Author: Gabby

In a significant political development, Shehu Umar, a prominent aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial ticket in Bauchi State, has announced his withdrawal from the contest. Umar made his decision public through a personally signed statement released on Wednesday.

The move comes after a coalition of support groups that had been backing his campaign urged him to step down and avoid participating in the party’s primaries. These groups alleged that the current political climate is not favorable for his continued participation.

According to the coalition, the primary election process is riddled with irregularities, lacks clarity, and is highly ambiguous. They argued that what is unfolding is not a democratic election but rather a process of imposition and selection.

With Umar’s exit, the race for the APC governorship nomination in Bauchi has narrowed to two main contenders: former Governor Mohammed Abubakar and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar. Both are now seen as the leading candidates vying for the party’s ticket ahead of the general election.

Desmond Elliot, the representative for Surulere I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has made a significant decision to withdraw his candidacy from the upcoming primaries. The announcement was shared through a video that circulated on social media channels on Wednesday.

In the video, Elliot expressed his concerns, stating, “My name is Desmond Elliot. Across all zones, there has been intimidation and obstacles preventing us from proceeding. I am hereby officially withdrawing from this race. This is my ward; outside, you can see my people, and they have not been allowed to participate. So, I am officially stepping down. Good luck, and thank you.”

Elliot, who currently serves the Surulere I constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), was seeking re-election. His withdrawal marks a notable development in the party’s internal selection process.

In a decisive victory, Ayodeji Sunday Adarabierin has emerged as the winner of the House of Assembly election for Ado Ekiti Constituency 1. The official results, compiled from all seven wards in the constituency, were announced by electoral officials on Wednesday.

Adarabierin secured a total of 4,577 votes, far outpacing his main opponent, Adegbite Ayo, who garnered only 676 votes. This commanding lead of 3,901 votes underscores Adarabierin’s strong appeal among voters in the region.

A breakdown of the ward-by-ward results reveals Adarabierin’s dominance across most areas. In Ward 1, he achieved 934 votes against Adegbite’s zero. Ward 2 saw him collect 580 votes while Adegbite managed just 7. However, Ward 3 proved to be an exception, where Adarabierin received no votes and Adegbite took 557. Ward 4 was Adarabierin’s strongest, with 1,766 votes compared to Adegbite’s 47. In Ward 5, Adarabierin polled 481 votes versus Adegbite’s 20. Ward 6 added 364 votes for Adarabierin and only 4 for Adegbite, while Ward 7 contributed 452 votes to Adarabierin’s tally against 41 for Adegbite.

The total number of valid votes cast across the constituency was 5,253. Adarabierin’s victory margin of 3,901 votes highlights a clear mandate from the electorate.

The Obidient Movement has thrown its weight behind a potential Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso presidency, asserting that the duo possesses the expertise needed to tackle Nigeria’s education crisis. National Coordinator Yunusa Tanko underscored that leadership with integrity and a proven track record in education can turn the tide for the nation.

Tanko argued that no country can thrive when millions of its youth are denied learning opportunities. He stressed that mere budget allocations are insufficient; what matters is the effective deployment of resources to ensure every child receives quality instruction, teachers are empowered, and funds reach actual classrooms.

Drawing from Obi’s tenure in Anambra and Kwankwaso’s achievements in Kano, Tanko highlighted how their focus on human capital development, school infrastructure, and youth empowerment transformed lives. He concluded that Nigeria needs leaders who prioritize education as the bedrock of future prosperity, and that an Obi-Kwankwaso administration represents the best hope for change.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has issued a strong warning to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to refrain from acting as arbiters in matters between him and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

In a video address, the former Abia State governor stressed that only he and Benjamin Kalu truly understand the origins and future of their relationship. He asserted that no third party should intervene or pass judgment on their affairs.

Kalu also emphasized the need for unity within the party, calling for a collective effort to strengthen cohesion. He stated, “Let today be a turning point for all of us; unity must prevail in the party. I do not want anyone to act as a judge between the Deputy Speaker and myself. We alone know how we started, and only the two of us know how we will end.”

Referencing a conversation with the president, Kalu revealed that he had spoken favorably about Benjamin Kalu when asked. He added that if Benjamin Kalu decides to run for governor, he will do so under his own name as a brother. “Let there be a transparent election; whoever wins, we will support. If you do not want our support, we will go to our houses and sit down,” he said.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a strong advisory to drivers, urging them to steer clear of speeding, overloading, and other hazardous driving behaviors as the Muslim community gears up for the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

This caution came from Shoba B. Akande, the Zonal Commanding Officer of FRSC Zone RS10 in Sokoto, during a gathering with journalists from the Correspondents’ Chapel in the city. Akande highlighted that the Corps has already rolled out strategies to promote safer travel throughout the holiday period.

He emphasized that road users must also fulfill their responsibility by adhering to traffic regulations. “We appeal to motorists to refrain from excessive speed, risky overtaking, vehicle overloading, route infractions, and driving while fatigued,” he stated.

He further noted that passengers have a crucial part to play by voicing concerns when drivers engage in unsafe actions that could endanger lives. To bolster the operation, Akande revealed that over 1,500 staff, comprising officers and marshals, have been stationed along key highways and accident-prone areas within the Sokoto zone.

