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Abdulrahman-Led PDP Fixes National Convention For March 28, 29 In Abuja

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Abdulrahman-Led PDP Fixes National Convention For March 28, 29 In Abuja

The Abdulrahman Muhammed-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party has fixed March 28 and 29, 2026, for its National Convention, following resolutions reached at the party’s 105th National Executive Committee meeting held on Monday.

The meeting was chaired by Muhammed, Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, with Senator Samuel Anyanwu serving as Secretary. Discussions focused on the state of the party, preparations for nationwide congresses, and recent judicial developments affecting the PDP.

At the meeting, the NEC reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Abdulrahman Muhammed-led National Caretaker Committee, declaring it the only lawful national administrative organ of the party. The committee was also affirmed to continue functioning as the National Working Committee until a new leadership is elected at the forthcoming convention.

The NEC approved the timetable for party congresses nationwide, scheduling ward and local government congresses for February 2026, while state congresses will hold in March 2026.

To ensure orderly conduct, the party directed the National Caretaker Committee to issue comprehensive guidelines and statutory notices for the congresses, in strict compliance with the PDP Constitution, Independent National Electoral Commission regulations, and relevant judicial pronouncements.

The NEC also welcomed the recent judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, reaffirming its commitment to the independence of the judiciary and urging all party members and organs to adhere strictly to court decisions.

As part of preparations for the national convention, the committee ordered the immediate activation of convention sub-committees and the commencement of all necessary logistical and administrative arrangements. It further approved the extension of the tenure of state and zonal caretaker committees pending the conclusion of the congresses and the national convention.

The NEC called on party members to remain united, disciplined, and committed to the collective interest of the PDP, stressing that personal ambitions must not undermine party cohesion. It expressed confidence that the resolutions reached would strengthen internal democracy, restore stability, and reposition the party ahead of future electoral contests.

Benue: FG Charges Nine Suspects Over June 2025 Yelwata Massacre, AGF Leads Prosecution

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Benue: FG Charges Nine Suspects Over June 2025 Yelwata Massacre, AGF Leads Prosecution

The Federal Government has arraigned nine suspects over their alleged roles in the deadly terrorist attack on Yelwata community in Benue State, an incident that claimed the lives of more than 200 residents in June 2025.

The suspects were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday, where they faced a 57-count amended charge bordering on terrorism and related offences.

In a move underscoring the gravity of the case, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, personally led the prosecution team. He was supported by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, alongside three other senior government lawyers.

At the commencement of proceedings, the Attorney General informed the court that the prosecution had filed a 57-count amended charge against the defendants. He explained that although the amended charge initially listed ten defendants, the prosecution had applied for the removal of the sixth defendant, Yakubu Mamman.

The application to strike out Mamman’s name was not opposed by defence counsel, including Ibrahim Angulu, SAN, A. I. Kaura, and Adamu Abdullahi. The court subsequently granted the request and formally struck out Mamman’s name from the charge.

Fagbemi further applied for the substitution of an earlier charge dated September 9, 2025, and filed on September 10, 2025, which had listed eight defendants, with the amended charge dated January 19 and filed on January 20, 2026. The amended charge was marked FHC/ABJ/CR/471/2025.

With no objection from the defence, Justice Abdulmalik struck out the earlier charge and ordered that the amended charge be read to the defendants for the purpose of taking their pleas.

The nine defendants now standing trial are Ardo Lawal Mohammed, Muhammadu Saidu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, Yakubu Adamu, Muhammed Musa, Abubakar Adamu, Shaibu Ibrahim, Saleh Mohammed and Bako Jibrin.

According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly carried out coordinated attacks on Yelwata community on June 13, 2025, during which numerous houses were set ablaze and scores of residents were brutally killed.

Court documents allege that about 150 people were massacred during the attack, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The assault sparked widespread outrage across Benue State and beyond, with calls for justice for victims of one of the deadliest communal attacks recorded in the area in recent years.

The federal government has maintained that the prosecution of the suspects forms part of its broader efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry and violent crimes across the country, particularly in communities repeatedly targeted by armed groups.

The matter was adjourned for further proceedings as the court prepared to take the pleas of the defendants and proceed with the trial.

