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Author: Promise Odejide

  • Yusuf Buhari Wins APC House Of Reps Ticket With Landslide Victory In Katsina

    Yusuf Buhari, son of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Sandamu/Daura/Mai’adua Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Yusuf secured a landslide victory during the APC primary election after polling 5,849 votes to defeat his challenger, Auwal Lawal Daura, who recorded 21 votes.

    Massive Victory In APC Primary

    The outcome officially confirms Yusuf Buhari as the party’s flagbearer for the House of Representatives seat covering Sandamu, Daura and Mai’adua federal constituency in Katsina State.

    Party supporters at the venue celebrated the result, describing it as a strong endorsement of the Buhari political family in the area.

    Opponent Rejects Exercise

    However, Auwal Lawal Daura rejected the outcome of the primary and raised concerns over the conduct of the election.

    According to him, the process did not reflect fairness and transparency expected in party primaries.

    “I am not satisfied with what happened today. Evidence is everywhere showing the injustice that was done. The manner of counting was highly dubious, and most of the people counted did not even have party membership cards,” he said.

    ‘We Wanted Fairness’

    Daura also insisted that his participation in the contest was based on demands from party members who preferred a primary election instead of consensus arrangements.

    “When I started this political movement, I made it clear that it was about the will of the people. When a consensus candidate was said to have been adopted, the people said no, they wanted us to go for primaries,” he stated.

    He added that his insistence on contesting was not out of disrespect but a push for fairness within the party structure.

    Political Attention On Buhari Family

    Yusuf Buhari’s emergence has already generated reactions within political circles, with many observers viewing it as a continuation of the Buhari family’s influence in Katsina politics following the death of the former president.

    The APC primaries across several states have continued to attract controversies, complaints and internal disputes as aspirants battle for tickets ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • Cubana Chief Priest Loses APC House Of Reps Ticket In Imo State Primary Election

    Celebrity businessman and nightlife promoter Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has lost the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the House of Representatives seat in Imo State.

    The primary, held on May 16, 2026, saw the socialite contest for the Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency ticket but he was defeated by the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Canice Moore Nwachukwu.

    Incumbent Lawmaker Wins APC Ticket

    Hon. Nwachukwu, who currently represents the constituency, reportedly secured the party’s ticket amid strong grassroots backing and established political structure in the area.

    Party sources said the exercise reflected a contest between political experience and popularity, with the incumbent maintaining dominance within the constituency’s delegate base.

    Cubana’s Political Entry Faces First Major Setback

    Cubana Chief Priest had officially joined the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring interest in the House of Representatives seat.

    He had earlier purchased his nomination forms and publicly declared consultations with key political figures, including visits to political stakeholders linked to the ruling party.

    His entry into politics had generated attention due to his popularity in entertainment and nightlife circles, as well as his connections within national political networks.

    Reactions Trail Primary Outcome

    Following the result, reactions have continued on social media, with users describing the outcome as a reality check on celebrity participation in Nigerian electoral politics.

    Some users mocked the defeat with references to his popular slogan, while others argued that constituency politics remains heavily influenced by established structures rather than public visibility or online influence.

    Political Reality Check For Celebrity Aspirant

    Observers note that the outcome reflects a recurring pattern in Nigerian politics, where incumbency advantage and local party structures often outweigh celebrity status and national popularity.

    As of the time of filing this report, Cubana Chief Priest has not issued an official statement on the outcome of the primary.

  • Presidency Defends Reported Killing Of ISWAP Commander Al-Manuki Amid Doubts

    The Presidency has defended reports surrounding the killing of senior ISWAP commander Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, insisting that the joint Nigerian-American operation was credible and backed by extensive intelligence gathering.

    In a statement shared on X, Bayo Onanuga said the controversy trailing the operation exposed the gap between public scepticism and the realities of modern counterterrorism operations.

    Presidency Addresses Public Doubts

    According to Onanuga, critics quickly questioned the authenticity of the operation after reports emerged that the ISWAP leader had been eliminated.

    He noted that Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok or Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, had previously appeared on lists of insurgent commanders reportedly killed in 2024 during operations around Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State.

    However, security officials now believe the earlier report was a case of mistaken identity or inaccurate battlefield assessment.

    “Importantly, intelligence now confirms that the Birnin Gwari theatre was never within Al-Manuki’s established operational sphere, which negates the accuracy of the earlier assessment,” the statement read.

    Months Of Surveillance Before Operation

    The Presidency disclosed that the latest operation followed months of coordinated intelligence efforts involving surveillance, phone intercepts, digital tracking and human intelligence.

    According to the statement, the operation was built on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance efforts that reportedly started in December 2025.

    Security sources said authorities initially attempted to capture the ISWAP commander alive before the mission eventually shifted to a final strike operation.

