Two Benue PDP chieftains remanded in prison for defamation, cybercrime - Newstrends
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Two Benue PDP chieftains remanded in prison for defamation, cybercrime

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Two Benue PDP chieftains remanded in prison for defamation, cybercrime

A Benue State High Court sitting in Markudi, on Tuesday, ordered the remand of two chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Isaac Mffo and Bemgba Lortyom, in the Markudi Correctional Centre.

Mffo was the deputy chairman of the party while Lortyom was the party’s state publicity secretary.

Justice Kelvin Mbanongon, in his ruling, ordered they be remanded in custody over allegations of criminal conspiracy, cyber crimes and defamation of characters of Prof. Nicholas Ada, High Chief Terngu Tsegba and former Benue Assembly Speaker, Terseer Tsumba.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, the prosecution, C.N. Agudu, said the duo accused Prof. Nicholas Ada, High Chief Terngu Tsegba and former Benue Assembly Speaker Terseer Tsumba, of disrupting the peace or the PDP in the state, going as far as sponsoring thugs to disrupt Ward Congresses, which were supposed to take effect in the state.

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They also alleged that the trio had in 2023 embezzled funds meant for the conduct of elections in Benue State.

Counsel for the defendants, A.U. Gar pleaded that the court should grant his client bail on self-recognition adding that they will always be available for their case.

However, Agudu opposing the bail application, said the weight of the accusations was too heavy to be easily taken for granted.

Justice Mbanongon concurred that the allegations bordering on Cyber Crimes should not be taken lightly and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Màkurdi Correctional Center in Màkurdi while an investigation into the matter continues.

The Judge subsequently fixed October 15th, 2024 for further mention of the case.

Two Benue PDP chieftains remanded in prison for defamation, cybercrime

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Aisha Buhari Visits Atiku Amid Opposition Coalition Activities

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Aisha Buhari Visits Atiku Amid Opposition Coalition Activities

Aisha Buhari Visits Atiku Amid Opposition Coalition Activities

Former First Lady Aisha Buhari has visited former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in Abuja amid increasing political activities and opposition realignment ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Atiku disclosed the visit in a post on his official social media account, describing the meeting with Aisha Buhari as warm and appreciated.

The former Vice-President did not disclose the specific purpose of the visit or the details of the discussions between them.

However, Atiku said the meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the economic challenges confronting Nigerian families, including the rising cost of food, transportation, education, healthcare and other basic necessities.

He said the situation had placed a significant burden on households and stressed the need for political leaders to prioritise the welfare, dignity and future of Nigerians.

Atiku said Nigerians deserved an economy that rewards hard work, creates opportunities and enables families to live with dignity and hope. He ended his message with the phrase, “Make Nigeria Affordable Again.”

Aisha Buhari’s visit comes as political parties and opposition groups intensify consultations ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The former Vice-President is seeking the presidency on the platform of the ADC, which has become the political platform associated with an opposition coalition involving several political figures and groups.

The coalition has been holding discussions on how opposition parties could work together ahead of the election, including the possibility of presenting a common candidate.

The issue has remained subject to negotiations among the parties and political actors involved, with different opposition figures publicly expressing views on the structure and leadership of any eventual arrangement.

At an opposition summit held in Abuja earlier this month, representatives of several opposition parties discussed cooperation and preparations for the 2027 elections.

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Atiku and Peter Obi, who is associated with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), were not present at the meeting. Their absence generated public discussion, although representatives of the parties involved subsequently said the coalition process was broader than the attendance of individual presidential aspirants.

The question of a single opposition candidate has remained particularly prominent in the discussions.

Recent public statements have reflected differing positions among opposition figures. While some have called for candidates to make way for a common candidate, Obi has maintained that any decision on stepping down or supporting another candidate would have to be determined through the relevant political parties and coalition arrangements.

Atiku has continued his political mobilisation as the ADC presidential candidate, while the coalition continues to address questions surrounding its structure, leadership and electoral strategy.

The latest meeting between Atiku and Aisha Buhari has therefore attracted attention because of its timing and the wider political realignment taking place ahead of 2027. However, neither Atiku nor Aisha Buhari has publicly stated that the Abuja meeting was related to an electoral alliance, endorsement or coalition negotiation.

The encounter also follows an earlier meeting between the two in Saudi Arabia.

In February 2026, Atiku hosted Aisha Buhari, her daughter Hanan and other members of the Buhari family while they were in Saudi Arabia for Umrah.

Atiku described that meeting as a family and religious gathering, saying the Buhari family was in the Kingdom to perform the lesser Hajj.

Aisha Buhari has continued to maintain a public presence since the death of her husband, former President Muhammadu Buhari, in July 2025.

She has participated in engagements involving education, social development and initiatives associated with the late president’s legacy.

Atiku, meanwhile, has remained active in opposition politics and has continued consultations and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 election.

The ADC adopted Atiku as its presidential candidate after the opposition coalition settled on the party as its platform for the 2027 contest.

The party’s interim leadership has included former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who have been involved in the coalition’s organisational activities.

