Fmr Ondo First Lady, Betty, Submits LP Nomination Form For Owerri Senatorial Contest

May 17, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akerdeolu, a former Ondo State First Lady, has revealed how the spirit of her late husband, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, former Governor of Ondo state is inspiring her about her ambition.

Betty, an aspirant, for Imo East Senatorial District (Owerri Zone) on the ticket of Labour Party (LP) has picked her nomination and expression of interest forms for the election.

The former Ondo first lady wrote on her Facebook post on Sunday, “If you recall, I promised to carry my friends, supporters, and political associates along every step of the way on this journey to the Red Chambers — the Senate, come 2027.

“Today, aboard an Air Peace flight from Owerri to Abuja to submit my Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, something profound happened.

“Right there in the clouds, somewhere between earth and earth’s endless horizon, thoughts of Aketi came flooding over me like the tide of the ocean.

“Suddenly, I was overwhelmed with emotions. At that moment, I knew he was with me.

“I could feel his presence so strongly — urging me on, cheering me forward, saying in that familiar voice, “Maddy, keep going, Darlin’. The journey continues.”

“For a moment, tears welled up in my eyes. Not tears of sorrow alone, but tears born of love, memory, strength, and purpose.

“Aketi may no longer be physically here, but his courage, conviction, and spirit continue to inspire me every single day.

And so, with determination in my heart and the support of the people, I press on.

The journey continues.”

2027: Why Ohaji Deserves More In Ohaji/Egbema LGA

The Source

May 17, 2026

As the 2027 General Elections draw closer, stakeholders, elders, community leaders, including women groups and youth groups have started to look at what is on the table, in a bid to ensure equitable distribution of political offices, both elective and appointive positions.

Ordinarily, where love reigns, this isn’t supposed to cause any friction and suspicion, but clannish polarization, disregard and disrespect for rotational representation have made it imperative for Charter of Equity to be introduced, so as to ensure and promote fairness, reduce acrimony, foster stability and nip in the bud marginalization.

This has not been so in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. This is a local government that has two clans : Ohaji clan and Egbema clan. There was this unwritten understanding that elected and appointed positions are shared between the two clans, such that if an Ohaji person is elected Local Government Chairman, an Egbema person will go for the State House Of Assembly to represent the local government, and vice versa. Also, if an Egbema person represents Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru-West Federal Constituency House Of Representative, when it is the turn of Ohaji/Egbema to represent again, it should naturally go to Ohaji clan.

Unfortunately, this unwritten understanding (Charter of Equity), has not been respected by the Egbema clan of the local government area. Rather, we have seen and continued to witness situations and times without number where Egbema clan appropriated every political position, thereby leaving Ohaji clan empty handed, frustrated and hollow, and this has continued to breed clannish tensions and suspicions in the local government area.

This injustice got to a point where Egbema clan occupied Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area as Chairman, represented the local government at the Imo State House Of Assembly as an Honourable Member, represented the Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, took Commissionership position, Special Adviser position and Ministerial position, all to itself, leaving Ohaji clan completely empty handed.

An illustration will suffice here : Egbema clan has produced three House Of Representative Members since 1999, while Ohaji clan, which is a co-equal clan that make up Ohaji/Egbema is yet to occupy the seat since the beginning of the present democracy in 1999 :

Hon Tony Ezea from Egbema Represented the Federal Constituency from 1999 to 2003 at the National Assembly.

Rt Honourable Goodluck Nanah Opia from Egbema Represented the Federal Constituency from 2015 to 2019 at the National Assembly.

Hon Kingsley Chima Uju Represented the Federal Constituency from 2019 to 2023 at the National Assembly.

During the tenure of Rt Honourable Emeka Ihedioha in 2019, as Governor, the Egbema clan held the Federal Constituency Seat, House Of Assembly Seat and the Local Government Council Seat, leaving nothing for the Ohaji clan, namely :

Hon Kingsley Chima Uju (Federal Constituency Seat).

Hon Damian Ezeru ( Local Government Council Seat).

Hon Heclus Okoro (Imo State House Of Assembly Seat).

