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Nigerian Footballer, Victor Udoh, Dies At 21 Years, Football Community Mourns

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Victor Udoh

By Akinwale Kasali

 

The World Football Community is mourning the sudden demise of Nigerian footballer, Victor Udoh who passed  at  the age of 21 years.

 

Udoh, a former player for Belgian Side, Royal Antwerp and English club, Southampton Football Club, reportedly died in Abuja under circumstances that are still unclear.

 

It was gathered the sad occurrence happened Tuesday, May 26th, 2026.

 

An official statement from Royal Antwerp Football Club where the youngster rose through the ranks before moving to England, confirmed his passing, saying, “It is with great sadness that RAFC has learned of the death of former player Victor Udoh,” the club said.

 

The Belgian club added that its thoughts were with his family, friends, and loved ones during the difficult period.

 

Udoh moved from Abuja to Belgium as a teenager to pursue his football career and quickly impressed in Antwerp’s youth setup, scoring 12 goals in 21 appearances before earning promotion to the senior team.

 

The Late Udoh joined Southampton in January 2025, on a Three-and-a-Half-Year contract and featured for the club’s development side before later moving to Czech Republic Club Side, Dynamo Ceske Budejovice.

 

It was gathered that the Striker had recently returned to Nigeria following the end of the Czech football season before news of his death emerged.

 

His death has led to tributes pouring in from fans, teammates, and members of the football community mourning the loss of the promising young striker.

 

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, is yet to comment, or issue a statement on the sudden demise of the youngster.

Ekiti ADC Flays “Hurried Arraignment, Detention” Of House Of Assembly Candidate

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African Democratic Congress - ADC

By Ayodele Oni

 

Ekiti State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, (ADC) has condemned what it called the illegal arrest, unlawful detention, and hurried arraignment of Mr Ayodele Babatola, the House of Assembly Candidate of the party in Ado Constituency 1,  on allegations of ra*e.

 

He  was remanded in  prison custody on the orders of a magistrate court sitting in Ado Ekiti.

 

Babatola was arraigned on Monday by the Ekiti State Police Command, through the Rapid Response Squad, for allegedly having a forced intimate affair with a woman whose identity was withheld.

 

Reacting in a statement, the party stated that: “We view these actions as a gross violation of the constitutional rights of Mr Babatola and a dangerous abuse of State power.

 

“Every Nigerian, regardless of status or political affiliation, is entitled to the presumption of innocence, due process, and protection from arbitrary detention under Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.”

 

The statement, signed by Gboyega Aribisogan, Director, Communications, Media and Publicity, Dare Bejide Campaign Organisations, added that: “From the available facts, the arrest and detention were carried out without adherence to due process.

 

“Babatola was neither properly invited nor granted the opportunity to respond to the allegations before being detained and arraigned. Such conduct undermines the integrity of our justice system and erodes public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

 

“While we do not condone any form of sexual violence and affirm that ra*e is a heinous crime that must be investigated and prosecuted thoroughly, we insist that justice must never be sacrificed on the altar of political persecution or mob sentiment.

 

“The law must take its course, but it must do so lawfully, fairly, and without malice.

 

“We, therefore, demand the immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention to determine if due process was followed.

 

“The party demands the release of  Ayodele Babatola on bail pending the conclusion of any lawful investigation and trial in line with his constitutional right.

 

“We call on the Nigeria Police Force, the Ekiti State Attorney General,  National Human Rights Commission, and the National judicial Commission to intervene and ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done.

 

“The ADC stands for the rule of law, human rights, and due process. We will not remain silent while citizens are subjected to illegal persecution under the guise of criminal allegations.”

Kano: Abacha Son Loses PDP Gov Ticket

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Mohammed Abacha

Mohammed Sani Abacha, has been defeated in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship primary election in Kano state. Mohammed was the eldest son of Nigeria’s late maximum ruler, Gen Sanni Abacha.

He lost the election to Muhammad Bello Dalhatu, according to the results announced by the Chairman, PDP Governorship Primary Election in the state, Umar Danjani Hadejia, who, in his announcement of the results said Dalhatu scored the highest number of votes to clinch the party’s governorship ticket for the 2027 election.

According to the returning officer, who said the election was conducted in accordance with the Electoral Act and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, guidelines, Dalhatu polled 2,233 votes, while Abacha scored 749 votes during the election.
“Having scored the highest number of valid votes cast, Alhaji Muhammad Bello Dalhatu is declared the winner of the PDP gubernatorial primary election and is consequently returned as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for Kano Stat, he said.
Adding that “The Committee commends all aspirants, delegates, party officials, security agencies, and stakeholders for their maturity, cooperation, and commitment throughout the exercise. We call on all party members to unite and work collectively toward the success of the party in the forthcoming elections.”

