Category: PM News

No fewer than 241 candidates of various political parties, have been cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest 36 elective positions in Cross River in the 2027 general elections.

The positions comprise the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly seats.

According to INEC’s final list of candidates, eight candidates are vying for the governorship seat, 25 for the three senatorial, 63 for the eight House of Representatives, and 145 for the 24 State House of Assembly seats.

NAN reports that out of the 241 candidates, 198 are males representing 82.8 per cent, while 43 are females 17.8 per cent.

The Calabar South state constituency has the highest number of female candidates at seven.

NAN also reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) each fielded five female candidates for the upcoming general election.

NAN further reports that though a total of 14 political parties are participating in the elections in the state, only the APC, ADC and NDC fielded candidates for all the elective positions.

The youngest, investigation shows, is 26-year-old Aboh Glady, who is contesting for the State House of Assembly seat on the platform of the Action Alliance (AA).

The oldest candidates are 69-year-old Asuquo Asuquo and Francis Ukpanyang, both of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), contesting for Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency and Calabar South State Constituency, respectively.

It will be recalled that five members of the National Assembly (NASS) representing Cross River failed to secure their parties’ tickets to seek re-election in 2027.

The Cross River has 11 representatives at the National Assembly, comprising three senators and eight members of the House of Representatives, all elected on the platform of the ruling APC.

Two of the three senators secured the APC tickets for the 2027 elections, while only three of the eight House of Representatives members seeking re-election succeeded in clinching their party’s tickets.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has rearrested an 83-year-old woman, Mrs Uloma Uchechi Sunday, with consignments of methamphetamine and Colorado, barely a year after she was prosecuted and convicted for drug-related offences.

The octogenarian was arrested on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at her residence in Ite-Uzo, Umuaguma, Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, following intelligence that she allegedly operated a drug joint frequented by criminal elements.

In a statement on Sunday, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the drugs recovered from the suspect were tied around her waist with a wrapper.

Babafemi said Uloma was first arrested on May 17, 2025, alongside her 32-year-old daughter, Chisom Uchechi, at the same residence.

He stated that the operatives recovered 50 grammes of methamphetamine, 522 grammes of skunk, 260 grammes of fresh cannabis leaves and 12 grammes of tramadol during the operation.

Babafemi disclosed that the mother and daughter pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment or a fine of ?200,000. He added that both paid the fines and were subsequently released.

He said the older woman allegedly returned to the drug trade after her release and established a drug joint where she reportedly accommodated individuals suspected of criminal activities.

In another operation in Ondo State, Babafemi revealed that NDLEA operatives arrested a 21-year-old suspect, Happy Endurance, at a hideout in the Shasha area of Akure on Monday, October 5.

He stated that 29 bags of cannabis weighing 290 kilogrammes were recovered during the operation.

Babafemi added that a separate raid on an apartment in Oba-Ile, Akure, on the same day led to the arrest of 42-year-old Tunde Adebayo, with 35 bags of cannabis weighing 351 kilogrammes.

In Taraba State, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives, supported by soldiers, arrested Abdulrasheed Mohamed, 31, and Abubakar Saidu, 37, at Chanchanji village in Wukari Local Government Area on Friday, October 9.

He disclosed that the suspects were found with 166,200 tablets of tramadol, each containing 225 milligrammes, weighing a total of 107 kilogrammes.

Babafemi further stated that a stop-and-search operation along the Kano-Maiduguri Road in Kano State on the same day resulted in the arrest of 32-year-old Yahaya Musa.

According to him, operatives recovered 24,990 capsules of tramadol, 50,000 tablets of diazepam and 22,000 tablets of Exol-5 from the suspect.

In Kaduna State, Babafemi said officers on patrol along the Zaria-Kaduna Expressway arrested 29-year-old Mohammed Musa with 31 jumbo bags of skunk and 775 blocks of the same substance, with a combined weight of 1,027 kilogrammes.

He added that operatives arrested Musbau Balogun Adekunle in the Orile area of Lagos State on Tuesday, October 6, with 32.51 kilogrammes of skunk and 52.65 kilogrammes of cannabis seeds, bringing the total seizure to 85.16 kilogrammes.

Babafemi also disclosed that NDLEA operatives raided the residence of 45-year-old Christian Chukwudi Uju on Rukuba Road in Jos, Plateau State, on Thursday, October 8, recovering illicit drugs, firearms and ammunition.

He said the items recovered included 47 grammes of methamphetamine, two pump-action rifles, one locally made gun, 199 live cartridges, five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and one round of 9mm ammunition.

