Category: News

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State is embroiled in a leadership crisis following the conduct of parallel governorship primaries that produced two separate winners. Within a span of 24 hours, Jimi Lawal and Biodun Ogundipe were each declared the party’s candidate in rival exercises held on Monday.

At the party secretariat, National Organizing Secretary Adebimpe Adelowo announced that Lawal secured 19,428 votes, defeating Ogundipe who got 5,775 votes, while Dr. Marie Bolaji Odusina polled 4,825 votes. However, at a different venue – Basic Trust International, Oke Ilewo – a separate electoral committee chaired by Adeniyi Adams declared Ogundipe the winner with 9,370 votes against Lawal’s 6,812 and Odusina’s 2,349.

The conflicting results have thrown the party into confusion, with the state publicity secretary, Olumide Onabajo, dismissing the result from the secretariat as null and void. According to Onabajo, the recognized electoral committee was led by Adeniyi Adams and Babatunde Moshood, not Adelowo, and their exercise declared Ogundipe the authentic candidate.

Meanwhile, aspirant Marie Odusina has petitioned the national chairman, Senator David Mark, demanding a fresh primary over alleged irregularities. She cited violations including multiple voting locations within the same ward, lack of official communication about modalities, and staggered voting times, especially in Ogun West. Odusina warned of legal action if her concerns are not addressed.

The controversy deepened as the Ogun State ADC chairman, Femi Soluade, distanced himself from the process, stating he was not involved in conducting the primary and would await clarification from the party leadership.

This dispute comes amid earlier calls by some party members for Lawal’s disqualification over an ongoing ICPC corruption case. The situation highlights deep internal divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Kabiru Turaki-led wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set to convene a special convention this Saturday, aiming to formally endorse former President Goodluck Jonathan as its nominee for the 2027 presidential race.

An invitation released late Thursday, jointly signed by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Emebong, and National Organising Secretary, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, shared details of the event. According to the notice circulated on the party’s social media channels, the ratification ceremony for Jonathan’s candidacy will be held at the A Class Event Centre in Wuse 2, Abuja, starting at 10 a.m.

This move follows a recent court ruling that confirmed Jonathan’s eligibility to stand in the 2027 elections. The Turaki faction has been actively courting Jonathan in recent months, seeking to bring him into the race. On May 19, the faction had already declared the former president as its sole candidate for the 2027 poll, after he reportedly failed to appear before the party’s presidential screening committee for two consecutive days.

During a press briefing following the second day of screening, Babangida Aliyu, a member of the Presidential Screening Committee, announced that Jonathan had been cleared as the only presidential aspirant, adding that the party leadership had granted him a waiver to bypass the screening process. “As you know, the party had already given a presidential aspirant the waiver. Like I said in the beginning, he was a deputy governor, became governor, became vice-president and became president. So, we didn’t see anything that needed screening. Therefore, the party had given him a waiver. In other words, he had been declared as the candidate of PDP for the presidential election,” Aliyu stated.

Despite these assertions from the Turaki faction, former President Goodluck Jonathan has not publicly declared any intention to re-enter active presidential politics or contest the 2027 election. Consequently, his attendance at Saturday’s planned ratification convention remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, a rival PDP faction recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and reportedly backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, earlier this week selected former national lawmaker Sandy Onor as its presidential candidate for the 2027 contest.

Nigeria is veering into the repressive era of late General Sani Abacha, according to Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a prominent figure in the Accord Party. In a statement issued ahead of the party’s presidential primary on May 30, 2026, Hashim decried what he described as orchestrated moves to stifle opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. He alleged that influential political actors are systematically weakening opposition platforms to prevent viable alternatives from challenging the ruling establishment. Hashim said, “Nigeria is being dragged back to the Abacha years.”

The former presidential candidate accused a senior Accord Party chieftain of orchestrating internal sabotage aimed at destabilizing the party and hindering its ability to field a credible presidential candidate. He drew parallels between the current political climate and that of the Abacha regime, where all political parties were co-opted to serve a single power agenda. “We are seeing history repeat itself,” Hashim stated, “with parties being used as instruments for a self-succession plot.”

