Uzodimma Has Not Backed Any Imo Aspirant For House of Reps, Other Contests

May 15, 2026

Governor Hope Uzodimma has not thrown his weight behind any aspirant from Imo State gunning for the House of Representatives primaries scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, or for any other elective position for that matter.

If anything, the Governor is strongly rooting for a free, fair and transparent democratic process that will throw up Imo candidates for all the elective offices in the country on the platform of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This clarification, according to a statement signed by Oguwike Nwachuku, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser, has become necessary following a report on social media (Facebook in particular) where one Iheanyi Daniel Enwerem, mischievously credited the Governor to be backing a particular House of Representatives aspirant for the primaries.

Relying on Governor Uzodimma’s remarks on the United Nations proposition that women and the youth be encouraged in politics, and the willingness of the APC to take the proposal seriously, the reporter, out of selfish consideration, singled out one of the numerous women aspirants in Imo State and wrote, “Uzodimma backs the return of Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha to the Green Chambers of the National Assembly.”

The report is not just an outright misrepresentation of Governor Uzodimma at the APC Stakeholders meeting of Thursday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House Owerri but designed to cause dissaffection and hurt the feelings of other aspirants.

The Governor remains committed to an APC primary process in Imo State that will enthrone fairness, inclusiveness, true democratic representation, and guarantee a sense of belonging that will strengthen the unity within the Party.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Governor’s position is reproduced verbatim from his Social media handle:

“Ahead of the commencement of our Party’s Primary Elections, I convened a stakeholders’ meeting with all aspirants, the Party leadership in the State, Party leaders, and other critical stakeholders, where we harmonised strategies and addressed the realities necessary for the successful conduct of the exercise.

“In my remarks, I strongly admonished against the “do or die” approach to the primaries, emphasising that the process must remain peaceful, transparent, and driven by the overall interest of the Party.

“I reminded all aspirants that, inevitably, only one candidate will emerge for each available position, and as loyal Party members, we must unite behind whoever emerges victorious.

“I further reiterated that zoning remains a vital practice adopted to ensure fairness, inclusiveness, and true democratic representation.

“It is, therefore, in the best interest of all stakeholders that we respect and abide by the zoning arrangement in our various constituencies, as it gives every group a sense of belonging and strengthens unity within the Party.

“Consequently, I advised aspirants whose ambitions run contrary to the established zoning framework to respect the arrangement in the collective interest of peace, equity, and Party cohesion.”

The public, mainly APC members, stakeholders and particularly the aspirants, are therefore advised to take the report for what it is – fake and mischievous.

Former Sokoto State Gov Tambuwal Withdraws From Senate Race

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 15, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Governor of Sokoto State, and Senator representing Sokoto West District at the National Assembly, Aminu Tambuwal, has withdrawn his ambition to return to his Senate seat in 2027.

Similarly , Ibrahim Lamido ,the Senator representing Sokoto East ,also announced his withdrawal from the race to return to the National Assembly.

Although details of the reasons for their withdrawal were not made known as at the time of reporting, a party source disclosed that their ir followed a reconciliation agreement reached by stakeholders of the party.

Specifically, Tambuwal ,a former Speaker of the House of Representatives was said to have made way for Faruk Malami Yabo ,a former Commissioner who served in his cabinet.

But party stakeholders are yet to decide who will take the place of Senator Lamido

While confirming the development, Lamir Ameen, spokesperson for the Sokoto State chapter of the ADC, explained that the party, as a matter of policy has decided to give younger politicians the chance to express themselves.

He emphasized that in line with the new thinking, most of the ADC House of Representative aspirants are young political actors.

He expressed the optimism that the move will encourage inclusiveness, as well as encourage youth participation in political activities.

The source reports that Senator Tambuwal has served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, served as two-term Governor of Sokoto State, and presently a serving Senator.

South West NUP Rejects Parallel Pensioners’ Association, Says Registration Illegal

Ayodele Oni

May 15, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The South-West zone of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has accused officials in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment of approving registration of a parallel association for pensioners without due process.

Speaking at the South-West zonal meeting of the union held in Akure, Ondo State, the Secretary of the NUP and Public Relations Officer of the South-West Zone, Comrade Dr. Olusegun Abatan, condemned the registration of the National Association of State Retirees of Nigeria, alleging that the process was carried out by overzealous officials in the Ministry of Labour and Employment without due process.

