BREAKING: PDP zones presidential slot, affirms Damagum as its National Chairman
BREAKING: PDP zones presidential slot, affirms Damagum as its National Chairman
In a significant move ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its presidential ticket to the southern region of the country.
This decision, announced following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, also confirmed that the position of national chairman will remain with a northern candidate.
The NEC’s resolution solidifies the leadership of Umar Damagum, who was affirmed as the party’s National Chairman. Damagum has been serving as acting chairman since March 2023, stepping in after the suspension of his predecessor, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
The issue of zoning has been a long-standing point of contention within the PDP. This latest decision comes as Nigeria’s current president, Bola Tinubu—a southerner and member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—has been adopted by his party as its candidate for the 2027 election.
The APC’s unanimous decision to back Tinubu, who was declared the winner of the 2023 presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has influenced the strategic thinking within the PDP.
The PDP’s 2023 presidential campaign was marred by internal conflict over zoning. The party’s decision to leave the ticket open resulted in former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a northerner, securing the nomination.
This move alienated key figures, most notably former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, who subsequently supported Tinubu.
Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and a prominent PDP chieftain, had previously warned in May 2025 that the party would be unwise to zone its presidential ticket to the North if the APC’s candidate hailed from the South.
“As a party, come out openly now (and say) our presidential candidate will also come from the South? You don’t want to do that; you want to play the same game you played in 2023. It will backfire, and when it backfires, you will say these people did this, these people did that.
“I have told people: this smartness will not help you. Come out now and let everybody know this is where we are heading. This is not the time to send the presidency to the North. No,” he said at a media parley in Abuja on May 12.
Speaking further on the issue, Wike added, “The point is that selfishness can kill a system. If Mr President runs, for example, and wins in 2027, by 2031, the APC will zone their presidential ticket to the North. The PDP will do what then?
“Then you’ll come back and say, since the APC has zoned it to the North, let’s keep it in the North. What kind of smartness is that?”
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Governor mourns as unknown persons kill Woman and six Children in her residence
Governor mourns as unknown persons kill Woman and six Children in her residence
Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has expressed deep sorrow, over the brutal killing of a woman, Fatima Abubakar, 35, and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters of the state.
The governor described the incident as barbaric, senseless, and a grave assault on human dignity.
In a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Mr Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday, Gov. Yusuf extended his condolences to the bereaved’s family, the people of Dorayi Chiranchi, and the entire Kano State.
He prayed that Allah grants the departed souls, eternal rest and gives their loved ones the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
Meanwhile, the governor vowed that his administration would ensure that perpetrators of the tragic incident, are brought to justice.
He directed the Kano State Police Command to immediately hunt down the perpetrators and ensure they are arrested and prosecuted.
According to the statement, Gov. Yusuf also ordered the Kano Neighborhood Corps, to intensify patrols and community surveillance across vulnerable areas, to prevent a recurrence of such tragedy.
He called on residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report suspicious activities, while assuring that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property.( NAN)
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‘This bronze feels like gold’, President Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ AFCON third place victory
‘This bronze feels like gold’, President Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ AFCON third place victory
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles for winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Tinubu described the achievement as a “bronze that feels like gold,” praising the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.
“This bronze medal surely feels good like gold. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles and our national team players,” the President said.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday in Abuja.
The Super Eagles defeated Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, via penalties after regulation time ended in a draw.
Tinubu commended the team for overcoming the disappointment of their semi-final loss to host nation, Morocco, on Wednesday.
He said the players demonstrated determination, persistence and the can-do spirit for which Nigeria is known.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off,” Tinubu said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bronze medal is Nigeria’s ninth in AFCON history.
Nigeria has now won the AFCON title three times, finished runners-up four times and claimed third place on record nine occasions.
Tinubu said Nigerians would be proud as the team receives their bronze medals on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco,” he said. (NAN)
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Governor, Emir, over 3 million crowd gather for Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud
Governor, Emir, over 3 million crowd gather for Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud
An estimated 3 million followers of Tijaniyya Islamic Sect from within and outside the country, on Saturday, converged on Katsina for the celebration of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud, 2026.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which took place at Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina, was organised by the “Majma’u Ahbab Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass”.
The Chairman, organising committee, Sheikh Muhammad Hadi-Balarabe, said that they anticipated about 4 million guests from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as West and North African countries.
NAN gathered that almost all hotel rooms in Katsina metropolis were occupied by those who came from far places, the situation made some residents to provide their unoccupied houses for their visitors as a demonstration of hospitality.
Those who could not afford to lodge in hotel rooms slept in the stadium in spite of the cold weather.
Before 9a.m. of Saturday, the stadium had already filled to capacity, both the seats and pitch were occupied by people, while all available surrounding spaces inside the stadium were later occupied by people.
The dual carriage road linking to the venue from the WTC roundabout up to Barhin roundabout was filled up by people.
NAN also observed that the event presented opportunities for traders, especially those selling food, water, soft drinks, herbal medicine, clothing materials, books, among others to make brisk businesses.
Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru-Bauchi, thanked the Katsina State Government for hosting the historic event and prayed Allah to bring lasting peace, stability and prosperity to the state, Northern Nigeria and the country in general.
In his remarks, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, urged Muslims to continue to stand firm in obeying the commandments of their creator.
He advised them to intensify efforts in seeking Allah’s forgiveness, follow the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), endeavour to seek for knowledge, and engage in business activities to become self reliant.
Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina, thanked the organisers for choosing his state to host the 2026 Maulud.
He appreciated the scholars for offerings prayers for peace and stability in the state and the country at large.
Radda revealed that with such prayers, peace was gradually returning to the state and urged them to sustain the prayers for the overall betterment of the state and Nigeria.
Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ eldest son, Sheikh Mahi Ibrahim-Nyass, represented by his younger brother, Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim-Nyass, prayed Allah to repose the soul of the revered Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi, who passed away some months ago.
He urged the Muslims across the globe to continue to be united, love one-another and uphold the sect firmly.
A special prayer was also offered for Katsina, Nigeria and the leaders. (NAN)
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