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Zamfara Governor Rejects ADC’s Call To Join It’s Fold

 

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has firmly declined an invitation to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following a public appeal by the ADC’s state chairman, Kabiru Garba.

During a press conference in Gusau on Friday, Garba had urged Lawal to defect from the PDP, suggesting the move would be in the best interest of both the state and the country.

“I am calling on Governor Dauda Lawal to leave PDP and join the ADC if he really wants to retain his seat come 2027,” Garba declared.

However, in response to the appeal, the governor dismissed the idea, saying he remained committed to the PDP and had no interest in joining another political platform.

Speaking with DAILY GAZETTE, the governor’s Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Mustafa Kaura, reaffirmed Lawal’s stance:

“Governor Dauda Lawal will not accept the state’s ADC chairman’s invitation to join the party. He has no intention of leaving his party, PDP, and will continue to work for the success of the PDP.”

When asked whether former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s rumored move to the ADC would influence Lawal’s decision, Kaura was emphatic:

“It will not affect Governor Lawal’s decision to remain in PDP.
The Governor has said it several times that he will not dump the PDP no matter the pressure. As such, he is a PDP supporter for life.”

Governor Lawal’s rejection of the ADC’s offer comes amid growing speculation around political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with parties positioning themselves to win over key figures.

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UNIJOS, Police Differ Over Reported Bomb Threat

 

A disagreement has emerged between the University of Jos (UNIJOS) and the Plateau State Police Command over conflicting reports surrounding a bomb threat allegedly targeting the institution.

The alarm was initially raised in a leaked internal memo signed by the university’s Acting Chief Security Officer, Agama Tangni.

Dated July 4, 2025, the memo warned of a “credible bomb threat” and directed security personnel on campus to heighten surveillance and conduct thorough checks on everyone entering or exiting the premises.

The memo read in part:

“I write this URGENT memo to notify you of a bomb threat in Jos, particularly targeting the University of Jos.
Based on the security alert and information received, all Heads of Bases, Heads of Units and all personnel are to be on red alert and be vigilant.”

“Please, let’s take note and protect all facilities in our charge.
All persons entering and exiting the premises of the university are to be searched properly to avoid falling victims.”

However, the Plateau State Police Command dismissed the alert the following day, describing it as lacking any credible intelligence.

In a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred, the police sought to reassure the public:

“It has come to the attention of the Plateau State Police Command, news circulating on social media and other platforms regarding a planned bomb attack on the University of Jos Community and other parts of the Jos Metropolis.”

The Plateau State Police Command wishes to state that these rumours are unsubstantiated, as there is no credible evidence to back them up.”

Despite downplaying the threat, Alfred confirmed that precautionary measures had still been taken to ensure public safety.

“The CP has ordered the immediate deployment of the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit (Anti-Bomb Squad) to conduct a thorough sweep of the University of Jos Community and other vulnerable areas within the metropolis.”

“He has also deployed well-trained bomb technicians, specialized patrol teams, and officers from the State Intelligence Department to certain flashpoints to enhance the security architecture and ensure that our dear state remains peaceful and safe.”

The police also advised citizens to remain calm but alert, encouraging them to report any unusual activity:

“The Plateau State Police Command wishes to state that these rumours are unsubstantiated…”

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10 Dead, Three Injured As Bus Plunges Off Bridge On Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Expressway

 

At least 10 people lost their lives and three others were injured in a tragic road accident on Friday night along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Expressway.

The crash occurred when a vehicle carrying 15 passengers plunged off the Omu bridge at the Awa Ijebu axis of the highway.

According to eyewitnesses, the vehicle lost control while speeding and fell into the river beneath the bridge.

Videos shared online showed lifeless bodies of passengers being retrieved from the river by sympathisers, with others trapped in the partially submerged vehicle.

A local source identified as TMC said:

“A tragic accident involving an 18-passenger bus en route from Ijebu Ode to Ibadan occurred a few hours ago on the bridge after Awa, with the bus crashing into the river, possibly due to overspeeding, resulting in about 12 fatalities.”

Confirming the incident, spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi, said in a telephone interview on Saturday that the crash happened around 8:30 pm Friday.

He noted that emergency responders couldn’t reach the scene until Saturday morning due to the timing and location of the accident.

Akinbiyi identified the vehicle as a Mitsubishi bus with registration number EJ829-LSR, and further explained:

“According to eyewitness account, wrongful overtaking while on high speed led to failure of the driver to maintain control after noticing an oncoming vehicle.
“The bus driver veered into the bush and rammed into a stone base (gravel) already abandoned on the road beside the bridge, which made the vehicle dive into the river entirely.

“15 people were involved, three injured and 10 (three females and seven males) dead. Two people, including a toddler and an adult, escaped unhurt.”

He added that the deceased were taken to the Ijebu-Ode General Hospital morgue, along with the injured.

“The bodies of the dead and injured victims have been taken to the Ijebu-Ode General Hospital morgue.”

