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APC Legislative Aides Throw Weight Behind Tinubu’s Re-Election Ambition

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APC Legislative Aides Throw Weight Behind Tinubu’s Re-Election Ambition

Legislative assistants to the National Assembly who were appointed on the All Progressives Congress platform publicly announced their support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 reelection campaign on Wednesday, promising to mobilize voters across the country.

Ayoola Fakunle, the group’s national coordinator, made the statement during the National Assembly Legislative Aides’ inauguration into the APC Support Groups Council in Abuja.

The ruling APC is stepping up grassroots participation through affiliated groups and support networks, and the endorsement coincides with early political realignments and mobilization attempts by parties positioning ahead of the general elections in 2027.

Fakunle, who spoke at the event, claimed that legislative assistants are strategically important for voter mobilization because they constitute a broad political framework that spans the federal, state, and local levels.
The National Assembly, State Assembly, and municipal government all have legislative assistants. Legislative assistants are hence ubiquitous. Each polling station has an equal representation of us.

Thus, we are using their PVC to mobilize people. You must present your PVC and evidence of APC membership before you can join. The objective is to guarantee our backing for the re-election of our principles and former senator, President Bola Tinubu. Thus, President Tinubu is donning two hats.

Since we will support our principals in their respective states, local administrations, and state assemblies, we are making every effort to secure those four years for him. At the moment, we have members all over the world. Thus, we don’t harbor any fears,” she stated.
Although Tinubu, who won the 2023 presidential election on the APC platform, has not yet made a formal announcement about his plans for 2027, party support organizations have kept organizing in anticipation of his potential reelection.

Speaking as well, Sadiq Jikta, the Director General of the APC Support Groups Council, characterized the legislative aides’ admission as a calculated move to strengthen the ruling party’s mobilization effort.

“We need more members and organizations like this, so today’s inauguration of legislative aides is a benefit to the APC.” That indicates that we are succeeding and doing morally. We receive groups every day in the same way that you saw governors defecting to the APC. Thus, it indicates that the APC is genuinely committed to winning before 2027.

A set of mobilization actions for 2027 is currently the next course of action. ANALAG has recently been incorporated into the mobilization program as a whole. Together, we will create the agenda for 2027.

The APC is not in a panic like the opposition is. No, everything is being done in a transparent manner, which is why we’re providing all parties with an equal opportunity to engage,” he stated.

Almost halfway through the current government, the event marks the increasing pace of political activity inside the ruling party as focus slowly turns to the upcoming election cycle.

Banks Hoarded New 2022 Naira Notes, Triggering Scarcity — EFCC Witness Tells Court

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Banks Hoarded New 2022 Naira Notes, Triggering Scarcity — EFCC Witness Tells Court

On Tuesday, Chinedu Eneanya, a witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Mr. Godwin Emefiele, accused commercial banks of causing the shortage that followed the federal government’s Naira redesign policy in late 2022 and early 2023.

During cross-examination by Mr. Olalekan Ojo, SAN, Emefiele’s attorney, the witness—a Commission investigator—made the revelation.

The former CBN Governor is on trial for four counts that include revamping the Naira without the Board of the CBN’s and the Committee of Governors’ (COG) approval, as well as failing to obtain the consent of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

The anti-graft agency alleged in the lawsuit, FTC/HC/CR/264/2024, that Emefiele violated Section 19 of the CBN Act between October 19, 2022, and March 5, 2023, by permitting the printing of 375,520,000 pieces of color-swapped N1,000 notes at a total cost of N11,052,068,062 without the CBN Board’s recommendation and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s strict approval, causing harm to the public.

The indictment claims that the offense was penalized under Section 123 of the Penal Code, Cap 89 Laws of the Federation, 1990.

Nonetheless, the defendant had refuted the accusation.

The witness presented video evidence during his Evidence-in-Chief, asserting that many Nigerians suffered greatly as a result of the Emefiele-led CBN’s redesign of the Naira notes.

However, Eneanya, the head of the Inter Ministerial Probe Panel and the seventh prosecution witness (PW7), disclosed claimed violations by certain commercial banks in the nation throughout the policy’s implementation in 2022–2023, while being cross-examined on Tuesday.

However, he stated that he couldn’t remember how many banks had employees hoarding currency.

“Can you confirm to the Honorable Court that bank officials were hoarding mints?” was the question posed to him.

He answered, “I am aware of that, but I cannot be specific.”

Furthermore, the witness was unable to establish whether the anti-graft agency had detained bank personnel who were supposedly in charge of stockpiling the cash.

