Category: News

Prominent human rights campaigner Aisha Yesufu has declared that she will not tolerate any attempt to manipulate the electoral process as she gears up for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat in the 2027 general elections.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Yesufu stated that she will match any underhanded tactics with fierce opposition. “If they go low, I will go underground,” she warned, emphasizing her readiness to counter rigging.

She expressed strong faith in the electorate of the FCT, asserting that residents are determined and will not allow anyone to force a candidate upon them. “I will not engage in any illegality. I am not going to steal anybody’s vote,” she affirmed.

“When it comes to the general election, Abuja residents are resolute in their choice. Nobody has the right to impose anyone on the people of Abuja,” Yesufu added.

The activist, who recently switched from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), reiterated that she is not someone to be easily overpowered. “Nobody has a monopoly on anyhowness. I don’t think I look like someone who can be walked over,” she said confidently.

In a significant political shift, approximately 20 governors affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) have elected Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, as the new chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF). This development follows the reported removal of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, from the position.

According to sources, the decision was reached during an emergency meeting convened by the APC governors on Thursday night in Abuja. Among those present were Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, and 17 other governors, as reported by Arise TV.

However, a statement from the PGF Director General, Folorunso Aluko, refuted the claim, labeling it as entirely false and deceptive. He insisted that no such meeting occurred and that Governor Uzodinma remains the rightful chairman of the forum.

Despite the denial, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to DAILY POST that the gathering indeed took place at the Ogun Government Lodge on Thursday evening. The source added that the move to replace Uzodinma with Mbah was part of broader realignments within the APC ahead of future political contests.

Presidential hopeful Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has officially collected the African Democratic Congress (ADC) nomination form for the 2027 elections, promising to address insecurity, boost employment, and curb the rising cost of living.

The economist arrived at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja late Thursday to a warm welcome from party members, youth groups, and supporters. He became the first aspirant to secure the ADC presidential form, which was handed over by National Organising Secretary Prince Chinedu Idigo.

Supporters at the event chanted songs of solidarity, urging for leadership that prioritizes security, economic revival, job creation, and relief from the nation’s economic struggles. After receiving the form, Hayatu-Deen emphasized that the 2027 election must center on revitalizing Nigeria’s economy and fortifying national security.

“Nigerians are weary of fear, of watching businesses falter, jobs vanish, and the price of essentials climb beyond reach,” he said. “This election cannot be about politics as usual. It must focus on securing our communities, restoring economic confidence, creating jobs at scale, and making life affordable for millions.”

The aspirant identified insecurity as a major national threat, warning that economic progress is impossible amid fear and instability. “We cannot achieve prosperity in an environment of fear. Security is the bedrock of any strong economy,” he stated.

Hayatu-Deen also pledged to implement policies that lower business costs, support small and medium enterprises, and expand opportunities for young Nigerians. “I have decades of experience helping businesses grow and generate jobs. I know how to build institutions, unlock investments, and create opportunities. Nigeria has immense talent and potential, but it requires disciplined leadership and serious execution,” he added.

A coalition of six governorship aspirants from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State has issued a vote of no confidence against the state party chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka. The aspirants allege that Gadaka has exhibited bias and partiality, undermining the integrity of the party’s primary election process.

During a meeting held in Abuja, the aspirants released a statement calling for Gadaka’s immediate removal from all responsibilities related to the conduct and oversight of the Yobe State APC primaries. They argued that his conduct has made it impossible to trust that he can oversee a free, fair, and transparent direct primary election.

The statement emphasized that the aspirants no longer have confidence in Gadaka’s ability to manage the primary election impartially. They demanded that the national leadership of the APC intervene and reassign Gadaka to ensure a credible electoral process.

Despite their criticism of the state chairman, the aspirants reaffirmed their support for the APC national leadership and expressed their continued backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid. They reiterated their commitment to the party’s ideals and their desire for a democratic and credible primary election in Yobe State.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has strongly criticized the police for their recent involvement in the party’s internal leadership dispute, describing it as a threat to democratic principles in Nigeria. In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, expressed outrage over what he termed an unwarranted and politically biased act by security forces.

Aiyenigba highlighted that the police intervened in a matter involving former National Chairman Shehu Gabam, who the party claims has been officially expelled. He accused law enforcement of acting without a court order and labeled their conduct as reckless and partisan. According to the party, officers allegedly forced their way into the situation without legal justification.

The SDP called on authorities to uphold professionalism and impartiality, stressing that democracy can only flourish when the rule of law and justice prevail. The party also urged Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding while demanding accountability from institutions responsible for maintaining peace and order.

Reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, the SDP stated that these values must be safeguarded at all times, irrespective of political affiliations. The party’s condemnation comes amid an escalating leadership crisis that has drawn attention to the neutrality of security agencies in the country.

