Category: News

A senatorial hopeful from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Ehiozuwa Agbonayinwa, has publicly accused the party’s national leader, Seriake Dickson, of forcing candidates on the party. The allegation was made during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ program on Friday.

Agbonayinwa claimed that despite winning the senatorial primary election, Dickson is now planning to hand the ticket to a different individual. He expressed frustration over the delay in announcing primary results, noting that the elections took place on May 29, but as of June 5, the party has yet to release the outcome.

Referencing a protest by activist Aisha Yesufu at the NDC national secretariat, Agbonayinwa said, ‘Dickson is imposing candidates in the NDC. Look at what Aisha Yesufu did at the NDC national secretariat.’ He added, ‘Dickson disappointed me totally. He told me to get the NDC Senate ticket, and I won the primary. The same Dickson is now saying the party will do affirmation for one Ijaw lady instead of going with the primary election result.’

With political parties wrapping up their governorship primaries, the race to succeed Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed in 2027 is beginning to crystallize. Though five contenders have emerged from the leading political parties, analysts point to three major candidates who are drawing the most attention: Yakubu Adamu of the All Progressives Movement (APM), former Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Senator Shehu Buba Umar of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). Other hopefuls, such as Haliru Dauda Jika of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Usman Adamu Sufi representing the PDP faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, remain in play but lack the widespread party infrastructure needed to challenge the top three.

Yakubu Adamu enters the contest with a significant edge: the explicit backing of Governor Bala Mohammed. As the immediate past Commissioner of Finance, Adamu is riding on the governor’s incumbency apparatus and growing demands for a power shift to Bauchi North, a zone that has not produced a governor in years. His candidacy received a major boost when Bala Mohammed defected to the APM, bringing along a substantial portion of his political network, including elected officials, party executives, and grassroots mobilizers across all 20 local government areas. For many observers, Adamu’s strength lies less in the APM itself and more in the formidable political machine behind him. Bala Mohammed, still one of the state’s most influential figures, is expected to leverage his extensive connections to rally votes for Adamu. Additionally, the push for zoning—arguing that power rotation promotes equity and inclusion—could resonate widely across Bauchi. However, Adamu faces hurdles: an ongoing EFCC investigation and, more critically, Bauchi’s historical pattern where no outgoing governor has successfully installed a chosen successor since 1999. Former governors Ahmadu Mu’azu and Isa Yuguda both failed to pass the baton to their preferred candidates, a jinx Bala Mohammed will try to break in 2027.

Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar’s emergence as the APC flagbearer has laid bare deep fractures within the party. The governorship primary triggered a wave of defections, including that of Senator Shehu Buba Umar, and left many members disgruntled over allegations of unfairness, candidate imposition, and lack of internal democracy. Key figures such as Hon. Rabilu Bala Kashuri, Hon. Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu, Hon. Abubakar Dahuwa Abdulkadir, and Hon. Sulaiman Sunusi Lalaye have abandoned the APC, citing irregularities and unjust processes. Some groups accuse Coordinating Minister of Health Muhammad Ali Pate and former governor Isa Yuguda of orchestrating Abubakar’s nomination. Without urgent reconciliation, the APC might struggle to remain competitive. Abubakar and Pate are expected to lead efforts to heal the divisions, as the party’s electoral prospects hinge on restoring unity among aggrieved members.

Shehu Buba Umar stands out as a formidable contender due to his grassroots appeal, bold political moves, and rising influence in Bauchi South—the state’s most populous senatorial district. His defection from the APC to the PRP and subsequent victory in the PRP primary injected new energy into the race. Unlike many politicians who rely heavily on party machinery, Shehu Buba’s strength comes from his personal brand and deep connections with ordinary voters. His strong foothold in Bauchi South, where a commanding performance could tip the scales, is a major asset. He may also draw protest votes from APC members unhappy with the party’s primary outcome, positioning himself as a credible alternative for those seeking change without backing the ruling APM. His role as chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence has raised his profile and equipped him with national connections. Nevertheless, Shehu Buba faces obstacles. Opponents are likely to revive unsubstantiated allegations linking him to banditry during his political feud with Governor Bala Mohammed, though he has consistently denied them. More critically, the PRP must build a statewide organization capable of matching the APM and APC in grassroots mobilization and voter turnout. Turning popularity into an effective electoral machine remains his biggest test.

Baba Yusuf, a well-known political strategist, has voiced deep concern over the escalating security crisis in Nigeria. He pointed out that the situation has deteriorated to such an extent that ordinary citizens are now pleading with terrorists to spare their lives. Speaking during a Friday interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time program, Yusuf highlighted that the nation has been grappling with multifaceted security challenges for 17 years, leading to a severe erosion of public trust in the country’s leadership.

