Category: News

The Taminu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly rebuked Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, over his recent remarks concerning former President Goodluck Jonathan and the 2027 elections. The PDP described Keyamo’s advice as unwarranted and accused him of hypocrisy.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the party asserted that Keyamo has forfeited any moral authority to counsel Jonathan, given his past as a vocal critic of government and public officials. The faction recalled that Keyamo built his reputation by challenging those in power and using the courts to defend democratic principles, yet now he appears uncomfortable with others exercising similar democratic rights.

The PDP expressed shock that Keyamo, who once thrived in opposition, now seems at ease with the current administration’s alleged strangulation of political space while objecting to citizens and parties exercising their constitutional freedoms. The party advised Keyamo to focus on resolving the myriad problems facing the aviation sector and the broader government he serves, rather than meddling in PDP affairs.

According to the statement, Nigerians are more concerned with finding solutions to escalating economic hardship, persistent insecurity, declining purchasing power, and growing instability across the country than with unsolicited political advice to a former president. The PDP pointed out that a minister who could not effectively implement a simple cashless policy is hardly qualified to advise a former head of state.

The faction highlighted that under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, Nigeria has witnessed unprecedented economic difficulties, repeated infrastructure collapses, rising unemployment, and corruption scandals that raise serious questions about transparency and accountability. These, the PDP argued, are the issues deserving of Keyamo’s commentary and advice to the incumbent president.

The party noted that the nervousness surrounding Jonathan’s candidacy is understandable, as Nigerians recall that during his tenure the country enjoyed political stability, sustained economic growth, increased foreign investor confidence, and a more inclusive national atmosphere. Many citizens, the PDP claimed, are prevailing upon Jonathan to return to power to restore stability, national healing, and reduce the political temperature.

The faction concluded by assuring Keyamo and the APC that no amount of intimidation, blackmail, or scaremongering will prevent Nigerians from freely expressing their political preferences or supporting leaders they believe can reposition the country.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rolled out the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for registered individuals in Ekiti State, as the governorship race draws near. The commission officially kicked off the exercise on Monday, June 1, 2026, at specific registration centers and ward locations across all 16 local government areas, according to a statement.

For the first two weeks—June 1 to June 14, 2026—residents can pick up their cards at their respective wards. From June 15 to June 21, 2026, collection points will shift to INEC offices in each local government area, open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., including weekends. The electoral body urged all those who have registered but have not yet obtained their PVCs to do so within the designated timeframe.

“Securing your PVC is vital for participating in the election. Only those holding valid PVCs will be cleared to cast their ballots on election day,” the statement emphasized. INEC reiterated that the PVC remains the sole credential accepted for voter verification and voting at polling stations.

The commission also advised voters to verify their assigned collection points and to bring along either their temporary voter card or another valid identification for authentication. The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, provided assurance that the agency has implemented measures to guarantee a smooth and transparent process. He called on traditional chiefs, community heads, civil society groups, and the media to spread awareness, especially among women, youth, and persons with disabilities, urging them to collect their PVCs without delay.

Babafemi Ojudu, a former presidential aide and prominent APC chieftain, has launched a scathing attack on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory over the emergence of a loyalist as the APC candidate for Rivers State’s governorship election.

According to DAILY POST, Kingsley Chinda, who served as Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, secured the APC governorship ticket for the 2023 election. However, confusion arose when his defection from the PDP to the APC was announced after the primary election had concluded. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced Chinda’s party switch during a plenary session.

In a Facebook post, Ojudu questioned the legitimacy of a Minority Leader from another party obtaining the ruling party’s ticket before formally joining it. He sarcastically remarked, “Welcome to Rivers State, soon to be renamed Wike State.”

Ojudu emphasized that political parties should be built on loyalty, shared values, and long-term commitment. He asked, “What happens to those who have spent years building the party, funding it, and remaining loyal through difficult times? What becomes of internal democracy?”

It is worth noting that Chinda is part of the rainbow coalition, a group of influential politicians from various parties supporting President Bola Tinubu.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) concluded its primaries last week, but the party’s failure to release official results has sparked widespread confusion and speculation. Held across the country to pick candidates for the 2027 elections, the exercise was followed by a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting intended to review the outcomes. However, days later, no official word has emerged, leaving aspirants and supporters in limbo.

