Category: PM News

By Aminu Garko

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has formally submitted his nomination form to the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state.

This is contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin- Tofa in Kano on Friday.

Yusuf was accompanied by Sen. Ibrahim Shekarau, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senator Kawu Sumaila, members of the House of Representatives, and other dignitaries from Kano State.

Briefing journalists at Treasure Suites shortly after submitting the form, Yusuf described his second-term declaration as a fresh call to service and a renewed commitment to the people of Kano State.

He said his administration would expand urban renewal projects across the state, adding that road construction, drainage expansion and market modernisation would receive greater attention.

Yusuf stated that rural development would remain a major priority, pledging more investments in feeder roads, water supply, healthcare centres and schools in rural communities.

The governor also promised stronger support for agriculture and empowerment programmes for farmers and young people, saying job creation and youth development would remain central to his administration’s agenda.

He reaffirmed his commitment to improving education and healthcare delivery across Kano State, stressing that unity, peace and inclusive leadership remained key pillars of his government.

Yusuf said he would continue to work with all stakeholders to move the state forward and reaffirmed his alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda to attract more federal projects and opportunities to Kano.

He thanked the people of Kano for their continued support and confidence in his leadership, assuring them of greater dedication, transparent governance and people-centred development.

The stage is set for the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria.

Widely regarded as Africa’s biggest celebration of film and television, this year’s AMVCA will spotlight excellence across 32 categories, including 18 jury-decided awards, 11 audience-voted categories, and three special recognition honours.

In a significant expansion, the organisers have also introduced new categories for Indigenous Language films from North and Central Africa, further reflecting the continent’s rich cultural diversity.

Leading the nominations this year are andgtingerrr, The Herd, and To Kill A Monkey, all of which secured multiple nods across major categories, including acting, directing, and technical craftsmanship–underscoring the high-quality storytelling that has defined African cinema over the past year.

Gingerrr and The Herd led the pack with 9 nominations each, while To Kill A Monkey stands out with eight nominations, and My Father’s Shadow follows closely with seven, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive awards night.

The acting categories feature a mix of seasoned performers and rising stars. Nollywood icon Sola Sobowale earned nominations in both lead and supporting categories, alongside notable actors such as Uzor Arukwe and Lateef Adedimeji.

With anticipation at an all-time high, the 2026 AMVCA promises a thrilling celebration of creativity, talent, and excellence in African entertainment.

Below is the full list of nominees:

Best Digital Content Creator

Dr Judgina Situationally Transmitted Delusion Elozonam Ogbolu and Genoveva Umeh

The Marriage List Destiny Ogie Osarewinda

Leave To Live Emmanuel Kanaga and Sophia Chisom

The Rate Race Benedict Ehimare Oriaifo

Luxury Koko Maryam Apaokagi-Greene (Taaoma)

August Meeting Election Steve Chuks

Did I Just Hear Muah Akwaman

Best Indigenous Language (Southern Africa)

Bet I Love You Joseph Duke and Keamogetse Modise

Sebata The Beast

Ben Made It Thabang Mathumetse and Thapelo Dikhutso

Terra Of Queens And Kuma 2 Neo Leonardo Mokoena

Tlhaho Ya Mosadi Naledi Galane, Promise Ramoroka, Ernest Ramoroka, Modipadi Mokgohioa

Best Indigenous Language (East Africa)

Inside Job Kamau Wandug’u, Joe Mahinda, and Barbara Njeri Maina

Sayari Omar Hamza and June Wairegi

Addis Fikir Leul Shoaferaw

My Son Isarito Mwakalindile

Kimote Hassan Mageye

Best Short Film

Rise Jessie J. Rowlands

Fleas Jordy Sank

Telephone Fimisinuola Adejonwo

Hussainin Orire Nwani and Josh Olaoluwa

My Body, God’s Temple Uzoamaka Power

Best Indigenous Language (West Africa)

The Serpent’s Gift Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi

Lisabi A Legend Is Born Lateef Adedimeji

Labake Olododo Alice Iyabo Ojo, Olukanmi Abayomi, Alaba Onaolapo, Kene Okwuosa, Ladun Awobokun

