Category: PM News

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has defended Atiku Abubakar’s decision to stay away from the National Peace Accord, insisting that merely signing agreements ahead of elections is no longer enough to guarantee peaceful polls.

The party said its decision was a deliberate message to the National Peace Committee that political leaders must move beyond ceremonial commitments and address the issues fueling electoral violence.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated this on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, arguing that previous peace accords had failed to prevent violence during elections.

According to him, politicians have repeatedly signed similar agreements before election cycles, yet cases of intimidation, harassment and violence have continued.

‘We’ve been signing this thing year in, year out, every election cycle; we sign in support of this commitment. Things still happen; people still get killed, harassed,’ Abdullahi said.

He specifically questioned the response of the Peace Committee to alleged incidents during the Osun governorship election, arguing that the body must do more than bring political actors together for agreement signing.

The ADC spokesman said the party’s position was not a rejection of peace but a demand for stronger accountability from those who violate electoral commitments.

‘It’s our way of saying no,’ he said, adding that political actors must be held responsible for statements and actions capable of encouraging violence.

The National Peace Accord was signed on Tuesday by several presidential candidates and political stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections.

While candidates including Peter Obi attended the ceremony, President Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar were not physically present. Tinubu was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

The accord is designed to promote peaceful campaigns and issue-based politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mr Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the Aug. 15 Osun poll has said the party is still examining the results of the election.

He added that the party would announce its position on the results of the election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, after completing its assessment.

Oyebamiji came second in the election won by the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke who contested on the platform of Accord for his second term

Speaking after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday, Oyebamiji said the APC was still examining the results and would announce its position after completing its assessment of the election.

‘For now, the APC is still examining the polls, and by the time we study our sheets, we’ll be able to get back to the public about the decision we want to take,’ he said.

The APC governorship candidate however appealed to his supporters to be peaceful.

He said Tinubu also emphasised the importance of conducting elections peacefully, stressing that government was ultimately about the welfare of the people.

He added that ‘President Tinubu said it is important to run every election with a peaceful mind. It’s important for us to know that government is about people.

‘And because it’s about people, it’s important that we need to be peaceful. I want to appeal to our people in Osun that they need to be peaceful.’

‘But the take-home is that they should be calm. They should remain peaceful while the party completes its review.’

Oyebamiji also appealed to Gov. Ademola Adeleke to prevail on his supporters to avoid actions capable of triggering violence across the state.

‘I want to advise the governor, too, to talk to his people. Violence is against our people. It’s not too good, and he needs to address them.

‘He needs to talk to them so that each and every one of us can be on the same page and ensure peace across Osun,’ he said.

The APC candidate alleged that some of his supporters were attacked after the election, saying that the incidents had been reported to security authorities.

‘Even in my own village, Ikire, some people were attacked. About four or five people were attacked, and they have informed the security agencies accordingly,’ he said.

Oyebamiji also met with the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima at the presidential villa.

Oyebamiji’s visit came a day after Adeleke also visited Tinubu at the Presidential Villa to thank him for ensuring what he described as free and fair election.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Maryam Ibrahim Dan’ Azumi for emerging as the winner in the women’s category at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Maryam from Gombe State beats competitors from 132 other countries, earning a 300,000 Saudi Riyal prize, the equivalent of N120 million,

In a statement by his special adviser on media and strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Friday, President Tinubu commended Maryam for her exceptional performance and mastery of the Holy Qur’an at the prestigious international competition held in the holy city of Makkah. She

According to the President, Maryam’s accomplishment is not only a personal triumph but also a source of national pride, as she has placed Nigeria prominently on the global stage through her mastery of the Holy Qur’an.

The President also described Maryam and her elder sister, Hajara Ibrahim Dan Azumi, who came first in a similar competition in Jordan in 2024, as inspiration to young Nigerians.

President Tinubu particularly commended their parents, teachers, mentors and all those who contributed to their development and success, recognising the sacrifices and commitment required to attain such an exceptional level of Qur’anic scholarship.

He also appreciated the organisers and authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for providing a distinguished international platform that promotes excellence in Qur’anic memorisation, recitation, understanding and scholarship.

He further reaffirms his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that nurture the intellectual, moral and spiritual development of young Nigerians and provide them with opportunities to excel nationally and internationally.

‘Maryam Ibrahim Dan Azumi’s victory in the highly competitive category covering memorisation of the entire Holy Qur’an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation of all 60 Hizb with Tafsir is a remarkable achievement that has brought immense honour to Nigeria and further demonstrated the excellence, discipline, dedication and intellectual capacity of Nigerian youths.

‘She has made Nigeria proud. Her achievement in Makkah is a powerful testimony to what our young people can accomplish when talent is matched with discipline, faith, hard work and dedicated mentorship.

‘On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I congratulate Maryam on this remarkable victory. May Almighty Allah continue to guide, protect and increase her in knowledge and wisdom, and may her achievement inspire many more young Nigerians to pursue excellence.’

‘The President wishes Maryam continued success as she advances in her Qur’anic scholarship and in all her future endeavours,’ the statement concluded.

