Category: PM News

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it plans to use more than 1.4 million ad hoc workers, mainly National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, for the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made this known during a visit by top INEC officials to the NYSC headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, the number is higher than the 1.2 million temporary workers used during the 2023 elections.

Amupitan praised corps members for their hard work, discipline, neutrality, and ability to use election technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

He said corps members made up almost 90 percent of Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers in many states during the 2023 elections and helped protect the voting process across 176,846 polling units nationwide.

The INEC chairman also assured the NYSC that the commission would improve insurance, welfare, and security arrangements for corps members taking part in election duties.

INEC explained that corps members have been important to election operations since 1999, mostly serving as presiding officers and registration officers at polling units across the country.

The commission revealed that over 70 percent of the 1.2 million ad hoc staff used in the 2023 elections were corps members and student volunteers.

For the 2027 elections, INEC said it would need 707,384 corps members for the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and another 707,384 workers for the Governorship and State Assembly elections fixed for February 6, 2027.

Additional staff will also be required for off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as bye-elections in Nasarawa, Enugu, Rivers, Ondo, Kebbi, and Kano states.

INEC recently changed the election timetable after the Electoral Act 2022 was replaced by the Electoral Act 2026.

The commission also told the National Assembly earlier this year that it would need about N873.78 billion to conduct the 2027 elections and another N171 billion for its operations in 2026.

The proposed budget is much higher than the N313.4 billion used for the 2023 general elections.

Farouk Aliyu, a prominent figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged opposition parties to unite behind a single presidential candidate if they aim to challenge the APC in the upcoming 2027 elections. He referenced the successful strategy used by the APC in 2015 to defeat former President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a recent interview on ARISE News, Aliyu commented on the current divisions within opposition parties, advising them to set aside their differences and rally behind one candidate.

“If they really want to contest or, I mean, if they want to give us real opposition, they should forget about their differences,” Aliyu said. “I’m giving free advice now. Forget about differences. Let them rally around one person, all of them, and then beat us head-on.”

Reflecting on the APC’s 2015 victory, Aliyu explained that despite internal disagreements, party leaders rallied behind Muhammadu Buhari. “That’s exactly what we did when we defeated Jonathan. Not everybody wanted Buhari, but in the wisdom of the leaders, they said, let’s put Buhari forward,” Aliyu recalled.

According to Aliyu, if the opposition wants to be competitive in 2027, they need to adopt a similar approach. “So probably if they decide on Jonathan, Atiku, or anybody, if all of them come together and one person amongst them, then that’s when they can challenge us,” he said.

Aliyu dismissed claims that the APC was responsible for the internal struggles facing opposition parties. “What is the fault of APC? Nothing. It’s none of our business. If they cannot come together in the interest of this country, come together and oppose us, so that they can defeat us,” he stated.

He emphasized that the final decision rests with Nigerians, not the APC. “At the end of the day, Nigerians will decide whether it is Tinubu or anybody else. But nobody should blame us, the APC, for the misfortune of these other parties,” Aliyu concluded.

By Priscilla Osaje

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have called for a united and uncompromising fight against piracy in Africa’s entertainment industry.

This is contained in statement by Dr John Asein, Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), and made available to newsmen by NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ijeoma Egbunike on Sunday in Abuja.

Sanwo-Olu, who made this call at 12th edition of the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards(AMVCA) held in Lagos, warned that the remarkable achievements of the creative sector could be undermined, if intellectual property theft was allowed to thrive.

Addressing hundreds of filmmakers, actors, producers, directors, and other creative professionals at the event, thegovernor said that creative excellence and artistic brilliance would amount to little, if creators were denied the full economic rewards of their labour.

“All of the great work you are all doing will amount to nothing if we let piracy take shine out of all of this, while acknowledging the growing global influence of African film, music and digital content”.

Sanwo-Olu further lamented that piracy has continued to drain revenue, discourage investment and weaken the long-term sustainability of the creative sector.

The Governor noted that Africa’s creative industry is driven by extraordinary talent, creativity, and intellectual capacity.He stressed that these gifts must translate into meaningful economic prosperity for creators and industry practitioners.

“We need to kill piracy in whatever form, shape, because we want you all to be economically sound, have the full benefit, as well as full economic benefit of your sweat,” he said

Earlier, Asein reinforced the need for stronger collective action against piracy and copyright abuse.The NCC DG further reminded the audience that piracy threatened creativity and the livelihood of all whose talents bring stories to life.Reaffirming the commitment of NCC to the protection of creators and creative enterprise, Asein said that the strongest defence against piracy remained a shared culture of respect for copyright. He urged all stakeholders to unite in saying no to all forms of piracy and copyright abuse.

