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Author: Promise Odejide

  • Peter Obi Emerges Sole Presidential Aspirant As NDC Closes 2027 Nomination Forms

    Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has emerged as the sole presidential aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following the closure of the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the 2027 presidential election.

    Sources within the party disclosed that Obi was the only aspirant who purchased the presidential nomination forms before the deadline expired.

    NDC Extends Deadline For Other Positions

    The NDC, however, announced a one-week extension for aspirants seeking governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly tickets.

    In a statement issued by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the deadline earlier fixed for May 17 was extended to midnight of May 24, 2026.

    According to the statement, the extension applies only to legislative and governorship aspirants, while the presidential nomination process has officially closed.

    “The collection of Expression of Interest Forms for the office of the President has officially closed,” the statement noted.

    Screening To Begin May 19

    The party disclosed that screening and pre-qualification interviews for aspirants who purchased and completed the forms would commence on Tuesday, May 19, and end on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

    It added that the collection and return of Nomination Forms for screened and cleared aspirants would begin on May 20 and close on May 26.

    The NDC warned that no further extension would be granted beyond the new deadline.

    Party Lists Requirements For Aspirants

    The party directed all aspirants to appear before the screening committee with relevant documents, including educational certificates, birth certificate or declaration of age, passport photographs, voter’s card, NDC membership card and curriculum vitae.

    According to the statement, all submitted documents must be provided in six copies.

    The NDC also stated that aspirants would be assessed based on competence, character, capacity, local realities and the wishes of the electorate.

    The party further instructed the screening committee to consider its affirmative action policy for women, youths and persons living with disabilities during the exercise.

    Consensus Encouraged Ahead Of Primaries

    The party encouraged aspirants contesting for other elective offices to embrace consensus-building ahead of the primaries.

    It also stressed that only aspirants cleared through the screening process would be eligible to proceed with nomination forms.

  • Atiku Falls Ill As ADC Postpones Presidential Screening Amid Consensus Talks

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly fallen ill and was placed on bed rest, a development said to have contributed to the postponement of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential screening exercise.

    Sources within the party disclosed that Atiku became ill over the weekend and has been receiving treatment from his personal physician at home.

    The development comes amid growing internal consultations within the ADC over the party’s presidential screening process ahead of the 2027 election.

    ADC Shifts Screening Exercise

    The ADC had earlier announced the postponement of its presidential screening exercise from Monday to Wednesday.

    Party insiders said the delay was linked to ongoing discussions among leading aspirants and party stakeholders over the possibility of adopting a consensus candidate.

    Key figures reportedly involved in the talks include former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

    A source within the party said officials who visited Atiku over the weekend were informed that he was unwell.

    “We went to see him on Saturday to discuss the manifesto and they said he cannot come down because he was sick,” the source said.

    Another party source added that the former vice president remained indisposed as of Monday.

    “He fell seriously sick on Saturday. He was treated at home by his personal physician and placed on enforced bed rest throughout Sunday,” the source disclosed.

    Party Yet To Confirm Health Status

    According to insiders, ADC leadership was formally informed about Atiku’s condition after attempts to meet with him.

    “The party leadership was informed when they sought to see him. His current condition is still unclear,” another source said.

    The former vice president was last publicly seen during the submission of his nomination forms at the ADC national secretariat in Abuja before reports of his illness emerged.

    However, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed claims suggesting that the former vice president was seriously ill.

    ADC Cites Security Concerns

    Meanwhile, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, had earlier explained that the screening exercise was postponed due to internal adjustments and security concerns affecting some northern states.

    The party also announced that screening for certain federal lawmaker aspirants from affected northern areas would now take place in Abuja.

    As of the time of filing this report, the ADC had not officially confirmed Atiku Abubakar’s health condition.

  • Osun Govt, Accord Raise Alarm Over Alleged Police Plot Ahead Of Governorship Election

    The Osun State Government and the leadership of the Accord Party have accused the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of allegedly deploying a special squad to target opposition figures ahead of the August 15 governorship election in the state.

    The allegation was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, who claimed that the unit was created to carry out operations against Accord Party leaders and some government officials.

    Govt Alleges “Decapitation Operation”

    According to the statement, the alleged squad is being led by CSP Moses Lahor.

    “We have a reliable report that the Inspector General of Police has created and dispatched a special squad under CSP Moses Lahor for a decapitation operation against Accord leaders,” the statement alleged.

    The government further claimed that the operation involved plans for “selective commando-like arrests” of opposition figures.

    It alleged that the planned arrests were not intended for investigation purposes but for what it described as “possible summary execution.”

    Allegations Against APC Candidate

    The statement also accused the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, of allegedly providing logistical support to the squad.

