Category: News

In response to the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State, President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards. This move is part of a broader security initiative aimed at preventing future incidents. The announcement was made on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, via an official statement.

The decision follows a visit by a federal delegation to the affected communities—Esiele and Yawota in Oriire Local Government Area—where pupils and teachers were taken from three schools on May 15, 2026. The delegation, headed by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, and Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications Sunday Dare.

During the visit, the team communicated the President’s deep concern and his determination to ensure the safe return of all victims. Additionally, President Tinubu ordered the creation of a specialized security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to ramp up efforts to free the abducted individuals.

The statement also noted that the delegation promised to relay the community’s request for a military base to the President for further action. The recruitment of forest guards will be carried out in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, highlighting a coordinated approach to tackling insecurity in the region.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has officially designated Commandant Offor Kenneth Onyeso as the new State Commander for its Rivers State Command.

A native of Ogida in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Onyeso assumed office as the 27th commander of the unit on May 20, 2026.

He earned degrees in Education Administration and Accountancy from Enugu State University of Science and Technology and began his career with the NDLEA as a cadet officer on November 1, 1994.

Throughout his tenure, he has held various key positions, including Deputy State Commander in Ebonyi State and Deputy Zonal Commander for Zone 12 based in Owerri, Imo State.

In a statement released on Friday, the agency highlighted his extensive experience, professionalism, and commitment to duty as factors leading to his selection.

Upon resuming his role, Onyeso vowed to enhance the command’s effectiveness through intelligence-driven enforcement and ongoing prevention programs.

He stated, “I am dedicated to upholding the agency’s core values via robust enforcement, intelligence-led operations, and consistent public awareness and prevention campaigns.”

The new commander also called on stakeholders, traditional leaders, media outlets, and the general public to collaborate with the agency in its mission to eliminate illicit drugs and related offenses in Rivers State.

The Iranian government has strongly refuted claims that President Masoud Pezeshkian offered to step down, branding the reports as part of a disinformation campaign by foreign outlets. Seyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, a senior communications official in the presidency, took to X to denounce what he described as a continuation of baseless media fabrications.

Tabatabaei emphasized that Pezeshkian remains committed to serving the nation and will not abandon his post, regardless of mounting pressures. He accused those spreading the rumors of projecting their own desires onto the Iranian people, asserting that their attempts to undermine national unity will fail.

The Tasnim News Agency, which is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), also contradicted reports from Iran International claiming that Pezeshkian had formally resigned due to IRGC overreach. According to Tasnim, a government insider dismissed the resignation story as entirely false.

Iran International had earlier alleged that Pezeshkian submitted a resignation letter to the Supreme Leader’s office, citing frustrations over being sidelined by hardline IRGC factions in key decision-making processes. The report suggested that the president told Mojtaba Khamenei he could no longer govern effectively under such conditions.

The IRGC has increasingly asserted control over state affairs, limiting presidential authority and influencing negotiations with the United States. Iran has indicated it will demand modifications to any draft agreement if US President Donald Trump proposes changes, signaling Tehran’s readiness to walk away if terms are unfavorable.

Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate representing Ebonyi North, has firmly rejected assertions that he is contravening a purported zoning arrangement that restricts senators from the district to a single four-year term. He argues that no legal or political basis exists to prevent him from seeking reelection in 2027.

Responding to claims from his opponent, Chief Chikadoli Ojimba of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who called on him to step down based on an alleged one-term agreement, Nwebonyi described the arrangement as non-binding. He noted that former Governor Sam Egwu, who previously represented Ebonyi North in the Senate, successfully completed two terms. “I am not the first senator from this zone to aim for a second term. Sam Egwu served twice, and by God’s grace, I will also serve a second term,” Nwebonyi stated.

The lawmaker expressed confidence in his reelection bid, citing a strong record of constituency projects and effective representation. He dismissed potential rivals, claiming they lack the experience and competence to challenge him. “Leadership is built on a proven track record of public service, not on the desire to make money. Politics is about sacrifice, not personal enrichment,” he added.

