Category: PM News

African Democratic Congress chieftain Dele Momodu has claimed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is backing a Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket for the 2027 presidential election instead of Atiku Abubakar.

Momodu said information from sources within the political circle indicated that Atiku was no longer Obasanjo’s preferred candidate.

He made the claim during an appearance on News Central TV on Monday.

‘From what I have read and heard from impeccable sources, it’s obvious that Obasanjo might be supporting former governor Peter Obi-Kwankwaso ticket,’ he said.

Momodu also cited a claim by former Labour Party campaign official Akin Osuntokun that Obasanjo was the main sponsor of the proposed ticket.

‘I read somewhere yesterday where my friend, Osuntokun, said Obasanjo is the main sponsor of that ticket,’ he added.

Despite the former president’s alleged preference, Momodu insisted that Atiku could still emerge as Nigeria’s president if it was his destiny.

‘If Atiku is destined to be President of Nigeria, no force will be able to stop it,’ he said.

The veteran journalist expressed surprise over the renewed hostility between Obasanjo and Atiku, recalling that the former president endorsed his former deputy during the 2019 presidential election.

‘It’s obvious that Atiku is not Obasanjo’s favourite candidate. I thought the issue had been laid to rest in 2019 because there is a video in circulation where Obasanjo described Atiku as the president to be.

‘So, I don’t know what resurrected that bitter feud between both of them,’ Momodu said.

He added that the 2027 presidential election would be decided largely by Nigerians’ assessment of the performance of the All Progressives Congress administration rather than disagreements within the opposition.

Armed hoodlums have attacked officials of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State and carted away three packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

The police announced the incident, the latest in a series of violence that have characterised the run up to the August 15 Osun governorship election in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement issued in Osogbo by the spokesperson Osun command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the suspected thugs, numbering about 10, attacked INEC officials who were distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Odo-Otin Local Government Area.

Ojelabi said the hoodlums reportedly fired sporadically into the air to scare the INEC officials away before carting away the three packs of PVCs.

Ojelabi said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the incident and has directed a comprehensive investigation, with a view to identifying, arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators.

‘Tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed, and efforts have been intensified to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen PVCs,’ Ojelabi said.

He reiterates the command’s commitment to professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of its responsibilities.

The command’s spokesperson urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding and refrain from any action capable of causing further breach of peace.

Ojelabi appealed to residents and eyewitnesses with credible information that may assist the ongoing investigation to promptly report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.

He warned that anyone found exploiting the incident to foment violence or disrupt public order will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Ojelabi also said operatives of Osun command had restored peace in Ile-Ife after suspected thugs, that gathered around the Mayfair Garage area, became unruly, resulting in a temporary disruption of public peace and order.

He assured residents of the police unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, as well as maintaining peace, law and order.

Emergency responders were on Monday racing to rescue students trapped beneath the rubble of a three-storey hostel near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.

The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, collapsed at about 11pm on Sunday in the Amokpala area of Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area.

The privately operated lodge was reportedly occupied mainly by students of the polytechnic.

Some students reportedly escaped shortly before the building came down, while rescuers pulled out several injured occupants and rushed them to a hospital in Oko.

Others were still believed to be trapped beneath the debris as rescue operations continued on Monday.

Videos circulating on social media showed the collapsed structure surrounded by residents, students, security personnel and emergency workers searching through the rubble.

An eyewitness said residents rushed to the scene after hearing a loud noise from the building.

‘The occupants inside started shouting for help as the building fell,’ the witness said.

The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying a police-led joint security team had secured the area and was coordinating rescue operations.

Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said personnel of the Anambra State Fire Service, the State Emergency Management Agency and other emergency agencies were also at the scene.

No death had been confirmed as of the time of filing this report, while authorities had yet to establish the number of people inside the hostel when it collapsed.

The polytechnic was reportedly not in full academic session at the time of the incident.

