Category: PM News

The last may not have been heard over the All Progressives Congress (APC) Kogi West senatorial ticket. One of the aspirants to the ticket, Samuel Bamidele Aro has filed an originating summons at the Federal High Court, Lokoja Division, challenging the party, Senator Sunday Steve Karimi and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In the suit, Aro, a former House of Representatives member is asking the court to determine, among other things, whether the APC is bound by its constitution, electoral guidelines and the Electoral Act in the nomination of its candidate for the 2027 senatorial election in Kogi West. He is also questioning the validity of the party’s alleged submission of Senator Karimi’s name to INEC.

According to the originating summons, Aro is seeking a declaration that the Kogi West APC primary held on 18 May 2026 produced him as the winner, and that the latter submission of another candidate’s name to INEC on 11 July 2026 is null, void and ineffective.

He is further asking the court to hold that since he has not withdrawn his candidacy, the party is bound to recognise him as its lawful candidate.

The reliefs sought by the plaintiff also include an order directing INEC to accept and recognise his name as the APC candidate for the Kogi West Senatorial District in the 2027 general election.

The development is the latest twist in a dispute that has continued to generate tension within APC circles in Kogi West since the primary election. While party loyalists have largely rallied around Senator Karimi as the candidate, Aro’s court filing suggests that the contest over the ticket is far from over.

It will be recalled that Senator Karimi was officially declared the winner of the primary election.

The returning officer, Isah Haruna disclosed that Karimi secured the party’s ticket after polling 51,665 votes in the primary election conducted across the district.

Reports indicate that Aro, among others, withdrew from the race prior to the exercise. The primary election was widely reported to have held upon the open endorsement of Senator Karimi as the consensus candidate of the APC in Kogi West by party stakeholders backed by Governor Usman Ododo.

Amidst the controversy over an alleged falsification of the authentic results of the Kogi West primary election, the APC National Working Committee (NWC), acting on the report of the Election Appeal Committee, affirming Karimi as the duly returned candidate of the party at the Kogi West primary election, subsequently submitted Karimi’s name to INEC for uploading on its candidates nomination portal.

Over 700 petitions were reportedly reviewed by the APC Appeal Panel causing changes in candidates across nine states

However, Aro’s latest decision to challenge the outcome of the primary election, and the overriding decision of the APC NWC on the Kogi West Senatorial primary election, while also seeking a court order declaring him as the winner of the primary has been met with criticism from some APC stakeholders and political observers in Kogi West.

They described the legal challenge as ‘desperation taken too far.’

While acknowledging that Aro is fully within his constitutional rights to seek judicial interpretation and redress on any matter he considers contentious, the critics argue that the timing and nature of the suit risk reopening old divisions within the party.

They contend that after the primary process and the subsequent acceptance of Senator Karimi’s candidacy by a broad spectrum of party leaders and members, the continued contestation of the ticket may distract the party from preparations for the 2027 elections.

According to a notable APC chieftain who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the court action reinforces earlier concerns that certain political actors are more interested in prolonging internal disputes than fostering unity and stability within the APC in Kogi West.

For now, the matter has once again pushed the Kogi West APC ticket into the spotlight, with the outcome likely to shape the party’s internal dynamics and political calculations ahead of the 2027 general election.

Political observers will be watching closely as the court begins consideration of the issues raised by the plaintiff and the responses of the defendants.

Former Chief Security Officer of Khana Local Government Area, Mr Letam Kine, has been shot dead by suspected gunmen in Bori, Rivers State.

The attack occurred at about 6 p.m. on Sunday along Polytechnic Road in Bori, the headquarters of Khana Local Government Area.

Confirming the incident on Monday in Port Harcourt, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Blessing Agabe, said the attackers escaped before security personnel reached the scene.

She disclosed that Kine’s remains had been deposited in a mortuary and would be preserved pending an autopsy as detectives begin efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing.

‘The Rivers State Police Command has launched a full investigation to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice,’ Agabe said.

The police spokesperson appealed to the deceased’s family to officially report the incident to the command, saying this would support ongoing investigations and the judicial process.

‘Reporting the matter to the police will aid ongoing investigations and facilitate the prompt administration of justice,’ she added.

Agabe reiterated the command’s determination to track down everyone connected with the killing and ensure they face prosecution.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Chief Thomas Bariere, described the murder as a shocking and needless act of violence.

He lamented that the incident came only weeks after the killing of Mr Clement Deegbara of Kpong Community, warning that the pattern of attacks was becoming increasingly disturbing.

