NDC Begins Primary Election, Waives Fees For Aspirants

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May 28, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

As the National Democratic Congress (NDC), begins its primary election for aspirants on Thursday, it has waived payment for nomination and expression of interest forms.

The party explained that only those that win the primary election will be profiled by the leadership and subsequent payment of necessary fees.

NDC said in a statement that: “After extensive hours of deliberations yesterday, which lasted till this morning, and in the company of the National Chairman of our party, our Presidential Aspirant, His Excellency Peter Obi, and other key members of the National Working Committee and Selection Committee, we received the report of the Screening Committee led by His Excellency, Sam Egwu.

“We thank the committee for its painstaking work, which lasted almost a week, especially in handling the staggering number of aspirants that far exceeded our expectations.

“We also thank all the aspirants for their confidence in the NDC, as well as those who made donations to the party and chose our platform to express their political ambitions across the country. Their numbers run into thousands, and we wish them the very best.

“Following a briefing at the joint meeting of the Selection Committee and the Screening Committee, and in view of the constraints of time, it was decided that all those who purchased Expression of Interest Forms would be allowed to participate in the primaries in their various constituencies.

“Only successful candidates will report to the party secretariat for documentation and, in the process, pay for nomination forms and complete other necessary forms.

“The teams for the primaries have been selected, comprising senior officials of the party, and have been deployed to every state to conduct the exercise with the support of stakeholders and local leaders. We wish them success in this important assignment.

“Our party is women and youth friendly, and we urge the teams to pay attention to aspirants with the capacity to win elections.

“They should liaise with stakeholders and remain open and fair in protecting the interests of all aspirants because, at the end of the day, we are a platform for everyone.

“We call for violence-free primaries and reiterate our zero tolerance for violent behaviour. The party will take serious action against anyone who resorts to violence, threats, intimidation, or disorderly conduct.

“As a result of the tight timelines we are working with, aspirants are expected to proceed with the primaries from 28th and 29th May 2026, using their Expression of Interest Forms to enable them participate.

“An Appeal Panel will also be inaugurated to look into complaints that may arise during the process.

“Note that, in line with the party guidelines, the primaries will be conducted through direct primaries at the constituency level for State Assembly positions, while House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential affirmations will take place at the various Local Government Headquarters.

“Final results will be announced at the party’s National Secretariat by the Selection Committee and the NEC. We strongly recommend consensus where necessary.

“We call for understanding and support because of the limited time available, which made it impossible for the party to fully implement the electronic system we had designed for all party primaries and congresses.

“As I said at the dinner with aspirants, this will be the last primary election in the NDC to be conducted manually.

“We understand that the manual process may not be perfect due to time constraints and logistical challenges, and we ask everyone to bear with us.

“Our intentions are sincere, and future primaries will be conducted electronically to minimise complaints and other challenges.

“Finally, we urge the teams to be fair to all aspirants, collaborate with stakeholders and interest groups, and work closely with INEC and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent process.

“Bear with us and join us as we strive to build an enduring modern political institution, not a special-purpose vehicle for any individual political interest, but a party that will outlast all of us.”

Atiku Clinches ADC Presidential Ticket, Amidst Rejection Of Primaries By Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 28, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has been formally declared winner of the Presidential Primaries of the opposition Coalition platform, African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Abubakar, immediate past Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen had, on Monday, May 25, 2026, participated in the ADC primary election held nationwide.

But while the collation exercise was underway, the duo of Hayatu-Deen and Amaechi announced the rejection of, and withdrawal from the exercise and its outcome, citing alleged manipulations of the process as well as widespread irregularities as some of the reasons for their action.

However, announcing the result of the primaries Wednesday night, the returning officer, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, declared Abubakar the winner, and ADC’s flag bearer for the 2027 Presidential polls.

According to Ogbeha, the former Vice president polled 1,846,370 votes to defeat his closest rival, Amaechi, who garnered a total of 504,117 votes.

Hayatu-Deen came a distant third, with 177,120 votes.

According to Ogbeha, a total of 2 ,527 ,977 votes were cast during the primaries.

