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Serving APC Senator Dumps Party

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Senator Musa Garba Maidoki
Senator Musa Garba Maidoki

By Adesina Soyooye

A serving Senator of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has dumped the Party.

Senator Garba Musa Maidoki, Kebbi South Senatorial District, dumped the Party on May 14 through a letter which he sent to the Chairman of his Rafin Zuru Ward in the Zuru Local Government Area, Kebbi State.

This comes ahead of the Monday APC Senatorial primary.

A number of Senators who lost the confidence of their Party, and, especially, their Governors, and are no longer sure of a return ticket, have been decamping to other parties.

Nigerian Senator Gives Over N135m In Cash To His Constituency’s Party Executives

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan and the money

By Adesina Soyooye

Shock greeted the sum, especially, to the uninitiated. Placed on the table before Party Executive Members of Borno Central Senatorial District, was a whopping sum of N135.65 million. In Nigerian politics, where billions and trillions of Naira are the order of the day, it is not that the sum pops up the eyes.  What shocked, however, is that it was brought in cash and displayed publicly. It was brought as a gift by a serving Senator.

To those asking where  the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, are, the Senator’s Aide, in a post reminds them that this is the third time the serving Senator was donating such a huge sum to the party executives in his District.

The Senator, Kaka Shehu Lawan, represents Borno Central Senatorial District, and made the donation as an Eid-el-Kabir gift to the executives.

The Senator’s Legislative Aide, Usman Alkali, who disclosed the donation on Friday, complete with a photograph of the Naira heap which he posted on Facebook said the gift was the third by the Senator since he went to the National Assembly.

The statement, written in Hausa, translated into English, was titled:

Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan shares N135, 650,000, to APC, executives in Borno Central for Eid-el-Kabir celebration

He said the funds were shared on Thursday to the Executive members to help them prepare for Sallah. It reads:

“Senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (SAN), on Thursday distributed cash to APC Executives in his Borno Central Constituency  totalling  N135, 650,000 to help them celebrate in preparing the upcoming  Eid-Kabir festival.

“This is the third time the Senator has given such a donation since becoming a member of the National Assembly.

Senator Lawan this order day stepped down from his aspiration to the Governorship seat of Borno State in support of Mustapha Gubio, Governor Babagana Zulum’s choice of  successor.

Fmr. Chief Of The Air Staff, Saddique Abubakar, Abandons Gov’s Race, Quits Politics

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Saddique Abubakar
Saddique Abubakar

By Adesina Soyooye

A former Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshall Saddique Abubakar, has literally seen in politics that “khaki no be leather.”

Abubakar, one of the longest Service Chiefs in Nigeria, served under late President Mohammadu Buhari, and like a number of his colleagues, jumped into partisan politics.

Guilty most are a number of retired Inspectors General of Police  raising questions on the role they played during elections when they were in office.

In Air Marshall Abubakar’s case,  he was, like his colleagues in the Army and Navy, on retirement by Buhari, who were appointed Ambassadors,  immediately appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to Chad. And on recall by the President Bola Tinubu Government, jumped into full politics.

In 2023, he decided that he would be the Governor of  Bauchi State. So, under the All Progressives Congress, APC, he challenged the sitting Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bala Mohammed, to the Governorship seat.

He was, however, defeated by Bala, who has now, about a year to the end of his two-term tenure, dumbed the comatose PDP for the AMP.

Air Marshall Abubakar, since his failure at the governorship polls, however remained in politics. But just when not a few people thought that he would contest for the seat again, especially, with Bala on his way out, Abubakar, one of NAF’s most accomplished fighter pilots, has thrown-in the towel. He resigned from politics when he was expected to contest under the Action Democratic Party, ADP.

In a video message on Saturday, where he spoke in Hausa, Abubakar took, especially, his supporters and loyalists by surprise, when he said he has quit politics.

His words: “Today, with a heavy heart, I have made the difficult decision to leave politics for personal reasons.

“This decision did not come easily, considering the love, support and affection shown to me by the people of Bauchi State and Nigerians since I joined politics in 2021.

