The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Wada, Karimi, Baba Ali rally grassroots support for Tinubu’s re-election

    Wada, Karimi, Baba Ali rally grassroots support for Tinubu’s re-election

    Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, operating under the Kogi Progressive Stakeholders Forum (KPSF), on Wednesday endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, pledging to double the state’s votes for his re-election in the 2027 general elections.

    The endorsement followed a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the Reverton Hotel in Lokoja, where party leaders, lawmakers, elders and other key figures resolved to align fully with the ruling party at the centre.

    The forum said its objective is to promote unity and cohesion within the party while addressing internal gaps.

    Chairman of the forum and former Governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada, said KPSF was established to unite and mobilise grassroots supporters of the APC towards the success of President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

    Read Also: Senate rules out real-time results transmission

    He urged party members across the state to embrace peace, unity and internal cohesion, stressing that only a united APC could effectively support the president’s reform agenda and secure electoral victory.

    Wada said inclusiveness remains a core principle of the forum, noting that all party members, regardless of status or political leaning, must be carried along in the collective effort to strengthen the party and deepen democratic participation.

    Vice Chairman of the forum and member of the governing board of the North Central Commission, Alhaji Suleiman Baba Ali, expressed confidence that President Tinubu would secure overwhelming support from Kogi voters in 2027.

    He said the president’s leadership had continued to inspire confidence nationwide, adding that ongoing reforms would ultimately reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and development.

    Ali called on APC members and supporters across the 21 local government areas of the state to remain united and focused on consolidating the party’s gains, stressing that grassroots mobilisation remains critical to electoral success.

    Also speaking, Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, representing Kogi West, described the endorsement and the growing alignment of the state with the APC as a positive development.

    He said President Tinubu deserved a second term to complete the economic and security reforms initiated by his administration, citing improvements in foreign exchange stability, security, access to student loans through NELFUND, infrastructure development and economic reforms that previous administrations avoided.

    Karimi acknowledged existing grievances among some party members and assured that their concerns would be addressed.

    “We know there are so many people in this state that are not happy and if we leave them like that, we will not win 2027 elections. We want Mr. President to win and win well.

    “We are not fighting anybody but we not pretenders. We are not liars. We are truthful. We are people that love Mr. President, we love Kogi and want to move the state forward”.

    Also speaking, Former Director General, National Productivity Centre, Dr. Kashim Akor, said the forum has created an avenue for aggrieved members of the party to channel their grievances with expectation that it will be addressed. He urged party leaders to embrace reconciliation and sacrifice. 

    A former local government chairman and lawmaker, Hon. Ganiyu Salawudeen (Erukutu), called on the reconciliation committee recently set up by President Tinubu to visit Kogi state.

    He said current leadership of APC in the state is one sided and political appointments are also lopsided.

    At the end of the meeting, stakeholders issued a communiqué in which they unanimously declared their total and unwavering support for President Tinubu as the APC’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. 

    The communiqué rejected what it described as divisive politics, calling for unity of purpose among political leaders of the state.

    The leaders urged the people of Kogi within and outside the state to embrace the APC as the most viable platform for advancing the state’s political and economic interests.

    They further pledged to mobilise human, material and political resources to deliver bloc votes for Tinubu across the 21 LGA’s of the state come 2027. 

    The motion endorsing President Tinubu for a second term was formally moved by Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, Chairman, Senate Services Committee and Senator Representing Kogi West and seconded by Dr Kashim Akor, Former DG, National Productivity Center who described the decision as courageous and strategic.

    Other prominent figures at the meeting included a Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Abutu Yaro, Former House of Representatives Member Representing Lokoja /Kogi Hon Haruna Isah among several stakeholders and party elders from the state. 

    The meeting concluded with a call for sustained unity, equity and fairness, voter mobilisation and strategic engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the forum declared that the state  had “spoken with one voice” in support of President Tinubu and the ruling party the APC.

  • Reps set up conference committee to harmonise Electoral Act

    Reps set up conference committee to harmonise Electoral Act

    The House of Representatives has constituted a conference committee to work with the Senate committee to harmonise the electoral act ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    While the House passed the act on the 23rd of December, 2025, the Senate on Wednesday passed the act with significant changes including reducing the period for issuance of the electoral timetable from 360 days to 180 days.

