Supreme Court Judgment: Gov. Makinde-backed PDP Faction Names 13-Member Caretaker NEC

May 4, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The leadership and internal crises bedeviling the Peoples Democratic party PDP on Monday May 4, 2026 took a turn for the worse as the Governor Seyi Makinde-backed faction named a 13-member National Caretaker Committee to steer the affairs of the party ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Source reports that on Thursday, April 30, Supreme Court’s judgment created what many have come to perceive as a huge leadership lacuna as the two contending offered varying interpretations of the ruling to justify their claims to the party leadership.

While the five-member panel of Justices of the country’s apex court had, in a majority ruling, declared as a nullity, the November 14 and 15 Ibadan National Convention that gave birth to the Tanimu Turaki-led factional National Working Committee NWC , dissenting rulings by two of the justices had also reaffirmed the trial Court’s and Court of Appeal’s earlier verdict validating the suspension ,and later expulsion order slammed NJon the National Secretary of the party Senator Samuel Anyanwu and others.

Similarly, while the Supreme Court affirmed the Nyesom Wike-backed Abdulraham Mohammed-led NEC as the authentic leadership ,the minority verdict however subtly voided same with a declaration that all actions undertaken by expelled Anyanwu,which included the nomination of Mohammed first as Interim National Chairman ,and later by playing a key role in the Abuja Convention where Mohammed emerged as the substantive Chairman ,are null,void and of no effect.

Instructively, before the intervention of the apex court ,a Federal Capital Territory FCT High Court had on January 12, 2026, upheld the expulsion of Anyanwu by the PDP authorities.

Senator Anyanwu and others were on November 1, 2025, based on the reports and recommendations of the Chief Tom Ikimi-led National Disciplinary Committee NDC suspended and later expelled Anyanwu and others over alleged gross anti-party activities.

The FCT High Court Abuja had a few days before the Supreme Court judgment warned the duo of Senator Anyanwu and the INEC Chairman against the consequences of continued disobedience of the court’s January 12 ruling, ordering the electoral umpire to discontinue the recognition of Anyanwu as the PDP National Secretary, and asked Anyanwu to stop parading himself as such.

The appointment of the Turaki-led 13-member interim PDP which was conducted by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees BoT Senator Adolphus Wabara at the 103rd NEC meeting in Abuja, was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by the Edo state PDP Chairman Tony Aziegbemi ,and seconded by an ex-officio member Clement Fagboyede.

While Taofeek Arapaja, a known ally of the Oyo state Governor, Makinde will serve as the National Secretary ,Ini Ememobong still retains his position as the National Publicity Secretary.

The Wike-backed faction has, however, rejected any claims of further factionalisation , insisting that the April 30 Supreme Court’s judgment has conclusively settled all leadership questions within the PDP.

EFCC Raises Alarm Over Rise In Number Of Students Involved In Cybercrimes

Ayodele Oni

May 4, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has released a shocking statistics showing that six out of 10 University students in Nigeria are into internet fraud and other related crimes.

Chairman of the commission, Ola Olukoyede, expressed concern about the trend of growing involvement of university students in cybercrime.

Olukoyede made this known while speaking at the 8th biennial conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria held in Kano.

The conference focused on the theme, “Unlocking the potentials of artificial intelligence: University governance, internationalisation and rankings.”

According to the EFCC chairman, findings from the commission’s operations over the past years point to widespread participation of students in cybercrime activities, a trend he described as deeply troubling.

He attributed the situation to systemic failures within the university system, including weak oversight structures and poor accountability.

Olukoyede also disclosed that many suspects arrested during recent EFCC operations were students, with some allegedly bribing lecturers to secure academic advantages, thereby undermining institutional integrity.

Citing a major operation in December 2024, he noted that a significant number of the 792 suspected cyber fraudsters apprehended in Lagos were undergraduates, highlighting the scale and organization of such criminal networks.

Olukoyede also expressed concern over the rise of “Yahoo Plus,” a form of cyber fraud that incorporates ritual practices, warning that the trend poses serious social and security risks.

He called on university administrators to strengthen internal controls and work more closely with law enforcement agencies to address the growing menace.

Emphasizing the broader implications, Olukoyede stated that universities lacking financial discipline cannot effectively produce credible professionals, stressing that the integrity of higher education institutions remained critical to national security.

Effurun Shooting: PSC Dismisses Killer-ASP, Four Others

Adesina Soyooye

May 4, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

ASP Nuhu Usman who murdered a suspect, Mene Ogidi, 28, on April 26, 2026, has been dismissed by the Police Service Commission.

