Category: PM News

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the composition of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign council, describing it as a ‘rehabilitation centre for corruption suspects’ and questioning the status of unresolved corruption cases involving some of its members.

The party, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Saturday, said the campaign council, which should ordinarily serve as a political mobilisation team, had instead raised fresh questions about public accountability.

Abdullahi singled out former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu and former Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Chairman Ngozi Olejeme among those whose inclusion, according to the party, required explanations from the government.

Edu was suspended by President Tinubu following controversy over an attempted transfer of N585 million into a private account, while Olejeme has faced prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of financial malpractice.

The party questioned what had happened to the cases involving individuals facing such allegations and challenged the government to explain whether they had been cleared and, if so, when, how and by whom.

‘It has become a familiar pattern under this administration for investigations into financial crimes to quietly disappear only for the accused to suddenly reappear in a different official role,’ Abdullahi said.

The ADC argued that corruption allegations appeared to have an ‘expiry date’ under the current administration, alleging that politically useful individuals could eventually return to prominent positions without previous questions about their conduct being adequately addressed.

The opposition party also framed the 2027 presidential election as a referendum on Tinubu’s performance in office, saying the composition of the campaign council would not shield the administration from scrutiny over its record.

According to Abdullahi, political allies and campaign structures would not be enough to erase what the party described as the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians.

‘2027 will be a referendum on President Tinubu’s record,’ the ADC said, arguing that the government would have to defend its policies and their impact on citizens at the ballot box.

The party particularly criticised the administration over the cost of living crisis, poverty and the removal of fuel subsidies, accusing the government of asking Nigerians to endure economic hardship while those connected to power allegedly continued to enjoy what it described as excessive privileges.

The ADC also restated its support for what it called the ‘Atiku solution’ of subsidising fuel production as a means of reducing petrol prices and easing pressure on household incomes.

Abdullahi said the party had observed government-backed criticism of its proposal for a targeted, capped, budgeted and independently audited subsidy intervention.

The party maintained that Nigeria could afford such an intervention if public funds were properly accounted for, insisting that every naira spent should be traceable and every barrel of crude accounted for.

The ADC challenged the Tinubu administration to account for what it described as the cost of its economic policies before arguing that the country could not afford measures aimed at protecting struggling families.

A reconciliation meeting of All Progressives Congress, APC in in Iyara, the headquarters of Ijumu local government area of Kogi State hurriedly ended on Friday as one of the chieftains of the party, Oyewole Mayowa Solomon, collapsed and died at the venue.

Solomom, who was the Chairman of APC in Ijumu Local Government Area reportedly slumped while participating in the meeting convened by a former Chairman of the Council, Funsho Olumoko as part of efforts to foster unity among members of the party in the area.

Reports indicated that Solomon suddenly collapsed while proceedings were ongoing, causing commotion and confusion among participants in the Iyara Town Hall venue of the meeting.

Consequently, efforts of the party leaders and stakeholders shifted from how to resolve their differences to reviving the party chieftain before he was rushed to a hospital in Kabba for medical attention.

However, he was said to have died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The sudden death of Solomon reportedly left party leaders, government officials and other participants at the meeting in shock.

APC stakeholders in the local government had earlier in the month endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Usman Ododo for re-election.

However, the endorsement meeting was reportedly characterized by disagreements over the leadership of the local government.

Solomon and some other officials were said to have walked out of the meeting.

There are fears among party members that Solomon’s death will affect ongoing reconciliation efforts within the Ijumu APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The circumstances surrounding his sudden death has not been officially disclosed.

The Nigerian Army says a total of 24 family members of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have surrendered to troops in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno.

The piece of information is in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.

The report indicated that the terrorists’ family members surrendered at about 4 p.m. on Thursday to troops of 112 Task Force Battalion.

It added that the group fled the Gasuwa and Yaganari terrorist enclaves following clashes between rival factions within the terrorist organisation.

It noted that the surrendered family members had been profiled and documented by the troops for further action.

It further revealed that troops of 212 Battalion, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), had in another operation, apprehended two suspects during a raid in Bewac general area.

The report added that the operation was conducted along Al-Ansar University Road in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council based on human intelligence about suspected terrorist activities.

‘Troops arrested one suspect in possession of a magazine loaded with 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

‘The suspect claimed he received the magazine and ammunition from another civilian, who was subsequently arrested by the troops.

‘A mobile phone was recovered from the second suspect, while both suspects and exhibits remained in military custody for further investigation,’ it said.

The report also revealed that troops of 25 Military Intelligence Regiment and CJTF arrested a suspected ISWAP logistics supplier and informant in Kekura, Damboa Local GovernmentArea.

