Connect with us

News

Fayose Alleges Makinde/Atiku Deal on ADC Ticket Ahead of 2027

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has alleged that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has agreed to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on the condition that he emerges as the party’s vice-presidential candidate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 general elections.

Fayose made the claims in a statement titled “Between Atiku and Makinde, Untold Story of What Happened in Minna Yesterday,” posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday.

According to him, Makinde met with Atiku in Minna, Niger State, on Tuesday in what he described as a carefully choreographed meeting designed to ensure “confidence and acceptability,” with selected personalities in attendance.

“It is no longer news that the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, went to Minna, Niger State, yesterday to hold a meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar,” Fayose wrote.

“Here is what happened behind the curtains. Venue and personalities involved in the meeting were carefully chosen so as to ensure confidence and acceptability.”

Advert

Fayose alleged that Makinde agreed to join the ADC on the understanding that he would secure the vice-presidential ticket as Atiku’s running mate, subject to ratification by Atiku’s inner caucus.

He further claimed that discussions at the meeting took into account the possibility that the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, might neither accept a vice-presidential slot nor be considered widely acceptable in the North as Atiku’s political successor.

“Consideration was given to the fact that Peter Obi will not accept to be Atiku’s running mate and he won’t also be acceptable to the North, as Atiku’s successor,” Fayose stated.

The former governor also alleged that Makinde offered an initial contribution of N10 billion—payable in two tranches—to support what he described as the “proper take-off” of the ADC, with additional funds to be made available at the commencement of campaigns.

According to Fayose, Atiku is “70 per cent certain” of clinching the ADC presidential ticket, having allegedly influenced the party’s decision not to zone its presidential slot.

He further claimed that Makinde pledged to mobilise delegates from the South-West during the party’s primaries and leverage his wife’s Rivers State roots to garner support in the South-South. Fayose alleged that Makinde argued that his candidacy could split South-West votes in the general election to the ADC’s advantage.

Fayose added that a follow-up meeting between key figures was scheduled to hold in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, within the next two weeks.

Atiku and Makinde on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd.), at his residence in Minna.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Atiku reportedly said his visit was aimed at strengthening the ADC’s structures in Niger State and paying a courtesy call on Gen. Babangida. He maintained that the meeting was not related to the 2027 presidential election, stating that his current engagements were focused on electoral reforms, particularly the push for real-time electronic transmission of results.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Governor Makinde nor the ADC had publicly responded to Fayose’s allegations.

News

NNPC Confirms Gas Supply & Network Availability

Published

on

 

NNPC Limited confirms that gas transportation network operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC), remains available to support deliveries to power generating stations Nationwide without any constraints. NGIC’s operational records do not indicate transportation-related constraints within its network that explain the current decline in electricity generation.

NNPC Limited is focussed on actualizing the Federal Government’s gas development and monetization agenda which has led to about 10% growth in gas production volumes 2026 year to date. Gas supply availability is therefore not a challenge as NNPC remains committed to supporting efforts to improve electricity generation through safe, reliable and efficient gas supply and transportation.

This clarification follows the Nigerian Independent System Operator’s (NISO) statement of 5 November 2026, which cited limited gas availability and reduced water inflows to hydroelectric stations as causes of lower generation. NNPC Limited’s clarification concerns the operational status of NGIC’s transportation network. Gas production, commercial supply arrangements and actual deliveries to individual power plants must be assessed separately from the availability of transportation infrastructure.

Advert

A comprehensive assessment must also consider the availability and operational readiness of generating units, plant maintenance schedules and actual gas offtake. These factors determine whether gas supplied can be converted into electricity. They should be verified alongside gas supply data to establish the causes of the shortfall.

NNPC Limited supports a coordinated review of operational data by gas suppliers, transporters, power generators and NISO to identify specific constraints and guide effective interventions. Accurate reporting across the gas-to-power value chain is essential to resolving the challenges and sustaining public confidence.

Our focus remains on dependable energy infrastructure and constructive collaboration that helps translate Nigeria’s gas resources into more reliable electricity for Nigerians.

Andy Odeh
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Limited
Abuja

6 November 2026

Continue Reading

News

Kano Task Force Seizes 3.18m Pregabalin Capsules After Rapid Response Squad Launch

Published

on

 

Barely 24 hours after the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, commissioned the Rapid Response Squad, the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has seized approximately 3,180,000 capsules suspected to be Pregabalin in the Sabon Gari area of Kano.

The seizure followed credible intelligence received through one of the reporting platforms linked to the Task Force Command and Call Centre, just hours after the Rapid Response Squad was officially launched by the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Squad identified and searched a residential apartment at No. 13 Apple Avenue, Normansland, Sabon Gari, in Fagge Local Government Area, which was suspected to be used for illicit activities.

During the operation, the operatives recovered approximately 3,180,000 capsules suspected to be Pregabalin and arrested a 34-year-old man identified as Gregory Ogbuji.

The suspect, who is suspected to be associated with SEEMARK PHARMA LTD, registered under number 2012546, has been charged under Section 249 of the Penal Code. Another suspect allegedly connected to the operation is currently at large.

Advert

The Chairman of the Task Force, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, Esq., described the seizure as a significant early result of the Rapid Response Squad, stressing that it demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led enforcement and effective communication between the public and law enforcement agencies.

According to the Task Force, Pregabalin has emerged as one of the most widely abused drugs in Kano State. Its operational experience indicates that approximately eight out of every 10 drug-related operations involve suspects dependent on or abusing Pregabalin.

The Task Force described the development as a serious public health and security concern, stressing that sustained enforcement, public vigilance and community cooperation would be critical to tackling the growing challenge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state.

The latest operation is one of the first major outcomes of the investment in establishing and equipping the Rapid Response Squad, which was designed to provide a coordinated and rapid response to reports of drug abuse, illicit trafficking, thuggery and other related crimes.

The Chairman warned individuals and groups involved in the illicit drug trade to desist, assuring residents that the Task Force would continue to take firm action against offenders without fear or favour.

He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their prayers, cooperation and continued support, urging residents to make full use of the Task Force’s reporting platforms and Command and Call Centre to provide credible information on suspected drug abuse, trafficking, thuggery and other criminal activities.

He said the cooperation of residents remained essential to strengthening public safety and advancing the state government’s “Kano First” agenda.

Signed:
Lamara Garba, mnipr
Secretary, Media and Publicity Committee
Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Traficking.

Continue Reading

News

Former Kano NUJ Chairman Abbas Ibrahim Loses Mother at 91

Published

on

 

Hajiya Binta Ibrahim, mother of former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, has died at the age of 91.

Hajiya Binta died on Friday, November 6, 2026, following a protracted illness.

The deceased was the mother of Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, who also served as the Labour Party’s Deputy Governorship Candidate in Kano State during the 2023 general elections.

Advert

Among her surviving children are Salamatu Saminu, a retired Director in the Kano State Government; Halima Ibrahim; and Comrade Abbas Ibrahim.

The funeral prayer for the deceased is scheduled to hold on Friday, November 6, at Sahaba, Kundila, Kano, immediately after the Juma’at prayer.

Her death is a loss to her family, relatives and associates, who will remember her for the years she spent nurturing her children and contributing to the growth of her family.

May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her soul eternal rest and admit her into Jannatul Firdaus. Amin.

Continue Reading

Trending