Author: Gabby

Professor Mohammed Sani Haruna, widely recognized as Sarkin Sharifai and an aspirant for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, has denounced the party’s recently conducted primary election, calling it a travesty of democratic processes and a rigged affair.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Peter Ewu, the former NASENI Executive Vice Chairman expressed strong disapproval of how the primaries were handled. The election committee, led by Professor Theodore Maiyaki (SAN), declared Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as the winner.

Rejecting the announced outcome, Haruna alleged that the exercise was marred by widespread fraud, disenfranchisement of voters, and deliberate manipulation of vote counts to benefit a predetermined candidate. He claimed that individuals loyal to the government-backed aspirant were deployed as electoral officials across multiple local government areas, undermining the integrity of the vote.

“In my own ward, no electoral officials or voting materials were provided, which prevented me and many other party members from casting our ballots,” Haruna disclosed. He added that in several locations, supporters waited from dawn until late evening for officials who never arrived, leading to frustration and the denial of their right to vote.

Reports of intimidation, harassment, and disruptions by certain individuals during the primaries were also highlighted by the aspirant, who noted that these actions created an atmosphere of fear and confusion at many polling stations.

Haruna asserted that his allegations are substantiated by video evidence, photographs, reports, and testimonies from party stakeholders and independent observers across Nasarawa State. “Anyone with a conscience and a sense of accountability before God must reject these results. In most wards, what occurred was merely the allocation of figures. This is an insult to democracy and a betrayal of the electoral process,” he stated.

He accused party leaders of denying members their constitutional right to freely choose their candidate, describing the entire process as a charade conducted with impunity. The APC chieftain urged the party’s National Secretariat to annul the primaries and organize fresh, transparent, and credible elections in line with democratic principles.

Despite his grievances, Haruna affirmed that he and his supporters remain committed to peace, political maturity, and democratic engagement as the 2027 general elections approach. He called on his followers to stay calm, law-abiding, and avoid violence while seeking redress for the alleged injustice. “Politics should never become a source of hatred, division, or violence among our people,” he added.

The governorship aspirant also revealed that he has initiated extensive consultations with supporters, political associates, elders, youth and women groups, community leaders, and other stakeholders both within and outside Nasarawa State. These consultations, he said, are aimed at evaluating the current political situation and determining the most appropriate course of action for the benefit of his supporters and the people of Nasarawa. “At the conclusion of these consultations, we will formally announce our next political direction and position to the public,” he concluded.

The Labour Party has officially approved multiple aspirants for various elective positions in Nasarawa State as the party gears up for the 2027 general elections primaries. This announcement was made public through a report issued by the party’s National Screening Committee, which covered governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly candidates.

According to the document released on May 23, 2026, the screening process was conducted strictly following the Labour Party’s constitution, electoral guidelines, and the rules governing the 2026 primary elections. The committee emphasized that every aspirant who underwent the screening was evaluated based on legal and democratic standards required for the party’s nomination process, and all were successfully cleared to participate in the upcoming primaries.

Among those cleared for the governorship race is Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi. Meanwhile, former Information Minister Labaran Maku received clearance to vie for the Nasarawa South Senatorial seat. For the House of Representatives, the committee approved Dr. Emmanuel Akolo, Jesse James Ayang, and Blanzon Adaamu Bako to contest in the primaries.

Additionally, thirteen aspirants were cleared for the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. They include Asilika Essla, Mohammed Ibrahim, Hon. Ashy David Maiyaki, Alexander Abashi Dauda, Gown Shedrack Awayima, Bala Umaru, Zamani Iliya Helima, Barr. Labani Emmanuel Nnengon, Madoki Margaret, Iyimoga Osoweshi Daniel, Jacob Omaku Attah, and Ipah Jonathan Afagher.

The committee commended the aspirants for their cooperation and dedication throughout the screening exercise, expressing confidence that they will conduct themselves peacefully during the party primaries. The report was signed by the committee’s chairman, Senator Nenadi E. Usman, PhD, and its secretary, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma.

Osita Okechukwu, a founding figure of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has asserted that President Bola Tinubu’s sweeping victory in the party’s presidential primary underscores a commitment to internal democracy, a contrast he draws with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is currently grappling with zoning disputes over its presidential candidate.

Speaking on Sunday, Okechukwu praised Tinubu’s overwhelming win and lauded the APC leadership for adhering to statutory procedures by implementing direct primaries across all 8,809 electoral wards nationwide for the first time in Nigeria’s history.

