Author: Gabby

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is actively seeking the backing of African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders and members as he prepares for a potential 2027 presidential bid, according to his media aide, Paul Ibeh. In a social media exchange, Ibeh responded to a query from human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong regarding Atiku’s seriousness about another presidential contest.

Ibeh confirmed on X that Atiku is indeed committed to running and is currently consulting with ADC stakeholders to gauge support for his candidacy. He noted that once Atiku secures the ADC presidential ticket, he would need broad support from Nigerians to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his post, Ibeh emphasized that Atiku’s engagement with ADC leaders is part of a strategic effort to build a strong coalition. He drew an analogy, stating that even the mighty iroko tree cannot stand alone and requires other trees and shrubs to form a forest. He called on Nigerians to unite to end what he described as Tinubu’s administration of suffering and slavery.

The aide’s remarks came after Effiong publicly questioned whether Atiku was genuinely preparing for the 2027 election. Ibeh’s response underscores the former VP’s determination to present himself as a credible alternative to the current government.

The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has firmly dismissed allegations that he forced certain individuals on the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the party’s senatorial primary elections. His Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, labeled the accusations as false and inflammatory, characterizing them as fabrications from malicious sources.

Bere emphasized that Mutfwang has never engaged in the practice of imposing aspirants or candidates, a stance he maintained even during his tenure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The governor’s commitment to democratic principles and fair play remains unchanged, and he continues to advocate for transparent and credible electoral processes.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the governor’s office urged the public and party members to ignore the unfounded rumors. According to Bere, Mutfwang has consistently called for peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process, prioritizing the peace, unity, and stability of Plateau State.

Bere further noted that the governor described the reports as baseless and misleading, reiterating his long-standing commitment to free and fair elections. The statement concluded by urging all stakeholders to disregard the claims completely, as they do not align with Mutfwang’s record of promoting democratic values and ensuring a level playing field for all candidates.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially announced Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan as its consensus candidate for the Yobe North Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections. The decision was reached during a gathering in Gashu’a, the administrative center of Bade Local Government Area in Yobe State.

Following his confirmation, Lawan took to his verified Facebook page to celebrate what he termed a triumph for democratic values, unity, and a shared dedication to advancing Yobe North. He expressed profound gratitude to Allah and thanked party leaders at all levels, including the national and state APC hierarchy, Governor Mai Mala Buni, and the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, for their roles in the consultative process that led to his nomination after a successful screening.

Lawan urged stakeholders to embrace a peaceful, issue-oriented political season and assured constituents that the APC would continue delivering developmental benefits under his representation.

In a parallel development, APC stakeholders in Yobe South have similarly affirmed Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai as the party’s consensus candidate for the senatorial seat in the upcoming election. This endorsement followed extensive consultations among party leaders, elders, and political figures aimed at fostering unity within the party.

The affirmation event took place at the Federal College of Education Multipurpose Hall in Potiskum Local Government Area on Monday. It was presided over by the Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Hon. Buba Mashio, and attended by APC chieftains, youth groups, and supporters from across the district.

Bomai expressed his heartfelt thanks to party leaders and supporters for their trust and pledged unwavering commitment to serving the people of Yobe South. He emphasized his dedication to ensuring that the district’s interests continue to receive appropriate attention.

This development completes the lineup of APC senatorial candidates for Yobe State, which also includes Governor Mai Mala Buni as the candidate for Yobe East. The senatorial primaries, conducted on Monday, resulted in the following slate: Governor Mai Mala Buni for Yobe East, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan for Yobe North, and Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai for Yobe South.

The Iranian military has delivered a strong message to the United States, cautioning against any future aggressive actions. Brigadier General Ebrahim Zolfaghari, the military spokesman, declared on Tuesday that if America strikes again, Iran will retaliate with unprecedented methods and weaponry. According to Fars news agency, the general emphasized that the nation remains resilient and cannot be overwhelmed or besieged.

In a statement, the armed forces asserted that due to their firm control over the Strait of Hormuz and the impossibility of reversing the situation there, Washington has no alternative but to recognize Iran’s authority and rights. This follows remarks by Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, who insisted that the Strait of Hormuz will always be under Tehran’s authority and control.

