The announcement was made in a letter  to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, signed by the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Sen. Nenadi Usman, and released to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

According to Usman, the letter is to notify the commission of the approved schedule of activities for the Labour Party 2026 elective ward, local government area (lga), and state congresses, as well as the national convention.

She said the letter was in pursuant to the provisions of Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended); the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, and Section 223(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The interim national chairman said the section mandated political parties to duly inform the commission of their congresses, conventions, and meetings.

“The Commission may kindly recall that the Party, in an earlier correspondence duly acknowledged, notified the Commission of the postponement of its previously scheduled activities to enable broader participation of members.

“Particularly, to allow for the completion of the ongoing digital membership registration process.

“Accordingly, the party has now approved a new timetable for the conduct of its Elective Congresses and National Convention.”

Usman said the conduct of ward congresses would hold on April 23, local government congresses, April 24 and state congresses, April 25 respectively.

“While the national convention has been scheduled for April 28 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia.”

She urged the commission to draw the attention of its state offices to the notice to enable effective and seamless monitoring of the congresses and convention in line with its constitutional and statutory mandate.

Usman assured of the party’s continued commitment to the democratic development of Nigeria.

Source: NAN

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The post Labour Party fixes April 28 for presidential primary appeared first on Frontpageng.

The party interim national chairman, Sen. Nenadi Usman, stated this in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja after the meeting between the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and leaders of political parties.

The meeting was on the review of INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political for 2027 general election.

Usman said while the party’s presidential ticket was open to interested credible aspirants, a decision had been reached to zone it to the southern part of Nigeria.

“We have one certain decision that we have taken. We will certainly not field any aspirant from Northern Nigeria. We have zoned the position to Southern Nigeria,” she said.

She, however, maintained that the party would uphold the principles of internal democracy.

“When the aspirants come, whoever the people like and vote for during the primaries will emerge as the candidate.

“I cannot tell you who the candidate will be right now because that would no longer be democratic,” she said.

Fielding questions on the preparations for the party congresses scheduled to start on Thursday, Usman said that the congresses would likely be shifted in view of the surge of people joining the party lately.

“I’m sure you know that lately, the surge of people wanting to join the LP is actually on the increase.

“If we go ahead to stick to that date, to my mind, we are going to disenfranchise quite a number of people. So I think I may not be able to tell you the exact date or if we are going to change it.

“But, I think we should tinker with that date, sit together as a group and come up with a new date.

“Of course, political parties are about human beings coming together. So, one person cannot take that decision alone,” she said.

She commended recent court judgment in Yenegoa dismissing a legal challenge regarding the party’s leadership for lack of merit.

“Anybody can choose to pronounce themselves as chairman and go to court, but the court discovered they had no locus standi and threw it out. The case is now over,” she said.

On the recent attack and vandalisation of a party office, Usman revealed that a formal petition has been submitted to the Nigeria Police Force.

She expressed confidence that the perpetrators would be brought to book to serve as a deterrent against future political thuggery.

On the party membership registration, Usman urged Nigerians to embrace the party’s digital registration platform.

“I call on members to please use their phones to register. It is an e-registration process.

“Manual registration in books is only reserved for those living in remote hamlets or villages without internet access,” she explained.

Earlier, the chairman commended INEC for its briefing on the new Electoral Act 2026.

She noted that the session was vital for helping parties navigate time-sensitive requirements such as the uploading of candidate names and compliance with new regulations.

Source: NAN

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The post 2027: Labour Party zones presidential ticket to South appeared first on Frontpageng.

The meeting was chaired by the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, with the Secretary of the committee, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, in attendance.

Also present were key members, including the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure; the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu and Jimi Benson.

At the meeting, the committee discussed its terms of reference, which will guide the execution of its mandate.

These include managing official courtesy and precedence, coordinating invitations and RSVPs, and developing and implementing seating arrangements for the convention to ensure smooth protocol operations.

Following the meeting, the committee conducted an inspection of Eagle Square, the venue of the 2026 National Convention, to assess logistical and protocol arrangements and ensure readiness for the event.

