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No presidential ticket for Kwankwaso in 2027, Keyamo declares
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said that the former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has “boxed himself into one of the tightest corners in his political career” over what he described as his refusal or indecision to accept an earlier political olive branch from the All Progressives Congress.
Keyamo, who issued a statement on Sunday, noted that he had “always admired Engr. Mohammed Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso from a distance,” but argued that recent political developments had left the former governor facing a narrowing set of choices ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to him, Kwankwaso’s presidential ambition is at the centre of his current dilemma.
The statement partly read, “Kwankwaso wants to be President, but none of the major political parties will pick him as a candidate in 2027. APC & PDP are going South & ADC’s ticket is Atiku’s to lose.
“Atiku is the owner of ADC (argue with your keypad, if you like). Only a major political Party can win a Presidential election in Nigeria.
“NNPP is still a one-State Party, and with the recent wave of defections from NNPP (including the Governor himself), it is doubtful if it can maintain its grip on Kano in 2027. A leader is only as strong as his devoted lieutenants.”
He further argued that the former governor’s calculations rule out support for a northern presidential candidate in 2027.
“Kwankwaso will not support a Northern candidate because that ends his own Presidential ambition since he may have to wait for another 16 years after 2027 to get a shot at the Presidency – 8 likely years for the Northern Candidate and another 8 likely years when it rotates to the South again.
“That’s a gamble he WILL NOT TAKE. He will be 86 years old by then. So, this entirely rules out an ATIKU-Kwankwaso cooperation in 2027”, Keyamo’s s statement continued.
Keyamo said that based on prevailing political realities, 2031 appears to be Kwankwaso’s most realistic presidential window, but warned that decisions taken in 2027 would be decisive.
“Based on the above calculations, the only pathway for Kwankwaso is in 2031, but the alliance he builds in 2027 will be crucial to his ambitions in 2031.
“If his grip on Kano slips in 2027, it will water down his clout and influence in 2031 to be handed a Presidential ticket by any of the major Political parties. This is the time he can cash in on his presumed dominance of Kano politics and take a chance,” he added.
The minister narrowed Kwankwaso’s realistic alliance options to three political parties, noting that each comes with significant limitations.
“Kwankwaso’s only chance of a realistic alliance now with a major political Party is actually narrowed down to the PDP, the APC or the Labour Party (only if Peter Obi returns there and picks the 2027 Presidential ticket, and he agrees to run as VP candidate to Obi). But all three options present their own challenges,” Keyamo said.
On the Peoples Democratic Party, he stated: “With the PDP now gasping for breath, it may be easier for Kwankwaso to return to PDP on some terms (like taking over the entire structure in Kano and some North West States and returning Kano to PDP).
“And that will signal the death of NNPP. But with the zoning of the Presidential ticket to the South, that would mean a suspension of his 2027 Presidential ambition till 2031.”
On the APC option, Keyamo said, “If Kwankwaso decides to pitch tent with the APC, he is in no position to dictate so much terms to the Party. With the exodus of key figures from NNPP to APC in Kano, the APC’s structure in Kano is now in better stead to challenge the NNPP in 2027.
“The APC is therefore not so desperate for a Kwankwaso in Kano, but would be glad to welcome him into the Party. He still remains an asset. But one thing is sure: the APC cannot throw its entire structure in Kano under the bus for a Kwankwaso, especially with the Governor parting ways with him.
“However, the attraction of the APC for him is that the APC still has the national spread and structures to retain power in 2031. So, an APC option for Kwankwaso will also mean a suspension of his Presidential ambition till 2031.”
On the Labour Party, he was categorical, stating, “The 2027 Labour Party option for Kwankwaso is narrower because he simply cannot and will not run as Vice-Presidential candidate to Peter Obi. Take that to the bank.
“His own people will not even support him to give a likely fresh 8 years to the South (forget all the noise of ‘I will serve just one term).”
Keyamo concluded that Kwankwaso now stands at a critical political juncture with potentially career-defining consequences.
“From the scenarios above, Kwankwaso is in a very difficult political crossroads. The decision he makes now may retire him permanently from politics or revive his Presidential ambition.
“But one fact is clear: just like late Buhari and the CPC, without a handshake with another major Party, he will remain a local champion with his NNPP, but that too may soon vanish with the present predicament of the Party in Kano,” his statement concluded.
No fewer than six inmates have died within one week following a suspected cholera outbreak at the Kurmawa Maximum Prison in Kano State.
