“The Situation In APC Surulere Is Troubling” – Desmond Elliott

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May 18, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Less than 48 hours to the All Progressives Congress, APC, Primary for State House of Assembly, Hon. Desmond Olusola Elliott, representing Surulere 1 Constituency has alleged plot by some leaders of the Party in Surulere of intimidation, political victimisation and attempts to manipulate the party’s forthcoming primaries.

In a viral video circulated on Sunday, the lawmaker alleged that party members were being coerced and threatened to support a preferred aspirant ahead of the APC primaries scheduled for May 20, 2026.

The Filmmaker turn politician alleged that some Local Government officials had allegedly been removed from their positions because of their support for him, describing the situation within the Surulere APC as unfair and troubling.

“Intimidation, coercion, twisting and forcing people to follow their own candidate is what is existing today in Surulere.

“Telling them that they will not be beneficiaries of some empowerment that is coming some other time. Please, this is not done and should not be done.”

He further alleged that the Local Government leadership openly backed another aspirant long before the primaries, adding that he initially chose to remain silent despite the alleged bias.

“It is bad enough that the LGA and the local government already took a side months ago. The local government already took a side to support a particular aspirant,” he stated.

According to him, the level of support he enjoys within the constituency may have unsettled his political opponents.

“They were shocked to have seen the quantum number of people and supporters that we’ve had and who have followed us because they believe in justice and fair play,” he said.

Elliott also alleged that his Security Personnel were withdrawn under unclear circumstances.

“My security personnel was taken away from me yesterday for reasons best known to them. Now I am left alone to myself. What have I done?” he queried.

The lawmaker further raised concerns over possible violence during the primaries, alleging that plans were underway to mobilise people to disrupt the process.

“They are coming out to fight us. They want to bring people from outside and from within to cause mayhem and trouble,” he alleged.

He appealed to party leaders to intervene and ensure that the exercise is peaceful, transparent and credible.

“I want to ask our party chieftains, please investigate this matter,” Elliott said.

Despite his complaints, the Surulere lawmaker said he would accept the outcome of the primaries if the process is free and fair.

“By the grace of God, if I, Desmond Olusola Elliott, win, Alhamdulillah. If I lose, I will throw my support behind the winner. But please let it be under a free and fair election,” he added.

He also urged his supporters not to be intimidated, assuring them that adequate security would be provided during the exercise.

Elliott further used the video to campaign for other APC Candidates, including Wasiu Eshilokun, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

There has been crisis in Surulere 1, as allegations are rife that the Chief of Staff, CoS, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila has a Candidate he is sponsoring against Elliott.

Recall that last week, Gbajabiamila disclosed that he almost lost his job, following the role Elliott played in the planned removal of Mudashiru Obasa as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, despite him warning Elliott to back out.

Following this development, Elliott had come out to apologize to him, saying that he was only a Kid, seeking forgiveness from him.

Though Elliott’s apology was termed as late and dead on arrival, as his Fourth Term Bid in LAHA could be marred, with insinuations rife that there is a lady that is tipped to replace Elliott.

No doubt, the allegations by Elliott is expected to further deepen concerns over internal divisions within the APC in Surulere amid growing claims of candidate imposition and factional rivalry ahead of the party primaries.

Alleged Wire-tapping Of NSA’s Telephone Lines: Court Grants El-Rufai Tough Bail Conditions

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 18, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has been granted bail by an Abuja Federal High Court in his trial on alleged security breaches .

The Department of State Services, DSS, had, on April 23, 2026, arraigned El-Rufai on a three count charge bordering on alleged wire-tapping of the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser NSA .

Presiding Judge Honourable Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik on Monday, May 18, 2026 granted the Kaduna State former Governor bail to the tune of N100 million, with one surety in like sum.

Justice Abdul-Malik also ruled that the surety must be a resident of either Maitama or Asokoro District of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, with a landed property which certificate of occupancy must be deposited with the court.

