Author: Gabby

The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has been plunged into a leadership crisis, with its chairman, Dr. Johnpaul Anih, accusing certain individuals of orchestrating the discord. In a press briefing held on Monday, Anih categorically denied allegations that he has been impersonating the party’s leadership, labeling such claims as baseless and laughable.

According to Anih, the crisis stems from the actions of political opportunists determined to seize control of the party through underhanded tactics. He described them as “do-or-die politicians” who are using propaganda and financial inducements to destabilize the party’s structure in Enugu State. Anih asserted that he personally built the party’s presence in the state and that the allegations against him are designed to undermine his legitimate authority.

Anih provided a detailed account of the events leading to his election as chairman. He stated that the only valid congresses for the party were held at Aborigen Hall in Enugu, conducted in the presence of media, security personnel, and electoral officials. Despite a violent attack by thugs allegedly sponsored by his rivals, the congress proceeded successfully, and he emerged as chairman. He claimed to have video evidence of the authentic congress that produced his executive.

Responding to a statement from the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director Esq., which disowned him, Anih argued that the national officer’s claims contradict established facts. He revealed that on 6 May 2026, some individuals from the national secretariat wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seeking approval for fresh congresses scheduled for 16 to 18 May. However, Anih insisted that these plans were halted by a court order obtained on 15 May, making any subsequent congresses illegitimate. He emphasized that no congresses took place as planned, as party members had rejected the proposed arrangements.

When asked about the involvement of Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, in resolving the crisis, Anih disclosed that two letters were sent to Obi, but no response has been received so far. Anih continues to maintain that his leadership remains the only recognized and legitimate structure for the NDC in Enugu State.

The political landscape in Bauchi State has been shaken as Senator Shehu Buba Umar, who represents Bauchi South, has abandoned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the People’s Redemption Party (PRP). His departure came shortly after he withdrew from the APC governorship primary, citing serious breaches of party rules and constitutional provisions.

Buba, once a top contender for the governorship ticket, stepped down just before the primary election. He announced his resignation on Sunday, May 24, 2026, pointing to what he called a lack of internal democracy, unfair treatment, marginalization of genuine members, and disregard for grassroots supporters within the APC.

After extensive consultations with political allies, youth and women groups, and stakeholders across Bauchi, Buba said he chose PRP because it embodies justice, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and people-focused leadership. He stressed that leaders must unite to tackle national challenges like poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and economic hardship. “Our people deserve better governance, better opportunities, and leadership that truly listens to their concerns. Politics should be about service to humanity, justice, development, and improving the living conditions of the masses,” Buba stated. He called on his supporters to follow him to PRP to continue the fight for good governance and accountability.

The crisis extends beyond Buba. Senator Samaila Kaila Dahuwa from Bauchi North also quit the APC after losing his return ticket, moving to PRP as well. In the House of Representatives, Hon. Rabilu Bala Kashuri left the APC after failing to secure re-election ticket, resigning on May 21, 2026. Former deputy governorship candidate Hon. Shehu Aliyu Musa also resigned, blaming lack of purposeful leadership, unfair treatment of members, and lack of cohesion among party leaders.

Since the APC governorship primaries concluded, many other aspirants and stakeholders have resigned, accusing the process of lacking transparency and internal democracy. Former House of Assembly majority leader and aspirant for Katagum Federal Constituency, Hon. Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu, resigned, calling the process unfair and predetermined. In his letter, he wrote: “I write to formally notify you of my intention to resign my membership of the party… This decision follows recent developments regarding party activities, particularly the conduct of the 2026 primaries for various elective positions. After careful observation and review, I am convinced that the process was marred by predetermined results, the outright allocation of votes, and non-compliance with the guidelines for the conduct of said primaries.”

