Category: News

Seriake Dickson, the national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has taken a swipe at other political parties in Nigeria, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), for their internal divisions. Speaking at the NDC’s inaugural national convention in Abuja on Saturday, he boasted that the NDC remains free of factions and legal disputes.

According to Dickson, the NDC is not embroiled in any court cases or appeals, unlike many other parties. He emphasized that there are no warring groups within the party, and all members are free to contest for any leadership position without hindrance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former governor of Bayelsa State also hinted that certain actions by other parties might infringe on the constitutional right to freedom of association. He stated, ‘Some of these activities violate our constitutional right to freedom of association.’

Dickson’s remarks come amid reports that former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have joined the NDC. Their defection is widely seen as a prelude to them becoming the party’s presidential candidate and running mate for the 2027 election. In a related development, the NDC has zoned its presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for the upcoming poll.

Lere Olayinka, who serves as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has refuted assertions that the Supreme Court invalidated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention that took place in Abuja on March 29–30, 2026.

Media reports had circulated claiming that a Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court’s judgment in the PDP leadership dispute revealed that the Wike-aligned faction lost the battle for control of the party. It was further alleged that the apex court declared the Abuja convention unlawful and upheld the suspension of key figures within the Wike-backed faction, such as Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Kamaldeen Ajibade.

However, during an interview on Arise TV on Saturday night, Olayinka argued that the issue of suspension was never raised in either the Appeal Court or the Supreme Court. He stated, “The matter of the March 29 convention was not before the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is not Father Christmas; it does not rule on issues not presented to it. If it wasn’t contested in court, the court won’t discuss it.”

Olayinka elaborated that what the Supreme Court considered originated from the Appeal Court. He noted, “They claim Sam Anyanwu was suspended by the Appeal Court, and the Supreme Court affirmed that suspension. But his name wasn’t mentioned in the Appeal Court judgment. How could it suddenly appear in the apex court? It didn’t.”

When directly asked if the Supreme Court nullified the March 29 convention, Olayinka firmly responded, “No, that is a lie.”

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Magaji Mato, has called on the factions loyal to Taminu Turaki and Nyesom Wike within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop their infighting and allow the party to survive.

Speaking in an interview on Arise Television on Sunday, Mato described the Supreme Court’s ruling as a victory for all sides, noting that it should encourage the party to set aside personal ambitions and resolve its internal crisis.

He pointed out that both the appeal filed by Wike’s group and the cross-appeal by Turaki’s faction were dismissed by the apex court. This, he explained, makes each side a winner in its own way, as neither emerged with a clear legal victory.

Mato urged the warring factions to go back to the drawing board, lay aside their pride and selfish interests, and work together to save the party. He emphasized that the only way forward is to bring all stakeholders together and chart a new course for the PDP.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has shed light on the absence of certain governors from the party’s screening process. Speaking to reporters at the Plateau Governors Lodge in Abuja on Saturday, Yilwatda clarified that the governors were granted exemptions due to pressing state affairs.

He specifically named Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru as those who had yet to appear. According to Yilwatda, the party understands that these governors have significant responsibilities as chief executives of their states.

“Any governor who has matters to address, we accommodate that,” Yilwatda stated. He noted that Governor AbdulRazaq cited urgent issues, while Fubara also had commitments, leading to their exemptions. He emphasized that the governors are commanders in their states and can schedule their screenings at their convenience.

“Whenever you are available, contact the screening committee. We will set a time for you. You can come at your own convenience, and we will proceed with the screening,” he explained.

Sources from DAILY POST indicate that Fubara is expected to undergo screening on Sunday at the Plateau State Government Lodge in Abuja.

A security affairs analyst, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, has called for severe penalties against politicians who back or promote political violence as the 2027 elections approach. He argued that such actions gravely endanger democracy and national stability.

In an exclusive chat with DAILY POST on Friday, Bakoji emphasized that political thuggery in Kano State and other northern regions should be viewed as a critical security threat, not merely youthful misconduct. He stated, “Political thuggery undermines democratic stability and peaceful coexistence.”

He insisted that any politician supplying funds or encouragement for electoral violence must face the full force of the law, irrespective of their status or power. “Those who finance violence must be accountable—governors, senators, lawmakers, and all candidates seeking office,” he declared.

Bakoji cautioned that using young people as instruments of political violence jeopardizes democracy’s future and endangers innocent lives. “No political position is worth the blood or suffering of citizens,” he added.

