The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has said it is considering three options opened to it ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying it is open to a lot of political variables.
National Publicly Secretary of the party, Ladipo Johnson said the three options being considered will be presented to the National Executive Committee meeting of the party scheduled for August 28, 2025.
The three options, he said is whether “to form a kind of alliance or coalition with other parties, remain as NNPP and prosecute the election as individual entity or support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election.
He said the NEC meeting is expected to take far reaching decisions that will impact the future of the party as it strategises for 2027 elections.
Johnson said the crucial meeting will deliberate on the impending congresses and national convention, review the recent bye-election and mobilisation and registration of new members into the party.
He said the party will also deliberate on the ongoing constitution review with a view to presenting a position on critical concerns towards safeguarding the nation’s democracy.
He said the party remained open to a lot of intervening political variables which are essentially tied to its founding principles and values notwithstanding insinuations in the public domain or opinions by analysts regarding permutations ahead 2027 elections.
He said “Specifically, on the various insinuations by analysts and public opinions on where NNPP stands ahead of the 2027 general election, our position remains what we have stated and restated over time.
”And this is to the effect that politics is dynamic but that our actions and decisions must be within the context of principles and values. The question of national interest is also crucial.
Stakeholders in the campaign against violent extremism have identified poor governance, poverty, inequality, and weak community resilience as key drivers of worsening insecurity in the North-West.
They cautioned that unless these root causes are urgently addressed, violent groups will continue to gain ground in the region.
Chairman of the Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) National Steering Committee, Jaye Gaskiya, and the National Coordinator of the Geneva-based Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), Yetunde Adegoke, raised the concern yesterday in Kaduna at the close of a one-day media engagement on promoting peace narratives in the North-West.
The forum, themed “Amplifying Voices for Peace: Media Partnerships in PCVE and Resilience-Building,” was convened in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and ActionAid Nigeria, with support from GCERF.
Gaskiya, a veteran civil society leader, stressed that extremist groups thrive where governance is weak and citizens feel abandoned, calling for urgent reforms to restore trust and resilience in affected communities.
“At the base of this crisis, the reason why violent extremist groups gain support and mobilise masses is simply the failure of governance,” he said.
He listed rampant poverty, deepening inequality, collapsed education systems and historical grievances as factors fuelling radicalisation.
“You have children being raised with no sense of future, no jobs, and no basic services. All it takes is a charismatic leader to emerge and mobilise them,” he added.
The PAVE chairman stressed that deploying security forces alone will not solve the problem.
“If our approach is simply law enforcement — deploy the police, deploy the military, while people still lack jobs, education, healthcare or housing, then we are wasting money,” he warned.
He said peace could only be sustained if governance was strengthened at the grassroots, calling for credible local government elections and genuine autonomy for councils.
“We are advocating for reforming local governance, strengthening local governments, and ensuring credible persons emerge from council elections,” he said.
Gaskiya also urged regional collaboration among governors, noting that isolated state-level efforts would not deliver lasting solutions.
On her part, Adegoke said GCERF, which has worked in Nigeria since 2016, focuses on building community resilience against extremist recruitment, especially among women and youth.
“Our aim is to build the resilience of communities to prevent recruitment into violent extremist groups,” she explained.
She noted that GCERF provides grants to NGOs working in vulnerable communities and is scaling up interventions in the North-West in partnership with ONSA.
According to her, the ongoing review of Nigeria’s Policy Framework and National Action Plan (PFNAP) presents a chance for a more systematic and coordinated response.
“This is the beginning of a new phase. The media has a critical role in amplifying solutions, not just violent incidents,” she added.
Both Adegoke and Gaskiya urged journalists to strengthen collaboration with civil society and frame narratives that counter extremist propaganda.
“We want our relationship with the media to no longer be transactional but a partnership where we see violent extremism as a collective problem we must all address,” Gaskiya said.
The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Democratic Vanguard (PBAT-DV) has commiserated with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, on the passing of his mother, Mama Lydia Toma Yilwatda.
In a condolence message made available to journalists, the National Coordinator of PBAT-DV, Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, described the late matriarch as a “kind-hearted, generous, God-fearing and peace-loving woman whose life was a blessing to her family and community.”
Dr. Jimoh noted that Mama Lydia lived a fulfilled life of service and was fortunate to witness the successes of her children, particularly the emergence of Prof. Yilwatda as the National Chairman of the ruling APC.
“The transition of Mama Lydia to glory calls for the celebration of a worthy and accomplished life. From testimonies of family members and community folks, it is evident that she was a mother who touched many lives positively,” he said.
