2027: Kwara Gov, aggrieved APC members in major showdown

A major showdown may occur today, Monday, in Ilorin, Kwara State as G15, a group of All Progressives Congress members, aggrived with the outcome of the recent party primaries in the state have dared Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to stop their planned mega rally in the state capital.

DAILY POST gathered authoritatively that the G15 in the state APC, comprising stakeholders, leaders, aggrieved aspirants in the governorship, national and state assemblies primaries had earlier scheduled their rally for Sunday but were outsmarted by the loyalists in the governor’s camp who hurriedly organized their rally on the same day.

The G15 group was forced to postpone its rally for security reasons to avoid possible breakdown of law and order.

However, barely hours after the governor’s camp’s rally, the G15 issued a statement titled “Nothing can stop Monday, tomorrow’s rally”, accusing the governor of alleged plans to frustrate their solidarity walk in the state capital.

The statement read in part, “the G15 Coalition, a formidable bloc within the Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) comprising the stakeholders, aspirants and leaders of thought in the party, has issued an unyielding response to fresh allegations that the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is orchestrating a desperate plot to sabotage the coalition’s rescheduled solidarity rally fixed for Monday.

“We have been informed that the Governor, in a last-minute move fuelled by palpable fear, is planning a parallel show of strength—a hastily arranged “thank-you visit” to the Emir’s Palace, deliberately timed to clash with our peaceful procession.

“This is nothing but a transparent act of political desperation from a man who has suddenly found himself in the minority within his own party.

“It is laughable and frankly pitiful, that a sitting Governor would resort to panic-driven tactics to counter a gathering of party faithful who are exercising their fundamental rights to assemble and express solidarity.

“The G15 is not a threat to Kwara’s peace; we are the conscience of the APC in this state. The Governor’s alleged move to pay Kwarans to boycott our rally just as earlier done on Sunday exposes his deep-seated fear of the massive outpouring of support that awaits us.

“We have reliably gathered that agents of the Governor have been dispatched to corners of the state, offering financial inducements to civil servants, market women, and youth groups to stay away from the G15 rally, while simultaneously mobilising paid crowds to create a fabricated spectacle of popularity at the Emir’s Palace.

“This is an insult to the intelligence of Kwarans and a sad commentary on the state of leadership in our beloved state.”

The G15 declared unequivocally that nothing would stop the rally, stressing “Not threats. Not intimidation. Not financial inducements from the government treasury.

“The G15 is driven by the will of the people, and the people of Kwara State are fed up with a leadership that has lost touch with its base.

“Governor AbdulRazaq cannot buy his way out of the reckoning that is coming. He cannot counter genuine grassroots support with rented crowds and state-sponsored mobilisation.”

The group called on the state Police Command and other security agencies to remain neutral and professional in the discharge of their duties.

“Our rally is a peaceful expression of solidarity and a celebration of the democratic ideals that bind us as members of the APC. We will not be provoked, we will not be cowed, and we will not be silenced,” it stated.

The G15 urged Kwarans to come out today, Monday, in their numbers and show the governor that no amount of blackmail or bribery can diminish the people’s resolve as it stands for inclusion, fairness, and true internal democracy.

“We are the future of this party, and we will not be intimidated by a desperate empire fighting to retain its fading grip on power,” it further declared.

IMF: Nigerian Govt lacks transparent public expenditure system – Sam Amadi

Director, Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, Sam Amadi, says the current Federal Government does not have a transparent public expenditure system.

Amadi made this statement on Sunday when he appeared as a guest in an interview on Arise Television.

He was speaking on a revelation by the International Monetary Fund, IMF, that Nigeria omitted public expenditure equivalent to two per cent of its Gross Domestic Product, GDP, from recent budgets.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government dismissed claims that money was spent outside the 2025 budget, insisting that all public expenditures were made within Nigeria’s constitutional and legal framework.

Airing his own opinion, Amadi said, “To be magnanimous or fair, this government has an uncontrolled, unmanaged, not transparent and unaccountable public expenditure system.

“At the beginning of this government, the FCT minister went to the president and asked to be exempted from the normal due process procurement policies. That’s the first memo.

