Media personality Chude Jideonwo has shared valuable insights into managing finances and making smart investment decisions.

In a recent interview, he emphasised the importance of storing wealth in assets that can be relied upon during difficult times.

He cited his experience of buying a house at 24 as a significant investment decision.

Chude also stressed the need for a practical approach to financial planning, sharing his experience of owning the same car for 10 years before purchasing a new one.

He cautioned against making life decisions based on social media influencers, emphasising that their financial situations may not be what they seem.

According to Chude, financial prudence is key, and individuals should never buy something that cannot be replaced immediately if lost.

He said: “I bought my first house at 24. I got one big money and I went to buy a house in Lekki. I just bought a new car last year. I had the same car for 10 years until the car was crying. 

“I’ve never thought of car as a store of wealth. You have to store wealth, so that in time of trouble, you won’t land on the floor. Look, don’t make your decisions based on an influencer. In 10 years you might find out the person was broke all along. 

“Don’t make decision of your life based on followers that will not be relevant to your life in five years. Economy is down, cost of living is up and perception is also up. Social pressure is a very powerful thing. But it is a problem. Never buy a thing that if you lose it you cannot replace it immediately. That means you cannot afford it”.

[TheNation]

Pope Francis was buried inside his favourite Rome church after a funeral mass in St Peter’s Square, the Vatican said on Saturday.

The Argentinian pontiff, who died on Monday aged 88, was laid to rest during a 30-minute burial ceremony which started at 1:00 pm (1100 GMT) at the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in the Italian capital.

Details later…

AFP

As Canada continues to grow and diversify its economy, the demand for skilled workers across various industries is on the rise.

For those looking to immigrate and secure a Canadian work visa, choosing a profession in high demand can significantly improve the chances of approval.

1. Registered Nurse

Canada’s healthcare system continues to grow in response to an aging population and increasing healthcare needs. As a result, the demand for medical practitioners, particularly nurses, has surged. Canada offers multiple immigration options for skilled nurses, making this profession the top choice for those looking to immigrate.

Various nursing roles are in demand, including Registered Nurses (RNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs/RPNs), and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs). Entry-level nurses in Canada earn an average of $58,499 annually, while more experienced nurses can earn up to $80,321 annually.

2. Web Developer

Web developers are essential for designing, coding, and maintaining websites and web applications. With the continued growth of the tech industry in Canada, skilled web developers are in high demand.

They work with front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and often use back-end languages like PHP, Python, or Node.js. The average salary for a web developer in Canada is approximately $70,221 per year, making this a lucrative field for those seeking a Canadian work permit.

3. Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and analyzing complex electrical systems. Due to the increasing demand for electrical expertise in various industries, electrical engineers are highly sought after in Canada. The average annual salary for electrical engineers is around $136,283, with entry-level positions offering lower pay. This field provides excellent opportunities for securing a work visa and long-term employment in Canada.

4. Truck Driver

Though it may seem surprising, truck drivers are in extremely high demand in Canada, where the need for transportation of goods across the country far exceeds the number of available drivers. Truck drivers do not necessarily need formal education but are compensated well due to the high demand. Truck drivers in Canada earn between $46,620 and $94,685 annually, making this profession a viable option for those seeking a work permit.

5. Welder

Welders are in demand across Canada, particularly for tasks such as manufacturing, heavy equipment repairs, shipbuilding, aerospace engineering, and infrastructure construction. With the ongoing growth of industries in Canada, the country expects to add 23,000 welding positions by 2028. Welders in Canada earn an average annual salary ranging from $45,000 to $75,000, making this a solid career choice for immigrants seeking work in the country.

6. Veterinarian

Canada has a deep affection for pets, animals, and agriculture, but there is currently a shortage of veterinarians to meet the needs of the population. Whether it’s for animal care or agricultural research, veterinarians are in high demand. With an average annual salary of $128,000, this profession offers lucrative opportunities for those with a veterinary degree seeking to immigrate to Canada.

[Vanguard]

Following the development in the Delta State Chapter of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I have been inundated with phone calls from leaders and members of our party as well as various youths who have been active in promoting democracy and good governance in our country. Many of the callers want to know what my reaction is to the defection of top PDP leaders in Delta State and its impact on our party.

My view is that those who want to leave the PDP should leave now and let the rest of us who want to stay concentrate on rebuilding the party and refocusing it to play the role of a viable opposition that will provide a better alternative for the good people of Nigeria.

