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How President Tinubu Set Reps Dep. Speaker And Orji Kalu On War Path Over Control Of Abia APC

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From Left; Hon Benjamin Kalu with President Tinubu and Senator r Orji Uzor Kalu with President Tinubu
From Left; Hon Benjamin Kalu with President Tinubu and Senator r Orji Uzor Kalu with President Tinubu.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The battle for the control of the soul of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Abia State has become messier, with major political actors dropping the name and office of President Bola  Tinubu.

Although there had been a somewhat battle of wits  raging among some major stakeholders over who is to be the leader of the APC in the State including the absence of a State Governor, however, the rivalry has in the last 24 hours  snowballed into a full scale war between the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu and former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, a serving Senator.

The two political figures  from same political enclave – Bende Local Council, have been claiming to have been annoited by President Tinubu to sit atop the process for the selection of the APC candidates in Abia State for the 2027 polls.

The Source reports that the President had, a couple days ago, handed over the primaries arrangement to State Governors, with a directive for the National Assembly Members to submit themselves to the Leadership of the Governor.

However, it was not clearly disclosed what the situation will be like in the four states where the APC does not have Governors, including Abia.

But in a short statement on Monday, former Governor Kalu, a ranking Senator, informed that as a “senior Governor” he has been charged with the responsibility to preside and ensure a hitch free ,fair and credible primaries to select the APC candidates in Abia State.

He expressed his appreciation to President Tinubu for reposing much confidence in him to coordinate APC activities in the State.

“I sincerely thank His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for the confidence reposed in me and the marching order to coordinate the activities in Abia state in respect of our great party ,the All Progressive Congress APC.

“As the most senior Governor in the state, I am committed to working closely with stakeholders in line with the President’s directive ,to ensure that the APC in Abia produces candidates who are widely acceptable, united in purpose, and well-positioned to secure victory in the state for the President’s re-election, while advancing the best interests of Abia State and Nigeria at large”, Senator Kalu stated.

However, in a swift response, the camp of Benjamin Kalu insisted that he remains the duly recognized and undisputed leader of the APC in Abia State.

It warned that any individual or group parading themselves as leaders of the APC in Abia State do so at their own risk.

The House of Representatives Deputy Speaker appreciated President Tinubu and the National Chairman of APC, Prof Nentawe Yilwaltda, for their overwhelming support before, during, and after the State Congresses of the party.

In the statement issued by the Abia State APC spokesperson, Uche Aguoru on Monday, April 27, 2026, the Deputy Speaker, also, expressed gratitude to the APC Ward and Local Council leadership in the state for their support.

“On behalf of the leadership and members of the APC, I want to sincerely thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his overwhelming show of support during the Abia APC Congresses which produced the current formidable leadership of our party in the state.

“We also deeply appreciate the National Chairman of our great party, Professor Nentawe Yilwaltda, for his commitment  leadership and close attention in ensuring that Abia APC Congress was conducted peacefully and successfully.

“Furthermore, we wish to thank all our leaders for their sacrifices, roles and contributions in making sure that the party emerged united, and stronger, and wish to reaffirm unequivocally, and in line with collective decision of party stakeholders and members across the 17 Local Government Areas, that Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Benjamin Okezie Kalu, remains the duly recognized and undisputed leader of the APC in Abia state.

“Any individual or group parading themselves as leaders of the party in the State do so at their own risk.

“The leadership of the APC in Abia will firmly resist any attempt, no matter how highly placed, to sow seeds of division, create parallel structures, or undermine the unity and cohesion of our party”, Aguoru noted .

Anthony Joshua Set For Ring Return On July 25 With Fight Against Kristian Prenga

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Anthony Joshua
Anthony Joshua

By Akinwale Kasali 

Anthony Joshua, former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, is Set to return to the Ring on July 25, 2027. This will be his first fight since after the tragic car crash that led to the death of his two friends while on holiday in Nigeria. 

The tragic incident happened on December 28, 2025.

 

The Nigeria-British born pugilist will return to the ring on July 25, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he will face Kristian Prenga in a warm-up fight ahead of a proposed showdown with Tyson Fury later this year.

 

Saudi Boxing Chief, Turki Alalshikh announced on Monday that the bout will form part of the Esports World Cup event and will be broadcast live on DAZN.

