By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mr Ali Pate, has announced that he will no longer run for the Bauchi State governorship in 2027, despite repeated calls from supporters urging him to contest.

In a 10-minute video message delivered in Hausa and circulating on social media, Mr Pate said he reached the decision after deep reflection and wide consultations.

Citing national service as his reason, he explained that he still has much to contribute to Nigeria’s development at the national level, as well as to the progress of Northern Nigeria.

“It is unlikely that I will run for governorship in 2027, and I assure you that you will not regret the love and support you have shown me throughout this period,” he said.

Despite stepping aside, Mr Pate pledged to remain actively involved in the political process leading to the emergence of a credible candidate and his party’s victory.

“There are many aspirants seeking various elective positions in Bauchi State. The time will come when I will support credible and capable candidates who have the interest of the people at heart, not self-centred leaders. We will identify the best candidates during the primaries,” he added.

He also urged other aspirants to remain patient and unite behind those who emerge from the primaries, noting that if he could set aside his personal ambition, others should be able to do the same.

Mr Pate further stated that he would work towards ensuring the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State at all levels, for the benefit of the people.

He thanked his supporters and promised to redouble his efforts toward delivering positive development and impactful interventions.

The Health Minister has previously contested for the governorship three times but did not secure his party’s ticket in the primaries.

His withdrawal stems the tide of his former colleagues who quit their functions to pursue elective offices. Prominent among them is Mr Yusuf Tuggar, who resigned as Minister of Foreign Affairs to contest the Bauchi State governorship. Similarly, Mr Sa’idu Alkali stepped down from the Ministry of Transportation to pursue the governorship race in Gombe State.

In addition, Mr Adebayo Adelabu resigned his position as Minister of Power to re-enter the Oyo State governorship contest, marking a return to a long-standing political ambition in the state.

While other ministers, such as Mr Yusuf Tanko Sununu and Mr Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, also resigned, their ambitions were directed toward legislative positions rather than governorship races.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

All roads will lead to Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, for the 7th edition of the Timeline Awareness Initiative Lecture and Awards scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

Expected to grace the occasion are the Governors of Akwa-Ibom, Ekiti, and Ogun States, Mr Umo Eno, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji, and Mr Dapo Abiodun, respectively.

Others include the former Governor of Abia State, Mr Orji Uzor Kalu; the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa; the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso; the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Mr Sunday Dare; Mr Bashir Olawale Fakorede, among others.

Business Post gathered that the lecture is being put together by an online newspaper, TimelineNG, published by a foremost journalist, Mr Yusuf Adeoye.

The theme for this year’s programme is Curbing Distortion of Events and Social Media Reporting During General Elections: A Look at Communication Style in the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to Mr Adeoye in a statement, this year’s edition factored the importance of reporting accurate information or news items without any sensationalism, especially on social media, which could heat up the process, create confusion that may lead to insecurity or total disruption of the entire process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Information gathering and disseminating during the election period play a pivotal role in keeping the people abreast with reports, particularly as it concerns updates across various locations where the polls are held.

But when vital information is distorted, the entire election process could be jeopardised. Guests and other participants will look into this matter and recommend ways to avert such incidents.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Dangote Group has dismissed reports alleging that Mr Aliko Dangote is at war with his fellow businessman, Mr Tony Elumelu.

It was alleged that Mr Dangote distanced himself from the former banker after failing to help with funds for the $20 billion oil refinery in Lagos.

In a statement on Sunday, the Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, Mr Anthony Chiejina, said both business moguls maintained a longstanding and cordial relationship and are not at war with each other as being speculated.

The statement said the “baseless” publication “misrepresents both personal and corporate positions,” also rejecting assertions that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was financed through personal borrowing from friends, describing the claims as inaccurate and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.

“As a matter of principle, Aliko Dangote neither finances his projects through personal borrowing from friends nor engages in lending arrangements of that nature,” the statement said, adding that any such claims must be supported by verifiable evidence.

The company also raised concern over a growing pattern of fabricated statements and the unauthorised use of Dangote’s name, likeness and image in AI-generated advertisements and other misleading content, warning that such actions pose reputational risks and may constitute fraud.

It cautioned individuals and platforms involved in the creation and dissemination of false information to desist immediately, adding that it would pursue appropriate legal action where necessary to protect its reputation and that of its leadership.

Dangote Group reaffirmed its commitment to the highest standards of integrity while continuing to drive industrialisation, economic self-sufficiency, and sustainable development across Africa.