‘The repeated attacks suggest the activities of armed criminal gangs determined to undermine peace and security in Khana LGA,’ Bariere said.

The council chairman urged security agencies to step up operations across the area and swiftly arrest those behind the attacks.

He also called for the prosecution of anyone found culpable, sympathised with Kine’s family over the loss, and prayed for the strength to bear their bereavement.

Bariere further appealed to residents to remain calm, stay alert and support security agencies by providing credible and timely information.

He reaffirmed that safeguarding the lives and property of residents remained a key priority of his administration.

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, popularly known as the Taskforce, has arrested 33 suspected criminals during a coordinated enforcement operation across key parts of the state, recovering suspected hard drugs and dangerous weapons in a renewed crackdown on crime and environmental disorder.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of Monday, formed part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to tackle criminality, drug abuse, illegal commercial motorcycle operations and environmental infractions in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda.

According to the agency, the exercise targeted suspected street urchins, miscreants, drug users and traffickers, illegal commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders), street traders, ticket touts and other individuals whose activities constitute security and environmental concerns.

The enforcement team combed several identified flashpoints, including Ikate Bus Stop, Marwa Bus Stop, Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, Obalende Underbridge, Law School Junction and adjoining areas along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

At the end of the operation, 33 suspects were taken into custody, while security operatives recovered exhibits including substances suspected to be Tramadol, Indian hemp, Colorado, marijuana and cannabis, as well as dangerous weapons such as cutlasses and scissors.

The agency said the operation restored normalcy to the affected locations, which had witnessed increasing activities of suspected criminal elements.

It added that all the suspects have been charged before the appropriate courts under the provisions of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, and the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, where applicable.

Speaking after the exercise, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reiterated the agency’s resolve to rid Lagos of criminal elements and maintain public order.

‘There is no room for criminality in Lagos State. Those engaged in criminal activities should either desist or relocate. We remain committed to enforcing the laws of the state and ensuring that residents continue to enjoy a safe, secure and orderly environment,’ he said.

Akerele urged officers of the agency to sustain the ongoing intelligence-led enforcement operations across the state, stressing the need to intensify efforts against criminal activities just as the agency had significantly curtailed the menace of illegal commercial motorcycle operations on Lagos roads.

Lagos State has become the first sub-national government in Nigeria to establish a comprehensive Greenhouse Gas Registry, a move aimed at strengthening climate governance, improving emissions accountability and accelerating the state’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Lagos State Greenhouse Gas Registry (LGHGR) was unveiled at the Central Business District, Alausa, Ikeja, at a ceremony attended by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, members of the State Executive Council, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Environment, development partners, TPHG Technologies, the diplomatic and business communities, academics, civil society organisations and the media.

Describing the initiative as a landmark achievement in the state’s environmental sustainability drive, the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, said the Registry marks a defining moment in Lagos’ climate action journey and reflects Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to building a resilient, climate-smart and environmentally sustainable economy.

According to Ajayi, the digital platform will enable the state to accurately measure, monitor, report and verify greenhouse gas emissions across key sectors, providing credible data to guide environmental policies and climate interventions.

He said the Registry would strengthen evidence-based decision-making, improve transparency and accountability, support national and international climate reporting obligations, unlock carbon market opportunities and boost investor confidence in Lagos’ environmental initiatives.

Ajayi also commended TPHG Technologies for providing the technical expertise that made the pioneering project possible.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Abayomi described the Registry as a major milestone that positions Lagos at the forefront of climate governance and emissions accountability in both Nigeria and Africa.

He noted that climate change has evolved into a significant public health and governance challenge, stressing that access to reliable emissions data would enable the state to formulate evidence-based policies, attract climate financing, strengthen resilience and accelerate its transition to a low-carbon economy.

Providing insights into the technical framework of the project, the Lead Consultant and Chief Executive Officer of TPHG Technologies, Dr. Mofoluso Fagbeja, explained that the Registry was developed from the greenhouse gas inventory jointly undertaken by LASEPA and TPHG Technologies in 2022, using 2019 as the baseline year for emissions assessment.

He said the platform is designed to close critical emissions data gaps, particularly within the industrial sector, while supporting effective climate policy implementation, emissions management and sustainable development.

Fagbeja also disclosed that the greenhouse gas inventory estimated that poor air quality contributes to about 35,000 premature deaths annually in Lagos, underscoring the urgent need for stronger emissions control measures and cleaner environmental practices.

