Author: Gabby

Dele Momodu, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has cast doubt on President Bola Tinubu’s ability to replicate his 2023 electoral performance. Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Momodu argued that the political landscape has shifted dramatically, making it unlikely for Tinubu to secure the over eight million votes he previously obtained.

Momodu extended his skepticism to other major candidates from the last election, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso. He questioned whether any of them could maintain their previous voter bases, emphasizing that conditions have changed. According to Momodu, even with the backing of numerous governors, Tinubu might struggle to attract three million votes in a free and fair contest. He pointed to recent senatorial losses by certain governors as evidence of waning political influence.

The ADC chieftain used the term “5-G governors” to illustrate how some state leaders failed to secure senatorial seats for themselves, underscoring the volatility of political loyalty. Momodu concluded by affirming the ADC’s commitment to its principles, stating that the party remains focused and steadfast, and will not yield to what he termed “blackmail.” He invited those interested in joining to do so, while respecting the decisions of those who are not.

Dele Momodu, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has cast doubt on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s ability to secure victory over Peter Obi in primary elections. In a recent interview on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’, Momodu argued that Atiku’s path to the ticket is far from assured.

Speaking ahead of the 2027 general elections, Momodu addressed Obi’s recent defection from the ADC to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). He emphasized that no candidate can be certain of retaining their previous supporters. ‘There is no guarantee that Atiku will defeat Obi at the primaries,’ Momodu stated. ‘Obi is not my enemy. It’s good that he goes and tests his popularity elsewhere. But you cannot force Atiku.’

Momodu further questioned the assumptions about voter loyalty, pointing out that political dynamics can shift dramatically. ‘How are you sure that Atiku will retain all those who voted for him the last time? What is the guarantee that Obi and Kwankwaso are the only people who will retain all those who voted for them?’ He also suggested that President Tinubu’s support could dwindle, saying, ‘Tinubu today, if he allows a free and fair election, might not even get three million votes.’

A prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has leveled serious accusations against Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, alleging his involvement in manipulating the selection of governorship candidates for both the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State.

George, speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, described the situation as deeply troubling and unprecedented. He warned that such actions could lead to significant instability within the party and the broader political landscape if not swiftly addressed.

He expressed dismay over the ongoing internal crisis within the PDP, highlighting that despite court directives and party protocols, certain individuals, particularly those aligned with Wike, have consistently refused to comply. George noted that the Court of Appeal in Ibadan had ordered a meeting to resolve internal conflicts, but the Wike faction failed to attend.

The matter escalated to the Supreme Court, which upheld the suspension of three National Working Committee members. George questioned why the affected parties would not accept the highest court’s ruling, asserting that no one, regardless of status, is above the law.

In his remarks, George called Wike an ‘agent provocateur’ and a ‘political undertaker,’ accusing him of undermining democratic processes. He stated, ‘A man who claims to be a member of our party has handpicked a candidate for the APC and is also selecting a candidate for the PDP in Rivers. I’ve never witnessed anything like this.’

George urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and caution Wike, warning that failure to do so could lead to a crisis reminiscent of the 1962 Western Region turmoil. He emphasized that while the beginning of a crisis is predictable, its outcome often is not.

Nigerians could soon see lower petrol prices as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) teams up with Chinese firms to bring the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries back online. The move has sparked optimism among fuel marketers and retailers, who anticipate a competitive market that will push prices downward.

After months of speculation, NNPCL inked a Memorandum of Understanding with Sanjiang Chemical Company and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co., Limited on April 30, 2026. This agreement aims to finalize the rehabilitation of the long-dormant refineries, which have been offline since May 2025 for scheduled maintenance.

For years, the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries have remained idle despite billions of dollars—estimated at $18 billion to $25 billion—invested in repairs over the past two decades. Meanwhile, the Dangote Refinery in Lagos has become the primary source of fuel for the country.

The recent conflict in the Middle East has exacerbated the situation, pushing global crude prices to $112 per barrel for Brent and $104 for West Texas Intermediate. Domestically, petrol costs have soared to between N1,364 and N1,380 per liter in Abuja, up from around N800, severely impacting transportation and living costs.

Billy Gillis-Harry, National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), expressed confidence that resuming local refining would spur competition and reduce prices. “The more refined products we get from any country, the higher the competition, driving down the price of any refined product,” he said.

