Category: PM News

A fresh crisis has erupted within the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) following allegations that the party replaced its declared House of Representatives candidate for Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 1, Rivers State, with another name on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.

The controversy followed the party’s direct primary conducted on May 29, 2026, by the National Election Committee led by Dr Osusu Osusu, where Prince Abele Wobo was declared winner after securing 292 votes.

However, the Social Accountability Forum, in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Elechi Kingsley, and Secretary, Godspower Nyebuchi, alleged that the name of the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, Hon. Manuchim Umezurike, had been uploaded on the INEC portal instead of Wobo’s.

The group accused the party of undermining its internal democratic process, insisting that Wobo emerged as the legitimate candidate after the primary election.

‘Prince Abele Wobo lawfully emerged as the candidate of the NDC for Port Harcourt Constituency 1. The result was announced publicly by the Chairman of the National Electoral Committee, Dr Osusu Osusu,’ the group said.

It further alleged that Umezurike did not participate in the primary election, claiming he was still a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the time.

The group claimed attempts were made to pressure Dr Osusu to alter the outcome of the primary but that he refused, accusing some party members of trying to discredit the process.

‘They are now trying to discredit and disclaim the entire primary conducted by Dr Osusu Osusu because he refused to compromise his integrity,’ the statement added.

The forum warned that replacing a declared winner after an election could damage public confidence in the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It called on the NDC leadership to immediately address the issue and restore Wobo’s name on the INEC portal.

The matter has reportedly been taken to court, with Umezurike said to have been served through substituted means.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his condolences to the immediate family, friends and associates of the late veteran Nigerian actor, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as ‘Ogogo’, who died yesterday at the age of 66. He described the actor’s death as deeply hurtful and heartbreaking.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the death of the Nollywood icon is a significant loss to Nigeria, particularly to the creative industry.

He also extended his heartfelt sympathies to Ogogo’s children, family, and the Nigerian entertainment sector on the demise of the actor.

Governor Sanwo-Olu urged his family, friends, colleagues, fans, and practitioners in the entertainment industry to accept Ogogo’s death as an act of God.

He said: ‘Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was a bundle of talent, who used his God-given gift to better mankind. As an actor, he brought smiles to many faces through his roles in various movies.

He said: ‘Through his numerous cinematic performances, Ogogo mirrored the society, moulded character and left a lasting impact in many generations of film lovers.’

‘The death of a loved one is naturally painful because it is irreplaceable, but we must always seek solace in God, especially when the deceased lived a fulfilled life, like the late Taiwo Hassan, who was a celebrated actor in his lifetime.

‘Ogogo’s death is a profound loss to his family, colleagues, the entertainment industry, and Nigeria. His departure has created a vacuum that will take time to fill in the entertainment sector. He will be sorely missed by family, friends, fans, and colleagues.

‘I pray that God grants the late Alhaji Taiwo Hassan eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus and gives the family, colleagues, and friends the strength to endure this irreparable loss.’

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has the increased air presence in Sokoto State was to support ongoing joint security operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the North-West.

This is contained in a statement on Monday in Abuja, by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

Ejodame said the move reflects the service’s resolve to sustain pressure on hostile elements, enhance aerial surveillance, and maintain rapid response capabilities within the Joint Operations Area.

According to the NAF spokesperson, the strengthened deployment is critical in tackling asymmetric threats, as terrorists and bandits often exploit difficult terrain, mobility, and concealment to evade ground forces.

‘ By leveraging the reach, speed, flexibility, and precision of air-power, the NAF is better positioned to locate, disrupt, and degrade hostile elements, deny them freedom of movement, and create opportunities for surface forces to consolidate gains.’

Ejodame quoted the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, as saying that the NAF would continue to optimise the use of airpower to deliver decisive effects in support of joint operations.

Aneke noted that the evolving security environment demanded timely intelligence, responsive air-power, and seamless integration with surface forces.

‘ Our objective is clear; to sustain pressure on criminal elements, deny them freedom of action, and create the conditions for our surface forces to dominate the operational environment.

‘ We will continue to employ air-power intelligently, professionally, and decisively in synergy with sister services and other security agencies, while maintaining the highest regard for civilian safety,’ the CAS said.

He also said that the initiative aligned with his command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in support of national security objectives.

‘ It also reinforces the NAF’s focus on intelligence-led operations, innovation, operational readiness, and joint-force integration,’ he added.

