Author: Gabby

Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party’s presidential standard-bearer, has asserted that Nigeria’s top political office is unsuitable for senior citizens. Speaking on Symfoni TV on Wednesday, he drew a parallel between the presidency and football, arguing that no octogenarian can perform effectively on the pitch.

“I am not being ageist, but the Nigerian presidency is no place for elderly individuals,” Adebayo stated. “No matter your passion for football, you cannot represent the Super Eagles at 80. The president requires stamina comparable to that of a coach or captain of the national team. Therefore, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar does not need the presidency to serve Nigeria; there are other avenues.”

He further referenced late President Muhammadu Buhari, who, after his 2015 election, remarked that he wished he had assumed office at a younger age. Adebayo emphasized that age should be a critical factor in selecting the nation’s leader.

The Action Peoples Party (APP) senatorial candidate for Imo West, Rufus Omeire, has urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to promptly suspend Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Omeire contends that the judge’s actions threaten judicial hierarchy, the rule of law, and democratic stability.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Omeire highlighted that during a period when Nigerians face severe insecurity and economic difficulties, judicial decisions that foster uncertainty and tension must not be allowed. He referenced the Court of Appeal’s consistent position that judges who disregard orders from higher courts are unfit for the bench.

“As our nation deals with escalating insecurity, economic hardship, and other critical issues, it is alarming that Justice Lifu appears intent on causing more confusion through conduct that undermines judicial order, which could result in chaos,” Omeire stated.

He emphasized that the NJC must act decisively to preserve the judiciary’s credibility. “The Court of Appeal has repeatedly held that any judge who violates a superior court’s directive is unsuitable to serve. Accordingly, the NJC should suspend Justice Lifu immediately and start appropriate disciplinary measures,” he added.

The APP chieftain stressed that the judiciary is the final hope for ordinary citizens and must be shielded from actions that diminish public trust. “If a Federal High Court judge cannot obey the rulings of higher courts, what moral right does he have to demand compliance with his own orders?” Omeire questioned.

He warned that inaction could encourage judicial misconduct. “A failure to respond firmly will send a damaging message and promote judicial recklessness. Suspending Justice Lifu will act as a warning to other judges who might consider flouting established legal procedures and the authority of appellate courts,” he said.

Omeire also cautioned that Nigeria’s democracy should not be jeopardized by any individual’s actions. “Our democratic system has been achieved through many years of struggle and must not be threatened by the behavior of any selfish person, regardless of their position,” he noted.

Reaffirming his party’s dedication, Omeire stated, “The APP, the fastest-growing and most popular party in Imo State, remains focused on constructive engagement and meaningful dialogue to address insecurity, economic challenges, and development issues in our region. We will continue to advocate for policies that enhance safety, peace, unity, and prosperity in Orlu Senatorial Zone, Imo State, and Nigeria.”

Recall that Justice Lifu issued a judgment ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister several political parties, including the ADC, APP, AA, Accord Party, and ZLP. This decision sparked widespread criticism from opposition groups and the public. Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal has since suspended the enforcement of that judgment.

Supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Anka and Talata Mafara councils of Zamfara State have raised concerns about what they describe as a deliberate attempt to tamper with the party’s membership database and card allocations as internal political activities draw closer.

These allegations were made public in a statement issued on Wednesday in Gusau by Nura Rabiu Cibiki, who serves as Director of Media and Strategy for the Campaign and Mobilisation Committee backing Abdulrahaman Yahaya, a contender for the House of Representatives seat representing the Anka/Talata Mafara Federal Constituency.

The committee issued a strong warning against any efforts to modify or replicate legitimate membership figures, cautioning that such actions would likely exacerbate existing frictions within the party in the constituency. The statement emphasized that ADC members across both local government areas are fully aware of the true membership numbers and are determined to defend the accuracy of the party’s records.

Adding a note of resolve, the statement asserted that while justice might not be immediate, the truth will ultimately prevail. Meanwhile, Yahaya has initiated legal proceedings at the Federal High Court in Gusau, questioning the legitimacy of the party’s primary election process in the constituency. The court has scheduled the case for mention on June 23, 2026.

In a significant political shift, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State officially welcomed former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo into its fold during a well-attended event at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta on Wednesday. This move comes shortly after her departure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Iyabo Obasanjo, who is the daughter of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, previously represented Ogun Central in the Senate from 2007 to 2011. Following her unsuccessful re-election bid in 2011, she relocated to the United States to focus on an academic career.

After a 15-year hiatus from active politics, she returned in January 2026 by joining the APC and expressed her intention to run for the governorship position. However, on May 31, she resigned from the APC, citing what she described as a lack of respect, betrayal, and unjust treatment by the party’s leadership after losing the governorship primary.

