Category: News

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has leveled serious allegations against Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, claiming he is sidelining the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to further his personal political aspirations. According to IPOB, Soludo is angling for the Vice Presidency in 2031 on a Fulani-dominated ticket.

In a statement issued by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, the group criticized Soludo for attacking Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), who recently called for Kanu’s freedom. IPOB described Soludo’s alleged VP ambition as “shameless” and expressed disappointment that the governor had reversed his earlier commitment to Kanu.

IPOB recalled that in January 2023, Soludo visited Kanu at the DSS facility in Abuja, shook his hand, and publicly demanded his release, even offering to stand as surety. The group noted that as recently as March 2025, Soludo’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, boasted that the governor was actively working to free Kanu to restore peace in the Southeast. Now, however, Soludo’s administration has labeled Obi’s similar call as a “slap on the judiciary.”

The statement accused Soludo of betraying the Igbo cause to curry favor with northern power brokers. It read, in part, “You visited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu when you needed Igbo votes and his endorsement to become governor. Now you have turned against him to chase crumbs from Abuja.” IPOB warned that history would judge Soludo harshly, comparing him to other Igbo leaders they consider traitors.

The group emphasized that their demand for Kanu’s release is not limited to the Igbo but includes support from Yoruba, Hausa, and Middle Belt figures, such as Prophet Ayodele. They insisted that Soludo’s actions will not derail their movement for justice and Biafran freedom.

Segun Sowunmi, a prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has voiced strong criticism over the handling of insecurity in Nigeria. During a Monday interview on Arise Television’s ‘Day Break’ program, he asserted that the nation’s security challenges have not been met with the urgency they warrant.

His comments came in the wake of the tragic death of former military spokesperson Major-General Rabe Abubakar (retired), who lost his life while in the custody of bandits. Sowunmi emphasized that while government officials frequently appeal for patience and assure the public that their strategies need more time to yield results, they fail to acknowledge the daily hardships faced by citizens. As hardships persist, he noted, frustration and agitation inevitably escalate.

“We are confronted with individuals perpetrating violent acts, yet the response has lacked the required gravity,” Sowunmi stated. He pointed out that governors in regions most affected by insecurity have not demonstrated sufficient urgency, and local government authorities have similarly fallen short in their duties.

He further lamented that the public’s reaction has not matched the scale of the crisis, especially following the loss of a high-ranking military officer. “Overall, the national response does not reflect the severity of what we are dealing with,” he concluded.

Former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has refuted claims that a court authorized his apprehension regarding allegations of certificate forgery. In an official statement released Monday through his spokesperson, Robert Ngwu, Nnaji labeled the reports as baseless and part of a smear campaign against him.

Nnaji emphasized that he is not evading law enforcement or under any active investigation. He reiterated that neither he nor his legal representatives, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, have received any summons, warrant, or correspondence from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) regarding the matter.

The statement further clarified that Nnaji resides openly at his known addresses in Asokoro, Abuja, and Independence Layout, Enugu, which are familiar to authorities. It also revealed that Nnaji has initiated a case at the Federal High Court (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025) seeking judicial clarification on issues tied to his academic records, including the release of his transcript. The case remains pending before the court.

In a strong call for legal compliance, traditional authorities from Bendeghe Ekiem in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State have demanded that local youths immediately leave the contested plots within the state-owned cocoa plantation. The monarchs stressed that defying a court order to remain on the land could result in legal repercussions and damage the community’s dedication to judicial processes.

Chief Moses Ndep, heading the Mbume Blocks of Clans Crisis Management Committee, issued the warning during a media briefing held in Bendeghe Ekiem on Monday. He highlighted that respecting judicial rulings is vital for sustaining peace and order, and cautioned against any vigilante actions.

The disputed cocoa plots, according to Ndep, were lawfully assigned to contractors by the previous administration under a consent judgment, and any opposition to that judgment might be viewed as contempt of court. “The courts have made their decision. As responsible citizens, we must honor and adhere to court directives. Failure to do so could bring legal actions against the offenders,” he remarked.

The traditional leader spoke shortly after handing over keys to a building contributed by Dr. Oscar Ofuka, the former Special Adviser on Cocoa Development. The structure will serve as short-term accommodation for employees of a construction company engaged in a 10-kilometer road project connecting Ikom and Obudu.