Beyond enforcement operations, Babafemi said NDLEA commands and formations across the country sustained their War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaigns during the week.

He listed schools and institutions visited as Progressive Grammar School, Tede, Oyo State; Ehugbo Technical College, Afikpo, Ebonyi State; Baptist High School, Lambata, Niger State; Madarasatul Tarbiyatul Islamiya, Galangalan Tudun Wada, Kano State; Ipara Senior and Junior Community Secondary School, Badagry, Lagos State; and Manbahu Ridwanullah Nursery and Primary School, Olomore, Abeokuta, Ogun State, among others.

Babafemi said the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers and men of the Lagos, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Port Harcourt International Airport, Taraba, Kano, Kaduna, Edo, Cross River, Ondo and Plateau commands for their professionalism and intelligence-led operations.

He added that Marwa urged personnel across the country to sustain the agency’s balanced approach to drug control, combining enforcement with public education and sensitisation.

The NDLEA said its operations would continue as it intensifies efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and curb the distribution of illicit substances across the country.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) responded to 1,409 road traffic crashes and rescued 670 victims between January and September 2026.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in a statement made available newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.

Bakare-Oki said the figures underscored the authority’s role in safeguarding lives and strengthening road safety across Lagos State.

He said the achievements reflected LASTMA’s commitment to reducing crash-related casualties, ensuring prompt interventions and strengthening incident-response mechanisms across the state’s complex transportation network.

Bakare-Oki said LASTMA operatives were routinely deployed to crash scenes to assess situations, rescue victims, divert traffic and prevent secondary collisions.

He added that the interventions helped reduce congestion, restore traffic flow and provide unhindered access for other emergency response agencies.

The general manager said the rescue of 670 victims highlighted the humanitarian dimension of LASTMA’s statutory responsibilities.

He said that, in spite of hazardous and unpredictable circumstances, LASTMA personnel continued to demonstrate professionalism, vigilance and dedication while coordinating assistance with other first responders.

He listed the collaborating agencies as the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Ambulance Service, State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit and Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to strengthening its incident-response capabilities, intensifying public enlightenment and promoting compliance with traffic regulations.

He said prompt incident reporting and effective inter-agency collaboration remained essential to reducing casualties and improving road safety.

Bakare-Oki urged motorists to observe speed limits, obey traffic signals, wear seat belts and maintain roadworthy vehicles.

He also advised them to avoid distracted driving and reckless manoeuvres that could endanger lives.

He said defensive driving and responsible motoring remained fundamental to preventing road traffic crashes.

The general manager urged private motorists, commercial transport operators, dispatch riders and pedestrians to exercise greater vigilance and obey traffic directives.

He advised road users to promptly report crashes, obstructions and other incidents requiring intervention through LASTMA’s toll-free short code, 3367.

Bakare-Oki said road safety required collective responsibility and an unwavering commitment from every road user.

He noted that road traffic crashes frequently resulted in fatalities, debilitating injuries, substantial economic losses and lasting emotional trauma for affected families.

He said strict compliance with traffic regulations, regular vehicle inspections and prudent driving practices were essential to reducing such consequences.

‘LASTMA remains resolute in advancing proactive incident response, strengthening inter-agency collaboration and sustaining road safety advocacy. The authority urges all road users to embrace responsible conduct and recognise that protecting human lives is both a statutory obligation and a collective moral imperative,’ he said.

Presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Dr Esther Okereke, says if elected, her administration will not re-introduce the fuel subsidy.

Okereke made the statement when she featured on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) personality interview series on Sunday in Abuja.

She ???????????said that her administration, would instead ensure that savings from its removal directly benefit all Nigerians rather than a privileged few.

The female candidate said that while the removal of the petrol subsidy has already taken effect on Nigerians, the critical challenge lies in transparency and the proper channelling of the accrued savings.

Okereke said that her focus would be on making the economic gains felt by all Nigerians including those at the grassroots.

‘ The deed has been done. Let’s tell ourselves the truth. My problem is where is this subsidy money going to? That’s where the corruption comes in.

‘It is not just about the subsidy itself, but ensuring that the proceeds serve all Nigerians.

‘Focus on letting the people get the money, enjoy that subsidy removal. Let it favour all. Let it serve all, not just one-sided, not just the few that is benefiting from it. It should benefit all,” she said.

Asked if what she would meet in reality did not meet her expectations, Okereke said that would not be an excuse, saying life itself survives on challenges.

‘When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade with it. You don’t dwell on spilled milk; you work with what you have and make a change,” she said.

