Category: PM News

By Taiye Agbaje

The Sen. Adolphus Wabara-led Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has initiated a court battle to compel Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to recognise the interim National Working Committee (NWC) of its faction.

INEC currently recognizes a faction of the PDP backed by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike with Abdurahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu as the chairman and secretary respectively.

However, the BoT and the faction of PDP, in a fresh suit, sought an order compelling INEC to, forthwith, update its records and publish on its official website the NWC of the party as forwarded to it by the plaintiffs and its National Executive Committee (NEC).

They said the names of members of the Tanimu Turaki-led NWC was forwarded to the electoral umpire via their letters dated May 4.

The originating summons, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1159/2026, was filed on June 4 by a team of lawyers led by Chief Chris Uche, SAN.

Listed as plaintiffs are former Senate President Wabara; BoT Secretary, former Gov. Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger; ex-Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana and PDP chieftain, Olabode George as 1st to 4th plaintiffs.

Others include former Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Maryam Ciroma; also an ex-Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina; member of BoT and NEC, Dame Esther Uduehi and PDP as 5th to 8th plaintiffs respectively.

The plaintiffs sued INEC as sole defendant in the suit.

Court of Appeal in Abuja had, on June 3, set aside key aspects of an Ibadan Federal High Court judgment that recognised a factional caretaker committee in the PDP.

The appellate court held that the trial court granted reliefs that were never sought by any of the parties to the suit.

Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, in a unanimous judgment, faulted Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, for going beyond the issues placed before the court in a dispute arising from the PDP leadership crisis.

Justice Agomoh had, in a judgment delivered on Jan. 30, recognised the caretaker committee led by Abdurahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu of Nyesom Wike’s camp, as the legitimate leadership faction of the party.

However, the Court of Appeal held that none of the parties before the lower court had sought such a declaration.

Meanwhile, the Wabara-led BoT of the PDP, in the suit filed on June 4, sought a declaration that INEC is constitutionally bound to enforce and give full effect to the decision of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja in a suit number: CV/1050/2025 between Sen. Sameul Anyanwu vs. Amb. Umar Damagun and eight others delivered on Jan. 12.

They sought a declaration that the commission is also bound by decisions in appeal number: CA/ABI/1613/2025, between PDP and two others Vs. Hon. Austine Nwachukwu and eight others delivered on March 9 and appeal numbers: SC/CV/164/2026 between PDP Vs. Alhaji Sule Lamido and four others and SC/CV/166/2026 between PDP and two others Vs. Hon Austine Nwachukwu and eight others both delivered on April 30.

They, therefore, prayed the court for an order directing INEC to accept and give effect to all official correspondences, communications, notices and engagements concerning the party from the interim NWC and for the commission to direct the same emanating from it to the NWC as forwarded to it by the plaintiffs and the NEC via their letters dated May 4.

In the affidavit in support of the originating summons deposed to by ex-Gov. Aliyu, he said on Nov. 1, 2025, “key officers of PDP (8th plaintiff) like Sen. Anyanwu, Hon Umar M. Bature, Adeyemi Kamaldeen Ajibade and Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha were suspended by a resolution of the NWC for gross misconduct, anti-party activities and insubordination against the 8th plaintiff.”

Aliyu said that at the 608 meeting of the NWC held on Nov. 1, 2025, their suspension was approved and they were referred to National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) for further action.

He said the affected four members deliberately refused, failed and neglected to submit themselves to the party’s NDC and continue to act as officers of the party even when there was no any resolution lifting their suspension.

He said that Anyanwu was earlier recommended for expulsion as a member of the PDP by a report dated March 10, 2025 submitted by the NDC.

Aliyu said, subsequently, the NDC’s recommendation for the expulsion of Anyanwu was upheld at the 608 meeting of the NWC held on Nov. 1, 2025.

He said upon his expulsion, Anyanwu filed suit number: CV/1050/2025 against Damagun and others at the FCT High Court, challenging his expulsion as a member of the party.

He averred that on Jan. 12, the FCT High Court delivered its judgment, dismissing Anyanwu’s claim in the said suit on the merit.

The ex-governor said the BoT, at its emergency meeting held on Nov. 5, 2025, constituted the board reconciliation committee, preparatory to its national elective convention.

He said the party held its elective national convention on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, 2025, and elected its national officers.

According to him, the convention was subject of several litigations that went through the Federal High Court to the Supreme Court.

