Category: News

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election in Enugu State has been marred by controversy, with several aspirants crying foul over alleged manipulation. The exercise, which began earlier today under the faction led by Ibuchukwu Obetta, has been plagued by delays and accusations of irregularities.

At various polling stations across the state, candidates reported that no party officials showed up for hours, leaving them waiting indefinitely. Social media has been flooded with videos showing frustrated supporters gathered at empty venues, demanding answers.

Some contestants have already declared themselves winners without official confirmation. One of the aggrieved aspirants, Obeta Davidwilliams, announced his withdrawal from the process, citing what he described as widespread tampering. He stated, “The level of malpractice and manipulation currently unfolding within the NDC is among the most disturbing political spectacles I have witnessed in recent times.”

In another incident, Mr. Mathias Ezeaku, who is vying for the ticket in Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency, claimed victory but alleged that a party official absconded with the result sheet. In a viral video, he said, “I won the primary election for the Federal House of Reps in Uzo-Uwani and also in Igbo-Etiti, but when the party official was about to write the result, Prof Abukue ran away with the sheet.” His supporters responded with chants of “we no go gree o” and “winner oooo”.

Further allegations have emerged that former Enugu State Governor Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo submitted a list of preferred candidates to the party. The purported list includes retired Permanent Secretary Chinyeaka Oha for governorship, Princess Ada Ogbu for Enugu East Senatorial seat, Bishop Oscar Osai for Enugu North Senate, and Barr. O. A. U. Onyema for Enugu East. Former Reps member Pat Asadu was reportedly not favored. Other names on the list are Dr. John Nwokeabia, Barr. Agubuzu, Barr. Fide Ani, and Dr. Clinton Ide, while Ikembuchukwu Nwodo and Uche Aneke were allegedly dropped.

As of this report, the Obetta faction has yet to announce any official winners from the exercise.

The National Rescue Mission (NRM) has officially selected Dr. Esther Nkem Okereke as its flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election. The decision was reached through a consensus arrangement facilitated by top party leadership.

Prince Dr. Chinedu Obi, the National Chairman of the NRM, expressed optimism that Nigeria can be rescued and transformed into a prosperous nation. He highlighted the country’s abundant mineral wealth, fertile agricultural lands, advantageous geographic location, dynamic youth population, entrepreneurial spirit, and rich human capital as key assets.

Obi lamented that despite these advantages, a significant number of Nigerians remain trapped in poverty. He described the situation as a paradox where a resource-rich nation has produced widespread poverty, but expressed confidence in Okereke’s ability to restore the country’s former glory.

He stated, “For years, global reports have consistently labeled Nigeria the poverty capital of the world—a title no nation should accept. Under our leadership, we will overhaul education by raising standards, expanding access, and strengthening technical and vocational training. We will also invest in research and innovation to equip our youth for a competitive global economy.”

On healthcare, Obi added, “We will prioritize primary healthcare systems, expand health insurance coverage, invest in medical personnel, and ensure quality healthcare becomes a right, not a privilege.”

In her acceptance remarks, Okereke emphasized that future generations will remember this moment as a turning point when ordinary citizens chose courage over fear, unity over division, hope over cynicism, and progress over stagnation. She said, “When Nigeria stood at the brink of despair, a courageous people arose with faith and determination to rescue their nation.”

Okereke explained her deliberate choice of the NRM, a party founded to address systemic governance failures in Nigeria. She noted that the party’s core ideology of “rescue” is not a mere slogan but a urgent intervention to pull the country back from institutional collapse, economic decline, and widespread insecurity caused by years of poor governance.

She described the NRM as a generational vanguard that mobilizes youth, champions ethical leadership, and advocates for structural reforms to transition Nigeria from a survival state to sustainable development. “The NRM’s ideology aligns perfectly with my vision and mission, which is why I accepted the candidature to partner in achieving the ‘Rescue Nigeria’ project,” she added.

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has publicly dismissed claims that it intends to back former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

In a statement released on Friday, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, labeled the reports as false, misleading, and unauthorized, urging security agencies to probe their origin and prosecute those responsible for what he described as an attempt to incite political tension and harm the party’s reputation.

This denial comes after the Interim National Working Committee, led by Tanimu Turaki, announced plans for a convention in Abuja on Saturday to formally endorse Jonathan as the party’s flagbearer for the upcoming presidential race. However, the Wike-aligned faction has clarified that it already has a candidate: Senator Sandy Onor, who was screened, cleared, and officially presented as its presidential contender earlier last week.