It added that the suspect was arrested at his residence following intelligence linking him to the supply of food items and mobile phones to terrorist camps.

‘Meanwhile, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA foiled a kidnapping incident at Jurawa Village in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

‘The troops responded to a distress call after a female resident was abducted by suspected kidnappers at about 10 p.m. on Thursday.’

The report also revealed that locals had killed and mutilated the corpses of five suspected kidnappers before troops arrived, while other terrorists fled after abandoning their victim.

Troops, therefore, warned residents against taking the law into their hands and assured them of continued efforts to protect law-abiding citizens.

In Plateau, report said troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE recovered an AK-47 rifle after arresting a woman attempting to flee with two magazines.

It said the troops had raided Kisayi and Dogon Daji settlements in Bassa Local Government Area following intelligence on the kidnapping of a civilian.

According to the report, further searches led to recovery of a locally fabricated firearm, three mobile phones and a military jungle hat from another residence.

‘In another operation, troops recovered 20 rustled cattle at Dila Village in Pankshin Local Government Area after engaging suspected rustlers, who fled the area.

‘The recovered cattle were subsequently handed over to their owner.’

In the South-South, the report said the troops of the Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe arrested three suspected cultists over alleged murder in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta.

It added that suspects were arrested during a raid on Sunfit Hotel, Owhelogbo, and handed over to the Nigeria Police for further action.

‘Also in Rivers, troops arrested two suspects conveying about 125 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in sack bags.

‘The suspects were apprehended at Ebocha general area of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area during a patrol by troops of CIB VIII.

‘The suspects remained in custody, while the recovered products were handled in line with the mandate of Operation Delta Safe,’ the report added.

Kano stands still as the immediate-past National Chairman, of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata have launched campaign for re=election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Kano State.

This followed appointment of Ata as Ata as a member of the Contact and Mobilization Committee for the 2027 re-election campaign of President Tinubu, according to statement signed by the Minister’s aide, Seyi Olorunsola on Saturday.

The statement further stated that: ‘Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata is a distinguished political leader with extensive experience in Kano State and Nigerian politics.

‘He is a former House Leader and former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and currently serves as the Honourable Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development.

‘ His political journey and broad relationships across Kano’s political landscape have distinguished him as a unifying figure. He is widely regarded as one of the few political leaders in Kano who has worked with successive administrations and former governors of the state since 1999, before his appointment as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development.’

The statement added that: ‘His appointment to the Contact and Mobilization Committee has therefore been welcomed as a strategic development, particularly among Islamic scholars, civil servants, youths and the non-indigene community in Kano, who appreciate his accessibility, leadership qualities and strong connection with the people.

‘With his extensive political experience and relationships across different sectors of society, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata is expected to play a significant role in strengthening grassroots engagement, stakeholder mobilisation and political outreach ahead of the 2027 general elections.’

According to the Statement, Ata’s appointment, ‘is a strong indication that the APC is determined to build a broad-based and inclusive campaign structure capable of reaching every community and stakeholder.

‘ We are confident that his contribution to the Contact and Mobilization Committee will further consolidate support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and strengthen the APC’s position ahead of the 2027 elections.

With this strategic appointment, the APC is on a stronger and more confident path toward victory in 2027.

‘We congratulate Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata on this well-deserved appointment and wish him tremendous success in this important national assignment.’

The Statement said: ‘ for Ata and Ganduje to align, Kano is for President Tinubu.’

The Nigerian military has said its air component under Operation Hadin Kai carried out a series of intelligence-led precision strikes on terrorist concentrations in Borno State, neutralising about 36 suspected terrorists in separate operations.

The strikes were conducted between the night of August 21 and the early hours of August 22, 2026, at different locations across the state, following intelligence reports and confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions.

According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the air operations targeted suspected terrorists who were detected moving and gathering at locations in Monguno and Biu Local Government Areas.

In one of the operations, an armed reconnaissance platform detected and tracked suspected terrorists around the Aduwa axis of Monguno Local Government Area before identifying a larger concentration within a settlement.

Following surveillance and the required operational authorisation, the military conducted two precision strikes on the identified concentration.

The military said subsequent Battle Damage Assessment indicated that about 16 terrorists were neutralised in the strikes.

The aircraft continued surveillance of the area and later detected another group of about 10 suspected terrorists attempting to regroup away from the initial target. A further precision strike was conducted, with the military reporting that the group was successfully engaged.

In a separate operation around Buratai in Biu Local Government Area, another Operation Hadin Kai air platform tracked a group of suspected terrorists gathered at a location.

After sustained surveillance and the requisite authorisation, the platform carried out a precision strike on the target, with the military reporting that about 10 terrorists were neutralised.

