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18-year-old boy ‘impregnates 10 girls in five months’ in Anambra

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18-Year-Old Impregnates 10 Girls in 5 Months: Anambra Commissioner Seeks Public Help

A troubling case has emerged in Anambra State, where an 18-year-old boy is reported to have impregnated 10 girls within a five-month period, raising alarm and prompting calls for urgent intervention,TheCable reports.

According to Ify Obinabo, the state’s Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, the teenager began his journey as an apprentice, during which he reportedly impregnated his master’s daughter and a salesgirl working at the same business. The revelation led to his dismissal from the apprenticeship.

Following his expulsion, the boy returned to his village, where he allegedly impregnated eight more girls within a span of three months.

ALSO READ: FG to collaborate with Atomic Energy Commission on electricity generation, supply

Speaking via a Facebook post, Commissioner Obinabo revealed that the boy’s mother brought the case to her office, overwhelmed and seeking assistance.

“This matter is beyond my capacity,” Obinabo said. “The boy was only three months into his apprenticeship when he impregnated his master’s daughter and their salesgirl. He was sent away, and within two months back in the village, eight other girls were reportedly pregnant by him.”

The commissioner expressed concern over the unusual nature of the case and asked the public for guidance, even wondering if there could be a spiritual element involved.

“I asked the boy what he tells these girls, and he simply said he promises to marry them once he becomes wealthy,” she said. “He claims all he does is tell them he loves them.”

Obinabo described the situation as “deeply troubling” given the boy’s young age and the number of affected girls, reiterating her call for expert and public advice on how to address the matter.

“This is unlike anything we’ve dealt with before, and I’m genuinely seeking help from the public. What can be done in a case like this?”

FG to collaborate with Atomic Energy Commission on electricity generation, supply

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FG Eyes Nuclear Energy as Power Ministry, Atomic Commission Begin Collaboration

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, says the federal government plans to deepen collaboration with the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) to boost electricity generation and improve the stability and reliability of power supply in the country,TheCable reports.

Adelabu made the disclosure during a meeting with Anthony Ekedewa, Acting Chairman of the Commission, at his office in Abuja, according to a statement issued on Wednesday.

He stated that nuclear energy, with its advanced technology, offers significant potential to transform Nigeria’s power sector. The partnership, he added, aligns with the ongoing reforms aimed at expanding generation capacity and improving sectoral performance.

ALSO READ: Labour Party Factions Return To The Trenches

“The involvement of the Atomic Energy Commission in Nigeria’s power sector is long overdue,” Adelabu said. “Nuclear power is a game changer, and we must explore it seriously.”

However, the minister advised against NAEC’s current proposal to develop four large-scale nuclear power plants with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts each. Instead, he advocated for modular nuclear reactors, which he said are more in line with Nigeria’s recently decentralised power framework.

“This approach would benefit individual states and fit better into our current energy structure,” he noted. “Significant investment has gone into developing the Commission over the years, and it’s time Nigeria began to reap the returns.”

While acknowledging that nuclear development is a complex and costly process, Adelabu emphasised its long-term benefits, describing nuclear energy as the “future of power generation.”

“I wish we were already at that level, but we’re not. That said, we need to ask how much we’ve maximised our existing conventional sources,” he said. “Nuclear energy has often been underutilised, but it holds immense promise.”

Adelabu also admitted that past cooperation between the Ministry and the Commission had been limited, but expressed optimism about renewed engagement.

“We haven’t had this kind of rapport before, but I’m glad we’re starting now. We must sustain it for the benefit of the nation,” he said.

He proposed that the Ministry and NAEC co-organise a joint workshop involving other stakeholders in the power sector to discuss strategies for sustained collaboration.

“This isn’t a cheap venture, but we can begin by bringing our experts together to brainstorm and identify areas of mutual benefit,” Adelabu said. “This is the right time, especially with states now embarking on their own power initiatives.”

Ekedewa: Nuclear Power Can Meet National Demand

In response, NAEC’s Acting Chairman, Anthony Ekedewa, affirmed that nuclear energy could serve as a reliable baseload power source for the entire country.

“Nuclear energy is a renewable resource that can power the entire nation,” he said. “We’re eager to work with the Power Ministry to support national electricity generation.”

Ekedewa disclosed that two potential sites—Geregu in Kogi State and Idu in Akwa Ibom—have already undergone feasibility studies.

He stressed that while the Commission is ready to proceed, it faces financial constraints.

“This collaboration is embedded in our national energy policy, but we need more resources to take it forward,” he said.

