Category: News

This year’s Children’s Day was overshadowed by grief and anger as Nigerian celebrities took to social media to condemn the abduction of students in Oyo State. The hashtag #BringBackOurStudents trended as public figures called on the government to take immediate action.

Toke Makinwa shared a heartfelt prayer, expressing hope for divine intervention. Paul Okoye, known as Rudeboy, described the day as an ‘unhappy children’s day.’ Ruth Kadiri lamented that nowhere is safe anymore, noting that even mothers, teachers, and children are being taken from their homes and schools.

Veteran actress Patience Ozokwor questioned how children could be targeted while society remains silent. She demanded answers and urged for change. Mercy Eke, a former BBN star, emphasized that children should be playing and living freely, not in fear. She called on security agencies to fulfill their duty and bring the captives home.

Tayo Sobola warned Nigerians to be vigilant about their surroundings, as abductions can happen to anyone. Kehinde Bankole drew parallels to the Chibok girls’ kidnapping, insisting that lasting solutions are needed and that the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens.

Chiwetalu Agu provided details of the mass kidnappings in Mussa Town, Borno, and Oriire LGA, Oyo State, where over 70 children and several adults were taken. He asked what the government is doing and stated that the safety of children must not be negotiable.

The collective outcry underscores a nation weary of recurring insecurity, with celebrities using their platforms to demand accountability and the safe return of all victims.

As Muslims in Nigeria celebrate Eid al-Adha, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has made a passionate appeal for continued prayers aimed at achieving lasting peace and security in the state and the nation at large. In a broadcast on Wednesday, the governor congratulated the Muslim faithful on the festival, which symbolizes sacrifice, obedience, and devotion as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.

Governor Lawal specifically called on residents, including those performing the Hajj pilgrimage, to remain steadfast in their supplications for peace, stability, and progress. He highlighted that the state administration has recorded notable successes in the fight against banditry, which has led to the gradual return of displaced communities to their original homes.

As an example, the governor pointed to the recent resettlement of thousands of internally displaced persons in Fegin Kanawa Village, located in Gusau Local Government Area, after more than a year of being away from their homes. He reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to facilitating the safe return of all displaced individuals and to sustaining efforts aimed at restoring peace in affected areas.

Lawal emphasized that collective prayers and the support of the people are crucial to the ongoing security and peace-building initiatives across the state. He wished all Muslims a peaceful Eid al-Adha and later participated in the Eid prayers at the Gusau Central Eid Prayer Ground.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, emphasized that Children’s Day is a timely reminder of the shared duty to care for, safeguard, and invest in the youth. He extended congratulations to children across the state and Nigeria on the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, calling them the hope, pride, and future of any society.

In a statement released in Osogbo through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke stressed that children are the reason why the government must persist in its efforts to create a brighter tomorrow. He described children as “the foundation of tomorrow’s Osun State” and asserted that every child deserves quality education, healthcare, protection, and equal opportunities, irrespective of their social background.

The governor highlighted that the dreams, talents, and aspirations of young people are vital for the state’s future growth and prosperity. He reiterated that every child—whether in public schools, private institutions, or government care homes—is equally important to his administration.

Adeleke reaffirmed his government’s dedication to policies and programs that support the welfare and development of children. He noted ongoing initiatives aimed at improving access to quality education, creating safe learning environments, enhancing child welfare services, and ensuring better living conditions for the youth.

He called on parents, guardians, teachers, and religious leaders to instill discipline, moral values, respect, and compassion in children, emphasizing that raising responsible citizens is a collective responsibility. Adeleke warned against child abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence, stating that any society that fails to protect its children jeopardizes its own future.

“As we celebrate our children today, I assure every parent and child that our administration will leave no stone unturned in protecting and developing the future of our young ones,” the governor declared.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has issued a clear message to politicians eyeing the 2027 gubernatorial election in the state: their own achievements and popularity will determine who wins, not the endorsement of his name.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at his residence in Bodija, Ibadan, the monarch—who previously served as state governor—pointed out that many aspirants are currently using his name as a campaign tool. He described all local politicians as his children and said there is nothing wrong with them invoking his name if it helps their cause.

