How Iyabo Obasanjo’s Governorship Ambition Was Nipped In The Bud

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April 14, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

She arrived spitting fire. She fired from all cylinders. She took not a few people by storm. And she lit up Ogun State political space. She was sure-footed. And, as the saying goes, she knew her onions. She was prepared in, and from all angles.

Academically, she is solid – a Professor of Epidemiology. Politically, she is solid – a former Senator of the Federal Republic who represented Ogun State. Before then, she was the Commissioner for Health, Ogun State. And then, not that it cuts an ice with her because she hardly flaunts it, but, for the records she is a daughter of a former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo.

Professor Iyabo Obasanjo re-entered Nigeria’s political scene after she gave it space for three years a couple of months ago. On re-entry, she set her eyes on the State’s top job. She gave it her all. She was not afraid of anybody, or anything. She took the Media by storm, granted more interviews than any of the other aspirants. She even, a few days ago, had an audience with President Bola Tinubu, a privilege a couple of her colleague-aspirants never got.

Not a few people were rooting for her. They admired her courage. Her bluntness. And her ability to speak truth to power.

But all that has just ended. Her ambition and aspiration ended in one room on Monday, April 13, where in her presence, the “owners” of Ogun State’s political space unanimously endorsed another as the most qualified to succeed the incumbent Governor, Dapo Abiodun.

In that room, at the stakeholders meeting, Governor Abiodun announced the endorsement of Olamilekan Adeola, popular as Yayi, as the Governorship choice of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Based on this decision which came not from the people during Governorship Primary, but from stakeholders – Ogun State APC caucus – at a meeting held at the APC state secretariat, Abeokuta, Senator Obasanjo has immediately suspended her campaign for the Governorship seat of Ogun State in 2027.

Senator Obasanjo, in a statement she personally signed, stated that she has decided to put her ambition on hold following the party’s consensus pick of Senator Yayi as candidate.

In the spirit of sponsorship, she congratulated Senator Yayi and wished him well in his future endeavours.

She, also, thanked the party leaders and all her supporters and commended them for their unwavering steadfastness and unprecedented support while her consultation across the state lasted.

Senator Obasanjo: “At the Ogun APC caucus meeting held today, April 13, 2026, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) was announced as the consensus candidate of our party for the 2027 gubernatorial election.

“I congratulate him and wish him every success. I also thank the state and national leaders of our great party for the opportunity to participate in the nomination process.

“Based on these developments, I have decided to suspend my gubernatorial aspiration.

“To my supporters across Ogun State, I am deeply grateful for your calm, steadfast support and unwavering trust throughout this journey. Together, we move forward with patience, strength and hope.”

It is not known what other step Senator Obasanjo will take. Will she, again, give politics space by going back to the United States of America, or stick around and see comes her way? Time will tell.

Ogun 2027: Yayi Endorsed As APC Consensus Candidate For Governorship

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 14, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has been unanimously endorsed as the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship Candidate ahead of the 2027 Governorship Election in Ogun State.

The Senator was announced as the APC Candidate at the ongoing APC Strategic Caucus Meeting attended by key stakeholders, party leaders, and former governors, where extensive deliberations were held on the future of the party in the state.

Speaking at the meeting, the State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, disclosed that after serious consultations with former Governors and leaders of the party, a collective decision was reached in the interest of unity and progress to pick Yayi.

He said: “After a serious deliberation with former Governors and leaders of our great party, we have resolved that our next flag bearer for the next political dispensation in Ogun State is Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi.”

The consensus decision reflects the party’s commitment to cohesion, continuity, and strategic leadership as preparations intensify for the forthcoming governorship election.

Party leaders at the meeting expressed confidence in Senator Adeola’s capacity, experience, and dedication to delivering impactful governance and consolidating on the developmental strides recorded in Ogun State.

The APC in Ogun State reaffirmed its unity and readiness to work collectively toward ensuring victory at the polls.

It would be recalled that Senator Adeola had told his supporters not to begin any political campaign for his Governorship ambition, stressing that he was ready to follow due process.

Less than a week after making the pronouncement, the APC Stakeholders in Ogun State unanimously gave their nod for Yayi to be their Governorship flagbearer come 2027.