Okereke who expressed concern over the nation’s rising debt profile, said that Nigeria has all it takes to be the true giant of Africa, not just living in past glory, but in current reality.

She emphasised the need for the country to harness her available resources, including the funds from subsidy removal to impact on the people and for development, rather than borrowing.

‘I see other countries doing so much. I said we have all it takes for us to be the giant of Africa that we are, not in past glory, but in reality, in presence. We have all it takes.

‘We have removed subsidy, yes, do something with it. Let’s make sure it gets to the grassroots. Let’s make sure it gets to everyone. It is our oil, so it is your money. You should receive it.

‘Put it to use. I saw Uganda doing things. I saw Kenya doing things. I saw Ghana doing things. I saw Malawi doing things, why can’t Nigeria do something,” she asked.

Okeke reaffirmed her commitment to fiscal responsibility, block revenue leakages, and redirect public funds into sustainable development projects that improve infrastructure, social welfare, and economic opportunities for ordinary Nigerians.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), seeking explanations for $6.23 million in allegedly unaccounted-for election funds and more than ?1.63 trillion in other public funds flagged in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2023 report.

In the suit, No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2450/2026, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is asking the court to compel the CBN to account for the funds, disclose their beneficiaries and purposes, and provide details of recovery efforts and internal investigations.

The Auditor-General’s report, published on August 7, 2026, alleged that the CBN failed to investigate a $6.23 million payment linked to an election-funding request purportedly made by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The report also identified ?1.25 trillion in unrecovered intervention loans to state governments, ?116.18 billion in loans to distressed and liquidated banks, and ?262.86 billion disbursed under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme.

SERAP further wants the court to compel the CBN to identify officials responsible for approving and disbursing the funds and disclose any disciplinary action taken.

It is also seeking records concerning seven boxes of currency notes awaiting examination, abandoned vehicles at the CBN’s Lagos branch and an unserviceable bullion van at its Abeokuta branch.

The organisation argued that the allegations raise serious concerns about transparency, public financial management and accountability, adding that the CBN’s independence does not exempt it from statutory audits and investigations into credible allegations of financial misconduct.

SERAP said the CBN should explain the transactions, identify individuals or entities that received the funds and disclose steps taken to investigate, reconcile and recover any money found to have been improperly paid or lost.

The suit, filed by SERAP’s lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, Andrew Nwankwo and Kelechi Anwu, cited constitutional provisions, the CBN Act and Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

No date has been fixed for the hearing.

The Ogun State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ladi Adebutu, has assured his supporters that there is no cause for alarm following the omission of his name from the final list of governorship candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Adebutu, in a statement posted on X on Sunday, said he completed his online party registration within the required period and submitted all necessary documents to INEC before the deadline.

He insisted that he remained a registered member of the PDP and had not left the party.

Adebutu said the party’s governorship primary, which produced him as its candidate, was conducted in the presence of INEC officials, who attended as observers.

He added that the necessary documents were presented for verification and confirmation.

The PDP candidate expressed concern over the omission, alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had put undue pressure on INEC.

He questioned why his name was missing from the list while the names of other PDP candidates contesting for seats in the Ogun State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate were included.

Adebutu said the party would take the necessary steps through the appropriate channels to address the issue and ensure that due process was followed.

He also alleged that the PDP had faced attempts to disrupt its campaign activities. According to him, the party had experienced restrictions on its billboards, attacks at campaign venues and harassment of its members.

Despite these challenges, he urged party members and supporters to remain calm, assuring them that steps were being taken to resolve the matter.

Adebutu said no form of intimidation should prevent the people of Ogun State from freely choosing their leaders.

He expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved, adding that his commitment to improving the lives of Ogun residents remained strong.

He said the struggle was not about any individual but about protecting the dignity of the people, promoting the state’s development and ensuring that residents could decide their own future.

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has revealed that the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, privately assured him that he would triumph, although he insisted that his presidential ambition was never discussed.

Sowore said the influential cleric told him that he regularly prayed for him and believed his ways were pure during a private meeting at the RCCG national headquarters in Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

The activist made the disclosure during an interview on the Naija Unfiltered Podcast, about a week after attending the church’s National Thanksgiving Service.

Recounting the encounter, Sowore said Adeboye recognised him and made a personal declaration about his character and future.

‘He said to me, ‘You know, I know you very well, and I pray for you all the time, and I know your ways are pure, and that you will triumph,” Sowore revealed.

The declaration comes amid Sowore’s political ambitions, although the activist maintained that neither his presidential aspiration nor his political future formed part of their conversation.

