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Obi Addresses Immigration Concerns for Nigerians in South Africa

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Peter Obi in South Africa

Peter Obi, a leading opposition figure and the sole presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming 2027 election, has taken steps to ease the tensions between South African officials and Nigerian expatriates residing in the country. Obi arrived in South Africa on Friday to participate in an international conference, where he engaged with Nigerians to gain insight into the immigration challenges they face.

 

In a post on his X account from South Africa on Saturday, he shared, “After speaking with Nigerians in Cape Town yesterday, I had constructive discussions this morning with three South African ministers and political party leaders concerning the ongoing issues related to immigration, regional collaboration, and promoting peaceful coexistence between our nations.

 

I had the opportunity to meet Mr Leon Schreiber, the South African Minister of Home Affairs and a key member of the Democratic Alliance; Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP); and Mr Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture and leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA).

 

Our discussions were open and productive, addressing the pressing issues impacting both countries—especially those concerning migration, economic difficulties, youth unemployment, security challenges, and the growing tensions faced by African foreigners in South Africa.

 

I strongly believe that Nigeria and South Africa, both significant nations on the continent, must enhance dialogue, increase cooperation, and pursue solutions rooted in justice, mutual respect, and adherence to the rule of law.

 

In these difficult times, both leaders and citizens need to exhibit responsible leadership, show compassion, and exercise restraint.

 

We collectively emphasised the need for law-abiding behaviour, the importance of avoiding violence, resisting hate or provocation, and allowing lawful institutions to handle grievances through democratic and constitutional means, regardless of the challenges we encounter.

 

The future of Africa relies on our capacity to foster unity, promote economic inclusivity, invest in our communities, and uphold the dignity of every African, regardless of their location.

Honourable Justice Yunusa Slumps, Dies

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Honourable Justice Nasir Yunusa

By Adesina Soyooye

 

The Honourable Justice Nasir Yunusa of the Federal High Court, Kano Division is dead.

 

The accomplished Jurist reportedly passed on after he collapsed at his residence. The incident took place on Thursday while he was in his living room.

 

Confirming the passing of the Judge, the Director of Information, Federal High Court, Nigeria, Catherine  Christopher disclosed the Justice Yunusa passed on at the State Medical Center, Kano.

 

The Federal High Court in a statement said: “The Federal High Court regrets to announce the passing of Honourable Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa of the Kano Judicial Division who departed this life on 21 May 2026, after a brief illness.”

 

The Court extended condolences to his family and prayed for the repose of his soul.

 

 

He was laid to rest Friday in Kano.

Imo: Presidential Primary: Tinubu Secures 582,823 Votes Against Osifo’s 103, Uzodimma Celebrates

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Imo APC Presidential Primary

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday earned the right to seek reelection in the January 2027 presidential election, garnering 582, 823 votes to floor his lone challenger, Emmanuel Osifo, who managed to secure 103 votes during the presidential primary held across 305 Independent National Electoral Wards in Imo State.

 

Governor Hope Uzodimma who is Imo State’s Coordinator (Returning Officer) of APC presidential primary election declared that President Tinubu has earned the right to seek re-election in 2027, citing his administration’s grassroots-driven political reforms and democratic inclusiveness.

 

The Governor spoke both at the collation Centre at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre, Owerri where the results were collated and at his home town at Omuma where he went to vote for Tinubu during the primary.

 

Following the collation of results from the 27 Local Government Areas that comprise Imo State, Uzodimma officially announced Tinubu as the overwhelming winner of the exercise in Imo State.

Imo APC Presidential Primary

According to him, results “were collated from all the 27 Local Government Areas

and 305 Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wards in the State.

Out of 647,231 registered APC members, 583,963 voters were accredited, while 583,653 votes were cast during the exercise.

 

“Tinubu secured 582,823 votes to emerge victorious, defeating Stanley Osifo, who scored 103 votes.”

 

Uzodimma described the exercise as peaceful, orderly, and successful, commending Party members for their discipline and maturity throughout the process.

 

He also called on eligible residents who were yet to register with the APC to do so ahead of the general elections next year in order to strengthen the Party’s electoral base across the State.

 

The Presidential primary ended with goodwill messages and renewed optimism among Party stakeholders as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.

 

Speaking earlier at Omuma Ward

(Central School Omuma), Oru East Local Government Area, accompanied by his wife, Chioma, Uzodimma noted that the massive turnout of Party members demonstrated growing support for Tinubu across the country.

