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Ndume: El-Rufai Got What He Deserved, But Tinubu’s Role Still Baffles Me

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Ndume: El-Rufai Got What He Deserved, But Tinubu’s Role Still Baffles Me

Borno South Senator Ali Ndume has commented on the political repercussions between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, saying that although El-Rufai might have deserved to be left off the ministerial list, it is still unclear why.

Ndume, who played a pivotal role in Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign, expressed surprise at El-Rufai’s exclusion from the cabinet in an appearance on Arise Television on Tuesday night.

El-Rufai was meant to be on Amaechi’s side, which is our side. Nevertheless, he took action to back Tinubu. And as he correctly stated, Tinubu invited him to join the team. El-Rufai left our group, therefore I haven’t been close to him since,” Ndume remarked.

He pointed out that during the APC presidential primary, El-Rufai first sided with former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, but he later changed sides and emerged as a crucial member of Tinubu’s campaign apparatus.

Tinubu proposed El-Rufai for a ministry position after the election victory. However, El-Rufai’s name was inexplicably removed off the final list even though she was given a warm reception and the “take a bow and go” treatment during Senate screening.

“He did a lot for Tinubu and really mobilized.” He was nominated by the president, but I still don’t understand what transpired. But that’s none of my concern,” Ndume said.

By suggesting that El-Rufai’s treatment was a reflection of his own previous behavior, the senator alluded to political karma.

Read Also: Tinubu, Queen Mary Discuss Boosting Cooperation in Agriculture, Education, and Development

“You also did that to us. It’s retaliation against you. Even though I don’t like El-Rufai, the facts must be stated,” he continued.

Ndume called President Tinubu’s decision to fire El-Rufai following his verified campaign contributions a mistake.

Mr. President made a mistake there. When El-Rufai entered the room, we requested him to bow and go. He already had plans in place and had the experience. “I was prepared,” he declared.

Within political circles, the rift between Tinubu and El-Rufai is still causing people to wonder what causes led to the surprise choice.

Tinubu, Queen Mary Discuss Boosting Cooperation in Agriculture, Education, and Development

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Tinubu, Queen Mary Discuss Boosting Cooperation in Agriculture, Education, and Development

Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark made her first official visit to Nigeria as the Patron of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Tuesday when she was hosted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Queen Mary’s visit, which she welcomed with Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was centered on enhancing bilateral ties and investigating prospects in economic cooperation, education, and sustainable development.

President Tinubu highlighted the significance of growing Nigeria’s dairy and livestock industry during the conference, characterizing it as a vital sector for food security, rural development, and job creation. He said that Nigeria is willing to work with Denmark in fields including veterinary medicine, information transfer, and contemporary agriculture methods.

According to Tinubu, Nigeria’s expanding population offers both benefits and challenges. “We can turn farmer-herder conflicts into organized economic opportunities and empower communities with the right investment in livestock and education.”

The president stated that his Renewed Hope Agenda and foreign policy direction continue to place a high priority on population management. By 2050, Nigeria is expected to have 400 million people living there, therefore he emphasized the importance of making smart investments in jobs, healthcare, education, and agriculture.

In addition, President Tinubu praised Denmark’s ongoing humanitarian assistance to displaced people in areas impacted by violence and the contributions made by Danish corporations such as Grundfos and A.P. Moller–Maersk to Nigeria’s economic and infrastructure development.

Regarding social development, he praised Queen Mary and Nigeria’s First Lady’s increasing cooperation, particularly on projects like school feeding programs and attempts to lower the number of children who are not in school. Senator Oluremi Tinubu also emphasized how traditional Islamic institutions are continuously changing to meet formal education requirements.

In her speech, Queen Mary thanked everyone for the cordial welcome and offered her condolences for the situation in northeastern Nigeria. Through investments in the green economy, women’s economic empowerment, child health, and cultural interaction, she underlined Denmark’s commitment to fortifying ties with Nigeria.

During her tour, the Queen also announced intentions to visit the A.P. Moller–Maersk terminal in Lagos and praised the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative.

The trip strengthens Nigeria’s long-standing alliance with Denmark, which is based on the mutual objectives of inclusive growth, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development.