Nwebonyi also voiced optimism about the All Progressives Congress (APC) prospects in 2027, asserting the party’s stronghold in Ebonyi State. He praised President Bola Tinubu for increased federal attention to the South-East, particularly federal road projects in Ebonyi, and reaffirmed support for Governor Francis Nwifuru, whom he described as a unifying leader for the Izzi clan. He dismissed reports of divisions within the Izzi community, emphasizing unity under Nwifuru’s administration. “The era of political fragmentation is over. Our people are committed to progress together,” Nwebonyi concluded.

Former National Human Rights Commission chairman Chidi Odinkalu has publicly ridiculed ex-Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege following his recent political misfortunes. In a social media post on Sunday, Odinkalu remarked that Omo-Agege could not have foreseen his current troubles when he was implicated in the 2018 theft of the Senate mace, an incident tied to his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress.

Odinkalu noted that within a single week, Omo-Agege faced a series of defeats: he was effectively forced out of the APC and lost senatorial primary elections under two separate parties. Despite these setbacks, Odinkalu acknowledged that Omo-Agege had significantly boosted the APC’s presence in Delta State.

He argued that these events underscore the fleeting nature of political authority, pointing out that many politicians who once thrived on Nigeria’s power dynamics are now encountering unexpected outcomes. “Leadership is voluntary, and there is no joy when those who pursue it for the right reasons are repeatedly denied,” Odinkalu wrote. “But that applies only when they seek it for the right reasons. When @OvieOmoAgege burgled the mace of @SenateNGR to prove his willingness to do anything for @OfficialAPCNg, he hardly imagined a week like this past one.”

He continued: “In one week, he has been constructively booted out of the APC and lost two Senate primaries in two different parties—one to a man, another to a woman. The irony is that Omo-Agege is arguably the person who gave the APC a credible chance in Delta State.”

Odinkalu concluded: “For many who have grown fat on the humbug of Nigerian power, the Tinubu system is handing out rewards indiscriminately. It is a rude reminder of the transience of power.”

Reports indicate that Omo-Agege’s bid for the National Democratic Congress ticket in Delta Central Senatorial District also failed. He had defected from APC to NDC after losing the APC primary to former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

The Labour Party in Kaduna State has chosen Muhammed Rilwanu Lawal as its consensus candidate for the governorship election scheduled for 2027. This decision was reached during a primary election held on Saturday in Kaduna, which attracted a significant number of party members eager to participate in the selection process.

Describing the exercise as peaceful and well-organized, the committee chairman, Dr. Oluwa Femi, highlighted the unity among party members despite differing opinions. He stated that the Labour Party stands out as Nigeria’s only political entity with a distinct ideology that welcomes all citizens, emphasizing its commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.

Former Labour Party governorship candidate for Kaduna State in the 2023 elections, Jonathan Asake, commended the orderly conduct of the primaries. He attributed the smooth process to the mutual understanding among aspirants, which facilitated consensus not only for the governorship race but also for other political offices.

All candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly were also selected through consensus. For the Senate, Abdu Aliyu was picked for Kaduna North, Eld. Dr. Yusuf Solomon Danbaki for Kaduna Central, and Amos Sheyin for Kaduna South. In the House of Representatives, consensus candidates include Barr. Yayai Iliya Dadai for Kaura Federal Constituency, Saidu James Yakubu for Kagarko, Emmanuel Bala for Kaduna South, Dr. Emmanuel Barau for Makarfi/Kudan, Abubakar Bello for Igabi, and Comrade Saratu Larai Shekari for Chikun/Kajuru. For the State House of Assembly, candidates such as Elisha Isaac for Jama’a, James Yakubu Saidu for Kagarko, Suleiman Umar for Kudan, Engr. Garba Emmanuel Bajimai for Lere, Muhammed Sani Aliyu for Makarfi, Lawal Abdullahi for Kaduna South, Baba Chechet Solomon for Sabon Gari Basawa, Hillary Francis for Zangon Kataf, Ahmadu Yustus for Sanga, and Bala Awodi for Chikun were all affirmed.

In a bid to foster unity after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary, the party’s flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar, paid a visit to one of his former rivals, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, at his Lagos home on Sunday. The meeting underscores ongoing reconciliation efforts within the ADC, as tensions remain high following the primary election.