Bauchi PRP Rejects Senator Buba Umar As Gov. Candidate, Removes Chairman

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Senator Shehu Buba Umar

By Ayodele Oni

 

More trouble is looming as the People’s Redemption Party, (PRP), rejected Senator Shehu Buba Umar who defected to the Party over the choice of former Governor Mohammed Abubakar as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate.

 

Senator Buba, who had planned to contest the APC governorship primaries but pulled out 24 hours before the scheduled date citing lack of internal democracy and manipulation of the primary process, was immediately announced as the PRP consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Bauchi State.

The chairman of PRP in the state, Abdulrahman Yusuf Muazu, who approved his nomination has also been removed for gross misconduct, constitutional violations, and negligence of duty.

 

The decision was made public during a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Bauchi by Ahmed Mohammed Bello, the party’s Majidadi A Ward Secretary.

 

“The ouster follows a May 11, 2026, recommendation by the party’s disciplinary committee, invoking Articles 6(a), 6(a)(ii), and 6(d) of the PRP”.

 

“The crisis peaked after Muazu allegedly bypassed party protocols to facilitate the defection of Senator Shehu Buba Umar from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and unilaterally declare him the PRP’s 2027 Bauchi governorship candidate.

 

“The committee found Muazu guilty of disobeying the executive committee and improperly delegating his official responsibilities to the National Publicity Secretary.

 

“Effective immediately, Muazu is barred from representing the PRP, using its insignia, or making public statements on behalf of the party.

 

“The executive committee has unanimously appointed the State Youth Leader, Tijjani Abubakar Aliyu, to take over the interim leadership of the state chapter,” he said.

 

In his  remarks, Acting Chairman Aliyu declared that the party would not recognise the controversial nominations put forward by Muazu’s faction.

 

“We have had candidates for various positions for a long time, but we will not accept new entrants from the APC contesting under our platform without proper consultation with party leaders,” Aliyu stated.

 

Aliyu assured members that the interim leadership would immediately begin consultations to review, determine, and ratify the legitimate candidates for the upcoming 2027 elections.

ADC: Hayatudeen Steps Down From Presidential Primary

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Muhammad Hayatudeen

African Democratic Party, ADC Presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has alleged irregularities in the ongoing presidential  primaries being conducted by the party across the country.

As a result, the presidential hopeful said he would not be participating in the next state of the primary because he has no confidence in the process.   

According to a statement he issued on Tuesday, Hayatu-deen said he has observed wide spread irregularities in the ongoing ADC presidential primary election, to chose who to represent the party in next year’s election, as such he’s stepping down from the exercise.

He stressed in the statement that he will also not take part in the announcement of results of the outcome of the primary.

“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 observed, and will therefore be taking advice on my next steps,” he said.

Three aspirants are contesting for the ADC sole ticket. Apart from Hayatudeen, the other two aspirants include former vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Governor of Rivers state, Rotimi Amaechi.

Pantami, Fmr. Minister Of Communication, Dumps APC, Emerges Gombe PDP Governorship Candidate

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Professor Isa Pantami

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has emerged the Gombe State Peoples Democratic party,  PDP’s gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 general elections.

 

His emergence is coming six days after his resignation as a member of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

 

His defection from the APC was preceded by his sudden decision to withdraw from the party’s Governorship primary which he alleged was heavily manipulated and compromised.

 

In a statement announcing his withdrawal on May 20, 2026, Pantami, who served as a Minister under the administration of the late President Mohammadu Buhari cited alleged breaches of both the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act and the APC guidelines as major reasons for his action.

 

He expressed serious concern over what he described as a gross violation of due process in the handling of the APC primaries in Gombe’s State.

 

However, not a few were of the strong belief that his decision to withdraw from the APC primaries ,as well from the party ,was a direct fall out of the Gombe State Governor’s controversial endorsement of a successor, Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna.

 

The endorsement meant that other aspirants, including Pantami had no chance of realizing their  gubernatorial ambition on the APC platform, hence his decision to join forces with the PDP.

 

“The process has become unsafe and illegitimate” Pantami had then protested.

 

But his defection to the PDP was not well received by a section of his political organization, the Pantamiyya Movement, which has since pledged its allegiance to Dr Gwamna, the Gombe Governor’s preferred choice, and the APC Governorship candidate for Gombe state.

 

According to  Sanusi Hamisu Usman, the leader of the factional Pantamiyya Movement, the decision to endorse  Dr Gwamna and also not to follow Prof Pantami to the PDP, was arrived at after much consultations across the structure.

 

He emphasized that the decision has the backing of over 100 field coordinators of the Movement spread across all the wards in the eleven local councils that make up Gombe state.

 

He further cited the growing level of Gwamna’s acceptability within the ranks of the APC as another compelling reason for the Movement’s decision to support his ambition.