    While the House also approved electronic transmission of election results from the polling units to the IREV in real and simultaneously with physical collation, the Senate rejected the provision , choosing to allow the 2022 provisions which allows INEC to determine the mode of transmission.

    Spokesman of the House, Akintunde Rotimi said the conference committee was set up in accordance with legislative procedure for harmonising areas of difference between the versions of the Bill passed by both Chambers of the National Assembly.

    Read Also: Senators pay tributes to deceased Enugu North colleague Ezea

    According to him, the decision is contained in an internal correspondence dated Wednesday, February 4, 2026, signed by the Clerk to the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, conveying the directive of the Leadership of the House.

    Members of the committee led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters Adebayo Balogun (South West) include Fred Agbedi (south South), Sada Soli (North West), Ahmadu Jaha (North East), Iduma Igariwey Enwo (South East), Saidu Musa Abdullahi (North Central) and Zainab Gimba (representing the women).

    Rotimi said that the “Committee is mandated to confer with its counterpart from the Senate with a view to harmonising the differing provisions of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill as passed by both Chambers, ahead of final passage by the National Assembly. 

    “The House of Representatives reiterates its commitment to advancing electoral reforms that strengthen transparency, credibility, and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process”.

  • Omotola clarifies alleged ‘feud’ with Genevieve Nnaji

    Omotola clarifies alleged ‘feud’ with Genevieve Nnaji

    Actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has addressed rumours of a long-standing feud with colleague Genevieve Nnaji, calling it a misconception.

    In an interview on Yanga FM, Omotola stated that fans and media often pitched them against each other, creating unnecessary tension.

    She noted that people don’t need to be best friends, but they have since talked and maintain a normal working relationship.

    Omotola attributed the rumors to industry pressures and the tendency to create drama, saying the tension was blown out of proportion.

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    Using a mix of English and Pidgin, Omotola emphasised that there was no actual quarrel between them.

    Omotola replied, “People don’t need to be best friends, but we talked. Like behind film, we dey talk normally. You know the same thing that they do with all these music stars, na we dem take start all those things that time. Na we be the practice that time. You know all this Wizkid, Davido now that they have taken to different level, na we be the first one now. Really, na them start the quarrel before we know say we dey quarrel. So, we have to catch up with the quarrel. There was no quarrel.

    “We were young, everybody dey do her own thing now.byou know how the industry is. You know, them go pitch you against this person, talk say na this one be the hottest girl, na that one be the hottest girl. So, those kind tension go dey normally, but people they read am as other things.”

  • Senators pay tributes to deceased Enugu North colleague Ezea

    Senators pay tributes to deceased Enugu North colleague Ezea

    The Senate yesterday held a valedictory session in honour of the late Senator Okechukwu Ezea.

    The lawmakers described their late colleague as a principled man whose death has left a gap in the National Assembly.

    Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), died in November after a brief illness.

    His wife, Chioma, children, family members and associates attended the session where the senators across party lines paid tributes to his service.

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said Ezea’s death came as a shock and silenced a respected voice in the Red Chamber.

    He described the late senator as measured in speech, firm in conviction and committed to national unity, noting that his contributions to plenary debates and committee assignments reflected diligence and respect for differing opinions.

    Bamidele said Ezea prioritised the welfare of his constituents and national interest, adding that he maintained cordial relationships across party and regional divides.

    The Senate Leader also highlighted Ezea’s contributions outside the legislature, including serving as Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, Taraba State, and on several public and private boards.

    He recalled that the late Ezea sponsored several legislative initiatives, including the Agricultural Research Council Act (Amendment) Bill aimed at establishing a Federal College of Agriculture, a Constitution Alteration Bill proposing the creation of Adada State in the Southeast, and a motion for the establishment of a military base in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area to boost security.

    Read Also: Senators Barau, Hussaini push coordinated rescue for troubled North West

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the late lawmaker’s death was a loss to the Senate and the country.

    He welcomed Ezea’s family to the chamber and assured them of the Senate’s support.

    Several senators also paid tributes, describing him as dedicated, intellectually sound and committed to public service.

    Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) said Ezea was widely respected in his constituency and within the South-East caucus.

    Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) said the late senator sought medical treatment both in Nigeria and abroad before his death.

    He added that Ezea studied Political Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), obtained law and Master’s degrees from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), and defended his PhD thesis shortly before his death.

