The Nation Newspaper

Category: Featured

  • Lagos unveils Nigeria’s first LG-owned radio station

    Lagos unveils Nigeria’s first LG-owned radio station

    Lagos Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has commissioned Nigeria’s first radio station owned and operated by a local government. 

    The pioneering station, located in Mushin Local Government, underscores the importance of effective information dissemination to the populace.

     Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, launched the station as part of several legacy projects executed by the Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Emmanuel Olanrewaju Bamigboye, at Oliyide Street, Mushin. 

    According to a statement on the Facebook handle of the Lagos state government, the Governor lauded the initiative, describing it as “laudable and worthy of emulation by other Local Government Areas.”

    READ ALSO: Lagos, company partner to train 500 youths

    The statement reads: “Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has commissioned the first Local Government-owned radio station in Nigeria (Ishokan 106.7 FM), operated by the Mushin Local Government, emphasising the importance of information dissemination to the people.

    “The Governor, who launched Nigeria’s pioneering local government-owned radio stations through the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, today at the commissioning of other legacy projects executed by the Chairman, Mushin Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Olanrewaju Bamigboye, at Oliyide Street, Mushin, Lagos, said that the launch is laudable and worthy of emulation by other Local Government Areas.

    “According to Sanwo-Olu, ‘It’s always good to communicate with our people. So, we must appreciate the Chairman of the Local Government for building these notable projects. First, getting all the federal agencies in one place, so that if you need anything, you are not running from one place to another. Secondly, establishing this radio station, and many other projects, including roads, markets, and others, is a real achievement,’ said Sanwo-Olu, adding the residents should be excited about having such a political party and Chairmen who are commissioning infrastructures that some states cannot do.

    “The Governor stated that the State is progressing under the All Progressive Congress (APC) adding that, as roads are being commissioned, Primary Healthcare, Schools, Administrative blocks and so many more are launched. This implies that the party is a progressive one, urging the people to unite and be able to stand on the President’s mandate.

    “He reiterated further that to be able to stand on that mandate, every resident must possess a voter’s card, stressing that those who are yet to possess the voter’s card should ensure they go out when the registration process commences, as the prosperity of the nation strongly depends on the reforms and policies of the president.”

    Source: Facebook | The Lagos State Government

  • Tinubu leads rain of tributes for Buhari at Special FEC session

    Tinubu leads rain of tributes for Buhari at Special FEC session

    • Tearful Yusuf Buhari thanks govt

    The events celebrating the life and times of former President Muhammadu Buhari climaxed yesterday with a torrent of tributes during an extraordinary Expanded Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

    The Legislature, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio; the Judiciary, the sub-nationals led by Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman/Kwara State Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq and children of the late leader gathered at the Executive Chamber of Aso Villa for eulogies.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in an emotion-laden tone, described the departed leader as a patriot who led by example.

    The President said Buhari was a leader of austere honour who remained “unmoved by the temptation of power, unseduced by applause, and unafraid of the loneliness that often visits those who do what is right, rather than what is popular.”

    Before the event came to a close, the President announced the renaming of the University of Maiduguri after the late President.

    It will now be called the Muhammadu Buhari University (MBU).

    Buhari had the honour of presiding over the FEC twice – first as military Head of State between January 1, 1984 and August 27, 1985; and second as President between 2015 and 2023, when he handed over to President Tinubu.

    Ministers took turns to eulogise the 15th Head of State at the special session.

    President Tinubu said Buhari’s patriotism was marked more by action than words, adding that his righteousness was expressed in silent conviction rather than grandstanding.

    Akpabio described Buhari as a man who walked the narrow path of honour and duty in a world too often swayed by applause and popular acclaim.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu presides over special FEC session in honour of Buhari

    He said Buhari’s life was a solemn reminder that “greatness is not always loud” and that legacy outlives power.

    House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas said Buhari’s life was “deeply woven into the fabric of our republic,” adding that he was “a sentinel of service, a steward of simplicity, and a statesman shaped by sacrifice.”

    He praised the late leader’s moral clarity and devotion to the country in an era where materialism had become a powerful force.

    Tajudeen said: “President Buhari was no ordinary figure in our national journey. He embodied quiet strength, moral clarity and an unshakable sense of duty.

    “He lived not for applause or affluence but for principle, for country, and for the cause of a better Nigeria.”

