Category: PM News

The vice presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has said the opposition party is prepared for whatever President Bola Tinubu brings during the 2027 general election campaign.

Amaechi made the statement on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s *Politics Today* ahead of the 2027 polls.

Reacting to Tinubu’s confidence about winning the election, the former Minister of Transportation said the president could continue to assure Nigerians of victory until they meet at the field.

‘Let the president continue to tell the public that he would win the election at all cost until we get to the field.

‘Whatever the president wants us to do at the field, we will do it. I’m not worried about what he wants to do. We will meet at the field,’ Amaechi said.

The ADC chieftain also criticised the Tinubu administration, saying Nigeria needed urgent intervention.

‘Nigeria has to be rescued. What the president and his men are doing is insulting my faith,’ he added.

Amaechi, who contested the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election with Tinubu in 2022, lost the party’s ticket to the former Lagos State governor.

He later defected to the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections and was selected as the running mate to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who will fly the party’s presidential ticket.

Troops of the 8 Division Garrison of the Nigerian Army have rescued 14 kidnapped victims and recovered 281 livestock from bandits who attacked Horo Birni Village in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

A credible security source in the army made this known on Wednesday in Sokoto.

The source said troops responded swiftly to distress calls on Tuesday and carried out the operation by confronting the terrorists who were moving with the kidnapped victims and the rustled livestock.

According to the source, troops made contact with the terrorists who were already in possession of the kidnapped civilians and livestock taken from the villagers.

‘Troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray with gunshot wounds abandoning the kidnapped victims and rustled livestock.

‘Troops searched the area and successfully rescued 14 kidnapped victims. Recovered 195 cows, 84 sheep, two camels and two motorcycles,’ the source said.

The source explained that the troops’ quick response saved lives and property, adding that teamwork and synergy among agencies during the operation were worthy of commendation.

‘The troops are always battle-ready to tackle all forms of criminality in the country but need sustained community support and vigilance,’ the source said.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has denied claim that he has asked Nigerians to vote for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.

The Sultan said this while dismissing viral claims on some social media platforms that he had asked Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in a statement signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of his media team on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the Sultan, as the father of all, cannot make such a statement either publicly or in any other forum.

The media team therefore urged Nigerians to disregard and condemn the claim which it described as ‘a malicious and unpatriotic attempt to drag the revered personality of the Sultan into partisan politics for selfish interests.’

The media team asserted that the Sultan’s position as a traditional and religious leader requires him to remain impartial and accessible to all Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations.

‘Let it be made clear once again that the institutions of monarchy and religion led by the Sultan are institutions of a father figure. As such, His Eminence cannot but remain within the purview of that role by offering fatherly, royal and spiritual blessings, as well as guidance, to Nigerian politicians who seek his counsel and blessings.

‘The Sultan’s doors cannot be shut against anyone who comes to him, regardless of political affiliation or persuasion. His Eminence has consistently demonstrated that he is the father of all and will continue to relate with all Nigerians without discrimination.’

The media team added that attempts to portray the Sultan as supporting the political ambition or campaign of any individual ahead of the 2027 general elections should be rejected.

It added that the Sultan remains committed to promoting peace, unity, stability and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, regardless of ethnic, religious or political differences.

The media team also urged journalists and social media users to verify information before sharing reports capable of misleading the public or drawing traditional and religious institutions into partisan political disputes.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared May 16 as Lagos Boy Child Day, while throwing his weight behind the review of the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law 2015 to ensure greater protection and equal opportunities for every child.

The governor made the announcement on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ engagement on the review of the Child’s Rights Law and the launch of the Lagos Boy Child Initiative (LBCI), an initiative of the Office of the First Lady, held under the theme: ‘The Child Development Framework in Lagos State: Addressing the Boy Child Gap.’

Sanwo-Olu said the initiative was aimed at ensuring that while significant progress had been made in promoting the rights of girls, the welfare and protection of boys were not overlooked.

According to him, the state government is committed to bridging the gap in child development by giving equal attention to the needs and rights of both boys and girls.

He described the review of the Child’s Rights Law as timely, pledging the government’s full support for the proposed amendments and the Lagos Boy Child Initiative.

Commending the First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for championing the cause, the governor said the initiative had grown beyond an advocacy campaign into a movement that deserved institutional backing.

‘The First Lady has ensured that the initiative grows into a movement where the progress made in advancing the rights of the girl child does not result in the boy child being inadvertently neglected,’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu also called on parents, guardians and community leaders to pay greater attention to the challenges confronting boys, including sexual abuse, substance abuse and other social vices.

‘As leaders and parents, we must protect our boys just as we protect our girls. We must address the imbalance and build a society we can all be proud of. The Lagos State Government will support this initiative to whatever extent necessary,’ he assured.

