POLITICS
Omarana Accuses Atiku of Backdoor Move to Substitute ADC Governorship Candidate
From Yagana Ali, Yola
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State, Ambassador (Engr.) Omar Suleiman, popularly known as Omarana, has strongly condemned what he described as an alleged attempt to replace him as the party’s governorship candidate through the backdoor.
Omarana, who addressed journalists in Yola at the weekend, expressed outrage over the alleged role of former Vice President and national leader of the ADC, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in moves to recognise another aspirant, Modibbo Tukur Ribadu, as the party’s governorship candidate in Adamawa State.
He insisted that he remains the duly elected candidate of the party following the governorship primary election, warning that no political leader, regardless of influence or national standing, has the right to overturn the decision freely made by party members.
The controversy followed an alleged statement or post attributed to Atiku, which reportedly presented Ribadu—who Omarana said emerged second during the party’s governorship primary—as the ADC candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa State.
Omarana said he was particularly disturbed that Atiku, whom he described as a prominent political figure who has consistently projected himself as an advocate of democracy and popular participation, could be linked to what he termed an attempt to override the will of party members.
According to him, the development was not merely a disagreement over political ambition but a serious test of the credibility of the democratic process within the party.
The ADC candidate maintained that the governorship primary election in Adamawa State was conducted in the presence of party members and other stakeholders, with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) supervising the process.
He said he emerged victorious at the end of the exercise, while Modibbo Tukur Ribadu came second, adding that his name was subsequently submitted to INEC as the party’s candidate in accordance with the outcome of the primary election.
Omarana stressed that a mandate freely given by party members through a recognised electoral process could not be withdrawn or transferred based on the preference of any powerful political figure.
In a move aimed at preventing what he described as an unlawful substitution, Suleiman disclosed that he had approached the Federal High Court to seek judicial protection over his candidature.
He said the legal action was intended to restrain INEC from accepting any purported attempt to replace his name with that of another aspirant pending the determination of the matter by the court.
According to him, the relevant court processes had already been served on INEC as well as the ADC at both the national and state levels.
He further claimed that the former Vice President had been formally informed about the pending legal action, insisting that all parties should therefore exercise restraint and allow the court to determine the issues before it.
Omarana warned that any attempt to alter the outcome of the primary election before the conclusion of the legal process would amount to a disregard for due process and an assault on the democratic rights of the party’s members.
He called for the immediate withdrawal of the alleged post presenting Ribadu as the ADC governorship candidate, urging the party’s national leadership and other influential political actors to avoid actions capable of further escalating the controversy.
The former diplomat and engineer said the unfolding controversy had raised fundamental questions about internal democracy and the extent to which the decisions of ordinary party members are respected within political parties.
He argued that leadership must be founded on fairness, restraint and respect for established rules, particularly by political leaders who present themselves as champions of democratic governance.
According to him, the governorship ticket of the ADC is not a personal property that can be allocated at the discretion of influential politicians or political godfathers.
Omarana appealed to members and supporters of the ADC across Adamawa State to remain calm and vigilant, assuring them that he would continue to pursue the matter through lawful and democratic means.
He expressed confidence that the rule of law would prevail, insisting that the outcome of a properly conducted primary election must be respected.
Suleiman added that the controversy had placed a major responsibility before the leadership of the ADC, questioning whether the party would uphold the verdict of its members or allow political influence and personal preference to override the collective will expressed at the primary election.
As the dispute continues, Omarana said his focus remains firmly on defending what he described as the mandate freely entrusted to him by members of the African Democratic Congress in Adamawa State.
From Rabiu Sanusi, Kano
The House of Representatives has backed plans to increase Nigeria’s strategic petroleum reserve from 20 days to 90 days by 2027 in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s fuel security and ensuring a more reliable supply of petroleum products.
Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, disclosed this in Abuja during a technical briefing, where the committee also passed a vote of confidence in the administration of President Bola Tinubu over its efforts to secure the nation’s petroleum pipelines.
Ikeagwuonu said the proposed expansion of the strategic reserve would be supported by sustained domestic petroleum supply, reducing the country’s vulnerability to supply disruptions.