When His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma came as the governor, in January 2020, this injustice against the Ohaji clan was upgraded to an unprecedented level (without the knowledge of the Governor), as the Egbema clan appropriated and held the Federal Constituency Seat, House Of Assembly Seat, the Local Government Council Seat, Special Adviser Seat, Commissionership Seat and Ministerial position, with absolutely nothing for the Ohaji clan. The following Data proves it :

Hon Kingsley Chima Uju (Federal Constituency Seat).

Hon Marcel Amadioha ( Local Government Council Seat).

Hon Heclus Okoro (Imo State House Of Assembly Seat).

Rt Honourable Goodluck Nanah Opia (Special Adviser Seat).

Rt Honourable Goodluck Nanah Opiah (Commissionership Seat).

Rt Honourable Goodluck Nanah Opiah (Ministerial position).

Nevertheless, His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma ensured the imbalance was corrected in the 2023 General Election, as Ohaji clan produced the Member Representing Ohaji-Egbema State Constituency in the Imo State House Of Assembly, while the Council Seat was retained by the Egbema clan, firstly in the Sole Administratorship, and later, in the Executive Chairmanship position :

Hon Dr Uzoma Francis Osuoha (Ohaji/Egbema State Constituency, IMHA).

Hon Marcel Amadioha (Ohaji Egbema Local Government Council).

As the 2027 General Election draws closer, and with the superlative performance of Hon Dr Uzoma Francis Osuoha as the Member Representing Ohaji-Egbema State Constituency in the Imo State House Of Assembly, in terms of the number of People-oriented Motions and Bills he has so far sponsored and cosponsored, Constituency projects executed, empowerment initiatives carried out, assistance to several families and groups, and support for the ruling party, both at the LGA and State levels, it is a given that he will naturally be allowed to return for a second term, which is still the turn of Ohaji clan. But unfortunately, the Egbema clan that is still holding the Council Chairmanship position is gearing up to contest the House Of Assembly seat, as well as the Federal House Of Representative Seat, which is currently being occupied by another local government area (Oguta).

Therefore, we are asking : In the face of the Charter of Equity being implemented by Governor Hope Uzodimma, how justifiable is Hon Marcel Amadioha (an Egbema indigene), the Executive Chairman of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, to have bought the Nomination and Expression Of Interest Forms for the State House Of Assembly Seat?

For our democracy to comfortably thrive in Ohaji/ Egbema LGA, sincere efforts should be made to ensure all the clans are represented. This is because the clandestine plot to once again usurp what currently belongs to Ohaji clan is surely breed political instability and resentment, thereby stunting growth and development in our society.

Therefore, in the spirit of “Egbe Bere, Ugo Bere”, the Ohaji clan should be supported to complete their tenure in the Imo State House Of Assembly.

OHAJI EQUITY MANDATE INITIATIVE

15/05/2026

Poland 2026: Falconets In Death Group, Faces Spain, China, New Caledonia

Akinwale Kasali

May 17, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria’s Under-20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets, has been drawn into Group F of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup alongside Spain, China and New Caledonia following the official draw conducted on Friday in Łódź, Poland. The group has been described as “death group”, considering the exploits of China and Spain in female football. But the Nigerian team is optimistic.

The tournament, scheduled to run from September 5 to 27, 2026, will be hosted across several Polish cities, including Łódź, Katowice, Sosnowiec and Bielsko-Biała, bringing together 24 of the world’s top youth women’s teams in FIFA’s flagship age-grade competition.

Nigeria booked their place at the global finals after successfully navigating the African qualification series, where they overcame the Young Scorchers of Malawi in a tightly contested two-legged playoff.

The Falconets secured a 3–2 aggregate victory, winning the first leg 2–0 in Ikenne before a narrow 2–1 defeat in the return fixture in Lilongwe which was enough to confirm their progression to Poland 2026.

The draw places Nigeria in a competitive Group F. Spain arrive as one of the tournament favourites, boasting a strong youth system and recent dominance in women’s age-grade football.

China also present a serious challenge with their disciplined structure and international experience, while New Caledonia will make their debut appearance, adding unpredictability to the group.

The Falconets, two-time finalists in the history of the competition, will be aiming to once again reach the latter stages of the tournament and challenge for their first world title at U-20 level.

Nigeria has, over the years, consistently been one of Africa’s strongest representatives at this level, regularly producing players who graduate into the senior national team, the Super Falcons.

With the draw now completed, attention turns to preparation as the team is expected to intensify training camps and arrange international friendlies ahead of the tournament.