“Again, there are too many issues around fundamental breaches of process and fiscal accountability is first primarily process that expenditure are first budgeted for, tracked and reported.

“There is no guarantee to the prudence and integrity of Nigeria’s public expenditure.”

NCC restates commitment to continued collaboration with NIPR

The Executive Vice Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to continued collaboration and partnership with stakeholders to make Nigeria’s telecom industry remain resilient and sustainable.

Dr Maida, who stated this while receiving a delegation of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) led by its President, Dr Ike Neliaku at the Commission’s Head Office, Monday in Maitama, Abuja, noted that the Commission will continue to partner with relevant professional bodies, including NIPR, in promoting public awareness, responsible communication, and stakeholder engagement on issues relating to the telecommunications sector.

The EVC commended the NIPR for winning the bid to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum in Nigeria while noting that the circumstances under which it won the bid offer valuable lessons. “It tells a compelling story of perseverance, strategic communication, and the importance of owning the narrative. It also reflects our ability to convincingly demonstrate to the Global Alliance and other stakeholders why Nigeria deserves the chance to host the forum.”

While emphasizing the importance of projecting a positive image for Nigeria on the international stage, the EVC explained that the African Telecoms Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) has been scheduled to hold in Nigeria in July 2026 urging the NIPR to leverage the event to project Nigeria’s image internationally.

On the national level, Dr Maida said the Commission is undertaking education, sensitization and awareness creation on its regulatory initiative to improve accountability and stabilize the sector such as campaigns on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) protection; efficient data usage, directive to mobile network operators on simplified tariff, public coverage map and creating the necessary environment to ensure competitiveness in the industry.

The EVC said the tough decisions taken in the telecom sector have begun to yield visible results by the level of investment recorded. “Through the efforts that we have been making to stabilize the sector; we have been able to restore investor confidence. The level of investment we are seeing now is not about keeping the lights on, it is about growing the industry and this is something we have not seen for years before my time; and it is a sign of investors saying we have confidence in the sector, in the reforms of the government, in the regulator and we believe there is opportunity in this market,” he noted.

The NIPR President, Dr Neliaku, commended the NCC’s commitment to collaboration and stakeholder engagement while acknowledging the Commission’s role in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy. He expressed the institute’s readiness to collaborate on initiatives that promote responsible communication, reputation management, and the creation of public awareness on the Commission’s regulatory initiatives.

Oyo, Borno abductions: Schoolchildren spend 54 days in forest amid heavy downpour

Concerns are mounting over the welfare of schoolchildren, including minors, who were abducted during coordinated attacks in Oyo and Borno States on May 15, 2026.

DAILY POST reports that the victims, kidnapped in simultaneous attacks across the two states, have now spent at least 54 days in captivity, enduring harsh conditions in the forest amid persistent heavy rainfall.

Due to the harsh weather condition, health experts have warned that if the abducted children are not rescued within the next few days, they could develop serious health complications, including pneumonia, malaria, asthma, and other life-threatening illnesses.

Oyo abduction:

DAILY POST recalls that terrorists invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School, Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting at least 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal.

Days after the abduction, the terrorists released a disturbing video showing the gruesome beheading of one of the teachers identified as Mr. Michael Oyedokun.

There were later reports claiming that one of the abducted pupils had also died in captivity.

However, the Oyo State Police Command dismissed the claim, insisting that it was false.

Following the ongoing operation by security operatives, it was reported that the abductees are currently being held within the Old Oyo National Park.

The terrorists, who have their escape routes into neighbouring states like Kwara, were said to have been besieged by security operatives while a special operation is being carried out to ensure that the victims are rescued alive.

When contacted by DAILY POST on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, Olayinka Olushola assured that the pupils and teachers will be rescued soon.

Asked if there is any hope of seeing the victims released soon, the PPRO simply said, “Yes I can assure you they will be rescued unhurt”.

Borno abduction

Suspected terrorists believed to be members of the Islamic State of West African Province, ISWAP, attacked Central Primary School in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, abducting dozens of pupils.

According to local residents, the heavily armed insurgents stormed the community, firing sporadically before whisking away about 50 schoolchildren.

