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Senatorial Ticket: Ogun Govt Slams Daniel, Says He Has Lost Relevance

By
James Orji
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Otunba Gbenga Daniel
Ogun State Government has criticized a former governor of the state, Gbenga Daniel over the political developments in the state, particularly the emergence of Governor Dapo Abiodun as the consensus All Progressives Congress, APC senatorial candidate for Ogun East.
 
Governor Abiodun had emerged two weeks ago after a meeting by some party leaders in the state.
 
Since then, Senator Daniel has criticized the process that threw up the governor, saying it was not transparent. 
 
Recall that Senator Daniel had accused the party officials of shutting him out of the venue where the governor was picked as the consensus APC candidate for Ogun East in the 2027 election.
 
Reacting in a statement issued on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said Senator Daniel had once emerged through the process that he’s now criticizing.
 
The governor’s aide urged senator Daniel to stop peddling falsehood about the governor, describing the former governor as a drowning mam, with a declining political relevance and influence in the ruling APC.
 
“Daniel is simply fighting the same consensus arrangement and party structure that produced him as Senator in 2023. It is shocking that someone who benefited immensely from the collective decision of the party is now demonising the same process simply because it no longer aligns with his personal ambition,” Akinmade stated.
 
Senator Daniel is criticizing the same consensus arrangement which he rode on to the National Assembly in 2023, adding that the former governor is now demonising the APC and Governor Abiodun because he failed to have his way this time around, Akinmade said.

Lagos Govt Counters JAMB Cut-off Mark

By
James Orji
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Prof Ishaq Oloyede -JAMB registrar
Prof Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB registrar

The Lagos State Government has rejected the 150 minimum cut-off mark approved by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB,  for university admissions.
The Babajide SanwoOlu-led government said candidates seeking to be admitted into its state-owned universities must score at least 185 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, made the remark on Wednesday during a ministerial press briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa as part of activities marking the third year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

According to Sule, the cut-off mark approved by JAMB was too low for Lagos State universities and did not reflect the educational standards expected in the state.

Lagos Reporters gathered that the Lagos State Government is determined to maintain what it described as quality admission standards across its tertiary institutions despite the national benchmark announced by JAMB.

“To us in Lagos State, the cut-off marks approved by JAMB look too low for our universities. None of our three universities is admitting any student who scored below 185 in the UTME,” the commissioner stated.

He explained that although JAMB’s decision was intended to accommodate candidates across the country’s six geo-political zones, Lagos could not lower its standards to align with states facing educational challenges.

“For JAMB to announce 150 as the cut-off mark out of the 400 obtainable marks in the UTME for this year’s admission seekers is very low,” Sule said.

Sule stressed that Lagos should not be classified among educationally disadvantaged states, adding that the state would continue to maintain higher academic standards in its admission process.

“Lagos cannot be considered educationally disadvantaged to the extent of bringing its cut-off mark down to meet what Sokoto or Zamfara State requires,” he added.

The magazine recalls that the Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, in Abuja, on Monday disclosed that 150 is this cut off mark for gaining admission into tertiary institutions in the country this year.

The development signals that admission seekers into Lagos-owned tertiary institutions may face stricter entry requirements despite JAMB’s national benchmark for the 2026 admission exercise.

Lakurawa Terrorists Kill Two Customs Operatives At Kebbi Checkpoint Attack

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Lakurawa terrorists

 

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

Two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, have been killed by suspected Lakurawa terrorist elements in  Kebbi State.

 

The operatives were killed during an attack on a  security check point in Gendene Community, Bagudu Local Council, in the wee hours of Wednesday, May 13, 2026. 

 

The terrorists were said to have struck at about 3.00 am, opening fire on the officers on duty.

 

According to local witness accounts, the terrorists set one of the victims on fire, and watched him burn to death.

 

Similarly, the attackers also razed operational vehicles belonging to the Service before departing the scene.

 

“The attackers came in the early hours of Wednesday, and launched the attack unexpectedly. 

 

“One of the officers was trapped in the fire after the terrorists set the make-shift structure he was sleeping on fire”, a local witness volunteered.

 

Confirming the unfortunate incident, the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, described it as deeply painful.