The surety who must be a Federal civil servant not below the Grade Level 17, must attach proofs of current salaries in the last three months.

In addition, all documents must be verified and guaranteed by the surety’s bankers who must be operating from within the jurisdiction of the court before tendering them before the court registrar .

As part of the tough bail conditions, the surety must swear to, and submit an affidavit of means, execution of a bail bond ,as well as provision of a recent passport size photograph.

On his part, El-Rufai is to be reporting to the Headquarters of the DSS every last Friday of the month pending the hearing and final determination of his case by the court.

The former Kaduna state Governor is to surrender all valid travel documents, including his international passport to the court registrar.

Similarly, an attestation from the Chairman of the Kaduna state Traditional Rulers Council was ordered to be submitted to the court as part of the bail conditions.

Justice Abdul-Malik warned that any breach of the bail conditions will automatically lead to its revocation.

The source further reports that even if all the tough bail conditions are met, El-Rufai will still remain in detention pending the determination of his bail application in the matter before a Kaduna High Court .

It would be recalled that a Kaduna State High Court late last month adjourned El-Rufai’s bail application to the first week of June for ruling, a development that sparked widespread indignation and condemnations .

The former Kaduna State Governor and chieftain of the opposition Coalition platform is being prosecuted before the court on multiple count charges bordering on alleged diversion of over N11 billion being funds ear-marked for the Kaduna light rail project during his tenure as the Governor of the State.

In another case before a Federal High Court Kaduna, El-Rufai is also facing multiple charges bordering on alleged diversion of public funds and inflation of Severance package to the tune of over N569 million.

He has been granted a N200 million bail in the matter.

Ekiti Gov. Election: Accord Deputy. Gov. Candidate Withdraws, Backs PDP Flag bearer

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Ayodele Oni

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May 18, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Almost a month to the governorship election in Ekiti state, the deputy governorship candidate of Accord Party, Bayode Omoyele has withdrawn his candidature.

He has decided to pitch tent with the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), Wole Oluyede.

In a statement on Monday,Omoyele cited lack of structure for Accord Party to win the June 20 election.

“Today, I stand before you not with anger, but with clarity. Not with bitterness, but with sacrifice. I am here to formally announce my withdrawal from the nomination as Deputy Governorship Candidate of Accord Party for the June 20th, 2026 election.

“This decision was not made in a moment. It came after deep reflection, wide consultations, and a hard look at where we stand as a party in Ekiti State today.

“I accepted this nomination because I believed we could build a credible alternative for Ekiti. I believed we could run a campaign rooted in merit, discipline, and service.

“But politics without structure is noise. A campaign without organization is a journey to nowhere. After a careful evaluation of the entire party structure across the 16 LGAs, it became clear to me that we are not organized, mobilized, or ready to contest and win this election.

“I will not lend my name, my reputation, and the trust of the people of Ikere, Ekiti South Senatorial District, and Ekiti State to a process that lacks the discipline to succeed. To continue would be to deceive you, and I refuse to do that.

“Let me be clear: this withdrawal is a sacrifice. A sacrifice for Ikere, for Ekiti South Senatorial District, and for Ekiti State as a whole.

“My people of Ikere have always stood for progress and for courage. I cannot lead them into a race we are not prepared to finish.

“I cannot ask Ekiti South to waste its votes on a structure that is not ready. And I cannot watch Ekiti State repeat the cycle of failed promises because we refused to be honest with ourselves.

“Real leadership sometimes means stepping aside so that something better can move forward. That is what I am doing today.

“Time is the most valuable resource we have. It is too precious to waste on a journey to no destination. Ekiti cannot afford another four years of trial and error.

“The people are tired. The youths are leaving. The economy is stagnant. We need a candidate who is ready, capable, and has a clear plan to rescue this state.

“After careful consideration, I believe that candidate is Dr. Oluwole Oluyede.

“Dr. Oluyede has the pedigree, the experience, and the capacity to lead Ekiti out of its current state. He understands governance, he understands development, and he has the network and discipline to organize Ekiti for victory and for service.

