APC Heavyweights, Governors Battle for Senate Tickets
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno are among top figures expected to participate in today’s All Progressives Congress senatorial primaries.
Several serving and former governors are also set to contest for tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections as the ruling party intensifies preparations for the polls.
The primaries are expected to shape the APC’s legislative strategy and determine the party’s frontline contenders for the Senate.
Sultan Declares Monday First Day of Zulhijja
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Monday, May 18, 2026, as the first day of Zulhijja 1447AH.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Sunday night by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu.
The declaration followed the sighting of the new moon, paving the way for the commencement of activities marking the Islamic month.
Amotekun Launches Rescue Operation After Oyo School Abduction
The Oyo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, has launched an intensive forest and community-wide operation following the abduction of dozens of pupils and a teacher in Oriire Local Government Area.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped during coordinated attacks on three schools in the area.
Commandant of the corps, Col. Olayanju Olayinka (retd.), confirmed on Sunday that Amotekun operatives were leading ongoing rescue efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims and apprehending the attackers.
One Killed, Several Injured in Lagos APC Primary Clash
A yet-to-be-identified man was shot dead while several others sustained injuries during a violent clash at the All Progressives Congress primary election in the Ikotun area of Lagos State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday during the party’s primary election held at a primary school in the Ile-Iwe, Egbe area.
Sources said tension escalated during the exercise, leading to gunfire and chaos among party supporters.
Fresh Crisis Rocks Labour Party Over Nomination Forms
A fresh leadership crisis has erupted in the Labour Party as Abia State Governor Alex Otti and the party’s national leadership clashed with embattled former National Chairman Julius Abure over the sale of nomination forms ahead of the 2027 elections.
Abure was accused of acting against court rulings and the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The dispute has further deepened divisions within the opposition party amid preparations for the next electoral cycle.
Police Arrest Three Over Child Abduction in Abia
The Abia State Police Command has arrested three suspects allegedly involved in the abduction of two children from Rivers State.
The command also confirmed that the victims had been successfully reunited with their parents.
Police spokesperson DSP Maureen Chinaka disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa.
Bauchi Permanent Secretary Dies During Hajj in Saudi Arabia
The Permanent Secretary for Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, Shehu Yahaya Jalam, has died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
Jalam reportedly passed away in the early hours of Sunday after a brief illness.
His death was confirmed by officials close to the Bauchi State Government.
Baba-Ahmed Vows to Stop Tinubu’s Re-election in 2027
The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has declared that he would work to prevent President Bola Tinubu from securing re-election in 2027.
Baba-Ahmed, a former Special Adviser on Political Matters to Tinubu, made the declaration during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday.
He denied claims that he remained politically aligned with the President following his previous role in the administration.
Navy Destroys Illegal Refinery, Recovers Petroleum Products
The Nigerian Navy has dismantled an illegally reconstructed refining cluster along the Rivers–Bayelsa border.
The operation led to the recovery of about 8,500 litres of suspected petroleum products.
Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.
Police Arrest Suspects in Two Enugu Murder Cases
The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of suspects linked to two separate murder cases in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.
According to the command, both incidents occurred on Friday, May 15, in different communities, causing panic among residents.
Atiku Warns Tinubu Over Rising Debt Burden
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against what he described as excessive borrowing by the Federal Government.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his aide, Olusola Sanni, Atiku said the loans were becoming too heavy for Nigerians to bear.
He expressed concern over reports that the Federal Government was discussing another $1.25bn loan facility with the World Bank, accusing the administration of reckless and opaque borrowing without visible improvement in citizens’ welfare.
Makinde Inaugurates Police Crime Unit, Reacts to Oriire Attack
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has assured security agencies of continued support to strengthen protection of lives and property across the state.
Makinde gave the assurance during the inauguration of the Oyo State Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit and its Oversight Committee in Ibadan.
Reacting to the recent abduction in Oriire Local Government Area, the governor sympathised with affected families and urged residents to remain vigilant.
He said the incident underscored the need for proactive security measures.
Yari Urges North to Back Tinubu in 2027
Senator Abdulaziz Yari has called on Northerners to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The former Zamfara State governor said the North should reciprocate the Southwest’s support for former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure.
Speaking during a meeting with Islamic clerics in Talata-Mafara, Yari stressed the need to respect the North-South zoning arrangement for national unity and political balance.
Labour Party Dismisses Abure’s Nomination Forms
The Labour Party has described nomination forms allegedly distributed by embattled former National Chairman Julius Abure as “useless paper.”
In a statement issued on Sunday by National Publicity Secretary Ken Eluma Asogwa, the party said only the Nenadi Usman-led leadership had the authority to issue valid nomination forms.
The party accused Abure of misleading unsuspecting aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kabiru Sokoto Seeks Appeal Against Life Sentence
Convicted terrorist Kabiru Umar, popularly known as Kabiru Sokoto, has approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja to challenge his 2013 conviction and life sentence.
Court documents showed that Umar filed a motion seeking an extension of time to appeal the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in December 2013.
His lawyers argued that repeated transfers between custodial centres and the deaths of two previous counsel delayed the appeal process.
APC Disqualifies Banigo, Others From Rivers Primary
The All Progressives Congress has disqualified former Rivers State Deputy Governor and serving senator, Ipalibo Banigo, from contesting in Monday’s senatorial primary.
Other aspirants disqualified from Rivers West Senatorial District include Ojukaye Flag Amachree, Tamunobaabo Wemike Danagogo and businessman Jack-Rich Tien.
However, allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were cleared to contest.
Report Claims Late Actor Alex Ekubo Secretly Married
Late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo reportedly lived as a married man and father before his death, according to a report by the Nigerian Tribune.
The revelation followed a statement by his family describing him as a “husband, son, brother, and friend.”
The report said the actor kept his family life away from public attention after the collapse of his widely publicised engagement years ago.
Actress Shine Rosman Opens Up on Trauma After Father’s Death
Nollywood actress Shine Rosman has revealed that some people predicted she would become a prostitute after losing her father at age 16.
Speaking in an interview with media personality Chude Jidenowo, Rosman said the experience was deeply traumatic and pushed her into suicidal thoughts.
She said she later turned the emotional and financial struggles into motivation to pursue her ambitions.
Chelsea Appoint Xabi Alonso as New Manager
Chelsea FC have appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a four-year contract beginning July 1.
Alonso said he was proud to lead one of the world’s biggest clubs and pledged to build a team capable of competing for trophies consistently.
The former Real Madrid coach replaces Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed in April after three months in charge.
Anthony Joshua Targets World Title, Fury Fight in 2026
Promoter Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua is focused on reclaiming the heavyweight world title and securing a blockbuster fight against Tyson Fury in 2026.
Joshua is rebuilding after recent setbacks, including defeat to Daniel Dubois and a car crash in Nigeria.
The former champion is expected to face Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on July 25 before a potential showdown with Fury later in the year.
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