    Minister of Solid Minerals Dr. Dele Alake, in his moving tribute, noted Buhari’s background in the military, how he became a head of state and transformed into a democratic leader.

    He spoke about the sterling qualities which endeared him to Nigerians.

    Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, spoke on how the late former president transformed the Civil Service for effective performance and his passion for workers.

    Minister for Budget and Economy Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said working closely with the late former President as chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) exposed him to his true character as a disciplinarian who had the interest of the masses at heart.

    According to him, Buhari regenerated the National Economic Council (NEC), which led to its optimum role in reshaping the economy.

    He said Buhari was a stickler for the rule of law who cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to follow its rules and guidelines in preparation for the primaries in 2023, to avoid sanctions from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Mohammed Ali Pate said Buhari’s image is indelible in the hearts of Nigerians.

    Works Minister Dave Umahi said that as Governor of Ebonyi State, despite being in a different political party from the late Buhari, he did not experience any discrimination in terms of available opportunities and support.

    Yusuf in tears

    It was an emotional crescendo when Yusuf, the only son of the late former President, broke down in tears at the end of his vote of thanks on behalf of the bereaved family.

    He struggled with words, and his voice trembled while making his remark.

    He said: “On behalf of the entire family, I wish to extend our deepest gratitude. He peacefully passed on on Sunday, July 13th, 2025. It has shown that he was regarded far more than a politician but regarded as a father figure…

    “To all members of the Federal Executive Council for the care and befitting state burial accorded to our late father, we appreciate you all,” he said.

    Yusuf acknowledged those who played vital roles during the family’s moment of mourning, saying: “I also wish to thank the Attorney General of the Federation (Lateef Fagbemi) and members of the Judiciary, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs (Yusuf Tuggar), the Nigerian High Commission in London, the Governors of Katsina (Dikko Radda) and Borno states (Babagana Zulum), and all their colleagues for identifying and standing firmly with us during this difficult period.”

    Yusuf’s gratitude extended to the country’s security architecture, which was central to the late Buhari’s identity as a former military head of state and commander-in-chief.

    “Let me specially and specifically acknowledge the Chief of Defence Staff (Gen. Christopher Musa), the Service Chiefs, heads of security and law enforcement agencies, as well as all members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, our late father’s first and primary constituency, for the decorum, solidarity, and the befitting military burial given to our father,” he said.

    He also acknowledged the show of support from across the country and the international community.

    “We thank all members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, political associates, friends, family members, the press, and indeed all Nigerians at home and in diaspora for the support and solidarity,” Yusuf said.

    But it was while attempting to conclude his message that the weight of the day’s tributes and the enormity of his loss overwhelmed him.

    Unable to hold back tears, Yusuf bowed his head and whispered: “Thank you, daddy. Thank you, Daddy. Thank you, Daddy.” 

    He ended with a prayer and a blessing for the country his father served with devotion.

    “May Allah continue to bless us all and guide us. Long live Mr. President, long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Thank you,” he said.

    Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin said the Islamic closing prayer.

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma said the Christian prayer.

    The session was deftly coordinated by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume.

  • Govt will uphold Buhari’s family dignity, says Shettima

    Govt will uphold Buhari’s family dignity, says Shettima

    • Clerics pray for repose of ex-President’s soul at third day Fidau

    The Federal Government assured yesterday that it would uphold the dignity and image of the Buhari family.

    The assurance was given by the government during the three-day prayer  for the repose of the soul of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State. 

    Acknowledging Buhari’s commitment to national development, the government charged Nigerians not to allow his vision for the country to fade.

    “As a government, we assure you that the Tinubu administration will continue to protect the image and dignity of the Buhari family and the entire people of Katsina State,”  said Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who led a team comprising  25 ministers to the solemn occasion.

    Stating that  Buhari served the nation with commitment, advised that as Nigerians, ”we must not let that vision fade.”

    Shettima expressed  Tinubu’s appreciation to Governor Dikko Radda for the support his administration extended to the Federal Government delegation to Buhari’s burial on Tuesday. 

    “Buhari served this country with commitment, and we must not let that vision fade,” Shettima added.

    The Vice President described   Buhari as a sincere and justice-driven leader, whose legacy will endure in the annals of Nigerian and African history.

    He added that the former President, even in death, had proved to the world that he was truly one of Africa’s greatest sons.

