Category: News

Following a Supreme Court ruling that dissolved its National Working Committee, the Peoples Democratic Party’s Board of Trustees has officially taken charge of the party’s operations. This was announced by BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara during the party’s 84th BoT meeting held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, emphasizing that the step was taken to avert any leadership void created by the court’s decision.

The Supreme Court’s judgment on April 30 invalidated the 2025 national convention, which had elected the NWC led by Kabiru Turaki. Wabara clarified that the BoT acted swiftly to stabilize the party structure, as permitted by the party’s constitution. He stated, “Our prompt action prevented a leadership vacuum after the verdict.”

Wabara also highlighted that the court upheld the suspension of the key organizers of the disputed convention in Abuja, thereby nullifying the entire exercise and its outcomes. Despite this legal blow, Wabara expressed confidence in the party’s ability to overcome internal issues and prepare for the 2027 general elections.

He revealed that the PDP continues to receive backing from members and stakeholders nationwide, interpreting this as ongoing public trust in the party. “These messages reinforce our determination to surmount challenges and spearhead the effort to rescue our country,” Wabara added. He further praised the dissolved NWC members for their dedication and service.

Wabara recalled that the party had earlier set timelines and processes for the convention through NEC meetings, and these plans were communicated to the relevant authorities before legal complications arose. He reiterated that the PDP is now concentrating on rebuilding its internal framework and repositioning itself for future electoral contests.

The Pantamiyya Movement, a group backing former Minister Isa Pantami, has publicly opposed the selection of Jamilu Gwamna as the APC’s consensus candidate for the 2027 Gombe State governorship election. In a statement issued by its coordinator, Suleiman Mohammed, the movement labeled the decision as a clear case of injustice.

Mohammed argued that a genuine consensus cannot be reached without involving all aspirants who have already acquired their expression of interest and nomination forms. He asserted that the process contravenes the electoral act, party directives, and President Bola Tinubu’s instructions.

The coordinator called on supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, emphasizing that such disregard for legal provisions must not be overlooked. He detailed that according to the Nigeria Electoral Act 2026, political parties have only two legitimate methods for candidate selection: consensus, which requires all cleared aspirants to give written consent, or direct primaries, where all party members vote. The so-called coronation, he noted, does not qualify as a valid method.

The Labour Party (LP) has officially announced the schedule for its primary elections leading up to the 2027 general elections. In a statement released on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, detailed the timeline and fee structure for aspirants.

According to the announcement, the combined cost for the presidential expression of interest and nomination forms has been set at N50 million. Specifically, aspirants must pay N10 million for the expression of interest form and N40 million for the nomination form.

The party has made provisions for women, youths aged 25 to 30, and persons with disabilities, who are only required to pay for the expression of interest forms across all categories. Additionally, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who serves as the party’s National Leader, will receive both forms free of charge, a gesture recognizing his performance and contributions.

The sale of nomination forms is scheduled from May 6 to May 16, with submission of completed forms taking place on May 17 and 18. The fees for other positions are as follows: House of Assembly aspirants will pay N3 million, House of Representatives aspirants N5 million, Senate aspirants N10 million, and governorship aspirants N25 million.

Screening for House of Assembly and governorship aspirants is set for May 20, while National Assembly and presidential aspirants will be screened on May 22. Results will be published on May 23. Appeals and petitions for state-level positions will be heard on May 24, and for National Assembly and presidential aspirants on May 25, with the final list of cleared aspirants released on May 26.

Primaries for House of Assembly and governorship positions are scheduled for May 27, while those for National Assembly and presidential aspirants will be held on May 29. The party also urged prospective aspirants to complete their e-registration by midnight on May 4, ahead of the submission of the membership register to INEC.

