Actor Alexx Ekubo To Be Buried On June 18

By

Akinwale Kasali

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May 25, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

The family of Late Nollywood Actor, Alexx Ekubo has announced arrangements for his funeral.

The family expressed its deep gratitude for the overwhelming support received following the passing of a beloved son.

In a statement released by the Ekubo-Okwaraeke family, the late actor was described as a loving husband, son, brother, friend, and colleague whose life was marked by compassion, generosity, faith, and warmth.

The family stated that the outpouring of prayers, messages, visits, and support from fans, friends, and colleagues are deeply appreciated during the difficult period.

Extolling the qualities of the late actor, the statement noted that Ekubo’s presence “filled rooms, lifted hearts, and created memories that will remain forever,” and added that his impact on people’s lives would never be forgotten.

A Service of Songs is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at The Monarch Event Center in Lekki, Lagos, from 4pm to 6pm. The colour code for attendees is white.

The Wake Keep is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the family residence located at 7 Ekubo-Okwaraeke Avenue, Aziukwukwa, Ujari Village, Arochukwu, Abia State.

The interment will take place on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Arochukwu at his family home after the funeral service at the field of the Mary Slessor School, Amanagwu Village. Reception follows immediately after the burial.

The Family urged the public to continue praying for the late actor’s wife and the entire Ekubo-Okwaraeke family as they mourn their loss.

The news of the demise of the Actor came as a shock to his colleagues, friends and fans, who are yet to come to terms with the demise of the dynamic actor.

APC Primaries Fall Out: Mass Defection Rocks Party In Bauchi

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 25, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

An unprecedented wave of defections has hit the ranks of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Bauchi State. This is as a result of the discontent which greeted the just concluded Party Primaries.

Almost all the National Assembly members that lost their return bids are exiting the party

Leading the pack of the defectors is the Senator representing Bauchi South ,Shehu Buba Umar.

Buba who announced his defection just days after losing the APC Governorship ticket, has formally joined forces with the, Peoples Redemption Party, PRP .

Also joining the defection train is the Senator representing Bauchi North, Samaila Kaila Dahuma .

Senator Dahuma who has equally moved to the PRP, resigned after losing his bid for a return ticket to the National Assembly.

Similarly, the member representing Jama’are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency, Hon Rabilu, announced his decision to part ways with the APC with immediate effect .

He equally lost his bid to secure a return ticket to the House of Representatives. His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to the Kashuri Ward APC chairman.

Another of the defectors, the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the APC in the 2023 general elections, Hon Shehu Aliyu Musa, in the same vein,announced his resignation , having lost his bid to secure the party’s ticket for the Bauchi South Senatorial District.

He cited lack of purposeful leadership, unfair treatment of party members, and lack of cohesion among leaders of the party as some of the reasons for his action.

Before the latest wave of defection, the party had, in the wake of the State Assembly Primaries, lost significant number of chieftains together with their supporters, including former Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly Assembly, Hon. Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu.

Most of them cited alleged manipulations of the primaries’ for the production of a pre-determined outcome as well as a complete absence of internal democracy as part of their reasons for existing the party.

However, Senator Buba, in his statement blamed the mass defection on what he described as ” absence of internal democracy, lack of fairness, marginalisation of genuine party members, and increasing disregard for the opinions, and aspirations of grassroots supporters within the APC .

While urging his supporters to join him in his new political abode, Senator Buba insisted that his people deserve far better than they are getting from the APC.

“Our people deserve better governance, better opportunities, and leadership that truly listens to their concerns.

“Politics should be about service to humanity, justice, development, and improving the living conditions of the masses”, Buba stated.

2027: Wike Says Fubara Withdrew From Governorship Race Due To Peace Agreement

By

Akinwale Kasali

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May 25, 2026

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L-R; Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike

By Akinwale Kasali

The withdrawal of Governor Siminialayi Fubara from the Rivers State 2027 Governorship Race has been linked to a political peace agreement aimed at stabilising the State. This was disclosed by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The former two- term Governor of Rivers State said the development was consistent with understandings reached during reconciliation efforts involving key political actors in Rivers State.

