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192 lawmakers plan defection from APC – Babachir panel
The Planning and Strategy Committee of the Tinubu Campaign Organisation has alerted the All Progressives Congress to the possibility of about 192 National Assembly members defecting from the party to other parties following the outcome of the party primaries that made some members lose a return ticket.
The committee, chaired by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, made the recommendation in its ‘Report on the Actualisation of the Presidency of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Coming 2023 General Election.’
The committee, which highlighted the factors the party should consider in settling for a running mate and the possible choices the party could choose from, asked the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.); the party’s presidential candidate, Tinubu; leaders of the National Assembly and other party leaders to intervene. It warned that the defection of the members might affect the party.
The committee’s report, a copy of which our correspondent sighted on Saturday, had 23 members, 22 of whom signed the document except a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nuhu Ribadu.
Other members of the committee included a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; serving senators Opeyemi Bamidele, Ishaku Abbo, Grace Bent and Basiru Ajibola; member of the House of Reps, Musa Sarkin-Adar, Komsol Longgap and Olawale Raji; former senators Adesoji Akanbi, Abu Ibrahim and Magnus Abe.
Others were the Director-General, Tinubu Support Group, Umar Mohammed; Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Silas Agara; former deputy governor of Lagos State (under Tinubu), Femi Pedro; Safaa Adam; Amina Indala; Kashim Imam; Akin Awodeyi-Akinseyiwa; Saadatu Garba; Abubakar Sanusi and M.T Usman.
The report of the committee, which was said to have been handed over to Tinubu for consideration and implementation, partly read, “Defecting to other parties is quite common during electioneering but it is more worrisome for this election as a lot of influential members feel aggrieved with the processes of the elections.
“There is a need to reach out to the principal officers of the National Assembly and the party leadership at the national, state, zonal and local government levels to mitigate and assuage the aggrieved persons.
“It is worrisome that 22 serving senators and 170 National Assembly members are set to defect from the APC. There is no doubt that this can weaken our strength and there is an urgent need for intervention from the President, our presidential candidate, governors, leaders of the National Assembly, the APC national, state, zonal and local working committees as well as influential party stakeholders.”
The report said the committee met several times in June and deliberated on the issues of running mate, bearing religion in mind; branding and packaging of the candidate; defections among party members and gender equality. It added that the members did a random sampling of opinions from religious and political stakeholders and the general public, and that it used the religious demographic ratio from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.
On the issue of the running mate, the committee noted that Muslim-Muslim and Muslim-Christian tickets have respective merits and demerits, but warned that the zone and religion of the running mate were sensitive issues that require careful consideration.
The committee said a Muslim-Christian ticket would sustain the established religious balance in presidential tickets since 1999 and that it could bring about victory for the party as it would satisfy the aspirations of Christians in the North-Central and North-East. It however warned that Muslims in the North-West and North-East might vote for northern candidates in the NNPP and PDP, and could result in a substantial loss for the party.
On the Muslim-Muslim option, the committee said it would help to neutralise the voting strength of the PDP and NNPP and satisfy the Muslim community which has the numerical voting strength that could guarantee victory. But on the demerit of such a combination, the committee said the uncertainty of the possible outcome must not be ignored as it would sharply divide voters along religious lines.
The report added, “It will trigger a large-scale revolt from the Christian communities across Nigeria against our party, thereby resulting in substantial loss of votes that may affect the overall victory of the election. In our current nascent democracy, it has never been tried but when tried, the winner was not sworn in, even though it was adjudged as the most free and fair election.”
‘Don’t relegate Christians’
Meanwhile, the former SGF, who openly opposed Tinubu’s choice of a fellow Muslim as running mate, has described the insistence of the APC and Tinubu on a Muslim-Muslim ticket as his public affirmation that he only requires Muslim votes to be president.
He said since the APC had submitted Kashim Shettima’s name to INEC, the Christian community, especially in the North, would oppose being relegated to second-class status.
Expressing his disappointment with Tinubu’s insistence in a post sent to one of our correspondents on WhatsApp on Friday night, Lawal said, “I did say it: those the gods want to destroy, they first make mad. Tinubu has thrown down the gauntlet. He has submitted Alhaji Kashim Shetima as his nominee.
He has stood by his affirmation that he only requires Muslim votes to be president and for all he cares, Christians can all go to hell with their votes. This is his position and he has a right to it. I concede to him.
