Category: News

In response to escalating violence along Kebbi State’s border areas, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has organized a high-level security summit. The event, held at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi, brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including military and police officers, traditional leaders, and government officials, to devise strategies for protecting lives and property.

The summit was inaugurated by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who was represented by Deputy Comptroller Timi Bomadi. Adeniyi emphasized that the initiative aims to foster stronger cooperation among all security agencies, such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and local authorities. He noted that bandits and terrorists have repeatedly targeted checkpoints in the region, resulting in the deaths of both security personnel and civilians.

“Intelligence reports confirm that our officers, soldiers, civil defence staff, FRSC personnel, immigration officials, and innocent citizens have fallen victim to these relentless attacks,” Bomadi stated. He added that the summit is part of a broader effort by the NCS headquarters to engage affected states and develop effective countermeasures.

The Customs Area Comptroller in Kebbi, Mahmoud Ibrahim Matawalle, expressed gratitude to Governor Nasir Idris for his unwavering support and for approving the summit’s hosting. He also thanked the governor for donating two operational vehicles to strengthen surveillance along the border. Matawalle assured that the command would continue collaborating with other security outfits to enhance overall safety in the state.

In preparation for the upcoming governorship election in Ekiti State, the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have jointly assured citizens that all voting materials will be securely transported and protected. The distribution of both sensitive and non-sensitive items commenced across the state’s 16 local government areas on Thursday.

Speaking from the Central Bank of Nigeria facility in Ado Ekiti, Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle, who oversees election security, emphasized the transparency of the operation. He noted that representatives from political parties, civil society organizations, and the media were present to observe the process.

Shogunle explained that the materials are being sorted and dispatched under tight security. Police officers have been assigned to escort the consignments from INEC offices to local government headquarters, where they will remain under guard until further movement to Registration Area Centres and ultimately to polling units on election day.

Addressing potential security concerns in flashpoint areas such as Ilejemeje Local Government Area, the commissioner stated that intelligence reports and risk assessments have guided the deployment of adequate measures. The security strategy, approved by the Inspector-General of Police, is multi-layered to prevent any breach during the poll.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, expressed satisfaction with the distribution process, describing it as smooth and orderly. He called on residents to turn out en masse on election day and vote peacefully for their preferred candidates, reiterating INEC’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, transparent, and inclusive election.

The youth wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC), calling for the removal of Justice Peter Odo Lifu from any cases involving the party. The petition, submitted on June 18, 2026, accuses Lifu of judicial misconduct and demands his dismissal from the Nigerian judiciary.

Speaking on behalf of ADC youth leader Comrade Balarabe Rufai, Comrade Ibrahim Garba Wala alleged that security forces blocked access to the NJC headquarters, preventing them from delivering the petition in person. Wala claimed heavily armed agents barricaded routes to the council on Thursday, forcing them to present the document publicly.

The petition describes Lifu’s ruling in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026 as a “calculated, politically motivated act” aimed at shrinking democratic space. It argues that the judge proceeded despite a binding Court of Appeal order staying proceedings, which the youth wing calls a violation of legal principles and gross misconduct.

“Our democratic architecture faces a coordinated assault from compromised custodians of the law,” the petition states. It also alleges that the plaintiffs altered their legal identity without court approval and that the judiciary has failed to address systemic issues eroding public trust.

The ADC youth leader warned that the judiciary’s integrity is at stake, saying, “We will not allow any court to rob us of our political expression.” The protest comes after Lifu ordered INEC to deregister five opposition parties, a decision the Appeal Court later stayed.

Prominent figures from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, descended on Ado-Ekiti on Thursday for a massive rally as the party intensifies its campaign for Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State.

The event drew a large crowd of ADC members and supporters who gathered to show solidarity with the party’s candidate, Oluwadare Abejide. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as party faithful expressed confidence in their nominee.

Addressing the rally, former Senate President David Mark voiced strong assurance that the ADC candidate would emerge victorious. “We stand with you and will walk with you into the Government House,” Mark declared, energizing the crowd.

In a parallel development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already started distributing sensitive election materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure a smooth electoral process. This move underscores the commission’s readiness for the upcoming poll.

