By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has pushed back against speculation that he is planning to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), asserting that he is in no rush to leave the platform despite internal turbulence within the opposition party.

Speaking with journalists, the governor acknowledged that the PDP is facing what he called “existential problems,” but expressed confidence that the challenges can be resolved.

“We have some existential problems within the political space, but as leaders, we try to manage it,” Mohammed said.

His remarks come amid persistent rumors linking him to a possible move to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The speculation has intensified in recent weeks as political realignments and defections gather pace ahead of the 2027 elections.

Mohammed moved to reassure his supporters, emphasizing that he remains committed to a collective political direction.

“I want to assure my supporters within the PDP and outside that I will not take them astray. We will make sure we provide a way for all of us,” he said.

Highlighting the fluid nature of politics, the governor hinted at the strategic considerations that shape major political decisions, though he stopped short of confirming any plan to defect.

“Politics is dynamic. We can be anywhere, but certainly we will not be stupid. We are strategic,” he added.

Mohammed’s comments underscore the broader uncertainty within the PDP, which has struggled with internal divisions and leadership disputes since the 2023 general elections. The turmoil has triggered a wave of defections and fueled speculation about further realignments.

While no formal move has been announced, the governor’s remarks appear aimed at steadying his political base and pushing back against the narrative of an imminent departure.

Political observers note that while defections are common in Nigeria’s pre-election season, Mohammed’s emphasis on caution and strategy suggests he is carefully weighing his options rather than acting impulsively.

For now, the governor remains in the PDP, even as speculation about his next political step continues to swirl.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A prominent Islamic scholar in Sokoto has delivered a blistering indictment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing the President of exploiting religious sentiment to secure the presidency in 2023 while abandoning the Muslim community and the Northern region he courted for votes.

Prof. Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, a respected academic and cleric, used his Eid-el-Fitr sermon on Friday to launch a scathing critique of the administration, arguing that the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket that propelled Tinubu to power was nothing more than a cynical political maneuver devoid of any genuine commitment to Islamic interests or Northern development.

“Tinubu won the 2023 election using the Muslim-Muslim ticket, but today Muslims are suffering under his government,” Prof. Sokoto declared before a congregation in Sokoto. “It is clear he is not governing with the interests of Muslims or Islam in mind.”

The scholar took aim at the core promise implied by the same-faith ticket, asserting that nearly two years into the administration, the North—which delivered overwhelming support for the President—has received neither policy focus nor tangible development in return. He pointedly noted that the President’s priorities lie elsewhere, favoring his political base in the South-West where alliances transcend religious lines.

“The North, which is predominantly Muslim, is not his priority. What he appears to prioritise is Lagos, and even there, his political alliances cut across religious lines,” Prof. Mansur stated.

In a direct challenge to fellow religious leaders who continue to rally support for the President, the professor called for an end to mobilizing voters based on religious sentiment. He insisted that future political advocacy must be anchored in verifiable performance rather than shared faith.

He issued a stark challenge to the President’s defenders, demanding they justify their support with tangible evidence of progress.

“Anyone who wants to campaign for Tinubu should tell Nigerians what he has done—whether in education, healthcare, agriculture, business, the economy, or electricity,” he said. “But if there is nothing to point to, then Nigerians should be free to explore other options in the hope of finding relief.”

The cleric’s remarks have reignited a fierce debate over the role of faith in Nigeria’s electoral politics, a conversation that has grown increasingly volatile since the Muslim-Muslim ticket shattered traditional religious balancing norms during the 2023 general elections.

Eid-el-Fitr:

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Nigerians to embrace the values of faith, sacrifice, and resilience as the nation celebrates Eid-el-Fitr, acknowledging the hardships facing many families while emphasizing that perseverance and compassion can pave the way for a better future.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC extended warm greetings to Muslim faithful across the country, marking the end of Ramadan. Abdullahi noted that the lessons of the holy month—discipline, generosity, and devotion—should serve as a guiding force toward national renewal.

“This season is a reminder that even in the most challenging times, faith, sacrifice, and resilience can restore our confidence in a better tomorrow,” the statement read. “Across the country today, many families are facing real difficulties, yet the spirit of Ramadan teaches us that hardship does not have the final word—perseverance, compassion, and unity do.”

The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to a future where every Nigerian can live with dignity, security, and opportunity, urging citizens to channel the spirit of Ramadan into building a more just, peaceful, and prosperous nation.

The party concluded its message with Eid Mubarak wishes to Nigerians and their loved ones.