Category: News

Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has maintained that the primary election of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was marred by irregularities. Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ program, Lawal stated that he directly observed the process and possesses concrete evidence of manipulation.

Lawal, who previously served as the National Vice Chairman for the Northeast region, countered claims made by supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, insisting that their denials are false. He argued that those who committed the fraud are now attempting to cover it up, comparing them to a thief who refuses to admit guilt.

According to Lawal, the rigging was evident from the moment the voting took place and the results were announced. He emphasized his firsthand knowledge of the proceedings, asserting that the allegations against Atiku’s camp are based on verifiable facts.

Dele Momodu, a prominent supporter of Atiku Abubakar, has called on Nigerians to prioritize national reconciliation, reorientation, and reconstruction as the 2027 presidential election approaches. In a social media post, Momodu framed the likely showdown between President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the central contest of the upcoming polls.

Momodu described the election as a major clash between Tinubu, the incumbent, and his most formidable opponent, Atiku. He noted that while other political forces might emerge—similar to what happened in 2023—they are unlikely to pose a serious challenge to these two leading figures. This reality, he argued, compels parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to adopt a fresh political strategy. The ADC, he suggested, should act as a bridge linking traditional and modern political approaches, as well as experienced politicians with technocrats.

The publisher of Ovation also warned about the escalating tensions in the country. He stated, “The present combustive tensions and absolute chaos cannot be allowed to continue. It will consume all of us.” Momodu urged a return to issue-based politics and strong leadership, emphasizing that “the time has come to retrace our steps and return to the days of robust ideas, ideologies and inspirational figures.” He praised Nigeria’s early leaders—including Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo—for their efforts despite their flaws.

Momodu expressed concern over the current political climate, asserting that “the politics of gangsterism has become unbearably malignant in our nation.” He stressed the need for stronger unity between northern and southern Nigeria and concluded with a clear warning: “We must act before it is too late.”

In a striking remark that has stirred political circles, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, openly stated that Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a presidential aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), surpasses Atiku Abubakar in both competence and experience. Lawal made these assertions during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program.

Lawal emphasized that Hayatu-Deen and Atiku cannot be compared on the same level, describing their differences as vast and incomparable. He pointed to Hayatu-Deen’s extensive background, particularly his tenure as Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, as evidence of his superior qualifications. According to Lawal, the two politicians operate in entirely different realms.

The ADC recently held its presidential primary to select a flag bearer for the 2027 election. Atiku emerged victorious with the highest vote count, while former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi secured second place, and Hayatu-Deen finished third. Despite the outcome, Lawal remains adamant that Hayatu-Deen is the more capable candidate.

When asked directly whether Hayatu-Deen is more competent than Atiku, Lawal replied without hesitation, asserting that Hayatu-Deen’s expertise eclipses that of the former vice president. He further noted that Hayatu-Deen’s years of service as NESG chairman demonstrate a depth of economic knowledge that Atiku lacks. The comments have sparked fresh debate about leadership qualifications within the ADC and beyond.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has expressed profound gratitude to the Nigerian military, especially the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, for their heroic rescue of 360 individuals held captive in the Mandara Mountains, a stronghold of terrorists in the southern part of the state.

In a statement released on Sunday by his media aide, Dauda Iliya, Zulum hailed the operation as a remarkable display of bravery, expertise, and intelligence-driven tactics in the ongoing battle against insurgency in the North-East region.

The governor noted that the successful mission, which brought back hundreds of men, women, and children from terrorist captivity, has revitalized hope in affected communities and underscores the collaborative efforts of federal and state authorities along with the military to achieve lasting peace.

He extended his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, as well as all the troops involved, for their valor and selflessness.

Zulum characterized the rescue of 360 abductees from a Boko Haram enclave as a significant achievement, emphasizing that it demonstrates the power of inter-agency cooperation and the unwavering dedication of security forces to free every citizen from captivity.

The governor reiterated his administration’s pledge to provide logistical support to the military and other security bodies to sustain counter-insurgency operations.

He also urged residents of Mussa in Askira-Uba Local Government Area to stay optimistic, assuring them that efforts are underway to free abducted schoolchildren from that region.

Furthermore, Zulum called on citizens to remain alert, collaborate with security personnel, and share useful information to assist ongoing missions against criminal elements.

