Tinubu’s Minister Warns APC Against Ditching VP Shettima on 2027 Presidential Ticket

The All Progressives Congress (APC) should be advised against removing Vice President Kashim Shettima from the 2027 presidential ticket by Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.

The APC leader claimed that replacing Shettima, especially with a non-Northern Muslim, could lead to a severe political backlash in the North, according to a comment made on the Mic on a podcast with Channels TV Seun Okinbaloye.

Musawa emphasized that the party’s stability and chances of winning re-election would be hampered by the removal of the current “Muslim-Muslim” ticket.

“It creates a hurdle if there is no Hausa, Fulani, or Kanuri Muslim on that ticket.” That is how people actually think, Musawa said.

She emphasized that Northern Nigeria’s politics are deeply rooted and sophisticated, putting pressure on regionally based policies.

“The core North states, such as Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, and Sokoto, understand politics very well,” said one official. There is a way of life in politics. Because they believe they have influence there, people line up and vote every four years, she said.

Musawa refuted claims that such a move would lead to a reshuffle of the APC’s presidential ticket without having any consequences, blaming such presumptions as politically naive.

“I believe it is a problem if we play with changing the way things are in the present.” She said that those who make other claims may not fully comprehend how politics operates in the North.

Musawa expressed concern about growing opposition alliances ahead of 2027 when she questioned how the opposition forces are currently stacked against President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.

She described the opposition as splintered, with various political figures fighting for the same position of power.

You have a crowded opposition, you say. Every member is competing for the same seat, Musawa said, adding that this alone sets off the possibility of political failure.

She continued to acknowledge that opposition figures were still influential and active, but she emphasized that the APC was still confident in its ability to hold onto power.

“We don’t take anyone lightly,” we say. However, she said, “I don’t understand how they can unseat President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima because the opposition is now emerging.”

Musawa stated that the ruling party is focused on strengthening its political base ahead of the upcoming election despite the APC applauding a strong opposition to democratic growth.

VP Shettima Back in Abuja After High-Level Engagements Abroad

Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after spending a week on a diplomatic and economic mission in Guinea-Conakry and Switzerland.

He claimed that Nigeria has regained its leadership in global and regional policy discussions.

After leading Nigeria’s delegation to the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos on Saturday, the Vice President represented President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of Guinea’s President, Mamadi Doumbouya, and the delegation’s delegation.

Under President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” Shettima emphasized that Nigeria’s recent diplomatic engagements reflect a renewed commitment to West African solidarity and economic revitalization.

His visit to Guinea-Conakry opened the door for bilateral cooperation in agriculture and manufacturing, confirming Nigeria’s leadership in ECOWAS.

Shettima inaugurated “Nigeria House Davos” at WEF 2026 under the leadership of the Nigerian delegation in Switzerland.

The Davos Promenade’s hub is intended to entice investment in agriculture, solid minerals, and the digital economy.

The Vice President cited agriculture as the foundation of national stability during a session on food security.

In order to advance the Accra Reset Initiative, an advocacy platform that promotes African industrialization fueled by domestic capital and regional value chains, he joined former president Olusegun Obasanjo, former vice president Yemi Osinbajo, former vice president Yemi Osinbajo, and minister of finance Wale Edun.

The Vice President cited a projected 4.4% GDP growth in 2026 and a decline in inflation of 12.94% as evidence to investors regarding Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators.

He also made note of Nigeria’s imminent transition from a net exporter of refined petroleum products, supported by the Dangote Refinery, along with the nation’s growing digital talent exports.

Exclusive: Peter Obi Under Fire as APC Rep Questions His Political Credentials

The vocal Akwa Ibom House of Representatives member Clement Jimbo has questioned Peter Obi’s presidential ambitions, calling him unfit for office as a result of his “leadership deficit.”

Jimbo described Obi’s frequent criticisms as “unpatriotic” rather than “conceptual opposition” in an exclusive interview with Persecondnews in Abuja that will air on YouTube this Friday.