This development comes after former US President Donald Trump revealed that he postponed planned attacks on Iran at the urging of Gulf states, while negotiations were ongoing. However, Trump cautioned that a full-scale offensive could be launched if no agreement is reached.

The campaign team of Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani has officially disavowed the results announced for the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary in Kaduna Central, claiming the process was flawed and did not reflect the true choice of party members in the zone.

Addressing reporters in Kaduna on Tuesday, Cafra Caino, the Deputy Director General of the Zailani campaign, urged the APC National Working Committee, the party’s electoral committee for Kaduna State, and other relevant bodies to swiftly investigate the irregularities and rectify the compromised exercise.

“We are calling for a review of the primary election outcome in accordance with party guidelines and democratic values,” Caino stated.

He appealed to supporters of Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani and APC members across Kaduna Central to remain peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them that the campaign would pursue redress through constitutional and internal party channels.

Caino emphasized that the campaign remains dedicated to internal democracy and will not accept any subversion of the people’s will. He expressed confidence that the party leadership would act quickly to uphold the APC’s integrity and deliver justice.

According to Caino, the primary election failed to meet the standards set by the APC National Working Committee. He described the process as lacking transparency, which cast doubt on the credibility of the entire exercise.

He added that the primary, which was supposed to be an internal affair aimed at strengthening party cohesion and democratic practice, fell well short of all required norms and procedures.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has concluded its House of Representatives primaries, with former entertainer and ex-lawmaker Uche Ogbuagu emerging as one of the winners. The exercise, held on May 17 across all 27 local government areas, produced candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Three women secured the party’s tickets, reflecting the PDP’s adherence to its constitutional 35% affirmative action policy for women in elective and appointive positions. Party spokesperson Lancelot Obiaku highlighted this commitment during a press briefing, crediting party chairman Austin Nwachukwu for the inclusive process.

The successful female candidates include Peace Adanna Nwadike for Nkwere/Nwangele/Njaba/Isu Federal Constituency, Olachi Ndidi Iheme for Owerri Federal Constituency, and Oleka Chinedu for Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency. Other flag bearers are Chief Samuel Christian Onye for Okigwe/Onuimo/Isiala Mbano Federal Constituency, Ikenna Emeruem for Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency, and Joseph Chukwuma Ikunna for Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency.

The party expressed confidence in the candidates’ ability to win, citing their strong character, experience, and competence. The Imo PDP has called on all members and leaders to rally behind the nominees as they intensify mobilization efforts ahead of the 2027 polls.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s approach to Nigeria’s security crisis, accusing the administration of offering repetitive statements rather than decisive action. In a strongly worded reaction to recent deadly attacks in Oyo and Katsina states, Atiku argued that the government’s response has become a predictable cycle of empty rhetoric.

Through his spokesperson Phrank Shaibu, Atiku highlighted that the escalating violence—including kidnappings of schoolchildren and teachers—reflects a systemic failure at the highest level of leadership. He noted that after each tragedy, the president issues the same tired condemnations and vague threats of justice, but no tangible change occurs.

“The script never changes: condemn, threaten, wait for the next attack,” Atiku said. He emphasized that Nigerians have grown weary of this pattern, which he described as “recycled outrage” that has lost all meaning.

The former VP warned that criminal elements now operate with impunity, as the state’s authority has eroded. “When abductions and massacres happen without consequences, it signals a collapsed security apparatus,” he stated. He also criticized what he called attempts to suppress information about violent incidents, calling it a dangerous move for democracy.

Atiku called for an immediate overhaul of the security system, urging the government to prioritize rescuing hostages and implementing effective measures to prevent further bloodshed. He concluded that a leader who only speaks after lives are lost is not leading but presiding over failure.

A wave of terror swept through Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last Friday as suspected terrorists launched coordinated attacks on several communities, abducting 46 individuals. Among the kidnapped is a two-year-old pupil, Christianah Akanbi, from Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School. Community leaders have confirmed that seven teachers and 39 pupils and students from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School were taken. The attackers also seized four motorcycles belonging to residents—three from Yawota and one from the secondary school area.

The names of the abducted school officials have been released: Mrs. Alamu Folawe, Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele; Vice Principal Mr. Ojo Jonathan; and teachers Mr. Olatunde Zacchaeus, Mr. John Olaleye, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, and Mrs. Oladeji. A teacher from Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Mary Akanbi, was also reported missing.

