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Abducted Oyo Students: Lawmaker Assures Of Their Safe Return

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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A House of Representatives member representing Ogbomoso North, South and Orire Federal Constituencies of Oyo State in the House of Olamijuwonlo Ayodeji Alao-Akala, has assured that the children and school teachers abducted from schools in Ogbomoso will be rescued.

The lawmaker said in a statement that all the major stakeholders in the state are working together for the safe return of the abducted persons.

His assurance was contained in the Eid-el-Kabir message to the people of his constituency yesterday.

The areas where the abductees were kidnapped falls within his constituency.

The son of the former governor of the state, Adebayo Alao-Akala also urged the people of the state to pray for the rescue of the abductees, and for God’s intervention on the security challenges facing the country, describing the abduction of the Ogbomoso students as saddening.

“As I speak, some of our school children are still in the captivity of their abductors. This is saddening, and it is not a moment for elaborate and vociferous celebration,” the lawmaker said.

“As your Representative, we are talking to the critical stakeholders to ensure the safe release of all the abducted, and this we shall do without letting you down. 

“To the families of the kidnapped school children, we know that it is indeed a traumatic moment and a difficult emotional labyrinth to navigate, but the best we can do is to pray, intensify effort in their safe release and encourage our security agencies.

“And perpetrators of this heinous and dastardly shall be brought to book and answer to their crime against humanity. Ordinarily, our schools should be a safe place for the future leaders. Unfortunately, these enemies of peace have taken their criminal inclination to where future leaders are being incubated. And for this, they have murdered sleep and they shall definitely know no rest.

“As we celebrate Eid al-Kabir, let us continue to be patriotic citizens and eschew any act of violence or whatever practice that may threaten our unity.

“Most importantly, we should not relent in praying for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is trying his best to reposition Nigeria. And with our collective efforts, Nigeria shall be great.”

The magazine reports that the abductees have made passionate appeal to the government to rescue them from their abductors.

On Wednesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his nationwide broadcast to mark this year’s Muslim Eid -al-Kabir celebrations assured the Nigerians that the abducted students will be rescued with their teachers.

Atiku Seeks Cooperation From Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen To Win 2027 Election

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar, ADC presidential candidate.

By Ayodele Oni

 

Presidential Candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar,  has appealed to both Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen who also contested for the ticket to join forces with him and ensure the victory of the party during next year’s general elections.

 

Delivering his acceptance speech after he was declared winner of the primary election on Wednesday, Atiku wooed them thus: “Dear friends, we have gone through great challenges to build this coalition.

 

“Let us now turn our energies to continuing to build this party as we prepare for the campaign to win the elections and to rescue this country from the current misrule.

 

“We have a sacred responsibility to build a party that will stand as a great institution not only in Nigeria but as a great example to the world.

 

“I, therefore, appeal to all those who feel aggrieved to come back to our party and close ranks with the rest of us.  I appeal to all those who contested for various positions in our primaries to close ranks with us.

 

“In particular, I invite Chief Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to join me in this fight to save our democracy and our country.

 

“As I said previously, there are no winners and no losers. Our people look up to us for leadership. I am ready to lead. I shall work with you all to continue to build our party.

 

“I will campaign with you and, if Nigerians give us the mandate, govern with you to build a country that works for all.”

 

He reminded ADC members that the coalition was built through sacrifices guided by determination to protect democracy in the country.

 

“We demonstrated that while democracy is being strangled and squashed by the ruling party and its oppressive and anti-democratic government, democracy is alive and well in the African Democratic Congress.

 

“In our party, members are allowed to express their views, to have ambitions and to contest for elective positions in a free, fair and transparent process.

 

“Our great party is a coalition built through hard work, immense sacrifices and compromises, guided by our determination to rescue our country’s democracy, which is facing its greatest threat since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

 

“As I speak, virtually all opposition political parties in the country have leadership crisis engineered by the APC government, the INEC and elements in the judiciary.