In a goodwill message, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, represented by the Federal Controller of Environment in Lagos, Mrs. Adenaike Olunimpe Oludunni, commended Lagos State for pioneering the initiative, describing it as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s climate commitments.

He said the Registry aligns with the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and supports the Federal Government’s Energy Transition Plan, while reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to deeper collaboration with Lagos State on climate governance and environmental sustainability.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Swanlux Global Investment Limited, represented by Mrs. Victoria Awe, said the company’s support for the Registry reflects its commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and environmental sustainability.

She noted that innovation, technology and credible environmental data remain critical tools for tackling climate change, strengthening accountability and promoting sustainable economic growth.

The Lagos State Greenhouse Gas Registry is expected to provide a robust digital platform for measuring, reporting and verifying greenhouse gas emissions, while supporting climate policy implementation, improving air quality management, attracting green investments and reinforcing Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s leading sub-national government on climate action.

Former National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, has denied allegations that she diverted ?44 billion, insisting that neither she nor any member of her family benefited from funds meant for the agency’s social intervention programmes.

Speaking on Arise Television on Monday, Shehu said she uncovered serious financial irregularities shortly after assuming office and reported them to the appropriate authorities before she was suspended in December 2023.

According to her, she raised concerns with the then Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, after discovering weak financial controls within the agency. She alleged that funds were transferred without her approval, while some programme managers appointed by the minister operated outside NSIPA’s established administrative framework.

‘There were movements of funds that I neither approved nor authorised,’ Shehu said, alleging that the transactions were carried out without her knowledge or consent.

She further disclosed that she petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing some officials of breaching due process in the management of the agency’s finances.

Shehu said her decision to report the alleged irregularities was followed by her suspension barely 10 weeks later, arguing that she was punished instead of being protected as a whistleblower.

Rejecting allegations that she diverted ?44 billion, the former NSIPA boss maintained that investigators did not trace any public funds to her personal accounts or those of her relatives and associates.

‘I never transferred ?44 billion to any personal account. The EFCC never recovered a kobo from my account, my family’s account or any friend’s account,’ she said.

She explained that the transactions under investigation involved payments to licensed service providers and financial institutions responsible for disbursing government social intervention funds to beneficiaries, not transfers to private accounts.

Shehu said she fully cooperated with investigators, submitting documents and other evidence to support her position throughout the probe.

Calling on President Bola Tinubu to ensure transparency, she urged the Federal Government to make public the findings of investigations into NSIPA, saying the truth would clear her name.

‘My integrity is my greatest asset. I may have made administrative mistakes, but I am not corrupt, and I did not divert funds meant for poor and vulnerable Nigerians,’ she stated.

Following her impactful performance at the memorable Lighthouse Praise concert in Greater Manchester, UK-based Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter Ibinye Mordi has officially released her highly anticipated debut album. Titled ‘Bigger’, the project was officially made available worldwide on all digital platforms on July 3rd, 2026.

It marks a monumental milestone for the upcoming artist, solidifying her growing reputation as a deeply sincere voice in modern gospel music. Clocking in at exactly 56 minutes and 19 seconds, the 11-track body of work is a beautifully structured collection of faith, resilience, and praise.

The Heart Behind the Anthem: ‘Bigger’

The anchor of the entire album is its titular track, ‘Bigger’, a song that was birthed from a place of deep intimacy and vulnerability. Ibinye Mordi reveals that the inspiration behind the song came from a personal encounter she had during a very difficult season of her life. Instead of succumbing to the weight of her trials, she found solace in a divine reminder of God’s supremacy. The lyrics of the title track serve as a direct, encouraging message to the listener: regardless of how massive and overwhelming life’s issues may seem, God is infinitely bigger.

Musically, the song builds from a tender, reflective verse into a powerful, anthemic chorus. It allows Ibinye Mordi’s rich, soulful vocals to soar, making it an instant standout that promises to be a staple in corporate worship and personal playlists alike.

A Sonic Journey: A Safe and Subtle Critique

As a cohesive body of work, Bigger successfully avoids the common pitfall of debut albums trying to do ‘too much.’ Instead, it acts as a balanced showcase of Ibinye Mordi’s versatility as a worship leader. The album transitions effortlessly between high-energy, vibrant praise tracks that celebrate victory, and deep, atmospheric melodies designed for quiet reflection.