The military said the latest operations demonstrated the growing effectiveness of its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in detecting terrorist movements and disrupting their attempts to assemble, regroup or operate freely.

It said the sustained air campaign was also intended to restrict the terrorists’ freedom of action, disrupt their command and control structures and place additional pressure on their logistics and fighting formations.

The operations form part of the broader counter-terrorism campaign by Operation Hadin Kai to degrade terrorist capabilities and create a safer environment for communities across the North-East.

The military said its kinetic operations were being complemented by non-kinetic measures, including community engagement, strategic communication, counter-messaging and humanitarian coordination.

It also encouraged terrorists and their associates to abandon violence and surrender, saying the increasing number of surrenders recorded in recent weeks reflected the growing pressure on terrorist networks.

Operation Hadin Kai urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security forces, stressing that community cooperation remained critical to detecting threats early and protecting lives and property.

The Joint Task Force said it would continue coordinated operations against terrorist networks while supporting efforts to restore peace, security and normal socio-economic activity across the North-East.

Osborn Nweze Umahi, the 28-year-old son of Minister of Works David Umahi, has emerged chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Umahi, who contested the chairmanship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured the mandate after months of political activities and grassroots mobilisation across the local government.

Shortly after his emergence, the new council chairman announced that he would not collect salary and allowances throughout his tenure.

He said the decision was driven by his desire to prioritise the development of Ohaozara over personal financial benefits.

Umahi pledged to focus his administration on projects and policies that would stimulate economic activities, improve infrastructure, and enhance the welfare of residents across the local government.

The 28-year-old chairman is the son of David Umahi, who served as governor of Ebonyi State from 2015 to 2023 before his appointment as Minister of Works by the Federal Government.

During his campaign, Osborn presented himself as a young leader determined to introduce private-sector efficiency, innovation and a result-oriented approach to local government administration.

He also emphasised the need for effective grassroots governance and greater attention to the economic and social needs of residents.

With his administration now set to begin, residents of Ohaozara are expected to closely monitor the implementation of his campaign promises and his pledge to forgo official remuneration during his tenure.

The Chairman of the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Trafficking in Kano, Mr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, has inaugurated another nine sub-committees to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the State.

The inauguration took place on Friday, August 21, 2026, with the Chairman, charging members of the Committee to demonstrate greater commitment, dedication and determination in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Muhuyi Magaji reminded the Sub-Committees’ members of the ‘enormity of the task before you people. The success of the Task Force would depend, largely, on the seriousness and commitment with which this Committee approaches its assignment.’

He urged members to redouble their efforts, ‘work collectively and remain focused on the objectives of the Task Force.’

The Chairman further noted that, ‘the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, requires sustained commitment, effective coordination and shared sense of love for Kano, and Nigeria.’

According to him, ‘this Sub- Committees, and others, within us, are established to provide more coordinated and specialised approach to tackling the various dimensions of drug abuse and peddling in our society.’

Muhuyi urged relevant stakeholders to work together, ‘towards achieving lasting results.

‘ The nine committee inaugurated covers Finance, Media and Publicity; Advocacy and Sensitisation; Licences, Inventory and Verification; Compliance, Inspection and Electronic Tracking; Monitoring and Implementation; Intelligence; Reformative and Traditional Council; and Anti-Drug Coordination Committee.’

A Statement by the Chief of the Media and Publicity of the Task Force, Mr. Lamara Garba, indicated that: ‘The structure also provides for coordinated responsibilities across the various areas of intervention.

‘ The Chairman urged the members to see their appointments as a call to service rather than merely an assignment, stressing that the responsibilities placed before them demand discipline, professionalism and a strong commitment to the collective interest.

‘He further encouraged the committees to maintain effective collaboration and ensure that their activities translate into concrete results in the ongoing campaign against drug abuse and trafficking.

‘ The inauguration marks another step in the efforts of the Multi-Agency Task Force to strengthen institutional coordination and broaden the response to drug related challenges, with the committees expected to contribute their expertise towards building a more effective and sustainable anti-drug campaign.’

The Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) has said Labour Party, LP All Progressives Congress, APC, and Africa Democratic Congress, ADC, among others would feature in the state local government elections holding today, Saturday, Aug 22.

The Chairman of EBSIEC, Mr Patrick Enyi, disclosed this on Friday, during a news conference ahead of the exercise, slated to take place

He assured that the election that will be conducted across the 171 political wards of the state will be a hitch free and fair

Enyi said the commission had received all sensitive materials for the election, and the situation room would be fully activated at 7.00 a.m. on Saturday.

