Category: News

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has officially chosen Prince Adewole Adebayo as its standard-bearer for the 2027 presidential election. This development unfolded during the party’s national convention held on Saturday at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Memorial Stadium in Bauchi.

Adebayo’s candidacy was confirmed through a unanimous voice vote conducted by state chairmen, adhering strictly to the party’s constitutional provisions and electoral guidelines. He was the only aspirant vying for the presidential ticket and secured the nomination unopposed.

In addition to the presidential candidate selection, the convention also inaugurated new national executive officers for the party. Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe was elected as National Chairman. Senator Ugochukwu Uba assumed the role of Deputy National Chairman (South), while Dr. Olu Agunloye was appointed National Secretary.

Other newly elected officials include Hajiya Mariam Maggie Batubo as Treasurer, Barr. Joseph Achile Abu as National Organizing Secretary, Anaba Rufus Aiyenigba as National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Aderemi Abimbola as Legal Adviser, and Mallam Bello Ado Hussaini as Financial Secretary. Completing the slate are Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi as Women Leader, Hon. Daniel Ibe as Youth Leader, Rosemary Effiong as Welfare Secretary, and Chief Lekan Alabi as Leader of Persons with Disabilities.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has successfully passed the screening process conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the party’s governorship primary scheduled for May 21. The screening took place at the Plateau Governors Lodge in Abuja on Saturday, where Fubara was among 17 incumbent governors whose credentials were reviewed and approved by the APC screening committee.

The upcoming primary is expected to be highly competitive, as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has openly vowed to hinder Fubara’s reelection efforts. Wike’s loyalist, Kingsley Chinda, who was also screened and cleared earlier, is set to challenge Fubara for the APC ticket.

Fubara’s clearance marks a significant step in his bid for a second term, but the internal party strife adds uncertainty to the race. With Wike’s camp mobilizing support for Chinda, the primary could be a litmus test for the governor’s political strength within the party.

Engineer Esosa Iyawe, the federal lawmaker representing Oredo Federal Constituency, has firmly rejected claims that he resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC). He attributed the widespread rumor to overzealous members of his media team and certain supporters who acted without his approval.

According to DAILY POST, Iyawe was initially elected under the Labour Party in 2023 before switching to the APC on December 5, 2024. A letter dated May 6, 2026, addressed to Ward 1 in Oredo Local Government Area, had reportedly announced his departure from the party due to irreconcilable differences with Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State. The same letter allegedly stated that Iyawe would join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and had withdrawn his interest in contesting for the House of Representatives seat in the 2027 elections.

In response, Iyawe issued a signed press statement on May 9, 2026, in Benin City, categorically denying both his resignation and the withdrawal of his candidacy. He stated, “My attention has been drawn to a purported resignation letter currently circulating on social media and other platforms, alleging my withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and my resignation from the party. I wish to categorically state that the said letter does not represent my position and was issued without my authorisation by certain overzealous individuals within my media circle and some loyalists acting outside the scope of my directives.”

He further emphasized, “For the avoidance of doubt, I remain a committed and loyal member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and I have not resigned my membership from the party nor withdrawn my political aspirations. It is important to emphasise that I am presently engaged in constructive consultations and ongoing engagements with the leadership of our great party in Edo State regarding matters affecting the party and the future of our constituency. These discussions are being carried out in the spirit of unity, mutual respect and progressive development.”

Iyawe urged party members, supporters, and the public to ignore the fraudulent letter and any related misinformation. He reaffirmed his dedication to the APC’s principles and the advancement of Oredo Federal Constituency and Edo State. He also expressed gratitude for the concern and solidarity shown by his supporters during the incident.

Rabiu Kwankwaso, a prominent figure within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has thrown his weight behind the party’s decision to allocate its presidential ticket to the southern region for the 2027 elections. He articulated this support during the party’s national convention, emphasizing that the move facilitates the completion of the South’s turn in steering national leadership. The former governor of Kano State characterized the zoning as a vital step toward genuine national reconciliation. He affirmed his commitment to upholding the party’s agreements to promote equity and federal character across all domains. Kwankwaso remarked, “In a spirit of unity and solidarity, I endorse the zoning of the NDC’s presidential ticket to the South, enabling the region to fulfill its rightful turn in national leadership. This is a chance for national healing. We will adhere to our party’s pact to ensure fairness and federal character in every aspect. The leadership standards we establish will restore Nigeria’s honor and guarantee that all citizens, both at home and abroad, are treated with respect and dignity. To achieve this, we must continue mobilizing people to register with INEC to vote and join the NDC for this noble cause. Register today.”