Tinubu Orders Wike To Halt Fubara Impeachment, Directs Governor To Recognise Wike As Political Leader

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Tinubu Orders Wike To Halt Fubara Impeachment, Directs Governor To Recognise Wike As Political Leader

President Bola Tinubu has again stepped in to halt the deepening political crisis in Rivers State, ordering the immediate suspension of impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara while directing the governor to formally recognise his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, as the undisputed political leader in the state.

The intervention follows months of failed reconciliation efforts that had pushed Rivers State to the brink of political collapse, marked by legislative paralysis, persistent impeachment threats and prolonged instability.

Tinubu’s latest peace effort came just days before his departure for an official visit to Türkiye on January 26, following growing concerns that the feud between Fubara and Wike was becoming one of the most combustible political crises in the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Highly placed sources familiar with the intervention said the president laid down firm political conditions aimed at restoring stability in the oil-producing state, which is regarded as strategically important to Tinubu’s re-election calculations.

According to the sources, Tinubu ordered an immediate halt to all impeachment-related actions against Fubara but made it clear that the directive came with strict obligations for the governor.

The president reportedly told Fubara in clear terms that Wike remains the undisputed political leader in Rivers State, regardless of party affiliations, and must be accorded full recognition and respect in that capacity.

Tinubu was said to be visibly displeased that the crisis had persisted despite his earlier intervention in December 2023, when he brokered a fragile peace that later collapsed, eventually leading to the declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, and the suspension of the governor.

Sources said the president warned that continued hostilities between both camps would further undermine governance and threaten stability in the state, a situation he was not prepared to tolerate.

As part of the settlement, Tinubu directed Wike and his supporters to immediately back off from any impeachment plot and allow Fubara to govern without legislative sabotage.

In return, Fubara was instructed to make major political concessions, including the formal recognition of Wike as the political leader of Rivers State with final authority over party affairs.

Sources said Tinubu stressed that all internal party disputes in the state must ultimately defer to Wike, regardless of whether the platform involved is the All Progressives Congress or the Peoples Democratic Party.

The feud between Fubara and Wike has simmered since shortly after Fubara’s inauguration in May 2023. Wike, who personally engineered Fubara’s emergence as governor, is widely believed to have sought to retain firm control over the political machinery of the state from Abuja, where he now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Fubara, however, gradually attempted to assert his independence, triggering sharp divisions within the state’s political class. Most members of the Rivers State House of Assembly openly aligned with Wike, leading to repeated impeachment threats against the governor.

Several reconciliation efforts failed to yield lasting peace, with one breakdown culminating in the declaration of emergency rule in the state, which lasted six months.

While Wike’s camp has consistently accused Fubara of betrayal and political ingratitude, allies of the governor argue that Rivers State cannot be governed remotely by a former governor now serving as a federal minister.

In explaining his position, Tinubu was said to have drawn parallels with Lagos State politics, questioning whether sitting governors automatically become political leaders over their predecessors.

“Is Babajide Sanwo-Olu my leader in Lagos, or was Babatunde Fashola my leader when he was governor?” the president was quoted as saying by one of the sources.

Tinubu reportedly emphasised respect for political seniority, describing Wike as an elder statesman in Rivers politics whose influence could not be wished away because of personal disagreements.

The agreement also extended to the forthcoming Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections. The president reportedly directed that candidates loyal to Wike should be recognised by the APC leadership for the two vacant assembly seats.

Sources said it was explicitly stated that Wike has two preferred candidates for the by-elections and that those candidates are to be recognised by the party structure.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed February 21, 2026 for the by-elections into the Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies.

The Ahoada East II seat became vacant following the resignation of its former occupant, Edison Ehie, who was appointed Chief of Staff to Governor Fubara, while the Khana II seat has remained vacant since the death of its lawmaker, Dinebari Loolo, in September 2023.

The sensitive issue of Fubara’s second-term ambition was also reportedly raised during the discussions but was deliberately set aside. Sources said Tinubu described any conversation about the 2027 governorship contest in Rivers State as premature.

With Tinubu’s intervention, political observers say the fragile peace now hinges on the willingness of both camps to honour the terms of the agreement and prioritise stability over rivalry in one of Nigeria’s most politically volatile states.

Trump Seeks $1 Billion In Damages From Harvard Amid ‘Woke Ideology’ Dispute

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Trump Seeks $1 Billion In Damages From Harvard Amid ‘Woke Ideology’ Dispute

United States President Donald Trump has announced that his administration is seeking $1 billion in damages from Harvard University, escalating a long-running confrontation between the federal government and elite American universities over campus protests, diversity policies and alleged ideological bias.

