Category: News

In the lead-up to the 2027 elections, an Enugu State governorship hopeful, Ray Kene Ogbodo, has emphasized that a transparent primary election within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is essential for the party’s success. He made this statement during a press briefing over the weekend, just days before the party’s scheduled primary.

Ogbodo argued that selecting a candidate through a fair process is the most reliable path to securing victory in the upcoming polls. He noted that Enugu residents are weary of the current APC administration and are seeking a trustworthy alternative. He expressed confidence that the party leadership would facilitate such an opportunity.

The aspirant stressed that the people of Enugu deserve a government focused on their needs, effective leadership, and policies that lift them out of poverty and suffering. He pointed out that the state currently lacks ethical governance, economic opportunities, youth development, security, quality education, and citizen-centered administration.

Ogbodo called for new perspectives, innovative energy, and a sincere dedication to serving with empathy, integrity, accountability, and transparency. He envisioned a government that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens, encourages youth and women participation, supports community initiatives, and creates avenues for growth and empowerment.

He appealed for unity, collaboration, and partnership to rescue Enugu from the hardships caused by poor governance and outdated politicians. Ogbodo urged all stakeholders to work together to bring about meaningful change and restore hope to the state.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has achieved a commanding win in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election held across Osun State, amassing 100,880 votes during the Saturday exercise.

Announcing the results in Osogbo, the state collation officer and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, described the election as peaceful and well-organized throughout the state.

The minister revealed that Tinubu’s only opponent, Mr. Stanley Osifo, received zero votes in the primary conducted across all 30 local government areas and the Ife East Area Office.

Oyetola noted that the APC had 109,806 digitally registered members in Osun State, with 100,880 accredited for the exercise, highlighting the dedication of party members to internal democracy.

He emphasized the transparency and orderliness of the process, stating that the high turnout demonstrates the party’s unity and strength ahead of future elections.

The minister urged APC members to stay united and focused as preparations intensify for the Osun governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.

Oyetola reiterated that the primary’s conduct reflected the party’s commitment to democratic values, internal cohesion, and transparent electoral procedures, underscoring the readiness of members for upcoming electoral contests.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially selected Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe as its candidate for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial seat in the upcoming 2027 general elections. This decision follows a primary election where Kingibe achieved a commanding victory.

In the party’s internal contest, Kingibe secured an overwhelming 17,535 votes, far surpassing her opponent, Mubarak Tijjani, who managed only 806 votes. The results were announced at the ADC secretariat in Abuja by Abubakar Adamu, the returning officer overseeing the senatorial and House of Representatives primaries.

Adamu stated, “Having scored the highest number of votes of 17,535, and by the powers conferred on me as the returning officer for the Senate and House of Representatives primary elections, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe is hereby declared winner of the election.”

The primary also produced candidates for the FCT’s two House of Representatives seats. For the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, Bala Iyah emerged victorious with 4,937 votes, defeating Yahaya Fatima Goya (2,015 votes), Ma’aji Johnson Bello (1,546 votes), and Ismaila Ishak Ozigi (105 votes). In the Abaji/Gwagwalada/Kwali/Kuje Federal Constituency, Alhassan Salihu clinched the ticket with 9,016 votes, outperforming Khalid A. Haruna, who received 2,955 votes.

Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the entire primary process to ensure transparency and fairness.

Following his win, Bala Iyah expressed confidence in the ADC’s prospects for 2027, describing himself as a grassroots politician with a deep understanding of the constituency and strong local support.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election held in Delta State, amassing a total of 407,646 votes. The announcement was made on Saturday in Asaba by Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who served as the State Coordinator and Returning Officer for the exercise.

Governor Oborevwori revealed that out of 467,815 registered APC members in the state, 407,646 were accredited and participated in the election. He officially declared President Tinubu as the winner and the party’s presidential candidate, citing his overwhelming support. The governor stated, “By the powers conferred on me as the State Coordinator and Returning Officer, I hereby declare that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, having polled overwhelming votes in the presidential primary election, is hereby declared winner and returned elected as the presidential candidate of the party.”

The president’s only challenger, Mr. Stanley Osifo, received zero votes. The election was conducted across all wards in the state’s 25 local government areas. The declaration was made in the presence of security agents, media representatives, and key party stakeholders, including President Tinubu’s agent, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon; Mr. Osifo’s agent, Mr. Kelvin Ezekiel; and the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren.