Although reports suggest that some of the abducted pupils have since been rescued, DAILY POST understands that many others remain in captivity in the forest.

When contacted by DAILY POST on Sunday, the Boro State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru D. Abdulmajid referred our correspondent to the command’s spokesperson.

However, when contacted, the Borno State PPRO, ASP Daso Nahum Kenneth said the military has taken over the operation.

“For now, the operation is being coordinated by the military under the theatre of Operation HADIN KAI, OPHK and I have not gotten any update from them yet.

“I have not been informed if there was any rescue but if I get clear information, I will reach out to you”, he said.

Meanwhile, a statement issued at the weekend by the acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Mohammed Goni, said six of the students were rescued.

Pediatrician warns of life-threatening disease if children are not rescued

A pediatrician, Dr Hope Adejor in a chat with DAILY POST on Sunday warned that the children were being exposed to some life-threatening diseases, citing the harsh weather.

“The weather itself is harsh, even for adults. Yet children as young as 4 and 5 are out there in the bush, with no shelter.

“It breaks my heart to imagine their condition. Days of exposure to cold can weaken their immune system, and children’s lungs are especially vulnerable.

“Pneumonia and other respiratory and cold-related illnesses are not things to gamble with. Some of them may not survive it.

“Even if they are rescued, as we all pray, their lives may never be the same. From malaria to hypothermia, leptospirosis, dengue fever and other diseases — the risks are many.

“Let us keep faith alive and pray that God shields them from every illness they are now exposed to”, she said.

Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, weekend, assured that troops were making significant progress towards the rescue of the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.

Shaibu disclosed this during an interactive session with media executives on Saturday in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” the army chief said.

He expressed confidence that the operation would lead to the safe rescue of the victims and their reunion with their families.

African armies must unite against terrorism, insecurity – COAS

The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has emphasised the need for closer cooperation among African militaries in confronting terrorism, insurgency and other cross-border security threats affecting the continent.

Shaibu made the appeal during the Third African Land Forces Forum, organised as part of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, NADCEL, 2026 in Port Harcourt.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.

According to the statement, the COAS received army chiefs and defence representatives from 17 African nations participating in the forum, noting that their attendance underscored a collective resolve to strengthen continental unity, improve regional security and foster sustainable peace across Africa.

Shaibu explained that incorporating the forum into NADCEL 2026 created an avenue not only to honour the legacy of the Nigerian Army but also to reinforce military partnerships among African countries.

Reflecting on the history of the Nigerian Army, he noted that the force, which began in 1863 as the Glover Hausas, had grown into one of the continent’s most formidable land forces.

He described the forum as an initiative established to encourage dialogue, cooperation and the exchange of operational experiences among African armies.

According to him, the platform is aimed at enhancing interoperability, building long-term strategic alliances and developing joint approaches to addressing common security concerns.

The army chief observed that security threats across Africa had become increasingly sophisticated and transnational, making regional collaboration essential.

Drawing from Nigeria’s experiences in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency campaigns, Shaibu stressed the value of flexible operational strategies, effective deployment of air power, rigorous troop training and sustained regional partnerships.

He further highlighted the role of the Multinational Joint Task Force, saying it had played a critical part in weakening insurgent groups and recovering territories within the Lake Chad Basin.

Shaibu added that the forum would feature exhibitions showcasing advanced defence technologies, locally developed innovations and military hardware.

He said the exhibitions were expected to encourage capacity development, facilitate knowledge sharing and strengthen strategic cooperation among participating nations.

The COAS urged delegates to take full advantage of the forum by engaging in meaningful discussions and collaborative efforts geared toward improving Africa’s collective security architecture.

He expressed optimism that the gathering would yield practical solutions capable of promoting peace, stability and security across the continent.

2027 polls: Ebonyi NDC dismisses claim of backing PDP candidate, Odii

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Ebonyi State chapter, has said it was not part of the purported claim of backing the 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Ifeanyi Odii.

The party stated that the purported endorsement was allegedly being master-minded by sacked officials of the NDC in the state.

Speaking to newsmen on Friday, in Abakaliki, the chairman of NDC in Ebonyi State, Hon. Enyinnaya Udensi Alum, said the party had no intention to endorse any politician other than its gubernatorial candidate.

