Nigerian Business Mogul, Aminu Dantata Buried in Madina; Absentia Prayer Held in Kano
Elder statesman and billionaire businessman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, has been laid to rest in Madina, Saudi Arabia, fulfilling his wish to be buried beside his late wife, Rabi Dantata.
Dantata, 94, passed away in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, early Saturday and was flown to Saudi Arabia for burial.
Though interred in Madina, a funeral prayer in absentia—Salatul Ga’ib—was held in his honour at the Umar Bin Khattab Mosque, Kano.
The prayer was led by the Chairman of the Kano State Council of Ulamas, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, who explained that Salatul Ga’ib is conducted for Muslims who die away from their homeland.
He was joined by the Commandant General of the Kano Hisbah Board, Sheikh Ibrahim Daurawa, and thousands of sympathisers.
Dantata, a philanthropist and uncle to Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, was renowned for his contributions to commerce and education across northern Nigeria.
‘It Is Better You Kill Me in the State House’ – Jonathan Recalls Tension During Yar’Adua’s Illness
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed the tense moments he endured as Vice President during President Umar Yar’Adua’s prolonged illness.
Speaking in an interview with the Rainbow Book Club about his memoir, My Transition Hours, Jonathan said conspiracies were hatched to remove him from the Presidential Villa.
He recounted how some northerners pressured him to leave the Villa amid fears of political instability.
At one point, friends advised him to vacate the premises for safety, but Jonathan refused.
“I said it is better you kill me in the State House,” he recalled.
Jonathan noted that attempts to deny the South the opportunity to succeed Yar’Adua were rife, but he remained resolute until constitutional processes prevailed.
The late Yar’Adua died in May 2010, paving the way for Jonathan to assume office as President.
‘Yar’Adua’s Aide Blocked My Acting Presidency Despite His Letter’ – Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has alleged that an aide to late President Umar Yar’Adua deliberately withheld a letter transferring power to him during Yar’Adua’s illness.
Jonathan, speaking to the Rainbow Book Club about his memoir My Transition Hours, disclosed that Yar’Adua had written to the National Assembly to formally hand over authority.
However, the letter was never submitted.
He said the delay left Nigeria without an Acting President despite Yar’Adua’s critical condition.
“I could have assumed leadership, but the letter was kept back,” Jonathan said, without naming the aide involved.
The episode heightened constitutional uncertainty until the “Doctrine of Necessity” was invoked to make Jonathan Acting President.
INEC Confirms Processing of All Democratic Alliance Registration
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has acknowledged receipt of an application seeking to register the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as a political party.
A letter dated June 27, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, confirmed that ADA’s application, submitted on June 19, is under review.
“The Commission is processing your application in line with Part 1, clause 2(ii) of our Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022,” the letter read.
Naija News reports that if approved, ADA will join a growing list of emerging parties vying to challenge Nigeria’s dominant platforms ahead of the 2027 elections.
INEC revealed earlier this week that it had received 110 fresh applications for registration.
‘Going for Leisure When You Couldn’t Visit Niger State’ – Obi Criticises Tinubu’s Foreign Trip
Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has slammed President Bola Tinubu over plans to attend the BRICS summit in Saint Lucia and Brazil.
Obi, writing on 𝕏 on Saturday, described the trip as insensitive amid deep economic hardship and insecurity in Nigeria.
He said Tinubu’s itinerary demonstrated misplaced priorities, criticising the President for failing to visit Niger State, where recent attacks claimed lives.
Obi urged the administration to focus on urgent domestic challenges rather than “political optics abroad.”
Why Ganduje Resigned as APC National Chairman
Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has resigned as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing health reasons.
Ganduje’s exit, confirmed on Friday, came amid speculation of internal power struggles ahead of the 2027 elections.
Party insiders said his resignation may pave the way for a North Central chairman, as the position was initially zoned there.
A source told Vanguard, “If the vice presidential slot goes to the North West, the chairmanship will likely move elsewhere.”
Ganduje’s aides were seen clearing his office immediately after the announcement.
APC Governors Reaffirm Support for Tinubu, Highlight Reform Record
Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have pledged unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Meeting in Benin City for a strategic retreat, the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) described the APC as Nigeria’s most coherent political platform with “unmatched records of reforms and national unity.”
A statement by Governor Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, called on Nigerians to support the administration’s transformative agenda.
The Forum also acknowledged Ganduje’s resignation as part of the party’s evolving dynamics.
Fubara Defends Reconciliation With Wike: ‘Peace Has No Price’
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has explained his decision to reconcile with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, describing it as essential for state stability.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Fubara admitted the move had disappointed some loyalists but insisted it was necessary to end prolonged political turmoil.
He noted that consultations with allies preceded the agreement, adding that development projects had suffered due to the crisis.
“With this reconciliation, we can now move forward,” he said.
Popular Film Producer Kayode Peters Dies in Canada
Renowned Nigerian film and stage producer Kayode Peters has died in Canada.
Comedian Steve Onu, known as Yaw, confirmed the news Friday to Peoples Gazette.
Details about Peters’ death remain unclear, with efforts ongoing to reach his family for further information.
Peters was celebrated for directing and producing TV hits like Flatmates and numerous stage plays, helping shape Nigeria’s contemporary entertainment scene.
Palmeiras Ends Botafogo’s Club World Cup Run
Palmeiras defeated Botafogo 1-0 on Saturday to advance to the Club World Cup quarterfinals.
Substitute Paulinho netted the decisive goal in extra time, converting a pass from Richard Rios.
Despite a late red card for captain Gustavo Gomez, Palmeiras dominated proceedings before 33,657 spectators in Philadelphia.
The 2020 and 2021 Copa Libertadores champions will face Chelsea or Benfica next.