Category: PM News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ended all speculations about his running mate for the 2027 election on Friday with the submission of his nomination forms to the Chairman of the ruling All progressives Congress, APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at a colourful ceremony held at the Ladi Kwaki International Conference Centre of Continental Hotel, Abuja.

The President retained the incumbent vice president Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, as revealed in the duly completed nomination forms submitted on his behalf by Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, his Special Adviser on Political Matters.

Masari submitted the duly completed forms for Tinubu and Shettima to Yilwatda for uploading to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.

The colourful ceremony was witnessed by chieftains of APC, including members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, representatives from the National Assembly, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), and state party chairmen.

Aside the governors, members of the National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) were also present at the event.

‘The presidential candidate of the party is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and our Vice Presidential candidate is Senator Kashim Shetima,’ APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka categorially confirmed to journalists at the event.

The APC heavyweights also used the occasion to assure that President Tinubu will be returned to office with overwhelming votes in 2027 on the back of 12 million registered members of the party and the visible milestones of the current administration.

Speaking while party chieftains to the event, APC National Organising Secretary Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu described it as the natural climax of a highly transparent internal process.

He noted that the presidential flag bearer emerged through a thoroughly transparent primary process.

Argungu also hailed President Tinubu over his ‘positive strides’ while urging party faithful to remain united, prayerful, and steadfast.

Also speaking at the event, PGF Chairman, Governor Hope Uzodimma said the transparent nature of the primaries had made marketing the candidates seamless.

‘We are delighted that this event is coming after a well-organised and thoroughly supervised primary process. We reiterate our commitment to continue supporting President Tinubu and the party,’ the Imo State Governor said.

‘We will continue to support him in the larger interest of Nigerians and to take the country to greater heights. Together, we are going to deliver victory for President Tinubu and ensure the party wins all elective positions, including the National and State Assemblies,’ Uzodimma added.

Speaking after receiving the forms, Yilwatda stated that the revalidation of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket represents the authentic heartbeat of the party’s grassroots.

‘Today is a reflection of the wishes of over 12 million members of our party who supported the President’s candidature,’ Yilwatda remarked. ‘We are proud of the support already in the kitty of President Tinubu, and we are convinced that many more Nigerians will vote for him.’

The APC Chairman listed key initiatives that have demonstrated commitment of President Tinubu to Nigeria’s development to include the student loan scheme, which he said has already benefited over 1.5 million students targeted agricultural interventions and nationwide infrastructure projects as verifiable proof of performance.

The APC Chairman therefore urged party members to return to their local communities armed with facts rather than rhetoric to dismantle opposition narratives.

‘While others are busy spreading propaganda, let us counter them with facts. Nigerians have seen governance that touches lives across the six geopolitical zones,’ Yilwatda stated.

He emphasised that the APC has an advantage over its rivals as the only political platform in the country with a fully digitalised and verified membership database.

‘We already have about 12 million verified members. We are going round the country to mobilise support for the President. I am also confident that our governors will compete among themselves to deliver the highest number of votes,’ Yilwatda said.

‘Go and tell the leader of our party (President Tinubu) that our members and Nigerians will vote for him to continue the excellent work he is doing. As a party, we are proud to be presenting the best candidate. There is no shaking at all come 2027, our victory is assured,’ Yiltwada told Masari

Former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate Peter Obi has backed Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in tackling insecurity, saying the President has done his best.

Obi made the remarks during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, where he spoke about his presidential ambition and why Nigerians should consider his leadership record.

Reacting to Adeboye’s recent comments defending Tinubu against criticism over insecurity, Obi described the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God as a respected religious leader whose views should be considered.

‘Pastor Adeboye remains a very revered, respected religious father, whom I believe in his genuineness and goodness,’ Obi said.

According to Obi, Adeboye was right in saying that Tinubu had made efforts in addressing the country’s security challenges.

‘What he said was correct. He said he has tried his best. He’s trying his best. That’s it. It’s the correct answer,’ Obi said.

However, Obi questioned whether the President’s efforts had been enough to address the problems facing Nigerians.

‘The question to ask is: Is his best good enough? Where we find ourselves today, that leads to the issue of capacity,’ he added.

Obi said effective leadership requires competence, capacity, compassion, commitment, and character, arguing that these qualities are necessary to move the country forward.