Governor Oborevwori commended party members for ensuring a peaceful and orderly process, describing the exercise as successful and a reflection of internal party unity. Delta State APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, expressed gratitude for the smooth conduct of the primary, noting that it marked the climax of the party’s primaries, which began with legislative and gubernatorial contests. “Today is the climax of the party primaries, which started from the House of Representatives, Senate, House of Assembly, governorship, and presidential primaries, which end today. We thank God for the peaceful conduct of all the primary elections across Delta State,” he stated.

On Saturday, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State officially declared their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election. The decision came during the party’s presidential primary, which was conducted across all 332 wards in the state.

The event saw key party figures participating actively. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, joined the exercise at Iragbiji Ward 1, accompanied by a crowd of supporters. Similarly, the APC governorship candidate in Osun, Bola Oyebamiji, took part in the primary at Ikire Ward 9 alongside other party loyalists.

Across various wards, party members voiced their solid backing for Tinubu, affirming him as the APC’s presidential candidate for the upcoming general elections. The primary process was notably peaceful in areas like Osogbo and Olorunda local government areas, where members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors network served as ward agents for Tinubu.

Interestingly, another presidential aspirant, Stanley Osifo, reportedly had no agents present in many of the wards monitored during the exercise in Osogbo. Speaking to journalists afterward, Sunday Akere, the Osun Renewed Hope Ambassador, highlighted the smooth conduct of the primary. He stated that materials from the primary election committee were delivered to local governments and wards without delay, enabling a seamless process.

According to Akere, party members across all 332 wards mobilized to endorse President Tinubu as the party’s candidate for 2027. He noted that the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ structure efficiently functioned as agents at various levels. He further disclosed that the collation of results at the state level was supervised by Oyetola, the state collation officer. Akere added that results from Boluwaduro Local Government had already been compiled, and he was heading to Osogbo for the final aggregation before submission to Abuja.

The declaration of results from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Ogun East Senatorial District on May 18, 2026, delivered a decisive verdict with clear political significance. Governor Dapo Abiodun, the outgoing state chief executive, amassed 75,550 votes from a total of 99,503 cast, triumphing across all nine local government areas within the district. His main rival, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who had stepped down just before the vote, managed only 398 votes.

Beyond the stark numerical gap, the outcome underscored a broader consensus: a resounding endorsement of Governor Abiodun’s achievements in office and his political influence across Ogun East. For a substantial segment of the APC, the primary transcended mere succession maneuvering; it served as a judgment on delivery—on infrastructure strides, economic growth, and continuity of leadership.

The crucial query, therefore, is not merely about why Prince Dapo Abiodun secured the APC ticket, but why many party faithful believe he truly merited it.

From Private Sector to Public Service

Hailing from Iperu-Remo, Prince Dapo Abiodun was born on May 29, 1960, and spent years cultivating a robust corporate career before transitioning to politics. His background includes founding Heyden Petroleum Limited and directing financial entities such as First Marina Trust and the First Interstate Group.

Supporters frequently highlight this business pedigree as a key influence on his governance approach—one emphasizing infrastructure, investment, industrialization, and fiscal growth. Upon becoming governor in 2019, his administration unveiled the ISEYA agenda: Infrastructure, Social Welfare, Education, Youth and Women Empowerment, and Agriculture—a framework that has guided policy throughout his tenure. Over seven years, this plan has become synonymous with road building, industrial expansion, transport integration, and economic reform.

Infrastructure as the Cornerstone

No facet of the Abiodun administration draws more frequent praise than infrastructure development. Since 2019, Ogun State has reportedly constructed or upgraded more than 1,600 kilometers of roads linking industrial zones, rural settlements, and business hubs.

Key projects include the Epe-Ijebu Ode Expressway, Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway, Sagamu-Iperu-Ode Remo-Sapade corridor, Ilishan-Iperu Road, and the Ijebu-Ode-Epe dual carriageway. Additionally, township roads in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu, Abeokuta, Ota, and Ilaro received substantial rehabilitation.

For Ogun East, these projects carried direct economic weight. Improved roads boosted market access, cut transportation costs, and strengthened links between Ogun and Lagos. Communities once cut off by poor infrastructure became better integrated into economic and social life.

The Gateway International Airport Impact

Perhaps no project symbolizes the ambition of the Abiodun administration more than the Gateway International Airport, situated in Iperu-Ilishan within Ogun East Senatorial District. Commissioned on April 4, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the airport immediately became a flagship legacy achievement.