Hashim, a Kwara State native, linked the alleged scheme to high-ranking officials within President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He expressed confidence that the coordinated effort would ultimately fail, just as the Abacha succession plan did. “This plot by top officials will collapse, just like the Abacha agenda crumbled,” he asserted. Hashim’s comments come amid growing concerns about political repression and the shrinking of democratic space in Nigeria.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed soldiers from the Joint Task Force North Central, also known as Operation Savannah Shield, to step up operations against criminals terrorizing communities in the region.

Speaking during his inaugural operational tour at Sobi Barracks in Ilorin, the army chief emphasized the need for heightened action to eliminate threats such as kidnappers and bandits operating across the joint area of responsibility.

General Shaibu reiterated the Nigerian Army’s unwavering dedication to its constitutional duty to protect lives and property, stating that troops have maintained steady pressure to prevent criminal elements from running rampant or endangering national security.

He assured service members that additional combat resources and support equipment are being provided to strengthen ongoing missions aimed at clearing criminal hideouts in both Kwara and Niger states.

The army chief also stressed the importance of troop welfare, promising continued improvements to keep morale high and ensure operational effectiveness. He urged soldiers to remain disciplined, professional, and loyal to the constitution and the democratically elected government.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that refunds will be issued to pilgrims impacted by a food service failure during the ongoing 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia. This decision follows the rejection of certain meals provided to Nigerian pilgrims, which did not comply with approved health and packaging standards set by Saudi authorities.

In an official statement, NAHCON emphasized its dedication to the safety and well-being of all Nigerian pilgrims. The commission noted that Saudi health regulations are strictly enforced during the pilgrimage, particularly given the current climatic conditions in the Kingdom.

According to the statement, dinner meals served on the evening of May 27, 2026, were found to be substandard in handling and packaging. In coordination with Saudi officials, these meals were promptly refused. To alleviate inconvenience, the service support company distributed alternative light refreshments to affected pilgrims. Meanwhile, NAHCON board members visited state officials and managers to provide updates.

Chairman Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf has directed the commission’s security committee to investigate the caterers responsible for the incident, as well as any individuals involved in procuring the contracts. Additionally, a separate inquiry has been ordered into tour operators suspected of exceeding registered pilgrim numbers and exploiting unsuspecting participants during the Hajj.

NAHCON has warned that any operator found guilty of misconduct will face severe penalties, including potential revocation of operating licenses. The commission has already initiated arrangements for immediate refunds to affected pilgrims.

Expressing gratitude for the pilgrims’ patience, NAHCON reassured them that their welfare remains a top priority throughout the Hajj exercise. “NAHCON appreciates the understanding of the pilgrims and reassures all of its continued commitment to their welfare throughout the Hajj exercise,” the statement read.

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has called on Muslim clerics in the region to stay alert and prevent any activities that could undermine the peace and stability of their localities. Speaking on Thursday during a Sallah homage visit by the Wukari chapter of the Muslim Council of Nigeria at the TY Danjuma House in Wukari, the governor commended the peaceful observance of the Sallah festivities across the state.

Kefas reiterated his administration’s dedication to fostering peace, unity, and tolerance among all residents, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds. He emphasized that past conflicts should be considered closed chapters and must not resurface.

The governor also highlighted notable progress in his administration’s efforts in education, security, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and the payment of pensions and gratuities. He assured the people of Taraba that his government would continue to deliver democratic benefits to every part of the state.

Earlier, the leader of the Muslim delegation explained that the visit was to pay homage to the governor and express gratitude for his developmental achievements throughout Taraba.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning to sachet water producers, urging them to cease manufacturing unregistered products and to update expired licenses or face punitive measures. This directive was delivered by Chukwuma Oligbu, the Director of NAFDAC for the South-South Zone, following an enforcement sweep across Rivers State, targeting areas such as Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Degema, and Ikwerre Local Government Areas.