Other members like Hon. Abubakar Dahuwa Abdulkadir, Hon. Sulaiman Sunusi Lalaye, and Hon. Rabi’u Abubakar Bishi also resigned, citing injustice, internal crises, and irregularities. Many aggrieved members insisted that no proper direct primaries were conducted and that candidates were imposed rather than elected democratically.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has concluded its governorship primary election in Akwa Ibom State, with Senator James John Udoedehe securing the party’s ticket. He garnered 66,099 votes, far surpassing his closest contender, Barr Mfon Peters, who obtained 103 votes. Additionally, Princess Pat Akpabio, sister-in-law to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, clinched the ADC nomination for the Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District with 21,326 votes.

John Elijah, who chaired the Primary Election Committee, announced the results and praised party members for their orderly conduct throughout the primaries across the state. He expressed confidence that the selected candidates would succeed in the 2027 general elections.

In his acceptance address, Udoedehe expressed gratitude to party members for choosing him, emphasizing that his decision to contest was driven by a desire to rescue Akwa Ibom State. A former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, he asserted that the ADC, as an opposition party, aims to provide an alternative government focused on accountability. He lamented the high levels of unemployment, poverty, and inequality in the state, vowing to tackle these issues if elected. “We are coming to give Akwa Ibom people an alternative government, building them from sprinkled daily bread policy to affluence,” he declared.

Speaking on behalf of other candidates, Princess Akpabio stated that her focus is on winning and not on pleasing anyone. She urged residents to take advantage of the Continuous Voters Registration exercise to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, enabling them to vote in 2027. “I believe in change and we are capable to make the change. We are not here to massage anyone, our aim is to make a better Nigeria and better Akwa Ibom,” she added.

In a significant political shift, Mustapha Bala Dawaki, who previously served as Chief of Staff to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has officially switched allegiance to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). This move comes just a week after Dawaki failed to secure the APC ticket for the 2027 elections due to a consensus arrangement.

Dawaki, a former House of Representatives member representing Kano State, made the defection official at the residence of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a prominent leader within the NDC and the Kwankwasiyya Movement. The confirmation came from Saifullahi Hassan, Kwankwaso’s media assistant, who announced the development on his Facebook page.

Hassan stated that the leader warmly welcomed Dawaki into the NDC Kwankwasiyya fold. The timing of this defection coincides with the NDC’s ongoing efforts to finalize its candidate selections for various elective positions in Kano State. However, it remains unclear whether Dawaki will automatically be granted a ticket to contest under the NDC banner.

This development underscores the fluid political landscape in Kano, as parties jostle for strategic positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Rotimi Amaechi, a candidate vying for the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has participated in the party’s primary election by casting his ballot. The former Minister of Transportation carried out his civic duty at his polling unit in Ubima Ward, situated within the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Simultaneously, the ADC’s presidential primary is being conducted across 8,809 wards nationwide. In a related development, another aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, has commended the smooth organization of the primary. The ex-Vice President expressed on X that the exercise’s outcome would be instrumental in Nigeria’s recovery.

On Monday, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, publicly endorsed Kingsley Chinda as the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State. Wike praised Chinda’s extensive experience and political background, asserting that these qualities make him exceptionally suited for the governor’s role.

Speaking during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike highlighted that Chinda is a well-known figure with proven capabilities. He noted that Chinda’s past roles in both the executive and legislative branches have equipped him with the necessary expertise to lead effectively. According to Wike, a strong candidate like Chinda naturally gains support without much effort.

The FCT minister also expressed satisfaction with the progress of various projects under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He stated that the Renewed Hope City road project in Karsana is nearly complete, with about 98% of the work finished, and commended Lubriks Construction Company for their quality workmanship.

Wike further inspected the Old Keffi Road and Dei-Dei road projects, where asphalt laying is largely done and streetlight installation is ongoing. The Airport Road to Kuje Road project handled by Arab Contractors received high praise for enhancing connectivity and stimulating economic growth. He emphasized that the visible transformation of Kuje and Gwagwalada areas demonstrates the administration’s commitment to delivering tangible results.

At the City Gate project by Julius Berger, Wike revealed that the initiative was conceived by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. He expressed confidence that the project, set for completion by the end of May or early June, will significantly enhance the capital’s entrance, especially at night. Wike concluded by reaffirming that the current administration prioritizes infrastructure as a cornerstone of good governance.