Aljana Grace Yachat Yakubu

Olorisha Abiola Adeshina

Best Indigenous Language (North Africa)

The Omnipresent Youssef Ben Khalifa

The Delivery Abdalla Ezyan

The Hidden Voice Houssem Eddine Abdelwahed

This Is Portsaid Abdalla Ezyan

Artal Alhanin Our Memories Mohamed Awad and Mohamed Abdulraham Eldouma

Best Indigenous Language (Central Africa)

Mabanda Kang Quintus

Safou A Gift From Nature Nyasha Makamba

Golden Spoon Egbe Francis Ettabrown

Best Scripted M-Net Original

Adam To Eve Lizz Njagah and Alexandros Konstantaras

Mother of the Brides Rogba Arimoro and Bio Arimoro

The Yard James Kalu Omokwe

The Low Priest Femi D. Ogunsanwo

Bobo Maurice Muendo

Best Unscripted M-Net Original

Nigerian Idol (S10) Suleiman Kassim and Anneke De Ridder

Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa Graeme Swanepoel and Jemma Ford

Chapa Chapa My Love Ercilla Justino, Jojo Almeida and Gabriela Ueno

Out N About (Harar) Bruk Yibrah

Undugu Hatibu Madudu

Best Indigenous M-Net Original

Inimba Siphosethu Tshapu , Thandi Ramathesele and Yolanda Ndhlovu

Kukoyi David Akande

Undugu Hatibu Madudu

Out N’About (Harar) Bruk Yibrah

Kampala Creme (S2) Joel Ndugwa

The Chocolate Empire Grace Kahaki and Phillippe Bresson

Mgbuka Eze Izu

Best Supporting Actress

The Herd Linda Ejiofor

Oversabi Aunty Olamide Kidbaby

Gingerrr Bisola Aiyeola

The Covenant Series Sola Sobowale

Aljana Nadia Dutch

The Herd Amal Umar

MTV Shuga Mashariki Juliebrenda Nyambura

Behind The Scene Funke Ayotunde Akindele

Best Lead Actor

Oversabi Aunty Mike Ezuruonye

Lisabi A Legend Is Born Lateef Adedimeji

To Kill A Monkey William Benson

Gran Must Obey Kanayo o. Kanayo

Bet I Love You Khumbuza Meyiwa

Colours of Fire Uzor Arukwe

3 Cold Dishes Wale Ojo

Red Circle Femi Branch

Best Cinematography

My Father’s Shadow Jermaine Edwards

To Kill A Monkey Kabelo Thathe

The Herd Emmanuel Igbekele

Finding Nina Daanong Gyang

The Serpent’s Gift Emmanuel Igbekele

Stitches KC Obiajulu

Ginger Emmanuel Igbekele

Best Art Direction

The Serpent’s Gift Zainab Oladipupo

The Herd Omolade Abisola

Colours of Fire Ajamolaya Bunmi

Aljana Olatunji Afolayan and Gideon O Stephen

Suky Victor Akpan

Inimba Thabiso Senne

Best Documentary

Beyond Olympic Glory Shedrack Salami

The Good x The Bad of Afrobeat Louis Ejiofor

The People Shall Mark Maina and Nick Wambugu

Not Addressing This Anymore Huzzain Bello

BOU Mwaka Gerald Remmy

Best Score Music

My Fathers Shadow Duval Timothy, CJ Mirra

3 Cold Dishes Nissi Ogulu

Osamede Chubb Okobah

Gingerrr Tolu Obanro

The Party Tolu Obanro

MTV Shuga Mashariki SoFresh

To Kill A Monkey Oscar Herman-Ackah

Best Writing TV Series

The Wives Donald Tombia, Timendu Aghahowa, Chiemeka Osuagwu

MTV Shuga Mashariki Annette Shadeya, Natasha Likimani, Mkamzee Mwatela, Arnold Mwanjila, Makgano Mamabolo

