The African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Ebonyi State has inaugurated its State Transition Committee ahead of its ward, local government, and state congresses, warning members against sabotaging the party’s efforts to position itself for victory in the 2027 general elections.

The state leader of the party, Sunday Opoke, said the ADC is determined to “rescue Nigeria from the ditch and depth of poverty, insecurity, impunity, bad governance, and corruption,” which he claimed have eroded the country’s social and economic systems.

Opoke, who was the 2023 governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Ebonyi State, cautioned party members against betrayal, sabotage, and internal wrangling.

He alleged that some individuals currently parading themselves as ADC leaders in the state are government loyalists bent on frustrating efforts to reposition the party.

According to him, Nigeria is on the brink of collapse, with once-functional institutions deteriorating steadily.

“Everything we used to know as functional in this country has been eroded. Today, if you are in a government school, it is as if you are not in school. In our time, it was the reverse. Today, there is no functional health system. Poverty is widespread. We are under what can best be described as kleptocratic governance,” he said.

He added that Nigerians cannot afford to remain passive while the nation declines, stressing that the ADC emerged to provide credible leadership and restore hope.

“Let me make it clear: anyone here pretending to be in ADC while working for APC, PDP, or any other party is in the wrong place,” Opoke warned.

He further alleged that the Ebonyi State Government had strategically planted loyalists within the ADC to hijack its structures.

According to him, in several local government areas, individuals parading as ADC executives are political appointees serving as personal assistants to commissioners, special assistants to council chairmen, or coordinators of development centres under the current administration.

He said the situation has created confusion and discouraged prospective members who are willing to join what he described as a genuine movement for change.

“If you are here to compromise or act as a stooge of the government, the system will eject you. We are building a transparent structure anchored on good governance, inclusiveness, responsiveness, respect for the rule of law, and prioritising the welfare and security of Nigerians,” he stated.

Opoke lamented the prevailing insecurity in the country, saying governance must be anchored on the security and welfare of the people.

“People are massacred unchecked and unabated. Nigerians can no longer afford three square meals. They are bleeding and asking when relief will come. But there is hope,” he added.

Inaugurating the Transition Committee, Chief Ogbonnia Oko Enyim described the move as a bold step to reclaim the party from alleged hijackers.

He said the committee was a product of courage, conviction, and commitment to due process.

“The mandate is clear: to restore order and strengthen the structures of the party across the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State. The committee is expected to prepare the party for credible congresses and electoral victory in 2027,” he said.

He stressed that the ADC would not be hijacked, weakened, or reduced to a platform for personal ambition.

“We stand for internal democracy, unity, discipline, and responsible leadership. To the members of this committee, history has placed a responsibility on your shoulders. Build a structure that reflects the true will of our members and the aspirations of the people,” he charged.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the ADC Movement in Ebonyi State, Barrister Solomon Adum, urged members not to be intimidated by alleged harassment or pressure from the ruling party.

He assured that the ADC would deploy every legal means available to resist intimidation and protect its members.

Adum called for unity, cooperation, and commitment, noting that Nigerians are looking to the ADC for solutions to hunger, insecurity, economic hardship, and what he described as persistent governance failures.

The inauguration concluded with a renewed pledge by party leaders to strengthen internal structures and mobilise support ahead of the 2027 polls.

 

Abia State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has elected Prince Onukwue of the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP as its new State Chairman for the 2026–2028 tenure, following a keenly contested electoral process held in Umuahia.

The election, which took place at the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, office, marked a leadership transition from the former State Chairman, Nelson Uluocha of the Young Progressives Party, YPP.

Seventeen out of the 19 chairmen of registered political parties participated in the exercise supervised by IPAC National representatives, in collaboration with INEC officials.

Other elected officers include: Mrs. Victoria Akabuike (Boot Party), Deputy Chairman, Larry Charles (Action Peoples Party) State Secretary, among others.

The newly elected executives were sworn in immediately after the conclusion of the voting process.

In his acceptance speech, the new IPAC Chairman, Onukwue, expressed gratitude to fellow party chairmen for the confidence reposed in him.

He said that the IPAC would support progressive policies in the State and also objectively criticise the Abia State government.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Olohundare Jimoh, has decorated newly promoted Assistant Superintendents of Police, ASPs, charging them to raise the bar in professionalism, discipline and service delivery in line with the objectives of the Nigerian Police Force.

Speaking at a decoration ceremony held on Monday at the command headquarters in Ikeja, Jimoh described the promotions as a product of merit, dedication and outstanding performance, urging the officers to see their elevation as both recognition and responsibility.

“This advancement reflects your hard work and commitment to duty. I expect you to remain steadfast in serving the police institution and the nation with integrity,” he said.

The commissioner also commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for approving the promotion of 1,848 inspectors nationwide to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police.

Jimoh assured the police leadership that the newly promoted officers would be deployed across key operational and administrative units to strengthen policing outcomes and improve public service delivery across the state.