Recall that on March 4, suspected gunmen assaulted a military base in Ngoshe, destroying operational vehicles, forcing troops to retreat, killing an unknown number of people, and kidnapping many others.

Students at Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, in Ogun State are living in constant fear as criminal activities escalate around their campus. Blessing, an HND 2 student, expressed her anxiety: “We are not safe here. We live 50-50 because anything can happen anytime.”

Once revered as sanctuaries for learning, higher institutions in the state have become hunting grounds for armed robbers, kidnappers, and sexual predators. DAILY POST investigations reveal that between 2009 and 2026, over 105 robberies occurred near the polytechnic, leaving 21 students dead. In 2023, students protested after two were killed, nine shot, and a lady raped during a robbery.

Blessing recounted a recent incident where criminals used a trapped student to gain access to other rooms. “They take someone to the next door and make them knock. We heard a girl screaming, but nobody could help because it was late.”

Just last month, five students were abducted on the Isara-Ode road after mistaking kidnappers for police. They were later rescued by the Ogun State Police Command. However, the trauma lingers.

Dean of Student Affairs, Adedayo Musari, lamented the trend: “Between 2009 and 2026, we recorded 15 robbery cases in Ipara (five students killed), 32 in Isara (five killed), and 58 in Ode-Remo (16 killed).” He noted that many attackers are not even students; in a recent sweep, only 15 of 72 arrested suspects were bona fide students.

The polytechnic’s management has convened an emergency security summit. Rector Dr. Sanni Oseni emphasized: “Security is a shared duty. We must all be vigilant.” The school has also urged landlords to verify tenants’ student status to prevent harboring criminals.

Security consultant Kunle Sodipo blamed students’ ostentatious lifestyles for making them targets: “Running generators all night or flaunting expensive phones invites criminals. In Nigeria’s economy, you must enjoy quietly.” He called for security education in school curricula.

Ode-Remo Development Council Chairman Olufunso Afolabi demanded action: “Students’ lives are non-negotiable. We need security personnel, streetlights, CCTV, and a joint taskforce.”

Police PRO Oluseyi Babaseyi assured that the command is proactive: “We have arrested numerous suspects and disrupted criminal networks. A police post has been established at OOU Ibogun campus.” He urged students to use the Gateway Shield platform for reporting.

Despite these measures, students remain skeptical. “We can’t even sleep with our eyes closed,” Blessing said. The struggle for safety continues.

In a continued crackdown on insurgents in Niger State, the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Savannah Shield (OPSS) has arrested five individuals believed to be informants for bandits and terrorists during coordinated operations.

According to Captain Jamilu Muhammed Yahaya, Acting Media Information Officer for the task force, the suspects were taken into custody in two separate incidents, with authorities recovering mobile phones, cash, and other incriminating items.

On June 6, 2026, troops conducting a routine patrol near the Doro axis in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area, detained three suspects. Investigations revealed that the individuals were linked to a bandit group operating around Duru, near the Kainji Lake National Park. Among the items seized were two Tecno keypad phones, an MP3 device containing propaganda and threatening messages about an abduction in Kaduna State and a ₦60 million ransom, and ₦113,400 in cash.

In a separate operation, soldiers from the 221 Battalion under JTF-NC OPSS apprehended two more suspects during a patrol along the cantonment perimeter. These individuals were found to have been gathering intelligence on the military facility. A search of one suspect’s phone uncovered a photo of a beheaded person dated May 2, 2026, suggesting possible ties to terrorist groups. Recovered items included an Android phone, a Tecno keypad phone, a motorcycle, and ₦86,100.

All suspects and evidence are now in custody for further investigation, as the military continues efforts to dismantle criminal networks in the region.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on traditional leaders across Yorubaland to intensify collaboration with security forces to tackle the growing threats of banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in the region. He made this appeal during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Ifa Festival held in Ile-Ife.

In a statement released on Sunday by his media aide, Moses Olafare, the monarch emphasized that traditional institutions must work more closely with one another and maintain strong ties with government authorities and security operatives. He argued that community-driven approaches could significantly bolster official security efforts.

