News
Zamfara APC Congress: Valid, No Court Can Set It Aside -Shinkafi
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr Sani Abdulahi Shinkafi has stated that the ward congresses conducted by the party at weekend in Zamafara State remain valid and that no court can set it aside as it conformed to all constitutional provisions.
This is as he stated that the former Governor of Zamfara State Abdulazeez Yari and Senator Kabiru Marafa are trying to enact what they did in 2019 and sabotage the efforts of the APC to win the 2023 general elections.
Shinkafi called on the National leadership of the party to apply sanctions by expelling them from the party.
Reacting to the boycott of the said congresses by the former Governor of Zamfara State Abdulazeez Yari and his supporters and Senator Kabiru Marafa and his supporters Shinkafi stated that their protests amounts to a non-issue as they are not registered members of the party.
According to him “ Sen Kabiru Marafa and Abdul’aziz Yari, don’t have any genuine reason to go to court because they were not registered as members of APC during the last concluded APC revalidation/ registration exercise, because after the defection of the Governor Bello Mattawalle to APC they refused to validate their membership of the party. You cannot build something on nothing, you cannot build a house without a concrete foundation?
“When you have not been registered as a duly member of APC So, what locus standi do you have to challenge the exercise in court? Since they do not have membership cards as duly registered members of APC, they lack the locus to challenge any decision taken by the party. Party register are used for the conduct Congresses and Primary election. All the party registers must be duly certified by the National headquarter of APC Abuja, their names are not in the registers.
Therefore, with this development as far as I am concerned there is no faction in Zamfara APC and the Congresses conducted last Saturday remained valid no Court can it set-aside” he added.
Shinkafi noted that “what I want to say here is that sometimes politicians talk any how and when I look at them I laugh, it is very unfortunate for somebody who has been a Governor for eight years and a Senator to look down at the party leadership, trying to constitute themselves as bigger than the party, be as an Island. What I am saying is that the faction of Sen Kabiru Marafa and Abdul’aziz Yari, are the same.
To say it clearly, I have never believed Kabiru Marafa has a faction in APC because since February this year everybody knows he has reconciled with the Abdul’aziz Yari faction thereby his faction seized to exist and all his structures has been collapsed.
“After he reconciled with Abdul’aziz Yari, I don’t think he has any faction any more. So for Sen Kabiru Marafa to now to claim that he held a congress leaving Abdul’aziz Yari it means that the reconciliation is not sincere and that there was no reconciliation, means that they are being economical with the truth.
This is because if somebody can come to the public or go to print and electronic media and even some social media Network to pronounce his reconciliation with former Governor Abdul’aziz Yari and today when the National leadership of APC came to conduct ward Congresses, then he claims to have reconstituted himself again as a factional leader, then he is truly fooling himself, his followers and the followers of Abdul’aziz Yari.
“So, to me what Kabiru Marafa is doing now I regard it as childish, because if after the meeting they conveyed in Kaduna and resolved that Hon Lawali. M Liman the former state Chairman of the party and also former state caretaker chairman of the party had resolved to back out of the ward Congress claiming that there is a suit pending before the Federal High Court and that is why they did not partake in the Congress in obedience of order of Federal High Court Gusau Division that all parties are enjoined to maintain status quo pending the determination of the suit filed before it by and large I think they have no genuine reason in my opinion not partake in the election legally, in simple terms they have forfeited their rights.
He pointed out that “the question here is how manage that Abdul’aziz Yari and Kabiru Marafa fought again, and if it happened that they fought I think Sen Kabiru Marafa should come out and tell the public of the misunderstanding that led to their fight. If that has happened, then it is very unfortunate and they are just playing with Nigerians intelligence and the members of APC.
“Another question to answer by Sen Kabiru Marafa is that how manage he now conducted a Congress when he has no officials from the headquarters of the party to supervise or monitor or observe the conduct of the Congress as it was in the constitution? Among the constitutional duty of the Independent Electoral Commission INEC, it was clearly spelt out in the constitution of Nigeria 1999 as amended, that the INEC shall supervise, observe and monitor the operation of political party, and in Electoral act 2010 as amended it was clearly spelt out that all parties primaries in Section 85 of the Electoral act, all party primaries shall be monitored, supervised and observed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)through its department of election monitoring political supervising liaison which is headed by the Director in the INEC headquarter and in all offices of the state Electoral National Commission INEC. In that case if Sen Kabiru Marafa said he has conducted a Congress, how manage he failed to get INEC officials for them to give legitimacy to his congress if indeed it happened. And again, how did he go and fabricate the names of those he claimed to have conducted the congress which were also sent by the National headquarter of APC under the leadership of Acting National Chairman of our great party H.E Mai Mala Buni
Shinkafi said that “What politicians don’t understand is that each and every political party in Nigeria has an operational guidelines and internal regulations, political parties are guided by its constitution. Each and every content of that constitution is binding on each and every member of that political party as far as the member is a card carrying member of APC. So, I urge all members of All Progressives Congress APC, to read the constitution of the party.