“While TRACE, POLICE, and the FRSC commiserate with the family of the victims, motorists are again warned against excessive speed and night travel given its attendant consequences,” Akinbiyi concluded.

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Israel Considers Response After Hamas Signals Willingness For Gaza Ceasefire Talks

This handout picture released by the Israeli army on January 1, 2024 shows Israeli soldiers operating in the Gaza Strip amid continuing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. (Photo by Israeli Army / AFP) / === RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / HANDOUT / ISRAELI ARMY' - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS == - === RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / Handout / Israeli Army' - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS == /

 

Israel was weighing its next move on Saturday after Hamas expressed readiness to begin immediate negotiations over a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the ongoing war in Gaza.

According to Israeli media, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet was expected to convene after sunset, following the end of the Jewish Sabbath, to deliberate on sending a delegation to Doha as early as Sunday for discussions.

Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, part of a renewed American effort to halt the nearly 21-month-long conflict.

An Israeli government official, speaking to AFP, said, “No decision has been made yet” regarding Hamas’s statement.

The Palestinian group announced Friday night that it had held consultations with other factions and was ready to start talks on how to implement the truce plan.

“The movement is ready to engage immediately and seriously in a cycle of negotiations on the mechanism to put in place” the ceasefire proposal, Hamas said in a statement.

Two Palestinian officials familiar with the discussions told AFP that the U.S.-drafted plan includes a 60-day truce.

Under its terms, Hamas would release 10 living hostages and return several bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

The group is also demanding a phased Israeli withdrawal, assurances that fighting won’t resume during negotiations, and a return to United Nations-led humanitarian aid distribution.

Asked about Hamas’s response while aboard Air Force One, President Trump reacted by saying, “That’s good. They haven’t briefed me on it. We have to get it over with. We have to do something about Gaza.”

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Iran’s Khamenei Makes First Public Appearance Since Israel Conflict

 

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made his first public appearance on Saturday since the country’s 12-day war with Israel, according to state media.

Khamenei, 86, appeared at a religious ceremony in Tehran to mark the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, a pivotal figure in Shia Islam.

The event was held at the Imam Khomeini Mosque in central Tehran, named after the Islamic Republic’s founder.

State television aired footage showing Khamenei dressed in black, standing on stage as worshippers, raising their fists, chanted, “The blood in our veins for our leader!”

This marks Khamenei’s first public sighting since before the conflict erupted on June 13, when Israel launched a series of surprise airstrikes on Iran.

His last in-person appearance had been two days prior, during a meeting with Iranian lawmakers.

Though he delivered a message last week via a pre-recorded video, concerns had lingered over his public absence during the height of the conflict.

The war, which intensified a long-standing shadow confrontation between the two nations, saw over 900 Iranians killed in the Israeli air campaign, according to Iran’s judiciary.

In retaliation, Iranian missile strikes targeting Israeli cities left at least 28 people dead, based on official Israeli figures.

The conflict reignited global concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, a claim Tehran has repeatedly denied and drew sharp scrutiny from international observers.

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2027: Anambra PDP Distances Self From Coalition Talks

 

The Anambra State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed reports suggesting its involvement in any political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Saturday, the state chairman of the party, Mr. Chidi Chidebe, made it clear that the PDP in Anambra is neither engaged in alliance discussions nor affiliated with any political coalition.

According to Chidebe, the party remains focused, cohesive, and committed to the directives of its national leadership.

“The leadership of the party in the state was not involved in the coalition talks,” he said, stressing that any such engagements were personal and not representative of the party’s position.

He added, “According to him, PDP in Anambra already has a position on the issue of coalition, and let me reiterate it here that we are not in any coalition.”

Chidebe further emphasized, “This is the position of the national leadership of our party, and we are standing by it very strictly.”

This statement comes amid the growing momentum of opposition movements in the country, some of which have recently announced coalition efforts to challenge the ruling party in the next election cycle.

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Even If Your Son Heads INEC, You’ll Be Defeated In 2027 – Dalung To Tinubu

 

A former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, has warned that the next general elections will be a direct contest between Nigerians and President Bola Tinubu’s government.

During an interview on News Central, Dalung stated that Tinubu’s administration will fail in 2027, even if the president appoints his son, Seyi Tinubu, as INEC chairman.

He harshly criticized the current government for intensifying Nigerians’ hardships: “Because it is us against them.

Nigerians should buckle for 2027, because the battle line has been drawn by the government of President Tinubu, which has declared war against the Nigerian people.

“The government has weaponized poverty, hunger and hardship.”

Dalung also emphasized that no amount of political maneuvering, like appointing state governors to the APC, naming Seyi Tinubu as INEC chairman or Tinubu’s wife as Chief Justice—will secure victory in the 2027 elections:

“Like I promised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, even if the 36 state governors of Nigeria defect to the APC and he appoints Seyi Tinubu as the chairman of INEC and maybe appoints his wife as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, they will be defeated in 2027.”

He urged opposition figures to unite under the newly formed African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition:

“The only option we have now is to align with the coalition movement to reposition ourselves and confront the government in 2027.”

