Latest
Atiku, Jonathan The Only Real Threats to Tinubu in 2027 — Yakasai
A former aide to the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has asserted that only two prominent Nigerian politicians have the capacity to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election....Click to Read Full Article Here>>
Salihu Tanko Yakasai, who previously served as Ganduje’s media spokesman, identified former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former President Goodluck Jonathan as the only figures with the political strength and nationwide appeal to mount a serious challenge against the incumbent. His remarks add to the growing debate surrounding the 2027 race and the future of Nigeria’s opposition politics.
Speaking during a recent interview where he addressed developments within party structures, the condition of opposition forces, and political sentiments in northern Nigeria, Yakasai argued that the next presidential contest will largely depend on whether opposition parties can rally behind a single candidate. According to him, fragmentation among opposition groups would significantly reduce their chances of defeating the ruling APC.
Yakasai maintained that Atiku Abubakar remains the most formidable challenger if opposition leaders agree to unite behind his candidacy. He noted that the former vice president continues to enjoy substantial support across the northern states and retains the political machinery necessary to mobilize voters.
In his view, Atiku’s long-standing political presence and established networks give him a strategic advantage, particularly in northern Nigeria, where electoral numbers often play a decisive role in national outcomes. Yakasai suggested that a consolidated opposition effort led by Atiku could generate strong voter turnout against President Tinubu.
Beyond Atiku, Yakasai also highlighted former President Goodluck Jonathan as another political heavyweight capable of altering the electoral landscape should he decide to re-enter the race. He described Jonathan as a figure who could attract cross-regional support and appeal to diverse political blocs.
According to Yakasai, Jonathan’s potential candidacy would resonate with multiple interest groups across the country, owing to his previous experience in office and perceived national appeal. He further pointed out that Jonathan, having served a single elected term, could present himself as a unifying option in a polarized political environment.
The former APC spokesman also addressed what he described as growing dissatisfaction in parts of northern Nigeria. He alleged that many residents in the region feel sidelined despite their significant contribution to President Tinubu’s electoral victory in 2023.
Yakasai claimed that concerns over federal appointments and the distribution of development projects have fueled a sense of discontent among some northern stakeholders. While he did not provide specific examples, he argued that perceptions of imbalance could weaken the APC’s standing if left unaddressed.
Nigeria’s political history has shown that regional sentiment often plays a crucial role in presidential elections. Analysts note that voter alignment in the North, which comprises 19 states, can substantially influence the national outcome. In this context, Yakasai’s comments reflect broader conversations about coalition-building, zoning arrangements, and power dynamics ahead of 2027.
He emphasized that the opposition’s success will ultimately hinge on unity. Without a consensus candidate capable of consolidating votes across regions and party lines, he warned, President Tinubu and the APC would likely retain a strategic advantage.
As political actors begin positioning themselves for the next electoral cycle, discussions around possible alliances and consensus candidates are expected to intensify. The coming months may reveal whether opposition parties can overcome internal divisions and present a united front.
In summary, Yakasai’s remarks underscore the importance of coalition politics in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape. With 2027 still some distance away, the strength of opposition unity, regional sentiment, and candidate selection will remain central to shaping the outcome of the next presidential election. ...Click to Read Full Article Here>>
China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) has issued a 30-day ultimatum to Nigeria over an unpaid debt of $11.44 million linked to the country’s NigComSat-1R satellite....Click to Read Full Article Here>>
In a letter addressed to the Managing Director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) and copied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chinese company warned that it may suspend services supporting the satellite if the debt is not settled.
According to CGWIC’s Africa Marketing Director, Liu Lan, the outstanding payment has accumulated since 2019 and stood at $11,442,335.89 as of December 31, 2025.
The company said it has continued to provide Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) services for the satellite from its facility in Kashi, China, for seven years without payment. However, it stated that internal audit reviews and pressure from subcontractors now make it difficult to continue without settlement.
CGWIC warned that failure to pay the outstanding amount within the 30-day period could lead to the shutdown of all active transponders, which would affect the satellite’s performance.
The firm also advised NigComSat to notify customers about the possibility of service disruptions if the issue is not resolved.
The situation comes as the NigComSat-1R satellite approaches the end of its operational lifespan, with decommissioning expected by late 2026. The satellite was launched in 2011.
In 2019, CGWIC reportedly helped stabilise the satellite through a management arrangement following operational challenges. The current dispute relates to obligations under that agreement.
NigComSat’s Head of Corporate Communications, Stephen Kwande, confirmed that the agency has received the letter. He said the organisation is reviewing the situation and will provide an official response soon.
The development has raised concerns about the potential impact on telecommunications, broadcasting, and other services that rely on satellite infrastructure. ...Click to Read Full Article Here>>
Iran has outlined three conditions it says must be met to end the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, which has now entered its 13th day....Click to Read Full Article Here>>
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced the conditions in a message posted on X, where he said he had discussed the situation with leaders of Russia and Pakistan. He stated that Iran remains committed to peace but insisted that certain demands must be fulfilled to bring the fighting to an end.