 

“And opposition figures continue to be harassed and intimidated, including those languishing in detention, such as Mallam Nasir El-Rufai who distinguished himself as a public servant, including as a Minister and two-term Governor of Kaduna State.

 

“He has been in detention for three months despite court orders granting him bail. He has been denied the right to celebrate two important religious holidays with his family in addition to being denied the opportunity to be by his mother’s side as she took her last breath.

 

“All because he is a leading opposition figure! This kind of cruelty must stop.  The government continues to harass, intimidate and coerce opposition politicians to join the APC, using the security agencies as well as the agencies which were set up by a previous government to fight corruption.

 

“Under this government, once a person joins the APC, the harassment ceases and the charges against them magically disappear.  This abuse of power must stop.”

Ondo Adopts Federal Salary For Medical, Health Workers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Medical Doctors in Nigeria

By Ayodele Oni

 

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured that his administration will continue to appoint retired public servants into sensitive political roles, underscoring the relevance of their expertise beyond active service.

 

This, he believes will afford the administration to draw from the experience and institutional memory of retired permanent secretaries and senior civil servants, describing them as a vital resource for strengthening governance and public service delivery.

 

Governor Aiyedatiwa made the remark at the annual get-together and send-off ceremony for retired permanent secretaries and tutors-general in Akure.

 

The governor stated that retired senior civil servants remain invaluable assets whose administrative depth and practical understanding of governance must continue to be harnessed for the development of the state.

 

He explained that the administration remains open to leveraging the intellectual capital and wealth of experience of retired permanent secretaries and administrators to enhance efficiency in governance.

 

Aiyedatiwa disclosed that several members of the forum of retired heads of service and permanent secretaries had already been appointed into sensitive political roles, underscoring the relevance of their expertise beyond active service.

 

The governor stressed that the progress recorded by successive administrations in the state would not have been possible without the commitment and professionalism of public servants who drive policy implementation.

 

He urged retirees to view retirement not as the end of public service, but as a transition into another phase of contribution where they could mentor younger officers and promote professionalism within the civil service.

 

On welfare, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the public service and improving productivity.

 

In his remarks, the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, commended the governor for prioritising workers’ welfare, prompt settlement of retirees’ entitlements and expansion of the civil service workforce.

 

Philip said civil servants in the state have continued to benefit from what he described as a responsive and worker-friendly administration, noting that the governor recently approved immediate payment of terminal benefits for retired permanent secretaries to ease access to their entitlements.

 

He disclosed that about 5,000 new appointments had been made to strengthen the civil service.

 

The HoS further stated that the administration had approved accommodation support for about 150 retired graduate headmasters affected by a policy delay dating back to 2009, many of whom had died before intervention.

 

He also confirmed that the governor approved the federal salary review for medical officers and health workers, making Ondo State one of the early adopters of the scale, adding that more health workers will be recruited soon.

 

Philip urged retired permanent secretaries to maintain their dignity and continue contributing meaningfully to the development of the public service.

NDC Begins Primary Election, Waives Fees For Aspirants

By
Ayodele Oni
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NDC - Nigeria Democratic Congress

By Ayodele Oni

 

As the National Democratic Congress (NDC),  begins its primary election for aspirants on Thursday, it has waived payment for nomination and expression of interest forms.

 

The party explained that only those that win the primary election will  be profiled by the leadership and subsequent payment of necessary fees.

 

NDC said in a statement that: “After extensive hours of deliberations yesterday, which lasted till this morning, and in the company of the National Chairman of our party, our Presidential Aspirant, His Excellency Peter Obi, and other key members of the National Working Committee and Selection Committee, we received the report of the Screening Committee led by His Excellency, Sam Egwu.

 

“We thank the committee for its painstaking work, which lasted almost a week, especially in handling the staggering number of aspirants that far exceeded our expectations.

 

“We also thank all the aspirants for their confidence in the NDC, as well as those who made donations to the party and chose our platform to express their political ambitions across the country. Their numbers run into thousands, and we wish them the very best.

