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I’ve not Left PDP, Says Shekarau

Published

8 years ago

September 5, 2018

Eric

A former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, has refuted a claim by his spokesman, Sule Ya’u, that he has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

In an audio clip repeatedly aired on some radio stations in Kano on Tuesday, Mr Shekarau, a presidential aspirant, said he is still making consultations with his political associates on the next line of action.

He said his followers know he has a tradition of consulting political associates before taking any critical decision, and will make his position known to the public, himself, at an appropriate time.

He therefore appealed to his followers to remain calm, and wait further direction.

“People are aware with the current trend in PDP Kano State. The national leadership has announced dissolution of Kano state executives of PDP. We have challenged this decision in court, because it contradicts the constitution of the PDP. We are still making consultation with PDP leaders in Kano for next line of action.

“You are aware in my political history, before I take any decision, I consult my political associates. I am still making such consultation. I am appealing to my supporters to exercise patient. I will make my position known to public myself at an appropriate time,” Mr Shekarau said.

When PREMIUM TIMES correspondent visited the residence of Mr Shekarau, he was told that the politician will meet with his loyalists on Tuesday night, and will make his position known on Wednesday.

On Monday, Mr Ya’u told BBC Hausa that his boss has dumped the PDP due to the dissolution of Kano PDP state executives and formation of a caretaker committee under Rabiu Bichi, former Secretary to Kano State Government and a close political associate of Rabiu Kwankwaso, another presidential candidate and ex-governor of the state.

Following the dissolution of the Mas’ud Doguwa-led executive, the members obtained an interim court judgement setting aside its dissolution.

Earlier on Tuesday, the public relations officer of the dissolved state executive, Musa Danbirni, told Premium Times that they are still the authentic leaders of PDP in Kano

“We are against the decision of National leadership of PDP for dissolving Kano state executives. Let me tell you, yesterday (Monday) the PDP leaders in Kano, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau and Ambassador Aminu Wali have sent their representatives to pay a solidarity visit to state secretariat in support of our leadership,” Mr Danbirni said

Meanwhile, perhaps as a move to placate some of the parties, the PDP has resolved to expand the caretaker committee to accommodate all interests “in line with its adherence to the principles of all-inclusiveness.”

The party made this known in a statement on Tuesday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.

“The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to expand the Kano State Caretaker Committee to accommodate all interests in line with its adherence to the principles of all-inclusiveness.”

The party in its statement said it is open to opinions and suggestions from party members in ensuring reconciliation and accommodation for all interests within its fold in the state.

The NWC assured no stone will be left unturned in the overall quest to bring good governance to Kano State.

The party leadership further assured it is prepared to engage with all in Kano provided all matters in court against the party are withdrawn, “as all members work together to build a united PDP that can confront and send out incompetent and insensitive people in governance in Kano State and Nigeria at large.”

Premium Times

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Certificate Forgery: Group Seeks Tinubu’s Disqualification from 2027 Election

Published

1 day ago

June 29, 2026

Eric

The Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA) has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Kano seeking the disqualification of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the 2027 presidential election over allegations of certificate forgery.

‎According to court documents seen by Daily Trust, the plaintiff alleged that Tinubu presented forged academic certificates from Chicago State University and a fake National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2023 elections.

‎‎The suit, marked FHC/K/CS/312/2026, lists Tinubu, INEC, and Chicago State University as defendants.

‎The plaintiff contended that Tinubu never attended Government College Lagos as claimed, noting that the school was established in 1974, four years after Tinubu allegedly graduated.

The CSO further argued that Tinubu does not possess a valid secondary school certificate, which is the minimum constitutional requirement to contest for the presidency.

‎It claimed that INEC had failed to act on its petition dated June 19, 2026, demanding clarification on Tinubu’s eligibility.

‎‎In its statement of claims, the group referenced a 2023 U.S. court ruling in In Re: Application of Atiku Abubakar (No. 23 CV 05099), which compelled Chicago State University to release Tinubu’s academic records.

