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2027: North-East APC Coalition Endorses Yakubu Dogara as Tinubu’s Running Mate
A political group known as the Coalition of APC Support Groups in the North-East has declared support for a former speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, to serve as running mate to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, Phonixnews online reported.
The group made the declaration during a meeting in Gombe on Monday.
According to members of the coalition, Mr Dogara is the best person to be picked as Tinubu’s running mate.
The coalition declared that at the end of the meeting, a delegation will formally proceed to Abuja, where it will meet with Mr Tinubu and present its resolution.
The coalition explained that the choice of Mr Dogara was based on his political pedigree as well as his acceptability by every segment of the country, irrespective of ethno-religious and political differences.
“At a time such as this, when efforts are on to build a brighter Nigeria, unity and impactful political representation and religious harmony, Dogara is the most qualified person to lead,” the coalition stated.
Assassination Fear: Islamic Republic of Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Chooses 3 Successors, Skips His Own Son
The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly handpicked three potential successors in case he is killed during Israel’s ongoing military campaign — a revelation that signals unprecedented urgency inside Tehran’s highest ranks.
According to an investigative report by The New York Times on Saturday, the 86-year-old Supreme Leader, now operating from a fortified bunker, privately named three senior clerics to assume power should he die during the conflict.
Reports say about 20 soldiers were killed in as bandits military base around Kwanan Dutse in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
An anonymous security source in nearby Shiroro LGA, who was briefed by his colleagues, told PREMIUM TIMES that the bandits attacked the military camp on Tuesday morning.
“Other soldiers were also injured,” the source who was not authorised to speak with the press said, adding the bodies of the deceased soldiers had been deposited in a hospital.
The army is yet to issue a statement about the incident. At press time, Onyechi Anele, the army spokesperson is yet to respond to our inquiry.
The Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Abdullahi Garba, has not responded to an inquiry sent to him about the incident.
The attack came a few hours after bandits killed about 15 residents of Tofa village in Magami district of the Gusau Local Government Area in Zamfara.
That same day, a similar gunfight between notorious bandit Bello Turji’s gang and security forces claimed at least 100 lives near Cida village in Shinkafi LGA of Sokoto State.
Armed groups in Niger State do not usually claim responsibility for attacks they carry out, but our reporter understands that the area where the incident happened is partly controlled by the bandit group of Dogo Gide and the remnants of late Ali Kawaje’s gang.
Like in other terror-ravaged states, Niger suffers incessant attacks from armed groups including the Mallam Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction.
These groups target civilians, military personnel and local miners. They also engage in cattle rustling, kidnapping for ransom and violence against women.
… Warns Against Land-grabbing
Following recent tensions over land and oil wells, the Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Iduwini Clan, Chief Benson Dodoru, has called for peace between the Letugbene and Ogbotobo communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
In a statement delivered through the INC’s legal adviser, Amb. Jeremiah Charles Ikpaka, Chief Dodoru condemned the recent actions of Letugbene youths, who took the law into their own hands by destroying structures allegedly built by Ogbotobo settlers on Letugbene land. He described the act as “uncivilized,” though born out of provocation.
According to the INC Chairman, the root of the conflict lies in attempts by Ogbotobo community members, allegedly backed by SPDC and Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd, to claim five oil wells located in Letugbene territory.
Dodoru accused SPDC of instigating the crisis under the pretence of planting mangrove trees, calling the claim “laughable.” He warned that if SPDC does not withdraw its activities and stop interfering in community lands, Letugbene may be forced to shut down all SPDC operations in the area.
While condemning the violent response by the youths, Chief Dodoru emphasized the need for peace and warned neighbouring communities and corporate entities to stop all land-grabbing efforts. He urged both communities to remain calm and allow the local government’s peace process to continue.
“Letugbene, Iduwini Kingdom is not afraid of war, but we want peace. Ogbotobo people are our Iduwini children. Fighting each other will only lead to loss of lives and property”, Dodoru said.