    “Ibn Khaldun reminds us that the goal of civilisation is the attainment of justice. Justice is the bone that holds human society together. It was justice, as he understood it, that President Muhammadu Buhari pursued – often misunderstood, but always with sincerity,” Shettima remarked.

    He offered prayers for the repose of the late leader’s soul, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and reward him with Aljannah.

    Read Also: Shettima: Buhari pursued justice with sincerity, remains one of Africa’s greatest sons

    Waxing philosophical,  Shettima said, “In power, your friends know you; but out of power, you know your friends.

    ‘’In death, President Buhari has proved to the world that he is, indeed, one of the greatest sons of Africa”.

    In his tribute, Governor Radda praised Buhari as a man of honesty and service, whose dedication to the Nigerian project was beyond dispute.

    The governor expressed the gratitude of the people of Katsina State to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the honour accorded to the memory of the late leader.

    He said: “We, the people of Katsina State, do not have enough words to thank the Federal Republic of Nigeria. President Tinubu showed uncommon compassion and respect for our people by allowing 25 cabinet members, led by the Vice President, to be physically present with us.

    ‘’We are especially grateful for the public holiday declared on the day Buhari was laid to rest.”  

      Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris reaffirmed Buhari’s place in national history, noting that he belonged to Daura, Katsina, Nigeria and the world.

    “On behalf of the 25 ministers here, we appreciate the people of Daura and Katsina for the warmth and spiritual atmosphere of this event. We call on all Nigerians to continue praying for the repose of his soul,” Idris said.

    Islamic clerics led by a former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Ali Pantami, opened the Fida’u with reflections on the transient nature of life and the spiritual duty of constant prayers for the dead.

    “Prayer for the departed should not be confined to a few days. It is a duty we must continuously uphold,” Pantami admonished.

    Minister of State for Agriculture  Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi also offered prayers on behalf of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) members. He  asked  Allah to “cover Buhari’s grave with mercy and admit him into Aljannah.”

    Leading clerics who offered prayers included Prof. Ibrahim Makari of the Abuja National Mosque, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, Mamman Musa, Khalifa Nasir and Malam Hassan Daura.

    Bishop of Katsina Catholic Diocese also attended the session in a show of interfaith respect.

    Some of the ministers that accompanied Shettima to Daura are    Atiku Bagudu (Budget and National Planning),     Ali Pate(Health),   Abubakar Kyari(Agriculture) and  Badaru Abubakar (Defence).

     Other notable dignitaries at the prayer session included former Vice President Namadi Sambo; Borno State Governor  Babagana Zulum;    former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)  Babagana Kingibe; former   Justice Minister Abubakar Malami;   Ambassador Adamu Daura; former governors Aminu Masari (Katsina) and Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), as well as a  former National Security Adviser(NSA) , Babagana Monguno.

    Also in attendance were former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai; business mogul Mohammed Indimi; Buhari’s nephew, Mamman Daura; former Federal Capital Territory  Minister Muhammad Bello; the Emirs of Katsina, Daura and Bade.

     The  Sultan of Maradi,   Niger Republic and thousands of mourners also attended.

  • ‘Mai Gaskiya, your duty is done’

    ‘Mai Gaskiya, your duty is done’

    • By Bola Ahmed Tinubu

    Today, we gather under a heavy shadow, drawn from the silence that surrounds a departed leader and the immense weight of a life whose absence will be felt for generations. We meet to honour a man whose presence once commanded this very room, whose voice once summoned the best in us, and whose convictions never bowed, even to the strongest winds of public opinion. President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, former Head of State and former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has gone to rest.

    He was first among soldiers in war, first among citizens in peace, and first, without ambition or flattery, in the hearts of his fellow citizens. Yet it was in the quiet and unadorned settings of his private life that his true greatness was revealed: pious without show, just without cruelty, humane without sentimentality, temperate without coldness, and sincere without guile.

    Steady in posture and spirit, dignified in bearing, and commanding by his very presence, his example guided all who encountered him. Still, it endures.

    To his peers, he was respectful and without pretence. To those who served under him, he was kind without condescension. And, to those whom he loved most intimately, he was unfailingly tender, loyal, and good. His life was a rebuke to vice and a refuge for virtue. The purity of his private character gave radiance to the discipline and integrity of his public service.

    Even in death, he maintained the serenity that defined him in life: not a sigh, not a groan, just a quiet submission to the will of God. Such was the man Nigeria has lost. Such was the man for whom our nation now mourns.