Yusuf urged the government to initiate a thorough investigation into why substantial funds allocated to security have not yielded the expected results. He emphasized that citizens have lost confidence in their leaders and are now forced to align with terrorists out of desperation. According to him, the National Assembly, under sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 constitution, possesses the authority to probe any matter. He noted that their current oversight is more reactive than proactive, which has contributed to the persistent insecurity.

Ehiozuwa Agbonayinwa, a senatorial aspirant for Edo South under the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has voiced strong criticism against the party’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, alleging that Dickson imposes his will on the entire party. Speaking on Arise News on Friday, Agbonayinwa argued that the NDC’s main problem is the concentration of power in Dickson’s hands, which he described as undemocratic.

Agbonayinwa, a former member of the House of Representatives, is among party members frustrated with the leadership’s handling of primary elections. He claims he won the party’s ticket for the senatorial district during the primaries held on May 29 but has been denied the opportunity due to Dickson’s influence. The NDC has yet to officially announce results for Senate, House of Representatives, and state-level primaries, fueling discontent.

During the interview, Agbonayinwa stated, “One man cannot dictate for the whole NDC. You have a national leader, a national chairman, a secretary, and other officials—all wonderful people—but one man cannot decide the future of NDC members.” He emphasized that democracy means allowing the people to choose their representatives. “I won the senatorial seat; there’s no two ways about it. What stops them from announcing the result? The primary was on May 29, and now it’s June 5—what are they hiding?”

Agbonayinwa also criticized Dickson’s alleged plan to impose a female candidate to ensure gender representation, arguing that primary winners deserve their slots. “You can’t just decide that a lady must be a senator after primaries. Those who won should be given the opportunity,” he asserted. He called on the party to uphold democratic principles and release the election results promptly.

In a significant blow to illegal petroleum operations, the Nigerian Navy has confiscated 92,660 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel along the Rivers–Bayelsa border. The operation, conducted under the banner of Operation Delta Sentinel, targeted hidden storage sites used by criminal networks.

Personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH acted on credible intelligence to search the Okolomade Community in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State. Aerial surveillance and ground patrols led to the discovery of 138 sacks filled with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), cleverly concealed under foliage and along waterways.

Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, confirmed that the recovered products were handled according to regulations, effectively preventing economic saboteurs from benefiting from their illicit trade. The Navy reaffirmed its dedication to intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing crude oil theft and illegal fuel distribution across the Niger Delta.

Primate Elijah Ayodele, the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has publicly criticized First Lady Remi Tinubu for her response to the abduction of students in Oyo State. Speaking to a group of women on Friday, the cleric accused her of failing to act as a mother figure during the crisis.

According to Ayodele, the First Lady’s lack of urgency in demanding the safe return of the kidnapped schoolchildren could have severe political consequences. He warned that her behavior might lead to President Bola Tinubu losing the 2027 general elections.

“Remi Tinubu, you will make Tinubu lose the 2027 election. You did not behave like a mother at all. You should have done what Jonathan’s wife did,” Ayodele stated. He emphasized that instead of protesting and calling for the children’s release, she was distributing cars for political campaigns.

It is worth noting that the First Lady recently donated vehicles to women leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in five opposition-controlled states. This occurred during the launch of the Tinubu Torchbearers (TTB), a pro-Tinubu support group, at the State House banquet hall in Abuja.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, has issued a directive requiring all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and heads of tactical units to step up intelligence-driven policing and reinforce security monitoring across the state. The order was given during a high-level security meeting held on Friday with senior officers, as announced by the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi. The gathering focused on evaluating the current security landscape in Lagos and examining how prepared various police divisions are to address new and emerging threats.

During the meeting, CP Tijani instructed commanders to keep close oversight of their personnel and ensure rapid reactions to criminal incidents and safety issues in their assigned zones. He highlighted the importance of professionalism, urging senior officers to set a good example and maintain high ethical standards while guiding junior staff to do the same. In a significant boost to operational capacity, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund donated 200 bulletproof vests and 200 bulletproof helmets to the police command. The equipment was handed over by the Fund’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, who reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to backing security agencies in protecting residents and upholding public order.

Ogunsan stated that this donation would further enhance law enforcement’s ability to fight crime effectively and secure lives and property throughout Lagos. In response, the Commissioner expressed gratitude for the Trust Fund’s ongoing support and collaboration in advancing security operations. He noted that the protective gear would greatly improve officer safety in the field, raise morale, and boost overall performance. CP Tijani also thanked Lagos residents for their cooperation with the police, especially for sharing timely and credible intelligence that has helped prevent crime and aid investigations. He urged the public to continue working closely with law enforcement and assured them of the command’s firm dedication to keeping everyone safe. Additionally, he encouraged citizens to stay alert and promptly report any suspicious persons, activities, or movements via the command’s designated emergency lines.

