Politics
I Didn’t Cornered N390m ZIP Funds – Danjuma Laah
Senator Danjuma La’ah, who represented Kaduna South Senatorial District during the 8th and 9th Assembly, has firmly dismissed allegations about his involvement with the N390 million allocated for the Kaduna South Senatorial District ZIP Capital Project Funds.
The statement was issued by his former aide on Project Monitoring, Alhaji Yahaya Suleiman, on Thursday, October 24, 2024, in Kaduna.
In the detailed statement, Yahaya asserted that Senator La’ah had no connection—direct or indirect—with any companies that executed projects during his tenure. His primary responsibility, he emphasized, was to oversee project execution and ensure compliance with contractual specifications, challenging anyone with contradictory evidence to come forward.
This response aims to counter false information circulated by a few online news outlets regarding Senator La’ah, also known as Shettiman Kagoro. The senator has received numerous inquiries from friends and supporters seeking clarification on these claims.
Yahaya expressed disbelief that a former senator could allegedly enter government agencies to collect funds for contracts executed during his term, questioning the understanding of governance regulations among officials.
He also pointed out inaccuracies in the reporting, specifically noting that no such road as Zangon Kataf – Kwali exists in the Kaduna South Senatorial Zone. During both the 8th and 9th Assemblies, there was never a project involving the development of livestock housing at the National Livestock Training Center in Kachia included in La’ah’s constituency projects—calling it a complete fabrication.
Regarding the Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of the Kwoi – Kafanchan road, Yahaya clarified that the contractor, MOFTREH CONSTRUCTION Nigeria Ltd, can be verified through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). He emphasized that Senator La’ah’s role was solely to ensure the proper execution of the contract, which was a maintenance project, not a reconstruction—debunking claims that the senator profited from it.
He highlighted that from the N200 million allocated, taxes amounting to 17.5% would be deducted, leaving the contractor with a maximum of N175 million, which could not have involved Senator La’ah.
Yahaya encouraged anyone doubting the claims to visit the Kaduna Zonal Office of the Nigerian Building, Road and Research Institute (NIBRRI), the official body overseeing the project, to verify the quality of the work completed.
He also noted that other contractors and government agencies were involved in the Kwoi-Kafanchan road during the same period, further distancing Senator La’ah from the allegations.
Yahaya criticized the original writer of the article for their lack of understanding and urged them to approach the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for proper investigation rather than disseminating unverified claims online.
He concluded by revealing that an investigation into the writer’s identity uncovered no legitimate office or working phone number linked to the accusations, suggesting a deliberate attempt to tarnish Senator La’ah’s reputation without accountability.
The Labour Party has announced the indefinite suspension of six prominent members, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senators Darlington Nwokocha and Ireti Kingibe, over alleged anti-party activities.
Others suspended are Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowumi.
The party’s National Executive Council said the decision followed the recommendations of a five-man Disciplinary Committee set up on May 2, 2025, to probe allegations of anti-party conduct.
In a statement signed by the National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, on Wednesday, the party said the suspension takes immediate effect and bars the affected members from participating in any Labour Party activities.
The statement read, “Recall that last Friday, 2nd of May 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party set up a Five man Disciplinary Committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman, Dr.Ayo Olorunfemi, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the National Secretary and three others to investigate Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti and any other party members over allegations of anti party activities.
“The Disciplinary Committee has concluded their assignment and has submitted their report to the party leadership. The National Executive of the party met today May 7th, 2025 and after exhaustive deliberation in line with powers donated to it by the Party Constitution has ratified the recommendation as submitted by the Disciplinary Committee.
“Consequent upon that, the following members of the party have been suspended from the party and all its activities, indefinitely and with immediate effect. 1. Dr. Alex Otti; 2. Senator Ireti Kingibe; 3. Senator Darlington Nwokocha; 4. Hon. Victor Afam Ogene; 5. Hon. Amobi Ogah; 6. Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.”
The party also addressed the omission of Nenadi Usman from the suspension list, stating that she is not a registered member of the Labour Party, but a supporter of its 2023 presidential candidate.
“We are aware that she is a member of the Obidient Support group that worked and is still working for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. We will therefore not honour her with any sanction being not a member of the party,” the statement added.
It also accused Usman of lacking the moral authority to comment on corruption, citing her alleged plea bargain with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and purported asset forfeitures.
“She should also tell Nigerians how she acquired her radio station in Kaduna, all her properties all over Nigeria and abroad, her companies in Cameroon, including her plantations. Nenadi Usman lacks the moral capacity to commence any probe or even talk about corruption,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its stance on political alliances, the Labour Party said it would not join any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Labour Party intends to prosecute the 2027 general election as stand alone party and no further discussion will be entertained on this matter,” the statement concluded
Mr. Blessing Agbebaku, the Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, has articulated his reasons for transitioning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
On Tuesday, Agbebaku, accompanied by two fellow House members, Hon. Sunday Fada Eigbiremonlen and Hon. Idaiye Yekini Oisayemoje, announced their defection to the APC. In an official address to his colleagues on Wednesday, Agbebaku stated that his decision was motivated by the desire to preserve the advantages associated with his role as Speaker, which he believes are vital for the advancement of his constituency.
He remarked, “I shifted my allegiance to the APC to ensure the benefits of the Speaker’s position continue to foster development in my constituency. My focus is not on the political party itself, but rather on the progress of our area. If I were to abandon this position for party allegiance, it would hinder the development efforts in my community, indicating a lack of commitment to serve my constituents.”
Agbebaku further informed his colleagues, “I want to officially announce that as of yesterday, I, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, have defected to the APC.” He emphasized that his constituents support his decision, highlighting ongoing developmental projects in the Owan West constituency initiated by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
He concluded by stating that his defection was not motivated by personal interests but by a dedication to the welfare of those who elected him, asserting, “Politics revolves around interests, but my focus is on the interests of my people who entrusted me with this mandate.”
Daniel Bwala, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy communication, says former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar should accept that presidency may not be his destiny.
Bwala spoke on Monday during an interview on TVC, where he addressed issues surrounding political succession and the future of opposition politics in the country.
He asked Abubakar to embrace reality and collaborate with President Tinubu in building the country.
“If I have the opportunity to meet him face to face, what I will tell him is just this: ‘Your Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, you have to believe in destiny,’” Bwala said.
“God gives power to whomsoever He chooses. And it seems from the facts on the ground that it may not have been the will of God for you to govern Nigeria.”
He advised the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to align himself with Tinubu’s administration to leave a lasting legacy, “even if it is realised through another person”.
“There are many other ways you can contribute. Since you have been a friend to President Bola Tinubu for many years, come together and bring your contribution towards the Nigeria that both of you wanted to create for the Nigerian people,” he said.
“Your legacy will be that in your political dying days, you will be able to achieve some of your dreams, albeit through your friend.
“But if he insists that he wants to run and he wants to become the president, as we have already seen it playing out, his political ending might not be as palatable as he’s thinking.
“Right now, from his political family, he has lost substantial people, probably 60 to 70 percent.”
Bwala added that younger politicians who once followed Abubakar are now determined to seek power in their own right and have shown no signs of retreating.
The presidential aide’s remarks come amid a gale of defections from opposition parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
There are speculations that some governors of the opposition parties may soon join the APC.
In March, Abubakar said he was unsure about contesting the 2027 presidency, adding that there must be a viable platform.