Category: News

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the finalized roster of approved candidates for its House of Assembly primaries, set to take place on Wednesday, May 20.

Out of 98 individuals who initially showed interest in the race, only 33 made the cut, with the remaining 65 excluded from the contest.

Notably, all aspirants believed to be allied with Governor Siminalayi Fubara were disqualified, including three current lawmakers in the state assembly.

On the other hand, candidates linked to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, were permitted to proceed.

In an earlier list released last week, the party had given disqualified aspirants the chance to submit appeals for review at the APC secretariat.

Though several affected persons did file appeals, none succeeded, as the party stood by its original selection unchanged.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has named former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator Sam Egwu, as the chairman of its screening committee for aspirants eyeing presidential, governorship, senatorial, and House of Representatives slots in the 2027 elections.

This announcement was made in a statement on Tuesday by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu. According to the statement, the 17-member committee will be inaugurated at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, as part of the party’s ongoing preparations for the next general elections.

Egwu, who served two terms as governor of Ebonyi State and later as a senator, will head the panel responsible for vetting candidates seeking to contest under the NDC banner.

The party also appointed its National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, as the committee’s secretary, while Babatunde Ali will serve as deputy chairman. Other members include Buba Galadima, Mohammed Takori, Daniel Onifade, Ikeddy Isiguzo, Wole Adedayo, Dr. Osusu Osusu, Chief Asukewe Ikoawaji, Prof. Udenta Udenta, Frederick E. Owotorufa, Hannatu Tanko, Dogo Shammar, Sir Henry Obaze, Clement Agiagie, and Fatima Abba.

The NDC noted that the committee comprises party leaders, professionals, and members of its National Working Committee, chosen to oversee the screening process for aspirants contesting various positions in the 2027 elections.

This development comes as the party intensifies its preparations for the next electoral cycle. Recently, the NDC has adopted consensus arrangements for some of its primaries in certain parts of the country to minimize internal conflicts and strengthen party unity ahead of the polls.

Elders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa Central have raised concerns over an alleged scheme to force a preferred candidate on the party. This comes after the senatorial primary, originally scheduled for Monday, failed to hold as planned.

The group, operating under the banner of Central Senatorial Zone APC Elders, has petitioned President Bola Tinubu. They warn that certain party figures in the state are deliberately delaying the process to pave the way for a handpicked aspirant.

Prior to the primary date, the state APC chapter issued a statement calling off the exercise, citing logistical issues. The notice, released by Publicity Secretary Victor Dogo, has been met with skepticism by many party members.

The elders allege that Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, the leader of the party in the state, is behind the plan to impose a candidate. Their main suspicion is that the beneficiary is the current Senator Aminu Iya Abbas.

Iya Abbas had previously been known to be eyeing the governorship position rather than another term in the Senate. Speaking at a press conference in Yola on Tuesday, Alhaji Mohammed Song, the group’s spokesperson, questioned the sudden shift. He noted that Iya Abbas had campaigned across all local government areas for the governorship, only to later be presented as a senatorial aspirant after the screening.

Song highlighted that Yola North Local Government Area, the heart of the capital, has never had a senator in the current democratic era. The elders had thrown their support behind Alhaji Aliyu Abbati, a candidate from that LGA. According to Song, Abbati is the only aspirant who has engaged with all seven local governments in the zone, while others have not shown up. He appealed to President Tinubu to intervene, warning that such underhand tactics could damage the party’s prospects and the President’s chances in the upcoming general elections.

In response, Governor Fintiri has denied the allegations, asserting that the primary process has been generally fair. He attributed any minor issues to human error, which he says is normal in such exercises.

A human rights organization, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), has called on the Enugu State Government to take immediate action to reconstruct homes destroyed by Nigerian Army personnel in Ime-Ezi community. In a press release signed by its Board of Trustees chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi, the group emphasized that failure to address the situation could lead to legal action against both the military and the state.

Reports from Enugu indicate that soldiers, while conducting an operation to dismantle a camp of Biafran agitators, set fire to residential properties after being ambushed by armed individuals. The rights group dispatched a six-member fact-finding team to the scene, which confirmed that the military operation targeted criminal hideouts but resulted in civilian homes being burned.

Intersociety urged the government to collaborate with affected families to assess the damage and facilitate rebuilding. The statement read: “The Enugu State Government must engage with the innocent victims whose houses and valuables were destroyed, with the aim of auditing, rebuilding, or replacing them.” It further warned that if compensation and apologies are not provided, the victims may resort to suing the Army’s 82 Division and the state government for damages.