According to him, the meeting was primarily a personal encounter that brought back memories of his relationship with the cleric nearly three decades earlier.

Sowore explained that he was initially directed to wait near Adeboye’s car after the thanksgiving service but was subsequently informed that the pastor wanted to meet him privately in the church’s vestry.

During their discussion, he reminded Adeboye of their first encounter in 1996, when he approached the religious leader for support in combating cultism in Nigerian universities.

He said he had just completed his National Youth Service Corps programme at the time and was seeking assistance for a campaign against campus cultism.

According to Sowore, Adeboye supported the initiative and directed that N10,000 be given to him to finance the campaign.

‘We used it to go and campaign against cultism,’ he recalled.

The activist said the cleric appeared surprised when reminded of their meeting about 30 years earlier.

He further disclosed that Adeboye offered to pray for him during their recent encounter, an offer he accepted but with an unusual condition.

Sowore said he informed the cleric that he would not close his eyes while the prayer was being offered.

Despite the condition, Adeboye proceeded to pray for him.

‘So he did pray for me, and we stood up, and we laughed,’ Sowore said.

However, when asked whether the meeting with the RCCG leader had influenced him to give his life to Christ, Sowore dismissed the suggestion, explaining that he did not practise organised religion.

‘We didn’t have that kind of conversation because giving life to Christ is for people who are into organised religion. I am not into organised religion,’ he stated.

He also clarified that his presidential ambition was never raised during the private discussion, despite Adeboye’s assurance that he would triumph.

Sowore had earlier announced the meeting in a post on X following the thanksgiving service, revealing that the cleric had offered to pray for him.

While Adeboye’s reported remarks expressed confidence in Sowore’s future, the activist did not suggest that the cleric had endorsed his presidential ambition or offered him political support.

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the names and photographs of 24 Nigerians arrested over various alleged crimes as the government continues its immigration enforcement campaign.

According to DHS, the Nigerians were arrested by officers of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in different parts of the country.

The alleged offences include wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, drug-related crimes, identity theft, assault, forgery, weapons violations and child cruelty.

DHS said the announcement was part of its efforts to identify non-US citizens with criminal records who have been arrested by immigration officers.

The department said the arrests were in line with President Donald Trump’s promise to deport immigrants who fall under the government’s immigration enforcement priorities.

Full list of 24 Nigerians named by US authorities

The following are the names of the Nigerians, their alleged offences and the locations where they were arrested, according to DHS.

Emmanuel Omowaiye

Offence: Mail fraud

Arrest location: Richmond, Texas.

Laurene Onwuka

Offences: Fraud and impersonation

Arrest location: Chantilly, Virginia.

Olusegun Shonekan

Offence: Wire fraud

Arrest location: Newark, New Jersey.

Olusegun Olaseni

Offence: Sale of amphetamine

Arrest location: Greencastle, Indiana.

Peter Ude

Offence: Wire fraud

Arrest location: Atlanta, Georgia.

Newton Jemide

Offences: Wire fraud, conspiracy and mail fraud

Arrest location: Fort Dix, New Jersey.

Shedrack Umukoro

Offence: Money laundering

Arrest location: Yazoo City, Mississippi.

Olasoji Akinbode

Offences: Fraud and impersonation

Arrest location: Kearny, New Jersey.

Oluwatosin Afolabi

Offence: Fraud

Arrest location: Conroe, Texas.

Alameen Adetunji Tokosi

Offence: Drug possession

Arrest location: Chicago, Illinois.

Joshua Ipoade

Offence: Wire fraud

Arrest location: Atlanta, Georgia.

Michael Orji

Offences: Weapons violation, fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, falsely claiming US citizenship and money laundering

Arrest location: Oxford, Wisconsin.

Ahmadu Apooyin

Offence: Drug-related crime

Arrest location: Baltimore, Maryland.

Teslim Kiriji

Offence: Money laundering

Arrest location: Yazoo City, Mississippi.

Onomen Uduebor

Offence: Identity theft

Arrest location: Seattle, Washington.

Charles Ochi

Offence: Money laundering

Arrest location: White Deer, Pennsylvania.

Daniel Eta

Offence: Wire fraud

Arrest location: White Deer, Pennsylvania.

Ifeanyi Ibennah

Offence: Child cruelty

Arrest location: Tampa, Florida.

Kazeem Runsewe

Offence: Wire fraud

Arrest location: Thomson, Illinois.

Fatiu Lawal

Offence: Wire fraud

Arrest location: Lompoc, California.

Justin Akubueze

Offence: Money laundering

Arrest location: Orem, Utah.

