Category: News

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has obtained a permanent confiscation order for a private aircraft connected to the ongoing investigation into the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos issued the order on Monday, May 19, 2026, after reviewing the anti-graft agency’s request. The Bombardier Challenger 605 jet was seized as part of inquiries into alleged corruption, money laundering, and misconduct involving senior officials and contractors linked to the state oil firm.

During the hearing, EFCC lawyers argued that evidence showed the aircraft was purchased with funds likely derived from illegal activities and concealed through shell companies and intermediaries. The judge noted that the respondents failed to demonstrate that the jet was obtained through lawful means.

“The property is hereby finally forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria,” the judge declared. The EFCC described the forfeiture as a significant step in its ongoing efforts to tackle financial irregularities within the NNPCL.

His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe CFR, the Obi of Onitsha and Chairman of The Delborough Lagos Board, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu for successfully completing advanced executive leadership and performance programs at two of the world’s most prestigious institutions: Oxford University in London and Harvard Kennedy School in the United States.

Dr. Uzochukwu, who serves as the Founder and CEO of Stanel Group and The Delborough Lagos, undertook multiple courses in 2025, including the High Performance Leadership program, Emerging Leaders, Leadership Decision Making, Leading Successful Programs Using Evidence, and Strategic Leadership for Personal Effectiveness. These programs underscore his commitment to continuous learning and excellence.

In a phone conversation on Monday, the Obi of Onitsha lauded Dr. Uzochukwu, who was recently inaugurated as Chairman of the UNIZIK Advancement Board, for his relentless pursuit of personal growth and academic milestones despite his demanding schedule as a thriving entrepreneur.

The monarch urged Dr. Uzochukwu to apply the newly acquired knowledge effectively, particularly as The Delborough Abuja project progresses. He said, “Congratulations, my son, and welcome back from Oxford! We anticipate the application of your fresh insights to the growth and expansion of The Delborough Lagos brand. Your dedication to self-improvement is evident in the achievements you’ve made at a young age. On behalf of the board members, I sincerely commend and congratulate you on your academic success.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries in Kebbi State were conducted in a peaceful manner, according to Governor Nasir Idris. The governor made this statement while commenting on the Monday exercise held at Haliru Abdu Stadium in Birnin Kebbi.

Governor Idris praised party members for their discipline, loyalty, and commitment to reaching consensus, underscoring that the event showcased unity among APC supporters in the state. He specifically acknowledged several aspirants who voluntarily withdrew from the race to foster party cohesion, naming Alhaji Kabir Sani Giant, Engineer Garba Haruna, Dr. Hussaini Suleiman Kangiwa, and Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah. Their actions, the governor said, demonstrated political maturity and a dedication to the party’s collective interest.

The primaries ultimately produced candidates through consensus agreements. Senator Adamu Aliero emerged as the flagbearer for Kebbi Central, Senator Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi for Kebbi North, and retired General Jafar Muhammad Gajere for Kebbi South. The affirmation of these candidates was endorsed by Comrade Garba Muhammad, Chairman of the Primary Election Appeal Committee, and Barrister Attahiru Maccido, Chairman of the Affirmation Committee, amid enthusiastic cheers from party supporters.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District, setting the stage for his return to the National Assembly in the 2027 elections. The former senator, who represented the district from 2011 to 2019, secured the party’s ticket during the APC senatorial primary held on Monday.

Uzodimma, who currently serves as the governor of Imo State, is expected to complete his second term in January 2028. He also chairs the Progressives Governors Forum, an umbrella body of APC governors across the country. His victory in the primary positions him to vie for a seat in the Senate once again, following his tenure as governor.

The primary election, conducted by the APC in Imo State, saw Uzodimma emerge as the sole candidate after meeting all party requirements. With the ticket in hand, he now prepares for the general election, where he will contest against candidates from other political parties for the Imo West senatorial seat.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has touched down in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) gears up for its primary elections.

This update was communicated via a Facebook post by Ahmad Dan-Wudil, who serves as the media adviser to the former governor. According to the statement, Matawalle’s arrival marks a key step in the party’s preparations.