I am convinced that it is important for all Nigerians to work for the sustenance of democracy. And to sustain democracy, there must be viable choices for people at every point. Also, there must be a viable opposition to keep people’s hope alive and create credible alternatives to keep the government on its toes. A one-party state as being disingenuously designed by some people will not augur well for a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural, multi-religious, and highly diversified society like ours. It is even more dangerous when we eliminate alternatives and make people hopeless.

Therefore, it is in the interest of Nigeria and the survival of our democracy for the opposition to be vibrant and strong enough with the capacity to replace the ruling party at any point. Thus, my charge to our party members is that the PDP is merely experiencing a rebirth. Those who want to leave the party should go and let those of us remaining have a clear view of who we are talking to and where their political loyalty lies. All we need is for those who want to stay back in PDP to show commitment and we can all work to rebuild the party.

This development has vindicated the stance of people like me who have decided to remain silent and watch events unfold. 

I have seen that there was no sincerity with supposed leaders of the opposition. One was not sure of the next person one was talking to.

My appeal to PDP members nationwide is that we should know that the sustenance of democracy is not a sprint. Rather, it is a marathon. It is not a knock-out football match series. It is a league. 24 hours is a long time in politics and nobody can predict how the dynamics will evolve in the coming weeks and months. That is why PDP members across the country should not be discouraged, disillusioned, disappointed, or demoralised by the development in Delta State. We should stay strong and focus on strengthening the party. It is not necessary at this point to lament why they left.

Our party members should also refrain from blaming our woes on the ruling party. That would be a lazy approach. They are playing politics to win elections. It is our responsibility as party members to ignore their antics and seize the moment and momentum to make our party stronger and better.

Yes, it is unbecoming and shocking for the running mate to the standard bearer of a leading party to abandon ship to join the ruling party. This is unprecedented and nobody should try to justify such an act with the talk of being put under pressure. It is simply a sign of how low we have sunk as a polity. The country is experiencing a collapse of leadership values.

These developments in the polity are the reason why I have always canvassed the idea that we should emphasize building and strengthening our institutions and not individuals. With the defection of the governor of Delta State, even if the party has only ten governors in its fold, the PDP is still in a good position to win the next round of elections..

Our numerous party members should know that the PDP is better with fewer members who are loyal, sincere, determined, dedicated, and committed to its ideas, ideals, and progress than to have so many who will identify with us in the afternoon and be romancing the ruling party in the night.

We still have about two years before the next election. That is a long time in politics. We have enough time to brace up to the challenge. 

There is nothing that prevents us from getting some governors from the other parties to join our ranks. My appeal to our young party members is that this defection is just a mere challenge to us to further mobilize and put our house in order. Also, our women’s wing should seize the opportunity to help in the rebuilding mission. The PDP will come out stronger from this development.

I am very sure the various leadership organs of our party will soon make public their reaction to this development and convey the necessary meetings to strategize on how to strongly and strategically respond to it. Therefore there is no cause for alarm.

Our party members should not lose focus, hope, or the determination to win. We should see the current development as a challenge to rebuild and refocus the party. Tomorrow is very bright.

. Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki is a former Senate President and Waziri of Ilorin.

In the ever-evolving landscape of language and communication, moments of spontaneous brilliance often birth new expressions, coined phrases that encapsulate the mood, the moment, and the message. On Wednesday, 23rd April 2025, the vibrant and outspoken Nollywood icon, Kate Henshaw, once again stepped into this space through her X handle, not just as a beloved actress or fitness enthusiast, but as a creator of language. Her reaction to an update by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) on power distribution gave the public a sparkling new coinage: “CBEXing.”

At a time when power distribution remains a hot-button issue across Nigeria, and frustrations boil over in the face of epileptic supply and ambiguous communication from distribution companies, Henshaw’s expression resonated. With one word, she captured the feelings of irony, skepticism, and the exhausting dance between hope and disappointment that many Nigerians experience daily with their electricity providers.

So, what is “CBEXing” and why does it matter? To understand its impact, one must begin by appreciating the power of words, how they shape our understanding, our discourse, and our cultures. “CBEXing” may sound humorous and flippant at first glance, but it bears the hallmarks of linguistic ingenuity. It is a neologism, one of the freshest in the Nigerian lexicon, and like many before it, it springs from a blend of acronyms, sarcasm, and shared experience. According to context clues and online reactions, the term is derived from “CBEX,” believed to stand for Constant But Erratic Electricity eXperience, or some variation therein, depending on interpretation.

CBEXing is more than just an amusing linguistic invention, it encapsulates a deeper critique of Nigeria’s electricity distribution system. It mirrors the pattern of a Ponzi scheme, where consumers keep paying with the expectation of consistent power supply that never comes. Like the illusion of quick returns promised in fraudulent investment schemes, the hope dangled by electricity providers feels like a scam that cycles through repeated disappointment. The power never truly stabilizes, yet bills keep coming, often inflated and unexplained. In this light, CBEXing is a metaphor for the institutionalized exploitation of consumers, repackaged with corporate PR and hollow reassurances.