At the reception rally, Dr. Abayomi Tella, the Ogun State PDP Chairman, formally presented the party flag to Obasanjo, signifying her official candidacy for the Ogun Central senatorial district. Tella stated, “On behalf of our National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, the National Working Committee, and the PDP Ogun Central, I present this flag to our esteemed sister, Professor Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, as the party’s authority for her senatorial candidacy.”

While taking the party’s oath, Obasanjo pledged unwavering loyalty to the PDP’s constitution, manifesto, and code of conduct. She declared, “I commit to the PDP’s ideals. I will serve the people of Ogun State and Nigeria with integrity, humility, and dedication, prioritizing their welfare above personal or sectional interests.” She further asserted that she remains the strongest contender for the Ogun Central seat, confident in her track record as a former senator.

During the event, Adebutu, another PDP stalwart, promised that if elected governor, his administration would ensure local government autonomy and maintain transparency in managing public funds. He assured, “I, Oladipupo Adebutu, will not steal your money. Local governments will receive their funds promptly, and all our dealings will be transparent.”

The internal crisis within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has deepened as a senatorial hopeful, Isaac Nwachukwu, has initiated legal proceedings against the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State. The lawsuit stems from allegations of unfair treatment during the party’s primary elections for the National Assembly. Through his legal representative, Cajethan Oguzie, Nwachukwu claims the party wrongfully denied him the Imo North senatorial ticket, despite him being selected as a consensus candidate and paying the required N5 million nomination fee.

Further complicating matters, Nwachukwu asserts that he made a substantial N20 million contribution to support the party’s growth, which he paid into an NDC FCMB account. However, he alleges that his contribution was mysteriously reduced to N10 million on the official list of supporters. He also contends that the N20 million he paid was incorrectly assigned to another aspirant, Matthew Omegara, while Omegara’s N10 million was credited to him by the party’s screening committee, which included Sam Egwu and Buba Galadimma.

Despite these irregularities, Nwachukwu participated in and passed the NDC screening exercise, allowing him to proceed to the primary election. He claims his consensus candidacy was ratified, and his name was initially included on the list of candidates for the Imo North Senatorial District. However, he alleges that his name was later replaced with Omegara’s after he had already won the primary. This instance of perceived injustice has prompted legal action.

The court filing outlines specific requests, including a declaration that Nwachukwu is the legitimate consensus candidate for the Imo North Senatorial Zone for the 2027 general election. He is also seeking an order to restrain the NDC from fielding any other candidate in that district. Additionally, he wants INEC to be permanently barred from recognizing or accepting any candidate other than himself for the Imo North senatorial election. Another key demand is for the court to compel the NDC to issue him a certificate of return as its official candidate.

In a supporting affidavit, Nwachukwu details how he purchased the expression of interest form and made the N20 million party support payment. He further claims that the NDC’s national leader, Seriake Dickson, summoned him to a meeting where he was told that his candidacy was jeopardized because a party chieftain from his state claimed not to know him. This chaotic turn of events underscores the internal party struggles leading up to the 2027 elections.

The Open Government Partnership in Jigawa State has called on the state government to urgently distribute agricultural machinery and extension motorcycles to farmers and field workers, warning that further delay undermines the impact of these investments. In a statement released by co-chair Isah Mustapha, the group acknowledged the government’s increased budget allocation for agriculture—rising from under five percent to between ten and twelve percent—and the creation of new ministries and agencies to enhance farming and livestock activities.

The OGP praised the procurement of large-scale farming equipment and the establishment of mechanization centers across all thirty constituencies, calling it a major step toward modernizing agriculture. However, it expressed alarm that the equipment remains undistributed, leaving assets vulnerable to weather while farmers face high production costs and limited access to mechanized services. With over ninety percent of Jigawa’s population depending on agriculture, timely deployment could improve productivity, cut costs, and strengthen food security, the group argued.

The statement also highlighted the recruitment of more than nine hundred agricultural extension workers under the J-AGROG initiative, but noted that motorcycles meant for their field operations have reportedly been stored for nearly a year. The OGP warned that continued delays could diminish extension services’ effectiveness and lead to higher maintenance expenses if the motorcycles deteriorate before use. It therefore urged immediate distribution to ensure public funds translate into real benefits for farming communities and support the state’s goals of economic growth and sustainable agriculture.

Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, has spoken out for the first time since a London court cleared her of all bribery charges. The Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday acquitted the ex-minister on five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, bringing a close to a legal battle that has stretched over a decade.

