Category: News

Joshua Chinedu Obika, a member of the House of Representatives representing the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the Federal Capital Territory, has made a significant political switch. He has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and pledged allegiance to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

This move comes just two months after the legislator defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the APC. Despite his earlier shift to the ruling party on March 11, 2026, Obika was denied the opportunity to seek re-election on the APC platform.

With his latest defection to the NDC, Obika is expected to receive an automatic ticket to contest for a second term in the lower chamber of the National Assembly. The wave of defections follows the recent decision of prominent political figures Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to join the NDC on Sunday.

DAILY POST reports that multiple lawmakers have been leaving their former parties for the NDC, signaling a growing political realignment ahead of upcoming elections.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order for the forfeiture of nine properties allegedly connected to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva. Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the ruling on Wednesday, acting on an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and argued by counsel Oluwaleke Atolagbe.

In his decision, the judge stated that the properties are suspected to be proceeds of illegal activities and ordered their temporary seizure pending a final forfeiture hearing. He directed that any interested parties must appear within 14 days to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government.

The court also mandated the publication of the forfeiture notice within seven days of receiving the official order. The case has been adjourned to May 25 for a compliance report.

The EFCC brought the application under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act of 2006, citing its belief that the assets were acquired through unlawful means. The properties are situated in upscale areas of Abuja, including terrace buildings in Dakibiyu, a duplex with a penthouse and office on Niger Street, a unit in Palm Springs Estate in Mpape, and several blocks of flats in Wuse, Garki, and Maitama. Notably, one of the buildings in Garki is currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency.

The Nigerian Army has announced that a total of 958 insurgents and their relatives have laid down arms in the North-East region during the course of this year. Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, disclosed this information during a press briefing held in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

According to the commander, since 2021, over 152,800 individuals, including fighters, women, and children, have surrendered. The breakdown reveals that 20,815 of these are male combatants, 37,095 are women, and 64,114 are children. Abubakar attributed the increasing numbers to relentless military operations and the degradation of terrorist groups’ capabilities, combined with effective non-kinetic approaches.

He emphasized that many of those who surrendered cited the intense pressure from military offensives, the collapse of their command hierarchies, and worsening conditions as key motivators. All surrendering individuals undergo thorough screening and questioning, which provides vital intelligence for ongoing missions. This intelligence has significantly improved operational planning and contributed to recent victories in the theatre.

The commander also lauded the Borno State Government’s deradicalisation and reintegration initiative, known as the Borno Model, for playing a crucial role in encouraging more fighters to abandon violence. This program, supported by local and international partners, offers a clear path for former insurgents to rejoin society. Collaboration with community leaders and humanitarian organizations has further built trust among those willing to surrender.

Abubakar stressed that combining military action with non-military strategies remains essential to weakening groups like Boko Haram. Despite the progress, he warned that the fight is not yet over and called for sustained efforts to prevent former fighters from relapsing into violence.

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has announced a worldwide campaign targeting Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. The move comes after what the organization describes as persistent attacks on press freedom in the country.

Speaking at the launch of its Press Freedom Hub in Abuja, IPI Nigeria President Musikilu Mojeed stated that the three officials were previously listed in the institute’s “Book of Infamy” for alleged actions against journalists and media independence.

Mojeed revealed that the institute had initially held off on a broader global campaign following an appeal by Vice President Kashim Shettima during IPI’s annual conference. The Vice President had requested time to address the concerns, which led to a temporary suspension of the campaign.

“We deliberately refrained from launching a full-scale campaign out of respect for the Vice President, who attended our conference and asked for time to intervene. We allowed room for dialogue and corrective measures,” Mojeed explained.

However, he expressed disappointment that no meaningful progress had been made since then. “Regrettably, no such action has been taken. The issues that led to their inclusion in the Book of Infamy remain valid, unresolved, and ongoing,” he added.

Mojeed warned that IPI Nigeria would now escalate its efforts internationally. “From this platform, we are announcing the relaunch and intensification of our efforts against these individuals and others listed in the Book. IPI Nigeria will initiate a global campaign to hold them accountable until corrective steps are taken. We do not take this lightly, but silence in the face of persistent violations is not an option,” he said.

