Category: News

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially announced the date for the inauguration of its National Campaign Council dedicated to the upcoming governorship election in Ekiti State. The announcement was made on Monday through a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.

According to the statement, the inauguration ceremony is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre located in Abuja. This event marks a significant step in the party’s preparation for the electoral contest in Ekiti.

The newly formed campaign council will be led by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State as Chairman, with Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio serving as Co-Chairman. Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele has been appointed to the role of Secretary. The council comprises a mix of current and former governors, principal officers from the National Assembly, and other prominent party figures.

In addition to the main council, several subcommittees have been established to oversee critical areas of the campaign. These include Election Planning and Management, Finance and Resource Mobilisation, Grassroots Engagement and Mobilisation, Logistics and Campaign Management, Protocol, Media and Publicity, Security, Women’s Mobilisation, Youth Mobilisation, and Secretariat Functions. The statement emphasized that the inauguration will trigger widespread mobilization efforts across Ekiti State, aiming for a successful outcome in the forthcoming governorship election.

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has asserted that his party stands alone in conducting primary elections that fully comply with the Electoral Act. He made this statement while addressing a delegation of House of Representatives members led by Abdulsammad Dasuki at the party’s headquarters in Abuja.

Mark urged all nominated candidates to return to their constituencies and work tirelessly to secure victory in the upcoming elections. He emphasized that the ADC is committed to fielding only candidates who have the capacity to win.

“ADC is the only party that conducted primary elections and produced candidates in line with the provisions of the electoral act. We must go forth and win our elections,” Mark declared.

The chairman called on party members to remain focused and adequately prepare for the polls, stressing that the ADC will only present electable candidates. He expressed confidence that with hard work and adherence to legal processes, the party would achieve success at the ballot box.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has officially announced Princess Damilola Sonayon-James as the running mate to Dr. Obafemi Hamzat for the 2027 gubernatorial race. The party’s chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, made the declaration on Monday, following extensive party consultations.

Sonayon-James, who serves as the APC Deputy Woman Leader in Lagos, received the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the party’s top decision-making body. Her selection was based on her competence, leadership qualities, grassroots appeal, loyalty, and ability to contribute to Lagos’ continuous development.

According to Ojelabi, Sonayon-James’ dedication to public service and her experience across public, private, and political sectors made her stand out. Her nomination has garnered support from various groups, including labor unions, transport associations, religious bodies, and other stakeholders across the state.

The Hamzat-Sonayon-James ticket is expected to combine experience, innovation, and grassroots engagement to advance Lagos’ development agenda. The chairman described the partnership as capable of sustaining progress and addressing the aspirations of Lagos residents.

Ojelabi also highlighted Sonayon-James’ popularity among women and youths, attributing this to her long-standing community engagement and service. He emphasized that her selection reflects the party’s commitment to inclusivity, women and youth participation in governance, and positioning Lagos as a hub for innovation, investment, and sustainable development in Africa.

There are unconfirmed reports that former Adamawa State Governor Bindow Jibrilla is poised to exit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming days. Political commentator Imran Wakili shared this speculation on his X account on Monday, citing whispers from political circles in Adamawa.

Wakili alleged that Bindow feels his unwavering allegiance to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been undervalued and taken for granted. The perceived lack of appreciation, combined with recent disenchantment within the state’s ADC, is driving the former governor toward a party switch.

As of now, neither Bindow nor the ADC has issued an official response to these claims. Bindow, who previously governed Adamawa under the APC banner, remains a pivotal figure in the state’s politics, and any move ahead of the 2027 general elections is expected to send ripples through the political landscape.

Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has maintained that the primary election of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was marred by irregularities. Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ program, Lawal stated that he directly observed the process and possesses concrete evidence of manipulation.

Lawal, who previously served as the National Vice Chairman for the Northeast region, countered claims made by supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, insisting that their denials are false. He argued that those who committed the fraud are now attempting to cover it up, comparing them to a thief who refuses to admit guilt.

According to Lawal, the rigging was evident from the moment the voting took place and the results were announced. He emphasized his firsthand knowledge of the proceedings, asserting that the allegations against Atiku’s camp are based on verifiable facts.

Dele Momodu, a prominent supporter of Atiku Abubakar, has called on Nigerians to prioritize national reconciliation, reorientation, and reconstruction as the 2027 presidential election approaches. In a social media post, Momodu framed the likely showdown between President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the central contest of the upcoming polls.

Momodu described the election as a major clash between Tinubu, the incumbent, and his most formidable opponent, Atiku. He noted that while other political forces might emerge—similar to what happened in 2023—they are unlikely to pose a serious challenge to these two leading figures. This reality, he argued, compels parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to adopt a fresh political strategy. The ADC, he suggested, should act as a bridge linking traditional and modern political approaches, as well as experienced politicians with technocrats.

The publisher of Ovation also warned about the escalating tensions in the country. He stated, “The present combustive tensions and absolute chaos cannot be allowed to continue. It will consume all of us.” Momodu urged a return to issue-based politics and strong leadership, emphasizing that “the time has come to retrace our steps and return to the days of robust ideas, ideologies and inspirational figures.” He praised Nigeria’s early leaders—including Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo—for their efforts despite their flaws.

Momodu expressed concern over the current political climate, asserting that “the politics of gangsterism has become unbearably malignant in our nation.” He stressed the need for stronger unity between northern and southern Nigeria and concluded with a clear warning: “We must act before it is too late.”

In a striking remark that has stirred political circles, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, openly stated that Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a presidential aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), surpasses Atiku Abubakar in both competence and experience. Lawal made these assertions during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program.