The Ooni underscored the crucial role of traditional institutions in preserving peace and stability at the grassroots level. He urged royal fathers to draw inspiration from ancestral values to confront criminal elements threatening the safety of residents. “We must unite our traditional powers, spiritual heritage, and communal values to drive out bandits, kidnappers, and all criminals from Yorubaland and Nigeria at large. Our forebears stood for justice, peace, and communal harmony, and we must invoke these values at this critical juncture,” he stated.

He called on monarchs to take a more proactive stance in protecting their domains, describing insecurity as a collective challenge requiring action from every segment of society. “We must rise together against the scourge of banditry and kidnapping. Enough is enough. Our people deserve to live in peace and move freely without fear. Traditional rulers must shoulder greater responsibility for safeguarding their communities while backing the government and security agencies,” the Ooni added.

Acknowledging the security challenges facing the nation, Oba Ogunwusi commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its ongoing efforts to address public safety threats. He stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved through collaboration among governments, traditional institutions, religious bodies, community leaders, and citizens. “This is a time for unity. The government alone cannot solve the nation’s security problems. Traditional institutions, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and citizens must join hands to support ongoing efforts to secure our country,” he said.

During the festival, the Ooni also offered special prayers for the safe return of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states. Describing the incidents as distressing and unacceptable, he prayed for their immediate release and expressed hope that affected families would soon be reunited with their loved ones.

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has successfully retrieved N521.8 million in unremitted Value Added Tax (VAT) from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This recovery stems from an ongoing investigation into revenue losses tied to transactions processed via the Remita platform.

The committee’s probe focused on remittance practices and compliance with Treasury Single Account (TSA) guidelines among government agencies. Following a House resolution, the investigation targeted allegations of revenue leakages through Remita and non-adherence to operational protocols.

Bamidele Salam, the committee chairman, stated that a review of transaction records and remittance flows uncovered outstanding obligations to the Federal Government. Specifically, the CBN failed to remit N521,765,134.17 in VAT, which represented tax deductions from Remita transaction fees collected between November 2018 and April 2024.

In response, the committee ordered the central bank to transfer the overdue amount to the government’s treasury and provide proof of payment. On May 7, 2026, the CBN confirmed compliance via a letter, attaching documentation verifying the remittance of the N521.8 million.

Salam hailed the recovery as a major achievement for the committee’s oversight role, emphasizing that legislative scrutiny is vital for ensuring transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public funds. He reaffirmed the committee’s dedication to enforcing financial regulations and securing full revenue remittances from all government entities.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has officially unveiled the deployment list for prospective corps members under the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I mobilization exercise. The announcement was made on Monday via the agency’s official social media handle, informing all eligible graduates that they can now access their posting details.

According to the scheme, the published list assigns each graduate to a specific state where they will carry out their compulsory one-year national service. This marks a crucial step in the mobilization process, occurring just before the orientation camp for this batch commences.

Prospective corps members are advised to visit the NYSC portal to confirm their deployment status. The platform also provides additional information such as reporting dates, camp requirements, and other essential guidelines for a smooth service year. This release brings clarity to thousands of graduates eagerly awaiting their postings.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 elections, has opened up about his personal encounters with ethnic bias. He revealed that as an Igbo man, he has faced unfair judgment and labeling based on his heritage. Obi made these remarks on X, where he criticized the growing habit of linking criminal acts to specific ethnic groups.

He emphasized that this experience is not exclusive to the Igbo people, pointing out that many Nigerians have been reduced to their ethnic identity rather than being seen for who they truly are. The former governor of Anambra State expressed empathy for ordinary Fulani individuals who are often wrongly accused for crimes committed by people they do not know or endorse.

According to him, offenders should be judged by their deeds, not by their ethnic background. He stated clearly that a criminal is a criminal regardless of tribe, and such individuals must be identified, arrested, and dealt with according to the law. Obi drew inspiration from the civil rights movement in the United States, citing Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream that people would be evaluated by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin.

He stressed that every ethnic group in Nigeria has its own distinct culture, skills, and contributions, while crime knows no ethnic boundary. Obi called on Nigerians to avoid the dangerous practice of blaming entire communities for the misdeeds of a few, warning that such attitudes breed hatred and weaken national unity. He urged a greater appreciation of the country’s cultural diversity and a renewed commitment to justice, mutual respect, and national togetherness.