Category: News

In a move aimed at consolidating his political base ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Nigerian Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has revealed his intention to personally reach out to two prominent politicians who contested against him for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket. Atiku, who emerged victorious in the party’s primary election, stated that he will visit former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to seek their backing.

Speaking shortly after his triumph at the ADC convention, Atiku highlighted the importance of unity within the party. He emphasized that his administration, if elected, would leverage the experience and credibility of its members, many of whom have previously held government positions. The former vice-president’s approach underscores a strategy of reconciliation and coalition-building to strengthen his campaign.

The primary election results saw Atiku securing a commanding 1,846,370 votes, far surpassing Amaechi’s 504,117 votes and Hayatu-Deen’s 177,120 votes. Despite his landslide victory, Atiku acknowledged the need to bring all factions together, stating, ‘I will personally visit Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen and appeal to them to support me. We are bringing experience and credibility because most of us who are leading this party have been in government before.’

This development signals Atiku’s intent to present a united front as he gears up for the 2027 presidential race, aiming to unseat the incumbent and restore democratic values he believes are under threat.

In a significant policy shift, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that only candidates who emerge victorious in its primaries will be required to pay nomination fees. This was disclosed by the party’s national leader, Seriake Dickson, via a statement on his verified X handle.

Dickson explained that the decision was reached during a joint meeting that included Cleopas Moses (national chairman), Peter Obi (presidential aspirant), members of the National Working Committee, and the selection committee.

He noted that due to time constraints, all individuals who purchased expression of interest forms will be allowed to contest in the primaries across their constituencies. Those who win will then proceed to the party secretariat for documentation and pay for nomination forms while completing other necessary paperwork.

The primaries are scheduled for May 28 and 29, with teams of senior party officials deployed to each state to oversee the exercise. Dickson urged these teams to focus on aspirants with strong electoral potential, emphasizing the party’s commitment to women and youth inclusion.

Additionally, Dickson announced the creation of an appeal panel to address any grievances arising from the primaries. He clarified that direct primaries for state assembly positions will occur at the constituency level, while House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential contests will take place at local government headquarters.

During the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in Minna, former Nigerian Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar made a passionate appeal for a politics centered on issues rather than personal attacks. He emphasized that moving away from bitterness in political discourse is crucial for the nation to produce capable leaders and achieve meaningful development.

Speaking after observing the two-raka’at prayer at the Minna Eid praying ground on Wednesday, Abubakar joined fellow Muslims in the festivities. He highlighted that peace is an indispensable foundation for progress, urging citizens from all ethnic and religious backgrounds to persist in prayers and efforts aimed at fostering unity, stability, and growth across the country.

The former leader also prayed for divine intervention to bring enduring peace and prosperity to Nigeria. He noted that the nation’s challenges can only be overcome through collective action and mutual understanding.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, also present at the event, encouraged Muslims to use the Eid period as a time for seeking forgiveness and praying for a better Nigeria marked by peace and economic prosperity. Bago expressed confidence in the country’s future, asserting that challenges can be surmounted through love, respect, and shared commitment, while urging citizens to maintain hope.

The prayer ground was attended by several dignitaries, including former Niger State Governor Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, the Emir of Minna Umar Faruk Bahago, and Mohammed Ibrahim Babangida, son of former Military President Ibrahim Babangida. Also in attendance were the Commissioner of Police for Niger State, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, along with members of the State Executive Council and other high-ranking officials. The Eid prayer itself was led by Malam Habibu Mai Basira.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has officially opened the newly constructed Umuahia Central Bus Terminal, dedicating the facility to Professor Nnenna Oti, the former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer who announced his victory in the 2023 governorship election. The commissioning took place on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone for the state’s transport infrastructure.

During the event, Otti praised Professor Oti, along with other INEC personnel and security agencies, for their integrity in resisting bribery, intimidation, and attempts to manipulate election results. He emphasized that their courage ensured that the will of the people prevailed. “This terminal has been named after Professor Nnenna Nnannaya Oti, an INEC officer, for her courage and sacrifice,” Otti stated.