 

Joshua has also signed a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season, with the second contest expected to be the long-anticipated clash against Fury at the back end of the year.

 

The July contest will be Joshua’s first appearance since his knockout victory over Jake Paul in December 2025.

 

According to him, he had used the break to rebuild and prepare for stepping back into the ring.

 

“It’s no secret. I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back into the ring, and today is the next step on that journey.

 

“I’m delighted to have agreed a multi-fight deal starting with July 25th in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

 

“I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off. As I said, the landlord will collect his rent. That is certain.”

Davido Wins 2026 LEA Award, Defeats Gunna, Rema, Tyla

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Davido
Davido

By Akinwale Kasali 

 

Nigeria’s International Music Sensation, David Adeleke, popular as Davido has emerged as the Best International Act at the 2026 Liberian Entertainment Awards.

 

The Afrobeats Star clinched the prestigious award ahead of music heavyweights such as Gunna, Rema, and Tyla.

 

The Ede, Osun State born Musician won the award over the weekend following the ceremony held at the Lisner Auditorium in Washington, DC, United States of America. 

 

Davido’s latest win is another significant international recognition for his career.

 

Similarly, it further highlights the growing global influence of Afrobeats and the continued dominance of Nigerian artists on international award platforms.

 

The Liberian Entertainment Awards is a prominent award platform dedicated to honouring Liberian creativity, innovation, and excellence in music, film, fashion, sports, and community service.

 

The award was established in 2009 to recognise the contributions of Liberian entertainers both within the country and across the diaspora.

 

Fans of the 33-Year Old Musician have been eulogizing and congratulating him on this historic feats.

Gunmen Abduct Ondo Poultry Farmer

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Gunmen - Kidnappers

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Again, Imafon community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State has witnessed another round of abduction.  A farm manager, Afolabi Ajayi, has been abducted by gunmen in a brazen daytime attack.

 

The incident occurred on Monday at about 10:30 a.m. when the victim  arrived at  his poultry farm to supervise activities. 

 

Eyewitness accounts revealed that shortly after stepping out of his vehicle, the assailants emerged from the bush and forcefully whisked him away into the forest.

 

A family source said the development has thrown relatives and workers into panic, noting that the kidnappers had yet to establish contact or make any ransom demand as of the time of filing this report.

 

“He came to the farm to check on the workers and assess how things were going, but suddenly the gunmen appeared from nowhere and dragged him into the bush,” the source said.

 

The incident was immediately reported to the police, prompting a swift response from security operatives.

 

Confirming the development, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the Command has deployed tactical teams to the area to secure the victim’s rescue and track down the perpetrators.

 

“The command has been notified of a kidnapping incident at Ilado, where a farmer was abducted while working on his farm.

 

“In a swift response, additional security personnel, including tactical teams, have been deployed and are currently combing the surrounding bush to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and the apprehension of the perpetrators.

 

“The command assures the public that all necessary operational strategies are being employed, with utmost priority placed on the victim’s safety. Further updates will be communicated as the situation unfolds,” he added.

Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Publicly Endorses Hamzat As His Successor

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Babajide Sanwo-olu and Hamzat

By Akinwale Kasali 

 

It is finished. Lucky guy. Before a vote is even cast for the 2027 Lagos State Governorship Election, the race seems to have been won and lost.

 

Dr Obafemi Hamzat, unless the heavens fall, will be the elected Governor of Lagos State in 2027. Hamzat, who is the current Deputy Governor of the State, has been endorsed by all the stakeholders in the State, including, the big boss himself, President Bola Tinubu.

 

Even though Tinubu had endorsed him through proxies, not a few people were waiting, breadth withheld, to hear from Dr. Hamzat’s immediate boss, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

 

Taking the bull by the horn, some said falling into line, Governor Sanwo-Olu on Monday, April 27, 2026, announced his Deputy, Hamzat, as his preferred successor.

 

The Governor made this announcement after a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, Governor Sanwo-Olu. By so doing, he shut-up doubting Thomases, and gossips who were spreading the news that the Governor was not quite comfortable with Hamzat, and may never publicly endorse him.

 

With this declaration by Sanwo-Olu that Hamzat can now formally declare his intention to contest the Governorship Seat, other aspirants can now calmly leak their wounds.

