Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has stated that the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) cannot intervene in the challenges faced by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai regarding his ministerial nomination.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Sule, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors’ forum, clarified that El-Rufai remains a member of the APC, despite his rejection by the Senate for a ministerial post in August 2023.

“El-Rufai has not left our party; he is still part of our party,” Sule affirmed.

On the issue of El-Rufai’s nomination and subsequent rejection by the Senate, Sule explained that the Progressives Governors’ Forum had not discussed the matter, as it was outside their remit.

He emphasized that it was a matter for the President and relevant agencies, not the governors’ forum.

“The issue of his (El-Rufai’s) nomination, rejection by the Senate, or the security agencies, honestly, are not matters we discussed either at the PGF or even the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. They are not matters for us because if it doesn’t concern us, we can do nothing about it,” said the Nasarawa governor.

Sule also pointed out that the President has the exclusive right to nominate his ministers, while the National Assembly holds the power to confirm or reject those nominations.

El-Rufai, who was a key supporter of Bola Tinubu’s presidential campaign, had advocated for a southern candidate to fly the APC flag for the 2023 elections.

His stance was in line with the unwritten tradition of rotating power between the northern and southern regions.

Following Tinubu’s election victory, El-Rufai was nominated by the President for a ministerial role, but his nomination was blocked by the Senate in August 2023, citing security concerns raised by the Department of State Services.

Since the rejection, El-Rufai has been largely absent from APC events and has not been seen at the Aso Villa or in close proximity to President Tinubu.

Meanwhile, speculation surrounding his political future continues to grow, especially after he was spotted with Social Democratic Party (SDP) members, leading to rumors of a potential defection, which El-Rufai has denied.

Additionally, El-Rufai’s relationship with his successor in Kaduna, Governor Sani Uba, has soured, with the state assembly investigating alleged corruption during his tenure, claims which El-Rufai has strongly denied.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has refuted the recent rumours about his arrest, calling them “recurring fake news.”

Social media posts had claimed that Obi had been apprehended in Abuja.

However, in a statement shared on his X handle on Wednesday, the former Anambra State governor clarified that the reports were false and that he is currently at his home in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Obi reminded the public of similar falsehoods that were spread last September, alleging that the Department for State Security (DSS) had raided his residence while he was in Rwanda.

The Labour Party leader condemned the spread of such malicious rumours, asserting that the individuals behind these claims had ulterior motives.

He also urged Nigerians to remain focused on addressing the nation’s pressing challenges instead of being distracted by baseless gossip.

The post reads, “I have been made aware of circulating fake news about my alleged arrest. Let me state unequivocally that these claims are entirely false. I am currently at my home in Onitsha, Anambra State.”

He continued, “This pattern of fake news has become a regular activity for certain individuals. Last year in September, when I was in Rwanda, similar lies circulated that the DSS had invaded my house; now, while I’m in Onitsha, they claim I was arrested in Abuja. The motives behind these rumours are not positive, and I urge everyone not to let these distractions take our attention away from the critical challenges we face as a nation.”

Obi thanked the public for their concern and unwavering support for his vision of a better Nigeria.

Earlier this week, Obi had alleged threats to his life following his criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s government in his New Year message.

This came after a statement from the national spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, who was quoted as saying that Obi had “crossed the line many times” and would face consequences for his actions.

Morka later denied issuing any threats against Obi or his family.

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, has praised Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, for his exceptional developmental strides, stating that no future governor will be able to match his achievements.

Anyaoku, a nonagenarian, made these remarks following an inspection of several key projects initiated by Soludo, including a major flyover connecting Awka, Oko, Nnobi, and Uga communities.

During the inspection tour in Awka, Anyaoku lauded Soludo’s vision, emphasizing that the governor’s developmental work has been transformational for Anambra, describing him as “the best thing that has happened to Ndi Anambra.”

Anyaoku’s comments come as Soludo faces opposition to his second-term bid ahead of the upcoming November 8 governorship election.

However, the elder statesman’s endorsement could prove crucial in solidifying Soludo’s chances of re-election.

Among the projects that impressed Anyaoku were the newly completed Government House, which had been abandoned for over 30 years, the Governor’s Lodge, Solution Fun City, and Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka. Soludo personally guided Anyaoku through these landmarks.

Anyaoku expressed admiration for the impressive development, noting the thoughtful synchronization of the area, particularly with the three arms of government, and the visionary planning involved.

“No future Governor of Anambra State can build anything more in terms of the residence and staff office of the Governor,” he remarked.

He also praised the newly constructed amphitheater, which has a capacity of around 250 people.

Governor Soludo, in response, thanked Anyaoku for his continued support and lauded him as “Africa’s most distinguished statesman.”

Soludo reaffirmed his commitment to building enduring infrastructure, adding, “We have to build to last. The 33-year-old jinx will be broken in the next few weeks.”

Lauretta Onochie, a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has urged Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP), to rein in his supporters, claiming that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not lifted the ban on political campaigns.

Onochie criticized Obi’s supporters for continuing to campaign nearly two years after his loss in the 2023 elections.

She advised Obi to “take his goons home, rest, and prepare for another whooping in 2027.”

Onochie’s comments came in response to Obi’s recent press conference in Abuja, where he decried the country’s economic and security challenges under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Obi called for “vigorous, positive actions” to address the nation’s growing crises, which he said were eroding citizens’ hope.

In reaction, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka accused Obi of hypocrisy and incitement, calling his remarks “misleading” and claiming that “he has coming to him whatever he gets.”

Obi later alleged that Morka had threatened him on live television and claimed to have received numerous threatening messages.

Onochie dismissed Obi’s claims, calling him “too unserious and inconsequential” in Nigerian politics.

She slammed Obi’s supporters, the “Obidients,” for engaging in online name-calling, ethnic and religious bigotry, and slut-shaming women.

Onochie urged them to stop their divisive behavior and end their “shenanigans.”

Joe Igbokwe, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has advised presidential hopefuls for the 2027 elections to abandon their ambitions, asserting that President Bola Tinubu will remain in office until 2031.

Igbokwe’s remarks were made in response to speculation about a potential alliance between Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who are reportedly planning to challenge Tinubu in the next presidential race.

In a Facebook post, Igbokwe emphasized that Tinubu’s first term is crucial for solidifying his legacy and ensuring long-term progress.

He stated, “If any presidential aspirant is dreaming of winning presidential elections in 2027, I will advise that candidate to perish the thought till 2031. PBAT is destined to remain in the seat of power till 2031. He needs eight years to set the records straight.”