Category: News

In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Buba Galadima, a prominent figure in the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), made a direct appeal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He urged Atiku to defect to the NDC, emphasizing that this move is necessary to create a level playing field ahead of the 2027 elections.

Galadima’s plea comes on the heels of significant political shifts, as former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and his New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) counterpart Rabiu Kwankwaso have already joined the NDC. These defections were prompted by ongoing court cases and internal strife within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

During the interview, Galadima explained that the decision to leave the ADC was driven by a court ruling that posed a threat to all members. He called on remaining ADC members to follow suit and join the NDC, where they would have equal opportunities. Specifically addressing Atiku, he said, ‘We are particularly calling on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to jump ship and come to the NDC so that there will be a level playing ground for everybody.’

The NDC is positioning itself as a formidable coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

A prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a close associate of former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Buba Galadima, has disclosed that the party has designated its presidential ticket for the southern region ahead of the upcoming primaries.

During an appearance on Channels Television, Galadima announced that the NDC is finalizing the preparation of its updated membership register, which is expected to be submitted either on Tuesday or Wednesday. He stated, “The NDC will present its register on the 5th or 6th of this month. Once this is accomplished, we are ready to proceed.”

The submission of the register, he explained, will officially enable the party to initiate its internal electoral process. Regarding zoning, Galadima affirmed the party’s firm decision to allocate the presidential ticket to the southern part of the country, declaring, “No missing words, we have zoned it to the South. Therefore, whoever from the South who is interested should go and register quickly.”

Galadima further emphasized that internal preparations are already underway to ensure compliance with all statutory requirements and to prevent any delays in the party’s political timeline.

Buba Galadima, a prominent figure in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has leveled serious allegations against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming it has systematically dismantled the platforms used by Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso during the 2023 elections. Galadima asserted that the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have been deliberately weakened by the ruling party.

Speaking on the reasons behind Obi and Kwankwaso’s departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Galadima emphasized that the APC-led government is fundamentally opposed to fair political rivalry. He stated that the administration’s actions reflect an aversion to competitive elections.

According to Galadima, the government and the APC have engaged in a concerted effort to undermine all opposition parties. He specifically pointed to the destruction of the NNPP and LP, the very parties that Kwankwaso and Obi used to contest the presidency. The NDC chieftain argued that the APC’s strategy is to ensure that President Tinubu remains the sole viable candidate, thereby eliminating any real democratic contest.

The Nigeria National League Super Six playoff kicked off with Sporting Lagos and Doma United both securing victories on the opening day. In the tournament’s first match, Sporting Lagos edged out Ranchers Bees with a narrow 1-0 triumph. The decisive moment came just before halftime when Alex Leme rose highest to power a header into the net, giving the Lagos-based side a crucial lead. Despite Ranchers Bees pushing hard for an equalizer in the second half, Sporting Lagos held firm to claim all three points.

The second fixture of the day saw Doma United defeat Inter Lagos by the same 1-0 scoreline. Fantami Yusuf emerged as the hero for Doma United, finding the back of the net in the 16th minute with a composed finish. Inter Lagos struggled to recover from the early setback and could not breach Doma United’s defense, leaving them pointless on the opening day.

Looking ahead, Wednesday promises an exciting clash as Doma United takes on Sporting Lagos in what will be a battle between the two opening-day winners. Meanwhile, Inter Lagos will look to bounce back when they face Ranchers Bees, hoping to get their campaign on track.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suffered a significant political setback following the departure of two high-profile members, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and his Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Kwankwaso. In a recent interview, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed personal disappointment over their exit, describing it as a painful development for the party.

Speaking on Arise TV, Abdullahi acknowledged that the defection constituted a serious blow to the ADC’s political fortunes. However, he also noted a silver lining, suggesting that the departure could eventually allow the party to refocus its energies and streamline its objectives.

Abdullahi stated, “Personally, I am not pleased that Peter Obi and Kwankwaso have left the ADC. But in some respects, it also brings a measure of relief.” He further clarified his position by saying, “Is this a setback? Certainly, yes. But is it a fatal blow? Absolutely not.”

The two political heavyweights formally announced their switch to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) on Sunday, a move that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape. While the ADC grapples with this loss, party leaders remain optimistic about the future, emphasizing that the party’s core mission remains intact.