He explained that these personnel will be equipped with patrol cars, ambulances, and other resources to facilitate swift emergency responses and maintain smooth traffic flow. The FRSC also announced intensified enforcement targeting major causes of road accidents, such as reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Akande reaffirmed the Corps’ dedication to safeguarding lives through rigorous enforcement and public education, particularly during busy travel periods like Eid. He assured that emergency hotlines 122 and 113 remain operational around the clock for motorists requiring help.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has reported that it now handles more than 450 domestic violence cases per month through its various reporting mechanisms. The revelation came from Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary of the agency, during a stakeholder engagement and technical training event on the Lagos Emergency Responder Management System, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ikeja.

Organized by the Lagos State Command and Control Centre, the session aimed to improve emergency response coordination and minimize delays among relevant bodies. Vivour-Adeniyi noted that the agency receives between 400 and 450 fresh domestic violence reports monthly via its toll-free hotline, social media platforms, and other digital channels.

She stressed that these numbers likely represent only a fraction of the actual cases, as domestic and sexual violence remains one of the most under-reported crimes both locally and globally. “We recognize that we haven’t yet uncovered the full extent, because these offenses are consistently under-reported worldwide,” she stated. “Still, we are encouraged that more individuals are trusting the system and reaching out for help.”

According to her, growing public awareness has prompted more victims to come forward through emergency lines, agency offices, and online reporting tools. The DSVA operates a round-the-clock virtual referral and response network for gender-based violence cases, collaborating with emergency responders and the state’s Command and Control Centre. “The goal is to guarantee that anyone calling the 203 line can get critical services like emergency aid and psychosocial support at any hour,” she explained.

Vivour-Adeniyi highlighted that the agency was set up to coordinate responses to domestic and sexual violence throughout Lagos State, emphasizing that such violence encompasses more than physical harm. She pointed out that the state’s Protection Against Domestic Violence Law also covers emotional and verbal abuse as forms of domestic violence. “We keep spreading awareness and urging people not to suffer in silence,” she said. “Just because the abuse isn’t physical doesn’t mean it’s less damaging.”

The agency head also warned parents against hiding cases of child sexual abuse, noting that such concealment obstructs justice and is punishable by up to three years in prison under existing laws. She encouraged parents and guardians to utilize available support systems to ensure victims receive protection, care, and access to justice.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has intervened to prevent the destruction of approximately 200 residences located at Isokan estate extension, Alao Akala, Elebu. This decision came after a series of discussions with the affected homeowners.

Oba Ladoja, who previously served as Oyo State governor, issued the directive on Tuesday following consultations. His media aide, Adeola Oloko, communicated the monarch’s stance in a statement released to the press on Wednesday morning.

The traditional ruler revealed that a person named Mogaji Olopade Taofeek Abiola, also known as Mogaji Oloyin, claims to have obtained a court ruling from the Ibadan High Court granting him the rights to reclaim the land. This prompted the worried property owners to seek the Olubadan’s protection.

After the meetings, the monarch ordered a halt to any demolition activities in the area. He also instructed landlords whose rooftops had been removed to restore them immediately.

Furthermore, Oba Ladoja issued a warning to land grabbers, urging them to stay away from the vicinity. In his statement, he emphasized the need to identify any trespassers, saying, “This will help us determine who is encroaching on whose property and decide the next steps.”

Human rights activist and former presidential contender Omoyele Sowore has once again criticized President Bola Tinubu for the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, particularly after the tragic incident in Oyo State where a teacher was beheaded following a school attack.

In a statement shared on his social media page, Sowore recalled his warnings during the 2023 election campaign. He revealed that he had appeared on Agidigbo FM 88.7 to caution Nigerians—especially the Yoruba community—about the potential catastrophe Tinubu’s leadership could bring. Despite his efforts, many dismissed his concerns.

Sowore also mentioned his appearance on Miliki 101.3FM in Lagos, where he repeated his warnings. However, callers frequently interrupted him, telling him to be quiet. Now, he claims his predictions have come true. He referred to Tinubu’s infamous ‘Emilokan’ remark and labeled the president a disaster for the nation.

The activist shared a photo allegedly showing the mathematics teacher begging for his life after bandits invaded a secondary school in Oyo, abducting several staff and students before killing him. Sowore emphasized that this incident is a direct result of Tinubu’s failure to address insecurity, a problem he warned about repeatedly.

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has refuted claims that terrorist groups have set up a permanent operational base in the South-West region, following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State. In a statement on Tuesday, Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, clarified that the attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area was an isolated criminal act, not evidence of a sustained terrorist presence.

The affected institutions include Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School. General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff, condemned the incident as “callous and reprehensible” and expressed sympathy to the victims’ families, the Oyo State Government, and all Nigerians.

He assured that the Armed Forces are deploying every available resource to secure the safe and unconditional release of those abducted. The DHQ noted that previous clearance operations in the Old Oyo National Park had significantly weakened criminal elements in the area, adding that current intelligence does not support the existence of any structured or permanent terrorist base in the forests or hinterlands of the South-West.

Troops are actively pursuing the perpetrators in forest areas, collaborating with other security agencies, local vigilantes, and community members providing human intelligence. The Defence Headquarters urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security forces, vowing to continue operations until all victims are rescued and criminal networks are dismantled.