Author: Gabby

Lere Olayinka, the media aide to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as Verydarkman (VDM), over his claims linking Rivers State APC governorship candidate Kingsley Chinda to alleged land grabbing in Abuja.

In a Facebook post, Olayinka dismissed VDM as a “very dull man,” accusing him of spreading misinformation for financial gain. He alleged that VDM had earlier posted a video in December 2024 accusing Wike of revoking an estate in Life Camp and allocating it to his kinsmen, including Chinda. Olayinka claimed that VDM went silent when evidence was presented showing the land was never allocated to the supposed claimant, but instead moved on to other topics without apologizing.

VDM had reacted to Chinda’s emergence as APC candidate for the 2027 Rivers governorship election by sharing his old footage, saying “This same Chinda? Rivers State is finished.” However, Olayinka maintained that VDM’s allegations were baseless and that his failure to retract reveals his lack of integrity.

In a significant political development, Kingsley Odionyemma has been chosen as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) flagbearer for the Ngor Okpala State Constituency in the upcoming 2027 Imo House of Assembly elections. The announcement came during a party event where Odionyemma formally accepted the nomination.

During his acceptance remarks, Odionyemma expressed deep gratitude to party leaders, local government and ward executives, as well as the general membership of the ADC for reposing their confidence in him. He acknowledged the collective effort that led to his emergence and pledged to work tirelessly to secure victory for the party in the February 2027 general elections.

The ADC candidate emphasized that success at the polls requires a united front. He called on all party members to rally together, stressing that individual effort alone would not be enough to win the election. Odionyemma outlined a vision centered on quality representation and leadership that prioritizes peace and development over partisan interests, money, or political alliances.

“We intend to demonstrate to the people of Ngor Okpala that our candidacy is not about party loyalty, power, financial influence, or alignment with certain leaders. Rather, it is about offering genuine representation and direction that will foster peace and progress in our constituency,” Odionyemma stated.

With the party primaries concluded, the ADC is now focusing on building momentum for the general election campaign, with Odionyemma leading the charge in Ngor Okpala.

Chisom Godswill Anyim, the APC candidate for Ivo State Constituency, has commended Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State for overseeing a credible and harmonious primary election within the party. Anyim, who is the son of former Senate President Pius Anyim, highlighted that the primaries were among the most peaceful and transparent electoral processes seen in the state recently.

Emerging as the consensus candidate for the 2027 Ebonyi State House of Assembly race, Anyim noted that the smooth conduct of the primaries underscored Governor Nwifuru’s dedication to internal democracy, party unity, and inclusive leadership. In his remarks after securing the ticket, he expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Nwifuru, party stakeholders, and the people of Ivo Local Government Area for their trust.

Anyim stated, “I sincerely thank President Tinubu for his purposeful leadership and steadfast commitment to strengthening democracy in Nigeria. I am also deeply grateful to Governor Nwifuru for ensuring a level playing field and peaceful primaries across Ebonyi State.” He described his emergence as a call to greater service, humility, and dedication to the welfare of Ivo Constituency residents.

The candidate praised party leaders, women, youths, and stakeholders in Ivo LGA for their support, unity, and maturity during the primary process. “I am thankful to the good people of Ivo Constituency for deeming me worthy to represent them. This mandate belongs to every youth, every woman, and every family that believes in a brighter future for our constituency,” he said.

Anyim pledged to run an issue-based campaign ahead of the 2027 general election, assuring constituents that his focus would be on people-oriented legislation and grassroots development if elected. His legislative priorities include youth empowerment, quality education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation. “I will go to the Ebonyi State House of Assembly to be the true voice of the people. I will sponsor bills and motions that positively impact our communities and bring development projects to every part of Ivo Constituency,” he vowed.

He also committed to maintaining close ties with constituents, stressing that responsive and accountable leadership is key to effective representation. “Leadership is about service, accessibility, and listening to the people’s needs. My office will always be open to the aspirations and concerns of our constituents,” he added. Anyim reaffirmed his support for Governor Nwifuru’s developmental initiatives in Ebonyi State while aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda at the national level.

The Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Chief Emmanuel Ajah, along with party faithful and stakeholders, expressed confidence in Anyim’s ability to deliver quality representation. They described him as energetic, visionary, and ready for the task, noting that his emergence boosts APC’s chances in the upcoming election.

The member representing Obingwa West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu, has emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for Abia South.

Announcing the results in Umuahia on Thursday, the Chairman of the 2026 Senatorial Primary Election Committee, who also handed the certificate of return to Erondu, revealed that the lawmaker secured 15,982 votes. His closest rival, Dr. Blessing Nwagba, garnered 4,556 votes, while Prince Paul Ikonne and Nyerere Anyim obtained 4,322 and 4,022 votes respectively.

In his acceptance speech, Erondu thanked party members across the constituency and promised to deliver exemplary representation in the National Assembly. He reaffirmed his dedication to continuing empowerment initiatives and providing superior legislative service in the Senate.

Speaking at his residence in Obingwa on Friday, Erondu expressed gratitude to his supporters and praised the Senatorial Primary Election Committee, led by Erasmus Cishak, for conducting a transparent and credible exercise. He commended the party leadership for ensuring a free and fair selection process.

“The committee did an excellent job in guaranteeing that the process was not only free and fair but also transparent, thanks to the use of option A4 for the primaries. I extend my appreciation to all members of the national and local organizing committees, as well as my opponents, who ensured a peaceful contest,” Erondu stated.

He added, “I am prepared to collaborate with all my opponents to provide quality representation to the people of Abia South Senatorial District and to secure victory for our party, the APC. In my view, there are no losers or winners in a contest among brothers. I look forward to visiting my gallant opponents soon.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), under the leadership of its factional National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe, has concluded the screening process for aspirants vying for various positions in the party’s upcoming primary elections nationwide.

According to the party, a total of 1,657 candidates were approved to contest in the primaries, while 212 were barred due to their inability to satisfy the necessary criteria.

The ADC emphasized that the screening was carried out with transparency and orderliness across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Screening committees were set up in every state, adhering to the party’s constitution and electoral rules.

Out of 1,869 aspirants who underwent the exercise, only those meeting the specified requirements were allowed to move forward, the party explained.

“Among the 980 aspirants screened for State House of Assembly seats, 155 were disqualified and deemed unfit to proceed to the primary election; for the House of Representatives, 50 aspirants failed the screening, and seven Senate aspirants were also unsuccessful,” the ADC stated.

The party cited reasons for disqualification such as discrepancies in birth dates and graduation years, absence of valid membership cards, and non-compliance with electoral guidelines.

A serious internal crisis has rocked the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue State after its primary election descended into chaos and bloodshed. The situation escalated rapidly, with protests and accusations of manipulation becoming widespread.

In Benue South, angry youths stormed the office of Samson Okwu, accusing him of colluding with Tiv political stakeholders to block the Idoma ethnic group from securing the party’s governorship ticket for the 2027 elections. The demonstrators, bearing placards and singing solidarity songs, warned against any attempt to sideline Idoma interests, asserting that Benue South deserves a fair shot at producing the ADC candidate.

Meanwhile, the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, has maintained a conspicuous silence amid the turmoil, further aggravating tensions and suspicions among ADC supporters in the state.

The crisis took a darker turn in Okpokwu Local Government Area, where the local ADC chairman was reportedly kidnapped by unidentified individuals. In response, heavily armed police officers stormed the party secretariat in Okpoga to restore order, as fear gripped both party members and residents.

Adding to the discord, Ejembi Adaje has demanded the outright cancellation of the party’s primary in Enone, citing widespread irregularities and alleging that the process did not reflect the will of genuine members.

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has declared that any presidential aspirant aiming for victory in Nigeria must secure substantial support from the northern region.

Dalung made this statement while overseeing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary elections in Nasarawa State. He emphasized that the political landscape has reverted to a regional alignment reminiscent of the First Republic.

“It is impossible to win a presidential election in Nigeria without the backing of the North. The North is predominantly ADC territory,” Dalung asserted.