In response, A.O. Mohammed, the prosecution’s attorney, said, “His beat was specific; whether his (naira redesign) was a valid approval.”

The witness, however, was not restricted to his evidence in chief, and as an investigative officer, he had the authority to make an arrest, Emefiele’s attorney said.

The anti-graft agency claims that Emefiele caused Nigerians unnecessary hardship because of the shortage of the redesigned coins, thus Ojo emphasized that the question was also essential.

The judge reacted by asking the witness to respond to the question after verifying his designation.

Eneanya replied, “I told this court that the EFCC established a task force; I didn’t say it was my team.” He also said he didn’t know what the EFCC did to the bank officials that resulted in the alleged violations.

The witness, meanwhile, claimed he was “not privy to that information” when asked to confirm under what authorization they visited the nation’s commercial banks.

The defendant’s attorney subsequently responded by asking for an adjournment and requesting access to all case-related papers.

In a succinct decision, Justice Maryanne Anenih postponed the witness’s cross-examination until March 19.

According to the witness, earlier in the day’s proceedings, Ahmed Halilu, the Managing Director (MD) of Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc (NSPM), gave the EFCC team access to the email exchange between De La Rue and himself.

“The MD of NMPS provided the email to my team, and it was then opened in front of the team,” he stated.

He acknowledged that he could not remember every statement Halilu had written.

Ojo requested the statements as a result of this.

He claimed he “could not remember” if the NSPM had ever created naira notes.

The witness was likewise unable to remember how many different currencies commercial banks had access to.

He asked to be given permission to review the documents in order to jog his recollection.

He responded, “We have a team that went nationwide in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies, taking stock and making sure that those currencies were made available in public,” when asked if the EFCC team had contacted the commercial banks to verify the precise sums sent to them.

He added that the team maintained a log of the inventory of the resources made accessible to commercial banks.

Ojo further requested that the defense be presented with the records.

The witness stated that he “was not there in all the teams” when asked if the EFCC also examined bank vaults.

Just fifteen minutes prior to the start of the day’s hearings, Emefiele’s attorney told the court that they had only received the Investigative Report that the defense had requested at the previous hearing.

But according to the EFCC attorney, “the decision to produce the Investigative Report was not made to deprive the defendant and his counsel of the opportunity to ask for the said document.”

He pointed out that the witness complied with the court’s request to deliver the document.

Pate Reveals Health Ministry Has Accessed N36m of N218bn 2025 Allocation

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Pate Reveals Health Ministry Has Accessed N36m of N218bn 2025 Allocation

Concerns over the execution of vital health infrastructure projects around the country have been raised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s disclosure that it has only received ₦36 million of its ₦218 billion capital budget for the 2025 fiscal year.

During a budget defense session with National Assembly lawmakers, Health Minister Professor Mohammed Pate made the revelation.

Although the ministry’s human budget had been used up in full, Professor Pate informed the parliamentarians that capital projects had mostly stopped because of significant funding delays.

He claims that while “the budget’s personnel component has been fully utilized, capital projects are facing serious setbacks because releases have not been made.”

The minister ascribed the delay to issues with the cash planning system of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and to delays in counterpart money needed for programs financed by donors.

According to him, “the execution of our capital projects has been significantly impacted by issues surrounding cash planning and delayed counterpart contributions.”
Amos Magaji, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services, responded by expressing alarm about the state of affairs and calling for more transparency on donor funding.

Magaji emphasised the need for openness and efficient oversight and asked the minister to formally provide detailed information about donor funds received by the ministry and how they were used.

Tinubu Govt Announces Major Aviation Agency Reshuffle, Redeploys Key Figures [Full List]

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Tinubu Govt Announces Major Aviation Agency Reshuffle, Redeploys Key Figures [Full List]

The Federal Government, led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has authorized a significant redistribution of senior personnel among important aviation agencies in an effort to enhance operational efficiency, accountability, and coordination in the industry.

Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) directorates are impacted by the reorganization, which was approved by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, according to reports.

The exercise was described in detail in an official circular dated February 9, 2026, which was approved by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo and signed by Permanent Secretary Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata. The adjustments are effective right away.

Public affairs, finance, human resources, corporate services, administration, and consumer protection are among the strategic departments affected by the redeployment.

Authorities said the action is a part of larger reforms that are meant to increase inter-agency cooperation and fortify the organizations in charge of aviation safety and service delivery.

At NSIB, Funke Adebayo Arowojobe has been promoted from her position as Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NiMet.

In NiMet, Dr. Nasiru Sani has been moved to the position of Corporate Services head.