He emphasized that the new rank comes with heightened expectations, calling on the officers to demonstrate leadership, efficiency and discipline while fostering teamwork within the command.

“Our collective objective is improved service delivery and enhanced protection of lives and property, especially for the most vulnerable members of society,” he added.

According to him, the promotions acknowledge past contributions while also reflecting confidence in the officers’ future capacity to contribute meaningfully to policing reforms and professionalism in Lagos State.

Several of the newly decorated ASPs, who spoke after the ceremony, expressed appreciation for the promotion and pledged renewed commitment to duty.

One of the officers noted that the elevation comes with greater responsibility and promised to deliver beyond expectations in operational and administrative roles.

Others echoed similar sentiments, describing the promotion as a privilege and an opportunity to make a positive impact within the force.

They collectively thanked the police leadership for the confidence reposed in them, assuring that they would uphold the core values of the Nigerian Police Force and contribute to improved security and public trust.

Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to introduce surveillance drones, in collaboration with key security agencies, as part of efforts to enhance intelligence gathering and curb insecurity across the state.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Mr Ayodele Ogunsan, made the disclosure on Monday during a press briefing marking his first 100 days in office.

He explained that the initiative is aimed at strengthening aerial monitoring and improving rapid response to security threats.

Ogunsan revealed that the Trust Fund is preparing to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigeria Police Airwing to facilitate coordinated air-based security operations across Lagos.

According to him, the partnership will involve the deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, UAVs, commonly referred to as drones, to significantly boost surveillance coverage, intelligence collection and operational coordination among security agencies.

He noted that as Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos requires continuous investment in modern security infrastructure to protect lives, property and economic activities.

Reviewing his stewardship so far, Ogunsan said the Trust Fund had expanded its financial capacity through targeted fundraising strategies and deeper engagement with stakeholders.

He disclosed that 80 new operational and patrol vehicles had been deployed to strengthen security presence and response time across the state, adding that additional vehicles would be delivered in the coming months.

The Trust Fund boss also announced that a private donor had committed to building a permanent office complex for the agency, while efforts were underway to rehabilitate previously abandoned Armoured Personnel Carriers and return them to active service.

Looking ahead, Ogunsan said the Fund plans to introduce statewide training programmes for security personnel, focusing on professionalism, tactical efficiency and improved service delivery.

He reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to transparency, accountability, innovation and strategic partnerships, stressing that these principles remain central to sustaining a safe and secure Lagos.

“Through collaboration and innovation, we will continue to strengthen security and ensure a safer environment for all residents,” he added.

The Federal Government, on Monday, approved the release of N5bn to support victims of the Kano Singer Market fire disaster.

Also, the All Progressives Governors Forum, led by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, pledged N3bn to the victims.

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed the donation during a sympathy visit to the market on Monday.

Speaking in Kano, Shettima said the intervention aimed to help victims rebuild their businesses and restore economic activity in the market.

“Your Excellency, we join you today not only to sympathise with you over the fire outbreak at the Singer Market that has disrupted the commercial life of this great state, but to come bearing the promise of the Federal Government that we stand firmly with the good people of Kano.

“President Bola Tinubu has approved the release of N5bn to the Government of Kano State as palliative towards this incident.

“And the Progressive Governors Forum, under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, has also pledged N3bn in support of the victims of the fire incident at the Singer Market.

“Together, we have collectively contributed N8bn to the victims of the fire disaster.

“The Federal Government stands with you in this moment of hardship and will continue to provide the necessary support,” Shettima said.
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The visit followed the fire which broke out on Saturday evening, February 14, 2026, in the Gidan Glass section of the market along Ado Bayero Road and raged into Sunday morning.

It affected more than 1,000 shops and reportedly left seven traders feared missing.

Describing the incident as a national tragedy, Shettima said the inferno was not only a loss to Kano State but to the entire federation.

The Vice President, who was accompanied by the governors of Jigawa, Kebbi, and Imo, offered prayers for the victims and prayed to Almighty Allah to prevent the recurrence of such disasters in the future.

The Chairman of the Singer Market Traders Association, Junaid Zakari, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for what he described as a timely and generous gesture.

He pledged that the funds would be used judiciously to support affected members and help restore business activities in the historic market.

The PUNCH reports that the fire marks the second major blaze at the market in less than two weeks.

Emergency responders from NEMA, the Kano State Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Fire Service, and other agencies eventually contained the blaze, which officials linked to a possible solar battery explosion.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has declared that votes must count in the 2027 general elections, warning that anyone who attempts to undermine the process would face legal consequences.

In a statement shared via his verified X handle on Monday, Obi stressed that unlike in previous elections, Nigerians would insist that every valid vote is counted and properly recorded.

He urged citizens to remain at their polling units after casting their ballots to witness the counting and transmission of results, insisting that electoral transparency is critical to safeguarding the country’s democracy.

“Unlike in the past, in 2027 our votes MUST count, and all those who are there not to count the votes will be counted among those destroying Nigeria.