A newly formed political advocacy organization from Nigeria’s Southeast region, the AlaIgbo Political Watchdog (APW), has declared its intention to usher in a fresh wave of political renewal across Igboland. The group aims to ensure that only trustworthy and competent individuals secure electoral positions during the 2027 general elections.

In a press release, APW spokesperson Prince Ben Ahanonu emphasized that the group is dedicated to fostering effective governance within the region. He noted that APW has created a platform to interact with aspirants from all political parties to achieve this objective.

According to Ahanonu, the group firmly believes that the Igbo identity predates modern political structures. Therefore, no party can meaningfully drive regional development unless its leaders are rooted in honesty and selflessness. APW will back candidates who exhibit a genuine commitment to transparent public service, free from personal enrichment motives.

The statement further clarified that APW will endorse leaders with a verifiable history of public service who, once elected, will remain present and approachable. The group specifically mentioned it would support candidates who follow the sacrificial leadership model of the late Sam Mbakwe.

APW asserted that it will promote individuals who reward excellence and hard work rather than mediocrity and selfish interests. The group announced that it is currently accepting applications from aspirants. Candidates are invited to present their visions and strategic plans; following a thorough internal evaluation, APW will rally voters behind the most suitable contender.

On Monday, a significant crowd assembled at the Federal High Court in Abuja to express their strong disapproval of what they perceive as a scheme to remove several opposition parties from the political scene. Calling themselves Concerned Northern Nigeria Stakeholders, the demonstrators marched to the court building in the Wuse district, carrying signs with messages like ‘No Opposition, No Election’ and ‘Tinubu, Let Our Democracy Breathe’. They also warned President Bola Tinubu not to meddle with the autonomy of the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Security was heavily reinforced, with armed personnel, including agents from the Department of State Services (DSS), preventing the group from entering the premises. The protest leader, Banki Sharrif, addressed reporters, highlighting what he termed escalating dangers to democratic institutions. He accused the federal government of trying to circumvent proper legal channels.

Sharrif directly called on President Tinubu to stop any form of interference with the judiciary, whether open or hidden. He stated, ‘Courts should never be turned into tools for political manipulation. When justice is compromised, the entire country stands accused.’ He further argued that attempts to diminish opposition parties indicate a lack of faith by the government itself. ‘A government that tries to cripple opposition shows it doubts its own legitimacy. Democracy thrives on competition. Suppressing it reveals fear, not strength,’ he added.

The group emphasized that democracy cannot succeed without a robust opposition, asserting that elections without credible rivals are merely ‘staged events. Democracy requires fairness, transparency, and equal chances for all political participants.’ Sharrif also criticized the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, insisting that his office must stay impartial and not be exploited for political ends.

The chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, has categorically refuted claims circulating on social media that he and his wife have separated. In a weekend statement, UBA Group described the allegations as false and defamatory, confirming that three individuals linked to the spread of these malicious rumors have been taken into custody.

According to the bank, the disinformation campaign was orchestrated to tarnish Elumelu’s reputation. The statement noted that law enforcement agents have apprehended those directly responsible for creating and disseminating the fabricated divorce story. Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify any other parties involved.

Among those arrested is Kingsley Akunemeihe, whose family has publicly appealed to Elumelu for leniency. His sister, Ngozi Akunemeihe, made a heartfelt plea in a viral video on Instagram, asking the businessman to show mercy. Additionally, activist Omoyele Sowore has called for Akunemeihe’s release, sparking further public discussion.

This development comes amid a series of unverified and false claims about Elumelu that have surfaced on social media platforms. UBA Group urged the public to disregard such malicious content and reiterated its commitment to protecting the chairman’s integrity. The bank also warned that it will pursue legal action against anyone found guilty of spreading defamatory information.

The Cross River State Police Command has refuted allegations that its officers opened fire on students protesting in Calabar on Monday. In a statement, command spokesperson ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata clarified that no protester was shot, contrary to circulating rumors.