    Ireti Kingibe (FCT) described him as principled and independent-minded, while Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) said he related with colleagues across religious and ethnic lines.

    Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) highlighted Ezea’s contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and his private-sector experience.

    The Senate suspended proceedings in his honour and observed valedictory rites in line with parliamentary tradition.

    In his closing remarks, Bamidele said Ezea’s service and commitment to integrity should serve as a guide for public office holders.

  • Nigerian, Pakistani navies partner to upscale shipbuilding capacity

    Nigerian, Pakistani navies partner to upscale shipbuilding capacity

    • Pakistan Navy Senior Staff Course participants visit Lagos

    The Nigerian Navy has entered into a partnership with its Pakistani counterpart to boost indigenous shipbuilding and strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

    The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, announced this while hosting members of the 55th Pakistan Navy Senior Staff College Course currently in Lagos on a study tour.

    Mustapha said the delegation would visit the Naval Dockyard Limited (NDL) in Lagos to discuss how to take the Nigerian Navy’s shipbuilding capabilities to the desired level, based on the long-standing relationship between both countries and their military.

    The FOC said Nigeria has over the years acquired multi-role fighter aircraft from Pakistan, adding that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) also operates the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft supplied by Pakistan.

    “The Nigerian Air Force has acquired multi-role combat fighter aircraft, including the JF-17, as well as Super Mushshak training aircraft. These platforms have proven to be critical enablers and game changers in our operations.

    Read Also: Senators Barau, Hussaini push coordinated rescue for troubled North West

    “The Nigerian Army has also benefited through the acquisition of communication equipment and anti-drone jammers, some of the best of which were sourced from Pakistan.

    “In the area of training and capacity building, both nations maintain exchange programmes involving staff and war colleges, which have continued to yield positive results. There has also been collaboration in doctrine development through joint exercises, covering basic, safety and consolidation training in maritime operations.

    “On shipbuilding, Nigeria is exploring opportunities for deeper collaboration with Pakistan. The visiting commodore and his team are scheduled to visit the Naval Dockyard Limited to identify areas of partnership aimed at strengthening local shipbuilding capacity.

    “Nigeria already possesses indigenous shipbuilding capability and is currently undertaking the construction of Seaward Defence Boats (SDB) 5 and 6. With Pakistan’s technical expertise and experience, both countries hope to identify areas of collaboration that will further enhance Nigeria’s shipbuilding capacity,” he said.

    Addressing his guests, Mustapha noted that defence cooperation between both countries rests on three major pillars: equipment procurement, capacity building/training, and intelligence sharing.

    The FOC said the training exchange had not been fully sustained.

    “Nigeria has trained several officers at Pakistan’s military academy. One of our finest Generals was trained in Pakistan and has demonstrated exceptional professionalism. In fact, the few officers who trained there have all distinguished themselves, reflecting the high quality of training provided.

    “Although we have yet to establish training collaboration with the Naval Academy, the impact of Pakistan’s military training institutions remains significant.

    “We also maintain cooperation at the Staff College level, with Nigerian officers currently undergoing training there.

    “There have also been exchanges at the War College level, although I am unsure if that programme has been sustained. However, participation in Pakistan’s National Defence University courses has remained consistent. The programme is globally comparable and highly rigorous, and our officers who attend return with immense professional value.

    “Because of its demanding nature, we are careful in selecting personnel for the course.

    “Strategically, this partnership remains strong, and we look forward to further strengthening it,” Mustapha added.

    The leader of the Pakistani delegation, Commodore Muhammad Zalid Zaheer, applauded the exceptional qualities of Nigerian Navy officers who have schooled or attended trainings in their country, describing them as very disciplined and intelligent.

    Zaheer, who is the Commodore Training Ashore at the Headquarters Command in Karachi, said the course comprised 102 officers with 28 from foreign nations, including one Nigerian officer.

    He said they were open to more areas of collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, adding that they visited Nigeria with an open heart.

    At the event were the Chief Staff Officer (CSO) WNC, Rear Admiral Nnamdi Ekwum; Pakistan’s Defence Attache (DA), Col Kanran Mushtag as well as other senior officers on both sides.

  • Zulum cuts leave short to host envoys, UN coordinator in Maiduguri

    Zulum cuts leave short to host envoys, UN coordinator in Maiduguri

    Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Tuesday cut short his annual leave to host the envoys from India, Egypt, Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey, Malaysia, and Qatar in Maiduguri.

