POLITICS
Respect Court Order, Bauchi Opposition Parties Caution NASS

By Mohammed Muktar Umar Bauchi
Thirty political parties in Bauchi State under the aegis of ‘ Coalition of Progressive Political Parties’ (CPPP) have called on the House of Representatives to respect a state high court’s order restraining them from taking over the state house of assembly.
It would be recalled that the House of Representatives sent a committee to the state to probe the inauguration of the state assembly where only 11 out of 31 members participated and gave the state Governor, Bala Mohammed one month ultimatum to make new proclamation for fresh inauguration or the federal lawmakers will take over the state assembly.
Addressing press conference on Wednesday, chairman of the coalition, Musa Mato said the threat by the national assembly to take over the state house of assembly was undemocratic as the matter was before a competent court of law.
He claimed that apart from the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) all political parties in the state were in support of the 9th assembly opining that it was duly inaugurated in accordance with the law.
” The attention of the coalition was also drawn to the decision of the Federal House of Representatives that gave one month ultimatum for another inauguration of the Bauchi State 9th Assembly or take over managing its affairs.”
” This is undemocratic exhibition by the Federal law makers whom are expected not only to make laws but to also respect the existing ones. The state high court earlier gave an order that restrains the federal law makers from taking any action regarding the inauguration of Bauchi state 9th assembly until the determination of the matter in Court.”
” But to our surprise, instead of the Federal Legislature to obey the rule of the law, went to contrary as if court orders are only meant to work on the poor citizens alone. We are calling on the Federal House of Representatives to respect the Court and wait for the court to determine on this issue before taking any further action,” they said.
POLITICS
Adamawa APC Endorses Tinubu, Lauds Ribadu’s Efforts

From Yagana Ali, Yola
The Adamawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027. The endorsement was made at a high-powered stakeholders’ meeting held in Yola, where party leaders and members expressed their unwavering support for the President’s re-election bid.
The National Vice Chairman (North East) of the APC, Mustapha Salihu, led the party leaders and stakeholders in affirming the party’s support for President Tinubu. Salihu described the President’s administration as one committed to economic transformation, institutional reforms, and national stability. He urged party members to close ranks and consolidate the gains of the last two years under the Tinubu-led government.The APC also passed a vote of confidence on the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, lauding his efforts in stabilising the country and restoring Nigeria’s global image through strategic security interventions. The party described Ribadu as a worthy Adamawa ambassador who has not let the state and the country down.As part of the celebrations, Comrade Salihu donated a modern two-storey duplex, valued at over N300 million, to serve as the APC Adamawa State Secretariat. The gesture is part of Salihu’s efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.The event witnessed the defection of several high-profile political figures into the APC, including the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Crowther Seth, and prominent businessman and philanthropist, Abdulrahman Haske. Other notable figures who spoke at the event commended President Tinubu for his strides in national security, infrastructure development, economic recovery, and educational reforms.The endorsement of President Tinubu and the vote of confidence on NSA Ribadu demonstrate the APC’s commitment to consolidating the gains of the current administration and promoting national stability and development.POLITICS
Pro-Democracy Activist Warns Against Plot to Stop Tinubu

