Rebuttal to Critics: The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) rejected assertions made by former APC chairman Abdullahi Ganduje that a Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket would fail to secure northern votes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Dismissal of Detractors: NDC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Abdulmumin Abdulsalam labeled Obi’s critics as politically irrelevant and stated that the North has moved past the era of politicians using religion or ethnicity to discredit opponents on air.

• Focus on Reality Over Sentiment: Abdulsalam emphasized that northern voters will prioritize current economic hardships and severe regional insecurity over ethnic and religious biases when making their electoral choices.

• Mass Appeal and 2027 Strategy: Arguing that critics do not “own the market,” the NDC official vowed that the electorate will not repeat 2023 mistakes and announced plans to roll out a northern mobilization strategy through grassroots engagements with civil society, labor groups, and voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

US Lawmaker’s Demand: US Representative John James (representing Michigan) urged the Federal Government to either release detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu or grant him a new trial that aligns with constitutional and international human rights standards.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• H.Res. 1321 Resolution: During a House of Representatives session on Thursday, James sought support for his introduced resolution, H.Res. 1321, which is currently before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

• Allegations and Religious Persecution: James connected Kanu’s prosecution to wider allegations of religious persecution and violence against Nigerian Christians by extremist groups like Boko Haram, while criticizing the Nigerian government’s response.

• Prospect of Aid Cuts: The congressman warned that continued US financial aid to Nigeria could face review or be withheld if these concerns and the alleged security failures are not properly addressed.

• IPOB Reaction: IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful welcomed the intervention, expressing optimism that international scrutiny will encourage the Nigerian government to reconsider Kanu’s ongoing detention and life sentence.

Disciplinary Action at CUSTECH: The management of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Kogi State expelled two students and rusticated four others following recommendations from the Students’ Disciplinary Committee and approval by the university’s Senate at its 31st regular meeting.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Expulsions for Gay Practices: Onumoko Hamza (Biology Education) and Abdulazeez Eneji (Mining Engineering) were dismissed from the institution after investigations confirmed their involvement in gay practices.

• Rustication for Fighting: Favor Akowe (Microbiology), Simbiat Babamuharuna (Biology), Zainab Omayoza (Biochemistry), and Sukura Bukola (Biochemistry) received one-academic-session rustication penalties for engaging in a campus fight.

• Regulatory Compliance: The letters, signed by Deputy Registrar of Academics Eli Gbadafu, noted that these disciplinary actions were implemented in accordance with the amended 2025 Second Edition of the Students’ Handbook to safeguard the academic environment and maintain strict order.