₦airaland Forum

floss:
Having 50 states doesn’t have any positive impact in the lives of Nigerians

Drifter02:
Tinubu would be foolish to create any such state. There's a reason why every geopolitical zone has 6 states each. Upsetting that balance is pure madness

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed as inconsequential the growing speculation surrounding a possible joint presidential ticket involving former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku’s position was conveyed by his media adviser, Mr Paul Ibe, who said the former Vice President remains unfazed by the rumours and is confident that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will ultimately allow its internal democratic process to run its full course without interference or imposition.

The comments come amid renewed political speculation that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is exploring the possibility of forging a broad opposition alliance, with talks reportedly centred on pairing Obi and Kwankwaso on a joint ticket under the ADC platform.

While the reports have generated intense debate within political circles, Atiku has maintained that speculation alone does not determine political outcomes in a democratic setting.

In recent weeks, the political space has been awash with reports of behind-the-scenes consultations aimed at building a formidable opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Proponents of the rumoured alliance argue that such a political arrangement could combine Obi’s perceived influence in the South and North Central with Kwankwaso’s established support base in the North.

However, speaking in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday, Ibe said Atiku does not view the speculation as a threat to his presidential ambition, stressing that democracy thrives on open competition and the freedom of political actors to make choices.

“It is not a threat, and it can never be a threat. Every political leader has the right to make decisions and choices, and that is the nature of democracy,” Ibe said, speaking on behalf of the former Vice President.

He explained that Atiku’s interest in contesting the ADC presidential primaries does not in any way preclude other aspirants from seeking the party’s ticket.

According to him, no individual or group holds exclusive rights to the platform, and the party remains open to all qualified members who wish to test their popularity through its internal processes.

“Atiku running does not mean others cannot run. We have not reached that stage yet. The party is currently focused on building the necessary infrastructure that will make it viable enough to challenge the incumbent President and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027,” he said.

Ibe further noted that Atiku believes the immediate priority of the ADC should be the consolidation of its internal structures across the country rather than premature fixation on ticket permutations and speculative political arrangements.

“The most important thing now is not the ticket but to build the foundation for the party to become a very viable alternative,” he added.

He also described Peter Obi as a committed member of the ADC. He cautioned against drawing conclusions based on unverified political alignments or media speculation, insisting that the party’s focus remains on institution-building rather than conjecture.

“That is where we are now, so let’s not put the cart before the horse. It is too early to start any insinuations,” Ibe said.

On reports of Kwankwaso’s interest in the party, Atiku, through his media aide, welcomed the former Kano State Governor, noting that broad-based collaboration remains essential to achieving meaningful political change in the country.

“We welcome the former Governor of Kano State, Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the ADC. Together, we can make the change Nigerians are yearning for,” he said.

Reaffirming Atiku’s confidence in the party’s internal democratic framework, Ibe stressed that the ADC’s presidential flagbearer for the 2027 election would emerge strictly through a delegate-driven primary election, in line with the party’s constitution and established guidelines.

“In the case of the primaries, it is the delegates who will decide who becomes the flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress,” he said.

The commitment to internal democracy has also been echoed by the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, who had previously stated that the party’s presidential candidate would emerge through acceptable means as enshrined in its rules and guidelines.

According to Abdullahi, the ADC does not belong to any individual but represents the collective efforts of Nigerians who believe in the unity and progress of the country.

“Our presidential candidate or any elective position in our party must come out of an agreed democratic process that will be devoid of manipulation and imposition,” he said.

He added that adherence to democratic principles remains central to the party’s identity and long-term vision, as it positions itself as a credible alternative in the 2027 general elections.

“The ADC will be a radical departure from old practices and what was obtained in the past. We will be transparent in all our engagements to rebuild public confidence eroded over time by self-serving politicians in the country,” he assured.

The former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has dismissed reports suggesting that he recently declared his intention to contest the presidency.

Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Baba-Ahmed clarified that his comments had been misinterpreted, stressing that no such declaration was made.

“I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” he said.

According to him, his recent public remarks were limited to reaffirming his membership of the Labour Party, amid growing political discussions about the future direction of the party and its key figures. He acknowledged that while political possibilities may exist in the future, no announcement or decision has been made at this time.

The clarification comes after widespread media and social media reports claimed that Baba-Ahmed was positioning himself for a presidential run ahead of the next general election. The reports sparked debate among supporters and political observers, many of whom viewed his comments as a signal of ambition.

Explaining further, Baba-Ahmed said, “Two days ago, what I did was simply say that I remain in the Labour Party. I never declared to contest the presidency, even though there could be a possibility of that happening. I certainly did not declare for the presidency. I reiterated my membership of the Labour Party, and that is all.”

He added that any declaration of interest would depend on the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable and the party’s internal processes.

“The submission I made was that one will have to wait for the INEC timetable and for the party to make the call for people to indicate their interest. I did not declare,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed also criticised the role of social media in amplifying misinformation, urging professional media organisations to ensure accuracy.

“It is unfortunate that social media can be so sensational, putting out wrong narratives to emotional listeners. I believe formal media like yours should serve as filters and barriers so that the general public can always consume the correct information,” he said.

