Category: News

Datti Baba-Ahmed, the former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has dismissed claims of a rift between him and his former principal, Peter Obi. He emphasized that no individual or situation will damage their relationship.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Inside Source’ program with Laolu Akande, Baba-Ahmed addressed the speculation about a fallout. He stated unequivocally that nothing can create problems between them.

“Let me make it clear: nobody will cause any trouble between my boss, Peter Obi, and me,” Baba-Ahmed said. “Regardless of which party he belongs to, I continue to hold him in high regard. He governed Anambra State well and doesn’t engage in frivolities. We share mutual respect, and no one will drive a wedge between us.”

Recall that Baba-Ahmed was Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party. However, their political paths diverged ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi moved to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and secured its presidential ticket, while Baba-Ahmed joined the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

Despite these changes, Baba-Ahmed insists their bond remains unbroken. He reiterated his respect for Obi’s leadership and integrity, stressing that external forces cannot disrupt their connection.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued new directives aimed at strengthening party discipline and institutional framework ahead of the 2027 elections. In a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NEC outlined a series of resolutions designed to ensure that all elected officials under the NDC banner prioritize party consultation before making significant decisions.

According to the NEC, the party must remain the supreme authority, and all members are expected to subordinate their personal ambitions to broader party interests. The resolutions emphasize that programs, policies, and appointments—except for personal staff—by any government formed on the NDC platform must be cleared with party structures at appropriate levels.

The NDC also declared that all affiliated groups and non-governmental organizations operating under its umbrella will act solely under party guidance. These groups must not operate parallel to or independent of the official party hierarchy, ensuring unity of purpose and preventing fragmentation.

The statement further revealed plans to establish a comprehensive Code of Conduct for all party officials and candidates. A committee led by the National Legal Adviser has been tasked with developing a detailed framework and guidelines to enforce ethical standards and accountability.

In a move to heal internal rifts, the NEC inaugurated a National Reconciliation Committee to address grievances and bring together aggrieved members. The party stressed that the NDC is being built as an enduring institution, not a personality cult, political movement, or temporary vehicle for individual gain.

On financial matters, the NEC insisted on strict accountability for all party resources. Candidates at all levels must disclose all funds raised and contributions made, routing them through dedicated party campaign accounts—including presidential and governorship accounts. This transparency measure aims to ensure that party funds are used solely for legitimate party business.

The NDC called on members to remain committed and contribute to the party’s growth, emphasizing that total allegiance must always be to the party and the national interest. These resolutions mark a significant push toward institutionalizing the party ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.

Senator Ali Ndume has revealed that his victory in securing the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the 2027 elections stems from divine intervention, the unwavering support of his constituents, and encouragement from select political figures. He acknowledged that he does not enjoy popularity within President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ndume highlighted his consistent electoral achievements, attributing them to the trust his people place in both him and the APC. He is gearing up for his seventh electoral contest, having served two terms in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate.

According to Ndume, voters in his constituency are well-informed and capable of making independent choices. Their backing for him and the APC reflects a belief that these options serve their best interests. He emphasized that the ticket came from God, his people, and some leaders, adding that he is not among the influential figures in Tinubu’s government.

Ndume, who has occasionally criticized the administration, stressed that public officials deserve praise when they take actions beneficial to the populace. He said, ‘By God’s grace, this is the seventh election I’m going into… I’ve always been winning. Our people are not fools. They are mostly aware and educated. If they elect APC and Ndume, it’s because they feel it’s better for them.’ He added, ‘I got the ticket from God and my people and the support of some of our leaders. You know I’m not one of the popular guys on the corridor of power so far.’

Dr. Mustapha Mohammed Inuwa, a former Secretary to the Katsina State Government, has voiced grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region, highlighting the increasing frequency of killings, kidnappings, and violent assaults perpetrated by suspected bandits. Speaking at a gathering of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina on Saturday, Inuwa lamented that numerous communities remain under siege, with criminal elements operating with apparent impunity.

According to the former SSG, daily life for many residents has become fraught with fear as armed groups continue to terrorize villages, resulting in tragic loss of life and widespread abductions. He pointedly noted that the carnage is so pervasive that women are subjected to rape in front of their own husbands, underscoring the brutality and lawlessness plaguing the state.

Inuwa sharply criticized what he described as a glaring disconnect between official statements and the grim reality on the ground. He accused authorities responsible for maintaining security of pretending that the crisis does not exist, calling such denial both painful and disheartening. He stressed that urgent acknowledgment of the problem is essential before any meaningful action can be taken.

The ADC chieftain called on both federal and state governments, along with security agencies, to face the severity of the challenges head-on and ramp up efforts to safeguard citizens and their property. He warned that failing to address the situation adequately could jeopardize ongoing peace initiatives and further embolden criminal groups.

While offering prayers for victims of bandit attacks and those still in captivity, Inuwa emphasized the need for decisive and immediate measures to curtail the activities of these criminal networks. He concluded by remarking that the disparity between official narratives and local experiences prevents effective intervention, and that only through divine intervention and genuine commitment can this devastating crisis be resolved.

The Nigerian government is making arrangements to repatriate more than 1,000 nationals from South Africa after a screening process for those desiring voluntary return. This was revealed by the head of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, during a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday.

She explained that the screening is a collaborative effort between the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the South African Department of Home Affairs. The exercise, now in its third day, has seen a significant number of Nigerians registering for the voluntary evacuation program.

Dabiri-Erewa noted that the process has been handled in an orderly and professional manner, under the guidance of Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Olatunde Ajayi. Over 1,000 individuals have already signed up, and registration remains open for others.

The repatriation flights are set to begin next week, operated by Air Peace, following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of funds for the mission. Five flights have been planned, with the first group of evacuees anticipated to arrive in Nigeria next week.

