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2027 Push: Action Alliance Unveils Digital Portal To Drive Mass Membership

The Action Alliance has taken a major step toward modernising its operations with the launch of a digital membership portal designed to enhance transparency, inclusiveness, and grassroots participation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Unveiled in Abuja, the platform allows Nigerians to seamlessly register as party members online and receive instant digital identification cards, eliminating the bottlenecks associated with manual registration processes.

National Chairman, Udeze Kenneth, described the initiative as a turning point for the party, noting that it signals a shift toward a more citizen-driven political movement.

“We are building a platform that prioritises the people and opens up participation to all Nigerians,” he said.

The portal enables registration using phone numbers, simplifying access while issuing digital membership cards embedded with QR codes for easy authentication during party activities such as rallies and primaries.

Developed by Augustine Ugbede Thomas of Stinet Digital, the system incorporates real-time verification using phone numbers and National Identification Numbers (NIN), helping to eliminate duplicate entries and strengthen data credibility.

Party officials disclosed that the platform spans all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with detailed coverage extending to local government areas and polling units, ensuring nationwide accessibility.

A live membership counter, which displays real-time registration figures, is also integrated into the system to promote transparency and encourage wider participation.

Beyond registration, members can access benefits such as digital ID cards, participation in party primaries, event notifications, and easy profile management.

Administrators, on the other hand, are equipped with a centralised dashboard for monitoring, verification, and strategic mobilisation.

Thomas described the innovation as a practical example of technology advancing democratic engagement, adding that the platform is scalable and capable of accommodating millions of users.

Planned upgrades include SMS notifications, campaign tools, event check-ins, payment features, and a dedicated mobile application.

The party said the initiative aligns with its broader vision of reforming Nigeria’s political space and attracting greater youth involvement.

“This represents the future of political participation—open, transparent, and accessible to every Nigerian with a mobile phone,” the party stated.

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2027: Gov Yusuf Gives Appointees 7-Day Notice  To Quit

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has directed all political appointees and public servants with ambitions to contest in the 2027 elections to resign from their positions within seven days.

The directive, conveyed in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, and obtained by DAILY GAZETTE, sets a deadline of March 31, 2026, for affected officials to either step down or formally retire from service.

Those covered by the order include commissioners, special advisers, directors-general, executive secretaries, managing directors, senior special assistants, special assistants, and other aides across government agencies.

The state government said the move is in line with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly Section 88(1), which governs the involvement of public office holders in partisan politics.

According to the statement, the decision is intended to enforce compliance with legal standards while preserving neutrality, accountability, and ethical conduct within the public service.

“All affected officials are required to resign or retire on or before the stipulated date if they intend to participate in the forthcoming general elections,” the statement emphasised.

The directive has been circulated to key government offices, including the Chief of Staff, the Head of Civil Service, the Clerk of the State Assembly, and judicial authorities, signalling the administration’s resolve to ensure strict adherence.

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PDP Crisis Eases As Rival Factions Open Talks For Truce

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, has revealed that warring factions within the party have begun exploring concrete pathways toward resolving the lingering internal crisis.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Turaki called for calm among party loyalists, urging them to tone down hostile rhetoric and actions that could undermine ongoing reconciliation efforts.

He stressed that the current peace moves were partly in response to guidance from the Court of Appeal, which recently advised aggrieved parties to seek amicable settlement.

According to him, the party’s Board of Trustees, led by Adolphus Wabara, has constituted a high-level committee to engage estranged members, resolve contentious issues, and reposition the party ahead of future elections.

As part of the de-escalation strategy, the party’s National Working Committee has postponed key meetings, including those of the National Executive Committee and National Caucus, while also scaling back confrontational communications.

Turaki, however, expressed concern over what he described as continued provocative statements from the opposing faction, despite expectations of mutual restraint.

He warned that such actions could derail reconciliation efforts, especially given the tight timelines imposed by Nigeria’s electoral framework.

“Leaders on both sides have broken the ice and are actively exploring solutions for a lasting resolution,” he said, urging supporters to align with the peace process.

Reassuring party faithful and aspirants, Turaki affirmed that the PDP remains committed to fielding candidates for all elective positions in upcoming elections, in line with its constitution.