Labour Party Factions Return To The Trenches

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Fresh Crisis Rocks Labour Party as Factions Trade Blame, Suspend Key Members

The Labour Party (LP) has once again been plunged into internal crisis, with rival factions resuming hostilities and issuing suspensions to prominent members, including the party’s only sitting governor, Alex Otti of Abia State,leadership reports.

The faction led by Julius Abure announced on Wednesday the indefinite suspension of six high-profile members over alleged anti-party activities. The announcement was made in a statement by the faction’s national secretary, Umar Farouk, following a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja.

According to the statement, the NEC had set up a five-member disciplinary committee on May 2, 2025, chaired by Deputy National Chairman Ayo Olorunfemi and including national secretary Alhaji Umar Farouk and three others. The committee was tasked with investigating Governor Otti and others over alleged actions that contravened the party’s interests.

ALSO READ: Dikko Radda present as three Katsina PDP reps join APC during…

After reviewing the committee’s report, the Abure-led faction resolved to suspend the following individuals:

  • Dr. Alex Otti (Governor of Abia State)
  • Senator Ireti Kingibe
  • Senator Darlington Nwokocha
  • Hon. Victor Afam Ogene
  • Hon. Amobi Ogah
  • Hon. Seyi Sowunmi

“These individuals are hereby suspended indefinitely and barred from representing the party in any capacity,” the statement read. “Relevant authorities—including the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the National Assembly, INEC, and security agencies—are advised to take note.”

The party clarified that former finance minister Nenadi Usman was not included in the suspension because she is not a registered party member but a supporter of the 2023 presidential candidate. “We recognize her affiliation with the Obidient Support Group, but she is not under our disciplinary jurisdiction,” the statement added.

The Abure faction also reiterated its political independence, declaring that the Labour Party will not enter into any coalition or merger before the 2027 general elections.

“The proponents of such coalitions lack the capacity and credibility to manage complex political alliances. The Labour Party will contest the 2027 elections as an independent entity,” the statement concluded.

Nenadi Usman Counters with Probe into Abure’s Conduct

Meanwhile, a rival faction led by Nenadi Usman has launched a counter-offensive, initiating an investigation into Julius Abure for alleged corruption, financial misappropriation, and anti-party behavior.

At a press briefing in Abuja, Usman accused Abure of illegally continuing to parade himself as national chairman despite being removed. She alleged that he had turned the party into a personal enterprise, prioritizing self-interest over party unity.

To address these allegations, Usman announced the formation of a disciplinary panel chaired by Senator Ireti Kingibe, with Peter Ameh as secretary. The panel will probe Abure’s actions and report its findings within 21 days.

Abure has been summoned to appear before the committee to answer to the allegations, which include hijacking party structures and failing to conduct congresses at the ward, local government, state, and zonal levels ahead of the national convention.

Usman, who now chairs the LP caretaker committee, vowed to restore internal democracy within the party and release a timetable for fresh congresses and elections. She also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Abure to stop presenting himself as the party leader or face disciplinary action.

Both factions cite the April 4 Supreme Court ruling as validating their claims to the party’s leadership. While Abure’s camp says the judgment affirms his chairmanship, the caretaker faction insists it marked the end of his tenure.

The escalating leadership struggle and mutual suspensions have further deepened the LP’s internal rift, fueling ongoing defections of its lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dikko Radda present as three Katsina PDP reps join APC during plenary

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Three Katsina Lawmakers Defect from PDP to APC Amid Ongoing Party Crisis

Three members of the House of Representatives from Katsina State have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),TheCable reports.

Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, read their notices of defection during Thursday’s plenary session. The lawmakers cited persistent internal crises within the PDP as the main reason for their departure.

Abdullahi Balarabe, representing Bakori/Danja federal constituency, described the PDP as being embroiled in a “protracted crisis,” prompting his decision to join a more stable political platform.

ALSO READ: 200,000 Nigerians die annually from food-related diseases – FG


Abubakar Albaba Aliyu, who represents Batsari/Safana/Dan-Musa federal constituency, pointed to the party’s “lack of cohesiveness” as his reason for leaving.
Yusuf Majigiri, representing Mashi/Dutsi federal constituency, spoke of an “unresolvable internal crisis” that has plagued the party.

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, APC State Chairman Muhammad Ali, and other key political figures from the state were present in the chamber to witness the defections.

A Growing Trend of Defections

These latest developments are part of a broader wave of defections in the House of Representatives, primarily to the APC.