Henshaw’s use of “CBEXing” is more than a tweet, it is a linguistic rebellion. It is cultural commentary. And above all, it is creative expression at its finest.

Every language, including English, is an ever-growing organism, continuously fed by the creativity and experiences of its speakers. New words are coined daily, through pop culture, tech innovations, politics, and even slang, and these words evolve, are adopted, and sometimes enshrined in dictionaries.

Consider how the word “Google” transitioned from being the name of a company to a verb in common use (“to google something”). Or how “selfie” went from a social media trend to an entry in the Oxford English Dictionary. Language historians and etymologists constantly remind us that today’s casual slang could be tomorrow’s formal expression.

Kate Henshaw’s “CBEXing” is thus situated within this historical tradition. It holds potential to transcend the moment, becoming shorthand for the uniquely Nigerian experience of unreliable electricity, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it.

At this juncture, not a few readers may have wondered in this context, “Why “CBEXing” resonates with this writer.  To address the wonderment, it is expedient to opine that the term caught on because it struck a nerve. It speaks to the everyday frustration and absurdity of Nigerian power supply. It is that moment when you see NEPA, sorry, PHCN, sorry again, your ‘DisCo’, flicker the lights on for five minutes, only for them to vanish mid-toast or mid-shower. It is the dry apology, the vague explanation, the unconvincing assurance that things will “soon stabilize.”

Kate Henshaw did not just name the phenomenon, she gave it personality. She anthropomorphized the energy sector’s dysfunction in a way that made it digestible, even laughable, in a country where many feel powerless in the face of such critical inefficiencies.

Without resort to flattery in this context, it is germane to applaud her creative spark. This is as Henshaw has always been known for more than just her acting skills. She is vocal, passionate, articulate, and unapologetically expressive. Whether speaking up for social justice or sharing tips on wellness, she engages the public with candor and intelligence. Her coinage of “CBEXing” is just another feather in her already vibrant cap.

Language experts often point out that the best neologisms are those rooted in shared experience, those that reflect a collective emotional truth. Kate’s coinage did just that. She turned a national grievance into a linguistic gem. She reminded us that even in frustration, Nigerians are masters of humor, satire, and expression.

It is also worth celebrating how “CBEXing” was not forced. It did not come out of a marketing campaign or a think tank. It was organic. Raw. Instinctive. And that is what makes it brilliant.

Whether “CBEXing” will find its way into formal linguistic acceptance remains to be seen. But language is not governed from the top-down, it evolves from the grassroots up. If people begin to adopt the term in everyday conversation, if it becomes shorthand in headlines, if radio hosts and comedians pick it up, then it lives. Just like “japa,” “sapa,” and “gist” have all taken root beyond their original niches, so too can “CBEXing.”

Already, social media users are having fun with it: “My fridge just CBEXed my stew,” “We are back to CBEXing again. Generator go run tire,” “CBEXing is now a national sport.”

These are not just jokes, they are the linguistic evidence of adoption.

It is indeed a lesson for creatives and communicators. Kate Henshaw’s coinage is a gentle reminder to all creatives, journalists, marketers, and public speakers: never underestimate the power of originality. In a digital age flooded with recycled phrases and buzzwords, originality cuts through the noise. It endears, it engages, and it endures.

To the creatives out there, let “CBEXing” inspire you. Every moment is an opportunity for expression. Every frustration can be molded into metaphor. Every observation can become a line, a phrase, a movement.

In fact, let there the light, and laughter.  In a nation grappling with the very serious problem of power instability, Kate Henshaw gifted us a word that blends irony, frustration, and humor in one breath. “CBEXing” may be informal, but its truth is undeniable.

We salute her not just as an actress, but as a wordsmith, a culture-shaper, and a woman whose wit refuses to dim, even when the lights do.

So here is to Kate Henshaw. May your light never flicker, your voice never fade, and your lexicon continue to enrich ours.

After all, it is through the lens of creative minds like hers that new language, and new thinking, emerge. And in that spirit, we are all better for it.

CBEXing. You have heard it. You have lived it. Now, go ahead use it.

A former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) are currently exploring their political options, with the possibility of aligning with either the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or the opposition coalition led by Atiku Abubakar.

A reliable source, who spoke to Punch on condition of anonymity, revealed that Kwankwaso and the NNPP would not contest independently in the upcoming 2027 elections, as they did during the 2023 elections.

