Category: News

Violence erupted at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja on Monday as unidentified assailants attacked a group of Ugbarajo Itsekiri youths who were demonstrating against what they perceive as unfair constituency boundary adjustments.

Around 200 young members of the Itsekiri community gathered at the INEC premises to demand equity in the delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency in Delta State. They carried placards bearing messages such as ‘INEC must protect indigenous communities,’ ‘Warri Federal Constituency is not for sale,’ ‘Justice for Itsekiri Communities Now,’ and ‘Dollars Cannot Buy Our Land.’

The protesters allege that the ongoing constituency review process has marginalized their communities. Their peaceful assembly was disrupted when hired thugs reportedly set upon them, causing significant tension and fear among the demonstrators.

This incident highlights the deep-seated grievances surrounding political representation and the allocation of electoral districts in the Niger Delta region. The Itsekiri youths insist that their ancestral lands and political rights are being compromised by the current delineation proposals.

INEC has not yet issued an official statement regarding the attack or the underlying demands of the protesters. However, the commission is under pressure to ensure that the constituency review process is transparent and inclusive, especially in areas with complex ethnic and historical dynamics.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Jigawa State has rolled out a comprehensive public education initiative aimed at enhancing community readiness for potential flooding during the 2026 rainy season. State Director Ahmad Tijjani Ibrahim made this known during a press conference held at the agency’s headquarters in Dutse.

Ibrahim explained that the campaign was prompted by forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which warned that severe flooding could impact numerous states and thousands of communities, including areas within Jigawa. He pointed out that recurrent flood incidents stem from both climate change and human actions such as improper waste disposal in drainage channels, inadequate stormwater systems, construction on floodplains, and deforestation.

As part of the initiative, the NOA will deploy Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers to all 27 local government areas to instruct residents, particularly those residing in vulnerable zones, on precautionary steps and emergency response protocols. Ibrahim urged the public to stay vigilant by monitoring weather bulletins issued by NiMet and to engage in proper environmental upkeep, including clearing clogged drains and planting trees to minimize flood hazards.

The director also called on the media to amplify the campaign through continuous public enlightenment efforts. In addition, he encouraged eligible citizens to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) drive conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which began on May 11 and will conclude on July 10, 2026. This exercise aims to enroll newly turned 18-year-olds and those who missed earlier registration windows, while also allowing existing voters to transfer their registration, replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and correct biodata inaccuracies.

Ibrahim emphasized that voter registration is a fundamental civic duty and urged all eligible individuals to obtain their PVCs to fully engage in the democratic process.

The Peoples Democratic Party in Nasarawa State has formally chosen Dr David Emmanuel Ombugadu as its consensus governorship flag bearer for the 2027 election. This decision was reached during the party’s primary election held at the state secretariat in Lafia, the state capital, where party leaders endorsed him through a voice vote.

Hon. Abdulmaleek Danga, chairman of the Primary Election Committee, announced the outcome, stating that Ombugadu was the sole aspirant presented for the exercise. He described the process as seamless and based on internal political consensus among party stakeholders.

Danga praised party members for the peaceful conduct of the exercise and acknowledged the presence of Independent National Electoral Commission officials, security agencies, and other stakeholders who observed the proceedings. Following the voice vote, Ombugadu was declared the PDP governorship candidate for Nasarawa State in 2027.

In his response, Ombugadu expressed gratitude to party leaders and members for their support, noting that the endorsement had changed his status from aspirant to candidate. He said he had consulted widely across the state and received backing from party elders and key political figures.

Ombugadu also acknowledged support from prominent party leaders, including Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, and announced Hon. Yahaya Ohinoyi as his running mate. He promised to run an inclusive campaign focused on addressing the needs of Nasarawa residents.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has officially chosen Honourable Oladipupo Adebutu as its standard bearer for the 2027 gubernatorial race. The announcement was made on Sunday in Abeokuta by the head of the electoral committee, Ariyo Afolabi, who also serves as a national party representative.

According to Afolabi, after compiling results from all 236 wards across the state’s 20 local government areas, Adebutu, the only aspirant, secured the party’s nomination. He declared Adebutu the winner and the consensus candidate, urging unity ahead of the polls.

In his acceptance speech, Adebutu expressed gratitude to party leaders, stakeholders, and members for their confidence in him. He called on everyone to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, emphasizing that harmony is essential to reclaiming the state from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I accept this call to serve with a deep sense of responsibility. The 2027 election is a must-win for us to make history again. Our success depends on working together as a united party to convince voters that we are a better option than the failed APC administration,” Adebutu stated.

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, who attended the event, congratulated Adebutu, noting that the high turnout of party members signaled renewed hope for the PDP. Ogun State PDP Chairman Abayomi Tella also commended Adebutu and other primary winners, asserting that the party is already mobilizing for the election.

President Bola Tinubu has issued a strong warning against allowing opposition figures who lack a concrete plan to push Nigeria backward. Speaking on Sunday after receiving his Certificate of Return and the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag as the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election, Tinubu emphasized that his administration will not tolerate any attempt to derail the country’s progress.

The president pledged to consolidate the reforms initiated under his leadership, stating that he would work tirelessly to deliver the prosperity Nigerians have long awaited. He expressed confidence that within another four years, the nation would be set on an irreversible path toward growth and development.

Tinubu also extended an olive branch to his political opponents and critics, expressing a willingness to engage in dialogue. He underscored that democracy thrives not on uniformity of thought but on a diversity of ideas united by a shared belief in the country.

“We will not allow any opposition with no clear vision take Nigeria backward,” Tinubu declared. “To those who despise our philosophy, we offer dialogue and engagement, not anger, confident that the sincerity of our purpose and the results of our work will speak for themselves.”