To combat this issue, he urged intelligence-driven policing, advising security forces to identify and dismantle criminal networks before violence breaks out. He also advocated for stronger inter-agency cooperation through joint operations, including coordinated patrols and raids in vulnerable areas.

Technology, he noted, should play a vital role. “The government should invest in modern surveillance such as CCTV in public spaces, markets, motor parks, and entry points, and also deploy drones and digital tracking tools,” Bakoji said.

He further called on INEC and security agencies to establish a robust electoral security framework for before, during, and after elections to ensure peaceful processes. Community engagement is also key: traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth groups must actively participate in peacebuilding and violence prevention.

Regarding unemployment, Bakoji pointed out that many youths turn to thuggery due to joblessness and manipulation. “We need youth empowerment, vocational training, education, and rehabilitation programs to reduce their recruitment into violence,” he stressed.

He also recommended the creation of special fast-track courts to expedite prosecution of electoral offenders. “Swift justice will deter others,” he noted.

Concluding, Bakoji warned politicians to change their tactics ahead of 2027, insisting elections should center on ideas, leadership, and development—not intimidation or violence. “Any political system reliant on violence threatens democracy and national unity,” he stated.

The Federal Government is set to implement a temporary closure of specific portions of the Ikorodu–Sagamu Road starting Monday to facilitate essential repair work on degraded sections. This development was confirmed by Olayiwola Komolafe, the Federal Controller of Works for Ogun State, who noted that the move is required to allow contractors to advance restoration efforts on key segments of the highway.

Komolafe indicated that Minister of Works David Umahi has instructed Arab Contractors to resume operations on the site and accelerate the completion of critical project components. The affected areas encompass the stretch from Ikorodu Roundabout to Sabo Junction, as well as the section from Lagos Cement to the Coca-Cola facility heading toward Sagamu.

For motorists traveling from Ikorodu to Sagamu, a counterflow traffic arrangement will be implemented, redirecting vehicles through alternative lanes during the rehabilitation period. The project is anticipated to span three months, allowing for construction activities and proper curing of the concrete pavement.

To manage traffic flow and reduce congestion along the corridor, officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will be stationed at strategic points. The ministry has called on road users to cooperate with traffic management personnel and security agencies throughout the duration of the works. An appeal was also made for understanding regarding any inconvenience caused by the repairs.

The Berom Youth Moulders (BYM) has issued a statement expressing deep dissatisfaction with the leadership of the Sector 4 Commander of the Special Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. Colonel Victor Asuquo and Operations Officer Captain Bello are accused of failing to address the escalating attacks in the region.

According to the BYM, the security situation in Barkin Ladi has worsened significantly, with troops displaying incompetence and a lack of urgency. The group alleges that between April and May 9, 2026, at least 34 innocent residents were killed in separate incidents, while over 70 hectares of farmland were destroyed by armed Fulani militias, exacerbating the humanitarian and economic crisis.

The statement, signed by National Publicity Secretary Rwang Tengwong on behalf of National President Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, highlighted that despite numerous checkpoints and a visible security presence, attacks have continued unabated. Communities remain vulnerable and abandoned to armed invaders who move freely, spreading terror.

A particularly tragic event involved Mr. Gyang Kim Choji, a community member who provided accommodation for STF personnel. He was killed by suspected Fulani militias just meters from a checkpoint in front of his home. The BYM expressed outrage that the Guard Commander at the checkpoint dismissed allegations against the attackers without offering any explanation for the killing.

The group also noted that community members had repeatedly complained about the Guard Commander’s conduct, which included threats and intimidation. No action was taken until angry women protesters dismantled the checkpoint on the day of Mr. Choji’s burial.

Furthermore, the BYM expressed alarm over an alleged statement by Colonel Asuquo that the people “will see what will happen in the next two months since they are rejecting the military.” This comment has raised fears of further deterioration in security.

Recent attacks in Sabon Layi, central Barkin Ladi, involved heavily armed terrorists invading in broad daylight, shooting sporadically. One woman was killed, and a man with severe injuries was rushed to Jos University Teaching Hospital. Simultaneous attacks occurred in Rakung, Gangare, and the General Hospital area, leaving residents in constant fear.