The former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria warned, however, that such a decisive victory comes with heightened expectations and significant challenges for the ruling party. He quoted the President, saying, “I’m just excited; they challenge me to do more.”

Okechukwu highlighted the impressive voter turnout figures from various states, interpreting them as a strong mandate from party members. He cited examples such as Ogun State’s 322,485 votes, Benue’s 374,787, Rivers’ 280,082, Delta’s 407,646, Abia’s 161,005, and Osun’s 100,880 votes.

He stressed that these impressive numbers place a heavy burden on the President, his 31 APC governors, and party legislators to deliver outstanding results in the 2027 general election. Expressing concern, he listed several obstacles: historically low voter turnout, widespread hunger, persistent insecurity, high unemployment, unreliable electricity, and a poor debt-to-service-revenue ratio.

In a major political development, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, the governorship flagbearer for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State for the 2027 elections, has announced Dr. Oyije Ochaekiti Ogbenjuwa as his deputy candidate. The 38-year-old doctor was unveiled during the party’s congress held in Makurdi, the state capital.

During his announcement speech, Aondoakaa laid out the core priorities his administration would pursue if elected. He emphasized a comprehensive strategy to permanently end communal attacks and killings, ensuring the security of lives and property throughout the state. Additionally, he vowed to revitalize agriculture and fast-track rural development, leveraging Benue’s reputation as the nation’s food basket.

The former Attorney General of the Federation also highlighted plans for youth and women empowerment through job creation and entrepreneurial support. Other key areas include upgrading infrastructure, enhancing healthcare services, and improving educational standards. He stressed the importance of creating a conducive environment for industrial growth and economic expansion.

Aondoakaa further committed to running a government based on justice, transparency, and accountability. He pledged to foster unity and reconciliation among all residents, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious affiliations.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially declared Mustapha Sule Lamido as its sole candidate for the governorship election in Jigawa State, scheduled for 2027. The decision was announced by Isah Ahmad, who chaired the primary election committee, following a consensus reached within the party.

Ahmad emphasized that the endorsement aligns with the PDP’s constitution and legal requirements. He noted that the affirmation process was carried out in the presence of security personnel and officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Expressing gratitude, Ahmad commended party members and leaders in Jigawa for fostering unity. He highlighted the importance of maintaining cohesion as the party prepares for the upcoming polls.

In his acceptance speech, Lamido thanked stakeholders for the opportunity to seek a second term. He outlined his vision, focusing on economic development, youth empowerment, educational reforms, and healthcare improvement. Lamido asserted that his administration would prioritize rebuilding the state through policies centered on unity, social progress, institutional reforms, and responsible governance.

He argued that the challenges he highlighted during his 2023 campaign—such as economic hardship, poor governance, and insensitive leadership—remain prevalent. “We are back in the race today because the problems and challenges bedeviling our dear state are still with us,” he stated.

Lamido also voiced concerns about declining educational standards, healthcare sector difficulties, and rising poverty among residents. He pledged to address these issues if elected in 2027.

In a decisive victory during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries, President Bola Tinubu has secured his party’s nomination for the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made at the ongoing national collation of results held at the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

The president amassed a staggering 10.99 million votes, far surpassing his sole opponent, Stanley Osifo, who managed only 16,504 votes. The primaries were conducted across 8,809 wards nationwide, with results from 31 states presented by APC governors and other senior party officials acting as coordinators and collation officers. The election committee was chaired by former Senate President Pius Anyim.

Tinubu’s dominance was near-total, as he swept all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. In many states, he secured 100% of the votes cast. Osifo, however, put up a commendable fight in a handful of states, including Niger (5,248 votes), Kano (2,675 votes), Lagos (1,186 votes), Abia (1,007 votes), Oyo (929 votes), Benue (779 votes), and Nasarawa (768 votes).

Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling economic powerhouse and one of the world’s fastest-growing cities, is confronting a severe environmental pollution crisis. The sources of contamination are diverse, ranging from vehicle emissions and industrial discharge to generator fumes and, most notably, waste dumpsites scattered across residential areas.

Along major thoroughfares like Oshodi-Apapa Road and Mile 2-Badagry Road, illegal refuse piles are a common sight, creating unpleasant eyesores. At Iyana-Oba Market, the stench is overpowering for pedestrians.