In a different cross-posting, Baro Henry Minabawarre departs NSIB to join NiMet as Director of Human Resource and Administration, and Airohiuodion Henry Omonzogie transfers from NiMet to NSIB as Director of Corporate Services.

Additionally, there were changes in the leadership of public communication, as Bimbo Olawunmi Oladeji moved from NSIB to NiMet.

The portfolios of financial management were also modified. While Dr. Mrs. Okundaye Oke Itohan Folake moves from NSIB to NAMA in a similar role, Muonemeh Ndubusi Lotenna moves from NAMA to NSIB as Director of Finance and Accounts.

Horatius Egua was dismissed of his duties as Director of Special Duties at the NCAA, and Mrs. Augustina Erah, PhD, took over.

All impacted officials were instructed by the ministry to finish their handovers as soon as possible in order to avoid operational disruptions.

The effort, according to officials, was a standard administrative reform with the goals of upgrading institutional capacity, bolstering safety monitoring, and enhancing service delivery throughout Nigeria’s aviation sector.

No Directive from FG to Halt Sachet Alcohol Ban — NAFDAC

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No Directive from FG to Halt Sachet Alcohol Ban — NAFDAC

In response to a media allegation, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) denied that the Federal Government had ordered it to halt enforcement activities over the regulation of alcoholic goods in 200ml PET bottles and sachets.

The agency insisted that the Federal Government had not issued any such direction and characterized the release as inaccurate and deceptive.

In a statement released on Wednesday, NAFDAC made it clear that it was still operating in accordance with the government’s formally declared policy and within the parameters of its statutory mission.

Following a report based on a statement purportedly made in Abuja by Terrence Kuanum, the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, it was reported that the clarification came after the Federal Government reportedly ordered a halt to enforcement actions related to the proposed ban on small-volume alcoholic drinks and sachet alcohol.

NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, however, strongly denied the allegation, emphasizing that the organization had not been given any directive to halt its regulatory operations.

The publication in question, she said, is inaccurate, deceptive, and does not represent any formal correspondence that the Agency has received from the federal government.

“A formal directive directing the Agency to halt its enforcement or regulatory actions concerning sachet alcohol products has never been issued.”

NAFDAC’s commitment to protecting public health and guaranteeing regulatory compliance in the food and medicine industry was reaffirmed by Adeyeye.

In compliance with existing regulations and due procedure, the agency fulfills its duties in a transparent manner, she said.

She also said that formal government channels will be used to convey any decisions that had an impact on national regulatory measures.

The head of NAFDAC advised the public, business stakeholders, and media to ignore the story and only depend on verified information made available via the agency’s official platforms and approved government communication channels.

Additionally, the agency cautioned against the dissemination of unsubstantiated material that could lead to unwarranted public nervousness, economic instability, or misunderstandings of governmental policies.

It also restated its dedication to work in the best interests of the country, safeguard public health, and advance economic stability.

Due to worries about underage access, drug misuse, and wider public health hazards, the regulation of sachet alcohol and other small-volume alcoholic beverages has continued to be a topic of national discussion in recent years.

Divergent opinions on the proposed limits have been voiced by stakeholders in the manufacturing and health sectors. While industry participants advocate for broader consultations and phased implementation, authorities have placed a strong emphasis on safety and public health.

Edo: Gunmen Seize Police Inspector, Four Victims

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Edo: Gunmen Seize Police Inspector, Four Victims

In two separate incidents on February 8, suspected kidnappers reportedly kidnapped five people, including a Nigeria Police Force officer, in Akoko Edo, Edo North Senatorial District, Edo State.

The occurrences, which took place at several locations, have caused residents to become more anxious as a result of claims that the kidnappers demanded ₦100 million in ransom for two of the victims.

Bode Ekundayo, the National Coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, told reporters in a statement released on Wednesday that the Makeke Community Health Center was the scene of the initial attack.

According to him, Samuel Ilesanmi and his wife had taken their ailing son to the medical facility when gunmen kidnapped Tope Oriloye, a female secondary school student.

“Daring kidnappers struck again in Akoko Edo, this time at Makeke village, less than a kilometer away from Ososo in the eastern part of Akoko Edo,” he added. On February 8, Samuel Ilesanmi and Tope Oriloye, a female secondary school student, were taken from the community health center.

Ekundayo went on to say that the kidnappers later got in touch with the victims’ relatives and demanded ₦100 million to free them.

The organization further revealed that in a different operation in Auchi, murderers broke into the home of Police Inspector Segun Obanowa from Uma/Imoga in Akoko Edo and took him, his wife, and their daughter hostage.

