News
BREAKING: Tinubu Considers Dropping Shettima for Kwankwaso as 2027 Running Mate
By Divine Perezide
Fresh political developments suggest President Bola Tinubu is contemplating a significant shift in his 2027 re-election strategy, with indications that he may replace Vice President Kashim Shettima with former Kano State Governor, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate.
According to reports by Business Day, this potential move is gaining traction among key figures within the ruling All Progressives this shift was further fueled by APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje’s noticeable silence on Shettima during a recent party meeting in Gombe State.
Insiders reveal that negotiations are already underway to reintegrate Kwankwaso into the APC. He has reportedly met with President Tinubu in recent weeks, with strategists within the party viewing his return as a vitalstep towards strengthening the APC’s chances in the upcoming elections.
Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the Néw Nigeria People Party (NNPP) in 2023 and a prominent political figure in Northern Nigeria, especially through his influential Kwankwasiyya movement, holds considerable sway in Kano – a critical state with over 5.9 million registered voters, second only to lagos.
Sources close to the presidency suggest that Tinubu’s team sees Kwankwaso’s popularity in Kano and the wider North-west as a strategic advantage. “He has the influence and voters base the president needs to secure a second term,” one source disclosed emphasising the importance of bringing him on bored early.
Meanwhile, murmurs within the APC indicates that other political heavyweights are also eyeing the Vice President’s seat. Several Northern politicians, including at last least four sitting governors- Mali Mala Buni (Yobe), Muhammad Yahaya (Gombe), Uba Sani (Kaduna), and Dikko Radda (Katsina) – as well as lawmakers like House Speaker Tajudeen Abass and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, are believed to be maneuvering behind the scenes for a shot at the vice presidency.
While the ruling party deals with internal recalibration, opposition forces are not resting. Former Presidential contenders Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi are reportedly in talks to form a united political alliance ahead of 2027. Along with other prominent political actors, the duo is working towards launching a new party The All Democratic launching a new party, the Democratic Alliance (ADA).
This emerging coalition includes powerful figures such as former Senate President David Mark, ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rauf Aregbesola, as well as former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal. A committee has already been formed to oversee the party’s registration with the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), signalling a move to challenge Tinubu’s re-election from a united front rather than fragmented opposition platforms.
As Nigeria heads towards another electoral season, both ruling and opposition camps are intensifying efforts to consolidate power, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown in 2027.
By: Divine Perezide
Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, was thrown into tension on Monday following the arrest of a traditional figure amid an ongoing leadership dispute in the Tarakiri Clan.
According to information obtained by Iduwini Ibe Reporters, Ebikabowei Samuel, who is known as the Agadagba of Tarakiri Egbesu, was apprehended by security operatives over allegations of impersonating the throne of the Ibenanaowei of Tarakiri Clan, a position currently occupied by His Royal Majesty, Dr Seiyefa Koroye.
The arrest reportedly took place during a coronation-related ceremony in the community. Eyewitnesses said security personnel fired tear gas to disperse the crowd while effecting the arrest, leading to panic among residents and guests at the venue.
Sources within the community further disclosed that military personnel have allegedly imposed a curfew in Toru-Orua, restricting movement in and out of the town until further notice, as a precautionary measure to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
As at the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the security agencies or the Bayelsa State Government regarding the incident or the reported curfew.
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The Tarakiri Clan has in recent times been embroiled in leadership disputes, raising concerns among stakeholders over peace and stability in the area. Community leaders have called for calm, urging residents to allow lawful processes to prevail while authorities address the matter.
News
Otuaro, Eradiri, Media & Policy Leaders Unite as Ijaw Media Conference Seek to Defend Niger Delta Resources
By: Favour Bibaikefie
As environmental degradation deepens and community livelihoods face growing threats, the second edition of the Ijaw Media Conference is being positioned as a strategic platform to redefine accountability, policy engagement and responsible reportage in the Niger Delta.
Organised by the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF), the conference will hold on December 17, 2025, at the KFT Event Centre, Warri, under the theme “Safeguarding Niger Delta’s Natural Resources for Future Generations.” The theme reflects increasing concern over pollution, land loss and the long-term sustainability of the region’s land and waterways.
The appointment of the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, as Chairman of the conference signals a deliberate effort to align media advocacy with policy leadership. Organisers say protecting the Niger Delta requires strong collaboration between government institutions, host communities and a proactive, development-focused media.
In a statement signed by the planning committee chairman, Pastor Arex Akemotubo, and secretary, Tare Magbei, the IPF stressed that the media must rise beyond routine reporting to actively shape public discourse, demand accountability and amplify credible voices on environmental governance.
Ambassador Dr Godknows Igali, former Nigerian envoy to Scandinavian countries, will deliver the keynote address, expected to offer global perspectives on sustainable resource management. The lead presentation will be delivered by Engr Udengs Eradiri, former president of the Ijaw Youth Council, who is expected to address governance gaps, environmental justice and the responsibility of leaders and the media.
Legislative backing will be evident with the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, attending as Special Guest of Honour, while leaders from the Ijaw National Congress, Ijaw Youth Council, DESOPADEC, academia, waterways security and the private sector will serve as Guests of Honour.
Traditional institutions will also lend moral authority to the conference, with the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, HRM Pere Luke Kalanama VIII, serving as Royal Father of the Day, and Chief Tunde Smooth, the Bolowei of the Niger Delta, as Father of the Day.
The IPF said the conference aims to strengthen investigative journalism, promote responsible environmental reporting and galvanise collective action to protect the Niger Delta, warning that inaction today could mortgage the future of generations yet unborn.
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
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