Category: PM News

Mr Kunle Ajayi, Deputy National Secretary, African Action Congress (AAC), has explained how the party would win the presidential and governorship elections in Lagos State against the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.

Ajayi in an interview in Lagos on Wednesday said the party will embark on robust grassroots campaigns to achieve the feat.

He said that the party had mapped out strategies aimed at taking its message directly to the electorate and mobilising support across the state and the country.

‘In terms of strategies, we have plenty of them, many of which we will only explore amazingly,’ he said.

He said that the AAC would prioritise direct engagement with residents through door-to-door, house-to-house and street-to-street campaigns to explain its manifesto, policies and programmes to the people.

‘What matters in our campaign is that we will speak with the people door-to-door, house-to-house and street-to-street.

‘We will let the people know what we stand for, our manifesto and what we have for them,’ Ajayi said.

The deputy national secretary said that the party would use its campaign to adequately inform Lagos residents with its plans for the state.

He urged the electorate to critically assess its vision ahead of the election.

‘We will let the Lagos State people know our antecedents and what we will do when we win.

‘We want the people to understand clearly the kind of government we intend to provide,’ he said.

Ajayi said that the AAC’s campaign would not be restricted to major cities, adding that the party would reach communities across Lagos and other parts of the country to mobilise support for its candidates.

‘As a party, we will go to the nooks and crannies of every state and region of Nigeria to explain to the people what we have in stock for them,’ he said.

He said that the party was committed to ensuring that Nigerians played a central role in determining the direction of governance, noting that its campaign would be people-oriented.

‘We will hand over our campaigns to the people, just as we will hand the government over to them,’ Ajayi said.

According to him, the party’s grassroots strategy will provide an opportunity for voters to interact directly with its candidates and understand their plans for addressing challenges confronting the country.

‘We want the people to hear directly from us, understand our plans and participate actively in the process of choosing the kind of leadership they desire,’ he said.

Ajayi urged Nigerians, particularly Lagos residents, to participate actively in the 2027 general elections and vote based on the programmes, competence and antecedents of candidates.

‘Our message is simple: the people must be at the centre of governance, and our campaign will continue to reflect that commitment,’ he said.

He expressed confidence that sustained engagement with the electorate would strengthen the AAC’s chances of winning Lagos and contributing significantly to the party’s presidential victory in 2027.

Members of transnational vehicle snatchers allegedly involved in trafficking stolen vehicles across Nigeria’s borders for sale in neigbouring countries have been arrested by police in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The ????command also recovered a stolen Lexus SUV car.

This is contained in a statement on Wednesday in Ibadan, by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.

Olayinka said the arrest was made possible following a successful intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

He explained that one of the arrested suspects already in police custody in connection with an armed robbery case, had during interrogation disclosed his knowledge of the activities of a criminal gang specialising in receiving and conveying stolen vehicles to neigbouring countries.

‘Following this lead, operatives allowed the suspect to operate his mobile phone under controlled circumstances, during which members of the syndicate forwarded to him pictures of a vehicle they were about to steal.

‘They instructed him to make proper arrangements for its reception, preparation and movement across the border for sale in a neigbouring country.

‘Coincidentally, on Monday, the command received actionable information from the Police Command in Kwara, requesting assistance in intercepting a Lexus RX 350 SUV, 2017 model.

‘According to the Kwara command, the vehicle had been stolen from a woman at gunpoint at her residence in Ilorin, alongside other valuables,’ he said.

He added that on receipt of the information, the state Commissioner of Police, directed the VCRU commander to immediately mount an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation along the Ibadan-Ilorin expressway in order to arrest the suspect and recover the stolen vehicle.

According to him, the VCRU operatives sighted the stolen Lexus SUV vehicle at about 4:00 a.m., on Monday and attempted to stop it for interrogation.

Olayinka said that the occupants however abandoned the vehicle and fled in different directions into the bush in an attempt to evade arrest.

‘The operatives gave them a hot chase, resulting in the arrest of two suspects, one of whom sustained a bullet wound to his left foot during the operation.

‘A search of the recovered vehicle led to the recovery of valuables belonging to the victim, including four HP laptops, one iPhone 15 Pro Max, a bag containing seven wristwatches and some jewellery,’ he said.

