News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has distanced itself from what it describes as an illegal primary election conducted by a faction of disgruntled members, insisting that the party remains united and has already concluded all nomination processes.

In a press statement issued on May 30, 2026, the state party leadership, led by former Governor Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo (Talban Gombe) and state Chairman Major General Amnon Kalaye Kwaskebe (Rtd), said the actions of certain mischief-makers pose a threat to party unity and democracy.

According to the statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Abdulkadir Ahmad Dukku, all PDP primary elections in Gombe State have been completed, and the party has no faction. The leadership specifically confirmed the recent affirmation of Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 general elections.

“The PDP in Gombe State is one united family without any faction and cannot stand to watch mischief elements causing confusion within the party ranks,” the statement read. “We therefore disassociate ourselves from such unconstitutional acts capable of causing division among party members.”

The party advised all stakeholders, members, and supporters to ignore the activities of what it called unpatriotic elements who do not want the progress and development of Gombe State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted consignments of illicit drugs concealed in water purifier machines imported from the Netherlands, while a series of operations across different parts of the country also led to several arrests and drug seizures.

According to the agency, the drugs were discovered on May 26, 2026, at a courier facility in Lagos. Officers recovered three kilograms of ketamine and 199 grams of MDMA hidden inside the water purification machines.

Confirming the development, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said, “Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have uncovered consignments of high potency illicit drugs concealed in water purifier machines shipped to Lagos from Netherlands.”

The agency also recorded a major seizure in Kaduna State. NDLEA operatives arrested a couple, Musa Sunday and Mercy Sunday, along with Salomi Ezekiel after raiding a residence in the Gonin Gora area on May 24. During the operation, officers recovered 100 jumbo bags of skunk with a combined weight of 1,246 kilograms.

On the same day, operatives intercepted a 30-year-old suspect, Sunusi Musa, along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway at Jere. He was allegedly transporting 380 rounds of 7.62mm military ammunition to Katsina State. NDLEA said the suspect and the recovered ammunition were subsequently handed over to the relevant security agency for further investigation.

The agency also reported another breakthrough in Niger State. It stated, “In Niger State, NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence raided a warehouse at Gidan Kukah, Bosso Local Government Area, on May 27, where 457 kilograms of skunk were recovered.

“A suspect, Godwin Zakka, was later arrested at his residence in Minna in connection with the seizure.

“In Enugu State, operatives on patrol along the Onitsha–Enugu expressway intercepted a commercial vehicle marked JAY-158-YF on May 28, recovering 22,000 tramadol pills, 100 ampoules of pentazocine and 200 grams of bromazepam. A suspect, James Maigari Wisdom, was arrested,” NDLEA said.

Beyond enforcement activities, the anti-narcotics agency said it continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign in schools, places of worship, workplaces and communities across several states.

The agency stated, “With the same zeal, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities, among others.”

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers involved in the operations. He urged personnel to sustain efforts aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks while expanding preventive campaigns across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Wole Alamu, husband of Rachael Alamu, the abducted principal of a Community High School in Ogbomoso, has appealed to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to step up efforts aimed at securing her release and that of other victims still in captivity.

Alamu made the appeal on Saturday when the governor visited families of victims affected by the abduction incident. He became emotional during the visit and was seen in tears while speaking about his wife’s ordeal.

Rachael Alamu was among teachers and students abducted on May 15 when armed men invaded three schools along the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Oriire Local Government Area in Ogbomoso. The attackers reportedly arrived on motorcycles and took away dozens of pupils and staff from Community High School, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

During the attack, an assistant headmaster identified as Adesiyan and a commercial motorcyclist were killed. Governor Makinde also disclosed that seven teachers were taken away, while one of them, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed in captivity.

In a video shared on Instagram on Friday, the abducted principal called on both federal and state authorities not to use force in any rescue operation, warning that such action could endanger lives. She also said the kidnappers threatened to kill another victim if security forces attempted a forceful rescue.

Speaking during the governor’s visit, Alamu expressed gratitude for the efforts so far but urged him not to slow down in the rescue operation.