“What I can confirm is that Kwankwaso and the NNPP will not contest independently as they did in the 2023 elections. Considering the current political landscape, they are weighing the possibility of either joining President Tinubu’s APC or aligning with the coalition led by Atiku, el-Rufai, and others,” the source disclosed.

The development comes amid a rapidly shifting political environment, as various political actors and parties seek strategic alliances ahead of the next general election.

In response to growing speculation, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, confirmed in an interview with Punch that the party was indeed considering these political options.

He stated, “Well, so far, what I’ll say is this: in the NNPP, we tend to, at least from our own history as the Kwankwasiyya movement, wait till midterm. May 29th will be the midterm for this administration. It will be two years down, and two years to go. That is when we believe that proper politicking will commence.

“So, yes, we are talking, and we’ve been talking. But you’ll recall that at that time, I told you I didn’t want to mention specifically the groups or persons or movements that are in conversation with us. That is still the position now.

“You’ll recall that there have been many publications in newspapers and online, insinuating that Senator Kwankwaso is moving to the APC, that it is imminent and all that. That is just the nature of the game. Some people are pressing or pushing that narrative for their selfish reasons.

“But the bottom line is that very soon, they will begin to hear from us. We will tell our supporters what we are doing. There are basically three cards on the table: either we remain in the NNPP and continue with those who joined us all the way or we form some sort of coalition with Atiku, others; or we form an alliance with the ruling party. I am not saying any of these is the case now. But these are the three basic options that could happen.”

[NaijaNews]

In the story of every great society, the true engine of transformation is not limited to oil or infrastructure alone; it is also about the people.

It is education that shapes their minds, healthcare that preserves their lives, skills that empower their hands, and dignity that secures their place in society.

In Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, is scripting this very story with breathtaking urgency. His human capital and social agenda is a people-centred movement to build a prosperous and compassionate homeland.

At the onset of his tenure, Governor Soludo’s bold declaration of a state of emergency in education was a necessary jolt to a system that had lost its way. Today, Anambra is the first state in Nigeria where every child in public school, from nursery to SS3, pays nothing: no levies, no fees, and no hidden charges.

This landmark policy has reversed a decline in enrollment. Public primary school enrollment has surged by 27.05%, while secondary school numbers have risen by 10.36%.

In 2024, Unesco rated Anambra State as the lowest in out of school syndrome at a rate of 2.90 While the 2024/25 National Education Management Information System Annual Census held in conjunction with State Education Management Information System rated the out of syndrome at 0.25. Anambra now boasts with the lowest rate of out of school children in Nigeria.

When Governor Soludo took office, over 7,500 teaching positions were vacant. Within his first year, he recruited 8,115 teachers in a merit-based, digital-savvy cohort drawn from 18 states across Nigeria. These teachers have been deployed to every corner of the state, from bustling cities to forgotten villages, dramatically improving the teacher-learner ratio to 31:1 in primary, 28:1 in secondary, and 26:1 in ECCD. Every headteacher and principal now has a laptop. 22 pilot smart schools are transforming into centres of innovation, preparing students for a world where knowledge, not connections, defines the future.

Through the Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) model, 70 philanthropists have invested in renovating and building schools. Mission schools, long neglected, are receiving generous government support, ₦2.2 billion in grants, including for Pentecostal schools for the first time. Eighty per cent of newly recruited teachers serve in mission schools whose salaries are fully covered by the state, almost ₦1 billion monthly. Education is no longer an orphan of policy; it is the crown jewel in Anambra State under Governor Soludo

Also, Anambra is setting national standards in healthcare with its telemedicine network. Every primary healthcare centre in the state is now digitally linked to a pool of 42 doctors, available 24/7. With the tap of a button, a villager in the remote areas can consult a doctor, be referred, and even evacuated using the Anambra State Emergency Ambulance Service (ASEMSAS) via a toll-free line.

Today, 326 primary health centres have been renovated and equipped with solar-powered boreholes, lithium inverters, and internet-enabled diagnostic tools. Once-abandoned facilities are now hubs of life-saving care. Each political ward in Anambra has at least one functional medical facility.

Five brand-new general hospitals have been built, all in underserved areas of Anambra North, defying political calculations as Governor Soludo is from Anambra South. Additionally, three general hospitals have been upgraded to specialist status. Equipment such as dialysis machines, dental theatres, and ophthalmology labs now exist where there was once neglect. At the tertiary level, a state-of-the-art Trauma Centre is under construction at the Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital. A smart nursing school, the largest in Southeast Nigeria, is also taking shape.