The CAS reiterated the NAF commitment to supporting national efforts with a view to restoring peace and stability across the North-West.

He said the service would continue to work closely with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to protect lives and property, dismantle terrorist and criminal networks, and safeguard communities.

He urged members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information to the appropriate authorities.

The National Rebirth Agenda, a national group, has dismissed the Ondo Redemption Front (ORF) as a politically motivated pressure group allegedly commissioned to undermine the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, urging the governor to remain focused on governance and the development of the state.

In a statement on Sunday by Dr Bala Al-Majeed, it’s National President, the group said the latest criticism of Aiyedatiwa’s administration was another attempt to create unnecessary political tension in Ondo State and distract the governor from the delivery of projects across key sectors.

The group said rather than attacking the governor over issues that were already being addressed, those behind the ORF should acknowledge the administration’s record in infrastructure, education, healthcare, water supply, agriculture and economic development.

According to the National Rebirth Agenda, Aiyedatiwa’s administration had recorded significant progress in road construction and rehabilitation, with about 190 kilometres of roads delivered or under development, alongside investments in rural roads and urban infrastructure. It said major projects such as the Akure-Idanre road and other strategic corridors were strengthening connectivity across the state.

‘The people of Ondo State can see the difference between political noise and actual governance. Governor Aiyedatiwa inherited challenges, but he has chosen to confront them through projects that directly affect the lives of ordinary people. Roads are being constructed, schools are being renovated, healthcare facilities are being expanded and water projects are being revived. This is not an administration that has abandoned governance,’ the group said.

It also cited the governor’s investments in education, including the recruitment of 2,100 teachers, payment of WAEC fees for more than 23,000 students, scholarships for thousands of tertiary students and the renovation of 134 primary and 60 secondary schools.

The group said the administration’s healthcare programme was equally deserving of recognition, noting the upgrade of more than 100 primary healthcare centres and the approval of new hospital facilities across Ikare-Akoko, Ore, Okitipupa, Igbokoda and other locations.

‘An administration that is simultaneously expanding healthcare infrastructure, investing in schools, improving roads and addressing water supply cannot honestly be presented as doing nothing. Constructive criticism is welcome, but deliberately ignoring these achievements to create the impression of failure is dishonest and politically motivated,’ it said.

The National Rebirth Agenda also highlighted the administration’s efforts to address the state’s water challenges, including the rehabilitation of the Owena Dam Water Supply Project and other water schemes. The Owena intervention is expected to improve access to reliable water for residents across several local government areas.

It said Aiyedatiwa’s efforts to attract private investment should equally be encouraged, pointing to the signing of agreements for a deep-sea port and a proposed $4 billion petrochemical and fertiliser plant as evidence of the administration’s attempt to move the state towards a stronger productive economy.

The group therefore challenged the sponsors of what it described as the ‘anti-Aiyedatiwa campaign’ to redirect their resources towards supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and allow the governor to concentrate on delivering his mandate.

‘Those financing these needless campaigns should ask themselves what Ondo State gains from permanent political warfare. If their concern is truly development, they should support the governor’s efforts and channel their energy and resources towards strengthening the Tinubu administration and securing the continuity of the reforms that are benefiting the states,’ it said.

The group urged Aiyedatiwa to remain focused on his OUR EASE agenda, deepen his relationship with the federal government and continue attracting projects and investments to Ondo State.

It said the governor’s relationship with Tinubu should be viewed as an opportunity for Ondo to secure more federal interventions, rather than as a basis for political confrontation.

‘The Governor should not be distracted. His responsibility is to govern, deliver projects and improve the lives of Ondo people. Those who have political ambitions should wait for the appropriate time, while those who claim to speak for the people should allow the people to judge the administration by what they can see on the ground,’ the group said.

A seven-month pregnant housewife, Safiya Ismail, has prayed an Upper Area Court in Mararaba, Nasarawa State grant her request for divorce from her husband, Suleiman Khalid, on grounds of alleged assault.

The petitioner, a mother of one, told the court that she married her husband according to Islamic law.

‘My husband has abandoned his family and is not responsible for anymore.

‘He beats me and threatens to harm me.

‘He has failed in his duties as a father and husband,’ she said.

She also prayed the court to grant an order directing her husband, to provide money for her upkeep until she gives birth.

Responding, Khalid, denied the allegations.