Wike made this remarks on Monday while briefing journalists after inspecting infrastructure projects in Abuja.

Recall that Fubara had stepped down from the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship Primary, saying his decision was taken after consultations and in the interest of peace, unity, and stability in the state.

In a statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” the governor said the move followed careful reflection and discussions with family, allies, and associates.

However, Wike maintained that the withdrawal was not unexpected, arguing that it aligned with earlier agreements reached during peace negotiations.

According to the former Rivers State governor, part of the understanding included dropping impeachment threats against Fubara on the condition that he would not seek a second term.

The Minister lashed out at Governor Fubara’s earlier decision to obtain nomination forms, saying it ran contrary to the spirit of the agreement and complicated reconciliation efforts.

“I am not surprised that the governor withdrew. In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form because agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not go about a second term,” Wike said.

He added that the Governor’s earlier actions “didn’t show signs of gentlemanship” despite several interventions aimed at restoring stability.

“But whatever it is, he has withdrawn and somebody has emerged,” he stated.

He expressed confidence in Kingsley Chinda’s political credentials, describing the Lawmaker as a suitable candidate for the governorship position.

The Minister added: “A good product markets itself. Everybody knows that Kingsley Chinda is the material.

“He’s quite experienced. He has worked with the Executive and is now in the Legislature. I am sure that he must have been approached by the All Progressives Congress to join them and then get the ticket.”

Police Operatives Under Zone 2, Lagos, Reject N500m Bribe, Apprehend N7.8bn Drug Cartel

By

Akinwale Kasali

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May 25, 2026

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Lagos zone 2 Police Apprehend Drug Cartel

By Akinwale Kasali

Operatives of Zone 2 Nigeria Police Force, NPF, have recorded a landmark achievement by arresting a major drug baron in Lagos.

The suspect offered a whopping N500 million bribe to the Operatives which they stoutly rejected.

The Police uncovered the major drug trafficking network in Lagos, seizing suspected illicit drugs valued at over ₦7.8 billion during a sting operation in Mende, Maryland.

The cartel is reportedly led by one Eke Henry Ifeanyi, said to be notorious for living luxury lifestyle.

The operation, carried out jointly by the Special Protection Unit and Divisional Detectives, led to the arrest of several suspects, including the alleged kingpin, 41-year-old Eke Henry Ifeanyi.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, disclosed that the suspects had been under surveillance for months before the raid on May 19th 2026.

He further revealed that the prime suspect allegedly offered a ₦500 million bribe to officers in a desperate attempt to stop the operation, but the offer was rejected and documented immediately.

The police said the success of the operation reflects the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu’s intelligence-driven and grassroots policing strategy focused on professionalism, integrity, and rapid response.

Over the years, the Mohammed Buba Marwa led Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has carried out series of raids leading to the arrest of many drug lords including bursting a narcotic industrial complex in Ogun State with some Mexicans arrested during the raid.

Observers has expressed satisfaction with the recent police collaboration to to smash the Lagos drug ring.

Exhibits recovered from the apartment have been documented for prosecution, while investigations continue to track down other members of the drug network.

APC Presidential Primary Election Results Of 10.99 Million In Favour Of President Tinubu Unrealistic – ADC

By

Ayodele Oni

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May 25, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted the 10.99 million votes, recorded for President Bola Tinubu in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election, describing the figure as “unrealistic in a competitive sense.”

The opposition party warned that it could raise questions about electoral transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It suggested that such figures risk “normalising implausible outcomes” in the political space and called for greater vigilance ahead of the next electoral cycle.

ADC also criticised President Tinubu’s remarks in his acceptance speech during the announcement of the election results, dismissing the opposition and describing them as self-serving, insensitive, and disconnected from the realities facing Nigerians.

