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PDP Heavyweights Plot Exit As Defection Talks With ADC Hit Final Stage.

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Several prominent figures within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are reportedly preparing to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid deepening internal divisions within the opposition party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Nivo News, multiple political sources revealed that discussions between aggrieved PDP chieftains and the ADC leadership have reached an advanced stage, with formal announcements expected in the coming days. The planned defections are said to involve influential party stakeholders from various states who have grown increasingly disillusioned with the PDP’s internal leadership struggles.

A senior party figure familiar with the negotiations disclosed that many of those considering the move believe the ADC offers a more stable and ideologically consistent platform to pursue their political aspirations. He noted that frustration has continued to mount among party leaders who feel the PDP has failed to effectively resolve its prolonged internal crises.

The development comes as a faction of the PDP leadership, led by former minister Kabiru Turaki, held a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan at his Maitama residence in Abuja on Tuesday. Details of the meeting were not immediately available, and it could not be confirmed whether the discussion was linked to the reported defection plans.

The Turaki-led faction is aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, while another faction of the party, chaired by Abdulrahman Mohammed, is loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, further underscoring the deep divisions within the PDP.

Meanwhile, the ADC has stepped up efforts to position itself as a viable alternative ahead of upcoming elections, engaging in strategic talks with political heavyweights and dissatisfied members of other parties. Party officials say the ADC is focused on strengthening its national structure and expanding its political presence across the country.

An ADC national officer confirmed ongoing engagements with politicians from the PDP and other parties but stressed that only individuals who align with the party’s principles would be admitted. He emphasised the party’s commitment to discipline and internal democracy.

Reacting to the reports, the PDP leadership downplayed fears of mass defections, insisting the party remains strong despite its challenges. A party insider expressed confidence that ongoing efforts to address grievances would restore unity and urged members to remain loyal to the party.


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2027: Tinubu Unveils Manifesto, Promises Lower Cost Of Living, 78,000 Security Recruits.

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President Bola Tinubu has promised Nigerians safer communities, improved protection against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, as well as a more responsive police service if re-elected in 2027.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Tinubu made the pledge in the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 Presidential Election Manifesto, titled From Reform to Prosperity Agenda 2027–2031, obtained by The PUNCH.

The ruling party is scheduled to unveil the manifesto at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

As part of his proposed security reforms, Tinubu pledged to recruit an additional 28,000 military personnel and 50,000 police officers to strengthen the country’s security architecture and combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

The President also promised to improve the safety of Nigerians in their homes, workplaces, schools, farms and commercial centres, while strengthening border security and ensuring citizens can live, work and travel without fear.

He said his administration would strengthen the Armed Forces and other security agencies, improve intelligence gathering and deploy modern technology to tackle insecurity across the country.

According to the manifesto, the proposed measures would prioritise the protection of farmers, schoolchildren, traders and other citizens through improved border surveillance, community policing and emergency response systems.

The document stated that between 2027 and 2031, the government would complete and equip four new Army divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City, while recruiting and training the 28,000 additional military personnel already approved.

It also proposed sustained intelligence-led military operations against insurgent and kidnapping networks, alongside improved surrender, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for former combatants.

The APC further pledged to establish specialised zonal counter-terrorism units and strengthen security around schools, markets, places of worship and major transport routes.

The manifesto also outlined plans to expand peace-building, trauma support and deradicalisation programmes, as well as facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons to their communities.

On policing, Tinubu promised to train and deploy 50,000 newly recruited officers and expand recruitment and tactical training towards achieving a police-to-citizen ratio of one officer to 400 people.

The proposed police reforms would also include digital record-keeping systems, body cameras for officers, geographic mapping tools, emergency response channels and modern forensic facilities to improve crime detection and prevention.

The document further proposed recruiting 30,150 personnel into the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to take over static security duties from the police. It also promised to work with federal and state lawmakers, as well as governors, to establish a legal framework for accountable state and community policing.

Tinubu said his administration would introduce integrated security command systems to improve intelligence gathering, identify threats early and strengthen cooperation among security agencies.

The manifesto also proposed boosting local defence production through technology partnerships, including the manufacturing of ammunition, protective equipment, armoured vehicles and tactical drones.

Other planned measures include salary increases and improved welfare packages for security personnel, better housing, faster payment of insurance and pensions to families of fallen officers, and the rehabilitation of police barracks.

The APC candidate also pledged to modernise fire stations, strengthen maritime surveillance and cybersecurity, deploy drones for emergency response and enrol 95 per cent of Nigerians in the National Identity Database.

On border security, the manifesto proposed completing electronic surveillance coverage of mapped borders, expanding electronic gates and passenger-data systems, and strengthening patrols and intelligence-sharing.