“There is recent by Supreme Court Judgement H.E Rotimi Ameachi faction Vs Senator Magnus Abe Faction.
In that judgment delivered on the day 5th March, 2021 by her lordship Justice Amina Augie she clearly stated that a court shall not conduct and entertain the internal affairs of a political party. So, if today Mai Mala Buni the acting National chairman has sent a delegation to conduct ward Congress with reference to the recent Supreme court judgement, there is no court in Nigeria that can give order to stop the conduct of the Congresses and National Convention of a political party and in this scenario no court in Nigeria can invalidate the outcome of this Zamfara State ward Congresses.
“A High Court Birnin Kudu had ordered INEC to publish Hon Chukwuma Umeoji‘s name as the nominated candidate of APGA for the Anambra governorship elections but the judgement of the High Court was appealed to Court of Appeal Kano Division and the Supreme court finally delivered judgement that Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo is the authentic Governorship candidate nominated by the National leadership of APGA for 6th November 2021 , and ordered that the court lacks jurisdiction to invalidate the decision of political party as it is an internal affairs of the party.The decision of a party is supreme.
On the decision of Sen Kabiru Marafa to challenge the Acting National Chairman of APC Mai Mala Buni in Court, Shinkafi pointed out “with this development if Sen Kabiru Marafa said he will go to court to challenge the APC and the Acting National Chairman, he has proved to the members of the public that he is ignorant of the supreme court of Nigeria judgement. Challenging His excellency Mai Mala Buni in court over the conduct of Congresses by the Zamfara State APC by Sen Kabiru Marafa will make no meaningful impact as they are going to waste their time and resources as they are no longer members of the APC, they have no locus standi as he is not a registered member of the APC, he is a meddlesome interloper. And there was no violation of the party’s constitution.
“But in a situation where there is a violation of the Nigerian constitution or non compliance with the provisions of electoral act 2010 as amended, then members of that political party who feel aggrieved has the right to file a suit in court to challenge the illegality of what party did. For Sen Kabiru Marafa and Abdul’aziz Yari, they don’t have any genuine reason to go to court because they are not registered as members of APC, as they failed to register during the just concluded APC revalidation and registration exercise after the defection of the Governor Bello Mattawalle to APC they refused to validate their party membership.
He debunked media reports that reported parallel ward congresses in the state.
“As far as I am concerned, there is no APC faction in the state; the ward congresses was conducted and it is over. We have done it and it is concluded.
“Our ward congresses is genuine and constitutional. There was no parallel ward congress apart from the one organized by the recognized party structure in the state”.
Shinkafi further explained that there was no court order that stopped them from holding the congress.
He said Senator Kabiru Marafa faction does not exist because there was an agreed reconciliation.
“After nine months, Marafa has come to say there is faction which I believe is not in existence in the state”.
According to him, Marafa faction of the APC did not exist any more. “Who is his factional state chairman? Shinkafi asked.
He stressed that Yari and Marafa held joint reconciliatory meetings with most of the members of the defunct G8 in Kaduna and Abuja.
“How would Marafa’s faction play with the intelligence of their uneducated followers? he stated.
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has admitted Enugu Air as Member, extending the Association’s membership base in Nigeria’s fast-growing domestic aviation market and reaffirming AFRAA’s commitment to supporting the continued development of African carriers across the continent.
This was announced by AFRAA in Nairobi on Wednesday, making Enugu Air the 50th Member of the association, joining the AFRAA airline fraternity, collectively representing more than 85 per cent of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
Speaking on the development on Thursday, AFRAA Secretary General, Mr Abdérahmane Berthé, said, “We are delighted to welcome Enugu Air into the AFRAA fraternity.
“As a state-backed carrier serving Nigeria’s rapidly expanding domestic market, Enugu Air represents the kind of homegrown investment that is vital to building resilient air connectivity across our continent.
“We look forward to supporting the airline through the IOSA certification process and to its continued growth within the AFRAA membership, as we work together to advance the cause of unified African skies.”