“I am therefore throwing my weight behind Dr. Oluwole Oluyede and urging all my supporters in Ikere, Ekiti South, and across Ekiti State to align with him.”

Kidnappers Reportedly Behead Oyo Abducted Teacher

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Ayodele Oni

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May 18, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Residents of Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, have been thrown into mourning as one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, has been reportedly beheaded by the abductors.

The gunmen invaded the school on Friday, May 15, and abducted the Principal, alongside other teachers and several students.

The attack which happened some weeks after a failed kidnap attempt that left one traveler dead along Ibadan-Ijebu road, has renewed concerns over rising insecurity in parts of Oyo State and across Nigeria.

However, a new video released by the bandits on Sunday, May 17, 2026, captured the gunmen beheading Oyedokun.

The viral inhumane video has raised fresh concerns over the safety of the remaining victims.

Residents, families of the victims and natives have continue to call on security agencies and the Oyo State Government to intensify rescue operations to secure the release of those still in captivity before being killed.

2027: PDP Faction Set To Screen Over 3000 Aspirants

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 18, 2026

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The Tanimu Turaki faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is set to screen over 3000 aspirants seeking the party’s ticket for the 2027 elections in the country. No fewer than 3,181 aspirants will be screen soon, according to the faction which is currently in a ruing battle with the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction of the party.

The party has been embattled for sometimes, as two factions are laying claim to its leadership, and the case in court for settlement. The development, analysts insist, seriously endangers the aspirations of politicians seeking to contest under the party next year, as they are unsure, which of the faction will win the leadership tussle case in the courts.

Many aspirants are currently in dilemma over the leadership tussle, those closely watching the party said.

According a post shared by the Turaki faction on its social media handles on Sunday, the PDP faction said aspirants who have obtained forms to contest various positions under the party’s banner, including those seeking to be President, governors, National Assembly, State House of Assembly members, will be screen soon.

The faction, according to its breakdown, said 2,122 aspirants are vying for the state House of Assembly positions, 748 for House of Representatives, 198 senatorial aspirants, 112 governorship aspirants, and one presidential aspirant, noting that the party had already released the guidelines and timetable for screening process.

“Following the approved Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections by the National Executive Committee (NEC) at its 104th Meeting, the Interim National Working Committee (INWC) hereby announces the publication of the under-listed members to serve as the Screening Committees and Screening Appeal Panels,” the statement read.

Atiku Describes Tinubu’s Fresh $1.25 World Bank Loan As ‘Reckless’

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 18, 2026

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Top opposition leader in the country, Atiku Abubakar has expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government plan to borrow fresh loan from the World Bank, describing the action as “reckless” and “ dangerously habitual” for the administration which he said has made borrowing a habit.

The former Nigerian Vice President and ADC presidential aspirant made the remark in a statement on Sunday amid the ongoing discussion by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to borrow $1. 25 billion from the Bretton Wood, United States-based financial institution.

The statement issued by Abubakar’s media aide, Olusola Sanni claimed that the new loan, if approved by the World Bank, will be the largest single borrowing by the administration, saying it’s unfortunate that the government which promised prosperity for Nigerians has now embarked on a loan binge, which he said there’s nothing on the ground to show for.

“Nigerians were told these loans were for infrastructure, power, and economic recovery. Yet the average citizen still lives in darkness, roads remain death traps, businesses are collapsing under crushing energy costs, and hunger has become a national epidemic,” Abubakar said.

Abubakar urged the World Bank and other creditors to ensure that the Nigerian government follow due process, by strictly following the “terms and conditions” tied to the loans, adding that Nigeria has become one of the biggest debtors to world Bank , despite claim by the Tinubu’s administration that revenue has improved.

“At this point it has become necessary to demand that the World Bank and, indeed, other creditors apply more prudent measures in ensuring significant compliance to the terms and conditions of these loans,” he stated.