In her address, the convener of the Lagos Boy Child Initiative and First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said the programme was inspired by the conviction that boys deserve intentional guidance, support and opportunities to thrive.

She expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for endorsing the initiative and officially designating May 16 as Lagos Boy Child Day, describing the decision as a strong demonstration of the administration’s commitment to inclusive child development and gender-responsive governance.

‘This singular decision goes beyond policy. It sends a powerful message that every child matters and that true gender equality is achieved by ensuring that every child-boy or girl-is given the opportunity to realise his or her God-given potential,’ she said.

The First Lady explained that the proposed review of the Child’s Rights Law 2015 would strengthen the state’s legal and institutional framework to address emerging issues such as technology-facilitated violence, online exploitation, mental health, changing family structures, juvenile justice reforms and inclusive child development.

She noted that the amendment would also provide legal backing for the Lagos Boy Child Initiative without diminishing the gains already recorded in promoting the rights of girls.

‘Nurturing boys intentionally today is an investment in safer families, stronger communities and a more prosperous Lagos tomorrow. Every child deserves an equal opportunity to thrive,’ she said.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu expressed hope that other states and development partners would adopt similar initiatives to promote balanced child development and ensure that no child is left behind.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the rescue of 308 Nigerians abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the country’s fight against terrorism and kidnapping.

The President also directed security agencies to strengthen early warning systems, improve community intelligence gathering and enhance rapid response capabilities to prevent future attacks across the country.

The rescued victims comprised 163 residents abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 others kidnapped in Niger State.

They were freed during a coordinated, intelligence-led operation carried out in the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.

According to the Presidency, in a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the operation represents the largest single-day rescue mission ever conducted by the joint security team.

Commending the security agencies, Tinubu praised their courage, professionalism and seamless collaboration, saying the success of the mission reflected the growing effectiveness of Nigeria’s security architecture.

‘The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services. I commend our gallant men and women in uniform for their bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives,’ the President said.

The rescued victims are currently receiving first aid and medical attention at the Wawa Cantonment Medical Facility before being handed over to the governments of their respective states for rehabilitation and reunification with their families.

While celebrating the successful rescue, Tinubu stressed the need to prevent similar incidents, directing security agencies and relevant stakeholders to reinforce intelligence-sharing, strengthen community-based surveillance and improve emergency response systems nationwide.

He reassured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to eliminating security threats, protecting vulnerable communities and restoring lasting peace across the country.

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has described salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent approved for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria by President Bola Tinubu as a booster for morale and welfare of the troops.

Musa said this while expressing profound appreciation to President Tinubu for approving a salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in a statement issued by his media aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde on Tuesday.

He added that new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the services.

The Presidency had in statement on Tuesday said under the new package, personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase, those from Warrant Officer to Colonel will get a 50 per cent increase, while senior officers above the rank of Colonel will receive a 30 per cent pay rise.

The Defence Minister said the structure of the salary review demonstrates the President’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of frontline troops and commitment to commitment to security sector reform.

‘His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has once again demonstrated unwavering leadership and empathy for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line daily to preserve the peace and territorial integrity of our nation. By raising the annual personnel cost from N660 billion to N924 billion, the President has matched words with concrete action, proving that the welfare of our troops remains paramount,’ he said.

‘This subversion of financial hardship for our officers and soldiers will resonate across every theatre of operation; from those confronting insurgency in the North East to troops tackling banditry, oil theft, and kidnapping across the country. On behalf of the entire defence structure, we assure Mr. President and the Nigerian public that this gesture will be met with renewed vigour, uncompromising discipline, and heightened operational effectiveness.’

Musa therefore urged officers and men of the Armed Forces to regard the improved conditions of service as a renewed call to duty by intensifying efforts to neutralise security threats, protect civilian lives and restore peace across the country.

Musa also reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to President Tinubu’s agenda of modernising military equipment, strengthening technological capacity and improving the welfare of military personnel and their families.

President Bola Tinubu has fulfilled a key campaign pledge with the official groundbreaking of the 122-kilometre Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road reconstruction project in Kaduna State.

Tinubu, represented by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, spoke on Tuesday at the flag-off ceremony for the reconstruction of the Kaduna (Mando)-Birnin Gwari Road.

The President recalled visiting Birnin Gwari in December 2022 during the presidential campaign in spite of security warnings that the area was unsafe due to banditry and kidnappings.

‘At that meeting in Birnin Gwari, I promised to reconstruct the road from Mando, Kaduna, to Birnin Gwari.

‘I also promised to do everything possible to restore security and normalcy to Birnin Gwari. Today, both promises have been fulfilled,’ he said.

Tinubu described the road as a strategic national asset linking the North-West to the South-West through several states up to Lagos.

He said the Federal Executive Council approved ?178.12 billion for the reconstruction project.