Isolo Power Gen Limited has received approval to build a 9-megawatt embedded power plant in Lagos under licences recently issued by the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

The company was one of 14 firms approved by LASERC, but it was the only company cleared to run a 9MW embedded generation project in this round of approvals.

The power project will be located along Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in Isolo and is expected to provide electricity to Isolo and nearby communities. The aim is to improve electricity supply for homes and businesses in the area.

If the project is completed successfully, residents could enjoy more stable electricity and possibly 24-hour power supply.

Embedded generation allows electricity to be produced and distributed directly within a local area instead of relying completely on the national grid.

The ownership structure of Isolo Power Gen includes Westfield Assets Limited, Camara Exim Limited, Chellarams Plc, and businessman Suresh Chellaram.

LASERC documents also show that about 40 other power projects are still awaiting approval in categories such as embedded generation, captive power, and mini-grids.

Some of the pending projects include:

Alaro Power Free Zone Enterprise 10MW project in Epe

Takwa Bay Green Power Free Zone Enterprise 24MW project in Apapa

Geogrid Lightech Ltd 30MW project in Agidingbi

Irele Energy LFZ Enterprise 50MW project in Ibeju-Lekki

The growing number of applications shows increasing investor interest in independent and decentralised electricity projects across Lagos, especially in industrial and residential areas.

LASERC was created after the Lagos Electricity Bill 2024 established an independent electricity market for the state. In March 2026, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the agency’s board to oversee electricity generation, distribution, and tariffs in Lagos.

The reforms followed the 2023 constitutional amendment that gave Nigerian states the power to regulate their own electricity markets.

Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday reserved ruling until June 2, 2026, on the bail application filed by Felix Njoku, one of the defendants in the alleged 2.04 billion fraud and money laundering case involving officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

Njoku, a former Director of Finance of the NRC, is standing trial alongside three other senior officials of the corporation over alleged financial crimes.

At the resumed hearing, Njoku’s counsel, Mordecai Adejo, informed the court that he had filed a motion for bail dated February 3, 2026, supported by an affidavit and written address, which he adopted before the court.

Adejo urged the court to allow his client to continue enjoying the interim bail earlier granted, arguing that the defendant had complied with all conditions attached to the temporary release.

According to the defence counsel, Njoku had consistently reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office as directed and had not violated any of the court’s orders.

He therefore prayed the court to grant the defendant bail pending the conclusion of the trial.

However, the prosecution counsel, Abba Muhammed (SAN), opposed the application, stating that the EFCC had already filed a counter-affidavit and written address against the request.

Muhammed argued that the defence failed to provide sufficient details regarding the defendant’s family ties within Nigeria and claimed that the anti-graft agency possessed information suggesting that the defendant might abscond if granted bail.

The prosecution further submitted that some of the witnesses expected to testify in the matter were current staff members of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and could be influenced by the defendant if released.

Muhammed also informed the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed with trial and had a witness present in court.

After listening to both parties, Justice Abike-Fadipe adjourned ruling on the bail application until June 2.

The court subsequently proceeded with trial as the prosecution called its first witness, Clement Ngbolu, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank Plc.

Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, the witness told the court that he had worked with the bank for about 16 years and was responsible for responding to requests from law enforcement agencies.

Ngbolu testified that Zenith Bank received a letter from the EFCC in June 2025 requesting the statement of account belonging to FC Njoku and Company Ltd.

He stated that the requested documents were generated from the bank’s system, verified, signed and forwarded to the EFCC.

According to him, the EFCC’s letter was addressed to the bank’s Managing Director before it was assigned to him for processing.

During the proceedings, the prosecution tendered the EFCC’s request letter dated June 13, 2025, alongside the bank’s response and account opening documents for FC Njoku and Company Ltd.

The defence did not oppose the admissibility of the documents, following which the court admitted them as exhibits.

The witness also confirmed that the signatories to the company’s account were Njoku Judith Chidima and Njoku Nyaku, while identifying several inflows into the account during his testimony.

Following the witness’ evidence, the prosecution sought an adjournment to continue proceedings.

Justice Abike-Fadipe subsequently adjourned the matter until May 12, 2026, for continuation of trial.

The EFCC had on February 25, 2026 arraigned four senior officials of the NRC before the Lagos State High Court over alleged fraud and money laundering involving more than 2.04 billion.

The defendants include former NRC Managing Director, Fidet Okhiria Edetanle; Felix Njoku, former Director of Finance; Benjamin Chinwuba Iloanusi, a Director in the Procurement Department; and Oche Jerry Ogbole-Inalegwu, Director of Mechanical.