 

Adeniyi, who spoke in Ilorin while delivering a keynote at the fourth biennial international conference organized by the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, of the University of Ilorin informed that the  slain officers- Assistant Superintendent of Customs, ASC Bamigboye, and Deputy Superintendent of Customs, DSC Dom, were killed during a counter-offensive operation against the terrorists.

 

“This morning, two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service paid the supreme sacrifice while warding off threats from Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi state”, Adeniyi stated .

 

He said that the Service remains a critical factor in the fight against insecurity particularly in the border communities, in collaboration with the military.”, he added.

 

He emphasized that he could have shelved his trip to Ilorin if he had received the news of the tragic incident before leaving for Ilorin.

 

This was as he assured that the death of the officers rather than weaken the fight against criminal networks, will spur the Service into upscaling the campaign.

I Remain An APC Member, Says Gov Fubara

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

Despite the alleged shabby treatment believed to have been meted on him, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, has reaffirmed his unflinching commitment and unalloyed loyalty to the All Progressive Congress, APC.

The Source reports that about 32 aspirants sponsored by the Governor Fubara to the House of Assembly,  were last weekend disqualified by the Screening Committee in  rather hazy circumstances.

The Committee, in its report of the exercise conducted between Saturday May 9 and Sunday May 10, 2026, disqualified about 56 aspirants out of the initial 98 that obtained nomination forms.

Conversely, 33 aspirants believed to have been backed by Governor Fubara’s estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister, were cleared for the contest, thus sparking widespread debate on the fate of the Governor in his new political abode.

Wike who is still a member of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has vowed not to allow his estranged political godson a second term in office, noting that doing so will amount to signing his own political obituary.

The FCT Minister has equally maintained that a critical condition of the presidential truce brokered between the two was that Fubara will not be seeking a second term in office.

Instructively, Governor Fubara, last week Sunday, had angrily stormed out of  the Abuja venue of the APC Screening Committee, following what insiders attributed to the refusal of the Committee to screen him based on his perceived agreement with Wike.

The APC had, equally, before now, leaned towards the side of the FCT Minister, following its refusal to formally receive Governor Fubara into its fold, a gesture which had been accorded to his defecting colleagues, including those who joined the party after he had joined.

The open show of disrespect and disregard  by the APC has expectedly accentuated speculations suggesting that Fubara, even though the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC’s defection window  ended on May 10, may be considering finding solace in another party.

But speaking on Wednesday during an inspection tour of some project sites, including the remodeled Rivers state Psychiatric Hospital in Rumuigbo, Obio/Akpor Local Council of the state, Governor Fubara debunked claims suggesting that he may be on his way out of APC. 

He dismissed such reports and interpretations on the social as not only false and unfounded, but not a true reflection of his position.

“I am a member of the All Progressive Congress, and nothing has changed.

“People should stop using whatever situation they pick up from the social media ,or their personal interpretations, to present me wrongly. I have not gone anywhere. I remain a member.of the APC”, Fubara stated.

Mustapha Abdullahi, DG Energy Commission, Arrested By EFCC  Over Alleged N500bn Fraud

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Mustapha Abdullahi
Mustapha Abdullahi


By Adesina Soyooye 

The Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. He was alleged to have been arrested over money laundering offences running into N500 billion.

 

Unconfirmed reports said a source within the EFCC, told the Press in confidence that Abdullahi was arrested on Wednesday in Abuja and is   currently under the custody of the EFCC.

 

Even though there has been no confirmation by the EFCC, a source within the Commission confided: “We have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, for money laundering offences. He was arrested and is currently in our custody. The money is to the tune of N500bn.” 

 

Dr. Abdullahi was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on October 24, 2023, as the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria.

Ahead Of APC Primary Election, Ondo Police Command Deploys Teams

By
Ayodele Oni
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Police on Patrol

By Ayodele Oni 

 

As the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State commences its primary election on Friday, the state government has called on party members to conduct themselves peacefully during the upcoming party primaries.

 

The exercise is expected to last for three days.

 

This is just as the Ondo State Police Command commenced a statewide show-of-force operation ahead of the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections following growing concerns over possible violence and alleged influx of political thugs into parts of the state.

 

The police action comes amid rising tension in several communities, including Owo, Idanre, Akure, Irele and Okitipupa, where residents had earlier raised fears over security threats linked to the APC primaries scheduled to begin on Friday.