Dismissed along with him are four other policemen who were on duty with him and enabled the horrifying incident.

The five had, last week, appeared before the Police Disciplinary Committee at the Force Headquarters. Found guilty, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunde Disu, had recommended their dismissal from the NPF to the Police Service Commission which job it is to approve the dismissal or not.

The Force Headquarters, in a statement on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, said their dismissal followed the conclusion of internal disciplinary proceedings and takes immediate effect.

He, also, disclosed that the case file has been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, for vetting and prosecution.

The Police pledged full cooperation to ensure justice is served.

The FPRO said:
“Following the incident, the Force ordered an immediate investigation by the Police Monitoring Unit,” findings established that ASP Nuhu Usman and members of his team engaged in professional misconduct, abuse of office, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, culminating in the unlawful killing of Mr. Mene Ogidi.”

Placid said that no suspicion, however serious, justifies extra-judicial action. He noted that every suspect is entitled to due process.

Placid disclosed that that the driver who delivered the parcel and two vigilante members linked to the incident remain at large. He, also, said that the Police’s tactical teams have been deployed to arrest them.

According to the Police, Ogidi received a parcel from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, which took to a motor park in Effurun for onward delivery to Sapele.

When the parcel was searched, it was found to contain a fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Ogidi, the Force said, was arrested by members of the public who arrested him, and alerted the police.

Thereafter, ASP Nuhu Usman, and his team arrived at the scene, but said the Police, instead of following due procedure, ASP Nuhu Usman shot and killed the already apprehended suspect.

But authorities and witnesses at the Effurun motor park told a different story of what happened on that day. They said Ogidi was the one who brought the parcel himself for weigh-billing and dispatch; that he did not come to the motor park to receive it.

Their story is that Ogidi arrived alone at about 5.00 p.m. with a parcel he wanted to send. He told them the carton contained baby clothes. When they asked that the parcel be unwrapped and the contents checked. They said he resisted that the parcel be opened.

But when the parcel was opened a pistol allegedly wrapped in clothing materials was discovered.

That led to his arrest by persons around, who contacted the Police.

“We insisted he should open it because that is our practice. He said he had instructions not to open it,” one of them offered.

“After it was opened and the gun discovered, he was tied and the police were called.”

But instead of arresting him legally, instead of following the law, ASP Nuhu murdered him.

INEC Faults Petition, Confirms Egwuaba Resigned From APM, Is Legally Of NDC

Adesina Soyooye

May 4, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

A petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, against the Legal Adviser of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Barrister Reuben Egwuaba, that he is, at the same time, of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, has been dismissed by the Electoral body.

In response to the petition, the INEC has confirmed that Barrister Egwuaba, the National Legal Adviser of the NDA, resigned from the APM before joining the NDC and there is no way he is simultaneous listed on both parties’ records on the INEC portal.

The Commissioner explained that it could be

APM’s failure to, officially, inform of his resignation to the Commission and promised that “the needful will be done to update the portal.”

This clarification was provided by Wilfred Ifogah, INEC’s Deputy Director of Voter Education and publicity while responding to a point raised by a Civil Society Coalition, the Nigeria Democratic Rights Advocacy, which pointed out what it described as the double listing as “a serious legal contradiction with far-reaching implications” and a criminal offence under the amended Electoral Act 2026.

The clarification by INEC has taken care of what could have been a big legal challenge to the NDC just when high profile politicians were beginning to embrace it. On Sunday, both former Presidential Candidates and former Governors Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso defected from the ADC to the NDC.

The NDRA has on Sunday, same day as Obi and Kwankwaso’s embrace of the NDC, in a statement signed by its Julius Aondowase, its National Secretary raised the alarm to what it described as “disturbing inconsistencies in official party records which list Barr. Reuben Egwuaba as National Legal Adviser in both the Allied Peoples Movement and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, with one of the listings expressly stated to be ‘by court order.’

It said “The infraction is not a clerical oversight. It is a serious legal contradiction with far-reaching implications,” the NDRA stated.

Citing Section 77 of the amended Electoral Act, which prohibits dual membership of political parties at the same time, which penalty is N10 million in fines or a prison term of up to two years or both for anyone found guilty of dual membership, the group said:

“The position of National Legal Adviser is not symbolic; it is a core office within a party’s National Executive Committee, which requires full and exclusive membership of that party. Therefore, occupying this role in both the APM and NDC simultaneously is not only politically improper it constitutes prima facie evidence of dual membership and a potential criminal offence under Nigerian law.”