The ceremony drew national political figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several governors. For supporters, the airport represented much more than tarmac and terminals; it signaled Ogun State’s rise as a strategic logistics and industrial hub. Manufacturers and businesses around Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, and neighboring industrial corridors now have a convenient aviation gateway, bypassing the congestion of Lagos routes.

The event also featured the launch of Gateway Air, electric motorcycles, security vehicles, and agricultural tractors—all reinforcing the administration’s broader development narrative. President Tinubu publicly lauded the governor’s leadership, stating, “In less than seven years, you, Dapo Abiodun, have demonstrated commitment, vision and patriotism to grow Nigeria.” Former President Obasanjo similarly hailed the airport as a historic milestone for Ogun State.

Moreover, the airport fits within a larger transportation vision under Abiodun—one that placed Ogun among the few Nigerian states accessible via road, rail, air, and water.

Economic Performance and Industrial Growth

Supporters of Governor Abiodun also point to tangible economic indicators. Ogun State’s Internally Generated Revenue reportedly climbed from ₦52 billion in 2020 to nearly ₦192 billion in 2024, with projections nearing ₦250 billion. The state’s GDP expanded from ₦2.9 trillion in 2021 to ₦7.3 trillion in 2024. In 2025, Ogun reportedly attracted over 70 percent of Nigeria’s Foreign Direct Investment inflow, reinforcing its status as a leading industrial destination.

Beyond numbers, the administration secured major investment pledges tied to industrial and logistics growth. In 2022, Ogun State signed a $400 million Memorandum of Understanding with Arise Integrated Industrial Platform for the Olokola Free Trade Zone and the Remo Agro Processing Zone. African Industries Group committed over $500 million, and global manufacturing giant Foxconn expressed interest in establishing operations in the state. The Kajola Dry Port initiative further complemented the administration’s logistics strategy, aiming to facilitate trade movement between Ogun and Nigeria’s seaports.

Social Interventions and Community Benefits

While infrastructure dominated headlines, the administration also rolled out programs in education, healthcare, and community development. The Women Development Centre in Ijebu-Ode was established to promote entrepreneurship and vocational training for women. The Eriwe initiative provided support to fishing and riverside communities in Ogun Waterside and adjoining areas.

Education reforms included the abolition of school levies, the introduction of the Ogun DigiClass programme, and the deployment of an Education Management Information System across local education authorities. Healthcare infrastructure was also upgraded, with approximately 140 primary healthcare centers reportedly renovated statewide.

Traditional institutions in Ogun East publicly acknowledged aspects of the administration’s work. The Ijebu Traditional Council, during the lifetime of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, commended the administration’s infrastructure projects, governance reforms, and the Obas and Chiefs Laws of Ogun State 2021.

What the Primary Victory Signified

The APC primary itself became one of the strongest political validations of Governor Abiodun’s standing in Ogun East. Across Sagamu, Remo North, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun Waterside, Odogbolu, Ijebu East, Ijebu North, Ijebu North East, and Ikenne, he secured commanding wins. Prior to the election, party leaders, lawmakers, councillors, and local government chairmen openly endorsed his candidacy. The Ogun East APC Caucus also announced plans to collectively purchase his nomination form.

To supporters, these endorsements reflected broad political consensus around his candidacy, not merely elite alignment.

Why Many Believe He Belongs in the Senate

Proponents of Prince Dapo Abiodun argue that his move from Government House to the Senate would give Ogun East a more powerful voice at the federal level. First, his executive experience: as governor, he managed multi-billion-naira budgets, negotiated international investment deals, and coordinated projects requiring collaboration with federal agencies and foreign investors. Second, his political access: his relationship with the Tinubu administration is seen within APC circles as able to translate into greater federal attention for Ogun East projects and infrastructure priorities. Third, continuity: initiatives such as the Gateway International Airport, Kajola Dry Port, Olokola Free Trade Zone, and industrial corridors within Ogun East would benefit from representation by someone already deeply familiar with their financing, implementation challenges, and long-term economic goals.

Supporters also believe his background equips him to contribute meaningfully to legislative debates on industrial policy, infrastructure financing, regional development, and investment promotion.

Beyond Politics: A Performance Argument

Prince Dapo Abiodun’s victory in the APC Ogun East senatorial primary was far more than a routine political exercise. For many within the party, it represented an endorsement of seven years defined by road construction, economic expansion, industrial growth, investment attraction, and strategic infrastructure development. Across Ogun East, supporters point to rehabilitated roads, upgraded healthcare centers, attracted industries, and an international airport commissioned within the district itself.