Our Husband Xavier Ighorodje

Addis Fikir Besufekade Mulu

Baba Oh Temilola Balogun

The Party Stephen Okonkwo

Gizat Yednekachew Ayne

Best Writing Movie

The Herd Lani Aisida

My Father’s Shadow Wale Davies

Blackout Ikenna Okpara

Cards On The Table Shirleen Wangari

Gingerrr Xavier Ighorodje

Suky Isaac Ayodeji

3 Cold Dishes Tomi Adesina

Best Costume Design

The Serpent’s Gift Mary Chukuma

The Real Housewives of Lagos S2 Deola Art Alade, Darey Art Alade

Colours of Fire Valerie Okeke

Something About The Briggs Yolanda Okereke

To Kill A Monkey Ikechukwu Urum and John Joseph Angel

Best Sound Design

My Father’s Shadow Pius Fatoke and CJ Mirra

Gingerrr Tolu Obanro

Ben Made It Vaughan Phillips

The Party Tolu Obanro

Sebata (The Beast) Vaughan Phillips

The Herd Fisayo Adefolaju

Best Series (Scripted)

To Kill A Monkey Kemi Adetiba

The Yard James Kalu Omokwe

The Chocolate Empire Grace Kahaki and Phillipe Bresson

Inimba Siphosethu Tshapu, Thandi Ramathesele and Yolanda Ndhlovu

Kash Money Grace Khaki and Phillipe Benson

Best Make-up

Behind The Scenes Mojisola Imam

Lisabi: A Legend Is Born Adeola Thelma Bamgboye

Gingerrr Dablaq Artistry

Abanisete Adeola Thelma Bamgboye

Warlord Hakeem Onilogbo (Hakeem Effect)

Suky Ruth Harcourt

Labake Olododo Adeola Thelma Bamgboye

Best Lead Actress

The Serpent’s Gift Linda Ejiofor

To Kill A Monkey Bimbo Akintola

The Lost Days Ifeoma Fafunwa

Something About The Briggs Ariyike Owolagba

Her Excellency Sola Sobowale

Behind The Scenes Scarlet Gomez

The Herd Genoveva Umeh

Mother Of The Brides Gloria Anozie-Young

Best Supporting Actor

The Yard Simileoluwa Hassan

Gingerrr Lateef Adedimeji

Colours Of Fire Gabriel Afolayan

To Kill A Monkey Bucci Franklin

Agesinkole (King Of Thieves) 2 Femi Adeboye

Red Circle Lateef Adedimeji

Owanbe Thieves Femi Branch

Behind The Scenes Uzor Arukwe

Best Director

My Father’s Shadow Akinola Davies Jr

Cordelia Tunde Kelani

Osamede James Kalu Omokwe

The Herd Daniel Etim Effiong

Ginger Yemi Filmboy Morafa

3 Cold Dishes Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi

Best Editing

Cordelia Kazeem Agboola

My Father’s Shadow Omar Guzman Castro

Landline Nwanguma Peter Chidebere, and Dele Doherty

3 Cold Dishes Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi

Osamede Winston Aig-Ohioma

To Kill A Monkey Daniel Anyiam

Best Movie

Gingerrr Ope Ajayi, Bisola Aiyeola, Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, Wumi Toriola, Bolaji Ogunmola, Onyeka Nnama

The Herd Daniel Etim Effiong, Efe Ejukoriem, Ulogo Chukwudi, Kene Okwuosa, Craig Shurn, And Ladun Awobokun

My Father’s Shadow Funmbi Ogunbanwo And Rachel Dargavel

3 Cold Dishes Martial Dansou, Surf Amuwa Oluseyo And Ly Oumar

The Serpent’s Gift Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi

Behind The Scenes Funke Ayotunde Akindele And Wendy Uwadiae Imaseun

Best Series (Unscripted)

The Real Housewives Of Lagos S3 Deola Art Alade And Darey Art Alade

Nigerian Idol S10 Suleiman Kassim And Anneke De Ridder

Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa Graeme Swanepoel And Jemma Ford

Offair With Gbemi And Toolz Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi And Toolz Oniru-Demuren

Out N’ About (Harar) Bruk Yibrah

With top contenders, fresh talent, and expanded categories, all eyes now turn to Lagos for what promises to be a spectacular night celebrating the very best of African storytelling.

