Category: PM News

A group of former members of the 2023 Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi have announced their decision to dump the former Anambra State governor and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The group, which described itself as comprising professionals who worked within Obi’s campaign organisation, also adopted the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its political platform for the 2027 general election.

The group, which has now taken up a new name, ‘Batified Obidients’ at a press conference in Abuja, cited concerns about Obi’s leadership capacity and their convictions that the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms and policies, though painful, are necessary for taking Nigeria out of economic doldrums as reasons for their action.

The statement read at the press conference was prepared by Adesina Fagbenro-Byron who is the National Coordinator of the Batified Obidients and former Director of Operations in Peter Obi’s 2023 campaign council.

The statement was read by Fabian Ozoigbo who is Deputy National Coordinator of the Batified Movement and former Head of Logistics of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council.

Also present at the event were Razak Oladosu, a former security and logistics official in Lagos during the 2023 Labour Party campaign, Dr. Ronke Ehinderoro, LP’s 2023 governorship candidate in Kwara State, Eniola Ojajuni, youth leader of Afenifere and representatives from the six geopolitical zones of the country.

The group, in the statement read to journalists at the press conference, said decision of its members to become ‘Batified’ was not motivated by bitterness towards Obi, but by concerns about his preparedness to govern a country as complex and diverse as Nigeria.

‘Looking back with clear eyes, we have come to see that the demands of leading a country as complex and diverse as Nigeria may not be what Mr. Peter Obi was prepared for,’ the statement read.

It added: ‘This is not to say that he did not try or that his intentions were not sincere. But it became clear to those of us inside the campaign that he was, in many ways, out of his depth without fully realising it.’

The group said it had invested time, professional expertise and resources in Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign because it believed he represented an alternative to the political establishment.

‘We gave that campaign our time, our skill, and our genuine belief that Nigeria could take a new direction,’ it said.

But the Batified Obidients alleged that the management of talent, diversity and internal disagreements during the campaign raised questions about Obi’s leadership capacity.

‘We saw real weaknesses in how talent was mismanaged, how diversity was mishandled, and how internal conflicts went unresolved,’ the statement said, adding that competent people who volunteered their expertise were often left unrecognised or unprotected.

The group maintained that its endorsement of Tinubu was based on what it described as the need for continuity in economic reforms and sustainable national development already being witnessed under his administration.

‘Today, we have made our choice. Let there be no ambiguities. We are coming together again. We are former Labour Party and PDP supporters. We are now shifting our support to President Bola Tinubu and adopting All Progressives Congress, the APC, as our political vehicle for 2027,’ it declared.

Tinubu’s reforms painful, but necessary

In explaining its support for Tinubu, the group acknowledged that the major reforms of his administration, including the removal of petrol subsidy have led to rising rising cost of living, pressure on households and other challenges.

But the Batified Obidients noted that the reforms are already yielding fruits for a more productive economy.

The group noted that with the removal of subsidy under Tinubu, the practice of borrowing heavily to keep petrol artificially cheap has ended.

The group also pointed to increased allocations to states and local governments, improving debt-service indicators, strengthening foreign reserves and easing inflationary pressures as evidences that the reforms of the Tinubu’s administrations are nudging the country on the right path.

‘These are not finished victories. They are the foundations of a country that can produce more of what it needs instead of living forever on imports and artificial prices,’ the statement said.

The group further noted that the Electricity Act passed by the Tinubu’s administration, the student loan programme, expansion of local production as policies of the Tinubu’s administration as key initiatives already spurring economic growth and national development.

On security, the the Batified Obidients hailed ongoing decentralisation of policing by the police, describing it as a strategic shift towards more sustainable responses to banditry, terrorism and other forms of criminality.

‘For the innocent Nigerians who have borne the heaviest burden of bandits, terrorism, extremism, and criminality, this approach offers a more lasting path to protection and peace. It deserves to be understood and supported,’ the statement said.

The group also expressed interest in the completion of major infrastructure projects and the development of the solid minerals sector, saying it wanted to see the administration’s initiatives deliver their expected benefits.