Reacting to the development on Thursday, the CEO of Enugu Air, Capt Tolu Ita, described the admission into AFRAA as a major milestone in the airline’s short history.
“We are honoured to join the AFRAA fraternity. This membership underscores Enugu Air’s commitment to safe, reliable, and affordable air travel for Nigerians while contributing to the vision of a unified African aviation market.
“We look forward to collaborating with fellow AFRAA members and leveraging the association’s support as we grow our network and pursue IOSA certification,” Tolu stated.
Founded on July 7, 2025, Enugu Air commenced commercial operations with a fleet of Embraer E170/E190/E195 aircraft.
The airline, which has its headquarters in Enugu and operates from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, currently serves nine domestic destinations including Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Benin City.
As part of the airline’s growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
As part of its growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
The admission of Enugu Air aligns with AFRAA’s strategic priorities and strengthens the voice of the association. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and one of its fastest-growing economies, remains central to the realization of a truly integrated African aviation market.
Meanwhile, AFRAA association, which was founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, has a mission meant to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry.
The association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable air transport industry in Africa, where African airlines become key players and drivers of African economic development.
AFRAA membership cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators.
The association’s members represent over 85 per cent of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has rejected calls for the Federal Government to publish details of how it plans to spend funds drawn from its $5bn financing facility with First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Oyedele said the transaction had been subjected to unnecessary scrutiny, arguing that the facility was approved by the National Assembly and was structured to help the government refinance more expensive debt.
He spoke on Wednesday during a media briefing in Abuja.
The Federal Government recently drew about $1.5bn, the first tranche of the $5bn Total Return Swap facility arranged with First Abu Dhabi Bank, despite concerns from the International Monetary Fund and Fitch Ratings over the transparency and risks associated with such financing structures.
The $5bn facility was approved by the National Assembly on March 31, 2026, while the initial drawdown was expected to support the 2026 budget, infrastructure projects and the refinancing of existing debt obligations.
Responding to a question on the borrowing plan and whether details of the First Abu Dhabi Bank transaction would be made public, Oyedele said the government would publish information on how it spends public funds but questioned why the particular facility was receiving special attention.
“We will not publish how we are spending it. We will publish how we spend government money. There’s nothing special about that loan,” he said.
He added, “Nobody has asked us whether we’re going to publish the money we took from the World Bank, whether we publish the one from Eurobond, whether we publish the one from Sukuk. Why is this one special?”
Oyedele also dismissed suggestions that the transaction was conducted without due process, noting that it had been presented to the National Assembly.
“The loan was approved not only by FEC, it was taken to National Assembly because what some people are doing is they comparing with other countries where they did it under the table.
“What else can be more public than what you gave to the National Assembly?” he said.
The minister said the government had assessed the transaction carefully and was accessing the funds in phases to avoid incurring unnecessary costs.
“We’re assessing it in phases. You don’t want to take all the money at once because if you don’t spend it at once, you incur cost on the extra amount you’ve taken,” he said.
He explained that the financing arrangement was different from Nigeria’s traditional fixed-rate borrowing because the First Abu Dhabi Bank facility had a flexible interest rate.
“You need to understand the transaction. You know, there’s always the textbook analysis and there’s the real life of what you’re doing.
According to him, Nigeria could not benefit from the lower yield on its existing fixed-rate debt.
“This First Abu Dhabi Bank transaction is flexible rates. It means if rates go up, we pay more. If rates come down, we benefit more.
“There’s nothing that says we must always do one thing. And the all-in rate for this transaction is lower than our existing portfolio,” he said.
Oyedele said the primary objective was to refinance more expensive debt and reduce the government’s borrowing costs.
“So the objective is to use it to refinance expensive debt so you can save money,” he said.
The Federal Government is required to pledge securities worth about 133 per cent of the amount drawn as collateral under the arrangement.
The International Monetary Fund and Fitch Ratings had raised concerns about the financing structure, including issues around transparency and sovereign debt risks.
The IMF had warned that derivative financing structures such as total return swaps could be difficult to track and value in real time, potentially obscuring the extent of a country’s financial obligations.
Fitch Ratings also warned that Nigeria’s planned $5bn arrangement could increase sovereign debt risks and reduce transparency in public debt reporting.
Oyedele, however, said the government would soon publish frequently asked questions on the transaction to provide further clarification.
“In the next few days, you will see on the website both the Ministry of Finance and DMO the frequently asked questions about this particular debt or bond, just so everybody can please themselves,” he said.