The Judge, Malam Mohammed Shomo, adjourned the divorce matter until Aug.26 for hearing.

The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reaffirmed Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The party’s clarification followed a claim by Abayomi Semako Hunye that he remained the APC governorship candidate for the election, a position the ruling party described as false.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the state chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, the APC urged members, supporters and the public to disregard any claim suggesting that another candidate had emerged on its platform.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, the Ogun State APC wishes to state clearly that Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, is the duly recognised governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State for the 2027 election,’ the statement read.

The party said Adeola emerged from its governorship primary election with 304,055 votes out of the 305,287 accredited voters who participated in the exercise.

It added that Adeola’s name, alongside that of his running mate, Mrs Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun, had been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the party’s candidates for the 2027 governorship election.

The development came after Hunye, during a press briefing in Abeokuta on Saturday, rejected reports that he had withdrawn from the race, insisting that he was challenging the process that produced Adeola as the APC candidate in court.

Hunye also unveiled Otunba Abayomi Odunowo from Ijebu-Ode as his running mate and said he would continue his campaign in line with electoral laws.

However, former federal lawmaker and APC chieftain in Ogun State, Kayode Oladele, criticised Hunye’s move, describing his pursuit of the ticket as an ‘exercise in futility’.

Oladele argued that the party had concluded its nomination process and forwarded Adeola’s name to INEC.

Meanwhile, Hunye, through a statement from his media office, clarified that he had not declared himself the APC governorship candidate, saying his position was that the matter remained before a court of competent jurisdiction.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, Hon. Abayomi Hunye has never declared himself the APC Governorship Candidate.

‘His position has consistently been clear: the matter remains before a court of competent jurisdiction, and the issues surrounding the emergence of the party’s governorship candidate are still subject to judicial determination,’ the statement said.

The Ogun APC maintained that Adeola remains its candidate for the 2027 governorship election and advised the public to rely on official communications from the party and relevant electoral authorities.

Nigerian dancer and entertainer Pascal Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, is currently on remand in a United Kingdom prison.

The update about his assault scandal, was disclosed by Oluomo of Derby via his X handle. He confirmed the reports of Poco Lee’s arrest and current legal situation in the UK.

Oluomo revealed that Poco Lee’s next appearance would be a plea hearing, adding that the dancer is expected to indicate whether he intends to plead guilty or not guilty to the offence.

‘I can confirm that the reports are true. Poco Lee is currently on remand in a UK prison. His next court date is scheduled for the second week of September, when he is expected to have a plea hearing. It is important that we allow the legal process to take its course. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,’ he said.

Members of the Edo State chapter of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) on Monday staged a peaceful protest at the Edo State House of Assembly, demanding that lawmakers abandon plans to repeal laws granting financial autonomy to the judiciary and legislature.

The protesters, who carried placards, called for the immediate withdrawal of two bills sponsored by the Majority Leader, Sunday Ojezele.

The bills are titled, ‘A Bill to Repeal the Edo State Judiciary Financial Autonomy Law, 2023’ and ‘A Bill to Repeal the Edo State House of Assembly Funds Management Law, 2023.’

Speaking at the Assembly gate, the state JUSUN Chairman, Comrade Charles Orien, said the protesters were asking lawmakers to ‘throw the proposed bills away.’

He argued that any move to repeal or amend the Financial Autonomy Law would undermine the independence of both institutions.

‘We are here because of our financial autonomy. The House of Assembly, last week, wanted to repeal the financial autonomy for the judiciary. After agitation, they said it was an error, that they wanted to do an amendment. We find out that the amendment and the repeal are the same thing,’ Orien said.

‘They want to take away the autonomy. During the course of amendment, they will take away the autonomy and bring in another law that will not suit the judiciary and the House of Assembly. We will not accept it because we suffered for it for 10 years before we got it. We will not agree,’ he added.

Orien said the union had come to meet the Speaker and that his response would determine their ‘next line of action.’

‘We want them to stop everything. We don’t need repeal, we don’t need amendments. They are not sincere. We are here fighting for autonomy but the Assembly workers are there looking at us,’ he said.

Responding, the Speaker of the House, Yekini Idaiye, said the use of the word ‘repeal’ was an error and that the intention was to amend the laws.

He explained that the proposed amendment was aimed at establishing an agency to ensure accountability and the proper execution of projects under the autonomy arrangement.

The protest comes weeks after a leadership shake-up in the 8th Edo Assembly.

