2027 General Elections: Tinubu To Pay N100m As APC Waits To Rake In Billions Of Naira From Aspirants… Releases Timetable

April 21, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Aspirants for elective positions on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of 2027 general elections, can now advance their ambition as the party on Monday, released the timetable and schedule of activities for the General Elections.

According to the schedule signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, sale of forms to all aspirants, has begun since Monday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

It will be rounded off on May 2.

Argungu stated that the screening of all aspirants will hold between May 6 and May 8.

The schedule shows that the primary election for all categories of the aspirants will begin with the presidential on Friday, May 15; the House of Representatives, Monday, May 18 and the Senate, Wednesday, May 20.

The primaries for the State Assembly will hold on Thursday, May 21, while those for the Governorship will hold on Saturday, May 23.

The schedule further shows that the election petition for all the aspirants will commence on Monday, May 18, with the Presidential, and will be rounded off on Monday, May 29, with the Governorship.

According to the schedule, aspirants contesting for the State House of Assembly will pay N1 million for the expression of interest and N5 million for the nomination form.

Aspirants for the House of Representatives will pay N1 million for the expression of interest form and N9 million for the nomination form, while aspirants for the Senate will pay N3 million for the expression of interest and N17 million for the nomination form.

Aspirants for governorship will pay N10 million for expression of interest and N40 million for nomination form, while those contesting for presidential will pay N30 million for expression form and N70 million for the nomination form.

CBN $1bn Monthly Diaspora Remittance Target On Course- Cardoso

Tosin Olatokunbo

April 21, 2026

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Yemi Cardoso, has urged commercial banks in the country to provide enabling environment for Nigerians living abroad to remit more foreign currencies into the country. This is to ensure that the $1 billion monthly target diaspora remittance by the CBN is met by the end of the year.

The CBN governor made the call during engagements at the 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund, IMF, and the World Bank in Washington, United States, were he said the ongoing economic reforms in the country has boosted investors confidence in the country.

Cardoso noted that the CBN’s target of achieving $1bn in monthly remittance inflows remains strongly on track, stressing that banks must play a critical role in ensuring that Nigerians in the diaspora can seamlessly send funds home through formal financial channels without hindrance.

The CBN governor stated that improved policies and reforms in the foreign exchange market, coupled with ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency, has created a conducive environment for more diaspora remittances.

He stressed that simplifying remittance processes, reducing transaction costs, and improving customer experience for Nigerians abroad would make the goal realisable.

“The target is achievable, but it requires the active participation of banks in leveraging the opportunities provided by the current reforms,” Cardoso said.

The CBN Governor had stated last year, June 2025, that Nigeria is edging closer to a historic milestone in foreign inflows, projecting that diaspora remittances will hit $1 billion monthly by 2026.

He made the disclosure at the 18th Annual Banking and Finance Conference of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

According to him, the bank has taken deliberate steps to build confidence among Nigerians abroad, including working with leading commercial banks such as Access Bank and Zenith Bank on international outreach.

“By next year, our projection will be a billion dollars a month of diaspora remittances. As far as we are concerned, we have done everything to enable that to happen,” Cardoso said, adding that monthly remittance inflows, which stood at $250 million at the start of the reforms, had risen to $600 million after surpassing the $500 million mark in 2025.

Police Move To Rescue 15 Abducted Boat Passengers Along Calabar/Oron Waterways

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 20, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Akwa Ibom and Cross River Police Commands said they have launched concerted ,and coordinated response to locate and rescue 15 passengers abducted by suspected pirates along Calabar/Oron Waterways.

The inter-command rescue efforts are sequel to a marching order from the Assistant Inspector -General of Police AIG Zone 6, Auwal Musa, for the deployment all available logistical and human equipment to ensure the swift release of the victims.

The source reports that suspected pirates on Friday, April 17, 2026, ambushed, attacked and whisked away over 20 persons aboard a passenger boat while heading from Calabar to Oron.

The Police has however put the number of victims at 15.

Most of the kidnapped victims were, allegedly, students and candidates on their way to write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination UTME.

In a statement on Monday April 20, 2026, from its spokesperson Timfon John, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command informed that it is already working in synergy with its Cross River state counterpart to carry out the rescue order from the AIG.