Lawal emphasized that Hayatu-Deen and Atiku cannot be compared on the same level, describing their differences as vast and incomparable. He pointed to Hayatu-Deen’s extensive background, particularly his tenure as Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, as evidence of his superior qualifications. According to Lawal, the two politicians operate in entirely different realms.

The ADC recently held its presidential primary to select a flag bearer for the 2027 election. Atiku emerged victorious with the highest vote count, while former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi secured second place, and Hayatu-Deen finished third. Despite the outcome, Lawal remains adamant that Hayatu-Deen is the more capable candidate.

When asked directly whether Hayatu-Deen is more competent than Atiku, Lawal replied without hesitation, asserting that Hayatu-Deen’s expertise eclipses that of the former vice president. He further noted that Hayatu-Deen’s years of service as NESG chairman demonstrate a depth of economic knowledge that Atiku lacks. The comments have sparked fresh debate about leadership qualifications within the ADC and beyond.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has expressed profound gratitude to the Nigerian military, especially the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, for their heroic rescue of 360 individuals held captive in the Mandara Mountains, a stronghold of terrorists in the southern part of the state.

In a statement released on Sunday by his media aide, Dauda Iliya, Zulum hailed the operation as a remarkable display of bravery, expertise, and intelligence-driven tactics in the ongoing battle against insurgency in the North-East region.

The governor noted that the successful mission, which brought back hundreds of men, women, and children from terrorist captivity, has revitalized hope in affected communities and underscores the collaborative efforts of federal and state authorities along with the military to achieve lasting peace.

He extended his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, as well as all the troops involved, for their valor and selflessness.

Zulum characterized the rescue of 360 abductees from a Boko Haram enclave as a significant achievement, emphasizing that it demonstrates the power of inter-agency cooperation and the unwavering dedication of security forces to free every citizen from captivity.

The governor reiterated his administration’s pledge to provide logistical support to the military and other security bodies to sustain counter-insurgency operations.

He also urged residents of Mussa in Askira-Uba Local Government Area to stay optimistic, assuring them that efforts are underway to free abducted schoolchildren from that region.

Furthermore, Zulum called on citizens to remain alert, collaborate with security personnel, and share useful information to assist ongoing missions against criminal elements.

Recall that on March 4, suspected gunmen assaulted a military base in Ngoshe, destroying operational vehicles, forcing troops to retreat, killing an unknown number of people, and kidnapping many others.

Students at Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, in Ogun State are living in constant fear as criminal activities escalate around their campus. Blessing, an HND 2 student, expressed her anxiety: “We are not safe here. We live 50-50 because anything can happen anytime.”

Once revered as sanctuaries for learning, higher institutions in the state have become hunting grounds for armed robbers, kidnappers, and sexual predators. DAILY POST investigations reveal that between 2009 and 2026, over 105 robberies occurred near the polytechnic, leaving 21 students dead. In 2023, students protested after two were killed, nine shot, and a lady raped during a robbery.

Blessing recounted a recent incident where criminals used a trapped student to gain access to other rooms. “They take someone to the next door and make them knock. We heard a girl screaming, but nobody could help because it was late.”

Just last month, five students were abducted on the Isara-Ode road after mistaking kidnappers for police. They were later rescued by the Ogun State Police Command. However, the trauma lingers.

Dean of Student Affairs, Adedayo Musari, lamented the trend: “Between 2009 and 2026, we recorded 15 robbery cases in Ipara (five students killed), 32 in Isara (five killed), and 58 in Ode-Remo (16 killed).” He noted that many attackers are not even students; in a recent sweep, only 15 of 72 arrested suspects were bona fide students.

The polytechnic’s management has convened an emergency security summit. Rector Dr. Sanni Oseni emphasized: “Security is a shared duty. We must all be vigilant.” The school has also urged landlords to verify tenants’ student status to prevent harboring criminals.

Security consultant Kunle Sodipo blamed students’ ostentatious lifestyles for making them targets: “Running generators all night or flaunting expensive phones invites criminals. In Nigeria’s economy, you must enjoy quietly.” He called for security education in school curricula.

Ode-Remo Development Council Chairman Olufunso Afolabi demanded action: “Students’ lives are non-negotiable. We need security personnel, streetlights, CCTV, and a joint taskforce.”

Police PRO Oluseyi Babaseyi assured that the command is proactive: “We have arrested numerous suspects and disrupted criminal networks. A police post has been established at OOU Ibogun campus.” He urged students to use the Gateway Shield platform for reporting.

Despite these measures, students remain skeptical. “We can’t even sleep with our eyes closed,” Blessing said. The struggle for safety continues.

In a continued crackdown on insurgents in Niger State, the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Savannah Shield (OPSS) has arrested five individuals believed to be informants for bandits and terrorists during coordinated operations.

According to Captain Jamilu Muhammed Yahaya, Acting Media Information Officer for the task force, the suspects were taken into custody in two separate incidents, with authorities recovering mobile phones, cash, and other incriminating items.

On June 6, 2026, troops conducting a routine patrol near the Doro axis in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area, detained three suspects. Investigations revealed that the individuals were linked to a bandit group operating around Duru, near the Kainji Lake National Park. Among the items seized were two Tecno keypad phones, an MP3 device containing propaganda and threatening messages about an abduction in Kaduna State and a ₦60 million ransom, and ₦113,400 in cash.

In a separate operation, soldiers from the 221 Battalion under JTF-NC OPSS apprehended two more suspects during a patrol along the cantonment perimeter. These individuals were found to have been gathering intelligence on the military facility. A search of one suspect’s phone uncovered a photo of a beheaded person dated May 2, 2026, suggesting possible ties to terrorist groups. Recovered items included an Android phone, a Tecno keypad phone, a motorcycle, and ₦86,100.

All suspects and evidence are now in custody for further investigation, as the military continues efforts to dismantle criminal networks in the region.