Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged winner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election conducted in Ebonyi State by a faction of the party after polling 15,300 votes in the exercise conducted across the state.

The result was declared at Preston Hotel, which served as the state collation centre for the primary election.

According to the official results released by the Ebonyi State Presidential Primary Election Committee, Atiku defeated former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who secured 2,200 votes, while Muhammad Hayatudeen polled 200 votes.

The committee disclosed that Ebonyi State had a total of 18,891 registered voters for the exercise conducted across the 171 wards in the 13 local government areas of the state. Out of the figure, 17,700 voters were accredited for the primary.

Chairman of the committee and ADC National Vice Chairman (Diaspora), Fred Onwe, while declaring the result, said Atiku scored the highest number of votes and was therefore returned as the winner of the presidential primary in the state.

The State Chairman of the party, Silas Joseph Onu, commended the team for what he described as their uncommon commitment and dedication to the exercise despite the heavy rainfall experienced across the state.

Onwe also congratulated the winner and other aspirants for their conduct and perseverance throughout the exercise.

Meanwhile, in the result announced by another faction, Amaechi was announced winner.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has declared Alhaji Muhammad Bello Dalhat as the winner of its governorship primary election in Kano State after defeating fellow aspirant, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Abacha, son of former Head of State, Sani Abacha.

According to the result announced by the chairman of the election committee appointed by the PDP national leadership, Hon. Umar Danjani Hadejia, Muhammad Bello Dalhat secured 2,233 votes to emerge winner of the contest.

Abacha polled 749 votes in the primary election.

“With the total votes recorded, Alhaji Muhammad Bello Dalhat scored the highest number of votes and is hereby declared winner and the PDP governorship candidate for Kano State,” the statement said.

The primary election comes as political parties intensify preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections across the country.

Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has appealed to residents to reduce waste generation, sort their waste properly and adopt responsible disposal habits as disposal facilities across the state come under increasing pressure due to heavy rainfall and difficult terrain conditions.

LAWMA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, made the call while addressing the challenges currently affecting waste management operations across Lagos during the rainy season.

According to him, persistent rainfall, combined with increased waste evacuation activities, has placed significant pressure on disposal facilities, affecting truck movement, turnaround time and overall operational efficiency at some landfill and waste disposal sites across the state.

He explained that the situation has also created logistical challenges for Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators and sanitation workers who continue to carry out waste evacuation under difficult weather conditions.

Gbadegesin said the authority was already working with relevant stakeholders and implementing measures aimed at improving access to disposal sites, stabilising operations and reducing pressure on critical waste infrastructure.

He urged residents to support these efforts by reducing the volume of waste generated in their homes and businesses, properly bagging their refuse and embracing waste sorting practices that promote recycling and resource recovery.

The LAWMA boss noted that separating recyclable materials from organic waste at the point of generation would go a long way in reducing the burden on disposal facilities while supporting the state’s drive towards a circular economy and a more sustainable waste management system.

‘Waste sorting at source, particularly the separation of recyclable and organic waste, would significantly reduce pressure on disposal facilities while supporting the State’s broader transition towards a circular economy and sustainable waste management system,” Gbadegesin said.

He further assured residents that the authority remains committed to maintaining environmental cleanliness across Lagos through sustained collaboration with PSP operators, operational improvements, infrastructure upgrades and other strategic interventions aimed at strengthening the state’s waste management system.

Gbadegesin also commended PSP operators, truck drivers, sanitation workers and other operational personnel for their dedication and resilience despite the challenges posed by the weather and operational constraints.

He appealed for the understanding and cooperation of residents, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to ensure efficient waste evacuation and cleaner communities across the state.

LAWMA maintained that public cooperation remains critical to easing the pressure on disposal facilities and achieving a cleaner and healthier environment for all Lagos residents.

Thousands of travellers heading to northern Nigeria for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations have remained stranded for hours along the Abuja–Kaduna Highway following a severe gridlock that has persisted since Monday.

The congestion, which affected both private and commercial vehicles, was blamed on increased festive traffic, ongoing road construction, and heavy rainfall along the corridor.