In order to facilitate her source cash for her husband and daughter’s rescue, the gunmen allegedly freed the officer’s wife.

Police Inspector Segun Obanowa from Uma/Imoga in Akoko Edo, his wife, and their daughter were abducted in Auchi in a similar operation, according to Ekundayo. His wife was then freed to go seek ransom to rescue her husband and daughter.

Local hunters and vigilantes, according to Ekundayo, jumped into action right away after the tragedy and searched the neighboring neighborhoods and woodlands for the victims.

Their efforts, however, were unsuccessful.

On February 9, however, the kidnappers contacted in the evening to demand ₦100 million in order to free Tope Oriloye and Samuel Ilesanmi.

He went on to say, “This practice of requiring ₦100 million to start a ransom negotiation is getting accustomed to its annoying pattern in past kidnap ransom negotiations.”

As the security situation in the area deteriorates, the organization urged the Edo State Government and the Akoko Edo Local Government to take immediate action.

It issued a warning that if nothing is done, the situation would get worse.

“We have previously written to all security agencies and the levels of government in Edo State, issued warnings, and provided timely information. Is it not evident that the deteriorating problem would eventually lead to unmanageable disasters? Akoko Edo is encircled.

“Is it not evident that gunmen from Kwara and Benue States are rapidly approaching Edo State, with the vast Akoko Edo wilderness serving as their open gateway?” asked Ekundayo.

The kidnapping in Makeke was confirmed by the Edo State Police Command, who also stated that suspects had been taken into custody in relation to the incident.

Eno Ikoedem, the police public relations officer, stated that the victims were being rescued and that investigations were still underway.

“I can attest to the fact that there was a kidnapping instance at Makeke Village in Edo North’s Akoko Edo Local Government. “Efforts are underway to rescue the victims, and some suspects are in police custody,” she said.

This comes weeks after the January 9 kidnapping of seven Imoga natives who were staying at the Stay Boy Hotel on the Imoga-Ibillo road.

The hotel’s owner was kidnapped along with the visitors.

The ransom demand of ₦100 million, made by the kidnappers on January 11, was subsequently reduced to ₦70 million and then ₦40 million.

After an undisclosed sum was received, the abductors reportedly threatened to begin killing the victims if the ransom was not paid by January 16. Nevertheless, the victims were subsequently freed.

The frequent kidnappings and growing ransom demands, according to locals, have made Akoko Edo and the surrounding communities more fearful.

El-Rufai Raises Alarm Over Possible Arrest, Says Four Associates Held

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El-Rufai Raises Alarm Over Possible Arrest, Says Four Associates Held

Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has claimed that the federal government, led by the All Progressives Congress (APC), may be planning his arrest as political tensions in the nation rise.

El-Rufai, a former leader of the APC who is currently a leader of the opposition African Democratic Congress, reportedly said that some lawmakers were under pressure to either join the ruling party or stay in its ranks.

In a BBC Hausa interview, he made the assertions.

The former governor claimed that while he had not been arrested, some of his close allies had already been taken into custody. He has recently increased his criticism of the APC and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to Daily Trust, El-Rufai stated in the aforementioned interview with BBC Hausa, “Four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested; so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too.”

His comments indicate that the former governor and the party he led for eight years before defecting are becoming more and more at odds politically.

Furthermore, El-Rufai claimed that political players were being pressured to support the ruling APC.

He claims that the strain on legislators is a component of a larger plan to drown out opposition voices in the run-up to elections.

This comes as former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami is being arrested and is currently on trial.

Malami has been charged with offenses such as money laundering and misuse of office by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

After then, he was jailed again on suspicion of financing terrorism.

Malami, who is considered a pivotal member in President Tinubu’s opposition after switching from the APC to the ADC, has refuted the accusations, calling them a witch hunt.

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2027 APC Congresses May Trigger Complete Collapse of Ruling Party — Nabena

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2027 APC Congresses May Trigger Complete Collapse of Ruling Party — Nabena

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Publicity Secretary Yekini Nabena has cautioned the National Working Committee (NWC), chaired by Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, against letting incumbent governors take complete control of the party’s organizational structures in advance of the general elections in 2027.

Giving the party’s apparatus to the current governors could lead to internal conflicts that could jeopardize the ruling party’s existence, Nabena warned in a statement issued on Wednesday. The APC’s already brittle internal unity might be further weakened by such measures, he added.

According to Nabena, nomination papers for the upcoming party congresses are allegedly being given straight to governors, granting them the authority to choose party positions through a selection process rather than a democratic and open one.

He believes that this strategy could signal the start of significant internal party discontent.