The cause of the collapse was also not immediately known.

Police urged residents to stay away from the affected area to allow emergency workers to carry out rescue operations without obstruction.

More details later.

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has officially ended the services of his longtime personal lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor.

In a letter dated July 22, 2026, which was written from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Kanu said he had already informed Ejiofor verbally that his appointment had ended. He explained that the new letter was to officially confirm the decision in writing.

Kanu also withdrew any authority previously given to Ejiofor to represent him, his family, or IPOB. He said the lawyer no longer has the right to speak or act on behalf of the group in any capacity.

According to Kanu, the IPOB Code of Conduct gives only the IPOB leader the power to appoint, suspend, or remove key officials, unless that authority has been officially handed over to someone else.

He added that no individual, committee, or former official has the power to appoint or keep legal representatives for IPOB outside the rules of the organisation.

Kanu directed Ejiofor to immediately stop making public statements, granting interviews, issuing press releases, or posting on social media on behalf of him, his family, or IPOB.

He also instructed the lawyer to stop presenting himself as his legal representative or as a lawyer for IPOB in any court, public event, or other forum. Kanu further asked him to withdraw from any ongoing legal cases where he is still listed as counsel.

In the letter, Kanu warned Ejiofor not to reveal or use any confidential information obtained while serving as his lawyer without his written permission, except where required by law or ordered by a court.

He said any unauthorised release or misuse of confidential information could amount to professional misconduct and may lead to disciplinary action before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), as well as other legal consequences.

…Upskills Artisans as Part of its Youth Empowerment Programme Across Host Communities

Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), a subsidiary of Thor Explorations Ltd. and operator of Nigeria’s first large-scale commercial gold mine, has handed over nine commercial minibuses under the second phase of its Youth Empowerment Transport Scheme and provided targeted business support to beneficiaries across its host communities as part of its 2026 Youth Empowerment Programme.

The second phase builds on the success of the maiden edition, reinforcing SROL’s commitment to expanding access to sustainable income-generating opportunities for members of its host communities. Under the second phase, SROL presented three commercial minibuses each to beneficiaries from Iperindo, Odo-Ijesha, and Imogbara. The vehicles will enable beneficiaries to establish commercial transportation businesses, creating sustainable livelihoods and contributing to economic activity in their communities.

Beyond expanding its transport empowerment initiative, SROL also provided business support to beneficiaries of previous editions of the Youth Empowerment Programme. From Imogbara community, Kayode Temitope, an aluminium fabricator who received equipment under the 2025 Youth Empowerment Programme, was provided with a generator to improve productivity and business operations. From Iperindo community, Akinrotimi Seun Michael, a cobbler who completed both beginner and advanced vocational training under the 2023 programme, received materials and a filing machine to increase production capacity and support business growth.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Engr. Sikiru Haruna, Mines Manager at SROL, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empowering host communities through sustainable livelihood initiatives. He said, ‘At Segilola Resources Operating Limited, we believe lasting community development begins with investing in people. Through our Youth Empowerment Programme, we are equipping members of our host communities with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to build sustainable businesses, improve their livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of their communities. Our commitment is to create opportunities that continue to deliver value long after today’s intervention.’

Expressing his appreciation, James Adejugbagbe, a beneficiary of the second phase of SROL’s Youth Empowerment Transport Scheme, said, ‘Receiving this vehicle is a life-changing opportunity for me and my family. It gives me a reliable means of earning a living and the confidence to build a sustainable business. I sincerely appreciate Segilola Resources Operating Limited for investing in our future and creating opportunities that will positively impact our communities. We are committed to making the most of this opportunity and using it to improve our lives and support our families.’

The Youth Empowerment Programme is implemented under SROL’s Community Development Agreement (CDA). Through the CDA, the company works in partnership with host communities to implement initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods and inclusive socio-economic development. By investing in enterprise development and livelihood opportunities, SROL continues to strengthen local economies and create lasting impact across its host communities in Osun State.