Trump disclosed the move on Monday, stating that his administration no longer intends to pursue settlement negotiations with the Ivy League institution and instead plans to seek substantial financial damages.

“We are now seeking One Billion Dollars in damages, and want nothing further to do, into the future, with Harvard University,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Administration Accuses Universities Of Ideological Bias

The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Harvard and other major universities of promoting what it describes as “woke” ideology, while allegedly failing to adequately protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests held on campuses across the United States.

Federal officials argue that university administrators allowed hostile protest environments to persist, prompting the government to file legal complaints and demand financial penalties as part of enforcement actions.

The administration maintains that universities receiving federal support must comply strictly with anti-discrimination laws and ensure the safety of all students, regardless of political or religious affiliation.

Harvard Talks Collapse After Months Of Negotiations

The latest development follows months of behind-the-scenes negotiations between Harvard and federal authorities aimed at reaching a settlement. Earlier discussions reportedly included financial penalties and policy changes as conditions for resolving the dispute.

Trump revealed that previous proposals put forward by Harvard were rejected by the administration, including plans to expand vocational and trade-focused education.

“They wanted to do a convoluted job training concept, but it was turned down in that it was wholly inadequate and would not have been, in our opinion, successful,” Trump stated.

According to the president, the proposals were viewed as an attempt to avoid a substantial financial settlement.

“It was merely a way of Harvard getting out of a large cash settlement of more than $500 million, a number that should be much higher for the serious and heinous illegalities that they have committed,” he added, without specifying the exact laws allegedly violated.

Pressure Campaign On Elite Universities

The dispute with Harvard forms part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to exert pressure on elite academic institutions accused of resisting federal directives on admissions, hiring practices and campus governance.

Last year, another Ivy League university agreed to pay $200 million to the federal government and pledged to comply with rules barring the consideration of race in admissions and employment decisions.

Similarly, the University of Pennsylvania announced policy changes banning transgender women from participating in women’s sports, following federal scrutiny and threats of enforcement action.

Criticism And Wider Implications

Critics of the administration have described the moves as a coordinated campaign against liberal-leaning institutions, warning that aggressive financial demands could undermine academic independence and free expression.

Supporters, however, argue that the administration is enforcing accountability and ensuring that federally supported institutions uphold national laws and standards.

With the demand for $1 billion in damages, the standoff between the federal government and Harvard is expected to move into a prolonged legal phase, potentially setting far-reaching precedents for the relationship between universities and the state.

Turaki-Led PDP Faction To Appeal Ibadan Court Ruling On Mandamus

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Turaki-Led PDP Faction To Appeal Ibadan Court Ruling On Mandamus

The Kabiru Turaki–led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to appeal a judgment delivered on Friday by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, following the court’s refusal to grant an order of mandamus sought by the party.

The court ruled that granting the relief would amount to “sitting on appeal” over judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction, a position the faction described as anticipated.

Party Moves To Challenge Ruling

In a statement issued on Friday, the PDP faction confirmed that it has instructed its legal team to immediately file a notice of appeal, vowing to pursue all available legal remedies to protect its position.

The statement, signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the ruling, though unfavourable, would not deter the party from seeking judicial clarification at the appellate level.

Faction Insists It Remains Legally Valid

Despite the court’s decision, the Turaki-led faction insisted that its leadership structure remains legally intact and unaffected, stressing that it emerged from a valid national convention held in Ibadan.

According to the party, the refusal of the mandamus application does not invalidate its claims or diminish its standing within the PDP, adding that the issues raised are substantive and deserving of appellate review.

Legal Battle Continues

The faction reiterated its confidence in the judicial process, stating that the appeal would provide an opportunity for higher courts to address what it described as unresolved legal questions surrounding the leadership dispute.

The development is the latest in the ongoing internal crisis within the PDP, as rival factions continue to seek judicial affirmation of their claims to the party’s national leadership.

Police Charge Activists Over ‘Abusive Songs’ At Lagos Anti-Demolition Protest

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Police Charge Activists Over ‘Abusive Songs’ At Lagos Anti-Demolition Protest

The Lagos State Police Command has filed formal charges against two activists arrested during protests against ongoing demolition exercises in several communities across the state.