The organization also called for an end to what it described as “IPOB/ESN-phobia” within security operations, urging the Nigerian Army to avoid labeling entire communities due to the actions of non-state actors. Additionally, Intersociety demanded the unconditional release of individuals arrested during the operation, insisting they be produced alive and in good health.

According to the group, the military must adopt a more human rights-respecting approach in the South-East, moving away from discriminatory practices. The statement concluded by stressing the importance of preventing future incidents and ensuring accountability for the destruction of civilian property.

The Oyo State Police Command has officially refuted widespread claims of a bandit attack in Ogbomoso and its environs, labeling the incident as a false alarm fueled by misinformation and panic.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the command confirmed that normalcy has returned to Ogbomoso and neighboring areas, including Ajaawa Town, following rumors about suspected armed bandits near Are-Ago High School.

According to authorities, the unverified reports caused anxiety among locals, prompting immediate deployment of patrol and surveillance teams to the location to assess the situation and prevent any potential breakdown of law and order.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the scare originated from unsubstantiated claims shared among students, who reported seeing unfamiliar individuals behind the school fence. This sparked fear among students and staff, rapidly spreading panic across adjacent schools and communities.

Further inquiries by security personnel disclosed that the individuals involved included an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) assigned to the Kwara State Command, along with two civilians. The trio had visited a female acquaintance in the area to celebrate her birthday.

Tension escalated after an altercation reportedly occurred between some teachers and the visitors, while unconfirmed rumors circulating within the community further heightened anxiety before the true circumstances were clarified.

The police emphasized that there was no bandit invasion, attack, or security breach in Ogbomoso or surrounding communities, adding that academic, commercial, and social activities have since resumed as usual.

Commissioner of Police for Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, appealed to residents to remain calm, vigilant, and continue supporting security agencies with accurate and credible information.

He also cautioned against the spread of fake news and unverified security alerts, warning that individuals found circulating false information capable of causing panic or public disorder will face investigation and potential prosecution under the law.

The command advised the public to rely solely on official communication channels for security-related updates and to avoid sharing rumors that could disrupt peace and public safety.

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ayekooto Akindele, has stirred controversy by linking the shortcomings of former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu to the alleged fraudulent activities of his predecessor, Saleh Mamman. According to Akindele, the challenges faced by Adelabu during his tenure were a direct consequence of the problems created by Mamman.

Adelabu recently stepped down from his position in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet to focus on his gubernatorial campaign. His leadership was widely criticized due to the persistent poor power supply across Nigeria. Akindele, however, argues that the criticism was misplaced, as Adelabu spent the better part of two years trying to resolve issues stemming from Mamman’s tenure.

Mamman is currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his arrest in Kaduna State on Tuesday. He is accused of money laundering and fraud totaling N33.8 billion, allegedly linked to the diversion of funds from the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.

In a post on his official X handle, Akindele wrote, “While some gullible haters of Adelabu tagged him ‘OLOKUNKUN-BIRIMU,’ one of the actual people who caused the problem that Adelabu was solving for over two years has just been captured by the EFCC.” The remark suggests that the public perception of Adelabu as a failure may have been unfair, given the scale of misconduct he inherited.

The arrest of Mamman has reignited discussions about corruption in Nigeria’s power sector, with many calling for thorough investigations to bring all perpetrators to justice. The EFCC has yet to release further details on the case, but the development has provided some vindication for Adelabu’s supporters.

The family of Mr. Utibe Asian, a student in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Uyo, has made an urgent appeal to Inspector General of Police Tunji Rilwan Disu to help secure the release of their son. The young man was abducted on December 2, 2025, and a ransom of N500,000 was paid, yet he remains captive.

Utibe, a 300-level student from Obio Etoi in Uyo local government area, reportedly disappeared after receiving a call from a friend using the number 09066935255. He left his home to meet them at an undisclosed location and has not been seen since.

His father, Pastor Aniefiok Asian, recounted that the kidnappers contacted him on December 3, initially demanding N30 million. They eventually lowered the amount to N500,000, which the family paid on December 13, 2025, via a Moniepoint PoS account (5631337489) under the name Uzor Onuoha Enterprise Bank. Despite the payment, the abductors did not release Utibe nor make any further contact.