    The statement further revealed that Al-Manuki had allegedly been tracked across different locations, including Abuja and Maiduguri, shortly before the operation.

    ‘This Time, There Is No Ambiguity’

    Onanuga stated that unlike previous cases, security agencies applied multiple layers of verification before approving the operation.

    Officials reportedly insisted that the latest strike was carried out with a higher level of precision and target validation.

    “In their assessment, this time, there is no ambiguity,” the statement added.

    The Presidency also acknowledged that global counterterrorism operations have sometimes produced mistaken reports regarding the deaths of major insurgent leaders.

    It referenced previous uncertainty surrounding the reported deaths of insurgent leaders such as Abubakar Shekau and ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

    Warning Against Undermining Security Operations

    The statement warned that dismissing military operations without evidence could weaken public confidence and affect morale among security operatives.

    According to security officials, Nigerian forces and their international partners are operating in one of the world’s most difficult insurgency environments where terrorists frequently use aliases and move across borders.

    The Presidency maintained that the operation against Al-Manuki remains a “validated, intelligence-driven success” against the Islamic State network.

  • AFRICOM Releases Footage Of Joint Nigeria–US Strike That Killed Senior ISIS Leader Al-Minuki

    The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has released footage of a coordinated military operation in northeastern Nigeria, saying the mission led to the killing of senior Islamic State leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and other top ISIS figures.

    In a statement on Saturday, AFRICOM said the strike was carried out on May 16, 2026, under the direction of the United States President and the Secretary of War, in coordination with the Government of Nigeria.

    Multiple ISIS Leaders Killed In Operation

    According to AFRICOM, initial assessments indicated that several terrorists were eliminated during the operation, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s director of global operations.

    The command added that no United States service members were injured during the mission.

    It said the operation targeted a “significant presence of ISIS fighters in Northeastern Nigeria,” describing it as a coordinated effort between Nigerian and American forces.

    US Military Details Intelligence-Driven Strike

    U.S. Air Force General Dagvin Anderson, commander of AFRICOM, said the mission reflected strong cooperation between both countries.

    “As President Trump shared last night, AFRICOM, in coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, bravely and valiantly conducted a successful mission that resulted in the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, and multiple other ISIS leaders,” he said.

    He added that the operation was the result of months of coordination and intelligence sharing between both militaries.

    According to him, the partnership underscores a growing commitment to counterterrorism cooperation in the region.

    Role Of The ISIS Commander

    AFRICOM described al-Minuki as a key operational figure within ISIS, allegedly involved in strategic planning, media operations, weapons development, explosives production, drone manufacturing and hostage-taking coordination.

    He was also said to play a central role in directing global ISIS-linked activities.

    Tinubu Hails Joint Operation

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier described the mission as a “daring joint operation” that inflicted significant losses on ISIS networks operating in the Lake Chad Basin and surrounding areas.

    The latest development adds to ongoing military efforts by Nigerian forces and international partners aimed at weakening insurgent groups in the North-East.

  • Manchester City Defeat Chelsea to Win 2026 FA Cup at Wembley

    Manchester City have been crowned 2026 FA Cup champions after edging Chelsea F.C. 1-0 in a tightly contested final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

    The decisive moment came through Antoine Semenyo, who scored the only goal of the game to hand City another piece of silverware in what has become a dominant era for the club under Pep Guardiola.

    A Tight Wembley Battle

    The final lived up to expectations, with both sides creating chances in a game defined by discipline, structure and fine margins.

    Chelsea pushed hard in search of an equaliser, but Manchester City’s defensive organisation held firm in the closing stages to secure victory.

    The win also marks City’s fourth consecutive FA Cup final appearance, further underlining their consistency in domestic cup competitions.

    Guardiola’s Side Add Another Trophy

    For Pep Guardiola’s side, the triumph adds to an already decorated domestic record this season, with City continuing to compete strongly across all competitions.

    Guardiola, who remains under contract until 2027, has repeatedly spoken about squad rotation and managing player workload amid a demanding campaign.

    Chelsea Fall Short Again at Wembley

    For Chelsea, the defeat adds another disappointment in a season marked by inconsistency, despite flashes of improvement and strong individual performances throughout the campaign.

    The club will now turn focus back to rebuilding and finishing the season strongly in the Premier League.

    City’s Momentum Continues

    Manchester City’s latest success reinforces their position as one of England’s most dominant teams, with depth in squad and experience proving decisive once again on the big stage.

    The victory is expected to further boost their confidence as they continue their push in domestic competitions.

  • Confusion Trails Reported Killing Of ISWAP Commander Al-Manuki After 2024 Death Claim

    Confusion has continued to trail the reported killing of senior ISWAP commander Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abubakar Mainok, after Nigerian authorities previously announced his death in 2024.

    The controversy intensified after Donald Trump announced that American and Nigerian forces had carried out a successful joint operation targeting the terrorist leader.

