Category: News

Seriake Dickson, the national leader and founder of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has acknowledged that the party’s recent primary elections across the country were not without issues. In an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Wednesday, he remarked that the situation might have escalated further given that the NDC is still a young political entity.

Dickson noted that despite the challenges, all aspirants and party members have demonstrated restraint and continued commitment to the party’s progress. He attributed some of the difficulties to the Electoral Act, which he said inevitably creates tension during primaries.

Comparing the NDC’s experience with other parties, he pointed out that even the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has held federal power since 2015 and controls 33 states, faced similar crises during its own primaries. He also cited the African Democratic Congress (ADC), whose internal conflicts were evident before and after their primary elections.

Dickson emphasized that while the situation was far from ideal, it could have been much worse for a newer party like the NDC. His remarks come amid ongoing discussions about internal party dynamics as Nigeria gears up for future elections.

A new turn unfolded in the high-profile corruption case involving former Power Minister Olu Agunloye when a prosecution witness shed light on the certification process of Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting minutes tied to the $6 billion Mambilla Power Project contract. The testimony was delivered on Wednesday before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja.

Agunloye faces a seven-count charge from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) related to official corruption and the alleged unlawful award of the project to Sunrise Power Transmission Company Limited. The witness, Iliya John Iyakwari, an Assistant Director of Legal at the Federal Ministry of Justice currently serving as an Assistant Legal Adviser in the Power Ministry, was cross-examined by defense counsel Adeola Adedipe, SAN.

Iyakwari explained that the EFCC requested certified extracts of the May 21, 2003 FEC meeting minutes in July 2023. However, the initially submitted documents lacked proper certification. After discovering this, the EFCC returned them to the ministry. “In January 2024, an EFCC staff brought back the exhibit to my legal adviser, reminding my director that certification was missing,” Iyakwari stated. The documents were finally certified on January 26, 2024, once the oversight was corrected.

The witness also admitted to inadvertently stamping the original forwarding letter during recertification before returning it to his director. During the hearing, prosecution counsel Abba Mohammed, SAN, objected to defense claims that Iyakwari had contradicted himself regarding the certification date. Mohammed argued that the witness merely summarized activities from 2023 without stating that certification occurred that year. “The record shows he summarized events from 2023; he never claimed certification happened then,” Mohammed told the court.

Further objections were raised by the prosecution against questions concerning documents previously introduced by another witness, asserting that Iyakwari should not be cross-examined on evidence he did not present. Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the matter to June 18 and July 2, 2026, for continued proceedings.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has raised concerns about the health of some lawmakers who are reportedly anxious over their political future. Speaking during the inauguration of the National Campaign Council for the Ekiti State governorship election on Wednesday, Akpabio noted that several senators are already experiencing high blood pressure due to uncertainty surrounding their return tickets to the National Assembly.

Addressing the gathering, he urged those with hypertension to manage their health carefully until the final list of APC senatorial candidates for the 2027 elections is made public. “Some senators are having high blood pressure over the yet-to-be-released final list of APC senatorial candidates for the 2027 elections,” he said. He advised his colleagues to stay calm and ensure they maintain good relations with the entire National Assembly.

Akpabio also directed a message to state governors, emphasizing their authority in selecting candidates. “And for the governors, the state assemblies are going to be working with you. You have absolute right to choose anybody you want,” he added. His remarks come amid growing tension within the ruling party as the 2027 elections approach.

The former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has firmly dismissed allegations connecting his Personal Assistant, Ajiboye Sangogade, to the abduction of his sister and her twins. In a statement issued on Wednesday via his media aide, Femi Awogboro, Adelabu categorically refuted the claims as unfounded.

It was earlier reported that Mrs. Busayo Adegoke, a younger sibling of the former minister, along with her twin children, was kidnapped last Wednesday. However, a joint security operation successfully rescued them on Saturday in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

Over the weekend, rumors circulated suggesting that Sangogade had provided intelligence to the kidnappers. Adelabu dismissed these as baseless, urging those spreading such narratives to cease immediately. He asserted that his assistant played no role in the incident, labeling the rumors a distraction.

“We have noticed that certain individuals, who oppose progress in Oyo State, are peddling falsehoods that my PA orchestrated the kidnapping. This is completely untrue and lacks any evidence,” Adelabu stated.

During the formal inauguration of the Arterial Road N5 in Abuja, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, asserted that President Bola Tinubu can rest assured, sleeping with both eyes closed, due to the tangible results of his administration’s efforts in the FCT and across Nigeria. Wike made this statement while daring residents to deny experiencing the positive transformation under Tinubu’s leadership.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday, Wike emphasized that if electoral success is truly based on effective governance and meaningful reforms, the Tinubu administration has already proven its worth in the capital territory. He said, “If we genuinely believe that good governance is what will make people want to re-elect you, then I think Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu should not sleep with one eye open. No, he can sleep with both eyes closed.”

Wike further challenged, “I challenge anyone in this FCT to come forward and say they do not feel the presence of government or see its impact.” He shared an anecdote about the road project, noting that during construction, contractor Julius Berger faced a hurdle when local residents demanded compensation for demolished structures. “The community said the company would not proceed with the road project because they had not been compensated for the demolition,” Wike explained.

In a recent revelation, a counter-insurgency and security analyst specialized in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, has brought to light two individuals he identifies as the brothers of the infamous bandit leader Bello Turji. Makama, known for his expertise on security issues, shared a photograph of the duo on Wednesday, asserting their involvement in violent activities across Sokoto and Zamfara states.

According to Makama, these two men are not only family members of the wanted criminal but are also actively terrorizing peaceful communities in the North-West. He described them as ruthless, stating that they have been causing havoc and insecurity in the region. Makama expressed confidence that they would soon face justice, referring to their inevitable downfall.