He added that the Vanguard, a political support group loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stands in solidarity with the APC chairman and his family during this period of grief.
According to him, “The entire members of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Democratic Vanguard sympathise with our amiable National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda, and his beloved family in this trying moment.
It is our fervent prayer that Almighty God will grant the gentle soul of Mama Lydia Yilwatda eternal rest while comforting the family. Mama obviously lived a worthy and fulfilled life, deserving of emulation.”
Mama Lydia Yilwatda, who was widely regarded as a strong pillar in her community, is remembered for her dedication to family values and her unrelenting support for her children.
Not a few critiques, particularly from the opposition camp have questioned the recent 3 week medical leave embarked upon by Governor Dikko Umar Radda of katsina state. ABUBAKAR ABDULSALAM however regards the antics by the opposition as widely uncalled for and writes:
“Only God knows what the opposition PDP in Katsina is turning into recently. People’s Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda announced a medical leave of absence and delegated the Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe to takeover. The PDP rather than check the constitutional provision for such action resulted in social media gymnastics which they do better’’.
Governor Radda’s medical leave is entirely constitutional and followed established legal procedures as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Section 190 (2) explicitly empowered the Deputy Governor to act in the capacity of the Governor when the latter is unavailable.
Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe brings over two decades of public service experience. He has also been an integral part of this administration’s success story. His proven track record in governance and deep understanding of the state’s security architecture will seamless continuity.
Rather than questioning constitutional provisions that exist to ensure government’s stability, the opposition should wear the cap of maturity by supporting institutional processes to guarantee service to the citizens at all times.
It is both amusing and concerning that the same People’s Democratic Party that plunged Katsina State into unprecedented security chaos during their tenure now suddenly awoke from their deep slumber to lecture us on governance. Where was their voice when banditry escalated to terrorize 24 out of 34 local government areas under their watch?
Governor Radda’s administration has systemically reduced bandit activities from affecting 24 LGAs to just less than 12 LGAs within two years. PDP on its part left behind a legacy of abandoned projects, unpaid salaries, and compromised security, Governor Radda has delivered thousands of solar streetlights, constructed rural roads, renovated and remodeled primary healthcare and schools.
The opposition’s selective amnesia on Governor Radda’s recent leave of absence cannot erase the fact that under their leadership, our state became synonymous with insecurity.
The Katsina State Government has confirmed the dramatic escape of 62 kidnapped victims following a manhunt of a notorious bandit, Muhammadu Fulani by the Nigerian Air Force that successfully struck his camp located in Jigawa Sawai of Danmusa Local Government Area. A community bordering Zamfara State.
A press statement which was signed by the Kastina state commissioner for internal security, Nasir Muazu and made available to newsmen in katsina, said 12 of the escaped victims are currently receiving medical attention at Matazu General Hospital. While 16 are waiting at the Army FOB in Kaiga Malamai.
He said ’’During interviews with the rescued victims, it was confirmed that the bandits fled as a result of the airstrike. The victims revealed that about 62 people escaped and took off in different directions’’.
‘’The majority of the victims were abducted from Sayaya village during a night attack on Monday, August 11, 2025, by Filani’s gang, which has been terrorizing Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and parts of Kano State’’.
‘’Responding to the persistent bandit attacks in Matazu and Bakori Local Government Areas, the state government has deployed the Quick Response Wing of the Nigerian Air Force to restore peace to the troubled communities’’.
‘’More so, our troops are currently monitoring the situation for further rescue operations. The general security situation in the area remains calm’’.
‘’We wish to assure families that the government would reunite the rescued victims with their loved ones after completing necessary medical examinations’’.
‘’In the same vein, the State Government under the leadership of Malam Dikko Umaru Radda commended the gallantry efforts of our security forces and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending banditry in the state.’’
The Katsina State Government has restated its strong commitment to addressing the ongoing malnutrition crisis in the state, following recent reports highlighting high child mortality rates linked to the condition.
Speaking at a press briefing in Katsina today, Dr. Shamsuddeen Yahaya, Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Agency, acknowledged the report from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) regarding mortality at one of the state’s inpatient therapeutic treatment centres.
He described the findings as a “wake-up call” for all stakeholders to work together in combating malnutrition, which remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children in Katsina and other parts of northern Nigeria.
He said: “We do not view this report negatively; It is an urgent reminder for government, partners, and communities to join hands in addressing both the immediate and underlying causes of malnutrition.”
Dr. Yahaya also highlighted the Government Action and Investment in nutrition and primary healthcare under the administration of Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda.