In a statement, NDC National Publicity Secretary Osa Director urged the public to ignore unofficial results circulating on social media, insisting that only the NEC is authorized to announce winners. He assured that the ratified candidate list would be made public before submission to INEC, but the delay has fueled doubts about transparency.

An aspirant, who spoke anonymously, revealed that many candidates have relocated to Abuja to monitor developments. He expressed frustration at the lack of communication, noting that the delay erodes trust in the party’s commitment to democratic principles.

Chinedu Raymond Obue, an aspirant for the Anambra State House of Assembly, demanded that the party respect the primary outcome in Awka South Constituency II, where he claims to have won 625 votes against his opponent’s 73. He warned that any attempt to manipulate the results would damage the party’s credibility.

A senior NDC official from the Southeast criticized the leadership for establishing a so-called “selection committee” after the primaries, calling it an undemocratic move. He alleged that powerful figures who lost in the polls are now influencing the NEC to overturn results, which could lead to legal battles. “If the final list differs from what emerged on the ground, it will destroy the party,” he said.

However, Professor James Ene-Nwannaji, who emerged as the party’s governorship candidate in Enugu State, dismissed fears of manipulation. He stated that his primary was conducted freely, monitored by INEC, and that he expects the NEC to confirm his victory after completing its review. “I am not agitated. They will find no irregularities,” he added.

Political analysts warn that the NDC’s handling of this process mirrors the controversies that have plagued other parties, undermining its promise of a fresh approach to internal democracy. As the wait continues, the risk of defections and legal challenges grows.

In a proactive move ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged media professionals to step up their role in tackling the spread of false information. The call came from the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, during a dialogue session in Osogbo on Tuesday.

The event, titled “The Journalists-INEC Voter Education and Publicity Dialogue on the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election,” was organized by the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria program in collaboration with INEC headquarters. It aimed to equip journalists with strategies for responsible reporting as the election approaches.

Babalola emphasized that the media is a vital partner in voter education, information sharing, and public awareness, especially with the election date fast approaching. She highlighted that misinformation and disinformation represent serious risks to credible elections in today’s digital landscape, as false stories, fabricated results, manipulated videos, and malicious propaganda can undermine trust in the electoral process, spark violence, and delegitimize outcomes.

She urged journalists to verify facts before publishing and to actively counter false reports with accurate, balanced coverage. “We must therefore work together to build a robust defence against these threats. The media must serve as gatekeepers of truth, verifying information before dissemination and countering falsehoods with factual reporting,” Babalola stated.

She also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to providing timely, accurate, and verifiable information through its official channels and encouraged journalists to depend on those platforms and collaborate with the commission to address misleading reports.

Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, also addressed the gathering. He called on journalists to fulfill their duty of educating citizens about their roles before, during, and after the election, while also scrutinizing campaign promises and monitoring INEC’s preparedness. He urged media practitioners not to remain passive observers but to “reflect, interrogate, and rank. And your perspectives will reach further than you may expect.”

The recently concluded primaries of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Anambra and other states have placed significant political pressure on the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi. According to sources, the primary elections held last Friday saw a wave of grassroots-backed aspirants oust several established political figures in key constituencies and senatorial districts.

This development has left the national leadership of the NDC in a difficult position as they consider how to handle the outcomes. Among those who secured party tickets are Ifeanyi Iwuchukwu for Onitsha North/South Federal Constituency, Eric Ayamene for Idemili North/South, Ofumelu Vincent Ekene for Oyi/Ayamelum, Udekaigbo Chibuzo for Ihiala, Chief Ebuka Onunkwo for Anambra South Senatorial District, and Pastor Nonso Nwabueze Oli for Anambra Central. In Anambra North, Senator Tony Nwoye reportedly ran unopposed.

The biggest shock came from the defeat of incumbent Senator Victor Umeh in the contest for the Anambra Central senatorial ticket, sparking intense debate within the party. Political insiders reveal that the emergence of these new candidates has unsettled parts of the party establishment, with displaced stakeholders now looking to Obi and the national leadership as the ratification process nears.

This situation has thrust Obi into what many party faithful describe as a defining moment for his leadership and the credibility of the party’s internal democracy. Across Anambra and beyond, attention is focused on whether the final ratification will reflect the primary outcomes or whether influential interests will alter the grassroots verdict. Critics argue that any attempt to overturn or dilute the results could damage the image that distinguishes Obi from his peers.