Former Osun governor and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has issued a passionate call to voters in Ekiti State, stating that Nigeria has veered into a dangerous trajectory akin to boarding a ‘one chance’ vehicle. He urged citizens to wield their voting power decisively to steer the country towards a better path.

Speaking at the ADC’s grand final rally held on Thursday at the party’s secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, Aregbesola emphasized that the upcoming governorship election on June 20, 2026 is a pivotal moment. He highlighted the widespread economic struggles and governance failures plaguing the nation, stressing that the electorate holds the key to change through the ballot box.

The former governor specifically appealed to women, young people, and all eligible voters to turn out in large numbers and avoid apathy. He expressed strong confidence that the ADC would emerge victorious, citing growing dissatisfaction with the status quo.

Ambassador Dare Bejide, the ADC’s governorship candidate in Ekiti, also addressed the crowd, pledging to deliver on all campaign promises if elected. He called on residents to mobilize massively in support of the party on election day.

The rally drew notable figures, including ADC National Chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu, former Edo Governor Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, National Financial Secretary Dr. Mani Balarabe Rufai, Engineer Jide Adeniji, and other key stakeholders.

Former Ekiti Commissioner for Information, Akin Omole, alleged that the party faced obstacles in securing public venues for earlier campaign events, but insisted such challenges would not hinder victory. Meanwhile, Senator Funsho Ayeni, the ADC candidate for Ekiti North Senatorial District, told journalists that the large rally turnout signals that Nigerians are fed up with insecurity, poverty, and poor governance. He urged voters, particularly the youth, to fulfill their civic duty by using their Permanent Voter Cards to demand accountability and change, underscoring that the ballot remains the most powerful instrument for good governance.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has made a final decision to abstain from the upcoming local government elections, scheduled for December 2026. This announcement was made through a statement released by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, in Ibadan on Thursday.

According to the APC, the planned election is both illegal and ill-conceived, describing it as a self-serving move by the state government. The party argues that proceeding with the election will only worsen the already challenging conditions at the grassroots level in Oyo State.

Sadare accused Governor Seyi Makinde of lacking genuine commitment to local government autonomy. He claimed that the governor’s intention is to install loyalists who will remain subservient even after he leaves office. The APC spokesperson further alleged that Makinde has misused the resources of all 33 local councils for over seven years, leaving residents eager for a change in May when he is expected to step down.

“The whole world knows that Gov. Makinde does not believe in local government autonomy,” Sadare stated. “When it comes to democracy at the grassroots, he cannot be trusted. He has exploited the funds of the 33 local councils for more than seven years, and the people are anxious for him to leave in May so the third tier of government can regain its freedom.”

He added that the governor is attempting to impose a new set of lackeys who would remain loyal to him beyond his tenure at Agodi Government House. Sadare emphasized that Makinde would not be able to achieve this after the 2027 general elections, which, in the party’s view, will strip him of all political power and influence.

The Zamfara State chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has voiced strong disapproval of the Federal Government’s handling of the renewed banditry attacks plaguing several communities. In a statement released on Thursday in Gusau, the party’s Assistant Publicity Secretary, Murtala Gusau, conveyed the sentiments of state chairman Surajo Garba Maikatako.

Maikatako extended condolences to residents of Zurmi, Maradun, and Anka local government areas, who have suffered recent assaults. The party also expressed sorrow over the tragic loss of three police officers who perished in an explosion along the Bagega-Anka road.

The NDC argued that the persistent assaults on innocent civilians highlight serious governance failures and an urgent need for enhanced security strategies. The party further voiced alarm over remarks attributed to the state governor during a BBC interview, where he allegedly admitted he never pledged to eliminate insecurity during his campaign.

Additionally, the NDC paid tribute to the three Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers who died in the line of duty, urging security agencies to intensify their efforts against the escalating violence.

A new legal conflict has emerged concerning the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship primary in Benue State. One of the contenders, Chief Joseph Waya, has initiated a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, questioning the legitimacy of the party’s selected candidate, Herman Hembe.

In his submission, Waya requests the court to nullify the governorship primary that was allegedly conducted from May 22 to May 24, 2026, and whose outcome was announced on May 25, 2026. The plaintiff argues that the election was not carried out by the proper party organ as mandated by the ADC constitution.