After the site inspection, the committee paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the APC National Convention Planning Committee, Aminu Bello Masari, at his residence to brief him on the outcomes of their inaugural session and provide updates on the committee’s preparatory plans.

The Protocol Sub-Committee has also established specialised groups within the committee, designed to focus on key areas of their mandate, ensuring that all protocol responsibilities for the 2026 National Convention are executed efficiently and professionally.

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The post APC protocol sub-committee holds inaugural meeting ahead of 2026 national convention appeared first on Frontpageng.

The annual international fair, which started on the 21st of February 2026 and will conclude on the 1st of March 2026, remains one of the most widely attended agricultural show with thousands of people from across the world in attendance.

In 2025, the show welcomed 607,503 visitors, nearly 4,000 animals, and over 1,000 exhibitors.

The Pan-African Food and Agro-Giant, FMN, has maintained a proven record of commitment to fostering food self-sufficiency in Nigeria and in nurturing valuable relationships that will transform Nigeria’s International trade outlook.

As a member of the France – Nigeria Business Council, FNBC, FMN is now a second-time sponsor and partner for the Salon International de l’Agriculture, following the success of the first outing in 2024.

This year, through the PIAS, the theme “Generations Solution” is being explored to foster knowledge transfer from younger generations and structure processes through which knowledge can be harnessed to drive technological advancement within the global Agricultural sector.

Speaking on the invaluable nature of the relationship between Nigeria and France, and the FMN’s commitment to process and product innovation, Mr. John G. Coumantaros stated: “The France – Nigeria relationship is a valuable partnership built on a shared value agenda that fosters remarkable Intercontinental trade growth. Also, as an organisation with over six decades of transformational footprint in Nigeria and progressively across the African Continent, FMN has been unwaveringly committed to product and process innovation. Therefore, our continuous partnership with France for the success of the Paris International Agricultural Show further buttresses the thriving relationship between both countries.”

In his address on the inaugural day of the Nigerian Pavilion, which took place on Monday, the 23rd of February 2026, Mr. Sadiq Usman, the Managing Director, FMN Agro & Director, Strategic Engagement/Stakeholder Relations, said, “At FMN, our mission is Feeding and Enriching Lives Every Day. This is a mandate we have fulfilled through decades of economic shifts, rooted in a culture of deep resilience and constant innovation. We support this pavilion because FMN recognizes that the next frontier of global Agribusiness lies in high-level technical exchange. We thank the France-Nigeria Business Council (FNBC), the organizers of the PIAS, and our fellow members of the Nigerian Pavilion – Dangote, BUA, Zenith, Access, and our partners at Creativo El Matador and Soilless Farm Lab— we are exceedingly pleased to work to showcase the true face of Nigerian commerce.”

For over six decades, FMN has been a source of livelihood for millions of Nigerian families, and through its Pan-African vision, the company has continued to foster market diversification and expansion for Nigerian-made products.

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The post FMN partners French govt over 2026 Paris int’l agric show appeared first on Frontpageng.

Prof. Philip Akpeni, the Returning Officer for Gwagwalada chairmanship election, who announced the results of the poll on Sunday in Gwagwalada, disclosed that Kasim of PDP polled a total of 22,165 votes and therefore declared him the winner.

“I am the returning officer for the 2026 FCT Area Council, Gwagwalada chairmanship held on February 21, 2026.

“That Mohammed Kasim of PDP, having certified the requirements of the law is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,” he said.

Akpeni also said that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr Yahaya Usman, scored a total of 17,788 votes, while Mr Biko Umar of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, party scored 1, 687 to come third place.

The chairmanship election was conducted in 10 wards of the council, namely Paiko, Dobi, Gwako, Ibwa, Staff Quaters, Zuba, Ikwa, Kutunku, Gwagwalada Centre and Tunga Maje.

Source: NAN

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The post FCT poll: INEC declares PDP’s Kasim winner of Gwagwalada chairmanship election appeared first on Frontpageng.

The command spokesman, SP Bashir Usman, made this known in a statement issued on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi.

Usman said the incident occurred on February 20 at about 9:45 p.m. when the assailants allegedly advanced under the cover of darkness, moving with a herd of cattle to conceal their approach.

