Author: Gabby

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for what it terms an exaggerated and unsubstantiated assertion of having 11 million party members. In a statement released on Monday, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, argued that these numbers are not supported by any credible membership register and could be used to manipulate public opinion before the 2027 general elections.

Abdullahi emphasized that the ADC is committed to building a party founded on transparency, unlike the APC which he accuses of fabricating figures to mislead Nigerians. He described the APC’s claims as both amusing and laughable, but warned that they are part of a strategy to rig the 2027 elections by creating a perception of guaranteed votes. He challenged the APC to provide a verifiable membership register submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for public scrutiny.

This controversy comes shortly after President Bola Tinubu secured the APC presidential ticket by defeating Stanley Osifo in the party’s primary election, where Tinubu garnered 10.99 million votes against Osifo’s 16,504 votes.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has emerged victorious in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary held across all 23 local government areas of Sokoto State. The outcome was announced on Monday by the state chief returning officer, Professor Aminu Abubakar, who declared Atiku the winner with a massive 68,823 votes.

His closest rivals trailed far behind: Muhammad Hayatuddeen secured 319 votes, while Rotimi Amaechi polled 292 votes. The announcement took place in the presence of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, security personnel, and key party figures, including former Sokoto State governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, ADC governorship candidate Mannir Dan Iya, Sokoto South senatorial candidate Faruk Malami Yabo, and state party chairman Abdullahi Maigwandu.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, labeling Nigeria a hunger hotspot in Africa. In a statement released on Monday through his spokesperson Phrank Shaibu, Atiku responded to a United Nations report warning that 35 million Nigerians could face severe food insecurity starting next month.

Describing the situation as a ‘catastrophic failure,’ Atiku stressed that this is not a natural disaster but a man-made crisis. ‘This is not caused by drought, war, or earthquake. It is the result of poor governance,’ he said. He emphasized that the number of people at risk exceeds the population of many African nations, calling it a tragedy of immense proportions.

Atiku also pointed out that despite claims of inflation dropping to 15.69% and food inflation to 16.06% in April, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, the reality on the ground remains dire. ‘The figures do not reflect the suffering of ordinary Nigerians,’ he added.

The Ogun State Government has firmly cautioned a senior police officer from the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja, Assistant Inspector General of Police Enyinnaya Adiogu, to halt any unauthorized investigation into a land grabbing controversy involving the World Mission Agency (WMA), which oversees Living Faith Church Worldwide in Sango-Ota.

In an official correspondence dated May 23, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, expressed strong disapproval of the officer’s actions, emphasizing that the matter is already under judicial scrutiny. He noted that Ibuoye, who is currently facing charges for forceful entry and land takeover, has no legal basis to file fresh complaints with the police headquarters.

Ogungbade stressed that it is a well-established legal principle that once a case is before a court, no external body should engage in activities that could interfere with the court’s authority. He questioned the rationale behind a defendant turning complainant while actively standing trial since 2025.

The Attorney General further accused Ibuoye of disregarding due process by approaching the Force Headquarters after allegedly trespassing on WMA’s land, which the government confirmed is legally owned and supported by official documents and approvals from the state.

Providing context, Ogungbade explained that WMA acquired the land in 2001 from a family recognized by the Ogun State High Court as the legitimate owners. The organization had since fenced the property. However, Ibuoye and another individual reportedly demolished the fence, took over more than 100 acres, and engaged in illegal sand mining that caused significant damage.

The state government has directed AIG Adiogu to terminate any parallel inquiries, withdraw all summons issued to WMA officials, and adhere to prior directives from the Inspector General of Police against duplicating case files. The government also praised past and current police leadership for their efforts to curb such abuses, warning that non-compliance may lead to legal action.

The Osun State Government has issued an urgent advisory for residents to brace for expected downpours, flash floods, and severe windstorms as the rainy period gathers momentum.

In a statement released on Monday, Prof. Chinwe Obuaku, the Director-General and Special Envoy to the Governor on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, pointed to recent weather data and environmental assessments indicating that numerous communities in the region are likely to face intense precipitation leading to flooding, soil erosion, damage to assets, and interruptions to traffic flow.

The administration emphasized that failure to adhere to essential precautions during this period could result in fatalities. It specifically urged inhabitants of zones susceptible to inundation, those living near riverbanks, in low-lying areas, and regions with inadequate drainage to stay vigilant throughout the season.

According to the statement, the government instructed individuals to promptly unclog blocked gutters and water channels around residences, workplaces, markets, and commercial sites to facilitate unimpeded water movement. It also cautioned against improper disposal of waste into drains, canals, and waterways, highlighting that such actions significantly exacerbate flooding and environmental hazards.

Residents were further advised to limit travel during intense rainfall and to steer clear of submerged roads, bridges, and swiftly moving water to mitigate accidents and perils linked to severe weather conditions.

The directive also called on the public to reinforce rooftops, fragile structures, utility poles, trees, and signage to withstand potential damage from strong gusts and electrical storms. Additionally, parents and guardians were urged to keep a close watch on children during heavy rains and other extreme weather events across the state.

The government encouraged citizens to promptly notify relevant authorities about incidents of flooding, erosion, blocked drains, and fallen trees to enable swift response and intervention. It confirmed that emergency teams and pertinent agencies are already on high alert to step up surveillance and rapid action, while underscoring that prevention and individual accountability are vital to curtailing preventable tragedies during the rainy season.