President Tinubu, while delivering his acceptance speech as the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections, had declared that opposition leaders lacked vision and would only take Nigeria backwards.

But in a swift response issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the statement as ironic, arguing that it came from a government whose record, has deepened economic hardship and weakened public confidence in governance.

The party said it was “astonishing” that an administration under which millions of Nigerians are facing worsening poverty, rising insecurity, and economic distress could position itself as a benchmark of progress, while dismissing opposition voices.

“If the opposition is going to take the country backwards, it would only be to reset it from the edge of the dangerous precipice this administration has placed it on.

“To continue on the current trajectory is to risk plunging the nation further into the abyss,” the statement read.

The ADC expressed concern over what it described as Nigeria’s deteriorating socio-economic conditions, citing rising food insecurity, inflation, unemployment, and widespread insecurity across several regions of the country.

According to the party, recent international assessments project that tens of millions of Nigerians may face acute food and nutrition insecurity in 2026, while millions remain displaced due to persistent violent attacks in parts of the country.

It added that many households have been forced to reduce meals, businesses are shutting down under economic pressure, and farming communities are increasingly unable to access their farmlands due to insecurity.

“The opposition did not create the hunger in the land. It did not destroy the value of the naira.

“It did not create the insecurity that has turned farming communities into killing fields. Nigerians know where responsibility lies.”

The ADC also condemned President Tinubu’s remarks on opposition capacity, insisting that Nigerians are more concerned with tangible outcomes than political rhetoric.

“Citizens are asking simple questions: Why is food unaffordable? Why are businesses collapsing? Why are citizens increasingly unsafe? Why is poverty deepening despite repeated promises of reform?

“The ADC states clearly that the opposition will move Nigeria forward. The country cannot continue on this path of worsening hardship, institutional decline, and growing despair. Nigerians deserve competent and compassionate leadership,” it added.

“There Is Strong Gang-up Against Tinubu In The South” – Osoba, Fmr Ogun Gov.

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 25, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Elder Statesman, and former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba, has warned against any act of complacency on the part of the All Progressive Congress, APC, presidential campaign train.

He alleged a well- scripted and potent grand plot and gang-up against President Bola Tinubu in the Southern part of the country.

Osoba, a seasoned Journalist, who governed Ogun State on the platform of the now defunct Alliance For Democracy, AD, noted that dismissing the opposition with a wave of the hand is akin to committing the biggest political suicide.

According to him, contrary to the claims suggesting that there is no virile opposition ahead of the 2027 polls, Tinubu faces a very potent and dangerous opposition from the Southern part of the country.

The former Ogun Governor who spoke during the formal declaration of the results of the APC presidential primaries at the presidential lodge in Abeokuta, identified the ambition of Peter Obi, Seyi Makinde ,and former president Goodluck Jonathan as part of the grand plot to frustrate President Tinubu’s second term ambition.

According to him, the ambition of Southern presidential candidates is primarily aimed at dividing the Southern Nigeria votes, thereby making it difficult for Tinubu to realize his re-election bid.

“… I want to appeal to us all ahead of the coming elections: let us not be caught off guard.

“Many people are saying that we have no opponents. But that is a misleading narrative. The enemies are many.

” As we approach the next election, there is a strong gang-up against us. They are plotting to field several candidates from our region in the South.

“Obi has emerged , Jonathan is quietly waiting at the background, and Makinde has been grandstanding. All these appear to be attempts to divide votes from the South.

“So, I want to passionately appeal to everyone to be prepared to vote massively. Do you agree with me? Please ,I am sincerely pleading with you.

“Under our Governor, President Tinubu has been good to us in Ogun State through a series of developmental projects. I hope you all repay the president’s gesture with your support”, Osoba admonished.

Gov’s Aide Linked To The Abduction Of 8-Year Old Placed On Indefinite Suspension – Katsina Govt

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 25, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Katsina State Government has strongly distanced itself from an aide to Governor Dikko Radda who was recently implicated in a kidnap incident.

