News
Just in: Charge El-Rufai To Court Or Release Him — Sultan Of Sokoto Reportedly Urges Tinubu
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to either release former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai or ensure he is formally charged before a competent court of law, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to due process.Bola Tinubu.
The monarch’s position was made public through a sermon delivered by Islamic scholar Sanusi Khalil, who relayed the Sultan’s concerns regarding the legality and fairness of El-Rufai’s continued detention.
According to Khalil, the Sultan maintained that the rule of law must be upheld at all times, regardless of the individual involved. “Nasir should either be arraigned before a competent court or released on bail while investigations continue,” Khalil quoted the Sultan as saying.
He clarified that the Sultan was not advocating immunity for wrongdoing but was instead calling for proper legal procedures to be followed. “The Sultan is not saying a perpetrator should not be punished; rather, he is requesting that due process should be followed,” Khalil explained.Presidential News Updates
The intervention comes amid growing public debate over El-Rufai’s detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with critics raising concerns about transparency and respect for constitutional rights.
The Sultan stressed that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, particularly in cases involving high-profile political figures. Observers say his remarks reflect broader concerns about the balance between anti-corruption efforts and the protection of civil liberties in Nigeria.
Beyond the legal controversy, the Sultan also reportedly raised alarm over emerging security developments in Northern Nigeria. He questioned the presence of United States troops in the region, seeking clarity on the nature and scope of their mission.Political News Analysis
Khalil quoted the monarch as asking whether the deployment was strictly for training purposes or part of a broader plan that could include establishing a permanent military base. “If a base is going to be provided for them, then why must it be established in Northern Nigeria?” the Sultan reportedly queried.
The cleric expressed support for the Sultan’s willingness to address sensitive national issues, noting that such questions are often difficult for ordinary citizens to raise without fear of backlash. “At our level, we cannot ask such hard-hitting questions as it may be seen as disrespectful, but we are glad leaders like the Sultan are asking the right questions,” Khalil said, adding that the monarch would continue to enjoy public support and prayers.Nigeria News Updates
Meanwhile, the ICPC has defended its handling of the matter, insisting that El-Rufai’s detention is not arbitrary but grounded in legal provisions. The commission said its actions are backed by a valid court order.
ICPC spokesperson, Okor Odey, disclosed that the agency had appeared in court to respond to an application filed by El-Rufai on March 6, in which the former governor sought to set aside a remand order granted a day earlier.
“All actions taken so far were in strict compliance with the law, including the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015,” Odey stated. He added that the court initially approved a 14-day detention period, which was subsequently extended to allow investigators more time to complete their work.
The unfolding situation continues to attract national attention, with legal experts and civil society groups closely monitoring developments. Many have echoed the Sultan’s call for transparency, urging authorities to ensure that the case proceeds in a manner that reinforces public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
As the debate intensifies, the federal government has yet to issue an official response to the Sultan’s remarks, leaving many Nigerians awaiting further clarification on both the legal status of El-Rufai and the broader security concerns raised.
More than 6,000 members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defectors, led by the NDC’s former Enugu State Contact and Mobilisation Coordinator, Godwin Obasi, were formally received into the PDP by the party’s state leadership in Enugu on Saturday.
The reported figure of more than 6,000 was given by the defectors’ leadership and has not been independently verified. �
Vanguard News +1
Obasi said the group comprised members drawn from all 260 electoral wards and 17 local government areas of the state.
He said they decided to leave the NDC following dissatisfaction with what he described as the party’s choice of unpopular candidates for various elective positions.
“We decided that we were going to join the PDP. It is our right and choice. So, after we congregated, we are here today to officially join the PDP.
“We are from all the 260 wards and 17 local government areas in the state, and all of us have moved into the PDP from today,” Obasi said.
Obasi had earlier been identified as the NDC’s state coordinator for contact and mobilisation in Enugu, where he was involved in building the party’s grassroots structure ahead of the 2027 elections. �
Blueprint Newspapers Limited +1
Receiving the defectors, the Enugu State PDP Chairman, Vitus Okechi, welcomed their decision and assured them of equal rights and full participation in the affairs of the party.
Okechi said the new members would be integrated into the party’s structure and given opportunities to participate in its activities.
Also speaking, the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Uche Nnaji, assured the defectors of their full integration into the party.
Nnaji used the occasion to launch fresh criticism against the Enugu State Government, alleging that the administration had failed to fulfil some of its promises to residents.
He urged residents to participate actively in what he described as efforts to change the political direction of the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
Nnaji particularly criticised the state’s taxation policies, alleging that the government’s revenue drive was placing undue pressure on residents without corresponding benefits.
He further alleged that taxation had extended to newborn babies and deceased persons, while questioning the tangible impact of the revenue generated by the government.
On pensions and gratuities, Nnaji alleged that retirees in the state were being denied their entitlements.
“Our pensioners are not being paid. Enugu is the only place where pensions and gratuities are not being paid to our people.
“Nothing is paid to our people. Everybody is in a mess.
“Imo and Anambra pay their pensions and gratuities to date. What sin have we committed in Enugu State?” he asked.