Over 102,643 women have benefited from completely free antenatal care and delivery, including 344 cesarean sections. Since its inception, public hospital births have risen from 200 to over 1,000 monthly, with 52% of beneficiaries being non-indigenes, an evidence of the universal humanity guiding the policy.

From 3.8 million mosquito nets distributed to cervical cancer screening for over 13,000 women, the healthcare revival is as broad as it is deep. Anambra’s Health Insurance Scheme now covers 120,000 residents, including keke riders and shuttle bus drivers, and aims to double coverage by 2025.

Governor Soludo’s vision for youth development is practical, visionary, and deeply cultural. Inspired by the Igbo Apprenticeship System (IAS), the One Youth, Two Skills initiative is empowering 5,000 young people in 2024, with another 8,700 in training for 2025. With over ₦2 billion in seed capital and an additional ₦2.5 billion in concessional loans through ASBA, over 3,000 youth have become self-made millionaires, armed with skills that scale. This is not the usual handout or welfarist tokenism; it is wealth creation in action.

The Soludo administration’s compassion also finds real expression in its social justice programmes. Over 1,800 children separated from families have been rescued and reunited. Over 150 interventions have protected widows from inhumane practices, enforcing the Widowhood Rights Law. More than 3,000 disputes have been resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), giving women and children an accessible justice mechanism. Over 2,000 perpetrators of gender-based violence and trafficking have been apprehended, while 121 children were rescued from exploitative conditions. Over 1,500 grassroots women leaders have been mobilised into governance, with 2,500+ women trained in vocational and entrepreneurial skills. Governor Soludo’s women agenda is empowerment by design.

With decades of dry taps behind them, Anambra residents are now witnessing the return of pipe-borne water. Five major urban water schemes, 15 small-town networks, and 109 rural projects, including 30 in Okpoko alone, have been rehabilitated and upgraded. For many, this is the first time in living memory that potable water flows at home.

Governor Soludo’s human capital agenda is a deeply personal, profoundly life-changing covenant with the people of Anambra. By investing in minds, healing bodies, empowering youths, uplifting women, and restoring dignity, he is building a better, more just, equitable society where every life counts. In Anambra, for the first time in a long time, governance has truly come home. Solution is here!

A pressure group, Action Collective, has accused one Sandra Duru of spearheading a desperate campaign using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to discredit the suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Teddy Onyejuwe, the group raised the alarm over a trending online video allegedly featuring the female Senator. Onyejuwe clarified that the video was an AI fabrication and urged the public to disregard any content linked to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan that does not originate from her verified platforms.

According to Onyejuwe, the smear campaign was the work of political opponents deploying Duru “as a pawn to mislead the public.”

“We call on Nigerians to ignore such content and to be vigilant about the growing use of digital manipulation to spread falsehood,” the statement read.

The group described Sandra Duru, who now reportedly goes by the alias ‘Professor Ngbeke,’ as a “serial fraudster with a longstanding reputation for deceit.” They alleged that Duru has operated through a network of fictitious NGOs and shell companies to defraud public figures, private individuals, and institutions over the years.

Tracing Duru’s history, the Action Collective claimed she first gained political access in Imo State through a relationship with Chantel Adanna Chinyere, whom she later allegedly betrayed. Her reputation, according to the group, became further tarnished during the 2011 elections after a series of smear campaigns against notable figures, including former Deputy Governor Eze Madumere.

“She is a master fabricator who uses forged letters, fake programs, and non-existent partnerships to lure unsuspecting victims,” Onyejuwe alleged.

The statement referenced several reports on Duru’s activities, including a June 10, 2020 article on Nairaland and an April 24, 2027 report on Secretsreporter.com, which linked her to numerous scams and acts of misrepresentation.

One notable case highlighted involved Chukwubuike Nelson Ubechi, who reportedly lost N1.2 million to a travel and training scam operated by Duru through her organization, the Pre-Adult Affairs Organisation (PAAO), falsely claimed to have international endorsements.

Beyond public fraud, the group alleged that Duru’s misconduct extended to her personal relationships, citing accusations of blackmail and emotional manipulation from her estranged husband, Emmanuel Ebuka Elobi, and his family.

“This is someone whose every move is laced with fraud, betrayal, and character assassination. She has used everything from fake marriages to AI tools in her crusade of lies,” the statement asserted.

The Action Collective urged media organisations, government agencies, and the general public to remain cautious and distance themselves from Duru and her alleged schemes. They also called for heightened skepticism towards any AI-generated material associated with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“This is a coordinated attempt by desperate political adversaries to discredit a highly respected public servant. We urge everyone to verify their sources and expose this woman’s deceit before more lives and reputations are destroyed,” Onyejuwe concluded.