“We have picked up the gauntlet. The God of justice and equity through the Nigerian voter will decide the victor between the Nigerian Christians, Alhaji Tinubu and his party, the APC. This is our country and we will not let Alhaji Ahmed Bola Tinubu relegate us, our children and our religion to second-class status in our own country.
“This is an existential crisis. Our right to justice and peaceful co-existence with all practitioners of other religions is under threat. A northern Nigerian Christian child deserves to be bequeathed a future in which he can aspire to be president or vice president of Nigeria.”
He said the Bible and the Nigerian constitution support and guarantee their position. “Come on Alhaji Tinubu! Come on APC!!” he concluded.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has foiled an alleged kidnap plot targeting prominent personalities in the state and arrested a suspected leader of a three-man fraud syndicate accused of defrauding unsuspecting members of the public in Anambra and Enugu states.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the development in a statement, attributing the breakthrough to operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, in Oyi Local Government Area.
According to Ikenga, police operatives on the evening of July 11, 2026, foiled the suspected kidnap attempt, rescued a victim, and arrested 66-year-old Kenneth Nnaji for his alleged involvement in a criminal syndicate specialising in obtaining money under false pretences in Awka.
He said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is allegedly a member of a three-man gang that has been defrauding unsuspecting members of the public through elaborate schemes across Anambra and Enugu states.
“The suspect, during interrogation, allegedly confessed to his involvement in the criminal enterprise and provided useful information on the group’s modus operandi,” Ikenga stated.
He explained that members of the syndicate allegedly disguise themselves in branded overalls and caps while posing as representatives of reputable companies.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly obtain goods from prospective victims under the pretext of collecting samples before directing them to another location, claiming larger quantities of the goods are available for purchase at heavily discounted prices. The victims are then allegedly defrauded through the scheme.
Ikenga said the suspect identified other members of the syndicate as Christopher (surname yet to be ascertained), Jacob Musa, and Joseph (surname yet to be ascertained), all of whom remain at large.
He added that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and verify the identities and credentials of individuals claiming to represent companies before engaging in any business transactions.
He also directed the investigating team to conduct a comprehensive investigation, arrest all fleeing suspects, recover the proceeds of the alleged fraud, and ensure the prosecution of all those found culpable in accordance with the law.
Specifically, the House seeks details of funds released to the Ministry of Defence over the past six months and an explanation for the perceived lack of corresponding improvements in security nationwide.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance brought on the floor of the Green Chamber by the member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, Mr Sulaiman Gumi, during plenary on Tuesday.
Speaking on the substance of the motion, the lawmaker lamented the sorry state of security in Zamfara and other parts of the North-West zone, noting that as a result of the campaign of violence by insurgents, the entire region is now battling the scourge of humanitarian crises made worse by the harsh economic realities of the times.
He said, “The House is aware that between June 1 and 6, 2026, rampaging bandits riding on about 250 motorcycles with three riders each invaded Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency, and some parts of Sokoto villages bordering Zamfara State, killing 93 people.
“The House is also aware that on the night of June 2, 2026, into the early hours of June 3, 2026, seven students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, were abducted by bandits at their off-campus students’ hostel.
“Earlier, two senior lecturers of the same polytechnic were kidnapped and held in captivity for more than two months, despite ransom payments for their release.
“We are aware of the violent attack by bandits on Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where four people were killed and several travellers abducted.
“In Talata Marafa Local Government Area, a councillor and a director were abducted while travelling from Jangebe to the local government headquarters over Hajj activities for intending pilgrims from Jangebe. The bandits killed both of them after refusing to collect any ransom.”
The lawmaker also drew his colleagues’ attention to the escalation of bandit attacks in other Northwest states, including Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, and Jigawa.
Gumi recalled that “On May 31, 2026, 17 villagers were killed when bandits in their hundreds and riding on motorcycles invaded Dangulbi community in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State,” stressing that “more than 15 communities in Tureta and Sabon Birni local government areas of Sokoto State have been deserted due to constant bandit attacks.
“In Katsina State, a former Director of Defence Information of the Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar Batsari (retd), and his wife were abducted when their vehicle was ambushed along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area on May 30, 2026.”
He continued, “Just yesterday (Monday), 50 elderly men were kidnapped and are still held captive in Zamfara State.