He argued that the registration violated the Trade Union Act, which prohibits the creation of a parallel union where an existing union already caters for the same category of workers or retirees.

Abatan maintained that the constitution of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners already covers all categories of retirees, including federal pensioners, state pensioners, local government retirees, pensioners from statutory corporations, paramilitary agencies and those under the contributory pension scheme.

“If the Nigeria Union of Pensioners already caters for state retirees, there is no justification for creating another parallel association. We reject it and call on the Ministry of Labour to withdraw the registration immediately,” he stated.

He further disclosed that pensioners’ forums in the 19 northern states, the South-West and the South-East had all condemned the registration.

The union also accused the Registrar of Trade Unions, Shaib Rabiu, of allegedly facilitating the registration without proper consultation, while warning pensioners nationwide not to join the new association.

Abatan stated that the union would seek legal redress if the registration was not withdrawn

The union scribe also decried the persistent delay in the payment of pensions to federal pensioners and state pensioners with federal shares, describing the development as cruel and unacceptable for senior citizens who depend largely on pensions for survival and medical care.

He revealed that pensioners across the country were worried over the continuous delay in pension payments.

According to him, it had become common for pensioners to receive their monthly pensions far into the following month, a situation he said was unbearable for elderly citizens who rely on the money for medication and daily survival.

Abatan appealed to the Federal Government to prioritise prompt payment of pensions, stressing that proper welfare for retirees would also help reduce corruption in public service.

“If government truly wants to reduce corruption in Nigeria, pensioners must be treated well. When serving workers see retired senior officers languishing in poverty after decades of service, they may be tempted to misuse public resources while still in office,” he said.

NPF Dismisses Five Inspectors, To Face Trial, Three Others On The Run

Ayodele Oni

May 15, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

In continuation of efforts to rid the Nigeria Police Force of misconduct, five inspectors have been dismissed and criminal prosecution initiated against them over allegations of armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and other acts of professional misconduct in Rivers State.

Police also revealed that three inspectors and one corporal attached to the Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, who were allegedly involved in similar criminal activities, are currently on the run.

The development is said to be part of the ongoing reform drive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, who has maintained a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and misconduct within the Force.

Announcing the action in a statement on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, said the Force remains committed to discipline, accountability, and institutional reform.

“The Force notes that the actions of the affected officers represent a gross betrayal of the ethics, standards, and professional values of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement read.

Police investigations reportedly uncovered a criminal syndicate involving serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, including Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis, and Olayemi Titus.

The officers were accused of carrying out armed robbery, kidnapping, and extortion while allegedly conducting illegal patrol operations within Port Harcourt and nearby communities.

According to the police, victims were allegedly abducted during unlawful stop-and-search operations, after which the officers forcefully accessed their banking and cryptocurrency applications to extort millions of naira.

It added that investigation led to the arrest of three officers, while other alleged accomplices identified as Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor, and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa remain at large.

Police also disclosed that exhibits recovered from the suspects included three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used for the illegal operations, alongside N7.3 million believed to have been linked to the criminal activities.

Investigators further alleged that the suspects operated with firearms and had carried out similar operations against unsuspecting residents across Rivers State.

In a separate investigation, the police uncovered another alleged criminal syndicate involving officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command.

The officers — Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu, and Anele Ikechukwu — were accused of organised kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and official corruption.

“Consequently, the five implicated officers were subjected to orderly room proceedings and dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force, while the case file has been forwarded for prosecution on charges bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, official corruption, and related offences,” the statement added.

Terrorists Invade School In Borno, Abduct Unspecified Number Of Pupils

Ayodele Oni

May 15, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Deputy Speaker said the terrorists struck few minutes after soldiers on patrol left!

An early Friday morning invasion by suspected members of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists of a school in Borno State has been reported.

The incident led to the abduction of yet to be determined number of pupils and students of Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of the state.

Mussa is a remote village which shares a border with Sambisa Forest, an enclave and hideout of terrorists.

Sources revealed that the insurgents stormed the school on motorcycles, barely 10 or 15 minutes after troops left the community.

In a social media post, Mr Solomon Mussa said, “Good morning, beloved. Please pray for Mussa. Boko Haram attack in Mussa village now. According to a report coming out from Mussa, school children were affected.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Abdullahi Askira, who also hails from Askira-Uba Local Government Area, confirmed the school invasion by terrorists on Friday, even as he said details are still sketchy at press time.