Bello Turji remains one of Nigeria’s most sought-after bandit leaders, linked to numerous attacks, kidnappings, and killings in the North-West, particularly in Zamfara, Sokoto, and neighboring states. Despite sustained military campaigns, his criminal network continues to pose a significant security challenge.

The Federal Government and security forces have intensified operations against armed groups, reporting the neutralization of several bandit commanders and the rescue of kidnapping victims in recent months. However, the persistent threat from criminal gangs underscores the complex security situation in the region.

In a recent television interview, Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), firmly refuted claims of internal turmoil within the party. Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time program, Dickson emphasized that the NDC remains unified and free from any crisis.

Dickson highlighted the strong backing he has received from prominent political figures, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. He noted that their confidence in his leadership has been instrumental in bringing them into the NDC fold.

According to Dickson, the surge in interest from Nigerians seeking to contest elections under the NDC banner is a sign of growth, not discord. He stated, “The number of aspirants we are seeing is evidence of the trust Nigerians have in us, not a crisis. We are focused on building a strong platform for the 2027 elections.”

The NDC leader also stressed the party’s commitment to providing a credible alternative for voters, dismissing any speculation of internal divisions. He reiterated that the NDC is united and working tirelessly to prepare for future electoral contests.

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has strongly advocated for a declaration of a state of emergency on security matters across Nigeria. The former Vice President, through his media spokesperson Paul Ibe, voiced deep concern over the escalating insecurity that now specifically targets educational institutions, thereby jeopardizing the future of the country’s youth.

Speaking out after a brutal attack on Government Secondary School in Iluke Bunu, Kogi State, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals including the school’s Vice Principal and the abduction of numerous students, Atiku highlighted a disturbing pattern. He pointed to earlier incidents where over 90 school children were kidnapped in separate attacks in Oyo and Borno states, and a principal was gruesomely killed—events that underscore a calculated effort to dismantle the education system and stall national progress.

Atiku emphasized that the federal government must take decisive action by empowering security commanders with greater operational autonomy. He clarified that his call is not for the removal of elected officials but rather for granting military and police leaders the flexibility to make battlefield decisions without political interference. This approach, he believes, is essential to effectively confront the menace of terrorism and banditry that continues to plague the nation.

In the wake of escalating insecurity across Nigeria, former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency on security matters. He argued that the current approach has failed to curb the rising tide of attacks by terrorists and bandits, which now threaten the nation’s educational system.

Speaking after a recent assault on Government Secondary School in Iluke Bunu, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, where three individuals—including the school’s vice principal—were killed and many students kidnapped, Atiku expressed deep concern. He noted that such incidents are part of a broader pattern designed to cripple education and hinder national progress.

Referencing earlier attacks, including the abduction of at least 90 school children in Oyo and Borno states in May 2026, the politician emphasized that the brazen nature of these operations demands immediate and decisive action. He stressed that a safe learning environment is essential for education to thrive.

Atiku clarified that his proposal for a security state of emergency does not entail the suspension of elected state officials. Instead, he advocated for empowering field commanders with greater autonomy to make swift decisions without political interference. “I am not calling for the removal of elected officials, but rather for commanders to have a freer hand to protect their battlefield decisions,” he stated.

He further proposed the establishment of a national guard composed of retired military veterans to assist the overstretched police and armed forces. Additionally, Atiku called for enhanced human intelligence gathering and increased community vigilance to track terrorist movements. “Our communities must play a vital role in information sharing and constant alertness,” he added.

The ADC candidate warned that a terrorist attack on any school poses a threat to all schools nationwide due to the domino effect, creating widespread fear and trauma. He insisted that Nigeria must not allow criminals to destroy its way of life or prevent children from attending school.

The Chairman of Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area in Imo State, Prince Obioha Ndukwe, has categorically refuted circulating reports that the Leader of the Legislative Council, Kennedy Egeonu, was impeached and replaced. He labeled the story as baseless and urged the public to ignore it.

During a press briefing, Ndukwe addressed the political stir and public concern triggered by the unfounded reports, which claimed that Emeka Ekere had been sworn in as the new council leader. He clarified that no such impeachment has taken place, emphasizing that the executive arm has not received any formal notification regarding the alleged change in leadership.

The chairman stressed that altering legislative leadership cannot be achieved through rumors or unofficial declarations but must follow due process and established legal frameworks. He pointed out that the spread of unverified information has caused unnecessary confusion among residents and political stakeholders in the area.

Ndukwe called on those circulating such reports to desist from actions that could undermine peace and stability in the council. He reiterated that his administration remains committed to governance and development, focusing on road rehabilitation, security enhancement, market development, and education.

He also advised councilors and political actors to prioritize their official responsibilities and avoid actions that could deepen divisions. Political disagreements, he said, should be resolved through lawful and democratic means, without compromising public trust or established procedures.

Commenting on the political climate ahead of the September 2026 local council elections, the chairman urged that political ambitions be pursued with restraint and respect for due process. He emphasized that performance and service delivery should be the basis for political support, not crisis-driven maneuvers.

Ndukwe highlighted the existing zoning arrangement, which mandates leadership rotation between the Ihitte and Uboma blocs, as a key factor for political stability. Under this arrangement, the Uboma bloc is expected to produce the next executive chairman—a development he urged stakeholders to respect.

The chairman appealed to traditional rulers, youth groups, women’s associations, and political leaders to remain calm and avoid escalating tensions over unverified claims. He urged citizens to rely solely on official communication channels for accurate information and affirmed that the executive and legislative arms will continue to work together without disruption. Ndukwe concluded by reiterating that Kennedy Egeonu remains the duly recognized Leader of the Legislative Council.