The bus terminal, according to the governor, is part of his administration’s efforts to improve safety and order in transport operations within Umuahia. It aims to facilitate smooth traffic flow and reduce congestion in the city center. Otti also highlighted that the project would generate economic opportunities for transport operators and contribute to the state’s overall development.

In her response, Professor Nnenna Oti, who is also the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, reaffirmed her commitment to upholding democratic principles. She said, “I stood, and I still stand, that votes must count. The wish of the people must count. I simply did the right thing, and I want Nigeria to do the right thing.”

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has unveiled plans to introduce rural allowance payments for medical doctors assigned to underserved communities. The initiative aims to incentivize healthcare professionals to work in remote areas, with the allowance contingent on monthly performance evaluations and attendance monitoring.

The governor made this known during the inauguration of a Primary Health Centre operational base in Oron Local Government Area on Tuesday. He also revealed that the Ibom International Hospital will be officially launched in June, describing it as one of the nation’s top-tier healthcare facilities.

“We are finalizing arrangements to start paying rural allowances to doctors in rural posts. Please note that these payments will depend on monthly checks of performance and attendance,” Governor Eno stated.

Expressing gratitude to the public for their unwavering support for him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly during the recent All Progressives Congress primaries, the governor pledged continued dedication to public service. “The reward for good work is more work, and by God’s grace, we will keep giving our best to serve you,” he affirmed.

Earlier, Health Commissioner Dr. Ekem Emmanuel explained that the newly commissioned health facility is more than a building—it includes an administrative block and staff housing to enable round-the-clock healthcare delivery. He also announced that the state government will distribute 3.9 million free insecticide-treated mosquito nets statewide from June 1 to June 30. Over 3,500 residents have already been trained and deployed for this campaign.

On Wednesday, a large congregation of Muslim faithful assembled at the Ilorin Central Praying Ground along Yidi Road to perform the two-raka’at Eid-el-Adha prayer in a tranquil setting. The event witnessed the presence of Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, alongside senior government officials, traditional leaders, and party stalwarts.

In a brief address following the prayer session, the governor offered supplications to Allah, seeking enduring peace, harmony, and advancement for both Kwara State and the entire nation. He emphasized the importance of unity among citizens to foster national development.

“We express gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting us the opportunity to observe another Eid. My message revolves around peace, unity, and the progress of our country. I extend Eid Mubarak wishes to everyone,” AbdulRazaq stated.

The governor further urged all Nigerians to stay united and collaborate towards building a better future for the country. He called for collective efforts to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and work for the common good.

Senator Saliu Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin, also extended his felicitations to the Muslim community on the auspicious occasion of Eid-el-Adha. He prayed that Allah would accept their acts of worship and grant them longer life to witness more celebrations. “May our acts of Ibadah be accepted, and may we be blessed with many more years to observe this holy day,” Mustapha prayed.

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, offered prayers for sustained peace and prosperity in the state and the nation. He appealed for unity among the people of the Ilorin Emirate, stressing the need for solidarity.

In his sermon, the Imam Imale, Sheikh Abdullah AbdulHameed, encouraged the congregation to reflect deeply on the core lessons of Eid-el-Adha and incorporate them into their daily lives. He highlighted the values of sacrifice, obedience, and compassion.

Prominent dignitaries at the prayer included the Waziri of Ilorin, Dr. Bukola Saraki; the Grand Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Sulaiman Faruk Onikijipa; former Vice Chancellors Prof. Shuaib Oba AbdulRaheem and Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah; and a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore. Their presence underscored the significance of the event and the collective desire for national harmony.

On Children’s Day, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State and his wife, Nonye, reaffirmed their commitment to providing quality education for every child in the state. Speaking at a march-past event at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the governor expressed delight at the enthusiasm shown by students during the celebration.

Soludo highlighted that Anambra has the lowest rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria, currently at 2.6 percent. He noted that this figure was recorded before the introduction of full scholarships for primary and secondary education. ‘With our scholarship program, I believe the number has decreased further. Our goal is to bring it down to zero,’ he stated.

