Salihu Isa Nataro, a former APC governorship candidate in Kebbi State, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to persuade former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, to return to the APC and align with his administration.

Nataro said the ongoing political realignment in the North makes it crucial for Tinubu to focus on the North-West zone.

He noted that after the removal of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as APC national chairman, the region lacks a strong political ally for the President.

He also expressed concern over speculation that former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, might join a coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“Even if incumbent Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf defects to the APC, a significant vacuum for zonal influence would remain,” Nataro said.

Addressing el-Rufai’s estrangement from Tinubu, Nataro attributed it to envy and political detractors.

He acknowledged that the former Kaduna governor’s only notable misstep was using foreign loans for urban beautification projects, but said this should not overshadow his record of public service.

“The narrative should have been different if el-Rufai had invested that huge loan amount to reform education and agriculture or establish cottage industries in the state.”

“But, overall, that little mistake does not detract from his excellent performance as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration,” Nataro said.

He emphasized that el-Rufai could play a key role in boosting Tinubu’s electoral prospects in the North-West.

“There is much work to be done in the North-West geopolitical zone to properly market my boss, Tinubu. I am convinced that el-Rufai can play that role effectively. I am therefore using this opportunity to impress it upon the President, as one of his ardent supporters in the region, that el-Rufai should be brought back to his camp now,” he added.

Nataro further suggested that a Tinubu/el-Rufai joint ticket would be unbeatable in the zone.

“A Tinubu/El-Rufai ticket is reliable and cannot be surmounted by any other, even if Goodluck Jonathan joins the race. Going by Nigeria’s Constitution, Jonathan has already completed his second term in office. But even if he contests, I do not think he would select a running mate from the North-West, because Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has already emerged as national chairman from the zone,” he said.

Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has filed a fresh corruption petition against the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Dangote Group on Friday, stating that the petition was formally lodged at the EFCC headquarters through Dangote’s legal team.

According to the statement, the move followed the withdrawal of an earlier petition submitted to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

The withdrawal, the company said, was a strategic decision aimed at accelerating investigation and possible prosecution.

The petition, signed by Dangote’s lead counsel, O.J. Onoja, SAN, called on the EFCC to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment levelled against Ahmed and to prosecute him if a prima facie case is established.

“We make bold to state that the commission is strategically positioned, along with sister agencies, to prosecute financial crimes and corruption-related offences, and upon establishing a prima facie case, the courts do not hesitate to punish offenders,” the petition stated, referencing Lawan v. F.R.N (2024) and Shema v. F.R.N. (2018).

Onoja further urged the EFCC, under its chairman, Ola Olukoyede, “to investigate the complaint of abuse of office and corruption against Engr. Farouk Ahmed and to accordingly prosecute him if found wanting.”

The petition emphasised that a prompt handling of the matter would not only be expedient but would also serve as a deterrent to other public officials with corrupt inclinations.

Dangote had earlier, on December 14, 2025, raised concerns over Ahmed’s alleged lifestyle, accusing the former regulator of living beyond his legitimate earnings.

He claimed that four of Ahmed’s children attended some of the most expensive secondary schools in Switzerland, at costs allegedly running into several millions of dollars.

The petition listed Montreux School, Aiglon College, Institut Le Rosey and La Garenne International School as institutions attended by the children, estimating annual tuition, travel and upkeep at about $200,000 per child, amounting to roughly $5 million for secondary education alone.

Dangote further alleged that about $2 million was spent on the children’s tertiary education, including $210,000 for one child’s Harvard MBA programme in 2025.

“Nigerians deserve to know the source of these funds, especially when many parents in Mr Ahmed’s home state of Sokoto struggle to pay as little as ₦10,000 in school fees,” the petition quoted Dangote as saying.

The petition called for a thorough investigation to promote accountability and restore public confidence in regulatory institutions, while reaffirming Dangote’s commitment to transparency in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Meanwhile, the ICPC has stated that it will continue its investigation into Ahmed despite the withdrawal of Dangote’s petition.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the commission said its enabling law allows it to proceed once an investigation has commenced.

Ahmed has denied the allegations, describing them as “wild and spurious.”

The disagreement between both parties reportedly stems from comments attributed to Ahmed in July 2024, in which he allegedly questioned the quality of locally refined petroleum products, including those produced by the Dangote Refinery.

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has refuted reports claiming that he has declared his intention to contest the presidency.

Baba-Ahmed made the clarification on Friday during an interview on Channels Television, insisting that his recent comments were misunderstood and misrepresented.

“I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” he said.

He explained that his remarks were limited to reaffirming his continued membership of the Labour Party, amid ongoing conversations about the party’s future and leadership direction.

According to him, while political possibilities may arise in the future, no decision or declaration has been made.

His clarification follows widespread media and social media reports suggesting that he was positioning himself for a presidential race ahead of the next general election, a development that sparked debates among supporters and political observers.