 

Present at the declaration were members of the State Executive Council and key party leaders.

 

Also present at the meeting were members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, including former Minister of State of Defense, Musiliu Obanikoro, and Ganiyu Solomon, among others.

 

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu described the endorsement as a unanimous decision reached by stakeholders present. 

 

He described Hamzat as prepared and capable of leading the state.

 

He added that working with Hamzat over the past seven years showed him as a man of “integrity, loyalty, commitment, and support”.

 

A video that has gone viral shows Governor Sanwo-Olu lifting Hamzat’s hand, after praying for him to the cheer of those present.

 

Speaking to newsmen, Governor Sanwo Olu said, “We just received Mr Deputy, who had come with a very powerful delegation of our leaders in the state to inform us of his intention to contest for the seat of the governorship position of the state.

 

“It was unanimous with all of us to say that Mr Deputy Governor is a man who is fit and well-prepared for this job. He is a man who knows where all the rooms in the house are.”

 

Sanwo-Olu highlighted Hamzat’s experience and working relationship with him over the past seven years, noting his “integrity, loyalty, commitment, and support” as defining qualities.

 

“He is a man who has worked with me at the highest level of integrity, loyalty, commitment, support, and so I feel personally honoured and privileged that he has given me this honour to inform me,” he said.

 

The Governor thanked President Bola, who, he said, is instrumental to the discovery of himself and Hamzat, as well as their working relationship.

 

“We thank our father, our leader, Mr President, who saw the vision… that long run is what is already being manifested here today,” he added.

 

Describing Hamzat as ready for leadership, Sanwo-Olu said, “This is a Deputy Governor that is worth a Governor from day one. This is a man that has been built for this job, and we believe that he deserves to be given a chance to go and run this State.”

 

He further characterised the meeting as a consultative process involving party leaders and government officials, noting that the endorsement followed broad agreement among stakeholders.

 

“It’s been a very warm family meeting, and at the end of the day, it was unanimous that Mr Deputy Governor is fit, ready, well baked… for this job,” he said.

Aisha Yesufu Reveals How Chibok Girls’ School Rejected Peter Obi’s Donations

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Aisha Yesufu
Aisha Yesufu

By Adesina Soyooye 

 

Aisha Yesufu, well known  activist has revealed how  that the management of Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) in Chibok, Borno State shunned Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023, and rejected computers, printers and funds made to the institution by Obi.

 

Recall that the GGSS entered international and national consciousness in April 2014 when 276 schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists.

 

Since then, over 190 girls have either escaped or released while over 82 still remain in captivity. The horrifying incident has lasted about ten years. That unprecedented attack triggered  the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, which captured global attention and attracted the likes of USA’s former First Lady, Michelle Obama to the campaign for the release of the girls.

 

Yesufu, a co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls Campaign and an unwavering supporter of Obi, has just revealed that the school as well as other government-owned institutions have, on a number of occasions rejected gifts from Obi and refused to even approve  requests by him to visit.

Peter Obi in London
Mr Peter Obi

In a post  she on X, Yesufu said the Peter Obi has become used to such rejections.

 

Yesufu: “Yesterday in Ibadan I had an encounter with someone that made me realise that we have not spoken about the travails we face enough! 

 

“He was shocked that I was not surprised about how the OAU, Ife, event Peter Obi was supposed to attend turned out!

 

“I told him it is a normal thing we face. I went on to ask him why does he think Peter Obi usually visits private Nursing schools or those run by missionaries?

 

“He didn’t know. I told him because the ones run by government would not allow him to visit or the officials take anything from him.”

 

She explained that while most people think that Obi  is discriminatory in his visits and donations and gives only to  institutions run by missionaries and private entities, Obi visits only where he is welcome.

 

Yesufu: “I told him about Chibok community.

They reached out to me about the Chibok school from which 276 #ChibokGirls were abducted in 2014. It did not have computers.

 

“As soon as I told Mr Peter Obi, he told me to make arrangement with the school so that we will visit Chibok, donate computers and printers (which they had not even asked for) and access other needs that they have and take care of them.

 

“First we were denied from going. Then Mr Peter Obi suggested we visit the capital and give them or any neighboring state. That was also turned down. The next was bringing the principal and some teachers with students to Abuja. They were not allowed to come.