The demonstration, led primarily by students from the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), was sparked by perceived neglect of accident victims from their institution. Over the weekend, a fatal crash on the Odukpani axis of the Calabar-Itu highway claimed four students’ lives when a truck collided head-on with their vehicle. Six survivors were rushed to hospitals, including the General Hospital Calabar, by police and FRSC personnel.

The students alleged that the injured had received neither adequate food nor medical care since admission. This frustration boiled over on Monday morning as protesters stormed the General Hospital on Mary Slessor Road, vandalizing property including a hospital bus, smashing windows, and tearing down the facility’s signpost. Witnesses reported that some demonstrators, many clad in black, exchanged fire with police, leading to claims of two student deaths.

Akata dismissed these reports as false. “None of the protesters was gunned down. Smoke grenades were deployed into the air to control the increasingly volatile crowd,” he told journalists. He emphasized that only non-lethal measures were used to prevent the situation from escalating.

In response to the unrest, armed personnel from the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army were deployed to secure their barracks near the hospital, while mobile police units patrolled adjacent neighborhoods to prevent the protest from being hijacked.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, also issued a rebuttal against what he termed “misleading social media claims” that injured students were abandoned. He described such assertions as inflammatory and baseless. “Emergency response was swift and coordinated. Upon arrival, all available medical staff were mobilized, and additional healthcare professionals were contacted to reinforce capacity,” Ayuk stated. He noted that due to the severity of some injuries, FRSC officers made the professional decision to transfer critically wounded victims to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), a tertiary center better equipped for complex trauma cases.

Ayuk stressed that all fatalities from the accident occurred at the scene, not due to delayed care at any health facility. “Contrary to social media commentary, life-saving interventions take priority over media engagement in such emergencies. Relevant authorities were fully engaged on the ground,” he added.

The police and state government continue to call for calm while investigations proceed.

The National Initiative for Peace and Security (NIPS) has lauded the Nigerian Armed Forces for their notable operational strides across various conflict zones during the first quarter of 2026. The commendation came in a quarterly assessment released on Monday, signed by the group’s Executive Director, Dr. Adams Kings. The report also cautioned against the use of military actions as a political tool by certain politicians.

According to NIPS, the military intensified synchronized operations nationwide, leading to the elimination of over 200 terrorists, the detention of nearly 300 individuals, and the successful rescue of around 188 abducted civilians in April alone. These accomplishments, the group stated, cut across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South, and South-East regions, due to enhanced logistical support, improved cooperation among services, and a deliberate move away from mere gun battles toward dismantling the infrastructure that supports criminal groups.

NIPS characterized the period as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency and internal security initiatives. The report emphasized that the armed forces have notably ramped up operational tempo throughout the country, with outcomes indicating a more aggressive and cohesive approach that targets both combatants and the logistical networks of criminal enterprises. Operations were conducted nationwide, reflecting refined strategic planning.

In the North-East, sustained campaigns continued to erode insurgent bastions, resulting in the death of more than 130 terrorists. Meanwhile, North-West operations achieved similar results through bandit neutralizations and civilian rescues. The report underscored a strategic emphasis on systemic disruption, including the demolition of camps, illegal arms manufacturing sites, and supply chains. This approach aims to cripple the long-term capacity of criminal elements to regenerate in asymmetric warfare contexts.

NIPS noted that rescues of women, children, farmers, and other civilians have restored dignity to affected communities and bolstered public confidence in state institutions. Operations also complied with rules of engagement and international humanitarian standards, preserving legitimacy.

However, the organization voiced alarm over what it terms the politicization of security efforts by unethical politicians. While democracy thrives on debate and disagreement, NIPS observed that some political actors are spreading narratives that demoralize security personnel and twist public understanding of ongoing operations. Specific concerns include the dismissal of verifiable military successes, amplifying fear without providing context, and framing national security challenges exclusively as political weapons.

NIPS warned that such politicization presents serious dangers, as intelligence sometimes ties these narratives to increased morale among criminal elements. When national security becomes a casualty of political rivalry, it is ordinary citizens and frontline troops who suffer the consequences, the report stressed.

Despite the progress, NIPS acknowledged that challenges remain, as criminal groups adapt to difficult terrain and exploit local grievances. To maintain the momentum, the organization recommended sustained offensive operations, deeper investment in intelligence networks, and stronger civil-military relations.