“Yes, I can confirm to you that some suspected terrorists riding on motorcycles invaded primary and junior secondary schools in Mussa village this morning.

“Information at my disposal was that many of the students fled into the bush, but I don’t have details of those abducted yet.

“It is also disheartening that the incident took place barely some few minutes after troops on patrol left the community.

“This signifies that the insurgents or the attackers were spying on the movement of troops before they struck,” the Deputy Speaker said.

He, however, promised to give further details as the situation unfolds.

The Peter Paradigm: To Fell An Ancient Regime

The Source

May 15, 2026

By Steve Osuji

There’s something divine about Peter Obi. A grocery merchant, who ventured into politics in 2006, he has consistently proven that he’s of a different mold. He has shown the world that politics, which is generally perceived to be a “dirty game” isn’t that dirty after all. And even if it were, clean people can get involved and yet, not get swept into its sluiceways.

He contested and won the governorship seat of Anambra State, when the place was run by gangsters and power barons and for eight years, he managed to prove that light would always overcome darkness. He also set a few new governance parameters during his tenure as governor.

Again, Peter Obi is not ordinary. In fact, he’s transcendental. Two decades, roiling in the muck and grime of Nigeria’s politics has today shown him up as a man on a mission – a divine mission. He has to be the man who would bring about a paradigm shift not only in Nigeria’s politics but in the entire spectrum of her social order. He seems primed to be the man to dislodge the ancient regime; the old brigade politicians who are choke-holding Nigeria since independence. Peter Obi may have been created for the sole purpose of abolishing now ingrained kleptocracy that has kept the country spell bound since it’s creation.

THE FINAL DENOUEMENT: Obi’s gambit last week of doing a last minute backflip into another political space is nothing but a masterstroke. It’s reminiscent of what happened in 2022 during the run up to the 2023 general elections. Just as they didn’t see it coming then, yet again, they are too self-deluded and arrogant to see it even this second time.

The old guard, here represented by Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu would not yield ground to a new Nigeria without a fight. This election may well represent the final battle for the soul of this country: call it Nigeria’s epiphany.

Atiku in particular, was adamant in 2022, he is even more so today. His interest has nothing to do with Nigeria. He, like all members of the old brigade is about self-aggrandisement, power mongering at the level of megalomania and treasury-jacking: State capture in one word.

That is the way of the old brigade. This evil behemoth is what Peter Obi is on a mission to dislodge.

But to fell an iroko is no mean task. After the shockwaves he sent across the political sphere in 2023, sweeping the polls even in their strongholds and actually winning the election, forcing them to pull the plugs and glitch the process. They are on their guards this time.

The game plan today is to bar Obi from the ballot by any means necessary. The logic, of course, is that you have to be in a race before you can cause an upset.

Using captured state institutions like INEC and the judiciary, the ruling party and its collaborators pursued Obi with a shameless singularity of mind from Labour Party to the ADC, mocking that he would not participate in the next election. Not as a presidential candidate, not even as a running mate.

The old guard didn’t only want to stop Obi, they sought to end his political career in disgrace and ignominy.

But it’s credit to his genius that he beat them in their game yet again when he decamped to the newly registered National Democratic Congress (NDC). They didn’t see it coming.

Always one step ahead of them, they were left roiling in the muck. The political arena has been agog since Obi made this historic move last week. Now he’s attacked, not just by the hounds of the ruling APC but by his erstwhile allies in the ADC. They too were caught with their pants in their hands.

At a loss for words and befuddled as their worlds collapse before them, they resort to outright abuses and inelegant pontifications.

Some call Obi a political harlot while some accuse him of vaulting ambition. Defeated in their game, the APC took solace in claiming victory as according to them, the opposition vote has been dissipated as in 2023.

GOODBYE TO ATIKU: Atiku Abubakar is already the biggest loser in the coming elections and emerging power game. With Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso joining the ADC, it was obvious to even a political neophyte that an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket was the big deal. But Atiku had instead, dug in, granting that disingenuous interview where he cut down both Obi and Kwankwaso while insisting on running.