Nura Aliyu Garwa was among those arrested and paraded by the Katsina State Police Command over alleged involvement in the abduction of an eight-year old boy at the Sarduana Estate in the Katsina metropolis, a development which has raised concern among residents, as well as place the state Government on the spot.

But in a statement on Monday May 25 2026, the State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango, the Government informed that the suspect had long been slammed with an indefinite suspension order before his alleged complicity in the kidnap saga.

According to the Commissioner, Garwa ,a Senior Special Assistant, SSA, to the Governor on Community Development, was sanctioned for allegedly diverting empowerment materials meant for some communities within the Batsari Local Council area of the state.

Following his suspension , Garwa was said to have indicated interest in contesting for the House of Assembly seat for the Batsari Local Government Area.

The Katsina State Governor, according to the statement, condemned the abduction of the minor, describing the activities of the suspected masterminds as deeply unfortunate and regrettable.

Governor Radda, also, expressed serious concern and disappointment that a senior Government official could be linked to such a dastardly incident.

This was as he lauded the Police for rising to the challenge, by swiftly apprehending the alleged perpetrators.

Gaya, Former Kano Governor Loses NDC Senatorial Ticket

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 25, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Kano State Governor, Senator Kabiru Gaya, has lost his bid for a return to the National Assembly on the platform of the Nigerian Democratic Congress NDC.

A two-term Senator, Gaya who last represented Kano South District at the 9th National Assembly, lost the party’s ticket to a former Chairman of the National Association of Road Transport Owners NARTO Alkasim Ibrahim Batayya .

According to the Kwankwasiyya Movement’s spokesperson, Mansur Kurugu, Batayya emerged ahead of Gaya who presided over the affairs of Kano state between 1992 and 1993, during the process carried out through consensus arrangement.

Kurugu, however, added that Senator Gaya, former Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, has accepted the outcome of the process in good faith, as well as pledge his readiness to support both the winner and the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Kabiru Gaya has already accepted the decision, and has promised to give his maximum support to Batayya, to win the seat” the Kwankwasiyya spokesperson emphasized.

Similarly, in a video posted on his Facebook page, Saifullah Hassan, the Media Assistant to the Kwankwasiyya Movement Leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Gaya was shown publicly accepting the outcome of the process, as well as endorsing his rival.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement spokesperson further informed that the party’s selection process which clearly favours consensus will continue on Monday May 25, 2026, to pick other candidates for the 2027 polls

Kurugu emphasized that the target of the party’s leadership and stakeholders is to amicably resolve all issues relating to the candidates for the polls, through a consensus arrangement.

APC Presidential Primary: Lagos State Wakes Up, Gives President Tinubu Highest Number Of Votes

By

Adesina Soyooye

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May 25, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Hope Uzodimma shines in Imo, beats all Southern States, but Lagos, and came out 4th Nationwide

This Monday morning of May 25, 2026, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, must have woken up grinning from ear to ear. He must have walked into his office as if he has springs attached to his heels.

Don’t blame him. He has shamed his enemies by redeeming his “electoral image”. He has shown that he has learnt from the tragedy which befell him during the 2023 Presidential election when, as the Governor of Lagos State, now President Bola Tinubu, the man who, along with the influential Lagos Governance Advisory Council, in 2019, muscled sitting Governor Akinwumi Ambode out of office and in his place put him, (Sanwo-Olu) in office, lost the election in Lagos.

For Sanwo-Olu, it was a mourning period. It was an abomination. To him it was tough. He failed the man who, aside from God, made him what he is today. It was unbelievable that Tinubu lost Lagos, a State which Governor he was for eight years, to Peter Obi, a first timer who contested under a political party that was moribund, almost, until Obi.

So, in the 2027 Presidential Election, Sanwo-Olu, is in top shape. He has tied his wrapper real tight around his loins, and is waiting.