The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 12-member committee to recover over 1.8 billion illegally deducted from civil servants’ salaries by alleged loan vendors.

Inaugurating the committee in his office, the Secretary to the State Government, (SSG), Umar Faruq-Ibrahim, said the committee was tasked on investigating and recovering the funds with a view to and return same to the affected workers.

Faruq-Ibrahim said the monies were deducted by a private loan vendor from workers who collected soft loan.

He said based on an independent audit report, it indicated the arbitrary deductions from the workers’ salaries.

“In February 2025, the government received complaints of illegal deductions from their salaries in the name of loan.

“Upon receiving the complaints, cabinet presented a memo before the State Executive Council which was graciously approved.

“Government subsequently engaged an independent audit firm to investigate the deduction, and the reports were presented before the council.

“Findings of the audit indicated arbitrary deductions from workers’ salaries in the name of loan obtained by the workers.

“The report also indicated that the vendors of multiplicity grant of loan against the one-third per cent approved for deduction, among other findings.

“Upon the submission of the report, the council directed the constitution of the committee to recover the illegal deductions and return same to beneficiaries,” the SSG said.

He also used the avenue to clarify earlier N1.5 billion allegations leveled against the former Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, noting that the funds amounting to N1.8 billion were deducted by the private loan vendor.

The composition of the committee has the Commissioner of Finance, Dr Ismaila Aliyu-Danmaraya, and Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Salisu Mustapha, as Chairman and Secretary, respectively.

Other members included, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru-Maude, a SAN, Head of Civil Service, Bilkisu Maimota, Accountant-General, Chairman, State Standing Committee and Local Governments Standing Committee, among others.

(NAN)

More Nigerians are starting a weight loss journey in 2026 than ever before. The change is driven by rising awareness around diabetes, hypertension, and PCOS.

However, many are still doing it without medical guidance, relying on extreme diets, social media advice, or unverified weight loss injections bought from unknown vendors.

At HueBeautyGlam, Nigeria’s most trusted weight loss clinic, founder Ann Mbene estimates that 80% of new clients arrive after failed attempts with dieting or inconsistent routines.

She says that many Nigerians still treat weight loss as a willpower problem, when it is in fact a health issue that calls for proper guidance and medical support.

Start Your Weight Loss Journey With Medical Support What is missing in most Nigerian weight loss journeys is medical guidance. Many people begin without a clear understanding of their metabolic profile, hormonal balance, or underlying conditions like insulin resistance and PCOS.

That gap often leads to the same pattern of extreme calorie restriction, skipped meals, constant food tracking, and very little to show for it. For some people, weight loss is not about eating less. It is about how the body processes what is eaten.

“Weight loss is heavily driven by hormones. If those are not regulated, you can be doing everything right and still not see results,” Mbene notes.

That is why HueBeautyGlam prioritises consultation before recommending any medication. A client’s health report determines whether Mounjaro, Tizaro, or Ozempic is the right fit, and what meal plan should run alongside.

One patient at HueBeautyGlam with PCOS and insulin resistance described experiencing constant “food noise” before treatment, thinking about food all day.

After starting Mounjaro, her appetite dropped significantly. In her words, she was “finally thinking about food like a normal person.”

What Is the Healthiest Way to Start Losing Weight?

The healthiest way to begin is with medical support rather than trying random advice you see on the internet.

Treatments like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) act on two hunger-regulating hormones, GLP-1 and GIP. The combined effect reduces appetite, improves the body’s insulin response, and supports more efficient fat loss.

This is why medically guided weight loss often succeeds where dieting alone fails. The biology shifts in the patient’s favour rather than against it.

Each pen covers one month of weekly doses. Prices rise alongside dosage strength, reflecting the higher concentration and the real cost of authentic sourcing.

Who Should and Shouldn’t Use Weight Loss Injections

Weight loss injections like Mounjaro are not suitable for everyone. They are clinically intended for:

Adults with a BMI of 30 or above. Adults with a BMI of 27 or above who also have weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or PCOS.

They are not recommended for:

Pregnant or breastfeeding women People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer Anyone with a history of pancreatitis, or those with a known allergy to tirzepatide.