In a strategic push to fast-track his administration’s progressive agenda and strengthen governance, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has announced a series of key appointments. The new officials, chosen for their expertise and dedication, are tasked with driving measurable results for the state’s citizens.

The following individuals have been appointed to various roles: Balarabe Muhammad Bello as Counsellor for Infrastructure; Danlami Adamu as Special Adviser on Peace and Conflict Resolution; Hon. Esther Ashievelli Dawaki as General Manager of the Kaduna State Community and Social Development Agency; Hon. Muhammad Abubakar Mamadi as Special Adviser on Political Matters; Yusuf Salihu as Special Adviser on Urban Planning and Development; Hon. Yahaya Baba Pate as Special Adviser on Special Duties; Abdulrahman Ibrahim as Special Adviser on Citizenship and Leadership; Hamza Ibrahim as Special Adviser on Primary Healthcare Matters; Muutasim Billah Yusuf as Special Adviser on Debt Management; Bashir Idris Aliyu as Special Adviser on Agricultural Development; Tanko Bajo Kokwain as Board Chairman of the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority; Shehu Usman Dantudu as Board Chairman of the Kaduna Market Development and Management Company; Samson Monday Dikko as Senior Special Assistant for Community Engagement III; Edward John Auta as Senior Special Assistant for Industrial Training and Development; Amanda Tanko Usman as Senior Special Assistant for Contact and Mobilization II; Alhassan Mando as Senior Special Assistant for Special Duties III; and Zubairu Usman Abdullahi as Senior Special Assistant for Stakeholder Relations III.

Governor Sani urged the appointees to leverage their extensive experience to uphold transparency and integrity in their new capacities. The administration reiterated its unwavering dedication to transforming Kaduna into a model state through innovative policies and a steadfast focus on the public good.

The Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), a joint initiative of the Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has urged banks and insurance firms to offer more accommodating loan and insurance options for farmers in Niger State as the planting season approaches.

During a meeting with representatives of financial institutions, insurance companies, and Commodity Alliance Financing (CAF) executives in Minna, the State Programme Coordinator, Hajiya Hadizat Isah, emphasized the need for revised financial products. She explained that the gathering aimed to find ways to simplify access to credit and insurance for rice and cassava growers involved in the program.

Isah highlighted that IFAD-VCDP has set up CAF structures in nine local government areas to provide continuous guidance to farmers as the program nears its conclusion in Nigeria. She pointed out that some farmers have voiced concerns over rigid loan terms and called on financial organizations to adjust policies that create repayment challenges.

She also encouraged CAF leaders to educate farmers about emerging insurance offerings, particularly those that protect crops and goods during transport. Additionally, she stressed the importance of farmers staying informed about new financial products, including equipment financing schemes.

The CAF State Chairman, Engr. Mohammed Ibrahim Kanko, appealed to lenders to loosen their requirements so that farmers can more readily obtain loans and insurance amid escalating agricultural costs. He noted that many farmers experience tremendous stress after taking loans due to harsh repayment terms and rising production expenses.

Local CAF chairmen from Katcha and Wushishi, Mohammed Musa Kambari and Ahmed Abdullahi Wasagi, promised to update farmers in their regions about the meeting’s outcomes and the new packages offered by institutions. They decried the increasing cost of farming inputs and equipment, observing that many producers now rely on credit to sustain their operations as the rainy season draws near.

Representatives from financial and insurance organizations assured continued support for farmers even after IFAD-VCDP withdraws from Nigeria. Sunday Nenmene, a representative of the Development Exchange Centre (DEC), stated that the organization will persist in working with farmers enrolled in the program. “We have their details in our database and will maintain our relationship with them after VCDP exits, as their activities have expanded our reach and operations,” he said.

The Lagos State government has announced a month-long Ministerial Press Briefing set to commence on Monday, May 11, 2026. This initiative will see members of the State Executive Council present detailed reports on their activities and accomplishments under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration over the past year.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, made the announcement on May 9, 2026. He explained that the briefing, organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, aims to give Lagos residents comprehensive updates on projects, policies, and programs executed across various sectors.

According to the government, this annual event allows Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to showcase Facts and Figures regarding achievements under the THEMES+ Agenda’s pillars. The government also noted that the engagement will enable citizens to evaluate ongoing efforts to enhance residents’ welfare statewide.

The statement emphasized that this year’s edition is especially important as it comes before the general elections. It will allow the public to evaluate the Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat administration’s performance, acknowledge milestones, and gain insights into future plans for a Greater Lagos. The government added that the briefing will further promote transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.

The administration’s achievements, the statement noted, reflect purposeful leadership and responsible governance. All sessions will be live-streamed on the state’s social media platforms.