The Command stated that a combined team of crack Marine and Tactical operatives and intelligence assets, with the capacity to dominate the waterways and adjourning creeks, have been deployed to track down the suspected hoodlums ,and effect the safe release of the victims.

“Acting on the directive of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 6, the Commissioner of Police Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Mohammed Azare, has ordered sustained intelligence-driven operations, including coordinated patrols, surveillance, and targeted raids across identified criminal hideouts within the maritime corridor.

“The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safe rescue of all abducted persons and bringing the perpetrators to justice”, John stated.

In the same vein, the Cross River State Police spokesperson, Eitokpah Sunday Akata, confirmed that the Command is collaborating with its Akwa Ibom State counterpart, to ensure that the victims are rescued unhurt and the masterminds held accountable.

He emphasized that coordinated and intelligence-driven operations are already underway, with operatives combing all identified hotspots in search of both the victims and the hoodlums.

The Source further reports that the AIG had earlier directed the two sister Commands to temporarily set aside jurisdictional limitations, operational boundaries and take all necessary measures to ensure swift ,and safe rescue of the victims ,as well as hunt down the perpetrators.

Gbenga Daniel Locked Out Of Meeting As Gov. Abiodun Moves To Sack Him From Senate

Akinwale Kasali

April 20, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Dapo Abiodun has been endorsed by Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun East Senatorial District as its Senatorial Candidate in 2027.

In a gestapo move, Senator Gbenga Daniel was locked out of the hall and refused entry along with his supporters.

Governor Abiodun was named their consensus candidate for the 2027 Senatorial election, meaning that Senator Gbenga Daniel has forfeited his position.

The decision was reached at a zonal stakeholders’ meeting attended by party leaders and key political figures from the district.

The action of disallowing Daniel entry into the venue led to controversy.

This development heightened tensions within the party structure in the zone.

Addressing his supporters outside the meeting venue, Senator Daniel rejected the outcome, insisting that any decision reached without his participation would not be binding.

Though the APC leadership is yet to comment on this development, many have queried Governor Abiodun’s desperation in becoming the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District.

Thugs Attack Owo LG Chairman Following Attempt To Resume From Six Months Suspension

Ayodele Oni

April 20, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Embattled Chairman of Owo Local Government, in Ondo State, Tope Omolayo, again met a brick wall as he moved to resume from the six months suspension clamped on him by the Legislative arm of the Council.

The Legislative arm of Owo local government in Ondo State had suspended Tope Omolayo, the Chairman of the Local Government indefinitely since October last year over an alleged gross misconduct.

The suspension was part of the resolutions of the Owo Local Government Legislative Council, under the leadership of Doyin Adebayo, at its sitting on Wednesday in Owo.

The decision was passed by majority of the 11 Councilors in the Legislative Council.

According to the resolution signed by the two-third majority of the council Lawmakers, “the Owo Local Government Legislative Council, under the House Leader, Hon. Doyin Adebayo, has taken decisive action to ensure good governance and accountability in Owo Local Government Area.

“The allegations against Hon. Omolayo include financial improprieties, utter violation of statutory budget and IGR regulations, disrespect to traditional heads, and failure to conduct himself in an appropriate manner. These allegations are serious and require thorough investigation.

There was commotion at the council secretariat on Monday following attempt by the chairman to return to office.

Sources at the Secretariat, however, claimed there was no official letter to formally communicate his suspension at the time the crisis began aside the resolution by the Legislative arm.

The Chairman reportedly arrived at the Council Secretariat to reclaim his office when a group of suspected thugs stormed the premises, assaulted him, tore his clothes and fired gunshots into the air to disperse workers and bystanders.

Witnesses further claimed the attackers chanted that the Olowo of Owo had ordered the Chairman to leave the town. However, the Palace has not issued any official statement on the allegation as of the time of filing this report.

The gunfire reportedly caused panic among staff members and residents around the Secretariat, forcing many to flee for safety.

Workers at the Secretariat and concerned residents have called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene and restore calm in the council area before the situation escalates further.

Omolayo had earlier apologized to the Traditional Ruler of Owo kingdom, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye for his alleged unruly statements.

Omolayo in the wake of his suspension by the Councilors of the Council, had accused the Lawmakers and Olowo of making frivolous financial demands from him.

He had claimed that Oba Ogunoye demanded for one million naira monthly from him as Chairman of the Local Government, an allegation that has been denied by the Palace.

