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Author: Promise Odejide

  • Makinde Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition as PDP, APM Seal Alliance in Ibadan

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially declared his intention to contest for the presidency in the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for what could become a major battle within the opposition ahead of the next political cycle.

    Makinde made the declaration on Thursday during a large political rally organised by the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in Ibadan.

    PDP, APM Formalise Political Alliance

    The event also witnessed the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between both parties, further fueling talks about emerging political coalitions ahead of 2027.

    Makinde and APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, jointly witnessed the signing ceremony.

    Seyi Bamidele signed on behalf of the PDP, while Oladele Oyadeji represented the APM.

    The rally attracted party loyalists, stakeholders, and political figures from different parts of the South-West and beyond.

    Top Political Figures Attend Rally

    Among dignitaries present were Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; alongside Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, Chief Saka Balogun, Open Salawu, and Abass Adigun.

    The gathering is already being viewed by political observers as an early show of strength ahead of consultations expected to intensify within opposition circles.

    ‘This Movement Goes Beyond Individuals’

    Speaking during the rally, former PDP National Vice Chairman, Eddy Olafeso, described the alliance as the beginning of a new political direction aimed at rebuilding public trust in governance.

    According to Olafeso, the coalition was not driven by personal ambition but by the need for a broader collaboration among political actors concerned about Nigeria’s future.

    “This movement goes beyond individuals. It is not about personal ambition or unhealthy political competition. It is about this generation, the next generation and generations yet unborn,” he said.

    He added that the current economic and political realities in the country had made opposition unity increasingly necessary.

    Pressure Builds Ahead of 2027

    Makinde’s declaration is expected to trigger fresh conversations within the PDP and allied political blocs as discussions around zoning, coalition-building, and party primaries begin to gather momentum.

    The Oyo governor now joins the growing list of political figures expected to shape early calculations for the 2027 presidential election.

  • Wike-Backed PDP Begins Screening Of Presidential, Governorship Aspirants Ahead Of 2027

    The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by Nyesom Wike has commenced the screening of presidential, governorship and national assembly aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the party’s National Working Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.

    Screening Holds In Abuja

    The statement, signed by Chinwe Nnorom on behalf of Jungudo Mohammed, the party’s national publicity secretary, stated that the screening exercise was taking place at the PDP national secretariat annex, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.

    According to the party, governorship aspirants were scheduled for screening at noon, while presidential aspirants were fixed for 2pm.

    The PDP also announced that former Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, is chairing the presidential screening committee, with Hassan Sokodobo serving as secretary.

    Other members of the committee include former senators George Sekibo and Zainab Kure alongside other party stakeholders.

    Makarfi Heads Governorship Screening Panel

    The governorship screening committee is being chaired by former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi.

    George Ariolu was named secretary of the panel, while Ibrahim Umar, Aisha Madawaki and Tajudeen Yusuf were listed among committee members.

    Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Completes Screening

    Meanwhile, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that she had successfully completed the PDP screening exercise ahead of the Kogi Central senatorial primary election.

    Speaking after the exercise in Lokoja, the senator said she arrived with all required credentials and supporting documents.

    “I am pleased to have successfully completed the screening exercise as part of the process ahead of the party primaries for the 2027 Kogi Central Senatorial Election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party,” she said.

    She described the process as part of her continued commitment to representation and service.

    More Aspirants Cleared

    Muhammed Abdullahi, popularly known as “Elephant,” also announced that he had been screened and cleared to contest the PDP primary for Kogi East Senatorial District.

    In Cross River State, the PDP disclosed that 45 aspirants seeking national assembly and state assembly tickets had also been screened ahead of the party’s May 21 primaries.

    The exercise was conducted by a five-man panel headed by Fred Osim.

    One of the aspirants screened was Alex Egbona, who recently defected from the APC to the PDP.

  • Former Ondo Governor Olusegun Mimiko Dumps PDP, Joins APC

    Former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Mimiko formally defected to the ruling party on Thursday at the APC secretariat in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    APC Leaders Receive Mimiko

    The former governor was received by the Ondo State APC chairman, Babatunde Kolawole, alongside the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji.

    The event witnessed a large turnout of party supporters and loyalists who welcomed Mimiko into the party amid cheers and celebrations.

    Mimiko Left PDP In April

    Mimiko, who served as Ondo governor between 2009 and 2017, had resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in April, fueling speculations about his next political destination.

    Before joining the PDP, the former governor was one of the most prominent figures in the Labour Party (LP), where he built a strong political structure in Ondo State.

    He later moved to the PDP and remained influential within the party at both state and national levels.

    Strategic Political Move

    Sources close to the development described Mimiko’s move to the APC as a major political realignment ahead of future elections in the state.

    According to party insiders, the former governor still commands strong grassroots support and maintains loyal political structures across Ondo State, especially in Ondo Central Senatorial District.

