2026: Opposition Parties To Field One Presidential Candidate To Face APC

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April 25, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Opposition political parties in the country have resolved to field only one candidate for the Presidency during the 2026 general elections.

This was one of the resolutions at the end of its deliberations in Ibadan, Oyo state on Saturday.

According to them, “Participating Opposition Parties in Nigeria, after an extensive deliberation on the collective threats that we face and the existential challenges facing our country under the stranglehold of the oppressive and anti-democratic All Progressives Congress (APC) and given the need for urgent, collective action to rescue our nation and the destiny of over 200 million compatriots, hereby resolve as follows:

“That we shall resist all machinations by the APC to foist a one-party State on Nigeria and fight for the survival of multi-party democracy in our country.

“That despite the onslaughts and manoeuvrings of the ruling party, the APC to impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole Presidential candidate in 2027; we shall field candidates and contest the 2027 Presidential and other elections.

“That we shall work towards fielding one Presidential Candidate for the 2027 elections, which shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties to rescue our nation and her long suffering masses.

“That the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, having shown bias and partisanship in favour of the ruling APC, should not conduct the 2027 general elections as Nigerians across board have lost confidence in him and his capacity to guarantee the required neutrality to deliver free, fair, transparent and credible elections.

“His continuous stay in office is vexatious and capable of triggering wide spread crisis in our nation.

“That the National Assembly should immediately review the Electoral Act, 2026 to remove all sections that threaten the sanctity and integrity of the elections and run counter to constitutional provisions.

“That all leading politicians that are being detained or harassed on bailable offfences be released with immediate effect and allowed to exercise their fundamental rights of participation and inclusivity as Nigerians.

“That we consider the recent guidelines released by the INEC as obstacles, deliberately engineered to impose conditions and deadlines on the opposition parties.

“We therefore demand that INEC extends the deadline for primaries till the end of July, 2026.

“The Summit commends Nigerians for their resilience and readiness to work with Opposition Parties to free our nation from State capture.

“The National summit of Opposition Political Parties thank the Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting the epochal event.”

The resolution was signed by Chairmen of Participating Opposition Parties.

Hoodlums Rob, Cut Off Fingers, Ear Of Bauchi Female University Student

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 25, 2026

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Saadu Zungur University SAZU — Sa'adu Zungur University SAZU

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Bauchi State Police Command has announced that coordinated operations are underway to track down suspected miscreants who cut off two fingers and a part of the ear of a 200-level female student of the state-owned University, Sa’adu Zungur University, SAZU, after dispossessing her of her phone.

According to local witness accounts, the victim, Maryam Yakeem, was reportedly attacked and robbed by four hoodlums on the outskirts of the University’s campus, with one of the hoodlums severing her two fingers and parts of her ears with a knife.

The University authorities have vehemently rejected claims suggesting that the unfortunate incident occurred on the institution’s campus.

A statement from Malam Auwal Hassan, the spokesperson, for SAZU, insisted that the incident took place outside the University campus.

“The unfortunate incident occurred outside the University’s environment, contrary to some misleading reports circulating in certain online media platforms suggesting that the attack took place within the University’s premises.

“The University Management wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and does not reflect the reality of the situation”, Hassan stated.

A statement from Nafiu Habib, the spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command said that the victim sustained injuries during the said attack.

The Command has vowed that it will explore all available pathways towards locating and apprehending the perpetrators of the crime.

The victim, reports say, is responding to treatment at the Federal Medical Centre Azare where she was refered to after an initial medical attention at a facility in Gadau.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Fatima Tahir, has extended heartfelt sympathy to the victim, assuring of the Management’s commitment towards adequately protecting students and staff of the institution.

Anambra APC Asks Gov. Soludo To Join Party If Truly He’s Working For President Tinubu

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Ayodele Oni

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April 25, 2026

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Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Ayodele Oni

The Anambra State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), has accused Governor Charles Soludo of non inclusion of members in his administration, despite the Governor’s claims of a political alignment with President Bola Tinubu.

The APC pointed out that Governor Soludo is misrepresenting his political alignment with President Bola Tinubu, alleging that his public claims of cooperation with the President do not reflect his actions within the state.

The APC, through its state chairman, Senator Emma Anosike, made the allegation during a press briefing, following the inauguration of newly elected state executives of the party.

He argued that while Soludo, who is the national leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has repeatedly suggested that “progressives are working together” in support of President Tinubu, his administration has not extended any meaningful political inclusion to the APC in Anambra State.

Anosike further alleged that the governor’s posture was aimed at maintaining favourable relations with the federal government, while allegedly sidelining the APC at the state level.