It also promised wider deployment of Mining Marshals, Forest Guards and Agro-Rangers to protect mining locations, agricultural communities, grazing routes and forest reserves.

The document further outlined plans to implement the National Protection Policy and Strategy for Critical National Assets, with real-time surveillance of energy pipelines, electricity grids, railways, schools and health facilities.

Healthcare, economy and education

Beyond security, Tinubu’s manifesto contains several promises on healthcare, economic growth, housing, education and electricity.

Under the healthcare component, the President pledged to increase the proportion of functional primary healthcare centres nationwide from 53 per cent to 90 per cent by 2031.

He also promised to expand active health insurance coverage from more than 23 million enrollees to 40 per cent of Nigerians, while reducing out-of-pocket healthcare spending from 71 per cent to below 50 per cent of total health expenditure.

The proposed healthcare reforms include upgrading secondary health facilities across local government areas, improving referral systems, expanding maternal and child healthcare programmes, and providing regular electricity to more health facilities through solar installations.

Tinubu also promised to extend the Maternal and Multiple Interventions in Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII) for free emergency obstetric care from 172 local government areas to all 774 LGAs.

On the economy, the President pledged to achieve annual economic growth of six per cent, facilitate the construction of 200,000 affordable homes and sustain a downward trend in inflation and food prices by 2031.

The manifesto also outlines plans to recruit and train 20,000 additional teachers, reduce the number of out-of-school children, improve learning outcomes and expand electricity generation towards 10,000 megawatts.

Tinubu said his second term would focus on translating the economic reforms and foundations established during his first tenure into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

He added that the administration’s proposed prosperity agenda would extend to households, markets, farms and workplaces across the country.

On the expected outcomes by 2031, the manifesto listed safer communities, lower living costs, improved food security, reliable electricity, more jobs, higher incomes, quality education and accessible healthcare.

It also pledged to halve youth unemployment, expand access to affordable credit to half of all economically active Nigerians, reduce post-harvest losses and improve the movement of goods across states.

For education and healthcare, the document promised to halve the number of out-of-school children, deploy 20,000 additional teachers, expand health insurance coverage and ensure that at least 90 per cent of primary healthcare facilities are functional by 2031.

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Portugal Wonderkid Rodrigo Mora Turns Down Cristiano Ronaldo’s Iconic No. 7 Shirt.

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FC Porto youngster Rodrigo Mora has explained why he has no intention of taking over Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic number 7 shirt following the Portugal captain’s retirement from international football.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The 19-year-old, who recently shared the Portugal dressing room with Ronaldo, described it as a great privilege to have played alongside the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward.

Ronaldo recently brought his international career to an end after years of representing Portugal, leaving behind the famous number 7 jersey.

However, Mora has ruled out wearing the shirt, insisting that he is comfortable with his current number 86.

According to Tribuna, the young midfielder described Ronaldo as a role model and praised his contributions to Portuguese football.

“I was extremely lucky to play with Cristiano and share the dressing room with him, as he is everyone’s role model.

“He has retired from international football, and Portugal thanks him greatly for everything he has given,” Mora said.

Asked whether he would like to take over Ronaldo’s number 7 shirt, the Porto youngster firmly dismissed the possibility.

“No, no, no, I don’t think about that, it is far too much for me, the number 86 suits me,” he added.

Ronaldo leaves behind an outstanding record with the Portuguese national team, having become the country’s all-time leading goalscorer.

The Al-Nassr forward also captained Portugal to victory at the 2016 European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles.

Meanwhile, Mora, born in 2007, is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Portuguese football. The attacking midfielder developed through Porto’s academy before gradually establishing himself in the club’s senior team.

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2027: APC Chairman Yilwatda Breaks Silence On Okorocha-Uzodinma Political Feud.

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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has said the party will allow the court to resolve the political dispute between former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and the incumbent governor, Hope Uzodinma.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Yilwatda disclosed this on Monday night during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.

Speaking on the disagreement between the two politicians, the APC chairman said the party was taking steps behind the scenes to manage the situation but would not interfere with the court process.

He said, “We will allow the court to settle it, but behind the scenes, we are doing management of the case.

“The report I have of all the political parties, you don’t have one tenth of it. I have my intelligence around everybody. I filter data from all.

“There is no political party that does not have a research unit, and the research unit goes as low as scavenging for data.”

Meanwhile, Yilwatda has said the decision on whether former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, will retain the position of Senate President after the 2027 general election rests with the Senate.

According to him, the APC has no preferred candidate for the position, as senators will decide who leads the chamber.

He added that the party would only be responsible for presenting the Majority Leader.

“You know that the Senate will determine it. Let’s wait for the election first. I don’t have anybody in mind. The Senate will determine who they want to make Senate President. We, as a party, will only just bring the Majority Leader,” he said.

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