Pastor Asian reported the crime to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Akwa Ibom Police Command on December 5, 2025. A police officer named Mrs. Jumbo took his statement, and an Investigative Police Officer was assigned to the case. The family also alerted the Commissioner for Internal Security and the Department of State Services, but they have received no positive response.

In desperation, Pastor Asian is calling on the IGP to deploy all available security resources to rescue his son and track down the kidnappers. He expressed his belief in the ability of security agencies to act, pleading for a rescue team to bring his son back.

However, Akwa Ibom State Police Commissioner Baba Azare stated that the kidnapping had not been reported through official channels. He advised the father to report the matter properly so that the command can take immediate action.

In a startling revelation from his newly released autobiography, former Nigerian Head of State Yakubu Gowon has disclosed that Olusegun Obasanjo initially resisted an assignment that would place him under the command of Colonel Murtala Muhammed during the nation’s civil war. The 859-page book, titled My Life of Duty and Allegiance, was unveiled at a ceremony in Abuja.

According to Gowon, the controversy erupted after he established a Rear Command for the newly formed 2 Division, which was led by Murtala. Obasanjo was appointed as the Rear Commander in Ibadan, a role he vehemently opposed. Gowon writes that Obasanjo argued he held a higher rank than Murtala and therefore should not be required to take orders from him. The former head of state quoted Obasanjo as saying he would never serve under Murtala Muhammed under any circumstances.

Despite the objection, Gowon stood firm, asserting his authority as Commander-in-Chief to deploy officers wherever they were most needed. He emphasized that his decision was final. Eventually, Obasanjo relented and accepted the position, fulfilling his duties competently.

Gowon also reflected on the early beginnings of his relationship with Obasanjo, which dates back to 1958 when both were undergoing officer training in the United Kingdom. He recalled how Obasanjo had helped him financially upon his arrival in London with limited funds, an act that sparked Gowon’s lasting interest in Obasanjo’s career. Gowon described himself as Obasanjo’s informal guardian angel from that point onward.

Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, has voiced strong condemnation over the gruesome killing of a teacher and the brutal assault and murder of an elderly woman, calling the incidents deeply troubling and heartbreaking.

In a statement on his X account, Obi noted that some events strike at the very core of society, leaving one speechless with shock. He identified these two tragedies as exemplifying such horrors.

Obi remarked that these acts are not random but reflect a deeper collapse of morals and social values. He questioned how the nation reached a point where educators are hunted down and the elderly, who are the custodians of tradition and knowledge, suffer such heinous violence.

According to him, this goes beyond a mere security challenge—it signifies a breakdown of our collective compassion. He lamented that society has become numb, briefly acknowledging tragedy before moving on, allowing apathy to normalize the unacceptable.

Extending his condolences to the bereaved families, Obi emphasized that sorrow alone is not enough. He called for accountability and urgent systemic changes, warning that if such atrocities no longer spur action, then the country risks losing its shared humanity.

The Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) has responded to recent student demonstrations by clarifying its efforts regarding the accreditation of its Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) program. In a statement released on Tuesday, the university’s Head of Information, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, Sunday A. Igah, addressed what it termed as misunderstandings about the accreditation process.

The administration, under Vice-Chancellor Prof. Francis Uba since May 13, 2025, inherited significant challenges. According to the university, the MBBS program had not undergone any Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) Resource Verification or Advisory Visit for four years prior to the current leadership. Additionally, statutory accreditation fees were unpaid, and communication with the regulatory body had stalled.

Infrastructure deficits further hampered accreditation readiness. The university cited an abandoned Multi-User Laboratory, a missing Autopsy Centre, a dilapidated morgue, and laboratories that failed to meet MDCN standards. The current administration prioritized accreditation by clearing outstanding fees, initiating formal dialogue with the MDCN, and upgrading facilities.

Ongoing improvements include expanding the Anatomy Laboratory, modernizing the Human Physiology Lab, reconstructing the morgue, building an Autopsy Centre, and completing the Multi-User Laboratory. A bus for Community Medicine has been purchased, accommodation secured for pioneer medical students, and staffing gaps filled through targeted recruitment.

Students previously sent home have been recalled, and academic activities are ongoing. The MDCN accreditation visit is scheduled for May 21, 2026, marking the culmination of a year-long effort. FUHSO remains committed to achieving accreditation and safeguarding students’ academic futures.