University Of Porthacourt Teaching Hospital Stops Salaries Of 1000 Staff, Declare 2000 Missing

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 13, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The authorities of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, UPTH, said they have embargoed the salaries and emoluments of 1000 staff.

This is as they informed that only 2000, out of about 4000 staffers that have been drawing salaries are actually on the ground.

The Chief Medical Director CMB, Prof Chituru Orluwene, who disclosed this at an interactive session with the media on Monday April 13, 2026, to mark his 100 days in office ,noted that the institution has plugged all observed leakages within the management architecture.

According to him, at the inception of his administration, the hospital did not have a standard staff nominal roll. He noted noting that about 4000 staff were on the payroll..

However, after a preliminary examination , according to him, only 2000 out of the 4000 on the payroll were discovered to be real workers.

Prof Orluwene said the shocking discovery led to the management ordering a formal verification exercise with the committee only able to verify 2000 workers.

He explained that after an initial examination of the report of the verification committee, hospital management decided to stop the salaries of 1000 of the 2000 unaccounted workers ”

“When we resumed office early in the year, we found 4000 staff on the payroll. But only 2,000 tlof them were actually on the ground .

“Sequel to this development, we initiated a verification exercise; a process that will also help us get a nominal roll for the hospital because when we assumed office, we did not meet any on the ground.

“Suffice it to say that the exercise has assisted us recovering so much . We have stopped the salaries of over 1000 persons .

“When this report gets to the Federal Government, they will have to employ people who are ready to work”, the CMD added.

According to him ,the hospital has equally recorded a huge success in its quest to block revenue leakages and diversion of public funds within the system.

He emphasized that the prudent measures are in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration .

This was as he informed that his management has directed a downward review of hospital and mortuary bills to accommodate the interests of the less privileged.

The CMD added that his administration has introduced an in-patient feeding arrangement with charges for three meals for a day pegged at N5000.

Former SDP Presidential Candidate, Adebayo, Queries INEC Chairman’s Integrity

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 13, 2026

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Adewole Adebayo - SDP Presidential Candidate

By Akinwale Kasali

Adewole Adebayo, former Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, during the 2023 Polls has joined the league of opposition Parties querying the Integrity of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, boss, Prof. Joash Amupitan.

Adebayo said that if an alleged X account (former Twitter) linked to Amupitan is eventually confirmed to be his, then his Integrity needs to be questioned.

The former SDP Presidential Candidate made this assertion while on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, stating that the controversy surrounding the account goes beyond technical arguments and boils down to public confidence in the electoral body.

Adebayo added that the situation could raise serious questions if the account is traced to the INEC Chairman despite his denial.

“If it is traced to him and he denies it, then it raises questions about integrity,” Adebayo said.

He added that the issue was significant because the credibility of the electoral umpire depends largely on public trust.

He also noted that although digital content could sometimes be manipulated, stressing that technological tools exist to verify the ownership of online accounts.

“It is well known that in the digital space, you could manipulate anything, but there is forensic tracing of identity,” he stated.

According to him, the matter could be resolved through judicial or legislative processes.

“It is either someone will go to court to challenge his qualification on grounds of partisanship and present evidence or the National Assembly will conduct an investigation, possibly through its INEC committees,” he added.

The SDP Chieftain however clarified that even if the account were proven to belong to Amupitan, it would not automatically disqualify him from serving as INEC chairman.

He explained that the law requires only that the individual not belong to any political party at the time of appointment.

Adebayo further stated, “The requirement is that at the time of appointment, you should not be a member of any political party. It does not mean you could not have been a member in the past or that you did not vote.

“Someone who voted in 2023 can still become INEC chairman in 2025.”

Adebayo stressed that the central issue remains honesty and public confidence in the electoral process.

“In a simple matter like this, if you are already lying to the public and we are to trust you with determining election outcomes, then it becomes a question of integrity,” he added.

ASP, Two Inspectors Among Six Dismissed Police Officers In Edo For Extortion

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Ayodele Oni

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April 13, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

In a renewed push to enforce discipline and accountability within the Force, Edo State Police Command has dismissed six officers over their alleged involvement in an organised extortion ring operating in Benin City.

The Command disclosed that the affected officers were implicated in a criminal syndicate accused of harassing, abducting and extorting unsuspecting residents while posing as legitimate operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, said the action followed the conclusion of preliminary investigations and internal disciplinary procedures.

