The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has berated the All Progressives Congress (APC) for choosing the “ethically challenged” former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, as its National Chairman.

PDP in a statement in Abuja on Thursday said the choice of Ganduje by the APC as its National Chairman, in spite of the alleged corruption and bribery allegations against him in the public domain confirms that the APC is a “cesspit of corruption and a haven for thieves, bribe takers and treasury looters.”

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The statement signed by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary of the party disclosed that by appointing Ganduje, “notoriously referred to as “Gandola” by Nigerians over the infamous video of him stuffing his gown with US Dollar notes as bribe allegedly from a contractor, while serving as Governor of Kano State, further validates that the APC is a putrid Party of embezzlers and charlatans.

“It also underscores APC’s impunity and insensitivity to the demands of honesty, integrity and moral rectitude required of public office holders.”

“The PDP invites Nigerians to note that only last month, a forensic analysis by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) confirmed that the content of the 2017 “Gandollar” viral video was not doctored.

“It speaks volume of the APC under Senator Bola Tinubu that Ganduje, who should ordinarily be under prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged bribery is rather crowned and rewarded with the position of the APC National Chairman.”

The party also describes the assertion by Ganduje that he will “hit the ground running” to ensure the victory of his Party in the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa as a pathetic day-dreaming.

“The PDP also reminds Ganduje of how he was humiliated by Nigerians and failed woefully as Co-Chairman of APC National Campaign Council for the July 2022 Osun State Governorship election, which was overwhelmingly won by the PDP. Indeed, a worse crushing defeat awaits Ganduje and his Party, the APC, in the November 11, 2023 Governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo States,” the PDP said.

President Joe Biden has called for the immediate release of Niger Republic’s ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

Biden, in a message on Thursday to mark Niger’s 63rd Independence anniversary, also called for the restoration of democracy.

Biden said: “I call for President Bazoum and his family to be immediately released, and for the preservation of Niger’s hard-earned democracy,” Biden said in a statement Thursday, the 63rd anniversary of Niger’s independence.

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“In this critical moment, the United States stands with the people of Niger to honor our decades-long partnership rooted in shared democratic values and support for civilian-led governance.”

The United States President added that the Nigerien people have the right to choose their leaders.

“They have expressed their will through free and fair elections — and that must be respected,” he said.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has advised Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State to cease the militarization of the region aimed at ending the suspended sit-at-home order.

The pro-Biafra group criticized the governor’s aggressive approach, which they argue is escalating tensions and causing unnecessary harm.

IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, issued a press release on Thursday stating, “The utilization of security forces to harass, intimidate, and humiliate our people in Enugu State is unacceptable.”

He accused Mbah of chasing shadows instead of focusing on good governance, alleging that his tactics have led to the deaths of over five innocent people within a month of his governorship.

IPOB contrasted Mbah’s approach with that of his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who they claim managed the situation strategically without escalating tensions.

“Governor Peter Mbah should know that those advising him to use excessive force to stop the sit-at-home are setting him up against the people,” Emma Powerful noted.

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The group also suggested that while they have suspended the sit-at-home order in solidarity with their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Okwuchukwu Kanu, the governor’s use of force is compelling residents to voluntarily observe the order.

“Most Biafrans are not observing Monday sit-at-home because of Simon Ekpa. Biafran’s solidarity is with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Emma Powerful affirmed.

The IPOB spokesperson further advised Mbah to learn from other states and stop ‘suffering’ the people of Enugu State.

He urged the governor to focus on other pressing governance challenges and allow the sit-at-home order to ‘die’ a natural death.

Comrade Emma Powerful issued a warning against the revival of the defunct Monday sit-at-home order.

He accused Nigeria’s security agencies of enforcing this non-existent order with the intention of dismantling IPOB.

He cautioned, “Some people will be afraid to go about their normal business with the military siege of the State going by the antecedents of the military who have a penchant for abductions, humiliation, and murder of innocent Biafran civilians.”

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday, paid a courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his Daura residence in Katsina State.

The first lady who was accompanied on the visit by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, said the visit was to check on the former president and thank him for the fatherly support.

Mrs Tinubu, in a statement by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, prayed for long life, good health and more support from him not only for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but Nigeria as a whole.

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In his brief remarks after the visit, the former president expressed appreciation, saying the visit which was to see how he was settling down to life after public office was remarkable.

“As you can all see, she came to check up on me and see that I am doing okay.”

Others who were there with the First Lady were the wife of the Katsina State Governor, Hajiya Dikko Radda and the wife of the Speaker, Katsina State House of Assembly Hajiya Nasir Daura among other APC women chieftains in the State.