Regardless of which category a person falls into, treatment should not begin without a consultation. Mbene stresses that this is the sole reason HueBeautyGlam offers both physical and virtual consultations to review medical history, screens for contraindications, and confirms the right starting dose.

The Bottom Line

The safest way to start a weight loss journey in Nigeria is the guided, structured, and informed route.

That means beginning with a proper health assessment, building realistic expectations, and working with a provider that combines medication with consultation, ongoing support, and verified sourcing.

Clinics like HueBeautyGlam reflect that standard in practice, offering cold-chain Mounjaro, full dosage availability from 2.5mg through 15mg, and a physical Lekki, physical address for in-person verification.

Take time to verify before buying. Speak with the team for dosage guidance, or book a WhatsApp consultation.

The question facing Nigerians in 2026 is no longer whether weight loss works. It is whether it is being done safely.

The controversy stems from a request by ADC chieftain, Nafiu Bala Gombe, seeking the reassignment of the case to another judge.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Luka Musa Haruna, informed Justice Emeka Nwite that a formal application had been submitted to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court on May 4, 2026, requesting the transfer of the case.

The development came shortly after the Supreme Court delivered a judgment on April 30 dismissing an interlocutory appeal filed by David Mark and vacating an earlier stay of proceedings, thereby paving the way for the substantive suit to proceed.

Haruna told the court that the apex court had dismissed the appeal for lacking merit and urged Justice Nwite to suspend further proceedings pending the decision of the Chief Judge on the transfer request.

However, the request triggered strong opposition from the defence team, which accused the plaintiff of attempting to frustrate the hearing of the case through procedural tactics.

Counsel to the first defendant, Realwan Okpanachi, argued that the defendants were unaware of the transfer request and described the move as an ambush designed to delay the accelerated hearing earlier directed by superior courts.

Similarly, counsel to David Mark, Sulaiman Usman, accused the plaintiff of engaging in “forum shopping,” a legal term used to describe attempts to seek a more favourable court or judge.

Another defence lawyer, P.I. Oyewole, warned that allowing private correspondence to influence court proceedings could encourage what he described as “judicial rascality.”

In his ruling, Justice Nwite held that taking any decision on the transfer request without hearing from all parties would amount to a breach of the defendants’ right to fair hearing.

The judge further explained that since the request was directed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the trial court lacked jurisdiction to determine its merit.

Consequently, the court adjourned the matter indefinitely to allow parties file the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment, ensure proper service of the transfer request on all defendants and await directives from the Chief Judge.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, remains a major legal challenge confronting the ADC as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

Gombe is seeking an order of court removing David Mark, former Osun State Governor The prolonged legal battle has continued to deepen divisions within the party, with some members reportedly resigning over the lingering crisis.

By Taiye Agbaje

The Chief Judge (CJ), Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, on Friday approved new posting schedule for judges, who were recently appointed after the National Judicial Council (NJC)’s recommendations.

The is contained in a statement issued by Dr Catherine-Oby Christopher, the Director of Information of the court in Abuja, directed all the affected judges to report to their respective new stations on May 13.

“Following the recent appointment of 14 new judges and the reposting of three existing judges of the Federal High Court, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has approved and released a new posting schedule for judges of the Court to various judicial divisions across the country.”

Justice Hassan Dikko was posted to Gusau diviison, Zamfara; Justice Salim Olasupo Ibrahim and Justice Onah Chigozie Sergius, Abuja division; and Justice Sulaiman Amida Hassan, Osogbo division in Osun.

Justice Muhammad Saidu was posted to Minna division, Niger State; Justice Igboko Conchita, Akure, Ondo State; Justice Onuegbu Angela, Yenagoa division, Bayelsa; and Justice Galumje Edingah, Abakaliki division in Ebonyi.

Justice Ibrahim Eneabo is to report in Gombe division; Justice Abubakar Usman, Ado-Ekiti division, Ekiti; Justice Salihu Yunusa, Damaturu, Yobe; and Justice Ikpeme Bassey, Uyo in Akwa Ibom.