 

“Following a briefing at the joint meeting of the Selection Committee and the Screening Committee, and in view of the constraints of time, it was decided that all those who purchased Expression of Interest Forms would be allowed to participate in the primaries in their various constituencies.

 

“Only successful candidates will report to the party secretariat for documentation and, in the process, pay for nomination forms and complete other necessary forms.

 

“The teams for the primaries have been selected, comprising senior officials of the party, and have been deployed to every state to conduct the exercise with the support of stakeholders and local leaders. We wish them success in this important assignment.

 

“Our party is women and youth friendly, and we urge the teams to pay attention to aspirants with the capacity to win elections.

 

“They should liaise with stakeholders and remain open and fair in protecting the interests of all aspirants because, at the end of the day, we are a platform for everyone.

 

“We call for violence-free primaries and reiterate our zero tolerance for violent behaviour. The party will take serious action against anyone who resorts to violence, threats, intimidation, or disorderly conduct.

 

“As a result of the tight timelines we are working with, aspirants are expected to proceed with the primaries from 28th and 29th May 2026, using their Expression of Interest Forms to enable them participate.

 

“An Appeal Panel will also be inaugurated to look into complaints that may arise during the process.

 

“Note that, in line with the party guidelines, the primaries will be conducted through direct primaries at the constituency level for State Assembly positions, while House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential affirmations will take place at the various Local Government Headquarters.

 

“Final results will be announced at the party’s National Secretariat by the Selection Committee and the NEC. We strongly recommend consensus where necessary.

 

“We call for understanding and support because of the limited time available, which made it impossible for the party to fully implement the electronic system we had designed for all party primaries and congresses.

 

“As I said at the dinner with aspirants, this will be the last primary election in the NDC to be conducted manually.

 

“We understand that the manual process may not be perfect due to time constraints and logistical challenges, and we ask everyone to bear with us.

 

“Our intentions are sincere, and future primaries will be conducted electronically to minimise complaints and other challenges.

 

“Finally, we urge the teams to be fair to all aspirants, collaborate with stakeholders and interest groups, and work closely with INEC and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent process.

 

“Bear with us and join us as we strive to build an enduring modern political institution, not a special-purpose vehicle for any individual political interest, but a party that will outlast all of us.”

Atiku Clinches ADC Presidential Ticket, Amidst Rejection Of Primaries By Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has been formally declared winner of the Presidential Primaries of the opposition Coalition platform, African Democratic Congress, ADC.

 

Abubakar, immediate past Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen had, on Monday, May 25, 2026, participated in the ADC primary election held nationwide.

 

But while the collation exercise was underway, the duo of Hayatu-Deen and Amaechi announced the rejection of, and withdrawal from the exercise and its outcome,  citing alleged manipulations of the process as well as widespread irregularities as some of the reasons for their action.

 

However, announcing the result of the primaries Wednesday night, the returning officer, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, declared Abubakar the winner, and ADC’s flag bearer for the 2027 Presidential polls.

 

According to Ogbeha, the former Vice president polled 1,846,370 votes to defeat his closest rival, Amaechi, who garnered a total of 504,117 votes.

 

Hayatu-Deen came a distant third, with 177,120 votes.

 

According to Ogbeha, a total of 2 ,527 ,977 votes were cast during the primaries.

Fmr Deputy Senate President, Omo-Agege Quits APC, Says “I Will Not Remain Sitting Duck

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Senator Ovie Omo-Agege

By Ayodele Oni

 

More fallout of the direct primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has continued to unfold, as former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, formally resigned from the party, citing political developments in Delta State that he said no longer support his aspirations and the interests of his supporters.

 

The former senator announced his exit from the ruling party in a statement published on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, with the announcement signed by his Media Adviser, Sunday Areh.

 

Omo-Agege had joined the senatorial contest in Delta state, but could not get the ticket.

 

In a resignation letter addressed to the APC Chairman of Orogun Ward 2 in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Omo-Agege said the decision followed wide consultations with political allies, associates and loyalists across the state.

 

He explained that continuing in the APC would make it difficult for him to effectively pursue the political and developmental interests of Delta Central and the state at large.