Aliyu said the convention was nullified by the Court of Appeal in appeal number: CA/A8)/1613/2025, between PDP and two others Vs. Hon Austine Nwachukwu and eight others delivered on March 9.

He said the judgment of the appellate court referred to also affirmed the suspension of the key officers of the PDP referred to in paragraph 11 by virtue of the resolution of the party’s NWC.

He said on further appeal to the Supreme Court, the apex court, in its judgment in appeal numbers: SC/CV/164/2026, between PDP Vs. Alhaji Sule Lamido and four others and SC/CV/166/2026, between PDP and two others Vs. Hon Austine Nwachukwu and eight others, both delivered on April 30 also affirmed the Appeal Court judgment, nullifying the convention of the PDP held on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, 2025.

In addition, he said the apex court judgment further dismissed the cross appeal, challenging the suspension of the key officers of the party mentioned in paragraph 11 supra.

Aliyu said the resolution of the NWC dated Nov. 1, 2025, upon which the suspension of A. K. Ajibade, SAN, was affirmed by the Court of Appeal and cross appeal against the same to the Supreme Court was dismissed, suspended A. K. Ajibade, SAN, alongside Anyanwu, Bature and Osuoha.

“Consequent, upon the vacuum created in the leadership structure of the PDP following the judgment nullifying the Nov. 15 and Nov.16, 2025 elective national convention of the 8th plaintiff and which also upheld the suspension of the affected key officers of the 8th plaintiff, the BoT, comprising the 1st to 7th plaintiffs constituted an interim NWC mandated to oversee the affairs of the 8th plaintiff pending the conduct of a valid national convention.”

He said the constitution of the interim NWC was communicated to INEC by the party’s BOT and NEC through their letters dated Monday, May 4 respectively.

The former governor said, consequently, the NWC, at its meeting heid on May 12, assigned portfolios to members of the interim NWC as constituted by its BoT and NEC, as was forwarded to the commission vide Exhibits “9” and “10” respectively.

He said the electoral umpire was subsequently notified of the assignment of the portfolios by the interim NWC’s letter dated May 15.

Aliyu, however, said that in spite of the receipt of Exhibits “9” and “10” dated May 4 and Exhibit “11” dated May 15, written to INEC by the BoT, NEC and NWC, the defendant failed, refused and neglected to effect the necessary corrections in its records or accord recognition to the interim National Working Committee.”

He said upon the non-compliance with the letters, further letters were written through the party’s lawyer, Chief Uche, on May 8 and May 13, urging INEC to give effect to subsisting judgment of the courts.

The ex-governor said he knew for a fact that INEC is under a constitutional and legal obligation to comply with valid and subsisting judgments of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

He described INEC’s actions as “a grave affront to the rule of law and the supremacy of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

According to him, that unless this honourable court intervenes, the defendant will continue to disregard the valid and subsisting judgments of the courts.

Aliyu said it was in the interest of justice for the court to grant the reliefs sought in the originating summons.

The suit is yet to be assigned as at the time of filing the report. (NAN)

A self-styled native doctor, Olorunbukunmi Taiwo, and his wife, Awolegan Omolola Omotola has been arraigned before Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti for an alleged contract scam to the tune of N1,098,961,500 (One Billion, Ninety Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-one Thousand, Five Hundred Naira Only).

The couple were arraigned before Justice Abubakar Usman on a six-count charge bordering of obtaining money by false pretence and retention of proceeds of crime contrary to Section 17(a) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004 by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for EFCC said Taiwo and Omotola were arrested when a widow, Anazia Colina Kenechukwu, a proprietor of a private school in Delta State, petitioned the anti-graft alleging that the first defendant, Taiwo, approached her to finance a road construction contract purportedly awarded to him by the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

Kenechukwu further alleged that a total sum of N1,980,000,000.00 (One Billion, Nine Hundred and Eighty Million Naira Only) was paid into Taiwo’s account domiciled with Access Bank Plc.

Investigation further revealed that the couple invested the proceeds of the illicit activities in the acquisition of two properties in Ado-Ekiti, namely: Town Tavern Lounge, located at No. 1, Ikere Road, off Florence Court School, Ado-Ekiti, and a four-bedroom bungalow located on Florence Court, Irewolede Estate, Ado-Ekiti

The Commission had on Monday, May 25, 2026 secured the interim attachment of the two properties.