 

Leading the security operation on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Adebowale Lawal, visited Idanre and Owo Local Government Areas alongside senior police officers, tactical commanders and other security personnel.

 

According to the command, the exercise involved the deployment of conventional police operatives, tactical squads, Police Mobile Force personnel, intelligence units and other operational assets aimed at preventing breakdown of law and order before, during and after the political activities.

 

The development is believed to be a direct response to mounting fears among residents following violence that reportedly marred the APC congresses in the state.

 

The primary is expected to select candidates for the House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and Senate.

 

In a statement issued on Wednesday by. Idowu Ajanaku, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, the government emphasised the importance of the exercise as a vital democratic process for the ruling party.

 

“We urge all aspirants, party leaders, and supporters to ensure the exercise remains hitch-free, transparent, and devoid of violence or rancour before, during, and after the polls,” the statement said.

 

The government reiterated that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is committed to maintaining orderliness throughout the exercise, in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

 

“Ondo State must continue to remain a model of political maturity and democratic excellence through the conduct of party members,” the statement stressed.

 

The statement added that the Ondo State Government has officially adopted direct primaries, aligning with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, which stated that “direct primaries should be adopted in situations where there is no agreed consensus candidate.”

 

The statement confirmed the state chapter’s commitment to abiding by the guidelines and internal democratic principles set by the national leadership of the APC in Abuja.

 

Describing the primary as a significant boost for the party’s preparations towards future electoral victories, the government highlighted the importance of unity and discipline among party members. 

 

“Unity, discipline, and peaceful coexistence among party members will further strengthen the APC as one political family working towards a common goal.

 

“We urge all stakeholders to place the interest of the party and the state above personal ambition.”

Anambra Police Command Arrests Killer Of Pentecostal Bishop In Delta

By
Ayodele Oni
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Killer Of Pentecostal Bishop arrested in Delta

By Ayodele Oni

Anambra State Police command has arrested a domestic staff member allegedly linked to the murder of a Pentecostal Bishop in Delta State.

He was allegedly arrested at a point where he attempted to sell the cleric’s stolen Toyota Prado Jeep in Anambra.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed that the suspect, who reportedly served as the bishop’s driver and domestic aide, was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu.

The Bishop, who was said to have been hit with a mortar at the back of his head on Tuesday, died immediately before help could come his way.

The alleged killer, who was also his personal driver , was reported to have driven away with the victim’s Prodo jeep and was about to dispose of it at Akwuzu in Anambra State when he was apprehended by the police who have been on his trail since the incident took place on Tuesday.

According to the police, the victim was a bishop of End-Reconciliation Ministry based in Asaba.

Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly conspired with other criminal elements, currently at large, to murder his employer before fleeing with the victim’s Toyota Prado Jeep to Anambra State for disposal.

“The breakthrough followed a swift intelligence-led operation by operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, which led to the arrest of the suspect and another individual alleged to be the buyer of the stolen vehicle,” the statement said.

The police added that operatives tracked and intercepted the suspects in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, where the stolen vehicle was recovered.

South East APC Faults Allegation Of N800 Billion Fraud Against PGF Chairman, Gov Uzodimma

By
Ayodele Oni
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Hope Uzodimma
Governor Hope Uzodimma

By Ayodele Oni

The South-east chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has faulted allegation against Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who is also Chairman Progressive Governors Forum, (PGF), of involvement in the diversion of ₦800 billion in campaign funds. It described the claim as false, misleading, and politically driven.

The Party maintained that Governor Uzodimma remains focused on delivering good governance, sustainable development, and improved welfare for residents of Imo State, stressing that the allegations were designed to distract him from ongoing developmental efforts.

The allegation has led to report and counter report on purported removal of governor Uzodimma as PGF Chairman.

A statement issued on Wednesday by the APC National Vice-Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu,  noted that the governor had come under increased political attacks, following reports of his interest in contesting the Imo East senatorial seat in 2027.

The party alleged that the accusation formed part of a wider campaign of blackmail aimed at undermining Uzodimma’s political relevance, insisting that every citizen reserves the right to pursue political ambitions without intimidation or defamation.

Reacting to claims that ₦800 billion was diverted from funds allegedly contributed by members of the PGF for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, the APC South-East described the allegation as “factually incorrect and logically impossible.”