He added that there was “nothing special” about the loan, despite the attention it had received from critics and international media.
“I spend time on it because I think it’s important and the international media also, for some reason, have taken so much interest in it. But that is what it is.” Oyedele said.
News
2027 Elections: 146 Presidential, Governorship Candidates to Spend Not More Than N571bn on Campaigns
No fewer than 146 candidates currently in the race for the 2027 presidential and governorship elections could collectively spend up to N571bn under the campaign expenditure limits prescribed by the Electoral Act 2026.
The figure comprises 19 presidential candidates, each with a campaign spending ceiling of N10bn, and 127 governorship candidates, each allowed to spend a maximum of N3bn under Section 92 of the new Electoral Act.
The 19 presidential candidates alone have a combined spending ceiling of N190bn, while the 127 governorship candidates could collectively spend up to N381bn.
The combined ceiling for the two categories therefore stands at N571bn, although the amount represents the maximum permissible expenditure and not money guaranteed to, or actually received by the candidates.
The development comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission published the personal particulars and credentials of the 19 presidential candidates and their running mates ahead of the 2027 poll, paving the way for the commencement of the presidential campaign on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
According to the election tracker NGelections.com, 127 candidates across 28 states will be running for governor in 2027. Of the number, 122 have been nominated, four have declared, and one is still being monitored.
A check on the INEC website showed that the commission had yet to publish the total number of 2027 governorship candidates, with its official 2027 election page stating under the list of candidates that “This will be available soon.”
INEC has confirmed that governorship elections will be held in 28 states in 2027, with Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun excluded because they are on the off-cycle schedule.
The commission had fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while the governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
New spending limits
Section 92 of the Electoral Act 2026 substantially raises the amount candidates are permitted to spend on election campaigns compared with the previous statutory limits.
Under the new law, a presidential candidate may spend up to N10bn, while a governorship candidate is limited to N3bn.
For the National Assembly, the ceiling is N500m for a senatorial candidate and N250m for a House of Representatives candidate.
A candidate seeking election to a State House of Assembly may spend up to N100m, the same ceiling prescribed for an Area Council chairmanship candidate, while the maximum campaign expenditure for an Area Council councillorship election is N10m.
The law also places a ceiling on individual contributions to candidates, providing that no individual donor may contribute more than N500m to a single candidate.
Section 92 further provides sanctions for candidates who knowingly exceed the prescribed limits.
Such a candidate faces a fine equivalent to one per cent of the permitted expenditure limit, or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.
The provision makes compliance with the new spending thresholds a statutory obligation rather than a voluntary guideline.
It could not ne confirmed if INEC has successfully prosecuted and secured a conviction against a Nigerian politician specifically for exceeding the statutory election/campaign spending limit.
Also, there is no reported case of a politician or party being prosecuted for exceeding campaign-spending limits.
When asked how INEC would enforce the spending limits, the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Information/Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, simply stated, ‘’It’s the Commission’s statutory responsibility to monitor the campaign finance of all political parties.’’ The anti-graft agencies are expected to collaborate with the INEC in monitoring and enforcing the spending limits.
The restriction on individual donations means that while a presidential candidate can spend as much as N10bn, a single donor cannot contribute more than N500m.
Similarly, a governorship candidate’s N3bn spending ceiling is six times the maximum individual donation.
Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has approved fresh appointments in the state.
The new appointees include Special Advisers (SPAs) and Senior Special Assistants (SSAs).
This was announced on Wednesday through a public notice signed by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the Enugu State Government
Full List Below:
1. Hon. Chukwudi Ezinwa — Special Adviser on Labour Union and Association Matters
2. Hon. Sunday Nnamani (Orlando) — Special Adviser on Special Duties
3. Mr. Williams Chukwu — Special Adviser on Agriculture
4. Prince Afam Agana — Special Adviser on Infrastructure Compliance
5. Humphrey Onyima — Special Adviser on Investment Strategy and Public Relations
6. Hon. Tony Ugwu — Special Adviser on Rural Development
7. Chief Ernest Nweze — Special Adviser on Party Coordination and Mobilisation
8. Hon. Emeka Onunze — Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation
9. Mr. Robinson Odo (mni) — Special Adviser on Labour and Productivity
10. Pastor Kenneth Asogwa (Ebube Muonso) — Senior Special Assistant on Heritage and Community Relations
11. Pastor Tochukwu Ogbodo — Senior Special Assistant on Social Engagement
12. Barr. Lucky Chukwu — Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs
13. Belonwu Nnaji — Senior Special Assistant on Cultural Orientation
14. Hon. Steve Odo — Senior Special Assistant on Tourism
15. Hon. Francis Ikewette Ede — Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication
16. Mr. Sunny Okafor — Senior Special Assistant on General Duties
17. Hon. Chinedu Okwu Otaka — Senior Special Assistant on Social Orientation and Mobilisation
18. Otaba Cosmas Ikechukwu — Senior Special Assistant on Protection of Public Utilities
19. Pius Okeagu — Senior Special Assistant on Assets Management
20. Rt. Hon. Innocent Emeka Ugwu — Senior Special Assistant on Inter-Party Affairs
21. Mrs. Eucharia Offor — Senior Special Assistant on Human Resource Management
22. Mr. Kenneth Oforma — Senior Special Assistant on Policy and Communication
23. Kelvin Ede — Senior Special Assistant on Research and Strategy
The appointments take effect immediately.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku climbs another rung on the golden-floor ladder of life on August 19, 2026, marking 51 years of a life defined by purpose, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the Niger Delta region.