Many commuters narrated harrowing experiences as journeys that normally take less than three hours stretched into an all-day ordeal.

“Flight from Kano to Lagos is about half a million naira, which I can’t afford. I decided to travel by road, and this is where I ended up, spending more than six hours,” said Muhammad Musa, one of the stranded travellers.

Another commuter, Kabiru Abdullahi, lamented the slow movement of vehicles, saying: “Since yesterday, we have been on the road from Abuja to Kano, and we have not even reached Jere because of the heavy traffic gridlock.”

A social media user, Aboubacar Sani Sabo, also decried the condition of the highway, writing: “Three days and the Abuja–Kaduna Highway has been in gridlock. You can leave Kaduna by 5 a.m. and arrive in Abuja by 7:30 p.m. using a private car and not public transport. Government couldn’t fix that road. Shame!”

In response to the situation, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) issued a travel advisory urging motorists to use the Kachia–Bwari route as an alternative to the congested Abuja–Kaduna Highway.

The corps attributed the traffic build-up to the surge in vehicular movement ahead of the Sallah celebrations, compounded by road construction activities and rainfall disrupting traffic flow.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government directed the immediate reopening of all sections of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road currently under construction to ease the hardship faced by commuters.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave the directive to the contractor handling the project, Infiouest Nigeria Limited, as part of measures aimed at reducing congestion and improving safety along the busy highway during the festive period.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, the decision became necessary to ensure smoother vehicular movement for the large number of travellers expected to use the road for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

The statement added that the minister had also been briefed about an earlier accident along the corridor, noting that the obstruction caused by the incident had been cleared to restore the flow of traffic.

Lagos State Government has assured residents that there is no immediate threat from the ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of Central and East Africa, stating that its emergency response and disease surveillance systems remain fully active and ready to respond to any potential health risk.

The reassurance was conveyed by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, in a statement issued by the Lagos State Government after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed relevant agencies to strengthen surveillance and emergency response measures over the evolving outbreak.

According to the commissioner, the outbreak has so far resulted in about 177 deaths from nearly 700 suspected cases and is currently limited to Congo and Uganda.

He noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), largely due to the difficult terrain in the affected countries, which may hamper local and international response efforts.

Abayomi, speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, said no suspected or confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease has been detected in Lagos.

He explained that the state has developed a strong and resilient biosecurity system over the years, designed to ensure continuous preparedness and response to infectious diseases such as Ebola, Lassa Fever and Influenza.

The commissioner highlighted the Lagos State Incident Command System (ICS), led directly by Governor Sanwo-Olu as Incident Commander, as a key component of the state’s emergency response framework.

According to him, the structure enables the swift mobilisation of government resources and ensures effective coordination during public health emergencies.

He added that the Lagos State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains operational round the clock, carrying out disease surveillance and gathering real-time public health intelligence through a network of trained epidemiologists and disease surveillance experts who can be deployed quickly for outbreak investigation and containment.

“The Lagos State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains operational around the clock, conducting disease surveillance and gathering real-time public health intelligence through a dedicated network of highly trained epidemiologists and disease surveillance specialists who can be rapidly deployed for outbreak investigation and containment,” the statement said.

Abayomi further stated that the Lagos Mainland Hospital, also known as the Lagos State Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba, remains on standby with infectious disease specialists, dedicated triage systems, intensive care facilities and isolation centres capable of managing cases of varying severity.

He also disclosed that the Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory and Biobank Facility within the hospital is maintaining enhanced surveillance operations for the diagnosis and monitoring of high-risk pathogens while collaborating with public health laboratories within and outside Nigeria.

The commissioner said the state government is working closely with Port Health Authorities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport as well as officials at land and sea entry points in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and other relevant agencies.

He revealed that all flights arriving from East and Central Africa are currently receiving increased public health attention and scrutiny as part of measures aimed at improving early detection and reducing risks.

Abayomi advised residents who recently travelled to Congo or Uganda, or those who have had close contact with persons returning from the affected countries and have health concerns, to seek assistance through the appropriate emergency channels.