Two officers of Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps have been killed in the line of duty following an ambush by gunmen in Akure, the State capital.

The two operatives were killed on Aug.11 in a sudden gun attack when they were coming out of their base along Ago-oyinbo farming area, around Ala Daadaa, of Akure North Local Government Area of the state, Jimoh Adeniken, the spokesperson of Amotekun Corps in Ondo State said in a statement issued on Friday

‘The officers came under sudden attack by assailants, who engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

‘Despite the bravery and resistance put up by the officers, one sustained serious injury and two unfortunately lost their lives,’ Adeniken said.

He added that following the incident, reinforcements were immediately deployed to the area by the command to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

According to the statement, the corps had intensified security operations, patrols and intelligence gathering within the affected area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents of the safety of their lives and property.

Adeniken explained that Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa , the corps commander and the management, commiserated with the families, colleagues and loved ones of the fallen officers.

‘We salute their courage, sacrifice and commitment to the protection of the people of the state.

‘The corps urges members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to provide security agencies with credible information that may assist in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators,’ he said.

According to the PRO, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, remains resolute and will not be deterred by the unfortunate incident.

‘The corps, in conjunction with other security agencies, will continue to protect lives and property and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

‘The families of the fallen heroe appreciate the Ondo State Government, the corps commander and the management of Amotekun for the befitting burial given to their late family members.

‘They also urged the government to remember them in the future recruitment into the corps. and other benefits due to the family members. We remain resolute in tracking down perpetrators of the bastardly act,’ he said.

The Chairman of the Special Committee on the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), and former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, on Thursday submitted the committee’s report on the ownership status of MOWAA.

Presenting the report, Oshiomhole said the Edo State Government under former Governor Godwin Obaseki spent a total of ?3.8 billion of taxpayers’ money on the project, with repeated changes to the museum’s name for ‘personal reasons.’

The committee chairman said the sustained campaign by the Oba of Benin for the return of stolen Benin artifacts led to an agreement to build a Royal Museum to house them.

‘The Edo State government under Obaseki agreed to provide the funding to build the Benin Royal Museum at the space provided by the Oba of Benin. It was well announced to the delight of all Edo people,’ he said.

Oshiomhole added that the Obaseki administration later demolished the Central Hospital and changed the original name from Benin Royal Museum to Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA), and later to Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).

According to him, the State government raised ?800 million as seed money, while donations continued to come in.

‘The German government donated pound 4 million, Leventis $1.5 million, and more,’ he said.

Oshiomhole further disclosed that five days before the expiration of the Obaseki administration, the Governor approved and released ?1 billion, bringing the state government’s total contribution to ?3.8 billion.

He said the multiple name changes effectively turned the project into a private enterprise, as MOWAA management claimed to have received over $18 million which was allegedly used to acquire land and conduct archaeological excavations.

‘Investigation revealed that all the claims are false,’ he said.

The committee recommended that:

1. The facility should not be demolished* but should be given a proper name that reflects true ownership.

2. The name be changed to ‘Benin Royal Museum of African Art.’ The governor can use the same instrument of government to effect the change, which he said would attract artifacts from across the globe.

3. The museum be returned to the Oba of Benin to manage, ‘as governments come and go but the Benin Monarch remains, and the artifacts can be better protected by the institution that owns them.’

Receiving the report, Governor Monday Okpebholo thanked the committee for a thorough job.

‘I thank the committee for an excellent job and a comprehensive report submitted today. The quality of the job shows fairness and seriousness,’ he said.

The Governor announced that another committee would be set up to produce a white paper on the issue, in liaison with the Ministry of Justice.

‘I watched in a video clip where Obaseki promised to build a Royal Museum to celebrate our Royal father but dramatically changed it to MOWAA. You have done a great job and our ancestors will bless you all,’ he added.

The Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has declared that his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election is driven by the need to tackle the challenges confronting Nigeria, insisting that the country ‘must work’.

Obi made the declaration as campaigns for the 2027 presidential election officially commenced, setting the tone for what is expected to be a fiercely contested political battle.

‘I consider myself to be among those contesting to address the challenges Nigeria is currently facing. I join this contest with one firm conviction: Nigeria must work,’ Obi said while addressing Nigerians.

The former Anambra State governor said his ambition was not driven by personal interest but by a desire to provide solutions to the country’s economic and social challenges.

His campaign message is expected to focus on issues including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, education and improving the standard of living of Nigerians.

Obi, who emerged as the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election and gained significant support among young Nigerians, is seeking to build a broader coalition ahead of the 2027 contest.

The commencement of campaigns has opened a fresh political contest, with major contenders expected to intensify their efforts to win over voters ahead of the election.

The NDC candidate’s running mate, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, has also urged Nigerians to support their ticket, describing the election as an opportunity for citizens to choose a new direction for the country.

Kwankwaso cited rising living costs, unemployment, insecurity and economic uncertainty as some of the major issues requiring urgent attention.