In the ongoing presidential primary election of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aspirant Mohammed Hayatudeen has exercised his voting right in Jare, Borno State. He is vying for the party’s presidential ticket alongside notable figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi.

On Monday, Hayatudeen shared on his X handle that he cast his vote in Jare, Borno, for the ADC primary. He emphasized that his candidacy aims to provide Nigerians with a fresh direction, asserting that defeating the current president in next year’s election requires offering the country a new path. Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, he noted, and the ADC faces similar crossroads. Hayatudeen declared his readiness to guide both his party and the nation toward a more secure and prosperous future for all citizens.

Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, has raised the alarm over an alleged scheme involving Peter Obi, Goodluck Jonathan, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, aimed at fracturing President Bola Tinubu’s electoral base in the South ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking at the APC presidential primary result announcement in Abeokuta, Osoba warned party members not to be deceived by the President’s strong showing in the primary.

According to Osoba, there is a covert strategy to erode Tinubu’s support margin in the southern region. He emphasized that complacency would be dangerous, stating, ‘Many believe we have no challengers, but that is a false sense of security. The adversaries are numerous.’ Osoba pointed to Obi’s emergence, Jonathan’s quiet maneuvering, and Makinde’s recent actions as evidence of a coordinated effort to split the southern vote.

Osoba urged the APC to remain vigilant and not underestimate the opposition’s tactics. He described the situation as a ‘strong gang-up’ against the party, with multiple candidates being positioned to draw votes away from Tinubu in the South, thereby weakening his overall electoral strength.

During an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Tever Akase, the former media aide to ex-Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, leveled serious criticisms against Governor Hyacinth Alia on Monday. Akase argued that Alia’s comments about inheriting salary debts contradict President Bola Tinubu’s earlier statements on the state of the economy.

Governor Alia had previously claimed that his predecessor left behind a massive backlog of unpaid salaries and pensions, which he has been forced to manage. However, Akase refuted this, insisting that Ortom only failed to pay salaries for five months out of his eight-year tenure. He emphasized that Ortom managed 91 out of 96 months successfully, despite inheriting a N160 billion debt from previous administrations, including N72 billion in salary arrears and over N100 billion in contract obligations.

Akase drew attention to President Tinubu’s remarks made in Kigali, where the president noted that 27 states were unable to pay salaries before fuel subsidy removal, labeling the economy as fake. He also reminded that during a visit to Benue State after the Yelewata attack, Alia denied the death toll of over 200, which was confirmed by no less than the Pope. During a town hall, Tinubu asked governors if they were borrowing to pay salaries after subsidy removal; they all said no, due to increased federal allocations to states.

Using Benue as an example, Akase highlighted that under Ortom, the state received an average of N3 billion per month, while Alia now gets nearly N20 billion—an increase of over 700%. Despite Nigeria experiencing two recessions, Ortom managed to pay salaries for 91 months out of 96. He also paid N42 billion of inherited pension arrears, which had accumulated from previous administrations. Therefore, Akase concluded that labeling Ortom a failure is inaccurate and unfair.

Pope Leo XIV is preparing to release a groundbreaking declaration on artificial intelligence, as the Vatican steps into the global conversation about the ethical challenges posed by the rapidly advancing technology.

The document, known as Magnifica Humanitas—which translates to Magnificent Humanity—will be officially presented at the Vatican on Monday, May 25, 2026. This marks the first significant teaching of his papacy dedicated to exploring the effects of AI on human dignity, labor rights, and broader societal well-being.

Vatican insiders have indicated that the manifesto will tackle critical concerns such as the dangers of autonomous weaponry, widespread surveillance, digital disinformation, and the growing impact of algorithms on daily life. Pope Leo has consistently voiced his alarm over the prospect of machines being entrusted with life-and-death decisions, advocating for technology that enhances human existence without replacing it.

Vatican officials emphasized that the document aims to provide guidance on ensuring AI remains a tool for the common good rather than a threat to humanity’s core values. The release is anticipated to spark discussions among global leaders, technologists, and ethicists about the moral boundaries of artificial intelligence.