Olusegun Dada, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Social Media, has weighed in on Peter Obi’s recent departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a bold statement, Dada asserted that the former presidential candidate’s decision to leave the party serves as a divine endorsement for Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Taking to his X account, Dada rejected accusations from opposition figures who had attempted to pin the internal discord within their ranks on the president. He emphasized that the unfolding events have proven the narrative false, describing the situation as a moment of vindication from God. “Their efforts to blame President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their internal strife have backfired, as God has once again justified him and the APC,” Dada wrote.

Peter Obi, in his resignation announcement, had alleged that infiltrators aligned with the Nigerian state were responsible for the turmoil in his previous party, the Labour Party, and suggested similar elements were now targeting the ADC. However, Dada’s remarks frame Obi’s exit as a clear sign of divine support for the ruling party, dismissing any claims of presidential interference.

The All Progressives Congress in Gombe State has selected Dr. Jamilu Shaiyaku Gwamna as its consensus candidate for the governorship race in 2027, effectively sidelining former Communications Minister Isa Pantami.

This decision emerged from a high-level stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who serves as the state’s party leader. The gathering included aspirants for various offices, party officials, elders, and other key figures.

According to a statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the consensus approach was driven by extensive consultations aimed at fostering unity and reducing internal conflicts. The party also adopted candidates for all legislative positions across the state.

For the Senate, the APC chose Mohammed Ahmadu Deba for Gombe Central, Jerry Damara for Gombe South, and Governor Inuwa Yahaya for Gombe North. In the House of Representatives, candidates include Usman Bello Kumo, Inuwa Garba, Ali Isa JC, Fatima Binta Bello, Saddam Bello, and Jamilu Shabewa for their respective constituencies.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue South has formally presented its candidates for the upcoming elections, signaling a united front as the party prepares for the 2027 polls. This development emerged from a strategic assembly held at the party’s zonal office in Otukpo.

During the high-level meeting, aspirants vying for positions such as State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and governorship—representing all nine local government areas in the zone—were introduced. The gathering served to enhance coordination and publicly showcase the party’s lineup.

National Chairman David Mark addressed attendees, reaffirming the party’s resilience despite recent legal setbacks. He assured members that the ADC would surmount its challenges and appear on ballots across all elections. Sir John Ngbede, a party leader, characterized the meeting as timely, emphasizing the party’s dedication to unity, grassroots mobilization, and strategic planning.

Key stakeholders present included State Party Chairman Rt. Hon. Samson Okwu, Prof. David Salifu (Secretary of the State Leadership Team), senatorial aspirant Dr. David Olofu, Chris Adaba Abah, and Mrs. Abeje Egwa, among others. Productive discussions centered on party cohesion, voter outreach, and strategic alignment, culminating in a resolution to bolster the ADC’s regional influence. The aspirant unveiling marked a highlight, symbolizing the party’s cohesion and optimism as it intensifies its electoral campaign.

Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, has showered praise on former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabi’u Kwankwaso, calling them the most significant political brands in Nigeria today. The lawmaker made this remark during a ceremony on Sunday where the two politicians officially joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking at the event, Dickson, who once served as the governor of Bayelsa State, noted that the presence of the political heavyweights marked a pivotal moment for the rapidly growing NDC. He emphasized that their immense popularity was evident by the spontaneous enthusiasm they generated, even without any prior mobilization.

“Your Excellencies and your teams, I extend a warm welcome—though you arrived without a large entourage. Yet, you both embody a crowd, and the masses have followed you here,” Dickson stated.

The senator also used the opportunity to highlight the NDC as a viable alternative in Nigeria’s political arena, underscoring its swift expansion and unity within the party.

Former presidential hopeful Peter Obi has issued a stern warning to the administration of President Bola Tinubu, urging them to refrain from meddling in the affairs of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). Speaking in Abuja shortly after formally joining the party, Obi called on the government to allow him and his fellow party members to focus on building the NDC without external interference.

Obi emphasized that the NDC’s primary goal is to rescue Nigerians from poverty and create a nation where any child, regardless of background, can achieve success without connections. He referenced his previous electoral runs under the Labour Party and the distinct campaign of Rabiu Kwankwaso under a different platform, stressing that the NDC’s direction is clear and they intend to pursue it peacefully.

