Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has denied rumors that he had agreed to a power-sharing deal with opposition candidates Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP).

In an interview with the BBC, Kwankwaso expressed frustration over the false narrative, stating that he was unaware of any such agreement and that he had heard reports about Atiku’s camp engaging with regional leaders, including religious figures, to spread the fabricated story.

He said, “This is very upsetting to me, especially when respected elders are promoting a lie. I heard that 45 clerics were gathered and informed about this false claim. I do not appreciate this at all.”

Kwankwaso vehemently denied the alleged deal, which claimed that Atiku would serve for four years, he would take over for another four years, and Peter Obi would complete an eight-year term.

He stressed that no such agreement was ever made.

Reflecting on his departure from the PDP, Kwankwaso explained that his move to the NNPP had brought him peace, in contrast to the humiliation he and his supporters endured in the PDP.

He added, “This type of dishonesty is exactly why we left. Myself, Peter Obi, Wike, and others chose to leave. Now, they want us to help those who mistreated us achieve their goals.”

President Tinubu, 

The Nigerian Presidency on Monday demanded that Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, retract his “inflammatory” remarks regarding the Tax Reform Bill, urging him to redirect his focus toward constructive dialogue with the Federal Government.

The controversy arose from Mohammed’s comments made on December 25, 2024, during a Christmas homage at the Government House in Bauchi, where he criticized President Tinubu’s tax reform policies as “anti-northern” and warned that the northern region would “show its true colours” in response if the reforms continued.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, described Mohammed’s statement as unproductive and counterproductive to national unity.

He stated, “This unfortunate statement does not represent the collective voice of Northern Nigeria” and emphasized the need for collaborative governance.

Dare further urged Governor Mohammed to retract his statement and instead engage in meaningful dialogue with the Federal Government regarding concerns over the Tax Reform Act.

“His energy might be better directed toward implementing effective poverty alleviation programs and ensuring transparent use of federal resources,” he added.

The Presidency also pointed out that Bauchi State had received N144bn in federal allocations, a significant increase from previous disbursements.

The state also benefitted from a special N2bn intervention fund for food security and a boost in revenues following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

Despite this, the state continues to face challenges in development and poverty alleviation.

Dare criticized the Governor for making confrontational remarks instead of focusing on addressing these challenges.

He noted that, under the current administration, Bauchi had received one of the largest federal allocations, yet the state still grapples with high poverty rates.

Concerning the tax reforms, Dare explained that the reforms are aimed at streamlining Nigeria’s tax system, which includes provisions for smaller businesses, agricultural enterprises, and workers in the informal sector—key segments of Bauchi’s economy.

He emphasized that the reforms are designed to ease the tax burden on small businesses and enhance efficiency through digitalisation, thus fostering development in all regions, including the north.

The Presidency stressed that the goal of the reforms is to improve revenue generation and create a more business-friendly environment. It also highlighted that Northern states could benefit from increased allocations resulting from a more efficient tax system.

Rather than opposing these reforms, the government encouraged Governor Mohammed to work with the Federal Government to maximize these benefits for his state.

In response to the Governor’s threats, Dare concluded that Nigeria’s prosperity depends on unity and collaboration, not divisiveness.

He urged all leaders to rise above regional sentiments and work toward a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.

The Tax Reform Bill, introduced by President Tinubu in October 2024, aims to simplify the tax system, improve compliance, and increase revenue for critical national infrastructure and services.

It includes provisions for a gradual increase in VAT rates and excise duties on certain goods.

While the reforms have sparked debates, particularly in the northern regions, the Presidency maintains that consultations will continue to address concerns and ensure that the reforms are beneficial for all states.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge victorious in all the South South states during the 2027 general elections.

Akpabio made this statement during a meeting with Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, at his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, over the weekend.

The Senate President also described the election of Okpebholo as Edo governor in the September 21 off-season election as a divine intervention meant to bring relief to the people of the state.

Currently, the APC governs two South South states — Edo and Cross River — while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) controls the remaining four states in the region: Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta.

Akpabio, who is a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, explained that his defection to the APC was driven by the desire to ensure that the South South region becomes more influential at the national level.

He emphasized that his move was aimed at improving the representation of the people from the region and securing their share in the national decision-making process.

“When I joined the APC, my goal was to align the South South region with the center and ensure that we have a voice in the affairs of the country,” Akpabio said in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Mr. Anietie Ekong.

He also expressed optimism that, with the current political climate and calculations, the APC is set to make significant inroads into the South South region in the upcoming elections.

Akpabio believes that securing victory in these states will significantly boost the region’s development and change its trajectory for the better.

Governor Okpebholo, in his remarks, stated that his visit to Akpabio was an opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from the Senate President’s wealth of experience.

He praised the development he had witnessed in Akwa Ibom and expressed gratitude for Akpabio’s guidance.

“Seeing the remarkable progress in Akwa Ibom, I have come to learn from you and seek your advice to better serve my people,” Governor Okpebholo said.

The Senate has informed Nigerians that the passage of the N49.7 trillion budget for the 2025 fiscal year will not occur before January 31.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented the 2025 budget, totaling N49.7 trillion, to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 18, urging lawmakers to pass the appropriation bill without delay.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, revealed on Monday in Abuja that budget defense by ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) would begin on January 7.

He added that the joint committees of both the Senate and House of Representatives on Appropriations would present the final report of the budget on January 31.

The appropriation bill has already passed its second reading in both chambers of the National Assembly.

Senator Adaramodu confirmed that the joint committees would start meeting with MDAs on January 7 and the final budget report would be submitted on January 31.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has explained that he sponsored 70 students to study Artificial Intelligence (AI), Forensic Science, and Robotics abroad as part of his efforts to bridge the gaps in these fields and accelerate Nigeria’s development.

Speaking at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on Sunday, as the students prepared to depart on Ethiopian Airlines, Barau said the initiative was aimed at addressing challenges within Nigeria’s education sector.

He also gave each beneficiary 200 dollars as part of their support for the journey.

“The major challenge in the education of our youth, particularly in the northwestern part of Nigeria, is that although we have a large youth population, they are not adequately educated. I believe that educating our youth is the key to solving our problems,” Barau stated.

He emphasized that human capital development is crucial to national progress, noting that the initiative complements the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in providing educational opportunities to disadvantaged students who lack the financial resources to pursue their education.

Barau revealed that upon completing their studies, the beneficiaries would be empowered to become self-sufficient by establishing their own businesses.

He assured that the sponsorship would continue annually, with more students set to benefit in subsequent batches.

A total of 70 students, consisting of 65 males and 5 females from the three senatorial districts of Kano State, were offered admission to pursue higher degrees in AI, Cybersecurity, and Robotics Science at international institutions.

The first batch of students began their journey at exactly 1:20pm on Sunday.

In September 2024, Senator Barau had presented the admission letters to the students, underlining his commitment to supporting the educational growth of the youth in his constituency.