The chairman of the commission explained that Labour Party, All Progressives Congress and Africa Democratic Congress would feature in the elections.

‘EBSIEC is also using the opportunity to urge the supporters and candidates involved in the elections to shun violence and play by the rules.

‘In the election, we have the three political parties mentioned earlier with others who filled their candidates,’ Enyi said.

He further stated that voting would commence by 8.00 a.m. and conclude by 3.00 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Police command had earlier announced restriction of movements across the 13 local governments and 171 wards of the state during the election.

The command spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, in a statement, yesterday, said police will work with sister security agencies to ensure adequate security coverage throughout the state and create a safe and conducive environment for eligible voters to exercise their franchise.

He also disclosed that the command has deployed its personnel to various polling units and strategic locations across the state.

‘In preparation for the forthcoming local government elections scheduled to hold on August 22, 2026 across the 13 Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State, the Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Hope Okafor, has deployed personnel to various polling stations and strategic locations across the state.

‘The Command is working in synergy with sister security agencies to ensure adequate security coverage throughout the state and create a safe and conducive environment for eligible voters to exercise their franchise peacefully and without intimidation.

‘The Command wishes to inform the general public that movement will be restricted on election day from 7am to 4pm. However, persons engaged in essential and election-related services, including officials of the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC), accredited journalists and election observers, emergency service providers, health workers, and other duly authorised personnel, are exempted from the restriction.

‘Such persons are required to carry valid means of identification and official accreditation for ease of identification by security personnel.

‘The Commissioner of Police has cautioned all political actors and their supporters to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric, provocative statements, and actions capable of heating up the polity or undermining the peaceful conduct of the elections. She warned that anyone found engaging in acts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order will be made to face the full weight of the law.

The Kogi in Diaspora has congratulated James Abiodun Faleke, on his appointment as the Deputy Director-General, Election Planning, Coordination and Monitoring of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.

The group described the appointment as a clear demonstration of the confidence, trust and recognition that is due for Faleke in a statement by its’The appointment is not only a well-deserved recognition of Rt. Hon. Faleke’s proven track record but also a strategic deployment of one of the nation’s experienced political organisers ahead of the 2027 general elections,’ Olorunsola said.

He further stated that Faleke has demonstrated his capacity to plan, coordinate and execute complex electoral assignments with remarkable discipline and precision.

‘His contributions to the success of the 2023 presidential election remain a testament to his commitment, loyalty and effectiveness.

‘ What he accomplished in 2023, we are confident he will deliver even more successfully in 2027,’ he added.

‘Kogi in Diaspora believes that this new responsibility presents another opportunity for Rt. Hon. Faleke to bring his wealth of experience, political intelligence and grassroots understanding to bear in strengthening the party’s electoral machinery and ensuring victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

‘ We therefore assure Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke of our unwavering support and solidarity. Kogi people in the Diaspora stand ready to support this important assignment with every legitimate resource, connection and capacity available to us-at home and across the globe.

‘This is a responsibility that demands experience, strategic thinking and commitment, and we are confident that Rt. Hon. Faleke is eminently prepared for the task.

‘As we march towards 2027, Kogi in Diaspora remains united, mobilised and committed to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC and the Renewed Hope agenda.’

ýThe Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, has commended President Bola Tinubu for allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to operate independently during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.

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ýThe Union also congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, describing the August 15, 2026 governorship election as a credible exercise.

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ýThese resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the NUJ Osun State Council’s monthly congress held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the Olu Osunbogun Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Iwo/Ibadan Road, Osogbo.

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ýThe congress, after exhaustive deliberations on issues affecting the progress of the Union and the development of Osun State, appreciated INEC for conducting what it described as a credible governorship election.

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ýThe journalists also hailed the people of Osun State for rejecting violence and turning out in large numbers to exercise their civic responsibility during the election.

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ýWhile congratulating Adeleke on his victory, the NUJ urged him to be magnanimous in victory and called on the other contestants to join hands with the governor in the interest of the development of the state.

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ýThe Union further appealed to the Adeleke administration to maintain a cordial and robust working relationship with members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm.

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ýThe NUJ also commended the Tinubu administration for the recent flag-off of the Iwo-Ibadan and Akoda-Sekona-Gbongan road projects.

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ýIt urged the Federal Ministry of Works, under the leadership of Engr. Dave Umahi, to ensure the timely completion and delivery of the projects, stressing that all necessary measures should be taken to prevent unnecessary delays in their execution.

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ýThe communiqué was signed by the NUJ Osun State Council Chairman, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin; Secretary, Olalekan Akindoju; Comrade Oluwamayowa Fagbohungbe, and Comrade Wasiu Babalola.