Category: News

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has formally asked the Nigerian Air Force to address the growing number of civilian casualties linked to airstrikes across the nation. Tony Ojukwu, the commission’s executive secretary, voiced deep alarm over what he described as a recurring pattern of civilian deaths during military aerial missions aimed at tackling insurgency and banditry.

While acknowledging the government’s duty to ensure national security, Ojukwu stressed that all operations must comply with legal frameworks and international humanitarian principles designed to safeguard non-combatants. He pointed to reports of women, children, and other vulnerable individuals being killed or injured in these strikes, which he said may violate fundamental rights to life and dignity.

The NHRC leader questioned why such incidents persist despite earlier reassurances from military authorities that protocols would be strengthened to prevent harm to civilians. He highlighted several recent tragedies, including strikes on Jilli Market in Yobe State, Shiroro Market in Niger State, and Tumfa Market in Zamfara State, as examples of a disturbing trend requiring immediate action.

Ojukwu emphasized that military actions must always adhere to core wartime principles: distinguishing between combatants and civilians, using proportionate force, and ensuring necessity. He warned that civilian lives should never be dismissed as collateral damage in security operations. The commission is calling for a thorough, independent investigation into all reported civilian deaths, along with justice and compensation for affected families.

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has made a compelling case for international cooperation in tackling security challenges, arguing that no leader can succeed in isolation. Speaking on Thursday at the African CEO Forum in Rwanda, Tinubu drew a striking parallel with United States President Donald Trump to illustrate his point.

When asked about his approach to managing security partnerships with the United States and France, Tinubu responded by highlighting Trump’s own diplomatic engagements. He noted that even a figure as assertive as Trump is currently in China discussing Taiwan—a clear sign that global problems require collaborative solutions.

“Security challenges will always be there. Those are things you cannot do alone. You can’t operate the world in isolation. Even Trump, as bold as he is, is in China talking about Taiwan. So, who am I in Nigeria to say I will do it alone?” Tinubu stated.

The Nigerian leader emphasized the need for pragmatic collaboration and partnership with neighboring countries to enhance the safety of citizens and their property. He stressed that embracing regional cooperation is essential for making meaningful progress in security.

“I must embrace my neighbours. I must pursue pragmatic collaboration partnership, which is very necessary to assist and make progress and enhance the security of life and properties of the people,” he added.

Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate, has publicly expressed his grief over the untimely demise of renowned Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo. The actor passed away on Tuesday afternoon due to complications arising from kidney cancer, as reported by DAILY POST.

In a heartfelt post on his X handle on Friday, Obi shared his sorrow, stating that the news of Ekubo’s death deeply saddened him. He acknowledged the actor’s significant contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry and the void his passing has created among fans and colleagues.

Obi extended his condolences to Ekubo’s family, friends, and the entire Nollywood community, emphasizing the actor’s impact through his craft. He also reflected on the fragility of life, urging everyone to live with kindness and purpose. Despite the briefness of Ekubo’s journey, Obi noted that the joy and memories he left behind through his performances will endure.

Concluding his tribute, Obi prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family and wished for the peaceful repose of Ekubo’s soul.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has made a startling accusation, claiming that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is effectively being held as a political prisoner by President Bola Tinubu. This assertion came from Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, during an interview on Symfoni TV.

Abdullahi argued that the legal proceedings against El-Rufai are not about justice but are a calculated move to sideline him before the 2027 general elections. He pointed out that the charges brought against El-Rufai are all bailable, yet the court system is being manipulated to prolong his detention.

According to Abdullahi, the tactics include adjourning bail hearings and transferring cases to different courts, each time setting new distant dates for bail consideration. This, he says, is a deliberate strategy to keep El-Rufai out of the political arena.

“We are convinced that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is President Tinubu’s political prisoner,” Abdullahi stated. He emphasized that the ADC believes the rule of law should have secured El-Rufai’s release by now. Party leaders have been in discussions about how to escalate the matter both regionally and internationally.

Abdullahi recounted his presence in court during El-Rufai’s arraignment and a brief release for his mother’s burial before he was re-arrested. He vowed that the ADC will continue to push for El-Rufai’s freedom through all available channels.