He said: “Shortly after assuming office, the Governor approved N200 million in counterpart funding to UNICEF, unlocking a matching N200 million contribution for the procurement and distribution of nutrition commodities.”
‘’In 2024, the State Government budgeted and released an additional N300 million for the same purpose, matched again by UNICEF to bring the total investment to N600 million.”
‘’Since 2016, the government has identified 14 critical Local Government Areas (LGAs) for targeted malnutrition interventions, providing N250,000 for each LG monthly to support outpatient therapeutic programmes (OTP).”
In a bold and visionary move to transform Katsina State’s energy future, the State Executive Council, under the leadership of Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has approved the sum of N19,898,400,000.00 for the procurement and installation of 20.1MWp of Solar PV capacity with 10.1MWh Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across 11 key public facilities, alongside an additional 10MWp of solar power at Lambar Rimi.
Governor Radda’s administration is determined to lead from the front in the transition to clean energy, setting an example for other states by creating a replicable model for decentralized power generation.
Youth Day: Radda celebrates youth, reaffirms commitment to empowering the next generation
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has joined the global community in marking this year’s International Youth Day, commending the energy, creativity, and resilience of young people in Katsina State, across Nigeria, and around the world.
Radda further described the youth as “the heartbeat of innovation, community service, and nation-building”, emphasizing that they are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the driving force of today.
He said “Our youths are the change makers of our time. My administration remains firmly committed to equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive in an ever-changing world,”.
‘’Over the past year, the Radda-led administration has rolled out a wide range of youth-focused initiatives designed to promote self-reliance, creativity, and sustainable livelihoods. These include:
‘’Youth Craft Village Transformation, A total of 634 young people have successfully graduated from the Youth Craft Village, each receiving trade-specific entrepreneurial starter packs in areas such as tailoring, carpentry, ICT, welding, and more. The facility itself has undergone a major transformation, now upgraded into a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Centre of Excellence.
‘’This upgrade includes the creation of new departments, the securing of international accreditation, and strategic partnerships with training institutes in Brazil and Kano. In addition, new KYCV sub-centre vocational institutions have been established in Malumfashi and Daura, expanding access to hands-on skills development across the state’’.
Governor Radda Extends Condolences to APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Over Mother’s Passing.
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has extended his condolences to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, following the passing of his beloved mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda, who departed this world yesterday.
In a message of sympathy, Governor Radda described Mama Lydia as a matriarch of faith and character, whose life of sacrifice, discipline, and devotion helped shape a son who today shoulders the enormous responsibility of leading Nigeria’s ruling party.
“The loss of a mother is one of the deepest pains a child can know. Mama Lydia was not just Prof. Yilwatda mother, she was his guide, his anchor, and the moral compass that prepared him for a life of service. Her values live on in him, and through him, in our party and our nation,” Governor Radda said.
The Governor noted that the late Mama Lydia passing is not only a personal loss to the Yilwatda family but also to the larger APC family, where she was widely respected for her simplicity, kindness, and commitment to the faith.
“She embodied quiet strength. Though not in public office, her influence was felt through the son she raised and the countless lives she touched with her wisdom and warmth. Nigeria owes women like Mama Lydia a debt of gratitude,” the Governor added.
“Behind every great leader is a mother who planted the seed of vision and character. Mama Lydia passing reminds us of the quiet but powerful role mothers play in shaping our nation’s destiny,” Governor Radda further remarked.
Governor Radda urged Prof. Yilwatda and his family to take solace in the knowledge that Mama Lydia lived a fulfilled life of purpose, leaving behind legacies that will endure for generations.
On behalf of the Government and people of Katsina State, Governor Radda extended condolences to Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the entire Yilwatda family, the Government and people of Plateau State, and all who mourn Mama Lydia’s passing.
“May her memory be a blessing, and may her legacy of love and resilience continue to inspire all who knew her,” he prayed.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Misa Musa Jauro of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the Ganye Constituency by-election in Adamawa State.
The returning officer, Prof. Tukur Ahmed, said the APC candidate polled 15,923 votes to defeat his closest rival, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, who scored 15,794 votes, a slim margin of 129 votes.
The closely contested election, held across 10 wards, was described as one of the most competitive in recent times with APC and PDP recording split victories in different wards.
With this outcome, Jauro has been declared duly elected, sealing APC’s victory in the high-stakes poll.
Member representing Bichi Federal Constituency and the chairman House Committee on Appropriations, Dr Abubakar Kabir-Abubakar, who doubles as the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) election committee said: “INEC has confirmed our candidate Misa Musa Jauro as the winner of the election. I am not surprised considering our preparation. Youth and women were busy making arrangements ahead of the election.