    President Buhari’s life was one of austere honour. He stood, always, ramrod straight; unmoved by the temptation of power, unseduced by applause and unafraid of the loneliness that often visits those who do what is right, rather than what is popular. His was a quiet courage, a righteousness that never announced itself. His patriotism was lived more in action than in words.

    Read Also: Mai Gaskiya: The unmaking of a myth

    His life traced the arc of Nigeria’s journey. Born before independence, he became a young soldier in the struggle to keep our nation whole. In war and in peace, he served with vigilance and determination, as if the task of watching over Nigeria had been assigned to him alone. From the battlefield to the corridors of power, he remained faithful to the task. He governed the North-Eastern State and stood as Head of State.

    Years later, he returned to chair the Petroleum Trust Fund, which he administered with Spartan rigour and complete fidelity to the public good.

    Yet, with all that he had achieved, his most enduring legacy would be carved in democracy. In a time when many had lost hope that change was possible, Muhammadu Buhari put his faith in the people of this country.

    We stood together, he and I. Alongside others drawn from across the political spectrum, regions and tongues, we formed an alliance that enabled Nigeria to experience its first true democratic transfer of power from one ruling party to another. When he was sworn in as our party’s first elected President, he led with restraint, governed with dignity, and bore the burdens of leadership without complaint.

    Those who knew him most intimately understood that the authority of that exalted office never changed him. In the face of pressure, he remained calm. In the face of crisis, he remained resolute. In the face of triumph, he remained modest. Most remarkably, he retained his jovial spirit.

    When his tenure ended, he returned to Daura; not to command from the shadows or to hold court, but to live as he always had, never seeking to impose his will but content to let others carry the nation forward.

    President Buhari was not a perfect man – no leader is – but he was, in every sense of the word, a good man, a decent man, an honourable man. His record will be debated, as all legacies are, but the character he brought to public life, the moral force he carried, the incorruptible standard he represented, will not beforgotten. His was a life lived in full service to Nigeria, and in fidelity to God.

    Now, he rests. And we who remain must carry the memory of his life as a standard to guide us. Let us honour him not only with words, but with humility in power, discipline in service, compassion in governance, and fearlessness in the pursuit of justice.

    On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a grateful nation bid farewell to one of her most illustrious sons. It was a profound honour for me, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, to lead his funeral procession to Daura and witness his burial in the dignified manner befitting a great and noble leader.

    I thank the Inter-Ministerial Committee, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Governor Dikko Radda, for organising a befitting State Funeral within 48 hours.

    In this period of national mourning, I once again extend my heartfelt condolences to Hajia Aisha Buhari, her children, the entire Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, and all who knew and loved him. Our gratitude will remain with President Buhari’s family members who provided him with the comfort and strength to serve our nation in various capacities throughout his over 50 years of public service. We honour his service, reflect on his legacy, and pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.

    Mai Gaskiya, The People’s general, the Farmer President – your duty is done.

    May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. May his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.

    President Buhari, thank you. Nigeria will remember you.

    • Tinubu is President, Commander-in-Chief of The Armed Forces
  • BREAKING :Tinubu renames UNIMAID after Buhari

    BREAKING :Tinubu renames UNIMAID after Buhari

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renamed the University of Maiduguri after former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

    Tinubu pronounced the renaming of the third generation federal university, popular called UNIMAID, at the close of the special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session held to honour Buhari’s memory. 

    Read Also: Veterans’ welfare now a reality under Tinubu, says Legion chairman

    The special FEC session, on Thursday at the Executive Chambers of the State House, was part of a series of activities set aside to mourn the ex-President, who died last Sunday in a hospital in London, at 82.

    Details Shortly…

  • BREAKING: Tinubu presides over special FEC session in honour of Buhari

    BREAKING: Tinubu presides over special FEC session in honour of Buhari

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently presiding over a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) convened in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The solemn session, underway at the Council Chambers of the State House, has drawn an expanded audience, including top leaders of the National Assembly. 

    Among those in attendance are Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

    President Tinubu arrived at the venue at about 5:27 p.m., where the majority of cabinet members and dignitaries were already seated. 

    The session commenced with the national anthem, after which the President delivered moving remarks in tribute to his predecessor.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari was respectful without pretence to his peers. He was kind to those who served under him. Even in death, he maintained the serenity that defined him in life,” President Tinubu said.