Ndep traced the root of the conflict to a consent judgment reached after cocoa-producing landlord communities filed a lawsuit against former Governor Ben Ayade’s administration for unpaid royalties spanning 16 years. As part of the resolution, more than 1,000 hectares of cocoa farms were leased for six years to approved allottees, who paid the requisite fees to the state government’s accounts.

However, tensions escalated when a cocoa allocation committee under the current Governor Bassey Otu allegedly reassigned the same plots to new recipients, sparking overlapping claims and unrest within the estate. Ndep appealed for calm, urging the youths to vacate the farms and allow legal mechanisms to take precedence. “I repeat, leave those farms for the rightful allottees. If those occupying them refuse to comply with the court order, the law will take its course,” he warned.

The Federal High Court in Jalingo adjourned a case challenging the APC’s primary elections in two constituencies after the judge was absent. Justice Mashkur Salisu was not present when the hearing was scheduled for Monday, causing the matter to be postponed to June 17, 2026.

Princess Leah Olusiyo Solomon and Job Julius, who participated in the APC primaries, filed the case. Solomon contested for the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency ticket, while Julius vied for the Ardo-Kola/Karim-Lamido/Lau Federal Constituency nomination.

The plaintiffs argue that no legitimate primary elections happened in those areas and ask the court to nullify the results and order fresh primaries. Barrister Pius D. Pius, their legal representative, stated after the adjournment that the lawsuit was needed because the party allegedly failed to hold primaries there.

He urged the court to declare the processes invalid and mandate new elections according to legal stipulations. When asked about the judge’s absence, Pius declined to speculate but expressed confidence that Justice Salisu will be available on the next date.

This case is part of a series of legal challenges at the Jalingo Federal High Court regarding APC primaries in Taraba. Political observers and party members are monitoring the proceedings closely, as the verdict could significantly impact the party’s internal democracy and the state’s political future.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has thrown her weight behind the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming Ekiti governorship election, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede. She described him as a capable, experienced, and people-focused leader with the necessary vision to propel the state forward.

Speaking at the PDP campaign finale held on June 13, 2026, in Ado-Ekiti, the senator addressed thousands of supporters, women groups, and the Ebira community. She emphasized that Oluyede’s dedication to good governance, youth empowerment, women’s inclusion, educational progress, and economic development makes him worthy of the people’s mandate.

Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that Oluyede has consistently shown genuine care for ordinary citizens and remains approachable to grassroots communities. She highlighted his commitment to an inclusive administration that ensures fair representation for all ethnic groups, including the Ebira community residing in Ekiti.

She urged voters to turn out massively on June 20 to elect Oluyede, citing his promise to prioritize development, unity, peace, and prosperity. The senator also praised Ekiti’s educational standards and political awareness, expressing confidence that voters would make the right choice.

Over the past days, Akpoti-Uduaghan visited several settlements, including Ikole-Ekiti and Ilasa, to mobilize support for the PDP candidate. The campaign event drew party members, traditional leaders, and youth organizations, all optimistic about PDP’s victory.

Political tensions in Osun State have escalated as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party trade blame over recent unrest in the Owode-Ede community. Both parties have called on law enforcement to conduct investigations and restore order.

The APC has urged the police to designate Owode-Ede in Ede North Local Government Area as a political hotspot, alleging that its members and supporters face attacks and intimidation from thugs linked to the Accord Party. In a statement by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC claimed that violent acts by suspected Accord backers have led to assaults on residents and damage to vehicles belonging to party members. The party warned that without swift police action, the situation could lead to a complete breakdown of law and order.

According to the APC, “Owode-Ede has become a gathering point for political hoodlums who harass opposition supporters traveling through the area. APC-branded caps and vehicles have been forcibly removed or destroyed by suspected thugs operating near the Owode-Ede Market junction. It would be a dereliction of duty for the police to leave innocent citizens at the mercy of these individuals.” The party also linked the crisis to the blockade of its members at the same junction, stressing that freedom of movement is a constitutional right that must be protected.

However, the Accord Party rejected the allegations, accusing the APC of politicizing security matters and making accusations before investigations are complete. In a statement by its Osun State Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, Accord described the APC’s claims as “full of conjectures, assumptions, and politically motivated attacks against Governor Ademola Adeleke and the people of Ede.” Accord added that it is alarming that the APC chose propaganda over allowing security agencies to professionally determine the facts.