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to collaborating with Mutual Commitment Company Ltd, a Chinese enterprise, to build a massive cement complex capable of producing three million tonnes annually. This initiative aims to drive economic transformation by converting local limestone into cement.

During a visit from the company’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Liu Long, along with his management team, the governor expressed his commitment through a statement released on Sunday by his media aide. The visit was a courtesy call to discuss the partnership.

This collaboration represents a significant milestone in Yobe’s industrialization strategy, focusing on economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. The project will be managed by the Yobe Mining Development Company Limited (YMDCL), which will enhance local value addition, support infrastructure, attract further investments, and establish the state as an emerging hub for cement manufacturing in Nigeria.

Mr. Liu Long praised the state’s proactive governance and political will, which he said provide a solid foundation for the company’s operations. He expressed confidence that the partnership would achieve mutually beneficial and sustainable development objectives.

In a heartwarming milestone, a dozen young women who were once among the abducted Chibok schoolgirls have achieved a significant academic feat. These 12 individuals successfully completed their degree programs at the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola, marking a powerful turn in their life stories. The news was met with joy by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who shared his elation on Saturday over their graduation.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, also lauded the accomplishment, emphasizing that hardship does not define one’s destiny when proper measures are implemented. These women were part of the group seized from their school in Chibok over a decade ago, but after regaining their freedom, they were enrolled at AUN with support from the Federal Government.

During AUN’s 17th convocation ceremony for the Class of 2026, Vice President Shettima, through his representative Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, acknowledged that the Chibok abduction remains a painful national memory. However, he noted that the graduation of these 12 girls offers a measure of redemption. He praised AUN, founded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for maintaining rigorous academic expectations for these students.

Shettima assured the graduates that the nation’s commitment to them continues. Similarly, the Minister of Women Affairs pledged ongoing government support, stating that significant investments have been made since the girls’ recovery and will persist. Although hundreds of students graduated, the spotlight naturally fell on the Chibok survivors, two of whom expressed their delight in interviews.

Professor DeWayne Frazier, President (Vice Chancellor) of AUN, described the moment as sacred—a triumph of courage over fear, resilience over trauma, and hope over adversity. These 12 graduates walked across the stage in a powerful display of victory, silencing the forces that once sought to destroy their futures.

In a somber development for intending pilgrims from Taraba State, six individuals who were set to embark on the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage have passed away before their planned departure. This revelation was made by Alhaji Abubakar Tanko, the acting head of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, during a ceremony held in Jalingo to bid farewell to the departing faithful.

According to Tanko, the state is preparing to transport 716 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia on Sunday to perform the annual religious rites. He noted that while 738 people initially showed interest, only 716 successfully paid their Hajj fees within the stipulated timeframe, making them eligible for travel.

The board secretary further disclosed that although 723 visas were obtained for the state, seven were rescinded. This cancellation was due to the deaths of six applicants—four from natural causes and two from road accidents—and the disqualification of a pregnant woman who was found unfit for the journey.

Tanko advised the pilgrims to manage their Basic Travel Allowance judiciously to circumvent financial difficulties during their stay in the holy land. He also acknowledged Governor Agbu Kefas for his moral and financial backing, which has been pivotal in facilitating the Hajj operations.

Governor Kefas, represented by the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor’s Office, Mohammed Al’amin Ibrahim, urged the pilgrims to exhibit discipline and conduct themselves honorably throughout their pilgrimage. He reminded them of the core tenets of Islam and emphasized fulfilling religious duties with devotion to Allah.

The governor also warned against any behavior that could bring disrepute to Taraba State and Nigeria. He highlighted his administration’s equal commitment to both Muslim and Christian pilgrimages, underlining the government’s dedication to supporting religious endeavors across the state. Additionally, he called on the pilgrims to offer prayers for peace, unity, and the consolidation of democracy in Taraba and Nigeria during this transitional period.

Alhaji Hammanadama Tukur, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Pilgrims’ Affairs, mentioned that the intending pilgrims have been thoroughly educated on the guidelines and expectations for the Hajj. He stated that uniforms have been provided to the pilgrims to facilitate easy identification and minimize instances of missing persons during the pilgrimage.

Tukur expressed gratitude to Governor Kefas for his unwavering support and assured that the board is dedicated to ensuring a seamless Hajj experience. Meanwhile, board chairman Gambo Alhaji Malami appealed to the state government to augment the number of seats allocated to board members and technical staff, describing the current allocation as insufficient. He expressed hope that the government would adopt the National Hajj Commission’s standard of 44 pilgrims per official, aligning with practices in other states.

This unfortunate event cast a shadow over the farewell ceremony in Jalingo, as the community grapples with the loss of these pilgrims who had prepared for a spiritual journey.