Moyinoluwaseun Okeowo

Offences: Theft, forgery and hiding stolen property

Arrest location: Orlando, Florida.

Babajide Oluwaseun Faseyi

Offence: Assault

Arrest location: Alden, New York.

Bright Eigbedion

Offence: Money laundering

Arrest location: Lompoc, California.

Deportation process

DHS said the announcement was part of the US government’s wider immigration enforcement campaign, which involves arrests in different parts of the country.

However, the department did not provide details of the final immigration status of each Nigerian or the progress of their deportation cases.

Being named on the list does not automatically mean that an individual has already been deported from the United States.

Some men conceal depression due to societal expectations of masculinity, exposing themselves to worsening psychological distress and delaying access to professional mental-health care, experts say.

Societal expectations that equate masculinity with strength, independence and emotional toughness may discourage some men from acknowledging depression or seeking professional help for fear of judgment.

Mental health experts warn that emotional suppression can worsen depression, trigger anxiety and affect relationships and workplace performance, stressing the importance of early recognition and professional intervention.

Prof. Taiwo Obindo, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Jos, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, said cultural expectations could discourage some men from acknowledging depression.

‘Men generally will suppress and hide their depression symptoms based on cultural expectations, building a psyche that men cannot be weak, making their symptoms chronic,’ he said.

He said emotional suppression could contribute to anxiety disorders and depression, with affected men experiencing irritability, aggression, hopelessness, social withdrawal and difficulties functioning at home and work.

Obindo, also Chairman, Faculty of Psychiatry, West African College of Physicians (Nigeria Chapter), identified sleep and appetite disturbances, weight loss, poor memory, reduced libido, nightmares, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts as other warning signs.

‘Men can be depressed. Men can have issues, and therefore men do cry. And so expression of their emotion should not be restricted,’ he said.

He urged families and employers to watch for behavioural changes, poor self-care, social withdrawal and declining workplace performance, stressing the need for awareness and early professional intervention.

The psychiatrist said accessible mental health services could provide safe spaces for men to discuss their challenges, while exercise could help manage pent-up anger and emotional distress.

He said the Mental Health Act placed responsibility on employers to assist workers in accessing appropriate mental health services, adding that supportive workplaces and community awareness were essential.

Obindo said a midlife crisis could arise from unmet expectations, hormonal changes and societal pressures, affecting men’s relationships and decision-making, particularly when their achievements fall short of personal expectations.

Adding his perspective, Anthony Ezeobele, a clinical psychology scholar at Lagos State University, said societal expectations of masculinity, fear of judgment and family responsibilities could discourage some men from seeking help.

‘Men often hide depression because society teaches them that masculinity means being strong, independent, and emotionally tough,’ he said.

He said untreated depression could lead to severe emotional distress, anxiety, substance abuse, physical exhaustion, sleep problems and, in some cases, suicide.

Ezeobele, a Catholic priest, identified persistent sadness, irritability, social withdrawal, excessive drinking, loss of interest, appetite changes and poor concentration as warning signs.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of mounting undue pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the omission of its governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, from the commission’s published list of candidates for the 2027 election.

The opposition party, however, expressed confidence that Adebutu’s name would eventually appear on the list, insisting that he remains a duly registered member of the PDP and its legitimate governorship candidate.

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Arc. Kayode Adebayo, the PDP alleged that the omission was linked to pressure from the ruling party, which it claimed was apprehensive about losing the forthcoming election.

The party maintained that Adebutu had never left the PDP and completed his digital membership registration within the stipulated period. It added that his membership card was printed and verified, while the relevant documents were submitted to INEC within the prescribed timeframe.

‘We state emphatically that our candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, who has never left the Peoples Democratic Party at any time, duly registered as a member of the party within the designated period of the digital registration,’ the statement said.

The PDP urged its members, supporters and residents of Ogun State to remain calm, assuring them that the omission would not derail its preparations for the 2027 governorship election.

The party also expressed confidence in its chances at the polls, urging supporters not to be distracted by what it described as political manipulation and calculated attempts to undermine its campaign.

It called on party faithful and the general public to remain steadfast and vigilant, saying its campaign to rescue Ogun State and improve residents’ welfare remained on course.

The PDP reiterated its determination to contest the 2027 election, insisting that attempts to frustrate Adebutu’s candidacy would not deter the party from pursuing what it described as the people’s mandate.

The statement was signed by Adebayo on behalf of the Ogun State chapter of the party.

The PDP’s allegation against the APC has not been independently established. INEC’s explanation for Adebutu’s omission, as well as the APC’s response to the accusation, was not contained in the statement.