While acknowledging Tinubu’s efforts, the former presidential candidate said Nigeria’s security situation showed the need for stronger leadership.

‘President Tinubu is tired. He needs to go home and rest,’ Obi said.

Adeboye had earlier defended Tinubu against accusations that his administration was not doing enough to tackle insecurity.

Speaking during the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C., Adeboye said it was unfair to accuse the President of inaction, arguing that a commander-in-chief was not expected to personally take part in military operations.

‘When the commander-in-chief has given instructions to his subordinates, he has done his bit,’ Adeboye said.

Police operatives have rescued four kidnap victims abducted from the Mpape area of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT after a gun duel with their kidnappers.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

She said the victims were rescued following a distress call on July 8, reporting that suspected kidnappers invaded the area at about 10:40 p.m. and kidnapped four residents.

According to her, upon receipt of the report, the command immediately deployed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and 24 Police Mobile Force Squadron to the scene.

‘Upon their arrival, preliminary findings revealed that the assailants had shot two victims before fleeing the scene and had also taken four other victims’ hostage from a nearby area.

‘The victims were forcefully marched through Jikoko Hills towards Ushafa Forest.

‘The two injured victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, where one of them, identified only as Mr. Babangida, was later confirmed dead by medical personnel,

‘The second victim, who sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, is currently responding positively to treatment,’ she said.

She said police operatives maintained relentless pursuit of the kidnappers from the night of the incident, July 8 till July 10, when they located the kidnappers.

Adeh said the kidnappers were located at about 12:05 am around Jikoko Hills heading towards Ushafa Forests with the victims.

‘On sighting the advancing operatives, the kidnappers opened fire, engaging the police team in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

‘Demonstrating superior tactical capability, the operatives overwhelmed the suspects, forcing them to abandon the hostages and flee deeper into the surrounding hills and forest in a desperate attempt to evade arrest.

‘All four kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed, safely evacuated from the forest, and reunited with their families,’ she said.

She said the responding police teams had remained hot on the trail of the fleeing kidnappers.

Adeh said the Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, Mr Ahmed Sanusi, had pledged to ensure that those responsible for the heinous act would be arrested and brought to justice.

She said the Sanusi enjoined the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest Police Station or to the command through its emergency lines on 08032003913, 08028940883.

No fewer than nine National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Anambra will repeat their service year for absconding from the mandatory exercise.

Mrs Pauline Ojisua, Coordinator of the NYSC in Anambra disclosed this while issuing Certificates of National Service (CNS) to the successful corps members at Ihiala Local Government Council Secretariat on Thursday.

Ojisua said two corps members got extension on disciplinary grounds.

The coordinator however, said that five of them were retained by their various employers.

She disclosed that 933 corps members of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I, were formally discharged from the corps after successfully completing the one-year mandatory national service.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the certificate issuance ceremony was held simultaneously across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

Ojisua congratulated the outgone corps members on the successful completion of their service year and charged them to remain worthy ambassadors of the NYSC Scheme and Nigeria.

She urged them to embrace self-reliance by putting the entrepreneurial and vocational skills acquired during the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme into practice, rather than waiting endlessly for white-collar jobs.

The Coordinator encouraged the corps members to remain productive by engaging in meaningful ventures capable of creating sustainable livelihoods and contributing to national development.

‘I advise you to join the NYSC Foundation to sustain their relationship with the scheme and continue supporting its objectives.

‘I wish you a journey of mercies and God’s protection as you return to your various destinations to begin a new phase of their lives,’ he said.

President Bola Tinubu said on Thursday that the remodeled Abuja City Gate reflects Nigeria’s character and communicates the pride of its people.

Tinubu made the remarks in Abuja, while inaugurating the monument, remodelled by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

The president, who was represented by the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, described the edifice as an ‘iconic landmark’ that stands as a symbol of Nigeria’s national identity and serves as the gateway to the nation’s capital.

‘The city gate, one of the major first impressions of this city that welcomes visitors, reflects the character of our people, and communicates the pride our nation takes in its capital.

‘This newly remodeled city gate, with its beautiful water fountain and representing the 36 states and the FCT, tells every visitor and Nigerians arriving from the airport that they have entered a city built on unity, diversity, and shared aspirations.

‘This gate can proudly stand side by side with notable gateways and public monuments in many cities around the world,’ he said.