Ultimately, the 2027 general election will determine whether the broader electorate shares that assessment. But within the APC, the message from the primary was unmistakable: many party members believe Prince Dapo Abiodun earned the ticket through performance, political influence, and visible developmental impact delivered during his tenure.

Akinmade is Special Adviser, Information and Strategy to Ogun State Governor.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) conducted its presidential primary election across Ogun State on Saturday, witnessing a remarkable turnout and peaceful proceedings as party leaders and members expressed their steadfast backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This exercise marked a significant step ahead of the 2027 general elections, demonstrating the party’s unity and grassroots strength.

In Ward 3, Iperu 1, located within Ikenne Local Government Area, party supporters began assembling as early as 9 a.m. to take part in the affirmation process. A total of 830 accredited voters were recorded, all unanimously endorsing President Tinubu, who ran unopposed in the ward.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State praised the smooth execution of the primaries, attributing it to the peace, unity, and political maturity that characterize the APC in the state. He noted that Ogun has enjoyed a tranquil political environment for the past seven years, allowing citizens and party members to engage in democratic activities freely, without fear or violence.

“The peace in the state has defined us as a state that knows how to organise, plan, engage, discuss, and manage party affairs without rancour,” Governor Abiodun stated. He highlighted that the presidential primary concluded a week-long series of APC primaries, which included contests for the House of Representatives, Senate, State Assembly, and governorship.

The governor extended his appreciation to President Tinubu for his visionary leadership at the national level and commended the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for establishing effective mechanisms that facilitated the seamless conduct of the primaries nationwide. He also acknowledged the contributions of party leaders, members of the State Working Committee, and elder statesman Chief Olusegun Osoba for their invaluable support and guidance.

Abiodun emphasized that extensive consultations across the three senatorial districts had bolstered party cohesion, enhanced participation, and fostered a stronger sense of belonging among members. Expressing confidence in the party’s prospects for the 2027 elections, he asserted that the APC would emerge victorious, citing President Tinubu’s reforms and policies as laying the groundwork for a revitalized Nigeria.

Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, who represents Ogun Central Senatorial District, characterized the primaries as a powerful testament to the APC’s growing popularity, internal democracy, and public trust in its leadership. Speaking at Ward 10, Opeji, in Odeda Local Government Area, where over 2,000 APC members participated in the presidential affirmation, Senator Salisu noted that the turnout was unprecedented, resembling a general election.

“It is like we are already having a general election. We are seeing members of the party community in their thousands in various wards,” he remarked. The senator, who recently secured victory in the Ogun Central senatorial primary with 85,804 votes, viewed the outcome as a clear endorsement of his service and representation over the past three years.

He also highlighted the peaceful nature of the primaries across the state, stressing that despite intense political activities, no incidents of violence were reported in any of the 236 wards involved. Senator Salisu attributed the high level of enthusiasm among party members to the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration and Governor Abiodun’s developmental strides, particularly in infrastructure and grassroots development.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this sitting Senator, by the grace of God, is also the incoming Senator,” he declared, reaffirming his candidacy for Ogun Central Senatorial District.

In Owode Ward 3, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, APC faithful turned out in large numbers for the presidential affirmation exercise. Chief Olusegun Osoba and his son, Rt. Hon. Olumide Osoba, arrived to a rousing welcome from party supporters, further energizing the gathering. Their presence underscored the unity and strength of the APC structure in Ogun State. Party members praised Chief Osoba’s leadership and commended Rt. Hon. Olumide Osoba for his relentless grassroots mobilization and engagement across the constituency.

Across Ogun State, the APC presidential primary and affirmation exercise concluded peacefully, culminating in the unanimous ratification of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s standard-bearer for the 2027 general elections.

Aichatou El-Rufai, spouse of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has initiated legal proceedings against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), seeking substantial monetary compensation for alleged defamatory statements.

Her legal team has served a pre-action notice to the ICPC chairman, demanding N2 billion in damages. This action stems from a press release titled “Clarification on the Access Control Protocol at ICPC Headquarters, Abuja,” issued by the commission on May 18, 2026, and attributed to spokesperson Okor Odey.

According to the notice, Mrs. El-Rufai’s lawyers contend that multiple assertions in the statement are inaccurate and have severely tarnished her public image. They specifically take issue with the characterization of her as “a woman who identified herself as the wife of a defendant,” arguing that this phrasing casts doubt on the legitimacy of her marital status.