According to the party, no official campaign structure or funding arrangement had been activated due to legal restrictions on political campaigning.

The party further explained that the Progressive Governors Forum is not a campaign body and, therefore, has no mandate to collect or manage election-related funds, adding that such claims were inconsistent with established political procedures.

It also questioned the credibility of the ₦800 billion figure, describing it as unrealistic and mathematically implausible, noting that it would imply an average contribution of about ₦26 billion per APC governor.

The APC emphasized that Governor Uzodimma has maintained a record of transparency and accountability in public service and has not been linked to any form of financial misconduct, urging critics to refrain from what it called baseless propaganda.

The party called on opposition figures to prioritize constructive engagement and issue-based politics, rather than what it described as fabricated allegations intended to mislead the public

Why We Rejected Obi, Kwankwaso In  PRP When They Approached Us – Nat. Chair, Baba-Ahmed

By
Ayodele Oni
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Hakeem Baba-Ahmed

By Ayodele Oni

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed, has revealed that former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, first made an attempt to join the party.

He explained that they came with conditions one of which was automatic presidential ticket of the party.

Speaking during a Hausa political programme on DITV Kaduna, Baba-Ahmed revealed that discussions between the PRP and the two politicians broke down after disagreements over conditions for joining the party.

According to him, Obi and Kwankwaso initially approached the PRP for possible collaboration and negotiations progressed to the point where a committee was proposed to continue talks.

“They came and said they wanted to join the PRP, but when we sat down and discussed with them, there were certain demands they made,” he said.

Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso joins NDC
Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso joined NDC

The PRP chairman revealed that one of the major issues was the request by both politicians to secure the party’s presidential ticket without facing internal opposition.

“Before they joined, they told us that they were the presidential candidates, meaning they should be given the ticket. We told them no, this is PRP; we do not practice that kind of politics.”

He stated that the party insisted that Obi and Kwankwaso must first formally join the PRP and follow its laid-down procedures before seeking any elective position.

“I told them: first come into the party. After joining, you can then tell me, ‘I am Obi and I want to run for president,’ and ‘I am Kwankwaso and I want to be his running mate.’

“But for you to come even before a decision is made and ask us to guarantee you the ticket without opposition if you are truly strong contenders, then why fear competition?” he asked.

Baba-Ahmed admitted that the PRP leadership acknowledged the political influence and support base of both men, but maintained that the party could not violate its constitution and internal democratic procedure.

“We believed that if anyone entered a room and saw Obi and Kwankwaso, they would think strong contenders had arrived. But we cannot break our party’s rules.”

He further disclosed that the camps of the two politicians also requested a significant number of party positions because of the supporters they intended to bring into the PRP.

“They requested that many positions be given to them because they said they had many supporters. We told them this was not a problem come into the party first, then we can sit down and discuss,” he added.

The PRP chairman said that concerns over the party’s status on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal and internal disputes within the party contributed to the collapse of the talks.

24 Suspected Cultists Arrested In Ondo During Pre Initiation Ceremony

By
Ayodele Oni
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Police on Duty

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The Ondo State Police Command has announced the arrest of 24 suspected cult members as their initiation was being planned.

 

The Special Anti-Cultism squad stormed venue of the initiation ceremony at Ile-Oluji and rounded up the suspects.

 

The command spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, in a statement on Wednesday, revealed that 24 suspected members of the dreaded Aiye Confraternity were picked up during a planned initiation and unlawful gathering in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State.

 

“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, Akure, swung into action on Saturday, 10th May, 2026 leading to the successful interception and arrest of the suspects. 

 

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects, all males, allegedly converged from different parts of the State and beyond for initiation rites and a secret cult meeting held in a bush concealed within Ile-Oluji town. 

 

“The operation was executed professionally and without incident, thereby preventing what could have posed a serious threat to public peace and security in the area.

 

“Items recovered from the suspects during the operation include two Aiye confraternity crested caps, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and several mobile phones believed to be relevant to ongoing investigations.”

 

The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for cultism, criminal conspiracy and all forms of violent crimes capable of undermining the safety of residents in the State.

 

He warned criminal elements and individuals involved in cult-related activities to desist immediately, noting that the Command remains resolute in identifying, tracking and prosecuting those involved in activities capable of disrupting public order.

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