The women wing of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Imo State held a strategic leadership meeting at the party’s State Secretariat in New Owerri, reaffirming the unity, strength, and stability of the party across the state.

The meeting brought together local government area women leaders and other stakeholders as part of efforts to strengthen party cohesion, encourage active participation among women, and advance the collective vision of the ADC in Imo State.

The gathering also provided an opportunity for discussions on grassroots mobilisation, party development, and strategies for sustaining the growth and expansion of the party across the 27 local government areas of the state.

In her opening remarks, the State Woman Leader of the party, Uju Ihejiagwa, commended the women leaders for their loyalty, dedication, and commitment to the progress of the party despite prevailing political challenges.

She urged members not to be discouraged by the defection of some party members to other political parties, stating that the ADC in Imo State remains united and focused.

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Imo ADC New Media, Ihezie Dede Walax, and made available to journalists in Owerri.

According to her, some individuals may attempt to influence or persuade members to leave the party, but the women leaders must remain steadfast and committed to the ideals of the ADC.

“The ADC remains one united family in Imo State. Our strength lies in our togetherness, mutual respect, and shared vision for a better society. As women, we have a major responsibility to sustain the stability of this party and continue mobilising support for its growth across every community,” she stated.

In her remarks, the South-East Zonal Woman Leader, Hon. Barrister Mrs Chioma Joy Anyanwu, applauded the Imo women leadership for their resilience and organisational capacity, while urging them to continue promoting peace, unity, and responsible leadership within the party.

According to her, the ADC remains committed to democratic values, inclusive leadership, and the empowerment of women and youths across the South-East region and beyond.

Among those present were Hon. Lady Leticia Okere, Hon. Mrs Ruth Nwokocha, Hon. Mrs Getrude Iroemeh, Hon. Barr. Chisom Dominic, and Nneoma Gloria Chukwuba, alongside other women stakeholders and party faithful from across the state.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging changes to the schedule of its 2027 primary elections.

The clarification was contained in a press statement posted on the official page of APC.

According to the statement, the dates earlier announced for the primary elections remain unchanged.

The APC stated that the House of Representatives primary election would hold on Friday, May 15, 2026 while the Senate primary is scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026.

The party also announced that the State House of Assembly primary election would take place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, followed by the governorship primary on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

According to the statement, the presidential primary election will hold on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

“This clarification has become necessary following the circulation of false and misleading reports on social media and other communication platforms suggesting otherwise,” the party stated.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a sophisticated criminal syndicate allegedly involved in the theft, concealment and recycling of critical national assets and infrastructure.

DAILY POST recalls that a recent viral video on social media showed extensive vandalism of the newly laid Kaduna-Kano railway tracks as well as old rail infrastructure.

Following the incident, the Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, directed the Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) and the Kaduna State Command to identify and arrest those responsible.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, ACC Afolabi Babawale, the corps said operatives carried out a targeted operation on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

According to the statement, the SIS, under the leadership of Commandant Apollos Dandaura and in collaboration with the Kaduna State Command, stormed and sealed the Kaduna branch of Inner Galaxy Steel Company located in Birnin Yero, Igabi Local Government Area.

“The operation followed weeks of intensive, intelligence-led surveillance. Investigations revealed that the company operated a criminal smokescreen, posing as a scrap-buying entity while actually serving as a hub for receiving vandalised railway materials, NNPC pipes, and Water Board infrastructure,” the statement said.

The NSCDC alleged that the syndicate purchased stolen railway tracks and pipes from vandals, compressed them into scrap metal at the Kaduna facility to conceal their original form, and transported them to the company’s head office in Aba, Abia State.

“There, the stolen national assets were melted down and recycled into nails and iron rods to be sold back to the public,” the statement added.

According to the corps, 12 key suspects were arrested during the raid.

Recovered exhibits included large quantities of vandalised railway tracks, railway sleepers, and suspected NNPC and Water Board pipes valued at billions of naira.

NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi commended Commandant Apollos Dandaura and his team for what he described as their professionalism and bravery during the operation.

He also warned that the corps would not treat acts of economic sabotage lightly.

Activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the reported deduction of Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, funds in Nigeria for President Bola Tinubu’s reelection, saying it violates the country’s constitution.

Noting that such a measure would amount to one of the greatest crimes against Nigeria, Adeyanju charged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter.

In a terse statement he signed, Adeyanju said: “Any deduction of statutory allocations at source for the purpose of political campaigns raises grave constitutional and criminal concerns.

“Under Section 162 of the CFRN 1999 (as amended), FAAC allocations are public funds belonging to the states as federating units and held in trust for the people, not private resources to be deployed at the discretion of governors for partisan interests.

“Beyond these constitutional issues, any contribution running into billions of naira may also violate the donation limits prescribed under the Electoral Act 2022, which places a cap on individual political contributions.

“Where public funds are allegedly diverted for campaign financing, such conduct could amount to criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of public funds, abuse of office, and economic sabotage against the affected states.”