The Kogi State Government has launched a crackdown on an unauthorized trailer park in New Zango, Abobo, within Okehi Local Government Area, acting on intelligence that tied the site to criminal activities such as drug dealing and other illicit operations.

State Security Adviser Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd) spearheaded the operation, coordinating a joint security force that included the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other law enforcement bodies.

Omodara reported that multiple individuals were taken into custody during the sweep, and security agents uncovered illegal substances and hard drugs at the location.

“This area had turned into a refuge for lawbreakers and a hub for unlawful acts. Based on reliable intelligence, we assembled security forces to clear the site and reinstate law and order,” he stated.

He emphasized that the exercise is part of the state government’s broader push to combat crime and enhance public safety, especially after Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo launched the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

Omodara pointed out that the location was never officially approved as a trailer park and confirmed that all trailers present have been moved out.

“We had previously warned occupants to leave the area. Today’s action is merely enforcing that order,” he added.

The security adviser also revealed that buildings believed to be criminal hideouts would be leveled to prevent a resurgence of illegal activity.

Reiterating the government’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property, Omodara stressed that security remains a top concern for the Ododo administration.

“We will keep taking strong measures against criminals wherever they operate. The protection of all Kogi State residents is our utmost priority,” he affirmed.

He also praised local residents for supplying prompt and accurate intelligence that helped security forces carry out the operation effectively.

The cleanup operation is set to proceed as authorities ramp up efforts to dismantle criminal networks and bolster security throughout the state.

Prominent human rights attorney Femi Falana has leveled serious accusations against Nigerian state governors, asserting that they have neglected their constitutional obligations regarding the oversight of the nation’s police force. In a televised interview on Channels Television, Falana weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the creation of state police, arguing that the governors’ dereliction of duty is at the core of the issue.

Falana clarified a common misconception: Nigeria does not operate a purely federal police system. Instead, the Nigeria Police Force functions as a federation police, involving both federal and state governments in its management. He pointed out that the Nigerian Police Council, which includes the president, the Inspector General of Police, the Police Service Commission chair, and all 36 state governors, is constitutionally mandated to oversee police operations. However, since 1999, this 39-member council has largely been inactive, with governors ceding their authority to the president.

According to Falana, this abdication has resulted in the president unilaterally controlling the police, bypassing the council’s intended checks and balances. For instance, the appointment or removal of an Inspector General requires council approval, but since the council never meets, this provision is ignored. Falana stated that the Police Council is the only security body in Nigeria that fails to convene, and governors’ failure to demand its proper functioning has exacerbated security challenges and fueled calls for state police.

While many advocate for new state police structures, Falana pointed out that such entities already exist in various forms across the country. Examples include Amotekun in the South-West, Neighborhood Watch in Lagos, the Civilian Joint Task Force in Borno, and Hisbah in Kano. He argued that the real problem is not the lack of agencies but inadequate funding, poor coordination, and insufficient equipment. He questioned how security personnel armed with locally made guns can confront criminals wielding AK-47 rifles in forests. Falana urged a focus on strengthening existing structures rather than creating new ones, emphasizing that proper resourcing and coordination are key to improving security.

The international human rights organization, Amnesty International, has issued an urgent appeal to the Nigerian government to take swift action to free schoolchildren kidnapped in Borno and Oyo states. In a statement posted on X on Friday, the group warned that the children are in grave danger and need to be saved without delay.

Amnesty highlighted that these abductions underscore the escalating threat to students and communities that are repeatedly subjected to armed assaults. The organization emphasized that all children held by armed groups must be rescued, and that attacks on educational institutions should be regarded as serious breaches of international law.

“The children abducted in Borno and Oyo are at serious risk of being harmed. Nigerian authorities must take all measures to return them to safety,” the organization stated. It further declared that “attacks on schools and abductions of children are war crimes.”

The group also pointed out that ongoing insecurity has forced many children to drop out of school, and teachers in affected areas have been displaced due to persistent violence. “Other children have had to abandon their education after being displaced by frequent violent attacks on their communities, and many teachers have been forced to flee to other states,” Amnesty added.

Amnesty stressed that schools should remain sanctuaries of safety, not sites of fear or danger. “Schools should be places of safety, and no child should have to choose between their education and their life,” the organization said. It called on Nigerian authorities to implement immediate and concrete measures to prevent further school attacks, protect children, and uphold their right to education.