Category: News

Half a century after its launch, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) remains a vital force for national cohesion and community advancement, according to the Osun State Coordinator, Ekeng Ita Kubiangha. Speaking at a rally in Osogbo marking the scheme’s 53rd anniversary, he emphasized that the NYSC has consistently proven its importance in tackling national and local issues by posting corps members across the country.

Kubiangha pointed out that the NYSC has been instrumental in fostering national integration and distributing manpower evenly among states and local governments. He noted that corps members can be found in every local government area in Nigeria, contributing to development and understanding among diverse ethnic groups. “The movement of young graduates from one region to another has significantly enhanced mutual understanding and service delivery,” he said.

The coordinator praised the Osun State Government for its support toward corps members’ welfare. Despite facing challenges like insecurity, Kubiangha asserted that the NYSC has stayed true to its mission of nation-building and youth empowerment. He highlighted that agencies such as the Independent National Electoral Commission, National Orientation Agency, National Population Commission, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization rely on the NYSC’s contributions. “There have been hiccups, especially from security concerns, but the scheme has thrived through divine grace,” he added.

Earlier, the Director of NYSC South West Area Office 1, Olubukola Abiodun, declared that the scheme is here to stay, given its lasting impact on sectors like education and healthcare. Since 1973, the NYSC has not only filled manpower gaps but also prepared graduates for the labor market and future employment. Abiodun stated, “Nigerians can see the positive changes the NYSC has brought over the years.”

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly rejected allegations that the Nigerian military is acting against democratic institutions. In an official statement released in Abuja, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, described such accusations as baseless and deceptive.

Gusau emphasized that the armed forces remain wholly dedicated to the Constitution and civilian governance. He clarified that all military operations across Nigeria are conducted under lawful orders and aim solely to bolster national security.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces are loyal to the Constitution and the democratic structures of the nation. Any insinuation that the military is eroding democratic authority is false, misleading, and without foundation,” the statement read.

The DHQ urged citizens to dismiss misinformation that could cause undue alarm, reaffirming the military’s pledge to defend the country’s territorial integrity while upholding democratic values.

Nigerian billionaire and socialite Obi Cubana has reportedly taken down all Instagram posts related to the City Boy Movement without any public announcement. The move comes amid widespread criticism from Nigerians over his open support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Obi Cubana was appointed South-East coordinator of the pro-Tinubu City Boy Movement, a youth-focused political advocacy group aimed at promoting the Renewed Hope Agenda. The organization has been active in mobilizing grassroots support through campus tours, rallies, and distribution of cash grants to vulnerable families.

As of now, Obi Cubana has not issued any official statement explaining the removal of the posts. The City Boy Movement itself has not commented on the development. The sudden deletion has sparked speculation about a possible shift in the businessman’s political alignment or a response to the ongoing backlash.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of blocking its leaders from visiting Nasir El-Rufai, the former Kaduna State governor currently held in the commission’s custody. According to the party, a delegation comprising National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, and Salihu Lukman, who serves as secretary of the ADC Manifesto and Policy Committee, attempted to see El-Rufai at the ICPC facility but were turned away. The circumstances surrounding the denial remained unclear as of Friday afternoon.

This incident comes shortly after the ICPC refuted claims that El-Rufai was being deprived of food, family visits, and medical care. At a press briefing, ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey dismissed such allegations as baseless. He stated that the commission allows visitors between 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and that El-Rufai’s wife arrived outside these hours. Odey further emphasized that authorized visitors, including relatives, legal counsel, and medical professionals, are granted supervised access.

However, the El-Rufai family has countered these assertions, alleging that the former governor has been barred from seeing his personal doctors, despite a Kaduna High Court order guaranteeing unrestricted access to legal representatives and physicians. A family member revealed that the ICPC’s in-house doctor had recommended further medical tests, but subsequent access was blocked. Hasiat, El-Rufai’s second wife, specifically claimed that he was denied follow-up consultations with the doctor.

As collation of results gets underway in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Oyo State, early figures show former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu surging ahead in numerous wards across the region.

Sources report that Adelabu has secured strong showings in key local government areas, indicating substantial support from both party stalwarts and grassroots voters.

The primary, which featured 11 aspirants, is a crucial contest for the APC as it seeks to unseat the incumbent governor in the 2027 elections.

Excitement is building among Adelabu’s backers, with celebrations breaking out in several wards as preliminary results trickle in.

Observers note that the outcome will be pivotal in shaping the party’s strategy for the general election.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has been officially endorsed as the sole candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 governorship election. The declaration occurred during the party’s primary election held on Thursday at the APC state secretariat in Minna.

Danlami Abubakar, who served as the Chairman of the APC Electoral Committee and Returning Officer, confirmed Bago’s nomination as the party’s single candidate following a consensus adoption process. He noted that the governor had fulfilled all necessary requirements and enjoyed extensive backing from party members throughout the state.

The motion to adopt Bago as the unopposed candidate was introduced by Mohammed Sani Musa, representing the Niger East Senatorial District. Musa highlighted the governor’s track record in advancing development, fostering party unity, and promoting inclusive governance since taking office. “We trust his leadership and accomplishments, which is why stakeholders unanimously agreed to present him as our candidate,” Musa stated.

