Category: News

The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) moved to quell internal strife as party leader Senator Seriake Dickson held a three-hour closed-door meeting with presidential candidate Peter Obi on Friday. Dickson announced the meeting via his X (formerly Twitter) account, stating it was aimed at resolving recent tensions that have threatened party unity.

According to Dickson, the meeting—attended by Obi and other senior party figures—allowed all sides to review recent happenings and discuss issues that had become a source of worry. He emphasized that the discussions were amicable, and all disagreements were resolved.

Dickson stressed that both he and Obi remain focused on the ultimate goal: winning elections for the party and rescuing Nigeria from the APC-led government’s alleged misgovernance. He admitted that some issues had emerged but confirmed that agreements have been reached on how to address them moving forward.

In his statement, Dickson urged all party members to cease infighting and name-calling, redirecting their energies toward the larger mission. He reiterated that he, Obi, and other stakeholders will continue to consult and engage with one another to resolve concerns, strengthen party cohesion, and stay focused on building a better Nigeria.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is confident of securing a decisive victory throughout the South-East region in the 2027 presidential election, according to Mrs. Oby Ajih, the party’s South-East Woman Leader.

Speaking during a mid-year prayer and empowerment event in Umuahia, Ajih stated that the setbacks the APC faced in the South-East during the 2015, 2019, and 2023 elections will not be repeated. She attributed this shift to President Bola Tinubu’s achievements in the region and nationwide, which have altered negative perceptions among local voters.

Ajih emphasized that the APC now expects to win more votes at every polling station in the South-East, dismissing past voting patterns as outdated. She also addressed concerns about the kidnapped Otu pupils, reassuring parents that the federal government is employing effective strategies to ensure their safe return. “The children are not dead. They will not die. They will be rescued by God’s grace,” she said.

At the same event, Abia State APC Woman Leader, Mrs. Cecilia Erondu, confirmed that the gathering was intended to pray for an end to insecurity and for President Tinubu’s health. She noted that the support items distributed to widows were designed to enhance their economic well-being.

On Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State launched a sharp critique against Governor Hope Uzodinma, alleging that his administration has systematically eroded the rule of law and dismantled the separation of powers. The party’s spokesperson, Lancelot Obiaku, issued a statement emphasizing that these pillars are essential for a functioning democracy and that the governor’s actions have betrayed public trust.

The PDP highlighted several grievances, including what it described as arbitrary use of force, lack of accountability in managing public funds, disrespect for legal procedures, and rampant corruption. According to the party, these issues have dampened the spirit of democracy among Imo citizens during the commemoration.

A key accusation is that the executive branch has overstepped its bounds by undermining the legislature and judiciary. The PDP claimed that local government areas are being starved of resources and that no democratic elections have been held for LGA chairs, leaving appointed administrators in control. The party alleged that nearly N700 billion in LGA allocations have been mismanaged with no visible development in rural infrastructure, education, or payment of salaries and pensions.

Further, the PDP criticized the governor’s handling of the judiciary, particularly the appointment of a Chief Judge. They stated that when the position became vacant in November 2024, Governor Uzodinma failed to follow constitutional procedures by not consulting the National Judicial Council (NJC). Instead, he appointed Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu, whom the NJC later deemed unqualified, leading to a void appointment. The party noted that the absence of a Chief Judge for nearly a year has disrupted court operations, as only the Chief Judge can assign cases.

The party also condemned secret contract awards, alleging that the government has shut down the Public Procurement Bureau and kept costs hidden from the public and the State Assembly. They pointed to roads awarded in 2020 and 2023 that remain uncompleted despite billions of naira spent, calling it theft and fraud.

Despite the criticisms, the PDP urged Imo residents and Nigerians to maintain faith in democracy, expressing optimism for a brighter future under democratic governance.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief Yetunde Shakirat Adesanya, the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-West Women Leader, praising her as a devoted party loyalist and effective grassroots organizer. During a memorial event held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, Abiodun highlighted her unwavering commitment to the party and her remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

The governor noted that Adesanya’s passion for empowering women and strengthening the APC was evident in her tireless efforts. She combined loyalty with humility and selflessness, inspiring many women to engage in democratic processes. Her grassroots mobilization significantly contributed to the APC’s growth in the South-West.

