News
2027 Gang Up: Broom Scarcity Hits Southern Kaduna

As the political landscape in Kaduna State shifts ahead of the 2027 elections, an unusual shortage of brooms has been reported in Southern Kaduna following massive defections.
The broom, the symbol of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has become a sought-after item following a wave of defections from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
The sudden surge in demand follows the recent defection of three PDP lawmakers in the Kaduna State House of Assembly—Henry Mara (Jaba Constituency), Emmanuel Kantiok (Zonkwa Constituency), and Samuel Kambai (Zangon Kataf Constituency)—to the APC.
Their move came just days after Amos Gwamna, the National Assembly member representing Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency, also switched allegiance to the ruling party.
Also, Godfrey Ali Gaiya, a former member who represented Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency for two terms, but now a legislative aide to the speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, has also left the PDP for the APC.
Within a period of one month, Rijo Shekari, who is an aide to the deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has joined the APC.
Rijo had earlier contested for Kaduna South Senate seat under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and lost.
Labour party Senatorial candidates in the 2023 elections, Mike Auta has joined the APC with his massive supporters.
Also, the only lawmaker who has served for two terms in the Senate in the history of Kaduna South, Danjuma Tella Laah, has announced his resignation from the PDP.
Elanza News reports that Danjuma tendered his resignation letter Friday to his ward chairman in Malagum, Kaura LGA of Kaduna State.
Even though Laah has not announced his next move, his supporters told Elanza News that he may likely join the APC.
Speaking on their defections, the three Kaduna State House of Assembly lawmakers said they were aligning with the ruling party to better serve their constituents.
They commended Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what they described as their sterling leadership, arguing that their administrations have transformed the political landscape in Kaduna State and Nigeria.
Henry Mara, who is also the spokesman of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, declared that the PDP’s influence in Southern Kaduna was fading.
“The PDP’s dominance in Southern Kaduna has crumbled,” he said. “The governor’s achievements have erased animosity towards the APC. Peace, security, and unity have returned under his administration.”
Mara further suggested that more opposition lawmakers could soon follow suit.
“A major realignment in the power structure of the State House of Assembly is looming, as we are expecting more PDP members to join the APC,” he added.
Emmanuel Kantiok echoed similar sentiments, stating that the return of peace to Kaduna under Governor Sani had significantly weakened the PDP’s stronghold, which is their region.
The defections have sparked reactions across the state’s political landscape.
Husseini Yusuf, a political analyst, described the development as a turning point in Southern Kaduna politics.
“The story of Southern Kaduna politics has completely changed,” he said. “This is happening because of the inclusive governance style of Governor Uba Sani.”
The latest defections signal a potential shift in Kaduna’s political balance, raising questions about the PDP’s ability to maintain its traditional support base in the region ahead of future elections.
With speculations that more opposition lawmakers may cross over to the APC, the political landscape in Kaduna appears to be undergoing a significant transformation. Governor Sani’s administration will likely seek to consolidate its influence, while the PDP faces the challenge of regaining lost ground. For now, the ruling APC seems to be gaining momentum in the state’s political arena.
List of those who decamped into APC recently in Southern Kaduna:
1. Sen Danjuma Laar
2. Hon Godfrey Ali Gaiya (Former member house of REPS)
3. Hon Amos Gwamna Magaji’s (Serving member house of reps Zangon Kataf / Jaba federal constituency
4. Hon Donatus K Mathew (Member of reps Kaura federal constituency)
5. Hon Henry Marah Zakarieh (Member representing Jaba constituency State House of Assembly)
6. Hon. Samuel Kambai koza (Member representing Zango constituency (Kaduna State House of Assembly)
7. Barrister Emmanuel Kantiok (Member state Assembly Kaduna Zonkwa constituency)
8. Hon. Ado Doguwa Audu (3 times member, House of Reps)
9. Eng Joseph Chiroma (Retired staff of TCN)
10. Hon Paul Wani (Former chairman, Kauru LGA)
11. Hon Mikiah Tokwak (Former chairman of Jemaah local government)
12. Hon Morondia Tanko (Former state assembly member, Kagarko constituency)
13. Hon Timothy Chindo (Former member, Kaduna state assembly)
14. Hon Shehu Tafarke (Former PDP chairman Kagarko LGA)
15. Eng Michael Auta (Labour Party zone 3 senate ticket flag bearer in 2023 elections)
16. Hon Keneth Suwa (Former exco member, NNPP)
17. Hon Ben Kure (Former state chairman of NNPP)
18. Hon NUhu Audu (Former NNPP state chairman)
19. Sunday Baba (former vice Jema’a LGA)
20. Isah Ciroma, Labour Party Chairman
21. Hon. Seth Bakut
News
Not Joke, I Will Seek For 3rd Term – Trump