 

“I will not remain a sitting duck in a party where I cannot advance the interests of Delta Central, Delta State and Nigeria,” the former lawmaker declared.

 

Omo-Agege also appreciated the APC for the platform it provided him to serve as Deputy President of the 9th Senate, while noting that he had requested the removal of his name from all party records and communication structures.

 

“I thank the APC for the opportunity to serve as Deputy President of the 9th Senate. I wish the party well and have requested that my name be removed from all membership records, registers and communication lists,” he added.

 

The Obarisi of Urhoboland maintained that his commitment to the development of Delta Central, Delta State and Nigeria remains unwavering, stressing that he would continue pursuing those goals outside the APC.

2027: Activist Aisha Yesufu Defeated In NDC Abuja Senatorial Primary

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Amanda Pam and Aisha Yesufu

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Activist, Aisha Yesufu has lost out in her bid to hoist the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Flag as the Party’s Candidate for the Federal Capital Territory, Senatorial the 2027 Election.

 

She was defeated by Amanda Pam,  a veteran grassroots mobiliser. Yesufu’s bid to unseat the incumbent Senator, Ireti Kingibe, was, therefore, dashed.

 

Party delegates reportedly favoured grassroots structure and long-term loyalty, leading to the loss by Yesufu who recently joined the NDC after leaving the African Democratic Congress, ADC, with the favoured NDC Presidential Aspirant, Peter Obi.

 

Her defeat has generated social media reactions, and greeted bh mixed feelings.

 

According to analysts, local political structures proved decisive in the contest.

 

The primary election, conducted amid growing political activities ahead of 2027, underscored the influence of established party networks and grassroots mobilisation within the FCT political landscape.

 

Yesufu entered the race with strong public recognition due to her activism in the #BringBackOurGirls movement and support for former Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate, Obi during the 2023 elections. Pam, however, relied heavily on years of political engagement and deep connections across Abuja’s Area Councils.

 

Popular among her teeming supporters as “Mama Amanda”, Pam is regarded within party circles as a longtime grassroots mobiliser with extensive political experience in the FCT.

 

It was gathered from Party sources that she is a respected political figure who has built strong relationships with women groups, youths, and community leaders across Gwagwalada, Abaji, Bwari, Kuje, Kwali, and Abuja Municipal Area Council.

 

Pam is seen by many delegates as a loyal party figure with longstanding commitment to grassroots politics.

 

Her emergence is already being interpreted by political observers as proof that delegate-based primaries still favour candidates with strong local political structures over social media popularity or national visibility.

 

Ahead of the exercise, Yesufu had campaigned on governance reforms, improved representation for FCT residents, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment.

 

She had also urged party members not to rely on popularity alone, encouraging supporters to actively participate in the delegate process.

 

However, party sources said many delegates preferred a candidate viewed as deeply rooted within the party system.

 

The outcome has since generated mixed reactions online, with supporters of Pam celebrating what they described as a victory for grassroots politics, while some supporters of Yesufu expressed disappointment over the result.

 

Pam is expected to become the NDC’s candidate for the FCT Senate race in 2027, as the contest is expected to be highly competitive, with incumbent Senator Kingibe already emerging in discussions as a major contender, alongside former Senator Philip Aduda.

 

Yesufu is yet to issue a statement on her loss, as Pam’s victory now places her at the centre of the FCT political conversation as preparations gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We Are Working To Ensure Safe Return Of Abducted School Children, Teachers” – Gov Makinde

By
Ayodele Oni
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Seyi Makinde

By Ayodele Oni

 

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said his administration is doing everything possible to rescue the schoolchildren and teachers abducted by terrorists from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the State.

 

Makinde said this in a short Eid-el-Kabir and Children’s Day message he published on his social media handle on Wednesday morning.

 

The Governor also assured that security operatives are working to make communities across the state safe.

 

“As we mark this year’s Eid and Children’s Day, our thoughts are with every family awaiting the return of their loved ones, and with security agencies working to keep our communities safe.