If there is any safe critique to offer, it is that the album demands an attentive, unhurried listen to truly appreciate its depth. It is not an album of quick, repetitive radio jingles; it is an intentional, thematic journey. Each song builds upon the last, requiring the listener to fully immerse themselves in the 56-minute experience to capture the full scope of the message.

The 11-Track Blueprint of Hope

While every song on the album contributes to the overarching theme of faith, the tracklist highlights Ibinye Mordi’s ability to speak to various human experiences:

? Track 1: Nobody Like You – A beautiful opening declaration of worship that sets a reverent tone for the rest of the album.

? Track 2: Bigger – The powerful title track and the heartbeat of the entire musical project.

? Track 3: It’s Gonna Happen – A prophetic anthem of expectation, encouraging listeners to hold on to God’s promises.

? Track 4: Redeemed – A celebratory track focused on the freedom, grace, and identity found in Christ.

? Track 5: Follow You – A sweet song of total surrender, charting a personal commitment to the divine path.

? Track 6: Na Only You – Infusing local flavor, this track brings an authentic, heartwarming Afro-gospel vibe to the record.

? Track 7: All Because of Jesus – A track centered entirely on gratitude, tracing every blessing back to the cross.

? Track 8: I Give It to You – A quiet, deeply moving prayer of release, letting go of worries and handing them to God.

? Track 9: Ihurumnanya – A beautiful cultural expression of love and adoration, showcasing her rich heritage.

? Track 10: Follow Me Dey Go – A vibrant, high-energy praise track guaranteed to get congregations moving in joyful celebration.

? Track 11: Hold My Hand (Covid Song of Hope) – A timely, comforting closing ballad written as a beacon of hope to heal minds after global uncertainty.

A Gift of Peace to the World

Ultimately, Bigger is more than just an album; it is a healing tool. ‘I believe that these sounds will speak to everyone in their various situations,’ Ibinye Mordi shared, reflecting on the release. ‘My prayer is that it provides peace, hope, and the faith needed to keep going.’

The album is currently available for worldwide streaming and download. Listeners can access the full project across all major digital networks, including Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, YouTube, Deezer, and Tidal.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that 37.5 per cent of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) available for collection in Osun State have already been collected by eligible voters ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Oluwatoyin Babalola, disclosed this during the Osun Citizens’ Town Hall Meeting held in Osogbo, the state capital.

The meeting brought together stakeholders, community leaders, civil society organisations and members of the public to discuss preparations for the upcoming election.

According to Babalola, a total of 192,702 PVCs have been collected so far, representing 37.5 per cent of the cards currently available for distribution. He described the turnout as encouraging but stressed that many registered voters are yet to collect their cards.

The REC appealed to all eligible voters who have not picked up their PVCs to take advantage of the ongoing collection exercise before the deadline. He noted that the Permanent Voter Card remains the only valid document that allows registered voters to participate in the election, adding that those without their PVCs will not be able to cast their votes on election day.

Babalola explained that the PVC distribution exercise began on July 22 across the state’s 332 Registration Areas and is expected to continue until July 28. After that phase, the exercise will move to all INEC Local Government Area offices across Osun State, where collection will continue from July 29 until August 7.

He added that the distribution exercise is being conducted daily, including Saturdays and Sundays, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., to give voters enough time and opportunity to collect their cards.

The ongoing exercise covers individuals who registered during the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), those who transferred their voter registration to another location, applicants who requested replacement of lost or damaged PVCs, and voters who updated or corrected their personal information.

Babalola also stated that uncollected PVCs from previous registration exercises have been made available to their rightful owners during the current distribution period. He encouraged those who did not collect their cards in the past to visit the designated collection centres before the exercise ends.

He urged political parties, civil society groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to continue educating residents on the importance of collecting their PVCs and participating peacefully in the electoral process.

The REC reassured the people of Osun State that INEC remains fully committed to conducting a free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive governorship election.

He said the commission is working hard to ensure all eligible voters have the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation or unnecessary obstacles.

The Osun State governorship election is scheduled to hold on August 15, 2026, with political parties intensifying campaigns as the state prepares to elect its next governor.

INEC has continued to call on voters to collect their PVCs early and avoid waiting until the final days of the distribution exercise.

The Presidency has dismissed Peter Obi’s reference to employing northern cooks and an aide-de-camp as evidence that he can unite Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Engagement, Fredrick Nwabufo, said Obi failed to present a clear strategy for national unity during his latest interview.

Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, had pledged to unite the country if elected president in 2027.