Senator Barau Rejects VP Speculation, Says Tinubu Ticket Talk Is Misplaced

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Senator Barau Rejects VP Speculation, Says Tinubu Ticket Talk Is Misplaced

Recent requests for him to be chosen as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate for the general elections in 2027 have been rejected by Senate Deputy President Barau I. Jibrin, who has called the agitation needless and premature.

Ismail Mudashir, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, released a statement on Tuesday in which Senator Barau urged the Northern Nigeria Progressive Youth Assembly (NNPYA) and other organizations making the demand to stop their activities. He appealed to them to put more effort into helping President Tinubu’s government implement the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Several statements on social media and in national dailies by organizations like the Northern Nigeria Progressive Youth Assembly (NNPYA) have caught my notice. They are pleading with our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to choose me as his running partner in 2027. He said, “This is not in our best interest and is out of place right now.”

Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, stressed that the success of the current government should be the top priority for all Nigerians. He made a plea, saying, “If you are really my supporters, please stop this needless clamor and board the train to bring back the great times of our nation under the capable leadership of President Tinubu.”

Reiterating his dedication to the president’s agenda, the senator urged the public to support the government’s programs, many of which he claimed were already having an impact. “President Tinubu is sincere about improving the lot of our nation. Let’s help him carry out his plans for the good of all Nigerians,” he continued.

The statement is made as political debate over the 2027 elections heats up, especially in relation to Vice President Kashim Shettima’s potential inclusion on the ticket.

Breaking: DSS Detains NANS President Isah Despite Bail Order

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Breaking: DSS Detains NANS President Isah Despite Bail Order

The Department of State Services (DSS) has refused to release Atiku Abubakar Isah, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), even after he met his bail conditions and secured a release order from a Magistrate Court in Abuja.

Isah was granted bail on Tuesday by Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna of the Zone 6 Magistrate Court following his arraignment. However, the DSS returned him to detention, claiming that the magistrate’s signature on the bail documents was still being awaited.

Sources said that Isah’s legal team, along with activist Omoyele Sowore, visited the DSS office with the necessary court documents. Despite presenting the release order, security operatives reportedly stalled his release by requesting additional documents that were not required.

Earlier that day, the DSS had arraigned Isah in court without notifying his lawyers. The student leader’s arrest came after a petition by Olusola Ladoja, a rival who claims to be the legitimate NANS President, allegedly with the backing of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.

Isah’s family and supporters have raised concerns over his welfare in custody. They allege he is being subjected to inhumane treatment — denied food, medical care, and proper hygiene. Family members who visited him described his appearance as frail and unkempt, with Isah reportedly pleading for something to eat during the visit.

Despite reassurances from DSS officials that Isah’s release is imminent, he remains in detention under harsh conditions.

Sanwo-Olu Urges APC Candidates to Intensify Campaigns Ahead of Lagos LG Elections

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Sanwo-Olu Urges APC Candidates to Intensify Campaigns Ahead of Lagos LG Elections

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on all chairmanship and councillorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to approach the forthcoming July 12 Local Government Elections with seriousness and dedication.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting where he officially presented party flags to APC candidates, Sanwo-Olu stressed that no election should be underestimated. He charged party leaders and supporters to work collectively to reaffirm APC’s dominance in Lagos State.

The governor reminded candidates that the party’s strength must be evident at the grassroots level, urging them to engage directly with residents, earn their trust, and secure their votes.

“We must knock on every door, connect with the people, and let them see those who seek their mandate. Every election is local, and nothing should be left to chance,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Sanwo-Olu emphasized that internal differences following primary elections are expected in a democratic setting. He appealed to aggrieved members to put aside personal grievances and place the party’s interest above individual ambitions, describing party unity as critical to victory at the polls.

He further noted that his appeal was made at the request of President Bola Tinubu, who commended party loyalists for their steadfastness in maintaining APC’s stronghold in Lagos

Trump Criticizes Israel, Iran Over Failed Ceasefire Deal

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Trump Criticizes Israel, Iran Over Failed Ceasefire Deal

Following the breakdown of a ceasefire agreement he mediated between the two longtime adversaries, US President Donald Trump has lashed out at both Israel and Iran, warning that further military action will violate the truce and exacerbate tensions.
According to reports, Trump, who announced the staggered ceasefire late Monday, stated that both nations had “fully agreed” to end hostilities, describing the move as a “breakthrough” after a “12-day war.”
However, just hours before the ceasefire was about to go into effect on Tuesday, the Israeli government accused Iran of breaking the rules, which Tehran promptly rejected, raising new concerns about the fragile truce.