‎The plaintiff insisted those records revealed false entries and inconsistencies, including a forged University of Cambridge General Certificate of Education.

‎The prayers asked by the plaintiff included declaration of forgery against Tinubu’s Chicago State University certificate, issuance of an order directing INEC to disqualify him from the 2027 presidential election, directing CSU to strike Tinubu’s name from its records and perpetual injunction restraining INEC from uploading Tinubu’s name as a candidate.

‎The plaintiff also submitted affidavits of non-multiplicity of action, witness statements, and letters to the NYSC and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, demanding disclaimers on the alleged fake NYSC certificate.

Featured

Lagos Island Red Cross Holds Annual Thanksgiving Service

Published

2 days ago

June 28, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Lagos Island Division of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, has held its 2026 Annual Thanksgiving, to express gratitude for another year of provision of succor and comfort to as many that are in need.

The thanksgiving service, which was held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, on the last Sunday of June, was led by the Division Coordinator, Chief (Olori) Aderonke Elegushi.

Speaking to The Boss on the activities of the Island Division of the Red Cross over the years, Olori Elegushi noted that it has been a thing of joy to be at the forefront of releasing the milk of human kindness to as many that needs it, and when they need it.

Coordinator, Lagos Island Division Nigerian Red Cross Society, Chief (Olori) Aderonke Elegushi (m), Vice Coordinator Abimbola Adeshile (2nd left), Secretary Ajibola Adu (2md right) and Saheed Ayinde Yusuf (1st right)

“This is what I love to do, and this is what the Red Cross is all about; lending helping hand and spreading love across borders, especially here in Lagos Island.

“In everything, we won’t forget our Maker, the Almighty God, through whose power we are able to do the little and much we can do. That explains why we here today to give thanks as it’s a tradition every year,” Olori Elegushi said.

Olori Elegushi also noted that as an not for profit organization, the Society seeks support well-meaning Nigerians and Lagosians to come to their aid so that the gospel of continuous lending of helping hand to the needy will continue unabated.

“We also seek the support of well-meaning individuals, organizations, and the Church in our efforts to expand our humanitarian activities. With adequate funding and partnerships, we can organize first aid and health awareness programmes for public school students, train more volunteers, equip communities with emergency preparedness skills, and carry out outreach programmes that will positively impact lives across our society,” she concluded.

Olori Elegushi, who will soon join the octogenarian club, was accompanied at the thanksgiving event, by Vice Coordinator Abimbola Adeshile, Secretary Ajibola Adu, Saheed Ayinde Yusuf, and a host of other members, dressed in their sparkling white uniform.

The Red Cross Society is an international organizational saddled with the responsibility of providing healthcare services among other humanitarian services to the people of the world. The Society is domiciled in every part of the world.

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Insecurity: Adeboye, Oyedepo Urge More US Military Action in Nigeria

Published

2 days ago

June 28, 2026

Eric

The General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, have thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for recent military action against terrorism in Nigeria, urging Washington to do more to halt the unrelenting attacks.

Both clerics spoke at the “Faith Heroes Award Gala” in Washington D.C. on June 26, 2026, organised by Save Nigeria Group USA, SNGUSA, with the US-Nigeria Civil Society Coalition.

The event honoured Trump, Congressmen Chris Smith and Riley Moore, and other advocates of religious freedom in Nigeria.

Addressing a packed audience of activists, policymakers and faith leaders at the Hilton Garden Inn, Capitol Hill, Adeboye said the scale of violence has moved beyond what any religious leader can handle alone.

“Terrorism is now at my doorstep,” he said. “If you want to help us, help us more.”

The RCCG leader, who had faced criticism for not speaking out earlier, said he chose “spiritual warfare” instead of public escalation. He noted that Trump’s December strikes on terrorist camps did not surprise him because the U.S. President had warned of consequences.