    Read Also: Karimi, Tinubu support group announce N300m bursary scheme for 3,000 Kogi students

    He added that Buhari’s patriotism “was lived more in action than in words,” describing him as “a good man, an honourable man, and a decent man.”

    Former President Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, passed away on Sunday, July 13, in London following a prolonged illness. 

    He was laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites.

    The special FEC session is part of a series of official activities to honour the legacy of the late statesman.

    Details shortly…

  • Fusengbuwa ruling house rolls out traditional ‘Gbedu’ for selection of new Awujale

    Fusengbuwa ruling house rolls out traditional ‘Gbedu’ for selection of new Awujale

    The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode, in line to produce the next Awujale of Ijebuland has officially signaled its readiness to fill the vacant stool.

    The ruling house did this on Thursday, July 17 by rolling out the traditional Gbedu drums following the passing of late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona of the Anikinaiya Ruling House of Ijebu Ode.

    Read Also: Awujale: Monarch supported family in darkest times, says Diya’s son

    The drumming ceremony, is a significant cultural tradition that marks the intention of the next eligible ruling house to present a candidate for the Awujale stool.

    Details shortly…

  • FG postpones opening of recruitment portal for Immigration, Civil Defence, others

    FG postpones opening of recruitment portal for Immigration, Civil Defence, others

    The Federal Government has announced the temporary suspension of the recruitment application portal for Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS,), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Federal Fire Service (FFS.). 

    The government said the portal will be accessible on Monday July 21, 2025.

    The government had earlier announced that the portal would open on Monday, July 14. 

    According to a statement by the Secretary of the Board of the para-military agencies, Maj General Abdulmalik Jibrin, the suspension affects the portal the portal https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng, which is dedicated to recruitment into the paramilitary agencies under the CDCFIB.

    The government assured applicants that the decision to suspend the exercise is aimed at guaranteeing a smooth, transparent, and fair recruitment process.

    The government appreciated the interest shown by young Nigerians in serving the country through the agencies.

  • Knocks for ex-VP Atiku after dumping PDP for third time

    Knocks for ex-VP Atiku after dumping PDP for third time

    • ‘I left because of irreconcilable differences’
    • Exit is of no effect, says Makinde

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the third time, citing irreconcilable differences with the leadership.

    Mixed reactions trailed Atiku’s new move by former colleagues and others, who faulted the timing and motivation for the defection.

    The former Vice President said the party had deviated from the foundational principles which made it a formidable platform.

    His exit was thumbed down by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who said the party saw the back of a man holding it down.

    The governor believes Atiku’s departure would not affect PDP’s electoral fortune.

    But, one of his associates, Umar Bello Jada, who rationalised the defection, said Atiku left the party because it was no longer habitable for him.

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), who chided Atiku for wrong timing and lack of sensitivity, said the defection happened during the seven-day mourning declared by the Federal Government in honour of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The PDP chairman in Adamawa State, where Atiku hails from, Ahmed Shehu, a lawyer, said the chapter would not miss the ex-vice president.

    On Monday, Atiku’s new political platform – the African Democratic Congress (ADC) – announced the suspension of political activities nationwide.

    In a statement by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, the party’s Interim National Chairman, David Mark, announced the immediate suspension of all political activities at both the national and state levels for the duration of the mourning period.

    But Atiku resigned from the PDP yesterday.

    It was the third time Atiku would call it quits with the party.

    In 2007, as sitting Vice President to then President Olusegun Obasanjo, he left the PDP to contest for President on the ticket of the Action Congress (AC). He failed to win, only to return after the poll.

    He defected to the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014 and challenged the late President Buhari for the party’s ticket, which he also failed to clinch.

    He returned to the party in 2018 and contested for President on its ticket with Mr. Peter Obi, who defected from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as his running mate.

    They were defeated by President Buhari.

    He also contested on the party’s ticket in the 2023 election. He lost to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Yesterday, he dumped the party for the ADC, where he is seeking the ticket to contest for President in 2027.

    Makinde, who spoke during the 10th Coronation Colloquium of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi in Akure, Ondo State capital, said Atiku’s exit was not a dent on the PDP.

    Makinde said Atiku merely exercised his freedom of association by leaving the PDP, adding that his membership of the party held the platform down.

    He said: “Politics is a game of interest, and I don’t think that will make any dent on the PDP. The PDP is an institution.

