Category: PM News

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State for the 2027 election, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and former APC governorship aspirant, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, have exchanged words over claims that she asked him to refund money spent on her campaign.

Adeola, who represents Ogun West in the Senate, alleged that Obasanjo left the APC for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because he refused to refund the money she spent during her governorship campaign.

Speaking during a meeting with market leaders in Remoland, Adeola said the alleged request showed that Obasanjo viewed politics as an investment rather than an opportunity to serve the people.

According to him, he met with Obasanjo as part of efforts to unite party members after the APC primary. However, he claimed he later discovered that her interest was driven by personal gains.

Adeola questioned why he should be asked to refund campaign expenses, insisting that he never encouraged her to contest the governorship race.

He further accused her of leaving the APC after being offered benefits elsewhere, claiming that her actions showed she was more interested in accessing state resources than serving Ogun residents.

The senator also alleged that after failing to get what she wanted from him and the APC, Obasanjo turned to the PDP and its governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu.

On the legal challenge against his emergence as APC candidate, Adeola said those opposing him would fail. He argued that politicians who defected to another party after May 10, 2026, were not qualified to contest the next election.

He also claimed that the PDP was facing internal legal battles and uncertainty over its leadership.

Reacting to the allegations, Obasanjo described Adeola as dishonest and denied making any personal demand.

She explained that during discussions with Adeola, members of her political team presented three requests. These included support for a Senate seat, a refund of campaign expenses, and the inclusion of her supporters in his campaign structure.

According to her, she never personally demanded any of the requests and told Adeola that he did not have to meet all of them.

Obasanjo said Adeola failed to respond to any of the requests and stopped communicating with her until after she left the APC. She also alleged that he later tried to persuade her to remain in the party by offering her money.

She questioned why he would make such an offer if he truly considered the request for a refund insulting.

The former Ogun State Commissioner for Health also criticised the process that produced Adeola as the APC governorship candidate, saying it did not follow the party’s guidelines on consensus selection.

She said she was not consulted before Adeola was announced as the consensus candidate and claimed some of her supporters were prevented from attending the unveiling event.

Obasanjo joined the APC in January 2026 but resigned from the party in May, citing rejection, poor treatment and lack of respect from its leadership. She later joined the PDP and emerged as the party’s candidate for the Ogun Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 elections.

The disagreement between both politicians is the latest sign of growing political tensions in Ogun State as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has congratulated the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, on his 65th birthday.

In a message shared on Sunday, Omokri praised Obi for his role in promoting democracy and encouraging more Nigerians to participate in the political process.

He wished Obi a long life, good health, and more wisdom in the years ahead.

Omokri said Obi’s active involvement in politics has inspired many of his supporters to become more aware of and engaged in Nigeria’s democratic system.

Quoting the Bible verse, ‘Iron sharpens iron,’ Omokri said Obi has helped strengthen democratic participation in the country through his political activities.

He also prayed for continued blessings, wisdom, and success for the former Anambra State governor.

Omokri ended his message by wishing Obi a happy birthday and expressing hope that he would have a joyful and memorable celebration.

The winners of the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national elections have been announced after voting ended and results were released on Sunday.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, was elected as the 33rd President of the NBA after defeating two other candidates in the race.

The Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA), Aham Ejelam, SAN, announced the results at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja.

Badejo-Okusanya received 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 percent of the total votes cast. Her closest rival, Lateef Akangbe, SAN, secured 7,934 votes (30.39 percent), while Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, got 5,855 votes (22.43 percent).

With her victory, Badejo-Okusanya will serve as NBA President from 2026 to 2028. She becomes only the second woman to hold the position after Priscilla Kuye, who led the association between 1991 and 1992.

The ECNBA also disclosed that 26,184 out of 82,172 registered voters participated in the election, representing a voter turnout of 31.86 percent.