Mrs. Nonye Soludo, in a separate statement, emphasized the potential of Anambra’s children. ‘Our children are not just future leaders; they are the pride of this state. With proper education, mentorship, and opportunities, they can achieve anything,’ she said. She stressed that the administration will continue to prioritize educational initiatives to unlock every child’s full potential.

The Chief Imam of Benin, Sheikh AbdulFatai Enabulele, has declared that the current economic difficulties, widespread insecurity, and political turmoil facing Nigeria represent a clear vote of no confidence in the country’s political leadership. He made this observation during an interview following the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Ikpoba Slope Eid Ground in Benin City.

He called on authorities at every tier to implement policies and initiatives that would enhance the standard of living for ordinary citizens, emphasizing that many Nigerians are enduring severe hardship. The cleric also connected the rise in cybercrime and other societal ills among the youth to poverty, joblessness, and a lack of effective governance.

According to Enabulele, the abduction of children, who are the future leaders, is a direct consequence of governance failures. He argued that when citizens see their leaders engaging in lawlessness, they are likely to follow suit. He stressed the importance of leaders conducting themselves responsibly and avoiding actions that might mislead the public.

The Imam criticized the ongoing primary elections across political parties, lamenting that after more than two decades of democracy, politicians still struggle to conduct free and fair elections without conflict. He urged political leaders to emulate the sacrifice and dedication of Prophet Ibrahim for the nation’s improvement.

Enabulele pointed out that since 1999, Nigerians have not experienced the true benefits of democracy, with widespread lamentation and economic hardship preventing parents from properly caring for and feeding their children. He noted that pragmatic and progressive policies would encourage citizens to be law-abiding, but lawless leadership breeds lawlessness among the people.

He concluded by praying for divine guidance for both leaders and followers, urging that the universal message of Prophet Ibrahim be embraced by all for a better life. He warned that the current desperate situation suggests that God may have forsaken the nation.

On Wednesday, schools throughout Benue State took part in the nationwide Children’s Day 2026 festivities, organizing a variety of events aimed at highlighting child welfare, inclusivity, and development. At the JS Tarka Stadium in Gboko, students and teachers came together for march-past parades, cultural performances, and other engaging activities designed to foster social bonds among learners.

Similar celebrations were observed in several other locations across the state. In Jato-Aka, children from nursery, primary, and secondary schools gathered at the NKST Pilot Primary School playground. The day’s program included colorful processions, traditional dances, relay races, football matches, and handball contests.

The Vandeikya Township Stadium and the Chief Emmanuel Akume Atongo Township Stadium in Katsina-Ala also hosted vibrant events, with local schools and communities turning out in large numbers for the annual observance.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, in a message delivered by Tersoo Kula, reiterated his administration’s dedication to creating a secure, supportive, and inclusive environment for every child in the state. He emphasized that the government remains committed to advancing education, child welfare, and developmental opportunities for all young residents.

Nigeria observes Children’s Day every year on May 27 to recognize the importance of children and to promote their well-being, education, and growth.

Social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has fired back at threats from the Presidency following allegations that he shared a manipulated audio clip of President Bola Tinubu.

The controversy began when a doctored video surfaced online, purportedly showing VDM using fake audio of the President. In response, Bayo Onanuga, a media aide to President Tinubu, vowed that VDM would be prosecuted for his actions.

Unfazed, VDM declared that he would not attempt to justify his actions regarding the video. He boldly stated that he is fully prepared for any legal consequences that may follow. ‘I am not going to defend these allegations. If I do, let God punish me. I want to encounter that law. I will even book an earlier flight to come back. I want to see what you all can do,’ he asserted.

He further emphasized his right to criticize the government, saying, ‘If you are upset that I am speaking, what else can I do but speak? It is my democratic right to call out the government when it errs. We live in a democracy.’

A video of his response has been circulating on social media platforms.