The Batified Obidients therefore argued that abandoning the reforms in favour of the previous economic model would risk returning the country to a system that concealed structural weaknesses through subsidies and borrowing.

‘The pain today is real, but the old road was not better. It was only hiding the problem and leading us deeper into addition,’ the statement said.

orsing Tinubu, Shettima

The group therefore formally endorsed Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima for second term, while praising their capacity for teamwork and intellect.

‘This endorsement naturally extends to Vice-President Shettima, who has equally demonstrated a good capacity for teamwork and intellect and who has so far largely dispelled the fears that many had about a Muslim-Muslim ticket,’ it said.

The Batified Obidients pledged to mobilise their former colleagues, undecided voters and other Nigerians who support its vision of competent and inclusive governance.

It also promised to organise campaigns, attend rallies, register supporters and vote for Tinubu and the APC in 2027, with particular attention to states where opposition candidates performed strongly in the 2023 election.

‘We may not be able to bring every obedient onto this platform. Some have since moved to ADC, and some remain with the Labour Party. We respect their choices and wish them well,’ the group said.

Nevertheless, it expressed confidence that a substantial number of former supporters could join its movement and contribute to Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

The group also urged governments at all levels to strengthen social protection measures to cushion the effects of economic hardship.

It specifically called for a credible social registry across all local government areas to ensure that government interventions reach vulnerable Nigerians.

‘We call on all tiers of government to diligently facilitate the establishment of a credible social registry in all local government areas, which will make it possible to ensure that social interventions reach all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable,’ the statement said.

The group said its political realignment did not mean abandoning the desire for good governance that motivated its members to support Obi in 2023.

‘Our loyalty is to Nigeria first,’ the group said, adding that the country needed to move from a consumption-based economy to a production-driven one, strengthen decentralisation and pursue sustainable development.

‘For us, the choice is clear: APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,’ the statement concluded.

The people of Orogho Community in Ugu Ward, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, have accused Seplat Energy Plc of ceding their oil wells to neighbouring Boborokun and Okunu communities in Delta State.

In a press statement signed by its Secretary-General, Ikpomwosa Osayomore, and Ekhator Lucky, the community said it had petitioned relevant authorities over what it described as prolonged injustice, exploitation and marginalisation since Seplat took over the facilities of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in 2013.

The community said it had written to several bodies, including the Edo State Boundary Commission, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Edo State Ministry of Oil and Gas Resources, Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Edo State House of Assembly, the Divisional Police Officer, Iguelaba Division, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

According to the statement, the petitions date back to September 25, 2025, when the community complained to the State Boundary Commission about Seplat’s alleged refusal to recognise certified true copies of the coordinates of oil wells in Orogho. The community also wrote to Seplat’s Managing Director and the NUPRC in June 2026 over the alleged non-payment of compensation for the permanent loss of use of its land.

The community alleged that its 13 per cent oil derivation entitlements were in jeopardy and that its people had been chased away from their farmlands at gunpoint.

‘To worsen the matter, the Nigerian Army has taken sides as they now support the Delta people with arms preventing free passage of our mothers and children from going about their farming activities,’ the statement claimed.

Orogho further alleged that Seplat was preparing to drill Oil Well 5 in the community, which, according to it, would make it the seventh well ceded to Delta State.

‘We are not against their operational activities, all we are saying is that our state government should call Seplat Energy to order to do what is right, because for this Oil Well 5, we will resist them if they fail to give us our rights as the rightful owner,’ the community said.

It argued that the coordinates confirming its ownership of the oil wells were available at the Edo State Geographic Information System (EDGIS) and questioned the documents Seplat was relying on to transfer benefits to communities in Delta State.

The community also faulted Seplat’s claim that the matter was sub judice, asking why the company would continue to allocate benefits to neighbouring communities if the dispute was already before a court.

‘If it is in court, then why not wait for court’s verdict rather than go ahead to give our benefits to neighbouring Delta State communities, isn’t that contempt of court?’ the statement queried.

The community warned that Seplat should be held responsible if any crisis arose from its alleged non-compliance. It called on the Federal Government, the Edo State Government, regulatory authorities and security agencies to intervene.