Fmr Deputy Senate President, Omo-Agege Quits APC, Says “I Will Not Remain Sitting Duck

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Ayodele Oni

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May 27, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

More fallout of the direct primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has continued to unfold, as former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, formally resigned from the party, citing political developments in Delta State that he said no longer support his aspirations and the interests of his supporters.

The former senator announced his exit from the ruling party in a statement published on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, with the announcement signed by his Media Adviser, Sunday Areh.

Omo-Agege had joined the senatorial contest in Delta state, but could not get the ticket.

In a resignation letter addressed to the APC Chairman of Orogun Ward 2 in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Omo-Agege said the decision followed wide consultations with political allies, associates and loyalists across the state.

He explained that continuing in the APC would make it difficult for him to effectively pursue the political and developmental interests of Delta Central and the state at large.

“I will not remain a sitting duck in a party where I cannot advance the interests of Delta Central, Delta State and Nigeria,” the former lawmaker declared.

Omo-Agege also appreciated the APC for the platform it provided him to serve as Deputy President of the 9th Senate, while noting that he had requested the removal of his name from all party records and communication structures.

“I thank the APC for the opportunity to serve as Deputy President of the 9th Senate. I wish the party well and have requested that my name be removed from all membership records, registers and communication lists,” he added.

The Obarisi of Urhoboland maintained that his commitment to the development of Delta Central, Delta State and Nigeria remains unwavering, stressing that he would continue pursuing those goals outside the APC.

2027: Activist Aisha Yesufu Defeated In NDC Abuja Senatorial Primary

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 27, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Activist, Aisha Yesufu has lost out in her bid to hoist the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Flag as the Party’s Candidate for the Federal Capital Territory, Senatorial the 2027 Election.

She was defeated by Amanda Pam, a veteran grassroots mobiliser. Yesufu’s bid to unseat the incumbent Senator, Ireti Kingibe, was, therefore, dashed.

Party delegates reportedly favoured grassroots structure and long-term loyalty, leading to the loss by Yesufu who recently joined the NDC after leaving the African Democratic Congress, ADC, with the favoured NDC Presidential Aspirant, Peter Obi.

Her defeat has generated social media reactions, and greeted bh mixed feelings.

According to analysts, local political structures proved decisive in the contest.

The primary election, conducted amid growing political activities ahead of 2027, underscored the influence of established party networks and grassroots mobilisation within the FCT political landscape.

Yesufu entered the race with strong public recognition due to her activism in the #BringBackOurGirls movement and support for former Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate, Obi during the 2023 elections. Pam, however, relied heavily on years of political engagement and deep connections across Abuja’s Area Councils.

Popular among her teeming supporters as “Mama Amanda”, Pam is regarded within party circles as a longtime grassroots mobiliser with extensive political experience in the FCT.

It was gathered from Party sources that she is a respected political figure who has built strong relationships with women groups, youths, and community leaders across Gwagwalada, Abaji, Bwari, Kuje, Kwali, and Abuja Municipal Area Council.

Pam is seen by many delegates as a loyal party figure with longstanding commitment to grassroots politics.

Her emergence is already being interpreted by political observers as proof that delegate-based primaries still favour candidates with strong local political structures over social media popularity or national visibility.

Ahead of the exercise, Yesufu had campaigned on governance reforms, improved representation for FCT residents, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment.

She had also urged party members not to rely on popularity alone, encouraging supporters to actively participate in the delegate process.

However, party sources said many delegates preferred a candidate viewed as deeply rooted within the party system.

The outcome has since generated mixed reactions online, with supporters of Pam celebrating what they described as a victory for grassroots politics, while some supporters of Yesufu expressed disappointment over the result.

Pam is expected to become the NDC’s candidate for the FCT Senate race in 2027, as the contest is expected to be highly competitive, with incumbent Senator Kingibe already emerging in discussions as a major contender, alongside former Senator Philip Aduda.

Yesufu is yet to issue a statement on her loss, as Pam’s victory now places her at the centre of the FCT political conversation as preparations gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We Are Working To Ensure Safe Return Of Abducted School Children, Teachers” – Gov Makinde

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Ayodele Oni

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May 27, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said his administration is doing everything possible to rescue the schoolchildren and teachers abducted by terrorists from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the State.