With his sincere assessment, the lawmaker, who represents the Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, has sparked significant discussion ahead of the 2027 elections.

He remarked, “You cannot continue to lead the country on every platform available.” With all the advantages of this administration, he consistently portrays the nation negatively rather than as an opposition.

Can you give me one good idea or suggestion for promoting the nation? You can’t criticize if you don’t contribute.

Jimbo argued that President Tinubu will be “unopposable” or virtually unbeatable in 2027 based on his experience as a candidate for the 2019 SDP presidential election.

He praised the President’s leadership, saying, “It’s clear that the man knows what to do.

Jimbo praised the direction of the Tinubu administration.

Tinubu, the leader of the APC, has excellent leadership skills in the role of president and leader.

“Watch the recovery of the economy. When he took office, the governors we had and now are incredible, and when you go to the 10th Assembly, we are also leading in terms of governors.

The federal lawmaker told Persecondnews, “This is something you can’t say about Peter Obi because he has transitioned from the APGA to PDP, LP, and now in ADC,” the federal lawmaker said.

Jimbo envisions a “seismic shift” in a bold forecast that could undermine the South East’s support for the Labour Party.

Jimbo believes the election is moving forward despite the staggering 90% of votes cast by Obi in 2023 (1.96 million votes, compared to 127, 605).

The lawmaker points to Gov. Gov.’s strategic leadership as evidence of his steadfast commitment to APC. Hope that the Uzodimma will be the regional hero.

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Jimbo claims that “the winds of change are blowing” and that the following cycle will result in a significantly different outcome.

It’s a game-changer for our party because of the man of substance that leads the pack of APC governors.

Jimbo has a clear sense of confidence in Uzodimma, who is the director-general of APC Outreach, Engagement, and Mobilization.

We are fighting to reclaim our place in the sun by declaring, “We are not just fighting for victory.”

The governor of Enugu state is regarded as one of the best-performing governors in the state, all due to the current administration’s leadership dynamics. For the first time, there is a significant infrastructure turnaround in Abia state.

“This is primarily attributable to the 36 state governors’ robust financial disbursements, which have been facilitated by fiscal reforms, such as the elimination of fuel subsidies.

He continued, “Total allocations to the 36 states reportedly increased from 3.8 trillion to 7.1 trillion over the period of 2024 to 2025.”

Jimbo cited a $ 570 billion release for citizen support from the federal government, which aims to reduce economic strain.

The lawmaker insists the impact is still significant despite the opposition from governors who have criticized the legislation by labeling the funds as NG-CARES reimbursements rather than federal aid.

Kudirat Abiola’s Murder Case Closed: Supreme Court Dismisses Charges Against Al-Mustapha

The military junta’s infamous “ahaja kudirat abiola” murder trial has come to an end after decades of legal tigers in Lagos.

The Lagos State government attempted to prosecute Hamza Al-Mustapha, the former chief security officer of the late military dictator Sani Abacha, but the court rejected that effort.

The government’s delay was criticized by the justices, who noted that the state had not done anything for nine years even after receiving the order to reopen the case in 2014.

According to Persecondnews, Al-Mustapha was the main suspect in the 1993 presidential election winner’s wife, Chief MKO Abiola, who was killed in 1996.

The state’s failure to proceed with the appeal was described as “inexcusable” by Justice Uwani Aba-Aji, who delivered the lead judgment.

The court upheld Al-Mustapha’s previous acquittal as a result of this “inexcusable” negligence, putting an end to the scandalous case.

Mr. Paul Daudu (SAN), Al-Mustapha’s attorney, told the court that Lagos State had not yet submitted an appeal or put any steps in place to implement the order that was given to it over nine years ago.

Daudu argued that the state’s failure to file an appeal in 2014 clearly demonstrated a lack of interest in the case’s development.

He pleaded with the judge to dismiss the appeal entirely on abandonment grounds.

Justice Aba-Aji confirmed from the court registrar that Lagos State had received hearing notices but did not appear or provide any justification.