The ceasefire was scheduled to begin at 4:00 a.m. GMT on Tuesday, but Israel said that Iran fired missiles quickly after it began. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office criticized the move and threatened to “respond forcefully” to any attack.
“Israel will not stand idle in the face of provocation,” the office stated, cautioning that Tel Aviv has the right to protect itself.

Read Also: Property Dispute: Oak Homes CEO, Olusanya Admits Failure To Deliver Property At Agreed Date

In response, Iranian authorities denied violating the cease-fire, accused Israel of making “false claims” and warned that they would not hesitate to respond.

“Any renewed aggression will be met with a decisive, firm, and timely response,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry said in a televised statement. POCO smartphones.

Trump, apparently enraged by the developments, resorted to his Truth Social platform to rant, accusing both sides of undermining a peace initiative he had tirelessly promoted.

“The cease-fire is in effect! Thank you for paying attention to this topic!” Trump posted, emphasizing that no more attacks should occur.

In a subsequent post packed with rage and expletives, Trump warned that any additional Israeli assault of Iran would violate the terms of the agreement.

“All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly ‘Plane Wave’ to Iran,” he said in his trademark dramatic flair.

Despite Trump’s warnings, Israeli soldiers allegedly hit a radar station north of Tehran in what officials called a “limited response.”

However, following a direct contact between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump, the Israeli government declared that future assaults would be halted awaiting diplomatic consultations.

Property Dispute: Oak Homes CEO, Olusanya Admits Failure To Deliver Property At Agreed Date

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Property Dispute: Oak Homes CEO, Olusanya Admits Failure To Deliver Property At Agreed Date

The Chief Executive Officer Oak Homes Limited and a property developer, Mr. Olukayode Olusanya, has admitted before the Lagos State High Court, sitting at Tafa Balewa Square, that his company failed to deliver two apartment units to a client as agreed, in an ongoing N152 million property dispute.

Olusanya admitted during proceedings in Suit No: LD/4471LM/2023 he filed against a United State’s based Engineer, Mr. Anthony Ugbebor and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who are the first and second defendants respectively.

During Cross-examinatiin by defence counsel, Mr. N. Salau, Olusanya told Justice Akingbola George of the court that the company did not meet the agreed completion and handover date.

“The completion date we communicated was two and a half years who was supposed to be late 2019 thereabout. February 28, 2019, was the completion and handover date. Yes, we didn’t deliver to the first defendant,” Olusanya said.

When asked if he had the first defendant’s authorisation to sell the two three-bedroom apartment units at Oak Residence, Victoria Island, Olusanya responded, “I got the authorisation to sell from the first defendant? No. But from the EFCC, yes.”

On whether the first defendant accepted the delay in delivery, the witness stated “Yes”, he was contented with the delay. He was fully aware of the scenario.”

Olusanya confirmed their transaction was based on an offer letter dated November 6, 2017, and that the first defendant paid a total of N152 million to Oak Homes over three years, with the final payment made in late 2022.

When asked if he had documented the grounds for terminating the contract, he replied “I did not state the grounds for the liquidation of the contract. As stated in the contract, I made a refund based on the instructions of the second defendant (EFCC).”

Earlier, while being led in evidence by his counsel, Mr. Adeleke Agboola (SAN), the claimant identified two initial offer letters addressed to the first defendant, dated November 6 and November 7, 2017, respectively. A third offer letter was issued in 2022 to Kofo Coker and Co.

On the whereabouts of the original offer letters, Olusanya said: “They are with the first defendant.”

He added that communication between Oak Homes and the first defendant was primarily via email.

The witness also referred to a letter from the EFCC Cybercrime Department, dated April 27, 2023.

He stated that Oak Homes responded via letters dated June 8, 2023, and August 3, 2023, the latter titled “Notice to Seize to Trespass Property.”