That interview was the turning point, the sword in the heart of ADC. How Atiku couldn’t see that his backing of an Obi and Kwankwaso ticket was a sure bet remains a mystery. In fact, his obduracy has led many pundits to suggest he (along with Dele Momodu) are Tinubu moles in ADC. While he has sneaked to pick the ADC so nomination form, it must be obvious even to him that his political career ended the day the OK movement coalesced into one force. So goodbye to Atiku… About time too, many Nigerians would chorus.

OBI-KWANKWASO AS GAME CHANGER: the coming together of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso as candidate and running mate must be the biggest political combination in Nigeria’s post-independence politics.

Not since the First Republic era of Zik, Awo and Ahmadu Bello have politicians commanded such organic following as we see today in the duo. If Kwankwaso can become less insular by reaching out to more northern leaders, if he campaigns well, more vigorously across north as Obi is doing around Nigeria, the NDC stands a good chance of sweeping the polls in 2027.

With Obi swearing to a one-term-four-year tenure, Kwankwaso will ease in as president in 2031. He will emerge as not just the new face of northern leadership but champion of a new, reformed Nigeria.

THE OLD GUARD MUST FALL, A NEW NIGERIA IS POSSIBLE: This column opines that the time for the final liberation of Nigeria may have come. The elements, psychic and cosmic seem to be in agreement. Heaven and earth may have risen in unison to deliver Nigeria and set her in the paths of light and liberty so that she may begin to explore her rich potentials and bask in her abundant glory. It’s not by chance that Obi and Kwankwaso, two great men of the people are coming together.

Old things shall pass away, a new Nigeria is set to begin … the ancient regime must fall!

Shock As Army Private Shoots Senior Colleague To Death

Adesina Soyooye

May 15, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Nobody can quite explain what the problem was. But according to eye-witnesses, it was like a movie when a Private, who was on guard duty at a retired General’s residence in Kano, with his superior, a Sergeant, shot and killed him.

According to SaharaReporters which first broke the story, the

deceased officer, was identified as Sergeant Suleiman.

Sources disclosed that the suspect, attached to 21NA, allegedly fired at the Sergeant after an altercation between them.

Said the source according to Sahara Reporters: “Both of them were guarding the residence of a retired General in Kano. The deceased was a Sergeant while the suspect is a Private from 21NA. The CCTV footage reportedly exposed him. They had an argument, after which the Sergeant entered the restroom. As he was coming out, the Private allegedly fired at him three times.”

A source also said that the suspect has just been redeployed from Borno State to Kano. In Kano, he had participated insurgency.

Said the source: “I know this accused soldier from Maiduguri, but I can’t remember his name. He is a Private and from 21NA.”

At the time of filing this report, there has been no statement from the Army.

Denial Of Airspace Over-flying Access By African Country, Forces Airpeace London Flight’s Mid-Air Return

Adesina Soyooye

May 15, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria’s flagship carrier, Air Peace, has disclosed that its scheduled May 13 Lagos–London Gatwick flight returned to base (Lagos) mid-air because of an operational disruption.

The Airline, in a statement, said it encountered airspace access obstacle which involved aviation authorities in an unnamed African country. Meaning: it was denied over-flying access into that country’s airspace.

In the statement, the Management explained that its aircraft was forced to return safely to Lagos in line with international aviation safety procedures.

The disruptive incident occurred while the aircraft was en route to London Gatwick from Lagos.

It said: “Air Peace wishes to inform the flying public that its scheduled Lagos–London Gatwick service of May 13, 2026, experienced an operational disruption following enroute access issues involving the airspace authorities of an African country.

“As a result of the development and the need for immediate operational clarification with the relevant authorities, the aircraft safely returned to Lagos in accordance with established international aviation procedures.”

Air Peace added that the affected London Gatwick service was rescheduled just as efforts are being made to sort out the issue.

NJC Rejects Appeal By Compulsorily-retired Imo Judges, Extends Acting CJ Agugua’s Tenure

Ayodele Oni

May 15, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

National Judicial Council (NJC) has rejected appeals filed by eight Imo State judges seeking reversal of their compulsory retirement over alleged age falsification.

The affected judges include Justices B.C. Iheka, K.A. Leaweanya, Okereke Chinyere Ngozi, Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya, Rosemond Ibe, and T.N. Nzeukwu.

NJC, in a statement issued late Thursday by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, said the decision was taken at the NJC’s 111th meeting held on May 13, 2026, under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

However, the Council reinstated Justice T.I. Nze of the Customary Court of Appeal after fresh evidence presented before the review committee was found to be authentic.