Njoku is specifically facing a 17-count charge bordering on alleged unlawful enrichment and money laundering involving 736.3 million, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The court had earlier granted him temporary release on health grounds, ordered him to surrender his passport and directed him to report to the EFCC twice weekly pending determination of his bail application.

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra said several suspected fake pastors arrested in the state are in custody where they are assisting investigators with useful confessions.

Soludo said this on Sunday while defending his crackdown on alleged fake pastors in th state.

The Anambra State Governor spoke on Sunday at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the All Knights Day of the Catholic Diocese of Awka.

According to him, the crackdown on fake pastors is part of social reformation aimed at protecting vulnerable residents from religious exploitation.

“The action forms part of our mission to build a new Anambra free from deception and social vices.

“We remain committed to keeping the state clean and clear of practices that weaken our social values,” he said.

The governor urged political leaders and Nigerians to show courage in pursuing reforms, stressing that leadership must favour what is right.

Soludo commended the Catholic Diocese of Awka for promoting the common good and resisting societal decay.

He also praised the impact of the Anambra Burial Law in reducing excessive funeral spending across communities.

“The law has encouraged befitting living and decent burial for our people,” the governor said.

Soludo approved support for the Knights’ charity visits to orphanages, urging them to remain “the light of the world.”

In his homily, Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor described knighthood as a call to discipline, accountability and sober reflection.

Represented by Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Iheanacho, he urged the Knights to serve with humility and courage.

He warned against elitism and encouraged them to remain close to the people.

“They must preserve their moral voice while remaining connected to society,” he said. (NAN)

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has declared that reviving school football competitions across the country would be the most fitting way to immortalise late Green Eagles legend, Henry Nwosu.

Dikko made the remark while receiving members of Nwosu’s family, representatives of Imo State Concerned Sports Stakeholders, and members of the burial committee at his office inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Reflecting on his relationship with the late 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Dikko described Nwosu as one of the most exciting footballers of his generation.

His words, “Henry Nwosu MON started playing for the national team at a very young age.

The history of school sports, particularly the Principals Cup will not be complete without his name. At that very young age he featured for Nigeria at the AFCON in 1980.

He is an example to every aspiring young athlete that it is possible to get to the highest level. His success also encourages us now at the Commission, well aware that there are a lot of talented athletes at the grassroots level and the schools.

Indeed, our work in this respect is being validated with the number of school athletes now representing Nigeria at the highest levels.”

Dikko further stated that Nwosu should be immortalised along the line of his exploits, not just for the national team, but particularly in school sports.

“At the Federal level and in conjunction with the Imo State Government, something should be captured to make sure that his name is engraved in our school’s sports history.

For instance, a school’s sports tournament should be named after him. It is a huge loss for the nation and we will do all we can to ensure that his labours are not forgotten,” he assured.

Dikko further pledged that the commission would support all activities lined up for the burial of the late football icon and will collaborate with the Imo State Government to ensure the late winger receives a befitting honour for his contributions to Nigerian football after consultations with key stakeholders, including the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Earlier, Nwosu’s eldest sister, Mrs Ijeoma Onyewuchi, expressed deep grief over the death of her brother, describing him as the only son among four children whose absence would be greatly felt by the family.

She noted that the former international’s outstanding contributions helped raise the standard of football in Nigeria and appealed to the NSC to support the family in organising a successful burial ceremony.

In a formal proposal presented to the NSC Chairman, the leader of Imo State Concerned Sports Stakeholders, Dr. Geoffrey Ogu, praised Nwosu’s discipline, dedication and immense contributions to the growth of football in the country.

He appealed to the commission to ensure the football legend is immortalised and accorded a state burial.

According to Ogu, granting Nwosu a state burial would determine the level of honours, funding and participation by both the Federal and Imo State Governments.

He also called for adequate security arrangements during the burial, approval for the use of national symbols such as draping the casket with the national flag, recitation of the national anthem and observance of a minute of silence in honour of the late football hero.

Ogu also urged both the Federal Government and the Imo State Government to immortalise Nwosu through football programmes and projects aimed at inspiring young talents to serve the country with dedication.

Henry Nwosu died on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the age of 62. He is expected to be buried on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at his hometown, Naze, in Imo State with several activities lined up.

According to the university, the move is part of a broader regulatory review of non-traditional degree pathways in Nigeria’s university system. The HND conversion programme, which has allowed Higher National Diploma holders to upgrade to a Bachelor’s degree, will no longer admit new students once the current admission cycle closes.

While the university has not suggested any disruption for students already enrolled, it indicated that guidance will be issued to ensure affected candidates complete their studies under clear academic arrangements.

The development is expected to affect many prospective applicants who have relied on the programme as a bridge between polytechnic and university qualifications.