The BYM demands the immediate redeployment of Colonel Asuquo and Captain Bello, stating that the people of Barkin Ladi have lost all confidence in their ability to protect lives and property. “The lives of the people matter, and no community should continue to bury its dead daily while security checkpoints merely count casualties,” the statement concluded.

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 elections, Adewole Adebayo, has sounded an alarm over what he sees as a creeping authoritarianism in Nigeria, cautioning that democratic survival hinges on robust political competition and the freedom of citizens to associate.

Speaking on Saturday at the SDP national convention in Bauchi, he urged political leaders to address pressing national issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, and youth unemployment rather than focusing solely on power consolidation.

His remarks came shortly after delegates at the convention affirmed him as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 general elections via a consensus voice vote. Adebayo highlighted the deteriorating state of governance, pointing to rising poverty, insecurity, and limited economic prospects for young people, as well as the poor condition of public healthcare.

He criticized political leaders for seeking medical care abroad and investing in foreign nations while domestic institutions crumble, insisting that officials should prioritize strengthening healthcare, education, and the economy over reliance on external systems.

On security, Adebayo questioned the effectiveness of the fight against terrorism and criminality, arguing that Nigerians deserve better protection and accountability from security agencies. He warned that growing political intolerance poses a serious threat to democratic governance, noting that “democracy can only survive when different political parties are allowed to compete freely and citizens are free to associate politically.”

Adebayo also alleged that even members of the ruling All Progressives Congress are experiencing internal suppression, with key decisions concentrated in the hands of a few individuals. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the SDP National Convention Committee, Usman Bugaje, accused the ruling party of shrinking democratic space and weakening opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, also criticizing the Independent National Electoral Commission and the judiciary for alleged political influence.

The convention, held at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Memorial Stadium in Bauchi, also elected new members of the party’s National Working Committee, including Professor Sadiq Umar Gombe as National Chairman.

Amnesty International has demanded an immediate investigation into the alleged torture and killing of a 16-year-old boy, Bishir Malam Dauda, while in police custody in Katsina State. The rights group stated that Bishir was reportedly tortured to death by officers from the Yankara police outpost in Faskari Local Government Area following his arrest for allegedly stealing a bag of soya beans.

In a statement released on its Facebook page on Saturday, Amnesty International revealed that its inquiry found the teenager was severely beaten with iron rods after being taken from his Tsangaya school on May 7, 2026. The organization said Bishir’s name was mentioned by a friend during a police investigation into the theft.

“Unaccompanied and without any adult relative present, Bishir was tied up by police and ordered to confess. He refused, leading to further torture until he lost consciousness,” the statement noted. The group alleged that officers later dumped his body at the Yankara Primary Healthcare Centre.

The rights organization described the incident as part of a broader pattern of human rights abuses by the Nigeria Police Force. “What happened to Bishir Malam Dauda highlights a systematic pattern of ruthless human rights violations where victims are arrested and tortured until they either confess or pay a bribe to be freed,” Amnesty International stated.

The group accused the police of operating with impunity, fostering fear and corruption among citizens. “The Nigeria Police, created to protect the people, has instead become a threat to society, torturing victims with complete impunity while creating a toxic climate of fear and corruption,” the organization added.

Amnesty International called for all officers involved directly or indirectly in the incident to be identified and prosecuted. “This tragedy must not be swept aside. Police officers responsible for this atrocity must be held accountable,” the statement said. The group also noted that its research since 2016 has consistently documented cases of torture, unlawful detention, and brutality by police officers against accused individuals.

Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has reopened the application portal for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for the 2025/2026 academic year, offering eligible students a final chance to apply.

The announcement came through a special bulletin released on Saturday in Kano, signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar. Garba noted that the management’s request prompted the portal’s reopening, allowing qualified students to benefit from the program.

According to Garba, this is the last opportunity for students who have already completed their screening to start and finish their applications for both institutional charges and upkeep. The application window runs from May 8 to May 29, and all eligible students are urged to take this seriously.

Garba emphasized that applicants must adhere strictly to the instructions and upload necessary documents without mistakes to avoid delays or rejection. He also stated that applications for institutional charges and upkeep must be submitted together, as separate submissions may not be considered.

Furthermore, students were cautioned against using microfinance wallet accounts during the process. Garba added that applicants should ensure their email addresses are correct and accessible, and passwords must be kept safe for future portal access and status tracking.

BUK encourages all eligible students to seize this opportunity and complete their applications before the May 29 deadline to avoid missing out on the NELFUND scheme.