Human rights advocate Aisha Yesufu has strongly rebuffed the remarks made by Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ program on Thursday, Yesufu asserted that no sensible Nigerian would bother to engage with Bwala’s commentary. She was reacting to Bwala’s criticism of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, whom he accused of avoiding party primaries to test his political strength. Yesufu stated, ‘First of all, there’s no right-thinking Nigerian who will spend their energy discussing Daniel Bwala.’ She further emphasized that she would not concentrate on his statements, adding, ‘I heard him mention my name. I think I will leave him to Medi Hassan, someone who knows how to handle people like Daniel.’ Yesufu redirected the focus to the core issues, saying, ‘One of the things I would say is that in the case of Nigeria, definitely what we want is good governance, accountability, and transparency, and a place where the lives of Nigerians would matter.’

Nigerians are on edge as a Federal High Court in Abuja gears up to deliberate on whether former President Goodluck Jonathan can legally contest the 2027 presidential election. The hearing, scheduled for Friday, is expected to see Jonathan appear personally in court.

This development comes just a day after Jonathan hinted at his potential candidacy during a speech in Abuja on Thursday. His remarks followed a demonstration by supporters who marched to his home, urging him to enter the race.

In response, Jonathan emphasized the importance of patriotism, peaceful elections, and credible voting processes in Nigeria. He stated, “Running for president is not a game, but I hear your call, and I will engage in broad consultations.”

Reports indicate that a video circulating online on Friday shows the court ready to proceed with the case. The outcome could significantly impact the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

The political landscape in Nigeria’s Senate has been rocked by a fresh controversy as Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has called for the immediate resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This demand comes in the wake of tensions surrounding proposed amendments to the Senate Standing Orders, which govern the election of presiding and principal officers.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Oshiomhole expressed strong disapproval of the revised rules, labeling them as a product of a profound moral crisis. He argued that under the proposed framework, Akpabio no longer possesses the ethical or procedural legitimacy to continue as Senate President.

The former governor of Edo State pointed out that Akpabio became Minority Leader during his first term in the Senate and now seeks to modify the very regulations that would limit the eligibility of other senators. Oshiomhole emphasized that even combining the current term with the previous one, Akpabio has not completed eight years in office, a requirement that the new rules would supposedly enforce for anyone aspiring to lead the chamber.

According to Oshiomhole, passing a rule that demands eight consecutive years of service for the Senate presidency means that Akpabio should step down by example, as he currently presides without meeting the necessary qualifications.

It will be recalled that DAILY POST earlier reported that the Senate had withdrawn its amendment to the Standing Orders. This reversal followed a motion introduced by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, which was adopted under the oversight of Deputy Senate President Jubril Barau.

The initial amendment sought to restrict the contest for principal offices to senators who have served two terms, with one term being the immediate preceding term. This effectively narrowed the pool of candidates, sparking widespread criticism.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has set July 2 as the date for further proceedings in a lawsuit filed by Mr. Amechi Michael, a Nigerian passenger, against British Airways. The case revolves around allegations that the airline lost his carry-on luggage.

During the most recent court session, the plaintiff underwent cross-examination conducted by the airline’s legal representative, Mr. John Godwin. Michael testified that he initially reported the incident to British Airways’ customer service department, which then directed him to the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), an arbitration body based in the UK.

According to Michael, the arbitrator ruled in his favor regarding a flight delay but did not address the issue of the missing carry-on bag. Dissatisfied with this partial resolution, he rejected the award and brought the matter before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking a remedy for the alleged loss.

The passenger argued that British Airways had a duty of care to safeguard his luggage and accused the airline’s employees of negligence. His attorney, Barrister Abiola Olaitan, informed the court of her intention to conclude the presentation of evidence on behalf of her client.

Presiding Judge Justice Obiora Egwuatu subsequently adjourned the case to July 2, allowing the defense to present its case and continue the trial. The lawsuit, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1293/2025, seeks the return of the carry-on luggage that Michael claims went missing during a delayed boarding process. He stated that a cabin crew member had requested to take the bag for safekeeping, after which it was never seen again.

A violent attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants on a military base in Borno State has resulted in the deaths of two Nigerian soldiers and numerous insurgents. The assault targeted the Forward Operating Base in Magumeri Local Government Area, which falls under Sector 3 of the military operation.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force, the confrontation took place early Thursday morning. The terrorists exploited low visibility conditions to attempt an infiltration of the base. Although they managed to breach a small, isolated section of the facility, the troops mounted a determined defense, effectively repelling the attack and killing a substantial number of the assailants.

Uba noted that subsequent sweeps of the area uncovered signs of heavy enemy casualties, including blood trails, drag marks, and recovered bodies. The military also seized a significant cache of weapons from the fleeing insurgents, such as PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, AK-47 rifles, and magazines.

Sadly, two brave soldiers lost their lives in the fierce battle. Another officer and several wounded personnel are currently in stable condition and receiving medical care. During the engagement, some equipment and temporary structures were damaged or destroyed by fire.