about the future of Nasarawa — not merely the gifts of today.

Prof. Muhammad Sani Haruna: From empowerment to institution-building. From beneficiaries to producers. From politics of distribution to politics of development.

Nasarawa deserves a builder. Nasarawa deserves Prof. Muhammad Sani Haruna.

NASARAWA RESIDENTS LAMENT RISING WATER PRICES.Residents of Auta Balefi in New Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa Sta...
19/08/2026

NASARAWA RESIDENTS LAMENT RISING WATER PRICES.

Residents of Auta Balefi in New Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State have raised concerns over the rising cost of water, saying the increase is putting additional pressure on already stretched household budgets.

The residents said they have been forced to adjust their daily spending to cope with the rising cost of water.

Water vendors reportedly attributed the increase to higher operating costs, particularly the rising price of diesel, as many rely on diesel-powered machines to pump water from boreholes.

The situation reflects a wider water-access problem in parts of Nasarawa. Residents in several communities have historically relied heavily on boreholes and private water vendors because of inadequate public water supply.

In Karu, for example, residents previously reported spending about ₦3,500 a day on water during periods of severe shortage, with the cost affecting households and water-dependent businesses such as food vendors and laundries.

The continuing Increase in water costs has renewed calls for stronger investment in reliable public water infrastructure, as access to affordable and safe water remains essential to household welfare and public health.

What do you think should be done to make water more affordable for residents of Nasarawa?

INEC CLEARS PARTIES TO BEGIN 2027 PRESIDENTIAL, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CAMPAIGNS.The Independent National Electoral Commissio...
18/08/2026

INEC CLEARS PARTIES TO BEGIN 2027 PRESIDENTIAL, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CAMPAIGNS.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections from Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The campaign period will run until January 15, 2027, a day before the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027.

Political parties, including the APC, PDP, ADC and other registered parties, are now expected to intensify their nationwide mobilization, grassroots engagement and voter outreach ahead of the polls.

The revised INEC timetable also provides for Governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns to begin on September 9, 2026, with those elections scheduled for February 6, 2027.

With the campaign season officially opening, Nigerians are expected to witness increased political rallies, media campaigns, party mobilization and public debates as parties seek support ahead of the 2027 elections.

INEC’s official timetable is available through its website. INEC official website
https://www.inecnigeria.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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