    According to the government, meetings were allegedly held between the squad and the APC candidate ahead of the operation.

    “The APC candidate has availed the alleged squad two Toyota 18-seater buses and one Sienna car for their operations,” the statement claimed.

    The government further alleged that the operation was being coordinated without the knowledge of the Osun State Commissioner of Police.

    Concerns Over Officer’s Past Conduct

    The statement also claimed that the squad leader had previously been posted out of Osun State following alleged misconduct linked to a shooting incident involving a suspected member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

    According to the government, the officer was later redeployed to another police unit as part of what it described as “operational punishment.”

    Call For Intervention

    The Osun government and Accord Party called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the international community to intervene over the alleged development.

    “We urge the Inspector General of Police to ensure that his men are not used to carry out unlawful operations in Osun State,” the statement added.

    They also warned against any attempt to disrupt the election process, insisting that residents of the state remained aware of what they described as political plots ahead of the poll.

    Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued any official response to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.

  • Yahaya Bello Floors Rivals, Clinches APC Kogi Central Senate Ticket

    Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for Kogi Central after recording a landslide victory in the exercise held on Monday.

    The direct primary election was conducted across the five local government areas in the Kogi Central Senatorial District, with party members voting to determine the APC candidate for the 2027 general elections.

    Bello Defeats Rivals by Huge Margin

    Announcing the results in Okene, the Returning Officer, Dr. Sadiq Mohammed, described the primary as peaceful, orderly, and credible.

    According to the results announced, Yahaya Bello secured a total of 72,399 votes to defeat Ibrahim Adoke, who polled 319 votes, while Momoh Yusuf Obaro received 188 votes.

    The former governor reportedly swept all five local government areas in the district.

    Breakdown of Votes Across LGAs

    Bello polled 18,341 votes in Adavi Local Government Area, 10,298 votes in Ajaokuta, 5,146 votes in Ogori/Magongo, 8,943 votes in Okehi, and recorded his highest tally of 29,621 votes in Okene Local Government Area.

    The returning officer said the outcome reflected the confidence party members had in Bello’s leadership and political structure across the district.

    “The exercise was peaceful and the outcome demonstrated the commitment of the APC to internal democracy,” he stated.

    APC Candidate for 2027 Senate Race

    With the victory, Yahaya Bello has now secured the APC ticket for the Kogi Central senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The former governor is expected to face candidates from other political parties in what is already shaping into one of the closely watched senatorial contests in Kogi State.

  • APC Makes U-Turn on Senate Primary Ban List, Removes Ben Murray-Bruce, Four Others

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has revised its earlier list of senatorial aspirants barred from participating in the party’s Senate primaries, removing five names including former Senator Ben Murray-Bruce in a fresh update released on Monday.

    The updated document, signed by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, reduced the number of affected aspirants from 47 to 44.

    APC Removes Ben Murray-Bruce From Initial List

    Former Bayelsa East senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, whose name appeared on the earlier list of disqualified aspirants, was absent from the revised version released by the ruling party.

    The APC did not provide any official explanation for the sudden removal of his name.

    Four other aspirants also removed from the original list include Chimzobam Kingsley Nnalue from Anambra North, Gyang Yaya Zi San from Plateau North, Napoleon Binkap Bah from Plateau South, and Usman Ephraim Gar from Plateau Central.

    Fresh Names Added to Updated Document

    The party also introduced fresh changes to the revised list.

    Ibrahim Bala from Nasarawa West was newly listed among aspirants not cleared for the primaries, while Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana from the same district was recorded as having voluntarily withdrawn from the race.

    The APC also adjusted the status of some aspirants previously marked as “not cleared.”

    Benson Agadaga of Bayelsa East and Donald Daunemigita of Bayelsa West were reclassified as voluntary withdrawals.

    Garba Musa Mai Doki from Kebbi South was listed as having defected from the party, while Adam Mouktar Mohammed from Jigawa South/West was marked absent during screening.

    APC Calls for Transparency Ahead of Primaries

    In the statement accompanying the revised document, APC spokesman Felix Morka urged stakeholders to ensure transparency and orderliness throughout the primary election process.

    “The APC urges all stakeholders to uphold transparency, orderliness, and the integrity of the ongoing Primary Election process,” the statement read.

    The updated list contains aspirants across several states who were either not cleared, withdrew voluntarily, defected, or failed to appear before the screening committee.

    The development has continued to generate reactions within political circles as parties intensify preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • El-Rufai Family Raises Alarm Over DSS Transfer, Alleges Court Order Breach in Abuja Custody Dispute

    The family of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has raised serious concerns over what they described as a controversial transfer of the former governor to Department of State Services (DSS) custody after his court appearance in Abuja on Monday.