“I sincerely apologize to all my supporters and well-wishers over thus difficult decision, and I wish everyone the very best.

“My retirement from politics will not prevent me from continuing to support tye community through the Marshall Care Foundation especially in the areas of education and Healthcare.”

Not a few people, however, say his exit from politics, may, allegedly, have something to do with the running battle between his wife, Sadiya Umar Farouq, the former Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, which has just declared her wanted over some untidy financial business while she was in office.

She remains at large till date.

Air Marshall Abubakar was born on April 8, 1960, in Azare, Bauchi State.

International Day of the Boy Child; Obi Reflects On  Challenges Faced By  Nigerian Boy Child

By
The Source
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

Peter Obi, a leading presidential candidate and former Governor of Anambra State, has extended his congratulations to the Nigerian Boy Child in recognition of International Day of the Boy Child, while also expressing his concerns regarding their circumstances in the country.

In a message shared on his X account, Obi cited Nelson Mandela’s poignant observation: “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children,” highlighting the serious issues the Nigerian Boy Child is facing.

He elaborated, stating, “Yesterday, the world celebrated the International Day of the Boy Child. For me, it served as a moment for deep reflection on the future of our boys in a country that grapples with severe insecurity, large-scale abductions, hunger, and insufficient investment in healthcare and education, all of which threaten the lives and prospects of our children.

*It is widely accepted that children are the leaders of tomorrow, and rightly so. Yet, how can we expect them to lead effectively if we do not protect their lives and futures today? Our boys are confronted with severe hunger and malnutrition, a deficiency of basic education and primary healthcare, worsening insecurity and mass abductions, and rising social moral decay—facing numerous challenges from the time they are born.

“For the boy child to grow into a responsible and productive adult, it is crucial to provide him with a solid foundational education, equip him with useful skills, and mentor him with progressive values that contribute to a better society.

Frederick Douglass once said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” We must put an end to the neglect and mistreatment of our boys and start securing their lives and investing in their futures for the sake of our shared national destiny.

“As I have consistently said, the society we harm today will ultimately hold us accountable tomorrow.

To all the boys out there: hold on to your dreams. We are working towards creating a nation that not only safeguards your lives and invests in your futures but also nurtures your growth and inspires your ambitions, enabling you to seize global opportunities that align with your talents and aspirations.

A New Nigeria is POSSIBLE!

Fmr Ondo First Lady, Betty, Submits LP Nomination Form For Owerri Senatorial Contest

By
Ayodele Oni
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Betty Akeredolu-Anyanwu

By Ayodele Oni

Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akerdeolu, a former Ondo State First Lady, has revealed how the spirit of her late husband, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, former Governor of Ondo state is inspiring her about her ambition.

Betty, an aspirant, for Imo East Senatorial District (Owerri Zone) on the ticket of Labour Party (LP) has picked her nomination and expression of interest forms for the election.

The former Ondo first lady wrote on her Facebook post on Sunday, “If you recall, I promised to carry my friends, supporters, and political associates along every step of the way on this journey to the Red Chambers — the Senate, come 2027.

“Today, aboard an Air Peace flight from Owerri to Abuja to submit my Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, something profound happened.

“Right there in the clouds, somewhere between earth and earth’s endless horizon, thoughts of Aketi came flooding over me like the tide of the ocean.

“Suddenly, I was overwhelmed with emotions. At that moment, I knew he was with me.

“I could feel his presence so strongly — urging me on, cheering me forward, saying in that familiar voice, “Maddy, keep going, Darlin’. The journey continues.”

“For a moment, tears welled up in my eyes. Not tears of sorrow alone, but tears born of love, memory, strength, and purpose.

“Aketi may no longer be physically here, but his courage, conviction, and spirit continue to inspire me every single day.

And so, with determination in my heart and the support of the people, I press on.

The journey continues.”

2027: Why Ohaji Deserves More In Ohaji/Egbema LGA

By
The Source
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Ohaji

As the 2027 General Elections draw closer, stakeholders, elders, community leaders, including women groups and youth groups have started to look at what is on the table, in a bid to ensure equitable distribution of political offices, both elective and appointive positions.

