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Kwankwaso Attack And The Precariousness Of Political Parochialism

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By Bala Ibrahim.

The reports making the rounds, that hoodlums had pelted the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, with sachets of water while on a visit to Kogi State yesterday, Wednesday, are as chilling as they are horribly frightening. Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was in Lokoja, the state capital of Kogi state, to inaugurate the party’s secretariat and his campaign offices, when the ugly incident happened, and feelers from everywhere are sending sinister signals.

According to reports, no sooner than Kwankwaso had arrived at the hotel where he was billed to address his supporters, than suspected hoodlums invaded the venue and started insulting and throwing sachets of water at him. A similar situation is said to have happened earlier at Ogbonicha, the country home of late Abubakar Audu.

The accusation is that, he is trying to take advantage of the political vacuum in the structure of the late ex-governor of the state, Abubakar Audu, to woo supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to his side. But what’s wrong with that?

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It may be recalled that last week, the Secretariat of the same NNPP was sealed off in Maiduguri, over the allegation of planned violation of development plans in the metropolis. It took the quick intervention of the governor of Borno state, professor Babagana Zulum to reopen the secretariat. On hearing the news, the governor quickly ordered the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Committee, BUPDC, to re-open the sealed secretariat, saying the action was wrongly timed, as campaigns for the 2023 general elections are about to commence. “No matter the justification of closing the party office, the timing is wrong,”-Prof. Zulum.

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Yes, the Urban Development committee may have grounds to accuse the NNPP of wrongful conversion of residential area for office purpose, but as the governor rightly observed, the timing for the execution of the order against the offense is wrong. Surely the committee’s decision might be given a political interpretation, particularly because of the increased incursion of the new party into new territories.

By the same token, the attack on Kwankwaso in Kogi could come with ill-omened interpretations. Why should he be the target of hoodlums, when other people with similar political ambitions are visiting and campaigning freely in the state without incidents?

Politics is a game that should not be played by the rules of a war. Hounding perceived enemies and political opponents will only work against the spirit and objectives of peaceful coexistence. It would rather scuttle our hard-earned democracy, and inadvertently do nobody any good.

Indeed Nigeria is our beloved country, and the only country we have. If we don’t join hands to make it better for us all, no one would come from the outside to do it for us. It is a pity that, unlike what happens in other parts of the world, Nigeria’s peculiar kind of democracy is always suspicious of the opposition. The win at all costs syndrome has turned us into killers and destroyers, making every visitor into our political terrain an enemy. Why?

Hostilities and political intolerance seem to be on the increase now in Nigeria, such that in almost all the states of the federation, opposition parties are raising the alarm about unfair treatment and threats to their existence. This is wrong.

Politics should be played without bitterness, and opposition should be seen as a mechanism for checkmating the excesses or dominance of the party in power. That is one sure way of making the electorates enjoy the proper dividends of democracy.

It is gratifying that the governor of Borno atate, Professor Babagana Zulum had acted swiftly to avert wrong interpretations. It now behoves on the governor of Kogi state, H.E.Yahaya Bello, who has presented himself as a nationalist, and even made an unsuccessful attempt to become the President of the country, to come clean on this quickly.

The governor should act like his colleague in Borno, by launching an investigation, to fish out those behind the attack. And if found, they must be punished in a way that would convince the public and the polity, by that indeed they have been punished.

Politics should not be played with parochialism or narrow-mindedness, because doing so can be precarious.

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ICPC Receives Petition to Probe Ex-DIG Dasuki Galadanci Over Alleged Multi-Billion Naira Properties

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has received a petition from the Public Integrity Forum (PIF), a civic accountability organisation, calling for a full investigation into retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Dasuki Galadanci over alleged unexplained wealth and suspected financial crimes.

The petition, dated 3rd December 2025 and signed by David Ekele Okonjo, Executive Director of the forum, urges the ICPC, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Police Service Commission (PSC) to jointly launch a forensic probe into the former police chief’s assets, bank transactions, and sources of income.

According to PIF, publicly available information and financial accounts indicate that the retired DIG is linked to multiple high-value properties reportedly worth billions of naira across Kano, Abuja, and Lagos.