 

Uzodimma had declared that President Tinubu has earned the right to seek re-election in 2027, citing the President’s administration’s grassroots-driven reforms, democratic inclusiveness, and growing nationwide support within the APC.

 

He reiterated that the large turnout of Party members across the State was a reflection of increasing confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and the Party’s internal democratic process.

 

The Governor commended the electronic membership registration and validation system introduced by the APC, noting that it had strengthened grassroots participation and enhanced internal democracy within the Party.

 

“You can see over 35,000 people in just one Ward in Oru East. If only APC members vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has already won the election,” Uzodimma stated.

 

He praised Nigerians for sustaining democracy and described Tinubu as a leader “doing politics the way it should be done.”

 

Uzodimma also expressed satisfaction with the current democratic process in the country, saying he could “score democracy 90 per cent in Nigeria and 100 per cent in Imo State.”

 

He further maintained that Tinubu’s policies were already producing positive outcomes that would eventually translate into greater prosperity for Nigerians.

 

Addressing concerns raised by newsmen about the fate of the opposition Parties in the Country ahead of the 2027 general election, the Governor urged them to remain organised and active, stressing that opposition was essential to a healthy democratic system.

 

Uzodimma who is the Director General of Renewed Hope Ambassadors hinted that democracy cannot be complete if there is no opposition.

 

He therefore  encouraged the opposition Parties to work hard like the ruling APC if they desire to remain relevant in the Country’s political contestation.

 

“And when, by the grace of God, it becomes their turn, they will elect their own President,” he said.

 

He commended Nigerians for sustaining democracy and praised Tinubu for “doing politics the way it should be done.”

 

He further maintained that Tinubu’s policies were already yielding positive results and would ultimately bring greater prosperity to Nigerians.

 

Uzodimma had told newsmen: “Of course, it is very obvious that President Bola Tinubu has done enough to deserve him going back for a second time.

 

“If you look at what is happening at the grassroots, how the grassroots have been stimulated, starting from the membership registration, which was done electronically, to the validation of members, and you can see 35,000 human beings in just one Ward, in Oru East Local Government, it means that if we vote, only our Party members voting for President Bola Tinubu, he has already won the election.

 

“Because the membership registration that the All Progressives Congress conducted took care of grassroots inclusiveness, today it is manifesting to the realities of our democratic situation in Nigeria.

 

“So, I want to congratulate Nigerians for sustaining democracy. I want, also, to congratulate President Bola Tinubu for bringing time to do the politics the way it should be done. And also congratulate members of my Ward in particular, Imo APC electorate in general for turning out in their numbers to vote for President Bola Tinubu for a second time in office.

 

” I am particularly very delighted that democracy is working in Nigeria. I can score democracy up to 90 percent in Nigeria, and up to 100 percent in Imo State.

Imo APC Presidential Primary

“Well, let me say it is no longer democracy if there is no opposition. I also encourage opposition Parties to work hard, do what the ruling Party has done (through hard work). And when, by the grace of God, it becomes their turn, they will elect their own President.

 

“But today, I can see that Nigerians are excited, Nigerians are happy that President Bola Tinubu has done well. And our teaming members, teaming members of our great Party, the All Progressives Congress, are very happy and delighted that the President made us proud. And the outcome of his various policies has brought prosperity to Nigeria.

 

“And going forward, Nigeria shall see poverty no more. Thank you very much.”

 

The Presidential primary that took place in all the 305 Electoral Wards in Imo State was marked by large turnout of Party faithful who voted for President Tinubu making him to win convincingly.

Donald Duke Cleared To Contest For PRP Presidential Ticket

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By Ayodele Oni

 

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has cleared three presidential aspirants to contest in its forthcoming presidential primary election.

 

The exercise has been fixed for Monday.

 

The cleared aspirants are Dr. Nnaoke Ufere from Abia State, Engr. (Dr.) Yakubu Mohammed Kingsley from Edo State, and former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke.

 

PRP’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, in a statement on Saturday, revealed that the aspirants have agreed to subject their ambitions to the will of party members during the primary scheduled to hold across the country.

 

He stated that it remains committed to a transparent, credible and inclusive process, adding that over 260 aspirants are expected to participate in various elective contests under the party platform.

 

According to Ishaq, the party is determined to strengthen internal democracy and ensure fairness in the conduct of the primaries.

 

He said where consensus is not achieved, the party would proceed with competitive primaries in line with its constitution.