It said to INEC: “If these records are accurate, then this is a clear violation of the law. If they are not, then the public deserves an immediate correction and explanation as to how such conflicting information came to be officially documented.

“Political parties must not become safe havens for legal contradictions. The rule of law must be upheld without exception.

It called on “relevant authorities, including electoral regulators, to investigate this matter without delay and take appropriate action in line with the law, and noted that “Nigeria’s democracy must be governed by rules not convenience.”

But Ifogah said: “My inquiry revealed that he has already resigned from APM, which means he is of NDC.”

He explained why the dual listing persisted on the portal despite the resignation: “It’s likely APM has not formally communicated the commission. However, the needful will be done to update the portal.”

2027: Sule Lamido Urges Aggrieved Members To Bury Hatchets, Return To Party

Akinwale Kasali

May 4, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Sule Lamido, former Jigawa State Governor has expressed dissatisfaction over the crisis rocking the embattled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The PDP Chieftain said it was time for aggrieved members who left the Party and those who are in different factions to drop internal hostilities and embrace reconciliation.

He warned that the continued division would further weaken the Party’s historical standing.

Lamido urged stakeholders to prioritise unity over personal or factional interests, noting that Nigeria’s broader political challenges require a stronger and more coordinated opposition.

The two-term former Governor, in a statement, argued that both the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, are largely made up of former PDP members, urging them to return to the PDP.

“Let us forgive each other. We are brothers and sisters. Why should we be prisoners of the moment? Life is dynamic. Today’s anger should not destroy tomorrow’s future.

“The most dangerous thing is a family fight. When a family begins to fight itself, it becomes very bitter. But for the sake of posterity, we must forgive and come back together.

“I don’t see any party that can dominate Nigeria in the next 50 years more than PDP. Other parties are ad hoc, arrangements of convenience.

“If you go to APC or ADC, you will find PDP people. So who am I fighting? That is the irony. It is all PDP in different forms.

“There is no basis for this conflict. PDP has a shared history and legacy. It is something we all built together, so there is no reason to fight over positions or leadership.

“The party is founded on democracy. Struggle for positions is normal, but it should not become personal or driven by ego. To me, it has never been personal.

“Victory is not individual; it is collective. If I win, it is for the party. If I lose, it is still about the party’s objective.

“My intention, if I had become Chairman, was to bring together figures like Obasanjo, Atiku, Jonathan, and other key leaders to reposition the party. PDP made them, and we have the right to bring them back to strengthen the party’s unity.

“A lot of people in APC are willing to return to PDP. They are only waiting for a strong and stable platform that gives them confidence. That was the vision”, he stated.

The PDP has been polarized, and it has for months been facing crisis, as the faction of Turaki led PDP and that of Wike led PDP have been having legal battles, with the Court quashing the Ibadan Convention done by the Turaki led faction.

This has further put the Party at a crossroads with no respite in sight for both factions of the Party.

As the 2027 election draws closer, the PDP is still struggling to get its bearing right.

LP Waives Expression Of Interest, Nomination Form Fees For Otti

Adesina Soyooye

May 4, 2026

Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Adesina Soyooye

Impressed by the leadership qualities of its National Leader Governor Alex Otti, and his sterling performance in Abia State, the Labour Party has offered him free Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms. He has been asked not to pay a kobo for the forms. Otti is the only Governor under tye banner of the LP. But he has performed so well that 2027 is looking like a no-contest between the Governor and others.

The Party made the free offer to the Governor just as it pegged the amount of money it’s Presidential Candidate will pay at N50 million for both the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.

The LP has, also made public its timetable and schedule of activities for its 2026 primary elections in readiness for the 2027 general polls.

A statement on Sunday, by Ken Asogwa, the Party’s National Publicity Secretary said that the schedule aligns with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, as well as the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

According to Asogwa, Otti would receive both the expression of interest and nomination forms for free.

The timetable stated that the sale of nomination forms will begin on May 6 and end on May 16, and their submission scheduled for between May 17 to May 18.

A breakdown shows that House of Assembly aspirants will pay ₦3 million, House of Representatives ₦5 million, Senate ₦10 million, and governorship ₦25 million.

It said: “For the presidential race, aspirants are to pay ₦10 million for the expression of interest form and ₦40 million for the nomination form, bringing the total to ₦50 million.