Tinubu commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for remodelling the monument and for his relentless dedication to transforming the general ambience of the nation’s capital.

He said that Wike’s efforts were contributing to the transformation of Abuja into a capital city that every Nigerian could be truly proud of.

This, he said, was being done in line with his administration’s vision to build a nation that works for its people through purposeful leadership, modern infrastructure, sustainable development, and an improved quality of life.

‘As we inaugurate this city gate today, may she stand as an enduring symbol of renewal, progress, and national pride.

‘May all who pass through her be reminded of the boundless potential of our nation and be inspired to contribute to its continued growth,’ Tinubu said.

Earlier, Wike noted that the monument had been neglected for years until the First Lady drew his attention to it and asked him to do something about it.

He said that the remodelled city gate had changed the landscape of the area, and commended the First Lady for the concern to give the monument a face lift, which could now be compared with similar edifices across the world.

Describing the monument as the ‘brain child’ of the First Lady, the minister said that the city gate was remodelled to sustain the elegance of the iconic edifice that serves as the country’s symbol of unity.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, a move aimed at strengthening technical education and positioning Nigeria to better harness its vast solid minerals resources.

The Presidency said the upgrade aligns with the Tinubu administration’s commitment to developing human capital, promoting innovation and supporting the country’s industrialisation drive under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The decision followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District in the Senate.

The lawmaker argued for the establishment of a specialised university that would leverage Nasarawa State’s rich mineral deposits while producing the skilled workforce needed to unlock the sector’s full potential.

According to the presidential directive, the new university will serve as a centre of excellence for teaching, research and innovation in mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing and emerging technologies.

The institution is also expected to train professionals capable of driving value addition in Nigeria’s mining industry, advancing technological development and promoting the sustainable exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources.

The Presidency noted that the conversion reflects President Tinubu’s broader strategy of aligning tertiary education with Nigeria’s economic priorities by creating specialised institutions that address critical manpower needs in key sectors.

To facilitate the transition, the President directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant agencies to commence the legal and administrative processes required to implement the upgrade in line with existing laws and regulations.

President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue investing in education as a catalyst for economic growth, technological innovation, job creation and national prosperity.

Former President of Nigerian Guild of Editors and a past Commissioner for Information in Osun State, Mrs Funke Egbemode will be moderating discussion of the paper the Keynote Speaker Chief Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, will deliver at TheGazelleNews Public Lecture and Award on Wednesday, 15 July 2026.

The Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda will lead panelists set to discuss the main lecture at the event.

Dare’s lecture is themed: Driving Grassroots Governance with Public-Private Partnership: The Gains, The Pains, The Prospects.

Apart from Meranda, others on the list of discussants are the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih; the former Deputy Chief of Staff to ex-Osun State Governor, Dr (Prince) Abdullah Adeyanju Binuyo; the Chairman of Agege Local Government, Abdul Ganiyu Vinod Obasa, and his counterpart from Abeokuta North Local Government, Dr Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo.

The Chairperson of Organising Committee for the event, Mrs Adetutu Audu-Adebisi in a statement on Thursday said: ‘In selecting the Keynote Speaker and the panelists, we have selected men and women who have distinguished themselves in their various fields.

‘Chief Dare is a well-respected media practitioner who had worked and excelled in various local and international media houses before going into public service and a well-respected Speaker.

‘Rt Honourable Meranda is an experienced lawmaker and a great Speaker who has distinguished herself as a role model for the youths. Dr Finnih is well respected in her role as special adviser to the Governor, Dr Binuyo is currently the Chief Operating Officer of TSAT/Thuraya Nigeria while both Obasa and Oyegbola-Sodipo have given the credence to allowing youths in governance with their superlative performances as council Chairmen.

‘Mrs Egbemode is a motivational speaker, an Editor, one of the leading lights in journalism in Nigeria and the world at large, and has distinguished career as a commissioner,’ Audu-Adebisi said.

She stated that the event has been designed to discuss various issues of national concern with aim of setting the agenda for development and growth of the society.

President Bola Tinubu has revealed that eight of the abductors of the rescued teachers and pupils in Oriire area of Ogbomosho, Oyo State, were arrested by security agents.

He also said some of the abductors were killed.