Adeyanju said the absence of transparency or the consent of the people whose resources are allegedly involved is equally troubling.

“If these allegations are true, the relevant anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC and ICPC, must immediately investigate, recover any diverted funds, and ensure that all persons involved are held accountable in accordance with the law,” he added.

A public affairs analyst and accountability advocate, Abubakar Yaro, has said the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project’s (SERAP) claim that N26.9 billion is missing from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) is misleading.

Yaro disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

DAILY POST reports that SERAP had demanded a probe of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, and the Secretary of the USPF, Yomi Arowosafe, over the alleged missing N26.9 billion.

Reacting, Yaro said the narrative being pushed to the public is selective, exaggerated, and lacks critical context.

He explained that available records and findings clearly show that the widely circulated N26.9 billion allegation is completely misleading.

“The data available from the investigation shows the average annual allocation to the USPF within the period under review was about N7.5 billion. Simple arithmetic, therefore, raises a legitimate question: how does an institution with an average yearly funding of N7.5 billion suddenly ‘lose’ N26.9 billion?

“Even more revealing is the fact that over N13.8 billion of the amount being referenced relates to operating surplus deductions reportedly handled directly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) before funds are transferred to the USPF. According to the records reviewed, the USPF does not receive or retain those funds in the first place.

“Therefore, we must ask SERAP why these explanations were ignored before rushing to the media space,” he stated.

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has declared his intention to contest for the Agege Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives ahead of the forthcoming primaries of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Obasa announced his decision on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Agege, Lagos, stating that leaders of the APC in the area had encouraged him to join the race for the federal legislative position.

During the gathering, the Speaker also appealed to party members and stakeholders to support the aspiration of former Chairman of Agege Local Government Council, Ganiyu Egunjobi, who is seeking to represent Agege Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

He further endorsed Azeez Oladapo Yusuf Ninolowo for the Agege Constituency II seat in the state assembly.

The development is expected to heighten political activities within Agege as aspirants continue consultations and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the APC primaries.

Supporters and party loyalists across Agege and Orile-Agege have also intensified efforts to mobilise delegates and residents as the contest for party tickets gathers momentum.

Meanwhile, APC members in Agege, Orile-Agege and other parts of Lagos State are awaiting the outcome of the ongoing screening exercise being conducted by the state and national leadership of the party ahead of the primaries.

lmo State chapter of African Democratic Congress, ADC, has stated that it remains structurally intact, ideologically focused and firmly under capable leadership.

This was contained in a communique issued on Tuesday by its Publicity Secretary, Chief Macdonald Amadi after the party’s state Executive committee meeting held in Owerri, the state capital.

According to the statement, the State Executive Committee convened the meeting to assess the current state of the Party, to reinforce internal cohesion and consolidate strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The statement stated that the meeting was held against the backdrop of recent political realignments, and the Committee used the opportunity to reaffirm the party’s stability, direction and commitment to disciplined and issue-based politics.

It stated further: “Any insinuation of fragmentation does not reflect the reality on ground.

“To sustain this momentum, the Committee resolves to intensify grassroots mobilization across all 27 Local Government Areas of the state.

“This sustained engagement will consolidate the membership base, deepen civic participation, and ensure the party enters the forthcoming primaries and general elections with unmatched organizational strength.

“The Committee further expresses profound confidence in the leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, former Governor of Imo State, and Hon. Engr. Gerald Irona, former Deputy Governor.

“Their commitment, experience, and stabilizing influence have been pivotal in keeping the Party united and focused during this period.

“In the same vein, the Committee pledges unalloyed loyalty to the National leadership of the ADC under the distinguished chairmanship of Senator David Mark.

“The Chapter is aligned with the National Working Committee’s vision and will work collaboratively to position the Party for decisive victory in 2027.

“Above all, the Committee reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a united Nigeria governed by the principles of justice, competence, and inclusive development.

“The African Democratic Congress remains the most credible platform to deliver the renewal Nigerians deserve.

“The ADC in Imo State is united, resolute, and purpose-driven. All members are urged to remain steadfast, resist distractions, and rededicate themselves to building a Party that will restore confidence in governance and deliver tangible progress to the people.”

Activities at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, Akwa Ibom State, were brought to a halt on Tuesday, May 12, following the attempted arrest and eventual arrest of Prof. Effiong Ekpe and three other staff members of the hospital by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Office.

It was gathered that EFCC officials, while attempting to arrest Prof. Ekpe, who is the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, CMAC, on a court warrant, met resistance from other staff members of the hospital, while the hospital security also locked the gate, barring their exit from the facility.

It was further gathered that the operatives called for backup as the atmosphere became tense before the police arrived.

Following the incident, Dr. Aniekan Peters, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, directed doctors across the state to immediately shut down services, while JOHESU leaders also declared a total hospital shutdown in protest against what they described as an inhumane and barbaric act.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Dr. Gabriel Eyo, said the action of the EFCC was an onslaught on the hospital and its workers.