    The delegation was accompanied by the United Nations (UN) Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Malick Fall, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard Doro.

    The visit was aimed at assessing the humanitarian situation in Borno State, which has faced insurgency for over a decade.

    During the visit, the delegation toured selected education, health and human capital development projects executed by the Zulum administration.

    The tour was led by Acting Governor Umar Usman Kadafur.

    Fall lauded the state government’s development efforts, noting that the state had made remarkable progress despite security challenges.

    “Beyond the headlines around security issues, there are transformative developments taking place in Borno State,” he said.

    Read Also: Senators Barau, Hussaini push coordinated rescue for troubled North West

    The UN coordinator highlighted education programmes, the girl-child education initiatives, vocational training centres and malnutrition treatment facilities as key interventions addressing the root causes of the crisis.

    Doro also expressed satisfaction with the level of development recorded in the state, despite the years of conflict.

    “I am happy with what I have seen. Considering the crises the state has faced for over 10 years, the level of development is commendable,” he said, adding that the vocational training centres and comprehensive schools visited were equipped to empower beneficiaries and support poverty reduction.

  • Strategic partnership key to tackling West Africa’s insecurity, says COAS

    Strategic partnership key to tackling West Africa’s insecurity, says COAS

    • Shaibu hosts French Defence Attaché

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has restated the need for a well-coordinated partnership to overcome the insecurity in West Africa.

    The COAD said Nigeria’s defence partnership with France remained critical to the country’s broader efforts to counter security threats in the West African region.

    Shaibu said this when he hosted the French Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Stéphane Useo, at the Army Headquarters yesterday in Abuja.

    A statement by the Army spokesperson, Colonel Apollonia Anele, said the high-level engagement focused on strengthening operational cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the French Armed Forces in response to evolving regional and global security challenges.

    The COAS hailed France for its continued collaboration with the Nigerian Army, particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing, professional military training and support for operational readiness.

    He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to continuous professional development across all corps and emphasised the need for sustaining mutually beneficial bilateral defence cooperation with Nigeria’s allies.

    Shaibu expressed optimism that a long-term partnership with France with a focus on capacity building, advanced training, and enhanced operational effectiveness, was in line with contemporary security realities.

    The French Defence Attaché applauded the resilience and dedication of the Nigerian Army in dealing with emerging security challenges.

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    Useo particularly praised the Army for successfully recovering operations in the Republic of Benin and called for expanded access to strategic professional military courses, especially in Public Relations and Aviation.

    He described the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information as one of the best institutions in Africa, established to train army personnel in civil-military affairs and enhance information and communication management.

    Useo reiterated France’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation with Nigeria, emphasising shared responsibility in promoting regional stability, countering emerging threats and building sustainable military capacity.

    He described the partnership as mutually reinforcing, enhancing the defence capabilities and professional standards of both nations.

  • Ondo at 50: Adekanmi calls for reflection, renewed commitment to state’s future

    Ondo at 50: Adekanmi calls for reflection, renewed commitment to state’s future

    A philanthropist and grassroots youth development advocate, Prince Kenny Adekanmi, popularly known as Kenny Kunma, has said the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State should serve as a moment of reflection as well as an opportunity to reassess the state’s future.

    Adekanmi noted that Ondo State has made significant contributions to nation-building and Nigeria’s collective heritage through its political leadership, financial input and human capital.

    In a congratulatory message to the people of the state, he stressed the need for residents, regardless of status, to pursue the growth and development of Ondo State with renewed vigour and a more pragmatic approach, in order to bequeath a legacy that future generations would be proud of.

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    The statement read, “As we mark exactly fifty(50) years since the creation of our dear Ondo State, and I join millions of Ondo State indigenes and residents to celebrate this major milestone – our Golden Jubilee.

    “In the last fifty(50) years, Ondo State has contributed immensely to Nation building and our shared patrimony. Through our political, financial and human resource contributions, we have served as a key and indispensable partner in the political and economic stability of Nigeria. I congratulate everyone on this auspicious occasion.

    “As we wind down the Golden Jubilee celebrations, I call on political and thought leaders across the state to utilise this celebration as a moment of reflection, and to ponder over the future of the state.