    “You have freedom of entrance and exit. But I think anyone who would hold PDP down, it is better for such an individual to just leave.”

    Noting that the PDP would remain stronger and firm as a party, the governor said the ADC is not a threat to the opposition party.

    He added: “I don’t see ADC as a threat to PDP. Players would come and go; governors would also come and go, the President would also come and go, but our country and state will remain.”

    Why I left PDP, by Atiku

    Atiku, in his resignation letter of July 14, 2025, addressed to the PDP Chairman in his Jada Ward1, Jada Local Government Area, said PDP had neglected the principles of the founding fathers.

    The letter reads: “I am writing to formally resign my membership from the PDP with immediate effect.

    “I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the opportunities I have been given by the party.

    “Serving two full terms as Vice President of Nigeria and being a presidential candidate twice has been one of the most significant chapters of my life.

    “As a founding father of this esteemed party, it is indeed heartbreaking for me to make this decision.

    “However, I find it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the party has taken, which I believe diverges from the foundational principles we stood for.

    “It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognising the irreconcilable differences that have emerged.”

    Atiku’s departure from the PDP came amid tensions and power struggles within the party, particularly between him and key figures, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

    Also, since PDP had shunned the coalition, reality had dawned on the Atiku camp in the PDP that the Wike/Anyanwu forces might scuttle his 2027 presidential bid in the party.

    Ahead of the defection, Atiku’s supporters had resigned from the PDP and joined the ADC.

    Prominent among them are former Senate President David Mark, who is the interim chairman of the party; Bolaji Abdullahi, interim publicity secretary; Chief Tom Ikimi, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, and Senator Dino Melaye.

    Keyamo faults timing, coat of arms use

    Keyamo berated the former Vice President for announcing his resignation at a time when the nation is still mourning.

    In a post on his X handle, the minister described the timing of Atiku’s resignation as an attempt to divert attention from the solemn occasion to himself.

    He said while it was within Atiku’s constitutional right to change parties at will, releasing his resignation letter during the mourning period was inappropriate.

    Keyamo stated: “It is within your constitutional right to change political parties at any time you may wish.

    Read Also: FEC holds special tribute session for Buhari Thursday

    “However, releasing your letter of resignation from the PDP during this week of the mourning of our immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, is clearly an attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion and direct it on yourself.”

    The minister alleged that Atiku signed the resignation letter the morning after the death of the former President was announced.

    He wrote: “With the greatest respect to you, this clearly demonstrates that your obsession with your perennial presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy.”

    Keyamo also faulted Atiku for using the Coat of Arms of the Federal Government on his private and political communications.

    He described the act as morally and legally wrong.

    Keyamo stressed: “Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, makes this an offence.

    “Morally, it is also reprehensible to use a symbol suggesting that you are acting on behalf of the authority which that symbol represents. It borders on impersonation.”

    The minister said if all former government functionaries continue to use the Coat of Arms in their personal, political, or private communications, it would cause confusion nationwide.

    Keyamo said his duty as a member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and Senior Advocate is to uphold the laws and constitution of the country.

    He added: “I have a duty, both as a cabinet member and a member of the Inner Bar, to protect our laws and constitution. Please, be well guided.”

    ‘PDP remains strong in Adamawa’

    Adamawa PDP chairman, Shehu, said the PDP is too strong a party for the personal strengths of individual members to affect it significantly.

    He said: “The former Vice President is a great asset for sure, but our party itself is a formidable one with remarkable presence across the country. So, we remain one big winning force.”

    The chairman dispelled the rumour that the entire PDP structure in Jada Ward 1 had collapsed into the ADC.

    Shehu said: “The PDP in Jada remains as it has long been, to the best of our knowledge.

    “If the leaders and members of the PDP in that ward had gone out of the party with Atiku, they would have informed the party.”

    Olusunle: defection was best option

    PDP chieftain Prof. Tunde Olusunle, who teaches Creative Writing at the University of Abuja, said defection was a good option for Atiku.

    Olusunle, who served as a Special Assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, said the defection would further weaken the PDP.

    He said: “ADC is blossoming into a nationwide Tsunami, whose impact will be more far-reaching than what the Labour Party (LP) provided in the home-stretch of the 2023 polls.

    “The game plan is to render the PDP, hitherto the most vibrant opposition party, from being able to challenge the APC in future contests.