Nnaji also claimed that the Enugu State Government had received substantially more federal funds under President Bola Tinubu than the three previous administrations combined.
He alleged that the funds received in about three years exceeded what the administrations of former governors Chimaroke Nnamani, Sullivan Chime and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi received during their combined 24 years in office.
“And President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has released so much money to all the states. What this government here has received is more than what the three previous governors, Chimaroke, Sullivan and Ugwuanyi put together.
“What they received in 24 years, this government has received in about three years. We are talking of trillions,” he said.
He also questioned the level of internally generated revenue reported by the Enugu State Government in 2025, alleging that the revenue collection had imposed additional hardship on residents.
The allegations made by Nnaji were political claims made during the defection event and were not independently verified in the reports reviewed. �
wazobiareportersng.com.ng
Meanwhile, PDP chieftain Basil Ani described the movement of the NDC members into the PDP as a boost to the party’s grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development comes as political parties in Enugu intensify grassroots mobilisation and positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has reportedly died in the United Kingdom at the age of 77.
Sources revealed the development on Sunday, September 20, 2026, although details surrounding his reported death were still sketchy as of press time.
There was also no immediate official statement from the family confirming the report.
Idris, popularly known as “Ibro,” served as governor of Kogi State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2003 to 2008 and again from 2008 to 2012.
He was succeeded by Captain Idris Wada in January 2012.
Born in Idah, Kogi State, in 1949, Idris had his early education in Onitsha, Anambra State, before continuing his primary education in Kano.
He later attended King’s Commercial College in Buguma, Rivers State, and obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Abuja.
Before entering politics, Idris built a career as a businessman.
He founded Ibro Trading Company, with interests spanning construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality.
He also established a furniture factory in Sokoto and the Ibro Hotel, which has been described in biographical accounts as one of the notable early three-star hotels in the former Sokoto State.
Idris emerged as the PDP candidate for the Kogi State governorship election in 2003 and defeated the incumbent governor, Prince Abubakar Audu.
He was sworn in as governor on May 29, 2003.
Although he was re-elected in 2007, the election was later nullified following a legal challenge over the exclusion of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) candidate, Abubakar Audu.
The Court of Appeal upheld the decision in February 2008 and ordered a fresh election.
Idris subsequently contested the March 2008 re-run election and was returned as governor, although his victory was again challenged by Audu, who alleged electoral irregularities.
Idris completed his tenure in January 2012 and handed over to his successor, Captain Idris Wada.
Family tragedy
The former governor also attracted national attention in 2006 after three of his daughters survived the ADC Airlines Flight 53 crash, which claimed numerous lives.
Following the incident, Idris described the survival of his daughters as a “superlative show of mercy” from God and called for thanksgiving.
In April 2024, Idris suffered another major family loss when his son, Mohammed Ibrahim Idris, a former member of the House of Representatives, died in Abuja shortly after observing Eid-el-Fitr prayers.
Mohammed represented the Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015. His death was confirmed by the Kogi State Government and reported by several Nigerian media organisations.
As of press time, confirmation of the reported death of the former governor from his family or an official source was still being awaited.
…says this loss to me is particularly poignant
A Board of Trustees, BoT member of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and 2027 Kogi West Senatorial candidate, Hon TeeJay Yusuf has expressed sadness over the demise of former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris.
Yusuf in a condolence message he personally signed said:
“I received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, former Governor of Kogi State.
“For me, this loss is particularly poignant. I had the privilege of knowing Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and crossing paths with him in the course of our political and public service journey in Kogi State.
“His presence in our political space, his experience, and his years of service gave him a distinctive place in the history of our state.
“Alhaji Ibrahim Idris leaves behind a significant political legacy. He was part of the generation of leaders who helped shape Kogi State’s political evolution and contributed to the development of our democratic institutions.
“His tenure and years of engagement in public affairs will remain important chapters in the story of Kogi State. Like every leader who serves in public life, his record will continue to be remembered, discussed, and assessed against the times in which he served.
“Beyond politics and the offices he held, he was a father, elder, leader, and statesman whose life touched many people. His departure is therefore a profound loss to his family, Kogi State, and the wider community of people who knew and respected him.
“I extend my deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, associates, and the entire people of Kogi State. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
“May Allah grant his family the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“May his memory remain a blessing, and may the legacy of his service continue to endure. Ameen.
2027: Over 6,000 NDC Members Dump Party, Join PDP in Enugu
ZAMFARA 2027 AND THE CLAMOUR FOR CHANGE
Just in: Former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris reportedly dies in UK
-
News14 hours agoNicki Minaj follows Peter Obi on X after viral repost
-
News14 hours agoSocial media abuzz as Aisha Buhari, Seyi Tinubu, Dino Melaye, others attend pre-wedding in Spain
-
News14 hours agoTikToker remanded over alleged defamation of Kano politician
-
Politics14 hours agoNDC Dissociates Itself From OK Movement PCC, Says Political Party Is Serious Business
-
Metro14 hours agoNDLEA officer drowns chasing drug suspect into Delta river
-
News14 hours agoHow ASUU brought snake to my office – Former VC