 

“At the end, Mr Peter Obi met with some members of the chibok community in Abuja and handed over the computers and printers to them with monetary assistance which he gave.

 

“Most of the charity is with coconut head! They have been doing everything to truncate it!”

Kano Lawmakers Confirm Garo As New Deputy Governor

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Sule-Garo-and-Abba-Yusuf
Sule-Garo-and-Abba-Yusuf

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State House of Assembly has confirmed Murtala Sule Garo as the new Deputy Governor of the State.

Garo, who was the All Progressive Congress, APC, Gubernatorial running mate in the 2023 General Elections, was penultimate week nominated by Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf to replace Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam Gwarzo who resigned his position a couple weeks ago, as part of the new political alignments in the State.

Governor Yusuf had informed that Garo’s nomination was in line with Section 191 (3) of the 1999 constitution (as amended) which empowers the Governor to nominate a Deputy Governor where a vacancy exists.

“Following wide consultations with key stakeholders, the Governor has requested the Kano State House of Assembly to grant the necessary approval for Garo’s nomination”, a statement from Mustapha Muhammad,the Governor’s spokesperson had stated.

The screening and subsequent confirmation of the new Deputy Governor was announced after Monday’s plenary by Lawmakers presided over over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Jibril Ismail Falgore.

According to the Deputy Speaker, and House Committee Chairman on Information, Rt Hon Muhammad Bello, the exercise was conducted in line with Section (3) (c) of the 1999 constitution, which allows the legislators to approve a nominee when there is a vacancy.

He emphasized that Garo was  confirmed after a thorough screening process with the nominee answering very satisfactorily questions posed to him.

According to the House spokesman, the new Deputy Governor showed his clear understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the office, and general governance in the state.

He noted that the House adopted  the report of its screening Committee which had earlier found Garo fit for the office.

Before now, Garo had served in many capacities including as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, a Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor, and elected Kabo Local Council Chairman.

“Do You Now  See How It Feels Like To Be Persecuted?” – Sowore Mocks Malami In Court

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Sowore Mocks Malami In Court
Sowore Mocks Malami In Court

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Human rights activist, Politician and Publisher Of SaharaReporters, Omoyele Sowore, has thrown a jibe at embattled former Attorney General of the Federation AGF and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, over his current travails.

Malami, the  AGF/ Justice Minister, under late President Mohammadu Buhari’s era is presently facing inter-agency prosecutions over multiple charges bordering on alleged diversion of public funds, money laundering, abuse of office and illegal possession of firearms along his wife and son Abdulaziz.

However, during a chance meeting within the Court premises on Monday,  Sowore mocked Malami, over the fate he is now facing in the Nigerian power equation which he was a key player for eight years under late President Buhari’s administration.

In a video posted on his official site, Sowore was seen momentarily confronting the former Minister over his past activities in Government, as well as his failure to heed advice for the reformation of the system.

In an apparent mockery of the former Minister of Justice over his trial, which he sees more as political persecution, Sowore pointedly reminded Malami of his alleged past in office which included persecution of innocent citizens and  abuse of power under Buhari.

“Now, you see how it feels to be persecuted? When you were with former President Buhari, you were bragging. But we warned you that the justice system was failing ,but you didn’t listen. Now, the system is dealing with you.”

Sowore alleged that the judicial system under the late President Buhari, during which time Malami served as Minister of Justice was not fair to many, including himself.

According to him, the hunters of yesterday are now being hunted by the same system they willfully refused to reform.

“A chance encounter with Abubakar Malami, SAN, who served as Attorney General under the fascist Muhammad Buhari regime, a period many Nigerians remember for the erosion of human rights and the rule of law. But now, the table has turned”, Sowore wrote .

However, the human rights activist expressed satisfaction that Malami, rather than allowing his travails to weigh him down ,is showing resilience.

” I am glad you are strong” Sowore added.

In his short remark after politely rejecting Sowore’s signature cap, Malami said: ” I can never be down as far as Nigeria is concerned” .

The source reports that both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Department of State Service, DSS, are currently prosecuting Malami and some of his family members at different courts involving multiple charges.