 

The presidential primary is expected to be one of the key tests of strength for the party ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Kwara 2027: Sule Kawu Emerges PDP Consensus Candidate

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Suleiman Bolakale Kawu
Suleiman Bolakale Kawu

By Akinwale Kasali

 

As the 2027 General Election gathers momentum, opposition Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has announced Suleiman Bolakale Kawu as its Consensus Candidate for Kwara 2027 Governorship Election.

 

Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, former Senate President and former two-term Governor of the State announced on Saturday in a media post.

 

Saraki writes: “I am pleased to announce that, after extensive consultations with stakeholders of the Kwara PDP and our leading Gubernatorial Aspirants, we have arrived at a Consensus Candidate to fly the flag of our great party in the forthcoming Gubernatorial Election.

 

“That candidate is Engr. Kale Kawu. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the other aspirants who, in the supreme interest of our party and State, have graciously stepped down to support this consensus. It is this spirit of unity and selflessness that will carry us to victory”, Saraki stated.

 

Kawu hails from Ilorin South Local Government of the State, and also recently retired as a Director at the Rural Electrification Agency.

 

Other PDP Governorship Aspirants include former Speaker House of Assembly, Prof Ali Ahmad, Omar Bolaji Gambari, Hon Ladipo Hassan and Sheni Ibiwoye.

 

The Kwara PDP Governorship Primary Election is slated for Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Sheikh Gumi Threatens Legal Action Against Anyone, Linking Him To Banditry

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Sheikh Ahmad Gumi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Controversial Kaduna-based Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has rejected claims suggesting that he is a sympathizer of bandits, and terrorists operating in Nigeria.

 

The Source reports that owing to his repeated past comments, and his advocacy for an official dialogue with banditry elements, not a few Nigerians and observers have come to perceive him not only as a supporter of banditry, but have called for his arrest and prosecution.

 

But in a statement shared on his Facebook page, Gumi insisted that his views have been variously and repeatedly misinterpreted, misquoted and misrepresented both in the media and public discussions.

 

He alleged that  he has been a victim of gross misqoutation  and misrepresentation  by certain ethnic/interest groups and individuals driven by prejudice, as well as some sectional internet content creators.

 

He accused his traducers of wilfully spreading manipulated materials, and creating sensational headlines all in a bid to distort his views, and present him in bad light.

 

He strongly pleaded his innocence, insisting that he has never either directly or indirectly supported banditry and other criminal activities in the country.

 

“I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me, whether directly or by innuendo, suggesting support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry in Nigeria, or anywhere else does not emanate from me” Gumi clarified.

 

This was as he described such videos, and messages as not only fake, but manipulated and doctored to malign him.

 

Gumi, therefore, called on the authorities, media organizations and the general public to disregard any such deceptive and mischievous messages.

 

While reaffirming his unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the peace, stability and unity of the country, Gumi warned that he will not hesitate to explore legal options if the misleading reports and messages against him persist after the disclaimer.

 

“I am a loyal citizen of my beloved country, a nation whose potential I believe is unmatched anywhere in the world.

 

“…furthermore, anyone who continues from the date of this release, to circulate falsehood against me shall be liable to legal action”, he added.

Ganduje’s  Son, Abdulaziz Picks NDC Reps Nomination Form

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Abdulaziz Abdullahi Umar Ganduje,

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Abdulaziz Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, a son of the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Dr. Umar Ganduje,  has joined the race for the 11th National Assembly on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.

 

Abdulaziz, first son of former Kano state Governor has procured the expression of interest and nomination forms of the NDC to contest for the Dawaki Tofa/Tofa/Rimin Gado Federal Constituency of Kano state ahead of the 2027 polls.

 

The younger Ganduje has been enjoying a cosy relationship with his father’s arch-political rival and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso since the  two parted political ways in 2019.

 

In a viral clip, Abdulaziz was shown briefing Kwankwaso on his political moves, after officially procuring the NDC nomination forms.

 

Although long known to have been having strained  relationship with his father  since threatening legal action against the Kano state Government over a contract dispute in 2020, Abdulaziz’s political romance with Ganduje’s arch political rival, Kwankwaso has expectedly up-scaled the intrigues, anxiety that have defined Kano political landscape in the wake of the recent alignments a couple of months ago.

 

Abdulaziz will be squaring up with his father’s nominee on the APC platform in the battle for the Dawaki Tofa/Tofa/Rimin Gado Federal Constituency in the Kano North Senatorial District in 2027 .

Police Rescues 12 Passengers Abducted In Ondo Early Saturday

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Police in Niger State

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The Ondo State Police Command, has rescued 12 Ibadan, Oyo state bound passengers abducted in Isua, Akoko area of the state early Saturday.