“The IDA loans are facilities granted to extremely poor countries and currently shares the same spot with Bangladesh and Pakistan as top countries in world with highest loan exposure to the World Bank. This data is diametrically opposed to claims by the Tinubu administration that the government had increased its revenue generation drive.

“It is deeply ironic that the same nation which painstakingly exited the Paris Club debt trap through the fiscal discipline, diplomatic credibility, and reform-driven leadership of the Obasanjo-Atiku administration in 2005–2006 is now being dragged back into a fresh era of debt dependency.

“Between May 2023 and now, the Tinubu administration has obtained record massive loans from the World Bank under the titles of objectives that are difficult to verify its implementation.

“The historic debt relief of 2006 was not accidental. It was earned through tough negotiations, prudent management, and international goodwill. Today, that legacy is being squandered with alarming irresponsibility.

“This administration appears to believe that borrowing is governance. It is not. Loans are not achievements. Debt is not development. And mortgaging the future of unborn Nigerians to fund present incompetence is not economic management—it is economic vandalism.

“We must begin to ask difficult questions, not just of the borrowers, but also of the lenders….

“No responsible lender should ignore the warning signs. A government that keeps borrowing while citizens see no tangible improvement in electricity supply, healthcare, education, or infrastructure raises legitimate concerns about fiscal credibility and governance discipline.

“Nigeria cannot continue down this dangerous path where every economic challenge is answered with another loan request. At some point, creditors must ask themselves whether they are funding development or enabling dysfunction.

“The Tinubu administration must understand that a nation cannot borrow its way out of incompetence. Governance requires vision, discipline, productivity, and trust—not endless promissory notes signed against the future of a suffering people.”

Meanwhile, checks from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, NBS indicate that the country’s current total debt stands at $111 billion.

Rivers: Surprise As APC Screening Panel Stops Wike’s Former Deputy From Senatorial Primaries

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Adesina Soyooye

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May 18, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Shock has greeted the disqualification of Senator Ipalibo Banigo by the All Progressive Congress Senatorial Screening Committee from participating in the Senatorial Primaries.

Senator Banigo, a Medical Doctor-turned politician was for two-terms, Rivers State Deputy Governor under then Governor Nyesom Wike. The two were thought to have had a very tidy relationship while at the Government House, Rivers, which explains why she was sponsored by Wike to go to the Senate.

Both are still thought to have a good relationship for which a number of people say explain her decamping to the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

But not a few people think that his defection to the APC may have cost him the ticket. The speculation is that Wike, who is the leader of a faction of the PDP, aside from the Presidency and the Governorship, would want the PDP to occupy all the other elective offices in the State.

Since 2023, Wike had made it clear that his support and loyalty lie with President Bola Tinubu.

In the upcoming Governorship election, one of his most loyal political allies and confidante, Honourable Kingsley Chinda, has been cleared to take part in the APC Governorship Primaries after he quietly defected from the PDP. With Wike’s support, it will be difficult to defeat Chinda either in the Party Primaries, or the General Elections in January.

Senator Banigo was elected to the Senate in 2023 immediately after serving as Wike’s Deputy Governor from 2015 to 2023.

Presently, he is representing Rivers West Senatorial District. With her disqualification, she is billed to be a one-term Senator. No reason has been given for her disqualification.

2027: Labour Party Warn Aspirants Against Buying Nomination Forms From Abure Faction

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 17, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

As the Labour Party, LP, Primaries draw closer, the leadership of the Party has warned prospective aspirants and party members against obtaining nomination forms from the embattled former National Chairman of the Party, Julius Abure.

The LP leadership describe purchasing such forms as “worthless paper.”

Ken Asogwa, the Party’s National Publicity Secretary in a statement issued on Sunday accused Abure of impersonation and attempting to deceive unsuspecting aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Asogwa stated that the party was compelled to respond following the circulation of pictures on social media showing Abure presenting what he described as nomination forms to some individuals in Abia State.