Elaborating further, Baba-Ahmed stated, “Two days ago, what I did was simply say that I remain in the Labour Party. I never declared to contest the presidency, even though there could be a possibility of that happening. I certainly did not declare for the presidency. I reiterated my membership of the Labour Party, and that is all.”

He noted that any decision to seek elective office would depend on the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the internal processes of the party.

“The submission I made was that one will have to wait for the INEC timetable and for the party to make the call for people to indicate their interest. I did not declare,” he added.

Baba-Ahmed also faulted the role of social media in spreading misinformation, calling on professional media organisations to uphold accuracy and responsible reporting.

“It is unfortunate that social media can be so sensational, putting out wrong narratives to emotional listeners. I believe formal media like yours should serve as filters and barriers so that the general public can always consume the correct information,” he said.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving the people of Enugu State with integrity and dedication, assuring them that his administration will keep delivering results that make the state proud.

The governor gave the assurance on Friday during the 50th coronation anniversary of the traditional ruler of Ihuokpara in Nkanu East Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Fidelis Nwatu.

Mbah expressed deep appreciation to Igwe Nwatu and other traditional rulers from Nkanu land for endorsing him through the presentation of the Ofo staff, an Igbo symbol of authority, truth, and justice.

Describing the gesture as profound and deeply symbolic, the governor said the honour went beyond ceremonial recognition, noting that traditional rulers serve as representatives of the ancestors and custodians of cultural values.

According to him, the endorsement represented trust, authority, and responsibility bestowed by his own people, which he described as incomparable to any other honour.

Mbah assured the royal fathers that he fully understood the weight of the endorsement and pledged to continue serving Ndi Enugu with humility, energy, and commitment.

“You will never regret your action,” the governor said, as he promised to justify the confidence reposed in him.

He also congratulated Igwe Nwatu on his 50 years on the throne, describing the milestone as evidence of divine favour, ancestral approval, and the goodwill of his people.

On behalf of the Enugu State Government and its people, Mbah prayed for more years of good health, wisdom, and strength for the royal father, noting that the state continued to benefit from his experience and leadership.

The governor further reassured traditional rulers across the state of significant improvements in their welfare beginning from January 2026, stressing that their role as custodians of culture, values, and communal memory made their wellbeing a priority.

He disclosed that the 2026 budget placed the welfare of traditional rulers at the top of government priorities, adding that they would notice a substantial difference in their monthly entitlements.

Earlier, while presenting the Ofo staff on behalf of other royal fathers, Igwe Nwatu praised Governor Mbah for what he described as exceptional leadership and landmark projects, stating that Enugu State had never experienced governance of such quality.

He explained that the Ofo staff symbolised an endorsement for the governor to continue his good works across the state.

Highlights of the celebration included the unveiling of a book titled “Leadership as Service: A Portrait of Stewardship, Justice and Peace,” authored by Igwe Nwatu, as well as the cutting of the golden jubilee cake by the monarch, flanked by the governor and other dignitaries.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has dismissed reports suggesting that the impeachment process initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, has been suspended, insisting that the process is still ongoing.

The Assembly made this clarification in a press statement issued on Friday and signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which commenced on Thursday, January 8, 2026, is being conducted strictly in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

“The Rivers State House of Assembly wishes to inform the good people of Rivers State that the impeachment process commenced by the House on Thursday, January 8, 2026, is fully on course in line with relevant constitutional provisions,” the statement read.

The Assembly disclosed that two separate notices of allegations of gross misconduct have been issued against the governor and the deputy governor under Section 188 of the Constitution.

The notices, it said, have been forwarded to both officials by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, and the lawmakers are currently awaiting their responses.

The Assembly maintained that it remains constitutionally empowered to act in defence of the rule of law and to check infractions by public office holders, adding that members of the House are duty-bound to carry out this responsibility.

Reacting to reports circulating online that the impeachment process had been halted, the Assembly accused some individuals and media platforms of deliberately misleading the public and attempting to sow discord between the legislature and the people.

“We are aware that certain persons and media platforms are spreading false narratives to suggest that the process has been discontinued,” the statement said. “Such actions are aimed at causing disaffection, but they have already failed.”

The lawmakers stressed that they would not be deterred by intimidation, threats, or what they described as “cheap blackmail,” reiterating their commitment to upholding constitutional democracy.

The Assembly also expressed appreciation to residents of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments, while extending goodwill to Nigerians who believe in democratic governance.

During plenary on Thursday, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read out the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara.

The allegations reportedly include the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary expenditures, withholding of funds allocated to the Assembly Service Commission, and alleged refusal to comply with a Supreme Court judgment on the financial autonomy of the legislature.

The impeachment proceedings come amid heightened political tension in the state, following allegations by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that Governor Fubara breached a peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu in 2025.