Reps Dep Speaker, Kalu Secures APC Return Ticket In Abia

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 17, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, has been returned as the All Progressive Congress, APC, candidate for the Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State in the 2027 general elections.

The emergence of Kalu is coming on the heels of his much anticipated, but botched bid for the Abia State Governorship seat .

The two-term member of the green chamber of the National Assembly had, until penultimate week, nursed the ambition of challenging incumbent Governor Alex Otti for the state’s topmost.

But with his purported procurement of both the House of Representatives and gubernatorial expression of interest and nomination forms of the APC, not a few had concluded that he may have jettisoned his bid for the Governorship seat.

A statement from Udora Orizu, his spokesperson, informed that Kalu emerged unopposed at the primaries conducted on Saturday, May 16,2026.

He was said to have been unanimously endorsed by party members, party leaders, ward executives, delegates, and stakeholders from the 13 wards that make up the Bende Federal Constituency.

According to the statement, delegates, stakeholders and party faithful who turned out in their numbers, lauded the Deputy Speaker for his exceptional legislative performance and landmark constituency projects which he has attracted to the area since his election to the National Assembly.

They described his unchallenged nomination as the APC candidate as a befitting appreciation of his achievements as well as a testimonial to the confidence reposed in him by the people.

On his part, Kalu thanked party members, traditional rulers youths , women groups , party elders and stakeholders for their support for him, their confidence and trust in his representation.

He assured of his commitment towards delivering more dividends of democracy to the constituents.

APC Primary Election: Three Ekiti Reps Members Lose Return Ticket

Ayodele Oni

May 17, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Three Members of the House of Representatives in Ekiti state have lost their bid to return to the green house following their defeat in Saturday’s primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Those that were defeated by new candidates include Adebiyi Rufus Ojuawo from Ekiti South-West/Ikere/Ise-Orun, Davidson Akinlayo from Moba, Ido/Osun and Ilejemeje and Abiodun Omoleye, Ijero/Ekiti West/Efon.

The spokesman of the APC, Ekiti State Chapter, Akin Rotimi, is still battling to retain his seat as the election of his Constituency, Oye/Ikole has been declared inconclusive by the primary election committee.

Those that have already secured return tickets are Olusola Fatoba, Ado/Irepodun, and Femi Bamisile – Ekiti East, Emure, Gbonyin;

The Chairman of the committee and chief returning officer, Wasiu Adedoyin Banjo who made this known while announcing the results of the Saturday’s exercise, said the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party will take the final decision on the federal constituency.

Adedoyin added that the committee observed a series of challenges and crisis during the primary election which has made the exercise inclusive.

Announcing the results from other constituencies, the committee chairman declared Olusola Fatoba as the winner for Ado-Irepodun federal constituency; Oladapo Karounwi-Ijero, Ekiti West, Efon; Femi Bamisile – Ekiti East, Emure, Gbonyin; Toyin Okoro – Ikere, Ekiti South West, Ise-Orun and Ibrahim Olarewaju – Ilejemeje, Ido-Osi, Moba federal constituency.

Terrorists Kill 17 Police Officers Undergoing Training In Yobe Military School Attack

Adesina Soyooye

May 17, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

A deadly attack on Yobe Military School has resulted in the death of 17 officers. The Policemen were undergoing special training at the Military School in Yobe terrorists swooped on them and attacked from all angles. Killed along with them were also some soldiers.

As confirmed by the Police, they were killed in an unfortunate attack on the military school by terrorists.

On Saturday, a mourning Nigeria Police Force announced the death of the 17 police officers and confirmed they were killed in a terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State. The tragic incident took place on May 8.

Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, in a statement on Saturday confirmed that the officers were undergoing training at the institution when the terrorists struck.

Said DCP Placid: “The officers, who were undergoing specialized operational training at the institution, lost their lives when terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the facility from multiple directions at about 01.15hrs.

“Several gallant personnel of the Nigerian Army also made the ultimate sacrifice while courageously repelling the attack.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu described the fallen officers as courageous and dedicated personnel who demonstrated exceptional patriotism and commitment to national security through their participation in advanced counter-terrorism and tactical training programmes.

“The IGP conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the entire Force to the bereaved families, assuring them that the sacrifices of the deceased officers will never be forgotten.

