Category: News

The Lagos State Government has intensified its crackdown on unauthorized constructions, demolishing 17 illegal structures and sealing 52 buildings across the state. This enforcement action is part of a broader initiative to uphold physical planning regulations and restore order in the built environment.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Abiodun Oluyinka Olumide, revealed these figures during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing in Alausa, Ikeja. He presented the ministry’s achievements in the third year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.

According to Olumide, the enforcement followed investigations into numerous public complaints and disputes regarding property development. The ministry’s Technical Services Department handled 987 complaints during the review period, resolving 399 through mediation and compliance, while 519 remain under investigation.

“We removed 17 structures and sealed 52 others for various planning violations,” Olumide stated. He noted that these interventions have reduced litigation, minimized conflicts from enforcement, and boosted public trust in the state’s development control efforts.

Beyond enforcement, the ministry completed three key planning documents: the Lagos Island Model City Plan, the Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan, and the Revised Badagry Master Plan. These frameworks aim to guide infrastructure, land use, and sustainable urban growth.

Monitoring and compliance activities were stepped up in housing estates and developing communities, with 205 estates inspected to ensure adherence to approved layouts and regulations. To protect residents from fraudulent real estate schemes, the ministry published details of 176 illegal estates operating without approved plans, advising buyers to verify approvals before investing.

Olumide also announced that the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority processed 21,603 permit applications between June 2025 and March 2026, approving 17,279. A 60-day amnesty from October to December 2025 attracted 7,198 applications, leading to 4,113 approvals.

A major milestone was the launch of the Electronic Physical Planning Permit Processing System (e-PPPS), a digital platform enabling online permit applications. This innovation enhances transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business in Lagos.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a stern warning to hoteliers and event center owners in Abuja, directing them to conduct business exclusively with political parties officially recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This directive aims to prevent unauthorized organizations from using these venues for political activities.

In a statement released Friday by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, the administration emphasized that all event spaces and hotels must verify the legitimacy of any group seeking to rent their facilities. Failure to comply would result in severe penalties, including the possible revocation of land titles for the properties involved.

The FCTA stressed that land parcels within the Federal Capital Territory are allocated solely for lawful purposes. Allowing illegal political groups to gather on these premises could threaten the peace and security of the capital city. Consequently, the use of event centers, hotels, and other public buildings will be closely monitored to ensure they are not exploited by unauthorized organizations.

Property owners are now required to keep accurate records of all transactions and confirm that any group renting their space is a legally recognized political entity. The statement warned that noncompliance would attract sanctions, with the ultimate penalty being the cancellation of title documents for the affected properties.

During a youth-centered gathering in Abuja, organized by Rev. Fr. John Chinenye Oluoma of the Abuja Archdiocese, Peter Obi drew a powerful biblical parallel. He described the nation’s politicians as formidable Goliaths, urging citizens to rise as Davids to overcome the obstacles hindering progress.

Obi, a leading contender for the 2027 presidential election and former Labour Party candidate, pinpointed corrupt politicians as the primary barrier to Nigeria’s development. He emphasized that these leaders prioritize personal enrichment over national welfare, thereby stalling growth across security, power, healthcare, and education.

The event, aptly named the David and Goliath Conference, aimed to empower young Nigerians to confront systemic challenges. Obi engaged with delegates, answering tough questions about overcoming personal and national Goliaths. He identified key failing sectors—security, education, health, and unemployment—as areas requiring urgent attention.

Challenging the youth to adopt realistic goals, he advised them to live within their means and reject artificial lifestyles. Obi’s message was clear: Nigeria needs a collective David—people of courage and integrity—to defeat the Goliath of corruption and mismanagement. The conference underscored the need for a new breed of leaders who prioritize the country’s interests above all.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Abia State, Eric Opah, has refuted social media reports that he vowed to free Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), should he win the 2027 election. According to a statement from his campaign organization, Opah never made any such promise, either in public or private.

Social media had been abuzz with a quote attributed to Opah: “I will set Mazi Nnamdi Kanu free once I become Governor of Abia State in 2027. I said it, and I will do it. I have the capacity, don’t doubt me.” The APC candidate, through his Director of Media and Publicity, Eric Ikwuagwu, labeled the report as entirely false and a product of desperation by political opponents.

Ikwuagwu emphasized that Opah remains focused on lawful governance, peace, and development, and will not be distracted by “mischief-makers and enemies of progress.” He urged the public and party supporters to ignore the fake news and condemned the attempt to drag Opah’s name into unnecessary controversy.

The Obidient Movement has called on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to rally behind Peter Obi in the party’s primary election scheduled for today, May 29, 2026. The group emphasized that unity and discipline are crucial for Obi to secure the presidential ticket.

Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, issued a statement urging NDC members and party faithful to set aside individual ambitions and focus on the collective goal of ensuring Obi’s candidacy for the 2027 general elections.

“Our coming together under the NDC is deliberate and strategic,” Tanko said. “The ultimate aim is to have Peter Obi’s name on the ballot. We must remain disciplined and united throughout this process.”

Tanko acknowledged that not all aspirants can win, as competition naturally produces winners and losers. He cautioned against letting personal disappointments undermine the movement’s broader mission. “In any democracy, there will be setbacks, but we must handle them with maturity and sportsmanship. Any grievances should be resolved through internal party mechanisms, not court cases, which could harm our progress.”

He also warned that political opponents are watching closely, hoping to exploit any internal divisions. “Our enemies are eager to take advantage of any crisis we might face. We must not give them that opportunity.”

After the primaries, Tanko urged all members to close ranks and work together for victory in 2027. “Our focus must shift to building a new Nigeria where every child, regardless of background, can succeed. A New Nigeria is Possible.”