There Are Clandestine Moves To Suppress Peter Obi

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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

The  Peter Obi Media Reach,  POMR wishes to alert members of the public and indeed international democratic watchers of various surreptitious schemes to limit his freedom and deny him access to the Nigerian people.

The Media office is privy to the various schemes being put in place clandestinely to limit Obi’s freedom.

Already there have been recent and recurring reports of Peter Obi being prevented from speaking at public institutions, specifically focusing on the recent cancellation of his lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and similar incidents at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and other public institutions.

​ This worrisome development is not an isolated administrative hiccup; but a symptom of a deepening democratic malaise. This incident follows a disturbing pattern occurring over 10 times in recent months—where public institutions, including his alma mater, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), have revoked platforms for the presidential aspirant at the eleventh hour.

​It’s a well-established fact that Universities are, by definition, the “marketplace of ideas.” Intended to be sanctuaries for critical thinking, rigorous debate, and the free exchange of perspectives, but in an attempt to suppress our principal’s, public institutions are succumbing to external political pressures and intimidation.

In the words of Obi himself, “such occurrences now point to a troubling pattern that should concern all well-meaning Nigerians”. POMR would want to reiterate that Universities and other public institutions of learning must remain platforms where ideas can be shared freely without restriction.”

​The irony is stark that while Mr Obi has been welcomed to speak freely at notable global centres of excellence—including Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and Yale—within his own country, the doors of public learning are increasingly being bolted. This disparity raises a critical question: What is the state of a nation that fears the dialogue of its own citizens within its own halls of learning?

​We like to therefore call upon the administrative heads of public institutions and the relevant governing bodies to resist political intimidation and uphold the sanctity of academic freedom. A country that silences its thinkers and its leaders within its ivory towers is a country that risks intellectual and social stagnation.

​We stand for an open Nigeria where the “force of argument” always supersedes the “argument of force.”

E-Sign.

Ibragim Umar.
POMR Spokesman.
27, April 2026.

“I’m Not Desperate To Be Re-elected” –  Taraba Governor

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Agbu Kefas- Governor of Taraba State

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Agbu Kefas, of Taraba State, has ruled out violence and bloodshed in his pursuit for reelection, saying that the will of the people is sacrosanct and ultimate as the 2027 election gears up.

Kefas said the people will determine his political future, adding that his approach for re-election would be guided by public opinion.

He also noted that leadership must remain accountable to citizens rather than driven by desperation for power.

He made the remarks during his visit to Lagos State. He emphasised that the feedback he gets from the electorate would shape his decision.

He further added that he was willing to accept rejection if the people were dissatisfied with his performance.

“For my reelection, I think the people will decide; it’s all about the people. And if the people say no, I’ll be very happy. And I’d seek to know from them what I’ve done that they appreciate and the ones that I’ve not done.

“If I did something that is not good, and they want another person to come and do it because they feel I cannot do it, and if I’m still interested in the second term, I will say, ‘Okay, please allow me. I didn’t know you were looking at that area. Please vote for me. I’m assuring you I’m going to do it’,” Kefas said.

He added that, ““So it’s all about seeking feedback from the people and persuading them. And if I weigh it and seek reelection and they say no, I will rather go home than allow the people to be killing themselves. I would prefer to step down than allow bloodshed.

“God will always create another opportunity again. Because I know that for people like us, if one thing does not work out, another may favour us. If reelection didn’t work, I’ll go to the classroom. If the classroom does not favour me, I’ll do consultancy, and if consultancy doesn’t work, I’ll go to church to teach Bible study.”

Going down memory lane on his political journey, Governor Kefas said his emergence as governor was shaped by timing, alignment, and personal decisions made in the past.

Kefas said, “When I indicated interest in 2019 for the governorship, I actually stepped down for my predecessor.

“And if you look at it on face value, there would be no calculation to bring me back from the same zone. But you see, everything works out the way it is meant to. And today, I am here as the governor.

“So, God’s time is always the best. And also, when you align yourself in the right place, with the right people, and at the right time, things will work out for you—especially if you have a good mind,” he said.

He added that his administration was focused on building a lasting legacy, stressing that he does not want to be remembered as a leader who made no significant impact.

“Taraba was created over 29 years ago, and I don’t want to be remembered as a governor who just walked through. There must be legacy. Even if it is just to set up the state for other governors to build on, it’s something,” he said.