Makinde said this in a short Eid-el-Kabir and Children’s Day message he published on his social media handle on Wednesday morning.

The Governor also assured that security operatives are working to make communities across the state safe.

“As we mark this year’s Eid and Children’s Day, our thoughts are with every family awaiting the return of their loved ones, and with security agencies working to keep our communities safe.

“We are working to ensure the safe return of those who were kidnapped in Oriire LGA. May this holy season fill our State with peace,” Makinde said.

Meanwhile, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, has appealed to Muslims to observe the Eid-el-Kabir by offering prayers for the safe return of the Oriire abductees.

Ogundoyin described the incident as painful and deeply concerning in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Oyetunji Oyekunle, in Ibadan on Wednesday.

Navy Confirms Female Personnel’s Death, Begins Investigation Amidst Controversy

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Ayodele Oni

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May 27, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Navy has commenced investigation into the death of a female naval personnel in Lagos, following public outcry.

It also shed light on the incident, insisting that the death has nothing to do with alleged punishment by a superior officer.

It rejected claims circulating online that the officer’s death happened while serving punishment, describing the claim as “false and misleading.”

The controversy erupted after social media posts alleged that the officer, identified as WO Yusuf, collapsed and later died after allegedly being subjected to punishment under the scorching sun at the Nigerian Navy sick bay in Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos.

But in an official reaction, Navy spokesman, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho said the service was aware of the public outrage generated by the reports and urged Nigerians to avoid speculation pending the release of verified facts surrounding the incident.

“The Nigerian Navy has noted with concern the circulation of false and misleading claims regarding the unfortunate death of a female rating allegedly linked to the actions of a female lieutenant commander,” Folorunsho said.

According to him, “the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident are currently being handled with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity.”

He added that “the established facts surrounding the incident and the underlying cause of death will be communicated to the family, while remaining sensitive to the confidential nature of medical matters.”

The Navy also maintained that the viral narrative linking the officer’s death to disciplinary action by a superior officer was inaccurate.

The incident has continued to stir reactions online, with many Nigerians demanding transparency and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the female personnel’s death.

“At the moment, there is no independent confirmation that the officer died as a result of punishment, while no public autopsy or medical report has been released.

The Nigerian Navy has, however, acknowledged that a female personnel died, while disputing claims that her death was connected to any disciplinary exercise.

Ekiti: ADC Members Protest Arrest, Detention Of Assembly Candidate, Demand Release

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Ayodele Oni

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May 27, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Supporters and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday staged a protest in Ado-Ekiti, over the arrest, detention and remand of the party’s candidate for Ekiti State House of Assembly Constituency 1, Ayodele Babatola, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.

Addressing journalists during the protest, former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and chieftain of the ADC, Olugboyega Aribisogan, alleged that Babatola was illegally arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) over unsubstantiated rape allegations and accused the police of using ‘Form K’ as a tool for political intimidation.

According to the him, Babatola, who is the ADC candidate for the forthcoming 2027 House of Assembly election, was arrested on Tuesday at about 11am without a valid warrant, which according to him was a gross violation of the Nigerian Constitution.

Aribasogan claimed that the embattled candidate was subsequently remanded through the use of ‘Form K’, which is a police remand warrant application used to seek judicial approval to detain suspects pending investigation or trial.

He alleged that the process was being abused by security operatives in Ekiti State to suppress opposition voices ahead of the elections.

The ADC described Babatola as a social activist and advocate of good governance who had consistently criticised the alleged poor performance of the government, especially on infrastructure and public welfare issues.

The party called on the Inspector-General of Police to review the circumstances surrounding Babatola’s arrest and order his release unless there is a lawful basis for his continued detention.

It also appealed to the Chief Judge of Ekiti State and the judiciary to carefully scrutinise the police application for remand and reject it if there is no credible evidence to support the allegations against the candidate.

His words, “Form K was never intended to be a tool for indefinite detention or political intimidation.

As an American-trained soldier and a well-known advocate for good governance, Ayodele Babatola has never been associated with criminality.