The activists, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Soweto, and Dele Frank, were arraigned before a magistrate court sitting in Yaba, Lagos, on a five-count charge bordering on breach of peace, obstruction of traffic and alleged incitement against the Lagos State Government.

Allegations Against The Defendants

According to the charge sheet presented by the police, the defendants were accused of conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of public peace during the protest held on January 28, 2026.

Police alleged that the activists blocked major roads with a vehicle fitted with a public address system, thereby obstructing vehicular movement in parts of Ikeja, Allen Avenue, Alausa and the Lagos State House of Assembly precincts.

One of the counts reads in part that the defendants “conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace,” an offence said to be punishable under Section 57 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Another count accused the activists of obstructing traffic on public highways, also contrary to the provisions of the same law.

‘Abusive Songs’ And Alleged Incitement

The police further alleged that the defendants sang what were described as abusive songs directed at the police and the Lagos State Government, with the intention of provoking members of the public and tarnishing the image of the state government.

In one of the charges, the police claimed that the songs were meant to incite the public and could potentially lead to a breakdown of law and order.

The charge sheet also alleged that the defendants threatened members of the public who declined to join the protest, although no specific victims were named in the court document.

Background To The Protest

The protest took place on Wednesday at the Ikeja Under Bridge, where demonstrators gathered to oppose demolition exercises reportedly affecting communities including Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, Otumara and Baba Ijora.

From the protest ground, the demonstrators marched along Obafemi Awolowo Road towards the Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Alausa, demanding government intervention and an end to the demolitions.

Tear Gas And Arrests At Assembly Complex

At the Assembly complex, tension escalated when protesters insisted on gaining access into the premises before any government official could address them.

Police operatives deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd after the protesters refused to retreat, triggering panic in the area. Protesters and journalists were seen fleeing for safety as the tear gas spread across the vicinity.

Several demonstrators were arrested during the operation, while the situation was eventually brought under control by security personnel.

Meta To Nearly Double AI Spending In 2026 Amid Push For Industry Transformation

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Meta To Nearly Double AI Spending In 2026 Amid Push For Industry Transformation

Meta Platforms has announced plans to nearly double its spending on artificial intelligence (AI) in 2026, signalling an aggressive push to reposition the company at the centre of the rapidly evolving global technology landscape.

The disclosure was made by Meta Chief Executive Officer, Mark Zuckerberg, during a briefing with financial analysts on the company’s 2025 financial performance, where he outlined Meta’s long-term strategy to leverage AI to boost productivity, streamline operations and drive future growth.

Meta Targets $135bn AI Investment In 2026

According to Zuckerberg, Meta expects to invest as much as $135 billion in 2026 on AI-related infrastructure, research and deployment. The projected spending represents a sharp increase from the $72 billion committed to AI in 2025 and follows an estimated $140 billion already invested by the company over the past three years.

The bulk of the planned expenditure will go into data centres, computing power, AI models and internal AI tools, as Meta intensifies efforts to compete with other global technology giants in the race for AI dominance.

Zuckerberg described the coming year as a turning point, saying 2026 would mark a period when AI fundamentally reshapes how work is done across industries.

AI Expected To Reshape Workforce And Productivity

The Meta CEO said AI tools are already transforming internal workflows, enabling tasks that previously required large teams to be completed by fewer, highly skilled individuals.

“We are beginning to see projects that once required big teams now being handled by a single, very talented person,” Zuckerberg said.

His comments have renewed conversations around job restructuring and workforce reduction, particularly in the global tech sector. Meta has already laid off several hundred employees in recent months, largely within its Reality Labs division, which oversees metaverse development, hardware production and some AI initiatives.

Zuckerberg explained that AI is being integrated across Meta’s engineering, product development and operational teams to improve efficiency and output.

Industry Leaders Warn Of Possible AI Investment Bubble

Despite Meta’s bullish outlook, concerns persist within the global technology and financial community that the AI sector may be experiencing overinvestment and inflated expectations.

Several industry leaders have warned that the pace of spending could lead to a market correction, even as they acknowledge AI’s long-term potential to transform industries ranging from finance and healthcare to media and education.

Analysts note that while AI could ultimately rival or surpass the internet in economic and social impact, current investment levels may not be sustainable without clear, large-scale commercial returns.