Count 2 of the charge reads:

“That you, Olorunbukunmi Taiwo and Awolegan Omolola Omotola, sometime between January 2024 and November 2025, in Ilorin within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N1,098,961,500.00 (One Billion, Ninety-Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-One Thousand, Five Hundred Naira) from one Anazia Colina Kenechukwu, which was paid to you through Olorunbukunmi Taiwo’s account number 0027303340 domiciled with Access Bank Plc, by falsely representing that same would be used to execute a road construction contract awarded to you by the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), a pretence you knew to be false, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them.

Following their pleas, counsel to the EFCC, Sesan Ola, prayed the court to fix a date for trial and order the remand of the defendants.

Justice Usman adjourned the matter until Thursday, June 11, 2026, for hearing of the bail application, and commencement of trial. The judge also ordered the remand of the defendants in the EFCC holding facility.

1 attachment

By Tolulope Oke

A school principal abducted alongside dozens of pupils and teachers in Oyo State has appeared in a new video, warning that false reports about the demands of their captors could endanger efforts to secure their release.

Mrs Alamu, one of the victims kidnapped during the terrorist attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, said claims that the abductors were demanding N1 billion ransom, weapons, or the implementation of Sharia law were untrue.

Speaking in the video released by the terrorists, the principal said the hostages had now spent 24 days in captivity.

“Hello, everyone. I have come to make some clarifications. Today makes it the 24th day we have been in this place, and it seems that some people are making our case complicated already,” she said.

Mrs Alamu said the abductors had shown the captives copies of reports circulating online, alleging that they were demanding the release of fighters, N1 billion ransom, weapons and the introduction of Sharia law.

She dismissed the claims, saying the misinformation was complicating the situation and could frustrate negotiations for their freedom.

“They are not asking for Sharia law; they are not asking for weapons; they are not asking for money. All they are asking for is the release of some people and negotiation. Don’t play politics with our lives,” she pleaded.

The video has heightened anxiety over the fate of about 45 pupils and teachers abducted when terrorists stormed three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

It has also raised fresh questions about the state of negotiations between the authorities and the abductors, as families of the victims continue to wait in anguish for their safe return

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday warned citizens against xenophobic attacks, harassment, and vigilante actions targeting foreign nationals, stressing that only authorised government agencies have the right to enforce immigration laws.

In a televised national address, Ramaphosa condemned intimidation, unlawful demands for identification, and the blocking of public services such as clinics, hospitals, and schools. He said such actions have no place in South Africa and warned that groups exploiting legitimate grievances about illegal immigration for political, personal, or criminal ends would be dealt with firmly.

“Government will take decisive action to address violations of our immigration laws,” the president said. “No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality. We know South Africans are not xenophobic. Violence, intimidation, and exploitation have no place in our country.”

Ramaphosa highlighted that undocumented foreign workers are sometimes exploited by unscrupulous employers who pay below minimum wage and require long working hours without proper compensation. “Employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers and exploit their vulnerability are breaking the law,” he said, adding that such conduct undermines fair competition and opportunities for South Africans.

The president also announced a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management, approved by cabinet last week. The strategy aims to prevent illegal entry, strengthen law enforcement, close loopholes in immigration laws, root out corruption, and enhance regional cooperation.

As part of the plan, the Department of Home Affairs, Border Management Authority, and South African Police Service will intensify operations to identify and deport undocumented foreign nationals. The BMA intercepted over 450,000 people attempting illegal entry last year alone.

Ramaphosa further said the government will introduce dedicated immigration courts to fast-track deportations, relocate refugee reception centres to border posts, and implement technology-driven reforms such as a Biometric Intelligent Population Register to replace vulnerable green ID books.

He reassured residents that these measures are not meant to intimidate foreign nationals but to ensure safety, uphold the rule of law, and protect communities. Special envoys will also engage African countries diplomatically to explain the reforms and manage any tensions resulting from unrest.

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is reportedly unhappy with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) after the party replaced some candidates linked to his Kwankwasiyya political movement in Kano State.

According to reports, the NDC made the changes to enforce an earlier agreement on how political positions and election tickets would be shared between the Kwankwasiyya bloc and the party’s original structure.

A document signed by the Kano State NDC Chairman, Hussaini Isah Mairiga, stated that the agreement gave 60 percent of positions to the Kwankwasiyya bloc and 40 percent to the existing NDC structure.