He maintained that the APC had not been given any sense of participation or collaboration under Soludo’s administration, despite his public assertions of political harmony with the ruling party at the centre.

Reaffirming the APC’s readiness for the 2027 general elections, the state chairman urged party members to prepare for a more competitive political engagement, promising full support for their electoral ambitions.

He also stated that genuine political collaboration should be reflected in party alignment, insisting that if there was truly cooperation with President Tinubu, key political actors would align formally with the APC.

According to him, “If we are working together, you must work for Mr. President… If you feel that progressives are working together, then APGA members should join APC, contest under APC, and win.”

Anosike further challenged Soludo to formally defect to the APC if his claims of alignment with President Tinubu were genuine, stressing that the party would no longer tolerate what he described as political contradictions.

Four Years After, Troops Recover Remains Of Soldier-couple Abducted, Killed In Imo State

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 25, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

It goes down as one of the most chilling killings in the history of Imo State.

A couple of the Nigerian Army was abducted by blood thirsty hoodlums in Imo State, and murdered in a most gruesome manner.

Both of them, Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew, were in Imo State to celebrate. Audu was coming to perform the traditional wedding of his betrothed, Gloria.

But as they approached Orsu, they were abducted. The abduction took a turn for the worse when their abductors identified them as personnel of the Nigerian Army.

They tortured and killed them. In doing that, whichever group killed a daughter of Imo State, and a son-in-law, has committed an abomination. In Igbo land, one never kills one’s in-law.

Since then, their bodies had been missing. No trace. No arrests. No group claimed responsibility. But the horrible incident happened at a time Orsu area was a no-no because of the alleged activities of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, and its militant wing, Eastern Security Network, ESN. It was, also, the period when they said they did not want to see anybody in uniform – military, paramilitary and Police in the South-east. That explains why Security Agencies put the blame on IPOB/ESN. But it is an allegation IPOP and ESN have strongly, and consistently denied.

Nigerian Army Couple remains — **The recovered remains of the victims from shallow graves.**

However, on Saturday April 25,2026 the Nigerian Army announced a startling discovery – the recovery of the remains of the soldier-couple. It was a sad, but heart-warming discovery.

The Military authorities said the recovery was part of the fall- out of coordinated operations by troops of the 82 Division that dismantled a camp belonging to the IPOB and its militant wing the Eastern Security Network.

According to the statement, the remains of couple- soldiers – Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu ,and Private Gloria Mathew, were recovered by troops after dismantling the suspected terrorist hideout on Thursday, April 23.

The Military stated that the remains of the victims were recovered from shallow graves within the IPOB/ESN camp area along the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Council of Imo State.

“Acting on credible intelligence, the operation, conducted on April 24, 2026 along the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area was part of a deliberate clearance and search mission aimed at dismantling IPOB/ESN hideout within the region and locating the remains of two personnel of the Nigerian Army, Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew who were brutally abducted and murdered by IPOB/ESN terrorists in May 2022 while en route for their traditional wedding.

“Troops, while advancing towards a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout, came under heavy attack by armed criminals.

“Demonstrating resilience, the troops decisively engaged the terrorists, successfully repelling multiple ambushes and forcing the criminals to flee in disarray.

“The encounter further exposed the desperation

and criminal nature of the hoodlums which continue to target innocent citizens ,and security personnel alike”, the Army stated.

According to the statement, following a search conducted after the successful clearance of the terrorists camp, several shallow graves were discovered and subsequently excavated. Several human remains recovered.

The statement noted that part of the human remains were those of the late solder-couple Audu and Mathew.

According to the Army authorities, the couple’s remains have been secured for detailed forensic analysis, including DNA testing.

“Following the successful clearance of the camp, troops conducted a thorough search of the area and made a grim, but important discovery of shallow graves suspected to contain the remains of slain personnel. The graves were carefully excavated and the suspected remains were recovered.

“The recovered remains have since been secured for detailed forensic analysis, including DNA testing to conclusively establish their identities.

‘Efforts are also ongoing to liaisie with the families of the fallen personnel to ensure proper identification and facilitate burial arrangements in honour of their sacrifices”, the Army added.

Presidency Defends Borrowing, Says Nigeria Requires $100 Billion Annually For Proper Infrastructure

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Ayodele Oni

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April 25, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has defended the administration’s fiscal strategy, explaining that the government’s borrowing is intentionally directed toward critical infrastructure development.

He was responding to comments made by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, regarding the Federal Government’s borrowing pattern under the current administration

Sanusi had criticised the government’s continued reliance on borrowing despite the removal of fuel subsidy, describing the situation as economically inconsistent.