As a result of the operation, 16 sachet water factories were forced to close, and their proprietors were summoned for interrogation. NAFDAC attributed the closures to multiple violations, including operating in unsanitary environments, utilizing unsafe filtration systems, submitting false addresses, and using lapsed licenses, among other infractions.

In a statement released on Thursday by Cyril Monye, the Public Relations Officer for the South-South Zone, the agency emphasized that any facility operating illegally or impeding inspection officers would be sealed, and the owners would face legal prosecution. The public was also encouraged to report any instances of unauthorized water production.

The affected factories include Obra Bo Table Water in Abalama, Asari Toru LGA; Loilia Table Water in Okpo, Degema LGA; Jima Table Water in Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA; and Inye Table Water in Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA. Additionally, Obuta Table Water, S.P. Nimi Table Water, Soaltam Table Water, and Piasso Table Water, all located in Degema LGA, were shut down. In Akuku Toru LGA, Granpa Table Water, Daa Ajuka Table Water, and Diob Table Water in Abonnema were also closed. In Ikwerre LGA, AQUA-TOBSON Table Water, DUCO Table Water, CHISODEK Table Water, and NEO BRAIN Table Water were among those sealed.

Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State, has issued a stark warning regarding the decreasing number of Nigerians participating in elections. Speaking on Thursday in Umuahia during a lecture commemorating the third anniversary of his administration, Otti expressed concern that only 27% of registered voters actually cast ballots in the 2023 general elections.

He cautioned that voter apathy in Abia and across Nigeria could pave the way for incompetent or dishonest individuals to ascend to power. Otti emphasized that when citizens register but fail to vote, they inadvertently create an opening for corrupt or unprepared candidates to take control.

The governor acknowledged widespread disillusionment with the electoral process due to irregularities, but he argued that this should not be a reason to abandon the nation’s political future to unscrupulous elements. “You can say sometimes that when you come and exercise your will, it does not count,” he stated. “If votes do not count, why do politicians campaign? They could just sit down and write the results.”

In a related development, Otti announced the inclusion of commissioners for tertiary education, health, and basic and secondary education in the Abia State Security Council. This move aims to bolster security within the educational sector. He noted that while his administration has significantly reduced kidnapping, banditry, and armed robbery, cultism remains a persistent challenge that must be tackled, starting from schools. “The other day, cultists went on a rampage and killed some people in Aba, and then we traced them back to the schools,” Otti revealed.

The Nigerian government has firmly refuted rumors of suspending the Student Upkeep Allowance under its education loan program. In an official statement released on Thursday, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) spokesperson, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, categorically denied any such directive.

Recent reports had suggested that the government decided to halt the disbursement of upkeep allowances to students. However, NELFUND has labeled these reports as entirely false and misleading, emphasizing that no such suspension has been ordered.

The organization urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information that could spread misinformation and create unnecessary panic among students and their families across the country. “The Fund remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding access to higher education and supporting Nigerian students through sustainable financing initiatives,” the statement read.

The Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH) has called off a planned excursion for its students to New Bussa, Niger State, due to safety worries expressed by parents and other stakeholders.

According to a statement from the university’s Deputy Registrar for Information and Public Affairs, Abdullahi Datti Abdullahi, Vice-Chancellor Musa Tukur Yakasai made the decision after evaluating intelligence reports on the security conditions in the area. The field exercise was originally intended for Level 400 Fisheries students as part of their mandatory curriculum.

Abdullahi clarified that the Vice-Chancellor had already rejected the proposal to visit New Bussa when it was first suggested, citing his prior knowledge of the security challenges there. The Department of Fisheries has since been directed to identify a safer location for the exercise.

As a result, the students will now complete their field work at Tiga Dam in Kano State, which is considered secure. The university emphasized that student safety is its highest priority, both on and off campus. Abdullahi stated, “The institution never compromises on the well-being and security of its students.” He added that there was never any intention to send students to an unsafe area like New Bussa.

The clarification comes after parents raised alarms about the proposed trip to Niger State, prompting the university to address the concerns publicly.