Category: News

Chille Igbawua, a close adviser to former Senate President David Mark who now chairs the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has openly criticized Peter Obi’s recent defection from the party. Igbawua, who serves on the ADC’s electoral panel, argued that Obi missed a valuable chance to test his political mettle in a competitive primary.

Speaking during a television interview, Igbawua suggested that Obi would have gained crucial political insights even if he ultimately lost the nomination to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He stressed that the ADC primary offered a level playing field for all contenders, emphasizing the coalition’s original mission to rescue Nigeria—not to serve individual ambitions.

Igbawua highlighted vote tallies from Benue State as evidence of the primary’s fairness: Atiku secured approximately 55,000 votes, followed by Rotimi Amaechi with around 30,000, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen with about 22,000. He noted that he had been involved in building the coalition from its inception and selecting ADC as the platform.

When asked whether Obi might feel relieved to leave, Igbawua responded firmly: “I don’t think he can be grateful, and I don’t believe he made the right decision, in my opinion.” He urged political leaders to prioritize national interest over personal gain and to remain within coalitions rather than abandon them when personal needs are not met.

Obi recently exited ADC and has now declared his presidential ambition under the banner of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Igbawua’s comments underscore ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s opposition landscape as parties realign ahead of the next general election.

Victorious candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries have voiced their discontent over the prolonged wait for their Certificates of Return, sparking concerns of a possible scheme by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to tamper with the candidate list for the 2027 elections.

Unhappy contenders, who requested anonymity to avoid reprisals, said the hold-up is fueling suspicion, especially after some NWC members hinted that the leadership could override primary results. They fear the party secretariat might use administrative maneuvers to replace winners with preferred individuals.

One aspirant noted that while President Bola Tinubu received his certificate just hours after winning the presidential primary, other winners remain empty-handed weeks later. This disparity has led many to believe the party is applying double standards.

Another candidate alleged that influential party figures are already working behind the scenes to substitute certain winners with their own allies. The aggrieved aspirants called on the NWC to issue all certificates promptly to prevent further anxiety and potential internal crisis.

When approached for comment, APC spokesperson Felix Morka dismissed the allegations, stating the party had done nothing to warrant such concerns. However, internal sources revealed that the NWC is still reviewing primary reports and will make decisions based on the party’s constitution and guidelines.

Meanwhile, APC stakeholders across the country have warned the leadership against nullifying any primary outcomes based on what they term “premature announcements.” In a memorandum to the National Chairman and NWC members, the group, represented by Barrister Abdullazeez Mamman, argued that the primaries were conducted by committees acting under delegated authority, and the results reflect the will of party members. They insisted that the ballot is not a proposal subject to administrative nullification.

The controversy comes days after President Tinubu was handed his Certificate of Return for the presidential ticket, which he won with 10.9 million votes. This quick issuance for the president has only deepened the frustration among other winners, who now demand equal treatment.

On Wednesday, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu participated in Eid-el-Kabir prayers alongside other Muslim worshippers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos. The event saw a significant turnout of political dignitaries.

Accompanying the President were key government figures, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, and Deputy Governor of Lagos State Obafemi Hamzat.

Images from the prayer ground were subsequently posted on X by Dada Olusegun, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has encouraged faith leaders to maintain their supplications for national tranquility, cohesion, and steadiness in the lead-up to, during, and after the forthcoming 2027 general elections. Speaking through Senator Shuaibu Afolabi, who represents Ogun Central in the Senate, the governor made this call while attending Eid prayers at Lantoro praying ground in Abeokuta.

He also implored Nigerians to offer prayers for President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing the need for parental dedication to child-rearing on this year’s Children’s Day. Reflecting on the state’s progress, Abiodun noted that Ogun has experienced remarkable calm and advancement over the past seven years, attributing this to divine grace and the intercessions of religious leaders.

“The governor asked me to convey three key points,” Afolabi stated. “First, as his administration approaches seven years in office, he requests continued prayers to replicate the successes of the past seven years in the remaining one year. Second, pray for President Tinubu’s successful reelection and for peaceful polls across Ogun State, ensuring the nation remains united and conflict-free before, during, and after the elections. Third, today is Children’s Day; a well-nurtured child benefits both family and country. Let us raise the next generation on godliness and virtues.”

Abiodun reiterated his commitment to delivering democratic dividends across the state’s three senatorial districts before his tenure ends. Meanwhile, Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheikh Sa’addallah Bamigbola, urged Muslims to embrace peace, tolerance, unity, and selflessness, deeming these values crucial for societal progress and harmony.

Nigeria’s military is turning the tide in the battle against insecurity, according to security analyst and civil society advocate Samuel Agada. Speaking on Wednesday, Agada highlighted that the armed forces neutralized 317 terrorists in May 2026, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s counterterrorism efforts.

Agada attributed these achievements to enhanced collaboration within Nigeria’s security framework and the strategic guidance of Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede. He emphasized that the numbers reflect more than mere statistics—they represent safeguarded communities, preserved lives, and dismantled criminal networks, driven by the bravery and expertise of Nigerian soldiers.

“These successes are a testament to the improved coordination among our security agencies and the effective leadership of General Oluyede during a period of complex threats across multiple regions,” Agada stated. His remarks underscore a growing confidence in the military’s capacity to restore order and protect citizens amid persistent security challenges.

The Nigerian Presidency has declared its intention to pursue legal action against social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as Verydarkman (VDM), for purportedly circulating a manipulated audio recording of President Bola Tinubu. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, a media aide to the President, via his official X account.

According to Onanuga, VDM acted as a conduit for spreading the fake audio, which featured an AI-generated voice mimicking Tinubu. The fabricated clip suggested that the President stated insecurity would persist in Nigeria because he did not receive votes from certain regions during the 2023 elections. Onanuga described this as a clear violation of social media regulations and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

However, an independent review by DAILY POST found no evidence of the alleged audio in VDM’s posted content. This discrepancy raises questions about the validity of the accusation. Despite this, the Presidency remains firm, vowing that VDM will face the full consequences of the law for what they term an egregious abuse of digital platforms.

The Lagos State Police Command has announced a comprehensive security operation across the metropolis to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir and Children’s Day celebrations. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, revealed that the deployment is in line with an order from the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, to protect key areas during the festive season.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Tijani, stated that officers have been stationed at prayer grounds, leisure spots, highways, parks, and other sensitive locations. The goal is to safeguard lives and property throughout the twin festivities. He directed area commanders, divisional police officers, tactical commanders, personnel from the Police Mobile Force, and counter-terrorism units to ramp up visibility patrols and intensify anti-crime measures across the state.

The operation also involves specialists from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear operatives, as well as traffic officers. Tijani emphasized the need for effective crowd management and smooth traffic flow during the events. He urged all deployed personnel to act professionally, with civility and respect while carrying out their duties.

The police chief greeted Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, wishing them a peaceful and crime-free celebration. He also extended warm wishes to children across Lagos for the 2026 Children’s Day, which coincides with the Sallah holidays. Tijani advised young people to steer clear of violence and crime, urging them to adopt positive values and stay alert to security issues.

He called on residents to remain watchful and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station. Additionally, he appealed to travelers and motorists to cooperate with security personnel stationed on highways and other duty posts, ensuring a harmonious and orderly celebration throughout Lagos.

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.