    They added that his experience and political network are expected to strengthen the APC’s influence in the state.

  • US Court Jails Nigerian-Born Professor 70 Months Over $1.4m Fraud Scheme

    A United States District Court has sentenced Nkechy Ezeh, a Nigerian-born professor and former executive director of the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative (ELNC), to 70 months in federal prison over a $1.4 million fraud scheme.

    The sentence was announced in a statement released on Wednesday by the Office of the US Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.

    Court Orders Restitution

    Chief US District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou sentenced Ezeh to 70 months imprisonment and also imposed a concurrent 60-month sentence for tax evasion.

    The court further ordered her to pay $1.4 million in restitution and an additional $390,174 to the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

    Ezeh, 61, from Kent County, Michigan, founded and previously served as CEO of Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative, a nonprofit focused on providing educational support and early childhood services in underserved communities.

    She also worked as an Associate Professor of Education and Director of Early Childhood Education Programme at Aquinas College.

    She was immediately remanded into federal custody after sentencing.

    Judge Describes Scheme As “Brazen”

    During the proceedings, Judge Jarbou described Ezeh as “a fraud and a thief,” saying the operation was widespread and targeted funds meant for vulnerable children.

    US Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Timothy VerHey, said the convict diverted funds intended for low-income children for personal benefit.

    “Nkechy Ezeh’s greed is beyond reprehensible,” VerHey said.

    “She stole taxpayer and private-donor dollars meant for low-income children in our community. Instead of helping kids, she spent that money on herself.”

    Funds Allegedly Used For Luxury Trips, Family Expenses

    According to court documents, prosecutors said Ezeh used the stolen money to fund personal expenses, including trips to Hawaii, Europe and Africa.

    Authorities also alleged that some of the funds were used for a family wedding and that relatives were placed on a “ghost payroll” where they allegedly received payments despite doing little or no work.

    Prosecutors further accused her of transferring stolen funds through intermediaries to family members in Nigeria.

    The nonprofit reportedly received funding from US federal programmes, including Head Start, the Department of Education and private donors.

    The organisation provided meals, transportation and support services to children from low-income communities.

    Nonprofit Shut Down After Fraud Discovery

    Following the discovery of the fraud, ELNC shut down operations in 2023, resulting in the loss of funding for several preschools and the dismissal of about 35 employees.

    A former bookkeeper at the organisation, Sharon Killebrew, had earlier been sentenced to 54 months imprisonment for her role in the fraud scheme.

    US authorities said the case exposes the devastating impact of grant fraud on vulnerable communities and children dependent on public support programmes.

    The investigation was carried out by the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General alongside the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation unit.

  • Police Arrest Lagos Man Over Alleged Fake Ushering Job Scam Targeting BUK Students

    The Zone One Police Headquarters in Kano has arrested a 32-year-old suspect, identified as Richard Peter, over an alleged fake ushering job scam involving students of Bayero University Kano.

    Police authorities also confirmed the recovery of 29 mobile phones and other valuables allegedly stolen from the victims.

    Students Lured With Fake Job Offer

    The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the zone, DSP Abdullahi Hussaini.

    According to the statement, the suspect, who is said to be from Lagos State, was arrested following a petition submitted to the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police by a group of students led by Clementina Paul.

    The students accused the suspect of deceiving them with promises of ushering jobs.

    Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, through an associate identified as Faith Dauda, allegedly invited 38 female students to Mairabo Hotel located in the Sabon Gari area of Kano on May 10, 2026.

    Phones Allegedly Stolen Inside Hotel

    Upon arriving at the hotel, the students were reportedly instructed to change into work outfits and leave their phones and personal belongings behind because phones were allegedly not allowed at the event venue.

    The statement added that the suspect later took the students to the hotel restaurant and ordered food worth ₦6,000 for each person before disappearing without paying the bill.

    “After eating and waiting for several hours, the victims returned to the room and discovered that their phones and other items had been stolen,” the police statement said.

    Suspect Arrested In Kaduna

    According to the police, one of the stolen phones was later traced to Kano Line Motor Park through intelligence gathering and technical tracking.

    Operatives reportedly moved to the location but discovered the suspect had already boarded a vehicle travelling to Lagos.

    He was eventually intercepted and arrested in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    “Twenty-nine phones and other items belonging to the victims were recovered. The suspect is currently in custody at the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation,” the statement added.

    Police Issue Public Warning

    The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone One, Garba Ahmed, commended officers involved in the operation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling fraud and related crimes.

    The police also advised Nigerians, especially students and job seekers, to verify employment opportunities properly and avoid handing over personal belongings to strangers.

  • Presidency Attacks Peter Obi Over One-Term Presidency Promise

    The Presidency has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his reported promise to serve only one term if elected president in 2027.