Full Results

President

Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN – 12,317 votes (47.18%) – Winner

Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN – 7,934 votes (30.39%)

Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN – 5,855 votes (22.43%)

First Vice President

Chief Oghenero Okoro – 11,024 votes (44.85%) – Winner

Luqman Adekunle Laoye – 7,044 votes (28.66%)

Obajaja Onimisi Stephen – 6,511 votes (26.49%)

Second Vice President

Egya Nuhu John – 18,496 votes (Unopposed)

Third Vice President

Pepple Iniobong Irene – 19,200 votes (Unopposed)

General Secretary

Afam O. Okeke – 8,478 votes (33.58%) – Winner

Dr. Rapulu Ernest Nduka – 6,188 votes (24.51%)

Chidi Ezenwafor – 4,560 votes (18.06%)

Okey Leo Ohagba – 4,100 votes (16.24%)

Nnaebuka Onyebuchi Nwaeze – 1,147 votes (4.54%)

Barth Okoye-Aniche – 772 votes (3.06%)

Assistant General Secretary

Aghogho Gladys Okpomor – 14,312 votes (56.76%) – Winner

Osato Uwagboe – 5,003 votes (19.84%)

Tijjani Magaji – 3,282 votes (13.02%)

Benjamin Emeka Enyiagu – 1,954 votes (7.75%)

Chiduabo Prince Henry Mamah – 663 votes (2.63%)

Treasurer

Esther Ifeoma Jimoh – 21,908 votes (Unopposed)

Welfare Secretary

Audrey Chinelo Ofoegbunam – 14,911 votes (60.43%) – Winner

Sir Oaikhena Osagie – 5,187 votes (21.02%)

Akinwunmi Laleye – 2,234 votes (9.05%)

Chiwendu Ugochukwu – 1,202 votes (4.87%)

Ernest Ezindu Uwanaka – 1,140 votes (4.62%)

Publicity Secretary

Dr. Prince I. Azubuike – 14,686 votes (61.95%) – Winner

Lawrence Shegun Ayewa – 9,021 votes (38.05%)

Assistant Publicity Secretary

Hadiza Nasir Ahmad – 10,094 votes (40.83%) – Winner

Uwomano Anthony Junior Aki – 6,108 votes (24.71%)

Meti Monday Ukpeh – 4,643 votes (18.78%)

Lukman Oladimeji Jaiyeola – 3,877 votes (15.68%)

Eastern Zone Representative

Chidi Betsy Nnaji – 10,497 votes

Daniel Kip – 8,121 votes

Jane Omonor Apollos-James – 8,079 votes

Dr. Ehujuo Kingsley Chukwunonso – 7,811 votes

Assam Akpan Assam – 7,610 votes

Dr. Celestine Nwaokoma Nwankwo – 7,280 votes

Joy Obianuju Nnani – 6,519 votes

Arinze Celestine Chukwu – 4,675 votes

Western Zone Representative

Rotimi Komolafe – 14,816 votes (43.17%) – Winner

Precious Ndidi Nwadimuya – 10,031 votes (29.23%)

Dhikrullah Adewale Balogun – 9,476 votes (27.61%)

Northern Zone Representative

Huwaila Muhammad Ibrahim – 13,327 votes

Friday O. Enejor – 10,442 votes

Bulus Y. Atsen – 9,086 votes

Michael O. Olorunmola – 6,840 votes

Kadir Temim – 6,806 votes

Onimisi Friday Umar – 6,741 votes

Ledak D. Dafer – 4,933 votes

The election marks a new chapter for the NBA, with Badejo-Okusanya set to lead the association for the next two years. Her emergence is being seen as a significant milestone, as she becomes only the second woman in the NBA’s history to occupy the office of president.

By Christian Njoku

Victims were left counting heavy losses after a fire outbreak razed four shops along Murtala Mohammed Highway, Ishie Town, Calabar, in the early hours of Sunday.

The Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) has since commenced a damage and needs assessment to determine the extent of the losses and identify the victims’ immediate humanitarian needs.

The assessment was led by the Director-General of CR-SEMA, Mr Efa Nyong, alongside the Vice Chairman of Calabar Municipality, Mr Okon Nyong, and officials of the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that four commercial shops, with a laundry service and a fashion design shop among the worst affected were destroyed in the inferno.