The revised list included new candidates for several federal constituencies, including Kumbotso, Nassarawa, Kano Municipal, Doguwa/Tudun Wada, Dawakin Tofa/Rimin Gado/Tofa, Sumaila/Takai, and Gwale. Changes were also made to candidates for some Kano State House of Assembly constituencies.

The document was copied to NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, Kwankwaso, and the party’s North-West Zonal Chairman.

The development comes shortly after NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi officially announced Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 general election on May 31.

The Obi-Kwankwaso alliance is seen as a major opposition partnership ahead of the 2027 elections, bringing together two influential political groups with strong support across the country.

Reports suggest that Kwankwaso may consider leaving the party if disagreements over the power-sharing arrangement continue. However, there has been no official confirmation from him regarding any planned exit from the NDC.

By Priscilla Osaje

Nollywood actor and filmmaker Lateef Adedimeji has been honoured with a prestigious Africa Illustration Award for his immense impact and outstanding contributions to the African film and entertainment industry.

The renowned actor, who took to his social media platforms to share the video clip of the ceremony of the award for his great feat.

He said such an honour was a reflection of a career shift from personal ambition to inspiring young dreamers.

Adedimeji said his industry journey, which has impacted many young ones, started when he decided to showcase his talent by building a name that would distinguish him from others.

According to him, his focus was to inspire young people, adding that he still remained committed to his work and nothing would stop him.

He noted that such recognition was proof of hard work, dedication, professionalism and determination, adding that he once looked up to industry icons and found it surreal to now be regarded as one.

Adedimeji appreciated the Africa Illustration Awards for deeming it fit to recognise him, saying that such a remarkable honour would show others that when you believe in yourself, success is possible.

“When I set out on this journey, the goal was pretty simple: to find creative ways to show the world what I can do, and then make a name for myself while at it. As growth set in, the goal shifted further to inspiring every young dreamer. All I’ve done down the years is to achieve this. So, when this came in, it felt different; this is a testament to hard work, dedication, professionalism and determination. I have looked up to icons; it’s surreal to be called one. I hope this inspires you to confirm to yourself that it’s possible if you believe. Thank you for this. I am grateful, and I am not ready to stop. Thank you @africaillustriousawards for this Recognition”, he wrote.

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has postponed the 2026 Olympic Day celebration by one week.

The event was originally scheduled for June 27, 2026, but will now take place on July 4, 2026.

The decision was made during an emergency meeting of the NOC Sport-for-All Commission after discussions with participating states and other stakeholders.

According to the organisers, the new date will give states more time to prepare and solve logistical challenges before the event.

Olympic Day is celebrated around the world under the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The event promotes physical fitness, healthy living, and social inclusion through sports.

The Chairman of the NOC Sport-for-All Commission, Dr. Abdul Ibrahim, encouraged organisers across the country to remain committed despite the current economic challenges.

He also praised the leadership of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, led by Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, for supporting grassroots sports development.

So far, 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have shown interest in participating. These include Delta, Bayelsa, Ondo, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, Gombe, Plateau, Taraba, Oyo, Anambra, Zamfara, Imo, Yobe, Kogi, Sokoto, and Adamawa states.

The NOC expects more states to join the programme in the coming weeks.

Organisers have also called on companies, philanthropists, and sports lovers to support the event, describing Olympic Day as an important platform for promoting national unity, interaction among different generations, and healthier lifestyles.

By Kelu Musa

Tamunosoye Karibi-George, Bayelsa State’s representative, edged out 20 finalists to clinch the highly coveted Miss World Nigeria 2026 pageant at the grand finale of the event held over the weekend in Lagos.

The competition themed “Pride, Power, and Purpose,” included contestants from across the country, featuring talent showcase, interview and evening wear rounds.

With the victory, the 26-year-old Queen, from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, will represent Nigeria at the 73rd Miss World Festival scheduled to hold in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from Aug 9 to Sept 5.

Karibi-George succeeds Joy Raimi, Miss World Nigeria 2025, who represented Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World pageant in Hyderabad, India, where she reached the Top 20 and placed among the Top 5 from Africa.

Silverbird Group founder and former lawmaker representing Bayelsa East, Sen.Ben Murray-Bruce, who celebrated the win, described Karibi-George as “more than a queen.”

He posted on X, “WE HAVE A QUEEN! A new chapter begins. Please join us in celebrating TAMUNOSOYE KARIBI-GEORGE, representing Bayelsa State, as the newly crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026!”