    Obi made the statement in a clip from an interview scheduled to air on News Central TV on Thursday, where he insisted he would leave office after four years.

    “I’ll Leave After Four Years”

    In the viral interview clip, Obi said Nigeria needed stability and vowed not to remain in office beyond a single term.

    “I want to be a one-term president because of stability. I would not stay a day, with a gun to my head, longer than four years,” he said.

    The former Anambra governor also criticised the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly rising living costs and continued borrowing.

    According to Obi, Nigeria is currently facing one of its toughest economic periods in recent history.

    Presidency Fires Back

    Reacting to the comments, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Obi’s promise as unreliable.

    In a post shared on X early Thursday, Onanuga said Nigerians should not trust Obi’s pledge to serve only one term.

    “If you believe Peter Obi’s promise to serve only one term as president, you’ll believe anything,” he wrote.

    The presidential aide accused Obi of repeatedly abandoning political platforms despite previous loyalty vows.

    Onanuga Questions Obi’s Political Loyalty

    According to Onanuga, Obi had previously sworn loyalty to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) before eventually leaving the party.

    “Consider his record: while in APGA, he famously placed himself under a self-curse, vowing never to leave the party that made him governor,” he said.

    “He gave his word to the Ikemba, even on his deathbed, swearing loyalty and fidelity to APGA.”

    Onanuga added that Obi later dumped APGA for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and subsequently moved to other political platforms.

    “By his own actions, Peter Obi has shown that his word cannot be trusted. His promises are as fleeting as his political allegiances,” he stated.

    2027 Political Tension Rising

    Obi contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and finished behind President Tinubu of the APC and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the PDP.

    Since the election, the former governor has remained one of the leading opposition voices, frequently criticising the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms and governance policies.

  • APC Denies Changing 2027 Primary Election Timetable

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied reports circulating online alleging that the party altered the timetable for its 2027 primary elections.

    In a statement posted on its official platform, the ruling party insisted that the dates earlier announced for the primaries remain valid and unchanged.

    APC Releases Confirmed Dates

    According to the statement, the House of Representatives primary election is scheduled to hold on Friday, May 15, 2026.

    The Senate primary election will follow on Monday, May 18, 2026, while the State House of Assembly primary is fixed for Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

    The party also confirmed that the governorship primary election would take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

    APC further stated that its presidential primary election remains scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026.

    “This clarification has become necessary following the circulation of false and misleading reports on social media and other communication platforms suggesting otherwise,” the statement read.

    Governors Undergo Screening

    The clarification comes days after the APC began screening incumbent governors and aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Among the governors screened by the party’s committee were Abba Yusuf, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Nasir Idris, Caleb Mutfwang and Hyacinth Alia.

    Others screened include Sheriff Oborevwori, Umar Bago, Dauda Lawal, Bassey Otu and Ahmed Aliyu.

    The party’s preparations for the primaries come amid increasing political activities and alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • Alex Ekubo: Doctor Lists 4 Silent Signs Cancer May Already Be Growing In Your Body

    Popular Nigerian medical doctor and health influencer, Aproko Doctor, has reacted to reports surrounding the alleged cancer-related death of Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo, using the moment to create awareness about early cancer detection.

    In a video shared online, the doctor urged Nigerians to pay closer attention to unusual body changes and persistent health symptoms that may signal serious illness.

    Doctor Shares Emotional Experience

    Speaking in the emotional video, Aproko Doctor recounted the story of a young man he knew during his school days who was later diagnosed with stage 3 cancer.

    According to him, the young man had already been experiencing severe symptoms long before finally seeking medical help.

    He explained that chemotherapy later caused visible physical changes, including hair loss and drastic weight reduction, which led to people mocking the patient without understanding what he was battling privately.

    The doctor said the young man suffered intense pain while quietly undergoing treatment.

    Four Cancer Warning Signs Mentioned

    Using the story as an example, Aproko Doctor highlighted four major warning signs people often ignore until the illness becomes advanced.

    According to him, the signs include persistent tiredness, unexplained weight loss, visible physical changes linked to illness, and pain that refuses to go away.

    “If this guy had known the signs early enough that he was always feeling tired, the unexplained weight loss, the pain that will not go away maybe he would have gone to the hospital sooner,” he said.

    “Cancer Is A Silent Thief”

    In the caption accompanying the video, the health influencer described cancer as a silent disease that often gives subtle warnings before becoming deadly.

    “Cancer is a silent thief, but it leaves clues,” he wrote.

    “It’s hard to wrap our heads around the loss of a light like Alex Ekubo. It’s a reminder that this is a conversation we must continue to have.”

    He added that if the video encouraged even one person to seek medical screening or check unusual symptoms early, then the message had achieved its purpose.

    Nigerians React Online

    The video has since generated emotional reactions online, with many Nigerians thanking the doctor for speaking openly about cancer awareness and early detection.