  • On October 2, 2024, Chris Nkwonta (Ukwa East/Ukwa West, Abia) moved from PDP to APC.
  • On October 30, Sulaiman Abubakar (Gummi/Bukkuyum, Zamfara) also defected to the APC.
  • By December 5, four lawmakers from the Labour Party and one from the PDP had joined the APC.
  • On February 11 and 12, Amos Magaji (Kaduna) and Garba Koko (Kebbi) left the PDP for the APC.
  • On March 18, PDP members Jallo Mohammed (Igabi, Kaduna) and Adamu Tanko (Gurara/Suleja/Tafa, Niger) defected, citing the party’s ongoing internal conflicts.
  • On March 27, Clara Nnabuife (Orumba North/South, Anambra) left the Young Progressives Party (YPP) for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), claiming she was sidelined in party affairs.

Most recently, on Tuesday:

  • Six PDP lawmakers defected to the APC.
  • Two Labour Party (LP) members crossed over to the PDP: Obetta Chidi (Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South, Enugu) and Dennis Agbo (Igbo-Eze North/Udenu).
  • Victor Nwokolo (Ika North East/Ika South, Delta), Julius Pondi (Burutu), and Thomas Ereyitomi (Warri North/South/West) all left the PDP for the APC.
  • Nicholas Mutu (Bomadi/Patani), a long-serving member since 1999, also joined the APC.
  • Ukodhiko Jonathan (Isoko North/Isoko South) and Ezechi Nnamdi (Ndokwa/Ukwuani) followed suit, leaving the PDP for the ruling party.

The series of defections signals significant political realignment ahead of upcoming political cycles, with the APC steadily gaining strength in the lower chamber.

200,000 Nigerians die annually from food-related diseases – FG

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Over 200,000 Nigerians—mostly children—die annually from food-related illnesses, says Minister

Approximately 200,000 people in Nigeria, many of them children, die each year due to foodborne diseases, according to the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji. He made this statement during the launch of a food safety operational manual for food business operators, market vendors, and street food sellers in Abuja on Thursday,Daily Trust reports.

Citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Nnaji noted that over 600 million people worldwide fall sick every year from contaminated food, with Africa suffering the highest per capita impact. He highlighted that Nigeria alone loses around $3.6 billion annually due to foodborne illnesses—through reduced productivity, healthcare expenses, and trade restrictions.

The newly introduced manual, Nnaji said, directly addresses these challenges by offering a unified, science-based guide for local government food inspectors and safety officers, especially those working in informal food settings like open markets, roadside kiosks, and street food stalls.

ALSO READ: I dumped PDP to retain benefits of my office – Edo…

“These are the places where Nigerians across all income levels source their daily meals—and where food safety risks are often most severe,” he said. “We’re dealing with practices like using paracetamol to tenderize meat, fermenting cassava with detergents, and adulterating red oil and pepper with industrial dyes such as Sudan IV. These are not cultural mistakes—they are criminal acts.”

He emphasized that, under Sections 243 and 244 of Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act, selling or distributing toxic or harmful food is a prosecutable offense. The health consequences, he warned, are grave, including rising cases of kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, cancers, and other life-threatening non-communicable diseases.

In just the first quarter of 2025, Nnaji reported, cholera claimed 378 lives and Lassa fever infected over 3,500 Nigerians—many of these cases linked to poor food hygiene and contamination from rodents. “This must end. And this manual marks a critical step in that direction,” he said.

Supporting the initiative, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate—represented by Adeola Olufowobi-Yusuf—shared findings from the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), which show that around 20% of hospital admissions in urban areas are linked to foodborne diseases. He stressed the importance of food scientists, researchers, and innovators in advancing public health.

Pate added that the ministry has been actively working with state governments to develop national guidelines that strengthen food safety at the community level. “These localized guidelines are designed to address specific regional challenges and ensure all Nigerians benefit from effective food safety practices,” he explained.

Nkechi Veronica Ezeh, CEO of the Nigerian Council for Food Science and Technology (NiCFoST), hailed the operational manual as a groundbreaking achievement. She described it as a comprehensive and essential tool to help food safety officers regulate, monitor, and enforce food safety standards across markets, restaurants, bakeries, kiosks, and other public food outlets, in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Fourth Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines the duties of local government councils.

I dumped PDP to retain benefits of my office – Edo Speaker

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Edo Speaker Agbebaku Explains Defection to APC

Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, has explained the reasons behind his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC),Daily Trust reports.

Agbebaku, along with two other lawmakers—Hon. Sunday Fada Eigbiremonlen and Hon. Idaiye Yekini Oisayemoje—officially joined the APC on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he formally announced his defection during a plenary session of the House.

