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PDP Remains Resilient Amid Internal Crisis – Saraki.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has asserted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains a strong political force despite ongoing internal disputes within the party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Saraki dismissed claims that the PDP has lost relevance in Nigeria’s political arena.
According to the former Kwara State governor, perceptions of a weakening PDP are often shaped by disagreements among party leaders rather than the reality at the grassroots level.
“When you stay in Abuja, it might seem like the noise from leaders’ disagreements is all there is. But if you visit the states and the grassroots, you’ll see that PDP is still very, very strong,” he said.
Using Kwara State as an example, Saraki emphasized that party members and supporters remain loyal. “People still have love and affiliation for PDP. Yes, there’s noise, but across the country, PDP is still a household name. It’s very sellable, not only in Kwara but nationwide,” he added.
On internal party affairs, Saraki revealed that he initially opposed the PDP convention held in Ibadan but later allowed Kwara State delegates to participate after assurances that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would monitor the process to ensure its credibility. He expressed disappointment that INEC did not attend, stating that the exercise should have been halted under those circumstances.
Saraki stressed that his position is rooted in his commitment to due process and internal democracy. He also dismissed rumours about a potential defection to the All Progressives Congress or any other party, noting that his low public profile stems from his decision not to contest upcoming elections, not a lack of interest in party matters.
He confirmed his intention to attend the PDP’s forthcoming national convention and encouraged members to participate to promote unity.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Saraki advocated for a balanced zoning approach: the PDP presidential ticket should go to the South, while the national chairmanship should be assigned to the North-Central region to maintain equity.
Despite the party’s internal challenges, Saraki expressed optimism that the PDP could emerge stronger if the crisis is properly managed. He also cautioned that Nigeria’s democracy requires a strong opposition to prevent the rise of a one-party state.
The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) began nationwide on Thursday, with over 2.2 million candidates expected to participate across accredited centres.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The exam, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), will run from April 16 to April 22 in multiple daily sessions.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, urged examination officials to remain highly committed and professional, noting that the success of the exercise depends largely on their dedication.
He gave the charge during a virtual final briefing for technical officers ahead of the examination, where he also praised staff, ad hoc personnel, service providers, and technical advisers for their roles in the successful conduct of the mock exam.
Oloyede said many of the issues recorded during the mock exercise were due to poor assessment of centres by some technical officials.
He further stated that incentive packages would be awarded to teams that perform exceptionally, particularly in handling exam materials and submitting timely reports.
Reiterating JAMB’s zero-tolerance stance on malpractice, he warned candidates against bringing prohibited items into examination halls.
He also disclosed that biometric verification and real-time monitoring systems have been deployed to protect the integrity of the exercise.
Candidates whose biometrics cannot be verified, he added, will be rescheduled to write the exam at approved centres.
Meanwhile, a NAN correspondent monitoring proceedings at Aduvie International School, Jahi, reported that the first session scheduled for 8:30 a.m. began slightly behind schedule at about 8:40 a.m.
The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, on Thursday inspected security deployments at Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to the FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the inspection is part of proactive measures to ensure a smooth, peaceful, and hitch-free conduct of the ongoing examinations.
The UTME is scheduled to run nationwide from April 16 to 18, 2026.
During the exercise, CP Sanusi assessed security arrangements put in place to safeguard candidates, examination officials, and CBT facilities.
He also engaged with centre supervisors, assuring them of adequate security presence throughout the examination period.
Adeh added that the CP reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, warning that any attempt to disrupt the examinations would be met with decisive action in line with the law.
Over 700 former terrorists who have undergone deradicalisation and rehabilitation are set to be reintegrated into their communities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Nigerian military has also dismissed reports alleging that beneficiaries of Operation Safe Corridor are being recruited into military institutions.
According to African Independent Television, the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brigadier-General Yusuf Ali, made this known during a media tour of the Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Centre in Gombe, North-East Nigeria.
He said many Nigerians still misunderstand the Federal Government’s structured counter-terrorism initiative, which is designed to restore peace in communities affected by insurgency.
Brigadier-General Ali explained that the programme focuses on rehabilitation and peaceful reintegration of repentant individuals into society.
During the tour, some of the participants also shared accounts of their involvement in offences that led to their admission into the programme.
The facility inspection was part of preparations for the graduation of over 700 clients who have completed the deradicalisation and rehabilitation process and are set for reintegration.
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