Chinedu Ukadike, spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), highlighted the urgency of restarting local refineries and called on the government to offer incentives for both marketers and consumers. “Provide incentives for motorists and also marketers in terms of funding. At that level, marketers will reduce their prices at the pumps,” he stated.

With the MoU in place, stakeholders are hopeful that the new Chinese partnership will finally deliver on the long-awaited revival of Nigeria’s refining capacity, providing relief from the current fuel price crisis.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has officially contradicted the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company regarding the reasons behind the recent blackout affecting several communities in Kogi State.

According to AEDC, the power disruption was due to a scheduled maintenance of 100MVA power transformers at the Apo 132kV substation. The distribution company listed areas such as Zango, Shetima, Apansede, Phase 1, Phase 2, and Crown Estate as affected by the outage.

However, TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah clarified that no maintenance work occurred at its Apo 132kV Transmission Substation during the period specified by AEDC. TCN explained that maintenance was successfully completed on April 30, 2026, when the transformer was taken offline as an emergency measure due to arcing observed on the bushing.

TCN emphasized that the power outage experienced by AEDC customers in the mentioned areas cannot be attributed to the transmission company. The statement underscores a clear disagreement between the two power entities over the actual cause of the blackout.

An organization representing the Fulani community has once more leveled accusations against what it describes as Berom militia gangs, alleging that these groups are responsible for assaults on Fulani herders and the killing or theft of their livestock across certain areas of Plateau State. The Gan Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN) specifically pointed to locales such as Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos East Local Government Areas as hotspots for these incidents.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday, GAFDAN revealed that it has repeatedly reported these attacks to security agencies. However, the group claims that these reports have been ignored or not acted upon, as the perpetrators are neither arrested nor face any legal consequences. The association detailed a recent incident involving a herder named Usaini Abubakar from the Fass community, who was allegedly ambushed by a militia group. During this attack, six of his cows were shot, with three dying immediately and the other three sustaining critical injuries from gunshots. The incident reportedly took place on May 5, 2026.

The Fulani community in Riyom LGA strongly condemned the attack, describing it as unprovoked. They stated that the cattle were peacefully grazing when they were targeted, and they expressed deep concern over what they see as a pattern of violence against law-abiding pastoralists. This pattern, they argue, threatens peaceful coexistence and undermines efforts to foster unity and stability in the region.

In addition to the livestock attack, GAFDAN also reported an assault on two Fulani youths. The youths were allegedly ambushed, beaten, and had their motorcycles damaged by Berom youths from Gada village in Jos East LGA. Despite reporting this incident to the authorities, the attackers were not detained, according to the group.

GAFDAN called on security agencies, particularly the Nigerian military, to launch a thorough investigation into these repeated attacks by Berom militias and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. They also urged intensified measures to protect herders and their livestock. The group appealed to all communities in Riyom LGA to embrace peace, dialogue, and mutual respect, emphasizing that violence only deepens divisions and hinders progress. Reaffirming their commitment to peaceful coexistence, they called on stakeholders to support efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace in the area.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has made a strong case for bolstered partnership between the electoral body and local security agencies. Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, emphasized the need for a more robust collaborative framework during a series of courtesy visits to key security establishments in Akure on Tuesday.

At the Department of State Services (DSS), Agboke highlighted that such cooperation is vital as the commission gears up for the Ondo South Senatorial District by-election scheduled for June 20, 2026. He stated that INEC and security outfits must work in close coordination to ensure a seamless electoral process. “We need to strengthen the existing collaboration between INEC and the DSS, especially as we prepare for the upcoming by-election,” Agboke remarked.

The DSS Director in Ondo, Mr. Sagiru Samaila, welcomed the proposal and pledged the service’s full support. He assured that the agency would provide adequate security measures before, during, and after the election to guarantee a peaceful exercise.

During a subsequent visit to the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) command in the state, Agboke reiterated the importance of inter-agency synergy. He also used the occasion to inform the command about the third phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) drive, which is set to commence on May 11, 2026. The State Comptroller of NCoS, Charles Oyewole, reaffirmed the service’s readiness to assist INEC whenever needed, underscoring their commitment to a secure electoral environment.

Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, has stirred controversy with a bold call for Nigerians to retaliate against South Africa over recurrent xenophobic attacks. Speaking on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, Ningi argued that Nigeria must not remain passive while its citizens are being killed abroad.