“There were several bank drafts made to the defendant. Subsequent communications included an email from our counsel to the first defendant and the EFCC, and a letter titled ‘Notice of Trespass and Desist’ sent to both parties,” he stated.

The court admitted Olusanya’s statement of claim, sworn on May 8, 2024, and a further affidavit filed in June 2025. Nine supporting documents were also admitted as exhibits.

However, when Agboola sought to tender additional documents, including the property purchase agreement and documents from the Lagos State Government, defence counsel Salau objected to the admissibility of the agreement, arguing it was unsigned.

Citing the case of OzorKwenyu v. PDP (2018), Salau said: “An unsigned document is a worthless paper.”

In response, Agboola argued that lack of a signature did not preclude admissibility, relying on Aliu v. Nnamdi (2022): “My learned friend didn’t say the document wasn’t received, only that it wasn’t signed. That does not affect admissibility.”

In a bench ruling, Justice George held “The unsigned agreement between the claimant and the first defendant is hereby rejected.”

Meanwhile, EFCC counsel, Mr. M. A. Sheu, applied for an adjournment, explaining he had just resumed work after a period of illness and needed time to review the case file and prepare for cross-examination.

Justice George granted the application and adjourned the matter to June 30, 2025, for continuation of trial.

Tinubu Govt Poised to Seal 30 MoUs as Nigeria-Brazil SDM Opens in Abuja

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Tinubu Govt Poised to Seal 30 MoUs as Nigeria-Brazil SDM Opens in Abuja

Nigeria is ready to sign more than 30 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Brazil as the second Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) session began Tuesday, June 24 in Abuja.
The arrival of Brazil’s vice president, Geraldo Alckmin, who is starting a three-day state visit, was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President).
According to the statement, the visit’s goal is to improve bilateral ties between the two countries. The Memorandums of Understanding are expected to cover a wide range of strategic areas, including cultural and educational exchange programs, trade facilitation, industrial development, energy cooperation and transition initiatives, agricultural technology transfer, defense and security collaboration, and more.

The Brazilian delegation, along with Alckmin and his spouse, Maria Lúcia Alckmin, were welcomed at the State House Conference Center by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Governors, ministries, presidential aides, representatives of the Nigerian and Brazilian diplomatic corps, and Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, the President’s deputy chief of staff, were also in attendance to welcome Alckmin.

In addition, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Idi Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, were in attendance.

Read Also: Breaking: SDP National Chairman Gabam, Auditor, Youth Leader Suspended with Immediate Effect

The three-day gathering will provide President Bola Tinubu’s administration with a forum to draw in fresh investment, encourage technical collaboration, and open doors for more strategic corporate interactions.

The visit is “a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s renewed hope agenda,” Senator Hadejia said during the airport reception, emphasizing the strategic importance of fortifying relations with Brazil.

“This dialogue mechanism represents our commitment to leveraging South-South partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to our citizens,” Hadejia said.

“Brazil’s expertise in agribusiness, energy transition, and industrial development aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s transformation priorities and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

At the end of the three-day summit, more than thirty Memorandums of Understanding will be signed in key areas, such as energy cooperation, agricultural technology transfer, defense cooperation, and cultural exchange programs, Hadejia stated.

Highlights of the visit include: “Vice President Kashim Shettima will host Alckmin throughout his visit, which will feature several joint events, including the opening ceremony of the Strategic Dialogue on Tuesday morning at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

On Tuesday afternoon, the foreign ministers of Brazil and Nigeria will hold a joint press conference at the State House.

The visiting delegation will be honored with a Brazil Gala Dinner later that evening, hosted by Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Breaking: SDP National Chairman Gabam, Auditor, Youth Leader Suspended with Immediate Effect

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Breaking: SDP National Chairman Gabam, Auditor, Youth Leader Suspended with Immediate Effect

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) National Working Committee (NWC) has declared that Shehu Gabam, the Party’s national chairman, and two NWC members—National Auditor Nnadi Clarkson and National Youth Leader Chukwuma Uchechukwu—will be suspended immediately.
Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party’s national publicity secretary, reportedly revealed in a statement released on Tuesday, June 25, 2025, that party members had been suspended due to accusations of serious financial wrongdoing, theft, misappropriation, and diversion of party funds. Mobile phones that are accessible
The National Chairman and other involved NWC members have been suspended in order to allow for a comprehensive inquiry, according to Aiyenigba.