In its response, the faction called on Jonathan to publicly distance himself from what it termed an unauthorized move, to protect both the integrity of the democratic process and his personal reputation. The group emphasized that all primary elections, including presidential primaries, have been completed in line with INEC guidelines and the party’s constitution, and that no convention or process has been approved to alter those outcomes.

The Accord party conducted its primaries for the National Assembly positions across all nine federal constituencies and three senatorial districts in Osun State on Friday. The process, which utilized a consensus approach, was held at various venues throughout the state, drawing attendance from party leaders, delegates, and supporters who witnessed the selection of candidates for the 2027 general election.

During the event, the party’s National Chairman, represented by its Publicity Secretary, Ambassador Joseph Omorogbe, delivered a welcome speech. He praised the dedication of party members in ensuring the continued representation of Salam in the National Assembly. Omorogbe also expressed gratitude to all party faithful across Osun for their support and active involvement in the consensus exercise across the different constituencies and senatorial districts.

For the Osun Central Senatorial District, the party confirmed Olaoluwa Ganiyu Badmus as its senatorial candidate. In Osun West, Oyewumi Kamorudeen Olalere was chosen as the Accord flagbearer, while Fadipe Ibukun Isola secured the ticket for Osun East Senatorial District.

In the House of Representatives primaries, Akanni Clement Ademola earned the party’s ticket for the Boluwaduro/Ifedayo/Ila Federal Constituency. Popoola Alaba Ibrahim was selected for Ijesa South Federal Constituency, and Oladebo Lanre Omoleye was affirmed for Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency.

Adetunji Abidemi Olusoji emerged as the candidate for Odo Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe Federal Constituency, while Adewale Morufu Adebayo secured the nomination for Irepodun/Orolu/Olorunda/Osogbo Federal Constituency. The party also endorsed Mudashiru Lukman Alani for Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency, Olajengbesi Pelumi Jacob for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, and Eluwole Oluwatosin Odunayo for Ife Federal Constituency.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has declared that the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) will neither manipulate the 2027 elections nor allow itself to be cheated out of victory. Speaking during the party’s candidate affirmation event at the Government House in Bauchi, Mohammed emphasized a commitment to fair play and electoral integrity.

The governor urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee a transparent and credible electoral process. He stressed that the APM would not solicit any form of cheating but would fiercely resist any attempts to undermine its candidates through fraudulent practices.

Mohammed highlighted the party’s strategy of engaging directly with communities, presenting their qualifications and achievements rather than relying on election rigging. He stated, “We will not ask anyone to cheat for us, but we also won’t let anyone cheat us.” He further noted that the APM views all competitors with respect, regardless of their experience.

He called for openness, fairness, and equality in the elections, asserting that the party would accept both victory and defeat if the process is conducted honestly. “That is democracy,” he concluded.

Timi Frank, a former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress, has leveled serious accusations against Nigerian security agencies. He claims they are conspiring to manipulate audio and video recordings related to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

In a statement issued on Friday, Frank alleged that El-Rufai is under constant surveillance while in custody. He asserted that conversations involving the ex-governor, his legal representatives, and relatives are being secretly recorded.

According to Frank, these recordings are being altered using artificial intelligence to fabricate evidence against El-Rufai. He stated, “El-Rufai is being monitored round the clock, even in detention. The ICPC, where he is held, has teamed up with the DSS to bug his cell. They have amassed hours of voice and video footage of his discussions, including those with his lawyers and family.”

Frank further claimed that operatives are sifting through the recordings to identify segments that can be easily manipulated. “Their strategy is to use AI to twist these recordings and frame El-Rufai. Then, they plan to leak the doctored versions to the media,” he alleged.

He believes this scheme is designed to ruin El-Rufai’s reputation and extend his incarceration. “This is all part of a plot to destroy El-Rufai, smear his name, and keep him behind bars,” Frank added.

Background reports indicate that El-Rufai has been held by the ICPC and DSS on separate charges, despite being granted bail. He was arraigned before different courts on allegations of national security breaches and corruption by the ICPC and EFCC, but bail was granted.

Former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung has launched a blistering critique of President Bola Tinubu’s first three years in office, calling them a period of catastrophic failure and gross incompetence. Speaking on News Central Television on Friday, Dalung took aim at the All Progressives Congress (APC) for celebrating what he described as a deeply troubled anniversary.