According to filed documents, the primary was organized by a structure whose congresses had been invalidated earlier by a court ruling on April 29, 2026. Waya also contests Hembe’s eligibility to participate in the primary, noting that the former House of Representatives member was under a three-month suspension imposed by the Benue State Executive Committee of the ADC on March 27, 2026.

The court filing highlights that under Article 9(iii) of the party’s constitution, Hembe was disqualified from being voted for at the time of the primary due to the ongoing suspension. The suit states: “On the date of the said primary, the 2nd Defendant was under a subsisting three-month suspension imposed by the State Executive Committee of the 1st Defendant on 27 March 2026 and was, by Article 9(iii) of the Constitution of the 1st Defendant, not eligible to be voted for.”

Additionally, Waya points out non-compliance with the party’s guidelines and alleges that some parts of the primary occurred outside the approved timeframe. Before resorting to legal action, Waya and another aspirant, Peter Adejoh, had separately written to the ADC national leadership, voicing their concerns about the conduct of the primary and urging a reassessment of the results.

The two aspirants further called for the establishment of a fresh governorship electoral committee, composed of individuals who are neither natives nor residents of Benue State, to ensure impartiality, openness, and credibility in any future primary election.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has set a new date to hear the legal challenge surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election in Delta South. Justice Mohammed Garba Umar announced that the hearing will take place on July 1, after the case was mentioned in court on Thursday.

The lawsuit, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1094/2026, was initiated by Prince Michael Diden, who is seeking to overturn the outcome of the primary. The respondents include Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Diden alleges that he secured the highest number of votes during the May 18 direct primary election, which was conducted to choose the APC candidate for the 2027 senatorial race. He claims that the declared winner, Senator Thomas, manipulated the results and announced false figures to the public.

According to the court documents, the plaintiff argues that the APC’s National Working Committee had established clear guidelines for the announcement of results, requiring an official briefing in Abuja after all votes were collated. However, Thomas allegedly bypassed these rules by declaring himself the winner through media outlets immediately after the election.

Diden further contends that Thomas collaborated with associates to fabricate results, falsely stating that he won in all eight local government areas of Delta South. A video showing this false declaration has gone viral, the plaintiff claims. In contrast, Diden asserts that his own agents preserved the authentic ward-level results, showing that he defeated Thomas by a significant margin—96,893 votes to 31,918.

The plaintiff also highlighted that party leaders, stakeholders, and members in the senatorial district have submitted a formal petition to the APC national headquarters, rejecting the alleged fraudulent declaration. Additionally, Diden’s legal team has written to the party’s national chairman about the situation.

In his suit, Diden is seeking several reliefs, including a declaration that he is the rightful winner of the primary election. He also requests an order compelling the APC to forward his name to INEC as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election in Delta South, and an order for INEC to accept his candidacy.

The Benue State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a stern warning to all aspirants and party stakeholders, urging them to refrain from acquiring nomination forms through unauthorized outlets. The party emphasized that the sale of such forms has not yet been officially launched.

In a communiqué released by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Agile Ordedoo Bem, on behalf of the State Chairman, Mr. Ohini Ojegbe, the NDC advised aspirants who had previously obtained intent and expression of interest forms and taken part in the primary elections to exercise patience. The party clarified that only intent and expression of interest forms have been distributed so far, and the nomination forms will only be available at the NDC State Secretariat after the official list of successful candidates is announced.

The statement further stressed that the state leadership has not delegated any person or group to vend nomination forms on its behalf. Consequently, the party dissociates itself from any advertisements or sales occurring outside the party secretariat. Aspirants were cautioned against engaging with what the NDC termed “black market” channels for acquiring nomination forms, both within and outside Benue State.

The party also revealed that its national leadership is in the final stages of compiling candidate documentation nationwide and will soon publish the official list for public and media scrutiny. Reaffirming its dedication to a transparent process, the NDC expressed optimism about securing a significant number of elective positions in Benue State and across Nigeria in the upcoming elections. The statement concluded by urging aspirants and stakeholders to await official communication regarding the start of nomination form sales and the release of candidate names.