    Trump, Tinubu Confirm Operation

    In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump described Al-Manuki as one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists.

    “Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump wrote.

    He added that the operation would weaken ISIS operations globally and reduce threats against both Africans and Americans.

    Bola Ahmed Tinubu also confirmed the operation in a statement issued from the State House.

    According to Tinubu, Nigerian troops worked alongside United States forces in a “daring joint operation” targeting terrorist hideouts in the Lake Chad Basin.

    “Early assessments confirm the elimination of the wanted IS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants,” Tinubu stated.

    The President also thanked the United States government for its support in counterterrorism operations.

    Military Had Earlier Declared Him Dead

    However, findings have shown that the Nigerian military had already announced Al-Manuki’s death in 2024.

    In April 2024, the Defence Headquarters listed Abu Bilal Minuki among terrorist commanders allegedly neutralised during military operations conducted between January and March 2024.

    The announcement was made by then Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba.

    At the time, Buba identified Minuki as the “Head of IS-Al Furqan Province (ISGS and ISWAP)” and said he was killed during military operations around the Birnin Gwari forest axis and Abuja-Kaduna corridor.

    According to the briefing, the insurgent commander was allegedly eliminated on February 21, 2024.

    The military also announced that thousands of terrorists had been killed, arrested or displaced during the period under review.

    Who Is Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki?

    Security reports identify Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, also known as Abu Bilal Al-Minuki or Abubakar Mainok, as a senior ISIS-linked commander operating across West Africa and the Sahel.

    According to the Counter Extremism Project, Al-Manuki was born in Mainok, Borno State, in 1982 and later became a major figure within ISIS-aligned structures in the Lake Chad Basin.

    The United States government designated him a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in June 2023 over alleged involvement in ISIS operations.

    Authorities linked him to ISIS’s al-Furqan network, which coordinates extremist activities across Nigeria, the Sahel and parts of West Africa.

    He was also reportedly involved in weapons manufacturing, explosives development, drone operations and ISIS propaganda activities.

    Questions Continue Over Contradictory Claims

    The conflicting reports surrounding his alleged deaths in 2024 and 2026 have continued to generate debate online and within security circles.

    While Nigerian and US authorities insist the latest operation was based on months of intelligence gathering and target verification, sceptics have questioned why his death had previously been announced by the military.

    Security analysts, however, argue that mistaken battlefield identification and conflicting intelligence assessments are not uncommon in counterterrorism operations involving insurgent groups that use aliases and operate across difficult terrains.

  • Verydarkman Speaks On Chiké Saga, Says He Can Never Sleep With Married Woman

    Social media commentator Verydarkman has reacted to the ongoing online discussions involving singer Chiké and Sandra Edoho, the ex-wife of media personality Frank Edoho.

    In a viral video making rounds online, Verydarkman spoke about the temptations that often come with fame and popularity.

    ‘Popularity Attracts Different People’

    According to him, celebrities frequently receive advances from different kinds of people, including married women.

    He, however, stated that he personally avoids getting involved with married women because of the consequences attached to such relationships.

    “Popularity attracts different people to you, both single and married, women and even men will make advances at you,” he said.

    “But the one wey me I know I don tell myself no matter what I will never carry myself go comot married woman cloth.”

    Verydarkman Talks About Temptation

    The commentator explained that fame can expose public figures to situations that require strong self-control.

    He added that while he would not condemn conversations or friendships between adults, crossing certain boundaries could lead to controversy and emotional damage.

    “The curse wey follow that thing too big. But then again, Shay na everybody get control?” he added.

    “I will not fault Chiké for talking with the woman, but I will fault him for sleeping with the woman because na me know the temptation wey dey inside this popularity life.”

    Online Reactions Continue

    The comments come amid continued online speculation and unverified allegations linking Chiké to Frank Edoho’s former wife.

    The discussions have generated heated reactions across social media, with different personalities and content creators weighing in on the controversy.

  • El-Rufai’s Family Accuses ICPC Of Blocking Doctor, Denying Food Access In Custody

    The family of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of violating his constitutional rights by allegedly denying him access to medical care and restricting food deliveries while in custody.

    In a statement released on Saturday, Mohammed Bello described the actions of the anti-graft agency as a serious attack on his father’s basic rights.

    Family Raises Alarm Over Medical Access

    According to Bello, El-Rufai’s personal doctor visited the ICPC office on Friday to discuss the outcome of medical tests recently conducted on the former governor.

    “Our father, Mallam Nasir @elrufai, is still being held by the ICPC. Today, 15 May 2026, we witnessed two distinct yet equally serious attacks on his basic rights,” the statement read.

    “First, his personal doctor visited the ICPC at about 3pm to discuss the results of medical tests recently conducted on our father.