“Nigerians can attest to his public advocacy, especially through his video analyses of the bad state of roads and other societal issues in Ekiti State.”

Ekiti Police Command Insists Arrest, Detention Of Assembly Candidate Not Politically Motivated

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Ayodele Oni

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May 27, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Police Command has insisted that the House of Assembly candidate in Ado local government, Ayodele Babalola, actually committed the offence of ra*e he is being detained for.

The Command, dismissed insinuation that his arrest and subsequent detention on the order of a magistrate Court has to do with his membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Some members of ADC had taken to streets in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, protesting the arrest and detention of Babalola, accusing the police of being used by the state government.

Spokesman of the command, Sunday Abutu, in a statement on Wednesday,

assured that the Command will continue to strictly and professionally maintain the principles of the rule of law and justice, and will not be moved by the ignorance and acclaimed wisdom of those who sit in the comfort of their homes to engage in hasty conclusions.

According to the statement, “On the 25th of May, 2026 at about 01:00hrs, one Bukola Oluwaseun ‘f’ “30yrs” came to Oke-Ila Divisional Police Headquarters and reported that the suspect, one Ayodele Babatola, forcefully had carnal knowledge of her at KIIBAT HOTEL, along Petim Estate, Adebayo Area, Ado-Ekiti on the night of 24th May 2026.

“She added that the suspect, in the process, also assaulted her and inflicted various degrees of injuries on her; the injuries, which were visible to the Police Officers on duty at that time.

“The victim stated that she met the suspect on the social media about three months ago while he was still living abroad, and they have been chatting since then.

“Upon arriving Nigeria and in Ado-Ekiti, they both agreed to meet at Captain Cook area in order to know each other physically.

“The victim claimed that the suspect drove her to the hotel with the plan to have some discussions.

“The victim allaged that on getting to the hotel, the suspect, without her consent, had carnal knowledge of her, inflicted injuries on her as a result of her refusal to cooperate with him, and immediately left the room to an unknown destination.

“She stated further that the suspect immediately blocked her phone number and all other means of communicating with him, and all efforts made to reach him proved abortive.

“Upon the receipt of the complaint, the suspect was invited, his statement was taken and after a preliminary investigation, the case was transferred to the State CID for a thorough investigation.

“During investigation, the suspect stated that he was provoked when the victim asked him for payment before having sexual intercourse with her.

“He claimed that he did not actually penetrate the victim before he got provoked by her request for financial compensation, but accepted that he left her in the room and deactivated all her means of reaching him.

“Meanwhile, the victim was taken to the hospital for a medical examination, and it showed and confirmed that there was penetration.

“The suspect was charged to court after investigation was concluded and currently being remanded in Correctional Service Centre, Ado-Ekiti.

“Members of the public are urged to disregard the allegation of illegal arrest and prosecution, as the case is based on a clear complaint which was thoroughly investigated, not based on any political reason as being speculated.

“The Command will continue to uphold fairness, justice, professionalism and respect for human rights, while maintaining that ‘the principle of rule of law must prevail.”

Confusion As ADC Suspends Collation, Announcement Of Presidential Primary Election Results

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Ayodele Oni

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May 27, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

African Democratic Congress, (ADC), citing Eid-el-Kabir celebration, has abruptly suspended the collation of its 2027 presidential primary election results.

The shocking announcement was made late Tuesday night by Ikechi Emenike, chairman of the ADC Presidential Primary Election Committee, amid growing tension within the opposition party.

According to Emenike, the suspension became necessary to allow Muslim members of the party fully participate in the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, while also giving enough time for returning officers facing travel difficulties to arrive in Abuja.

In results collated so far, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was ahead of his rivals – Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen – as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) began the collation of results for the presidential primary last night.

The former vice president was declared winner in Yobe and Zamfara states. He was leading in Adamawa, Sokoto, Kaduna, Edo, Enugu and Nasarawa states as results were trickling in from the wards.

Presidential Primary Election Committee Chairman, who doubles as the returning officer for Zamfara, Muhammad Musa, declared Atiku Abubakar winner in the state.

On his part, former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, rejected the outcome of the party’s presidential primary election, describing the results collated from across the country as “concocted.”