“In Kaduna State, bandit attacks remain a significant security challenge, with recent incidents heavily concentrated in areas like Kachia, Sanga and Birnin-Gwari Local Government Areas, while in Kano State, bandit attacks have primarily impacted rural communities sharing borders with neighbouring Katsina State, with the most severe incidents resulting in fatalities, livestock rustling, and abductions.”
He expressed concern that the continuous, unchallenged movement of bandits between the towns, states and their hideouts severely undermined the credibility of the nation’s security, adding that if the trend was not checked, more lives would be lost, and the socio-economic fortunes of the region would be ruined.
Contributing, Jigawa lawmaker, Abubakar Yalleman, called for a speedy consideration of all legislative proposals for the establishment of state police.
“I urge the National Assembly to expedite action on state police to help checkmate the deteriorating level of security in the country,” he said, a call backed by his Ogun counterpart, Mr Olumide Osoba.
Also speaking, the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Babajimi Benson, called on the Federal Government to revisit the cashless policy as a way of restricting incidences of cash payment to kidnappers.
“It is important to revisit the cashless policy because it is difficult to pay ransom through bank transfers,” he said.
Similarly, the member representing Shomolu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Ademorin Kuye, called for strict regulation on the activities of Bureau De Change operators, among other measures.
“It is important for us to gazette the prohibition of ransom payment to kidnappers. The Central Bank of Nigeria should consider monitoring the activities of Bureau De Change operators to address illicit financial flows,” he advised.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House resolved to summon the government officials at a date yet to be announced, while urging the defence minister to deploy adequate security personnel and necessary operational equipment to Zamfara State and the entire Northwest to strengthen the security of the region.
It also urged ministers of agriculture, environment, education, humanitarian affairs and disaster management to explore other non-kinetic options of addressing the security challenges in the country.
The House thereafter mandated the Committee on Defence and other relevant committees to ensure compliance and report back within two weeks for further legislative action.
Kaura Namoda is the second-largest city in Zamfara State, but it is currently under seige as bandits led by the kingpin Kachalla Bello Dansadiya seem committed to destroying the community completely.
This medium reports that the latest student abduction is just part of a terrifying, ongoing pattern.
It is also reported that two senior lecturers have been held for over two months, despite ransom being paid.
A local resident remains in captivity after an attack on the Low-Cost area, adding that, an elderly District Head in his 80s was also abducted from his home right next to a military base.
Two wives and five family members of a senior paramilitary officer were taken three weeks ago, despite urgent calls made to security forces during the attack.
According to him, despite numerous complaints and suggestions forwarded to the authorities, nothing has changed, pointing out that as a result, fearful staff and students are fleeing the town for their own safety.
He lamented that, allowing these criminals to attack, kidnap, and return to their base unchallenged is an affront to our national security.
Kaura stressed that, with a military base located near the Low-Cost area of the town, proactive measures must be taken immediately before the bandits attempt something even more embarrassing to our forces.
We are urgently calling on the Ministry of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the DSS, and all relevant authorities to come to our rescue, he said.
Do not wait for them to strike—take the fight directly to their dens, deploy more operatives and equipment, and protect our community and the Polytechnic before frustration drives residents to take matters into their own hands.
The National Vice Chairman (Southeast) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ray Nnaji, has raised alarm over an alleged threat to his life by suspended Enugu governorship aspirant, Chief Sampson Chukwu Nnamani.
Nnaji alleged that the threats followed Nnamani’s recent suspension from the party over alleged anti-party activities and actions considered capable of undermining the unity of the PDP.
Addressing journalists during a press conference in Enugu on Wednesday, the PDP zonal chairman claimed that Nnamani threatened him during a telephone conversation on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
According to Nnaji, the suspended chieftain accused him of lying, vowed to “deal” with him, and wished serious illness upon him.
“On the 23rd of this month, he called me sometime after 11am and told me that I’m a liar, that he’s going to deal with me, and that the sickness affecting him should visit me,” Nnaji said.
He explained that he initially dismissed the remarks as a joke, reminding Nnamani that “he is not God,” but later became alarmed following subsequent developments.
Nnaji said the crisis escalated after he appeared on a live programme on Urban Radio where he spoke about Nnamani’s suspension, allegations of parallel primaries, and forgery accusations involving another party figure, Chief Uche Nnaji.
He further alleged that shortly after the radio programme, he visited the gym at Rich-Crest Hotel in Independence Layout, Enugu, where he has reportedly exercised for more than 10 years, but was asked to leave by two security guards acting on Nnamani’s instructions.