As of the time of filing this report, Seplat Energy’s management could not be reached for comment.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Kaduna State Directorate, has cautioned residents of Kaduna against self – medication following the confirmation of a case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Abuja.

Mr Danjuma Makama, NOA State Director gave the advice in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday by Linda Michael, Head of Communication and Media, NOA Kaduna State Directorate.

Makama cautioned against concealing symptoms or resorting to self-medication, urging anyone who developed suspected symptoms to report immediately to the nearest health facility.

‘Public safety depends on accurate information and responsible action. By staying informed and cooperating with health authorities, we can protect ourselves, our families, and our communities,’ Makama stated.

The agency urged residents to rely on verified information from relevant health authorities and avoid actions that could undermine efforts to prevent the spread of the disease.

The agency also advised residents to observe preventive measures, recognise possible symptoms and promptly report suspected cases to health authorities.

Ebola is a severe illness that can be fatal and spreads through direct contact with the blood, body fluids or tissues of infected persons or animals.

The disease can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and materials, making personal hygiene and avoidance of exposure essential preventive measures.

Its symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, weakness, fatigue and sore throat.

Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained bleeding and bruising.

The Ogun State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has delivered a 12-classroom block at Iju Ebiye Secondary School in Iju Town and a modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre at Lisabi Grammar School in Abeokuta to improve teaching and learning.

The projects, completed as part of Adeola’s educational interventions across Ogun State, are aimed at providing a more conducive learning environment, expanding students’ access to digital resources and strengthening their academic and technological skills.

The newly constructed one-storey classroom block at Iju Ebiye Secondary School comprises 12 furnished classrooms and fully equipped offices for teaching and non-teaching staff.

At Lisabi Grammar School, the ICT centre is equipped with 60 desktop computers, tables and chairs, as well as two automated printers with scanning, printing and photocopying functions.

The facility also features a 30KVA generator, a 15KVA solar inverter, air-conditioning units and other supporting utilities designed to facilitate technology-based learning.

Adeola said the provision of modern classrooms and digital learning facilities was essential to improving educational standards and preparing students for future academic and career opportunities.

‘Education remains a critical investment in the future of our people and the development of Ogun State. Our responsibility is to support the creation of conducive learning environments where students can acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed,’ he said.

He added that the classroom block would improve access to quality learning facilities at Iju Ebiye Secondary School, while the ICT centre would expose students at Lisabi Grammar School to digital education and modern technology.

The senator said the projects reflected his commitment to practical interventions that address the infrastructure and learning needs of students and teachers.

Access to functional classrooms and digital tools has become increasingly important as schools seek to equip students with the knowledge and technological competence required in a changing educational and employment environment.

The two projects form part of Adeola’s broader educational support initiatives in Ogun State, which seek to improve school infrastructure, widen access to digital learning and support students’ academic and professional development.

A 23-year-old man, Ibrahim Abubakar, has been arraigned for allegedly kidnapping and killing of a cleric, Nicholas Alfa, and one other person identified as Elijah Nweke in Abuja

The Inspector-General (I-G) of Police arraigned before Justice Salim Ibrahim of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge on Thursday.

He was also charged with illegal possession of firearms, hostage taking which resulted in the death of the victims.

Though Abubakar and a co-defendant, Abubakar Shuaibu, were named as 2nd and 1st defendants respectively in the charge, Shuaibu’s name was later deleted from the charge.

The Prosecution Counsel, Dabo Yakubu, made the application for Shuaibu’s name to be removed as 1st defendant in the charge.

The Defence Counsel, Enyisal Lawrence, did not oppose the application.

Shortly after the case was called, Yakubu, a lawyer from the I-G Special Tactical Squad, informed the court that he had an application pursuant to Section 216 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

He told the judge that Shuaibu, who was listed as 1st defendant, died in the Asokoro General Hospital from an undisclosed illness.

The lawyer, therefore, applied that the deceased’s name be deleted from the charge so that Abubakar could take his plea.

Justice Ibrahim then struck out Shuaibu’s name from the charge.