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Powell Homes Rewards Realtors With Cars, iPhones At Enugu Mid-Year Feast

 

Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd has once again demonstrated its commitment to rewarding excellence and promoting hard work in the real estate industry, as it gifted five brand-new cars, iPhones, and other appliances to realtors at its 2025 Mid-Year Realtors’ Feast.

The event, held at the International Conference Centre in Independence Layout, Enugu, brought together over 1,000 realtors from across the country, in a celebration that blended recognition, motivation, and vision.

Speaking at the gathering, the company’s Managing Director, Architect Chibuikem Emmanuel Onyekachi, reiterated Powell Homes’ mission to offer professional, honest, and consistent real estate services to clients while empowering young people through opportunities in the sector.

According to Architect Onyekachi, We started this journey with a clear sense of purpose, to transform the housing experience for both the sellers and the buyers. What we’re building isn’t just property; we’re nurturing trust, creating opportunities, and opening doors to a better future.”

“Our belief is that when people are empowered through access to decent shelter, they become more confident and productive. That’s the kind of difference Powell Homes wants to make, one home at a time.”

He went on to explain that the Realtors’ Feast, which is held twice a year, is more than just a celebration, it’s a deliberate strategy to encourage and reward those who contribute to the company’s growth.

Realtors’ Feast, which happens twice a year, is an avenue where we gift items to our reliable and hardworking realtors, staff, and partners.”

“It is a reward mechanism and a platform for bonding and exchange of progressive ideas. Today, we are distributing 5 brand-new cars as well as other items such as iPhones, TV sets, refrigerators, and other home appliances to our active realtors, staff, and partners. We even go all out to say ‘thank you’ to those who believe in our dream and make it their own.

This year’s turnout of over 1,000 active real estate partners, who are mostly young persons, shows that many young Nigerians are committed to solving housing problems with integrity and sincerity, and we are proud to walk that journey with them,” he added.

Veteran Nollywood actress and Powell Homes brand ambassador, Mrs. Patience Ozokwo, popularly known as Mama G, was also present at the event.

She commended the company’s efforts in making home ownership a reality for many and for uplifting the real estate profession in Nigeria.

Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd is not just another real estate company. There’s a human face to everything they do, and that’s what makes them stand out. I’ve worked with different brands over the years, but this one speaks to my heart.”

“They reward people who work hard, they don’t wait for perfection. They value the effort, the journey, and the people behind every sale and every client story.”

“This is the type of service that we want. The motivation calls for more work and I am proud to associate with them,” she said.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of a car to Mr. Anikworji Chukwuemeka Joel, a 600-level student of Dentistry and Surgery at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Joel, who was recognized for his outstanding contributions as a realtor, expressed both surprise and gratitude.

Being gifted with this car feels like a dream. I joined Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd not knowing what to expect, but I found a team that welcomed me and guided me.”

“Being a student and also part of something this big is very encouraging. It shows that hard work for the company really pays,” he told reporters.

In total, over 200 realtors who had sold properties across different parts of the country received various rewards, including iPhones (models 12 and 14), refrigerators, microwaves, television sets, electric fans, and more.

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ADC Website Crashes Amid Massive Interest In New Opposition Coalition

 

The official website of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) crashed on Friday following a surge in traffic from Nigerians seeking to register with the newly launched opposition coalition.

The sudden influx of visitors reportedly overwhelmed the party’s online platform, leading to major disruptions.

According to IntelRegion, the technical failure was caused by excessive user demand as citizens attempted to join what many are calling a “rescue coalition” aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

A social media user, Unclè Anass Dukura, confirmed the issue on Facebook, writing: The public demand far exceeded what the platform was originally built to support.” Users reported repeated error messages and failed attempts to access the site.

The ADC has yet to release an official statement addressing the crash as of the time of this report.

This surge in public interest comes just two days after the ADC was formally unveiled in Abuja as the central platform for a broad opposition alliance.

The coalition aims to unite key political figures and parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The launch event drew notable figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark, and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Other prominent attendees were former APC Chairman John Oyegun, ex-Governors Aminu Tambuwal and Abubakar Malami, Senator Dino Melaye, former Youth and Sports Minister Solomon Dalung, media personality Dele Momodu, Senators Gabriel Suswam and Ireti Kingibe, former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, and retired Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

The ADC, originally established in 2005 as the Alliance for Democratic Change, was later rebranded and formally registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the African Democratic Congress.

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Atiku Hints At Running For President In 2027

 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has signaled his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, vowing to crack down on corruption if elected.

Speaking in Hausa to a group of supporters in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku declared his commitment to fighting graft.

I swear to God, if elected, whoever steals or engages in any corruption-related activities, we will declare war against them and they must be punished,” he said.

Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is now a prominent figure in a new political coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Although he has not officially confirmed his defection from the PDP, his increasing involvement with the ADC has raised speculation about his political future.

The ADC coalition recently named its interim leadership, including former Senate President David Mark as Interim National Chairman and former Minister Rauf Aregbesola as Interim National Secretary, among others.

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