Atiku Emerges ADC Presidential Flagbearer For 2027 Elections
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been declared the winner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election, emerging as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 general elections. Tunde Ogbeha, the returning officer, announced the result on Wednesday night at the party’s national collation centre at Transcorp Hilton in Abuja. Atiku polled 1,846,370 votes to defeat former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who scored 504,117 votes, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, who garnered 177,120 votes. The ADC noted that its registered membership stands at 3,113,599, with total votes cast in the primary reaching 2,527,977.
Sokoto Governor To Send Bill Prescribing Punishment For Bandit Informants
Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has disclosed plans to transmit a bill to the State House of Assembly that would prescribe appropriate punishment for individuals who provide intelligence to bandits. The governor made the announcement on Wednesday during Sallah homage paid to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, at his palace. The proposed legislation is part of the state government’s broader efforts to combat banditry and curb the activities of criminal networks operating across the region.
Tinubu’s Daughter Rejects Outcome Of APC Primaries In Parts Of Lagos
Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, has rejected the results of last week’s All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries conducted in some parts of Lagos State. Speaking during a meeting with market leaders and stakeholders at her office in Alausa, Ikeja, she alleged that the exercise was manipulated in favour of a faction within the party. Her rejection adds to the growing tensions within the APC in Lagos following a primary process that has attracted widespread controversy among party stakeholders.
Omo-Agege Resigns From APC, Set To Join NDC
Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege has formally resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a resignation letter addressed to the Chairman of Orogun Ward 2 in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Omo-Agege stated that after reviewing recent developments within the APC in Delta State and consulting with associates and supporters, it became clear that his political objectives and those of his constituents were better served outside the party. A source close to the former Delta Central senator confirmed that he submitted his resignation on May 22 and is expected to announce his membership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) shortly. “You can call it an earthquake because Omo-Agege was one of APC’s biggest political figures in Delta,” the source said.
Makinde Assures Families Of Abducted Teachers, Students Of Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has assured the families of abducted teachers and students that his administration is making serious efforts to secure their release. The governor gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving the state Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, alongside other Muslim faithful at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan, during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. His remarks came as President Bola Tinubu also acknowledged the pain of affected families in his Children’s Day address, noting that some families in Oyo and Borno states could not celebrate the occasion due to the continued captivity of their loved ones. Tinubu said he had directed security agencies to intensify rescue operations.
Students Collapse At Edo Children’s Day Event After Pepper Spray Incident
Chaos erupted at the Children’s Day celebration held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State, on Wednesday after some students were affected by pepper spray deployed at the venue. The incident occurred after male students allegedly made inappropriate advances towards their female counterparts at the event, which was organised to celebrate school children across the state. Several students reportedly collapsed following exposure to the spray, throwing the occasion into disarray and raising concerns about crowd management and safety at public gatherings involving minors.
Three Kidnappers Killed, Abducted Man Rescued In Oyo Gun Battle
Three suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun duel with operatives of the Oyo State Police Command and local hunters in Otu, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state. A 50-year-old abducted man, Mosudi Gbolagade, was rescued from captivity during the operation. Gbolagade had earlier been kidnapped at Okaka in the same local government area before being held captive within the Otu community. The joint security operation reflects ongoing efforts by the Oyo State government to address the spate of kidnappings that has led to President Tinubu’s directive to security agencies to step up rescue operations nationwide.
NDLEA Re-Arrests Drug Suspect Who Faked Death To Evade Prosecution
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State has re-arrested and arraigned a suspected drug trafficker, Ibrahim Yusuf Lawal, before the Federal High Court in Benin City after he allegedly jumped bail and was falsely declared dead by his wife in a bid to evade justice. The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed the development on Wednesday, describing the case as a deliberate attempt to obstruct the course of justice. Lawal has since been brought before the court following his re-arrest by NDLEA operatives.
NDC Adopts Direct Primaries For State Assembly Positions, Drops Electronic Voting
The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Wednesday adopted the report of its screening committee and approved direct primaries for State Assembly positions ahead of its forthcoming party primaries. The party, in a statement issued by its National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, admitted that time constraints and the need to align with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable forced it to abandon a planned electronic voting system. The decision followed extensive deliberations involving the National Chairman, presidential aspirant Peter Obi, members of the National Working Committee, and the Selection Committee. The NDC warned that any aspirant or supporter found engaging in violence, intimidation, or disorderly conduct during the primaries would face sanctions.
1.7 Million Pilgrims Perform 2026 Hajj As Figures Rise From Previous Year
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has confirmed that a total of 1.70 million pilgrims performed the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, representing an increase over figures recorded during the 2025 Hajj season. The official statistics, released for the current Hajj season, cover both male and female pilgrims who participated in the annual Islamic pilgrimage across Makkah al-Mukarramah and other holy sites. The figures reflect a continued recovery and growth in Hajj attendance in the years following pandemic-related restrictions on the pilgrimage.
NEWS NOW:
