Ajibola Basiru, national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has cautioned Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti State, against making comments capable of damaging the image of the ruling party.

Basiru warned that disciplinary measures could be taken against him for comments that may portray the party in a bad light.

The warning followed Fayemi’s criticism of the APC during an interview on ‘State Affairs with Edmund Obilo’, where he said the party had drifted away from the ideals of its founding fathers and was gradually losing internal debate and ideological direction.

Fayemi noted that the growing culture of endorsements and consensus arrangements within the party could trigger internal crisis ahead of
future elections.

“This is not where the party has come from. We have lost our bearing and the vision of the founding fathers of this party,” Fayemi said during the interview.

He also warned that the increasing rush by party members to seek political favour from the presidency was unhealthy for the APC.

“It would be unfortunate if everybody is running to Aso Rock because they want something,” he said.

“Those who don’t get consensus won’t be happy… and you’re waiting for an implosion.”

Reacting to the remarks, Basiru dismissed Fayemi’s concerns and suggested the former governor should leave the APC if he no longer believes
in the party.

“We urge him that since he so much despises the party and wishes the party an implosion, he should go to where whatever he thinks his best ideas can be ventilated,” Basiru told Punch.

“We wish him the best of luck, but he should not stay within our party and be wishing us bad luck. He should go to another political party
if he no longer believes in the party he represents.”

Basiru said the APC would not overlook actions or comments perceived as undermining the party’s interests.

“Let him go and join another party. If he does not join another party, the APC will not hesitate to invoke disciplinary actions to sanction him for anti-party activities,” he said.

The APC national secretary also linked Fayemi’s comments to ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, alleging that the former governor had been engaging opposition figures.

“His statement only further confirmed what Mr Rotimi Amaechi aid, that he was one of those who agreed to form opposition against the APC,” Basiru said.

“We also have it on good authority that he and some of his followers have been hobnobbing with opposition elements, particularly ahead of the Ekiti governorship election.”

He added that Fayemi’s comments at a period when the APC is preparing for the Ekiti governorship poll amounted to an attempt to weaken the party politically.

“Even at this time that the party is conducting its primaries and making preparations for the all-important Ekiti governorship election, it only shows a design to demarket the party ahead of that election,”
Basiru said.

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Ahead of the presidential primary election of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, major youth leaders across the 17 Local Government
Areas of Enugu State have declared support for the former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, to fly the party’s ticket in 2027.

The youth leaders also vehemently rejected what they described as an “unfortunate statement” made on Friday by the Enugu State Chairman of the party, claiming that ADC members in Enugu State were supporting the presidential ambition of Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement on Saturday, the youth leaders led by Festus Ifesinachi Omeh said they believe that the presidency should remain in the South in 2027 for the sake of equity, fairness, and justice.

The youth leaders also called on the National Executive Council of the ADC in Abuja to pay urgent and particular attention to developments in Enugu State to ensure transparency, fairness, and peace within the party before the presidential primary election.

According to Omeh, no amount of sponsorship, intimidation, or propaganda can suppress the voice of the people.

Omeh said, “We wish to state clearly and unequivocally that the chairman’s statement does not represent the position, mood, or wishes of
the majority of ADC members and youths in Enugu State. It is false, misleading,
and appears designed to create a false impression before the national
leadership and the Nigerian public.

“For the sake of equity, fairness, and justice, we believe strongly that the presidency should remain in the South in 2027. Nigeria cannot preach balance and national unity while attempting to abruptly return power to the North after only one Southern tenure. The right and honorable thing for our great party to have done from the onset was to zone the presidential ticket to the South.

“We therefore reject every attempt by political interests and sponsors hiding behind the state chairman to manipulate the genuine wishes of ADC members in Enugu State.

“We want to make it abundantly clear that ADC youths in Enugu State will not support or vote for Atiku Abubakar. We are fully aligned with and committed to supporting the only Southern presidential aspirant who has officially declared under the ADC, Rotimi Amaechi, whom we believe
represents courage, competence, fairness, and national balance.

“We also use this medium to warn against any form of
manipulation, rigging, alteration, or misrepresentation of the votes and
preferences of ADC members in Enugu State during the processes scheduled for
the 25th. The will of party members must prevail. Any attempt to impose
predetermined outcomes will be resisted democratically and lawfully by the
youths and stakeholders of the party in the state.