The statement partly read:

“Let it be stated clearly and unequivocally that Nenadi Usman is the National Chairman of the Labour Party and all legitimate nomination forms for every elective position ahead of the 2027 general elections can only be obtained through the official National Secretariat of the party located in Utako, Abuja.

“Consequently, any so-called Labour Party nomination form obtained from Julius Abure or any other unauthorised source is nothing but worthless paper being peddled by political fraudsters seeking to deceive unsuspecting persons.”

The party also questioned why Abure’s alleged “sales activities” were concentrated in Abia State, warning that Governor Alex Otti would not succumb to “blackmail, intimidation or street-corner political theatrics.”

It further alleged that Abure’s continued claim to the office of the party’s national chairman amounted to criminal impersonation.

“Julius Abure’s continued impersonation of the office of the National Chairman of the Labour Party remains a criminal offence of serious legal consequence that has reached an intolerable height,” the statement added.

Recall that the Party has been in crisis following a leadership tussle between Abure and the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee.

The crisis deepened after the Court of Appeal affirmed Usman’s leadership, a decision Abure rejected, insisting it was unacceptable and vowing to challenge it at the Supreme Court.

APC Primaries: One Shot Dead As Security Operatives Disperse Protesting Youths

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 17, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

One person was shot dead and others injured on Saturday, following an outbreak of violence at an All Progressive Congress APC primaries’ venue in Kasuwan Ali Community, Mangu Local Council of Plateau state.

The victim, one Sani Abdullahi, was allegedly shot and killed by military personnel who were part of the security arrangement during the House of Representatives primaries .

He was shot dead following a disagreement, and later a protest that resulted from the delayed arrival of electoral officials for the primaries.

According to eyewitness accounts, trouble began when electoral officials billed to conduct the primaries were nowhere to be found, a development that led to the non-commencement of the exercise on schedule.

The non-arrival of the officials led to the departure of party and Government officials from the venue.

However, the youths were uncomfortable with the situation, especially the departure of party and Government officials which they perceived to signpost a hidden agenda to manipulate the exercise.

Consequently, they protested and blocked the party and Government officials from leaving the venue, a development which forced military officers on duty into attempting to break the protest.

“The exercise was supposed to hold on Saturday morning, but it didn’t take place because of the absence of returning officers.

“So, the youths started protesting, alleging that the delay was deliberate.

“As this was going on, Government officials who came to witness the exercise decided to leave because of the absence of the electoral officials.

“But some youths blocked the road to prevent them from leaving the venue. The youth insisted that the Government officials will not leave until the arrival of the electoral officials.

“This drew the attention of security personnel who moved in to disperse the youths. In the process, bullets hit the victim”, a local volunteered.

The unfortunate incident expectedly has raised the political temperature of the already restive and terrorists-infested Plateau State.

As at the time of reporting, neither the APC nor the Plateau State Government has reacted to the development.

Bauchi Permanent Secretary Dies In The Holy Land – Gov Mohammad Mourns

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 17, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has described the death of Shehu Yahaya Jalam ,the Permanent Secretary, Special Services ,in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, in Saudi Arabia as a painful and irreparable loss.

Jalam, the Turakin Dawakin Misau Emirate Council of Bauchi, died on Saturday after a brief illness in Makkah , Saudi Arabia , while performing the Muslim pilgrimage.

In a statement, Mukhtar Gidado, his spokesperson, Governor Muhammad described the late Jalam as a loyal dedicated and hardworking public servant ,who gave his all for the development of Bauchi State.

The Governor emphasized the critical roles the late Permanent Secretary had played over the years in the successful coordination of Hajj operations as well as other important Government assignments given to him.

According to Governor Mohammed,the demise of Jalam remains a huge loss to the family, relations, friends, associates, as well as the Government of Bauchi State.

The Governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, relations, friends ,the office of the SSG ,the office of Head of Service ,and the Misau and Dambam Emirate Councils .

The funeral ceremony for the deceased will be conducted at the Holy Mosque of Ka’aba , Makkah Saudi Arabia.