The Enugu State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned recent statements made by Minister of Works Dave Umahi, warning that the South-East region will not be forced into supporting President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. In a sharp response, the party declared that even under duress, the region’s electorate will not cast ballots for Tinubu, accusing his administration of worsening the marginalization of the Igbo people.

Comrade Adolphus Ude, the ADC secretary in Enugu and a former deputy chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, issued a press release on Sunday rebuking Umahi for what he described as reckless and intimidating rhetoric. Ude asserted that the South-East has a history of independent voting and will not succumb to threats or coercion. He challenged Umahi to provide concrete evidence of new federally funded infrastructure projects in the region, arguing that the so-called major projects are merely inherited from previous administrations.

Ude pointed out that no new visible federal infrastructure exists in the South-East under Tinubu, citing the absence of rail lines or the dredging of River Niger. He also highlighted that the region’s passport issuance machines have been deactivated, forcing Igbos to travel to Abuja for travel documents. Furthermore, he noted that despite having five ministers in the Federal Executive Council, three are junior ministers, while Ogun State alone boasts four ministers.

The ADC official recalled that in 2023, Tinubu lost decisively in all five South-East states, including Umahi’s home state of Ebonyi, where he secured less than 13% of the vote. He urged Umahi to withdraw his threats and apologize to the people of the South-East for his dismissive comments.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State has chosen Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi as its candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election. Gbolarumi, a former deputy governor, secured victory in the party’s primary election held across the state’s 33 local government areas.

The primary election took place on Sunday, with results collated at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Ibadan. The declaration was made by Mr. Tolulope Awoniyi, who chaired the primary election committee.

According to Awoniyi, Gbolarumi garnered 3,615 votes, while his sole opponent, Barrister Beulah Adeoye, received 22 votes. The total number of registered party members was 3,694, with 3,640 accredited voters. Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Engineer Olugbenga Keshinro (Head of Election and Party Monitoring for Oyo State), along with security agents and party members, witnessed the collation.

In declaring the result, Awoniyi stated that Gbolarumi, having scored the highest number of votes, is the winner of the PDP gubernatorial primary in Oyo State. The former deputy governor now sets his sights on the general election scheduled for 2027.

Kelechi Anosike emerged victorious in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) primary election for Abia State’s governorship race held on Sunday. The primary, which took place across all 184 electoral wards in the state, was supervised by officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Police Force, and other security agencies.

Anosike garnered a total of 16,543 votes, significantly outpacing his closest rival, former Commissioner for Information John Okiyi Kalu, who received 3,145 votes. Former Deputy Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Olugu Kalu Ugba, secured 961 votes.

The results were announced by the PDP chairman in Abia State, Abraham Amah, at the party headquarters in Umuahia, with the endorsement of the PDP electoral committee led by Chris Nnadi. Amah noted that while five wards failed to submit their results, the data from the remaining 179 wards provided a clear mandate.

In his remarks after the win, Anosike asserted that Abia is a state rich in resources but suffers from poor governance. He vowed to transform the state into an agricultural and industrial powerhouse and called on PDP members to unite behind him to reclaim the Government House in Umuahia in the 2027 elections.

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to take decisive steps to safeguard Nigerians, despite ongoing security concerns across the nation. The president made this commitment during his acceptance address at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, after being elected as the presidential flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tinubu acknowledged that security challenges still persist in several parts of the country. He assured citizens that his administration treats the protection of lives and property as a top priority. The government has intensified initiatives to bolster the security apparatus, including equipping the military and police, fostering stronger ties with local communities, and increasing investments in intelligence, surveillance, and modern equipment. Additionally, efforts are underway to tackle the underlying causes of insecurity.

Tinubu expressed readiness to support constitutional amendments by the National Assembly to establish state police, calling it a national emergency. He declared that the government will persist until peace and stability are restored throughout the nation. His vision is a Nigeria where all citizens can live, work, and dream without fear.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has officially declared its support for President Bola Tinubu’s reelection campaign in the 2027 presidential race. This decision comes after a thorough and impartial evaluation of the political landscape, with the group asserting that backing Tinubu aligns with the collective interests of the Igbo people.

Ohanaeze emphasized that this strategic move is designed to position the South-East region for the vice presidential slot in 2031 under the All Progressives Congress (APC). The organization believes that by rallying behind Tinubu now, the Igbo nation can secure meaningful participation in federal governance and benefit from ongoing national projects.

The endorsement reinforces agreements made earlier in January 2026 during meetings involving the South-East Governors’ Forum, former governors, and current ministers from the region. A key aspect of these accords is that no Igbo candidate, including Peter Obi, should contest against President Tinubu in the upcoming election.

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by Deputy President-General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and National Spokesperson Chief Thompson Ohia, Ohanaeze explained that this calculated restraint allows the federal government to finish infrastructure initiatives, create additional states in the South-East, and implement policies that drive economic growth in the area.

The group congratulated President Tinubu on his victory in the APC presidential primaries and also praised South-East governors who secured reelection, with special recognition for Rt. Hon. Kingsley O. Chinda of Rivers State for winning the APC gubernatorial ticket.

Ohanaeze noted that strategic discussions have already begun with key political figures, including the Presidency, to ensure that after Tinubu’s tenure ends in 2031, a dedicated Igbo leader becomes Vice President. Potential candidates of high caliber mentioned include Senator Dave Nweze Umahi and Chimaroke Nnamani.

The organization stressed that achieving this historic objective requires overwhelming Igbo support for Tinubu in 2027, thereby consolidating political influence and securing tangible returns for the South-East region.