The last may not have been heard over the All Progressives Congress (APC) Kogi West senatorial ticket. One of the aspirants to the ticket, Samuel Bamidele Aro has filed an originating summons at the Federal High Court, Lokoja Division, challenging the party, Senator Sunday Steve Karimi and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In the suit, Aro, a former House of Representatives member is asking the court to determine, among other things, whether the APC is bound by its constitution, electoral guidelines and the Electoral Act in the nomination of its candidate for the 2027 senatorial election in Kogi West. He is also questioning the validity of the party’s alleged submission of Senator Karimi’s name to INEC.

According to the originating summons, Aro is seeking a declaration that the Kogi West APC primary held on 18 May 2026 produced him as the winner, and that the latter submission of another candidate’s name to INEC on 11 July 2026 is null, void and ineffective.

He is further asking the court to hold that since he has not withdrawn his candidacy, the party is bound to recognise him as its lawful candidate.

The reliefs sought by the plaintiff also include an order directing INEC to accept and recognise his name as the APC candidate for the Kogi West Senatorial District in the 2027 general election.

The development is the latest twist in a dispute that has continued to generate tension within APC circles in Kogi West since the primary election. While party loyalists have largely rallied around Senator Karimi as the candidate, Aro’s court filing suggests that the contest over the ticket is far from over.

It will be recalled that Senator Karimi was officially declared the winner of the primary election.

The returning officer, Isah Haruna disclosed that Karimi secured the party’s ticket after polling 51,665 votes in the primary election conducted across the district.

Reports indicate that Aro, among others, withdrew from the race prior to the exercise. The primary election was widely reported to have held upon the open endorsement of Senator Karimi as the consensus candidate of the APC in Kogi West by party stakeholders backed by Governor Usman Ododo.

Amidst the controversy over an alleged falsification of the authentic results of the Kogi West primary election, the APC National Working Committee (NWC), acting on the report of the Election Appeal Committee, affirming Karimi as the duly returned candidate of the party at the Kogi West primary election, subsequently submitted Karimi’s name to INEC for uploading on its candidates nomination portal.

Over 700 petitions were reportedly reviewed by the APC Appeal Panel causing changes in candidates across nine states

However, Aro’s latest decision to challenge the outcome of the primary election, and the overriding decision of the APC NWC on the Kogi West Senatorial primary election, while also seeking a court order declaring him as the winner of the primary has been met with criticism from some APC stakeholders and political observers in Kogi West.

They described the legal challenge as ‘desperation taken too far.’

While acknowledging that Aro is fully within his constitutional rights to seek judicial interpretation and redress on any matter he considers contentious, the critics argue that the timing and nature of the suit risk reopening old divisions within the party.

They contend that after the primary process and the subsequent acceptance of Senator Karimi’s candidacy by a broad spectrum of party leaders and members, the continued contestation of the ticket may distract the party from preparations for the 2027 elections.

According to a notable APC chieftain who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the court action reinforces earlier concerns that certain political actors are more interested in prolonging internal disputes than fostering unity and stability within the APC in Kogi West.

For now, the matter has once again pushed the Kogi West APC ticket into the spotlight, with the outcome likely to shape the party’s internal dynamics and political calculations ahead of the 2027 general election.

Political observers will be watching closely as the court begins consideration of the issues raised by the plaintiff and the responses of the defendants.

Former Chief Security Officer of Khana Local Government Area, Mr Letam Kine, has been shot dead by suspected gunmen in Bori, Rivers State.

The attack occurred at about 6 p.m. on Sunday along Polytechnic Road in Bori, the headquarters of Khana Local Government Area.

Confirming the incident on Monday in Port Harcourt, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Blessing Agabe, said the attackers escaped before security personnel reached the scene.

She disclosed that Kine’s remains had been deposited in a mortuary and would be preserved pending an autopsy as detectives begin efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing.