He called on all NDC faithful in the state and supporters to steer clear from the purported endorsement, adding that the move was antithetical to the tenets and principles of the party.

He said, “Information reaching me, Hon. Prince Alum Enyinnaya Udensi, the Ebonyi State Chairman of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is that a few former members of the party, who were sacked over financial impropriety and anti-party activities are purportedly going to endorse one of the factional governorship candidates of the PDP on behalf of the NDC tomorrow or soon after.

“Ebonyians, NDC members and other teaming supporters of the NDC in the state should note that the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Ebonyi State has its governorship candidate, and that the party has not and will at no time endorse any other candidate of any party other than the NDC governorship candidate.

“NDC members are hereby requested not to attend any such gathering as it amounts to anti-party activities, while the general public is asked to desist from dealing with the above named individuals as they are no longer NDC members and do not represent the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”

Ebonyi NUJ calls for issue-based campaigns ahead of 2027 elections

Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ebonyi State Council, has called on politicians and political actors to embrace issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against the use of inflammatory rhetoric, character assassination, and divisive politics.

‎The call was contained in a communiqué issued on Friday at the end of the union’s congress held at Dr. Sam Egwu Press Centre, Abakaliki, and presided over by the State Council Chairman, Comrade Samson Nwafor.

‎The congress urged political actors to comply with electoral guidelines and focus on policies, programmes, and ideas that would promote peace and democratic development in the state.

‎On agriculture, the union expressed concern over delays in the distribution of government farm inputs and appealed to the state government to ensure timely delivery to genuine farmers to boost food production and food security.

‎The congress also advised residents of flood-prone communities to adhere strictly to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities and avoid blocking drainage channels to reduce the risk of flooding during the peak rainy season.

‎The NUJ appealed to Goverror Francis Nwifuru to allocate an alternative parcel of land to enable it realize its proposed journalists’ housing estate project following the revocation of its earlier allocation at the EBSU Pocket Layout.

‎The journalists reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, responsible journalism, and sustainable development in Ebonyi State.

Alleged sexual assault: UNIOSUN rejects Army response, initiates legal action

The management of Osun State University, UNIOSUN, has rejected aspects of the statement issued by the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, concerning allegations of sexual assault reportedly involving some military personnel and members of the university community.

In a statement issued on Friday by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, the institution acknowledged the Army’s decision to establish a Board of Inquiry but expressed reservations over the expectation that alleged victims should report directly to the same institution whose personnel are the subject of the allegations.

The University said such an approach failed to recognise the trauma, fear, intimidation and psychological barriers that often discourage survivors of sexual violence from reporting directly to institutions they may associate with the alleged perpetrators.

It also rejected any suggestion that it should disclose the identities of affected students or compel them to appear before military authorities.

“Osun State University owes every student a duty of care, confidentiality and protection. The University will not compromise the privacy, dignity or safety of any student by disclosing identities without their informed consent or in contravention of applicable laws,” the statement said.

The University reaffirmed that the welfare and safety of its students remain its highest priority, adding that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, would continue to support students who report harassment, assault or abuse.

According to the statement, “the Vice-Chancellor’s earlier comments were not intended to prejudge the outcome of any investigation or sensationalise the matter but were made in fulfilment of the University’s responsibility to address concerns affecting the safety and well-being of its students.

UNIOSUN maintained that investigations into allegations of sexual assault should be victim-centred, independent, transparent and capable of inspiring public confidence.

“The University believes that survivors of sexual violence should never be placed in circumstances where they may reasonably fear intimidation or victimisation by being required to report directly to those connected with the subject of an investigation,” the statement added.

The institution also disagreed with the Depot Nigerian Army’s description of the Vice-Chancellor’s comments as unconfirmed or potentially misleading, insisting that the remarks were made responsibly, in good faith and in fulfilment of the University’s statutory and moral obligation to safeguard its students.

It stated that universities do not make careless statements and announced that it had instructed its legal advisers to commence appropriate legal proceedings to protect the integrity of the institution, the reputation of the Vice-Chancellor and the interests of its students.

