Category: News

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.

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.