‘The Rivers State Police Command has launched a full investigation to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice,’ Agabe said.

The police spokesperson appealed to the deceased’s family to officially report the incident to the command, saying this would support ongoing investigations and the judicial process.

‘Reporting the matter to the police will aid ongoing investigations and facilitate the prompt administration of justice,’ she added.

Agabe reiterated the command’s determination to track down everyone connected with the killing and ensure they face prosecution.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Chief Thomas Bariere, described the murder as a shocking and needless act of violence.

He lamented that the incident came only weeks after the killing of Mr Clement Deegbara of Kpong Community, warning that the pattern of attacks was becoming increasingly disturbing.

‘The repeated attacks suggest the activities of armed criminal gangs determined to undermine peace and security in Khana LGA,’ Bariere said.

The council chairman urged security agencies to step up operations across the area and swiftly arrest those behind the attacks.

He also called for the prosecution of anyone found culpable, sympathised with Kine’s family over the loss, and prayed for the strength to bear their bereavement.

Bariere further appealed to residents to remain calm, stay alert and support security agencies by providing credible and timely information.

He reaffirmed that safeguarding the lives and property of residents remained a key priority of his administration.

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, popularly known as the Taskforce, has arrested 33 suspected criminals during a coordinated enforcement operation across key parts of the state, recovering suspected hard drugs and dangerous weapons in a renewed crackdown on crime and environmental disorder.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of Monday, formed part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to tackle criminality, drug abuse, illegal commercial motorcycle operations and environmental infractions in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda.

According to the agency, the exercise targeted suspected street urchins, miscreants, drug users and traffickers, illegal commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders), street traders, ticket touts and other individuals whose activities constitute security and environmental concerns.

The enforcement team combed several identified flashpoints, including Ikate Bus Stop, Marwa Bus Stop, Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, Obalende Underbridge, Law School Junction and adjoining areas along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

At the end of the operation, 33 suspects were taken into custody, while security operatives recovered exhibits including substances suspected to be Tramadol, Indian hemp, Colorado, marijuana and cannabis, as well as dangerous weapons such as cutlasses and scissors.

The agency said the operation restored normalcy to the affected locations, which had witnessed increasing activities of suspected criminal elements.

It added that all the suspects have been charged before the appropriate courts under the provisions of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, and the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, where applicable.

Speaking after the exercise, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reiterated the agency’s resolve to rid Lagos of criminal elements and maintain public order.

‘There is no room for criminality in Lagos State. Those engaged in criminal activities should either desist or relocate. We remain committed to enforcing the laws of the state and ensuring that residents continue to enjoy a safe, secure and orderly environment,’ he said.

Akerele urged officers of the agency to sustain the ongoing intelligence-led enforcement operations across the state, stressing the need to intensify efforts against criminal activities just as the agency had significantly curtailed the menace of illegal commercial motorcycle operations on Lagos roads.

Lagos State has become the first sub-national government in Nigeria to establish a comprehensive Greenhouse Gas Registry, a move aimed at strengthening climate governance, improving emissions accountability and accelerating the state’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Lagos State Greenhouse Gas Registry (LGHGR) was unveiled at the Central Business District, Alausa, Ikeja, at a ceremony attended by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, members of the State Executive Council, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Environment, development partners, TPHG Technologies, the diplomatic and business communities, academics, civil society organisations and the media.

Describing the initiative as a landmark achievement in the state’s environmental sustainability drive, the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, said the Registry marks a defining moment in Lagos’ climate action journey and reflects Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to building a resilient, climate-smart and environmentally sustainable economy.

According to Ajayi, the digital platform will enable the state to accurately measure, monitor, report and verify greenhouse gas emissions across key sectors, providing credible data to guide environmental policies and climate interventions.

He said the Registry would strengthen evidence-based decision-making, improve transparency and accountability, support national and international climate reporting obligations, unlock carbon market opportunities and boost investor confidence in Lagos’ environmental initiatives.