According to the statement, the dismissed officers, alongside other accomplices, operated a coordinated network that targeted residents, particularly around the Teboga axis off Aduwawa in Benin City.

Victims were allegedly forced into vehicles, intimidated, and compelled under duress to transfer money through Point of Sale (POS) operators.

Those named in connection with the syndicate include ASP Bonny Paul Onajite; Inspectors Ehubarieme Wisdom and Arebame God’s Power; Corporals Mordi Philip and Okon Elvis; as well as Destiny Emmanuel, a previously dismissed corporal.

Civilian collaborators identified by the police include POS operator Goodluck Jaja and two mini-bus drivers, Samuel Nicholas and Etim Bright.

The Command said the serving officers underwent orderly room trials, which resulted in their dismissal, while all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

Describing the acts as a gross abuse of office and a betrayal of public trust, the police noted that the suspects exploited official uniforms and accoutrements to perpetrate criminal activities, thereby bringing the Force into disrepute.

The Command, however, assured residents of its commitment to sanitising the system and eliminating bad elements, urging members of the public who may have fallen victim to the syndicate to come forward with useful information.

It also warned POS operators and other service providers against facilitating unlawful transactions, stressing that anyone found complicit would face arrest and prosecution.

The police added that the action aligns with ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, noting that no officer found culpable would be shielded from the full weight of the law.

ADC Finally Secures Convention Venue, As El-Rufai Promises To Attend In Spirit

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 13, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Detained former Kaduna state Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai has assured that he will be aligning and participating at the National Convention of the opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress ADC despite being in custody.

This is as the party informed that it has, after all, secured a venue for the event in Abuja .

The Source reports that the main opposition party is scheduled to hold its National Convention on Tuesday April 14, 2026, after its ward, local council and state congresses.

Although the party had allegedly faced initial difficulties securing both private and Government-owned facilities as venue for the event, it nevertheless affirmed on Monday that it has gotten approval from the owners of Rainbow Event Centre Abuja to host the Convention.

The party’s national spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, who disclosed this, also assured that arrangements have been concluded for a hitch free Convention at the Rainbow Event Centre within the Area 11 of Abuja .

El-Rufai, while fielding questions from the media during his appearance before a Kaduna State High Court on Tuesday, said he will be attending the scheduled ADC Convention in spirit.

“How about the ADC convention tomorrow?, a journalist asked.

El-Rufai responded: ” Oh, tomorrow is the ADC Convention. I will be there in spirit”

The Source further reports that the former Kaduna state Governor, who is facing inter-agency prosecutions over multiple charges bordering on alleged diversion of public funds, money laundering, abuse of office and security related Offences, was in court for the ruling on his bail application.

However, the court adjourned ruling till tomorrow April 14, same day a Federal High Court Kaduna, is billed to rule on his bail application.

El-Rufai has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC since February 18, 2026, when he was granted bail by the EFCC.

“I Am Not Same Level With Shettima, Can’t Engage Him In Public Discourse” – Atiku

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Ayodele Oni

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April 13, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Chieftain of the African8 Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar has slammed Vice President Kashim Shettima over his (Atiku’s) comment on his tenure as Vice President from 1999 to 2007.

Atiku maintained that Shettima was disrespectful to him as he was older and more experienced than him in public life.

Shettima had challenged Atiku to showcase achievements from his 1999–2007 tenure, prompting Atiku to dismiss the challenge, citing Shettima’s “disrespectful” demeanor and lack of maturity.

Shettima demanded a “scorecard” from Atiku, specifically asking for projects implemented in Northern Nigeria and individuals empowered during his time in office.

Speaking during an exclusive interview, Atiku stated that he would not engage Shettima in a public exchange, stressing that respect and decorum are important values, particularly in Northern Nigerian culture.

“I cannot answer Kashim because he is disrespectful and that is not the attitude of an Arewa man,” Atiku said, adding that his age and longer years of experience in public service place him in a different position.

The comments come amid rising political tensions, as exchanges between key figures in Nigeria’s political space continue to draw public attention.

Observers say the development reflects deepening divisions among political leaders, especially as discussions around governance and future elections begin to intensify.

Denial Of Venue: Wike Says ADC Never Applied For The Use Of Eagle Square

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 13, 2026

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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has rejected claims that the opposition African Democratic Congress, ADC, has been denied the use of the Eagle Square for its April 14, 2026, National Convention.