“The appropriate judicial process provides the proper forum for resolving the issues arising from this unfortunate development,” the statement said.

the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, had appealed to victims and witnesses of the soldier’s assault on the UNIOSUN hostels to provide evidence to assist the ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct involving some recently passed-out military personnel.

Bauchi Assembly moves to amend law renaming BASUG to SAZU

Bauchi State House of Assembly has commenced moves to amend the 2024 law that renamed the state-owned university from Bauchi State University, Gadau, BASUG, to Sa’adu Zungur University, SAZU.

The move followed a motion presented during Friday’s plenary by the Chairman of the House Committee on Education and member representing Madara/Chinade Constituency, Hon. Dr. Nasiru Ahmed Ala.

Ala argued that the current law identifies the institution simply as “Sa’adu Zungur University” without indicating its location, a development he said differs from the naming convention adopted by many universities in Nigeria and across the world.

According to him, several universities, including those in the North-East and North-West regions, retain references to their host communities or locations in their official names.

He cited institutions such as Taraba State University, Jalingo; Adamawa State University, Mubi; and Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, among others.

The lawmaker also referenced internationally recognised institutions such as Oxford University, Cambridge University, the University of Melbourne and the University of California, noting that their names reflect their geographical locations.

Ala expressed concern that the removal of “Gadau” from the university’s name had generated controversy among residents, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders in the education sector.

Members of the Assembly unanimously supported the proposed amendment.

Speaking during the debate, the Majority Leader, Hon. Saleh Hodi Jibir, said restoring Gadau to the university’s name would recognise the community’s contribution to the institution’s development.

Another lawmaker, Hon. Habibu Umar, described the proposal as timely, arguing that a university’s identity is strengthened when its location is reflected in its name.

Hon. Auwal Hassan also backed the amendment and urged the Assembly to expedite action on the matter.

Following deliberations presided over by Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Jamilu Umar Dahiru, the House referred the proposal to the Committee on Education and directed it to submit its report within one week.

Lagos Fire Service begins probe into Apapa tank farm inferno

Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has commenced an investigation into the fire outbreak that occurred at the Bono Energy Terminal in the Coconut area of Apapa, Lagos.

The agency’s spokesperson, Shakiru Amodu, had earlier confirmed the incident in a brief statement issued on Friday.

Providing further details, the Controller General of the LSFRS, Margaret Adeseye, disclosed that the blaze was successfully brought under control at about 2 p.m.

According to her, the fire involved a five-million-litre Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, storage tank that erupted in flames around noon.

Adeseye explained that emergency responders were immediately mobilised to the scene following the distress alert, adding that the coordinated operation prevented the incident from escalating and no casualty was recorded.

“The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service successfully contained and extinguished a fire outbreak involving a storage tank at the Bono Energy Terminal situated within the Ibru Jetty Complex along the Apapa–Oworonshoki Expressway near Coconut Bus Stop, Olodi Apapa,” she said.

She added that the emergency was reported at approximately 12:04 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, after which firefighters from the Ajegunle, Sari Iganmu and Isolo fire stations were deployed to the location, arriving at about 12:16 p.m.

“The incident involved a five-million-litre AGO storage tank which had been engulfed by fire,” she stated.

Adeseye noted that the swift response by firefighters, in collaboration with emergency teams from neighbouring oil and gas facilities, ensured that the fire was completely extinguished by 1:54 p.m.

She stressed that the timely intervention stopped the flames from spreading to nearby storage tanks and critical infrastructure within the facility.

“Through coordinated and professional firefighting operations, the fire was successfully curtailed, thereby preventing a larger industrial disaster and reducing the scale of potential losses. Fortunately, no casualty was recorded,” she added.

The LSFRS boss further disclosed that the exact cause of the fire had not yet been established, noting that investigations were ongoing.

The incident came hours after another emergency situation involving a leaking Liquefied Petroleum Gas tanker was successfully contained at Owode Elede inward Onirin along Ikorodu Road.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, had earlier confirmed that the gas tanker developed a mechanical fault in the early hours of Friday, prompting emergency responders to intervene and avert a possible disaster without any casualty.