“In further demonstration of solidarity and support, the Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, visited the institution on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, where he commiserated with the Commandant of the School, Brigadier General A.C. Enuagu, officers of the Nigerian Army, and surviving police personnel undergoing training at the facility.

“He commended the resilience and courage of the surviving officers and encouraged them to remain resolute in completing the training programme in honour of their fallen colleagues.

“The Inspector-General of Police assures Nigerians that the Force, working closely with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, will sustain ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.

“The Nigeria Police Force salutes the courage, sacrifice, and service of the fallen officers whose dedication to duty will forever remain honoured by the nation.”

2027: Adebutu Wins Ogun PDP Gov Ticket

James Orji

May 17, 2026

Ladi Adebutu has been declared the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate for th 2027 election in Ogun state. He was, on Saturday, declared the winner of the PDP governorship election by the party’s Screening Committee.
The PDP governorship candidate is expected to slug it out next yeat with the All Progressives Congress, APC gubernatorial candidate , Senator Solomon Adeola and candidates from other political parties in next year’s election.
Senator Adeola had earlier been declared the consensus candidate of the ruling party last month by the party’s major stakeholders, including Governor Dapo Abiodun and three former governors, Olusegun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun.
From all indications, the PDP and APC candidates are among the top contestanst for the Oke Imosan Government House next year.
According to a statement made available to journalists on Saturday by Adebutu’s media aide, Afolabi Orekoya, his principal was announced the winner of the primary election after the screening exercise that held at the party’s National secretariat, Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Orekoya said Adebutu clearly defeated other aspirants who took part in the screening exercise conducted by the faction of the party led by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
If the faction succeeds in its ongoing legal battle with another faction of the party, it means that Adebutu will try his luck to rule the state again, four years after he lost the same battle to incumbent Governor Abiodun who defeated him in 2023.
Ladi, the son of betting mogul and businessman, Kessinton Adebutu has been eyeing the governorship position for a long time.

Aspirant Kicks As Buhari’s Son, Yusuf Wins House Of Reps Ticket

James Orji

May 17, 2026

Serious controversy is trailing the emergence of the son of late Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.
Yusuf Buhari, the only son of the late Nigerian leader had been declared winner of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to vie for the 2027 election for the Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua Federal Constituency of Katsina State.
But his main challenger for the ticket, Auwalu Lawan Daura has kicked against Yusuf emergence, saying the the proces was manipulated by APC leaders in the state.
According to Daily Trust, Daura expressed his dissatisfaction after the election result was declared on Saturday, that Buhari had won the ticket.
The aspirant claimed that the results of the election that threw up Buhari was manipulated alleging that most of the people who participated in the election had no APC membership card, describing the results as ‘dubious”.
Daura said he did not contest the election out of disrespect for APC leaders who had wanted the younger Buhari to emerge as consensus candidate, saying he just wanted to ensure that due process and justice were the bedrock of the election, to select the party’s candidate for the federal constiuncy in the 2027 election.

“I am not satisfied with what happened today. Evidence is everywhere showing the injustice that was done. The manner of counting was highly dubious, and most of the people counted did not even have party membership cards,” Daura said.

“When I started this political movement, I made it clear that it was about the will of the people. When a consensus candidate was said to have been adopted, the people said no, they wanted us to go for primaries. Therefore, my insistence was not a sign of disrespect, but rather a demonstration of our support for justice and fairness.”
While declaring his support for the son of the late president political aspiration last month, Governor Umaru Dikko Radda of Katsina state had pledged his support for him, saying he will not betray the Buhari’s family. As a supporter of the late president, Governor Radda said Buhar’’s son has his backing.
“I can never betray Buhari’s family. I have been a beneficiary of his good reputation since the days of the CPC to date. Buhari is late now, May his soul rest in peace. Therefore, I wish Yusuf well and all the best in your political pursuit” Governor Radda said.

Fayose Loses Wife To Cancer

Ayodele Oni

May 17, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

After courageously battling cancer for months, the Australian wife of Nigerian businessman and outspoken social commentator, Isaac Fayose, has passed on.

Fayose announced the heartbreaking loss on Saturday, in a series of emotional posts on his Instagram page. He confirmed that his wife passed away after months of struggling with the illness in Australia, where the family resides.