Speaking on the floor of the Assembly, Agbebaku stated that his decision was motivated by the need to retain the benefits and influence of the Speaker’s position in order to drive development in his constituency.

ASLO READ: Reps Seek US Support For Nigeria’s Electoral Reforms, Gender Equity

“I defected to the APC to retain the advantages of the Speaker’s office for the development of my constituency,” he said. “For me, this move is not about political affiliation but about ensuring progress in my area. If I sacrifice this position for party loyalty and lose the chance to bring development to my people, then I am failing in my duty to serve them.”

Agbebaku emphasized that his constituents supported his decision, citing ongoing developmental projects in the Owan West constituency under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

“My defection was not about personal gain, but about fulfilling my commitment to the people who elected me. Politics is driven by interest—but in this case, it’s not about mine. It’s about the interests of my constituents,” he added.

Reps Seek US Support For Nigeria’s Electoral Reforms, Gender Equity

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Deputy Speaker Kalu Seeks U.S. Partnership on Gender Equity and Electoral Reforms

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called for a strategic partnership with the United States government to support Nigeria’s efforts in advancing gender equity and implementing electoral reforms,leadership reports.

Kalu made the appeal during a meeting with a delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, led by Political Counsellor David Frost and Cassandra Carrony, at the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday.

As Chair of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Kalu outlined three key areas where U.S. collaboration is needed: technical expertise, advocacy, and capacity building.

ALSO READ: ‘N109.4bn fraud’: EFCC didn’t present some of my statements, ex-accountant-general Ahmed…

He emphasized the importance of sharing best practices on gender-responsive electoral systems, strengthening stakeholder engagement with civil society, media, and political parties, and co-developing a women’s legislative leadership programme to train future female lawmakers.

“We are seeking the support of the U.S. Embassy in various areas—particularly technical assistance and comparative insights into successful gender-responsive electoral systems,” Kalu said. “Let’s learn from your successes. We want to adopt proven structures and adapt them to reflect our local realities. This mission is not symbolic; it is focused on real impact. To achieve that, we must empower those who will drive change—and that requires strategic partnership.”

He also revealed that the constitution review committee is considering assigning formal roles to traditional rulers to enhance national unity and cohesion.

Kalu highlighted that the committee is prioritizing increased women’s participation in governance, along with reforms to the judiciary, local government, and youth inclusion.

He drew attention to the stark underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s political landscape, noting that women currently occupy only 4% of legislative seats nationwide. In states like Kano and Sokoto, there is not a single female lawmaker in the State Assembly.

“Nigeria’s democracy is incomplete as long as half of its population—its women—remain on the margins. This isn’t just a representational failure; it’s a matter of justice,” he stated.

To address this imbalance, Kalu said the committee has proposed the creation of Special Seats for women across federal and state legislatures. The proposed Special Seats Bill (HB 1349) is a temporary measure spanning 16 years and aims to reserve 182 additional seats exclusively for women—37 in the Senate, 37 in the House of Representatives, and 108 across State Assemblies.

“This bill directly tackles systemic barriers such as financial exclusion, electoral violence, and entrenched patriarchal norms by creating women-only constituencies,” he explained.

He further stressed the need for broad public participation and urged continued collaboration with the U.S. to ensure that Nigeria’s constitutional reforms deliver fairness, security, and prosperity.

“Our constitutional review is more than a legislative task—it is a moral covenant with future generations. With the support of the U.S. Embassy, we can shape a constitution that stands as a beacon of equity, security, and progress,” Kalu added.

Earlier, the U.S. delegation expressed interest in deepening cooperation with the Deputy Speaker’s office on the constitutional review process.

“We’re here to explore continued collaboration and maintain the strong connection we’ve built over the years,” the delegation said.

‘N109.4bn fraud’: EFCC didn’t present some of my statements, ex-accountant-general Ahmed Idris tells court

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Former Accountant-General Ahmed Idris Accuses EFCC of Withholding Key Statements in Court

Ahmed Idris, the former Accountant-General of the Federation, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of failing to present all the statements he made during interrogation to the court,TheCable reports.

Idris is facing a 14-count charge of alleged fund diversion and money laundering alongside Geoffrey Akindele, Mohammed Kudu Usman, and Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama. All defendants have pleaded not guilty.