[Leadership]

With Wednesday’s defection of the governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) there are indications that more governors in the opposition parties are either preparing or being pressured to switch and join the APC.

Most of the governors, according to Weekend Trust sources, are those serving their first term, who will be seeking to return to office in 2027 and may need the backing of the center to do so.

Opposition governors seeking second term include those of Kano, Osun, Plateau, Enugu, Rivers, Taraba, Akwa Ibom and Zamfara.

The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, who is also in the opposition is said not to be in that category at the moment as the state appears drawn towards the personality of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi and the governor is expected to spearhead the resolution of the crisis in the party.

However, there is also an indication that a second-term governor may also be considering a move.
Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Umar Fintiri, is one of the few governors in their second term reported to have been approached to defect to the APC.

The game at play

Part of the bait being used by leaders of the ruling party to lure the governors, according to sources, is the guarantee of party tickets and support in the general elections.

The governors, sources said, are burdened by the weakened state of their respective parties and near absence of strong figures to defend their interests in the general elections.

A leading figure in one of the opposition parties told our correspondent that unlike in the past where opposition parties had strong structures or strong personalities, in the current dispensation, the opposition parties have been weakened while their leaders are not in control of party structures.

“So if the opposition governors run into trouble, where will they run to? They know that with the ruling party their interests would be protected that is why they’re entering into negotiations with the APC,” he stated.

Our correspondents also learnt that why more governors in the opposition may be wooed is to forestall the planned coalition of opposition parties like it happened in the build up to the 2015 elections which was used to defeat a sitting president.

This is more so as the governors are usually the leaders of the party structures in their respective states and could easily mobilise support for their parties.

Reports indicate that part of the reasons the Delta State governor found it necessary to defect was in order to secure his position in the next elections as his major backers like the former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, were leaving the party.

The initial calculation, according to sources, was for the ruling party to approach all the opposition governors to defect, but there was a change in plan to focus more on the governors seeking second term as they would need the support at the center to win their elections due to the disintegration of the opposition parties.

The source added that for the opposition governors, the prospect of waiting to join the proposed coalition appears too risky as the plan seems far-fetched and the mobilisation is yet to galvanize the kind of verve that could back up their candidacy in the general elections.

The fear, according to the source, is that with the way the opposition parties have been weakened, the governors cannot rely on them for their second term bids.

President of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), Professor Hassan Saliu, when contacted said what is happening  is not the fault the ruling party.

“Let me say that let us be fair to the ruling party. The other parties have their own internal problems. If people are saying that it is the ruling party that is putting fire into PDP, I beg to disagree. PDP has been passing through problems even before President Tinubu came to power. 

“In 2022/2023, we saw how they were divided. Was it Tinubu that brought about G5 (a group of five governors)? Of course the ruling party would smile and laugh when the opposition parties are having problems but I think it would be too simplistic to put all the blame on the ruling party,” he said.

Akwa Ibom’s Gov Eno

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, in a surprising twist, declared his support for President Bola Tibunu’s second-term bid explaining that Tinubu’s commitment to national development through critical infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway was what caused him to endorse the president.

He said, “Mr. President has approved and embarked on this audacious project that is set to unlock our economic potentials, especially for coastal communities. This initiative aligns with his Renewed Hope Agenda and deserves to be completed under his leadership.”

The comment is considered disturbing as his party, the PDP is also expected to produce a presidential candidate in the elections.

His comment has been interpreted as working against his party’s interest, though it will not be the first time that such would happen.

In the build up to the 2023 elections, five PDP governors namely, Seyi Makinde; Samuel Ortom; Okezie Ikpeazu; Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Nyesom Wike, all worked against the presidential candidate of their party.

Weekend Trust gathered that there is a lot of pressure on Umo to shift base given that the current President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, is from the state and is expected to deliver Akwa Ibom to the APC in 2027

But the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, dismissed rumours that the governor  will be defecting to the All Progressives Congress.

Umanah explained that Gov Eno’s recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was targeted at attracting development to Akwa Ibom and not for partisan reasons. 

“Governor Umo Eno’s support for President Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, is a strategic act of enlightened state interest aimed at unlocking federal collaboration for the benefit of the people of Akwa Ibom.

“The governor’s recent open endorsement of the president and other key federal leaders is not about partisanship, but a pragmatic step to foster cooperation and attract federal interventions to the state.

“This growing synergy has begun yielding visible benefits and will further facilitate key initiatives like the Ibom Deep Seaport, Ecological Remediation amongst others”, he said.

Osun: Flying a kite

The Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, had a hard time winning the governorship election in 2023, as he was running against an incumbent Adegboyega Oyetola, who ran for a second term.