The SDP leader claims that in accordance with the party’s Constitution, Sadiq Umar Abubakar, the Deputy National Chairman (North), has taken over as Acting National Chairman in the interim.
Aiyenigba also stated that the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) and all other pertinent agencies had been informed of these officers’ suspension.

Read Also: El-Rufai Screaming for Relevance, Embarking on Revenge Tour — PDP’s Okai

“The decision followed resolutions made by members of the National Working Committee (NWC), wherein overwhelming evidence was presented that connected the suspended officials to a number of unauthorized financial transactions, personal enrichment schemes, and the transfer of funds from the party’s accounts without the NWC’s approval,” the statement reads.

This initially became apparent when it was found that the National Chairman had submitted an unauthorized financial statement to INEC, as required of all political parties.

The newspapers also carried a synopsis of the bogus account. Upon learning about this, the NWC decided to notify law police of the bogus anomalies.

“The NWC’s decision to suspend the National Chairman and two NWC members implicated in the egregious financial misconduct will also show the public that the Party, which is widely regarded by Nigerians as a disciplined party and a legitimate alternative political platform for national redemption, has zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of power.” Our political party’s integrity must always be maintained.

To examine all financial documents and suggest additional disciplinary or legal measures, an interim investigating panel has been established.

“The resources and donations realized from the sale of nomination forms in the general elections of 2023, as well as other funds from the party accounts, total hundreds of millions of naira in misappropriated funds.”

“Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, Nze Nnadi Clarkson, and Uchechukwu Ogbonna Chukwuma are suspended with immediate effect.”

El-Rufai Screaming for Relevance, Embarking on Revenge Tour — PDP’s Okai

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El-Rufai Screaming for Relevance, Embarking on Revenge Tour — PDP’s Okai

The head of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Usman Okai Austin, has claimed that Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, is traveling on a vengeance tour against President Bola Tinubu.
Okai’s remarks were said to coincide with El-Rufai’s assertion that Tinubu will not be able to win the 2027 presidential election. Smartphones with accessibility features
On Tuesday, Okai wrote on Facebook that El-Rufai should let Nigerians, not him, who is speaking like a deity, decide Tinubu’s fate in 2027.

The leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Okai, was described as “ego-driven” and “pure sour grapes,” emphasizing that his replacement, Governor Uba Sani, had methodically undermined his political significance.

In his own words, El-Rufai used his childhood friend Uba as a weapon against Shehu Sani after manipulating him into becoming his chief administrator.
According to him, El-Rufai is more concerned about Nasir El-Rufai than with Nigeria. Instead of El-Rufai, who attempts to take the people’s power and speaks like God, let Nigerians decide Tinubu’s fate in 2027.

“Even if Uba and Shehu Sani are siblings, this is the same El-Rufai who used Uba as a weapon against Shehu Sani after manipulating his childhood friend into becoming his chief of staff. Blood was more compelling than water.

“He used to be a kingmaker, but now he is a pawn being used, dumped, and left fuming with anger.”

Okai claims that El-Rufai has been entirely marginalized by President Tinubu and is frantically attempting to defend himself.

Read Also: Nigeria Targeted for Ruin by Organised Urban Bandits — El-Rufai

El-Rufai’s role in making Kaduna Nigeria’s first Muslim-Muslim ticket state was also criticized by the PDP chieftain, who charged him with directing rampant instability and fostering religious imbalance.

“No calls, no reconciliation,” he continued. Just calculating, cold disrespect. Currently, El-Rufai is on a tour of retaliation, giving interviews, accusing others of treachery, and frantically attempting to defend himself.

He was so bold as to suggest that Tinubu should adopt his polarizing approach. However, Tinubu beat him. VP Shettima was chosen. The aspiration of become a minister fell through.

If Uba Sani had continued to be his puppet or Tinubu had appointed him a minister, El-Rufai would be praising him now. However, now? Another resentful former governor, he is flailing in the political mud and yelling for attention.

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