According to Abiodun, her death leaves a huge void in the party’s women leadership, especially when her experience and wisdom were still greatly needed. He emphasized that her legacy of service, loyalty, and dedication will continue to inspire party members and future generations.

Speaking on behalf of the APC National Chairman, Hon. Tolu Bankole described Adesanya as an institution and a movement, praising her integrity and dedication. The National Woman Leader’s representative, Mrs. Bunmi Orileowo, called her a selfless and hardworking stalwart whose efforts were pivotal to the party’s regional successes.

The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, remembered her as a dependable friend of the legislature who gave her all to every cause. APC State Chairman Chief Yemi Sanusi, represented by Deputy Chairman Chief James Dina, said she was the voice for the voiceless and a hand that lifted the weary.

Pastor Abolaji Olufemi of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church delivered a sermon on the brevity of life, urging attendees to make meaningful impacts. He described Adesanya as an exemplary, trustworthy, and empathetic leader committed to mentoring the youth. The event drew party leaders, government officials, women groups, family, and friends to celebrate her life and enduring legacy.

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (retired), has shed light on the persistent challenges of terrorism, banditry, and other security threats facing the nation. Speaking at The Platform event organized by The Covenant Nation in Lagos, he attributed the difficulty to the support these criminal elements receive from local communities.

“Banditry, insurgency, terrorism. Why does it seem so difficult to deal with it? Perhaps, we have the people that are also encouraging and supporting these things from happening because the terrorists, the bandits, survive around the people,” he stated. He highlighted how reports indicate that civilians often aid these groups by providing food, water, and information, which he described as the “oxygen” that sustains them.

The Minister questioned, “Who is funding them? Who are those giving them information? Who are those giving them the logistics that keep them going? It is still the people.” He noted that modern security threats are increasingly complex because criminals frequently blend into civilian populations, making it challenging for security forces to identify and isolate them.

General Musa emphasized that the armed forces and other security agencies cannot succeed without public cooperation. He urged all Nigerians to report suspicious activities and actively support ongoing security initiatives to combat insecurity effectively.

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has announced plans to bolster security with the deployment of additional military personnel in the near future. The governor made this statement during the third anniversary celebration of the Eighth Anambra House of Assembly held in Awka on Friday.

According to Soludo, a team from the Nigerian Army had recently visited the state to evaluate proposals for constructing new barracks aimed at enhancing efforts to combat criminal activities. He emphasized that the state is making notable progress in its battle against crime, with many communities experiencing a return to peace, thanks to the support of President Bola Tinubu.

The governor acknowledged the federal government’s significant contributions to addressing insecurity across the nation. He also praised the state lawmakers for enacting legislation that has enabled the executive branch to deliver democratic benefits to residents.

Soludo further commended those who established the foundations for Nigeria’s current democratic system, asserting that democracy remains the most effective governance model for the collective welfare of the people.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Dr. Somtochukwu Udeze, assured that the legislature would persist in crafting laws and resolutions that positively influence citizens’ lives. He highlighted that despite differing political affiliations among members, the progress and growth of the state remain the top priority.

The event also featured a thanksgiving mass to commemorate the third anniversary of the Eighth Assembly. Dr. Law Mefor, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, lauded the collaborative relationship between the legislative and executive branches, noting that it has facilitated effective governance. He specifically praised the Speaker’s unique leadership approach, which has fostered harmony with members from other political parties.

Ejiofor Egwuatu, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, described the quality of laws passed as evidence of the maturity of Anambra’s politicians. He urged lawmakers to always prioritize citizens’ interests and handle disputes diplomatically.

In a fiery critique during a colloquium in Abuja, former Senator Dino Melaye launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of being overwhelmed and unfit to lead Nigeria. Speaking at the third posthumous legacy colloquium honoring Raymond Dokpesi, founder of DAAR Communications, Melaye dismissed Tinubu’s Democracy Day address as disconnected from the harsh realities facing ordinary Nigerians.