    Several social media users also shared personal stories of relatives and friends who battled cancer, while others urged people to stop ignoring persistent symptoms and seek medical attention early.

  • Court Orders VeryDarkMan To Pay Mr Jollof’s Wife ₦30m Over Defamation

    A Federal High Court sitting in Effurun, Delta State, has ordered controversial social media personality, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to pay ₦30 million in damages to Mrs Esinjemiyotan Uruneyonjuyei Atsepoyi, the wife of comedian Mr Jollof, over defamatory statements made online.

    The court also directed VeryDarkMan to publish a public apology and retraction across his social media platforms and in two national newspapers within 14 days.

    How The Dispute Started

    The controversy began in September 2024 during a heated social media clash between VeryDarkMan and comedian Mr Jollof.

    During the online exchange, VeryDarkMan allegedly accused Mr Jollof’s wife of engaging in adultery with politicians and internet fraudsters to help her husband secure a political appointment in Delta State.

    The allegations quickly sparked reactions online, with Mr Jollof publicly defending his wife while condemning the statements made against her.

    Following the controversy, Mrs Atsepoyi filed a ₦500 million defamation suit against the social commentator.

    Court Awards ₦30m Damages

    According to court documents reportedly signed by Justice R. Harriman on May 13, 2026, the court ruled that the statements made by VeryDarkMan were defamatory.

    The judge held that the defendant failed to provide evidence to substantiate the allegations published online.

    Justice Harriman stated that the defamatory comments damaged the claimant’s reputation and warranted both general and aggravated damages.

    “I therefore have no hesitation in holding that the words complained of are defamatory in their natural and ordinary meaning and are actionable per se,” the judge ruled.

    The court subsequently awarded ₦20 million as general damages and ₦10 million as aggravated damages against VeryDarkMan.

    Court Orders Public Apology

    The court further ordered the social media personality to issue a public apology and retract the defamatory statements published between September 15 and September 19, 2024.

    “The Defendant is hereby directed to publish an apology to the Claimant in two national dailies and all his social media handles containing a retraction of the defamatory words,” the ruling added.

    Justice Harriman also restrained VeryDarkMan, his associates, agents, or representatives from making any further defamatory publication against Mrs Atsepoyi.

    The judgment has since triggered reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the growing trend of social media defamation cases involving celebrities and online commentators.

  • Tinubu Government Spends N4.24bn On Presidential Air Fleet In Six Months

    The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spent about N4.24bn on the Presidential Air Fleet within six months, according to spending records obtained from Govspend, a civic technology platform tracking public expenditures.

    The records showed that the payments were made between June and December 2025 for the operational and logistical maintenance of the Presidential Air Fleet amid increasing public concern over government spending and calls for cost-cutting measures.

    Breakdown Of Transactions

    Findings revealed that the funds were paid into the Presidential Air Fleet naira transit account operated by the State House through eight separate transactions across June, July and December 2025.

    The largest portion of the spending was recorded in July 2025, when four transactions amounting to N2.43bn were made within one week.

    According to the records, N1.285bn was disbursed on June 12, while N430m was paid on July 24. Another N1.28bn followed on July 25, alongside N92m on July 29 and N626m on July 31.

    Further payments were made in December, including N9m on December 18, described as “Presidential Air Fleet forex transit funds,” while N343.9m and N90.9m were disbursed on December 30 and 31 respectively.

    Questions Over Spending Details

    The report also revealed that four of the eight transactions were listed without descriptions and simply marked as “None” in the Govspend database.

    Most of the transfers were, however, labelled as “Forex Transit Funds,” usually linked to foreign exchange requirements for international operations such as aircraft maintenance, fuel purchases and payments for overseas services.

    The latest figures add to the rising cost of maintaining the Presidential Air Fleet since President Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

    Presidential Fleet Costs Continue Rising

    Data showed that at least N26.38bn was spent on Presidential Air Fleet operations between July 2023 and December 2024 alone.

    Out of the figure, N14.15bn was reportedly spent in 2024.

    Budget allocations for the fleet also showed a steady rise over the years. The fleet received N17.32bn allocation in the 2025 budget before it dropped to N14.70bn in the 2026 budget.

    The reduction was largely attributed to lower capital expenditure projections.

    Records further indicated that engine overhaul projects across the fleet consumed N4.58bn in 2024, N8.65bn in 2025 and N6.05bn in 2026, bringing the total spending on engine maintenance to N19.27bn within three years.

    Concerns Amid Economic Hardship

    The development comes at a time many Nigerians continue to raise concerns over economic hardship, rising inflation and austerity measures introduced by the Federal Government following fuel subsidy removal and ongoing economic reforms.

    Budget data also showed that allocations to the Presidential Air Fleet have risen significantly over the years, increasing from N4.37bn in 2017 under the Buhari administration to N20.52bn in 2024.