He also commended Nigerians who continue to identify with the party, noting that despite internal challenges, the PDP’s core support base remains strong.

Highlighting the party’s democratic role, Turaki described the PDP as a legacy political force with a responsibility to provide credible opposition and strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria.

He further conveyed a vote of confidence by the party’s leadership in Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, praising their resilience amid the ongoing crisis.

The PDP chairman concluded by assuring Nigerians that the party is stabilising and will actively participate in forthcoming elections, positioning itself as a viable platform for competitive and people-driven politics.

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Governor Mbah: Equipping Today’s Children For Tomorrow’s Possibilities 

By Chukwuemeka Odoh, Ph.D

Equipping today’s children for tomorrow’s possibilities and helping every child reach their full potential in Enugu State is the driving force behind the vision of Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and his smart school initiative.

What we are witnessing with the rollout of over 260 smart schools across the state is not just another government project; it is a real and meaningful shift in how education is seen and delivered. For many people, this kind of transformation once felt like something far off in the future. Today, it is becoming reality.

At a very simple level, the idea behind these smart schools is clear: children learn better when they are engaged, supported, and given the right tools. Instead of relying only on traditional teaching methods, these schools combine classroom learning with technology in a way that makes lessons come alive.

Students are no longer just sitting and listening, they are asking questions, exploring ideas, and participating actively. Learning becomes something they experience, not just something they are told.

The difference this makes can already be felt. With access to digital tools, students can see, hear, and interact with what they are learning.

A science lesson, for example, is no longer just theory, it can be visual, practical, and easier to understand. Teachers can give feedback faster, helping students correct mistakes and improve without long delays. This kind of support builds confidence and keeps students motivated.

As time goes on, the benefits become even more meaningful. Children begin to develop skills that go beyond the classroom. They learn how to think critically, how to solve problems, and how to use technology in a smart and responsible way.

These are the kinds of skills that matter in today’s world that prepare them not just for exams, but for life. In a world that is becoming more digital every day, this kind of early exposure gives them a real advantage.

Teachers are also a big part of this success story. With the tools available in smart schools, teaching becomes more effective and less stressful. They can better understand each student’s progress and adjust their approach when needed.

Instead of teaching everyone the same way, they can support each child based on their individual needs. At the same time, they are learning and growing too, gaining new skills that help them stay current and confident in their profession.

One of the most important aspects of this initiative is that it creates a more level playing field. Whether a child lives in a city or a rural community, they now have access to similar learning opportunities.

This helps reduce the gap between different parts of the state and ensures that no child is left behind simply because of where they were born. Education becomes not just a privilege for a few, but a real opportunity for all.

It’s also worth noting how naturally children connect with technology. When learning includes tools they are already curious about, it becomes easier to hold their attention.

They become more eager to participate, more willing to try, and more confident in expressing themselves. That spark of interest can make all the difference in how far a child is willing to go.

In the end, what Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is building goes beyond classrooms and equipment. It is about shaping a future where children in Enugu State are prepared, capable, and confident.

It is about giving them the chance to compete, not just within Nigeria, but anywhere in the world.

The smart school initiative is about giving children the tools they need to dream bigger, learn better, and achieve more. If sustained, it will not only change individual lives, but will shape the future of the entire state for generations to come.

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Iran Snubs US Peace Deal, Vows To Dictate Endgame Of War

Iran has rejected a United States-backed proposal to end the ongoing Middle East conflict, insisting that any ceasefire will occur strictly on its own terms, according to reports from state media.

Iranian state television, quoting a senior unnamed official, said the country gave a firm negative response to what it described as an American plan to halt the war.

The official stressed that Tehran would not be pressured into ending hostilities based on external timelines.

“The war will end when Iran decides—not when Donald Trump or any other actor dictates,” the official said, underscoring the country’s defiant stance.

Although there has been no formal statement from the Iranian government, the report has been widely circulated by local outlets, including Press TV, as well as Mehr and Tasnim news agencies.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, who previously led diplomatic engagements with the United States before the escalation, has yet to publicly respond to the reported proposal.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is said to be playing a mediatory role. Senior officials in Islamabad disclosed that a 15-point framework incorporating US proposals had been relayed to Tehran in a bid to de-escalate tensions in the nearly month-long conflict.