Residents were urged to contact emergency numbers or the Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health at the Lagos State Ministry of Health for information, guidance and support.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Katsina State has adopted Senator Yakubu Lado-Danmarke as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The declaration was made on Sunday by the party’s returning officer, Nuraddeen Sani-Kankara, during the PDP governorship primary election held in Katsina.

According to him, the exercise was conducted in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, the PDP constitution, and the party’s electoral guidelines.

He said a total of 77,085 delegates were accredited for the exercise, while 77,013 valid votes were recorded in favour of Lado-Danmarke.

Sani-Kankara explained that 72 accredited delegates were unable to participate in the voting process due to late arrival after accreditation had closed.

He declared Lado-Danmarke the consensus candidate of the PDP for the 2027 governorship election, citing the majority of lawful votes cast at the exercise.

The Katsina State PDP Chairman, Nura Amadi-Kurfi, said the decision to adopt Lado-Danmarke as consensus candidate was taken in the interest of cohesion, stability, and electoral success.

He described the candidate as an experienced politician with the capacity to reposition the state and deliver purposeful leadership.

In his acceptance speech, Lado-Danmarke expressed appreciation to party leaders and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him, pledging inclusive leadership, transparency, and people-oriented governance if elected.

He also called on party members to remain united and intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 elections, adding that the PDP remains committed to addressing insecurity, unemployment, and poverty in Katsina State.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Dumebi Kachikwu, has emerged the party’s 2027 presidential candidate for the faction led by Alhaji Abdulkkadir Mohammed Bashir.

At a national convention held in Abuja on Sunday, the Electoral Committee Chairman and Benue State party chairman, Elias Adikwu, announced Kachikwu’s adoption, which was ratified by delegates.

Bashir, who was newly elected as the party’s national Chairman, presented Kachikwu with the party’s flag, a symbol of his mandate to deliver the party in the forthcoming election.

At the convention, alongside Bashir, other new members of the National Working Committee, NWC, were elected.

Speaking after his adoption, Kachikwu said, “Who is the common man? He is the average citizen, as contrasted with the socio-economic or sociocultural elites.

“The common man is a title most of us will bear at some point in our lives, and for some of their lives, majority of our population bear this affiliation, and it is because of them I stand before you today to say I accept your nomination to be the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress.I thank you.

“The realities of our existence today in Nigeria are well known to us all, and so I will not rehash the many challenges we face as a nation, not only at war, but one plague motivated problems. I’m here today to tell you that even though our leaders have navigated us to the precipice of disaster, we can still reverse it, even though they scam us with their failed promises, yet there is hope for us.

“I’m very clear that I must be in the driver’s seat to make the changes needed in Aso Villa. I understand that mourning and complaining are not enough. It’s a time to sit on this table…”

DAILY POST reports that there are three factions of the African Democratic Congress.

The faction led by former Senate president, David Mark; the faction led by former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe and the now the one led by Bashir.

The Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK, has informed the general public that comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place well ahead of the Eid El Kabir celebrations to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.

It however, said that credible intelligence available to the Command indicates the possibility of isolated attempts by remnant Boko Haram Terrorist and Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, elements to exploit the festive period to carry out attacks against civilian targets using suicide bombers and IEDs, particularly in areas of high population concentration.

A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, said the Theatre Command is assuring the public that these threats have been thoroughly anticipated.

The statement said that “Ahead of Wednesday’s celebrations, troops have been forward-deployed to critical and vulnerable locations across all sectors of the Theatre, surveillance and ISR assets have been fully activated, patrols have been intensified, and security forces are operating in close coordination with sister agencies, the CJTF, and community vigilance groups to forestall any threat and guarantee a secure festive period for all residents.

“In addition, members of the public are strongly advised to observe the following security guidance in the days leading up to and throughout the celebrations:

“Conduct Eid prayers and festivities as close to your homes and familiar localities as possible, and avoid large open gatherings where practicable.

“Exercise heightened vigilance in crowded public spaces such as markets, motor parks, banking halls, and prayer grounds.

“Report any suspicious persons, unattended objects, or unusual movements to the nearest military checkpoint, police station, or civil-military liaison point immediately.