Ajayi also commended TPHG Technologies for providing the technical expertise that made the pioneering project possible.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Abayomi described the Registry as a major milestone that positions Lagos at the forefront of climate governance and emissions accountability in both Nigeria and Africa.

He noted that climate change has evolved into a significant public health and governance challenge, stressing that access to reliable emissions data would enable the state to formulate evidence-based policies, attract climate financing, strengthen resilience and accelerate its transition to a low-carbon economy.

Providing insights into the technical framework of the project, the Lead Consultant and Chief Executive Officer of TPHG Technologies, Dr. Mofoluso Fagbeja, explained that the Registry was developed from the greenhouse gas inventory jointly undertaken by LASEPA and TPHG Technologies in 2022, using 2019 as the baseline year for emissions assessment.

He said the platform is designed to close critical emissions data gaps, particularly within the industrial sector, while supporting effective climate policy implementation, emissions management and sustainable development.

Fagbeja also disclosed that the greenhouse gas inventory estimated that poor air quality contributes to about 35,000 premature deaths annually in Lagos, underscoring the urgent need for stronger emissions control measures and cleaner environmental practices.

In a goodwill message, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, represented by the Federal Controller of Environment in Lagos, Mrs. Adenaike Olunimpe Oludunni, commended Lagos State for pioneering the initiative, describing it as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s climate commitments.

He said the Registry aligns with the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and supports the Federal Government’s Energy Transition Plan, while reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to deeper collaboration with Lagos State on climate governance and environmental sustainability.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Swanlux Global Investment Limited, represented by Mrs. Victoria Awe, said the company’s support for the Registry reflects its commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and environmental sustainability.

She noted that innovation, technology and credible environmental data remain critical tools for tackling climate change, strengthening accountability and promoting sustainable economic growth.

The Lagos State Greenhouse Gas Registry is expected to provide a robust digital platform for measuring, reporting and verifying greenhouse gas emissions, while supporting climate policy implementation, improving air quality management, attracting green investments and reinforcing Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s leading sub-national government on climate action.

Former National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, has denied allegations that she diverted ?44 billion, insisting that neither she nor any member of her family benefited from funds meant for the agency’s social intervention programmes.

Speaking on Arise Television on Monday, Shehu said she uncovered serious financial irregularities shortly after assuming office and reported them to the appropriate authorities before she was suspended in December 2023.

According to her, she raised concerns with the then Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, after discovering weak financial controls within the agency. She alleged that funds were transferred without her approval, while some programme managers appointed by the minister operated outside NSIPA’s established administrative framework.

‘There were movements of funds that I neither approved nor authorised,’ Shehu said, alleging that the transactions were carried out without her knowledge or consent.

She further disclosed that she petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing some officials of breaching due process in the management of the agency’s finances.

Shehu said her decision to report the alleged irregularities was followed by her suspension barely 10 weeks later, arguing that she was punished instead of being protected as a whistleblower.

Rejecting allegations that she diverted ?44 billion, the former NSIPA boss maintained that investigators did not trace any public funds to her personal accounts or those of her relatives and associates.

‘I never transferred ?44 billion to any personal account. The EFCC never recovered a kobo from my account, my family’s account or any friend’s account,’ she said.

She explained that the transactions under investigation involved payments to licensed service providers and financial institutions responsible for disbursing government social intervention funds to beneficiaries, not transfers to private accounts.

Shehu said she fully cooperated with investigators, submitting documents and other evidence to support her position throughout the probe.

Calling on President Bola Tinubu to ensure transparency, she urged the Federal Government to make public the findings of investigations into NSIPA, saying the truth would clear her name.

‘My integrity is my greatest asset. I may have made administrative mistakes, but I am not corrupt, and I did not divert funds meant for poor and vulnerable Nigerians,’ she stated.