Category: News

The national leader of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has declared his intention to actively campaign against President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’ program, Baba-Ahmed expressed strong criticism of the current administration, labeling Tinubu as detrimental to Nigeria’s progress.

He emphasized that ousting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is achievable, pointing to widespread public dissatisfaction as a foundation for change.

“My mission is to remove Tinubu from office because I believe he poses a serious threat to our nation’s future,” Baba-Ahmed stated. “Our primary goal within the PRP is to unseat him. While we don’t claim to be the sole force capable of this, we are committed to playing a significant role through all lawful means.”

He accused the president of worsening the country’s conditions, citing increased hardship, insecurity, and widespread despair. “Nigerians are deeply unhappy, and the administration knows this unless they are shielded from the truth,” he added.

Baba-Ahmed called on opposition leaders to unite, set aside personal ambitions, and collaborate to achieve a government change in 2027. “Half the battle is already won due to public discontent. The remaining challenge is for us — the political heavyweights — to pool our resources and energies, overcome selfishness, and focus on the collective goal of a new government,” he concluded.

In a significant development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has conducted its House of Representatives primaries across Kano State, with a majority of candidates securing their tickets through consensus agreements. According to the party’s state public relations officer, Auwalu Soja, a total of 20 incumbent legislators were returned unopposed after stakeholders reached a peaceful understanding.

However, four constituencies witnessed competitive primaries. In Bagwai/Shanono, incumbent Yusuf Ahmad Badau emerged victorious over former lawmaker Faruk Lawan. Similarly, in Madobi/Garun Mallam, Sulaiman Mukthar Ishaq was declared the winner. The Dambatta Federal Constituency saw Hamisu Chidari clinch the ticket for a third term, while Mustapha Bala Maigidan Ruwa triumphed in Dawakin Kudu/Warawa. Soja emphasized that all primaries were conducted maturely without any security breaches.

Notable consensus candidates include Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Abubakar Kabir Bichi, and Abdulmumini Jibrin Kofa, who were among the 20 individuals who avoided primary elections. The smooth process underscores the party’s efforts to maintain unity ahead of the general elections.

The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the results of its House of Representatives primary elections held on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The state chairman, Amah Abraham Nnanna, secured the party’s ticket for the Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency.

Ikenna Onuoha, who headed the electoral committee, disclosed the outcomes in Umuahia. He emphasized that the process strictly adhered to the Electoral Act and aligned with the PDP Constitution of 2017, as amended. Onuoha noted that the primaries covered four federal constituencies and were conducted via consensus and affirmation methods.

According to Onuoha, the party outlined two electoral approaches: consensus first, and if that failed, a direct primary election would be employed. The following candidates also emerged: Akpulonu Solomon for Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, Humphrey Chukwudi Benson for Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, and Ajuziogu Roland for Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency.

As of the time of this report, results for the remaining four federal constituencies in Abia State had not yet been released.

Lagos, Nigeria – In a decisive victory during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election held on Saturday, Moses Olarewaju has clinched the party’s ticket for the House of Representatives seat in the Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency.

The election, which took place in Lagos State, saw Olarewaju amass a commanding 13,130 votes, far surpassing his closest rival, Hon. Ramota Akinlola-Hassan, who garnered 3,184 votes. Hon. Ayodele Adewale trailed with 79 votes, while Hon. Ade Adegboyega secured only 6 votes.

Supporters and party faithful across the constituency erupted in celebration following the announcement, viewing the outcome as a strong endorsement of Olarewaju’s deep grassroots appeal and widespread popularity.

In his acceptance speech, Olarewaju thanked party leaders, stakeholders, delegates, women and youth groups, ward executives, and all supporters for their unwavering backing throughout the primary process. He emphasized that the victory was not a personal triumph but a reflection of the collective will of the people of Amuwo Odofin.

“Today, the voices of our people were heard loud and clear. This victory is for the people, for grassroots politics, and for the future of Amuwo Odofin,” he declared.

The newly minted APC flagbearer noted that the result underscores the constituency’s craving for quality representation, unity, and sustained progress. He pledged to honor the trust placed in him by party members and supporters.

“This is more than a victory; it is a movement powered by the people, sustained by unity, and driven by the desire for purposeful leadership,” he added.

The primary election attracted a large turnout of delegates and party loyalists from various wards across the constituency, reflecting the high stakes and intense interest in the race.

The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency (KSPWA) has announced the successful transportation of 1,158 pilgrims from the state to Medina, Saudi Arabia, in preparation for the 2026 Hajj. This was disclosed in a statement by the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Mallam Ibrahim Makarfi, on Sunday in Kaduna.

According to Makarfi, the first flight took off on May 14 with 426 pilgrims, followed by a second flight on May 15 carrying 389 pilgrims, and a third on May 16 with 343 pilgrims. All flights landed safely in Medina. Pilgrims for the fourth flight were already at Hassan Usman Katsina International Airport awaiting departure on Sunday, while those for the fifth flight began reporting at the Transit Camp in Mando, Kaduna, from 10:00 a.m. on the same day.