For years, the scheme has served as a popular route for HND holders seeking to improve their academic standing and career prospects.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos has announced the death of Very Rev. Gabriel Osu, former Director of Social Communications and Editor-in-Chief of the Catholic Herald, who died at the age of 71 after a brief illness.

The development was confirmed on Monday by the Director of Public Affairs of the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.

According to Godonu, the respected cleric passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, after battling an illness for some time.

“He had actually been ill for a while before his passing, but he remained committed to his calling,” Godonu said.

Born on September 5, 1954, in Ubulu-Uku, Delta State, Rev. Osu was ordained a Catholic priest for the Lagos Archdiocese on December 5, 1981.

Over four decades in priesthood, he served in several parishes and institutions across Lagos, earning recognition for his contributions to pastoral work, religious communication and Catholic journalism.

His assignments included service at Holy Cross Cathedral, St Gregory’s College and St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Oshodi.

Until his death, he was the Parish Priest of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Northern Foreshore, Lekki.

Rev. Osu also served for many years as Director of Social Communications for the Archdiocese, where he played a major role in shaping the Church’s media engagement and public communication strategy.

As Editor-in-Chief of the Catholic Herald, he was widely respected for his writings and contributions to religious journalism in Nigeria.

Describing the late cleric, Godonu said Rev. Osu was known for his warmth, humour and close relationship with members of the media.

“He was a jolly good fellow, very active, humorous and always carried himself with joy,” he said.

“He was kind, loving and related exceptionally well with journalists across the state and beyond.”

The Archdiocese noted that Rev. Osu served as Communications Director for more than two decades with dedication and professionalism.

“He was a gifted writer, a true priest of God, and his absence will be deeply felt,” Godonu added.

Thousands of alumni of Nigeria’s Federal Government Colleges, popularly known as Unity Schools, staged coordinated protests in Lagos, Abuja and Kano over a controversial land concession arrangement involving Federal Government College (FGC) Kano.

The protesters, under the umbrella of the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), described the proposed deal as an attempt to commercialise a national educational legacy and weaken the integrity of one of Nigeria’s foremost federal colleges.

The nationwide awareness walk, held on Saturday under the theme “Pro Unitate Better Together,” drew over 2,000 participants from more than 40 Unity Schools across the country.

At the centre of the controversy is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement approved by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), under which Pluck Global Construction Company is expected to invest about 8.5 billion in infrastructure development at FGC Kano in exchange for approximately 30 to 33 hectares of the school’s land.

Alumni groups opposing the project estimate the land value at over 36 billion and insist the concession would permanently erode the institution’s heritage and learning environment.

The protests followed unsuccessful discussions between representatives of the alumni body and the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, during which old students reportedly offered to independently fund the proposed 8.5 billion infrastructure upgrade without surrendering any portion of the school land.

Speaking during the Lagos rally, National Chapter President of USOSA, Humphrey Nwafor, said the alumni were not opposed to development but rejected any arrangement that would compromise the future of the school.

“We are not enemies of development, but this development must not choke the school,” he said.

“If the government says it lacks sufficient funds to develop the schools, old students are ready to support without giving away one inch of land.”

The dispute, which has intensified in recent weeks, first gained national attention after the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, performed the foundation ceremony for the project and described it as part of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The minister had argued that the Federal Government could not commit over 8 billion to a single Unity School when there are more than 100 federal colleges nationwide.

However, alumni groups maintain that the proposed concession threatens the original vision behind Unity Schools as centres for national integration, academic excellence and nation-building.

President of the FGC Kano Old Students Association (FGCKOSA), Shoyinka Shodunke, said the institution’s land should remain dedicated to learning and student development rather than residential or commercial purposes.

According to him, the affected land currently serves as a recreational and educational space for students and introducing a mixed-use development close to a secondary school could create security concerns.

Representatives from several Unity Schools, including Kings College Lagos, Queens College Lagos, Federal Government College Odogbolu, FGC Sokoto, FGC Warri and FGC Port Harcourt, joined the demonstrations in solidarity with the Kano alumni.

Meanwhile, Pluck Global Construction Company has defended the project, insisting that the concession followed due regulatory procedures and would significantly improve infrastructure within the school.

Its Managing Director, Musaddiq Ado Bala Talle, stated that the company would only take possession of part of the land after successful completion of the project within 36 months.

Despite the assurances, the alumni groups said they would continue their campaign against the concession and have already gathered over 4,000 signatures in a petition addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu demanding the immediate cancellation of the agreement.

The protesters also vowed to escalate the matter to the National Assembly and the Presidency if the proposed land deal is not reversed.