“Our governor, we thank you because we know the efforts you have made since this incident happened. But please, don’t be weary in the rescue mission for our people in captivity,” he said.

He also described the emotional pain caused by the circulation of his wife’s video in captivity.

“My wife is the one being used to make the videos that are being circulated. It is very disheartening and depressing,” he said in Yoruba while kneeling and pleading with the governor.

Governor Makinde later embraced the distraught man as he broke down in tears.

The governor said he understood the pain of the families and assured them of ongoing efforts to secure the release of the abductees.

“All I need is your cooperation. Please trust us. I cannot speak much because of security implications. I know your hearts are bleeding. My heart is also bleeding. Please trust us. We will secure their release,” Makinde said.

The incident has added to growing concern over rising cases of abductions and attacks spreading into the South-West region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to raise Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts if elected president in the 2027 general elections.

Obi made the promise on Saturday in Abuja after emerging as the NDC’s sole presidential candidate at the party’s national convention, where his nomination was formally ratified.

In his acceptance speech, he criticised the country’s current power situation, describing it as unacceptable for a nation of over 200 million people to remain at a generation level of about 4,000 megawatts.

He said Nigeria’s electricity output falls far below what is recorded in some other major African economies.

“It is totally unacceptable. Today, Nigeria is a country with the highest number of citizens without access to electricity in the whole world. About 100 million Nigerians don’t have access to electricity,” he said.

“In today’s world, it is unacceptable. A country of over 200 million people only generates and distributes 4,000 (megawatts)

“The biggest economies in Africa— South Africa and Egypt — generate over 40,000 megawatts today.

“So we are not even producing 10% of what these two African nations are producing and distributing. Both of them are less than 50% of our population and they generate 10 times the electricity we generate. These are African countries.

“It is unacceptable. It cannot happen. And I pledge on behalf of our government that in four years, this country will generate and distribute at least 10,000 megawatts from the 4,000 they are doing today.”

Obi also faulted official unemployment figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), particularly the 4.3 percent rate reported for the second quarter of 2024, saying it does not reflect the reality faced by Nigerians.

He said his administration would prioritise job creation through support for small businesses and targeted incentives aimed at expanding economic opportunities.

Meanwhile, data from the federal government in April 2026 showed a slight improvement in electricity generation, which rose from 3,951 megawatts on March 28 to over 4,300 megawatts by April 10.

By Uzair Adam

Senator representing Kano Central, Rufa’i Sani Hanga, has explained that he voluntarily relinquished his Senate ticket to former Kano State Deputy Governor, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, in the interest of unity and success within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

Speaking during an interview with DC Hausa, Hanga said the decision followed extensive consultations among party stakeholders aimed at strengthening the party ahead of future elections.

According to him, Gawuna’s political influence, widespread support base, and contributions to the movement made him a strong candidate for the Kano Central Senate seat.

“Gawuna joined us and expressed his desire to be part of the movement. We understand his political strength, his supporters, and the role he has played over the years.

If our objective is victory, it would not be right to insist that only one person must get the ticket.

After consultations, it was agreed that he should fly the party’s flag for Kano Central, and he accepted,” Hanga said.

The senator noted that members of the movement have always sought candidates capable of securing electoral victories and advancing their political objectives.

He expressed optimism that the movement’s national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, would continue to achieve political success in Kano and eventually attain higher national leadership positions.

Hanga also dismissed claims of unfairness in the party’s nomination process, insisting that all aspirants and interest groups were carried along before decisions were made.

“Anyone familiar with our structure knows that a fair arrangement was reached. Consultations were held with all concerned groups, everyone’s interests were considered, and no one was sidelined,” he stated.

Reaffirming his loyalty to Kwankwaso, the senator pledged to remain steadfast in his support for the former Kano governor.

“I will continue to stand with Kwankwaso in every circumstance because I believe in his commitment to improving the lives of ordinary people,” he said.

