Politics
Wike hails 95% implementation of FCT 2024 budget, unveils key projects

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has announced a landmark 95 percent implementation of the 2024 statutory budget, describing the achievement as unprecedented in the history of the FCT.
Wike made this known during a media briefing after inspecting several critical infrastructure projects across the Territory, including major roads at Life Camp and Katampe, as well as the ongoing renovation of the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
“I can tell you we’ve done not less than 95 percent of the budget implementation. That is historic. It has never happened before. And if you look at the projects there, you will see that there is no project that is in the 2024 budget that we have not touched,” he stated.
He attributed the progress to the National Assembly’s decision to extend the lifespan of the 2024 FCT statutory budget until June 2025, which he said enabled the Administration to sustain funding and accelerate delivery on major projects.
Wike also revealed that the 2025 statutory budget had already been submitted to the National Assembly and expressed hope that its timely passage would maintain the current momentum and support the completion of key infrastructure across the FCT.
During the tour, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, commending contractors for adhering to timelines and maintaining high standards.
Among the projects visited was the 4-kilometer six-lane dual carriageway linking Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, currently under construction by Julius Berger. Once completed, the road will significantly improve connectivity between the districts of Kado, Karmo, Gwarimpa I, Dape, Ido-Gwari, Saburi, and Dei-Dei.
Another major project nearing completion is the access road from Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway (by N16) to the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District. This route will also connect the N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) in Jahi District with Katampe and Maitama, enhancing mobility in the area.
Wike expressed particular delight at the progress of the International Conference Centre renovation, which he described as rapidly advancing.
“These projects will be inaugurated by Mr. President during his second-year anniversary celebrations. We have gone to the International Conference Centre, which is almost ready. The first phase of the N5 will also be ready by the end of May,” he said.
Politics
2027: Atiku’s eyes on ADC ticket, PDP may be forced to back him – Sambo

The Director of News and Politics Editor of Arise Television, Sumner Sambo, says the African Democratic Congress, ADC, is planning to secure a presidential ticket for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Sambo stated this on Monday’s edition of ‘The Morning Show’.
According to him, people are also saying that if Atiku gets the ADC ticket, and things go very well for him, then PDP in one way or the other, may be forced to support his presidential bid.
“The major problem of the ADC right now is that INEC has not even listed David Mark as the national chairman of the ADC, and Atiku hasn’t picked the party’s membership form,” he said.
Ekwutosblog recalls that Atiku had assured his followers that he would be running for the presidency in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking through one of his spokespersons during the 2023 presidential election, Tunde Olusunle, the former Vice-President said he would run again in 2027 because Nigeria needs to be saved from the Intensive Care Unit under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Politics
INEC recognises me, Barde is fake – Danladi Yau on Gombe ADC chairmanship dispute

The leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Gombe State has deepened, with Malam Danladi Yau insisting that he remains the authentic chairman of the party.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the State Executive Council meeting in Gombe last Friday, Yau dismissed claims by Alhaji Auwal Abba Barde, who has continued to parade himself as chairman of the party.
“I am the authentic chairman of the ADC in Gombe State, recognised by INEC. Anybody parading himself as chairman is fake. Barde was expelled in 2022, so how can he still claim leadership,” Yau said.
He displayed a letter of appointment and introduction issued to him by the ADC National Working Committee in December 2022, which also presented him to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the acting chairman for the state.
Yau’s remarks came in response to a counter-announcement by Barde, who earlier declared the removal of Yau as state secretary alongside the deputy chairman and youth leader.
Despite his suspension in September 2022 by the national leadership over alleged anti-party activities, Barde has continued to command loyalty among some state executives.
According to Yau, Barde’s tenure as chairman expired in 2019 after serving the constitutionally permitted two terms of four years each.
He argued that Barde’s continued claim to leadership was illegal and damaging to the party’s credibility.
Pledging loyalty to the David Mark-led national leadership of the ADC, Yau announced plans to begin fresh membership registration across all 114 wards in Gombe State, saying the move was part of efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The ADC under my leadership is working to rescue Nigeria from APC-induced hardship. With unity, mobilisation, and commitment, we can give Nigerians the alternative they deserve,” he added.
Politics
2027: I’ll run for presidency – Atiku clarifies ‘not desperate’ comment

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has assured his followers of running for the Presidency in 2027.
Atiku gave the clarification through one of his spokespersons during the 2023 presidential election, Tunde Olusunle.
Speaking with ThisDay, Olusunle said Atiku would run again in 2027 because Nigeria needs to be saved from the Intensive Care Unit under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Olusunle disclosed that Atiku made the clarification from his holiday home in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after reading reports that he was not desperate to be president.
Speaking over the weekend, Ola Olateju, who represented Atiku at an event in Lagos, said the former Vice President was not desperate to be president.
Olateju said Atiku plans to build a better Nigeria.
However, Olusunle said Atiku disowned the statement, stressing that it was not from him.
“I did not issue that statement. When people stand in for me at events, we preview my thoughts on the instant subject and what my contribution or intervention will be, so we are on the same page.
“In this particular instance, there was no engagement with me to distill my thoughts. Prof. Olateju was not speaking for me.
“I will run in 2027. Nigeria needs to be decisively rescued from the intensive care unit it has been consigned. The degeneration in our country, the level of poverty and pain, the anguish, is unacceptable,” he said.
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