Category: PM News

A chieftain of the Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Sani, has further deepened the ongoing internal dispute within the party, alleging confusion over control of key party documents and financial accounts.

Sani made the claims during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, where he spoke on the leadership tussle within the Peoples Democratic Party, insisting that his faction holds the party’s certificate of incorporation while also questioning how the party’s funds are being managed.

He accused the camp aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of operating parallel arrangements within the party, including alleged sales of nomination forms and financial activities outside formal structures.

“We have an office that we are running, and it is in Area 10 (Abuja). Wike knows the office, let him come and demolish it,” Sani said during the interview.

Clarifying internal alignments, Sani noted that Wadada and Turaki are in the same camp, and he claimed that their group is associated with the custody of the PDP’s financial structure, including access to the party’s bank accounts.

However, he alleged that despite this, there remains confusion and contestation over how party funds and nomination fees are being processed across different structures.

Sani further stated that if the Wike-aligned group were to use the main PDP bank account for the sale of nomination forms, the funds would still be traceable within the party’s legitimate financial system.

“If they use the main account for nomination forms, it will still come to us,” he said, suggesting that financial flows ultimately remain linked to the official party structure.

The PDP continues to grapple with internal disagreements over leadership legitimacy, control of financial resources, and access to official party documents, as rival tendencies within the party maintain competing claims ahead of future political engagements.

The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, has publicly endorsed Damilola Ayinde Marshal, daughter of Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, widely known as KWAM 1, for the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The endorsement came during a political consultation meeting ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the 2027 elections.

In a short video shared on Damilola’s Snapchat handle on Wednesday, the aspirant was seen presenting customised campaign caps to Sego and some supporters during the gathering.

Speaking in the video, Sego urged APC members and residents of Surulere to support Damilola’s ambition to represent Surulere Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

He said, “When it is time for the primary election, everybody should come out in large numbers and vote for Dami, Omo Anifowose.

She is the only person capable of doing the job. The development of Surulere is our collective responsibility, and this is our time.”

The endorsement is seen as a major boost for Damilola’s growing political ambition, especially given the influence of the Lagos NURTW within grassroots politics in the state.

Damilola, a lawyer and Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, recently declared her intention to contest the assembly seat under the platform of the APC.

Announcing her ambition through an Instagram post, she said she was fully prepared to offer quality representation and contribute meaningfully to the development of her constituency.

“I am excited to officially announce that I, Barrister Damilola Ayinde Marshal, am stepping forward to serve the good people of Surulere Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly,” she wrote.

She added that her educational background, legal experience and exposure in public service had equipped her with the knowledge needed for effective leadership.

“I am a woman of excellence and results. I am ready to serve and lead. With my background and experience, I am fully prepared to fight for what truly matters. I also promise to be a strong voice for young people in the House,” she stated.

Damilola further described herself as part of a new generation of leaders committed to youth inclusion, community development and responsive governance.

According to her, many young people in Surulere desire fresh ideas and energetic leadership, which motivated her decision to join the race.

“As a young woman, I strongly believe this is what my people need at this moment, and that is why I decided to step forward,” she added.

Political observers say her declaration has continued to attract attention within APC circles in Lagos, especially because of her connection to KWAM 1, one of Nigeria’s most influential Fuji musicians with a strong fan base across the South-West.

If elected, Damilola is expected to replace the current lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency II, Mosunmola Rotimi Sangodara, who currently occupies the seat under the APC platform.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Aremu Muftau Ajagun before Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State, for alleged advance fee fraud amounting to N145 million.

Ajagun was charged by the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Commission on a one-count charge of fraud and obtaining money under false pretence. The charge, read to the defendant, alleges that in August 2025, he defrauded one Adegbite Musiliu Adetunji of N145 million by falsely claiming that the sum was required for the purchase of eight pieces of 4000KVA transformers.

The charge reads: “That you, Aremu Muftau Ajagun, in August 2025, in Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N145,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Forty-Five Million Naira Only) from one Adegbite Musiliu Adetunji by false pretence, when you represented to him that the said sum is the purchase price of eight pieces of 4000KVA transformers, and other false pretences which you knew to be false.”

Ajagun pleaded not guilty to the charge, prompting the prosecution counsel, Deputy Superintendent of EFCC, DSE Mabas Mabur, to request a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in a correctional facility. In response, the defence counsel, Kemi Fawosola, appealed to the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the EFCC.