Dr Layo Adebiyi, a pro-democracy activist, has warned that any coalition formed against President Bola Tinubu’s second term will collapse before the 2027 election.
He gave this warning during a news conference held in Ikeja on Thursday to commemorate June 12 Democracy Day.
Adebiyi, once imprisoned under Gen.
Sani Abacha, described President Tinubu as a political continuation of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief M. K.O. Abiola.He said Awolowo made significant efforts to develop Nigeria but was repeatedly denied the opportunity to lead the nation.
Speaking at the event, which was attended by Abiola’s son, Alh. Lekan Abiola, Adebiyi said he was inspired to write a book on the acclaimed winner of June 12 presidential polls.
The book, he explained, aims to help Nigerians understand the real political manoeuvres behind the scenes of national leadership.
He said: “Awolowo tried to offer national development as President, but he was never allowed the opportunity.
“Abiola won a clear mandate and was loved by the people, but he too was stopped by unseen political forces.
“I’m writing this book to warn that Tinubu represents both Awolowo and Abiola’s legacy, and must not be denied like them.
“The book reveals the realities of Nigeria’s political chess game. I had no initial plan to make it public.”
According to Adebiyi, Abiola’s son insisted on a public launch after reading the manuscript and recognising its historical importance.
He said Lekan Abiola believed the book offered Nigerians access to the true story of his father’s political life.
Adebiyi also recalled that 27 years have passed since Abiola was killed on the day he was meant to be released.
He added that the man who annulled the 1993 election has since revealed the motives behind the act in his memoir, ‘A Journey in Service.’
Lekan Abiola said he once believed nothing new could be written about his father or the history of Nigerian democracy.
However, his mind changed after reading Adebiyi’s manuscript, which detailed his father’s life and political journey across Africa.
He said it helped him understand his father’s wider contributions to the Nigerian society and the global black community.
Lekan noted that while many viewed Abiola as just a politician, the book exposed deeper forces that undermined his ambitions.
He said the annulment of the 1993 election was premeditated, rooted in old political doctrines that resisted power shift.
What struck him most was Adebiyi’s analysis predicting a potential political alliance against President Tinubu’s re-election plans.
“After reading the manuscript, I insisted on a public launch to enlighten Nigerians and democracy advocates,” Lekan said. (NAN)
POLITICS
National Honors: Tinubu a Nationalist Par Excellence — APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has described President Bola Tinubu as a nationalist par excellence for giving national honours to some deserving Nigerians.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday conferred a posthumous national honor of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Kudirat Abiola, describing her as the heroine of the June 12 struggle.
Tinubu honoured Kudirat ,wife of winner of the celebrated election,MKO Abiola, and other heroes of democracy during his address at the Joint Session of the National Assembly in commemoration of Democracy Day 2025.
Reacting on the list of beneficiaries, Mr Seye Oladejo, the Lagos State APC Spokesman, told NAN that the President had again proven himself as a true nationalist.
According to him, the national honours bestowed on late Mrs Abiola and her co-travelers in the struggle for the democracy, show Mr President as a firm believer in the labour of the nation’s heroes and heroines.
“Mr President, a nationalist par excellence is a firm believer that the labour of our heroes , past and present, should not be in vain,
“He has set a good precedent for other patriots to know that their sacrifices for the nation will always be appropriately acknowledged and rewarded.
“It’s worthy of note that it has taken the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidency to accord the well earned pride of place to these worthy martyrs of our nascent democracy.”
NAN reports that the President also conferred posthumous national honours on Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa. Alfred Rewani (CFR) and Bagauda Kaltho (OON).
Others are: Chima Ubani (OON), Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Alao Aka Bashorun (CON), Chief Frank Kokori (CON), Emma Ezeazu (OON), Bamidele Aturu (OON), Fredrick Fasehun (CON), Prof. Festus Iyayi (CON), Dr John Yima Sen (OON) and Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON).
Dr Edwin Madunagu bagged the CON honour; Dr Alex Ibru (CON), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Pa. Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON) and Dr Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).
Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), the journalist and journalism teacher; Kunle Ajibade (OON); Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON) and Mr Bayo Onanuga (CON) were also honoured by Tinubu.
Other beneficiaries are Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), Bishop Matthew Kukah (CON), Sen. Shehu Sani (CON), Gov. Uba Sani (CON), Femi Falana (CON), Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON), Luke Aghanenu (OON) and Sen. Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON).
Also among the beneficiaries are Mr Labaran Maku (OON), Dr Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr Nick Dazang (OON), Hon. Abdul Oroh (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Felix Morka (CON), Ledum Mitee (CON), Hon. Olawale Osun (CON) and Dr Amos Akingba (CON).
Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON), Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR), Dr Kayode Shonoiki (CON), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON), Prof. Bayo Williams (CON), Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR) and Sen. Ame Ebute (CFR) were also honoured.
Additionally, the president conferred the national honour of CON on Sam Amuka Pemu, publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, who he said remained true to his lifetime calling as he marked his 90th birthday on Friday.
“Furthermore, I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine and his fellow travellers, Saturday Dobee (OON), Nordu Eawo (OON), Daniel Gbooko (OON) and Paul Levera (OON), Felix Nuate (OON), Baribor Bera (OON), Barinem Kiobel (OON), and John Kpuine (OON).
“I shall also be exercising my powers under the Prerogative of Mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State.
The president decorated the presiding officers of the National Assembly with the national honours earlier conferred upon them in 2024.
Those decorations were Sen. Godswill Akpabio, GCON; Mr Abbas Tajudeen, GCON – Speaker, Sen. Jibrin Barau, CFR – Deputy Senate President and Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, CFR – Deputy Speaker. (NAN)