In an emotional interview with News Central, Alison-Madueke described the past 11 years as a period of intense personal suffering. “I’m just thankful to God. It’s been arduous, almost 11 years. It’s been traumatic not just for me but for my family, friends, my 93-year-old mother in Port Harcourt, and my son,” she stated. She emphasized that the ordeal tested her faith and resilience, but she never lost hope. “God will always do as he will. God is not a man that he should lie; when he promises you something, he will see it through.”

Alison-Madueke, who served as Petroleum Minister under President Goodluck Jonathan, noted that she has remained in the United Kingdom throughout the legal proceedings. Reflecting on her tenure, she said, “I did my job to the best of my ability.” The acquittal marks a significant turnaround for the former minister, who had faced allegations of steering oil contracts to companies in exchange for cash bribes. British prosecutors brought the case in connection with contracts worth millions of dollars awarded to several firms.

The court’s decision has drawn mixed reactions, but Alison-Madueke’s supporters have welcomed it as a vindication. Her statement, filled with gratitude and relief, underscores the toll the case took on her personal life. “It has been a hard journey,” she added, “but I tell you this, God will always do as he will.”

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Kale Kawu, has voiced deep concern over the escalating security crisis affecting various parts of the state. His remarks came following the tragic death of Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, a monarch from the Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, who was killed while in the custody of bandits.

Speaking from Ilorin on Wednesday, Kawu described the repeated attacks on traditional rulers, community leaders, and ordinary citizens as deeply troubling. He stressed that these incidents have left many residents in a state of constant fear.

The PDP flagbearer for the 2027 elections called on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government to take more decisive action to protect the people. He emphasized that the current level of insecurity is unacceptable and demands urgent attention.

Kawu expressed profound sorrow over the monarch’s death, noting that reports indicate the community had raised approximately N21 million in ransom, along with other items demanded by the kidnappers, yet the traditional leader was not released alive. He described the circumstances as heartbreaking and deeply disturbing.

Highlighting the broader implications, Kawu noted that the loss of the traditional ruler is not just a personal tragedy for his family and community but also a significant blow to the traditional institution and the entire state. He urged the state government and security agencies to take immediate and robust measures to safeguard lives and property.

“It is alarming that our communities continue to live in fear due to persistent security failures. The primary duty of any government is to protect its citizens, and far more must be done to rid our towns and villages of criminal elements,” Kawu stated.

He further called for enhanced intelligence gathering, improved collaboration among security bodies, and the provision of adequate resources to combat crime effectively. Additionally, he appealed to residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by sharing information that could prevent future attacks.

The Niger State Police Command has launched an immediate enforcement operation targeting vehicles with obscured, tampered, or missing registration plates. This initiative, announced by Police Public Relations Officer SP Wasiu Abiodun, aims to curb the rising practice where motorists intentionally hide or alter their number plates.

The crackdown is based on Section 10(3) of the Road Traffic Act 2004 and Regulation 38 of the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012, which mandate that all vehicles on public roads must visibly display valid registration plates at all times. Commissioner of Police CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman has directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to begin enforcement across the state.

Vehicle owners are urged to ensure their vehicles are properly registered, with number plates displayed both front and rear, and to remove any covers or obstructions that prevent clear identification. The command also calls on motorists, transport unions, and the public to support the police during this exercise, emphasizing that the measure is essential for public safety and national security.

In a decisive move to safeguard public health, the Niger State Government has rolled out enhanced screening protocols for pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia, aiming to intercept any potential cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) before they can spread within the state.

Health teams stationed at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna are conducting rigorous temperature checks and medical evaluations on all incoming pilgrims. This action comes amid elevated fears following recent Ebola outbreaks in several African nations, including Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Dr. Ibrahim Idris, the Director of Public Health, who oversaw the operation, confirmed that no returnee has exhibited signs of Ebola or any febrile illness thus far. He emphasized that the screenings are a proactive strategy to detect and contain infectious diseases early.

Representing the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana, Dr. Idris revealed that the state is gearing up to reactivate its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) as part of a broader preparedness plan against Ebola and other infectious threats. He stated that the Ministry of Health is collaborating closely with key stakeholders to prevent diseases of public health importance from entering the state through international travel corridors.

The Acting Airport Manager and Head of Security, Nafiu H. Na’Abba, confirmed that airport authorities have received explicit instructions to ensure stringent checks on all passengers arriving from Saudi Arabia. He added that airport staff have been fully mobilized to support health officials in screening, temperature monitoring, crowd control, and enforcement of public health guidelines.

Nigeria has directed states with international airports and border crossings to step up passenger screening and disease surveillance nationwide. This heightened vigilance reflects the growing concern over Ebola outbreaks elsewhere in Africa, prompting authorities to bolster their response mechanisms and protect the population from a potential importation of the virus.