“Finally, we call on the National Executive Council of the
ADC in Abuja to pay urgent and particular attention to developments in Enugu
State to ensure transparency, fairness, and peace within the party. The
leadership must not allow a few politically sponsored individuals to create
avoidable tension where the overwhelming majority of party faithful are united
in support of Rotimi Amaechi,” he stated.

Leading aspirants for the ADC
presidential ticket include Atiku and Amaechi.

The ADC plans to battle the ruling party, the All
Progressives Congress, in the general elections slated for February 2027.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seeking re-election in 2027.

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Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke has been officially cleared to contest on the platform of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).

The clearance paves the way for Duke, a seasoned politician and one of the most prominent figures in Nigeria’s political landscape, to throw his hat into the ring for the party’s presidential ticket.

The PRP presidential primary is scheduled to hold on Monday, May 25, 2026.According to party sources, Duke will be contesting alongside two other aspirants in what is expected to be a keenly contested primary.

His entry is believed to have generated considerable excitement within the party, given his track record as a former governor and his reputation for progressive governance during his time in office.

Political analysts suggest that Duke’s participation could reshape the dynamics of the PRP primaries, bringing both experience and national visibility to the contest.

The outcome of the May 25 primary will determine the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election.

Further details on the screening process and the identities of the other two aspirants are expected to be released by the PRP in the coming hours.

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The Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila,
says members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other Nigerians want
President Bola Tinubu to continue in office in 2027.

Gbajabiamila spoke with newsmen on Saturday in Surulere, Lagos, during the APC presidential primary election.

The chief of staff, who arrived at his Ward G2, Adeniran Ogunsanya, at 12.48pm with his mother, Alhaja Lateefat Gbajabiamila, said the massive turnout of party members and supporters reflected growing confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and reform agenda.

According to him, Nigerians have continued to show understanding of the administration’s long-term economic and political policies.

“This crowd is out here for one reason and one reason only.

“To express their love, to express their desire for continuity for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the next four years.

“And you can see the crowd, overwhelming, and we are grateful; we are grateful,” he said.

Gbajabiamila said supporters thronged the venue despite the inclement weather because of their belief in the president’s vision.

“You can see under the hot sun, you can see my 96-year-old mother as well, and the young, the old, men and women, they are all here.

“It turns out there are large numbers because of the good work of this government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That’s why they are here,” he said.

The presidential aide said many Nigerians understood that reforms introduced by the administration were designed for long-term benefits.

“Why do you think they have this strong belief that he is capable of continuing the good work?

“Well, a lot of people in Nigeria, a lot of people, are very discerning.

“They understand the policies of this government,” he said.

Gbajabiamila said citizens were aware that economic reforms usually required patience before yielding positive results.

“They understand that the reward of these policies will be reaped in the long term.

“When you are reforming, you don’t expect the gains in the short term or the very next day, no. It’s a long-term thing,” he said.

He likened the present economic challenges facing Nigerians to the pains associated with childbirth.

“And like the president has always said, it’s like the birth pains of a pregnant woman.

“For eight or nine months, you’re pregnant, you’re uncomfortable, there’s a lot of discomfort, and you’re in pain sometimes.

“But at the end of the day, when you deliver that child, all those pains are forgotten,” he said.

The chief of staff said the reforms introduced by Tinubu were necessary for national growth and development.

“All those pains are completely out of the window, and you begin to enjoy the benefits of your newborn baby.

“So, that’s exactly the best analogy for what’s going on in Nigeria today. It’s a necessary reform the president has put in place,” he said.

Gbajabiamila described Tinubu as a courageous and visionary leader determined to reposition the country.

“It takes boldness, it takes courage, and it takes a man with vision.

“And I know these people here; you ask why they are out here, because they see through all the noise.

“They know that at the end of the day, joy is coming,” he said.

According to him, Nigerians can see beyond current hardships, hence their patience for the reforms to yield desirable returns.

He assured Tinubu would not disappoint if re-elected in 2027. (NAN)

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President Bola Tinubu has recorded a sweeping victory across several states as the All Progressives Congress (APC) held its 2026 presidential primary election on Saturday.

The exercise, which gathered momentum in the afternoon in
most states, was presided over by governors who were officially mandated by the party to serve as collation officers.

In many of the results already announced, the president defeated Stanley Osifo, his lone challenger, who recorded zero votes in several states.

In Rivers state, Tinubu polled 280,468 votes, while Osifo recorded zero votes across the 23 LGAs of the state, according to Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state.

