Category: News

Ayekooto Akindele, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has leveled serious allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, claiming that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) serves as a strategic tool to undermine the southern presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections.

Responding to comments from the Obidient Movement praising Peter Obi for departing the ADC, Akindele argued that Obi’s move was not as shrewd as suggested. He insisted that the ADC was originally conceived as a vehicle for Atiku to shift political power away from the South.

In a Facebook post, Akindele stated that Obi’s failure to recognize Atiku’s hidden agenda from the start showed poor political judgment. He noted that Atiku had previously attempted to use the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to achieve his goals but was unsuccessful.

Akindele further criticized Obi’s decision to leave the Labour Party and join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), contrasting it with what he described as the wiser path chosen by Alex Otti. He strongly condemned Obi’s actions, labeling them as unwise and detrimental to his political career.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Nigerians to maintain their optimism even as the nation grapples with severe economic difficulties and pervasive insecurity during the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

Speaking through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party acknowledged that the current Sallah season arrives at an especially challenging moment for many citizens who are contending with surging food costs, high joblessness, and a bleak outlook. However, ADC insists that Nigerians must hold on to the conviction that a brighter future is attainable.

“We hold a firm belief that beyond the present suffering and disappointment lies the promise of a stronger, safer, and more prosperous country,” the statement declared.

The party emphasized that Eid-el-Kabir embodies sacrifice, faith, obedience, and compassion—values that are particularly relevant for Nigeria today. “Faith carries its greatest meaning during tough times,” the statement noted, urging citizens not to yield to hopelessness amid the country’s struggles.

ADC expressed confidence that Nigeria can rebound and make progress through responsible governance and national unity. “We envision a Nigeria where genuine leadership serves the people, where young people can dream once more, where farmers can cultivate their land without fear, where businesses flourish, and where ordinary citizens can resume a life of dignity and hope,” the party added.

The opposition also called on leaders at every tier to contemplate the true essence of responsibility during this festive period, while praying for peace, healing, and national cohesion. “History teaches that nations recover when their people refuse to abandon their belief in a better tomorrow,” ADC concluded.

Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who once served as Deputy President of the Senate, has ended his association with the All Progressives Congress (APC). This decision comes just days after he failed to secure the party’s ticket for the Delta Central senatorial district in the recently concluded primaries.

In a resignation letter submitted on May 22, 2026, to the APC chairman of Orogun Ward 2 in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, the lawmaker stated his immediate withdrawal from the party. He explained that after careful consideration of the party’s situation in Delta State and discussions with supporters, he concluded that his political goals align better outside the APC framework.

Omo-Agege emphasized that he would not remain in a political platform where he cannot effectively champion the interests of his constituents, Delta State, and the nation. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Deputy President of the 9th Senate and wished the APC success in its future endeavors. The former deputy Senate president requested his removal from all party registers and communication channels, affirming his commitment to continue working for the development of Delta Central and Nigeria through alternative political avenues.

Chille Igbawua, a close adviser to former Senate President David Mark who now chairs the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has openly criticized Peter Obi’s recent defection from the party. Igbawua, who serves on the ADC’s electoral panel, argued that Obi missed a valuable chance to test his political mettle in a competitive primary.

Speaking during a television interview, Igbawua suggested that Obi would have gained crucial political insights even if he ultimately lost the nomination to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He stressed that the ADC primary offered a level playing field for all contenders, emphasizing the coalition’s original mission to rescue Nigeria—not to serve individual ambitions.

Igbawua highlighted vote tallies from Benue State as evidence of the primary’s fairness: Atiku secured approximately 55,000 votes, followed by Rotimi Amaechi with around 30,000, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen with about 22,000. He noted that he had been involved in building the coalition from its inception and selecting ADC as the platform.

When asked whether Obi might feel relieved to leave, Igbawua responded firmly: “I don’t think he can be grateful, and I don’t believe he made the right decision, in my opinion.” He urged political leaders to prioritize national interest over personal gain and to remain within coalitions rather than abandon them when personal needs are not met.

Obi recently exited ADC and has now declared his presidential ambition under the banner of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Igbawua’s comments underscore ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s opposition landscape as parties realign ahead of the next general election.

Victorious candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries have voiced their discontent over the prolonged wait for their Certificates of Return, sparking concerns of a possible scheme by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to tamper with the candidate list for the 2027 elections.

Unhappy contenders, who requested anonymity to avoid reprisals, said the hold-up is fueling suspicion, especially after some NWC members hinted that the leadership could override primary results. They fear the party secretariat might use administrative maneuvers to replace winners with preferred individuals.

One aspirant noted that while President Bola Tinubu received his certificate just hours after winning the presidential primary, other winners remain empty-handed weeks later. This disparity has led many to believe the party is applying double standards.

Another candidate alleged that influential party figures are already working behind the scenes to substitute certain winners with their own allies. The aggrieved aspirants called on the NWC to issue all certificates promptly to prevent further anxiety and potential internal crisis.

When approached for comment, APC spokesperson Felix Morka dismissed the allegations, stating the party had done nothing to warrant such concerns. However, internal sources revealed that the NWC is still reviewing primary reports and will make decisions based on the party’s constitution and guidelines.

