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Saraki: No Cause for Alarm, PDP Will Rebuild and Reposition Despite Delta Defections

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Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to be discouraged by recent defections in the party, particularly in Delta State, assuring them that the PDP will emerge stronger and more united ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Saraki addressed concerns raised by party supporters and youth following the defection of top party figures, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

*”My view is that those who want to leave the PDP should leave now and let the rest of us who want to stay concentrate on rebuilding the party and refocusing it to play the role of a viable opposition that will provide a better alternative for the good people of Nigeria,”* Saraki wrote.

He emphasized the critical role of the opposition in a multi-ethnic democracy like Nigeria and warned against any attempts to impose a one-party state, describing such an idea as “dangerous” to the country’s diversity and democratic future.

It is in the interest of Nigeria and the survival of our democracy for the opposition to be vibrant and strong enough with the capacity to replace the ruling party at any point,”* he added, insisting that recent events should not demoralize PDP loyalists.

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Reacting to what he described as “insincere leadership” among some PDP figures, Saraki said the current situation vindicated his earlier decision to observe events in silence. He pointed out that internal disloyalty had eroded trust within the party’s leadership ranks.

This development has vindicated the stance of people like me who have decided to remain silent and watch events unfold. I have seen that there was no sincerity with supposed leaders of the opposition,”* he said.

The former governor of Kwara State urged PDP members to view democracy as a long-term project rather than a “knock-out match,” encouraging patience, resilience, and renewed commitment to the party’s values.

“The sustenance of democracy is not a sprint. Rather, it is a marathon… 24 hours is a long time in politics and nobody can predict how the dynamics will evolve in the coming weeks and months,”* Saraki noted.

Addressing the defection of Delta State’s governor and his allies, including the 2023 PDP presidential running mate, Saraki said such moves reflect the declining ethical standards in Nigerian politics. He called for a shift from personal loyalty to strengthening political institutions.

“Yes, it is unbecoming and shocking for the running mate to the standard bearer of a leading party to abandon ship to join the ruling party. This is unprecedented… The country is experiencing a collapse of leadership values,”* he stated.

Despite the setbacks, Saraki expressed confidence in PDP’s prospects, stressing that party strength is measured not by numbers alone but by the dedication and integrity of its members. He called on youths and women to take leadership in the party’s rebuilding efforts.

“The PDP is better with fewer members who are loyal, sincere, determined, and committed to its ideals than with many who flirt with the ruling party in the shadows,”* he declared.

He concluded by assuring supporters that PDP leadership organs will convene to strategize, noting that there is still ample time to reposition the party for success in 2027.

“There is no cause for alarm. Our party members should not lose focus, hope, or determination. We should see the current development as a challenge to rebuild and refocus. Tomorrow is very bright,”* Saraki concluded.

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Tinubu Swears in Disu as Substantive IGP

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Olatunji Disu as the substantive Inspector-General of Police at a ceremony held at the Council Chambers, State House, Abuja.

Disu took the oath of office at 2:53 pm, following the reading of his citation by the State House Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr Abiodun Oladunjoye.

The ceremony was witnessed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, cabinet members, and other dignitaries.

President Tinubu arrived at the Council Chambers at 2:48 pm, after which the National Anthem was rendered, followed by the presentation of citations for the appointees.

Immediately after Disu’s swearing-in, the President also swore in newly appointed commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission and the Federal Civil Service Commission.

The ceremony preceded the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting, which began at 03:01 pm.

The FCSC officials include Prof. Ngbea Gabriel (Benue) and Omoregie Idahagbon (Edo).

RMAFC commissioners were Abubakar Wamakko (Sokoto), Sen. Marafa Abba (Taraba), Ahmed Waziri (Adamawa), Hadizatu Mustapha (Borno), Helen Bob (Bayelsa) and Oladele Gboyega (Osun).

Disu’s confirmation as substantive IGP follows the unanimous endorsement of his appointment by the Nigeria Police Council on Monday.Overseas education consulting

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Council Chambers, State House, Abuja, at 2:00 pm shortly before the Federal Executive Council meeting, the first for the year

Disu took the oath of office before Vice President Kashim Shettima, Ministers, Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Tunji Olaopa, family members and other guests.

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Also in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; and Head of Service, Mrs Esther Walson-Jack.

According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu spoke glowingly about Disu during Monday’s Police Council meeting, commending him for his exemplary services, particularly during his tenure as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos between 2015 and 2021, where he earned recognition for excellence in crime control.

Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule also commended the President’s choice, noting that Disu’s appointment was based on his excellent career record.

FCT Minister and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike lauded Disu’s professionalism, recalling his service in Rivers State as Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department and anti-kidnapping unit between 2014 and 2015.

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah seconded the motion endorsing the appointment during Monday’s Council meeting.