In a firm rebuttal, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has dismissed rumors of a political partnership between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied People’s Movement (APM). Speaking to the press, Wike labeled the alliance claims as mere figments of some politicians’ imaginations.

Reports of a coalition surfaced before Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde announced his presidential bid. However, Wike clarified that the PDP had already issued a statement denying such a pact. He further emphasized that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no record of any PDP-APM alliance, underscoring that no such agreement exists.

When questioned about Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara’s rumored party switch—initially thought to be from the APC to another party, but later reaffirmed as staying with the APC—Wike declined to comment. He noted that since he is not a member of Fubara’s party, he is unaware of any internal issues. Instead, Wike stated his preference to address matters pertaining to his own political party, the PDP.

Abuja-based legal practitioner and public affairs analyst, Edward Akum Ejor, has strongly criticized certain leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State for what he describes as a blatant violation of the party’s constitution. He accused them of unlawfully dissolving the State Executive Committee led by Augustine Agada, calling the move an act of bad faith and a serious breach of the rule of law.

Ejor pointed out that the Agada-led committee was validly elected on February 3, 2022, with a four-year tenure extending to February 2, 2026. He argued that a subsisting order from the Federal High Court, which has not been overturned, prohibits any dissolution until the tenure expires. Therefore, the so-called dissolution is null and void, and any actions taken by the caretaker committee are illegitimate from the start.

The lawyer emphasized that the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) lacks the constitutional authority to appoint a caretaker committee. According to him, only the National Executive Committee (NEC) possesses that power under Article 13.3(B) of the party’s constitution. He asserted that the NWC’s action is a clear overreach and an illegality.

Ejor further noted that a competent court has already declared the dissolution illegal and invalidated the caretaker committee’s activities. He warned that the continued defiance of both the party constitution and court rulings could exacerbate the internal crisis within the Benue APC and damage the party’s chances in future elections.

Drawing a stark parallel to the 2019 Zamfara State APC crisis, Ejor cautioned that similar constitutional missteps could lead to devastating consequences. In Zamfara, the Supreme Court nullified all APC candidacies due to the party’s failure to conduct valid primaries, resulting in the loss of the governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly seats. Ejor stressed that Benue APC leaders must learn from this precedent and avoid actions that could trigger avoidable legal and political turmoil.

Ejor concluded with a reminder: “The law must be respected. You cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stand.”

Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has officially submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The submission took place at the ADC National Secretariat in Abuja, as confirmed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, in a statement on Thursday. The forms were filed in compliance with the party’s regulations.

Malami’s decision to join the race has sparked widespread political discussion across Kebbi State, particularly as consultations for the 2027 polls intensify. The former minister has already begun touring the 21 local government areas to consolidate support for his candidacy.

In earlier reports, Malami had secured the ADC nomination forms and vowed to focus on rebuilding the state, prioritizing security, agriculture, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. He cited pressing challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, and poor governance as motivations for his ambition.

Describing the ADC as a party committed to accountability, inclusivity, and progress, Malami expressed confidence that the platform aligns with his vision for Kebbi’s future.

In a significant build-up to the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State is bracing for an intense primary election for the House of Representatives, with as many as 91 cleared aspirants set to compete. The party’s screening committee has vetted these candidates, who will now vie for 24 tickets representing the state’s 245 electoral wards.

The roster of contestants includes a mix of current lawmakers, former House of Representatives members, ex-state legislators, past local government chairmen, and influential party figures. Given the high number of participants, direct primaries are anticipated across most wards, allowing party members to choose their preferred candidate directly.

Lagos APC Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, had previously indicated that the party would favor direct primaries, though consensus arrangements were encouraged where aspirants mutually agreed. In some constituencies, consensus was reportedly reached, but many aspirants rejected calls from party leaders to step down, leading to competitive races in several areas.

A few aspirants may run unopposed if no last-minute challengers emerge. These include Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who is seeking the Agege Federal Constituency ticket; incumbent Fuad Laguda in Surulere I; and Benjamin Olabinjo in Ifako-Ijaiye.