The CJ equally posted Justice Shehu Adamu to Maiduguri division, Borno; Justice Mohammed Buba, Dutse, Jigawa; Justice Binjin-Eigegbe Nendelmum Judith, Lokoja in Kogi while Justice Usoro Uduak and Justice Nwoye Osinachi Donatus are to report at Lagos division.

(NAN)

The steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art transformed into a surreal runway of art, fantasy and spectacle as celebrities, fashion icons and global influencers gathered for the 2026 Met Gala, an event many are already describing as one of the boldest and most theatrical editions in recent years.

Held on the first Monday of May in New York City, this year’s gala embraced the theme “Fashion Is Art,” inspired by the Costume Institute’s new “Costume Art” exhibition exploring the relationship between the human body and artistic expression.

The annual event, organised by Vogue and chaired once again by Anna Wintour, attracted some of the biggest names in entertainment, sports and fashion, with ticket prices reportedly reaching 100,000 dollars per seat this year.

Among the night’s biggest talking points was the dramatic return of Beyonce, who appeared in a shimmering skeletal-inspired gown designed by Olivier Rousteing. The superstar, who co-chaired the event alongside Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams, immediately dominated social media conversations with her futuristic look.

Fashion this year leaned heavily into surrealism, body art and illusion. Several celebrities arrived in outfits inspired by classical sculptures, anatomy and abstract paintings, turning the famous Met staircase into what many observers described as a “living art gallery.”

Naomi Osaka drew attention with a dramatic red gown designed to resemble muscles and blood vessels beneath human skin. According to Osaka, the outfit symbolised vulnerability, transformation and self-expression.

Meanwhile, Rihanna once again stole headlines after arriving fashionably late in a sculptural Maison Margiela creation inspired by medieval architecture.

The evening also generated debate beyond fashion.

Some critics questioned the growing influence of billionaires and corporate sponsors at the gala after reports emerged that Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos contributed millions of dollars to support the event.

Fashion designer Molly Rogers, known for her work on “The Devil Wears Prada,” publicly criticised some celebrities for attending the Bezos-backed gala, arguing that fashion was becoming too closely tied to wealth and elite influence.

Despite the controversies, the Met Gala once again proved why it remains fashion’s most glamorous and culturally influential night. From giant gemstone jewellery and theatrical makeup to dresses featuring extra limbs and robotic illusions, the 2026 edition blurred the line between couture, performance art and celebrity spectacle.

By the end of the night, social media platforms were flooded with debates over the best and worst dressed stars, while millions around the world continued dissecting every outfit, pose and dramatic entrance from fashion’s grandest stage.

As anticipation builds for the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) set to hold on Saturday, veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva has addressed the wave of criticism trailing this year’s nominations.

Silva, who chairs the judging panel for the 12th edition of the awards, offered insight into the selection process in a recent interview, emphasising the rigor and professionalism behind the final list.

Her remarks come amid widespread debate among film enthusiasts, many of whom have questioned the exclusion of certain actors and productions.

Responding to the concerns, Silva explained that the non-voting categories are determined strictly by industry professionals with a deep understanding of film, performance, and technical craft.

“There’s a panel of judges–highly skilled individuals who understand film,” she said.

She further clarified that while some categories are decided by public votes, others are judged purely on merit.

“The non-voting categories are not a popularity contest. They are about craft and skill,” Silva stated.

Addressing the recurring criticism that often follows award nominations in Nollywood, she acknowledged the subjective nature of awards but stressed that a structured and layered evaluation system is in place.

“We have two sets of judges to ensure fairness. Every film is graded, and the final outcome is based on an aggregate of scores,” she explained.

Silva, however, admitted that even she was surprised by some omissions.

“There are projects I was shocked didn’t get a single nod, despite their quality. But ultimately, it comes down to the aggregate scores,” she said.

Speaking on what defines an award-winning performance, Silva highlighted the importance of transformation and authenticity.

“It’s about how fully an actor becomes the character. The believability must be so strong that the audience talks about the character, not the actor,” she noted.

She added that achieving such depth remains challenging, particularly within the tight production timelines common in Nollywood.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Nigeria Police Force said three members of a syndicate involved in a sophisticated examination malpractice during the conduct of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at the College of Education, Warri, Delta State have been arrested.