He said that the suspects during interrogatuon confessed to have received the vehicle from the syndicate that stole it in Ilorin.

‘The suspects said that they were conveying the vehicle towards the border, where an ECOWAS document was to be obtained to facilitate its movement across the border for sale in a neigbouring country.

The PPRO quoted the state commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga as commending the operatives for their prompt response, professionalism and effective utilisation of actionable intelligence.

‘The command appreciates the cooperation and intelligence-sharing between the Oyo and Kwara police commands.

‘Sustained inter-state collaboration remains critical to effectively disrupting organised and trans-national criminal activities,’ he said.

One person was killed while three others sustained injuries after a man allegedly opened fire during a recent marriage ceremony, popularly known as a ‘DJ’ event in Kano.

The 34-year-old alleged shooter identified as Rabiu Mukhtar, has also been arrested over the incident.

Mukhtar allegedly used a pump-action gun to shoot four people at the event, Kano Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Abdullahi Haruna-Kiyawa said while confirming the incident.

The Kano Police spokesperson said the incident occurred at Tudun Yola on Aug. 16.

He confirmed the arrest of Mukhtar, in connection with the alleged offence.

The Kano police spokesperson further stated that the suspect allegedly used a pump-action gun to shoot four people who sustained injuries.

He added that the police recovered the gun from the suspect’s possession.

Haruna-Kiyawa said the victims were rushed to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, for medical treatment.

He identified the victims as Sadiq Abubakar, Umar Rabiu, Muhammad Sadisu and Aliyu Mustapha.

According to him, one of the victims, Aliyu Mustapha, later died in the hospital, while the remaining three are responding to treatment.

The PPRO further revealed that Mukhtar and one other person were apprehended and taken into custody for investigation at the Command Headquarters, Bompai, Kano.

He explained that preliminary information indicated that the incident was triggered by the playing of music that some people did not like.

Haruna-Kiyawa further stated that the suspect told the police he opened fire after he heard that thugs, ‘Yan daba’ were coming to the venue.

He said the suspects would be prosecuted after completion of investigation.

The Federal Government on Wednesday inaugurated 100 Renewed Hope Mass Transit electric buses to provide safer, more affordable and reliable transportation for federal civil servants nationwide.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, disclosed this at the inauguration of the buses in Abuja.

Walson-Jack said the initiative represented a practical demonstration of the federal government commitment to the welfare and well-being of civil servants.

She said 37 of the 100 electric buses had been delivered as the first instalment of the project.

‘For me, it is a dream come true. This inauguration is providentially my parting gift to my dearly beloved federal civil servants,’ she said.

The HCSF, whose tenure ends on Thursday, said she could not have asked for a more fitting way to end her service than to receive and hand over the keys to an initiative that would continue to benefit civil servants after her exit.

She expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support for the initiative and the transformation of the Federal Civil Service.

She said transportation went beyond moving people from one location to another, noting that daily commuting affected the finances, safety, punctuality and productivity of civil servants.

‘An intervention that makes transportation safer, more reliable and more affordable is therefore not a peripheral welfare gesture; it is an investment in a more productive civil service,’ she said.

Walson-Jack said the buses would ease the financial burden on workers and reduce the risks associated with daily commuting.

According to her, the initiative demonstrates that the Renewed Hope Agenda is being translated into practical interventions that workers can directly experience.

‘The acquisition of the buses is made possible through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.’

She described the intervention as evidence of the administration’s commitment to translating the Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible benefits for Nigerians.

She commended the Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, for his support and for undertaking the symbolic handover of the buses.

The head of service of the federation also commended the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Joseph Osanipin and his team for their collaboration in ensuring that the buses were developed in line with the objectives of the national automotive policy.

She said staff welfare remained fundamental to public service reform, adding that a supported and motivated workforce would be better positioned to serve the nation with commitment, professionalism and excellence.

The buses

Walson-Jack, urged civil servants to take good care of the buses provided by the government, describing the initiative as valuable assets provided for their benefit

‘My dearly beloved civil servants, treat these buses as your own personal assets. They are assets that have been provided for you all,’ she said.

Earlier, Enoh described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the federal government efforts to improve the welfare of civil servants.

He said the deployment of the electric buses would contribute to easing transportation challenges faced by workers while supporting the government’s broader sustainability and development objectives.