After the six counts were read to Abubakar, he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution lawyer then applied for a trial date and Justice Ibrahim adjourned the matter until Nov. 26 at 11am for commencement of trial.

The police alleged that Shuaibu, 22, Abubakar, 23 and others, at large, on or about May 16 at Gbagalape in Nyanya, armed themselves with guns and other dangerous weapons, conspired and kidnapped Nweke and Pastor Alfa for ransom.

They were further alleged to have taken the victim to the Gbagalape Forest where they negotiated with their families for the sum of N8 million only to be paid as ransom.

The offence, the police said, is punishable under sections of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is billed to declare open activities marking the 35th Anniversary and 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council.

Adeleke, who is the Grand Patron of the NUJ in the state, is expected to perform the ceremony on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo.

A statement by the Chairman, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, and Secretary, Comrade Olalekan Akindoju, noted that during the Opening Ceremony, scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m, Senator representing Osun West, Akogun Lere Oyewumi, will be given a Merit Award.

A major highlight of the celebration will be the presentation of merit awards to distinguished individuals and organisations in recognition of their contributions to society.

Among those to be honoured is the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State Council, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, who will receive the Osun NUJ Labour Leader of the Year Award.

Others are the Chief Security Adviser to Governor Adeleke, Mr. Samuel Ojo; Lagos-based businessman, Bestman Nze-Jumbo; Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi; the Osun State Head of Service, Elder Samuel Ayanleye Aina; and the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi Arowotawaya II, among other award recipients.

The award ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo, and is expected to attract dignitaries from various sectors, including government officials, royal fathers, industrialists and other stakeholders.

Other activities lined up for the celebration include a Jumat service on Friday, October 23; Sunday programme, a health walk and medical check-up; a sports competition; Cultural Day; Sanitation Day; and a day with past leaders of the union, alongside other programmes.

The council calls on members of the public, media professionals, government officials, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to participate in the celebration and support efforts to promote professionalism, unity and excellence in journalism.

The Senate and the House of Representatives have called on the Federal Government to urgently strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness and response to Ebola Virus Disease, demanding emergency funding, compulsory health screening at international entry points and improved capacity for detecting and containing infectious diseases.

The lawmakers’ interventions followed the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), raising concerns about the country’s ability to prevent further transmission amid reports of the virus in other African countries.

While the Senate called for emergency funding from the service-wide vote and mandatory screening of all international passengers, the House of Representatives urged the immediate release of outstanding appropriated funds to relevant health agencies to strengthen surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and emergency medical response.

The Senate’s resolutions followed a motion of urgent national importance on Wednesday, sponsored by Senator Francis Faduyile, who warned that the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus across parts of Africa posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s public health system.

Similarly, the House adopted a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Amobi Ogah, representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, calling for stronger preventive and emergency medical measures following the confirmation of the Abuja case.

The Senate urged the Federal Government to mobilise emergency resources to strengthen disease surveillance and enforce mandatory health screening at all international airports, seaports and designated land borders.

Faduyile noted that the outbreak, which began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), had spread to other African countries, including Uganda and Kenya, increasing the possibility of infected travellers entering Nigeria through third countries.

He also cited the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s (NCDC) assessment of the risk of Ebola importation, recalling the 2014 outbreak in Nigeria, when an infected traveller introduced the virus through Lagos.

Although the Senate acknowledged existing government measures, including health declaration forms and enhanced screening at entry points, it expressed concern that screening requirements had been restricted to travellers from selected countries, potentially leaving gaps in the surveillance system.

The lawmakers also raised concerns about inadequate staffing and equipment at some entry points and the continued reliance of Port Health Services on the Quarantine Act of 1926.

Consequently, the Senate urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC and Port Health Services to make health screening compulsory for all arriving international passengers, regardless of nationality or country of departure.

The proposed measures include health declaration forms, temperature checks and symptom assessments, with enhanced screening for travellers who have visited or transited through affected areas within the preceding 21 days.

The upper chamber also called for exit screening of departing passengers during declared public health emergencies.