All of this was contained in a statement released on Friday evening by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, Tinubu has expressed profound joy at the successful rescue of the children and teachers The statement said he praised the ‘heroic efforts of the security agencies, especially the military, the DSS and the police, for working round the clock in the last 56 days to secure the release of the abducted children and their teachers without any collateral damage and for arresting eight of the abductors and neutralising others.’

Onanuga said Tinubu regretted the anguish that the children and their teachers, as well as members of their families and the entire nation, have experienced since the sad occurrence.

The statement said the President commended the Oyo State Government and charged it to ensure adequate security around schools across the state.

The system quoted Tinubu as saying: ‘I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them.

‘This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.

‘My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered.

‘I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end.’

According to Onanuga, Tinubu directed that the emergency agencies work with the Oyo State Government to provide all necessary medical and relief support to the children and the teachers.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman allegedly transporting a cache of illicit drugs, alcoholic drinks and other banned substances believed to be intended for terrorists operating around the Lake Chad Islands.

The arrest was made on Thursday during a security operation along the Maiduguri-Monguno route as the suspect travelled towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The development was announced by the Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, in a statement published on the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Friday.

Giving details of the operation, Goni said: ‘The operation was conducted during an intensive search operations along the Maiduguri-Monguno axis, where troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

‘The suspect, identified as Mrs Rachael Samuel (48), a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was arrested while conveying the prohibited items.

‘Preliminary findings indicate that the recovered substances were being moved to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements.’

According to the military, the items recovered included seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, commonly called ‘Suck and Die’, one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.

Security personnel also recovered a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine cards, cash and other personal belongings from the suspect.

The military estimated the seized items to be worth several millions of naira.

Providing an update on the investigation, the statement said: ‘The suspect is currently in military custody, while all recovered exhibits have been secured pending handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.’

Operation HADIN KAI said the interception was another major step in its campaign to cut off supply channels that sustain terrorist activities across the North-East.

The statement added: ‘Available intelligence has consistently shown that illicit drugs and intoxicants are frequently used by terrorist groups to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent operations.

‘By intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination, the troops have disrupted another critical aspect of the terrorists’ support network.’

The Theatre Command praised the troops for their alertness and professionalism, reaffirming that military operations against terrorists and their collaborators would continue.

It also appealed to residents to keep supporting security agencies with prompt and reliable intelligence to strengthen efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace in the North-East.

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mr. Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, on Thursday led members of the State Management Team and the National Directorate Headquarters (NDHQ) Monitoring Officer, Mr. Peter Okpanachi, on an inspection tour of Obokun, Ilesa East and Ilesa West Local Government Areas to monitor the low-key passing-out ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members.

The exercise was conducted simultaneously across the 30 local government areas and the Area Office in Osun State as part of the formal completion of the mandatory one-year national service.

Speaking during the monitoring exercise, Kubiangha congratulated the outgoing corps members on the successful completion of their service year, describing the occasion as a significant milestone in their lives. He expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness and protection throughout the service year, noting that the corps members were privileged to have successfully completed the service.

Kubiangha urged them to remain thankful to God and to approach the next phase of their lives with determination, integrity and a commitment to excellence. He reminded them that the Certificate of National Service was only a foundation upon which they must build successful and impactful careers through hard work, innovation, resilience and discipline.

Kubiangha also charged the corps members to remain worthy ambassadors of the NYSC by upholding the values of patriotism, selfless service, honesty and good character wherever they find themselves. He encouraged them to be law-abiding citizens and continue making meaningful contributions to nation-building and community development.

As part of the ceremony, eligible corps members were presented with their Certificates of National Service, while outstanding Corps Liaison Officers received Certificates of Commendation in recognition of their exemplary leadership and meritorious service during the service year.

The State Coordinator prayed for the outgoing corps members, wishing them success in their future endeavours and expressing confidence that they would excel in their chosen careers and positively impact society.

Speaking on the outcome of the service year, Kubiangha disclosed that a total of 1,702 corps members successfully completed the national service and were issued their Certificates of National Service. He added that 18 corps members absconded from service, while 11 had their service extended for various infractions in accordance with the provisions of the NYSC by-laws.

The monitoring exercise reaffirmed the NYSC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity, credibility and transparency of its operations while ensuring strict compliance with established guidelines during the passing-out process.