He highlighted her advocacy work through the initiative Beyond Labels, which focuses on inclusion, dignity, and empowerment for children with special needs.

“More than a queen, Tamunosoye is a passionate advocate for change. Through her initiative, Beyond Labels, she champions inclusion, dignity, and empowerment for children with special needs.”

“Creating safe spaces where every child is encouraged to dream boldly and realise that their circumstances do not define their future”.

“Her purpose, poise, intelligence, and passion shone brightly, earning her the honour of wearing the crown and carrying the hopes of a nation”.

“Now, the journey continues. Nigeria stands proudly behind you as you prepare to represent our great nation on the global stage at the Miss World Festival in Vietnam”.

“Go forth and inspire the world.

Go forth and make Nigeria proud.

Go forth and let your purpose shine”.

Miss World Nigeria, organised by the Silverbird Group, is one of Nigeria’s premier beauty pageants.

The pageant selects Nigeria’s representative for the international Miss World competition.

(NAN)

The organisers of the Headies have scheduled June 15 for the release of details on its 18th edition, drawing reactions from fans and stakeholders within Nigeria’s music industry.

The award,widely recognised as one of Nigeria’s leading music platforms, has continued to generate reactions online, with fans expressing expectations ahead of the unveiling.

A fan on X @utd REVENGE wrote, “I hope this awards gets it credibility back because it has been shattered in the last days”.

@kaaaayd said, “Una go just wake up organise award once in 3 years”.

@ZINODICT MUSIC ECH wrote, “We no need am, naso dem pack award give mohbad after he’s gone, dem know wetin dem dey do”.

@leinadthegreat wrote, “If they host it outside nigeria again, I won’t be tuning In”.

@Centy also wrote, “E better make una no carry am go USA again”.

@movic wrote, “I can’t wait, almost 3 years now”.

@withlove,enitan also said “We don’t need them. They should start by making sure every winner gets a plaque if they want to be taken seriously”.

@Quay zone wrote, “No one cares no more sadly, insane fall off”.

@Isaac Not Newton said, “Headies is underrated”.

@MReCuT said, “Asake Artist of the year no doubt”.

@Fredmayne wrote, “I already know what they’re planning for Wizkid but we’re not ready for this conversation. ”

@Olujoe said, “get this biased award outta my face, make dem just turn am to charity event nobody really send them again”.

Some fans praised the Headies for promoting Afrobeats globally and recognising music talent, while others expressed optimism about the 18th edition, citing the awards’ longstanding role in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

The Headies, established in 2006, is one of Nigeria’s leading music award platforms and has previously held editions in the United States, including New York.

The 17th edition of the awards was held in Lagos in April 2025 after previous editions were staged in the United States.

To help Nigerian businesses combat payment delays and optimize cash flow, FCMB Collect continues to serve as a vital digital payment and collections platform.

By offering robust transaction monitoring across multiple sectors, the platform reinforces the bank’s ongoing commitment to deliver advanced, tech-driven financial support in a challenging economic landscape.

According to FCMB, “FCMB Collect enables businesses to receive payments seamlessly across multiple channels while offering tools for invoice generation, payment tracking, customer reminders, and transaction reconciliation through a centralised dashboard”.

The bank explained that the platform was developed to address common challenges faced by SMEs, including delayed payments, poor transaction visibility, and inefficient manual reconciliation processes.

Speaking on the solution, the bank in a statement, noted that many Nigerian businesses continue to lose productive time and revenue opportunities due to outdated payment collection methods and fragmented financial processes.

It stated that FCMB Collect was built to provide businesses with a simpler, smarter way to manage collections while improving operational efficiency and customer experience.

The platform also provides merchants with unique virtual accounts linked to individual payers, enabling instant payment identification and easier transaction monitoring.

The bank added that businesses can gain real-time insights into their cash flow trend through analytics and reporting features designed to support better financial decision-making.

Industry observers noted that the continuous adoption of digital collection tools, such as FCMB Collect, reflects a growing shift among Nigerian businesses towards digital financial operations and cashless transaction systems.

They noted that SMEs increasingly require payment solutions that combine convenience, speed, security, and transparency to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving business environment.

The bank reiterated that FCMB Collect aligns with its vision of strengthening its position as an SME-friendly financial institution while helping businesses operate more confidently and professionally in today’s digital economy.