Headlines
Kano Guber: Yusuf, Gawuna Know Fate Thursday
The Supreme Court is scheduled to convene on Thursday to deliberate on the appeal filed by Kabiru Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) following the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of the Election Petition Tribunal’s decision to overturn his election victory as Kano State governor.
The Commissioner of Information, Baba Dantiye, confirmed the scheduled hearing, which holds significant implications for the Kano State governorship seat.
Both the Appeal Court and the Tribunal upheld the stance that Nasiru Gawuna, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, emerged victorious in the election.
Consequently, both courts directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to revoke the Certificate of Return previously issued to Yusuf and reissue it to Gawuna, recognising him as the state’s duly elected governor.
However, Yusuf, who was sworn in as governor in May, approached the apex court to challenge the decisions of the lower courts.
In response to the pending Supreme Court session, Dantiye said, “The forthcoming Supreme Court hearing is crucial in determining the election outcome. We await the court’s decision and hope for a resolution that upholds justice.”
The imminent Supreme Court session has heightened anticipation across the state as stakeholders eagerly await the final verdict that will ultimately determine the rightful occupant of the Kano State governorship position.
Former governor of Anambra State, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has officially defected to the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi announced the decision on Tuesday at an event held at the Nike Lake Resort, Enugu.
“We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026 we will begin a rescue journey,” Obi said.
The National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark, was among the attendees.
United States Representative Riley Moors has said further military strikes against Islamic State-linked militants in Nigeria could follow recent operations ordered by President Donald Trump, describing the actions as aimed at improving security and protecting Christian communities facing violence.
Moore made the remarks during a televised interview in which he addressed U.S. military strikes carried out on Christmas Day against militant targets in North-west Nigeria.
The strikes were conducted in coordination with the Nigerian government, according to U.S. and Nigerian officials.
“President Trump is not trying to bring war to Nigeria, he’s bringing peace and security to Nigeria and to the thousands of Christians who face horrific violence and death,” Moore said.
He said the Christmas Day strikes against Islamic State affiliates had provided hope to Christians in Nigeria, particularly in areas affected by repeated attacks during past festive periods.
According to U.S. authorities, the strikes targeted camps used by Islamic State-linked groups operating in parts of north-west Nigeria.
Nigerian officials confirmed that the operation was carried out with intelligence support from Nigerian security agencies as part of ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation between both countries.
The United States Africa Command said the operation was intended to degrade the operational capacity of extremist groups responsible for attacks on civilians and security forces.
Nigerian authorities have described the targeted groups as a threat to national security, noting their involvement in killings, kidnappings and raids on rural communities.
Moore said the strikes marked a shift from previous years in which attacks were carried out against civilians during the Christmas period. He said the U.S. administration was focused on preventing further violence by targeting militant groups before they could launch attacks.
U.S. officials have said the military action was carried out with the consent of the Nigerian government and formed part of broader security cooperation between the two countries. Nigeria has received intelligence, training and logistical support from international partners as it seeks to contain militant activity.
Moore had previously called for stronger international attention to attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria and has urged continued U.S. engagement in addressing extremist violence. He said further action would depend on developments on the ground and continued coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Nigerian officials have maintained that counter-terrorism operations are directed at armed groups threatening civilians, regardless of religion, and have reiterated their commitment to restoring security across affected regions.
World-renowned boxer Anthony Joshua on Monday survived a ghastly road accident in Makun, Ogun State.
Eyewitnesses report that the incident occurred along a busy highway of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
The vehicle carrying Joshua, a Lexus Jeep with the number plate, KRD 850 HN, reportedly collided with a stationary truck under circumstances that are still being investigated.
Joshua reportedly sustained minor injuries, while two persons were said to have died on the spot.