According to him, operatives of the Police Counter Terrorism Unit, CTU, who were on alert, swiftly engaged the attackers and forced them to retreat.

Usman added that although some temporary security structures were damaged during the encounter, no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded.

He said security along the border had since been reinforced, while the area remained calm and fully under control.

He quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, Umar Mohammed-Hadeija, as urging residents, particularly herders and livestock owners, to desist from moving cattle at night in ways that could be exploited by criminal elements.

According to the commissioner, security agencies will take firm and lawful action against any suspicious movement or unlawful activities linked to night grazing.

Usman further encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or security formation.

Usman reiterated the commitment of the Kebbi Police Command to protecting lives and property across the state.

Source: NAN

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The post Police repel bandits’ attack in Kebbi appeared first on Frontpageng.

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in the state, SP Bashir Usman, made this known in a statement issued on Friday in Birnin Kebbi.

Usman said the incident occurred on Wednesday when armed men, suspected to be Lakurawa militants, invaded the district with the intent to rustle cattle.

He said preliminary investigations indicated that the assailants were believed to have crossed into the area from Gudu local government area of Sokoto State.

“During the attack, residents of Mamunu, Awasaka, Tungan Tsoho, Makangara, Kanzo, Gorun Naidal and Dan Mai Ago mobilised in response to the invasion.

“In the ensuing confrontation, 33 persons lost their lives,” he said.

The police spokesman said the command, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, had reinforced security presence in the affected communities.

According to him, additional personnel and operational assets had been deployed, while sustained area domination patrols were ongoing to restore normalcy and prevent further attacks.

He said the command had commiserated with the families of the victims and the entire Arewa community over the tragic incident.

Usman emphasised that incidents involving heavily armed criminal elements required coordinated security intervention.

He urged the residents to always report suspicious movements and activities through established security channels.

“Members of the public are advised not to engage armed criminals directly, as such actions pose grave risks to lives and property,” he cautioned.

He added that targeted operations were ongoing to track down and apprehend the perpetrators, as well as strengthen early warning mechanisms in vulnerable communities across the state.

The PPRO urged the residents to contact the command through its control room numbers – 08038797644 and 09015888578 – in case of emergency.

Source: NAN

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The post Kebbi: Suspected bandits kill 33, police reinforce security appeared first on Frontpageng.

The DSS operative, who testified as 6th prosecution witness (PW-6) in the ongoing terrorism trial of Mamu, made the disclosure to Justice Mohammed Umar while being cross-examined by the defence counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN.

The lawyer had asked the witness, who gave his testimony behind a witness screen for security reasons, “to confirm to court if any of the rescue victims, including the wife of the Commandant in Jaji, made any complaint against the defendant to the DSS.”

Responding, the witness said: “Yes, my lord.”

When Usman further asked the witness if the complaint by the rescued victims was either in writing or oral, he said it was in writing.

The DSS’ lawyer, David Kaswe, however, prayed the court to restrain Usman from delving into questions that might touch on the identity of victims or witnesses in the case since the court had granted protection to all.

Responding, Usman told the court that none of the names he called was a witness before the court.

“Even though my lord had granted an order for trial in camera, a trial in camera is not to prejudice the defendant,” he said.

The witness said he interviewed six victims in the course of the investigation.

When he was asked if the six victims were interviewed in the presence of Mamu, the PW-6 responded in the negative.

The witness told the court that he was not a vocologist, having not studied sound in higher institution.

He, however, confirmed that the audio exhibit tendered by the prosecution was the extract of the transcribed audio between Mamu and the terrorists.

When he was asked if he interviewed a former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), he said the army chief was not interviewed.

The witness, however, admitted that General Abdulkadir Abubakar was interviewed in the course of investigation.

“When you interviewed him, was it in the presence of the defendant?” the lawyer asked and he said: “No my lord.”

“Did you interview Sheikh Gumi?” Usman asked and the witness responded in the affirmative.

“Was it in the presence of the defendant?” Usman asked.

“No my lord,” the witness responded.

“Did you interview Major General Idris Garba?”

“No my lord,” the PW-6 said.