US President Donald Trump has asserted that he is not jesting about his ambitions for a third presidential term, despite the constitutional restrictions in place.
While the U.S. Constitution prohibits any individual from serving more than two four-year terms, Trump indicated that it is premature to delve into such considerations.
Having assumed office for his second, non-consecutive term on January 20, Trump has hinted at his desire for a third term, addressing the matter more directly in a telephone conversation with NBC News.
“No, I’m not joking. I’m not joking,” Trump reiterated, though he acknowledged, “it is far too early to think about it.”
He hinted at potential avenues to pursue this goal without providing specific details.
According to the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, U.S. presidents are limited to two terms, whether consecutive or not. To amend this constitutional provision would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the 50 state legislatures.
Some of Trump’s allies have suggested the feasibility of extending his stay in the White House beyond 2028. Trump himself has alluded to this notion on multiple occasions, often in a manner that challenges his political adversaries. Should he pursue another term after the November 2028 election, he would be 82 years old, having previously made history as the oldest president at the time of his inauguration.
The tradition of limiting presidential terms was established by George Washington in 1796. This practice was largely followed for over 140 years until Franklin D. Roosevelt broke the norm by winning a third term in 1940. Roosevelt, who led the nation through the Great Depression and World War II, sadly passed away during his fourth term in 1945, leading to the enactment of the term limits amendment in 1951.
Steve Bannon, a long-time adviser to Trump, expressed in a March 19 interview with NewsNation his belief that Trump will indeed run again in 2028. Bannon noted that he and others are exploring ways to facilitate this ambition, including reviewing the definition of term limits. “We’re working on it,” he stated, underscoring the ongoing discussions surrounding Trump’s political future.
News
Sallah: Nigerian Traders Express Concerns Over Declining Sales

Traders in Lagos have voiced their concerns regarding the significant decline in food sales, particularly for pepper, attributing the downturn to rising prices and the diminished purchasing power of local residents.
In interviews conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), both traders and consumers shared their experiences regarding patronage as the Sallah celebration approaches.
Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, Chairman of the Tomato Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (Kaduna chapter), linked the situation to the heightened prices of produce and the weakened purchasing capacity of consumers. He stated, “Pepper prices in the north are also steep, with a jumbo 50kg bag reaching as high as N150,000, compared to N60,000 to N70,000 just months ago. This price surge may adversely affect the Sallah festivities, as only a few consumers may afford these products.”
Zuntu further explained, “Currently, we are outside the pepper farming season. Insufficient rainfall has led to a scarcity of this commodity, with only a handful of farmers involved in irrigation. Many will resort to using dried pepper, which is more affordable during this time, although demand remains low. We anticipate an increase in demand as the celebration nears.”
Mrs. Mistura Balogun, a pepper vendor at Lawanson Market in Surulere, echoed these sentiments, noting the unusually low customer turnout. “It’s not just pepper that has become expensive; many other goods have seen price increases as well. Typically, this time of year should see a bustling market, but today is quite different. I have been at my stall since morning, and the number of customers is minimal,” she lamented.
Similarly, Mrs. Mojisola Gbadegesin, another pepper seller at Idi-Araba market, reported a stark decrease in patronage. “Despite the high prices, we usually see customers buying pepper, but this year is different. The market feels deserted, and business is sluggish,” she remarked.
Mrs. Judith Amen, also a foodstuff vendor, highlighted that the rising prices of pepper and other food items are likely to escalate further as the celebrations peak. “At the start of the week, a small bag of scotch bonnet pepper was priced at N70,000, and I expect prices to soar over the weekend due to Sallah. A good quality bag of rice is selling for N85,000, while lower-quality options range from N60,000 to N75,000. Although patronage is currently low, we anticipate an uptick a day before Sallah, but consumers will only purchase what they can afford,” she explained.
Mr. John Nwabueze, a trader in the Agege area, expressed frustration over the lack of customers as Eid celebrations begin. “Sales have been notably low, with people buying only what their budgets allow. The market has been unusually quiet, affecting all commodities, including rice. A 50kg bag of rice is priced between N76,000 and N78,000, yet sales remain sluggish this Sallah,” he noted.
Mrs. Amina Fakunle, a resident of the Alimosho area, remarked that the high cost of pepper would lead consumers to celebrate in a more subdued manner. “Just six pieces of pepper cost about N500, which is the lowest price available. With these prices, people will likely opt for a low-key celebration,” she stated.
Mr. David Oriafo, a resident of the Dopemu area, also commented on the lack of festive activity in the market. “I managed to purchase a few items for my family to save costs, but it’s evident that the usual festive buzz is missing. People are only buying what they can afford, much like myself,” he shared. (NAN)
News
Nigerian Boxer ‘Success’ Olanrewaju Dies After Ring Collapse

A Nigerian boxer, Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, has died after slumping during a boxing match in Ghana.
The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Remi Aboderin confirmed the death of the boxer on Sunday.
The 40-year-old boxer, nicknamed “Success”, stumbled to the canvas while fighting Jon Mbanugu, a Ghanian, at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra, on Saturday.
Olanrewaju was not punched or near his opponent when he collapsed violently in round three of the light-heavyweight bout.
The referee called the match immediately, and medical aid was ushered into the ring.
Olarenwaju died after he was rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Ther boxer was a former West African and national light-heavyweight champion.
He competed in 24 bouts with 13 wins, eight losses, and three draws.
In 2022, Chukwuemeka Igboanugo, another boxer, also died after suffering a technical knockout (TKO) in a bout at the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Delta.
Igboanugo died after he took a fatal blow to the nose and did not survive the hit.