Eyo said it was wrong for a professor of cardiothoracic surgery and the only one in the state, to be treated like a criminal, noting that the man was injured in the process. As such, the strike was called to protest the alleged injustice.

“Prof. Ekpe is the professor of cardiothoracic surgery, the only one we have in Akwa Ibom State. Anyway, we don’t know what he has done, but we don’t really care at this point. Whatever he did, there is due process for this kind of thing. Even criminals are not treated this way. The only thing that should have been done would have been to send an invitation, which was not done.

“The NMA just had a meeting of its members, so we’ve begun the indefinite strike. The resolutions will be made public very soon.”

Meanwhile, the police have distanced themselves from involvement in the arrest of the professor, saying their operatives were only drafted to the scene to calm the situation and verify the authenticity of the officers who came for the arrest.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, said he ordered some policemen to join the EFCC officials to pick up a staff member of the hospital on the instruction of the judge in an ongoing court case.

Azare said that before the policemen entered the hospital premises for the arrest, he had informed the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Emem Bassey, to instruct his staff to grant the policemen access into the premises.

“The EFCC went for an arrest in the hospital this morning, and the CMD called me to verify if my men were among those in the hospital.

“I called the head of the EFCC, who confirmed to me that they were actually the ones who went to pick up that person on the instruction of the court. Right now, they are in court and handling a court case, and the judge stood down the matter and ordered that they bring that person. That is why they went to bring him.

“I called the CMD and advised him to open the gate for them to take the man because it is a legitimate duty.”

However, the spokesperson of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, in a statement dismissed allegations of assault by the operatives on anyone, saying rather that the officers suffered unprovoked attacks and resistance when they visited the facility for “inquiries.”

Speaking on why the EFCC operatives visited the UUTH in the first place, Oyewale explained: “The operatives’ visit was informed by the need to authenticate a medical report presented by a suspect under remand by Justice M.A. Onyetunu of the Federal High Court, Uyo, for allegedly defrauding multiple microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.

“The suspect had presented a medical report which required authentication by the UUTH management. The Commission wrote two different letters, dated March 11, 2026, and April 20, 2026, to the hospital management to this effect without receiving any response. The Investigating Officer handling the matter took the further step of visiting the hospital to enquire about the status of the request. Still, no response.

“As a last resort, operatives of the commission visited the chief medical director of the hospital on Tuesday to make further enquiries, only to be locked in with a false alarm and subjected to unprovoked attacks by misguided staff of the facility, who pelted them with stones and other dangerous objects.

“While within the hospital, the CMD reportedly directed that the gates of the facility be shut, making it impossible for any lawful enquiry to be made. Police authorities in Akwa Ibom State advised the CMD to open the hospital gates to enable the operatives to exit the premises peacefully, but the entreaties were turned down.

“In spite of the hostility and provocation, there was no breakdown of law and order as the operatives exercised restraint and professionally made their way out of the hospital premises without disrupting its activities.

“Enquiries bordering on operational engagements of the Commission are lawful. It is therefore necessary to remind the public and corporate bodies that they are obligated to cooperate with the agency in such circumstances. Contrary action could be deemed obstruction, which is criminal with attendant legal consequences.”

Plateau State Government has declared what it described as a “state of war against terrorists and enemies of the state” following a series of coordinated attacks recorded across parts of the state over the past four months.

The declaration was made after an emergency meeting of the State Security Council convened on Tuesday by Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Rayfield Government House in Jos.

Addressing journalists after the session, the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, said the council extensively reviewed the worsening security situation and adopted several measures aimed at protecting lives and property.

“Rising from the meeting, the Plateau State Security Council held an emergency session where the current security situation in the state was critically deliberated,” Jatau stated.

The meeting had in attendance security chiefs, chairmen of the 17 local government areas, as well as the Chairman of the Plateau State Joint Traditional Council, His Majesty, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba.

According to Jatau, members of the council observed that Plateau had remained under sustained attacks in recent months, with indications suggesting the assaults were coordinated.

As part of efforts to restore security, the council resolved to strengthen enforcement of existing restrictions on motorcycle operations, night grazing and illegal mining activities, which authorities believe have contributed to insecurity in the state.

The council also directed security agencies to recover ungoverned territories, public institutions and other vulnerable locations across the state.

To support security operations, the government approved additional logistics, including motorcycles and operational vehicles, to enhance rapid response and field effectiveness.

The council further agreed to improve intelligence sharing and collaboration between local government security structures and host communities.

On public order, the government warned that obstruction of highways would now be treated as a criminal offence, with violators facing prosecution.

Authorities also emphasized the need to secure farmlands ahead of the farming season to guarantee safe agricultural activities for residents.

Traditional rulers were urged to maintain closer supervision of cultural and community associations operating within their domains.

Declaring the government’s position, Jatau said: “Plateau State is in a state of war with terrorists and enemies of the state.”

He added that the administration remained committed to protecting the lives, property and communities of residents across the state.

The government also announced a renewed crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse, declaring war against drug dealers, suppliers and users operating within the state.