Hanga further revealed that party leaders, including himself, participated in discussions leading to all major nominations, stressing that Gawuna’s emergence as the Kano Central candidate occurred with his full consent and support.

He added that members of the movement would continue to work collectively towards electoral success and the development of Kano State.

By Uzair Adam

Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife have been abducted by bandits along the Matazu axis of Katsina State.

Sources said the retired military officer was travelling to Katsina with his wife when armed men intercepted their vehicle and carried out the attack.

His driver reportedly escaped despite sustaining gunshot injuries, while the retired General and his wife were taken away by the attackers into a nearby forest.

A video circulating on social media showed the victims’ vehicle parked inside the Matazu Divisional Police Headquarters.

The red Peugeot 504 car bore at least two bullet holes, indicating the intensity of the attack.

The incident marks the second high-profile kidnapping involving a retired senior military officer in Katsina within two years.

In 2025, Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (rtd), a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was abducted and spent 56 days in captivity before regaining freedom.

Despite ongoing security operations, Katsina State continues to grapple with recurring attacks by armed groups.

The latest abduction came barely a day after bandits attacked Kiliya village in Dutsinma Local Government Area, killing at least 16 residents.

The attackers reportedly stormed the community shortly after Juma’at prayers as residents gathered to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

A resident who witnessed the attack said panic broke out when the gunmen arrived, forcing many villagers to flee for safety.

According to him, the assailants initially ordered residents to stop running before moving towards a mechanic’s house, where they suddenly opened fire on people in the area.

The witness said he survived by hiding inside a nearby house and later emerged to find several victims lying dead.

He added that some of those killed were his relatives, including uncles and cousins.

The attack triggered a mass exodus from the village, with hundreds of residents reportedly fleeing to neighbouring Bagagadi and Radda communities.

Several people remain unaccounted for, raising concerns that the casualty figure could increase.

Residents also reported that some victims were discovered on surrounding farmlands, suggesting that farmers working in the area may have been caught in the attack.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Multiple U.S. service members have been injured in an Iranian missile strike on an air base in Kuwait within the last 24 hours, according to a report from Bloomberg News.

Citing an unnamed official, the report states that two MQ-9 Reaper drones were also destroyed in the attack. While the Fateh-110 missile was successfully intercepted, debris from the strike fell inside the Ali Salem base, causing damage and injuries.

Security sources indicate that the attack comes amid rising tensions in the Persian Gulf region. Both the United States and Kuwait had previously confirmed a similar attack in recent days, though the timelines of the reports have not been consistent.

Earlier, U.S. Central Command stated that a missile had been fired from Iran toward Kuwait on May 27, which was also successfully intercepted.

Separately, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed the strike was retaliation for U.S. attacks near Bandar Abbas, stating it targeted a base believed to be the source of U.S. operations.

The incident occurred as U.S. President Donald Trump met with his advisors on Iran policy, while the White House reiterated that any agreement with Iran must accept U.S. terms.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The crisis engulfing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) burst into the open again this week as a faction loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike flatly denied any plans to field former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 presidential election—even as a competing splinter group moved to ratify him as its candidate.

The Wike-backed faction, which claims legitimacy as the party’s authentic leadership, said Jonathan has neither purchased nomination forms nor engaged with its structure.

“Goodluck has not purchased our form yet and he has not been romancing with us, so we are not expecting him to come,” Mohammed Haruna Jungudo, National Publicity Secretary of that faction, told reporters. “You are not talking to Kabiru Turaki’s group.”

The denial came days before a parallel faction led by former Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki scheduled a special national convention for May 30 at the A’ Class Event Centre in Wuse 2, Abuja, to formally ratify Jonathan as its presidential flag bearer.

On May 19, 2026, the Turaki faction’s screening committee—chaired by former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu—granted Jonathan a waiver and cleared him as its sole presidential aspirant, citing his prior service as deputy governor, governor, vice president, and president.

“He has been declared and cleared as a candidate of the PDP for the presidential election,” Aliyu said.