From Ahoro-Esinele community, the victims include Rashida Tajudeen (11), Ahmed Ramoni (8), Abdulsalam Toyib (4), Baraka Abioye (16), Fatimo Jimoh (15), Hassan Azeez (14), and Joshua Adeleke (13). In Yawota community, those abducted are Samuel Oyedele (7), Emmanuel Oyedele (4), Idowu Taiwo (4), Christianah Akanbi (2), Juwon Sunday (7), Sikiru Salami (3), Soliu Salami (4), Ojo Joseph (8), Lydia Adewole (8), Testimony Jacob (5), Kehinde Kaosara (7), Sewa Seyi (7), Waliya Bello (4), Lydia Olohunloluwa (7), Damilare Oderinde (8), Deborah Adebowale (5), Aisha Oguntowo (10), Lege Taiwo (12), Balkis Ayanwale (8), and Asa David (10).

Oniya community residents abducted are Shuaibu Aliyu (10), Ahmed Aliyu (7), Muiz Aliyu (5), and Jomiloju Ogunlola (6). From Alawusa community, the victims are Agune Noah (8), Elizabeth Abadi (5), Tosin Abadi (9), Pius Stephen (5), Hannah Ojo (14), Habidat Ayanwale (7), Mary Gabriel (6), and Jacob Gabriel (age unknown).

The attacks have plunged the area into fear and uncertainty, with residents urging security forces and the government to act swiftly to rescue the victims and restore peace.

The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), Samaila Ibrahim Kaigam, has attributed the abduction of over 50 students from Mussa Askira School in Uba Local Government Area, Borno State, to a revenge attack by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). According to Kaigam, the kidnapping was a direct response to a previous assault by a rival Boko Haram faction, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS).

Kaigam revealed that a fierce clash had occurred between JAS and ISWAP fighters, during which JAS militants overran several ISWAP camps in southern Borno. After JAS withdrew from the area, ISWAP members launched a retaliatory operation but, failing to locate their adversaries, instead targeted the school and took children hostage. The BOSYA leader stated that discussions with JAS leaders confirmed they were not involved in the abduction, pointing fingers at ISWAP.

The abduction, he emphasized, was not premeditated but occurred when ISWAP fighters, unable to engage their rivals, turned to the community. Negotiations are underway for the release of some captives, including women and children, with the insurgents requesting a list of potential releases. Efforts are also being made to contact ISWAP-linked individuals to verify the condition of the abducted pupils. Kaigam expressed concerns that ISWAP may not publicly acknowledge the act or seek ransom, highlighting the unpredictability of the group.

In a dramatic twist in the wiretapping trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, the prosecution has leveled serious allegations against his family, accusing them of orchestrating a media campaign to undermine the judiciary. During Tuesday’s session at the Federal High Court in Abuja, lead prosecutor Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, asserted that relatives of the defendant have been leveraging social media and press appearances to portray the legal proceedings as a form of persecution.

Aladedoye detailed a specific incident on May 15, where one of El-Rufai’s wives reportedly arrived at the ICPC facility accompanied by cameramen and livestreamed claims that her husband was being denied food and family visits. He further alleged that politician Timi Frank publicly insinuated that the former governor might be harmed while in custody, prompting security agencies to transfer him to DSS custody to prevent further controversy.

The prosecution argued that the family’s actions escalated when two wives and a son visited DSS headquarters with journalists, openly criticizing the court’s bail conditions. Instead of pursuing legal remedies, Aladedoye contended, the family resorted to media campaigns that could erode public trust in the judicial system. He urged the court to admonish the defendant and his relatives to desist from further public attacks, emphasizing that the case is a criminal prosecution, not political persecution.

In response, the defense counsel claimed ignorance of the alleged incidents and maintained that El-Rufai should not be held accountable for statements made outside the courtroom. However, he assured the court that the defense would advise family members and supporters to exercise caution.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik dismissed the relevance of social media narratives, stating she pays no attention to online discussions and instructing that such matters remain outside courtroom proceedings. She directed the trial to continue. Subsequently, the prosecution submitted a silver flash drive and a certificate of compliance, which were admitted as Exhibits B and B1. The court then reviewed the drive’s contents, which included an interview El-Rufai granted to Arise News Television.