Category: News

During a press conference in Abuja marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, Rear Admiral Akinola Olatunde, the Chief of Policy and Plans at Naval Headquarters, outlined several pressing issues the force has encountered over its decades of service. Primarily, advancements in technology and research have emerged as critical areas needing improvement.

Olatunde explained that the Navy has evolved significantly from its early focus on simple policing to embracing broader diplomatic and military roles. He highlighted how the institution has grown from a small coastal patrol unit into a powerful symbol of national strength, regional stability, and global maritime capability, all through adaptability and strategic planning.

The Nigerian Navy was officially formed on June 1, 1956, initially called the Naval Defence Force. It started with 250 personnel and 11 ships transferred from the Royal Navy’s Colonial Marine Department. By 1958, it became the Royal Nigerian Navy, losing the ‘Royal’ prefix when Nigeria became a republic in 1963. The modern structure was legally established by Parliament in 1964, with Commodore JEA Wey becoming the first Nigerian to lead the force.

Olatunde pointed out specific areas where the Navy lags, such as cyber capabilities and adapting to new types of crime, like drug trafficking from neighboring countries. He also mentioned the challenge of autonomous systems, including drones. Regarding submarines, he noted that current threat assessments for Africa, up to 2030, do not prioritize underwater threats, but this is under constant review.

The officer emphasized the desire to be more independent in military production, recalling lessons from the Civil War. He stated that the Navy aims to improve self-sufficiency in shipbuilding, record systems, and other technology-driven fields to avoid reliance on foreign procurement during crises.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has urged young people to look beyond academic qualifications and prioritize acquiring digital proficiency to thrive in today’s economy. Speaking on Wednesday at the launch of the Techrise Cohort 3 programme, Otti said mere certificates are no longer enough to secure employment or sustain a career.

The governor, represented by Commissioner Uzor Nwachukwu, addressed 850 youths enrolled in the three-month training initiative. He emphasized that the programme aims to equip participants with entrepreneurial and innovative abilities, enabling them to become job creators rather than job seekers.

According to Otti, the modern workplace demands deep competence and practical problem-solving skills. He advised the youths to focus on building expertise in technology rather than relying solely on paper qualifications.

Permanent Secretary Oge Maduka explained that the training covers artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, product design, software development, data engineering, and other emerging tech fields. She noted that these skills are critical for the participants to succeed in a competitive global environment.

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State and leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has firmly rejected allegations that he is covertly collaborating with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in preparation for the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking during an interview on Global TV, Kwankwaso labeled those spreading the rumour as individuals lacking political understanding. He stated, “Only fools would think we are working for Tinubu. My supporters and I are dedicated to the NDC and to advancing what we believe will benefit Nigerians.”

The NDC chief acknowledged that he has a longstanding friendship with President Tinubu, but emphasized that this does not translate into political alignment. According to Kwankwaso, while their relationship spans many years, they remain in distinct political camps.

Kwankwaso also criticized certain presidential aides, accusing them of shielding Tinubu from the real situation in Nigeria. He claimed that instead of tackling the nation’s economic and security crises, these aides are more focused on wooing governors and politicians to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Regarding his coalition with Peter Obi, Kwankwaso explained that the decision came after extensive consultations and political analysis. They deemed Obi the strongest candidate from southern Nigeria. He added that the coalition has ample time before the 2027 elections to engage with Nigerians and dispel the false narratives being spread against them.

Kwankwaso reaffirmed that the alliance is committed to delivering quality leadership and offering Nigerians a viable alternative to the current challenges facing the country.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially sanctioned the candidacy of Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, a former governor of Gombe State, to run for re-election in the upcoming 2027 National Assembly primaries. This development, confirmed by the party’s screening committee, paves the way for Dankwambo to seek another term representing Gombe North in the Senate.

Dankwambo, who currently holds the Gombe North senatorial seat, was among a list of aspirants whose bids were approved by the PDP ahead of the primaries. The party’s decision comes amidst heightened political activity in the senatorial district, particularly following reports that Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has also been cleared to vie for the same seat after serving his term as governor.

The PDP’s clearance was conveyed in an official communication from the party’s Gombe State Secretariat addressed to the National Chairman, routed through the National Organising Secretary. The document included a roster of screened candidates for both Senate and House of Representatives positions. Signatories to the letter included Mohammed Dan’azumi Adamu, chairman of the Screening Committee; Musa Abubakar, committee secretary; and Alhaji Adamu Abubakar, the PDP state secretary.

According to the document, other cleared senatorial aspirants are Anthony Siyako Yaro for Gombe South and Aliyu Hammadu for Gombe Central. For the House of Representatives, the party gave the green light to Gidado Alhaji Lawanti for Akko Federal Constituency, Mohammed Lamido for Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency, and Dr. Obed Paul Shehu for Kaltungo/Shongom Federal Constituency. Additionally, Dr. Nasir Ibrahim was cleared for Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, Shuaibu Umar Galadima for Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency, and Rambi Ibrahim Ayala for Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship primary election in Plateau State faced significant delays on Thursday due to the late arrival of voting materials. As of 1 PM, several local government areas were yet to commence the exercise.

In Jos North and Jos South, party members and officials were still waiting for the necessary materials to begin accreditation and voting. Despite the setback, supporters gathered at designated centers across the state, hopeful that the primary would proceed.

Plateau State ADC chairman Hannatu Gagara confirmed the delay in a phone interview, citing logistical challenges. “We are still expecting the arrival of electoral materials, but we remain optimistic that the election will hold today,” she stated.