Due to the intensity of the campaigns and the resultant animosity by both camps, it was taken for granted that the governor would maintain his leadership of the opposition party.

But with the recent onslaught against his grip of the affairs of the state through the Supreme Court ruling reinstating the sacked local government chairmen, some say he is gradually capitulating.

The sudden appearance of bill boards in the state with the images of the governor and that of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is seen as flying the kite to prepare the minds of the people towards a likely defection.

The governor’s situation is peculiar and he has to be cautious as he defeated an incumbent who is very close to President Tinubu and has not taken his eyes off the seat.

His defection may not be that easy as Oyetola is serving as the minister of Blue Economy and may want to take the APC ticket again. It is also likely that the president may consider supporting another for the party’s ticket given their close relationship.

When our correspondent reached out to Adeleke’s Chief Press Secretary, Olawale Rasheed, on the matter earlier in the week, he promised to return the call, but did not do so. Also, yesterday, a call was put through to him, but he did not take it.

Plateau: Too many puzzles

There are also speculations that the Plateau State governor, Caleb Muftwang, is being wooed to move over to the APC.

He is currently the only governor in the opposition in the entire North-central zone but has a state House of Assembly populated by APC members.

Sources say he is reluctant to do so as he defers most times to the direction of former governor Jonah Jang who controls a large part of the PDP structure in the state.

The current crisis at the national level of the party has, however, not enabled the PDP in the state to consolidate on its grip even as the governorship candidate of the APC in the state, Nentawe Yilwada, has been given a ministerial position and may not have given up his ambition to occupy the Rayfield Government House.

The appointment of Nentawe as minister raised the hope of APC members and the possibility of his stepping down for Muftwang if the latter defects.

But the Plateau State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has ruled out the possibility of Governor Caleb Mutfwang defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

The PDP chairman in the state, Christ Hassan, stated that the party remains unshaken, insisting that its members are loyal.

In a press conference on Thursday, the chairman of the party said, “We have noted the isolated instances of defections by a few party members to other political parties. Let me, therefore, urge all loyal party faithful to remain calm and resolute.  Defections are not new in the political process; however, we are confident that the strength and credibility of the PDP in Plateau State remain unshaken. 

“Be assured that the leadership of the party is working assiduously to consolidate our gains and will continue to provide the needed platform for the aspirations of our people. Everything is under control and better days lie ahead, “ the chairman said.

Taraba: Too early to call

Sources indicate that the Taraba State governor, Agbu Kefas has been approached to consider defection due to the crisis at the national body of the party.

His situation is, however, peculiar as he may not want to go against the interest of General TY Danjuma, who was instrumental to his becoming a governor.

A politician in Jalingo, who would not like his name mentioned, said the recent reception accorded to President Bola Tinubu wife during her visit to Taraba State by Governor Kefas, could be part of the governor’s move to decamp to the APC. 

However, a source close to the governor, who will also not like his name mentioned, told Weekend Trust that the rumours of planned defection by Governor Kefas to the APC was false and the work of mischief makers in the state. 

The source said Taraba is a PDP state and it will remain so.

The Senior Assistant on Media and Digital Communications to Governor Agbu Kefas, Mr. Emmanuel Bello, did not pick calls or reply WhatsApp messages sent to him by our correspondent. 

Kano: The Kwankwaso factor

There have been reports about alleged meetings between the former governor of the state and NNPP presidential candidate in the last elections, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso with leaders of the APC.

Any decision Kwankwaso takes is likely to rub off on the state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who has a lot of respect for the former.

But sources in Kano say even if Kwankwaso agrees to defect to the APC, it is not likely that the governor would join in order to secure his base. This, according to them, is because the APC national chairman may move against such arrangement.

“The deal would be to allow Tinubu win Kano while the governor retains his seat,” a source told our correspondent.

Enugu: The push to capture South-east

With two states in the South-east firmly in the grip of the APC making incursion into a third appears like a walk in the park.

But the Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, is said to still be weighing his options.
Attempt to speak with governors special assistant on media Mr Uchechukwu Ani, was not successful.

Like Zamfara, like Osun

The situation in Zamfara State appears similar to that of Osun where the immediate past governor Bello Matawalle who lost to the current governor Dauda Lawal is a minister in the Tinubu cabinet.

Sources say the Zamfara governor is not considering moving as the structure of the APC in the state is still under the immediate past governor who may still be interested in running for a second term.

Rivers’ Fubara reconsidering

During the week, there were reports that president allegedly met with the suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, in the United Kingdom. There are also speculations that given the situation Fubara has found himself, he may succumb to any pressure to defect to the APC.

