Category: News

In a surprising turn of events, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election scheduled for the state. The decision was disclosed in a personally signed statement on Wednesday, where he emphasized his readiness to back the eventual winner of the party’s ticket.

Fubara described the choice as challenging but necessary, reaffirming his dedication to supporting the APC candidate who will emerge for the upcoming governorship election. He expressed deep appreciation for his supporters, acknowledging their unwavering loyalty and the sacrifices they made throughout the political process, even as he recognized the disappointment his withdrawal might cause.

The governor explained that his recent silence was deliberate, driven by what he termed the greater good of the state. He noted having faced immense pressure and tough decisions, and he thanked the APC for giving him a platform during the primaries. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his encouragement and support.

Fubara called on party members and supporters to remain united and steadfast, stressing that the APC is a collective political family committed to building a stronger future for Rivers State. He stated, “After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC governorship primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party.”

Rabi’u Kwankwaso, a prominent figure in the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has strongly denied claims that he is secretly backing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election efforts. During a Wednesday interview on Global Television, Kwankwaso labeled such assertions as absurd, suggesting only a person with a flawed mindset would entertain them.

The controversy arose after Sanusi Bature, spokesperson for Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, alleged that Kwankwaso was covertly working for Tinubu’s 2027 campaign. Bature’s comments were published earlier by DAILY POST.

In his response, Kwankwaso emphasized that his focus remains solely on advancing the NDC’s agenda. He stated, “It’s laughable to think I’d work for someone else behind the scenes. We are dedicated to our party’s blueprint, which addresses critical issues like insecurity and educational reform.”

Kwankwaso further clarified that he does not owe allegiance to any individual outside the NDC. He urged the public to disregard the allegations, noting that his track record speaks for itself. “Our plans are clear and open for all to see. We are committed to solving Nigeria’s problems through the NDC platform,” he concluded.

In a significant political development, Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, has been selected as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Miga State Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made by Usman Dange, an APC representative from the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, following the conclusion of primary elections across all 30 state constituencies in Jigawa State.

Upon his affirmation, Dangyatin committed to continuing his efforts in initiating projects, programs, and legislation that aim to enhance the social and economic welfare of his constituents and the broader state population. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships between the legislative and executive branches to facilitate the successful execution of Governor Umar Namadi’s 12-point agenda, which he praised as highly beneficial to the people.

The APC-led administration, according to Dangyatin, remains dedicated to transforming Jigawa into a more prosperous and developed state. He expressed gratitude to party stakeholders and supporters in Miga Constituency for their confidence in his candidacy for the 2027 election.

Reacting to the primaries, Jigawa APC Chairman Ahmed Mailing MK described the exercise as peaceful and successful, noting its alignment with the process used during the National Assembly primaries. He stated that the smooth conduct of the primaries has bolstered the party’s confidence in securing victory for Bola Ahmed Tinubu and winning all elective positions in Jigawa State in the 2027 elections.

The chairman also commended the primary election committee from the national headquarters, Governor Umar Namadi, party stakeholders, and members for their contributions to the exercise’s success.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has officially unveiled the victors of its senatorial primary elections held in Abia State. The party’s leadership confirmed that three candidates emerged as flagbearers for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

In Abia North, Jude Udeachara, who previously served as the PDP’s House of Representatives candidate in the 2019 elections, secured a commanding victory with 39,740 votes.

For the Abia Central district, Bob Ogu, a former Commissioner for Works during Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration, garnered 18,901 votes to earn the party’s ticket.

Chinyere Onuoha emerged victorious in Abia South, tallying 33,611 votes to become the PDP’s senatorial candidate for the 2027 polls.

The results were announced at the party’s state office in Umuahia by the Chairman of the PDP Senatorial Election Committee, Ikenna Onuoha. He described the primary process as transparent and devoid of rancor, emphasizing that the Abia election was conducted via consensus.

Abraham Amah, Chairman of the PDP in Abia, delivered a pre-announcement speech expressing the party’s unwavering commitment to securing victory in the 2027 elections. He highlighted the party’s strategic preparations aimed at reclaiming dominance in the state.

The Federal Government has started releasing the long-awaited 2025 allowances for Nigerian students studying overseas under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) program. This development was announced by the Ministry of Education in a communiqué issued on May 19, 2026.

According to the statement, the Central Bank of Nigeria has completed the transfer of approved funds to Nigerian diplomatic missions and embassies in various partner countries. These missions will now facilitate the distribution of payments to the beneficiaries.

Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, confirmed that the released amount covers 50% of the total outstanding obligations for the 2025 academic year. He further assured that plans are already underway to disburse the remaining balance in due course.

The ministry emphasized that the funds have been deposited into the respective embassy accounts, and students can expect to receive their allowances through these channels shortly. The statement also reiterated the government’s commitment, declaring that no Nigerian student pursuing excellence under government scholarship schemes will be left unsupported.