This is as he explained that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome which played host to the Wike-backed Abdulraham Mohammed-led Peoples Democratic party PDP Convention penultimate week, is under the control of the Federal Ministry of Sports, and not the FCT Administration.

The Source reports that the planned venue of the ADC Convention had been marred in controversy, with initial speculations suggesting that the Management of the Abuja Nicon Hilton Hotel was allegedly forced to cancel at the last minute , earlier bookings by the party.

However ,the management of the Hotel responded swiftly , with an emphatic denial of any such bookings by the party.

Similarly, there were also reports alleging that the opposition party, which is currently locked in a battle of wits with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over the status of the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee NEC, has been denied the use of the Eagle Square and the Velodrome for its National Convention by authorities.

But responding to the allegation on Monday during an inspection tour of some ongoing projects, Wike insisted that there were no formal applications for the use of the Eagle Square by the ADC, or any other political party.

According to him, intending users of the national facility normally apply through the Abuja Investments Company Limited which is the supervising authority, with the appropriate payment equally made through the outfit.

He maintained that as at the last check, no such application was filed by the opposition Coalition.

“Who denied them the use of the Eagle Square? I am not aware of any such development, and I don’t even know which party you are referring to.

” If it is the African Democratic Congress, ADC, such claims are part of their usual ways of attempting to gain public sympathy”, the FCT stated.

He emphasized that the use of the national facility is subject to adherence to due process, including a formal application through the Abuja Investments Company Limited.

“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to the Abuja Investments Company Limited.

“When the All Progressive Congress, APC, used the venue, and the PDP used the Stadium Velodrome, they complied with the process. We do not deny anyone access if the rules are followed”, he submitted.

Not a few people, however, have the feeling that the ADC is being deliberately frustrated.

Fresh Borno Attack: Terrorists Kill Nigerian Army Colonel, 21 Soldiers

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Ayodele Oni

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April 13, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Coming few days after a Brigadier General in the Nigerian Army was killed by terrorists, reports say another attack by Boko Haram insurgents of a military outpost in Monguno, Borno State, has left at least 22 soldiers of the Nigerian Army including a Colonel killed.

According to sources familiar with the incident, the overnight assault is said to have occurred as the military was preparing to launch a renewed offensive against the terrorists, who have recently intensified attacks on security forces in the region.

The affected officer, Colonel I.A. Muhammad, along with his troops, was attached to the 242 Battalion in Borno, an area that has remained a major hotspot in the long-running insurgency that has lasted over 17 years.

A spokesperson for the Nigerian Army did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

Meanwhile, a video purportedly showing the attack circulated on social media shortly after the incident.

Colonel Muhammad is reported to be among at least six senior officers killed by Boko Haram fighters within the past two weeks.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to intensify military action against insurgents, as the conflict, ongoing since 2009, continues to challenge successive administrations.

“Benisheikh Attack Surprised Me Because Security Agencies Had Prior Information” – Gov Zulum

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 13, 2026

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Professor Babagana Zulum, Borno State governor

By Adesina Soyooye

“There is a need to reassess the security architecture”

A seemingly tired and helpless Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, has disclosed that Security Agencies had prior knowledge of the attack at the Army Brigade Command Benisheikh.

According to the Governor, Security Agencies knew three days in advance that the attack was coming.

Recall that terrorists of ISWAP and Boko Haram bent launched a devastating offensive on the 15 Task Force Brigade Benisheikh, which resulted in the killing of the Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah and a number of other troops.

Based on the Governor’s shocking disclosure, the questions then are: What happened? Why were the troops not prepared for the attack? Why was the Brigade not fortified? Why were more troops not moved into the area to avoid the embarrassing overrunning of a Brigade Command and the killing of a Brigadier-General and a number of his troops?

Zulum’s disclosure came when he paid a sympathy visit to the community after the assault that, also, took the lives of several civilians.

The Governor who described the incident as shocking, called for an urgent overhaul of security strategies.

He said: “This is one of the most surprising attacks I’ve witnessed in recent times.

“Credible intelligence had been available for about three days. There is a need to reassess our security architecture.”

The Local Government Chairman also confirmed that intelligence reports were received, and blamed the incident on “a major lapse.”