The official carrier for this year’s Hajj operations is Flynas Airline. Makarfi expressed gratitude to the pilgrims and stakeholders for their cooperation and patience, reaffirming the agency’s dedication to ensuring a seamless and successful airlift for all pilgrims from the state.

The Federal Government, acting through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has ramped up surveillance and emergency response mechanisms in light of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a confirmed imported case in Uganda.

In a public health advisory signed by NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris, the agency stated that it is vigilantly tracking developments in the affected nations and coordinating preparedness efforts with the Port Health Services and other partners.

“Response activities are ongoing in the affected areas, and we are ensuring continued vigilance within Nigeria’s public health system,” Dr. Idris noted.

Outlining the activated preparedness measures, Idris highlighted that the NCDC has bolstered nationwide surveillance for Ebola and other epidemic-prone diseases, while enhancing event-based monitoring and collaboration with state health authorities.

Other steps include improving laboratory and diagnostic readiness, strengthening infection prevention and control practices in healthcare settings, and expanding community engagement and public risk communication.

The agency is closely monitoring global and regional developments to ensure a swift response if the situation escalates.

Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal viral infection transmitted through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials of infected persons or animals. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days.

In response to recent abduction incidents in Oyo State, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for an immediate overhaul of the Safe School Initiative. The order was made public through a communication from the state government on May 17, 2026.

The governor mandated the Ministry of Education and other relevant security bodies to implement enhanced measures to prevent any kidnapping spillover into Osun. He emphasized the need for intensified intelligence operations around educational institutions, particularly those in border zones and isolated areas.

Furthermore, Adeleke instructed the Amotekun security network to bolster its partnership with civil peace organizations that are actively supporting school security across the state. He stated, “We are determined to protect our students throughout our education system. Ongoing efforts are being made to improve school safety, especially in rural regions.”

The governor also reassured parents and school administrators about student safety and directed his security advisor to reinforce the safety blueprint.

Anger boiled over in Gwarzo Local Government Area on Sunday as young protesters set fire to a section of the council secretariat, venting their fury at persistent insecurity.

What began as a peaceful march quickly turned violent when demonstrators, fed up with repeated bandit raids, stormed the government building. Witnesses reported that thick smoke billowed from the blaze, prompting panic among residents and bystanders who fled the area.

One local stated that frustration had been simmering for weeks due to the authorities’ failure to curb attacks. “People are exhausted from living in dread. The assaults are too frequent, and there is no decisive action. That is why the youth resorted to this,” he explained.

Another resident urged calm, noting that destroying public assets would only compound the problem. “While we grasp the anger, violence is not the answer. What is needed is conversation and urgent security measures,” he added.

Security personnel were later dispatched to Gwarzo to reestablish order and avert further chaos, as officials launched an inquiry into the incident.

In a distressing development, a fresh video has emerged from the recent mass abduction at schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, showing a nursing mother making an emotional appeal for assistance. The woman, who works at First Baptist Church School in Ogbomosho, is seen holding her infant while urging the federal and state governments, as well as President Bola Tinubu, to intervene swiftly.

“My name is Temitope, and I am from Ibadan. I work at First Baptist Church in Ogbomosho. Yesterday, armed men invaded our school and kidnapped both staff and students. We are pleading for help. President Tinubu, please come to our aid. Governor Seyi Makinde, we need your intervention,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

This new footage follows an earlier video from Mrs. Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School in Esiele, who also begged for urgent action after seven teachers and 39 pupils were abducted last Friday. She directed her appeal to the federal government, Governor Makinde, and the Christian Association of Nigeria.

Security forces have confirmed that rescue missions are underway, with police and military personnel combing forest areas near the Old Oyo National Park in pursuit of the captors. Reports from the initial attack indicate that an assistant headmaster, Joel Adesiyan, was fatally shot, and several motorcycles were seized by the assailants as they escaped.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the Federal Government’s reported talks with the World Bank to secure an additional $1.25 billion loan. In a statement released by his media aide, Olusola Sanni, Atiku described the move as alarming economic sabotage, underscoring the administration’s dangerous reliance on borrowing.

The announcement comes at a time when Nigeria’s national debt has already hit N159 trillion as of December 2025, sparking widespread concerns. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly obtained approval for the new loan, which has triggered backlash from citizens and opposition figures alike.

Atiku warned that if finalized, this loan would be among the largest fresh debts taken on by the current government. He argued that it is troubling and unacceptable for an administration that pledged economic revival to instead become known for massive borrowing, while Nigerians see no tangible improvement in their living conditions.

“This borrowing spree is reckless, opaque, and becoming a dangerous habit. These loans impose a crushing burden on Nigerians. We were promised better infrastructure, power, and economic recovery, but ordinary people still face darkness, deadly roads, collapsing businesses due to high energy costs, and a national hunger crisis,” Atiku stated.

He called on the World Bank and other creditors to enforce stricter compliance with loan terms and conditions. Additionally, Atiku demanded that President Tinubu’s government provide a comprehensive breakdown of all loans taken since taking office, including their terms, disbursement status, and concrete outcomes for each project.

The criticism highlights growing frustration over Nigeria’s mounting debt and the lack of visible development, with many questioning the sustainability of the current borrowing strategy.