Justice Agomoh ruled that Ajagun be remanded in Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan, pending further proceedings.

Following the arraignment, the prosecution counsel declared readiness to present two witnesses in the trial. However, the defence sought an adjournment, citing the need for more time to review essential documents and prepare an application for bail.

The case was adjourned to May 8, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application, and further trial proceedings will take place on June 9 and 10, 2026.

Ajagun is accused of presenting himself as a consultant with Burron Development Limited and fraudulently obtaining N145 million from Adetunji under the false pretext of purchasing transformers. However, investigations later revealed that while Ajagun had indeed purchased the transformers from Burron Development Limited, he supplied them to other victims, having already defrauded them with the same false promise.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West has called on youths in Ondo State to seize the opportunity of the ongoing voter registration exercise by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the APC South-West Youth Leader, Daramola Adesuyi, emphasized the importance of the PVC as an essential document for active participation in the democratic process.

Adesuyi noted that the PVC is not just a voting card, but also a key instrument of civic engagement and a valid means of identification. He explained that without the PVC, citizens, regardless of their political interest, will be unable to vote in the forthcoming elections.

“The PVC is critical for every citizen who wants to engage in the democratic process. It grants eligible citizens the right to vote and is a vital tool in ensuring the government reflects the will of the people,” Adesuyi stated.

He urged all APC youth leaders, party members, and stakeholders across the South-West to mobilize for the third and final phase of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) PVC registration. The second phase of the registration exercise concluded on April 17, 2026, and now, the third phase has begun.

“The INEC frequently conducts Continuous Voter Registration to accommodate new voters, especially those who have recently turned 18. This is a crucial window for those who need to transfer their registration or replace lost or damaged cards,” he added.

Adesuyi also urged APC local government youth leaders, student leaders, and other stakeholders to encourage full participation in this vital exercise, ensuring that the youth are actively involved in shaping the nation’s political future.

By Akin Kuponiyi

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has adjourned until July 10, 2026, for the continuation of the trial of Lagos businessman, Godspower Phillip Odiete, who is facing charges over the alleged importation of 13.5 kilogrammes of cannabis.

Odiete is being prosecuted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and unlawful importation of cannabis.

At the resumed hearing, the NDLEA prosecuting counsel, Barrister F.S. Ajagu, informed the court after leading the second prosecution witness in evidence that the agency intended to call four additional witnesses before closing its case.

Counsel to the defendant, Chief Dennis Warri, did not object to the application.

Following the submissions, the trial judge, Justice Daniel Osiagor, adjourned the matter until July 10 for continuation of trial proceedings.

According to the charge filed by NDLEA Senior Prosecuting Counsel, Barrister Adekunle Adebajo, the defendant allegedly conspired with two persons identified as Victor Addah and Ejimnkoye Livinus, who are currently at large, to import the banned substance into the country.

The prosecution alleged that the offence was committed on May 17, 2024, at Tin Can Island Port.

The first count accused Odiete of conspiring with the two suspects to import 13.5 kilogrammes of Cannabis Indica, described by the prosecution as a narcotic substance similar to cocaine, heroin and LSD.

The second count alleged that the businessman unlawfully imported the same quantity of Cannabis Indica into Nigeria without lawful authority.

The offences are said to contravene Sections 14(b) and 11(a) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Millions of voters across the United Kingdom headed to the polls on Thursday in the country’s biggest round of elections since the 2024 general election, with key contests taking place across England, Scotland and Wales.

The elections will determine who governs Scotland and Wales, while voters in England are choosing thousands of local councillors and several mayors in contests expected to test the popularity of political parties midway into the current parliamentary term.

Polling stations opened at 7:00 a.m. BST and are scheduled to close at 10:00 p.m., with early results expected overnight.

In Scotland, all 129 seats in the Scottish Parliament are being contested, with voters electing both constituency and regional Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). The outcome will determine who forms the next Scottish government and who becomes First Minister.

The governing Scottish National Party is seeking to maintain its dominance after narrowly missing an outright majority in the last parliamentary election in 2021.

In Wales, all seats in the Senedd are also up for election under a newly introduced voting system. The number of Members of the Senedd has increased from 60 to 96, with 16 larger constituencies each electing six representatives.

The traditional first-past-the-post system has been replaced with the proportional D’Hondt method, meaning voters now cast a single vote for political parties rather than individual candidates.

The new system could significantly reshape Welsh politics by giving smaller parties greater opportunities for representation.