Party faithful remained patient, awaiting further directives from officials, as anticipation for the governorship primary continued to build across Plateau State.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State has formally endorsed incumbent Governor Nasir Idris as its flag bearer for the upcoming 2027 governorship election. This endorsement was delivered during the party’s primary election held at the Haliru Abdu Stadium in Birnin Kebbi, drawing delegates and party faithful from across the state’s 225 wards.

Abdulmalik Mahmud, who chaired the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee, made the announcement. Mahmud, a former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, emphasized that the committee’s role was to conduct the primary and affirm the collective decision of the party members.

Following the affirmation, Governor Idris expressed gratitude and accepted the nomination. He vowed to intensify development efforts across the state if re-elected in 2027. Idris also extended his appreciation to party leaders and former governors for their unwavering support and participation in the exercise.

The primary was a well-attended event, witnessing the presence of delegates from all political wards, alongside notable APC stakeholders and former state governors.

Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi has declared that his victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for Osun West will fortify the party for upcoming electoral contests. Speaking to journalists and supporters after the primary, which covered the entire Osun West Senatorial District, Ogunbiyi emphasized the significance of his win.

Official results from the primary, released by DAILY POST, showed Ogunbiyi securing 30,651 votes, far ahead of his rivals. Gafar Akintayo garnered 1,456 votes, while Chief Peter Apata managed only 14 votes. The businessman described the outcome across all 110 wards as a clear endorsement of his appeal and acceptance among APC members in the region.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, APC stalwart Bisi Akande, and other party leaders for their backing during the primary process. Ogunbiyi also thanked APC members in the district for placing their trust in him through the election.

He praised his fellow aspirants for their sportsmanship, noting that their conduct reflected maturity, unity, and dedication to the party’s advancement. According to Ogunbiyi, ‘My emergence as the party’s senatorial candidate will strengthen our party for success in the forthcoming governorship election and the 2027 general election.’

The APC flagbearer urged supporters and party members across Osun West to stay united and collaborate to secure victory in future polls. He pledged to uphold APC’s values through quality representation, integrity, and devoted service, while also backing the governorship ambition of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.

A former media aide to late President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, recently asserted that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso surpasses Peter Obi in strategic planning and accommodative politics. Ahmad emphasized that Kwankwaso’s approach demonstrates the distinction between structure-based politics and popularity-driven campaigns.

Reacting to a post by X user @KafinHausaa, which suggested that Kwankwaso is now focused on selling his red ideology to Southerners for quick gains, Ahmad countered that Kwankwaso has shown greater political astuteness. He noted that Kwankwaso promptly opened his doors to Obi’s supporters, leveraging their numbers to strengthen his own political network and extend his influence across regions.

According to Ahmad, this move highlights a fundamental difference: Kwankwaso builds his political machine around solid structures, while Obi relies mainly on popular appeal. He wrote on X that Kwankwaso appears more strategic and inclusive, welcoming Obi’s followers to expand his base.

The comments come shortly after both Obi and Kwankwaso defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. This development has sparked discussions about their contrasting political styles and potential impact on the opposition coalition.

Gyang Zi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and aspirant for the Plateau North senatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has stepped down from the party’s primary election. He is demanding N10 billion in damages over an alleged defamatory statement labeling him as ‘not cleared’.

In a letter sent to the APC National Chairman on May 18, 2026, Zi accused the party of posting his name on social media and its official X account among candidates disqualified for the primary without providing any explanation.

According to Zi, the publication occurred despite his payment for the nomination and expression of interest forms and his involvement in the screening process for the Plateau North senatorial district primary.

He contended that the portrayal of him as ‘not cleared’ without justification severely harmed his reputation, exposed him to public mockery, and disrupted his supporters and political network across Plateau North and beyond.

The letter stated that the publication caused damage to his legal profession, political aspirations, and public image.

Pending what he called an immediate retraction, a public apology, and compensation from the party, Zi announced his withdrawal from the primary.

He is demanding N10 billion for alleged defamation, reputational harm, and emotional distress, warning that failure to meet this demand within a reasonable timeframe would force him to pursue legal action against the APC and all parties involved in the publication.

As of now, the APC has not responded to the allegations.

The Labour Party (LP) has firmly stated it will not adopt the approach used by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in conducting its primary elections. This declaration comes in response to claims by the APC that it has held the most exemplary primaries in the country.

During a media briefing held alongside the screening of aspirants vying for various positions in the 2027 general elections, LP National Chairman Nemadi Usman made it clear that the party intends to carve its own path. “We are not copying anybody because we are Labour Party,” Usman asserted, directly countering recent remarks by APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru.

Basiru had boasted that no other political party in Nigeria could match the ruling party’s achievements in conducting primaries. However, this boast comes despite widespread criticisms over issues such as candidate imposition, electoral irregularities, violence, and the sidelining of key stakeholders during the APC’s primaries. The consensus method adopted by the APC has also been met with stiff opposition from aspirants who claim the process lacks transparency and excludes popular candidates.

Usman, however, dismissed any notion of emulating the APC. She revealed that at least three presidential aspirants have already passed the party’s screening ahead of its own primaries. Addressing concerns that the exit of former LP presidential candidate Peter Obi has weakened the party, Usman expressed confidence in the party’s strength. “I don’t think so. From the number of people indicating interest to use the party as a platform, the party is still strong,” she said.

On the issue of former National Chairman Julius Abure distributing nomination forms to aspirants, Usman described the move as illegal. She noted that the party had already reported the matter to the police, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director General of the Department of State Services. “We heard he went to the Supreme Court. My take is that the Supreme Court would maintain its stand. If my tenure is over, they say my tenure is over, I’ll go,” she added.

The LP’s stance underscores its determination to run its internal processes independently, without borrowing from other parties’ methods.