Meanwhile, APC stakeholders across the country have warned the leadership against nullifying any primary outcomes based on what they term “premature announcements.” In a memorandum to the National Chairman and NWC members, the group, represented by Barrister Abdullazeez Mamman, argued that the primaries were conducted by committees acting under delegated authority, and the results reflect the will of party members. They insisted that the ballot is not a proposal subject to administrative nullification.

The controversy comes days after President Tinubu was handed his Certificate of Return for the presidential ticket, which he won with 10.9 million votes. This quick issuance for the president has only deepened the frustration among other winners, who now demand equal treatment.

On Wednesday, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu participated in Eid-el-Kabir prayers alongside other Muslim worshippers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos. The event saw a significant turnout of political dignitaries.

Accompanying the President were key government figures, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, and Deputy Governor of Lagos State Obafemi Hamzat.

Images from the prayer ground were subsequently posted on X by Dada Olusegun, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has encouraged faith leaders to maintain their supplications for national tranquility, cohesion, and steadiness in the lead-up to, during, and after the forthcoming 2027 general elections. Speaking through Senator Shuaibu Afolabi, who represents Ogun Central in the Senate, the governor made this call while attending Eid prayers at Lantoro praying ground in Abeokuta.

He also implored Nigerians to offer prayers for President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing the need for parental dedication to child-rearing on this year’s Children’s Day. Reflecting on the state’s progress, Abiodun noted that Ogun has experienced remarkable calm and advancement over the past seven years, attributing this to divine grace and the intercessions of religious leaders.

“The governor asked me to convey three key points,” Afolabi stated. “First, as his administration approaches seven years in office, he requests continued prayers to replicate the successes of the past seven years in the remaining one year. Second, pray for President Tinubu’s successful reelection and for peaceful polls across Ogun State, ensuring the nation remains united and conflict-free before, during, and after the elections. Third, today is Children’s Day; a well-nurtured child benefits both family and country. Let us raise the next generation on godliness and virtues.”

Abiodun reiterated his commitment to delivering democratic dividends across the state’s three senatorial districts before his tenure ends. Meanwhile, Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheikh Sa’addallah Bamigbola, urged Muslims to embrace peace, tolerance, unity, and selflessness, deeming these values crucial for societal progress and harmony.

Nigeria’s military is turning the tide in the battle against insecurity, according to security analyst and civil society advocate Samuel Agada. Speaking on Wednesday, Agada highlighted that the armed forces neutralized 317 terrorists in May 2026, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s counterterrorism efforts.

Agada attributed these achievements to enhanced collaboration within Nigeria’s security framework and the strategic guidance of Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede. He emphasized that the numbers reflect more than mere statistics—they represent safeguarded communities, preserved lives, and dismantled criminal networks, driven by the bravery and expertise of Nigerian soldiers.

“These successes are a testament to the improved coordination among our security agencies and the effective leadership of General Oluyede during a period of complex threats across multiple regions,” Agada stated. His remarks underscore a growing confidence in the military’s capacity to restore order and protect citizens amid persistent security challenges.

The Nigerian Presidency has declared its intention to pursue legal action against social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as Verydarkman (VDM), for purportedly circulating a manipulated audio recording of President Bola Tinubu. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, a media aide to the President, via his official X account.

According to Onanuga, VDM acted as a conduit for spreading the fake audio, which featured an AI-generated voice mimicking Tinubu. The fabricated clip suggested that the President stated insecurity would persist in Nigeria because he did not receive votes from certain regions during the 2023 elections. Onanuga described this as a clear violation of social media regulations and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

However, an independent review by DAILY POST found no evidence of the alleged audio in VDM’s posted content. This discrepancy raises questions about the validity of the accusation. Despite this, the Presidency remains firm, vowing that VDM will face the full consequences of the law for what they term an egregious abuse of digital platforms.

The Lagos State Police Command has announced a comprehensive security operation across the metropolis to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir and Children’s Day celebrations. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, revealed that the deployment is in line with an order from the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, to protect key areas during the festive season.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Tijani, stated that officers have been stationed at prayer grounds, leisure spots, highways, parks, and other sensitive locations. The goal is to safeguard lives and property throughout the twin festivities. He directed area commanders, divisional police officers, tactical commanders, personnel from the Police Mobile Force, and counter-terrorism units to ramp up visibility patrols and intensify anti-crime measures across the state.

The operation also involves specialists from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear operatives, as well as traffic officers. Tijani emphasized the need for effective crowd management and smooth traffic flow during the events. He urged all deployed personnel to act professionally, with civility and respect while carrying out their duties.

The police chief greeted Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, wishing them a peaceful and crime-free celebration. He also extended warm wishes to children across Lagos for the 2026 Children’s Day, which coincides with the Sallah holidays. Tijani advised young people to steer clear of violence and crime, urging them to adopt positive values and stay alert to security issues.

He called on residents to remain watchful and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station. Additionally, he appealed to travelers and motorists to cooperate with security personnel stationed on highways and other duty posts, ensuring a harmonious and orderly celebration throughout Lagos.