Furthermore, the legal representatives argue that the commission’s description of her earlier statements as “false and misleading” has unfairly portrayed her as deceitful, thereby damaging her credibility. They also reject allegations that she violated visitation protocols at ICPC headquarters, claiming such accusations unfairly paint her as disregarding official procedures.

The notice further highlights that certain sections of the press release insinuate Mrs. El-Rufai has been inconsistent in her claims regarding her husband’s alleged lack of access to food while in custody. Her lawyers assert that these comments undermine her trustworthiness and honesty, constituting a clear case of defamation.

As part of the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta orchestrated a compassionate outreach program aimed at widows of fallen security personnel and economically disadvantaged families from surrounding communities. The event gathered widows from various security outfits including the Navy, Army, Air Force, Police, and NSCDC, alongside civilian widows from host areas.

Commodore Shehu Mohammed Tasiu, the Commander of NNS Delta, emphasized that the initiative was meant to acknowledge the immense sacrifices made by families who lost loved ones in service to Nigeria. He noted that anniversaries should not only commemorate operational achievements but also honor those who paid the ultimate price.

“Our 70 years of service are not just measured in nautical miles or victories, but in the sacrifices of our heroes and their families,” Tasiu stated. He highlighted that many personnel died battling piracy, insurgency, oil theft, and other security challenges across the nation.

The commodore lamented that widows of fallen officers are often forgotten after funerals, with sympathy fading and support narrowing to minimum regulatory provisions. He assured beneficiaries that the Navy is committed to enhancing engagement and support for affected families.

“Your spouses did not merely pass away; they fell in the line of duty. Too often, these families become invisible after the burial. We want to change that narrative,” he added.

Praising the widows as “generals of the home front,” Tasiu acknowledged their resilience in raising families under trying circumstances. “Your weapon is not a rifle but your prayers, hustle, and determination to keep your children from becoming orphans in spirit,” he said.

Including civilian widows in the outreach was deliberate, according to the commander, to foster trust and cooperation between the military and host communities. He stressed that the Navy’s relationship with its surroundings goes beyond security operations, underscoring the importance of community support for national peacebuilding. “Today, there is no rank, no uniform—only our shared humanity and a common resolve to move forward,” he declared.

Delta State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, Pat Ajudua, represented by Sally Achieze Anyadike, lauded the Navy for the program, describing it as a significant step in strengthening civil-military relations and supporting vulnerable widows. “A nation’s greatness is measured not by the might of its warships but by how it treats its widows, its vulnerable, and its forgotten,” Ajudua remarked.

The commissioner praised NNS Delta for extending the outreach to paramilitary and civilian widows, emphasizing that humanity is one family. She called for stronger protections for widows facing economic hardship, social discrimination, and property grabbing after the loss of their husbands. “A widow deserves dignity, not degradation,” she stressed.

Ajudua encouraged widows to remain hopeful, telling them, “You are not a widow; you are a woman of valour.” She commended the commander and officers for choosing humanitarian outreach over elaborate anniversary festivities. “You chose to spend on widows. You chose to break bread with the brokenhearted. That is not just military excellence; it’s moral excellence,” she added.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Navy and Delta State Government for the support and recognition. Many described the outreach as a rare moment of encouragement and compassion, making them feel remembered and valued despite their struggles.

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for selecting Prof. Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, describing the move as evidence of the president’s dedication to involving skilled young Nigerians in government.

In a statement issued on Saturday through his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the monarch emphasized that the appointment reflects Tinubu’s strategy to seek out and empower promising individuals. According to Oba Akanbi, Prof. Aina’s impressive credentials and exemplary career path make him an ideal choice for the role.

The Oluwo noted that Prof. Aina is well-equipped to maintain the high standards of integrity and reliability that the examination body has achieved under outgone Registrar Isiaq Oloyede. He highlighted that Oloyede’s tenure significantly improved JAMB’s operations and boosted public trust.

Oba Akanbi expressed confidence that the new registrar will build upon the existing foundation of excellence and quality management within the board. He remarked that Prof. Aina’s background, including his family history and unblemished record, positions him to further enhance the credibility fostered by his predecessor.

The traditional ruler extended his congratulations to Prof. Aina on his well-deserved appointment and offered prayers for divine wisdom to guide him in steering the board effectively.