Afiniki Dauda, the Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, seconded the motion. She praised Bago’s commitment to infrastructure development, agricultural advancement, and youth empowerment initiatives across the state. Dauda called on party members to maintain unity and rally behind the governor’s re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 polls.

In his response, Governor Bago expressed gratitude to APC members for their confidence demonstrated through the consensus arrangement. He emphasized that the show of support reflects the strong bond between his administration and the people of Niger State. “I will never take this support for granted. It is a responsibility that demands greater commitment and service to our people,” he remarked.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State has formally declared Governor Ahmed Aliyu as its candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial race. This decision was reached during a primary election held in the state capital on Thursday, where party faithful from all 244 wards and 23 local government areas gave their unanimous backing through a consensus agreement.

Alhaji Mukhtar Birniwa, who chaired the APC electoral committee, highlighted the smooth and peaceful nature of the exercise, attributing it to the unity and harmony among party members. He noted that the committee’s work was significantly simplified because consensus had already been established at the grassroots level, with delegates from every ward supporting the governor’s candidacy.

“Our party members across all wards have spoken with one voice in favor of Governor Ahmed Aliyu. Today’s event is merely a formal ratification of that collective decision,” Birniwa stated before officially announcing Aliyu as the APC standard-bearer for the upcoming election.

In his acceptance speech, Governor Aliyu expressed deep gratitude to party members and supporters for their continued trust in his leadership. He assured them that if re-elected, he would persist in executing initiatives and projects designed to enhance the quality of life for Sokoto residents. The governor also reiterated his commitment to fostering development and delivering democratic dividends across the state.

Vice President Kashim Shettima took part in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Borno State on Thursday, where Engr. Mustapha Gubio was selected as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 gubernatorial race.

The primary event was hosted in Maiduguri and drew participants including Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, party officials, delegates, and various stakeholders from across the state.

Gubio ran unopposed and secured the APC nomination during the exercise.

Addressing the gathering, Shettima appealed to party members to stay united and strive for the APC’s victory in the 2027 elections. He urged all faithful to put aside their disagreements and back the party’s candidates in the upcoming polls.

Governor Zulum expressed gratitude to party members and stakeholders for their involvement in the primary process.

After being declared the winner, Gubio vowed to continue advancing developmental initiatives throughout the state if he wins the governorship in 2027. He also committed to prioritizing governance and progress in key sectors.

Notable attendees at the primary included APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori; Senators M.T. Monguno and Kaka Shehu Lawan; members of the National Assembly and Borno State House of Assembly; commissioners; and other APC key figures.

In a significant political development, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket for the 2027 general elections, garnering 459,393 affirmation votes during the party’s primary election held on Thursday.

Running unopposed as the sole aspirant, Governor Sani achieved a sweeping affirmation victory, backed by delegates and key stakeholders across the state.

The primary election, conducted under the supervision of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, drew top APC leaders, elected officials, delegates, and supporters from across Kaduna State.

While announcing the results, the Chairman of the Kaduna APC Governorship and House of Assembly Primary Election Committee, Hon. Hafiz Kawu, lauded the exercise for its peaceful and transparent nature, highlighting it as a clear demonstration of unity and trust in Governor Sani’s leadership ahead of the 2027 polls.

The motion for affirmation votes was proposed by the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Liman, and received unanimous approval from delegates at the venue.

After his affirmation, Governor Uba Sani expressed gratitude to APC members, stakeholders, and the people of Kaduna for their belief in his leadership, framing the endorsement as a renewed commitment to service and inclusive development.

The governor noted that his administration has achieved substantial progress in enhancing security, fostering peace, and promoting unity through continuous dialogue and community engagement, resulting in increased stability and social harmony statewide.

“We have strengthened peace, promoted unity and expanded development across both urban and rural communities. From education and infrastructure to road rehabilitation and people-centered projects, our focus has remained on improving the lives of citizens,” he stated.

Governor Sani assured residents that his administration would build on existing achievements and continue efforts to create a more secure, prosperous, and united Kaduna State leading up to 2027.

This affirmation further cements Governor Uba Sani’s rising influence within the APC and signals growing unity within the ruling party as the general election approaches.

The All Progressives Congress in Benue State is set to hold its governorship primary election on Thursday, May 21, with Governor Hyacinth Alia as a leading contender. Other aspirants vying for the party’s ticket include Jeffrey Kuraun and Terwase Orbunde.

Governor Alia has urged the APC leadership at all levels to ensure a process that is transparent, credible, and reflects the genuine will of party members. He stressed that internal democracy is crucial for the party’s unity and electoral success.

In a statement released by Chief Solomon Iorpev, the governor’s Technical Adviser on Media and Strategic Communication, Alia called on delegates and stakeholders to participate actively and maintain peace throughout the exercise. He emphasized the need for candidates to see the primary as a brotherly contest that will strengthen the party.

Alia also wished all aspirants well and prayed for a primary that is free of rancor and disruptions.