Atiku emerged as the ADC’s candidate for the 2027 general election after a keenly contested primary that also featured Hayatu-Deen and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi. However, Hayatu-Deen withdrew from the process before the official results were announced, citing widespread vote rigging allegations. The visit is seen as a strategic move to heal wounds and present a united front ahead of the 2027 polls.

Details of the discussion between the two political figures have not been disclosed, but sources within the party suggest that the talks focused on party cohesion and strategies for the upcoming electoral battle. The ADC hopes to leverage such meetings to consolidate support and position itself as a formidable alternative to the ruling party.

The Labour Party has officially endorsed former Senator Ishaku Abbo as its flagbearer for the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa State. The confirmation came during a primary election and candidate affirmation session held on Sunday in Yola.

During the event, the party also presented candidates for all three senatorial districts, eight House of Representatives seats, and 25 seats in the Adamawa State House of Assembly.

Mr. Sam Ochiama, who chaired the Labour Party Primary Election Committee, noted that the entire process adhered to both the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution. He explained that candidates who ran unopposed were affirmed through voice votes cast by delegates and other party stakeholders.

For the senatorial positions, Mr. Emmanuel Musa was declared the candidate for Adamawa Central, having been the sole aspirant. He received overwhelming backing during the affirmation exercise. Mr. Peter Fwa was confirmed for Adamawa South, while Mr. Dawuda Mohammed secured the nod for Adamawa North.

Ochiama further unveiled the party’s nominees for the eight federal House of Representatives seats and the 25 state assembly positions. He expressed confidence that the Labour Party would pose a significant challenge in the 2027 elections. He called on all members to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilization efforts ahead of the polls, stressing the importance of cooperation among party faithful to achieve success at all levels.

Renowned activist Aisha Yesufu has issued a sharp retort to Nyesom Wike, the Minister overseeing the Federal Capital Territory, following his recent disparaging remarks aimed at her.

According to sources, Wike, during a Saturday event in Rivers State, allegedly mocked Yesufu for failing to secure the senatorial ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). He suggested that true political engagement extends beyond media appearances, noting that the activist-turned-politician could not even succeed in what he termed an ‘ordinary NDC’.

In a fiery response via her official X account, Yesufu challenged Wike, stating, ‘If dem born Wike well, make e call my name with his full chest! What Tambuwal did him in 2022 will be child’s play.’ She further accused the minister of being unable to win his own primaries in 2022, alleging that he desperately sought a running mate position without success. Yesufu also claimed that Wike later abandoned his principles to align with others, contributing to the downfall of a once-dominant party that recently suffered embarrassment at the hands of a young military officer. She questioned his audacity to mock a woman involved with the NDC.

Adding a regional dimension, Yesufu warned, ‘Let me wait make the man get liver mention name! Then the man doing boi boi because he has to be in power to have authority will know those of us from Kukuruku empire of Edo State in South South no dey grovel.’

A splinter group within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), under the leadership of Nafiu Bala, has put forward businessman Prof Chris Uba as its standard-bearer for the 2027 presidential election. This move comes just days after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar secured the party’s ticket through a primary election that saw him defeat Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

During a ceremony in Abuja on Sunday, the faction also handed party flags to 29 governorship candidates representing the six geopolitical zones. Bala, who serves as the factional national chairman, explained that the decision to zone the presidential ticket to the southern part of Nigeria was rooted in principles of equity, fairness, inclusiveness, and adherence to federal character.

According to Bala, three aspirants initially purchased nomination forms for the presidential contest: Dr Bashir Sani, Prince Williams Charles, and Prof Chris Uba. However, citing the consensus option permitted under the Electoral Act, the party narrowed the field. After the voluntary withdrawal of the other two candidates, Uba emerged as the sole consensus candidate and was consequently declared the party’s flagbearer.

Bala emphasized that the consensus method aligns with Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which recognizes this approach as a legitimate means for political parties to select or nominate candidates. He noted that the withdrawals were made in the interest of party unity, paving the way for Uba’s unopposed emergence.