“We thank the people of Ganye who queued up at 8am to vote for our candidate. As the campaign council sent by the APC national leadership, we appreciate you all.
“We ensured that the election was smooth. We especially appreciate women and youth groups who were at our control centres. We also thank Walin Ganye, who is our father.
“In 2027 Adamawa will be ours. I am hopeful the APC will take over the state. People will come out to vote for Tinubu and all our other candidates massively.”
The flood of July 27, 2025 in Yola, capital of Adamawa State has generated such enduring goodwill that up to the start of the weekend, nearly three weeks after, people of goodwill were still pouring help of varied kinds on the victims.
Governments, government officials and people to do with government, non-government organisations, communities and individuals appear to have been competing to identify with those affected by the flood.
The attention the incident attracted to Yola and the flood victims has made the destructive flood almost glamorous.
The flood was most destructive in communities in Yola South Local Government Area, but the whole of Yola stands still when ‘big’ visitors have come calling, such as last week when First Lady and National Chairman of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, came around.
Days to her planned arrival, it was palpable that Her Excellency was expected in town, a rare occurrence, all due to the Yola flood.
The First Lady did not personally make it to Yola, but wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima brought for the flood victims the N500 million which the First Lady mobilised through the RHI of which Nana Shettima is national vice chairman.
Performing the symbolic distribution of the money at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Yola, Nana Shettima also announced the donation of 100 bales of ankara fabrics as well as some other relief items to the flood victims, explaining that the donations were made possible by donors to the RHI, including a charity organisation, Abdulsamad Rabiu Africa.
Speaking for his people, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State thanked the First Lady for intervening in this time of need of the state.
Fintiri’s deputy, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta who welcomed the First Lady’s delegation to the state, spoke of the government’s own efforts at making the aftermath of the flood bearable.
“As a government, we have done a lot to provide relief,” she said, thanking the First Lady for mobilising the relief intervention at the time of need.
Apart from the First Lady, among the many individuals and entities that have identified with Adamawa State over the Yola flood have been the North East Development Commission (NEDC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha; the Bayelsa State Government, BUA Group of Companies, among others.
Quite a good number of the Yola flood victims have been profuse in their appreciation of the gesture of goodwill and massive assistance extended to them.
They thank the Adamawa State Government in particular for its handling of the distribution of the relief items that the government and other sources mobilised.
One Mariatu Suberu said enough food stuff had been handed to her to last her one full year, adding that the non-food items, including clothes, would remain in use for her in the next five to seven years.
To her and a good number of the Yola flood victims, the flood was a blessing in disguise.
“My appology to those who lost what they couldn’t get back, including those whose relations died, but I have got much more from this disaster than I lost,” a father of four, Julde Simon who actually lost some valuables, confessed.
“We are being treated with special attention and with more palliative items than many of us ever expected,” he added.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri had been proactive following the July 27 flood by constituting a 21-member committee principally to handle relief efforts.
The committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Kaletapwa Farauta with the SSG Awwal Tukur as Secretary, had member representing Yola South constituency in the state House of Assembly, Kabiru Mijinyawa as member, among other members
Urging the committee to identify measures to bring succor to the affected communities and develop strategies for post-flood recovery, Fintiri had reassured Adamawa people, “We are committed to providing relief to affected communities and to working towards sustainable solutions to mitigate future disasters.”
The flood in Yola had happened while people were sleeping, forcing victims who were caught unawares to scamper out of their homes for safety.
A mother narrated her story: “I went inside to catch some sleep, but suddenly, I heard my baby crying, and I reluctantly woke up to breastfeed her, only for me to discover that she was on top of water that had collected inside our bedroom.”
Members of another family were similarly sleeping only to wake up to find themselves inside water in their very aboard.
Head of the family, identified as John Audu, recalled, “The water came so fast, we couldn’t take anything. The only next thing was how to escape. It was difficult because we all woke up from deep sleep.”
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri was not in town that fateful morning when the flood struck, so the Deputy Governor was the first government official to rush to the flood scenes and to mobilize rescue operations.
Kaletapwa Farauta quickly identified a camp at a secondary school for victims and initiated relief efforts.
“Our hearts go out to the victims and their families who have been affected by this disaster. We acknowledge the plight of those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods,” she told the victims.
Fintiri himself has had occasion to thank Nigerians for the way they reached out to Adamawa people over the Yola flood.
“We appreciate the support of individuals, organizations, and agencies that have contributed to the relief efforts and urge everyone to continue working together to rebuild and recover from this disaster,” he said.