It was a similar outcome in Edo, where Tinubu secured 131,096 votes, while Osifo got just one vote during the exercise held across the 192 wards in the state on Saturday.

Monday Okpebholo, the governor and returning officer for the election, described the exercise as peaceful and transparent.

Muhammadu Yahaya, governor of Gombe, who announced the outcome of the exercise, also said the APC in the state delivered every vote to Tinubu during the presidential primary held across the 11 LGAs.

Yahaya said Tinubu polled 450,516 votes while Osifo recorded zero votes, noting that the state has 550,516 registered APC members.

Osifo also recorded zero votes in Osun as Tinubu secured another landslide victory with 100,880 votes in the primary, which was described as peaceful by Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, who served as collation officer.

“This impressive turnout is not only historic but also a resounding affirmation of the confidence reposed by members of our party in the leadership, vision and Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” Oyetola said.

The president also recorded a clean sweep in Ebonyi, securing all 207,579 valid votes cast across the 13 LGAs, while his rival got zero votes.

Announcing the results in Abakaliki, Francis Nwifuru, governor of Ebonyi and collation officer for the state, said the exercise was held simultaneously across 171 wards and 13 LGAs, where the party has 215,490
members.

In Kwara, Tinubu also defeated Osifo, polling 310,990 votes while his lone challenger secured no votes.

Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, who announced the results, said a
total of 457,374 party members were registered for the exercise, while 310,990
members were accredited and participated in the voting process across the state.

The same scenario played out in Bayelsa as Tinubu garnered 277,192 votes to defeat Osifo, who polled five votes, according to Doriel Nduwi, the collation officer.

Similarly, in Zamfara, Tinubu secured 321,579 votes against the 42 votes recorded by Osifo.

Dauda Lawal, governor of the state, who announced the result, said a total of 322,435 accredited voters participated in the exercise.

“I therefore declare President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the winner of the 2026 Zamfara State presidential primary,” Lawal said.

‘STRONG AFFIRMATIONS’

Meanwhile, the president received affirmations in some states whose results have not been announced.

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, who personally monitored the primary across 255 political wards in the 23 LGAs, said party members turned out massively for the exercise.

He described the development as a strong demonstration of unity, loyalty, and confidence in the leadership of the APC and Tinubu.

Tinubu also received a similar affirmation in Imo as thousands of party members trooped out to cast their votes for his candidacy.

Speaking after the exercise, Hope Uzodimma, governor of the state, said it is very obvious that “President Tinubu has done enough to deserve a second term”.

“Look at what has happened at the grassroots, how it has been stimulated, starting from the membership registration, which was done electronically, to the validation of members,” the governor said.

“In just one ward, we had 35,000 people. It means that if only our party members vote for President Tinubu, he has already won the election.

“I want to thank President Tinubu for giving time to do politics the way it should be done. And I also want to thank our party members
for coming out massively to vote for him as our candidate for the 2027
presidential election.”

TINUBU TO RECEIVE CERTIFICATE OF RETURN ON SUNDAY

In a post on X, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s senior special adviser on information and strategy, said the president will be presented with a certificate of return and the party’s flag on Sunday.

“President Tinubu to be presented by APC with certificate of return, party’s flag as the 2027 presidential candidate,” he said.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Sunday receive the certificate and flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

“The Presidential Primary Elections Committee will present the certificate and flag at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference
Centre in Abuja after nationwide collation of the primary election results.

“APC governors, members of the National Executive Committee,
the National Working Committee, and the National Assembly, along with party
stalwarts, will attend the event.”

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo has dismissed as fake the governorship primary election result currently circulating on social
media and some news platforms.

Wasiu Sadare, the state publicity secretary of the party, described the widely shared figures as unauthorised and misleading.

“It’s all fake,” Sadare said

“No official announcement yet. All the results will be announced by the National Secretariat in due course. Thank you.”

The statement comes amid reports of a supposed landslide victory for Sharafadeen Alli, senator representing Oyo south, in the Oyo APC governorship primary held on Friday.

Various unverified tallies have been shared online claiming Alli polled 578,143 votes, followed by Abdulfatai Buhari, senator representing Oyo north, with 37,265 votes, while Bayo Adelabu, former minister of power,
secured 19,193 votes

Sadare said the party’s position is clear, stating that no official result has been released at the state level, and only the APC national secretariat is authorised to announce the final outcome after due collation and verification.

Sadare urged party members and the public to disregard the circulating figures and await official communication from the national leadership of the party.