The politician pleaded with the current government to respect democratic processes and stay away from the NDC. “We are begging you, don’t come here, we are asking for peace, we want to build our party,” Obi stated. He also appealed to the judiciary to avoid unnecessary litigation that could derail party development, and urged party members to refrain from taking their grievances to court. “We are not lawyers; we are here to build a party,” he added.

Obi’s remarks come amid heightened political realignments as the 2027 elections approach. His move to the NDC is seen as a strategic consolidation of opposition forces, but he insists that the focus should remain on grassroots development and national transformation, not on power struggles or legal battles.

The National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) has expressed strong admiration for Governor Uba Sani’s achievements under the coordinated framework known as the Kaduna Peace Model. During a study tour aimed at connecting academic concepts with real-world applications, the institute’s delegation highlighted the governor’s success in fostering stability.

Uduak Uduak Ituen, leading Syndicate 4 of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 19, delivered this commendation during a courtesy visit at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Saturday. She emphasized that the tour would strengthen their syndicate reports and produce practical recommendations for bolstering Nigeria’s security apparatus.

Ituen noted that the governor’s progress in implementing the Kaduna Peace Model led to his receiving the prestigious 2026 Governor of the Year award in March from the National Leadership Summit Group. She stated that this award mirrors the governor’s dedication to security, inclusive governance, and people-focused development throughout the state.

In his response, Governor Uba Sani underscored a crucial lesson from Kaduna’s experience: sustainable security relies not just on enforcement but on intelligence, trust, and inclusion. He explained that by deliberately combining intelligence-led operations, enhanced inter-agency cooperation, and continuous community involvement, his administration has achieved measurable gains in restoring peace and public trust.

The governor further asserted that security is tightly linked to development; where opportunities are scarce, instability often emerges. He described his holistic strategy that ties security efforts to investments in infrastructure, education, and social welfare, addressing both the symptoms and root causes of insecurity.

Governor Sani described the EIMC’s visit as both timely and invaluable, offering a platform for meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange. He argued that such interactions are vital for evolving a responsive and resilient security framework. He encouraged the team to approach the tour with openness and intellectual curiosity, to engage deeply, ask probing questions, and explore collaborative avenues that strengthen national capacity to protect the country.

The Nigeria Police Force has taken a significant step in the investigation of the fatal shooting of a suspect in Effurun, Delta State, by parading the officers allegedly involved. The force has also assured the public that justice will be served in the case.

According to reports, the incident occurred on April 26, 2026, when 28-year-old Mene Ogidi received a parcel from a friend in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. After taking delivery, he went to a motor park to dispatch the package to Sapele, labeling it with the recipient’s details. During a search, the parcel was found to contain a fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of 9mm live ammunition. Witnesses made a citizens’ arrest and alerted the police.

ASP Nuhu Usman and his team arrived at the scene, and the suspect was formally handed over to them. However, instead of following standard procedures, ASP Usman shot and killed the unarmed and already apprehended suspect. The body of Mene Ogidi has been deposited in a mortuary pending a formal autopsy.

Speaking to the press on Sunday, Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Okon Placid stated that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, had ordered a thorough investigation by the Police Monitoring Unit. The probe revealed that ASP Usman and his team engaged in professional misconduct, abuse of office, and actions likely to cause a breach of public peace, leading to the unlawful death of Mene Ogidi.

Placid emphasized that no criminal suspicion justifies extra-judicial action. The case file has been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for prosecution. The police have pledged full cooperation to ensure the matter is concluded in court. He also noted that the driver who delivered the parcel and two vigilante members are still at large, but tactical teams have been deployed to apprehend them.

The police reassured Nigerians and the victim’s family that justice will prevail and that no officer is above the law. The force is committed to transparency and accountability, and they extended condolences to the family of the deceased.