Nwabufo, however, described Obi’s reference to northerners who worked with him as a ‘tired refrain’ that did not explain how he would unite Nigeria.

‘Obi’s claim: He claimed he would unite Nigeria, but failed to explain how beyond the tired refrain of his cooks and ADC being northerners,’ he said.

The presidential aide also accused Obi and his supporters of worsening divisions in the country.

‘His utterances, actions, and those of his followers have but deepened the chasm,’ Nwabufo said.

He argued that national unity could only be achieved through inclusive governance, economic integration and equitable citizenship.

‘Essentially, the balancing forces of national cohesion are governance and the economy,’ he said.

‘We cannot discuss national unity in isolation from the levers of leadership and the material benefits of governance.’

Nwabufo said strengthening national unity required the delivery of public resources to citizens regardless of their religion, ethnicity or social standing.

He also accused Obi of lacking a plan, policy platform and understanding of governance.

‘Peter Obi’s interview shows him again to be vacant of deep thought, understanding of governance, and taken up by syrupy rhetoric,’ he said.

‘He still has no plan, no alternative, and no policy plank, beyond a mouthful of sentimental nothings.’

Nwabufo claimed the Tinubu administration had promoted national cohesion by ensuring that the six geopolitical zones benefited equally from government programmes, initiatives and projects.

He also cited the appointment of young professionals from different backgrounds as evidence of inclusive governance under Tinubu.

‘For the first time in the evolution of Nigeria, young people are superintending strategic sectors of government,’ he said.

Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, the South-South Coordinator of APC Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) said said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office at a time when his service to the country was ‘really needed’.

Okowa stated this on Sunday in Asaba when the national leadership of Working People United (WPU) paid him a courtesy visit.

The APC chieftain added that given the template Tinubu was applying in administering the country, the President deserved a second term to complete the process.

He listed state police, deregulation of the electricity generation sub-sector and subsidy removal among the reforms introduced by the administration.

Okowa also said NELFUND was among the critical reforms being implemented by President Tinubu to revamp Nigeria’s stuttering economy.

The former Delta governor noted that 1.6 million tertiary institution students have benefited from NELFUND since its activation by the Tinubu administration.

According to him, many students who initially dismissed NELFUND as a scam had enrolled in the scheme and were benefiting from it.

He urged Nigerians still doubting the programme’s credibility and sincerity to take advantage of the loan scheme.

‘I urge the citizens of the country to support Tinubu’s reform programmes, which are beginning to positively address some fundamental socio-economic and political issues,’ Okowa said.

He expressed optimism that Nigerians would soon appreciate the pragmatic efforts of the Tinubu-led administration to refocus the country.

Okowa urged WPU members to rally support for the government ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Earlier, Williams Akporeha, National Coordinator of WPU, said the group visited Asaba to inform Okowa of its objectives and inaugurate its Delta chapter.

Akporeha said WPU comprised public and private-sector workers, self-employed persons and artisans across different cadres.

He assured Okowa of the group’s support for his senatorial ambition, as well as the electoral victories of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori and President Tinubu.

The high point of the session was the conferment of the patron ship of WPU on Okowa.

A domestic dispute in Kano has taken a gruesome turn after a woman allegedly stabbed her boyfriend and severed his manhood during a violent confrontation in the Badawa area of the state.

The Kano State Police Command confirmed on Monday that the woman has been arrested, while the injured man is receiving treatment for life-threatening injuries at a medical facility.

Police said detectives have commenced a full-scale investigation to establish what triggered the attack and the events leading up to the incident.

In a statement, the command said the suspect was taken into custody shortly after the assault.

‘The Kano State Police Command has arrested a female suspect for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend and completely cutting off his manhood during a violent altercation in Badawa,’ the statement read.

The command added that the victim remains hospitalised as investigators continue to gather evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the case.

The latest incident is one of several reported cases of genital mutilation arising from domestic disputes in recent years.

In May 2025, the Punch reports that the police arrested a 43-year-old woman, Gift, in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after she allegedly bit off the tip of her lover’s penis during an argument that reportedly began when he demanded sex she had refused.

Earlier, in October 2024, 28-year-old Yemisi Ogunlana was arrested in Ogun State for allegedly using a sharp object to cut her husband’s manhood during a domestic quarrel in the Oko-Oba area of Ogijo.

In another similar incident reported in June 2024, a newlywed woman in Kaduna State allegedly attempted to sever her husband’s manhood before neighbours intervened and prevented the attack.