Ordinarily, where love reigns, this isn’t supposed to cause any friction and suspicion, but clannish polarization, disregard and disrespect for rotational representation have made it imperative for Charter of Equity to be introduced, so as to ensure and promote fairness, reduce acrimony, foster stability and nip in the bud marginalization.

This has not been so in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. This is a local government that has two clans : Ohaji clan and Egbema clan. There was this unwritten understanding that elected and appointed positions are shared between the two clans, such that if an Ohaji person is elected Local Government Chairman, an Egbema person will go for the State House Of Assembly to represent the local government, and vice versa. Also, if an Egbema person represents Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru-West Federal Constituency House Of Representative, when it is the turn of Ohaji/Egbema to represent again, it should naturally go to Ohaji clan.

Unfortunately, this unwritten understanding (Charter of Equity), has not been respected by the Egbema clan of the local government area. Rather, we have seen and continued to witness situations and times without number where Egbema clan appropriated every political position, thereby leaving Ohaji clan empty handed, frustrated and hollow, and this has continued to breed clannish tensions and suspicions in the local government area.

This injustice got to a point where Egbema clan occupied Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area as Chairman, represented the local government at the Imo State House Of Assembly as an Honourable Member, represented the Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, took Commissionership position, Special Adviser position and Ministerial position, all to itself, leaving Ohaji clan completely empty handed.

An illustration will suffice here : Egbema clan has produced three House Of Representative Members since 1999, while Ohaji clan, which is a co-equal clan that make up Ohaji/Egbema is yet to occupy the seat since the beginning of the present democracy in 1999 :

  1. Hon Tony Ezea from Egbema Represented the Federal Constituency from 1999 to 2003 at the National Assembly.
  1. Rt Honourable Goodluck Nanah Opia from Egbema Represented the Federal Constituency from 2015 to 2019 at the National Assembly.
  1. Hon Kingsley Chima Uju Represented the Federal Constituency from 2019 to 2023 at the National Assembly.

During the tenure of Rt Honourable Emeka Ihedioha in 2019, as Governor, the Egbema clan held the Federal Constituency Seat, House Of Assembly Seat and the Local Government Council Seat, leaving nothing for the Ohaji clan, namely :

  1. Hon Kingsley Chima Uju (Federal Constituency Seat).
  1. Hon Damian Ezeru ( Local Government Council Seat).
  1. Hon Heclus Okoro (Imo State House Of Assembly Seat).

When His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma came as the governor, in January 2020, this injustice against the Ohaji clan was upgraded to an unprecedented level (without the knowledge of the Governor), as the Egbema clan appropriated and held the Federal Constituency Seat, House Of Assembly Seat, the Local Government Council Seat, Special Adviser Seat, Commissionership Seat and Ministerial position, with  absolutely nothing for the Ohaji clan. The following Data proves it :

  1. Hon Kingsley Chima Uju (Federal Constituency Seat).
  1. Hon Marcel Amadioha ( Local Government Council Seat).
  1. Hon Heclus Okoro (Imo State House Of Assembly Seat).
  1. Rt Honourable Goodluck Nanah Opia (Special Adviser Seat).
  1. Rt Honourable Goodluck Nanah Opiah (Commissionership Seat).
  1. Rt Honourable Goodluck Nanah Opiah (Ministerial position).

Nevertheless, His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma ensured the imbalance was corrected in the 2023 General Election, as Ohaji clan produced the Member Representing Ohaji-Egbema State Constituency in the Imo State House Of Assembly, while the Council Seat was retained by the Egbema clan, firstly in the Sole Administratorship, and later, in the Executive Chairmanship position :

  1. Hon Dr Uzoma Francis Osuoha (Ohaji/Egbema State Constituency, IMHA).
  1. Hon Marcel Amadioha (Ohaji Egbema Local Government Council).