However, Iran is reportedly advancing its own conditions for peace.

These include an immediate end to military attacks and targeted killings, firm guarantees that hostilities will not resume, and compensation for war-related destruction to support reconstruction efforts.

Tehran is also demanding a halt to operations across all regional fronts, including actions against allied groups such as Hezbollah.

Additionally, Iran is seeking international recognition of its sovereignty over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz—a critical global oil transit corridor that has become central to the conflict.

The developments highlight widening gaps between the parties, despite ongoing backchannel diplomacy, raising fresh concerns about the prospects for a swift resolution to the crisis.

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Court Seals $13m Forfeiture Linked To Achimugu Firm, Rejects ‘Gift’ Defence

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has upheld the final forfeiture of $13 million tied to businesswoman Aisha Achimugu and her company, Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, ruling that the funds are proceeds of unlawful activity.

Delivering judgment, the court held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission successfully established that the money was linked to fraud and could not be traced to any legitimate business transactions.

The judge noted that the company failed to provide credible evidence explaining the source of the funds.

Justice Nwite dismissed claims that the $13 million constituted gifts to Achimugu, stressing that neither the alleged donors nor the beneficiary appeared in court to substantiate the claim.

He ruled that the burden of proof placed on the company to show lawful ownership of the funds was not discharged.

The court further observed that Oceangate did not demonstrate any business activity or contractual engagement capable of generating such revenue, nor did it provide evidence of payments from clients.

The forfeiture followed an earlier interim order granted on August 22, 2025, after which the anti-graft agency was directed to publish notices inviting interested parties to show cause why the funds should not be permanently seized.

No convincing response was received within the stipulated period.

According to an affidavit deposed to by EFCC investigator, Usman Aliyu, the funds were linked to suspicious financial transactions involving the acquisition of oil blocks—PPL 302 and PPL 3007—from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

Investigations revealed that Oceangate allegedly moved large sums through multiple channels, including cash transactions facilitated by unlicensed bureau de change operators and intermediaries.

The EFCC claimed that part of the funds originated from contractors linked to the Lagos State Government and were later converted into dollars and routed into the company’s accounts.

The commission alleged that over $13 million was handled outside formal financial systems and used to meet obligations tied to oil block licensing.

It also claimed that the funds were not derived from any verifiable or legitimate business operations of the company.

In its defence, Oceangate, through a director, Iliya Wakil, maintained that the funds were sourced partly from lawful earnings and partly from gifts to its Group Chief Executive Officer.

The company denied any involvement in illicit dealings or conspiracy with unregistered financial operators, insisting that all transactions were conducted within legal bounds.

However, the EFCC challenged the credibility of the defence, describing Wakil as a nominal director with no financial stake in the company.

It further alleged that Oceangate functioned largely as a shell entity used to warehouse petroleum assets acquired with suspicious funds.

The anti-graft agency also questioned the authenticity of the company’s audit report, claiming it was prepared without access to actual financial records and relied solely on informal agreements.

The court ultimately agreed with the EFCC’s position, ruling that the totality of evidence pointed to unlawful origins of the funds and justified their permanent forfeiture to the Federal Government.

The ruling reinforces ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to clamp down on financial crimes within the oil and gas sector, particularly in the acquisition of strategic national assets.

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UN Declares Slave Trade Humanity’s Gravest Crime, Pushes For Reparations

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a landmark resolution describing the transatlantic slave trade as the “gravest crime against humanity,” in a move aimed at advancing global calls for justice and reparations for people of African descent.

The resolution, spearheaded by Ghana, received overwhelming backing with 123 votes in favour.

However, United States, Israel, and Argentina voted against it, while 52 nations—including the United Kingdom and several European Union member states—abstained.

The resolution calls on UN member states to issue formal apologies for their roles in the slave trade and to support reparations initiatives, including funding for education, skills development, and endowment programmes.

While it stops short of specifying financial compensation, it reinforces the growing global demand for restorative justice.

Speaking ahead of the vote, Ghana’s President, John Mahama, described the move as a moral obligation to honour the millions who suffered under slavery and those still affected by its legacy.