“Cooperate fully with security personnel during patrols and screening operations.

“Avoid unnecessary movement, particularly at night or in areas with limited security presence.

“Refrain from spreading unverified information or rumours capable of causing public panic. Rely only on official information from verified government and security channels.”

The military called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations and community stakeholders to actively engage their communities and encourage the timely reporting of credible security information ahead of and during the celebration period. Your cooperation with security forces remains invaluable to the success of ongoing operations.

Operation Hadin Kai reassured all residents of the North East that troops are on standby, fully prepared, and firmly in control.

It added, “The Command remains resolute in its determination to deny terrorists any freedom of action and ensure that the Eid El Kabir celebrations proceed in an atmosphere of peace, safety, and dignity for all.”

The Olowu Kuta, Oba Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude has said the security challenges and growing waves of kidnapping for ransom confronting the Southwest region were long foreseen.

Oba Oyelude made this revelation during a visit by the leadership of the Osun Online Publishers Association, OOPA, on Sunday.

Oba Oyelude stressed the need for modern technological solutions in tackling insecurity, emphasising that the deployment of drones and surveillance equipment would significantly reduce risks faced by security personnel.

According to the traditional ruler, “The wave of insecurity in the Southwest is what had been foreseen ahead of time. I believe the Federal Government and governors in the Southwest are up to the task. Security budgets have been approved, but what we need now is proper coordination and application of platforms, both hardware and software.

“Rather than endangering our security personnel unnecessarily, drone technology and surveillance equipment will solve a lot of problems.”

The royal father also urged residents of the Southwest not to panic, encouraging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.

“If you see something, say something. The major issue is that security situations should never be politicized under any disguise,” he warned.

Speaking further, the Olowu of Kuta said the burden of national security rests largely on the Federal Government, noting that state governments have limited control over federal security structures.

“No state government controls the Commissioner of Police in its state, neither does any governor control a Brigade Commander, talk less of a General Officer Commanding,” he said.

He advocated for the strengthening of regional security outfits such as Amotekun across southwest states while urging the Federal Government to deploy more technological platforms to complement local security efforts.

“In the Southwest, we already have a nomenclature of state policing through Amotekun. Every state government should strengthen its Amotekun corps, while the Federal Government should also up its game by deploying more security platforms,” he noted.

Oba Oyelude lamented the diminishing constitutional relevance of traditional rulers in Nigeria, declaring that monarchs today possess influence but lack legal authority.

“No monarch has real power again; what we have today are influential monarchs. The powers of traditional rulers were eroded long ago. Traditional rulers are not even mentioned in one line of the constitution, yet councillors are mentioned multiple times,” he stated.

According to him, the absence of constitutional roles for monarchs has weakened grassroots intelligence gathering and local security management.

“How many traditional rulers have been kidnapped or killed? We can only offer advice. The policy file of every traditional ruler is sitting on the desk of the local government secretary. We are merely managing that table so that it does not break,” he stated.

The monarch, however, disclosed that dialogue between traditional institutions and government authorities remains ongoing at both state and national levels.

“There is dialogue. The Federal Government and state governments are talking to us. There are interface meetings through the National Council of Traditional Rulers and state councils. We are the closest to the people,” he said.

Oba Oyelude called on the National Assembly to expedite legislative action that would formally recognize traditional rulers in Nigeria’s constitution.

“The speed with which the National Assembly passes executive bills should also be used to enact laws that will include traditional rulers in the constitution,” he said.

Drawing references from the traditional governance structure of the past, the monarch explained that local intelligence gathering used to begin from community leadership structures before modernization weakened those systems.

“When a visitor entered a community, the compound head or village head would immediately ask questions about the visitor. Intelligence gathering started from there. But today, we do not have constitutional roles,” he explained.

He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to recognize traditional rulers as critical partners in national development and security management.

“If the Federal Government truly wants it done, no executive bill spends more than 72 hours at the National Assembly. We expect Mr. President to be magnanimous enough to see traditional rulers as partners in progress,” the Olowu of Kuta declared.