ALSO READ: Shettima: Global Trade War a Warning for Nigeria to grow what…

Idris was arrested by the EFCC on May 16, 2022. To determine the admissibility of his statements to the EFCC, the presiding judge, Justice Halilu Yusuf, ordered a trial-within-trial.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, Idris, led in evidence by his counsel Chris Uche, claimed he made 16 separate statements to the EFCC but only 13 were presented in court. He stated that on three separate occasions—June 10, June 27, and July 5, 2022—he was taken to the EFCC’s procurement unit to make statements that are now missing from the court’s records.

Idris also alleged that the EFCC promised he would not face trial if he implicated a former finance minister and certain state governors. He urged the court to reject his confessional statements, arguing they were taken in violation of Sections 15(4) and 17(1)(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015. He said his lawyers were not present during the sessions and that the interrogations were not recorded.

“It is not true that my lawyer, Mr. Gbenga Adeyemi, was present when I made those statements. They were dictated to me by EFCC investigators,” Idris said. “None of the sessions were video recorded, and I did not write the cautionary words myself.”

In response, EFCC investigator Hayatudeen Suleiman denied the allegations of coercion or misconduct.

Justice Yusuf adjourned the matter to July 17 for the cross-examination of Idris by the prosecution.

Shettima: Global Trade War a Warning for Nigeria to grow what we eat

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has said that recent disruptions in global trade and the rise of protectionist policies serve as a wake-up call for Nigeria to prioritize domestic food production and self-reliance in trade,Daily Trust reports.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during the signing of the financing agreement for the Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN), Shettima described the initiative as a strategic response to the economic challenges facing the northern region.

With the signing of the agreement, the $158.15 million VCN project will now move into its implementation phase. The project is aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains and boosting value addition for farmers across nine northern states. It is jointly funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the French Development Agency (AFD), and the Nigerian government.

According to the Vice President, the programme is designed to significantly reduce poverty, improve nutrition, and build resilience among vulnerable rural populations in Borno, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.

Highlighting recent developments, Shettima noted that the government had already begun laying foundations for Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) nationwide. He emphasized that the VCN initiative will complement these zones by providing a consistent supply of raw materials, eliminating the shortage of quality inputs for processors.

“This alignment,” he said, “will enable us to move from exporting raw materials to exporting value-added products—generating jobs, creating wealth, and stabilizing our industrial landscape.”

Shettima stressed that the global shift toward protectionism, particularly in the agricultural sector, underscores the urgency for Nigeria to become more self-sufficient.

“The agricultural tariffs and retaliatory policies between global powers like the U.S. and China have disrupted commodity chains. For a country dependent on food imports, the lesson is unmistakable: we must grow what we eat and produce what we trade,” he said.

He further explained that the VCN programme directly addresses this challenge. By supporting the commercial cultivation of key crops like wheat and maize, and enhancing infrastructure for irrigation, processing, and storage—especially in states like Kebbi and Jigawa—Nigeria is positioning itself not only for food security but also for agricultural exports that could rival its oil sector.

“What sets this programme apart,” Shettima added, “is its focus on marginalized groups—women, youth, persons with disabilities, and returnees. It recognizes that in communities affected by conflict, agriculture is more than a livelihood; it’s a pathway to rehabilitation and peace.”

Earlier in the event, former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, speaking on behalf of the National Assembly, applauded IFAD, the federal government, and other partners for launching the initiative. He described it as a visionary programme with the potential to transform lives and uplift communities across northern Nigeria and beyond.

Ganduje: NNPP is dead — Kwankwaso will return to APC

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Kwankwaso Will Return, NNPP Is Dead – APC Chairman Ganduje

Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says Rabiu Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), will soon return to the ruling party,TheCable reports.

Speaking on Tuesday while receiving members of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, Ganduje dismissed the relevance of the NNPP, declaring it politically finished.

“The NNPP is dead. The coffin is ready, and we’re already digging the grave. It’ll be buried very, very soon,” Ganduje said.

He also downplayed ongoing coalition efforts among opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that they pose no threat to President Bola Tinubu or the APC.

ALSO READ: Tinubu running most corrupt, intolerant government ever, says el-Rufai

Referring to Kwankwaso, his longtime political rival in Kano, Ganduje said the APC would welcome him back if he chooses to return.

“If he decides to return after losing everyone, we’ll accept him. He’ll be coming back home,” he said.

Ganduje urged APC support groups to remain steadfast and continue backing the Tinubu administration, assuring them of more involvement in party affairs moving forward.

As part of preparations for the November 8 Anambra governorship election, Ganduje also inaugurated a six-member reconciliation committee for the state’s three senatorial zones.

Earlier on Friday, during a visit with the APC National Working Committee to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna, Ganduje reiterated that the opposition’s planned coalition for 2027 would collapse before it gains traction.

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