Politics
Tinubu Vows To Choose Cabinet Based On Competence, Not Religion
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the President-elect, downplayed the prospects of a government of national unity on Thursday, indicating his preference for a government of national competence that prioritizes merit over political arrangement.
Tinubu expressed his intention to select cabinet members based on their competence rather than their religion, and stated that his vision for the government was higher than simply pursuing a unity arrangement.
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who was recently declared as the President-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission, released his first official statement on Thursday titled “Nigeria: At the Cusp of Renewed Hope.”
Addressing Nigerians on the issue, the president-elect in the statement said, “As your incoming president, I accept the task before me. There have been talks of a government of national unity. My aim is higher than that. I seek a government of national competence. In selecting my government, I shall not be weighed down by considerations extraneous to ability and performance.
“The day for political gamesmanship is long gone. I shall assemble competent men and women and young people from across Nigeria to build a safer, more prosperous and just Nigeria. There shall be young people. Women shall be prominent. Whether your faith leads you to pray in a church or mosque will not determine your place in government. Character and competence will.’’
Tinubu also commented on the recent presidential election, acknowledging that while some individuals had faulted its conduct, a fair and credible poll was held and won.
He said, “A fair, credible election has been held and has been won. The honour of that victory and the steep responsibility it entails has fallen on me. I say this not to gloat or boast because there is no room for such behaviour. I merely state the facts as they are. I realise many good and well-meaning Nigerians voted for other candidates.
“They are naturally disappointed that their favoured candidate did not win. Other candidates have voiced their dissatisfaction, stating they will go to court to contest the election. This is inherent to the democratic process. We defend their right to seek legal recourse. While they exercise the legal rights afforded them in our democracy, I have set my course and mind on the leadership of this nation. We have important work to do and I am committed to getting that work done for the benefit of all the people, whether or not they voted for me or even voted at all.’’
The president-elect said, “There have been times in our past when our governing institutions created more questions than they answered. But the arc of our political history gives me confidence that we can overcome that past. We have walked through the thick of the night to emerge into the light of brighter days to come. There is no good reason to retreat into the darkness of years past.’’
Urging nation rebuilding and repair, he said, “We must begin to repair and rebuild this national home of ours. There is time to complete the task, but time is also of the essence. We must not tarry or fret over the enormity of what we face. We are able of mind and body. Now, we must show the spirit and willpower to accomplish the historic things that lie within our grasp.’’
Tinubu explained, “We have bridges and roads to build not just for commerce and travel but to connect people of different faiths, parties and different outlooks in harmonious dialogue and common purpose. We have families to feed not just to eliminate hunger but to nurture enlightenment, civic responsibility and compassion. We have jobs to create not merely to put people to work but to afford a better standard of living by which families and communities are improved and democracy deepened. We have water to replenish not just to quench physical thirst but to ignite a thirst for creative and better solutions to society’s challenges.
Tinubu further expressed support for the Supreme Court’s ruling that the old N200, N500, and N1000 notes remain legal tender alongside the redesigned notes until December 31.
The Central Bank of Nigeria, led by Godwin Emefiele, had redesigned the naira notes, but had ignored the Supreme Court’s order, leading to frustration and hardship for bank customers due to the scarcity of the new notes.
Tinubu stated that an important step toward restoring economic normalcy was taken by the Supreme Court’s decision on the parity of old and new notes, adding that “This restores both the rule of law and economic decency. But this is not the end of the story. It is merely the beginning of a more comprehensive solution to our economic challenges.’’ he added.
Politics
Political Bombshell: Kwankwaso’s Son Joins Kano Governorship Race
A major political development has emerged in Kano State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, son of former Kano State Governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, officially entering the race as the running mate to Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.
The announcement was disclosed on Monday by the spokesperson of the Kwankwassiya Movement, Habeeb Saleh Mohammed, who confirmed that Mustapha Kwankwaso had been selected as Gwarzo’s deputy governorship candidate for the upcoming election.
ALSO READ: NNPC Boosts Orthopaedic Healthcare, Donates MRI Equipment at Kano
“Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has been unveiled as the running mate to His Excellency Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo for the 2027 governorship election,” Mohammed stated.
Mustapha Kwankwaso, a businessman and politician, is widely recognized as one of the prominent figures within the Kwankwassiya political movement, a powerful political bloc founded by his father and known for its strong influence across Kano State.
His emergence on the NDC ticket is already generating discussions among political stakeholders, with many viewing the move as a strategic attempt to tap into the widespread support base associated with the Kwankwasiya movement.
Political observers believe the partnership between Gwarzo and Mustapha Kwankwaso could reshape the political dynamics in Kano as parties begin positioning themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested governorship election.