Among all pollution sources, waste dumpsites pose the greatest health risk to Lagosians. In Igando, a community in Alimosho Local Government Area, residents are raising alarm over two major dumpsites: Solus 3, located near Igando General Hospital, and Bola at Lanre bus stop. Despite the presence of refuse trucks indicating regular collection, the unbearable odor persists day and night.

Upon visiting the area, our correspondent observed that the pollution extends over three bus stops along Isheri-LASU Road. The stench from the dumpsites, situated over 200 meters away, permeates the surroundings. While passersby cover their noses, some locals—vulcanizers, transporters, food vendors—appear acclimated, conducting business as usual. However, first-time visitors often recoil, hurrying away while covering their faces.

For residents, life has become a daily struggle against the offensive odor. The area is also infested with houseflies, which invade restaurants and bars. Operators constantly spray kerosene or chemicals to repel the insects, but customers have resigned themselves to the situation. One patron commented that flies are considered normal, stating that locals have grown immune to any bacteria the insects might carry.

A school proprietor, Temitope Ogunsola, expressed frustration that despite numerous pleas to the state government and the Lagos Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), no meaningful action has been taken. He noted that during rains, the stench worsens as contaminated water from the dumpsites floods roads, making them impassable. The odor is so intense that residents can hardly stay outdoors for two minutes. Private fumigation offers temporary relief but is only affordable to some.

Ogunsola dismissed fears of a cholera outbreak from water contamination, citing government tests that certified borehole water safe. However, he warned that future contamination remains a possibility. He lamented that the dumpsite has driven away tenants, leaving only landlords who have nowhere else to go. Refuse from all over Lagos—including Agege, Mushin, and Ikoyi—is dumped at Solus 3, he added.

Opinions on the dumpsites vary. Some residents, like restaurant owner Iya Taiwo, oppose closure because workers at the site are her customers. She said she would rather risk her health than lose business. Conversely, Rose, another businesswoman, condemned the sites as mosquito breeding grounds and pleaded for government intervention. She noted that the odor intensifies during rains, leading to a surge in mosquitoes.

A resident who preferred anonymity revealed that many locals have lost their sense of smell due to prolonged exposure, now perceiving the stench only when reminded by newcomers. Another resident near the Bola dumpsite reported that the pollution has turned borehole water orange, staining utensils. Christian Ewuga described the situation as “death by installment,” urging the state government to act swiftly to avert an epidemic.

A patient at Igando General Hospital, Wale, called the proximity of the dumpsite to a medical facility “unacceptable and ironical.” He said residents have resigned themselves to fate, but implored the governor to prioritize their welfare.

Efforts to reach LAWMA’s General Manager for comment were unsuccessful, as phone calls went unanswered and a text message received no reply.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced a special increase in train services on the Lagos-Ibadan route to accommodate the expected surge in passengers during the Sallah festivities. The disclosure was made on Saturday by Chief Public Relations Officer Callistus Unyimadu in an official statement.

This temporary adjustment aims to meet the higher travel demand as many Nigerians embark on journeys to join family and friends for the holiday. Under the revised plan, six train trips will operate on Tuesday, May 26, replacing the usual four trips on that day.

Specifically, departures from Lagos are scheduled for 7:45 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., while trains from Ibadan will leave at 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m. The NRC emphasized that this is a short-term measure solely for the Sallah period.

Once the celebrations conclude, the standard Tuesday timetable of four trips will be reinstated. Additionally, the corporation noted a change to its recently introduced Thursday six-trip schedule: only four trains will run on Thursday, May 28, during the review period. The regular six-trip Thursday service is set to resume the following week after the holiday.

Social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, widely recognized as VeryDarkMan, has publicly refuted allegations linking him to a viral mosque incident. In a statement, he categorically denied any involvement in sponsoring a religious agenda aimed at stirring conflict between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.

The controversy stems from a video showing a young man being interrogated and assaulted after entering a mosque for prayers. According to the clip, the suspect allegedly claimed under duress that he was a Christian supported by VeryDarkMan, along with Deeper Life Bible Church and the Christian Association of Nigeria, to create unrest and promote a narrative of Christians being targeted by Muslims.

Reacting to the accusations, VeryDarkMan emphasized that he has never met the individual in question nor funded any religious propaganda. He stressed that he would never engage in activities that could lead to chaos or loss of life.

To prove his innocence and seek the truth, he announced a reward of one million Naira for anyone who can provide credible information leading to the identity of the man in the video.