    They alleged that the move was carried out in violation of existing court orders directing that he remain under the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    Family Alleges Court Order Breach

    Speaking to journalists outside a DSS facility, El-Rufai’s wife, Hasiat, said the family had been living in fear due to alleged constant surveillance and repeated threats.

    “We now live in constant fear. Every day we get a threat — DSS is coming to raid your house, ICPC is coming to raid your house, police are coming to raid your house. You are being followed. Our phones are tapped,” she said.

    She explained that after appearing before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja, El-Rufai was briefly moved during proceedings, despite earlier directives regarding his custody.

    “I Am Not Furniture” — El-Rufai Reportedly Resists Transfer

    Hasiat claimed the former governor resisted being moved to DSS custody, insisting that prior court orders required him to remain with the ICPC.

    “He said to them, I am not going to step down because there are two court orders… Why are you bringing me here? He said, I am not a furniture to be moved,” she stated.

    She further alleged that he was later returned to ICPC custody before being moved again after court proceedings, raising questions about the legality of the transfers.

    “What has changed?” she asked.

    Allegations of Medical Neglect and Long Detention

    The family also claimed that El-Rufai has been in custody for 91 days and has been denied consistent access to his personal doctors despite court approvals.

    Hasiat said medical follow-ups recommended by ICPC-appointed doctors were allegedly not properly implemented, worsening concerns about his health.

    “When you see a doctor and you run tests, you are expected to see the doctor back… He was denied access,” she said.

    Son, Allies Criticise Bail Conditions

    El-Rufai’s son, Hon. Bello El-Rufai, also criticised the bail conditions, describing them as excessive and impractical.

    “Who keeps a person for 91 days? Why were the terms of the bail so stringent?” he asked, questioning requirements tied to civil servants and property documentation.

    Supporters of the former governor also described the situation as psychological pressure, arguing that repeated transfers between agencies amounted to undue hardship.

    Security Update on Custody Status

    However, security sources confirmed that after consultations among legal representatives, El-Rufai was eventually returned to ICPC custody by 5pm on Monday.

    The situation continues to generate public debate as legal proceedings in the case remain ongoing.

  • Tinubu Vows Rescue of Abducted Oyo School Victims, Condemns Killing of Teacher as “Barbaric”

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that all victims abducted during the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State will be rescued, while strongly condemning the reported killing of one of the kidnapped teachers.

    The attack, which occurred last Friday, saw armed bandits storm Esiele community and abduct students, pupils and school staff from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

    Tinubu Condemns Attack, Describes It As Barbaric

    In a statement issued by the State House and signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as barbaric and extended condolences to the families of the victims and the Oyo State Government.

    “President Bola Tinubu has condemned as barbaric the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers from the Esiele community in Oyo State, while the rescue operation is underway,” the statement read.

    The Presidency confirmed that security agencies have already been deployed to track down the attackers and secure the release of all abducted victims.

    Security Forces Intensify Rescue Operations

    According to the statement, security operatives are currently conducting coordinated operations aimed at rescuing the victims and arresting those responsible for the attack.

    The Presidency said the operation is being led through intelligence-driven efforts involving multiple security agencies working across affected areas.

    “The Federal Government is working with the Oyo State government to rescue all the victims. Security operatives are working around the clock,” the statement added.

    Tinubu also praised the rapid response of the Inspector-General of Police and commissioners in Oyo and Kwara States, noting that tactical and intelligence teams have been deployed to the region.

    President Calls For State Police Reform

    The President used the opportunity to renew calls for the establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary step to strengthen security in underserved communities.

    He urged the National Assembly to speed up legislative processes on the matter, linking it to rising cases of kidnapping and rural insecurity.

    “The National Assembly should accelerate the enactment of the law creating state police,” Tinubu stated.

    He further assured that he is closely monitoring the situation and expects a breakthrough in the ongoing rescue operation.

  • Soludo Signs Sweeping Burial Law in Anambra, Bans Lavish Funerals, Restricts Aso Ebi, Casket Displays

    The Anambra State Government under Governor Chukwuma Soludo has introduced a sweeping new burial regulation law aimed at curbing extravagant funeral ceremonies and easing the financial pressure on grieving families across the state.

    The legislation, passed by the Anambra State House of Assembly, sets strict limits on burial activities, marking one of the most far-reaching attempts in recent years to reform funeral traditions in the state.

    Government Moves Against Lavish Burials

    According to the new law, condolence gifts are now strictly regulated. Families are only permitted to receive limited items, including money, one jar of palm wine, one carton of beer and one crate of soft drinks.

    The government said the move is designed to discourage wasteful spending and reduce the growing culture of competitive and expensive funerals that often plunge families into debt.