According to Pezeshkian, the war can only stop if Iran’s “legitimate rights” are recognized, reparations are paid for damages caused during the conflict, and strong international guarantees are provided to prevent future attacks.
“Talking to leaders of Russia and Pakistan, I reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to peace in the region. The only way to end this war—ignited by the Zionist regime and US—is recognizing Iran’s legitimate rights, payment of reparations, and firm int’l guarantees against future aggression,” he wrote.
The conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel carried out joint strikes on Iran. The attacks reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians.
Following the strikes, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced retaliatory operations targeting sites in Israel and U.S. interests across the region.
Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani, said civilian casualties have continued to rise since the conflict began.
“Since February 28, more than 1,348 civilians, including women and children, have died and more than 17,000 have been injured as a result of the ongoing military operations by the United States and the Israeli regime,” he said.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution condemning what it described as attacks by Iran on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan. The resolution called for an immediate halt to hostilities and warned against threats to close the Strait of Hormuz.
The resolution, led by Bahrain, was adopted by a 13–0 vote, with China and Russia abstaining. India joined more than 130 countries in co-sponsoring the measure.
Separately, Iraqi authorities reported that two tankers were attacked in Iraq’s territorial waters off the country’s coast. Saad Maan, head of Iraq’s Security Media Cell, said 38 crew members were evacuated, while one person died.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also announced the start of the 40th wave of its operation known as “True Promise-4,” targeting U.S. bases in the region as well as locations in Tel Aviv, Haifa and other areas.
Iranian media reported that missiles including “Ghadr,” “Emad,” “Kheybar Shekan,” and “Fattah” were used in the strikes.
The conflict has also affected global energy markets. Attacks on oil tankers and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted oil supply and pushed crude prices higher worldwide.
According to The New York Times, Iranian retaliatory strikes have damaged at least 17 U.S. military and related facilities across West Asia. The report cited satellite imagery, videos, statements from U.S. officials and Iranian state media.
Facilities in Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia were among those affected. The report also noted damage to U.S. missile defense systems and attacks on American diplomatic missions in Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States had already won the war but added that American forces would remain deployed until the mission was fully completed.
(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed. Ability Digitalz assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.) ...Click to Read Full Article Here>>
Transport operators and commuters across Nigeria are expressing frustration over the continued rise in petrol prices, saying the situation is making daily transportation increasingly difficult....Click to Read Full Article Here>>
Many of them have called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to step in and compel oil marketers to reduce pump prices without delay.
One transporter said marketers are quick to increase prices whenever costs rise but are often slow to lower them when conditions change in favour of consumers.
“Operators, especially depot owners, are always fast to adjust upward prices in their favour. However, they always find it difficult to adjust downward in favour of consumers,” the operator said.
Motorcycle operator John Bassey also described the situation as challenging for people working in the transport sector. He said rising petrol prices have reduced earnings and increased pressure on operators.
“Life has become very difficult with me and other operators in the transport sector because of the high cost of petrol,” Bassey said.
He added that many commuters earn fixed incomes and struggle to cope with higher transport fares.
A private car owner, Mr. Ola Salami, said he had stopped using his vehicle because of fuel costs. He explained that he decided to drive again after hearing that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery had reduced its gantry price, but he was disappointed that filling station prices remained unchanged.
“I had to park my car. I am bringing it out for the first time because I learned that Dangote Refinery has reduced its gantry price, but I am disappointed because the price remains high in all the filling stations I have visited so far,” he said.
Reacting to the development, the Executive Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, said the Dangote Petroleum Refinery had taken a positive step by helping meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel demand.
He noted that increased local refining could help the country reduce foreign exchange spent on fuel imports.
According to Yusuf, government policies should continue to support domestic refining through coordinated trade, fiscal and monetary policies, while also improving crude supply, strengthening distribution infrastructure and encouraging further investments in refining. ...Click to Read Full Article Here>>
-
Latest1 month agoWike Declares End to Rift with Governor Fubara Following Tinubu’s Peace Intervention
-
Latest1 month agoOkonjo-Iweala Raises Alarm Over Fake AI Video Impersonating Her
-
Latest1 month agoIPOB Condemns Anambra Government for Sealing Shops During Monday Sit-at-Home
-
Latest4 weeks agoAtiku Opposes Feb 20, 2027 Election Over Ramadan
-
Latest1 month agoEx-ADC National Woman Leader Kayauta Yakubu Officially Joins APC in Abuja
-
Latest1 month agoEric Chelle Hails Victor Osimhen as “Complete Machine” After AFCON 2025 Performance
-
Latest1 month agoPete Edochie Dismisses Viral Death Rumours, Says: “I Have Been Killed 7 Times”
-
Latest4 weeks agoTinubu Vows to Defeat Banditry in Nigeria