In Ikeja Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. James Faleke, the state convener of the Renewed Hope Network, will face Olufunke Hassan. Meanwhile, Hon. Jimi Benson, who has represented Ikorodu Federal Constituency since 2015, is set to compete against Olugbenga Shittu.

The Ajeromi-Ifelodun contest will pit incumbent Paul Kalejaiye against former federal lawmaker Kolawole Taiwo. In Mushin Constituency II, a closely watched race features former Lagos commissioner and ex-APC spokesperson Mogaji Seye Oladejo challenging incumbent Hon. Toyin Fayinka. For Mushin I, incumbent Adeyemi Alli will battle Adeleke Opeodu and Madina Sanusi.

One of the most crowded fields is in Oshodi-Isolo, where 16 aspirants are contending for two tickets. In Oshodi-Isolo I, the lineup includes former council chairmen Afeez Ipesa-Balogun and Bolaji Ariyoh, alongside Nollywood actress Foluke Daramola-Salako and others. For Oshodi-Isolo II, the race features Dr. Olayinka AbdulRasheed Alausa (nephew of Nigeria’s Education Minister), former lawmaker Ganiyu Johnson, ex-commissioner Kehinde Bamigbetan, and others.

Ten aspirants are also competing in the two Lagos Island constituencies, including caucus chairman Dolapo Badru and former federal lawmaker Ibrahim Obanikoro. Other constituencies expected to see heated contests include Lagos Mainland, Alimosho, Somolu, Kosofe, Epe, Amuwo-Odofin, Eti-Osa, and Apapa, where several incumbents face strong opposition from within the party.

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has shed light on the collapse of talks with prominent politicians Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso regarding a potential alliance for the 2027 elections. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the national chairman, disclosed during a Hausa political program on DITV Kaduna that the negotiations faltered due to fundamental disagreements over membership conditions.

According to Baba-Ahmed, both Obi and Kwankwaso initially expressed interest in joining the PRP and discussions progressed to the point of forming a committee for further dialogue. However, the talks hit a snag when the two politicians demanded guarantees that they would secure the party’s presidential ticket without facing any internal contest.

“They approached us wanting to join the PRP, but during our conversations, they laid out specific terms,” Baba-Ahmed explained. “They made it clear that, given their status as presidential candidates, they expected to be handed the ticket outright. We told them firmly that the PRP does not operate that way.”

The chairman emphasized that the party insisted both men must first become full-fledged members and follow its established procedures before seeking any political office. “I told them, ‘Join the party first. Once you are members, you can come to me and say, ‘I am Obi and I want to run for president,’ and ‘I am Kwankwaso and I want to be his running mate.’ But to come before any decision and demand the ticket without opposition is troubling. If you are truly strong contenders, why fear competition?”

Baba-Ahmed acknowledged the political influence and extensive followership of Obi and Kwankwaso, noting that the PRP leadership recognized their strength. Nevertheless, he stressed that the party could not violate its constitution or undermine internal democratic processes to accommodate them. “We believed that anyone walking into a room and seeing Obi and Kwankwaso would know that formidable candidates had arrived. But we cannot bend our party’s rules,” he said.

He also revealed that the camps of both politicians requested a large number of party positions, citing the many supporters they would bring into the PRP. “They asked for multiple posts to be reserved for them because of their large followership. We responded that this was not a problem—they should first become members, and then we could meet to discuss further,” Baba-Ahmed added.

Veteran actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has launched a blistering attack on prominent opposition figures, accusing them of deceiving the Nigerian public. Speaking on a television program, Okonkwo described Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and their associates as “renegades” who abandoned a coalition movement purely to dodge primary elections.

Okonkwo argued that any political party that zones its presidential ticket to the southern region is inadvertently aiding President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid. He recalled warning Nigerians that such a strategy would ultimately benefit Tinubu, and events have proved him right.

According to Okonkwo, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is nothing more than a splinter group from the ADC, and its members are simply “political con men.” He questioned why Obi and Kwankwaso initially hailed the coalition as the only viable path to oust Tinubu, only to walk away without any clear explanation.

He further accused the duo of misleading their supporters, stating that their sudden departure from the coalition raises serious doubts about their political integrity and sincerity.