It further urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Immigration Service to provide adequate numbers of trained Port Health officers, thermal scanners, protective equipment and isolation facilities at all entry points.

The Senate also asked the Federal Government to ensure that isolation and treatment centres across the 36 states and the FCT were adequately prepared to manage suspected and confirmed cases.

The House of Representatives, meanwhile, called on the Federal Government to immediately release outstanding appropriated funds to relevant health agencies, warning that funding gaps could undermine the country’s efforts to prevent and contain the disease.

Presenting his motion, Ogah described Ebola as a severe and potentially fatal infectious disease that requires early detection, effective infection prevention and control, and coordinated public health intervention.

He told lawmakers that a case had been confirmed in a woman who arrived in Abuja from Uganda and that health authorities had identified 44 contacts for monitoring and further assessment.

Ogah warned that delays in detecting suspected cases, conducting laboratory investigations, isolating infected persons, tracing contacts and providing timely medical care could increase the risk of transmission and place additional pressure on Nigeria’s healthcare system.

He also expressed concern that inadequate public awareness, shortages of infection prevention and control supplies, gaps in healthcare workers’ preparedness and limited emergency response capacity could weaken containment efforts.

The House unanimously adopted the motion during plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

The lawmakers urged the Federal Government to mobilise public and private health institutions at federal and state levels and place them on high alert.

They specifically called on the government, through the Ministry of Finance, to release outstanding appropriated funds without delay to enable relevant agencies to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

The House further urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to assess the additional funding required to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness and response capacity in line with current epidemiological evidence and public health guidance.

As part of its oversight responsibilities, the House mandated its Committee on Infectious Diseases to engage relevant ministries, departments, agencies and public health institutions for updates on the Ebola situation and the measures being taken to prevent further transmission. The committee is expected to report back for further legislative action.

Beyond emergency funding and screening, the Senate called for the replacement of the Quarantine Act of 1926 with modern public health legislation aligned with the International Health Regulations of 2005.

The lawmakers also urged the ministries responsible for finance, budget and economic planning to provide adequate funding for the NCDC and Port Health Services in the 2027 budget and ensure the release of outstanding funds.

The House of Representatives has given MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, Mafab Communications and other telecom operators seven days to explain why Nigerians continue to experience poor network services.

The lawmakers issued the ultimatum on Wednesday during a public hearing in Abuja. They directed the chief executives of the affected companies to appear before the committee on October 28, 2026.

The decision followed the adoption of two motions sponsored by lawmakers Sunday Umeha and Afam Ogene.

The committee expressed concern that some telecom operators, including MTN and Mafab Communications, had failed to honour previous invitations.

The lawmakers also directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that the companies comply with the order. The operators are expected to submit relevant documents before the hearing, scheduled for 2 p.m. at Hearing Room 447 of the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

They warned that any chief executive who fails to appear could face an arrest summons.

The committee chairman, Olumide Osoba, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Ogun State, said reliable telecommunications services were important to Nigeria’s economy because businesses, financial transactions and daily communication depend on them.

He explained that the House set up the ad hoc committee to investigate repeated complaints from subscribers and identify the reasons for poor service delivery.

Osoba criticised telecom operators for sending junior officials or giving excuses instead of allowing their chief executives to answer questions about network problems and other operational challenges.

Another lawmaker, Ibe Osonwa, condemned the companies for failing to honour the invitations despite the revenue they make from Nigeria. He said telecom operators must be held responsible for the quality of services they provide.

Osonwa warned that the House would not allow the companies to frustrate the investigation.

The ultimatum comes amid growing complaints about poor network services. On October 20, the NCC reported that telecom operators had compensated 75 million subscribers for poor service in 2026. Nearly three million other subscribers also received refunds for failed airtime and data transactions.

The commission said it had carried out more than 6,500 network improvement activities this year, including equipment upgrades and expansion of network capacity.

The concerns followed a disruption reported by MTN subscribers on October 8 in parts of Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory. The disruption reportedly lasted more than five hours, leaving some customers unable to make calls or complete transactions.

NCC figures also showed that the four major telecom operators received 413,587 consumer complaints in the first half of 2026.

