Category: News

Former PRP governorship candidate for Kano State, Salisu Tanko Yakasai, has warned that ongoing fragmentation among Nigeria’s opposition parties may inadvertently benefit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next general election. He drew parallels to the 2023 polls, where a divided opposition paved the way for Tinubu’s win.

Reacting to the merger of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso into the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Yakasai noted that the emergence of two rival opposition blocs—the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the NDC—could split the anti-government vote. He described this as a potential boon for the ruling party in 2027.

In a social media post, Yakasai characterized the split as a mixed blessing. While many Nigerians had hoped for a unified opposition, he contended that a single coalition might face legal hurdles and even be barred from contesting. Having two platforms, he argued, could make it harder for the government to suppress them without damaging Nigeria’s democratic image.

He predicted that President Tinubu would likely allow both parties to compete, leading to a fragmented opposition at the presidential level. This scenario, he said, would mirror 2023 and favor the incumbent. However, he also forecast strong performances by the ADC and NDC in legislative races, especially in northern and eastern constituencies.

Yakasai reaffirmed his allegiance to the ADC and called on both camps to lower tensions and stay open to future collaboration. He noted that political dynamics often bring former rivals back together, hinting that unity might still be possible before the 2027 elections.

The Kano State chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced a postponement of its scheduled state congress, which was meant to elect new party executives. The decision was made public through a statement issued by Adam Said Adam, who serves as the Director-General of Social Media for the party in the state.

According to the statement, the party’s State Chairman, Hon. Husaini Isah Mai Riga, explained that the delay became essential because of a recent wave of notable political figures joining the NDC. He emphasized that the surge in new members requires extra time to ensure they are properly integrated and that all arrangements are in place for a seamless and inclusive electoral process.

Mai Riga further noted that the party is committed to conducting a congress that accommodates everyone fairly. A new date for the event will be announced once all necessary preparations are finalized, he added.

Reuben Abati, a well-known journalist and former presidential spokesperson, has commended Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso for their recent decision to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing it as a move driven by caution and foresight. Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, Abati explained that the pair likely recognized significant risks within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which they had previously aligned with.

Abati pointed out that the ADC is currently facing legal uncertainties, with its core issues referred to the Federal High Court. This legal cloud, he argued, made it unwise for Obi and Kwankwaso to remain, prompting their swift relocation to what he considers a more dependable political platform. He emphasized that their action was not impulsive but a calculated step to avoid potential complications.

The commentator further noted that the political future of both leaders remains an open question. He speculated on whether they might form a joint ticket or forge a broader alliance, urging observers to watch how their partnership evolves. According to Abati, the key issue now is the nature of the alliance they are building and the message it sends to voters.

As reported by DAILY POST, Obi and Kwankwaso officially became members of the NDC on Sunday. They were warmly received by party leader Seriake Dickson, alongside top officials and a large crowd of supporters, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja during an evening ceremony.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has firmly denied claims that the party is being used as a platform for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 elections. Chille Igbawua, a prominent figure within the ADC, made this clear during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’ on Monday.

Igbawua’s comments came in response to the recent defection of Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, and Rabi’u Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). According to Daily Post, both politicians officially joined the NDC on Sunday.

Addressing the political developments, Igbawua stated, “As an insider, I am fully aware of any discussions that may have taken place regarding who would emerge as a candidate. What I can assure everyone is that the process will be transparent and open.”

He further emphasized, “We have repeatedly denied the notion that the ADC is a special-purpose vehicle for Atiku Abubakar. That assertion is completely false. No one who has joined the ADC has been given preferential treatment over him.”

Arise Television host Rufai Oseni has declared that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi stands as the sole opposition figure capable of mounting a formidable electoral challenge against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Monday during The Morning Show on Arise TV, Oseni analyzed the evolving political landscape ahead of the next national vote. He warned that the newly expanded Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) could soon face internal disputes and legal challenges related to its registration process.

Oseni further asserted that behind-the-scenes maneuvers are already underway to block Obi from appearing on the ballot in 2027. According to him, political strategists from major parties—including the ADC and APC—have conducted extensive mapping exercises, and their conclusions consistently identify Obi as the only candidate who could give Tinubu a serious contest.

“I think it’s going to be the beginning of more troubles for the NDC because the litigations will begin. The litigations as regards even the registration of the NDC. So it will begin, because, you see, the idea here is Peter Obi not being on the ballot. That’s the problem. All the forces will do everything to ensure Obi doesn’t get on the ballot,” Oseni stated.

He continued: “I do a lot of political mapping, and I know people that do political mapping, the ADC, APC, all the political parties have done political mapping. The only person that can give President Tinubu some push in this election is Obi. The first strategy is to ensure Obi doesn’t get on the ballot. The crisis in the ADC was just because of that.”

DAILY POST recalls that Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have formally joined the NDC. The two politicians were officially welcomed into the party on Sunday evening at its national secretariat in Abuja by national leader Seriake Dickson, alongside other senior executives and supporters.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has once again announced a fresh extension for the purchase and submission of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms by aspirants eyeing positions in the 2027 General Elections. Additionally, the party has revised the dates set for the screening of candidates.

In a new directive, the sale of forms will now end at midnight on Wednesday, 6th May 2026. Meanwhile, the deadline for submitting completed forms is now set for midnight on Thursday, 7th May 2026, as confirmed by a statement from the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.

The screening exercise for aspirants, which was previously scheduled for earlier dates, will take place from Friday, 8th May 2026 through Tuesday, 12th May 2026. The party also revealed that the list of screened aspirants will be published on Wednesday, 13th May 2026.