 

The kidnappers had intercepted two commercial buses conveying passengers from Benue and marched them into the forest.

 

Police spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, in a statement, narrated that “The Command received a distress report at about 0130hrs that two commercial Hummer buses conveying passengers from Benue State en route Ibadan had been violently intercepted by suspected armed kidnappers. 

 

“The attackers reportedly forced several passengers out of the vehicles and marched them into a nearby forest.

 

“Following the report, the Police immediately activated a coordinated rescue operation as operatives of the Command, alongside local hunters and other security stakeholders, were swiftly mobilized to the scene with the primary objective of rescuing the victims and apprehending the perpetrators. 

 

“Upon arrival, the combined rescue team commenced an intensive bush-combing operation across the surrounding forests and difficult terrains where the victims were believed to have been taken, while intelligence-led surveillance and strategic tracking efforts were simultaneously intensified to trail the fleeing suspects and facilitate the safe rescue of the remaining victims.

 

“The sustained pressure mounted by the combined security team yielded significant success as twelve (12) kidnapped victims, including the drivers of the affected buses, were successfully rescued alive. 

 

“The rescued victims are currently receiving necessary medical attention and support while arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families.

 

“The Ondo State Police Command wishes to reassure the public that operations are still ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and bring all those involved in the criminal act to justice. 

 

“Additional tactical and intelligence assets have since been deployed to the area to reinforce the ongoing rescue and manhunt operations.

 

“In furtherance of the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, personally visited the scene of the incident where he held strategic engagements with community heads, local vigilante groups and other relevant stakeholders within the axis. 

 

“During the meeting, the CP stressed the need for sustained collaboration between the Police, local communities, and other security actors in order to facilitate the rescue of the remaining victims, apprehend the fleeing suspects, and prevent future occurrences of such criminal activities in the area.”

President Tinubu Votes At APC Primary Election, Commends Process

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President Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday explained that the direct primary election by the All Progressives Congress (APC), afforded party members to pick their leaders across all levels.

 

He hailed the exercise across the country as peaceful, transparent and a reflection of strong internal democracy within the ruling party.

 

Speaking after casting his vote during the APC Presidential Primaries at Ikoyi-Obalende Ward L2 in Lagos, the President said the exercise had further strengthened grassroots participation in the democratic process.

 

A statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated that Tinubu, who arrived at the venue alongside the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the primaries nationwide, commending party members for their orderly participation and commitment to democratic principles.

 

According to him, the primaries have shown that every member of the APC has the opportunity to participate freely in choosing leaders and representatives at all levels.

 

The President also praised governors and party officials for effectively managing the process, including ward and local government congresses, delegate accreditation, membership registration and validation exercises.

 

Among dignitaries who received the President at the venue were Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, and former Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.

 

Tinubu further commended electoral officials, party leaders and security agencies for ensuring a peaceful and credible exercise across the states.

 

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to democratic governance, political stability and policies aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.

Amaechi Drops Bombshell, Says He Made Buhari President, Not Tinubu As Believed

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Rotimi Amaechi and Bola Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Rotimi Amaechi, Presidential Aspirant under  the banner of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has publicly debunked the long-held belief that President Bola Tinubu was instrumental to late Muhammadu Buhari’s victory as  President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2015.

 

The former Minister of Transportation claimed that he fought all the battles that gave Buhari victory in the 2015 Presidential Election.

 

He made this claim during an interview with Arise TV on Friday night, and insisted that he was the one who fought all the battles for Buhari’s victory President in 2015, not Tinubu.

 

It will be recalled that in the build up to the 2023 Presidential Election, the former two-term Lagos State Governor had openly stated that he made Buhari the President after the late President had  failed to achieve the feat on four occasion.

 

 Amaechi stated that it took him this long to conteadict  Tinubu because then,  he did not want to jeopardize his membership of the Buhari cabinet, claiming that Tinubu lied on this issue.

 

He insisted that aside from being the Director General of Buhari’s campaign in 2014, he fought the battle that brought the former president into power.

 

Amaechi: “When I was a Minister, Tinubu was claiming he made Buhari President, and I couldn’t respond because that was suicidal. Buhari could have fired me because I was still serving as a minister.

 

“Tinubu didn’t make Buhari president. Not only that I was the DG of the campaign, everyone knows that I did all the battle, not Tinubu”.

 

Recall that in the 2023 Presidential Primary of the APC, Amaechi had competed as an aspirant  alongside Tinubu, and never stepped down for him, nor withdrew from the race like Ibikunle Amosun, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, former Speaker, Dimeji Bankole and others.