The NJC also suspended Justice Ibrahim D. Shekarau of the Nasarawa State High Court for one year without pay over judicial misconduct linked to the grant of an ex parte order.

The Council found that he failed to observe due process and acted in breach of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.

Similarly, Justice Edward A.E. Okpe of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory was suspended for one year without pay over breach of fair hearing in a matrimonial case.

The Council considered 13 investigation reports on petitions against judicial officers, dismissing eight for lack of merit, want of diligent prosecution or being time-barred.

It also reviewed 98 petitions submitted by its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees, dismissing 68 for lack of merit.

Four Judges were cautioned, one received a final warning, and 11 petitions were recommended for further investigation.

The NJC also referred some petitioners and lawyers to relevant disciplinary bodies over alleged frivolous and unsupported petitions.

The NJC commended nine Judges for exemplary performance during the 2024 and 2025 legal years.

Two Judges are to receive letters of commendation for delivering more than 21 considered judgments within the review period, while seven others will receive letters of appreciation.

The Council also approved retirement notices for some judicial officers and expressed condolences over the deaths of three judges recorded between December 2025 and April.

NJC on vacant Judicial positions, recommended the appointment of 12 new Justices of the Court of Appeal to President Bola Tinubu.

The recommendations were made to fill vacancies created by the elevation and retirement of judicial officers.

Those recommended for elevation to the Court of Appeal are Justices Abdulhammeed Mohammed Yakubu, Monisola Oluwatoyin Abodunde, Raphael Ajuwa, Elias Ojie Abua, Mbalamen Jennifer Ijohor, Sabiu Bala Shuaibu, James Kolawole Omotosho, Emeka Nwite, Dauda Njane Buba, Sanusi Kado, Ademola Enikuomehin, and Julcit Veronica Dadom.

The Council also recommended Christine T. Clement Ende for appointment as a Judge of the Benue State High Court.

Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu and Bala Salisu Daura were recommended as Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Katsina State.

The Council also adopted a policy clarifying the eligibility of retired public servants for judicial appointment.

It stated that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, does not bar retired public servants from being appointed to the Bench.

According to the NJC, the decision was guided by judicial precedent, particularly Ayoola v. Baruwa, where the Court of Appeal affirmed that no constitutional provision prevents a retired legal practitioner from judicial appointment.

Under the new policy, retired public servants seeking judicial appointment must have at least 10 years of service remaining before reaching the mandatory judicial retirement age

They must also disclose any criminal conviction, full employment history, reasons for leaving previous employment, existing obligations and financial status.

The Council extended the appointment of Justice Ijeoma Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for another three months, from March 26 to June 26, 2026.

The NJC said the extension would allow the state to complete the process of appointing a substantive Chief Judge.

It also commended Justice Ononeze-Madu for declining to be sworn in contrary to established constitutional procedure.

Ekiti Police Command Dismisses Drug Addicted Sergeant

Ayodele Oni

May 15, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Police Command has dismissed a Sergeant over his erratic behaviour on social media.

A statement on Friday by the command’s spokesman Sunday Abutu, explained that the decision was taken after Sergeant Osayingbemi Temitope underwent psychological and medical tests.

Abutu’s statement reads “Ekiti State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that it has concluded the psychological and medical test, as well as the disciplinary procedures of one Sergeant Osayingbemi Temitope, who was found behaving erratically in a video circulating on the Social media.

“The unfortunate and ridiculous incident happened at Ikole-Ekiti on the 9th of May, 2026 after the Officer allegedly consumed some illicit drugs.

“He was immediately subjected to a medical test and a psychological evaluation.

“The psychological evaluation revealed that the Officer is emotionally stable. Meanwhile, the medical test showed that the Officer tested positive for Tobacco and Amphetamine.

“During further enquiries, the Officer confessed to have taken some illicit drugs.

“Internal disciplinary procedures have been concluded and the Officer has been found culpable.

“He was recommended for dismissal and the recommendation upheld. The Command hereby, confirms his dismissal which shall take immediate effect.

“The Command states that the Force remains a disciplined organization, and will not tolerate any act of indiscipline, unprofessional practice or any act that could ridicule the image of the Force.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Micheal, charged Officers of the Command to uphold discipline, professionalism, accountability, integrity and ensure total dedication to their statutory duties of protecting lives and property.”

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