Category: News

The Court of Appeal in Yola has confirmed Ibrahim Sadiq Dasin as the legitimate chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State. In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, the appellate court overturned a previous decision by a lower court that had invalidated the party’s state congress held in April 2026.

According to the appellate judges, the trial court lacked the legal authority to hear the case because the matter involved internal party disputes related to congresses and leadership selection, which are outside the jurisdiction of the courts. The appeal was filed by the committee that organized the congress, challenging the earlier nullification by the Adamawa State High Court.

Justice Ahmed Isa of the High Court had earlier ruled that the congresses violated due process and should be annulled. The suit was brought by Shehu Yohanna, who claimed to be the state chairman before the congress that produced Dasin. Yohanna argued that the congress proceeded despite a court order to halt it pending a substantive judgment. However, the Appeal Court’s decision now reinstates Dasin and his executive committee as the rightful leaders of the ADC in the state.

Prominent activist and social campaigner Aisha Yesufu has failed to secure the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial ticket for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The primary election saw her defeated by Amanda Pam, a well-known figure within the party.

Yesufu, who has recently pivoted from activism to electoral politics, had expressed her ambition to represent Abuja in the Senate as a means to tackle pressing issues facing residents and amplify their voices in governance. However, her bid was cut short by Pam, who garnered more delegate support.

Following her loss, social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions. Critics have pointed to the outcome as evidence that online popularity does not necessarily translate to real-world electoral success. One user, Comrade Idris Omuya, questioned the effectiveness of her digital support base after her defeat.

Another commenter, Evangelist Divine Vessel, highlighted the contrast between Yesufu’s social media presence and Pam’s grassroots appeal. He noted that Pam, who has no significant online footprint or television appearances, managed to outperform the so-called ‘social media rabble-rouser’. Vessel emphasized that politics is fundamentally local, not driven by online rants or TV interviews.

Yesufu, a vocal backer of Peter Obi’s presidential campaign, now faces a period of reflection as her senatorial ambitions are put on hold. The primary results have sparked discussions about the role of digital activism versus traditional political structures in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has addressed allegations of rigging made by one of its presidential aspirants, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. In an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that the party lacks concrete evidence either to confirm or refute the claims.

Hayatu-Deen had earlier announced his boycott of the party’s presidential primary results announcement, citing alleged widespread irregularities. In response, Abdullahi explained that the party has not yet collated the results and cannot identify any pattern indicative of manipulation.

According to Abdullahi, results from eleven states have been received so far, but the party is still awaiting returns from other states. He emphasized that collation has not commenced, making it premature to draw conclusions about the integrity of the process.

This development adds to the ongoing tensions within the ADC as it navigates its internal electoral processes.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a strong warning to journalists and media outlets about the dangers of spreading false information and announcing results prematurely during the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election. The election is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.

Speaking at a media stakeholders’ forum in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, emphasized that inaccurate reporting, manipulated videos, misleading headlines, and unverified polling unit figures could seriously disrupt the peace of the election and undermine public trust in the democratic process. He spoke on behalf of the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

Dr. Omoseyindemi highlighted that the commission is particularly worried about the rapid spread of electoral falsehoods on social media and unverified online platforms. He urged media executives to establish and activate fact-checking protocols and called on reporters to verify all information through official INEC channels before publishing or broadcasting.

The REC warned on-air personalities against amplifying unsubstantiated claims in their rush to break news. He stressed that sensational coverage could trigger panic, reduce voter turnout, and threaten peace. “The media is not just an observer in the electoral process; the media is a strategic partner in safeguarding democracy,” he said.

Dr. Omoseyindemi revealed that 64 media organizations have applied for accreditation to deploy about 560 journalists for the election. The accreditation portal will close automatically at midnight on June 7, 2026. He encouraged remaining media houses to submit their applications before the deadline.

He also detailed that the governorship election will cover all 16 local government areas, 117 registration areas or wards, and 2,445 polling units across Ekiti State. A total of 13 political parties are participating.

Furthermore, Dr. Omoseyindemi stated that INEC has substantially completed key preparatory activities, including publishing the final candidate list and handing over the final voter register to political parties. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal will be deployed to ensure transparency in voter accreditation and result management.

Non-sensitive election materials have been largely procured, while sensitive materials are in the final production stage. Recruitment and screening of ad hoc staff are done, and training will start shortly.

The commission also announced that Permanent Voter Card collection will begin at registration areas from June 4 to June 8 and continue at local government offices from June 9 to June 11, 2026.

Victoria Eta-Messi, the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, noted that the forum aims to strengthen collaboration between INEC and the media, providing accurate information on electoral procedures, technology, and the Electoral Act 2026.

In a goodwill message, Mr. Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, described fake news and information manipulation as major threats to peaceful elections. “The greatest threat to a peaceful election today is often not physical violence, but information pollution,” he said. He warned journalists against sacrificing accuracy for speed, insisting that speed must never compromise accuracy.

Oketola disclosed that seven of the nine activities on the commission’s election timetable have been completed, and INEC is working toward the simultaneous opening of all 2,445 polling units by 8:30 a.m. on election day.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, confirmed that the union has introduced measures to combat fake news and improve accountability among online journalists in the state. He assured the commission of the union’s dedication to ethical journalism and responsible election coverage.

Additionally, the forum included technical briefings from INEC’s ICT, Electoral Operations, and Legal Services departments on the deployment of BVAS, IReV, operational logistics, and the Electoral Act 2026.

The Accord Party in Ogun State has officially named Okewole Olaniyi as its standard bearer for the 2027 governorship election. The announcement was made during the party’s primary election for governorship and State House of Assembly contests on Tuesday at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta.