A prominent public affairs analyst and businessman, Godfrey Ohuabunwa, has expressed grave concerns over the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) planned transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, set for 2027. He warns that this move, if mishandled, could lead to a national crisis, especially as the country prepares for a crucial general election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ohuabunwa highlighted that the current approach adopted by the NBC appears hurried, lacking clarity and inconsistent with the 2012 Digital Switchover (DSO) White Paper that had been approved by the Federal Executive Council. He stressed that the so-called transition is merely an aggregation of channels on NigComSat platforms, not a comprehensive Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) migration as originally envisioned under Nigeria’s DSO framework.

Ohuabunwa, who also serves as chairman of the Association of Licensed Set-Top Box Manufacturers of Nigeria, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step in and prevent the confusion being generated by the NBC. He urged, “Mr President, Nigeria cannot afford chaos in its broadcasting system at a time the nation is gearing up for another critical democratic transition. The moment to act is now.”

It will be recalled that the NBC had previously announced 2027 as the deadline for the full migration from analog to digital broadcasting.

An All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Ayekooto Akindele, has refuted the assertion made by Nollywood star-turned-politician Desmond Elliot, who represents Surulere I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, that he stepped down from the party’s primary election.

Earlier, DAILY POST reported that Elliot had announced his withdrawal from the ongoing primary, citing intimidation. However, Akindele countered this narrative on X, asserting that the actor actually participated in the election and suffered a decisive loss.

Calling Elliot’s claim preposterous, Akindele noted that the lawmaker hastily arranged a press conference after realizing he had no chance of winning. He stated: ‘Following the tally and announcement of results, and after enduring a crushing defeat in his own presence, Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot immediately convened a press conference, declaring he had withdrawn from the race and alleging that his ‘supporters’ were barred from voting. This is utterly ridiculous and typical of a sore loser and a desperate, overly ambitious politician who never intended to retire.’

In response to the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has enacted Executive Order No. 1 of 2026. This order aims to bring all associations, groups, and organizations providing security and related services under a unified regulatory framework approved by the state government.

The governor’s office released a statement confirming the new directive, emphasizing that it is designed to enhance peace, public order, and adherence to the rule of law throughout Oyo State. The order requires all security-affiliated entities to operate within clearly defined guidelines set by the government.

Makinde also addressed the kidnapping incident, assuring the public that security forces are working tirelessly to secure the safe return of the abducted children and teachers. The statement underscored the commitment of the administration to combating insecurity and ensuring the safety of all residents.

This move comes amid growing concerns over security in the region and follows calls from various stakeholders for stronger measures to protect schools and communities. The executive order is seen as a proactive step to curb the activities of unregulated security groups and prevent future incidents.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has strongly condemned the recent wave of violent attacks on educational institutions across the country, describing them as brutal and inhumane. In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Audu Amba, and Secretary-General, Clinton Ikpitibo, the union expressed deep concern that schools, once considered safe havens for learning, have become targets for bandits and terrorists.

NUT highlighted that these assaults have instilled widespread fear and emotional distress among educators, students, parents, and local communities. The warning comes on the heels of attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. The affected institutions include Local Authority Primary School in Ahoro-Esinele, Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele, and Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota.

According to the union, the incidents led to the abduction of a school principal, seven teachers, and more than 30 pupils and students. Tragically, one teacher was fatally shot during the assault. NUT noted that the slain educator was wearing his union attire at the time, emphasizing his dedication to both the teaching profession and the union. The union also expressed alarm over reports that one of the kidnapped teachers was later beheaded by the assailants.

Additionally, over 40 pupils and students were reportedly abducted on the same day from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. NUT extended its solidarity to the affected schools and the families of the victims, while urging security agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure the safe return of all those taken.

The union called on both the Federal Government and state authorities to enhance security measures around schools and implement stronger preventive strategies to avert future attacks. “Teachers cannot effectively perform their duties in an environment of fear and insecurity, where they are subjected to the horrors of kidnapping, maiming, and murder,” the statement read.

NUT warned that if such attacks persist, educators may be forced to withdraw their services as a last resort to protect their lives and well-being.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a direct call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security leadership, demanding immediate action on the country’s escalating insecurity. This follows the recent abduction of dozens of students and teachers in Oyo State, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage.

NLC President Joe Ajaero delivered the union’s stance during a press statement on Wednesday, criticizing the government’s repeated reliance on condolences and verbal responses instead of concrete measures. Ajaero emphasized that the time for empty gestures is over, insisting on decisive steps to protect citizens.

The kidnapping occurred when armed bandits attacked several schools in Oriire Local Government Area, including Community High School, L.A. Basic School in Ahoro Esinele, and First Baptist School in Yawota. At least 30 pupils and seven teachers were taken captive. Reports later confirmed that one of the abducted teachers was decapitated by the captors, heightening public anger and fear.

The union stressed that federal and state authorities must wake up to their fundamental responsibility of safeguarding lives and property. Ajaero called for a thorough self-assessment by security agencies, urging them to find the will to overcome the crisis before it worsens. He stated, “We demand action now. We have had enough of sermons and condolence messages. How long shall we continue to bleed like this?”

The NLC’s intervention adds to growing pressure on the Tinubu administration to prioritize national security and rescue the remaining hostages.