“History demands that we act in remembrance of those who endured the indignity of the slave trade and those who continue to face racial injustice,” he said, noting that the resolution helps guard against historical amnesia while confronting enduring inequalities.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, clarified that the demand is rooted in justice rather than personal gain.

“We are not asking for money for ourselves. We are seeking justice—through support for education, heritage preservation, and empowerment initiatives,” he stated.

The resolution aligns with broader continental and global efforts, as the African Union has already adopted “reparatory justice” as a central theme, while discussions continue within the Commonwealth.

According to UN estimates, more than 15 million Africans were forcibly taken during the transatlantic slave trade, with many perishing during the brutal Middle Passage.

Historical data also shows that hundreds of thousands died aboard British ships alone.

The resolution highlights that the legacy of slavery persists today through systemic racial inequalities and underdevelopment affecting people of African descent worldwide.

Despite the widespread support, some nations raised legal and procedural concerns.

The United Kingdom acknowledged the historical harm but questioned aspects of the resolution’s framing under international law.

Similarly, the United States argued that it does not recognise a legal basis for reparations tied to actions that were not deemed illegal at the time.

In addition, the resolution calls for the repatriation of cultural artefacts taken during the colonial era, underscoring the need to restore cultural identity and heritage.

Although resolutions of the UN General Assembly are not legally binding, they carry significant moral and political influence, signalling a growing international consensus on confronting the legacy of slavery and advancing reparative justice.

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2027: ADC Empty Bone, Has Nothing To Offer – VP Shettima

 

Vice-President Khashim Shettima has asked Nigerians not to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as an empty bone.

He said this at Gusau Trade Fair Complex, while addressing the mammoth crowd of his party supporters.

Shettima said the ADC has nothing to offer to Nigerians, describing it as an empty political party.

“Do you know that ADC? It has nothing to offer for you, therefore you shall not go there.

“Do you know bone? ADC is just like an empty bone neither has bone marrow nor flesh on it,” Shettima said.

The Vice president further criticised ADC for ‘”lacking the qualities needed to deliver Nigerians”.

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2027: ADC Empty Bone, Has Nothing To Offer – VP Shettima

 

Vice-President Khashim Shettima has asked Nigerians not to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as an empty bone.

He said this at Gusau Trade Fair Complex, while addressing the mammoth crowd of his party supporters.

Shettima said the ADC has nothing to offer to Nigerians, describing it as an empty political party.

“Do you know that ADC? It has nothing to offer for you, therefore you shall not go there.

“Do you know bone? ADC is just like an empty bone neither has bone marrow nor flesh on it,” Shettima said.

The Vice president further criticised ADC for ‘”lacking the qualities needed to deliver Nigerians”.

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Revised Election Timetable Mounting Pressure On Parties – Former Gov Dickson

Former Bayelsa State governor and senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has cautioned political parties against complacency, warning that recent adjustments to the electoral timetable have intensified pressure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dickson, who serves as national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), gave the warning during the party’s maiden National Executive Committee meeting at its national secretariat in Abuja.

He stressed that the revised timetable leaves little room for delay, urging party members to ramp up mobilisation and maximise the limited time before the polls.

“There is no time to waste,” he declared, noting that elections often present rapid growth opportunities for political parties willing to engage effectively with the electorate.

The senator dismissed concerns about the shortened timeline, insisting that victory would depend more on grassroots connection than financial muscle.

According to him, parties must focus on real voter engagement rather than relying on money or inflated support figures.

Dickson charged members to intensify voter registration efforts, particularly through the party’s e-registration process, and to build a credible support base across polling units, wards, and communities nationwide.

He also alleged that some parties were leveraging state resources to manipulate voter data, urging his party to counter such tactics by focusing on genuine, registered voters.

“Go to the people and ask if their lives are better. That is where the real campaign lies,” he said, emphasising people-driven politics over financial influence.

Earlier, the NDC National Chairman, Cleopas Moses, reaffirmed his commitment to the party’s ideals, calling on members to remain united, disciplined, and passionate in advancing its vision.

Dickson’s remarks come weeks after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) revised the 2027 election timetable following the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Under the new schedule, presidential and National Assembly elections have been moved to January 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls are set for February—effectively shortening the political calendar and raising the stakes for early preparation among parties.

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