Omolayo also boasted that nobody could suspend or remove him from office as chairman.

The Chairman reaffirmed his loyalty to the Monarch, saying he holds the Traditional Institutions in high esteem.

Tendering his apology, Omolayo said: “With utmost humility and deep remorse, I write to tender my unreserved apology to Your Imperial Majesty regarding the recent viral voice notes in which I made some deeply regrettable and unruly statements.

“I take full responsibility for my words and acknowledge the grave disrespect they conveyed towards your highly revered stool and personality.

“I am profoundly sorry for any hurt, embarrassment, or disappointment my utterances may have caused you, our royal household, and the good people of Owo Kingdom.

“My actions in that moment were thoughtless, and do not reflect the values of our culture, the respect I hold for the traditional institution, nor the esteem with which I regard your person as the custodian of our cherished heritage.

“Your Imperial Majesty, I plead for your forgiveness and seek your fatherly understanding.

“I assure you that this unfortunate incident has served as a sobering moment of reflection and has further strengthened my resolve to act with greater wisdom, humility, and respect moving forward.”

ADC Dismisses Merger Talks, Says It Is Focused On Reversing INEC’s Illegal Action

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 20, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has strongly rejected claims suggesting that it is in merger talks with other political parties.

Specifically, the party dismissed reports claiming that it has opened discussions with the Peoples Redemption Party PRP in anticipation of unfavourable pronouncements from the courts, in relation to its ongoing legal battles.

The Source reports that the Supreme Court has scheduled hearing for April 22, 2026, an appeal by the ADC seeking to set aside the Court of Appeal judgment ordering parties in the leadership tussle to maintain the status quo.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had, on ApriI 1, based on its interpretation of the Appellate Court’s judgment, opted to withdraw recognition for the Mark-led National Executive Committee NEC, thereby, severely disrupting the party’s preparations for the 2027 polls.

The ADC, in the appeal, is also seeking an order of the apex court, compelling the INEC to restore recognition for the Mark’s leadership of the party, as well as recommence the acceptance of correspondences from it as the authentic leadership of the party.

However, speculations have been rife suggesting that the Mark-led ADC faction, which is locked in a festering battle for the soul of the party with the Bala Nafiu Gombe-faction is exploring alternative measures, should the outcome of the Supreme Court appeal turns out not to be in its favour.

But dismissing the development, Bolaji Abdullahi, the spokesperson for the faction in a statement on Monday, on his official site insisted that the party is irrevocably committed to the prosecution of the legal processes aimed at reversing ,what it described as ” the illegal action taken against the leadership of the party by the electoral Commission.

According to him, getting the unjust action of the electoral body corrected remains the only way to safeguarding the country’s democratic arrangement.

He emphasized that while the party is open to the idea of welcoming on board more partners into the coalition for the purpose of rescuing the country, it nevertheless remains focused on the enormous responsibilities imposed on it by the realities of the moment.

“Our attention have been drawn to a story in circulation that the African Democratic Congress, ADC, is in talks with another political party, specifically the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, in anticipation of its court judgment.

“We would like to state categorically that this is not true .

“The coalition leadership is not having any such conversation with any political party at the moment.

” We are fully committed to ensuring that the illegal action taken against our leadership by INEC and other agents of the ruling party is upturned.

“We believe that this is the only path to safeguarding the rule of law and ensure that multi-party democracy survives in Nigeria.

“While we are open to expanding the coalition to bring all opposition elements in the country together to rescue our, we remain clear about the responsibility that this moment has imposed on us. We will not abdicate that responsibility.

” Therefore, any suggestion that we are considering abandoning the ADC is pre-emptive and speculative, and should by ignored”, Abdullahi stated

PDP Crisis: Wike Sues For Peace, Urges Defectors To Return

Ayodele Oni

April 20, 2026

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike

By Ayodele Oni

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has sent a message to those who left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in the wake of internal crisis to return.

Wike, one of the leaders of the PDP warring factions, assured aggrieved members of the party that they will not lose their entitlements if they return. He declared that many who left only did so out of uncertainty and in search of political shelter.

Wike spoke at the 108th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party held Monday at Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

He, therefore, urged the party leadership to urgently move for reconciliation.