 

“We are working to ensure the safe return of those who were kidnapped in Oriire LGA. May this holy season fill our State with peace,” Makinde said.

 

Meanwhile, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, has appealed to Muslims to observe the Eid-el-Kabir by offering prayers for the safe return of the Oriire abductees.

 

Ogundoyin described the incident as painful and deeply concerning in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Oyetunji Oyekunle, in Ibadan on Wednesday.

Navy Confirms Female Personnel’s Death, Begins Investigation Amidst Controversy

By
Ayodele Oni
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WO Yusuf

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Nigerian Navy has commenced investigation into the death of a female naval personnel in Lagos, following public outcry.

 

It also shed light on the incident, insisting that the death has nothing to do with alleged punishment by a superior officer.

 

It rejected claims circulating online that the officer’s death happened while serving punishment, describing the claim as “false and misleading.”

 

The controversy erupted after social media posts alleged that the officer, identified as WO Yusuf, collapsed and later died after allegedly being subjected to punishment under the scorching sun at the Nigerian Navy sick bay in Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos.

 

But in an official reaction, Navy spokesman, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho said the service was aware of the public outrage generated by the reports and urged Nigerians to avoid speculation pending the release of verified facts surrounding the incident.

 

“The Nigerian Navy has noted with concern the circulation of false and misleading claims regarding the unfortunate death of a female rating allegedly linked to the actions of a female lieutenant commander,” Folorunsho said.

 

According to him, “the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident are currently being handled with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity.”

 

He added that “the established facts surrounding the incident and the underlying cause of death will be communicated to the family, while remaining sensitive to the confidential nature of medical matters.”

 

The Navy also maintained that the viral narrative linking the officer’s death to disciplinary action by a superior officer was inaccurate.

 

The incident has continued to stir reactions online, with many Nigerians demanding transparency and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the female personnel’s death.

 

“At the moment, there is no independent confirmation that the officer died as a result of punishment, while no public autopsy or medical report has been released.

 

The Nigerian Navy has, however, acknowledged that a female personnel died, while disputing claims that her death was connected to any disciplinary exercise.

Ekiti: ADC Members Protest Arrest, Detention Of Assembly Candidate, Demand Release

By
Ayodele Oni
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African Democratic Congress - ADC

By Ayodele Oni

 

Supporters and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday staged a protest in Ado-Ekiti, over the arrest, detention and remand of the party’s candidate for Ekiti State House of Assembly Constituency 1, Ayodele Babatola, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.

 

Addressing journalists during the protest, former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and chieftain of the ADC, Olugboyega Aribisogan, alleged that Babatola was illegally arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) over unsubstantiated rape allegations and accused the police of using ‘Form K’ as a tool for political intimidation.

 

According to the him, Babatola, who is the ADC candidate for the forthcoming 2027 House of Assembly election, was arrested on Tuesday at about 11am without a valid warrant, which according to him was a gross violation of the Nigerian Constitution.

 

Aribasogan claimed that the embattled candidate was subsequently remanded through the use of ‘Form K’, which is a police remand warrant application used to seek judicial approval to detain suspects pending investigation or trial.

 

He alleged that the process was being abused by security operatives in Ekiti State to suppress opposition voices ahead of the elections.

 

The ADC described Babatola as a social activist and advocate of good governance who had consistently criticised the alleged poor performance of the government, especially on infrastructure and public welfare issues.

 

The party called on the Inspector-General of Police to review the circumstances surrounding Babatola’s arrest and order his release unless there is a lawful basis for his continued detention.

 

It also appealed to the Chief Judge of Ekiti State and the judiciary to carefully scrutinise the police application for remand and reject it if there is no credible evidence to support the allegations against the candidate.

 

His words, “Form K was never intended to be a tool for indefinite detention or political intimidation.

 

As an American-trained soldier and a well-known advocate for good governance, Ayodele Babatola has never been associated with criminality.

 

“Nigerians can attest to his public advocacy, especially through his video analyses of the bad state of roads and other societal issues in Ekiti State.”

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