Disu’s confirmation comes barely a week after President Tinubu appointed him acting IGP following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun on February 23, 2026.

Although Egbetokun officially cited “family issues” in his resignation letter, The Summitpost reported that the former police chief was summoned to the Presidential Villa and asked to step down over his resistance to the President’s directive to withdraw police officers from VIP protection duties, his opposition to state policing, and alleged vindictive conduct toward colleagues.

Disu, 59, was born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State and joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.

He holds multiple qualifications in public administration, forensic investigation, criminology, security, legal psychology, and entrepreneurship.

Before his appointment, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Special Protection Unit and the Force CID Annex in Lagos.

Like his predecessor, Disu served under President Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos State Governor from 1999 to 2007. While Egbetokun was the Chief Security Officer, Disu served as Aide-de-Camp.

During his decoration as acting IGP last week, President Tinubu charged him to “make the police better than you met it,” emphasising the need to strengthen discipline, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.Overseas education consulting

In his response, Disu pledged to end the era of impunity within the Force and enforce zero tolerance for corruption and human rights abuses.

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Nigeria’s Education Minister Tunji Alausa Weighs Resignation to Run for Lagos Governor

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, is reportedly weighing resignation from the Federal Executive Council as he considers a bid for the governorship of Lagos State, according to sources familiar with internal discussions.

Several unconfirmed reports have it that Dr Alausa has been consulting political allies and key stakeholders over the possibility of entering the race ahead of the next electoral cycle.

While there has been no formal announcement from the minister or the presidency, the development has stirred conversations within political circles in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

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If confirmed, the move would signal a significant political transition for Alausa, who has overseen policy initiatives within the education sector, including reforms aimed at strengthening tertiary institutions and improving regulatory oversight.

Political analysts say a resignation to pursue elective office would be consistent with Nigeria’s electoral laws and long-standing practice, which often require public office holders to step down before participating fully in partisan primaries.

Lagos State remains one of Nigeria’s most strategically important political battlegrounds, given its economic weight and symbolic influence in national politics. The governorship contest is expected to draw high-profile contenders across party lines.

Neither the Federal Ministry of Education nor the Presidency has issued an official statement at the time of publication.

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Umar Haruna Emerges as New Kano APC Chairman, Pledges Unity and 2027 Victory

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Umar Haruna Doguwa, former Commissioner for Water Resources, has emerged as the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano.

Doguwa, who resigned from the cabinet of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Monday to contest the plum seat of the ruling party, emerged unopposed to take over from Abdullahi Abbas, a close associate of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Doguwa, who handed over the party leadership to Abbas after he led the party for four years under the second tenure of Senate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, returned to the party leadership 10 years after.

Doguwa emerged alongside 23 state executives through the stakeholders’ consensus and was subsequently admitted by the affirmation of 2,420 delegates at the Congress held at the Indoor Sports Hall, Sanu Abacha Stadium, Kofar-Mata, Kano.

Other state party executives include Salisu Ahmad, Vice Chairman; Professor Mohammad Yusuf, State Secretary; and Professor Nura Yaro Dawakin-Tofa, Assistant Secretary.

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Also elected are legal adviser Abdul Adamu Fagge SAN; Kabiru Sule Rogo, Treasurer; Umar Yusuf, Assistant Treasurer; Mauruf Abdullahi Garo, Financial Secretary; Dr. Kabiru Husaini Zawachiki, Organising Secretary; and Hauwalu Abdullahi, Publicity Secretary.

Declaring the new state executive winner, Mr. Lateef Daban, team lead of the National Congress delegation at APC headquarters, affirmed the option of affirmation that produced the new leadership while applauding the party’s stakeholders for working in the spirit of unity.

The outgoing Chairman Abbas expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the party for 10 years and sought forgiveness from stakeholders for any mistakes he may have made while executing the mandate of his office.

Abbas, reminded that the party will remain more united and stronger, delivering Bola Tinubu as President and Abba Kabir Yusuf as Governor of Kano State in 2027.

“Everything that has a beginning definitely has an end. The time has come for me to step aside for new leadership of the party after serving for 10 years. It is indeed a privilege, and I really appreciate members’ support and the opportunity to serve.

“Let me use this medium to seek forgiveness from whoever I have offended during the course of our duty, and I thank all those who supported us throughout our tenure. I want to specially appreciate Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and party members for their support. I call for support for those coming to the leadership, the way you have supported me.” Abbas said.

In his acceptance remarks, the new Chairman, Doguwa, pledged to build a stronger and more united party structure to deliver an overwhelming victory for President Tinubu and Governor Yusuf in the 2027 election.

The Congress was attended by Governor Yusuf, Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, Ismaila Falgore; member representing Bichi Federal Constituency, Abba Bichi, and special stakeholders.

The conduct was carried out in the presence of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by the state resident electoral commissioner, Amb. Abdu Zango.

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