“Did you interview General Jalingo?” the lawyer asked, and he said: “Yes, my lord.”

The witness said Gen. Jalingo was not interviewed in Mamu’s presence.

“Finally, did you interview Hannafi of Defence Military Intelligence,” the lawyer asked and the witness responded in the negative.

“Confirm to court, whether at any time in the course of your investigation, you brought members of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Committee for interview in the presence of the defendant,” Usman asked and the witness responded in the negative.

“Please confirm whether you are aware that the defendant has requested that you bring members of the CDS Committee face to face with him for interview,” the lawyer asked and the witness said: “Yes, he did.”

“Confirm whether the request of the defendant to have the CDS and others involved gathered together for interrogation was granted,” Usman asked, and the witness said: ”No, my lord.”

When Usman asked the witness to confirm that Mamu told him that he is a publisher of a newspaper and magazine, the witness said: “Yes, he said so.”

When the lawyer asked the witness to confirm that Mamu told him his means of income was derived from his journalism business, the PW-6 said: “Yes, he claimed ”

“As investigator, did you investigate this claim,” the lawyer asked.

“Yes, we did,” he responded.

After the cross-examination, Kaswe told the court the prosecution’s intention to close its case.

“So that we can allow the defendant to enter his defence if they are ready,” he said.

But Usman told the court that they would rather apply for a date to open their defence, .

“We will not file a no-case submission so that the world can see it and God can see it all,” he said.

Justice Umar then adjourned the matter until April 23 for Mamu to open his defence.

Source: NAN

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The post Alleged terrorism: Rescued victims filed complaints against Tukur Mamu -DSS witness appeared first on Frontpageng.

They demanded that the 66,910 slots allocated to Nigeria during the 2025 Hajj should be restored in order to accommodate more pilgrims.

The stakeholders made the request on Thursday while meeting with the Saudi Arabian Advance team led by Prof. Ghassan Al-Nuaimi.

The meeting was held ahead of the official visit of the Honourable Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabbiah, scheduled for February 3.

Alhaji Aliyu Usman, the Chairman of Yobe Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, lamented that the Hajj slots reduction would deny many Nigerians opportunity for pilgrimage.

Ustaz Khidir Usaefat, Managing Director/CEO, Ar-rahama for Hajj and Umrah, also described as inadequate the Hajj quota allocated to Nigerian pilgrims to perform the 2026 Hajj.

“Now we are given 69 pilgrims per company, which is very low.

“Last year, we were given 150 pilgrims per company and inspite of the 150, most of us still went ahead and bought more.

“I heard that we have a company that has also purchased more than 300 additional slots to meet up with its passengers.

“So, this is cause for serious alarm because most of the tour operators will go into serious shortage and debt.

“We just expect the Minister of Hajj and Umrah to help us,” he said.

Musodiq Oladepo, Managing Director/CEO, KOB Travels and Tours Ltd, also lamented the reduction in slots.

“We have initial downgrade from 95,000 to 66,910, only to go down again to 50,000.

“To the tour operators, this is a great challenge because many of us have gone ahead based on the initial allocation of 66,910 to pay for accommodation and flight tickets, in preparation for the number.

“Now that it’s now being scaled down to 50,000, they have to cut down the number of slots given to each and every tour operator.”

He expressed optimism that there would be a change now that the stakeholders have spoken at the forum.

Source: NAN

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The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the incident on Tuesday in Kaduna .

Hassan said the command had launched an investigation aimed at rescuing the victim unhurt.

“We are trying our best to rescue him unhurt,” Hassan said.

He said the victim was abducted by 9:00 pm on Monday by bandits in Danhonu II community, Millennium City, in Chikun local government area of Kaduna State, sparking renewed fear among the residents of the area.

Usman, a retired staff of Africa Independent Television, AIT, Kaduna Station, and formerly of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Kaduna, was taken from his residence.

Hassan said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Rabiu Muhammad, had immediately deployed a team of operatives to track down the abductors and secure the safe release of Usman.

He appealed to the residents to provide useful information that would facilitate the rescue of the seized journalist.

Source: NAN

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The post Police confirm kidnap of journalist in Kaduna appeared first on Frontpageng.