“Chairman and your team should put in place a strong committee to reach out to those who are aggrieved.

“There is room for them to come back, and whatever is due to them will still be given.”

The former Rivers State governor insisted that the PDP must close ranks quickly, warning that lingering internal wrangling could weaken its chances ahead of future elections.

“In life, there must be a period of crisis. What matters is how we resolve the crisis. Now that we are together, we must not stop at reconciliation,” he said.

Wike also reaffirmed his loyalty to the party, declaring that he has no intention of leaving despite ongoing tensions.

“I have been a member of this party since 1998 and I will not leave. Whatever happens, we will continue to live as members of the PDP,” he stated.

He further called for transparency and openness in party affairs, saying this would rebuild confidence and attract back those who had drifted away.

“If you engage them, they will understand and support the party. There is need for openness so that we can achieve the unity we desire,” he added, while expressing confidence in the party’s legal team.

Earlier, PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, signalled a fresh start for the opposition party, declaring that the era of uncertainty was over.

According to him, the party will strictly follow the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conducting its congresses.

“The era of uncertainty is behind us. The era of strategy, consultation, and electoral preparation has begun,” he said, promising transparent and credible congresses across all levels.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, stressed that unity must remain the party’s top priority.

He urged members to bury their differences, warning that there was no room for exclusion if the PDP must regain its footing nationally.

Ohuabunwa also called for discipline and strict adherence to the party’s constitution, while commending reforms such as the e-registration initiative aimed at strengthening internal processes and repositioning the party for the challenges ahead.

The faction, loyal to the FCT Minister is in support of the second term bid of President Bola Tinubu.

FG Takes Stock Of Social Intervention Programmes As Gov. Aiyedatiwa Identifies Bottlenecks

Ayodele Oni

April 20, 2026

Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa on FG Social Intervention Programme

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has observed that beneficiaries under the social intervention programmes of the Federal Government, are still facing some administrative bottlenecks in accessing fund.

One of the problems, according to the Governor, is the challenge faced by some beneficiaries over National Identification Number (NIN) before they could benefit.

Aiyedatiwa who spoke on Monday, called for stronger synergy between the Federal Government and sub-national governments in the implementation of social intervention programmes, insisting that effective delivery depends on collaboration between policymakers and structures closest to the people.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that Aiyedatiwa made the call while receiving the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Mr Bernard M. Doro, on a courtesy visit to his office in Akure.

He said governance at both levels must remain complementary, commending President Bola Tinubu for the Household Prosperity and Cash Transfer Programme under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he described as a major humanitarian intervention targeting vulnerable households across the country.

The governor disclosed that the South-West region had benefited about N62 billion under the scheme, adding that Ondo State alone had recorded 396,671 beneficiary households across the first, second and third tranches.

According to him, the scale of the programme made targeted engagement necessary, rather than full household verification, noting that selected beneficiaries drawn from the 18 local government areas were being engaged to provide firsthand feedback on implementation and impact.

He commended the minister for adopting a field-based approach to programme assessment, saying direct engagement with beneficiaries would strengthen accountability and improve service delivery under federal intervention schemes.

In his remarks, Mr Doro said his visit to Ondo State formed part of a nationwide review of the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer Programme under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He explained that the programme had so far delivered N75,000 in three tranches to the poorest households across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with over nine million households benefiting nationwide.

Doro disclosed that Ondo State alone had received about N9.9 billion under the intervention through successive payment cycles covering the first, second and ongoing tranches.

He, however, expressed concern over what he described as low awareness of the programme among citizens despite its wide coverage, stressing the need for improved communication and transparency in social protection delivery.

The minister added that beneficiaries randomly selected across Ondo State would be engaged directly to confirm receipt of funds and provide feedback to guide future policy adjustments in the sector.

According to him, the Federal Government is already working on a redesigned social protection framework, noting that grassroots engagement remains critical to ensuring that future interventions reflect actual needs and realities.

Doro described the exercise as a data validation process aimed at strengthening accountability, improving targeting and enhancing the effectiveness of federal welfare programmes nationwide.

Rtd Police Officers Block Aso Rock Gate Over Inclusion In Contributory Pension Scheme

Ayodele Oni

April 20, 2026

Retired Police Officers Protest in Abuja

By Ayodele Oni

Members of the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria (PROF) on Monday blocked the gate of the Presidential Villa.