“The party has, however, approved concessions for women, youths aged 25 to 30, and persons living with disabilities, who are only required to pay for the expression of interest forms across all categories.

“Please note that Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, will receive both his expression of interest and nomination forms free of charge, in recognition of his performance in office and contributions to the party’s image,” Asogwa stated.

The party fixed May 20 for the screening of House of Assembly and governorship aspirants, while National Assembly and presidential aspirants will be screened on May 22. Screening results are expected to be published on May 23.

“Appeals and petitions will hold on May 24 for state-level positions and May 25 for National Assembly and presidential aspirants, with the final list of cleared aspirants to be released on May 26.

“Primaries for House of Assembly and governorship positions are scheduled for May 27, while those for National Assembly and presidential aspirants will take place on May 29.”

The LP urged prospective aspirants who are yet to register as members to take advantage of its ongoing e-registration.

This will close midnight on May 4, just before the deadline for the submission of its membership register to the INEC.

NDC: Obi Begs Tinubu To Leave Party Alone… Appeals To Members Not To Go To Court

Adesina Soyooye

May 4, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Peter Obi the Presidential Candidate of the LP in the 2023 Presidential Election has two concerns.

Obi had, on Saturday, resigned from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, a Party he joined about two months ago, and on Sunday, joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, a new Political Party, a baby of former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson.

Obi joined the NDC with the Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, who also quit the NNPP for ADC, and finally now to NDC.

Considering his experience in both the LP and the ADC, Obi’s worries are two-fold: Party members going to Court, and the alleged interference in the affairs of opposition Parties, allegedly, by the ruling party, APC, and President Bola Tinubu. The impression held by not a few is that the crisis in both the LP and the ADC was engineered by the APC with an alleged aim of stopping Obi from being on the Presidential ballot. Obi very strongly holds that view.

Bearing that in mind, therefore, on joining the NDC on Sunday, May 3, 2026, Obi begged President Tinubu to keep off NDC, and allow the Party grow, and, also, appealed to NDC members not to start heading to Court.

Obi: “We want to pull people out of poverty because we want to build a country where a child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.

“We are using this occasion to plead with the government of today, you know that I contested election in LP, Kwankwaso contested election in a different party…. the leader has already told us their destination and we are building with them. Respect our democracy, please don’t come here.

“We are pleading with you, ( Tinubu and APC) don’t come here, we are pleading with you that we want to have peace, we want to build the party.

“We don’t want cases, we are pleading with the judiciary to end cases in parties.

“Please let there be no litigation. Party members, please don’t go to court. We want to build a party, we are not lawyers.”

US Lifts Visa Ban For Nigerian Doctors

Tosin Olatokunbo

May 4, 2026

The United States has reversed its recent decision to ban visa applications for Nigerian and other doctors seeking to work in the country.

The visa freeze policy which was issued in April this year by the Donald Trump administration had blocked many foreign doctors seeking to pursue their practice in the US.

The Department of Homeland Security had implemented the travel ban covering citizens from Nigeria and 38 countries, which halted visa extensions, work permits and green cards for foreign physicians.

According to reports, the policy had caused serious shortages of doctors in the US Health sector, forcing the administration to make a u-turn.

The Association of American Medical Colleges claims that a deficit of about 65,000 physicians now exist in the country, warning that the gap could further widen as more health care services are demanded by the citizens, while the retirement of older doctors also poses a serious challenge.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, however, disclosed last week on its website that doctors are now exempt from the processing suspension.

In a statement, DHS said that “Applications associated with medical physicians will continue processing.”

“There Are Moments I Ask God: Why Is Doing Right Thing Often Misconstrued As Wrongdoing In Our Country?” (Peter Obi’s Statement On Exiting ADC)

The Source

May 4, 2026

Fellow Nigerians, good morning.

I woke up this morning after my church service with a deeply reflective heart, and despite every constraint, I felt compelled to share these thoughts with you.

Many people do not truly understand the silent pains some of us carry daily—the private struggles, emotional burdens, and quiet battles we face while trying to survive and serve sincerely in difficult circumstances.

We now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the very system that should protect and create opportunities for decent living often works against the people—a society where intimidation, insecurity, endless scrutiny, and discouragement have become normal.

More painful is when some of those you associate with, believing you would find understanding and solidarity among them, become part of the pressure you face. Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism.

We live in a society where humility is mistaken for weakness, respect is seen as a lack of courage, and compassion is treated as foolishness—a system where treating people equally is questioned simply because you refuse to worship status, tribe, class, or power.