This large-scale return comes amid rising safety fears for foreign nationals following recent anti-immigrant protests in various parts of South Africa.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has made startling allegations regarding the circumstances that led to his dismissal from office during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. In a Facebook post, Lawal asserted that a group of Northerners orchestrated a plot to oust him, driven by resentment over his close ties to Buhari and fears that the former president was positioning him for a more prominent role.

According to Lawal, the plan to remove him was entrusted to some Northern senators, who then delegated the task to well-known legislative enforcers. These individuals recruited allies from the executive branch and the media to execute the scheme. Lawal noted that despite a high-level delegation appealing to Buhari, the president remained unmoved, prompting the conspirators to intensify their efforts to force him out.

Lawal revealed that the plot was fueled by ethnic and religious bias, as some Northern elements believed that Buhari had no business appointing him, given that he hails from the Kilba minority tribe and is a Christian. He refrained from naming the main orchestrator, stating that the individual later apologized in the presence of mutual friends, and Lawal chose to forgive him.

Lawal’s removal occurred during Buhari’s first term, and his allegations shed light on the political intrigues within the administration.

The Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Musa Askira, has made a passionate appeal for the immediate release of 42 schoolchildren who were taken captive by suspected Boko Haram or ISWAP militants in the Askira/Uba Local Government Area. He spoke on behalf of local leaders, political figures, and residents during a press briefing in Maiduguri on a Saturday, nearly three weeks after the abduction occurred.

The children, who were students of Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School, were reportedly seized on May 15, 2026. Askira described the incident as a devastating blow to education and humanity, expressing deep concern over the prolonged captivity and the anguish faced by the families. He stated that the community initially remained quiet, trusting that security agencies would handle the situation, but the extended wait has intensified fears and anxiety among parents and locals.

Askira praised President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for their swift response, particularly highlighting Governor Zulum’s visit to comfort the affected families shortly after the kidnapping. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian military, police, Department of State Services, and the Civilian Joint Task Force in counterinsurgency operations. However, he urged them to ramp up efforts to secure the children’s freedom, calling for the use of all available intelligence and strategies—both kinetic and non-kinetic.

The deputy speaker emphasized that the children are innocent and should not be treated as combatants. He appealed to the captors to release them unconditionally, out of fear of God. Additionally, the stakeholders called for enhanced security measures in Askira/Uba due to its proximity to the Sambisa Forest, recommending new security posts, rapid response units, better school protection, and sustained military patrols. Askira assured families that efforts are ongoing and urged them to remain hopeful.

In a tragic incident that has heightened tensions in Plateau State, a 15-year-old herder named Sadi Aliyu was killed by armed assailants. The attackers, allegedly Berom militias, struck in the Sabon Gidan Kanar community of Jos South Local Government Area. The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) confirmed the attack on Saturday, stating that the teenage herder was shot dead while grazing livestock on Friday evening.

The MACBAN chairman in Plateau, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, reported that 13 cattle were also killed and another 11 are unaccounted for. He emphasized that the attack was unprovoked, with the herders going about their routine when the gunmen descended upon them, opening fire indiscriminately.

Condemning the assault, Babayo described it as a severe threat to the already fragile peace in the region. He expressed concern over what he sees as a pattern of targeting innocent herders and their animals, which undermines community harmony and security. The incident has been reported to the police at Bukuru B Division and Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace for investigation.

Babayo called on security agencies to thoroughly probe the matter, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure justice is served. He urged calm among herders and other affected individuals, advising them against resorting to extrajudicial actions. The MACBAN leader stressed the association’s commitment to dialogue and lawful conflict resolution, appealing to all levels of government to take proactive steps to protect citizens irrespective of ethnicity or occupation.

Attempts to get official comments from the Plateau State Police Command and Operation Enduring Peace proved unsuccessful, as spokespersons SP Alfred Alabo and Captain Polycarp Oteh had not responded to inquiries at the time of this report.

In a significant breakthrough against terrorist activities in the North-Central region, Nigerian Army troops have apprehended a suspected terrorist informant during a targeted raid in Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State. The operation, which took place on June 4, was carried out by soldiers from the 221 Battalion, acting on credible intelligence that identified individuals allegedly linked with terrorist cells in the area.

According to a post by security analyst Zagazola Makama on X, the arrest occurred in the communities of Kara and Wawa. The suspect, whose name has not been disclosed, is said to have been on the watchlist of security agencies for some time due to his suspected connections with terrorist groups operating in the region.

Military sources allege that the suspect served as an informant, supplying vital information to terrorists to aid their planning of movements and attacks. The arrest is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the support networks that enable insurgency in the region.

The suspect is currently in military custody and is being interrogated to gather more intelligence on the terrorist network. Authorities are hopeful that the information obtained will lead to further arrests and the disruption of planned attacks.

In a significant blow to insurgent activities, the Nigerian military executed a precise airstrike under Operation HADIN KAI, resulting in the elimination of numerous terrorists in Borno State. Security analyst Zagazola Makama shared details of the operation on his X platform on Sunday.

The mission, carried out on June 4, was based on credible intelligence and aerial surveillance that spotted suspicious movements in the Madamari area of Magumeri Local Government Area. An ISR platform detected around 15 terrorists who had left a gun truck and gathered under a tree.

After confirming hostile intent, the surveillance system guided a strike aircraft to the target. The aircraft delivered a precise attack on the assembly, neutralizing all individuals present, according to military sources.

In a follow-up action, the ISR platform tracked the terrorists’ gun truck and directed another targeted strike, destroying the vehicle and killing four additional militants. A post-mission assessment revealed that surviving terrorists fled in various directions, highlighting the operation’s disruptive impact.