As the 2027 General Election draws closer, and with the superlative performance of Hon Dr Uzoma Francis Osuoha as the Member Representing Ohaji-Egbema State Constituency in the Imo State House Of Assembly, in terms of the number of People-oriented Motions and Bills he has so far sponsored and cosponsored, Constituency projects executed, empowerment initiatives carried out, assistance to several families and  groups, and support for the ruling party, both at the LGA and State levels, it is a given that he will naturally be allowed to return for a second term, which is still the turn of Ohaji clan. But unfortunately, the Egbema clan that is still holding the Council Chairmanship position is gearing up to contest the House Of Assembly seat, as well as the Federal House Of Representative Seat, which is currently being occupied by another local government area (Oguta).

Therefore, we are asking : In the face of the Charter of Equity being implemented by Governor Hope Uzodimma, how justifiable is Hon Marcel Amadioha (an Egbema indigene), the Executive Chairman of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, to have bought the Nomination and Expression Of Interest Forms for the State House Of Assembly Seat?

For our democracy to comfortably thrive in Ohaji/ Egbema LGA, sincere efforts should be made to ensure all the clans are represented. This is because the clandestine plot to once again usurp what currently belongs to Ohaji clan is surely breed political instability and resentment, thereby stunting growth and development in our society.

Therefore, in the spirit of “Egbe Bere, Ugo Bere”, the Ohaji clan should be supported to complete their tenure in the Imo State House Of Assembly.

OHAJI EQUITY MANDATE INITIATIVE

15/05/2026

Poland 2026: Falconets In Death Group, Faces Spain, China, New Caledonia

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Falconets

By Akinwale Kasali 

 

Nigeria’s Under-20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets, has been drawn into Group F of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup alongside Spain, China and New Caledonia following the official draw conducted on Friday in Łódź, Poland. The group has been described as “death group”, considering the exploits of China and Spain in female football. But the Nigerian team is optimistic. 

 

The tournament, scheduled to run from September 5 to 27, 2026, will be hosted across several Polish cities, including Łódź, Katowice, Sosnowiec and Bielsko-Biała, bringing together 24 of the world’s top youth women’s teams in FIFA’s flagship age-grade competition. 

 

Nigeria booked their place at the global finals after successfully navigating the African qualification series, where they overcame the Young Scorchers of Malawi in a tightly contested two-legged playoff.

 

The Falconets secured a 3–2 aggregate victory, winning the first leg 2–0 in Ikenne before a narrow 2–1 defeat in the return fixture in Lilongwe which was enough to confirm their progression to Poland 2026. 

 

The draw places Nigeria in a competitive Group F. Spain arrive as one of the tournament favourites, boasting a strong youth system and recent dominance in women’s age-grade football.

 

China also present a serious challenge with their disciplined structure and international experience, while New Caledonia will make their debut appearance, adding unpredictability to the group.

 

The Falconets, two-time finalists in the history of the competition, will be aiming to once again reach the latter stages of the tournament and challenge for their first world title at U-20 level.

 

Nigeria has, over the years, consistently been one of Africa’s strongest representatives at this level, regularly producing players who graduate into the senior national team, the Super Falcons.

 

With the draw now completed, attention turns to preparation as the team is expected to intensify training camps and arrange international friendlies ahead of the tournament.

Reps Dep Speaker, Kalu Secures APC Return Ticket In Abia

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Benjamin Kalu Okezie

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, has been returned as the All Progressive Congress, APC, candidate for the Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State in the 2027 general elections.

 

The emergence of Kalu is coming on the heels of his much anticipated, but botched bid for the Abia State Governorship seat .

 

The two-term member of the green chamber of the National Assembly had, until penultimate week, nursed the ambition of challenging incumbent Governor Alex Otti for the state’s topmost.

 

But with his purported procurement of both the House of Representatives and gubernatorial expression of interest and nomination forms of the APC, not a few had concluded that he may have jettisoned his bid for the Governorship seat.

 

A statement from Udora Orizu, his spokesperson, informed that Kalu emerged unopposed at the primaries conducted on Saturday, May 16,2026.

 

He was said to have been unanimously endorsed by party members, party leaders, ward executives, delegates, and stakeholders from the 13 wards that make up the Bende Federal Constituency.