“The emergence of the new candidates has turned the Anambra primaries into a broader test of the NDC’s commitment to internal democracy,” said Peter Anaenugwu, a party leader in Awka. “The issue goes beyond who won or lost. What is at stake now is the credibility of the process itself and the leadership’s response.”

As the NDC prepares to conclude its ratification process, political tension continues to build. For many observers, the coming days will not only determine the fate of the victorious aspirants but also shape public perception of Obi’s dedication to democratic ideals. Days ago, National Secretary of the Party, Barr Ikenna Morgan, stated that only the national leadership has the power to make a final pronouncement on candidates.

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the upcoming 2027 elections, convened with the party’s Nasarawa State candidates on Tuesday for a high-level meeting at his residence in Maitama, Abuja. Sources indicate the discussions focused on strengthening party structures, promoting unity among stakeholders, and refining strategies to advance the party’s vision and objectives ahead of the polls. This gathering underscores the NDC’s dedication to building a robust, cohesive, and people-centered platform capable of driving meaningful change for Nigerians. According to DAILY POST, Kwankwaso was confirmed as the party’s VP candidate on Saturday, following the NDC’s selection of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as its presidential flagbearer. Obi and Kwankwaso had earlier moved from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC, citing internal conflicts and legal disputes.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has acknowledged that private voter data of Nollywood actor Emeka Ike, a House of Representatives aspirant for the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), was accessed with legitimate staff credentials and leaked without permission.

In a statement on Tuesday, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, confirmed the incident. The controversy began after voter registration details for Ike appeared online soon after he declared his candidacy for an FCT House of Representatives seat. The information was shared by Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and was alleged to have come from INEC’s restricted administrative portal.

INEC stated that its initial inquiry found no external breach, hacking, or unauthorized access to its ICT systems. Instead, the data was retrieved using valid user credentials belonging to staff involved in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. “The information in question was accessed through valid user credentials assigned to personnel participating in the ongoing CVR exercise but released without authority,” the statement read.

Registration officers in the CVR exercise have restricted access to specific system components to register new voters, handle transfers, and update records. An audit trail from the investigation identified the user account that accessed the information, and relevant staff have been questioned. All units connected to the incident are cooperating with the inquiry.

INEC is reviewing the technical, administrative, and operational circumstances to assign responsibility and determine if internal access-control protocols were violated. Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has launched an independent investigation into the matter.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed deep sorrow over the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. Speaking during a peaceful protest by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and National Association of Nigerian Students at his Ibadan office, Makinde emphasized that this is not a moment to assign blame to himself or President Bola Tinubu. He called for national unity in tackling insecurity.

Makinde described the incident as a national distress, not an opportunity for political point-scoring. He shared a personal connection, revealing that his father was a primary school teacher in the area decades ago. ‘If something like this had happened to him, maybe I wouldn’t even have been born,’ he said, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

The governor stressed that fighting insecurity requires a collective effort. ‘This is not the time for us to say it is the President that should have handled this, or it is the Governor, or the local government. This is a time to pull together as one,’ he stated, urging Nigerians to stand united.

His remarks come amid rising tensions and political finger-pointing following the kidnappings. Makinde’s appeal for solidarity aims to steer the conversation away from divisive politics and toward a unified response to the security challenge.

Chidi Odinkalu, the former head of the National Human Rights Commission, has strongly criticized the recent defection of House of Representatives Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda from the PDP to the APC. In a scathing post on X, Odinkalu labeled the move as ‘organized crime,’ asserting that no judicial ruling could ever legitimize the circumstances surrounding Chinda’s party switch.

Odinkalu’s statement comes in the wake of House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas’s announcement during Tuesday’s plenary that Chinda had officially left the PDP to join the APC. The letter detailing the defection was dated April 23, 2026, raising eyebrows about its backdating. Notably, Chinda had already been selected as the APC governorship candidate for Rivers State in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, all while still serving as the Minority Leader representing the PDP.

Odinkalu suggested that there might be attempts to use the courts to make the defection appear legitimate, but he dismissed such efforts as ‘court washing.’ He emphasized that no amount of legal maneuvering could cleanse what he sees as a fundamentally unethical act. ‘This is organized crime. Period!’ he wrote, underscoring his belief that the process was inherently flawed.

Following the announcement, Chinda resigned his position as Minority Leader. The House of Representatives is now expected to elect a new Minority Leader to fill the vacancy. Meanwhile, Chinda is facing a lawsuit alleging that his defection did not follow proper procedures.