He argued that while subsidy removal was expected to ease fiscal pressure and reduce the need for borrowing, the anticipated financial relief has not translated into a significant reduction in government debt dependence.

He also questioned the justification for continued spending on supporting foreign refineries, noting that Nigeria, as an oil-producing nation, should be advancing local refining capacity instead.

Reacting in a statement shared via his official handle, Bwala defended the administration’s fiscal strategy, explaining that the government’s borrowing is intentionally directed toward critical infrastructure development.

He stated that Nigeria requires an estimated $30 billion to $100 billion annually to bridge its infrastructure deficit, adding that current revenue levels are insufficient to meet this demand without external financing.

He wrote, “Your Royal Highness, we are simply borrowing to invest in the most important areas of our economy, with infrastructure being the most crucial of them all.

“The lack of proper infrastructure needs at least $30 billion to $100 billion every year, but what we’re currently spending is not enough, so we have to borrow money.”

Bwala maintained that the objective of the borrowing is to stimulate long-term economic growth through strategic investment in key sectors, particularly infrastructure. He further referenced emerging improvements in domestic refining capacity and petroleum exports, describing them as positive indicators for the economy.

Tunde Ayeni, Billionaire Fmr. Chairman of Skye Bank, In EFCC Custody

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 25, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Billionaire businessman, Tunde Ayeni, is reportedly in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Ayeni, a former Chairman of Skye Bank Plc, was picked up on Thursday in Abuja over an alleged fraud running into billions of Naira and millions of US Dollars.

The Commission is said to be probing alleged diversion and misappropriation of about N36.5 billion in addition to $36 million.

The huge amount was, reportedly, obtained from Polaris Bank Plc via companies linked to the Skye Bank Chairman.

There has, however, been no statement from either the anti-graft Commission or Ayeni’s Counsel..

‘Expedite Action’, Obidient Movement Urges Supreme Court

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The Source

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April 25, 2026

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The Obidient Movement like to make passionate appeals to the Supreme Court of Nigeria for a Swift Judicial Resolution of Opposition cases before it.

The Movement wants to remind the apex court that justice delayed in this matter is effectively democracy denied.

The current leadership vacuum in the main opposition coalition has left thousands of party faithful in a state of flux and risks disenfranchising a significant portion of the electorate who look toward the ADC and its coalition partners as a credible alternative for national governance.

”The apex court is the last refinery of justice, at a time when the political landscape requires absolute clarity, any prolonged delay in pronouncing a final verdict on the ADC leadership crisis provides room for mischief, fuels factionalism, and undermines the preparations for a robust multi-party contest in the coming elections”

The Obidient Movement notes that the legal battle between the contending factions is no longer a mere internal affair as it has become a matter of national interest which the apex court should be conscious of in its decisions.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the voting public require a settled leadership to engage with, particularly as primary windows and coalition negotiations begin to take shape.

We therefore like to make an urgent call to the Supreme Court requesting an expedited and definitive ruling on the leadership dispute currently paralysing the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

As the 2027 electoral cycle approaches, the continued ambiguity surrounding the party’s executive structure—following the court’s decision to reserve judgment on April 22—threatens not only the internal stability of the ADC but the broader viability of opposition consolidation in Nigeria.

A swift and clear pronouncement from the Supreme Court will stabilise the political atmosphere and allow the ADC and the wider opposition movement to focus on the essential task of nation-building.

We remain confident in the wisdom of the apex court and trust that the judiciary will remain the steadfast guardian of our democratic process.

E-sign.

Dr Yunusa Tanko. National Coordinator.

Yahaya Bello: Akpoti-Uduaghan Reminds EFCC Of Fmr. Gov’s Case, Says He Wants To Steal Her N1b, But Won’t Get ‘Shishi’

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 25, 2026

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Yahaya Bello

By Adesina Soyooye

A defiant Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected the judgement of a Lokoja High Court in a libel and defamation case instituted against her by a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

The Honourable Justice A. S. Ibrahim of a Lokoja High Court had, on Friday, April 24, 2026, delivered judgement in suit number “HCL/16/2023 instituted against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan by Bello for alleged defamation in an interview she granted to Arise Television on November 4, 2022.

In the judgement, the Court awarded the sum of N1billion against Akpoti-Uduaghan in favour of Bello.

The Court held that: “The interview granted by the defendant on 4/11/2022 on Arise TV programme of ‘The Morning Show’ is defamatory to the claimant’s character and reputation.

“The said interview of 4/11/2022 in which the defendant described the the claimant as a murderer, killer, perpetrator of evil acts, and a terror to the people of Kogi State was without justification.

Aside from restraining the defendant from further issuance of the defamatory statements against the claimant on TV or Radio Stations.