In one of the posts, Fayose, who is the younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, shared a candlelight image bearing the inscription, “Rest In Peace, My Darling Wife.

He later posted photographs of his late wife alongside the emotional message,“Odaro Oyinbo mi,”a Yoruba phrase that translates to “Goodnight, my white woman.”

The announcement immediately drew an outpouring of condolences from friends, associates and followers on social media, many of whom expressed sympathy and prayed for strength for Fayose and his family during the difficult period.

The tragic development comes just weeks after Fayose publicly disclosed the severity of his wife’s health condition.

In March, during a visibly emotional video shared on social media after arriving in Australia to visit his family, Fayose revealed that cancer had left his wife extremely weak and unable to carry out routine activities.

He recounted that, for the first time in many years, his wife was too ill to come to the airport to receive him, forcing him to take a taxi home alone.

According to Fayose, the experience deeply affected him because his wife had always been there to welcome him whenever he travelled to Australia.

He also spoke candidly about how the illness had dramatically changed their daily lives.

Fayose said his wife could no longer cook, communicate effectively or move around independently, adding that he spent long hours sitting beside her hospital bed, singing her favourite songs while she held his hand.

The businessman’s emotional revelation at the time touched many Nigerians who offered prayers and words of encouragement as his wife continued her battle with cancer.

Sadly, those hopes were dashed with the announcement of her death on Saturday.

Several prominent Nigerians and celebrities, including actress Yvonne Jegede, comedian Ali Baba and musician Daddy Showkey, were among those who publicly expressed condolences to the grieving businessman.

Isaac Fayose is widely known for his outspoken commentary on political and social issues and for his active presence on social media.

As tributes continue to pour in from across Nigeria and beyond, many have described the loss as a devastating blow and offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased and for comfort for the Fayose family.

Nigerian Military Details How Air-Land Operation By Joint Forces Of US, Nigeria Killed ISIS Leader

Ayodele Oni

May 17, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria’s military hierarchy has reaffirmed that troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in close coordination with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), executed a meticulously planned and highly complex precision air-land operation which led to the death of the second in command of ISIS, Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki.

The presidency, through Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the president quoted from the Nigerian Army release which detailed account of the joint air-land operation that killed Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, the Islamic State’s global second-in-command, during a coordinated mission with United States forces in Metele, Borno State.

According to a statement from the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, the operation took place between approximately 0001 hours and 0400 hours on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the task force, stated that “Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in close coordination with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), executed a meticulously planned and highly complex precision air-land operation.”

The operation followed “a protracted joint intelligence effort involving legal intercept operations and sustained reconnaissance that achieved full target development and fidelity,” Uba said.

He explained that Al-Minuki and his cell had established “a concealed and fortified enclave at Metele in Borno State within Sector 3 OPHK.”

“US partners in conjunction with OPHK conducted precision air – ground operations on the confirmed location while Special Forces were deployed to provide security and deny escape routes as well as to extract any of the Teams or air platforms in distress,” Uba added.

The operation involved several air platforms in “a synchronised air-land configuration that left the terrorists with no avenue of escape,” according to Uba.

He noted that “the operation was executed following authorisation from the Military High Command.”

Regarding casualties, Uba said: “The operation was executed with zero casualties or loss of assets.

“Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki has been confirmed neutralised alongside several of his lieutenants and multiple combatants,” he stated.

Uba said battle damage assessment is ongoing and “troops are currently conducting aggressive follow-on exploitation operations to decimate identified splinter cells and prevent any attempt at reconstitution.”

According to Uba, Al-Minuki was “a US Specially Designated Global Terrorist, by the US Department of State on 8 June 2023 under Executive Order 13224” for his role as “a leading official within ISIS’s General Directorate of Provinces, through which he channelled international funding and operational guidance to terror cells across the Sahel and the Lake Chad Islands in Northern Borno.

“His elimination represents the single most consequential counter-terrorism outcome in the North East Theatre since the inception of Operation HADIN KAI,” Uba said.

He added that the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, acknowledged the success of the operation and publicly commended the partnership with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“This decisive operation reaffirms OPHK’s position as the foremost counter-terrorism formation in sub-Saharan Africa and sends an unequivocal message that terrorists will find neither sanctuary nor safety within the North East Theatre,” Uba concluded.

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