 

According to the statement, delegates, stakeholders and party faithful who turned out in their numbers, lauded the Deputy Speaker for his  exceptional legislative performance and landmark constituency projects which he has attracted to the area since his election to the National Assembly.

 

They described his unchallenged nomination as the APC candidate as a befitting appreciation of his achievements as well as a testimonial to the confidence reposed in him by the people.

 

On his part, Kalu thanked party members, traditional rulers youths , women groups , party elders and stakeholders for their support for him, their confidence and trust in his representation.

 

He assured of his commitment towards delivering more dividends of democracy to the constituents.

APC Primary Election: Three Ekiti Reps Members Lose Return Ticket

By
Ayodele Oni
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APC

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Three Members of the House of Representatives in Ekiti state have lost their bid to return to the green house following their defeat in Saturday’s primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

Those that were defeated by new candidates include Adebiyi Rufus Ojuawo from Ekiti South-West/Ikere/Ise-Orun, Davidson Akinlayo from Moba, Ido/Osun and Ilejemeje and Abiodun Omoleye, Ijero/Ekiti West/Efon.

 

The spokesman of the APC, Ekiti State Chapter, Akin Rotimi, is still battling to retain his seat as the election of his Constituency, Oye/Ikole has been declared inconclusive by the primary election committee.

 

Those that have already secured return tickets are Olusola Fatoba, Ado/Irepodun, and Femi Bamisile – Ekiti East, Emure, Gbonyin;

 

The Chairman of the committee and chief returning officer, Wasiu Adedoyin Banjo who made this known while announcing the results of the Saturday’s exercise, said the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party will take the final decision on the federal constituency.

 

Adedoyin added that the committee observed a series of challenges and crisis during the primary election which has made the exercise inclusive.

 

Announcing the results from other constituencies, the committee chairman declared Olusola Fatoba as the winner for Ado-Irepodun federal constituency; Oladapo Karounwi-Ijero, Ekiti West, Efon; Femi Bamisile – Ekiti East, Emure, Gbonyin; Toyin Okoro – Ikere, Ekiti South West, Ise-Orun and Ibrahim Olarewaju – Ilejemeje, Ido-Osi, Moba federal constituency.

Terrorists Kill 17 Police Officers Undergoing Training In Yobe Military School Attack

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Nigerian Police

By Adesina Soyooye 

 

A deadly attack on Yobe Military School has  resulted in the death of 17 officers. The Policemen were undergoing special training at the Military School in Yobe terrorists swooped on them and attacked from all angles. Killed along with them were also some soldiers.

 

As confirmed by the Police, they were  killed in an unfortunate attack on the military school by terrorists. 

 

On Saturday, a mourning Nigeria Police Force  announced the death of the 17 police officers and confirmed they were killed in a terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State. The tragic incident took place on May 8.

 

Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, in a statement on Saturday confirmed that  the officers were undergoing training at the institution when the terrorists struck.

 

Said DCP Placid: “The officers, who were undergoing specialized operational training at the institution, lost their lives when terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the facility from multiple directions at about 01.15hrs.

 

“Several gallant personnel of the Nigerian Army also made the ultimate sacrifice while courageously repelling the attack.

 

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu described the fallen officers as courageous and dedicated personnel who demonstrated exceptional patriotism and commitment to national security through their participation in advanced counter-terrorism and tactical training programmes.

 

“The IGP conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the entire Force to the bereaved families, assuring them that the sacrifices of the deceased officers will never be forgotten.

 

“In further demonstration of solidarity and support, the Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, visited the institution on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, where he commiserated with the Commandant of the School, Brigadier General A.C. Enuagu, officers of the Nigerian Army, and surviving police personnel undergoing training at the facility.

 

“He commended the resilience and courage of the surviving officers and encouraged them to remain resolute in completing the training programme in honour of their fallen colleagues.

 

“The Inspector-General of Police assures Nigerians that the Force, working closely with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, will sustain ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.

 

“The Nigeria Police Force salutes the courage, sacrifice, and service of the fallen officers whose dedication to duty will forever remain honoured by the nation.”

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