He also said that the buses were part of the administration’s efforts to translate its policies into practical interventions that directly impacted the lives of Nigerians.

He commended Walson-Jack for her contributions to the federal civil service and wished her well as she concluded her tenure as the HCSF.

The minister said the first 37 buses would serve as the initial phase of the 100-bus project, with the remaining buses expected to be deployed as planned.

Veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, has died after he suddenly took ill in Lagos.

The Eagle Online, confirmed the death of the 56-year-old veteran journalist on Wednesday.

The newspaper said Oladipo died on Tuesday.

Also, the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), which he previously led as president confirmed the tragic incident in a statement by Danlami Nmodu, its current president.

GOCOP, announced the death on its platform on Tuesday night.

‘It has just been confirmed that Emeritus President, Mr Dotun Oladipo, died today. May his soul rest in peace. Amen,’ Mr Nmodu said.

The late veteran journalist worked with Nigerian Tribune, Nigerian Compass, The Sun and PUNCH Newspapers before establishing The Eagle Online.

He was also the chief executive officer of Premium Eagle Media Limited as well as the pioneer president of the Innovative Media Partners Cooperative Multipurpose Society (IMPCMS)

IMPCMS established to promote collaboration and professional development among media practitioners.

The General Secretary of the Innovative Media Partners Cooperative Multipurpose Society, Nkanu Egbe, also confirmed the journalist’s death.

He described his passage as as a major loss to the journalism profession.

‘It is with profound sorrow that I announce the sudden death of our President, Mr Dotun Oladipo, who passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Lagos, at the age of 56,’ Egbe said.

Egbe described Oladipo as a journalist who combined nearly three decades of professional experience with dedicated leadership of the cooperative.

‘Mr Oladipo led our cooperative with dedication, alongside a distinguished journalism career spanning nearly three decades. His passing is a devastating loss not only to IMPCMS but to Nigerian journalism as a whole,’ he added.

In his reaction to his death, African Action Congress 2027 presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore described Oladipo as a ‘complete gentleman, accomplished digital journalist and remarkable human being.’

‘Dotun Oladipo has passed away. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire community of digital journalists in Nigeria. May Dotun Oladipo rest in power!’ Sowore wrote.

Oladipo obtained a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, in 1992.

The Innovative Media Partners Cooperative Multipurpose Society said details of his funeral arrangements and other matters concerning his burial would be announced later.

Ogun State All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant, Abayomi Hunye, has alleged that some leaders of the party threatened him to abandon his 2027 governorship ambition.

Hunye made the allegation while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he spoke about the controversy surrounding the APC governorship primary that produced Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

According to Hunye, some party leaders insisted that Adeola should be the sole candidate and allegedly mounted pressure on him not to proceed with the contest.

He also claimed that he was excluded from a meeting involving former governors and other influential party figures because of his insistence on remaining in the race.

Hunye questioned the process adopted by the party, asking why he was allowed to purchase a N50 million nomination form and subsequently cleared for screening if a consensus arrangement had already been reached in favour of Adeola.

He argued that the development raised questions about fairness in the conduct of the primary and the treatment of other aspirants who had fulfilled the party’s requirements.

The governorship aspirant also denied claims that he had been parading himself as the APC candidate in Ogun State.

Hunye said he was only challenging the process that produced Adeola and had already approached the court to seek redress.

He vowed to continue pursuing the matter through legal and other appropriate channels, insisting that his grievance was centred on due process and the circumstances surrounding the emergence of the party’s candidate.

The APC has maintained that Adeola remains its recognised governorship candidate for the 2027 election. The party has also said his name and that of his running mate, Kudirat Balogun, have been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

A total of 1,756 corps members completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II orientation course in Bayelsa on Wednesday.

The closing ceremony was held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Kaiama, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, marking the end of the mandatory 21-day camping programme.

Gov. Douye Diri urged corps members to make their service year memorable through dedication, patriotism and commitment as they proceeded to their various Places of Primary Assignment (PPAs).

The governor encouraged them to serve diligently, share knowledge, contribute to community development and maintain responsible conduct throughout their one-year national service in Bayelsa.

Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Alfred Kemepadei, Diri appealed to corps members to embrace tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence at their PPAs.

