Category: News

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.

Engr. Sunny Oche, the Executive Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, has lauded Governor Hyacinth Alia for his unwavering focus on advancing Benue State as the governor reaches his third anniversary in office. Speaking on behalf of the Ado LG administration and its residents, Oche emphasized that Alia’s tenure exemplifies visionary leadership, accountability, and a steadfast dedication to statewide progress.

In his commemorative statement, Oche highlighted how the governor has effectively steered transformation across essential sectors while enhancing the lives of citizens, calling these efforts truly commendable and motivational. The council chairman further noted that Alia’s accomplishments showcase a deep passion for public service and a clear vision to reposition Benue for enduring growth.

Oche also recognized the governor’s personal sacrifices, steadfastness, and unyielding resolve in guiding the state toward stability and advancement. He added, “As you celebrate this milestone, we honor your perseverance and unwavering commitment to steering our beloved state toward progress.” The chairman concluded by wishing Alia greater wisdom, strength, and divine direction as he continues his leadership journey, and extended warm congratulations on his three years of service.

Human rights advocate and former presidential contender Omoyele Sowore has strongly supported the push for a N500,000 minimum wage across Nigeria, taking aim at what he calls reckless expenditure by elected officials. In a statement released through his official platform, Sowore dismissed the notion that the country lacks the financial means to increase worker compensation.

Referencing unverified reports about Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and allegations tied to campaign financing, Sowore argued that the same resources available for political activities could and should be redirected to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians. “If there is money for politicians, there must be money for workers,” he declared.

The activist further asserted that demanding a N500,000 minimum wage is not unreasonable. Instead, he identified the core issue as a political elite that treats public money as their own personal stash while millions endure hardship. “The problem is a political class that treats public funds as private property while millions of Nigerians suffer,” the statement read.

Sowore concluded that Nigeria’s economic struggles stem more from corruption and skewed priorities than from any genuine scarcity of funds. He called for a fundamental shift in how national resources are allocated, insisting that workers deserve a fair share of the nation’s wealth.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has made a heartfelt appeal to the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, urging him to put aside personal grievances and join the collective effort to reshape the state. Speaking during the annual Hawan Nassarawa event on Friday, Yusuf emphasized that the primary focus should be on the welfare and progress of Kano, not individual ambitions.

“I invite him to think of Kano first, set aside personal concerns, and become part of our team for peace and a renewed Kano that promises stability and advancement,” the governor stated. He noted that during a recent program, nearly all key figures were present except Kwankwaso, pointing out that even governors who had disagreements with their deputies managed to set aside their differences for the occasion.

Yusuf stressed that his administration’s core mission is to foster unity and build a great Kano, and he expressed gratitude to the Emir of Kano for his wise guidance. However, he made it clear that his humility stems from a genuine connection with the people, not weakness. “I have never been afraid of anyone. My calmness is not cowardice but a reflection of my good character and closeness to the masses,” he said.

Reflecting on the state of affairs when he took office, Yusuf mentioned that many systems were in disarray, which prompted his administration to implement corrective measures without creating hostility. He recounted how they successfully prevented killings and conflicts, such as the crisis from two years ago, which led them to avoid the Hawan Daushe event. He assured the Emir of his continued support and hinted at a forthcoming durbar celebration that would be extraordinary.

The governor also addressed internal government issues, stating that while 85% of his advisers are performing effectively, the remaining 15% are attempting to cause disruptions. “Be warned, we are monitoring you. Soon, you will face the repercussions of your destructive actions,” he cautioned.