OriOko88:
There's one ibo player in the Uganda team. Ikpeazu. Person no see European country play for,na Uganda he go dey play. Ibos shaa

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has placed a ban on the Indomie brand Noodles Vegetable Flavour due to the presence of undeclared allergens, specifically milk and eggs, which may pose a significant health risk to consumers with allergies or intolerances.

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has placed a ban on the Indomie brand Noodles Vegetable Flavour due to the presence of undeclared allergens, specifically milk and eggs, which may pose a significant health risk to consumers with allergies or intolerances.

According to a Friday statement cited by TVC News on the official Website of the agency, the French Authority (Rappel Conso of France) issued a notice regarding a recall of Indomie brand Noodles Vegetable Flavour product.

The statement reads, “Public Alert No. 041/2025.
Recall of Indomie brand noodles (Vegetable Flavour Product) due to the presence of undeclared allergens (milk and eggs).

The statement added, “Indomie noodles have become a household staple in many countries. Their popularity is rooted in convenience, versatility, affordability, and the comfort they bring to family meals.”

NAFDAC noted that the official risk of these products entering Nigeria is low due to the Federal Government’s existing ban on noodle importation, stressing the need for heightened vigilance to prevent possible illicit entry or circulation of the implicated Indomie brand.

NAFDAC expressed that it has commenced vigilance actions to guard against possible entry of the brand into the country, emphasising that acquisition of the product through online purchase or international travel will not be excluded.

The agency directs all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators to carry out surveillance and mop up the product if found within the zones and states.

The agency further urged distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the distribution, sale, and consumption of the recalled foreign brand of Indomie noodles.

NAFDAC advised consumers to discard the product and not consume it, urging the public to report any suspicion of the sale of the implicated brand of Indomie noodles to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322.

The agency advised the public to also report adverse events or side effects related to the consumption of the products or devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website.

muyico:
fake fear, not real, i though syria gat missile?? or miss

DatNiggaDaz:


There is no sense in this write up.

PO said what he said: the National Library is not a private one but a federal. Your messiah bought a presidential Airbus, your messiah bought a yacht, your messiah has borrowed more loans than any other administration, your messiah is a tax addict, your messiah removed subsidy & claimed to have saved billions.

Why did Tinubu not ask for donations to buy Airbus and yacht but deeped his hands into the National treasury?



PO question is: should the National Library which is an a federsl institution that embodies history, traditions & cultures of the Nigerian people be a subject of Birthday donations ?

Why should the National Library be an issue of donation after your messiah claims foreign reserves, GDP, is increasing. Where are all the monies?

Remi not have associated

Codepain:
they would sabotage it and blame FG
the best thing any Govt can do for now is to Ignore South East Completely
until there is a mentality reset.

Blame Britain, Blame Lord Lugard, Blame FG, Blame APC
zero accountability

Gjrich:
Nigerian Port Authority Transforms Eastern Ports To Become Nigeria’s Next Maritime Hub

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), is sustaining the drive in transforming the Eastern Ports of Nigeria into a new maritime hub.

The transformation is expected to turn the assets as pivotal drivers of economic growth and regional development.

Despite facing longstanding challenges such as poor infrastructure, security concerns, shallow port drafts, and inadequate equipment, these ports hold enormous potential.

Currently, over 30 per cent of imports that arrive through Southwest ports are transported eastward, underscoring the need to strengthen local port capacity to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Historically overshadowed by Lagos, Eastern ports like Port Harcourt, Onne, Warri, and Calabar have remained underutilized despite their proximity to key industrial zones and resource corridors. They currently handle less than a third of their capacity, but with targeted investments and improvements in road and rail connectivity, they can handle up to 35 percent of Nigeria’s maritime business and create over two million jobs.

Under the leadership of NPA’s Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, a vigorous campaign to reposition these ports is underway. Key initiatives include dredging to deepen channel drafts, expanding terminal capacity through public-private partnerships, and modernizing infrastructure to welcome larger vessels. The recent call of the Nigerian-owned MV Ocean Dragon at Onne is a strong symbol of this “Nigeria First” policy aimed at boosting intra-African trade under the AfCFTA framework.

Strategic partnerships with global shipping lines like Hapag-Lloyd, 24-hour customs operations, and tariff incentives have contributed to increased traffic and exports from the Eastern ports. Investments totaling over $1 billion are driving infrastructure upgrades, including road network integration and advanced marine safety equipment. Enhanced security patrols have reduced piracy risks, further ensuring the safety and reliability of shipping routes.

The ongoing improvements are expected to yield significant economic dividends for the Southeast region.
Industrial hubs in Aba, Onitsha, and Nnewi stand to benefit from better access to ports, reducing logistics costs and transit times. Port Harcourt is poised to become the Gulf of Guinea’s offshore logistics leader, while Calabar and Warri strengthen regional connectivity with Central and West Africa.

By aligning with the federal government’s economic diversification and “Nigeria First” policies, the NPA’s multifaceted strategy is positioning Eastern ports as vital engines of Nigeria’s blue economy. With continued infrastructure development, security enhancements, and private sector engagement, the Eastern maritime corridor is set to play a central role in Nigeria’s evolving maritime landscape and regional trade integration.