Upon his arrival, the minister joined Governor Dauda Lawal at the Government House to engage with party leaders and those seeking party tickets. The gathering included prominent figures such as former governors Senator Ahmad Sani Yarima and Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi.

Also present were the APC State Chairman, Kabiru Moyi Birnin Magaji; the State Party Secretary, Ibrahim Maigandi; along with several other influential party figures. The meeting underscores the party’s efforts to consolidate ahead of the primaries.

In a decisive victory, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has emerged as the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Ogun East Senatorial District. The exercise, conducted on Monday, saw Abiodun secure an overwhelming majority of votes, solidifying his position as the party’s candidate for the upcoming senatorial election.

Dr. Wale Bello, the Chief Returning Officer for the district, announced the results, revealing that Abiodun garnered 75,550 votes from a total of 99,503 ballots cast. His closest rival, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, managed only 398 votes, while Bukola Braimoh received a mere 29 votes. The outcome underscored the governor’s strong influence within the party in the region.

Breaking down the figures across local government areas, Dr. Bello provided a detailed account. In Sagamu, out of 11,285 registered members, Abiodun scored 8,434 votes, with Daniel and Braimoh receiving none and 7 votes, respectively. Similarly, in Ijebu North East, Abiodun attracted 5,655 of 7,120 members, leaving Daniel with 12 and Braimoh with 17. Ikenne Local Government saw Abiodun polling 8,226 out of 8,643 votes, while his opponents recorded zero.

Further results showed Abiodun’s dominance in Remo North, where he obtained 7,034 of 8,857 votes, and in Ijebu-Ode, with 10,942 from 16,910 party faithful. In Ogun Waterside, he secured 6,958 out of 8,882 votes, and in Odogbolu, 7,989 from 11,472, against Daniel’s 219. Ijebu East followed a similar pattern, with Abiodun getting 7,058 of 10,219 votes, and Daniel 139. Finally, in Ijebu North, the governor notched 13,469 votes out of 17,109, while Daniel managed 22.

Upon declaring Abiodun the victor, Dr. Bello praised the electorate for their peaceful conduct and warm hospitality, describing the primary as an unprecedented and orderly affair. In his acceptance speech, the governor expressed gratitude to the people of Ogun East for their confidence in him, highlighting the maturity exhibited by party members throughout the process. He recalled contesting the same position 29 years ago, when he won but was not sworn in, and thanked God that despite past frustrations, he triumphed in the 2019 gubernatorial race.

Abiodun pledged to deliver quality representation, stating, ‘I promise I will not disappoint you.’ He also acknowledged the contributions of security agencies, INEC officials, party supporters, cabinet members, and his staff, hailing them as unsung heroes whose cooperation ensured the primary’s success.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its senatorial primary elections in Katsina State, with three candidates emerging victorious for the 2027 general elections. Nasir Yahya Daura, the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, won the ticket for the Katsina North Senatorial District. He secured a commanding 78,394 votes, leaving his closest competitor, Ahmed Kabir, far behind with just 2,274 votes.

The Katsina North district, also referred to as the Daura Zone, encompasses 12 local government areas, including Daura, Baure, Bindawa, Dutsi, Ingawa, Kankia, Kusada, Mai’Adua, Mani, Mashi, Sandamu, and Zango. The result was announced at Daura Motel by Dr. Yakubu Maccido, the APC’s national headquarters representative, who formally declared Daura the winner. Maccido stated that Daura had garnered the highest number of votes, making him the party’s candidate for the senatorial seat.

In his acceptance speech, Daura expressed gratitude to delegates and party leaders, vowing to provide effective representation if elected in 2027. He also called for unity among APC members as the party gears up for the general elections.

Meanwhile, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda oversaw the affirmation of two incumbent senators as APC candidates. At the Isma’ila Isa Funtua Township Stadium, stakeholders unanimously endorsed Senator Muntari Muhammad Dandutse as the party’s flagbearer for Katsina South Senatorial District. Similarly, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua was affirmed as the APC candidate for Katsina Central Senatorial District at the Katsina Township Stadium.