Born in Ayakoro, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, his journey from the creeks and crowded neighbourhoods of the region to the helm of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is more than a personal story. It is a living expression of what he has described as “Rewind to Rebirth”: the deliberate act of learning from the past to rebuild a stronger, more hopeful future.
Dr Ogbuku’s early years were shaped by the realities of the Niger Delta. He attended public schools in Port Harcourt before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political and Administrative Studies from the University of Port Harcourt. Further studies led to a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Development Studies.
Alongside academic excellence, he cut his teeth as a student activist and later served as Public Relations Officer of the Ijaw Youth Council (Central Zone). Those formative experiences instilled in him a deep understanding of the region’s struggles and a firm belief that dialogue, education, and opportunity remain the most effective paths to lasting peace. His career has been a steady progression of service. He worked as a Personal Assistant in the Ministry of Petroleum, served as Chief of Staff in the Bayelsa State Government House, managed agricultural enterprises, and later acted as Senior Special Assistant on Niger Delta Affairs.
In 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed him Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC. He inherited an agency long criticised for inefficiency and uncompleted projects. Under his leadership, the Commission has shifted from what he terms a “transactional” approach to a “transformational” one.
The results are visible across the region. Thousands of kilometres of roads have been constructed or rehabilitated. Bridges and jetties have improved connectivity. Health centres have been built and equipped, while free healthcare outreaches have brought medical services to thousands.
The “Light Up the Niger Delta” initiative has extended electricity to communities long left in darkness. Scholarships have opened doors for young people, with many achieving distinction both at home and abroad. These interventions reflect a consistent philosophy: development must be felt by ordinary people in their daily lives.
At the heart of this work lies the “Rewind to Rebirth” agenda, articulated in his writings, including Rethinking the Niger Delta. It is a call to examine past mistakes honestly, discard what has not worked, and rebuild institutions, infrastructure, and trust with clearer purpose.
For Dr. Ogbuku, turning 51 is not merely a personal milestone. It is another opportunity to reaffirm that the Niger Delta’s future can be brighter than its past if leadership remains focused on results, accountability, and the people.As communities, colleagues, and well-wishers celebrate this birthday, the most fitting tribute is continued support for the unfinished work of regional transformation. Dr. Samuel Ogbuku’s 51 years remind us that purpose, when rooted in service, has the power to rewrite the story of an entire region one project, one community, and one generation at a time.
Happy Birthday, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
The Mission Continues!!!
Jim George Willy Ibimina
Writes from Niger Delta.
-
Crime5 days agoArmy Destroys Three Suspected IPOB/ESN Camps, Kills Three in Anambra
-
Crime5 days agoBreaking: Knight Attacks Catholic Priest After Mass in Enugu
-
Politics4 days ago2027 Enugu Guber: NDC’s Odalije Chinyeaka Ohaa Reiterates Power of Electorates to Hire and Fire Leaders
-
News5 days agoOsun Guber: Adeleke Sweeps 19 LGAs, Oyebamiji Wins 11
-
Special Report5 days agoFederal Roads: Umahi Closing the Gap as Tinubu Addresses Years of Neglect in South-East
-
Crime4 days agoOkigwe Road: The ‘Uniformed Robbery’ Motorists Can No Longer Ignore
-
Education5 days agoOdii Vows to Revamp EBSU, Improve Lecturers’ Welfare Within Six Months As Governor
-
News5 days agoBREAKING: INEC declares Adeleke winner of Osun guber poll