A legal dispute has intensified over the traditional leadership of Anioma Autonomous Community in Isuokoma, located within Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The controversy pits a claimant, Wisdom Chukwuma Okoye, against the current occupant of the throne, whom he accuses of being improperly recognized.

Speaking to journalists after a court session in Abakaliki, Okoye argued that the process leading to the recognition of the traditional ruler was riddled with irregularities and violated established succession norms. He claimed that the kingship arrangement in Anioma follows a rotational system among designated villages and compounds, and that it was his lineage’s turn to provide the monarch.

According to Okoye, the local government chairman had previously informed security agencies and government officials that no election would be held due to tensions in the community. Despite this, he alleged that some individuals conducted a flawed exercise and installed a ruler. Okoye emphasized that he chose legal action rather than violence, stating that the court is the last hope for the common man.

Okoye further alleged that government authorities were misled into recognizing the disputed ruler and issuing a staff of office. He claimed that officials were told there was no pending litigation regarding the kingship. The claimant’s lead counsel, Barrister Cee Cee Ani, supported these assertions, noting that no valid election took place. Ani cited security incidents, including the abduction of a traditional leader and killings, as reasons for the cancellation of the proposed election. He stated that only two candidates, including Okoye, were cleared before the cancellation.

Ani argued that the recognition based on a non-existent election cannot stand, and that the individual currently recognized had previously been disqualified. The legal team is seeking a court order for a fresh election that follows due process. The matter is before the State High Court, with parties awaiting a judgment. The case has been placed on accelerated hearing, with dates set for June 18, June 29, and July 13, 2026, for the claimant to present witnesses. Efforts to obtain comments from the other parties were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully eliminated multiple terrorists and thwarted a planned assault in Niger State through a series of intelligence-driven operations. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF spokesman, announced this in a statement released in Abuja on Monday.

These strikes, conducted by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1 between May 20 and May 23, targeted areas within Rafi and Mariga Local Government Areas. Acting on credible intelligence regarding terrorist movements and gatherings near Tungan Bako and Kasuwan Daji in Rafi LGA, the Air Component collaborated with the Nigerian Army Space Command Regiment on May 20 to execute precise air interdiction strikes. This operation resulted in the death of several terrorists and effectively disrupted their operational preparations.

On May 21, the Air Component spotted terrorists moving on motorcycles and on foot, accompanied by stolen cattle, traveling from Tungunguna toward Uregi. Precision strikes neutralized these fighters and destroyed their ability to move and withdraw. Later that same day, the Air Component provided close air support to ground forces engaged in combat with terrorists at Tungan Makeri. This intervention successfully repelled the attackers and regained tactical superiority for friendly troops.

The Ogun State Police Command has intensified its security measures ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, promising residents a secure and peaceful holiday. In a statement released on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed that officers and operational resources have been positioned at key locations across the state.

According to Babaseyi, personnel have been stationed at Eid prayer grounds, major highways, recreational centers, markets, motor parks, residential areas, and other public spots. The goal is to maintain a visible police presence, manage crowds effectively, detect threats early, and respond swiftly to any incidents before, during, and after the festivities.

Under the direction of Commissioner of Police CP Bode Ojajuni, all area commanders, divisional police officers, and tactical commanders have been placed on high alert. They have been instructed to conduct aggressive patrols, carry out stop-and-search operations as needed, and ensure around-the-clock supervision of their teams. Additionally, they are to work closely with community leaders, transport unions, and other stakeholders to improve intelligence sharing and prevent any breakdown of law and order.

The command also appealed to the public to celebrate responsibly and stay security-conscious throughout the period. Parents and guardians are urged to monitor their children’s movements and activities closely. Residents are advised to avoid any behavior that could disturb public peace, such as thuggery, cult-related acts, reckless driving, or other disorderly conduct.

CP Bode Ojajuni reiterated the command’s dedication to proactive policing, peace, and the protection of lives and property in Ogun State.

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has voiced strong condemnation over the deadly assault on pastoralists in Ankpa Local Government Area, Kogi State. The group is demanding that those responsible be held accountable.

According to a statement released on Monday by Suleiman Muhammed, the State Secretary, MACBAN described the incident as a brutal and unwarranted act of violence. The attack, which left several people dead, including women and children, is still under investigation.

MACBAN identified the deceased as Isiaka Lawal, Larai Musa, Abdullahi Isiaka, Isah Isiaka, Saleh Isiaka, Samsiya Adamu, Asma’u Siuni, Basullube Musa, and Bello Musa. Additionally, three individuals—Husseini Haruna, Abdullahi Abdullahi, and Sa’ida Haruna—were injured and are currently receiving medical care.

The association is calling on security agencies to launch a thorough probe, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure they face the full weight of the law. MACBAN warned that such attacks on pastoral communities could escalate tensions and disrupt the peaceful coexistence in the region.

“The continuous targeting of innocent herders threatens the stability of the area and could fuel further conflict if not addressed urgently,” the statement added.

MACBAN also appealed to the Federal Government, the Kogi State Government, and humanitarian organizations to provide essential relief supplies and medical assistance to the affected families. While mourning the victims, the association urged pastoralists to remain calm and law-abiding, allowing security forces to carry out their duties without interference.