The court determined in a quick decision that the appellant had more than enough time to file the necessary paperwork in nine years.

Despite being aware of the proceedings since 2020, the state government hasn’t made an appearance or spoken with the court, causing the panel to complain.

The appeal with the SC/CR/45/2014 mark was therefore dismissed.

On the same grounds, the Lagos State Government’s SC/CR/6/2014 appeal was also rejected.

The Supreme Court granted Lagos State the right to challenge the Court of Appeal’s judgment on July 12, 2013, which found Al-Mustapha innocent and discharged.

Lagos State was required to submit its notice of appeal within 30 days by a seven-member panel led by Justice Walter Onnoghen, the then-Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.

The state argued that the case needed to be reviewed and that the Court of Appeal’s finding that Al-Mustapha’s evidence was insufficient.

Persecondnews also recalls that a Lagos High Court sentenced Lateef Shofolahan, Mohammed Abacha, and Al-Mustafah to death by hanging for conspiracy and murder on January 30, 2012.

Tinubu Gives Green Light to Oil Drilling in Ogun Waterside, Approves Olokola Deep Seaport

Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for commercial oil drilling to begin at Eba in the Ogun Waterside region, Ogun State is on track to join the group of oil-producing states.

Gov . Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, the flag officer commanding Western Naval Command, made the announcement on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the State House in Abeokuta.

The governor’s chief press secretary, Lekan Adeniran, emailed to Persecondnews in a dual breakthrough for the state, further revealing that the president has approved the immediate launch of the awaited Olokola Deep Seaport.

The president’s personal priorities are both projects, according to Abiodun, who noted that while the seaport will provide a critical alternative to the state’s coastal residents’ congested ports, the drilling operations at Eba will promote economic inclusion and empowerment.

You will start to see a lot of activity there, the governor said, “Let me share with you that Mr. President has approved the opening of commercial oil drilling operations at Eba and Ogun Waterside.”

“Our proposed Olokola Port, which has been in the works for a while, is now back on the table. Because this is only his idea, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the President.

Mr. President has unwaveringly expressed his desire for the port to become a reality during the past two weeks alone, he continued.

President Tinubu specifically instructed that the port’s construction should be significantly advanced between now and the following year, according to Abiodun.

He claimed that the project offers a significant opportunity to decongest Lagos ports, particularly since the coastal road is currently a viable logistics corridor.

The new seaport’s designation, which reflects its strategic location along the coast and enormous economic and commercial potential, is further disclosed by him.

The governor applauded the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base on Tongeji Island, noting that the naval presence would stop infiltration from the neighboring Benin Republic and stop any attempts to undermine Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

He also made it known that his administration is working to improve living conditions and promote new economic activities for island residents.

Abiodun praised the Nigerian Navy’s role in the state’s security architecture, noting that Ogun State’s relative tranquility has been maintained through cooperation between security organizations.

Under his leadership, the governor expressed confidence in Ogun State’s ability to achieve greater security and advancement, describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned and accomplished officer.

We’re pleased that someone with your history, education, background, training, and experience is currently in this position. The governor claimed that you are a round peg in a round hole.

Due to the area’s significant oil potential, Mustapha stated that Ogun State was crucial and strategic to Nigeria’s national security and that it would become a Forward Operations Base.

He claimed that the Ogun State Government and the Nigerian Navy’s synergy were being strengthened during the visit.

Breaking: Rivers Chief Judge Blocks Impeachment of Gov. Fubara

Amadi cited two court orders that prevented him from appointing one, noting that the Rivers State House of Assembly had requested the panel.

In response to allegations of gross misconduct by the State House of Assembly, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has decided to dissolve the judicial panel.

Amadi cited two court orders, which prevented him from appointing one, in addition to the House of Assembly’s report that the CJ had petitioned the CJ to constitute the panel.

He emphasized that following judicial directives is essential and that the court orders that were served on Amadi’s office on January 16, 2026, will continue to be in effect.

The Court of Appeal has already heard from Speaker Martins Amaewhule, who has appealed the court’s rulings.