Items lost to the inferno include sewing machines, fabrics, generators and other valuable equipment.

Parts of the affected building also sustained structural damage due to the intensity of the fire.

Speaking during the assessment, the direct general of CR-SEMA sympathised with the victims, assuring them that the state government, remained committed to providing humanitarian assistance.

He said the assessment would provide credible data to guide government intervention and urged the affected traders to remain hopeful in spite of their losses.

Nyong also advised residents and business owners to regularly inspect electrical installations and ensure proper wiring to minimise the risk of future fire outbreaks.

Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of Calabar Municipality, commended CR-SEMA for its prompt response and assured the victims of the council’s continued collaboration with relevant agencies during emergencies.

Meanwhile, Mrs Cecilia Sampson, owner of the burnt fashion design shop, described the incident as devastating, saying the business was her family’s only source of livelihood.

She lamented that customers’ fabrics entrusted to her were consumed by the fire, expressing concern about replacing the materials and rebuilding her business.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Sunday departed Abuja to attend the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS, in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Shettima, who will represent President Bola Tinubu at the regional event, will join other political and business leaders across West Africa and beyond, at the summit.

The summit is scheduled to take place at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, Freetown, on Sunday, July 19.

The summit would focus on key policy decisions, strategic resolutions, and reaffirm the leaders’ collective commitment to peace, democracy, economic growth, and regional integration.

It will bring together Heads of State and Government, Ministers, senior officials and regional institutions to advance the community’s shared priorities of security, economic integration, trade and sustainable development.

The vice president will return to Abuja at the conclusion of his engagements in the West African nation.

A demolition exercise in Kano Municipal Local Government Area of Kano State ended in a dramatic rescue on Sunday after a worker was trapped beneath a collapsed fence wall.

The incident occurred at Kofar Mata Zango, where emergency responders from the Kano State Fire Service rescued the victim alive before he was taken to hospital for treatment.

In a statement issued by the service’s Public Relations Officer, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, the agency said it received an emergency call at about 8.49 a.m. from Naziru Ahmad, who alerted officials to the accident.

Firefighters were immediately dispatched from the service headquarters and discovered that a residential building measuring about 30 by 20 feet was undergoing demolition when the incident happened.

According to the statement, the fence wall suddenly gave way, trapping one of the workers, identified as Sadiq Ahmad, as he tried to flee the collapsing structure.

‘Our rescue team immediately commenced operations and successfully rescued the victim alive. He was taken to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital and handed over to his brother, Naziru Ahmad, for medical attention,’ the statement read.

The Fire Service said investigations had begun to determine what led to the collapse.

It also appealed to residents, contractors and construction workers to make safety a priority during demolition and building projects.

‘We urge members of the public to observe all necessary safety measures during demolition and construction works to avoid preventable accidents,’ the statement added.

Billionaire businessman Deji Adeleke has alleged that some corps members and police officers are responsible for manipulating election results, arguing that the blame cannot always be placed on the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Adeleke, President of Adeleke University and elder brother of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, said no INEC chairman could single-handedly prevent rigging across thousands of polling units.

He spoke on Sunday during the university’s 12th undergraduate and eighth postgraduate convocation ceremonies in Ede, Osun State.

‘You cannot blame that on the INEC chairman when youth corps members are collecting ?50,000 and changing figures at the polling unit,’ Adeleke said.

‘Even if the INEC chairman is a spirit, is he going to be at all the polling units in Nigeria?’

Citing the forthcoming election in Osun, Adeleke said the state has 3,763 polling units, making it impossible for the INEC chairman to personally supervise activities at every location.

‘Is it humanly possible for the INEC chairman to be at all those polling units at the same time?’ he asked.

‘But they have entrusted it to young people like you, and yet they will collect money and change the figures.’

He also accused some police officers deployed for election security of aiding and abetting electoral malpractice despite having children whose futures depend on a functioning country.

‘We also have policemen with children who need a good country to have a future, aiding and abetting the rigging process, and people are killed just because of elections,’ he said.