Ningi emphasized that the loss of Nigerian lives in South Africa is unacceptable. ‘Life is irreplaceable, and our people are being murdered without justification,’ he declared. The senator asserted that Nigeria and other African nations know exactly where South Africa is located, and if necessary, they can carry the fight onto South African soil.

The lawmaker warned against complacency, stating that the Senate should prioritize this issue until a decisive response is achieved. ‘If this is all we discuss here, so be it,’ he added.

Recall that recent xenophobic violence in South Africa has claimed the lives of several Nigerian and Ghanaian nationals. In a related development, Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North had earlier urged the Nigerian government to take retaliatory measures against South African businesses operating in Nigeria.

A legal practitioner, Emmanuel Ogar, has called on citizens to consistently apply lawful pressure on their leaders and elected representatives to ensure the fulfillment of their official responsibilities. He made this statement on Wednesday in reaction to the invitation of his client, Mr. Fred Obi, by security agencies due to Mr. Obi’s alleged involvement in a protest at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) two days prior.

Ogar emphasized that there is no wrongdoing in holding public officials accountable when they fail or neglect their duties. He stated, “Where they are slow in performing their obligations, it is our duty to exert legitimate pressure on them to act rightly and to hold them answerable for their actions and omissions. Any public officer who cannot tolerate criticism should step down.”

The lawyer expressed disapproval of public officials who employ state security apparatus to intimidate citizens exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech and expression. He criticized the conduct of the complainant, believed to be the university leadership, against his client, describing the actions as a calculated move to use state security as a tool of intimidation.

According to Ogar, such behavior poses a serious threat to the fundamental rights of citizens, including those of his client. However, he acknowledged the professionalism, restraint, and courtesy exhibited by the Department of State Services (DSS) during their engagement with Mr. Obi.

In his own statement following the session with the DSS, Mr. Obi also commended the service for their professional handling of the matter. He recounted, “I had a brief interaction with the Director, who demonstrated great professionalism and knowledge in addressing issues. I was told that multiple calls had been made to the Service alleging that I led or incited the student protest in Calabar, which prompted my invitation. I received advice on several points, and I can say that the Director was fatherly in his approach and showed a high level of comradeship.”

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a significant consignment of cocaine valued at N2.35 billion, along with other prohibited items including explosives, petrol, and synthetic cannabis. The total worth of recent seizures now exceeds N5.5 billion, according to an announcement by the agency.

Comptroller Gambo Aliyu of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, made this known on Tuesday in Lagos during a handover ceremony of confiscated narcotics and suspects to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). He detailed that operatives had thwarted 473 smuggling attempts over an eight-week period, calling it a major breakthrough in anti-smuggling efforts.

The cocaine was seized during a targeted operation along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, where officers intercepted a Toyota Highlander carrying the illicit substance. A 71-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the incident. Aliyu noted that the seizures occurred across multiple states—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo—and several individuals have been taken into custody.

In addition to the narcotics, the customs unit also recovered four 80-kilogram cylinders of mercury, a hazardous material under international environmental regulations. The mercury will be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency for further investigation.

Aliyu highlighted that enforcement was intensified under ‘Operation Hawk,’ a targeted initiative to dismantle narcotics trafficking networks. This operation led to the seizure of 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis, weighing a total of 1,540 kilogrammes. Furthermore, the unit recovered N97.7 million from underpaid duties between February 3 and April 28, 2026, through heightened enforcement actions.

The cumulative duty-paid value of all seizures stands at over N5.5 billion, demonstrating sustained efforts to combat economic sabotage. Aliyu also revealed the use of advanced technologies such as geospatial intelligence, satellite imagery, drones, and predictive analytics to monitor and intercept smuggling activities.

The seized drugs and three suspects were formally transferred to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution. Receiving the items, NDLEA Commander Ibrahim Kabiru commended the customs operatives for their professionalism and collaboration. He confirmed receiving two parcels of suspected cocaine weighing 2.30kg, four parcels of crack cocaine weighing 4.05kg, 3,340 cannabis parcels, and three suspects. Kabiru emphasized that these interceptions send a strong message that Lagos and its environs are not safe havens for drug trafficking and praised the ongoing partnership between the agencies.