Airtel recorded 228,992 complaints, MTN had 124,405, Globacom received 56,810, while T2mobile recorded 3,885.

Although the operators reportedly resolved 406,938 complaints, subscribers have continued to raise concerns about poor call quality, slow internet speeds, billing problems and failed transactions.

In April 2026, the NCC introduced an automatic airtime compensation policy for eligible subscribers affected when operators fail to meet required service standards.

Despite these measures, the House committee wants the telecom companies to explain why the problems continue and present clear plans to improve their services.

Osoba directed the NCC to ensure that the operators meet the October 28 deadline and submit all required documents.

Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu has raised the alarm over the reported disappearance of Nigerian fashion entrepreneur Evelyn Onyema, popularly known as 44 Clothing, calling on members of the public to help locate her.

Onyema, the founder and chief executive officer of the fashion brand 44 Clothing, has reportedly been missing for two days, with her last known location said to be Bonny Camp in Lagos State.

Gwamnishu raised the alarm on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, urging residents and workers around the area to assist in the search for the missing fashion entrepreneur.

In a message circulating on social media, the activist indicated that he and his team were heading to Bonny Camp to help with efforts to locate her.

He also appealed to people familiar with the area to come forward with any information that could help establish her whereabouts.

‘ We are heading to Bonny Camp now,’ Gwamnishu reportedly wrote, urging members of the public to join the search.

Reports circulating online also indicate that Onyema was last seen with her boyfriend, identified as Derrick, in the Bonny Camp area.

However, the circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain unclear, and there has been no independently verified information establishing what happened to her.

Her mobile phones have reportedly been recovered, adding to concerns among people following the case. However, details surrounding the discovery of the devices have not been independently confirmed.

The reported disappearance has triggered an outpouring of concern on social media, with friends, followers and members of the public sharing appeals for information that could help find her.

Several posts have urged residents around Bonny Camp to remain vigilant and report any credible sightings to the police or relevant authorities.

Onyema gained recognition through her fashion business, 44 Clothing, which operated in Asaba, Delta State, before she relocated her business to Lagos.

The entrepreneur has also attracted attention on social media through her fashion designs and online presence.

Earlier reports and social media discussions suggested that she had experienced business difficulties in recent months.

However, no verified information has established any connection between those reported challenges and her disappearance.

As concern over her whereabouts grows, members of the public have been urged to avoid spreading unverified claims or speculating about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone with credible information about Onyema’s whereabouts is advised to report it to the nearest Nigeria Police Force station and notify her family or the representatives coordinating the search.

As of the time of filing this report, her whereabouts remain unconfirmed.

The Lagos APC PBAT-KOH Campaign Council has mourned the death of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 100 years.

The council, under the leadership of its Director-General, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, described Fasoranti as a revered Yoruba elder statesman, nationalist, educationist and advocate of democratic governance.

The organisation, in a condolence statement issued by Mr Seye Oladejo, its Director of Information, Communication and Branding , said Fasoranti’s life was defined by service, courage, integrity and commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

‘Pa Fasoranti’s transition marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the history of Yoruba socio-political development and the wider Nigerian democratic struggle.

‘He belonged to that distinguished generation of nationalists whose convictions were forged in the furnace of principle, whose voices remained resolute in moments of national uncertainty, and whose commitment to justice, democracy and good governance transcended partisan considerations.’the council said.

It said Fasoranti’s leadership of Afenifere and association with the ideals of Chief Obafemi Awolowo reflected a lifelong commitment to progressive governance, educational advancement, social welfare and the empowerment of ordinary citizens.

The council said these principles remained enduring pillars of democratic development and responsible leadership.

It said : ‘The council recognises that Pa Fasoranti’s contributions went beyond political advocacy.

‘He represented a moral voice in public life, consistently reminding leaders and citizens alike that political power must be exercised with responsibility, public service must be guided by conscience, and the pursuit of national progress must never be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition.’

The organisation said Fasoranti witnessed defining moments in Nigeria’s political journey, including the struggle for democratic restoration and the quest to build a nation where justice, equity and opportunity were available to all.