He noted that the current political scenario mirrors the First Republic’s regional politics, where each geopolitical zone coalesces around distinct parties. According to Dalung, the Igbo have embraced APGA, the APC has been left to Bola Tinubu and his associates, and former President Goodluck Jonathan has moved the PDP to the South.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State has selected Alhaji Baba Malam Wali as its governorship candidate for the upcoming general election. This decision was reached following a direct primary election that saw him secure the highest number of votes among seven contenders.

Muttaka Rabe Darma, who chaired the electoral committee, disclosed the results. He pointed out that the election was fiercely contested by all seven aspirants: Baba Malam Wali, Hamidu Muhammad Alhaji, Dr. Abubakar Bukar Kagu, Bashir Shariff Machina, Engr. Yunusa Mustapha, Maaji Modu, and Inusa Mohammed.

According to Darma, Wali amassed a commanding 236,711 votes. In contrast, Hamidu Mohammed Alhaji received 1,722 votes; Dr. Abubakar Bukar Kagu garnered 9,748; and Bashir Shariff Machina secured 1,894. The remaining candidates trailed significantly: Engr. Yunusa Mustapha polled 1,178 votes, Maaji Modu obtained 1,371, and Inusa Mohammed got 1,148 votes.

In his declaration, Darma stated: ‘I am pleased to announce that Baba Malam Wali, having met the constitutional requirements and guidelines of the APC, and having secured the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner of the primary election. He is therefore returned as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for Yobe State.’

Upon receiving his certificate of return, Wali expressed gratitude to Governor Mai Mala Buni, Minister of Police Affairs Senator Ibrahim Geidam, the Yobe APC executive, and all party supporters for their trust. He urged unity, saying: ‘The primary contest is over. We must now unite and present a common front for the general election. Our goal is to ensure APC’s victory across all levels in Yobe State.’

Wali extended an olive branch to both those who stepped down and those who competed against him. He appealed: ‘Let us remain a cohesive family, working together for the party’s success in the 2027 elections. This will ensure peace, unity, and prosperity for our state, and continue good governance to improve the lives of our people.’

The ongoing controversy over the Blue Silks rank, introduced as an alternative to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title, has taken a significant turn. The Body of Senior Counsel of Nigeria (BOSCON) and the Nigerian Legal Society (NLS) have announced that they will now oversee the conferment of this distinction, stepping in after the original body, ALDRAP, was restrained by a court order.

This development follows a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, where Justice James Omotosho issued an order stopping ALDRAP and its Executive Director, Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, from awarding the Blue Silks rank. ALDRAP has appealed this decision, arguing that the judge lacked jurisdiction because he had already been confirmed for elevation to the Court of Appeal when he handled the case. Additionally, ALDRAP contends that the court should not have granted an injunction since no such request was formally made.

The new arrangement was confirmed in a statement by Amb. Dahiru Aliyu, SCN, President of BOSCON, who explained that the decision came after an emergency meeting on May 21, 2026. The statement notes that BOSCON, which received its official registration on December 30, 2025, will now be responsible for screening candidates and conferring the Blue Silks rank, specifically for non-litigation lawyers and deserving law graduates.

According to the statement, the Blue Silks rank comprises three categories: Senior Legislative Counsel of Nigeria (SELCON), Senior Legal Academic (SLA), and Senior Corporate Counsel (SCC). To qualify, candidates must have at least 35 verifiable non-litigation transactions or publications. BOSCON is a fully registered entity with certification from relevant federal government institutions.

The NLS, a parallel body to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has also been involved in this transition. Despite opposition from the NBA and the broader legal establishment, the emergence of BOSCON and NLS signals that non-litigation lawyers are determined to establish the Blue Silks as a recognized alternative to the SAN title, which has traditionally favored litigation practitioners.

While ALDRAP had previously vowed to continue conferring the rank in defiance of the court order, claiming the judgment is a nullity, the recent announcement indicates a strategic shift. The association has filed an appeal and a stay of execution, but the conferment activities will now be handled by BOSCON and NLS pending the outcome of the legal challenge.