    “The short-sightedness of this coterie of characters assumed that the PDP is the most virile platform on which democratic interests can be pursued, but ADC is the game-changer which has taken the APC by surprise; what the ADC is bringing to bear on our politics is humongous.”

    Lagos APC: it’s an act of desperation

    Lagos APC described the defection as “a predictable act of desperation and the final unravelling of a fragmented opposition.”

    The Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, said in a statement that “Atiku’s latest political move is a clear confirmation of the internal chaos and irrelevance that now define the PDP.”

    He added: “Atiku’s departure from the PDP is not a surprise to discerning Nigerians.

    “His continuous political nomadism is emblematic of a man driven not by principles or ideology, but by unrelenting personal ambition.

    “We further note that the defection will neither change the electoral fortunes of the ADC nor pose any serious threat to the dominance of the APC, especially in Lagos State and across the federation.

    “Let us be clear: whether Atiku is in PDP, ADC, or any other alphabet party, the people of Lagos and indeed Nigeria are wiser.

    “The APC remains the only party with a proven track record of delivering transformative governance, economic growth, and infrastructural development.

    “We wish to emphasise that this development presents an opportunity for the electorate to reassess the character and consistency of those seeking to lead, reiterating that APC stands firm in its commitment to progress, unity, and a vision-driven Nigeria.

    “Lagos APC also wish to use the opportunity to urge our members and supporters to remain focused and continue mobilising at the grassroots for the forthcoming elections, stressing that victory lies in the party’s unity, performance record, and people-oriented agenda.

    “Atiku has again proven that political instability follows him wherever he goes. Nigerians deserve better than recycled politics and self-serving theatrics. APC is ready to lead, and ready to win.”

    PDP will suffer, says Jada

    Jada said the PDP had been dealt a terrible blow by the defection.

    He said: “What has happened is foretold, as the PDP is a dead party, killed by its very leaders who traded it for what they could get for themselves.”

    He said PDP would cease to exist in the southern part of Adamawa, which is Atiku’s stronghold.

  • Otudeko exits First Holdco in N323b deal

    Otudeko exits First Holdco in N323b deal

    A major shareholding change occurred at Nigeria’s oldest banking group, First Holdco Plc.

    Key shareholder  Oba Otudeko, exited the group in a N323.33 billion deal.

    A total of 10.43 billion ordinary shares of First Holdco  were swapped on the Nigerian Exchange  (NGX) in 17 off-market, negotiated deals at an average price of N31 per share.

    The transaction, valued at N323.33 billion, represented about 25 per cent majority stake in the group, which currently has 41.87 billion outstanding shares.

    The negotiated trade window of NGX allows buyers and sellers with significant transactions to pre-arrange the terms, including price and transfer, outside the ordinary price discovery of the general market. Such transactions are then brought to the market for formal transfer and completion of ownership change.

    Insider sources said the First Holdco shares traded yesterday were held by the Otudekos, who have been embroiled in ownership and customer tussles with the banking group.

    There are three well-known major shareholders in the banking group- the Otudekos, Femi Otedola and Hassan-Odukale. Several other shareholders hold reasonably large but less than significant stake. A significant stake represents five per cent equity stake or more, according to extant rules.

    However, the identity of the buyer remained unverified as at close of business as extant rules allow some extended period for filing of necessary documents on change of ownership.

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is required to screen and approve a new, significant investor in a Nigerian bank. Many stakeholders had called for negotiated settlement of the disagreements between the Otudeko, who had led the banking group through many significant phases of its history and a new generation of investors in the group led by Lagos billionaire, Mr Femi Otedola.

    Otedola, now chairman of First Holdco, had acquired single, individual largest stake in the oldest banking group and started a turnaround, which had seen exit of many senior executives and court cases against many stakeholder-debtors.

    The market reaction  to the transaction was positive as First Holdco’s share price rose to about N32 per share, pushing the group’s market capitalisation above N1.3 trillion.

    Read Also: Traditional institutions key to nation building, says Shettima

    The off-market block trade boosted the market as total turnover on the NGX surged by 807 per cent to 11.67 billion shares worth N363.41 billion.

    Market pundits said they had anticipated the ownership change, describing it as a new beginning for the banking group.

    “It’s a well-known issue around the market that it would happen, “ a senior investment banker and multiple-asset stockbroker told The Nation.

    Analysts said the transaction might be a much sought turning point for First Holdco, providing the group with a freedom to accelerate ongoing reforms.