Melaye, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stated that any leader who fails on security and welfare is a failure. He claimed Tinubu is wearing an oversized shoe, lacking the intellectual, emotional, and physical capacity to govern. “Nigeria is not Lagos,” Melaye emphasized, referring to Tinubu’s former political stronghold.

He pointed to the abduction and killing of three serving generals in the past three years as evidence of security failures, contrasting it with the United States’ massive deployment to locate a single missing pilot. Melaye argued that the government should demonstrate capability rather than paying ransoms, and if unable to do so, the president should resign honorably.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised alarms over the deteriorating state of cognitive development among schoolchildren in Nigeria, attributing the crisis to rising insecurity and the absence of play-based learning in educational environments. The organization warns that these factors are severely hindering children’s ability to learn and grow.

Speaking at the 2026 International Day of Play celebration and Early Childhood Education (ECE) Media Dialogue and Play Day event in Lagos, Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of Field Office for UNICEF Lagos, highlighted the troubling trend. She noted that many children have been abducted from their schools in states like Borno, Niger, Kebbi, and Oyo, with some still missing. This climate of fear undermines the safety of schools, which should be sanctuaries for learning.

Lafoucriere emphasized that play is essential for brain development, stating, “When children play, their brains grow. Exploration, building, and laughter with peers are powerful learning tools that no worksheet can replace.” She argued that play is not a reward but the core of learning itself, and no child should be deprived of it due to overcrowded classrooms or threats of violence.

She also pointed out that many schools lack space, time, and materials for play, while parents are too afraid to send their children to school. “A child who is not safe cannot learn. A child who cannot play will not reach their full potential. These issues are interconnected and require immediate action,” she added.

Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), reinforced the importance of play in education. He stated that children learn more effectively when they are happy and engaged through interactive activities. Shittu called for collective responsibility among government agencies, parents, and stakeholders to prioritize children’s welfare. He reaffirmed LASUBEB’s commitment to inclusive education, ensuring that children with disabilities also benefit from play-based learning.

Yetunde Oluwatosi, UNICEF Education Specialist, revealed that the organization is collaborating with authorities to promote play-based learning and strengthen parental involvement. She stressed that learning should extend beyond classrooms and that stronger school-home links are vital for children’s educational progress.

The event, themed “Protect Play, Protect Childhood,” served as a platform to advocate for safer schools and the integration of play into early childhood education. UNICEF urged media, government, and communities to act swiftly to reverse the negative trends affecting Nigerian children.

As Nigeria commemorated Democracy Day, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, made a passionate appeal for a more robust response to the nation’s security crisis. The revered monarch emphasized that the government must accelerate efforts to curb banditry, kidnapping, and other crimes that continue to plague the country.

In a statement delivered on Friday in Ile-Ife through his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, the Ooni highlighted the persistent security challenges that threaten peace and development. He described insecurity as one of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria’s progress and urged citizens to remain patient while supporting government initiatives to tackle both security and economic issues.

The traditional ruler stressed that no responsible administration would allow insecurity to persist, arguing that citizen safety is fundamental to national growth. He called for a comprehensive overhaul of the security architecture, better intelligence gathering, proper equipping of security agencies, and swift prosecution of offenders.

Democracy thrives best in an atmosphere of peace, security, and justice. As we celebrate another Democracy Day, I urge governments at all levels to intensify the fight against insecurity and banditry, the Ooni declared.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has kicked off a training program for electoral officers in Ondo State as part of preparations for the upcoming Ondo South Senatorial District by-election set for June 20, 2026.

Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State, emphasized the need for professionalism and integrity among trainees. He reminded them that the success of the election hinges on their competence and dedication at polling units.

The training, which began on Friday, targets Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers. Sessions are being held at various centers across local government areas within the senatorial district. Dr. Agboke, accompanied by Administrative Secretary Mrs. Adenike Tadese, visited some centers to assess progress and encourage participants.

Key topics covered include election administration procedures, ensuring officials are well-equipped for their roles. The commissioner stressed that strict adherence to electoral guidelines is crucial for a credible outcome.

The by-election is scheduled to fill the Ondo South Senatorial District seat. INEC is working to ensure a smooth and transparent process.