To show how ready he and his lieutenants are, he has used the Presidential Primary of Saturday, May 23, as a test case. As a dress rehearsal of what to expect in January, 2027. Proof: he pulled all stops. Nothing was left to chance.

And the result: President Bola Tinubu polled a whopping 814, 988 – the highest number he polled in the 36 States of Nigeria. Adamawa, the home state of Nigeria Democratic Congress’ Presidential hopeful, Atiku Abubakar, surprisingly, came second with 644,149 and Kaduna third with 618,919.

In the South, but for Lagos, Imo State beat all the other States. Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, shone like a million stars. His State beat every other State in the South but Lagos, retuning 582,960 votes to Tinubu.

What Sanwo-Olu did, not a few people now say, is a dress rehearsal of what he would do for President Tinubu in 2027.

The President got a total 10.99m votes to pick the ticket to fly the APC flag in 2027.

Following is the

State-by-State tally of the 10.99M Votes cast in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Lagos: 814,988

Adamawa: 644,149

Kaduna: 618,914

Imo: 582,960

Kano: 500,852

Katsina: 467,003

Gombe: 450,517

Borno: 414,988

Delta: 407,646

Akwa Ibom: 389,197

Enugu: 383,382

Benue: 374,787

13.Ogun: 322,485

Zamfara: 321,579

Kwara: 310,990

Sokoto: 301,000

Kebbi: 292,972

Nasarawa: 285,436

Rivers: 280,082

Yobe: 253,804

Plateau: 241,720

Bayelsa: 227,192

Ebonyi: 207,579

Jigawa: 206,520

Kogi: 197,370

Taraba: 183,698

Ondo: 181,996

Niger: 175,487

Abia: 161,005

Bauchi: 156,541

Oyo: 142,754

Edo: 121,098

Cross River: 113,911

Osun: 100,888

Ekiti: 85,340

Anambra: 43,034

FCT: 36,103

Total: 10.99m

Bandits Attack Police Station, Burn Emir’s Palace, Abduct 10 In Kwara Community

By

Ayodele Oni

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May 25, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Kwara State Police Command on Monday confirmed an attack on a Police Station, an Emir’s Palace, as well as the abduction of his wives by terrorists. The Emir’s Palace was also set ablaze.

The bandits launched a midnight attack on Yashikira community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, and set part of the Emir’s palace ablaze and abducted, at least, 10 residents during the coordinated assault.

Reports indicate that some wives of the Emir of Yashikira were among those kidnapped by the gunmen during the invasion, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday.

The attackers also targeted the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters, but security operatives on duty reportedly repelled the assault after an exchange of gunfire.

Confirming the incident on Monday, the Kwara State Police Command described the attack as “cowardly and audacious,” saying the assailants stormed the community around 2:00 a.m.

Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, revealed that the armed men simultaneously attacked the Palace and the Police Station in what authorities believe was a coordinated operation.

The statement reads in part: “The armed criminals, in a coordinated and desperate assault at about 0200hrs, simultaneously attacked the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the Palace of the Emir of Yashikira.”

According to the Police, part of the palace was razed during the attack while the victims were taken to an unknown destination by the gunmen.

“During the attack, part of the Palace was set ablaze, while ten people were abducted and taken to an unknown destination.

“However, the attack on the Police station was successfully repelled by police operatives on duty,” the statement added.

Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ojo Adekimi, has ordered a large-scale security operation involving personnel of the police, military, forest guards, vigilantes and other local security outfits.

Security teams have since launched bush-combing and intelligence operations across surrounding forests and suspected hideouts in an effort to rescue the victims and track down the attackers.

“The Commissioner of Police wishes to categorically state that the Command will not bow to threats, intimidation, or acts of terror orchestrated by bandits and criminal elements operating within any part of the state,” the statement said.

The Command further assured residents of Yashikira and neighbouring communities that surveillance and security deployments had been intensified to prevent further attacks.