The Special Assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, on Sunday said plots to infiltrate the leadership rank of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, coalition is “clear and it has failed.”

Shaibu warned that those responsible for the misery of Nigerians won’t be allowed to hijack the leadership of the ADC coalition.

Reacting to remarks by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, that ADC should pick Peter Obi as its presidential candidate, Shaibu said leaders who failed Nigeria can’t tell the ADC coalition how to fix it.

In a statement he titled: “The Plot Is Clear — And It Has Failed,” Atiku’s aide cautioned the coalition leaders against allowing planted narratives to take root within ADC.

He said: “They infiltrated us in 2023, and after rigging themselves into power, the vagabonds they planted shamelessly joined them in celebration. Now, they’re at it again — but this time, the people know better. Why should the architects of our misery be the ones prescribing our leaders?

“The very day we unveiled our platform, the cock didn’t even crow once before Festus Keyamo let the cat out of the bag—prescribing, without invitation, that Peter Obi should be given the ADC ticket. Not out of goodwill, but as part of a calculated ploy to sow discord, ignite conflict, and break the momentum of unity.

“When we begin to attack ourselves, question each other’s intentions, and allow planted narratives to take root, we are dancing to their tune. This is the oldest trick in the book: divide us, distract us, and dominate us.

“Let’s pause and ask the obvious: Why would those who failed Nigeria be the ones telling us how to fix it? Why are our oppressors suddenly so invested in the internal decisions of a coalition formed to rescue the country from them?

“In moments like this, the greatest danger is turning on one another. These forces thrive on confusion, suspicion, and internal conflict. Their goal is simple: weaken our bond and break our resolve.

“We’ve seen it all before. In 2023, they planted agents in our camps, twisted our narratives, and disrupted our momentum. It worked once. But never again. This time, Nigerians are alert. Eyes open. Hearts ready.

“They fear our unity because it is the one thing they cannot control.

“They fear our movement because it is powered by the people.

“They have no vision, no record, no future — only fear and desperation.

“But this is our time. And we’re not backing down. We are not divided. We are not distracted. We are ADC — all the way.”

Ambassador Ahmed Ibeto, Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Movement for the Creation of Kainji State, has blamed the increasing insecurity in Niger and Kebbi states on their large landmass and limited government presence in remote areas.

Speaking at the North Central Zonal Public Hearing on the Constitution Review, organised by the Senate, Ibeto said the existing administrative arrangement has left several communities in Niger and Kebbi vulnerable to criminal activity due to poor access and governance.

He proposed the creation of Kainji State, which would be carved from Kontagora and Borgu emirates in Niger State and Zuru Emirate in Kebbi State. According to him, the new state would help improve security and bring governance closer to neglected communities.

Ibeto said, “Niger State’s vast size makes it extremely difficult to maintain effective security coverage. There are large portions of land with no government presence, which serve as safe havens for bandits and other criminal groups.

“For example, travelling from Madala in Suleja to Babana, a border community near the Republic of Benin, can take as long as two days.”

He pointed out that Niger State covers about 47,395 square kilometres, roughly 10 percent of Nigeria’s land area, and has a population of around 3.4 million, more than some existing states.

He also noted that years of administrative changes have divided historically and culturally connected communities, stressing the need for a unified structure to address development and security challenges.

“The demand for Kainji State goes beyond politics. It is a solution to a real and urgent problem. Once these areas are properly administered and infrastructure is improved, we will see a significant drop in insecurity,” he added.

Real Madrid centre-back, Antonio Rudiger has predicted a “tough” match when the Los Blancos clash with Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup in the US.

Both teams booked their places in the last-4 on Saturday after beating Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.

Real Madrid defeated Dortmund 3-2, while PSG won Bayern Munich 2-0.

The two teams will now return to MetLife Stadium on Wednesday for a blockbuster semi-final tie.

Speaking after Real Madrid defeated Dortmund, Rudiger said at his post-match interview: “PSG are a very, very tough team.

“They [PSG] showed that they’re one of the best in Europe in terms of form, and it will be a tough match.

“But we’re Real Madrid and we’re up for the challenge.”

Rudiger will be without his defensive partner Dean Huijsen for the PSG game after the Spain international picked a red card against Dortmund.

—- On Sun, 06 Jul 2025 05:36:21 +0100 Silas Onuoha [email protected]> wrote —

Real Madrid centre-back, Antonio Rudiger has predicted a “tough” match when the Los Blancos clash with Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup in the US.

Both teams booked their places in the last-4 on Saturday after beating Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.

Real Madrid defeated Dortmund 3-2, while PSG won Bayern Munich 2-0.

The two teams will now return to MetLife Stadium on Wednesday for a blockbuster semi-final tie.

Speaking after Real Madrid defeated Dortmund, Rudiger said at his post-match interview: “PSG are a very, very tough team.

“They [PSG] showed that they’re one of the best in Europe in terms of form, and it will be a tough match.

“But we’re Real Madrid and we’re up for the challenge.”

Rudiger will be without his defensive partner Dean Huijsen for the PSG game after the Spain international picked a red card against Dortmund.