    “Officials at the agency blocked the doctor from seeing him, claiming that written permission from the ICPC chairman was required.”

    Bello argued that the decision directly violated an existing court order granting El-Rufai unrestricted access to his doctors.

    Wife Allegedly Denied Access To Deliver Food

    The family also alleged that El-Rufai’s second wife, Assab Aichatou Djibril, was prevented from delivering his dinner at the detention facility.

    According to Bello, ICPC operatives reportedly informed her that food deliveries were not allowed after 6:30pm.

    “This arbitrary rule is no less offensive than blocking his right to medical care,” he stated.

    He described the development as an assault on the rule of law and a violation of the former governor’s constitutional and human rights.

    “No lawful detention justifies denying medical access or refusing basic family care based on an arbitrary curfew fixed by the ICPC. Shame on them as an institution,” he added.

    El-Rufai’s Wife Speaks Out

    In a separate post shared on X, Assab Aichatou Djibril also accused the agency of ignoring a court directive.

    “Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s doctor was at the ICPC today, to follow up on medical tests recently taken by his patient,” she wrote.

    “The doctor was prevented from seeing him by operatives who insisted that the doctor must present written approval by their chairman. This is a brazen violation of an explicit court order.”

    She added that she was also denied access when she attempted to deliver dinner to her husband later that evening.

    Background To The Case

    El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 19 over allegations of financial impropriety during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.

    In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted the former governor over alleged diversion of N423 billion in public funds and money laundering, while calling for investigations by anti-graft agencies.

    On April 13, 2026, the ICPC arraigned him before the Kaduna High Court on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office.

  • Al-ajabin Zazzau Withdraws From APC Reps Race Amid Reconciliation Moves

    Mahmud Sadis Buba, popularly known as Al-ajabin Zazzau, has withdrawn from the race to represent Sabon Gari Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

    Buba announced his withdrawal in a letter addressed to the Kaduna State chairman of the APC and later published on his verified Facebook page on Saturday.

    ‘Not An Easy Decision’

    According to him, the decision followed reconciliation efforts initiated by leaders and stakeholders within the party.

    “Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am withdrawing from the race for Sabon Gari Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, effective immediately,” the letter partly read.

    “This was not an easy decision. But it was hastened by the reconciliation efforts initiated by stakeholders and leaders of our party.”

    He added that after consultations with his family, political associates and party stakeholders, he concluded that stepping down was in the best interest of the APC.

    “I believe that uniting behind a single candidate is paramount to our victory in the general election and for the continued progress of our constituency and state,” he stated.

    Buba Thanks Uba Sani, APC Leadership

    Buba also appreciated Uba Sani and the party leadership for giving him the opportunity to participate in the nomination process.

    According to him, the experience enriched his political journey and he remains grateful to supporters across the constituency.

    He stressed that his withdrawal should not be seen as weakness but as a sacrifice made for the unity and success of the party.

    Calls For Support Of Consensus Candidate

    The APC aspirant further assured party members of his continued loyalty and commitment to working for the victory of the party’s eventual candidate.

    He urged his supporters to remain calm and united while throwing their support behind the APC’s decision.

    “Whoever emerges as the party’s candidate should be given maximum support,” he added.

    Age Controversy Surrounds Aspirant

    Buba had recently been at the centre of controversy over claims surrounding his age during his campaign for the APC ticket.

    Critics alleged that he was 16 years old while circulating what they claimed was the data page of his passport online.

  • Isaac Fayose Announces Death Of Wife Months After Revealing Cancer Battle

    Businessman and social commentator Isaac Fayose has announced the death of his wife, months after revealing that she had been battling cancer.

    The younger brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose shared the heartbreaking news in an Instagram post on Saturday.

    Emotional Tribute Shared Online

    Fayose posted a candlelight image alongside a short emotional tribute dedicated to his late wife.

    “Rest In Peace, My darling wife,” he wrote.

    In another post, he shared photos of her while bidding her farewell, triggering an outpouring of condolences across social media.

    He Earlier Opened Up About Her Health Struggles

    The announcement comes months after Fayose emotionally disclosed that his wife had been battling cancer during a visit to his family in Australia earlier this year.

    At the time, he revealed that her condition had deteriorated significantly and that she had become too weak to carry out daily activities.

    “My wife is not feeling well. When I got here, she was very weak. The same woman who usually picks me up at the airport couldn’t come, so I had to take an Uber,” he had said.

    “She used to cook for me, but now I find myself cooking for her. She couldn’t cook or talk. I sat beside her and sang her favourite song; she held my hand as I sang.”

    Celebrities React To Her Passing

    The news has since generated reactions online, with fans, friends and celebrities sending condolence messages to the Fayose family.

    Among those who reacted were actress Yvonne Jegede, comedian Ali Baba and veteran musician Daddy Showkey.