The Judge, therefore, awarded the sum of one billion Naira as damages against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

But in a defiant, swift response, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the award of N1bn as waste of time and said it was procured.

According to her, she will not pay a kobo to Yahaya Bello because he does not deserve it. Instead, in that response, she added a letter for the attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, where she reminded them of Bello’s case before the Commission. She said in addition to the case, Bello was now trying to get hold of her one billion Naira, and assured that she will not pay “shishi”.

She wrote on her Facebook page: “Dear Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, kindly hurry up. Do you know he procured a Kogi State High Court judgment of ₦1 billion against me yesterday? Can you imagine him thinking I would pay so he can add to the stolen monies he would refund? Yeye… shi shi he no go see.”

At the time of filing this report, it is not known if she plans to appeal the judgement but many saw her response as disrespectful to the Judiciary.

Lassa Fever: Oyo Moves To Curtail Spread …Five Cases, One Death Recorded

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Ayodele Oni

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April 25, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Oyo State Government has intensified effort to curtail the further spread of Lassa fever in the state as it confirmed five cases including one fatality.

Speaking at a press briefing in Ibadan on Friday, the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said the state had activated its emergency response framework to manage the situation.

She disclosed that confirmed cases are currently receiving treatment at designated facilities, including the Infectious Disease Centre in Olodo and the isolation unit of the University College Hospital.

According to Ajetunmobi, the response aligns with national and global health protocols, with coordination from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation.

The government has also activated an Incident Management System and Emergency Operations Centre, alongside a multi-sectoral response team involving health, environment, agriculture and information agencies.

She added that surveillance has been stepped up, with more than 200 contacts identified and placed under monitoring, while isolation centres have been fully operationalised.

Essential medications, including Ribavirin, have also been prepositioned to support treatment efforts.

To curb the spread, the state has strengthened infection prevention and control measures, including the provision of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers and the enforcement of safe burial practices.

Environmental interventions such as sanitation, fumigation and decontamination of affected areas are ongoing, while health personnel continue to receive training on outbreak management.

Residents were urged to adopt preventive measures such as proper food storage, maintaining clean surroundings, avoiding contact with rodents and promptly seeking medical care if symptoms like fever, vomiting or bleeding occur.

Edo Police Rescues Nine Kidnap Victims, As Ondo Command Frees 13-Year Old From Abductors

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Ayodele Oni

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April 25, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Edo State Police Command has said that its operatives have rescued nine victims from two kidnapping incidents in the state, just as the Ondo state command rescued a 13 years old girl from her suspected abductors.

In a statement by the Spokesperson of the Edo state Command, Eno Ikoedem, said that five victims, including three in the GUO bus incident were rescued.

She stated that two other victims were also rescued from another incident that occurred along the Benin-Lagos expressway.

According to her, the command also successfully rescued four other kidnapped victims, who were abducted earlier this month and held in captivity within the Imiegba forest in Agenebode in Edo North.

The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command is pleased to inform the general public that all five victims abducted during the recent kidnapping incident along the Benin–Lagos Expressway have been successfully rescued alive.

“This breakthrough was achieved following the immediate and massive deployment of tactical teams, intelligence assets, aerial surveillance, and other operational resources by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, to the affected corridor.

“The sustained rescue efforts, coordinated bush-combing operations, and strategic dominance of the area exerted pressure on the kidnappers ultimately leading to the safe rescue of all five victims.

“They have since received medical evaluation and treatment, and reunited with their families.

Also, the command also successfully rescued four other kidnapped victims who were abducted and held in captivity within the Imiegba forest in Agenebode.

“They have likewise received medical attention and are safe making a total of nine kidnapped victims rescued.”

And in Ondo state, personnel successfully intercepted a suspected child trafficking operation and rescued a minor along the Owena axis of the State.

Command spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh stated that “On the 23rd of April, 2026, at about 1844hrs, a Toyota Hummer 18-seater commercial bus travelling from Lagos to Abuja was intercepted at the Owena Checkpoint by personnel of the Nigerian Army.

“The vehicle, which was fully loaded with waybills, was driven by one Akomolafe Tope ‘M’, aged 59 years, alongside a conductor, one Sunday Ismaila ‘M’, aged 48 years.

“Upon thorough scrutiny, a 13-year-old girl was found in their custody under suspicious circumstances.

“Preliminary questioning revealed that the suspects could not provide credible or verifiable information regarding the identity, origin, or destination of the minor, thereby raising strong suspicion of child trafficking.

“The suspects were immediately taken into custody, while the minor was rescued and placed under protective care.

“The case has since been transferred to the Gender-Based Offences Unit of the Command for discreet and comprehensive investigation while the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.”