Sources say it, however, depends on if he agrees to work with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Some sources also say the likelihood of Fubara returning to the Rivers State Government House to compete his tenure depends on how far he cooperates with the ruling party.

Adamawa: Second term not withstanding

Sources say the Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Umar Fintiri, appeared approachable to the APC given his lukewarm relationship with former vice president Atiku Abubakar and due to the resilience he showed in winning the governorship election in both 2019 and 2023.

Fintiri had served as acting governor of the state and has won elections for two consecutive terms on the platform of the PDP.

Press secretary to Governor Fintiri, Mr Wonosiko Humwashi, however denied the speculation that the governor is contemplating such an action and told our correspondent that Fintiri has no plans to leave the PDP.
He said, “As far as we are concerned, we assure the people of Adamawa state that His Excellency, Governor Fintiri, is not leaving the PDP”.

The governor, we learnt, has been optimistic that the PDP can be rebuilt and made formidable enough to contest the 2027 presidential elections.
There were talks early last year about pairing Fintiri with former President Goodluck Jonathan to run on the PDP platform but with the lack of interest shown by the former president in re-contesting, the permutation has died down.

2027 is political battle between Nigerians, APC – Atiku

Meanwhile, the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, yesterday declared that the 2027 elections will be a political battle between Nigerians and the present administration. 

Atiku, who was reacting to the latest defections from PDP, to the ruling All Progressives Congress, noted that he does not bear grudges against any one, as freedom of association in a democracy are “fundamental rights.”

Atiku, in his reaction on his verified Facebook page said, “the coming political battle is not APC versus PDP, or LP versus APC. It is Nigerians versus an administration that has plunged the nation into untold suffering. The economy is in freefall. Inflation is choking the masses. Jobs are vanishing. Youth restiveness is surging to terrifying levels. Nigerians are not just tired — they are angry, and rightfully so.”

The PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election said he has “been overwhelmed with inquiries from concerned Nigerians, all eager to understand my position on the latest political shifts, particularly the defection of some PDP members to the ruling party.

“Let me be unequivocal: freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy — they are fundamental rights. Alongside these stand the pillars of a just and functional democratic society: the people, the rule of law, credible elections, and accountability. Undermine any of these, and democracy itself begins to crumble.

 [DailyTrust]

Panic and fear have gripped residents of Musukwani area in Jakara, Kano Municipal Local Government Area, following the mysterious disappearance of two young boys believed to have gone missing inside a large, deep ditch in the neighborhood.

The alarming incident has raised fresh concerns, with locals linking the location to possible supernatural forces due to repeated strange occurrences in the area.

Eyewitnesses say the latest case happened on Monday, April 21, 2025, when one of the boys reportedly removed his clothes and wallet — which contained money — and handed them over to some people nearby before entering the ditch.

“We were sitting here when the boy came, took off his clothes, including his wallet with money, and asked us to keep them for him. He said he was going into the ditch to check something, as they usually store things like rods inside. He never came back. Even after nightfall, we closed our shops and went home. The next morning, there was still no sign of him. His belongings are still with us,” Abdul Basit Yusha’u Safiyanu told DAILY POST.

This is not an isolated incident. Just a few days earlier, another boy named Dan Sani also entered the same ditch with a friend and was never seen again. His disappearance remains unresolved.

Musa Hamza, a community leader and maternal uncle of (Dan Sani) one of the missing boys, expressed deep concern and frustration.

“He’s my nephew, about 12 years old. He and his friend came to the ditch. He told his friend to wait while he went in. When the friend noticed he wasn’t coming back, he ran home to tell us. We searched everywhere — even the mortuary — but nothing. All we have now are rumors and fear. Even the fire service officers who entered the ditch struggled to get back out,” he lamented.

Efforts to rescue the boys were made by the Kano State Fire Service. According to the commission’s spokesperson, Saminu Yusuf Abdullahi, the service received a distress call at exactly 3:55 p.m. on April 21.

“In response to a call from one Hamisu Wakili, our team rushed to the site in Jakara, but unfortunately, we could not find the missing individuals, and had to call off the operation,” he confirmed in a phone interview with DAILY POST.

Residents, however, believe the ditch may have more than meets the eye. Some, like Sadam Saraki, linked the area to paranormal activity, claiming it has long been known as a hub for spiritual and mysterious happenings.

Now, the people of Jakara are calling on the Kano State Government and emergency agencies to urgently investigate and take action before more lives are lost.

“People are scared. We can’t sleep with both eyes closed anymore,” one resident said.

The fate of the missing boys remains unknown, as the community anxiously awaits answers.