A Chief Magistrates’ Court II in Katsina has granted bail to Dr. Bashir Kurfi, a security analyst and former Ahmadu Bello University lecturer, amid an ongoing trial involving alleged defamation of the Katsina State Government. Dr. Kurfi is facing two charges of injurious falsehood and defamation of character, violations allegedly contrary to Sections 308 and 309(1) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Case Details and Bail Conditions

The charges stem from a June 24, 2026, Trust TV interview in which Dr. Kurfi allegedly claimed that the state government sponsored bandit leaders for Hajj, an accusation the prosecution characterized as false, malicious, and damaging to the state’s reputation. Following the completion of the investigation, Chief Magistrate Zaharaddeen Sani granted the following bail terms:

• The bail was set at ₦500,000, requiring two sureties.

• Both sureties must be owners of landed property situated within the Katsina metropolis.

• Each surety faces a forfeiture penalty of ₦500,000 to the state if the defendant fails to appear in court or attempts to abscond.

Next Steps

The court has adjourned the proceedings until August 13, 2026, for the start of the trial. Dr. Kurfi’s defense counsel, A.D. Umar, has expressed optimism regarding the judicial process, stating that the defense is prepared to refute the allegations when the hearing commences.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has indicated that he is unlikely to seek the presidency in 2031, pointing to factors such as his age and Nigeria’s informal zoning rotation. In an interview with Rufai Oseni, the former Anambra State governor explained that the tradition of alternating the presidency between the North and South is a significant consideration in his long-term political planning.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Key Factors Influencing His Decision

• The Zoning Arrangement: Obi noted that if the presidency rotates to the North in 2031—as per the informal zoning formula—it would likely remain there for two terms.

• Age Considerations: Should the presidency return to the South after two Northern terms, Obi projected he would be 78 years old, an age at which he does not intend to continue seeking the office.

• Uncertainty Post-2027: While he described a 2031 bid as having a “very slim” probability, he did not definitively rule it out, stating that his future decisions will depend on the political climate and circumstances following the 2027 general election.

Obi shared that he recently discussed this outlook with a secondary school student, emphasizing that his commitment to the zoning principle makes a future run beyond 2027 highly improbable.

President Bola Tinubu honored the memory of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari on the first anniversary of his passing. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at a remembrance prayer session, President Tinubu highlighted Buhari’s unique transition from a military ruler to a civilian democrat as a defining moment in Nigerian political history.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A Legacy of Integrity and Service

In a statement released Monday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Tinubu characterized Buhari’s service as both courageous and selfless. Key sentiments shared by the President included:

• Total Dedication: President Tinubu stated that Buhari served the nation with unwavering conviction and patriotism, giving “everything he had to this country” without reservation.

• Consistency and Trust: The President noted that Buhari retained the affection and trust of ordinary citizens even after leaving office, a feat achieved only through a lifetime of integrity, discipline, and alignment between his principles and actions.

• National Impact: Tinubu reflected on their shared history as political allies, praising Buhari as a determined defender of constitutional order who embodied the spirit of nation-building.

A Call to Emulate Buhari’s Values

President Tinubu concluded the tribute by urging those who worked with and supported the late leader to preserve his memory by adopting his core virtues. He emphasized that the most fitting way to honor Buhari is to carry forward his legacy of honesty, simplicity, and self-discipline in both personal conduct and public service.