Governor Sani commended Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, for securing approval and funding for the project.

He said the Kaduna State Government was also constructing 36 kilometres of asphalt roads across 72 farming communities in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.

According to him, the projects are evidence of the peace and stability gradually returning to the area.

Sani also highlighted other federal projects approved for Kaduna State, including the Kaduna Light Rail Project, valued at about 865 million dollars.

He added that work was progressing on the Western Bypass and other critical infrastructure projects across the state.

The governor argued that Northern Nigeria was currently witnessing unprecedented federal infrastructure investment.

‘We thank President Tinubu for his love for the North, for humanity and for progress.

‘We are grateful that he recognises Kaduna as the heart of Northern Nigeria,’ he said.

Sani pledged continued political support for Tinubu, expressing confidence in the President’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘Public trust is strengthened when promises are matched by practical action,’ he said.

Earlier, Umahi described Tinubu as ‘a promise keeper’ committed to equitable infrastructure development across the country.

He said the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road would improve security, reduce travel time and boost agriculture and commercial activities along the corridor.

Umahi noted that: ‘This road is not just about transportation.

‘It is about restoring economic life, improving security, promoting agriculture and connecting millions of Nigerians to greater opportunities.’

The minister said construction would start simultaneously from both ends of the road project.

He added that the road would feature solar-powered street lighting and extensive tree planting to enhance safety and environmental sustainability.

Umahi praised Sani for persistently advocating the reconstruction of the road because of its strategic importance.

He noted that several inherited highway projects, including sections of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, were nearing completion.

According to him, improved road infrastructure has contributed to reduced insecurity along major transport corridors.

Umahi urged Nigerians to assess the administration based on tangible infrastructure projects and ongoing reforms.

He said: ‘Democracy is about choices. Those criticising us should do so constructively and offer alternatives.

‘Within these three years, the President has done extremely well. Give him another four years and we will take this country to greater heights.’

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates.

WAEC announced the release of the results on Wednesday through a post on its official X handle, directing candidates to access their results online.

‘UPDATE: 2026 WASSCE (SC) results have been released. Generate your PIN at waec.org and check your results now on waecdirect.org,’ the examination body stated.

Candidates are required to generate their Personal Identification Number (PIN) and serial number through the WAEC website before checking their results on the official result portal.

The result-checking process also requires candidates to provide their examination number and other registration details, including the National Identification Number (NIN) used during registration, alongside contact details for verification.

A total of about 1.96 million candidates from more than 24,200 secondary schools across Nigeria participated in the examination, which was held from April 21 to June 19, 2026.

The 2026 WASSCE was conducted using both the traditional paper-based format and the computer-based testing (CBT) option, with more schools adopting the CBT system compared with previous years.

WAEC had earlier announced that the results would be released approximately 45 days after the conclusion of the final paper.

The release follows the earlier publication of results for the 2026 First Series of the Computer-Based WASSCE for Private Candidates.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of Dr. Lasisi Taiwo Abideen as the new substantive Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

The governor also appointed Dr. Olajide Taiwo Sherifat as the institution’s Registrar, Mr. Adegbola Abiodun Kolawole as Bursar, and Mr. Osunrinade Olukunle Akinbola as Librarian.

The appointments were announced in a statement by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, following an approval signed by Governor Makinde.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, said the appointment process followed all laid down procedures and regulations for selecting principal officers in state-owned tertiary institutions.

He explained that the process started with the advertisement of the vacant positions in national newspapers.

Qualified applicants were later screened and interviewed by the institution’s Governing Council, led by Professor Lanre Nassar.

According to Adelabu, the appointments took effect from July 31, 2026, and each officer will serve a single five-year term.

He congratulated the newly appointed officials and urged them to provide strong leadership that would promote academic excellence, improve stability and support the continued growth of the institution.

The appointments also end the long period during which the key leadership positions at the polytechnic were occupied by acting officials.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has raised the alarm over an alleged plan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze the accounts of the state government and some top officials ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Adeleke, in a statement issued on Wednesday in Osogbo by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, alleged that the anti-graft agency had concluded plans to freeze the state’s accounts as well as those of key government functionaries.

The governor described the alleged move as an attempt to cripple government activities ahead of the election, warning that such action, if carried out, would amount to ‘the height of lawlessness.’

Adeleke said there was no legal basis for freezing the accounts of a state government, insisting that the EFCC lacked the authority to take such action.

He alleged that the reported plan was politically motivated and aimed at creating disruption in the state ahead of the August 15 governorship poll.

‘The plot to freeze the state government accounts is meant to paralyze government activities ahead of the August 15th governorship election,’ the statement said.

The governor maintained that his administration had continued to operate within the law and would resist any attempt to undermine the smooth running of the state.

The EFCC has not publicly responded to the allegation at the time of filing this report.