Oke Rotimi Michael, the state party chairman who also heads the electoral committee, disclosed the outcome. The electoral committee included secretary Mr. Ajetunmobi Lateef, Mrs. Feyisetan Babatunde, Mrs. Rasheedat Shittu, and Mr. Caleb Adetoro.

Michael explained that the party opted for a consensus method in selecting candidates. He declared, “We have voted and presented our candidates. As chairman of the 2026 primary election for the governorship and House of Assembly elections of Accord in Ogun State, I announce the following winners.”

For the State Assembly, Mr. Salami Monsuru won the Ado-Odo/Ota 2 constituency, Mr. Jinadu Oyeniyi secured Sagamu 1, and Mrs. Abulraheem Lateefat emerged winner in Abeokuta North. All results have been signed and authenticated.

Michael urged the elected candidates to remain focused and ensure the party’s impact is felt by residents. “This is just the beginning. We must make the people feel the party’s presence. Accord is committed to bringing the development our state needs. Let’s go out and preach unity and progress, not selfishness,” he said.

Olaniyi, represented by his campaign Director-General Waheed Azeez, accepted the nomination, vowing to work strategically for positive change. “We aim for a total overhaul of the political status quo. The current situation in the state is not ideal, and the Accord Party is determined to bring about meaningful transformation,” Azeez stated.

The Ondo State Police Command has declared that a cleric’s warning about impending terror attacks is unsubstantiated and lacks credible intelligence. In a viral video, Michael Olowookere claimed that bandits would strike Akure, Akoko, and Owo between Wednesday and Friday, targeting churches, security posts, and large religious gatherings.

Command spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh urged residents to stay calm, stating that investigations are ongoing to verify the claims. He emphasized that security forces have been deployed across the state to prevent any potential breaches.

“We have activated intelligence and operational resources to assess the credibility of the threat. The police, along with other agencies, remain on high alert to ensure public safety,” Jimoh said in a statement.

In preparation for the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir festivities, the Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has mobilized 1,650 of its personnel to maintain peace and order throughout the celebration. This announcement was made by the State Commandant, Igbalawole Sotiyo, during a strategic security briefing held at the command headquarters in Ido-Osun. The meeting, which included Area Commanders and Divisional Officers, was part of a broader initiative to enhance both visible and covert security measures before, during, and after the holiday period.

Commandant Sotiyo emphasized the need for heightened intelligence gathering, surveillance, and rapid response capabilities across all areas of the state. He urged his officers to collaborate closely with other security agencies to ensure a seamless and secure environment for all residents and visitors. The deployed personnel will be strategically positioned at key locations, including Eid prayer grounds, motor parks, markets, and recreational centers, to deter any potential criminal activities.

Furthermore, Sotiyo highlighted the importance of safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure during the festivities. He warned that the command would not tolerate any attempts to disrupt public peace and assured that necessary actions would be taken against anyone found engaging in unlawful acts. The command also plans to engage with traditional rulers, community leaders, and local government authorities to foster a cooperative security framework, especially in border areas.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to the nearest security post for prompt action. The deployment aims to address the anticipated influx of people into Osun State for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, ensuring that all residents can observe the occasion safely.

Ahead of the Sallah festivities scheduled for Wednesday, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) launched a series of targeted airstrikes against terrorist hideouts and logistical hubs in Biramiri, situated within the Gezuwa area of Borno State.

The coordinated air assaults effectively destroyed key insurgent facilities and neutralized numerous fighters, significantly diminishing the terrorists’ operational capability.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, disclosed this in a statement released Tuesday evening. He emphasized that the sustained and precise air campaigns have instilled widespread fear and confusion among terrorist groups operating in the Sambisa forest region.

According to the statement, intelligence reports indicate growing panic and disarray within insurgent ranks, as relentless bombardments restrict their movement and deny them safe refuges.

The NAF, in collaboration with troops from Operation HADIN KAI and other security agencies, remains steadfast in maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist networks, reaffirming its dedication to protecting innocent civilians and restoring enduring peace and security across Nigeria’s North-East.

A breakaway group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its weight behind Senator Sandy Onor as the party’s consensus presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Onor, a close associate of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), previously vied for the Cross River State governorship ticket under the PDP in 2023.

This development comes shortly after Onor became the first aspirant to purchase the presidential nomination forms from the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja.

Onor served as the senator for Cross River Central Senatorial District from 2019 to 2023, having been elected to the 9th Assembly in 2019.

A call for intensified efforts to combat environmental degradation and improve sanitation has been made by experts during a community clean-up initiative in the Federal Capital Territory. The event, organized under the theme ‘Deploying the Power of IT-Engaged Youths in Effective Plastic Use and Plastic Waste Management 2.0’, was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Small Grants Programme (SGP).

Dr. Ibukun Odusote, former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment and CEO of Digital Peers International (DPI), emphasized the urgent need for stakeholders to unite in fostering environmental sustainability. She advocated for responsible plastic consumption, community-driven cleanliness, and youth-led innovations to tackle plastic waste across the FCT and beyond.

Odusote highlighted the critical role of informal waste collectors, locally known as Baban bola, in recycling plastics and keeping streets clean. While acknowledging controversies surrounding their activities—including links to crime—she stressed their positive environmental contributions and called for support rather than outright bans.

Echoing the sentiment, Engr. Sherifat Lawal, represented by Eyo Maureen of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), warned that indiscriminate waste disposal and poor hygiene practices are endangering public health, causing flooding, and harming ecosystems. She noted that environmental responsibility extends beyond government agencies to include every citizen, household, and organization.

Lawal urged proper waste disposal, recycling of reusable materials, and consistent cleanliness to prevent diseases, protect drainage systems, and enhance community aesthetics. The experts collectively urged behavioral change, innovation in waste management, and sustainable opportunities for youth, while recognizing the vital role of informal recyclers in the plastic value chain.