“We are hearing that all of the nomination papers are being sent to the governors, who will ultimately choose who gets what as the party gets ready for congresses. It won’t work out. Indeed, he stated, “it will be the start of an internal crisis that could result in implosion.”

He warned that if the party leadership does not move quickly, the issue may get worse. He encouraged them to rapidly reverse the trend.

Nabena also urged party leaders and elders to weigh in and warn the NWC against actions that would hurt the APC.

He said, “It is also crucial that our party’s leaders and elders speak up now by calling the NWC members to order so that they won’t proceed in error.”

Concerning the party’s dwindling membership, Nabena cautioned that if remedial action is not done, the APC runs the risk of alienating its surviving followers. He pointed out that the party, which formerly claimed to have over 40 million members, is currently having difficulty reaching 10 million in its continuous computerized registration drive.

He emphasized that early action could assist prevent an internal implosion inside the party and further urged President Bola Tinubu to step in before the congresses begin nationally.

Breaking: Explosive Panic at Bayelsa Secretariat as Bomb Detonates

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Breaking: Explosive Panic at Bayelsa Secretariat as Bomb Detonates

Around 6:00 am, the explosion was said to have temporarily disrupted official operations while security personnel rushed in to secure the area and evaluate the situation.

CP Iyamah, the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, confirmed the development in a statement provided to reporters, stating that no one was killed and no property was harmed.

In the State Secretariat Complex, a suspected IED explosion happened today, February 11, 2026, at approximately 0600 hours. The Bayelsa State Police Command would like to notify the public of this incident. He claimed, “I led the Special Drone Unit, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, and other Tactical Teams to the scene right away.”

“The Explosive Ordinance Unit personnel quickly contained the explosion upon their arrival at the scene.”

He also said that another explosive device had been found and neutralized, and that the area was again secure.

Iyamah stated: “The area was cordoned off right away, and after a thorough search, EOD personnel found one unexploded IED and made it safe.” No property was destroyed, no lives were lost.

In connection with the incident, a 60-year-old man named One Pentecost Elijah from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State, was taken into custody on the spot.

He stated that the suspect is being questioned at the State Criminal Investigation Department at the moment and would face charges in court after the investigations are finished.

“I want to let you know that everything is under control and that things are back to normal. The people is encouraged to maintain their composure and carry on with their legitimate commercial operations,” the police commissioner continued.

Following the event, the Bayelsa State Government reportedly imposed a brief four-hour work stoppage at the secretariat as a precaution.

More than 6,000 state personnel were impacted by the instruction, which was issued by Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, the Head of Service.

While investigations and safety measures were conducted, security personnel, including members of the anti-bomb squad, blocked off access roads to Government House and the State Secretariat.

Subsequently, authorities verified that the crisis had been completely controlled and that regular operations had resumed.

Sachet Alcohol Ban Put on Hold as FG Directs NAFDAC to Stop Enforcement

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Sachet Alcohol Ban Put on Hold as FG Directs NAFDAC to Stop Enforcement

The Federal Government has directed NAFDAC, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, to immediately cease all enforcement efforts related to the prohibition of 200ml PET bottle products and sachet alcohol.

In a joint intervention, the National Security Adviser (ONS) and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) stated that the decision was necessary due to serious concerns about economic stability and possible security risks.

According to the statement, if enforcement is not stopped until the National Alcohol Policy is completely implemented, it may “destabilize communities, worsen unemployment, and trigger avoidable security challenges.”

The government explained in a statement signed by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the SGF, that although the Federal Ministry of Health, acting under President Bola Tinubu’s direction, has signed the National Alcohol Policy, NAFDAC is not allowed to seal factories or warehouses until the policy is fully operationalized.

Significant difficulties are being caused by the items’ existing “de facto banning” in the absence of a unified framework, the statement underlined.

The statement cautioned that the ongoing warehouse closures and the de facto prohibition of sachet alcohol products are already causing economic disruptions and present an increasing security risk, especially considering the effects on jobs, supply chains, and unofficial distribution networks nationwide.

According to the statement, a letter dated November 13, 2025, from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control also had an impact on the decision.

The letter emphasized previous National Assembly resolutions that warned against the planned prohibition and was signed by Deputy Chairman Uchenna Harris Okonkwo.

A prior suspension imposed in December 2025 was reiterated in the announcement, which also said that before a final decision is made, legislative, public health, and economic concerns must be reviewed.

As a result, the statement stressed, “all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures relating to the ongoing ban on sachet alcohol are to be suspended pending the final consultations and implementation of the National Alcohol Policy and the awarding of a final directive.”

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