Category: News

President Bola Tinubu has issued a clear directive to All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders nationwide: primary elections must proceed in any instance where a consensus cannot be reached. The call was made public through a statement released on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu emphasized that all participants—whether as candidates or voters—should maintain order and conduct themselves with sportsmanship, prioritizing the party’s and nation’s best interests. He stressed that the party cannot afford disruptive behavior or actions that undermine democratic processes and unity.

“Elections are fundamental to democracy. If consensus is not possible, I encourage us to engage in primaries as fellow party members,” Tinubu stated. He reminded everyone that every contest produces winners and losers, urging winners to avoid gloating and losers to demonstrate grace. “The true winners are those who do not seek to destroy but instead prepare for future opportunities. Our opponents are counting on our internal strife; we must prove them wrong,” he added.

A prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief John Okiyi-Kalu, widely known as JOK, has officially turned in his nomination documents to vie for the governorship position in Abia State during the 2027 elections. This move comes after he successfully passed the party’s screening process, which was overseen by a committee headed by former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi.

Speaking to members of the press following the submission, the ex-commissioner characterized the screening as effortless and productive, noting that it upheld the high standards synonymous with a “great party” such as the PDP. He emphasized that his aspiration is fueled by a commitment to deliver “prosperity people can see and feel” throughout Abia, focusing on sectors like industrialization, enhanced education, healthcare, and better conditions for workers.

He remarked that it is a privilege to seek office under a party he deeply trusts and has remained loyal to since 1999, without ever switching allegiance despite various challenges and temptations.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced a shift in the date for its House of Representatives primary election, originally slated for an earlier time. The party’s national leadership confirmed that the primaries will now take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.

Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, issued a statement on Thursday clarifying that the revised schedule applies only to the lower chamber contests. He noted that the timelines for other elective positions remain unchanged. The primaries for the Senate, state Houses of Assembly, governorship, and presidential slots will proceed as earlier announced.

According to the updated timetable, the Senate primaries are set for Monday, May 18, 2026, while state assembly polls will follow on Wednesday, May 20. Governorship primaries are scheduled for Thursday, May 21, and the presidential primary is fixed for Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Morka emphasized that the decision to postpone the House of Reps primaries was taken to ensure smooth and transparent processes. He urged all party members and aspirants to adhere to the new dates and cooperate with electoral officials to guarantee a credible exercise.

This adjustment marks a key step in the APC’s roadmap toward the 2027 elections, as the party seeks to consolidate its political strength across Nigeria. Observers note that the revised timetable may affect campaign strategies, but party leaders have expressed confidence in the new schedule.

In a coordinated security effort, troops from the 14 Brigade Headquarters under Operation Udo Ka, alongside other law enforcement agencies, executed an intelligence-driven mission in Abia State that successfully freed a kidnapped man.

The operation, which involved soldiers from the 145 Battalion, Operation Crush, and the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force in Umuahia, resulted in the liberation of Mr. Onyebuchi Nwaoha, who had been taken by armed individuals.

Captain Mazinho Attah, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 14 Brigade, announced this on Thursday, noting that the mission is part of the broader Eastern Sanity II initiative.

According to Captain Attah, the rescued victim and several apprehended suspects are now in custody as investigations continue. Efforts are underway to identify and dismantle other criminal groups in the region.

He highlighted that troops maintain a strong presence on major highways and in vulnerable communities, including the ABSU–Okigwe–Ihube Road, the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, and various areas in Umunneochi, Bende, Isiala Ngwa, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Umuahia, and Arochukwu Local Government Areas.

The ongoing operations aim to disrupt the activities of IPOB/ESN and other criminal elements, as well as to prevent unauthorized use of explosives by unlicensed operators.

In a separate incident, troops at Osisioma responded to reports of gunfire near Brass Street in GRA, Aba, where they discovered the body of an unidentified man.

“Upon reaching the scene, troops found the body of an unknown man lying by the roadside after he was reportedly attacked by unidentified gunmen,” Captain Attah said.

The body was later taken away by emergency services, and investigations into the attack are ongoing.

Captain Attah also reported that troops conducted coordinated night patrols and stand-to operations at key locations, which remained calm and secure during the period. Patrols were extended to flashpoints such as Isiugu, Akanu-Ukwu, Ameakpo, Nguzu, Arochukwu, Bende, and surrounding communities, with troops working alongside other security agencies to maintain order.

Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has revealed a tense episode where he came close to losing his position due to the actions of Lagos State lawmaker Desmond Elliot. The incident unfolded during the controversy surrounding the impeachment of Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

Gbajabiamila shared this story while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress. He explained that President Tinubu summoned him to his residence in Abuja and expressed concern that Elliot was among those causing unrest in the Lagos Assembly. Despite Gbajabiamila’s attempts to defend Elliot, the president insisted that intelligence reports indicated otherwise.

Following the meeting, Gbajabiamila contacted Elliot and urged him to distance himself from the group if he was involved. However, three days later, the Director General of the Department of State Services informed Gbajabiamila that his name was being linked to the impeachment saga and that he was allegedly backing Elliot.