Dr. Yakubu Maccido Ahmed, chairman of the APC Electoral Committee, explained that the affirmations were the result of unanimous agreements among stakeholders and aspirants in the respective zones. He noted that the process demonstrated unity, internal cohesion, and strategic alignment within the party as it prepares for the 2027 polls.

Senator Idiat Adebule has been confirmed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Lagos West Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections. She emerged unopposed during the party’s primary election held at the Agege Stadium in Lagos State.

The affirmation process involved delegates and party faithful from all 11 wards within Agege Local Government. Returning Officer Olugbenga Nola announced that Adebule, the current senator for the district, was returned through a direct primary as the sole aspirant, highlighting the peaceful and transparent nature of the exercise.

Former Agege Local Government Chairman Ganiyu Egunjobi, who is also vying for the APC ticket for the Lagos State House of Assembly in Agege Constituency I, commended the orderly conduct of the primary. He described Agege as a cohesive political family, noting that the exercise showcased unity and cooperation among party members.

Party leaders across the district viewed the primary as evidence of consensus-building and effective grassroots mobilization within the APC. Benjamin Olabinjo, representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency, praised supporters for their peaceful participation, attributing the smooth process to internal consensus and the absence of opposition.

Ojokoro Local Council Development Area Chairman Adenike Rosiji remarked that the peaceful atmosphere reflected widespread acceptance of Adebule among party members, crediting stakeholder consultations for fostering unity before the primary. Gbenga Agoye, Deputy Chairman of APC in Ifako-Ijaiye, who oversaw accreditation, stated that officials strictly followed party guidelines during both accreditation and vote counting.

The primary drew a large turnout of delegates and supporters at Agege Stadium, with security personnel deployed to maintain order throughout the event.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has completed the screening of more than 70 governorship aspirants in preparation for the party’s 2027 primary elections. The exercise took place on Monday in Abuja, drawing candidates from states such as Adamawa, Delta, Benue, Zamfara, Plateau, Bauchi, Jigawa, Lagos, Nasarawa, and Rivers.

Senator Mohamed Onawo, who represents Nasarawa South and chairs the Senate Committee on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, praised the screening process as both transparent and meticulous. He noted that the committee members exhibited professionalism while evaluating documents and posing pertinent questions to the aspirants.

“The committee members were professional, thorough and fair in assessing documents and asking relevant questions,” Onawo remarked. He also expressed optimism about the ADC’s prospects in the 2027 governorship races, particularly in Nasarawa State, citing his political background and what he described as increasing public backing for the party.

Among the prominent figures screened were former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (Kebbi), Senator Mohammed Jibrilla (Adamawa), Great Ogboru (Delta), Senator Mohamed Onawo (Nasarawa), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (Lagos), Dr. Shehu Ahmad Issa (Zamfara), and Retired General John Surai (Plateau). Others included Adeboyega Adegoke (Oyo), Senator Haliru Jika (Bauchi), Barrister Kashim Geidam (Yobe), Musa Ahmed (Adamawa), Nuhu Agbazu (Nasarawa), Dr. Emmanuel Unuafe (Delta), Bashir Adamu (Jigawa), Ambassador Umar Suleiman (Adamawa), Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa (Rivers), and Peter Adejoh (Benue).

Senator Ipablibo Banigo-Harry, who represents the Rivers West Senatorial District, has spoken out against her exclusion from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the same seat. During a press briefing on Monday at her ward in Obuama, located in Degema Local Government Area, she argued that as a sitting senator, she was entitled to participate in the contest.

The former Deputy Governor of Rivers State criticized the party’s decision, cautioning that the APC might lose experienced female politicians at a time when the nation is focusing on enhancing women’s involvement in governance. She emphasized the importance of fielding the best candidates for national politics to bring benefits back to the state.

Banigo-Harry urged her supporters to remain calm and called on the national leadership of the APC to look into the issue and resolve it promptly. She expressed confidence that the party would act based on equity, justice, fairness, and gender sensitivity. Noting that there are only four women in the National Assembly, she stressed the need to increase female representation, especially those with proven legislative experience who could contribute effectively in a second term.