Rising Costs, Investor Confidence Remains Strong

Meta’s latest financial results showed that operating expenses rose faster than revenues in the final quarter of 2025, placing pressure on profit margins. However, investors responded positively to the company’s long-term AI strategy.

Following the announcement, Meta’s shares climbed by about 6.5 percent in after-hours trading in New York, reflecting confidence that the company’s heavy AI investments could unlock future growth and maintain its competitive edge.

Implications For Global And Emerging Markets

For countries like Nigeria and other emerging economies, Meta’s AI expansion is expected to have far-reaching implications, particularly in digital advertising, content moderation, software development, education and remote work.

Industry observers say increased AI deployment by major tech firms could accelerate the adoption of AI tools across Africa, while also raising concerns about job displacement, digital skills gaps and data governance.

A High-Stakes Bet On The Future

With plans to commit unprecedented resources to artificial intelligence in 2026, Meta is making a bold bet that AI will not only transform its internal operations but also reshape the broader global technology ecosystem.

As the company pushes deeper into AI-driven innovation, the coming years will test whether the massive investments deliver lasting value—or validate fears of an overheated tech cycle.

Sharia Council Says Amupitan Threatens Credibility Of 2027 Polls

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Sharia Council Says Amupitan Threatens Credibility Of 2027 Polls

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has renewed its demand for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, warning that his continued leadership poses a serious threat to the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

The Council declared that Nigerian Muslims would neither recognise nor legitimise any election conducted under Amupitan’s leadership, citing concerns over his integrity, neutrality and alleged past actions which it described as divisive.

Council Raises Integrity And Neutrality Concerns

The position of the SCSN was made public on Tuesday in Abuja by its President, Sheikh Bashir Umar, during the Council’s 2026 Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly, themed “Nigeria’s Future: Faith, Justice, and Leadership.”

According to Umar, the Council’s stance is based on what it described as the INEC chairman’s “questionable antecedents,” particularly an alleged legal brief personally authored by Amupitan which suggested the existence of a Christian genocide in Nigeria.

The Federal Government has consistently rejected claims that such a genocide exists.

“This is not the first time the Council is taking this position,” Umar said. “In a legal brief he personally sent, he sought to establish the existence of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, a claim that is directly at odds with the official position of the Federal Government.”

‘Integrity Of Electoral Umpire Compromised’

The Council said the alleged brief raised serious doubts about Amupitan’s ability to serve as a neutral electoral umpire, arguing that the position of INEC chairman demands unquestionable integrity and impartiality.

“For an umpire in a democratic process, integrity and neutrality are non-negotiable,” Umar stated. “As far as we are concerned, his integrity has been compromised. The honourable thing is for him to resign. If he does not, the government should dismiss or retire him.”

He added that allowing the 2027 elections to be conducted under such circumstances could undermine public confidence and worsen religious and political tensions in the country.

Warning On 2027 Elections

The SCSN warned that proceeding with the 2027 polls under Amupitan’s leadership could lead to a credibility crisis.

“The Ummah will not recognise or legitimise any election presided over by a character with questionable integrity,” Umar said. “Democratic credibility must never be compromised.”

INEC Reacts

When contacted for a response, a source within the Independent National Electoral Commission dismissed the allegations, describing them as an attempt to attract publicity, and said the commission would not respond to the claims.

Legal Actions And Advocacy

Umar noted that while the SCSN is not directly involved in litigation, it is aware that other groups have approached the courts to challenge Amupitan’s appointment and continued stay in office.

He emphasised that the Council’s role remains that of advocacy and public engagement rather than legal action.

Broader National Concerns Raised

Beyond the electoral controversy, the Council expressed concern over what it described as worsening insecurity, economic hardship, poor budget implementation, alleged imbalance in federal appointments, and attempts to undermine Muslims’ constitutional right to practise Shari’ah in Muslim-majority states.

The SCSN also rejected narratives of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, warning that such claims fuel division, heighten mistrust and threaten national cohesion.

Calls For Responsible Discourse

Speaking at the event, Aminu Sani Jaji, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Ecological Funds, said the timing of the Pre-Ramadan lecture was significant given Nigeria’s current security and socio-political challenges.

He cautioned that unverified and divisive narratives could worsen tensions if not responsibly addressed.