Ahead of the campaign season, Obi and other presidential candidates signed the National Peace Accord, committing themselves to peaceful and issue-based campaigns

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, marking the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

This is contained in a statement signed by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior.

The declaration was announced on Friday by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who conveyed the Federal Government’s greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora.

Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on the values associated with the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, particularly compassion, humility and service to humanity.

‘Every Eid ul Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others,’ the minister said.

He stressed that those values remained particularly important at a time when the country needed greater understanding, tolerance and unity.

‘These are qualities our nation needs now more than ever, and I encourage every Nigerian, not just our Muslim brothers and sisters, to reflect on them,’ he added.

The minister also called on Nigerians to use the celebration as an opportunity to pray for peace, stability and greater cohesion across the country.

He noted that national unity was a shared responsibility and urged citizens to contribute to an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect during the celebration.

Tunji-Ojo further appealed to Muslims and other Nigerians celebrating the holiday to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly, while wishing the Muslim community a joyous and peaceful Eid ul Mawlid.

He reiterated the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu administration to safeguarding lives and property across the country and maintaining peace.

The declaration means workers and members of the public will have Tuesday, August 25, as a nationwide public holiday for the Eid ul Mawlid celebration.

Three persons have been arrested for alleged murder of a 56-year-old man identified as Kelechi Madu over land transaction in Awkuzu community, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra state.

The incident occurred on Aug. 17, the spokesperson for Anambra Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Awka.

He said that the command uncovered the circumstances surrounding Madu’s murder following the detention of his friend.

‘When we got hold of his friend, he confessed to have plotted the murder by engaging two other persons,’ he said.

The police spokesperson said that the police in collaboration with local vigilance group discovered Madu’s lifeless body in a nearby bush in Umuobi, Awkuzu.

‘He was given a deep axe cut on the head, the remains have been evacuated and deposited in a morgue,’ he said.

According to Ikenga, preliminary investigation has revealed that the suspect obtained money from the deceased under the guise of assisting him to acquire a piece of land.

He said that the suspect decided to plot the murder in order to conceal every information relating to the land transaction.

The PPRO said that the Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Ama, has directed full investigation into the matter.

He said that the command would do everything possible to bring every person connected to the crime to justice.

The police image maker assured residents that the command would continue to strengthen intelligence-led policing and community partnership across the state.

‘The essence is to prevent violent crimes, unravel criminal activities, and ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law,’ he said.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn charges filed against Maryam Isah Shehu and Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad, who were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged cybercrime and the dissemination of malicious information against the anti-graft agency.

The EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, ordered the withdrawal of the charges following appeals for leniency and apologies from Shehu’s father, as well as appeals from well-meaning Nigerians.

The two defendants were arraigned on Thursday, August 20, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The Commission had accused them of cyberstalking, an offence it said contravened Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, and punishable under Section 24(2)(c)(ii) of the same law.

However, Olukoyede, while acknowledging the allegations against the defendants, considered the pleas and appeals for leniency and directed that the charges be withdrawn.

The EFCC, in a statement issued on Friday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the decision was made after the Commission considered the circumstances surrounding the case.

According to the statement, the EFCC chairman also warned that the Commission would not tolerate what it described as wilful attacks on its image through any form, medium or platform.

‘The Executive Chairman, nonetheless, considered the passionate pleas and apologies of Shehu’s father and appeals of well-meaning Nigerians for leniency,’ the statement said.

‘To this end, he has directed that charges filed against the two young Nigerians be dropped and warned that the EFCC would no longer tolerate any wilful attack on its image in any form, medium or platform.’

The Commission assured Nigerians that it would continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities in accordance with its mandate and in the best interests of the country.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, over his position on fuel subsidy, accusing him of changing his stance for political reasons.

Wike said Atiku could not be regarded as a leading contender in the 2027 presidential election, arguing that the former vice president’s recent position on fuel subsidy contradicted his earlier views.

The FCT minister spoke in Abuja while reacting to Atiku’s declaration that he would not remove fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.

Atiku had argued that the subsidy system was surrounded by fraud and questioned the Federal Government on how much had been saved from its removal and how the funds were being utilised.

However, Wike faulted the position, recalling that Atiku had previously supported the removal of fuel subsidy.

‘Atiku, who is a voodoo economist, will say anything just to be president. This was a man who was going to remove the fuel subsidy in 2022. Now, in 2026, he is not going to remove the fuel subsidy. Is he going back to the fraud which he alleged the fuel subsidy was?’ Wike said.

The minister said political leaders must be consistent with their positions, especially on issues that directly affect Nigerians.

‘He will say anything just to be president. We should be consistent in what we send to our people,’ Wike added.

Wike also dismissed the suggestion that Atiku was among the major challengers in the 2027 presidential race, insisting that President Bola Tinubu remained the only leading candidate.

‘I disagree that Atiku is one of the leading presidential candidates. We have only one leading candidate, and that is Bola Tinubu,’ he said.

The former Rivers State governor said opposition parties lacked the strength to defeat the ruling party in 2027, declaring that the election outcome was already predictable.