However, he stressed that the final decision rests with the electorate, who will assess each candidate’s background and public support. “Let them use my name to promote themselves if they find it useful. But at the end of the day, the people will choose their leader, not my name,” Ladoja stated.

The traditional ruler also addressed the recent abduction of 39 students and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area. He expressed sadness over the incident but affirmed that the government and security agencies are working diligently to secure their release, though they cannot publicly disclose all details for security reasons.

In addition, Oba Ladoja condemned the growing problem of land grabbing across the ancient city, making it clear that such actions are unacceptable.

The 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, is set to kick off the customary Sallah horse-riding events, known as Hawan Daushe and Hawan Nassarawa, on Thursday and Friday respectively. This announcement came from Sarkin Dawaki Babba, a senior palace official, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, who confirmed that security forces have approved the traditional festivities.

Speaking on Wednesday, Dan’agundi revealed that the Hawan Daushe procession would see the Emir traversing the city center, deliberately avoiding the main Kano Emir’s Palace, which is currently under the occupation of the 16th Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II. He added, “We have written to the police, and they have not said we shouldn’t carry out the exercise, so we are going to do it accordingly in a more peaceful way, starting from the Nassarawa Emir Palace to Kofar Nassarawa back to his home.”

On Friday, the route will shift, passing through state roads to Fagge and then to Mandawari, where the Emir will pause to prevent overcrowding given the anticipated large number of supporters. Dan’agundi assured the public that the events would be conducted peacefully and orderly, with supporters already cautioned against any actions that could lead to unrest.

A prominent aspirant for the Zamfara North Senatorial District, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, has initiated legal proceedings against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Federal High Court in Gusau. The lawsuit challenges the outcome of the party’s primary election in the district, citing procedural violations.

Shinkafi, who previously belonged to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), accuses the APC of imposing a candidate without proper consensus among cleared aspirants. He asserts that there was no written agreement indicating his voluntary withdrawal from the race, and he did not support any aspirant as a consensus choice.

The former governorship candidate contends that the APC failed to adhere to due process before declaring Senator Sahabi Alhaji Ya’u as the consensus candidate for Zamfara North on May 19, 2026. He argues that the party’s actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for democratic principles and internal party democracy.

Shinkafi warns that without decisive measures to curb such legal abuses, society risks descending into chaos, lawlessness, and dictatorship. He emphasizes that ongoing violations by those in authority could irreparably harm societal progress and stability.

Represented by counsel Bello Idris Galadi Esq., Shinkafi filed Suit No. FHC/GS/CS/6/2026 on May 25, 2026. The suit seeks judicial interpretation of constitutional and statutory provisions, raising key questions about compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.

The questions include whether the APC was obligated to conduct primaries under Section 84(1) of the Electoral Act; whether the party was duty-bound to nominate candidates through direct primaries or consensus as per Section 84(2); and whether the party’s actions violated internal democracy under Section 86. Additionally, the suit examines if the APC satisfied legal requirements outlined in Sections 86 and 87, Article 20.4(1) of the party’s constitution, and its guidelines for primaries.

Shinkafi seeks several declarations and orders: a declaration that due process was not followed; a declaration that the actions of the APC and Senator Ya’u are inconsistent with internal democracy; a declaration that no valid consensus or primary occurred; an order setting aside the purported primary; an order for a fresh primary election involving all cleared aspirants; an order directing the defendants to uphold internal democracy and rule of law; and a perpetual injunction restraining further breaches.

In a 21-paragraph affidavit, Shinkafi states that he purchased and submitted nomination forms for the APC, paying N20 million on April 30, 2026. He was cleared alongside two other aspirants: Hanafi Musa Moriki and Sahabi Alhaji Ya’u. Shinkafi earlier petitioned the APC National Chairman and the Senate Primary Election Committee against the alleged imposition of a candidate.

The hearing date remains unset, but the case could significantly impact the political landscape in Zamfara State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has publicly disputed the results of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries, citing extensive voter suppression and misconduct.

In a statement shared via his X account on Tuesday, Amaechi labeled the declared results as fabricated, insisting earlier that he would only respect a process that was transparent and fair.

He emphasized, “A process that betrays the very principles the ADC promised to uphold will never earn my acceptance.”