The Chairman of the occasion, Mallam Muhammadu Munir Ja’afaru, the Madakin Zazzau, said the Supreme Council for Shari’ah has remained a principled voice of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, promoting justice, peaceful coexistence and national unity through constructive engagement.

APC Governors Demand Financial Transparency In Party Congresses, Conventions

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APC Governors Demand Financial Transparency In Party Congresses, Conventions

Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have pledged strict adherence to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable ahead of the 2027 general elections, while insisting on financial transparency and accountability in the conduct of party congresses and conventions nationwide.

The governors, under the umbrella of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), made the commitment in a communiqué issued after a closed-door meeting held on Wednesday night at the Imo State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.

Commitment To Rule Of Law, Internal Democracy

Reading the communiqué, the Chairman of the PGF and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, said the governors reaffirmed their collective resolve to strengthen internal democracy, uphold the rule of law, and comply fully with INEC schedules for the 2027 electoral cycle.

The Forum noted that constitutional and legal reforms remain a continuous process and should be pursued within established democratic frameworks.

Focus On Transparent Party Financing

The APC governors placed strong emphasis on the need for transparent and coordinated financial management in the organisation of ward, local government, state, zonal congresses and the party’s national convention.

They stressed that proper financial oversight would ensure fairness, consistency and accountability across all states, including those not currently governed by the APC.

Endorsement Of APC Congress Timetable

The PGF reviewed and formally endorsed the timetable and institutional framework earlier approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the APC for upcoming party activities.

According to the schedule:

  • Ward congresses will hold on February 18, 2026
  • Local government congresses on February 20, 2026
  • State congresses on March 7, 2026
  • Zonal congresses on March 21, 2026
  • National Convention on March 28, 2026

The party’s membership e-registration exercise, which began on December 1, 2025, is expected to conclude on January 30, 2026.

Digital Membership Drive Gets Nod

The governors commended the APC National Chairman for briefing the Forum on the ongoing digital membership registration, noting significant growth, especially among young Nigerians.

They said the integration of National Identity Number (NIN) verification would enhance data-driven planning, improve demographic insights and strengthen grassroots mobilisation across communities.

Attendance And New Entrants

The meeting was attended by several APC governors, including Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Uba Sani (Kaduna) and Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi).

Others present were Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom).

Governors Dikko Radda (Katsina), Babagana Zulum (Borno) and Muhammad Yahaya (Gombe) were represented by their deputies.

The Forum also formally welcomed Governors Agbu Kefas of Taraba State and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State into the PGF following their recent entry into the APC.

Grassroots Engagement And Party Unity

The PGF announced plans for strategic state visits and engagements, beginning with Taraba State, aimed at reinforcing grassroots structures and strengthening party cohesion nationwide.

The governors reiterated their commitment to party unity, responsible leadership communication and collective discipline, stressing that these were essential to sustaining public confidence in the APC’s democratic processes.

Looking Ahead To 2027

The Forum expressed appreciation to the APC National Chairman, National Secretary and members of the National Working Committee (NWC), pledging continued collaboration to deliver a credible, transparent and unifying congress and convention process in the interest of Nigeria’s democratic development.

China Executes 11 Members Of Myanmar-Based Scam Mafia In Major Crackdown

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China Executes 11 Members Of Myanmar-Based Scam Mafia In Major Crackdown

China has executed 11 members of the Ming family, a powerful organised crime clan accused of running large-scale online scam centres in Myanmar, in what authorities describe as a major escalation in Beijing’s crackdown on cross-border fraud networks.

The executions followed the conviction and sentencing of the family members by a court in Zhejiang Province in September 2025 for multiple offences, including homicide, illegal detention, large-scale fraud, and operating illegal gambling operations.

Rise And Fall Of The Ming Crime Network

The Ming family was one of several influential criminal clans that once controlled Laukkaing, a town in Myanmar’s Shan State, close to the Chinese border. Over the years, the town was transformed from a struggling settlement into a notorious hub for casinos, red-light districts and online scam operations, largely targeting Chinese citizens.

Authorities said the family operated heavily guarded compounds where trafficked individuals were forced to carry out online fraud schemes under harsh and coercive conditions.

The family’s criminal empire collapsed in 2023, when ethnic armed groups seized control of Laukkaing amid intensified fighting with Myanmar’s military. Members of the Ming family were arrested during the takeover and later handed over to Chinese authorities.

