Today’s Headlines: North Has Turned Against Tinubu-Ardo, Ganduje Blows Hot Over Nigeria’s Divisions

Dr Umar Ardo, Convener of the League of Northern Democrats, has claimed that support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration is declining in northern Nigeria because of growing dissatisfaction with government policies.

Ardo made the observation on Tuesday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he discussed the political mood in the region ahead of the 2027 presidential election. He attributed the alleged shift in public opinion to concerns about insecurity, widespread poverty and the rising cost of essential goods and services.

According to the political figure, these challenges have increased frustration among many residents of the North. He argued that the consequences could become evident at the ballot box if the election is conducted transparently.

Ardo further predicted that Tinubu could receive less than 10 per cent of northern votes in 2027 if the voting process is free and fair. His statement represents his assessment of the region’s political climate as preparations for the next general election gather momentum.

Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has expressed concern that Nigeria’s cultural and ethnic diversity is increasingly being treated as a source of division rather than an advantage that could support national progress.

He spoke on Tuesday at the fifth national conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) in Abuja. The gathering brought together political figures and other stakeholders to discuss nation-building, national unity and sustainable development.

Ganduje argued that Nigeria’s different ethnic and cultural groups should be a source of strength, helping the country build a stronger sense of belonging and pursue shared development goals. However, he warned that the way differences are handled could weaken cooperation and deepen existing divisions.

He challenged Nigerians to reflect on their commitment to the country and consider whether diversity was being used to promote unity or create further problems. According to him, improving how ethnic differences are managed is important to strengthening national cohesion and advancing the country’s development.

The Turkish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee has banned 147 current and former club officials for 45 days for violating betting rules, following an investigation into gambling in Turkish football.

The Professional Football Disciplinary Board imposed the penalties on Tuesday after reviewing the cases of 448 officials referred by the federation over allegations they had placed bets while serving at clubs, Reuters reported.

“The committee found that 147 out of 448 individuals had violated betting rules and imposed 45-day penalties, which bar football officials from carrying out duties within the sport during the suspension period,” Reuters reported.

Those sanctioned included Ertugrul Dogan, president of Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor, according to the committee’s ruling.

However, the board cleared the remaining officials, with Reuters reporting that “the board imposed no penalties in the other 301 cases after finding insufficient grounds for disciplinary action.”

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Cross River State has thrown its doors open to Mr Vena Ikem, the former state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, days after he quit the opposition party’s leadership citing a “crisis of direction.”

APC state Chairman, Mr Chris Eta, said this in his Calabar office while responding to questions from journalists on whether the party was in talks with Ikem.

We’re not exactly in talks with Mr Ikem though but our party is bigger and still have enough space for anybody, including himself to come in,” Eta said.

“We’ll welcome him if he decides that his party is not good enough for him like our great party.”

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