Anthony Placid, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force said in a statement on Friday that sophisticated examination malpractice was uncovered by police operatives in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB),

He added that the operation followed intelligence-led investigations into attempts by criminal elements to compromise the integrity of the JAMN examination through technology-assisted fraud and unauthorized remote access to examination systems.

The Police spokesperson said preliminary investigations revealed that during the examination, unauthorized remote access was gained into candidates’ computer systems by members of the syndicate.

“Acting on credible intelligence and digital forensic leads, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force carried out coordinated operations which led to the arrest of three suspects directly linked to the criminal activity. The suspects are currently in Police custody assisting ongoing investigations,” said Placid.

He added that investigations have also uncovered the involvement of additional examination centres suspected to have engaged in similar illegal activities.

He added that in reaction to the discovery, JAMB has taken administrative measures, including the withdrawal of results from affected centres pending the conclusion of investigations.

Also, candidates affected by the development will be rescheduled for the mop-up examination in line with established procedures.

“The Force warns all candidates, examination centre operators, and criminal collaborators to desist from engaging in any form of examination malpractice, cyber-assisted fraud, or unauthorized system intrusion.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to identifying, dismantling, and prosecuting criminal networks seeking to undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system,” Placid said.

By David Adeoye

A gale of defection has hit the troubled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State as many elected office holders, appointees and political associates of Gov. Seyi Makinde have dumped the party and joined the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

A significant number of his political allies and close associates have resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and announced their defection to the APM.

Although Makinde hasn’t made an official announcement yet, the coordinated movement of his network to the APM could signify an imminent move.

Some of Makinde’s key allies who have resigned and pitched their tent with the APM include Mr Shina Peller, the consensus candidate of Makinde’s PDP faction for Oyo North Senatorial District in the 2027 poll.

Peller, a former member of the House of Representatives for Iseyin/Iwajowa/Itesiwaju/Kajola Federal Constituency, officially announced his resignation from the PDP on Wednesday.

He cited the protracted leadership vacuum and the “legal cul-de-sac” the PDP has been boxed into.

The former lawmaker stated that his entrance into the APM strengthens the belief that a new era of responsive and progressive representation was possible for the people of Oyo North.

Also, current lawmaker for the Ibadan North-West/South-West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr Adedeji Olajide, resigned from the PDP citing the crisis in the party as the reason for his decision.

Olajide, who has reportedly switched to the APM, was earlier picked as the PDP consensus senatorial candidate for Oyo South in the 2027 general elections.

Equally, Mr Olufemi Ajadi, the consensus candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial election under Makinde’s PDP faction, tendered his resignation from the party on May 6.

Ajadi said the unresolved crisis at the national level of the PDP was the reason he would pursue his ambition on another political platform.

He stressed that the lingering internal crisis within the party could pose legal challenges to his aspiration in the long run.

A number of lawmakers in the PDP dominated state House of Assembly have also resigned from the party in the past couple of days.

Among the lawmakers to have resigned in the Assembly is the Majority Leader, Hon. Onaolapo Sanjo Adedoyin (representing Ogbomoso South State Constituency), who has joined the APM.

It has been speculated that all of Makinde’s allies, particularly aspirants jostling for federal, state, and local government seats, would all have resigned and joined the APM before Saturday.

Political observers in the state attribute the ongoing mass defection of PDP members loyal to Makinde to the APM to a strategy employed by the Oyo State governor to beat the May 9 deadlinestipulated in the new electoral guidelines.

The provisions of the Electoral Act makes it necessary for the governor to publicly announce his preferred successor by May 9 at the latest.

There have been insinuations on social media that the governor had picked Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi as his preferred governorship candidate for the 2027 election, though his media aide, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju had dismissed the reports.

Adekanmbi was a former commissioner for finance under the APC led government of Gov. Abiola Ajimobi (deceased) and later was appointed by Makinde as chairman of the committee handling the upgrade of the Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan.

Olanrewaju said the governor was still consulting widely and would make known his choice at the appropriate time.

(NAN