Gbajabiamila recounted that he pleaded with Elliot to issue a public denial of his involvement, but the lawmaker never did. This unresolved issue nearly cost Gbajabiamila his job, as the president held him accountable for his association with Elliot. Ultimately, the Speaker was reinstated after President Tinubu intervened, restoring order in the Assembly.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar held discussions with aides of Congressman Riley Moore on Thursday, focusing on electoral fairness and security challenges in Nigeria. The meeting, orchestrated by Washington lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., aimed to address concerns surrounding the upcoming 2027 general elections.

In a statement released by the firm, it was emphasized that the dialogue underscored the necessity of safeguarding every Nigerian’s right to participate in free and fair elections. Such elections, the statement noted, are crucial for choosing leaders capable of tackling the nation’s persistent security issues.

The firm described the session as constructive, highlighting the shared commitment to election integrity, peace, and long-term stability in Nigeria. Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. was retained to enhance Atiku’s image in the United States as he prepares for the 2027 presidential race.

This development follows Atiku’s submission of his presidential nomination forms with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He has called on Nigerians to join him in restoring the country to its former glory, referring to the need to bring back the ‘good old days.’

Kabiru Umar, widely recognized as Kabiru Sokoto, has lodged an appeal challenging his conviction in connection with the 2011 attack on St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla. His legal representative, Don Akaegbu, announced the move in a statement, explaining that the decision to appeal came after a thorough review of court proceedings and the judgment handed down by the Federal High Court in Abuja on December 20, 2013.

The defense team also submitted a request for an extension of time, citing delays in initiating the appeal process. They emphasized that the charges brought against their client did not accuse him of directly carrying out or orchestrating the church bombing. According to the lawyers, the specific count in question alleged that Umar possessed information about the incident and failed to report it to law enforcement.

“It is crucial, for the sake of accuracy and fairness, to point out that the charges on which our client was tried and convicted did not allege he executed or masterminded the bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla. Instead, the relevant count claimed he had knowledge of the event and did not disclose it to authorities,” the statement read.

The legal team underscored that the difference between direct involvement and alleged prior knowledge is legally significant, and this matter is a central issue in the pending appeal. The appeal raises questions about the evidence used to secure the conviction and the trial court’s handling of Umar’s defense.

The lawyers further argued that criminal liability must be determined solely based on charges and evidence presented in court. They also revealed that while in custody, Umar earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the National Open University of Nigeria, reflecting his continued efforts at self-improvement despite his circumstances.

“The goal of this appeal is to enable our client to establish and prove his innocence in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement added.

In a recent administrative adjustment, Ahmadu Fintiri, the governor of Adamawa State, has implemented a targeted reshuffle within his executive council. The changes see two commissioners swapping portfolios to different departments, a move aimed at revitalizing government operations.

Under the revised configuration, Joab Sahma transitions from the Lands and Survey department to oversee Commerce, Trade, and Industry. Concurrently, Dr. John Ishaya Dabari leaves his position at Commerce, Trade, and Industry to take charge of the Lands and Survey ministry.

The governor’s chief press secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, confirmed these changes, emphasizing that they are effective immediately. Governor Fintiri described the redeployment as a strategy to infuse new momentum into the administration, reinforcing its dedication to efficient public service.

He encouraged the affected officials to embrace their new roles with commitment and a fresh perspective, highlighting the importance of executing programs that deliver tangible benefits to the state’s residents.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged that Nigeria’s youth could remove him from office if he does not resolve the nation’s economic problems. Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum on Thursday, Tinubu described the country’s young population as highly dynamic, restless, and intolerant of excuses.

“As a politician, if I don’t prepare them for that, they will vote me out,” the president stated, emphasizing the urgency of addressing their expectations.

Tinubu also addressed questions about economic reforms and investment strategies. He highlighted his achievements in improving tax collection during his tenure as Lagos State governor, noting that Lagos is now the fifth-largest economy in Africa. “I’m very proud of the legacy I left behind there, and I’m still monitoring it,” he said.

The president stressed that eliminating bureaucratic hurdles would attract more foreign direct investment. “This year alone, I can beat my chest that Nigeria is attracting close to $20 billion in foreign direct investments,” he claimed.

Tinubu further remarked that investment is “very cowardly” without transparency and accountability. He called on African nations to pool resources together to negotiate better terms globally, citing his article in the Financial Times about international rating agencies.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a directive to all Resident Electoral Commissioners across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to gear up for monitoring political party primaries in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

This instruction was communicated through a letter dated May 11, 2026, signed by the Commission Secretary, Rose Oriaran Anthony. The document, titled ‘Notice of Political Party Primaries Ahead of the 2027 General Elections’, outlines the next steps for the electoral body.

According to the attached timetable, a total of 19 political parties—including major players like the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party, and Nigeria Democratic Congress—have already submitted their activity schedules to INEC, in compliance with the 2026 Electoral Act.

In the correspondence addressed to all Resident Electoral Commissioners, INEC stated: ‘I write to notify all Resident Electoral Commissioners that Political Party Primaries for the nomination of candidates for the Presidential, Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly elections ahead of the 2027 General Election are scheduled to hold within the period approved by the Commission.’

The commission further emphasized: ‘Accordingly, you are hereby requested to make the necessary arrangements for the monitoring of the primaries in your respective states and the Federal Capital Territory, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026; the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended); as well as the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines.’

INEC also noted that the timetable and schedules submitted by political parties may still be subject to review where necessary.