The Lagos State Government has taken decisive action against 12 properties, including hotels, shopping malls, and residential complexes, for flouting elevator safety regulations. The clampdown, spearheaded by the Lagos State Safety Commission, targeted facilities in prominent locations such as Admiralty Way in Lekki Phase 1 and Ikeja.

Among the sealed establishments are The Heritage/AXA on Awolowo Road in Ikeja, along with Mosesola House, Debour House, and Bosch House on Soji Adepegba Close. Others include Bridge View, Elizabeth Court, 10Bou Towers, Brion Court, Footprints Apartments, Lekki Luxury Flats, and Brasas Mall on Admiralty Way.

The enforcement operation, conducted last Thursday, was led by the Commission’s Chief Scientific Officer, Sovi Tijani, who represented Director-General Lanre Mojola. Tijani emphasized that the crackdown was necessary due to persistent non-compliance with lift registration and safety standards despite multiple warnings.

According to a statement from the commission on Sunday, the affected properties failed to register their lift systems with the state government for mandatory inspections and maintenance. The commission had issued repeated notices and reminders, but the owners either ignored them or obstructed enforcement personnel.

“We served them notices informing them of the need to comply, but they failed to act. Some refused to accept the letters, while others tried to block our team during enforcement,” Tijani said.

He stressed that poorly maintained elevators pose serious risks to occupants and visitors, and the commission is committed to safeguarding lives through strict enforcement. Building owners and facility managers are urged to register their lifts and adhere to regular maintenance schedules as required by law.

The Lagos State Safety Commission reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on safety violations, warning that defaulters will continue to face sanctions until full compliance is achieved.

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the widespread impunity for crimes against media professionals, revealing that roughly 85 percent of such incidents are neither investigated nor result in any form of punishment. This alarming statistic was highlighted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres during his message for World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3 to underscore the critical role of press freedom and the protection of journalists around the globe.

Guterres emphasized that press freedom is a vital component of democratic societies, serving as a watchdog that ensures accountability among those in power. He reflected on the 1991 Windhoek Declaration, a landmark document that championed independent and pluralistic media, which led to the establishment of this day to promote and defend journalists’ rights. However, he warned that press freedom is currently facing severe challenges from economic strains, new technologies, and the intentional spread of false information.

“When access to reliable information erodes, mistrust takes root. When public debate becomes distorted, social cohesion weakens,” Guterres stated. “And when journalism is undermined, it becomes far more difficult to prevent and resolve crises. All freedom depends on press freedom. Without it, there can be no human rights, no sustainable development, and no peace.”

The UN chief called for stronger safeguards to protect journalists and stressed the need to build an environment where truth and those who report it can operate safely. He noted that journalists are often among the first targets in conflicts, risking their lives to document events and inform the public. “People often say that in war, truth is the first casualty. But far too often, the first casualties are the journalists who risk everything to report that truth—not only in war, but wherever those in power fear scrutiny,” Guterres remarked.

He also highlighted a troubling rise in the number of journalists killed in recent years, with many deliberately targeted, especially in conflict zones. The UN is urging global action to address this crisis and ensure that attacks on media workers do not go unpunished.

Community leaders from various towns in Bende Local Government Area have appealed to traditional institutions to step in and resolve the escalating political conflict between two prominent sons of the region: Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

During a visit to Eze Anthony Okorochukwu, the monarch of Bende ancient kingdom, the elders—led by former LGA chairman Emmanuel Onwuchekwa—asked the royal fathers to counsel the former Abia governor against continuing his rift with the Deputy Speaker. They urged him to embrace peace for the sake of unity.

The elders emphasized that Benjamin Kalu is not obstructing Senator Kalu’s ambition to run for the Senate in the 2027 elections. “Ben is not standing in the way of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s senatorial bid,” they said. “They are vying for separate positions. So why such hostility? We want no conflict between Igbere and Bende. There has been enough of this.”

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has taken decisive action by closing down more than 40 facilities throughout the state as part of a crackdown on noise pollution. This move aims to enforce existing environmental standards and reduce excessive noise levels across Lagos.

General Manager Babatunde Ajayi announced the closures during an inter-district essay competition held over the weekend for selected secondary school students. He emphasized that the enforcement is a continuous regulatory effort targeting various sources of noise, including places of worship, entertainment venues, and event centers.

“Addressing the noise pollution challenge in Lagos has been a priority for us over the last few years, and we have maintained strict enforcement across all sectors,” Ajayi stated. The agency reported that more than forty facilities were sealed within just one week, highlighting the ongoing nature of these monitoring activities.

Despite penalties, some operators continue to violate environmental rules. Ajayi warned that persistent offenders could face permanent shutdowns. He also explained the permissible noise limits for different areas: educational zones allow about 35 decibels, residential areas permit up to 65 decibels during the day and 55 at night, mixed-use zones have slightly higher limits, commercial districts can go up to 70 decibels during business hours, and industrial areas have the highest limit at 90 decibels during the day.

Residents are encouraged to learn and adhere to these standards to help minimize noise pollution. At the event, the Head of LASEPA’s Noise Control Unit, Abosede Natufe, urged students to become advocates for noise awareness in their communities. The essay competition, organized for International Noise Awareness Day 2026, aimed to educate young people on noise regulations and foster responsible environmental behavior.

The winner, Ayodele Oluwanifemi from Alimosho Senior Grammar School, called for stronger enforcement of noise laws nationwide. LASEPA has reiterated its commitment to sustained compliance monitoring, underscoring that these efforts are crucial for creating a healthier and more livable environment in Lagos State.