He assured them of the Bayelsa Government’s commitment to their welfare and safety, while urging them to contribute meaningfully to the development of their host communities.

Diri also advised the corps members to apply lessons learnt during the orientation course, noting that the training acquired would serve as valuable tools in future endeavours.

‘I urge you to impact meaningfully on what you have been taught in the camp, for it can be a light to others in the society.

‘Please maintain good conduct in your PPA, shun any act of negative activity during and after your NYSC service.

‘See Bayelsa as your own because we are very accommodating, be a shining light to others and ensure you impact positively in your areas of primary assignment,’ he said.

The governor reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting corps members throughout their service year and ensuring their welfare across Bayelsa.

The NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mr Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, has, on behalf of the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig Gen OO Nafiu, declared the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course closed, charging Corps Members to uphold discipline, integrity and selfless service throughout their service year.

Kubiangha gave the charge on Wednesday at the low-key Closing Ceremony and Terminal Parade held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede.

He urged the Corps Members to let discipline guide their actions, integrity shape their decisions and service remain at the heart of their relationships with colleagues and members of their host communities.

The State Coordinator acknowledged that the Corps Members might encounter challenges at their Places of Primary Assignment (PPAs) or find themselves serving in communities far from home, but urged them not to lose sight of the purpose of the NYSC Scheme.

He advised them to remain resilient, respectful and committed to the ideals of national service, noting that they had arrived at the Camp as young Nigerians from different backgrounds, experiences and parts of the country, but were leaving as members of one family after sharing the discipline, challenges, learning experiences and camaraderie of the Orientation Course.

Kubiangha congratulated the Corps Members on the successful completion of the Orientation Course and commended them for their cooperation, resilience and commitment throughout the Course.

He explained that the Orientation Course was designed not only to prepare Corps Members physically for the service year but also to equip them with the values, knowledge and skills required to contribute meaningfully to national development.

According to him, the lectures, drills, physical exercises, Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, social activities, sensitisation sessions and other Camp engagements were structured to instil discipline, patriotism, leadership, tolerance, teamwork and selfless service.

Kubiangha reminded the Corps Members that they were ambassadors of the Scheme and that their conduct at their various PPAs and host communities would influence public perception of the NYSC.

He urged them to be punctual, diligent, respectful and responsible, while maintaining cordial relationships with colleagues and members of their host communities.

‘Respect constituted authority, maintain cordial relationships with your colleagues and host communities,’ he said.

Kubiangha further charged the Corps Members to shun activities capable of jeopardising their future or bringing the name of the NYSC into disrepute. He specifically warned against cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, fraud, violence and other forms of criminality, urging them not to allow peer pressure or the pursuit of quick wealth to compromise their values.

He also encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunities provided through the SAED programme and other learning platforms available during their service year, stressing that the NYSC experience should go beyond receiving monthly allowances and eventually obtaining the Certificate of National Service.

The State Coordinator commended Camp Officials for their dedication and sacrifices throughout the Orientation Course. He appreciated the instructors, facilitators, medical and security personnel, administrative staff, catering and sanitation teams, as well as other stakeholders whose contributions ensured the success of the Course.

He reminded the Corps Members that the closing of the Orientation Course marked not the end of their journey but the beginning of the more practical phase of their national service.

Kubiangha therefore urged them to proceed to their various PPAs with confidence, humility and a strong sense of responsibility, while remaining committed to making positive contributions to their host communities and the nation.

The Closing Ceremony featured the presentation of letters of commendation to outstanding Officials of NYSC and collaborating agencies in recognition of their dedication and contributions to the success of the Orientation Course.

Among those commended were the Head of Civil Defence on Camp, ASCI Akerele Folakemi; Man ‘O’ War Instructor, Arowosegbe Gbenga; Head of SERVICOM, Mr Aderibigbe Kazeem; Account Staff, Mrs Owoeye Eunice; Deputy Camp Director, Mr Oniye Damilare Omotayo; and SPR Anthony Chidubem Theresa of the ECC, Nigeria Army, Ede.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Cross River, Arthur Archibong, has said he was ready to debate incumbent state governor, Bassey Otu at any time and venue.

He, however, insisted that Otu must attend the debate personally.

Archibong said this on Tuesday in Calabar while responding to a challenge issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Ekpenyong Cobham.