Media development expert Amina Salihu praised IPI Nigeria for launching the Press Freedom Hub, describing it as a timely intervention for democracy. She emphasized that a free press is essential for democratic governance. “The press is the information infrastructure any democracy needs. Without an independent press, democracy cannot endure,” Salihu stated.

Personnel from Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully intervened to halt a fierce communal conflict that erupted between two neighboring communities in Benue State. The confrontation, which turned deadly, occurred in the afternoon of May 4, pitting residents of Tse Anjov in Makurdi Local Government Area against those of Tse Aduku in the Mbalom Council Ward of Gwer East Local Government Area.

According to a military source, the troops based in Agam were alerted to the crisis through emergency calls from the affected settlements. Upon arrival, the security forces discovered that multiple houses had been set ablaze by the aggressors, who had already fled the area before the military could reach the scene.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the root cause of the clash was a disagreement over land ownership between the two groups. The source emphasized that the soldiers acted quickly to de-escalate tensions, reestablish order, and avert further bloodshed. “Our troops have been maintaining a strong presence in the area to ensure law and order is not disrupted again,” the source stated.

The military spokesperson urged residents to embrace peaceful dialogue as the preferable method for settling disputes, reaffirming that security agencies are committed to sustaining peace in the region.

The Ijesa Community Development Assembly (ICDA) has formally announced the transition of the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Akanbi Adediran. According to a statement released on Wednesday by Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Olayinka Fasuyi, and obtained by DAILY POST, the revered monarch “took his final bow and joined his ancestors” earlier on May 6, 2026.

Describing the event as a period of profound grief, the ICDA highlighted that the late traditional ruler served as a pillar of culture and a unifying force within Esa-Oke and the broader Ijesaland region. His reign was marked by dignity, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to fostering peace, unity, and progress across his territory.

The statement characterized Oba Adediran as “a monarch of quiet strength and thoughtful leadership who upheld the responsibilities of his office with honor.” It further noted that he dedicated himself to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Esa-Oke throughout his tenure. The assembly emphasized that he provided stability during uncertain times and played a calming role in addressing communal challenges.

Beyond traditional duties, the late king actively supported initiatives aimed at advancing education, social harmony, and community development. Described as a father figure, his leadership was said to have nurtured unity and strengthened communal bonds among the people of Esa-Oke. His contributions extended beyond his immediate domain to the broader development of Ijesaland.

The ICDA extended its condolences to the royal family, the people of Esa-Oke, the Obokun Local Government Traditional Rulers Council, and the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.

The Enugu State Government has confirmed plans to commence construction of a 660-megawatt coal-fired power plant this coming July. This ambitious initiative aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s broader vision of expanding the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.

During a solidarity visit from the Organised Private Sector Nigeria (OPSN) at the Government House in Enugu on Wednesday, Governor Mbah disclosed the timeline and scale of the project. He noted that the groundbreaking marks a significant leap from merely establishing an electricity market to actively generating power. Enugu, he recalled, became the first subnational entity to create an electricity market following constitutional amendments that moved electricity to the Concurrent List, enabling states to engage in generation, transmission, and distribution.

“We have moved beyond just setting up the electricity market to focusing on producing electricity locally,” Mbah stated. “In July, we will break ground for a 660MW coal-fired plant. The construction period is 24 months, meaning we aim to commission the plant by July 2027. After that, power outages in Enugu will be a thing of the past, both for businesses and residents. Electricity will also be the cheapest in the country due to cost efficiency.”

The governor addressed environmental concerns by highlighting the premium quality of Enugu coal. “Our coal has a sulfur content of less than 0.5 percent and a calorific value of around 7,000 kilocalories per kilogram,” he explained. “Only Japan approaches this quality. Instead of exporting raw coal, we will add value by using it for electricity generation.”

Mbah emphasized that the project was thoroughly researched over two years, including securing coal assets to ensure a steady supply. He also outlined other initiatives to enhance the business climate, such as investments in security, a one-stop investor shop, a technology incubation center, and an Artificial Intelligence Institute in partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission. “AI is projected to contribute $20 trillion to the global economy in four years. We want Enugu to be a producer, not just a consumer,” he added.