The PDP has been mired in leadership disputes since losing power in 2015, with multiple factions operating parallel structures and pursuing court battles. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognizes certain leadership claims while other groups exist in legal limbo. Key fault lines involve Wike, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and other chieftains vying for control.

Jonathan, who served as president from 2010 to 2015 and has largely stayed out of active politics since leaving office, has not publicly confirmed or denied interest in a return. He did not appear for screening, and his team has maintained a low profile, fueling speculation.

A federal High Court in Abuja recently dismissed a suit challenging Jonathan’s eligibility, ruling he can contest and awarding costs against the plaintiff—a decision the Turaki faction hailed as a victory.

Political analyst Victoria N. Ikeano described the situation as “a mystery,” suggesting it could be either a calculated strategic ruse or a reflection of factional maneuvering with no real candidate yet.

Meanwhile, another faction has reportedly adopted former Senator Sandy Onor as its consensus presidential candidate, further illustrating the multiple parallel tracks within the fractured opposition party.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has said the Allied People’s Movement (APM) will not rely on electoral malpractice to secure victory in the 2027 general elections.

The governor made the remark on Thursday during the affirmation of candidates for elective offices at the Government House in Bauchi. He stated that while the party would conduct its campaigns based on its achievements and programmes, it would not tolerate any attempt to deny it victory through electoral fraud.

“We are not going to underestimate our competitors. Even if a child born today is a candidate, I am going to deal with him like a grown-up person,” Mohammed said.

“It is a new game entirely. We are going back to the people to sell our credentials and what we have done. We will not urge anybody to rig for us, but we will not allow anybody to rig us. This is our policy.”

Mohammed also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process.

According to him, the party is prepared to accept the outcome of the election, provided the process is fair and reflects democratic principles.

“If we win, we will accept it. If we lose, we will accept it, especially where there is transparency, justice and equity. That is democracy,” he said.

In a post on his X account on Friday, the governor disclosed that the APM had presented Yakubu Adamu, the state commissioner for finance, as its governorship candidate for the next election. Mahmood Abubakar was unveiled as the party’s deputy governorship candidate.

Mohammed, who recently joined the APM, also expressed appreciation to party members for endorsing him as the senatorial candidate for Bauchi South.

“This development reflects our collective determination to strengthen unity within the party, expand our support base, and position ourselves for success in the 2027 elections,” he wrote.

The governor further urged party supporters and members to remain committed to the party’s vision and work toward what he described as a brighter and more prosperous future for Bauchi State.

By Uzair Adam

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to assert stronger authority against individuals undermining his administration in the state.

Sanusi made the remarks during the traditional post-Eid homage visit to the governor, a long-standing cultural practice observed after Sallah celebrations in Kano.

The emir said effective leadership requires a balance of justice and authority, citing the Qur’an to support his position.

According to him, Allah, after mentioning messengers and revealed books in the Holy Qur’an, also referred to iron, which scholars interpret as a symbol of strength and authority necessary for the protection of justice.

He commended Governor Yusuf for investments in education, healthcare and social welfare programmes but cautioned against showing undue respect to individuals who do not value it.

Sanusi noted that many residents now perceive the governor as excessively tolerant because of the growing disorder in parts of the state.

He advised the governor to demonstrate firmness by ensuring that law-abiding citizens continue to live peacefully while those violating the law face appropriate consequences.

The emir added that reactions from the gathering indicated public support for decisive leadership and pledged the emirate council’s support for the administration, stressing that the success of the government is tied to Kano’s collective progress.

In his response, Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the emir and members of the emirate council, while apologising for the cancellation of the Hawan Daushe procession during the Eid celebrations.

The governor explained that the decision was taken to prevent possible violence and maintain public safety.

Yusuf stated that he fears no one except Allah and said his restraint in handling sensitive issues was aimed at protecting lives and preserving peace in the state.

He also recalled previous incidents of violence during public outings, insisting that security considerations informed the government’s actions.

Security agencies have repeatedly suspended Sallah horse-riding activities in Kano amid tensions surrounding the ongoing emirship dispute involving Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero, which remains before the court.