Personally, I have never looked down on anyone except to uplift them. I have never used privilege, position, or resources to oppress others, intimidate the weak, or make people feel small. To me, leadership has always been about service, sacrifice, and helping others rise.

Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because our highly respected Chairman, Senator David Mark, treated me badly, nor because my leader and elder brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me. I will continue to respect them.

However, the same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC, with endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division, instead of focusing on deeper national problems and playing politics built more on control and exclusion than on service and nation-building.

Even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider in one’s own home. You and your team become easy targets for every failure, frustration, or misunderstanding, as though honest contribution has become a favour being tolerated rather than appreciated.

And when you choose to leave so that those you are leaving can have peace, and you step out into the cold, you are still maligned and your character is questioned. Despite all your efforts to continue working for a better Nigeria and engaging people with sincerity and goodwill, those who do not wish you well continue to attack your character and question your intentions.

There are moments I ask God in prayer: Why is doing the right thing often misconstrued as wrongdoing in our country? Why is integrity not valued? Why is the prudent management of resources, especially when invested in critical areas like education and healthcare, wrongly labelled as stinginess? Why are humility and obedience to the rule of law often taken to be weakness rather than discipline?

Let me assure all that I am not desperate to be President, Vice President, or Senate President. I am desperate to see a society that can console a mother whose child has been kidnapped or killed while going to school or work. I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people will not live in IDP camps but in their homes. I am desperate for a country where Nigerian citizens do not go to bed hungry, not knowing where their next meal will come from.

Yet, despite everything, I remain resolute. I firmly believe that Nigeria can still become a country with competent leadership based on justice, compassion, and equal opportunity for all.

A new Nigeria is POssible. – PO

Elumelu Alleged Divorce: Sowore Calls For Release of 3 ‘Journalists’

Tosin Olatokunbo

May 4, 2026

Omoyele Sowore, the Nigerian human rights activist has called on the Nigerian Police Force, NPF to immediately release three persons arrested for allegedly defaming the Group Chairman of the United Bank of Africa, UBA Tony Elumelu and his wife, Awele, by claiming that the couple has divorced.

The magazine had earlier reported that three people, Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky), were arrested by the Police after Elumelu filed a complaint regarding the report.

Reacting on his verified Facebook page on Monday , Sowore contends that the report does not constitute a criminal offence that warrants the arrest and detention of the three persons, saying the issue is a civil matter, urging the Police to free those arrested immediately.

“We must continue to remind the Nigerian Nigeria Police Force… that it is not a criminal offense warranting arrest or detention for bloggers to report that @TonyOElumelu, Chairman of @UBAGroup, has reportedly divorced his wife.

“At most, such a matter falls within the realm of civil law and does not justify police action or repression. The @PoliceNG must therefore immediately release Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky),” Sowore said.

In a statement issued on Sunday, by the Group Head, Brand, Marketing & Corporate Communication at UBA, Alero Ladipo, the commercial bank noted that the publication and other similar contents were wholly fabricated and its intent meant to mislead the public and damage the reputation of its chairman and the Tier One Bank.

UBA, also, disclosed, that three individuals Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky) have been arrested by law enforcement agencies and are in custody over their alleged connection with the story in circulation.

Said the statement in part: “Investigations are ongoing and are expected to lead to further arrests and prosecutions of all persons involved in originating, amplifying or sustaining this defamatory campaign.”

It, also, served notice that legal actions will be taken against individuals, platforms or entities posting and reposting the offending report. It asked that the posts be taken.

UBA: “This notice serves as a formal notice to all individuals, platforms, and entities involved in the publication, reposting, or continued dissemination of this content to immediately cease and desist.

“All such parties are hereby required to remove the offending publication from all platforms immediately; refrain from any further publication or amplification of similar false content and preserve all records, including digital footprints, communications, and metadata relating to the creation and dissemination of the publication, pending further legal action.

“Failure to comply will result in the initiation of legal proceedings, including claims for defamation, injunctive relief, damages, and any other remedies available under applicable law.

“Failure to comply will result in the initiation of legal proceedings, including claims for defamation, injunctive relief, and damages.”

“The UBA Group is resolute in protecting the reputation, privacy, and integrity of our brand, that of Mr Elumelu and will pursue all necessary legal avenues — civil and criminal — to ensure that all responsible parties are identified and held accountable.”

1...626364...2,937 Page 63 of 2,937