Meanwhile, in England, voters are electing about 5,000 councillors across 136 local authorities, alongside six mayoral contests in areas including Croydon, Hackney, Lewisham, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Watford.

The local elections are expected to provide an important indication of public sentiment toward the ruling Labour Party government since it came to power in 2024.

Election officials reminded voters in England that valid photo identification is required to vote in local elections, while no ID is needed for parliamentary elections in Scotland and Wales.

Authorities also encouraged voter participation throughout the day, with broadcasters and election monitors closely watching turnout figures and regional voting trends.

No elections are being held in Northern Ireland, where the next local and Assembly elections are scheduled for 2027.

By Taiye Agbaje

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday dismissed a suit filed by former member, House of Representatives, Igbokwe Igbokwe, seeking an order nullifying Sections 88 and 29 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, held that Igbokwe, who is also the Special Assistant (S.A.) to the Speaker of the House on Inter-Governmental Affairs, lacked the locus standi to Institute the suit.

Igbokwe had sued the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 1st and 2nd defendants in the amended originating summons dated and filed on March 2.

In the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2115/2025, he sought two questions for determination and prayed the court for three reliefs.

He urged the court to declare “that upon considering the clear, express and unambiguous provisions of Section 66 (1) (f) 107 (1) (f) 137 (1)(f), 182 (1) (f) and 42 (1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution, Section 88 of the Electoral Act, 2026.

The second provides that “No political appointee at any level shall be a voting delegate or be voted for at the convention or congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election” is inconsistent with the provisions of the constitution and therefore unconstitutional, illegal, discriminatory, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.”

Igbokwe, who claimed to be an All Progressives Congress (APC) member, urged the court to declare that the provisions of Sections 88 and 29 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 are unconstitutional, invalid, discriminatory, and contradictory.

He said the sections are in conflicts with constitutional right conferred on him (plaintiff) and other citizens of Nigeria who are appointed to hold political offices to exit their appointments 30 days before election to the public office they seek to contest.

The plaintiff, therefore, sought an order compelling INEC to accept nomination of candidates who were political appointees and who resign or exited their appointments 30 days before election to the public office they seek to contest, as provided in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Igbokwe, in his affidavit, said he was House member, who represented Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise Federal Constituency of Imo in the National Assembly between 2011 and 2019.

He said as APC member, he had the right to participate in the primary election of the party to vote and be voted for.

He, however, said that the provisions of Sections 88 and 29 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 will personally affect his constitutional right to retain his office up to 30 days to the 2027 General Elections in his capacity as S.A. to the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

According to him, by Section 29 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2026,every political party is mandated to conduct its primary election not later than 120 days before the date of the general election and submit its list of candidates to the 2nd defendant (INEC).

The plaintiff stated that the implication of this is that he must resign his appointment not later than 120 days to the general election to enable him participate in the primary election contrary to the constitutional stipulation of 30 days.

Igbokwe said he is interested in contesting for the position of member of the House representing his federal constituency in the 2027 poll.

Delivering the judgement, Justice Omotosho held that the suit was incompetent, the plaintiff, having lacked the legal right to file the suit.

“It is therefore clear that the provisions of Section 88 of the Electoral Act, 2026, which is impari materia with Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act 2022 is valid and does not offend constitutional provisions as regards political appointees resigning their appointments before participating in the primary elections of their political parties.

“The National Assembly has not breached the constitution by making laws to regulate the conduct of primary elections.

“It is within its rights to do so as such regulations are not exhaustively covered by the constitution.

“The Electoral Act, 2026 is a specific legislation made to regulate political parties and the conduct of their primaries and the general elections,” he said.

According to the judge, the Act seeks to entrench internal democracies and prevent unlawful practices by political parties in accordance with Section 288 of the Constitution.

“The Electoral Act, 2026 including Sections 29 and 88 offends no provisions of the constitution and thus, there are no inconsistencies whatsoever between those sections and the constitution.

“Consequently, the reliefs of the plaintiff are bound to fail.

“In final analysis, the suit of the plaintiff is incompetent due to a lack of locus stand, the suit being academic and non-joinder of necessary parties.

“Even if the suit was competent, the reliefs are not grantable as the plaintiff is a political appointee not within the contemplation of Section 66 (1) (f) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

“If he intends to contest any elective position, he must comply with Section 88 of the Electoral Act, 2026 which is not inconsistent with any provisions of the constitution.