“I was still exercising when two security men approached me and said Chief Sampson Chukwu Nnamani had directed that I should no longer be allowed into the gym because I am now considered a security risk,” he stated.
Nnaji described the action as shocking and a breach of his valid subscription agreement with the facility, noting that he had already paid for two months.
The PDP chieftain argued that the development confirmed that his safety was under threat.
“I came to address the press so the world will know that my life is in danger as far as Chief Sampson Chukwu Nnamani is concerned because he has openly said he is going to deal with me,” he declared.
Explaining the background to the dispute, Nnaji alleged that tensions began after the PDP governorship primary election in Enugu State.
According to him, Nnamani, dissatisfied with the emergence of Chief Uche Nnaji, allegedly organised a parallel primary and declared himself a candidate.
He said the party leadership rejected the exercise, insisting that the PDP would not tolerate acts of indiscipline.
Nnaji also accused Nnamani of circulating a Sahara Reporters publication alleging that the PDP cleared Chief Uche Nnaji despite forgery allegations.
The PDP zonal chairman stated that party leaders attempted to resolve the matter amicably during a meeting held at the residence of elder statesman, Chief Jim Nwobodo, but claimed that Nnamani ignored reconciliation efforts and continued his media attacks against the party.
According to Nnaji, a petition against Nnamani originating from Chief Uche Nnaji’s political ward was presented before the party’s expanded State Executive Committee on May 20.
He said the meeting was shifted to May 22 to allow Nnamani appear and defend himself, but alleged that despite receiving invitations through SMS, WhatsApp, and courier delivery alongside copies of the petition, he failed to attend.
Nnaji stated that the expanded working committee, made up of more than 50 stakeholders and local government party chairmen, unanimously voted to suspend him.
“When the question was put to the house, nobody opposed the suspension. The decision was unanimous,” he said.
He further alleged that Nnamani later accused him of masterminding the suspension process and drafting the suspension documents.
Nnaji, who is also a legal practitioner, defended his role, saying any legal advice he offered the party was done strictly in his professional capacity.
He disclosed plans to petition the Commissioner of Police, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) over the alleged threats.
“I will formally notify the Commissioner of Police, the Inspector-General of Police, and the DSS so they are aware of these threats,” he stated.
He also revealed plans to institute legal action over what he described as the unlawful termination of his gym access despite an existing contractual agreement.
Meanwhile, attempts to obtain the reaction of Chief Sampson Chukwu Nnamani were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls and text messages sent to his phone before press time.
…Lament Absence Of Ngige, Moghalu Others
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Foundation members of the All Progressives Congress APC in Anambra state have protested what they call the hijack of the party by members of the People’s Democratic Party PDP at just concluded State Congress.
They further lamented the absence of former governor and Minister Sen Chris Ngige, former National Auditor of the party Chief George Moghalu, former National Youth leader of the party Chief Uzoma Igbonwa and others during the Congress.
According to the spokesman of the foundation members Mr Uchenna Adika from Onitsha North local government area ; members such as Chief Ike Ekwensi and Chief Kene Nzekwe were both disqualified and denied access to purchase forms for the post of Deputy Chairman and Chairman, most original members of the party.
“What you saw that took place there at the party Secretarate is a hijack of the party by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and not the real APC stalwarts”
“Some of us went to buy forms for the post of state Chairman they refused to sell to us and there are some of us who actually purchased forms for the post of Deputy Chairman but they were disqualified by them and you call it internal democracy in the party ”
The group questioned that ; “,At what point did all these people join the APC ? ”
“There should be a demarcation between the Renewed Hope Ambassadors campaign organization of Mr President and the leadership of the APC in Anambra state” he said.
But Sen Uche Ekwunife during the Congress contended that what the party did was I line with the provisions of the APC constitution adding that the party at this point do not need Photoshop executive members who do not have capacity or anything to offer for the growth and progress of the party .
“Our outgoing Chairman Chief Basil Ejidike is not going because he did not do well or that he is incompetent but he has been there for seven years and there is the need to regig the party ”
“It is not about becoming an executive member of the party for Photoshop or just to be there ”
“We did basketing and consensus in line with the provisions of our party Constitution and we are looking at people that had capacity to work and deliver and not rubber stamp executive ” she said.
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