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Israel warned the residents of 10 villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate their homes immediately to avoid planned air strikes against alleged Hezbollah targets.

“In light of the terrorist Hezbollah’s violation of the ceasefire agreement, the IDF is compelled to act forcefully against it. The IDF does not intend to harm you,” military spokesman Avichay Adraee said.

“For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately and move away from the villages and towns by a distance of no less than 1,000 meters into open areas.”

The communities listed by Adraee in a social media post cover a large area of southern Lebanon, and lie on both the north and south banks of the Litani river.

Hezbollah and Israel accuse each other on a daily basis of violating the truce that came into effect on April 17.

At least ten people, including six rescue workers and a girl, were killed Friday in a series of Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.

According to the Israeli military, these strikes targeted Hezbollah fighters travelling by motorcycle and weapons-manufacturing infrastructure.

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Thai police have arrested six Nigerian nationals during a raid on a luxury condominium in Nonthaburi province. The suspects are accused of running a romance-scam network that defrauded victims into transferring money.

According to Thailand media outlet, The Nation Thailand on Saturday, the operation, codenamed “Dark Room Crackdown”, was conducted on Thursday at a riverside condominium near Phra Nang Klao Bridge in Bang Kraso, Muang district, following investigations into foreign criminal networks linked to suspicious financial transactions.

Officers searched three rooms under warrants issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court, The Nation Thailand reported.

“Police seized 18 mobile phones, three laptop computers and three bank books. Investigators said the devices contained alleged romance-scam chats, scam scripts and AI-generated profile images,” The Nation Thailand reported.

The suspects, Denis, 23; Ejikeme, 24; Ibekwe, 29; Okorom, 26; Nwosu, 30; and Obielu, 35, were arrested during the raid.

Five of the six were found to have overstayed their visas by periods ranging from 695 to 1,560 days, according to The Nation Thailand.

Another media outlet in Thailand, Thai PBS World reported that police said the suspects were living together in the condominium despite holding student visas, with no evidence of attending classes or regular employment.

“Police said that the six Nigerians entered Thailand on student visas, but none of them went to any college here, nor do they have any jobs, but their bank accounts show substantial deposits,” Thai PBS World reported.

During the search, some suspects allegedly refused to open their doors, prompting officers to force entry.

One suspect was reported to have attempted an escape through a balcony, while another was found hiding in a bathroom trying to alert others via text messages.

According to The Nation Thailand, investigators said the group posed as foreign professionals, including pilots, soldiers, lawyers, engineers and doctors, using fake profiles on platforms such as Facebook Messenger, WeChat, TikTok, Line and Zalo.

The alleged scheme involved cultivating romantic trust with victims before claiming an overseas parcel had been held by customs and demanding money for its release. Many of the victims were said to be older Thai women.

All six suspects were transferred to Rattanathibet Police Station alongside the seized evidence.

They were initially charged with membership of a secret society and overstaying their permission to remain in Thailand.

Police said further charges related to romance-scam offences may follow after coordination with victims and police stations handling related complaints.

The Nation Thailand reported that all six suspects confessed to the initial charges at the point of arrest.

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Abdulaziz Umar Ganduje, the eldest son of the former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has picked a nomination form to run for the House of Representatives seat under the National Democratic Congress, NDC.

Abdulaziz will be running for the House of Representatives seat of Dawakin Tofa/Tofa/Rimin Gado Federal Constituency in the state.

Ganduje’s son has been a faithful supporter and dedicated member of the Kwankwasiyya political movement for a long time, even though his father has played an important role in the APC throughout the years.

A viral video showed him talking with Kwankwaso right after getting the form.

In the video, he is said to have informed the former Kano governor about his political goals and his preparation for the upcoming general election.

This development marks another significant moment in the ongoing rivalry between Ganduje and Kwankwaso.

These two influential leaders had a strong partnership in Kano politics, but their political relationship reportedly fell apart years ago.

Abdulaziz has stayed away from his father’s political group for many years and has always associated himself with the Kwankwasiyya movement instead.

His political views became more noticeable after he got into a heated disagreement with his mother, Professor Hafsat Umar Ganduje, and reported her to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over a supposed broken agreement.

Abdulaziz wants to run for the same seat that his brother, Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, tried to win in 2023 as a candidate for the APC.

Umar lost that election to a candidate from the NNPP, even though their father was the governor at that time and had political influence.

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