Amaechi claimed that roughly 80 percent of party members nationwide were barred from casting their ballots. “If four out of five members couldn’t vote, how can anyone expect me to endorse such an outcome?” he questioned.

The former Rivers State governor accused the ADC of replicating the same malpractices it had condemned in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to him, it is hypocritical for the ADC to attack vote buying, rigging, and result manipulation by others while engaging in identical acts during its own internal election.

Amaechi concluded that the situation is unacceptable and contradicts the founding ideals of the party.

In a significant political development, former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke has clinched the presidential nomination of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) for the 2027 general elections. The outcome was announced at the party’s headquarters in Abuja following a keenly contested primary election on Tuesday.

Three aspirants vied for the party’s ticket, but Duke emerged victorious with a commanding lead. According to Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the PRP National Chairman, Duke amassed a total of 6,499 votes. His closest competitor, Kingsley Yakubu—who ran a vigorous campaign emphasizing youth inclusion and economic revitalization—secured 2,699 votes. Meanwhile, Dr. Nnaoke Ufere, an academic and policy expert, finished third with 784 votes.

Baba-Ahmed lauded the primary as peaceful, transparent, and conducted without any bias. He advised any dissatisfied aspirant to direct their grievances to the party’s Appeal Committee for a thorough review in accordance with established party procedures.

This victory positions Duke as a key contender for the presidency in 2027, as the political landscape continues to evolve with major party nominations underway.

Businessman and political figure Isaac Fayose has raised serious allegations against the All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming the party manipulated its own primary elections while officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present. In a video posted on his Facebook page, Fayose expressed outrage over the process that saw President Bola Tinubu emerge as the APC candidate for the 2027 elections.

According to reports, Tinubu secured over 10.9 million votes in the primary, while his opponent Stanley Osifo managed only 16,503 votes. However, viral clips on social media show what appears to be vote inflation, with counting allegedly jumping from hundreds to thousands without proper verification.

Fayose lamented that INEC’s ratification of such a flawed process signals that the 2027 general elections will also be compromised. He stated, “They claim ten million people voted for Tinubu, but you can see how they counted from hundreds and leaped to thousands. INEC officials were there. Yet some people expect free and fair elections in 2027. They are already rigging.”

The businessman warned that the commission’s approval of the APC primary confirms that Nigerians should not anticipate credible elections in 2027. He added, “For INEC to validate this primary, they’ve shown how 2027 will unfold. They plan to declare ten million votes for our worst president.”

The controversy adds to growing concerns about electoral integrity in Nigeria, with several stakeholders calling for reforms.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ebonyi State is facing an escalating leadership crisis after rival factions conducted separate presidential primaries on Monday, producing conflicting winners. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi were both declared winners by different party structures, deepening internal divisions within the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

One faction, loyal to suspended state chairman Barrister Silas Joseph Onu, announced Atiku as the winner of a primary held across the state’s 171 wards. The faction’s electoral committee reported 18,891 registered voters, with 17,700 accredited, and declared Atiku secured 15,300 votes against Amaechi’s 2,200 and Muhammad Hayatudeen’s 200. The collation took place at Preston Hotel in Abakaliki.

Earlier, the faction recognized by the party’s official state leadership, chaired by Dr. Mrs. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, conducted a separate primary at the party secretariat. Returning Officer Bassey Edogi Imoke announced Amaechi as winner with 6,050 votes, while Atiku garnered 1,210 and Hayatudeen received 4,840. This faction reported 12,641 registered delegates with 12,100 accredited.

The contradictory outcomes have plunged the Ebonyi ADC into a legitimacy crisis, with both camps claiming constitutional backing. The crisis stems from an April 29 Federal High Court ruling that nullified previous party congresses nationwide, order new ones. Adibe-Nwafor had publicly stated the party would comply with the ruling, but the Onu-led faction proceeded with its own primary despite Onu’s suspension over alleged anti-party activities.

Analysts view the split as a reflection of broader power struggles within the ADC, with Atiku’s support coming from northern political interests and Amaechi’s from southern blocs pushing for power rotation. The conflicting delegate numbers—12,100 versus 17,700—raise questions about credibility and may require national leadership or judicial intervention to resolve the impasse.