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APGA adopts Option A4 voting system for 2027 primaries to enhance transparency
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA has announced the adoption of the Option A4 voting system for its primaries ahead of the 2027 elections. This move aims to curb "mercenary politics" and promote transparency within the party. Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, stated at the South-East Zonal Stakeholders’ Meeting that the system would eliminate rigging, reduce vote-buying, and foster openness. He warned party leaders and members that the forthcoming primaries would not be "business as usual," emphasizing the goal to cut wastefulness and ensure the party's credibility. Under Option A4, aspirants' support will be visible through physical alignment, discouraging deceptive practices associated with secret ballots. Governor Soludo also prohibited aspirants from pursuing multiple political offices simultaneously, stating that such actions undermine governance and party discipline. He further declared that aspirants are forbidden from visiting state executive members at home for inducement, requiring all engagements to occur at designated party offices. National Chairman of APGA, Sly Ezeokenwa, reinforced the reform agenda, unveiling a code of conduct. He mentioned that the party's modernization, in line with Nigeria’s Electoral Act, includes digital registration, direct primaries, Option A4 adoption, and the abolition of bundled nomination forms. Aspirants must now obtain an Expression of Interest form and pass screening before purchasing the nomination form. Party offi
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Dr. Ibrahim Galadima, former chairman of the Nigerian Football Association NFA and traditional title holder of Galadiman Fagge, passed away on Saturday evening at a hospital in Kano at the age of 78. His younger brother, Alhaji Abba Galadima, confirmed the death, stating that funeral prayers will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano. Galadima, born on February 15, 1948, was a prominent figure in Nigerian football administration and community leadership. He served as Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation from 2002 to 2006, making significant contributions to the sport's development, organization, and international representation. He also chaired the Kano State Sports Commission and was a founding father of Kano Pillars FC. Kano Pillars FC, through its Media and Communications Directorate, extended condolences to his family, friends, the government and people of Kano State, and the entire Nigerian football community. The club's General Manager, Ahmed Musa, and Chairman, Alhaji Ali Muhammad Umar, offered their deepest sympathies.
The Ekiti State government, in partnership with First Bank, has disbursed ₦50 million in grants to 300 innovators and entrepreneurs. Beneficiaries received between ₦150,000 and ₦1 million through the Innovation Enterprises Support Fund, designed to help scale their businesses. First Bank's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Olusegun Alebiosu, stated that the initiative aligns with the bank's commitment to financial inclusion, SME development, and youth empowerment. He added that the collaboration provides mentorship and market access, focusing on strengthening the innovation ecosystem, creating jobs, and supporting youth, women, and underserved communities. Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, described the partnership as a testament to public and private sector collaboration for sustainable development. The Governor emphasized that the initiative includes capacity building, mentorship, and a capability framework to ensure long-term success for beneficiaries. Mr Seun Fakuade, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, explained the program as a four-phase initiative involving application, selection, boot camp training, iteration, and disbursement, aiming to transform Ekiti into a digital hub. A beneficiary, Mrs Ronke Aderonmu, praised the efforts of First Bank and the state government.
The Ogun State Police Command arrested 43-year-old Idowu Ashafa in Igbesa, Ogun State, for allegedly possessing a human head and two human palms. The arrest occurred on April 17, 2026, during a routine patrol by operatives from the Igbesa Division, supervised by Area Commander ACP Folashade Tanaruno. According to DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command's spokesperson, the suspect was intercepted by a patrol led by Divisional Police Officer CSP Solotan K. Owolabi. Preliminary investigation suggests Ashafa exhumed the remains from a grave in Ido Itekun Village, Igbesa, for ritual purposes. The implement used in the act was recovered, and the scene was documented. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The police command reiterated its commitment to combating crime and urged residents to report suspicious activities.
The Federal Government has instructed newly appointed Medical Directors of Federal Medical Centres to prioritize patient care and prevent industrial disputes that could disrupt healthcare services. This directive was issued in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace within hospitals for effective service delivery and urged the new appointees to engage health workers and unions consistently through an open-door policy. Salako also warned against denying patients access to care and announced the establishment of a task force on clinical governance and patient safety, directing Medical Directors to implement similar systems. Regarding staffing, he encouraged them to utilize the Federal Government’s fast-track waiver system for recruitment. The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by Kamil Shoretire, acknowledged existing gaps in the health sector and called for improved performance. Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed Medical Directors, Evinly Nzeribe of FMC Okigwe pledged commitment to improving healthcare delivery, while Adamu Atterwharmie of FMC Birnin Kudu, representing those reappointed, promised loyalty to government directives. The appointed Medical Directors include Adamu Atterwharmie FMC Birnin Kudu, second term, Evinly Nzeribe FMC Okigwe, Umar Musami FNPH Maiduguri, Mu’azu S.I FMC Kumo, Omo Ekeneam