Billions In Fraud, Dozens Dead

China’s Supreme People’s Court disclosed that the Ming family’s scam and gambling operations generated more than 10 billion yuan (over ₦2 trillion) between 2015 and 2023.

The crimes were linked to the deaths of at least 14 Chinese citizens, with many others suffering physical harm and psychological trauma.

More than 20 additional members of the family received prison sentences ranging from five years to life imprisonment. The clan’s patriarch, Ming Xuechang, reportedly died by suicide in 2023 while attempting to evade arrest.

Human Trafficking And Regional Impact

According to United Nations estimates, hundreds of thousands of people across South East Asia have been trafficked into scam centres, particularly along border regions of Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.

Thousands of Chinese nationals are believed to be among those forced to participate in fraudulent schemes that defrauded victims of billions of dollars.

Analysts note that while China’s enforcement actions have weakened some networks, scam operations have increasingly shifted to other parts of the region, including areas along Myanmar’s border with Thailand, where Beijing’s influence is more limited.

China’s Growing Pressure On Myanmar

China’s frustration with Myanmar’s military leadership has grown in recent years, amid accusations that authorities either tolerated or benefited from scam operations within their territory.

In late 2023, Beijing quietly backed an offensive by an ethnic insurgent alliance in Shan State, which overran Laukkaing and dismantled several scam compounds previously protected by local powerbrokers.

More Executions Expected

The executed Ming family members are believed to be the first Myanmar-based scam bosses to face capital punishment in China.

Authorities have indicated that more death sentences may follow, with five members of the Bai family already sentenced to death, while trials involving members of the Wei and Liu families are still ongoing.

Chinese state television has also aired confession documentaries from arrested suspects, reinforcing Beijing’s message that organised scam networks will face the harshest penalties under the law.

Global Warning

China’s latest actions signal a tougher stance against transnational cybercrime, human trafficking and organised fraud, crimes that have also affected countries such as Nigeria, where online scams and digital fraud remain a growing security and economic concern.

Despite the executions, experts warn that criminal networks are adapting rapidly, relocating operations and exploiting weak governance in other regions.

Fubara Denies Supporting ADC Candidates Ahead Of Rivers Bye-Election

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Fubara Denies Supporting ADC Candidates Ahead Of Rivers Bye-Election

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has firmly denied reports suggesting that he is backing candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the forthcoming Rivers State House of Assembly bye-election scheduled for February 21, 2026.

The governor described the claims as false, misleading, and deliberately calculated to create political tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State.

Background To The Bye-Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed the bye-election to fill two vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly, following prolonged vacancies in the affected constituencies.

The elections will hold in:

  • Ahoada East State Constituency II
  • Khana State Constituency II

In preparation, the APC conducted its primary election, which produced Napoleon Ukalikpen and Bulabari Henrietta Loolo as the party’s candidates for the respective constituencies.

Speculation Over Political Allegiances

Following the emergence of the APC candidates, political commentators and analysts began to speculate that Governor Fubara might be politically disadvantaged, as both candidates are widely regarded as allies of the former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

This speculation gave rise to claims in some quarters that the governor was considering supporting ADC candidates during the bye-election.

Governor’s Response

Reacting to the reports, Fubara dismissed the allegations in strong terms, describing them as “blatant lies from the pit of hell.”

He accused those behind the claims of attempting to sow discord within the APC in Rivers State for selfish political gains.

“The APC in Rivers State is one family. What happened was that in the build-up to the primaries, the President intervened and asked everyone to support the candidates of the former Governor and Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, so that peace can reign,” Fubara said.

He questioned the logic behind the claims, stressing that all stakeholders involved belong to the same political party.

“If these candidates are members of the APC and we are all members of the same party, how can I be supporting the candidates of another political party? These are blatant lies from the pit of hell,” the governor added.

Assurance Of Loyalty To APC

Governor Fubara assured APC members and supporters in Rivers State of his continued loyalty to the party, pledging to work collectively to ensure victory in the forthcoming bye-election.

He lamented what he described as the persistent efforts by political detractors to manufacture crises where none exist, warning that such tactics could undermine unity and development in the state.

Call For Focus On Development

The governor also called on Rivers residents to remain focused on governance and development issues, urging them not to be distracted by unsubstantiated political claims.

According to him, the priority of his administration remains the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Rivers State, irrespective of political alignments.

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