A faction within the Peoples Redemption Party has publicly criticized the party’s purported national chairman, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, accusing him of engaging in unauthorized alliances with opposition politicians, according to a statement delivered at a press briefing in Kano.

Speaking at the Kano Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on Monday, Comrade Abdulmajid Yakubu Daudu, who is the National Chairman of PRP-Vanguard, alleged that a Kaduna-based faction of the party recently conducted what he described as a “sham convention” in Abuja, producing a new leadership not recognized by his group.

Daudu claimed that the faction, referred to as the “Falalu faction,” subsequently announced an open invitation to opposition politicians—many of whom he described as “discredited” to join the party, a move he said contradicts the ideological foundation of the PRP. He characterized the development as “a travesty and total abuse” of the party’s constitution and historical identity.

According to Daudu, the PRP is rooted in socialist principles and was established to advance the interests of the working class rather than serve as a platform for political realignment among elite actors. He emphasized that the party’s mission is to promote socialism in Nigeria, not to replace one capitalist structure with another.

He further argued that Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, whom he claimed was not originally a member of the party, lacks the legitimacy to lead it or redefine its direction. Daudu accused him of acting in ways that are “insensitive” to party members and described his leadership style as “authoritarian and feudal.”

In his remarks, Daudu also criticized what he termed the “Kaduna Mafia,” alleging that the group represents entrenched political interests aligned with the ruling class rather than grassroots movements. He claimed that such actors are complicit in sustaining the current economic system, which he linked to widespread poverty and inequality in Nigeria.

Referencing the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Daudu accused the federal government of presiding over worsening economic conditions, claiming that millions of Nigerians are facing hardship under current policies. He alleged that the same political elite are attempting to reposition themselves through infiltration of smaller parties like the PRP.

Daudu stated that the PRP is currently involved in legal proceedings over the leadership dispute and warned potential political defectors against associating with what he described as an illegitimate faction. “The PRP is not for sale,” he said, adding that any attempts to co-opt the party would be resisted.

Addressing calls for reconciliation within the الحزب, Daudu questioned the basis for unity, asking whether it would be built on “illegality or co-option.” He also raised concerns about the preservation of the party’s socialist ideology and the status of its grassroots structures nationwide.

He maintained that the PRP cannot be managed as a “personal fiefdom,” insisting that its legacy as a mass-based movement must be preserved. He accused the rival faction of being disconnected from ordinary Nigerians and more focused on elite patronage during election cycles.

Daudu invoked the legacy of Aminu Kano, the party’s founding figure during Nigeria’s Second Republic, noting that the PRP was conceived as a “party of the talakawa (masses)” and remains committed to that vision.

He reaffirmed the faction’s commitment to socialist transformation in Nigeria, criticizing what he described as decades of failure under a “neocolonial capitalist system.” He called for intensified grassroots mobilization and pledged that the PRP would continue its struggle through legal, political, and media channels ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, has urged the Dangote Group to scale up its investments by leveraging the state’s abundant mineral resources.

Speaking at the opening of the 3rd edition of the Nasarawa Trade Fair and Exhibition (NASTFE), the Governor who was represented by the Director of Trade in the state Ministry of Trade Industry and Investment, Dr. Ahmed Agbo II, said already there is an existing high-level collaboration with the Dangote Group.

The Governor said Nasarawa State is home to several mineral resources that will interest the Dangote Group.

He commended the company for its job creation stride, adding its $100billion target for vision 2030 will further help,Not only small businesses,but the Nigerian Economy.

The Dangote Group is the major sponsor of the Nasarawa Trade Fair and Exhibition (NASTFE) with the theme: Unlocking Industrial Synergy: Deepening the Value Chain and Driving Inclusive Growth in Nasarawa State.

The State is home to the Dangote’s Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited (NSCL), a backward integration project in the sugar sub sector of the Nigerian economy.

The sugar project, when completed, will be one of the biggest sugar investments on the African continent.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI) has said that the Dangote Group’s Vision 2030 will support Small and Media Scale Enterprises in Nigeria

This is coming as participants throng the company’s pavilion at the ongoing 3rd edition of the Nasarawa Trade Fair and Exhibition (NASTFE).

Speaking to newsmen on the sideline of the Trade Fair, Chairman of NASSI, Nasarawa State Chapter, Comrade Nidan Sambo Manasseh, said the company’s achievement is a model for small and micro businesses in Nasarawa and Nigeria.

He said NASSI is partnering the Dangote Group to upscale small businesses in Nigeria in line with the company’s Vision 2030.

He said Dangote’s Vision 2030 is an ambitious target that will positively impact all economic activities on the African continent.

He said: “Our strategy is to align local enterprise development with large-scale industrial systems in line with the Trade Fair’s theme: Unlocking Industrial Synergy: Deepening the Value Chain and Driving Inclusive Growth in Nasarawa State.”

He said through its flagship Empowerment Skill Acquisition Programme(ESAP), thousands of youths across Nasarawa State have been trained.

Speaking at the opening of the fair, Regional Director and Senior Adviser to the President of the Dangote Group, Mrs. Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, noted that the Trade Fair provides a valuable platform for the company to engage with key stakeholders and Nigerians interested in exploring business opportunities with the organization.

A supporter of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has dismissed recent allegations against the former Zamfara State governor as false and defamatory, describing them as a calculated attempt to damage his reputation, according to a press statement issued on April 26, 2026, and signed by Alhaji Fahad Ogan Boye.

The statement said the claims being circulated about Matawalle were “baseless and misleading,” alleging they were motivated by envy and hostility toward the minister, and warned that those responsible for spreading what it described as falsehoods could face legal action, according to Boye.

Boye also referenced earlier accusations that linked Matawalle to banditry, stating that such claims had previously been raised and “proven to be entirely false and without merit,” according to the press release.

He argued that Matawalle’s continued appointment in the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflects confidence in his integrity and dedication to public service, adding that his role in government serves as evidence of his credibility, according to the statement.

Citing the role of Nigeria’s security institutions, Boye said the absence of any official findings against Matawalle indicates there is no substance to the allegations, noting that relevant authorities would have taken action if evidence existed, according to the press release.

The statement further expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for what it described as his support for “patriotic Nigerians,” including Matawalle, and commended the broader security leadership for efforts to maintain stability, specifically mentioning Christopher Musa and Nuhu Ribadu, according to Boye.

Boye call on Nigerians to continue supporting the Tinubu administration, stating that such backing is necessary for national unity, progress, and security, according to the statement.