Amnesty International raised the alarm in a post on its official Facebook page, calling on authorities to immediately declare an emergency at the correctional facility.
Amnesty said several other inmates were currently receiving treatment, warning that the death toll could be higher as the suspected disease continues to spread among prisoners.
It urged the authorities to immediately transfer critically ill inmates to hospitals for proper medical attention to prevent further deaths.
The organisation warned that failure to urgently intervene could amount to arbitrary deprivation of life, which it described as a serious human rights violation under international law.
Amnesty also expressed concern over the broader conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities, particularly the prolonged detention of inmates awaiting trial.
According to the organisation, detainees without financial means face greater difficulty having their rights protected, with some spending years in custody without being convicted of any crime.
It further said many inmates were being held in overcrowded and unhygienic cells without adequate food and healthcare.
Amnesty called for urgent reforms to improve conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities and ensure compliance with international best practices.
Popular media personality and self-acclaimed relationship expert, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has reportedly lost her second son while remanded in custody.
The development was confirmed in an online appeal by Amira Agiye, head of the Isaamira Love Foundation, who spoke on Okoro’s behalf to request public financial assistance.
She said, “It is sad to announce to you all that Blessing CEO just lost her second son. My name is Amira Agiye.
“I’m here to appeal on behalf of Blessing CEO, who is currently in custody. I understand that people might have different opinions about her and the circumstances surrounding her case.
“And like every one of us, she deserves compassion and an opportunity for redemption.
She needs N20 million to meet the bail requirements. She also needs N36 million to pay the people she owes who brought the case against her.
“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive her for the sake of that boy who is still in the mortuary. With Blessing’s full consent and authorisation, I’m appealing to all Nigerians to help donate so we can help her out of this situation.”
Also speaking in a voice conversation played by Amira, Blessing, CEO, said, “My second son, Bryan, was full of life. While in custody, I lost Bryan.
I pray this turns out positive so I can leave this place, pick up the pieces of my life and pay my respects to him.”
Recall that the self-acclaimed relationship expert was remanded in Kirikiri Prison over an N69.15 million property fraud trial.
She was granted N20 million bail in July 2026, with two sureties in like sum, and each surety was required to provide three years’ proof of deposits valued at N20 million.
Following her inability to meet the bail conditions, Blessing CEO, remains in prison facility two months after she was granted bail.
Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome, mother of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy LoveWorld Nation fame, is dead.
Reports from Edo State say that she died at the age of 88 yesterday, Friday, September 25, 2026.
A local publication, Esan News Magazine, reported thus:
“An Iroko has fallen. A mother of nations is gone. Heaven has gained a saint.
According to information made available to Esan News Magazine by a prominent member of the Ekagholo Family of Idunwele, Ewu, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, the matriarch of the great Oyakhilome Clan, the beloved mother of our son Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome, fondly called Big Mummy, has transited to glory.
September, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, humility and motherhood that touched generations across the world.
“Big Mummy was not just the mother of Pastor Chris. She was the mother of all. A virtuous woman, a prayer warrior, a woman of uncommon grace who raised children that have become global blessings and pride to Esan land.
“Idunwele Ewu is mourning. Ekagholo Family is mourning. Ewu Kingdom is mourning. Esanland is mourning. For we have lost an Okpokhuo, a true jewel of Esan motherhood.
“Her life was a testimony. She lived for God, she lived for family, she lived for humanity. Her laughter brought joy. Her prayers brought strength. Her counsel brought wisdom.
“On behalf of the management and staff of Esan News Magazine and the entire Esan Nation home and abroad, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to our dear elder brother, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the entire Oyakhilome Clan, the Ekagholo Family of Idunwele Ewu, and the Christ Embassy family worldwide.
“We mourn with you in this time of grief. We stand with you. We pray that the good Lord who called Mama home will grant you all the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
“May her gentle, beautiful and faithful soul rest in perfect peace. Rest on, Big Mummy. Rest on, beloved mother of Pastor Chris. Rest on, Iroko of Ewu.
“Adieu Mama!”
Meanwhile, a senior official of Christ Embassy who was contacted by News Express this Saturday afternoon neither confirmed nor denied the report.
He said: “I have heard the news, too, but it is not for me to confirm her death. I mean, she was aged 88.”
The official promised to make relevant contacts, adding: “I am sure that a statement would be issued if the news is true.”
Six inmates die in one week amid suspected cholera outbreak in Kano prison
Painful: Blessing CEO Loses Son While Still In Kirikiri Prison
SAD: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s mother is dead
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