    “It is imperative for us to pursue the growth and development of our state with renewed vigour and with a more pragmatic approach, in order to bequeath an Ondo State that generations behind us will be proud of.

    “Congratulations! God bless the Sunshine State.”

  • Simeone raves about Lookman ahead of potential Copa debut

    Simeone raves about Lookman ahead of potential Copa debut

    Ahead of today’s Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Betis at La Cartuja, coach Diego Simeone has highlighted some of the qualities his new Nigerian import, Ademola Lookman, can bring to Atletico Madrid.

    Atletico officially announced Lookman’s signing from Atalanta on Monday, securing the 27-year-old on a four-year deal worth €40 million. The 2024 African Footballer of the Year, who has been assigned the number 22 jersey at the Metropolitano, had his first training session with the team on Tuesday, much to the delight of the Argentine coach.

    “He joined the group very quickly, and you could immediately notice his physical strength, his speed, his ability to change the play, and his power in the final third,” Simeone said. “We hope he can help us in the way he believes he can, and in the way we expect. And obviously, those important partnerships are formed for the good of the team, because that’s what it’s about: bringing good players together.”

    It appears Simeone could hand Lookman, along with another new signing Obed Vargas, their Atletico debuts in today’s high-profile Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Betis, who are coached by the experienced Chilean Manuel Pellegrini.

    Today will be the second time Atletico face Betis this season and the first of their two meetings this week, as the Andalusian outfit will visit the Metropolitano this weekend in LaLiga.

    Read Also: EFL Cup: Man City to face Arsenal in final after big win over Newcastle

    Both sides have met on 142 previous occasions, with a record of 75 wins for Atleti, 33 draws and 34 defeats.

    In their most recent visit to the Seville-based club last October, Atletico came away with all three points in a 2-0 victory courtesy of goals from Giuliano Simeone and Álex Sorloth.

    The last time both sides met in the knockout competition was in the 2012/13 season, when Atletico progressed with a 3-1 aggregate win.

    It remains to be seen how they will fare today at La Cartuja, with Lookman expected to be in the mix.

  • Super Eagles: Pinnick under fire  over World Cup 2026  boast

    Super Eagles: Pinnick under fire  over World Cup 2026  boast

    Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has drawn public criticism following his repeated claims that the Super Eagles would have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if he were still leading Nigerian football.

    Although the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar under Pinnick’s watch, he recently boasted that he would have handled things differently if he were still in charge of the NFF—especially now that Africa has 10 available slots for the World Cup. His comments suggest the current NFF leadership under Ibrahim Gusau has underperformed.

    This week, Pinnick reportedly made similar arguments, adding that the 2026 World Cup setback could be avoided if Gusau, whose tenure ends in September, receives a fresh mandate to lead the NFF for another term.

    “I said so and I don’t have any regrets saying it. If I was the president, I would have qualified [for the 2026 World Cup] because I would have learned on and off the field of play—everything I needed to do,” Pinnick said in an interview relayed  on Brila FM. “Ibrahim—by God’s grace—if he gets re-elected, there’s no way that he will not qualify Nigeria. He will now know that from the beginning, every point counts, and that’s what I would have done because I knew.”

    However, Pinnick’s latest claims have infuriated callers to the Lagos-based sports radio station, with many accusing him of contributing largely to the problems plaguing Nigerian football.

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    “Was this not the same Pinnick in charge during Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers?” one caller asked rhetorically. “Was it not under his watch that we failed to beat Ghana in Abuja? Now he’s running his mouth and blaming others, claiming he’s a Warri boy. So he was not a Warri boy when we failed to qualify for Qatar 2022?”

    Another respondent was more direct, saying Pinnick was being egotistical and sounding like a typical politician.

    “The man is just talking like a politician,” he noted. “What is the point of this cheap talk now? What is he driving at? So unfortunate—these NFF people are birds of the same feather.”

    Another caller said Pinnick and his associates can throw their weight around due to lack of accountability and good governance in Nigerian football. He added that the former First Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) should never be allowed near the NFF again.

    “It is not the fault of this man talking,” he said. “The problem with Nigerian football is lack of accountability. He can continue making noise because they have never been held accountable.”

    One more caller added: “Why is this man running his mouth? He did not qualify us for the Qatar 2022 World Cup when he was in that same position. I suspect the guy wants to stage a comeback to the NFF, but he has such temerity because we have never held them accountable for past mismanagement of our football.”