APC warns President Tinubu’s Minister over ‘unguarded’ party comments

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has warned the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, over alleged unguarded comments on party affairs.

In a letter signed by Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, and released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, the party voiced its concerns.

It said recent media remarks credited to Ata on internal matters and aspirants could mislead members and encourage disunity across the state chapter.

The party noted that only authorised spokespersons may address such issues, adding that Ata holds no communications role within the APC.

It acknowledged his right to support any aspirant but reminded him that his cabinet position requires him to strengthen unity within the party.

The letter accused Ata of making repeated “uncomplimentary and derogatory” remarks and warned that continued conduct of this nature could lead to sanctions. (NAN)

I am not scheming to be PDP Vice Presidential candidate – Northern Governor

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has dismissed claims suggesting he is eyeing the vice-presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, the governor addressed ongoing speculation about his political future, stating clearly that he is not positioning himself for the role. He also shared insights into the PDP’s internal strategy, zoning arrangements, and broader preparations for the 2027 polls.
“I am not withdrawing because I want to prepare myself for the vice presidency. Of course, if it is within the consensus of our party leaders and the presidential candidate to choose me.

“I am ready. But certainly, if I am not given it, I will give my maximum support to whoever emerges,” Mohammed said.

Speaking on reports suggesting that the PDP was working on a joint ticket featuring Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as presidential candidate with himself as running mate, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors’ Forum said the speculations were unfounded.

“I and Seyi have never discussed the issue of pairing. What we have mentioned is the issue of taking over power by the grace of God so that we can give Nigerians the opportunity of good governance in 2027 and beyond,” he stated.

JUST IN; PDP Governors ask Peter Obi to return to its fold ahead of 2027

Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bala Mohammed, has publicly called on Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emphasizing the need for opposition unity to address the country’s challenges.

Mohammed made the appeal during Obi’s visit to the Bauchi Government House on Friday, praising him for what he described as a “new brand of politics” focused on constructive engagement and people-oriented governance.

“Your Excellency, my brother, we are really delighted by the new lease of life you bring to Nigerian politics,” he said, addressing journalists, stakeholders, and members of the Obidient Movement.

The governor also lauded Obi’s record in education and healthcare during his tenure as Anambra State governor. “You have spoken on two critical areas — health and education. We know your passion and what you did in Anambra. This is the kind of insight and roadmap we need for Nigeria,” Mohammed stated.

Criticizing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed said the current administration lacks planning and vision. He argued that the opposition must move beyond individual ambitions and align for the national interest.

“Politics is not about sharing rice during Sallah or Christmas. It is about understanding where the shoe pinches and acting accordingly,” he said, adding that disunity only strengthens the ruling party.

“Nigerian politics cannot be done with ego, differences, or personal interests. The opposition — PDP, ADC, SDP, LP — must come together. We must harmonize our interests in the interest of the people of Nigeria,” he said.

Reiterating his invitation to Obi, Mohammed declared, “I told you last night, and I’m saying it again publicly — we want you to come back to PDP. That’s where you belong. Don’t go anywhere else.”

Peter Obi, in response, acknowledged the governor’s warm reception and echoed his call for collaboration across opposition parties.

“I came to Bauchi to visit two schools of nursing, but beyond that, I came to meet my brother so we can talk about the problems of the people and how to solve them together,” Obi said.

“To all of us in the opposition, it’s important that we work together. It’s no longer about us — it’s about our country. Our politics must change. It must be the politics of development, competence, capacity, and compassion,” he added.

Obi had earlier donated N15 million to two educational institutions in Bauchi — N10 million to Malkiya College of Nursing Sciences and N5 million to Intisharu Taufizul Quranic Islamic School in Yelwa. At Malkiya, he emphasized the critical role of nurses, noting that he supports 60 to 70 nursing schools across Nigeria each year.

“This is not about politics — this is about societal progress,” he said.

At the Quranic school, he stressed the importance of integrating Islamic and conventional education. “Our children need both Islamic teachings and skills like English and Maths to succeed,” he remarked.

In a separate meeting with Students’ Union Government (SUG) Presidents, Obi reaffirmed his promise to serve only one four-year term if elected president, describing it as “sacrosanct.”

“Longevity in office is not a mark of success; rather, it is purposeful, accountable service — however brief — that defines true statesmanship,” he said.