According to Dalung, the Tinubu administration has inflicted unprecedented hardship on Nigerians, marked by soaring hunger, poverty, and widespread trauma. He argued that the third anniversary of the government has been overshadowed by a worsening economic crisis and growing public discontent.

“In the history of this country, citizens have never endured such terrible conditions,” Dalung said, adding that he wishes these three years could be erased from Nigeria’s national calendar. His remarks come amid a wave of criticism from opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, who earlier accused Tinubu of presenting a “report card written in hardship and tears of kidnapped children.”

Dalung’s strong words reflect mounting frustration with the government’s performance, particularly on economic management and security. He concluded by emphasizing that the administration’s failures are not just administrative but have deeply wounded the nation’s social fabric.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, now the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2027, has declared that his campaign will focus on substantive ideas rather than personal attacks. In a statement released on Friday, he emphasized that the upcoming election will not be about empty rhetoric or divisive language, but about concrete solutions and effective governance.

Atiku, speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, stressed that Nigerian citizens have endured enough unfulfilled promises and hardship. He asserted that what the country urgently needs is leadership that demonstrates genuine competence, compassion, accountability, and a sincere commitment to the public welfare.

The former vice president outlined his vision for a campaign driven by innovation and problem-solving, not by propaganda or insults. He promised to assemble a team of top professionals, technocrats, and experienced experts to guide the next administration. According to Atiku, this approach will restore merit-based decision-making, elevate expertise in public service, and ensure that every major policy is rooted in national interest and integrity.

“By the will of God and with the mandate of the Nigerian people, my government will bring together the best minds across the nation,” Atiku said. “We will rebuild trust by prioritizing competence over slogans and results over empty promises.” He concluded by urging Nigerians to reject politics of division and embrace a future built on accountable and capable leadership.

The leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has issued a clarion call for Nigerians to vote out the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. He described the current state of the nation as dire and in need of urgent political change.

Speaking at the Social Democratic Party (SDP) national convention and presidential primaries held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi State, Olaitan highlighted the severe challenges confronting the country. He noted that insecurity has reached alarming levels, with banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and communal conflicts making life unbearable for citizens.

“Our people cannot sleep with both eyes shut because of the ceaseless wave of insecurity,” Olaitan stated. “Farmlands have become killing fields, and hope has turned into fear.”

The Afenifere leader also condemned the economic situation, pointing to soaring prices of essential goods, widespread unemployment among youths, and the daily struggles of farmers and traders. “The economy has sunk to its lowest point. Basic commodities are out of reach for ordinary families,” he added.

Olaitan accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of undermining democracy by fracturing opposition parties and stifling dissent. “The APC government is nervous about constructive criticism and has been breaking any identifiable opposition into factions, eroding the multi-party system,” he charged.

He emphasized that the suffering in Nigeria is not an act of God but a direct consequence of poor policy decisions and neoliberal economic strategies that prioritize market forces and elite comfort over the welfare of the masses. “The hardship is man-made. It stems from wrong choices,” Olaitan asserted.

Calling on Nigerians to see the 2027 election as a choice between the ruling party and the people, Olaitan urged voters to rally behind the SDP, which he described as the party best equipped to deliver social justice, economic recovery, and democratic inclusion. “The SDP reflects the values of equity and concern for the masses. It is not just another party; it is the vehicle for genuine change,” he concluded.

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a strong denial regarding a viral video that has been circulating online, which falsely claims to be connected to the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State. According to an official statement released on the police’s verified social media pages, the footage is entirely unrelated to the incident and appears to originate from outside the country.

The police emphasized that the video is being deliberately shared to mislead the public, create unnecessary alarm, and spread falsehoods. The statement further clarified that the clip does not depict any event tied to the Oyo school kidnapping and urged citizens to disregard it.

In addition to debunking the misinformation, the Nigeria Police Force disclosed that security agencies have ramped up their efforts to rescue the abducted victims. Enhanced intelligence gathering and strategic operational deployments are now in place to ensure the safe recovery of all individuals taken during the attack.

Members of the public are strongly advised to rely solely on verified information from official sources and to avoid sharing unconfirmed content that could fuel panic and confusion. The police reiterated their commitment to maintaining public safety and urged everyone to cooperate by reporting suspicious materials online.