The OPSN, which includes NECA, MAN, NASSI, NASME, and ECCIMA, endorsed Mbah for a second term. Dr. Ugochukwu Chime, OPSN convener and NECA South East Zone chairman, praised the governor’s achievements in security, infrastructure, and urban renewal. “Your private sector background has proven invaluable in driving economic growth and job creation,” he said.

Other leaders, including Dr. Maduka Onyishi and ECCIMA President Engr. Nnanyelugo Onyemelukwe, lauded the administration for transforming Enugu into a hub for business and investment. They presented several locally made products to the governor as a token of appreciation.

Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has clarified that he holds no authority to determine the outcome of the ongoing emirship dispute, emphasizing that only the Supreme Court and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf can resolve the matter. Speaking through Muhammad Garba, his former commissioner of information and chief of staff, Ganduje addressed recent media reports suggesting he had endorsed Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano.

Ganduje explained that during the swearing-in ceremony of the deputy governor, he referred to Sanusi by his traditional title purely out of respect and protocol, not as a formal endorsement. He expressed regret that the gesture was misinterpreted and blown out of proportion by some media outlets. The former governor stressed that the emirship tussle remains sub judice and urged caution to avoid any actions that may be viewed as contempt of court.

He recalled that the Court of Appeal has ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the Supreme Court’s final judgment. According to Ganduje, the current legal position recognizes Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano and Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 14th Emir, until the apex court delivers its verdict, expected in April next year. As a former governor, he said he has no constitutional role in recognizing or rejecting any claimant, and the matter rests solely with the judiciary and the state government. He called on all parties to exercise restraint and await the court’s decision.

Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi has offered a robust defense of the recent amendments to the Senate’s standing orders, clarifying that the primary objective is to safeguard institutional knowledge and foster stability within the upper legislative chamber.

Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday, the lawmaker dismissed allegations that the revised rules were meant to single out any individual. Instead, he emphasized that the changes mirror the evolving character of the legislature itself.

According to Nwebonyi, the Senate under Godswill Akpabio’s leadership bears little resemblance to its predecessors from 1964 or 1999. He argued that contemporary parliamentary realities demand legislators who possess up-to-date experience in national affairs.

“The amendments were not designed to target a particular person,” Nwebonyi stated. “Our goal is to preserve institutional memory and guarantee continuity. Experience is critical because the Senate of today is not the Senate of 1964 or 1999. We need someone familiar with recent political developments in the parliament to steer the Senate as its President or Deputy President. That is the sole rationale behind the change.”

As reported by DAILY POST, the Senate adopted the amendment on Tuesday through a voice vote presided over by Akpabio. The new rule restricts eligibility for presiding and principal offices to senators who have completed no fewer than two consecutive terms. Only current members of the 10th Senate who secure re-election to the 11th Senate in 2027 will qualify for top leadership contests.

This development unfolds against a backdrop of speculation that former governors and ex-senators—including Hope Uzodimma, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Ovie Omo-Agege—may be plotting a return to the Senate ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially with leadership ambitions.

A Gusau Magistrate Court in Zamfara State has mandated the state police commissioner to probe a criminal complaint lodged by a former lawmaker, Yusuf Alhasan Kanoma, against Mustafa Jafaru Kaura, an aide to the governor. The allegations include defamation, death threats, and inciting public disorder.

During the hearing, Magistrate Murtala Abdullahi issued the order, referring the case to law enforcement for a comprehensive inquiry.

The state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulaziz Sani (SAN), represented by the Director of Litigation, argued for transferring the case to the Ministry of Justice, citing Section 211 of the 1999 Constitution. However, the complainant’s lawyer, Barrister Surajo Garba Gusau, objected, stating that such a move was unsuitable given the circumstances.

Gusau alleged that the defendant had avoided service and mobilized thugs to impede court officials from delivering summons at his home. He insisted that the Attorney-General should facilitate justice rather than attempt to assume control of the case.

While acknowledging the Attorney-General’s constitutional authority, the counsel emphasized that those powers must be exercised lawfully, particularly in light of the severity of the allegations.

The court has now ordered a police investigation, and further proceedings will be determined based on the outcome.