Their action stems from their protest to pull out of Contributory Pensions Scheme, (CPS), like the other arms of the Armed Forces.

The retired police personnel and their families, on Monday, took their protest on the issue to the Presidential Villa, in Abuja and blocked a gate in protest.

They stated their displeasure against the continued inclusion of the Nigeria Police Force in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) which they described as fraudulent, illegal, inhumane, and obnoxious

Channels Television reported that the retirees said the protest is aimed at urging President Bola Tinubu to assent to the Police Exit Bill passed by the National Assembly on December 4, 2025, and transmitted to the Presidency on March 16, 2026.

According to them, when signed into law, the bill will exempt police personnel from what they described as a “slavery and untimely death-inducing pension scheme.”

The protest is being led by the National Coordinator of the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria, CSP Raphael Irowainu (Rtd).

Speaking to reporters, CSP Irowainu explained that their main purpose is to prevail on President Tinubu to sign the bill exiting the Nigeria Police Force from the CPS, which he said has been passed and transmitted to him by the National Assembly.

He lamented that while other security agencies in the country such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, SSS and others have all been exited from the scheme, the police remain trapped in it.

“Our major aim here is to prevail on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sign our bill — the bill exiting the police from the Contributory Pension Scheme —passed by the National Assembly on 4th December 2025 and transmitted to him on 16th March, 2026, into law, nothing more than that.

“The soldiers have been exited, the SSS has been exited, the Air Force has been exited, the Navy has been exited, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) has been exited.

“The police, who are the father of them all, are trapped in this obnoxious Contributory Pension Scheme,” CSP Irowainu said.

It is not the first time retired officers are staging a protest over the CPS.

In July last year, they demonstrated at the National Assembly to demand their removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

The demonstrators, mostly elderly, stood in the rain holding placards and chanting anti-government songs.

Some of the retired police officers also besieged the Force Headquarters in Abuja to protest against the CPS.

Addressing the protesters at the time, the then Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, said the welfare of retired police officers was being addressed, but that the exit of the Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme was not something that could be implemented immediately.

He, however, advised the leaders of the protest to refrain from spreading misinformation, stressing that the Force could not abandon its own.

Abduction Of Kwara Monarch: Police Arrest 42… Abductors Tied Brother To Tree

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 20, 2026

His Royal Highness, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, the Asamu of Olayinka, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara state

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

No fewer than 42 suspects, mostly illegal miners, have been apprehended by the Police in connection with the attack and kidnap of a Kwara Monarch.

The Source reports that a newly installed Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, the Traditional Ruler of Olayinka Community, in Ifelodun Local Council, Kwara North Senatorial District, and his brother, were on Saturday evening April,18, whisked away by heavily armed hoodlums after attacking his Palace.

The attack by no fewer than ten men, preceded by a visit to the Palace by some miners operating in the area.

Speaking on the development on Monday, April 20, 2026, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, informed that the arrest of the miners is part of ongoing investigations into the attack at the palace, and the subsequent abduction of the monarch and his brother.

According to the CP, preliminary findings indicated that the attackers, before taking the Monarch away, broke into his room, and demanded the money allegedly offered to him by the visiting miners.

But despite handing over the money, the attackers still took the Monarch away together with his brother, according to CP Ojo.

The CP, however, disclosed that the Monarch’s brother was later left by the abductors after he could not continue with the long trek to the camp of the hoodlums due to exhaustion.

According to the CP, the Monarch’s brother, at a point preferred to be killed than to continue with the journey.

” He told them to kill him if they wished because he was too tired to go on. But instead of killing him, they ( abductors) decided to tie him to a tree, and moved on” Ojo noted.

“They broke into his room (Monarch’s room), dragged him out, and demanded for the money the had given to him earlier”,the CP stated.

Ojo noted that the Police swiftly responded to a distress report on the incident , deploying i drones and other equipment with a view to tracking down the suspects.

However, he informed that the police, despite arresting about 42 miners, are yet to establish with certainty the involvement of any them in the attack and kidnap of the monarch.

“I cannot confirm whether those who abducted the monarch were among the illegal miners we arrested. But investigations are ongoing”, CP Ojo added.

While appealing to residents to remain calm and vigilant, the CP assured that concerted efforts are underway to locate and rescue the Monarch.

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