The group noted that such assets appear to far exceed what can be justified by the legitimate earnings of a career police officer.

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The petition emphasises that the situation raises strong suspicion of abuse of office, diversion of public resources, bribery, gratification, and potential money laundering.

PIF further stated that allegations of financial misconduct involving senior police officers pose a serious threat to public trust and the integrity of national security institutions.

The group insisted that only a transparent and thorough investigation can clarify the legitimacy of the properties in question.

As part of its demands, the organisation urged the anti-graft agencies and PSC to:

1. Conduct a full financial and forensic investigation into Galadanci’s assets and financial dealings while in service and after retirement.

2. Review his service records for possible abuse of office or violations of police ethics.

3. Verify all identified assets against his legitimate income.

4. Take appropriate legal action should any wrongdoing be established.

PIF noted that the petition was submitted strictly in the interest of justice, accountability, and the fight against corruption, adding that it stands ready to provide additional information to support the investigation.

The ICPC is yet to issue an official response to the petition.

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Governor Adeleke Picks Party Accord After Dumping PDP

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Governor Ademola Adeleke

 

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has officially joined the Accord Party, days after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party.

The governor made the announcement on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in the presence of national and state leaders of the Accord Party.

Adeleke announced his intention to seek re-election for a second term on the platform of the Thumb Up Party, stating that he joined the party more than a month ago.

The governor said, “I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely on November 6, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders.

“Stakeholders and residents of Osun state are aware of why we are taking this important decision. We intend to pursue a second term in office on the platform of the Accord Party to complete ongoing delivery of good governance and democratic dividends, which have been applauded at home and abroad.”

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Adeleke stated that he opted for the party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens’ and workers’ welfare.

The governor added, “I welcome our party leaders into the Osun State Government House. You are now part of us, as I am also now part of you. We are united in progress and good intentions for the good people of Osun State and Nigeria at large.

“At this historical point, our task is to sustain a united front as we prepare for the elections. We have a duty to ensure an inclusive leadership where the interests of all groups are cared for. Our party, Accord Party, is here to take over Osun governance and sustain the delivery of good governance in our dear state.

“Since I joined the party more than a month ago, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great party. The focus on people’s welfare should always be at the heart of public leadership. The primary essence of a government is the welfare and well-being of the people.

“As a governor, I have prioritised the welfare of our people, from workers to the entire citizenry. Day and night, we implement policies and programmes to elevate the well-being of our people. From infrastructure to social services, Osun has never had it so good in governance and service delivery.

“Today, we unveil the new platform for the good people of Osun state. From Osun West to Osun East to Osun Central, this is our party, our new platform for victory come August next year.”

“From Igbomina to Ijeshaland to Ifeland to Osogbo to Iwoland to Modakeke to Gbongan to Igbajo to Ikire to Ikirun to Ede and other lands of Osun state, we must thumb up according to our collective desires for good governance.

“Osun voted for good governance in 2022, and they will support continuity in 2026. The mass of our people are for continuity, and Accord is our party for victory next year.

“In accordance with the will of our stakeholders and to accord deep respect for the wishes of the Osun people, I hereby declare for the Accord Party,” the governor added.

However, despite the governor’s formal notice of resignation as PDP member to his ward Chairman, the national body of the party insisted that he is yet to inform them officially.

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JUST IN:Rivers State Governor, Fubara, Dumps PDP for APC

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers state governor, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He made the announcement on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the government house in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Fubara said he joined the ruling APC as a “gesture of reciprocity” for the consistent support, cooperation, and encouragement his administration has received from President Bola Tinubu since the political crisis that rocked the state in late 2023.

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“We can’t support Mr President if we don’t fully identify with him; not backyard support,” the governor said.

“So, we have taken that decision today since we have gotten a pass. Everyone here, who followed and suffered with me, our decision today [is that]we are moving to APC.”

Recall that less than a week ago, 15 members of the Rivers state house of assembly, including Martin Awaewhule, the speaker, joined the APC.

Two days before the defection, the 32-member Rivers assembly passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu, urging him to seek re-election.

Fubara’s defection now has left the PDP with six governors, with Agbu Kefas of Taraba and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau planning to join the APC.

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