Amaechi, one of the three contenders for the ADC presidential ticket alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, announced his position in a statement posted on his verified X handle, @ChibuikeAmaechi.

The former Minister of Transportation alleged that widespread voter disenfranchisement marred the exercise conducted across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory on Monday.

“Following reports of widespread voter disenfranchisement in most parts of the country during the African Democratic Congress Presidential Primaries yesterday, I unequivocally reject the concocted results being announced.

“I had initially stated that I will only accept the outcome of the primaries if the process was free, fair, and transparent, and I stand by my word.

“I will not accept results from a process that does not reflect the values that the ADC had pledged to uphold, to rescue Nigerians from the impunity and gross mismanagement that our country is currently facing in the hands of the ruling party,” he wrote.

Amaechi further claimed that a significant number of party members were denied the opportunity to participate in the exercise.

“There’s no way that about eighty per cent of members of the party were not allowed to vote, and you expect me to accept such results. Then what makes us different from the others?” he asked.

“The whole idea of the ADC was to give the Nigerian people a platform, to amplify the voices of the downtrodden, and make Nigeria a better place for everyone irrespective of backgrounds, ethnicity, or religion.

“A party that criticises the ruling APC and INEC for vote buying, rigging and writing of results, cannot be engaged in vote buying, writing of results, and other electoral malpractices that leads to the disenfranchisement of voters who are party members. This is not acceptable,” he stated.

Hayatu-Deen had boycotted the collation and declaration ceremony citing alleged vote rigging.

Taking to his verified X handle, @Mohayatudeen, the economist-turned-politician said, “I will not be attending the announcement of the ADC Presidential Election Results today.

” I am concerned by reports from across the country of widespread vote rigging, some of which I myself (sic) observed, and will therefore be taking advice on my next steps.”

However, Hayatu-Deen did not pointedly name those behind the rigging.

Uzodimma Hails Muslim Faithful At Eid-el-Kabir, Celebrates Children

By

The Source

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May 27, 2026

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Governor Hope Uzodimma — Senator Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo State

Governorship Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has said that no time was better suited for Nigerians in general and our Muslim brothers and sisters in particular to exhibit values of obedience, unity, selflessness, faith, patriotism and commitment to greater good of humanity than now.

Those words were used generously to draw the attention of the Muslim community who are celebrating this year’s Eid-el- Kabir, of the need to support the ongoing economic reforms and developmental ideals of the President Bola Tinubu administration as the country gets set to reap the benefits in no time.

Uzodimma also has some words of advice and encouragement for our children as they mark May 27 Children’s Day.

The Governor urged them not to depart from the moral compass which their family and society have drawn up to aid in their upbringing.

Reminding our children that such remains the foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and progressive future for all, Uzodimma further encouraged them to remain hopeful, confident and focused as they go about the life journey.

Taking to his social media handle, Uzodimma who is also the Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum, in his Eid-el- Kabir message to the Muslims wrote: “I felicitate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Muslim Ummah in Imo State and across Nigeria as they celebrate this year’s Eid el Kabir. This sacred festival of sacrifice teaches us the enduring values of obedience, faith, selflessness, unity, and commitment to the greater good of humanity.

“As our Muslim brothers and sisters commemorate this important occasion, I encourage them to extend the spirit of sacrifice in their patriotism to our great nation by continuing to support the economic reforms and developmental initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Though the journey may demand patience and resilience, collective sacrifice and national unity remain essential to building a stronger, more prosperous, and inclusive Nigeria for present and future generations.

“I wish everyone a peaceful, joyful, and blessed Eid el Kabir celebration.”

On the May 27 Children’s Day, Uzodimma also wrote: “As we commemorate Children’s Day, I celebrate our children who continue to look up to us for their dreams to come through, who continue to grow in truth and with the wisdom required to sustain the future we are securing for them.

“To every child, I encourage you to remain hopeful, confident, and focused. Never depart from the moral upbringing of the family and society, for it remains the foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and progressive future for all.”

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday May 28 to enable the Muslims celebrate the feast of Eid-el-Kabir.

The Muslim holiday however coincided with Children’s Day celebration on May 27.