Accord further alleged that video clips circulating publicly show vehicles in AMBO colors with persons linked to the APC, and that there are credible claims connecting some actors in the disturbances to opposition party elements. The party demanded a thorough, impartial investigation by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, urging them to identify all perpetrators regardless of political affiliation and ensure justice without fear or favor. Accord also called for an investigation into alleged hideouts of APC-affiliated thugs.

The dispute follows earlier claims by Accord that political thugs in APC-branded vehicles opened fire on residents and their members in Owode-Ede, Aregbe, Olaiya, and other parts of Osun State. The APC denied involvement and called for the arrest of alleged Accord thugs.

With the August 15 governorship election approaching, stakeholders are urging politicians and parties to prioritize peace and security in Owode-Ede. They have also called on political actors to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and allow law enforcement to determine who is responsible for the disturbances.

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State that is loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has sworn in a new set of state executive members in preparation for the 2027 general elections. This development took place during a congress held in Sokoto, which was overseen by officials from the PDP National Secretariat and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Abubakar Bawa-Kalgo, who led the delegation, emphasized that the process was open and adhered strictly to the party’s constitutional provisions. He also dissolved the existing state caretaker committee before officially installing the newly elected officials, urging them to carry out their duties with accountability and dedication.

The newly formed executive committee is chaired by Hayatu Tafida, with Ahmad S. Fawa as Secretary, Bello Bashir as Treasurer, Abdulkadir Gidadawa as Youth Leader, Murtala Muhammad as Auditor, Hadiza Abubakar as Women Leader, and Buhari Sidi-Attahiru as Publicity Secretary.

During the event, the PDP governorship candidate for Sokoto State, Abubakar Abdullahi, extended his congratulations to the new officials and encouraged them to prioritize the party’s growth in the region. He also took the opportunity to challenge the rival faction led by Tanimu Turaki, asserting that they should no longer present themselves as the legitimate party leadership, given that the Supreme Court had nullified the convention that brought them into power.

Abdullahi questioned how a group that organized a national convention in a state previously governed by one of its members could still claim leadership after the apex court’s nullification. Similarly, PDP National Organising Secretary Umar Bature appealed for unity among party members to bolster the party’s prospects in Sokoto, while insisting that the opposing faction lacks legal recognition. He specifically called on them to close their office to avoid impersonating the authentic party leadership.

In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated State Chairman, Hayatu Tafida, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and vowed to work tirelessly to promote the party’s interests within the state.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Osa Director, has expressed delight over receiving a national honor from President Bola Tinubu. He made his remarks during an appearance on Arise Television, commending Tinubu for acknowledging pro-democracy activists.

Director noted that Tinubu, himself a former pro-democracy activist, understood the need to address past oversights. He recalled that in 1999, it was pro-democracy activists who prevented Obasanjo from dying in prison, yet Obasanjo failed to appreciate them after becoming president. Director said, “If President Tinubu decides to correct that mistake, he deserves praise.”

He emphasized that he does not engage in vindictive politics and maintains social relationships regardless of political affiliations. “I’m not going to deny my social connection with people just because I belong to the opposition,” he stated.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has cast doubt on the ability of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), to clinch victory in the 2027 elections. In a recent interview on the Mic On Podcast, the lawmaker asserted that Obi lacks the credibility necessary for such a high-stakes contest.

Oshiomhole pointed to what he described as Obi’s inability to manage internal party conflicts and his history of broken promises. He argued that Obi cannot be trusted to keep his word, citing the former Anambra governor’s departure from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) despite earlier assurances.

According to Oshiomhole, Obi initially pledged loyalty to APGA after the party, under the leadership of the late Ojukwu, helped him become governor. However, when an opportunity arose to become vice president, Obi switched parties and subsequently joined the Labour Party after failing to secure the nomination, allegedly to avoid primaries.

The senator further criticized Obi for abandoning the Labour Party after receiving its presidential ticket without any internal contest. He noted that Obi claimed to have secured eight million votes under the Labour Party banner, yet instead of strengthening the platform, he moved on to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and eventually to the NDC—always seeking an easy path without undergoing internal elections.