“I encourage everyone to remain at the polling units after voting to count and witness the counting and transmission of results. Those who refuse to allow the votes count will be made to count the full weight of the law against rigging.

“Let me reiterate: if you do not count our votes, we will count you among those who destroy our democracy, thereby destroying our future, and you must answer to the law,” Obi said.

All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has released the list of cleared aspirants for its chairmanship primaries ahead of the 2026 local government elections in Anambra State.

The list, issued on Sunday at the party’s state secretariat in Awka, contains candidates cleared to contest the party’s primaries across the 21 local government areas of the state.

According to a statement signed by Dr Ejimofor Opara, National Publicity Secretary of APGA, the clearance followed the completion of screening processes in line with party guidelines.

The party noted that aspirants from all local government areas successfully met the requirements necessary to participate in the forthcoming primaries to select candidates for the council chairmanship positions.

Some of the cleared aspirants include Kingsley Ezeagu (Aguata), Ifeanyi Chinweze (Anambra East), Tony Obierika (Anambra West), Paulinus Okafor (Anaocha), ThankGod Anago (Awka North), and Chinedu Okafor (Awka South), among others across the remaining councils.

APGA reiterated its commitment to conducting transparent and credible primaries, urging party members and supporters to maintain unity and abide by party rules throughout the electioneering period.

The Anambra local government election is expected to hold on August 29, with political parties intensifying preparations ahead of the polls.

At least, six soldiers of the Nigerian Army and four members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were reportedly killed in an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno State.
The claim was made by Somto Okonkwo in a post shared on his verified X account on Monday.

According to Okonkwo, the attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday, February 15, 2026, between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m., in Mandara community under Biu Local Government Area of the state.

“The attack happened this morning around 12 a.m. to 1 a.m. in Mandara under Biu LGA of Borno State,” he wrote.

Okonkwo alleged that six soldiers were killed in the assault, including a Commanding Officer (CO) and an Adjutant. He further claimed that four members of the CJTF also lost their lives during the attack.

“Six soldiers went down, including the Adjutant and the Commanding Officer. Four CJTF members were also killed,” he stated.

He accused the authorities of not being transparent about the incident.

“They will not tell you, but this happened.”

He insisted that his claim was factual.

“Go and verify. If it is a lie, I won’t drop it on this page. I swear on my life.”

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army has not issued an official statement confirming or denying the alleged attack.

In the same post, Okonkwo also raised the alarm over a separate security situation in Kwara State.

He claimed that a community identified as Sharee in Ifelodun Local Government Area was under attack.

“Kwara State is under attack right now. Share in Ifelodun LGA is currently under attack. Security operatives should do the needful,” he wrote.

There has been no official confirmation from security agencies in Kwara State regarding the alleged incident as of press time.

The Rotary Club of Karu, RC Karu Federal Capital Territory, FCT, District 9127, has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on its impact in tackling economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption across the country.

 

This commendation was given by the Secretary, Rotary District 9127, Rotarian Ife James Utodio, while on a Courtesy Visit to the EFCC Academy. According to him, the EFCC has become a national agency of redemption to the extent that its “logo is a national symbol and we need to display this symbol and educate our youths and children on the need to identify and respect this and other national symbols”

 

He explained that “Rotary shares the same ideology with the EFCC in fighting crimes, “even in the 4-way Test was created, so many years ago, in 1932, to guide us in our dealings to work against corruption in the workplace, personal life and business”

 

Utodio elaborated that Rotary has been in the advocacy of trying to mould its members and the community about being straightforward, honest and truthful and the visit to the EFCC Academy, he said, was to intimate the Academy that Rotary was desirous of impacting its immediate community in collaboration with the EFCC.

 

Utodio outlined the club’s plans for the year which includes community health, education, ethics and civil responsibility and every area of community development. He expressed hope that the EFCC Academy will be able to educate the community at its gatherings on cybercrime and cyber protection targeting the youths and adults. He added that Rotary had plans to organize essays within secondary schools in Karu on financial crimes.

 

He specifically stressed that Rotary will continue to create awareness on the need for the celebration of Nigerian symbols usually done on September 30 every year. “May people don’t know this is done because the awareness is not there, we want to create that awareness, celebrate our symbols, national flag, national anthem, military logo. The EFCC logo is a national symbol, we need to display this symbol and educate our youth and school children in order to identify and respect these symbols because they represent the country”, he said.

He assured that with the mileage Rotary has globally, it will put the EFCC message across over 1.4m people.

 

The Ag. Commandant, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 1 Joseph Ogwiji welcomed the delegation and commended the desire of the Club to domesticate its impact and collaborate with the EFCC. He explained that the EFCC’s major essence is looking at the whole while the Rotary approaches via the community.

“The EFCC thrives on the approaches of integrity, truthfulness, accountability, transparency same as ideas mentioned by the Rotary. He added that the cardinal element in the EFCC mandate is prevention, which is a key area the international community is looking at. He stated that countries are focused on growth of their people, rather than self mobilization and aggrandizement of wealth which is the bane of the country.