As political activities intensify, meetings between prominent political figures are increasingly attracting public attention, particularly where they involve personalities linked to different political groups.

For the moment, however, the publicly confirmed details of the Aisha Buhari-Atiku meeting remain limited to Atiku’s acknowledgment of the visit and his comments on Nigeria’s economic challenges.

There is no publicly confirmed statement from either party establishing that the meeting resulted in an agreement on the 2027 election, an endorsement or any specific political arrangement.

Further developments in the opposition coalition and the activities of the various presidential contenders are expected as political parties continue preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Aisha Buhari Visits Atiku Amid Opposition Coalition Activities

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He Does Not Lose Elections”: Abdulmumin Jibrin Predicts 65% Landslide for Tinubu in 2027

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He Does Not Lose Elections”: Abdulmumin Jibrin Predicts 65% Landslide for Tinubu in 2027

The Kano lawmaker labels Nyesom Wike an indispensable asset and urges APC governors to embrace the FCT minister.

Federal lawmaker Abdulmumin Jibrin believes President Bola Tinubu will earn at least 65 percent of all votes in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. Sharing his thoughts on Wednesday evening, the representative from Kano State explained that the president continues to gain trust from citizens across various parts of the country while maintaining a long history of election victories.

In addition, Jibrin addressed recent tensions among party figures, describing Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike as a vital teammate who contributed greatly to national stability and local support in Rivers State.

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He noted that members from all backgrounds have gained from Wike’s cooperative efforts, which helped bring different political communities together to support common public goals.

Because building broad coalitions helps modern democracies thrive, Jibrin advised state governors to welcome diverse leaders and collaborate closely with them. Moreover, he emphasized that respectful teamwork across different political roots creates a more united country and makes governance far more effective.

In conclusion, Jibrin expressed confidence that keeping doors open to dedicated partners will guarantee a decisive, peaceful win when citizens cast their ballots in 2027.

He Does Not Lose Elections”: Abdulmumin Jibrin Predicts 65% Landslide for Tinubu in 2027

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2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation

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2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation

Student leaders from tertiary institutions across Nigeria’s 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, promising to mobilise students across campuses in support of his candidacy.

The declaration was made in Kaduna at the inauguration of the Students’ Wing of Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A), a support group created to coordinate student mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The organisers said the students’ position was influenced by policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration, particularly in education, student financing, skills development and youth empowerment.

The coordinator of the A4A Students’ Wing and President of the Bayero University Kano Students’ Union Government, Abdulmudallib Sheriff, said the students’ support was intended to translate into an organised mobilisation network rather than remain a symbolic declaration.

Sheriff cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) among the federal government programmes that informed the students’ position, saying the scheme had provided financial support to students facing difficulties funding their tertiary education.

He also pointed to government initiatives in technical and vocational education, skills acquisition and youth development as areas the student leaders considered relevant to young Nigerians.

According to the organisers, the A4A Students’ Wing plans to build a coordinated structure capable of reaching students in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the northern region.

The Kaduna inauguration was attended by student union leaders and representatives of tertiary institutions from different parts of Northern Nigeria.

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Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who addressed the gathering, urged the student leaders to base their political engagement on policies and verifiable records rather than personal attacks against political opponents.

Sani highlighted areas including education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and technical and vocational education, while drawing attention to programmes such as NELFUND and federal TVET initiatives.

The student endorsement comes amid increasing political mobilisation across Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.

Several groups in the region have recently announced support for Tinubu’s second-term bid, including organisations representing Muslim women scholars, preachers and Da’wah leaders. Other groups representing communities and youth interests in the North have also held meetings and launched mobilisation activities ahead of the election.

A separate group representing Igbos living in the 19 northern states and the FCT has also expressed support for Tinubu and pledged to mobilise voters for his re-election.

The growing activity reflects efforts by political support groups to build grassroots structures well ahead of the 2027 poll, with youth and student voters expected to remain an important constituency for political parties and candidates.

The Tinubu administration has made NELFUND one of its prominent education initiatives. The programme provides loans and related financial assistance to eligible Nigerian students in tertiary institutions, with the government presenting it as part of efforts to reduce financial barriers to higher education.

The administration has also promoted technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as part of its broader youth skills-development agenda.

However, the endorsement announced in Kaduna represents the position of the participating student leaders and organisations. It does not necessarily reflect the views of all students, tertiary institutions or young people across Northern Nigeria.

The political development also comes as opposition groups and presidential aspirants intensify their own mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 election.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition political actors are building structures across the country, while presidential contenders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, are also seeking support ahead of the election.

The student leaders backing Tinubu said their immediate focus would be to extend the A4A Students’ Wing to more campuses and strengthen its mobilisation network across the North.

Their declaration adds to the growing series of political endorsements and campaign activities taking place ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as competing political groups seek to attract young voters and build support at the grassroots.

Ultimately, the endorsement remains a declaration by the participating student organisations, while individual voters will make their choices through the electoral process.

2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation

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