    Burials Restricted To One Day

    The law further mandates that all burial ceremonies must be concluded within a single day, with midweek burials now prohibited.

    Wake keeps have also been completely abolished, while funeral activities are restricted to Saturdays only.

    Religious services such as vigil masses and songs of praise are required to end by 9pm, with strict bans placed on live bands, entertainment, food distribution and cultural displays during such events.

    Aso Ebi, Caskets And Mourning Practices Affected

    Under the new provisions, the use of “aso ebi” is now restricted to immediate family members and specific recognised groups such as church organisations and community associations.

    Public display of caskets for advertisement or sale has also been banned, while dancing with caskets during burial ceremonies is prohibited.

    The law also bars the erection of large billboards, banners and posters of deceased persons, allowing only directional signage within seven days of burial.

    Strict Enforcement Measures Introduced

    To enforce compliance, the state government will set up monitoring committees across communities to oversee burial approvals and ensure adherence to the new rules.

    The legislation also limits undertakers to six persons per burial and prohibits road blockages during funeral events.

    Corpses are not to remain in mortuaries beyond two months, with unclaimed bodies to be handled by government-designated burial sites.

    Offenders risk a ₦100,000 fine, six months imprisonment, or both, as the state moves to enforce what it describes as a cultural and economic reform.

    The law has already sparked discussions across the state, with many viewing it as a bold attempt to reset long-standing burial traditions in Anambra.

  • Nigerian Man Laments After Shared Netflix Login Sparks Account Reset Chaos

    A young Nigerian man has sparked reactions online after narrating how a shared Netflix login allegedly led to everyone being removed from the account after new profiles were created without the owner’s approval.

    The incident, which surfaced in a viral post on social media, has triggered conversations around password sharing, digital trust, and online streaming habits among users.

    How The Netflix Login Issue Started

    According to the man, he had passed on login details of a Netflix account that was not originally his to another person for streaming access.

    He explained that instead of simply using the existing profile, the new user created an additional profile on the account, a move that reportedly alerted the original account owner.

    He further revealed that he was also not the primary user of the account, noting that even his own access was part of a chain of shared logins.

    Account Owner Reacts, Removes Users

    The situation escalated when the original account holder reportedly noticed unfamiliar profiles and proceeded to remove all connected users from the account.

    The man, expressing frustration, lamented the outcome in a viral message where he blamed excessive profile creation for the loss of access.

    Social Media Users React

    The incident has since sparked mixed reactions online, with many users debating the ethics of sharing streaming passwords and the risks involved when multiple people access a single paid subscription.

    Some users argued that creating additional profiles is normal practice on streaming platforms, while others insisted it violates account boundaries when done without the owner’s consent.

    Wider Conversation On Password Sharing

    The episode has again highlighted growing concerns around shared digital subscriptions in Nigeria, where users often split access to reduce costs, sometimes leading to account restrictions or bans.

  • Yahaya Bello Reportedly Denied APC Senate Screening Clearance Over Alleged Non-Appearance

    Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has reportedly been denied clearance to participate in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary screening in Kogi State after he allegedly failed to appear before the party’s screening panel.

    The development was contained in a list of screened APC senatorial aspirants reportedly issued from the Kogi State Secretariat of the ruling party.

    Conflicting Reports Over Clearance Status

    The latest development comes amid conflicting accounts, as earlier reports had indicated that Bello was among aspirants cleared by the APC screening committee for the Kogi Central senatorial race.

    That earlier list reportedly placed him among 17 aspirants approved for the party’s primaries scheduled for Monday.

    However, fresh claims suggest a reversal of that position following the screening exercise.

    Allegations Of Non-Appearance At Screening

    Party sources quoted in local reports alleged that the former governor did not appear before the screening panel, leading to his disqualification from the process.

    One source claimed Bello “didn’t participate in the screening exercise” and was therefore not cleared to proceed.

    Another source also alleged that his absence may be linked to concerns surrounding ongoing legal and corruption-related proceedings, although no official confirmation has been issued by the party.

    The APC is yet to release a formal clarification on the status of the former governor’s clearance.

    Senate Ambition Amid Legal Controversy

    Bello is seeking the APC ticket to contest for Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, where he is expected to face the incumbent senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    His political comeback bid has continued to attract attention due to ongoing corruption trials before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting him in separate cases involving allegations of money laundering, criminal breach of trust and diversion of public funds.

    He has, however, consistently denied all allegations and maintained his plea of not guilty.

    Uncertainty Still Surrounds APC List

    As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from the APC National Secretariat regarding Bello’s final screening status, leaving room for uncertainty within the party’s Kogi structure.