 

Prof Pantami, who emerged on Tuesday, May 26, as the PDP Governorship candidate, through a voice vote by stakeholders and members said his ambition is only driven by service to the people of Gombe state.

 

This was as he pledged to govern with the fear of God and fairness if elected as the Governor of the State.

 

Instructively, Pantami was the only aspirant that participated in the PDP selection process on the day.

 

Four other gubernatorial aspirants had, earlier, on Sunday May 24, vehemently the attempt to smuggle Pantami into the PDP primaries after exiting his original political platform,the APC.

 

The aspirants namely Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, Hon Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki , Usman Aliyu Garry and Monica Kaltho had in a statement, warned against a development that could spark a chain of litigations and, in the process, undermine the integrity of the party’s internal processes.

 

“We condemn in the strongest terms the alleged attempt to smuggle into the PDP primaries an aspirant who by law and established democratic principles is ineligible to participate”, the aspirants stated.

Terrorist Attack Warning: Borno Imposes Movement Restrictions During Sallah Celebrations

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Lakurawa terrorists

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Ahead of the Eid El-Kabir celebration, the Borno State Government has imposed what it called temporary vehicular and human movement restriction within the state.

 

The development is coming against the backdrop of the advisory issued by military authorities on the high possibility of attacks by  terrorists during the Sallah festivities slated for between Wednesday May 27 ,and Thursday May, 28, 2026.

 

According to a statement from the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, the movement restriction will  be between the hours of 6:00 am and 11:00am, and will be applicable to all vehicles , tricycles and motorcycles .

 

Prof Tar  emphasized that the measure is primarily aimed at enhancing security as well as protecting lives and properties of the people throughout the Eid El-Kabir celebration.

 

Consequently, the Government advised residents to go to the Eid praying ground nearest to their homes as part of the measures aimed at ensuring efficient movement, ease of identification, and access.

 

This was as the Government appealed to residents across all parts of the State  to fully adhere to the proactive security measures, to avoid being caught napping.

 

The authorities also called on parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against embarking on any actions capable of undermining and eroding the peace and stability of the state.

 

However, the Government said security agencies who have been placed on red alert, ambulances ,and other emergency vehicles ,fire service personnel ,as well as essential duties staff with valid identification have been exempted from the restriction order.

 

It will be recalled that the military authorities had warned that terrorists are planning to target crowded  areas including worship centres during the Sallah festivities..

Why Peter Obi’s Political Fame Is Not An Online Fad – Media Office

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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

 

The media office of Peter Obi has again noted the deliberate attempt to tag the meteoric political rise of our principal an online movement—often characterised by the highly vocal, youth-driven “Obidient” digital phenomenon. These belyching critics frequently dismissed it as a mere flash in the pan or an internet fad.

 

But the Obi Media office is here to show them a deeper look at political and economic data on Obi revealing that this online trend is heavily anchored in tangible historic antecedents.

 

​The digital enthusiasm is essentially a reaction to a proven track record in private corporate governance and public fiscal management which none of his opponents can display.

 

In Corporate Governance and Financial Prudence.

 

​Long before entering politics, Obi established a reputation in the private sector for asset management and corporate discipline.

• ​The Fidelity Record: He remains notably recognised as the youngest individual to hold the position of Chairman at Fidelity Bank Nigeria. His corporate career spanned executive roles across multiple financial and logistics firms.

 

• ​The Transition to Public Policy: When his online supporters advocate for “cutting the cost of governance,” they are echoing his corporate philosophy. In office, he famously converted private-sector cost-minimisation strategies into state policy, dismantling bloated executive apparatuses.

 

 In The Anambra State Metrics (2006–2014)

​The core data justifying the online momentum stems from his two tenures as Governor of Anambra State. His administration utilised the Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS), mapping state development directly to Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

​The table below breaks down the key performance indicators from his administration that form the bedrock of his modern political profile:

 

 The Digital Alignment

​The alignment between Obi’s actual antecedents and the modern online trend boils down to three primary socio-economic pillars:

​The “Go and Verify” Mandate: The internet movement adopted this catchphrase because Obi’s public policy claims—unlike typical political rhetoric—were easily cross-referenced with public records, central bank data, and independent peer reviews (such as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum state assessments).

 

• ​ The Anti-Corruption Narrative:

 

In a political landscape defined by systemic leakages, an antecedent of leaving measurable fiscal surpluses makes his digital platform highly attractive to a youth demographic desperate for structural transparency.

 

• ​ Human Capital Focus:

 

His current online advocacy—criticising high borrowing thresholds, public office luxury spending, and declining per capita metrics—is deeply authentic because it mirrors the exact frugal, education-first policies he executed a decade prior.