Adeleke warned that election violence and result manipulation were damaging Nigeria’s international reputation and causing the country to be perceived as ‘primitive and backward’ despite the talents of its citizens.

He also criticised judges who pervert justice, warning that Nigeria would continue to suffer the consequences if those entrusted with public responsibilities refused to change.

‘It’s not too late for us to change. It’s never too late to start all over,’ he added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent warm wishes to Segun Olulade, the Executive Director of Customer Centricity and Marketing at Galaxy Backbone Limited, on his 55th birthday, July 20.

Segun ‘Eleniyan’ Olulade is a Lagos State grassroots politician, two-term member of the State House of Assembly, waste management expert, youth advocate, entrepreneur and philanthropist whose life has been marked by hard work, selflessness and integrity.

The President joined his family, political and business associates, friends and well-wishers in celebrating the unassuming lawmaker and economist whose career has been marked by a deep-rooted passion for community development.

He noted that his commitment to expanding economic opportunities for citizens and supporting causes that create lasting value across Lagos State and Nigeria.

President Tinubu also commended Olulade’s contributions to national development, youth empowerment, enterprise development, and commitment to a cleaner Lagos.

‘Your interventions in education, healthcare, the environment and youth development, especially through the Eleniyancares Leadership Foundation, have helped to bring a new lease of life to many,’ the President states.

President Tinubu prayed that Almighty God will grant the dynamic and result-oriented youth advocate continued good health, wisdom, and strength as he celebrates this special birthday, and wishes him many more years of purposeful service, impactful leadership, and fulfilment.

The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has criticized Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Prince Kassim Afegbua, for failing to address its concerns over the July 11 local government election in the state.

In a statement signed by National Chairman Dr. Samson Isibor and Secretary Hon. Nkama Waribe, CRPP said Afegbua chose to make personal attacks instead of responding to allegations that the election results were ‘manufactured.’

The coalition also rejected Afegbua’s claim that he was once a member of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC). According to CRPP, he has never been a member of either body since their formation and should publicly clarify the basis of his assertion.

‘Resorting to insults does not answer the serious questions surrounding the election,’ the statement read.

The group added that public office holders owe citizens factual responses, not personal attacks.

CRPP further called for the commissioner’s removal, alleging that he has not effectively communicated government policies and has allowed personal ego to interfere with his responsibilities.

The coalition urged officials in Edo State to embrace dialogue and accountability, stressing that responsible communication is key to democratic governance.

Eight people, including six students of the Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma, have been taken into custody by the Bayelsa State Police Command over the alleged violent assault of an undergraduate.

The victim, identified as Prince Hansen, a 300-level NDU student, was reportedly attacked inside a hotel on Mike Okokpo Street in Yenagoa after a disagreement linked to an alleged N70,000 debt.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Musa Mohammed, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Saturday. He said operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit acted swiftly after receiving information from a concerned resident about the incident, which happened at about 10 p.m. on July 14.

According to Mohammed, ‘Following a distress call by a public-spirited individual along Mike Okokpo Street, Yenagoa, that a group of eight young men suspected to be cultists lodged in a hotel ganged up and beat one Prince Hansen, a 300-level student of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, within the hotel premises, causing him grievous bodily harm over an allegation that the victim was owing N70,000, operatives attached to the Violent Crime Response Unit swung into action.’

The police identified those arrested as Desmond Linus, 20; Richman Serbokuro, 21; Plain Lion, 19; Richman Joel, 20; Solomon Damian, 23; Destiny Serbokuro, 24; Isaac Goodnews, 22; and Theresa Francis, 22.

Mohammed disclosed that six of the suspects are students of the Niger Delta University.

He further stated, ‘Upon a search, exhibits including a substance suspected to be Indian hemp, Swinol and charms were recovered from the suspects.’

The police said investigations are continuing and that the suspects will be arraigned after the inquiry is completed.

Reaffirming the command’s determination to curb cult-related violence across the state, Mohammed said, ‘The command reiterates its unwavering commitment to combating cultism and other violent crimes across the state. Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to the police to enhance public safety and security.’