Lagos State Government has announced a three-week traffic management plan for the rehabilitation of Oke-Afa Bridge in Isolo, with motorists to face phased diversions from August 28.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the rehabilitation would run from Friday, August 28, to Friday, September 18, 2026.

According to Osiyemi, the rehabilitation will be executed in two phases to minimise disruption and maintain traffic flow around the busy axis.

The first phase, scheduled for August 28 to September 11, will cover the outbound Isolo-to-Ejigbo section of the bridge.

‘During this period, motorists travelling from Isolo towards Ejigbo will be diverted onto the Isolo-bound carriageway from Pako Roundabout, where traffic will operate in both directions before motorists rejoin the main carriageway at Mobil Filling Station.

‘Motorists travelling from Ejigbo towards Isolo will retain access to their route and share the carriageway with Ejigbo-bound traffic between Mobil Filling Station and Pako Roundabout. They will regain full access after reaching the roundabout.

‘The second phase will begin on Saturday, September 12, and end on Friday, September 18, covering the inbound Isolo section of the bridge from Ejigbo,’ he explained.

Osiyemi said motorists travelling from Ejigbo towards Isolo would, during the second phase, be diverted onto the Ejigbo-bound carriageway from Mobil Filling Station, with traffic moving in both directions before rejoining the main carriageway at Pako Roundabout.

‘Traffic coming from Isolo will continue to move freely while sharing the carriageway with Isolo-bound vehicles between Pako Roundabout and Mobil Filling Station, after which motorists will regain full access to the road,’ he added.

The commissioner said the bridge would be temporarily closed to vehicular movement as the rehabilitation progresses, urging motorists to cooperate with traffic authorities and exercise patience.

He said the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) would deploy personnel to the area to coordinate traffic and reduce congestion during the construction period.

‘An emergency tow vehicle will also be stationed along the axis to promptly remove broken-down vehicles and prevent avoidable obstruction of traffic,’ he said.

Osiyemi explained that the temporary closure and traffic diversions were necessary to facilitate the rehabilitation works being undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Works, through the Office of the Federal Controller, Lagos, in conjunction with Messrs. Strabic Construction Limited.

He urged motorists to plan their journeys accordingly and comply with traffic management directives throughout the three-week rehabilitation period.

The state government said the measures were designed to ensure that traffic continues to flow while the bridge undergoes the necessary rehabilitation works.

A Lagos-based clergyman, Rev. Michael Fabiyi, has predicted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure re-election in the 2027 presidential election.

Fabiyi, General Overseer of the Celestial Church of Christ Cathedral, made the prediction at the weekend in Lagos, saying he also expected the election to be peaceful and successful.

According to him, Nigeria would benefit if Tinubu returned for a second term, urging politicians across the divide to put aside their differences and work towards the country’s progress.

‘The 2027 election in Nigeria will be very successful. In fact, it will be one of the best elections in the country. I did not see any bad occurrence ahead of the election. There won’t be any bloodshed in Nigeria,’ Fabiyi said.

He expressed optimism that a Tinubu victory would improve Nigeria’s standing internationally and create greater confidence among foreign investors and business interests.

‘If he wins for the second time, Nigeria will be better for it, the country will move forward and the international community will be more willing to do business with Nigeria as the country will return to the good old days,’ he said.

Fabiyi also described Tinubu as ‘a man of God’ and ‘the chosen one’, while commending the President for his handling of the recent Osun State governorship election.

He, however, attached a condition to his prediction of a Tinubu victory.

‘Tinubu will win again if he does not die before the election, although I did not see anything happening to him,’ he said.

Fabiyi further claimed that he foresaw an attempt by the military to overthrow Tinubu’s government during a second term but predicted that such an attempt would fail.

‘I see the military staging a coup in his second time in office but it will not succeed as I have already prayed against it,’ he said.

The clergyman urged Tinubu to strengthen his relationship with God and remain prayerful as he leads the country.

He also called on politicians and religious leaders to contribute to national development and promote peace ahead of the 2027 elections.

On the proliferation of churches across Nigeria, Fabiyi said the increasing number of places of worship could be beneficial if religious leaders remained committed to praying for the country and serving humanity.

‘We should worship God diligently and show mercy to people,’ he said.

Fabiyi urged Christian leaders to unite in prayers for Nigeria’s stability, the success of the country and a peaceful conduct of the 2027 general election.