The committee further reported that contributions from local refineries to Nigeria’s national petrol supply had increased by more than 75 per cent, with the country recording over 25 days of supply sufficiency and no reported shortfalls so far.
The development, according to the committee’s briefing, highlights the growing role of domestic refining in supporting the nation’s energy security.
In a related development, the committee established two subcommittees to investigate separate petitions concerning gas distribution licences issued by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and allegations of abuse of office against Mumuni Dagazau, Executive Vice President, Downstream of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited).
The proposed 90-day reserve target represents a significant policy ambition for Nigeria petroleum sector as the country seeks to strengthen supply resilience, improve energy security and reduce exposure to disruptions in fuel distribution.
The outcome of the planned investigations and progress towards the 2027 reserve target will remain important issues for the downstream petroleum industry.
From Francis Sadhere, Delta
Former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died. He was 71.
Uduaghan, who governed the state from 2007 to 2015, reportedly passed away on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026.
His death was announced in a statement signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan on behalf of the family, which described his passing as a devastating loss to the family, Delta State and Nigeria.
The family said the former governor was a beloved father, brother, uncle and patriarch, whose life and service touched many people across the state and the country.
“His passing has left us devastated. Words can hardly express the depth of our sorrow at the loss of a man who meant so much to our family and whose life and service touched countless others across Delta State and Nigeria,” the statement said.
Uduaghan held several key positions in the Delta State Government before becoming governor. He served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007.
He subsequently emerged as governor in 2007 and remained in office until 2015, during which the family said he demonstrated commitment to the human and infrastructural development of the state.
The family described his death as a profound loss, noting that he was a source of strength, a father figure and a respected elder whose memories and legacy would remain cherished.
“We are grateful to Almighty God for his life, his service, and the legacy he leaves behind,” the statement added.
The family prayed for the repose of his soul and divine comfort for relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and others mourning his death.
“Your memory will forever remain in our hearts, and your legacy will endure in the lives of those you touched,” the family said in its farewell message.
Uduaghan’s death marks the loss of a former leader who occupied prominent positions in Delta State’s political and administrative history.
The family concluded its announcement with a prayer for his peaceful repose, saying, “May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The Federal Government has urged vice-chancellors of Nigerian universities to introduce degree programmes that address critical manpower shortages and meet the growing demand for specialised healthcare and social services.
The proposed programmes include Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Clinical Psychology and Medical Social Work.
The government said expanding training in these fields would help bridge gaps in specialist care and create more employment opportunities for Nigerian graduates.The Minister of Education, Dr.
Tunji Alausa, also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to establishing autism centres across the six geopolitical zones to improve access to specialised care and support for persons on the autism spectrum and their families.Alausa said universities must align their academic programmes with national workforce needs and emerging societal challenges, stressing the importance of equipping graduates with practical skills for professional practice and employment.
He explained that developing the proposed programmes would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to provide essential services locally, reduce dependence on limited specialist services and produce professionals capable of meeting the needs of the population.
The planned autism centres are expected to provide access to diagnosis, therapeutic services and research, while serving as regional support hubs for families, healthcare professionals and educational institutions.
The minister said the initiatives reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening local capacity and improving support for persons with autism and other developmental conditions.
He assured stakeholders that the government would continue to pursue reforms aimed at expanding access to relevant education, strengthening institutional capacity and promoting skills development.
Alausa also commended the Chairman of the Federal Government Committee for the Advancement of Audiology, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy, Dr. Victoria Amu, for her dedication and commitment to advancing the specialised fields.
He urged vice-chancellors and other university administrators to work closely with Amu, relevant regulatory agencies and professional bodies to facilitate the introduction of the proposed programmes.
According to him, such collaboration would help ensure that the programmes meet the required academic and professional standards.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to building a responsive and inclusive higher education system that equips Nigerians with relevant skills, addresses critical manpower gaps and expands access to essential specialised services.
He added that the initiatives form part of broader efforts to develop human capital, improve service delivery and ensure that Nigeria’s education system responds effectively to national priorities and the needs of its citizens.
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