In a scathing critique, presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala has called out prominent opposition figures Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Omoyele Sowore, accusing them of relentlessly attacking President Bola Tinubu’s character, political strategies, and governance agenda. Bwala, who serves as Special Adviser on Policy Communication, made these remarks in a series of posts on his X (formerly Twitter) account, stating that the trio’s motives stem from their ambition to unseat Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Bwala argued that a closer examination of the three politicians reveals deep flaws in their political conduct and philosophical consistency. He questioned Sowore’s democratic credentials, pointing out that Sowore established a political party only to appoint himself as national chairman, securing an automatic presidential ticket through adoption. When elections approach, Bwala claimed, Sowore steps down from the chairmanship, only to reclaim it after losing the election. Bwala posed the rhetorical question: Is this how a genuine democrat behaves?

Turning his attention to Obi, Bwala criticized the former Anambra State governor for his habit of switching parties to secure an uncontested presidential ticket, while his loyal supporters face the rigors of primary elections. Bwala noted that many of Obi’s dedicated followers have lost their primaries, suggesting that political activism does not translate into electoral success.

Regarding Atiku, Bwala took aim at the former vice president’s tendency to change parties in pursuit of his presidential ambition, while condemning others who exercise the same right to pursue their own goals. Bwala described this as a classic master-servant mentality, alleging that Atiku believes no one should aspire to the presidency until he has stepped aside. He referenced Atiku’s relationship with Obi, stating that when Obi left Atiku’s camp to pursue his own ambition, Atiku branded Obi as disloyal.

Bwala contrasted these figures with Tinubu, asserting that the sitting president is more committed to democratic principles. He cited an example where Tinubu allowed primary elections within his party, despite having the option of first refusal as the incumbent, to ensure fairness. Who is the true democrat here? Bwala asked.

The presidential aide concluded by accusing the opposition of merely complaining about the current administration without presenting viable alternatives. He dismissed their criticisms as cheap talk, labeling them as taking advantage of national misfortunes to score political points.

Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, has outlined an unconventional approach to national security if he wins the 2027 elections. In a bold statement, he declared that his Minister of Defence would be a drone, emphasizing his deep trust in technological solutions to tackle insecurity.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Sowore proposed a centralized control system to monitor and eliminate terrorist threats in real time. He stressed the need for immediate action against bandits through coordinated efforts backed by advanced equipment and intelligence.

According to Sowore, the current security leadership lacks accountability and focus. He vowed to replace them with honest, technology-driven leaders who prioritize protection over politics. His vision includes a military and police force capable of strategic operations, avoiding misuse of power.

“If I become president tomorrow, my Minister of Defence will be a drone,” Sowore asserted. “That drone will fly everywhere, and we’ll have a control centre where terrorists are tracked and liquidated.” He added that long-term solutions require creating a society where citizens have jobs, education, and no incentive to become tools of violence.

Paul Ibe, the spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has leveled serious allegations against the All Progressives Congress (APC). He claims that the APC deliberately fabricated vote counts during its presidential primary as a rehearsal for manipulating the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time program, Ibe drew a sharp contrast between the two parties’ primary processes. He emphasized that the ADC conducted its primaries with transparency and integrity, unlike the APC, which he accused of generating inflated numbers. During the APC primary, Bola Tinubu secured over 10 million votes, while Atiku garnered 1,855,787 votes to become the ADC’s flag bearer.

“We are not like the APC, which manufactures figures as a dress rehearsal for potential rigging in 2027. That is why they talk about 11 million votes—how is that possible? Those are manufactured numbers. In the ADC, we do things differently,” Ibe stated.

He highlighted that the ADC’s primaries were monitored by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), which was present throughout the process. “Our process was open and transparent. If we are to be taken seriously by Nigerians, our internal democracy must be free, fair, and credible. That is exactly what we achieved,” he added.

Ibe also addressed allegations made against the ADC, stressing that until such claims are backed by evidence, they remain unsubstantiated. “Allegations have been made, but without proof, they are just mere allegations,” he concluded.

Prominent human rights advocate Aisha Yesufu has called for composure following her political party’s decision to skip primary elections for the Federal Capital Territory senatorial seat in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.

The announcement was made public through a post on Yesufu’s official social media handle. According to the statement, the party intends to hold primaries for House of Representatives positions within the FCT, but not for the senate slot.

“Our party has opted out of holding primaries for the Senatorial seat in FCT Abuja. Yet, it plans to conduct primaries for the House of Representatives. Please make your preferences known. I urge everyone to stay calm and keep their eyes on the larger objective: the presidential election. Nigeria will be fine,” the post read in part.

Yesufu expressed gratitude for the support received for her #AishaForSenate campaign. She also revealed plans to visit all six area councils in the coming week to thank residents for their warm reception and to continue advocating for a better FCT.

The development has sparked discussions among political observers, especially as the 2027 elections draw nearer. Yesufu’s call for calm suggests a strategic focus on the presidency rather than internal party disputes.

In a significant political development ahead of the 2027 elections, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State, has officially presented Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo as the governorship candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano. The announcement, which also saw Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna selected to vie for the Kano Central Senatorial seat under the same party banner, was made public through a statement on Kwankwaso’s official social media page.

The statement emphasized that these choices were driven by principles of equity, fairness, loyalty, and competence, which are foundational to the party and the Kwankwasiyya movement’s ethos of progress and unity. Kwankwaso expressed his hopes for a smooth and peaceful affirmation process and conveyed his confidence in the party’s prospects for the upcoming electoral contests.