‘I am willing to honour the challenge to a debate, on one condition: that Gov. Bassey Otu will be there in person.

‘The people deserve to hear directly from those seeking to lead them, not from proxies,’ he said.

Archibong said he would not engage Cobham in a war of words, describing the commissioner as his brother and stressing he was not on the ballot.

‘Pastor Cobham is my brother. But he is not on the ballot, so I will not join issues with him,’ he said.

Cobham had earlier challenged Archibong to publicly debate the Otu administration’s policies, programmes and performance ahead of the 2027 election.

Archibong also defended Arthur Jarvis University (AJU), which he founded in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, against recent criticisms.

He described the allegations against the institution as politically motivated, saying AJU was established to contribute to Cross River’s development.

He urged critics to focus instead on environmental sanitation, blocked drainages and emergency response, particularly the condition of Watt Market.

He said: ‘Instead of chasing imaginary bedbugs in Akpabuyo, they should come and see the real crisis in Watt Market.

‘Go there today and see the filth, the stench, the blocked drainages, and traders selling beside refuse.’

Archibong also alleged that inadequate resources were undermining emergency response, particularly the state fire service.

‘Our firefighters have no diesel. Our fire trucks have no water. And when infernos like the one at SPAR Mall happened, we are left helpless,’ he said.

The PDP candidate expressed sympathy for traders, workers and families affected by the recent fire at SPAR Shopping Mall in Calabar.

He promised that his administration, if elected, would strengthen emergency response and provide firefighters with water, diesel and essential equipment.

Archibong also questioned the economic benefits of the administration’s foreign investment trips and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

‘After so many MoUs, show me how many have translated to successful projects that are addressing the pitiful situation of this state.

‘Where are the factories? Where are the jobs? Where is the relief for the ordinary man?’ he asked.

The candidate criticised what he described as Otu’s absence during crises, citing recent landslides and the SPAR Mall fire.

‘When landslides claimed lives and destroyed properties, and when fire swept through our businesses like the recent SPAR Mall crisis, the presence of our governor is nowhere to be found,’ he said.

On scholarships, Archibong said educational support remained a personal commitment rather than an instrument for political advantage.

‘Scholarships are a personal act of service. I will not bring charity to the marketplace just to score cheap political points,’ he said.

He urged voters to make the 2027 election a contest based on ideas, records, competence and service rather than money, intimidation or violence.

Archibong said: ‘Cross River deserves a governor who will not govern from a distance or by proxy.

‘Our people deserve leadership that shows up, listens and delivers. Let this contest be about ideas, about track records, and about who is ready to serve.’

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will win a second term in 2027, saying Nigerians will judge the administration by the changes recorded since it took office.

Akpabio spoke in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while receiving members of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, TETFund and NELFund, led by Senator Muntari Dandutse.

According to him, Tinubu inherited a troubled economy but has since taken decisions that have strengthened the finances of states and improved their ability to meet basic obligations.

‘The current president has done a lot for Nigerians. He met an economy in shambles,’ Akpabio said.

‘When he came in, 27 states could not pay salaries and pensions, but today, the story has changed because of his reengineering and thinking out of the box.’

The Senate President said the All Progressives Congress would enter the 2027 campaign with achievements it could confidently present to voters.

‘In 2027, Nigerians will separate the chaff from the grains and re-elect President Tinubu for a second term in office,’ he said.

‘We will have something to tell Nigerians about the unprecedented achievements of Mr President at the campaign grounds.’

Akpabio also took aim at opposition politicians seeking to unseat Tinubu, arguing that they had yet to present Nigerians with a more convincing alternative to the APC administration.

He further defended the record of the 10th National Assembly, saying the Senate had made ‘giant strides’ and would continue working with the executive to deliver government programmes.

The Senate President also urged lawmakers not to be distracted by criticism on social media.

‘We don’t need to listen to social media because it is garbage in, garbage out,’ Akpabio said.

He called on senators who may not return to the 11th Senate after the 2027 elections to remain committed to the APC and continue supporting the Tinubu administration, assuring them that their loyalty and contributions would be recognised.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting lawmakers, Dandutse said the committee was in Akwa Ibom in the course of its constitutional responsibilities and had used the opportunity to pay a courtesy visit to the Senate President.