“Consequently, this suit is hereby dismissed for lack of merit,” Justice Omotosho ruled.

(NAN

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has discovered and begun dismantling a series of caves and subterranean hideouts in the Rimin Kebe area of Kano state.

The caves were being used for illicit drug consumption and trade.

Acting on intelligence and sustained surveillance under the recently launched “Operation Sharar Mafaka,” operatives of the Kano Command moved into the notorious Rimin Kebe enclave last Monday.

On arrival, officers confirmed the existence of multiple caves constructed and adapted by drug dealers as living and trading spaces.

Several sites were found furnished and provisioned–some set up as rooms and parlours with mats, pillows, food flasks, plates and cutlery–indicating sustained occupation and regular unlawful activities.

Other caves and tunnels observed appear to be under construction and may provide underground links between hideouts.

Commander Dahiru Yahaya Lawal directed operatives to dislodge several sites of the built caves and tunnels.

The agency is planning to demolish the caves and secure remaining hideouts within the area.

The operation forms part of the command’s intensified effort to rid Kano of illicit drug use and trade.

“We will continue to pursue these unscrupulous elements wherever they hide.

“Our commitment is unwavering: those who remain in the illicit trade should consider exiting now. We have come to stay until Kano is free from illicit drug use and trade,” said Lawal.

The operation is being carried out in line with the directive of the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), to pursue drug networks in every nook and cranny of the agency’s jurisdiction.

The NDLEA Kano Command called on members of the public to report any suspicious activity or locations to its local offices without hesitation.

NDLEA maintained that timely information from residents remain critical to proactively curbing the menace of substance abuse in Kano State.

By Ayox Ojo

The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has ordered Mr. Bashir Mohammed Saidu, a former commissioner of Finance and Chief of Staff (CoS) to former governor Nasir El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Mr. Ibrahim Murktar, to open their defence in the N155 million money laundering trial instituted against them by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Justice Rilwan Aikawa gave the order while delivering ruling on the no-case submissions made by the defendants.

The court dismissed the application as it held that that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against them.

The Court ruled that from the totality of the evidence presented by the ICPC, the defendants have questions to answer and must therefore enter their respective defences.

Mr. Saidu and Mr. Murktar are being prosecuted on a four-count charge bordering on money laundering offences under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The ICPC had alleged that Mr. Murktar, a cashier in the Kaduna State Ministry of Finance at the time, withdrew the sum of N155,000,000.00 in multiple cash tranches from the Kaduna State Exchange Gain Account.

The funds were reportedly handed over in cash through a proxy for the benefit of Mr. Saidu, in violation of statutory financial regulations.

The Commission further contended that the transactions, conducted outside the formal banking system, were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.

During the trial, which commenced after the defendants’ arraignment on January 21, 2025, the prosecution called two witnesses and tendered several exhibits before closing its case.

In response, the defendants filed no-case submissions, arguing that the evidence adduced by the prosecution was insufficient to warrant them to enter a defence.

The Court, however, disagreed, affirming that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence requiring explanation from the defendants.

The case has been adjourned to June 22, 2026, for the defendants to open their defence.

The ICPC reaffirms its resolve to pursue corruption cases to their logical conclusion and to uphold transparency and accountability in public service.

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger was involved in a heated argument with his younger teammate alvaro Carreras during a recent training session.

Reports say the disagreement started in the dressing room and quickly became physical, with Rudiger allegedly slapping Carreras.

The situation became tense, and other players had to step in quickly to separate the two and calm things down before it got worse.

The incident is believed to have happened shortly after Real Madrid’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Real Betis, a result that reportedly left Rudiger very frustrated and emotional. His reaction during training was said to be linked to that frustration.

Despite how serious the situation appeared at first, Carreras later played down the issue.

The 23-year-old described it as a minor and isolated incident that has already been resolved internally within the team. He stressed that there are no hard feelings and that his relationship with Rudiger, as well as the rest of the squad, remains strong.

Rudiger is also said to have taken responsibility for his actions by apologising to Carreras. In an effort to restore unity and maintain a positive atmosphere in the team, he reportedly invited Carreras and other teammates, along with their families, to a dinner last Friday.

The gesture is seen as a way to ease tensions and ensure that the incident does not affect team spirit as Real Madrid continue their campaign.

If you’d like, I can also make this sound more dramatic or create headline options.