The development also signals the growing involvement of a new generation of political actors in Kano politics, while highlighting the enduring influence of the Kwankwaso political family in the state’s affairs.
With more than a year before campaigns fully gather momentum, the Gwarzo-Kwankwaso ticket is already attracting attention and could become one of the most closely watched political alliances in Kano ahead of the 2027 polls.
Politics
Mourinho Returns as Pérez Secures Landslide Victory in Real Madrid Election
Real Madrid president Real Madrid has confirmed the return of José Mourinho after incumbent president Florentino Pérez secured a landslide victory in the club’s presidential election, extending his rule until 2030.
Pérez won re-election with a commanding 65% of the vote, defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme, who secured 35%, according to the club’s Electoral Board.
The result reinforces Pérez’s long-standing leadership, which has now spanned more than two decades across two separate terms.
SEE ALSO: Bruno Lage Sacked As Benfica Move To Secure Mourinho
Speaking after his victory, Pérez described the outcome as a strong endorsement of his vision for the club’s future, insisting that Real Madrid will continue to thrive both on and off the pitch.
The president also used the moment to confirm a major sporting development—the return of José Mourinho, a move that immediately sparked excitement among supporters.
Mourinho, who previously enjoyed a successful spell at the club, is widely regarded as one of the most influential managers in modern football.
Pérez said the club remains committed to competing at the highest level in Europe, with ambitions of securing a record-extending 16th UEFA Champions League title while continuing the redevelopment of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
He also reaffirmed his stance on the club’s ownership model, stressing that Real Madrid will remain a member-owned institution despite growing global trends toward private ownership in football.
The announcement has been widely interpreted as the beginning of a new competitive era for the Spanish giants, with expectations rising among fans following both the election result and Mourinho’s return.
Pérez ended his address with a call for unity among supporters, including those who did not vote for him, promising to continue addressing concerns while focusing on sporting success.
Politics
2027: Oborevwori, Omo-Agege Trade Fresh Blows Over Tinubu, Obi Endorsements
The political rivalry between Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has escalated once again as both men exchanged heated words ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The confrontation follows renewed political realignments in Delta State, including Governor Oborevwori’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he previously defeated in the 2023 governorship election.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Tinubu Will Defeat Atiku If Election Is Rigged — Babachir
Oborevwori has since pledged full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, describing the President as his “number one project” and a key political ally whose victory would benefit Delta State.
However, Omo-Agege, who recently left the APC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), accused the governor of political fear and abandoning party structures in the state.
“He is not a threat” — Oborevwori
Responding to criticisms, Governor Oborevwori dismissed Omo-Agege’s political relevance, insisting he poses no electoral threat.
“He is not a threat because I’ve won him before,” the governor said, adding that many of the senator’s supporters had already left him before his exit from the APC.
Oborevwori also accused Omo-Agege of political betrayal, claiming he had previously turned against key figures who supported his rise.
“He betrayed James Ibori, he betrayed Great Ogboru, he betrayed O’tega Emerhor. So if he says he wants to betray me, he’s not a threat,” he stated.
“He panicked and ran into APC” — Omo-Agege
Omo-Agege fired back, alleging that the governor defected to the APC out of fear of losing political ground.
“The governor panicked, chickened out, and ran into the APC,” he said.
He insisted that his performance in the 2023 elections proved his continued strength in Delta politics, particularly in Delta Central.
“If Sheriff believed I was not a threat, why didn’t he stay back in the PDP and take me on in 2027?” he asked.
Governance and ₦3.15 trillion controversy
Both politicians also clashed over governance performance and state finances.
Oborevwori defended his administration, saying infrastructure development had improved across all local government areas, with contractors being paid promptly.
“First time in history, no contractor is being owed,” he said, citing ongoing projects such as Effurun Roundabout, DSC Roundabout, and PTI Junction.
Omo-Agege, however, described the administration as underperforming despite receiving over ₦3.15 trillion in three years.
He alleged that about ₦750 billion remained idle in the Central Bank of Nigeria while critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure suffer neglect.
Tinubu vs Obi political divide deepens
The rivalry has also taken a national dimension, with both politicians backing different presidential candidates for 2027.
Oborevwori declared support for President Tinubu, calling him Delta’s “in-law” and urging residents to back his re-election.
“Tinubu is my number one project,” he said.
Omo-Agege, on the other hand, declared his support for former presidential candidate Peter Obi, stating that he would contest under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
“My presidential candidate in 2027 is Peter Obi,” he said.
Political tensions rise ahead of 2027
Observers say the renewed exchange signals an early start to a high-stakes political battle in Delta State, with shifting alliances and competing loyalties likely to shape the 2027 elections.
With both camps firmly entrenched in opposing political directions, Delta State is expected to remain a major flashpoint in Nigeria’s unfolding political landscape.