​Ultimately, therefore, Peter Obi Media office is insisting based on empirical evidence adduced above and supported by the figures below that the online trend is not a synthetic social media fabrication but the digital amplification of a pre-existing blueprint of governance that stands out in Nigeria’s modern political history.

Key Achievements of Obi’s Tenure by 2014

 

Fiscal Contributions:

He left behind certified assets totaling #75 billion and around $500 million in cash and sovereign bonds for his successor.

Education:

Anambra faced challenges with low enrollment of male children and inadequate infrastructure. He restored schools to missionary management and provided direct funding, resulting in Anambra achieving the top position in WAEC/NECO performance rankings.

 

Security and Infrastructure:

 

The region of Onitsha and its surroundings experienced high crime rates and poorly developed road networks. He constructed over 658 kilometres of both urban and rural roads and systematically supported local vigilante groups to enhance economic stability.

 

Public Integrity:

The state often had confrontations with anti-corruption agencies. Throughout his tenure and afterwards, he maintained an unblemished record, with no post-office legal issues from the EFCC or security agencies related to fund misappropriation.

Oyo: Family Of Teacher, Beheaded By Terrorists Seek Support For Release Of Body, Others Still being Held

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Michael Oyedokun - Beheaded Ogbomoso Teacher

By Ayodele Oni

 

The family of late Ogbomosho, Oyo State teacher, Michael Oyedokun who was murdered by his captors have sought for public understanding of the incident by exercising restraint in sharing personal information and photograph of the deceased in social media.

 

Rather, it called for more action and support to ensure safety and early release of those that are still being held.

 

The family in a statement thanked Nigerians for the prayers, concern and support shown during the difficult period.

The statement signed by Olaoluwa Oyedokun on behalf of the family,  expressed gratitude to individuals making efforts to support them, including those seeking to raise funds.

 

However, the family stressed that their immediate concern is the safe release of persons still being held captive, as well as the release of Michael Oyedokun’s remains so he can be given a proper burial by loved ones.

 

The family also appealed for privacy as they mourn, noting that the deceased left behind a grieving wife and two sons, who deserve compassion and protection at this time.

 

It added that an official position would be made known at the appropriate time.

 

A funeral service was held last week for the deceased in Ibadan.

Labour Party Ends Primaries For June 20 By-election, As Maku, Eze, Others Emerge Candidates

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Labaran Maku

 

In compliance with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the by-elections scheduled for 20th June 2026 to fill vacancies in various constituencies across the federation, the Labour Party on Monday successfully conducted its primaries to produce candidates for the coming by-elections.

 

A statement released by the National Publicity Secretary of  the  Party, Ken Eluma Asogwa said that during the primary election held at the party’s zonal office in Nasarawa North, former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, emerged as the party’s candidate through a consensus arrangement. The exercise attracted a large turnout of party faithful who gathered to affirm his candidacy for the forthcoming Nasarawa North Senatorial District by-election.

 

Similarly, in Enugu North Senatorial District, seasoned Diplomat, Amb. Simon Ejike Eze, emerged as the party’s candidate through a peaceful and rancour-free consensus process. Party members from across the senatorial district turned out in large numbers to endorse his candidature ahead of the by-election.

 

Other candidates who emerged through the same consensus process are Engr. Sam Kinanee for Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Barrister Ige Aiyeobasan Asemudara for Ondo South Senatorial District, Abubakar Yahaya Muhammad for Dawaki Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State, and Muhammad Aliyu Galadima for the Zuru State Constituency by-election in Kebbi State.

 

It would be recalled that the seats for Enugu North, Nasarawa North and Rivers South-East Senatorial Districts became vacant following the deaths of the senators representing the three districts in the current 10th Senate, while that of Ondo South became vacant as a result of the resignation of the erstwhile senator representing the district.

 

In Enugu North, Senator Okey Ezea passed away in a Lagos hospital on 18th November 2025 at the age of 62 after a brief illness. Until his death, he remained the only elected office holder in Enugu State elected on the platform of the Labour Party who stayed faithful to the party despite the wave of defections that affected the party last year.

 

Also, in Nasarawa North, Senator Godiya Akwashiki died on 31st December 2025 at the age of 52 after a prolonged illness, while Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District, passed away on 18th February 2026 at the age of 64. In Ondo South, the Senate on 28th April declared the seat of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim vacant following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

 

The Labour Party commends the INEC for its professionalism and diligence in monitoring the primaries, which were conducted peacefully, transparently and successfully across the affected constituencies.

 

The party congratulates all the successful candidates and calls on its members, supporters and lovers of democracy in the affected districts and constituencies to rally behind them in the June 20 by-elections. The Labour Party reiterates that, as a party founded on the principles of social democracy, equal opportunity and social justice, it carefully selected candidates with proven competence, integrity and commitment to the ideals of the party.